A monthly digest of SBCC faculty and staff news
A monthly digest of SBCC faculty and staff news

Cliff Notes: MAY 2021

During this time of working from home and social distancing, Cliff Notes employee newsletter is one way we can keep our campus community together. As usual, if there is news about your department that you would like to share in future issues (awards, recognitions, special lectures, presentations or events you are conducting via Zoom, etc.), let us know. You can send items of interest to marketing@sbcc.edu and include “Cliff Notes” in the subject line.
Campus Highlights

SBCC Theatre and Music thrive despite the pandemic

The SBCC Theatre Group delights audiences with ‘The Thin Man’ 

Don’t miss The Theatre Group at SBCC’s production of Dashiell Hammett’s mystery, “The Thin Man,” as a live radio play based on the Lux Radio Theatre script from 1934. Enjoy the fun and mystery as Nick and Nora Charles are drawn into the seamy side of crime as amateur sleuths while living the high life of martinis and champagne. Streaming now through May 8. For tickets, go to The Theatre Group website or call the box office, (805) 965-5935, Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. View the trailer...

SBCC Music continues to make history with innovative performance methods

On Apr. 27, the SBCC Symphony Orchestra presented two inspiring original tone poems from talented composers Scott Lillard and Cody Anderson, live on YouTube. The musicians recorded their parts from home and orchestra director Jim Mooy assembled, synched, and placed the musician's tracks in a simulated concert hall. The results were astoundingly beautiful. In case you missed the live performance, watch the recording on YouTube.

Free food distributed twice a week during Spring semester

SBCC’s Food Pantry kept people well fed during the pandemic with free pre-packaged boxes of non-perishable foods. Boxes were distributed in the West Campus parking lot, and there was even a walk-up station for those without access to a car.
Campus Update

‘Return to Work’ Town Hall meetings scheduled

All employees are encouraged to attend the All Employees and staff-specific “Return to Work” Town Hall meetings the first week of May.

1. All Employees Town Hall (Collegewide Meeting) – Tuesday, May 4 @ 1:00-2:30 PM 
2. Classified Staff Town Hall – Wednesday, May 5 @ 10:00-11:00 AM 
3. Credit Faculty Town Hall – Wednesday, May 5 @ 12:00-1:00 PM
4. School of Extended Learning Town Hall (Staff and Faculty) – specific to Wake and Schott - Thursday, May 6 @ 9:00-10:00 AM

These will be recorded in the event an employee cannot attend. In advance of these meetings, employees are encouraged to send in their questions related to returning to campus. Return to Work Town Hall Meetings - Submit your questions. You will also be able to ask questions at the meeting. 

Grants and Awards

SBCC Foundation and Explore Ecology receive $100,000 EPA grant

Santa Barbara City College, Explore Ecology and five community partners have teamed up under a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Education Program to create the Santa Barbara Ecological and Edible (SBEE) Garden Project, a network of community gardens that will promote biodiversity, increase access to locally grown food and foster a connection between the community and natural ecosystems.
Faculty

Faculty Excellence Awards for 2020-2021

The Faculty Recognition Committee has announced the Faculty Excellence Awards for this past academic year. Each spring, deserving full-time, adjunct and noncredit faculty are nominated by their peers for contributions to their departments, their students and the college. The outstanding faculty will be honored at the fall in-service.
There were eight awardees this year. Each one is pictured below along with a brief excerpt from the nomination forms that were submitted by their colleagues. Congratulations to all!
Sean Kelly, Astronomy
Sean is well-known among students for his enthusiasm, curiosiity and the exciting way he teaches everything about the sun, planets and universe. During Covid-19, Sean has been sure to stay equally engaged on Zoom with live lectures, and being accessible for questions and inquiry. To quote the nomination document, “Overall he is making SBCC curious about inquiry and learning. What more can you ask for from an instructor?” What, indeed? Hooray, Sean!
Jim Mooy, Music
In addition to the dedicated work he’s been doing for decades at our college and the local community, Jim was instrumental in garnering CARES Act funds for our students to be able to make an historic online, simultaneous band concert happen. He researched free software for remote real-time group music performances that  enabled students of all socio-economic backgrounds to participate at no cost. In addition, he helped everyone in the Music department transition to online learning. Well done, Jim!
Ana Garcia, EOPS/CARE, CalWORKs, Guardian Scholars
Ana is passionate about serving students and consistently demonstrates strong support and advocacy for those she serves. She has a strong work ethic, takes initiative and is resourceful. She often volunteers for projects and leadership opportunities; when Ana is on a project, you can be confident the outcome will exceed your expectations. We applaud you, Ana!  
Matt Kay, Biology
With heart and dedication, Matt has helped instructors, students and the entire campus to make the rapid and successful shift to online learning over the past year. Not only does he provide dynamic and engaging lectures and labs for his Botany students, he is also at the helm of the Curriculum Advisory Committee, ensuring that all students enrolled at SBCC in these difficult times are receiving online education with focus on best practices in equity and student engagement. Thank you, Matt!
Tricia Mautone, Adult High School/GED
Tricia’s kind and caring attitude toward students is a hallmark of who she is as a person and as a teacher. She has helped countless students achieve success in the AHS/GED program. Her positive impact on students is reflected in the testimony of one of the many students she has helped at the School of Extended Learning, who wrote, "Tricia has gone far beyond her job description to help me succeed." Well deserved, Tricia!
Wendy Peters, Academic Counseling
Whether she is presenting in a classroom or meeting one-on-one with a student, Wendy enjoys empowering students and making sure that they feel supported. When students are in Wendy’s counseling office, she lets them know that by working together they will meet their goals. She goes above and beyond with every student she works with and makes sure that each one is well-informed and prepared for the next steps. Wendy is compassionate, empathic and student centered. When needed, she will help students step outside their comfort zone so that they can analyze what they want in their lives. Way to go, Wendy!
Shawna Sweeny, HIT/CIM
Shawna is known as an excellent mentor and role model. She sees to students’ needs by responding immediately to their questions, giving them advice regarding classes, and addressing any concerns they may have about course work or instructors. In addition, she is always there for them personally, treating each one with equity and inclusion. Her compassion has shone through during these difficult times, ensuring that all faculty in the department are aware of fire evacuations, COVID-19 and other issues that could cause a student difficulty in completing their coursework. We are all grateful to you, Shawna!
Bonny Bryan, English
As a member of the English faculty, Bonny is one of the most student-centered in the department. She serves as a mentor in the Faculty Mentorship Program, meeting with her Umoja mentees to support their success, and was nominated by Umoja students to be the English Department’s first Umoja faculty member. She is committed to improving success outcomes for our students, particularly those in disproportionately impacted groups. For the past two years Bonny has helped shepherd the English department through many momentous changes.

Hats off to you, Bonny!

Emma Trelles named Santa Barbara’s Poet Laureate

In early April, the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture announced that Emma Trelles, SBCC composition and creative writing instructor, has been selected to serve as the next Poet Laureate for the City of Santa Barbara. Since 2014, she has curated the Mission Poetry Series, featuring Latinx and diverse poets from Santa Barbara, throughout California and as far away as El Salvador. Read the press release from the Office of Arts and Culture...
Congratulations, Emma!

Laurie Vasquez featured in ‘Digital Futures’ 

Laurie Vasquez, faculty member and Assistive Technologies Specialist, DSPS/Faculty Resource Center, was recently featured in a “Digital Futures” article published by the California Community Colleges. “Digital Futures” is an effort by Chancellor’s Office to improve students’ user experience and outcomes through technology initiatives. In the article she described what SBCC is doing to adopt practices to reduce equity gaps among underrepresented student groups in alignment with the CCC Vision for Success. Read the article here...

SBCC instructor is new Fire Chief

On March 30, Santa Barbara City Administrator Paul Casey announced that Interim Fire Chief Chris Mailes had been chosen to take the job permanently, after a “very competitive search” with 37 applicants from around the country. Chris is an adjunct instructor in SBCC’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program who has been with us for over 20 years. Describing himself as “a local kid,” Chris attended Washington and Monroe elementary schools, La Cumbre Junior High, Santa Barbara High School, Santa Barbara City College and then UCSB. Read the Noozhawk story...
Staff

Welcome Dr. Villanueva

In late April, Dr. Anselmo Villanueva joined SBCC as the new Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Villanueva has enjoyed a long career in education at all levels, from preschool through graduate school. His career has been dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice, especially ensuring access to education by students who have been traditionally underrepresented, marginalized or otherwise disenfranchised from the system. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Dr. Villanueva has deep roots in the local community. Read the press release...

Longevity Recognitions

Each month the college recognizes the longevity and dedication of our employees and the impact that those employees have on students, the institution and the culture of excellence at Santa Barbara City College. At the April Board of Trustees meeting, the following employees were recognized: 
Scott Kennedy, Database Administrator, 15 years
Sandy Ly, Student Finance & AR Tech III, 20 years
Vaquero Voices
Webmaster Hong Lieu and and Senior Admissions Tech Akil Hill
Continuing their casual, informal conversations with colleagues, Hong and Akil got together in late March and mid-April with Ellen O'Connor (episode 17) and Linda Esparza Dozer (episode 18) to talk about news, events, food, books, movies, music, television, etc. Check out current and past episodes here...
Episode 17 - Hong and Akil welcomed assistant athletic director and head of the Life Fitness Center Ellen O’Connor on Mar. 31 to discuss her long, storied history at SBCC and how the Physical Education and Athletic departments have been navigating the pandemic. Afterward, the conversation shifted to Bolognese, Hot Pot, Pastrami, the books of Jim Collins, the “Women of Troy” and the East LA College basketball team in “Last Chance U.” 
Episode 18 - On Apr. 14 Linda Esparza Dozer joined the show to discuss Title IX at SBCC and what recent changes to the law mean for the SBCC community. From there, the trio discussed Linda’s previous career as an FBI agent and Deputy District Attorney; classic Mexican food restaurants in the region, Indian food, and Persian favorites; some of Linda’s pandemic binge-watches and punk/screamo albums worth checking out. 
Upcoming Events and Announcements

Virtual Commencement 2021

What a year! But through it all we were still able to teach and serve our students in a variety of ways. To celebrate, the virtual commencement ceremony will begin at 5 p.m., Friday, May 7.

Professional development through the School of Extended Learning Career Skills Institute

Did you know that Career Skills Institute classes count toward SBCC’s growth programs: professional, management and faculty development? After coordinating with your manager on release time, advance your interpersonal, leadership and technical skills. Deploy the strategies learned in both your immediate and long-term future, all while investing in yourself and fulfilling your professional development goals. Click for more information about the Career Skills Institute...
In Memoriam

Dave Loveton

On April 28, beloved Sports Information Director and longtime member of our SBCC community, Dave Loveton, died peacefully at Serenity House after a long battle with cancer. He was 62.
Dave handled the statistics and game recaps for each team, updated rosters and schedules, and posted them to the athletics website. He also did the public address announcing for basketball and volleyball.
“I’ve always loved sports,” he said about the reason he chose to pursue a career in sports journalism. He was a stickler for accuracy and detail, and was very passionate about the teams he covered.

Dave has been honored for his work by the California Community College Athletic Association (the governing body of community college sports), and was the sole inductee into the 2021 SBCC Vaqueros Hall of Fame.
“For all of us who knew Dave, we know that he LOVED SBCC. His loss is felt deeply and is devastating for all who knew him.” said Luz Reyes-Martín in an announcement to staff and faculty.

Information about a memorial service will be shared once details are finalized. 

News of his passing has already been shared in some local media with lovely tributes. Here is a link to a Noozhawk story.

Grief and Loss counseling is available to all employees who need support through our Employee Assistance Program (https://www.sbcc.edu/hr/benefits/employeeassistanceprogram.php)

Our hearts go out to all of Dave’s friends and family.

Recent Press Releases
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