With the 2020 election less than a week away, much of the focus has been on the presidential race and some of the polarizing propositions on this year’s ballot. Here at City College, three seats on the Board of Trustees will be decided on Nov. 3, and the outcome of these races could affect the direction of campus leadership for the next four years. The Channels Editorial Board sat down with all six candidates, learning about their platforms and their professional experience, as well as their stances on some of the most important issues facing City College. We asked about the budget deficit, the recent enrollment drop and the campus climate in regards to equity, diversity and inclusion, among many other topics. After much discussion, The Channels believes it is important for the editorial board to endorse a candidate in each of the three races. We feel that these are the best choices, based on who will fulfill the Board of Trustees’ goals and use their seat on the board to maintain the college’s position as one of the top community colleges in the nation.
AREA 2: Goleta
Robert Miller
Current President Robert Miller has already proved himself to be a thoughtful leader during his time on the board and has the experience necessary to face the most important issues during an unprecedented time. During board discussions, Miller has consistently demonstrated his ability to hear and understand both sides of an argument and act with the college’s success in mind. During our interviews, Miller was well-informed on each issue facing the campus and provided options on solutions and explained what the board could and could not do in each instance. Miller has served several terms on the board, and we feel that the school would be on a better position to tackle these issues with him keeping his seat. Miller said that state funding and a return to pre-pandemic enrollment numbers could be the key to the college’s financial challenges, and his goals align with the Board of Trustees’ goals for the year: long-term financial stability, a safe return to classroom instruction and a review of policies and procedures through an anti-racism and equity lens.
AREA 3: Santa Barbara
Erin Guereña
Though business owner Erin Guereña is running for elected office for the first time, during interviews she was well-informed on every topic and provided realistic solutions to problems the college has faced in recent years, while at the same time looking toward the future and keeping sustainability and equity as top priorities. The Channels was also impressed with experienced incumbent Veronica Gallardo. She takes her role seriously, is prepared and does her research before every meeting. Guereña, however, presents a fresh face on a board who is ready to wrestle with the many challenges coming in these next few years, and we feel that she would be able to use her position to advocate for students from all backgrounds. The Channels found both candidates in this race to be well-informed and qualified to fill the open seat, though on the topic of race, equity and inclusion we found Guereña’s eye toward the future to be a deciding factor in our endorsement of the candidate. Guereña’s top priorities are maintaining staff and student safety through the pandemic, guiding the college through economic uncertainty and improving the campus climate to restore trust in leadership through open communication. She describes her values as progressive with a commitment to advancing racial equality in higher education.
AREA 4: Santa Barbara
Anna Everett
City College would be fortunate to have Anna Everett as a member of the Board of Trustees. Her experience and qualifications were the most impressive of all the candidates interviewed, and her history advocating for marginalized groups would make her a perfect fit for the challenges facing the college. During our interviews with Everett, the editorial board found her to be well-versed and prepared when discussing the issues most vital to the college, and seemed to be the candidate who was able to unpack the complex challenges facing City College in a direct, focused manner. Her extensive work with women’s organizations in Santa Barbara County speaks to her commitment to women’s rights and equality. Everett served as UCSB’s Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Academic Policy, as well as on a budget committee at the university—experience that will benefit City College as it tackles these same issues. Her top three priorities for City College are the budget, racial and sexual diversity, equality and inclusion, and curriculum reform. If elected to serve on the board, Everett’s background in administration and personal values could help lead City College through these uncertain times.
