Having A Say In Local College Safety Issues

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Sonora, CA – Those wanting a say in safety issues related to Columbia College have a chance to join an advisory committee.

The Yosemite Community College District, comprising Modesto Junior College’s East and West campuses, and Columbia College is seeking six community members to serve on its newly formed Public Safety Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations about all three campuses to YCCD Chancellor Dr. Henry Yong. The committee members’ responsibilities include:

• Ensure effective constituent participation in the governance of public safety services
• Recommend policies adhering to community-based campus safety principles and evidence-based campus safety practices
• Incorporate input from campus stakeholders, neighborhoods surrounding the colleges, and historically underserved communities
• Develop a “Public Safety Compact” with stakeholders to establish the district’s requirements for delivery of services, including roles for mental health, social workers, and police agencies

The Public Safety Advisory Committee is comprised of 24 members who represent the administrative, faculty, students, and the public. It convenes twice a semester, twice in the fall and spring semesters. The committee’s six public members must include:

• One person who lives in the neighborhood near the MJC East Campus
• One person who lives in the neighborhood near the MJC West Campus
• One from the Columbia College area
• One person representing the MJC African-American community
• One person representing the MJC Hispanic community
• One person representing the Columbia College Native American community

Meetings are on Fridays, Dec. 6, 2024, Feb. 7, 2025, and April 4, 2025, all held on Zoom. To join the committee, those interested must send a letter to the Chancellor expressing their perspective, experience, and insight. Ways to submit the letter include:

• Email to chancelloryong@yosemite.edu
• Send via regular mail to Yosemite Community College District, Office of the Chancellor, PO. Box 4065, Modesto, CA 95352.
• Hand-delivered to the Chancellor’s office at 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto

The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 8. Questions can be directed to the Chancellor’s office at (209) 575-6509.