Editor’s note: The following is a letter to the editor. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Mendocino Voice. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor feel free to write to info@mendovoice.com.
Dear Editor:
As Mendocino College begins its 54th year, I find myself reflecting with gratitude on the college’s half a century of service to the students, families and communities of our region. For more than 50 years, Mendocino College has helped people build careers, transfer to universities, explore new interests and strengthen our local communities. That commitment remains at the heart of everything we do.
We are also beginning this academic year with record-breaking enrollment and the largest student body in the college’s history. That growth is an encouraging reminder that Mendocino College continues to play a vital role in our region. While we are proud of our history, we are also looking ahead—responding to the changing needs of our students, strengthening our programs, and creating new opportunities for learning and workforce development.
Most importantly, I want our community to know that Mendocino College is here for everyone. Whether you are a high school student planning your future, a working adult looking to build new skills, someone considering a career change, a retiree pursuing a personal interest, or simply looking to connect with others through arts, culture, athletics, or lifelong learning, you are welcome at Mendocino College.
Beyond taking a class, one of the best ways to experience the college is to visit one of our campuses or centers and attend an event. Throughout the year, community members can cheer on our student-athletes, enjoy performances and art exhibitions, attend lectures and cultural celebrations, and participate in activities that bring people together. Our campuses are community spaces, and we invite you to be part of them. To find an upcoming event, visit the college calendar at www.mendocino.edu/calendar.
Many community members have also asked about the outcome of the Measure A election, and how it will impact the college. While the measure received majority support, it did not reach the 55 percent supermajority required for passage. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to learn about the measure, participate in the conversation and vote.
There will be challenges ahead as we determine how best to prioritize limited resources for aging facilities and infrastructure across our district. Those decisions will require careful planning, transparency and continued community engagement. Even so, Mendocino College remains committed to serving our communities, supporting student success, and creating opportunities for future generations. We will continue moving forward with the same determination, creativity, and community-minded spirit that has sustained the college for more than five decades.
Whether you are a current student, an alumnus, a future student, or someone who has never visited campus before, I encourage you to find an event, attend a performance, visit an exhibition, cheer on the Eagles, or simply stop by. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing all that Mendocino College has to offer.
Thank you for being part of the Mendocino College community.
Dr. Tim Karas
Superintendent/President Mendocino College
Californians junior college system is the best. I’ve enrolled many times. Bravo
Perhaps write the voter elected measure should be more like the fire measure B or J with flat rates per a unit. It’s easier for people to see it in their tax bills and account for it. This is a bad time to ask tax payers for more money when grocery prices are up 39% over the last 5 years let alone other costs have skyrocketed across the economy. Wages also haven’t kept up.
One concern I have is that the Ukiah unified bond costs on the most recent tax invoice has exploded well beyond what the measure said it would cost per a value basis. ($50 on $100K in valuation) I also learned that older bonds prior to the 2020 measure are also combined together as one line item making it really difficult to identify each voted in measure on our tax invoice. This is more a county auditor issue, but would help with transparency concerns on future election measures.
Tax Invoices 2019-2025
Actual Unified Bond: Assessed Value: 2020 Projected Unified Bond:
2025: $970.89 +148.61 $508318 $254.19
2024: $822.28 -47.39 $498351 $249.18
2023: $869.67 +117.64 $488580 $244.29
2022: $752.03 +233.02 $479000 $239.50
2021: $519.01 +180.47 $186916 $93.46
2020: $338.54 +91.68 $185000 $92.50
2019: $246.86 $92562