At the Aug 23 meeting, , Rotary members in attendance and guests, heard brief presentations from several in attendance: Mr. Carlos Zaragoza, Director of Human Resources, LUSD; Cheryl Hunt, Asst. Operations Manager, Teen Challenge. Also Daniel presented portions of the detailed handout from last week’s speaker: Dr. Keith Curry, President and CEO of Compton College.
Cheryl Hunt, who attends periodically Lynwood Rotary meetings, explained the mission of her organization, Teen Challenge. Teen Challenge exists to provide housing and programs to enable persons with substance abuse to become completely cured and return to living productive lives. A current resident of the Lynwood facility, Sabrina Aragan, introduced herself and talked briefly how she is now completely free of her previous life of substance abuse. Cheryl again encouraged Rotary members and guests to visit the Lynwood home/ facility at 3156 Euclid Ave. There is also a facility elsewhere in So. Cal. for men. Cheryl talked about a coming event and handed out fliers. Los Angeles Teen Challenge Walk For Recovery at Belmont Shores. Join Us for a Sunset Walk! Sep 29, Granada Launch Ramp, 5000 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90803, Registration at 4pm, Walk is 5-7 pm. For more information, call 323-276-6074.
Carlos Zaragoza, LUSD, on behalf of Rotary member and LUSD Superintendent, Gudiel Crosthwaite, at the request of Daniel, talked about programs and accomplishments of LUSD. Before becoming the HR Director, Carlos served as Principal for LHS for 8 years. Carlos noted that the first day of school for the fall semester was yesterday for 15,000 LUSD students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Carlos talked about LUSD programs that help prepare LUSD students to be able to compete for being accepted at two and four year colleges. There is help with preparation for PSAT testing in the fall and SAT testing in the spring. And LUSD provides for students and parents in college applications. There were questions about the costs for four year colleges and how LUSD helps students and parents find out about possible student scholarships. Carlos made reference to the number of LUSD students now eligible for college applications compared to ten years ago, with impressive higher percentages of students now eligible for college acceptance.
Dr. Keith Curry, President and CEO, of Compton College. Daniel reviewed a portion of the detailed report that was presented last week by Dr. Curry. Due to accountability problems and other management failures, the college lost its accreditation and subsequently became a part of El Camino College. One date of note, was June 17, 2005, when the accreditation of Compton Community College was terminated. Subsequently, on Aug 21, 2006, the El Camino College District Board of Trustees and the Compton Special Trustee approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the two college districts. Dr. Curry explained the steps taken and accomplishments that enabled Compton College to regain its accreditation from the State.
On Feb 14, 2017, Gov Brown approved returning local authority to the Compton Community College District Board of Trustees. Other factors of note: the Compton District encompasses an area of about 29 square miles, providing educational services to nearly 300,000 residents of Carson, Compton, North Long Beach, Paramount, and Watts-Willowbrook. It has 289 full full –time and adjunct faculty members; there were 574 degrees /certificates awarded in 2016-2017; in 2016-2017, Compton college enrolled 12,403 students.
Accomplishments noted in the report presented to the Lynwood Rotary, are the following: In 2014-2015, 1,396 class sections were offered, an increase of 9 percent from 2006-2007; From 2006 to 2017, the number of degrees awarded increased nearly 17 times over, going from 26 associate degrees to 447; Since 2010-2011, the number of certificates awarded increased from 55 to 127; The total number of transfer students increased from 128 in 2007 to 615 in 2016-2017. As to facility improvements, In Nov 2014, CCCD residents authorized the issuance of $100 million in General Obligation Bonds. The following Facilities Projects were completed: Library-Student Success Center –Approximately $25 million; Infrastructure Projects – Approximately $46.5 million, to include – Parking Lot and Road Improvements; -- New Central Plant; -- Campuswide Lighting Project; Also, Allied Health Building Project –Approximately $13.5 million; and Football Field Renovation –Approximately $2.2 million.
Lynwood Rotary Club President, Barbara Battle, talked about the District 5280 Annual Picnic at the Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon, that will occur this coming Sat from 5pm to 9pm. As usual, the Lynwood Youthact members and their parents will attend the event and participate in the cardboard boat race. Barbara encouraged all Rotary members to attend this important Rotary District annual event.
Daniel Miller / Omar Franco / Rowland Becerra – Public Relations/ Comty Outreach Lynwood Rotary