The main goal of Nesians Unite is to help Pacific Islander students achieve their educat
is a growing learning community to provide support for Pacific Islander students at Chabot College.is a growing learning community to provide support for Pacific Islander students at Chabot College.is a growing learning community to provide support for Pacific Islander students at Chabot College.is a growing learning community to provide support for Pacific Islander students at Chabot College.is a growing learning community to provide support for Pacific Islander students at Chabot College.
At its regular board meeting on Oct. 15, 2024, the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board of Trustees approved a $5 million donation from Edward E. Martins, one of the board’s longest serving members.
To acknowledge the district’s largest donation, the board also approved to name Chabot College’s Building 600 The Donna and Edward Martins Library and Learning Center.
In the official press release, there was a quote from Martins, in which he expressed that “education is where dreams take root. I’m thrilled to support Chabot College because I believe it can really change lives for people in Hayward and the surrounding areas.”
With being one of the original board members back when it was called South County Community College District, he and his late wife, Donna, have been steady supporters. From regularly providing funding towards scholarships, various programs and more, they have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to supporting educational opportunities for students in the community.
In an interview, Yvonne Craig, Chabot College’s Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, mentioned that the $5 million is an endowment, meaning, that they’ll always have that money to tap into. She explained that “the whole $5 million is invested. It’ll always be there as an investment for the college, and no one can touch the principal.”
Over the next five years, Chabot will receive the donation in $1 million chunks. Although the funds aren’t for anything specific, how it’s utilized needs to align with the foundation’s goal of supporting Chabot College programs and students. This could mean more scholarships, program support, or even new staff.
Yvonne added, echoing Martins’ intentions, “We’re trusted to use it where students need it most.”
Edward Martins’ generous donation ensures that in the years to come, students will be provided with opportunities and resources to pursue their goals.
College dining often feels routine, but San Francisco State University (SFSU) takes it to another level with The Vista Room. Located in Rm. 401, The Vista Room stands out with a restaurant-like setting that combines variety, quality, and professionalism.
Their polished three-course menu changes three times a semester, offering a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. A standout aspect of their menu is their soup and pasta of the day, along with weekly specials, providing various options. Those options include Provencal Lamb Stew, Eggplant Parmigiana, Vista Room House Salad, Mocha Panna Cotta, and Seasonal Fruit.
Provencal Lamb Stew photographed by Heaven Franklin
Eggplant Parmigiana photographed by Samantha Valencia
Pasta of the Day photographed by Samantha Valencia
Soup of the Day photographed by Samantha Valencia
Although the food quality is high with responsibly sourced ingredients, the seasoning was an issue. Some dishes, like the stew and eggplant parmigiana, were bland, so they could have delivered a more flavorful experience. Despite being well-cooked, they lacked bold flavors. Or how the salad had too much lemon vinaigrette and salt.
Mocha Panna Cotta photographed by Heaven Franklin
However, the desserts were a highlight. The Mocha Panna Cotta was light with a smooth texture that melted in the mouth. It had a balanced blend of sweetness and bitterness, creating a subtle complexity.
The Seasonal Fruit was a small bowl containing pineapples, raspberries, and blueberries. They were fresh and vibrant, offering a nice end to the meal.
Seasonal Fruit photographed by Samantha Valencia
Unlike Chabot College, where the food options are the same daily, The Vista Room at SFSU emphasizes having a wider variety and focuses on creating a dining experience. With student servers, making a reservation, and a rotating curated menu, a sophisticated and professional dining environment is created. This approach elevates the meal and makes the dining experience enjoyable.
Plans for a compressed calendar for Chabot-Las Positas Community College District leaves mixed opinions around campus.
During the district’s monthly Board of Trustees meeting the topic of the new calendar was brought up by many in attendance. The district’s plan is to shorten the academic calendar from the usual 17 to 18 weeks to 16 weeks. The goal being to increase student success and funding. Additionally, this would align with transfer institutions’ calendars.
Photo by Samantha Valencia
In an interview with the Spectator Chabot College’s President, Dr. Jamal Cooks, advocated for the change, “It would allow students flexibility in terms of more access to classes. It would allow shorter terms, from 17 and a half to 16 weeks. That would allow some of our students to be able to transfer earlier, if they needed a particular class.”
“But at the end of the day what ends up happening is that as we increase our student population, award more financial aid, and increase the number of certificates and awards, that helps us create more funding.” Dr. Cooks added.
The new calendar plans have left some feeling unheard. Chabot’s Classified Senate President, Virginia Coswell, addressed the Board during her report
“We face pressure to commit to the compressed calendar with the threat of layoffs. This decision disproportionally favors faculty without considering the well-being of other vital campus community members.” Virginia expressed her disappointment with the fact that students and the Classified Senate were excluded from the decision-making process as she said the new calendar would have the most effect on them.
Photo by Samantha Valencia
Both students and faculty have expressed concerns about the possibility of Chabot students experiencing burnout due to the change.
Dr. Jamal Cooks, addressed these concerns stating that other schools that utilize the compressed calendar would argue that having a longer schedule would cause students more burnout. He pointed out that students having classes for a more stretched out period of time can leave them feeling drained.
Additionally, classes at Chabot under the new calendar have the possibility of being longer. Student Senate President, Theresa Pedroza, expressed her concern for students with disabilities pointing out they could have a harder time adjusting to the calendar. Theresa also feels the longer classes could impact students who have multiple responsibilities outside of Chabot, such as work and or family matters.
When the new compressed calendar is implemented in the 2025-2026 school year, we will see the impact it has on students and faculty.
