Cabrillo College Unveils Potential Names

By Jondi Gumz

On June 14, Cabrillo College leaders, which since 2020 have thought about a name change, unveiled five possibilities at an in-person forum on campus: Aptos College, Cajastaca (it means jackrabbit) College, Costa Vista (view of the sea) College, Santa Cruz Coast College, Seacliff College.

More than 60 people attended, writing their reactions on sticky notes and placing dots to signify their No. 1, No.2 and No. 3 choices.

One attendee nixed Seacliff, writing that it sounds like a resort.

Donna Mekis favored Santa Cruz Coast because “everyone knows Santa Cruz.”

Cabrillo art teacher Tobin Keller liked the symbolism of Cajastaca.

To those objecting to Cajastaca as hard to pronounce, Cabrillo trustee Steve Trujillo said, “It’s good to learn pronunciation of new words.”

Terry Sterling favored Aptos College. “It represents the people,” he said. But Sandy Lydon, longtime history teacher at Cabrillo, pointed out, “We’re in Soquel, not Aptos.”

Becky Steinbrunner voiced support to keep the name Cabrillo.

Students and faculty proposed a change, saying Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Spanish navigator who led the first European expedition exploring the California coast and became wealthy as a slave-owner in Guatemala, is not a role model for today’s students.

More than half the graduates in the Cabrillo College class of 2023 have Latino heritage.

The college acknowledges that some who oppose the board’s decision to change the name, while pointing out it is for future Cabrillo College students, to make the college a place where all students feel welcome

When the college asked for suggestions, some 1,500 voiced an opinion. Of that number, 383 favored Cabrillo, according to Terrence Willett, Cabrillo’s dean of research.

Two more in-person forums are scheduled to hear public input: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Cabrillo’s Watsonville campus, 318 Union St., Room A-160, and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, at Felton Library, 6121 Gushee St., Felton.

At the forum, Cabrillo College Board Name Exploration Subcommittee member Christina Cuevas explained the process. Cabrillo President-Superintendent Matt Wetstein was on hand to answer questions.

Cuevas and board president Adam Spickler have served on the subcommittee leading the name exploration process.

A task force with 24 community members chose the five names for consideration out of 350 suggestions.

The task force will meet July 28 to decide what to recommend to the governing board, which meets at 6:15 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Watsonville center, 318 Union St., Watsonville. That recommendation should appear in the agenda, which is to be posted on Aug. 3.

Local residents can add their input via SurveyMonkey using the QR code at left. n •••

Cabrillo College has made a pledge to not spend public funds on costs associated with the name change. Supporters of a new name can donate at www.cabrillo.edu/governing-board/ name-exploration-subcommittee/.

Cabrillo College: 1,429 Grads: 51% Latinx; Veteran Transferring to Yale

On May 26, Cabrillo College honored 1,429 graduates and 295 transfer students in an in-person graduation ceremony at Carl Conelly Stadium — grads who met their goal despite the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the CZU wildfire, despite flooding.

For the third straight year in the college’s 64-year history, more than half the graduating class — 51% — was Latinx.

Among those recognized: Veteran Thomas Ghio, who was accepted into Yale University as a transfer student. At Yale, he will study molecular biophysics and biochemistry, to prepare for medical school on his way to becoming a surgeon.

“Reflecting on my Cabrillo experience, one aspect that truly stands out is my invaluable interactions with the faculty and staff,” said Ghio. “When I joined Cabrillo in spring of 2021, it was evident that the teachers and counselors were genuinely invested in their students’ success. Their dedication and support played a significant role in shaping my academic journey over the past five semesters.” degrees and 494 A.S. degrees. In addition, 292 students will graduate with an Associate’s Degree for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T).

This year, Cabrillo awarded 1,117 A.A.

Students who earn this degree and meet the California State University minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed admission to a CSU.

Noteworthy: 61% of the AA-T/AS-T recipients at this federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution are Latinx.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students,” said Cabrillo College President and Superintendent Dr. Matt Wetstein. “For the third year in a row, 51% of our graduates are Latinx, and this year, 61% of our students earning associates degrees for transfer into a CSU are Latinx, meaning they are transferring at a higher rate. Additionally, to have a student veteran accepted into Yale University, where the transfer acceptance rate is .08%, is monumental. There are so many milestones to celebrate this year!”

Cabrillo graduates also earned 309 certificates of achievement and 156 skills certificates.

“Class of 2023” page 10