Cabrillo board didn’t get message on renaming

The statements by board members in the recent Sentinel article show no recognition of the effort large numbers of people went to recently to express that the name of Cabrillo College not be changed. Opposing opinions made during the recent public forums are now being ignored.

We don’t think the Cabrillo Board and subcommittee appreciate how this community is intrinsically connected to, and supported by, the residents within the district. Student voices are important, but their time at the college is generally transitory. The community members are permanent.

We advise the board direct the subcommittee in every future communication, study session, or survey that lists alternate names, the option of “No Name Change” be equally represented.

The solution at this point should be a county-wide survey or ballot measure, to determine public opinion on the issue of name change.

We hope that the Cabrillo Board understands we live in a democracy and that all people within the Cabrillo College District, many of whom have heartfelt connections with the college, deserve an equal say in any renaming consideration.

— Tory and Rich Beale, La Selva Beach

‘Virtue signaling’: Cabrillo board violating public trust

Cabrillo Board Of Trustees: Remember the meaning of your own name. You where elected to the role of Trustee to administer Cabrillo in the trust of all the county residents to provide quality education. Not to wag the dog and create issues from non issues.

My guess is 99.9% of those who you are acting on behalf of had no knowledge of or association to any historic figure which means there is no real world legacy until you made one.

Before you divert a large sum of tax payer money from your established trusted goal of providing education to the community you should first ask the community if that is something they want. To do so without putting a name change to a community vote is a direct violation of the trust the community has placed in you and simply is virtue signaling for votes and/or governance for your own agenda.

— Monty Matteson, Felton

Cabrillo: Supports change from an unsuitable name

I strongly support changing the name of Cabrillo College. Thanks to the careful research and reflection that the college staff and trustees have done over the past three years, it has become clear that Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s name is ill-suited for our college. He enslaved people for profit and violently exploited indigenous tribes. His barbaric life was the opposite of what the college embodies: inclusiveness, respect, ethical behavior, and learning across cultures. The college’s mission includes empowering students to be responsible world citizens, promoting quality and equity, and fostering diversity. To rename the college is to move into alignment with this exemplary mission and to right historic wrongs.

I’m proud to be part of a community that includes this wonderful college campus, where my wedding took place and where I’ve enjoyed outstanding artistic and musical events. I’m also proud to be part of a good-hearted and forward-thinking community that has the good sense to change an institution’s name because we cherish healing, understanding, and respect.

— Natascha Bruckner, Santa Cruz

Name change: Questions donations to Cabrillo

I read the headlines with a glimmer of hope that the up-until-now tone deaf Board of Cabrillo College was tossing around the idea of finding a more inclusive way to invite the public into the decision about renaming the college. I was present at the last board meeting at the Horticultural Center (chosen to accommodate a standing room only crowd of people of passionate and varied opinions).

Many spoke out in favor of or against the name change in general, but the opinion that there should be a vote or some method to invite the community to decide if there should be a name change at all was strongly voiced.

Apparently the Board just seeks to obtain other name choices. I am planning my charitable giving for next year, and am reconsidering donating to the college under these circumstances. I care deeply about Cabrillo but the manner in which this process is taking place is unsatisfying and makes me question my financial support.

— Anina Van Alstine, Santa Cruz