VCCCD must practice democracy
Re: Dr. Rick MacLennan’s Oct. 18 guest column, “1 district, 3 colleges: A shared future”:
Chancellor Rick MacLennan’s vision of a unified district is a compelling goal, but the true measure of a “shared future” lies in how institutions practice democracy at the grassroots level. True public collaboration requires open transparency, yet a clear disconnect exists between the district’s public communication and its actual administration.
When Moorpark College plans a 4,000- to 5,500-seat outdoor amphitheater, the surrounding community should be the first partner at the table. Instead, leadership quietly presented these massive venue plans to the local Chamber of Commerce, leaving the neighbors who will actually absorb the traffic and environmental
impacts completely out of the loop. Residents only discovered the project after the news was leaked on Nextdoor.
Furthermore, a healthy civic partnership requires reliable communication channels. Despite twice signing up for official email updates to track the project’s progress, I have received no information regarding public feedback forums. Instead, my contact information has been used to send unsolicited marketing invitations for performances at the existing auditorium.
When an institution prioritizes business interests and marketing over authentic community dialogue, it reveals an institutional blind spot. Perhaps Moorpark College needs to integrate applied ethics and civic accountability courses into its curriculum — not just for students, but as a guiding framework for its own administration.
If the Ventura County Community College District truly wants a shared future, it must treat its closest neighbors as vital stakeholders, not as an afterthought.
Dorothy Ventimiglia, Moorpark
Sher will bring strong leadership
As Mayor of Oxnard and a former Ventura County Supervisor, I have spent decades serving one of Ventura County’s most diverse communities. Our immigrant families are the backbone of our community. They are our neighbors, workers, small business owners, parents, and students.
Today, immigrant families face growing uncertainty and fear. Now more than ever, we need educational leaders who will stand up for migrant students, immigrant families, and our most vulnerable children. Our schools must remain safe, welcoming places where every child can learn without fear, regardless of immigration status, language, or background.
For nearly 15 years, I have witnessed Dr. Karen Sher’s work firsthand. Few leaders I have worked with have been as bold or steadfast in defending our students and families. Karen doesn’t just talk about supporting our community. She shows up, listens, and takes action.
Karen brings more than 30 years of experience in California public education, including classroom teaching, 12 years as an Oxnard Union High School District trustee, and service at the California Department of Education. Her opponent has none of that experience.
During her leadership, the district expanded student wellness services, college and career pathways, and support for newcomer students.
The Ventura County Superintendent of Schools must be a strong advocate for every child, especially those whose voices are too often overlooked. Our families cannot afford leadership that remains silent when students need protection. We need Dr. Karen Sher. I proudly stand with more than 60 elected leaders across Ventura County who have united behind her. Our immigrant communities deserve a champion, and our children deserve a powerful future.
John Zaragoza, former Mayor of Oxnard and retired Ventura County Supervisor
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: VCCCD must work with neighbors, superintendent support | Letters
