With election season in full swing, the Daily Democrat, in partnership with the Woodland League of Women Voters, has coordinated a Q&A with Yuba Community College District Trustee Area 6 candidates Deborah Bautista Zavala and Jose Garcia. The same five questions were asked to both candidates.

Deborah Bautista Zavala

A I am running for Yuba Community College District Board because I want to ensure access to quality education for all students and help foster a higher education system that supports and benefits everyone in our community.

For the past six years, I’ve served on the Woodland School Board, collaborating with educators, administrators, parents, and community members to enhance educational outcomes. I’m a lifelong Woodland resident, mother of two school-age daughters and received my undergraduate degree from UC Davis and a master’s degree in Education from Sacramento State University.

It is because of this experience that I am proudly endorsed by Congressman Mike Thompson, Senator Bill Dodd, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Supervisor Mary Sandy, former Supervisor Duane Chamberlain, and many others from our community — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. In addition, I’m supported by the Sacramento Central Labor Council, which represents our area’s teachers, nurses, and building trades workers, among other unions.

Q As a candidate for the Trustee Area 6 Board position, what specific goals and priorities will you bring to the board?

A If elected to the Yuba Community College District Board, I will bring the same values of integrity, collaboration, and dedication that have shaped my work on the Woodland School Board.

My goals and priorities will be:

Ensuring equitable access and success for all students and providing the necessary tools and resources for every student to thrive.

Promoting fiscal responsibility and stability across all campuses to maintain long-term health and growth.

Advocating for fair wages and benefits for faculty and staff and recognizing their essential role in student achievement.

Expanding mental health resources for both students and faculty to prioritize well-being and create a supportive campus environment.

A Community college boards play a vital role in improving incomes, educational attainment, and employment opportunities for rural citizens.

Key steps include:

1. Establish satellite campuses, offer online courses, and partner with local high schools to bring education closer to rural residents.

2. Tailor programs to meet local industry demands by offering vocational and technical training in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, and trades to prepare students for in-demand jobs in their communities.

3. Collaborate with local industries to create apprenticeships and internships, ensuring students gain real-world experience and transition smoothly into the workforce.

4. Provide resources, mentorship, and training for rural citizens to start and grow their own businesses.

5. Expand scholarships and financial aid targeted towards rural students to remove financial barriers to education.

6. Work with our state and federal elected officials to expand access to transportation, affordable housing, childcare, nutritional food, and community college resources.

A As a Board member, I am committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the Yuba Community College District by focusing on initiatives that ensure all students, regardless of background, have the support they need to succeed. I will work to strengthen student and family support services, ensuring access to resources that meet the diverse needs of our community.

I am passionate about expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups, such as advocating for dual enrollment programs that provide high school students with early access to college courses. I will also push for equitable wages and benefits for all faculty and staff, recognizing that their well-being directly impacts the success of our students.

Additionally, I will advocate for legislation and budget initiatives that increase access to higher education for marginalized communities, just as I successfully fought for state legislation for two years of free community college for all California students.

A As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the barriers that prevent students from accessing and succeeding in community colleges. When I was a college student, I also faced financial uncertainty, climbing cost of housing, and the challenge of balancing work, school and family. These challenges are common for many students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

To address these barriers, I will advocate for greater financial support, including increasing scholarships, grants, and affordable textbook initiatives. I will work to expand student support services, ensuring students have access to counseling, career guidance, and essential resources like free internet.

I’ve successfully championed state legislation for two years of free community college for all Californians and supported free school meals for all students. Additionally, as a Woodland School Board Trustee, I fought to improve graduation rates, hire more counselors, and expand dual enrollment. I am committed to continuing this work to remove barriers for all Yuba Community College students.

Jose Garcia

QWhy are you running for the Yuba Community College District Governing Board, Trustee Area 6 and what specific skills, experiences, or perspectives, including previous community involvement, will make you an effective board member?

A As a dedicated business owner and farmer in Yolo County, I have spent years honing my skills in leadership, management, and community engagement. My journey is further supported by my education in business administration and gerontology from Sacramento State University. This unique combination of fields has equipped me with a robust understanding of both effective business practices and the critical importance of quality care and support for people at every stage of life.

My passion for serving the community stems from a lifelong commitment to making life better for those around me. This drive is evident in every aspect of my work and personal life. As a husband for nearly 25 years, a father to three wonderful young men and a daughter-in-law, as well as a proud grandfather, I understand the values of family and importance of community support.

Q As a candidate for the Trustee Area 6 board position, what specific goals and priorities will you bring to the board?

AIf elected, one of my focuses will be to create two-year certified Vocational Program Opportunities and partner with local businesses to allow students hands-on internships in the area of focus. Secondly, I would work closely with faculty, administration, and trustees to create a culture of trust, openness, and unity in the body for the betterment of the student’s experience. Finally, I believe that increased enrollment is a paramount focus now and in the coming years in order to create vocational programs, hire more staff, and make available the infrastructure and equipment needed to accommodate the trades.

Q What steps can the boards of a community college district take to improve incomes, educational attainment, and employment opportunities for rural citizens?

ARole of Community Colleges

Offer Vocational Programs: Community colleges can develop vocational training and agricultural programs that meet the specific needs of local businesses, and equipping students with relevant skills that are in demand.

Streamline Enrollment and Simplify the Process: Offer essential support such as academic advising, career counseling, and financial aid assistance, helping students navigate their educational paths and careers.

Create Awareness: Get out to local high schools and local community to bring awareness of financial aid programs available for continuing students or those interested in pursuing adult education programs.

Board’s Role in Advancing This Work

Strategic Planning: The Board can set priorities that focus on the unique needs of rural communities, ensuring programs are aligned with local economic development goals and local industry.

Partnership Development: Encouraging collaboration with local businesses, government, and non-profits to create a more comprehensive support system for student engagement and employment.

Q What can you, as a board member, contribute to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the Yuba Community College District?

A I believe the most important action that I can contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a trustee is to maintain an open door policy with students, faculty, and administrators in fostering transparency and support. As a minority individual that grew up in an economically challenging environment, I can relate to the struggles many minorities face today. It is my goal to create an environment of support and hope. My goal is to be visible on campuses and available to staff and students equally to learn of ways to improve and address these sensitive issues.

Q What barriers prevent students from accessing and succeeding in community colleges, and how would you work to address them in the Yuba Community College District?

A Affordability and awareness of financial programs is one of the barriers for those considering further education. Furthermore, the ability to navigate through the application process at many times can be overwhelming and a deterrent for some. Many of our students today have to work while attending school in order to pay for their tuition, making the choice of further education more difficult.

Our community colleges should promote and utilize available programs such as the Learning Aligned Employment Program to partner with local businesses and create employment opportunities for all our students. This program, in its uniqueness, affords students at our colleges the opportunity to earn money to help defray their educational costs while gaining education-aligned, career-related employment. The LAEP is a perfect platform that allows local businesses to partner with our schools to afford students hands-on education and also bring local economic spending. This program can be used to partner with for-profit and non-profit organizations.