John Pimentel

UPDATE: on Thurs., Aug 11, Sen. Becker's Bill SB 893 (Free Community College for San Mateo County) passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee on a unanimous vote and is headed for the Assembly Floor, then the Governor's Desk. Thank you Josh for your leadership! And thank you to Kevin Mu…

Dirk, thank you for your support of free community college, and congratulations on using the GI Bill to complete college. That $15B investment of taxpayer funds from 1945-56 is estimated to have generated a 10x ROI (incremental additional income tax paid by the >8M vets who participate…

Go Bulldogs! State Champs!!![thumbup][thumbup]

Nathan, thank you for recognizing that something special often happens for students who attend California's community colleges. For those lucky enough to play in Coach Tim Tulloch's outstanding CSM football (and life-improvement) program, and others who participate on SMCCCD's myriad spor…

Wendy Brill-Wynkoop is right. Declining enrollment in our community colleges is a major problem for California. These institutions were created to provide a low-cost easy point of access to post-secondary education and community colleges are the most cost-effective and sustainable way to …

Isabell, Congratulations! You are mature beyond your years and have solved a puzzle that vexes many adults (including well-intentioned, but misdirected, tiger parents) in our region of high expectations. It’s not about where you go, it’s about HOW you do it. Trade school or college both c…

Mark, I am so happy you enjoy using the athletic facilities at the College of San Mateo. In fact, I would like to allow ALL residents of San Mateo County to have the same privilege you enjoy. I’m advocating for two things: (1) primary use of facilities should be “students-first,” meaning …

I think Canepa and Bocanegra are on the right track. Let’s gets these kids into a situation where they can find caring adults who can help change their trajectories to avoid graduating from juvenile hall to prison. Rather, let’s support them with finishing high school, getting through fre…

The SMCCCD, Faculty, Staff, Students, and Board are to be commended for their fabulous work managing COVID. Heroic efforts have been made throughout the organization. The Chancellor and Board made the right call to go virtual for the 2020-21 year. This gave faculty and staff critical time…

Thank you Sue Lempert for pointing out that the San Mateo County Community College District, “needs strong and honest leadership.” You are right, too few penetrating questions were asked and too much deference was paid to the ex-chancellor. The Trustees role is to provide proper governanc…