Cabrillo College Board of Trustees Candidate Statements

Area 5

Leticia Mendoza
Executive Director
Leticia.4.cabrillo@gmail.com ● 831-840-3246

I believe in promoting social and economic opportunities in our community through access to quality education. I am a graduate of WHS Class’79. Earned a BA in Economics from UCSC in 1984, a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Masters from the Doctoral Program in Urban Planning from Columbia University.

My professional experience includes visiting faculty and program assistant at UNAM and Duke University. Since 2009, I have been working as an Executive Director for a nonprofit in Watsonville; managing State funded contracts and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations for preschool and youth programs. I have been participating in county-wide efforts to assess and support staff professional development, and in partnerships to assess and address community needs.

My professional experience, academic background and community involvement provide me with the expertise and understanding of the complex issues involved in addressing the educational needs in Watsonville.

As a student I had the opportunity to be involved in various programs and received support to follow my career path and expand my personal and professional development. For these reasons, I understand the importance of providing an inviting, inclusive and effective learning environment to prepare students to pursue their career, professional and personal goals.

Felipe Hernandez, 49
Watsonville City Councilmember/Veteran
voteforfelipe@gmail.com ● 831-707-4382

Born and raised in Watsonville, attended local schools, enlisted in the Army at 17 as Combat Medic. Proudly served in the 1st Cavalry Division in the Persian Gulf War, earning numerous medals.

Attended Cabrillo and Gavilan Colleges, before transferring to UCSC and graduating with a degree in Community Studies. Worked as a Political Organizer with the UFW and SEIU to help improve the quality of life for working families.

Longtime involvement in Santa Cruz County and state Democratic Parties. I am a proud member of the American Legion Post 121 and VFW Post 1716.

I served as Mayor of Watsonville, the Vice-Mayor and as a Councilmember for 9 years.

Some of my accomplishments include: fought Sacramento to return $4.4 million to Watsonville, negotiated 90 days extension and relocation assistance at Crossroads stores, approved over 250 new homes, created our region’s best skate park for our youth and brought FedEx Regional Hub, creating over 400 jobs.

Cabrillo faces new challenges and I am ready to do the same.

I have served my country and our community my entire adult life. I respectfully ask for your vote to be your representative on the Cabrillo College Board of Trustees.

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Area 7

Edward K. Banks, 71
Insurance Broker
edbanks@kbkinsurance.com ● 831-722-4226

I have had the pleasure and honor to serve as Area VII Trustee for the Cabrillo Community College, representing portions of Watsonville, San Benito County, North Monterey County and the southern part of the Pajaro Valley area since 2012.

I am deeply committed to providing the best educational opportunities for all our residents.

I have lived in the Watsonville area most of my life. I attended public schools, graduating from Watsonville High School, Cabrillo College, and Sonoma State.

As a local business owner, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and will do my part in helping guide the college during the next four years. I believe in volunteering and service to help our community expand educational opportunities for everyone.

For 25 years I was a Reserve Firefighter for the City of Watsonville. I have served in leadership capacities as a Board member for: Cabrillo College Foundation, Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Watsonville (Past President), Watsonville Firefighters Association, Watsonville National Little League, Watsonville YMCA, and Watsonville YWCA.

I am committed to helping our residents realize their dreams of attending college, transferring to a 4-year university or obtaining the necessary technical training in preparation to enter our everchanging work environment.

Steven Laird Trujillo, 67
Author and Educator
cruztbone@yahoo.com ● 831-479-4159

Our community college system is dysfunctional. It does not serve all the populations of our community.

I’m a Santa Cruz county resident since 1998. I was a Monterey county resident for 15 years prior. I served as an ad hoc counselor at De Anza College in 97-98. I served on the Santa Cruz city school board from 2010-2014. I served as a bilingual teacher to CA students for 36 years.

My life is dedicated to public service. Last October, the Diversity Center of Santa Cruz county recognized me as a “Hero of the Community”. Past pro bono service: MAPA and LULAC in Salinas, Retired Teachers of Santa Cruz county, Friends of the Library and the YMCA in Watsonville, Pajaro Village HOA in Watsonville.

Cabrillo has not had a successful tax override election in 16 years. Many in our community don’t feel Cabrillo serves them. We are in the middle of a historic depression. Taking ever increasing tax amounts from homeowners is not a solution. My job is not to warm a chair; my job is to bring needed change. Vote Trujillo for Cabrillo November.

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