Cabrillo Seeks Applicants for Area V Trustee Seat

Cabrillo College is inviting eligible residents to apply to fill a vacancy on its Board of Trustees representing Area V, which covers the city of Watsonville and surrounding parts of Santa Cruz County. Candidates must live and be registered to vote in Trustee Area V, and submit a statement of interest and completed application by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

The seat became vacant following the death of Trustee Manuel Bersamin, a longtime advocate for community college access and student success. The Board of Trustees approved the provisional appointment process at its Nov. 3 meeting.

“Manuel cared deeply about the role and mission of California community colleges and had the unique ability to help students pursue their dreams,” said Christina Cuevas, president of the Cabrillo Board of Trustees. “He was proud to serve on the Cabrillo board and represented his district with passion and a clear eye for what is right. We will miss his presence on the board.”

Applicants should be available for interviews and selection at the Governing Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, at 6:15 p.m. The selected candidate will begin serving immediately, take part in training on Dec. 2, and participate in Superintendent/President finalist interviews on Dec. 3 and 4. The provisional trustee will serve until the next regular election in 2026.

Applications are available from Ronnette Smithcamp, executive assistant to the superintendent/president, at rosmithc@cabrillo.edu, or in person at the Superintendent/President’s Office, Student Activities Center West, Room 204, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos.

Interested residents can verify their eligibility through the Santa Cruz County Office of Elections at (831) 454-2060. For additional information, call the Cabrillo Superintendent/President’s Office at (831) 479-6302.

Founded in 1959, Cabrillo College serves Santa Cruz County with campuses in Aptos and Watsonville. The college offers more than 100 academic and career-technical programs and is ranked No. 1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz.

While Cabrillo College does not specify the time commitment required of trustees, the Community College League of California estimates that most community college trustees spend three to six hours per week on board responsibilities, with additional time required for officers.