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Las Positas College Press Releases - 2006

11/28/06

Las Positas College Presents Kim Peek, “The Real Rain Man” on Tuesday, December 5
Megasavant Who Inspired Academy Award Film Will Speak on Campus

The Las Positas College (LPC) Department of Psychology and the Psi Beta National Honor Society in Psychology present Kim Peek “The Real Rain Man” on Tuesday, December 5, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Peek will speak in the gym, and the event is open to the public. A $5 donation is requested.
Kim Peek is the one-of-a-kind megasavant who inspired the film “Rain Man” starring Dustin Hoffman. Since the film’s release, Kim has emerged from a world of comparative isolation to become a warm, outgoing, humorous and brilliant emissary for those with special needs.
For more information about this special event, please contact Ernie Jones at (925) 424-1217.


10/31/06

Las Positas College Basketball Team Presents Historic Home Opener
Intercollegiate Basketball Comes to LPC

(Livermore, CA) - Intercollegiate basketball arrives in the Tri-Valley on Tuesday, November 7th beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Las Positas College Hawks will hit the hardwood with a men’s and women’s historic, home opening double header at “The Nest” - the new gymnasium at Las Positas College.
The men will take on the College of Marin with tip off at 6 p.m. and the women will take the floor at 8 p.m. versus Diablo Valley College.
To celebrate this historic event there will be basketball, food, music and lots of prizes and give aways from the Golden State Warriors, KKIQ and the Tri-Valley's two new hometown college teams, the LPC Hawks. Other prizes include a Mexico vacation for four and two digital cameras. Between games, area high school boys and girls basketball standouts will take part in a 3-point shoot out.
District board member Dr. Barbara Mertes will serve as honorary assistant coach for the men’s basketball game. Dr. Mertes served as the founding Dean of Las Positas College and was instrumental in securing funding for many of the buildings on campus.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Students with a valid student body card will be admitted free. Also, because the game is being held on election night, admission is FREE with a ballot receipt or "I Voted" sticker.
See you at "The Nest"... the new home for intercollegiate basketball in the Tri-Valley!
The historic home-opener is sponsored by: The Las Positas College Foundation, PARSONS 3D/I, The Golden State Warriors and 101.7 KKIQ.

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10/30/06

Las Positas College Features Special Night for High School Seniors and Parents on Wednesday, November 15

(Livermore, CA) - High school seniors and their parents are invited to attend a special informational evening at Las Positas College (LPC) in Livermore on Wednesday, November 15 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Physical Education Complex on the LPC campus.
Campus visitors will meet and speak with members of the LPC faculty, administration, and student leaders, as well as representatives from the University of California and California State University systems. Students and their parents will have an opportunity to meet in small group sessions with current students, LPC counselors and faculty in their chosen major fields. A Spanish speaking breakout group as well as a nursing information group will be added this year.
One focal point of the program is the Las Positas Early Admission Program, and students will learn how to take advantage of this resource to secure the classes and schedules that are best for them. Discussions will also be held on topics such as Las Positas Programs, Selecting a College Major, Transfer, Financial Aid, Student Services, Services Available to Disabled Students, and College Success Strategies.
Information tables regarding financial aid, scholarship opportunities, student activities and other topics will be available just prior to the event from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Roni Jennings at (925) 424-1421.


10/26/06

Las Positas College and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Observe Disability Awareness Month
Free Presentation by Michael Hingson - "9-11 Out of the Ashes - Learning to Survive in a Changing World"

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are proud to host a special presentation, "9-11 Out of the Ashes - Learning to Survive in a Changing World", by Michael Hingson. This presentation will take place on Tuesday, October 31 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Las Positas College in the Student Center, building 1700.
Michael Hingson's life changed dramatically on September 11, 2001. He and his guide dog Roselle were among the lucky ones to escape the World Trade Center attack.
Michael and Roselle have since become well known as representatives of the strength of the human/animal bond. As an internationally acclaimed public speaker, Michael has traveled the world, speaking about surviving and moving forward after 9-11.
Michael is the National Public Affairs Director for Guide Dogs for the Blind and has traveled with guide dogs for 42 years. He has also held sales and senior management positions with several major high-tech companies for nearly 30 years.
Michael has a master's degree in physics from the University of California at Irvine and he is a lifetime member of the physics honor society Sigma Pi Sigma. He was recently named as one of the top 50 educational speakers in the United States by the Innovators Speakers Network.
Using the compelling account of his harrowing journey from the 78th floor in World Trade Center Tower One, Michael challenges his audience to access and strengthen their skills: trust, teamwork, risk-taking and creativity, to ease their way through changes in their work and personal lives.
For more information about the presentation, please call Pam Luster V.P. of Student Services at (925) 424-1405.


10/11/06

Las Positas College President Announces Retirement

(Livermore, CA) - Karen Halliday, President of Las Positas College, has announced her retirement effective August 2007.
“I have been fortunate to spend over 35 years trying to help students achieve their educational dreams,” said Ms. Halliday. “I am moving into another season in my life and am looking forward to spending time with my husband and my family.”
Ms. Halliday was named President of the College in 2002. During her tenure she led Las Positas College in the successful passage of Measure B, the $498 million district facilities bond. She led the college through both the facilities and educational master planning processes, and has overseen the construction of two new facilities on campus.
She has worked tirelessly in the community to establish the Las Positas College Foundation, whose assets have grown from $1,703 in 2003 to $353.3 thousand in 2006. Ms. Halliday has worked to establish many community partnerships and special programs including a Retail Certificate Program created in partnership with Safeway and a Viticulture and Enology program created in partnership with many local wineries. Under her leadership the College has experienced growth in enrollment, services, programs and facilities.
“Ms. Halliday has been an exceptional leader for Las Positas College,” said Chancellor Susan Cota. “Her vision for growth and development has led the College and community in new and exciting directions. Her leadership and compassion will be missed by all.”
Prior to her appointment as President, Ms. Halliday served the college for eight years as the Vice President of Student Services. Prior to coming to Las Positas College, Ms. Halliday served at the state level as the Dean of Student Services for the California Community Colleges State Chancellor’s Office in Sacramento. She also served the system as the statewide matriculation coordinator and as a specialist in the Disabled Students Programs and Services unit. She has also served as a faculty member, learning disabilities specialist, and director of the Educational Diagnostic Center at DeAnza College in Cupertino.
In addition to serving several local organizations such as the Livermore Valley Rotary and the Tri-Valley Business Education Council, Ms. Halliday is very active at the state level as a member of several organizations such as the Association of California Community College Administrators, the Community Relations Board of the Federal Corrections Institutions, and the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges. She recently served as chair of the Community College League of California’s Commission on Legislation.
She has co-authored several publications on learning disabilities and matriculation and has spoken at many regional, state and national conferences.
Ms. Halliday received her Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology and comparative religions from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She received her Master of Science in Education with a major in learning disabilities and minors in child development and mental retardation from Purdue University. She has completed postgraduate work in education administration from the University of Virginia, Fairfax. She holds a lifetime teaching credential from the California Community Colleges in basic skills, special education and learning disabilities, and credentials from both the California and Virginia State Departments of Education.
The Board of Trustees will launch a nationwide search for Ms. Halliday’s replacement.

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10/9/06

Las Positas College Forensics Team Nabs Top Honors at Two Speech Tournaments
LPC “Talk Hawks” Bring Home 15 Awards

(Livermore, CA) - The Las Positas College (LPC) Forensics Team captured top honors at two speech tournaments held September 22-25 in Berkeley where they competed in the Biola Individual Events Swing and the Cal Season Opener. The contests drew teams from Cal State Long Beach, Arizona State University, Biola University, UOP, Diablo Valley College, San Francisco and Fullerton State Universities, and numerous others.
Six members of the LPC “Talk Hawks” team brought home 15 awards from the tournament, and finished the Swing Tournament as the top rated school in all of Northern California. Each of the six participating team members won an award.
“We are extremely proud of the LPC team. They demonstrated a real competitive edge against some local favorites and larger teams,” said LPC Speech Coach Tim Heisler.

The following students took awards at the recent tournaments:

Biola Individual Events Swing-
Lyndsay Parkman of Livermore:
1st Place, Open Oral Interpretation
2nd Place, Open Speech to Entertain

Callie Ryerson of San Ramon:
3rd Place, Open Speech to Entertain

Michael Ledezma of Livermore:
1st Place, Open Communication Analysis

Britney Kidd of Livermore:
2nd Place, Open Communication Analysis
6th Place, Open Speech to Entertain

Miriam Miller of Pleasanton:
1st Place, Novice Speech to Entertain

Cal Season Opener-
Lyndsay Parkman of Livermore:
3rd Place, Open Oral Interpretation

Michael Ledezma of Livermore:
2nd Place, Open Persuasion
2nd Place, Open Communication Analysis


Britney Kidd of Livermore:
1st Place, Open Communication Analysis
3rd Place, Open Speech to Entertain


Miriam Miller of Pleasanton:
Top Novice, Speech to Entertain Speaker
4th Place, Open Speech to Entertain


Dana Takaguchi of Dublin:
3rd Ranked, Open Impromptu Nor Cal Competitor


9/29/06

Las Positas College Foundation Announces 2006-2007 Board Officers

(Livermore, CA) - The Las Positas College Foundation is pleased to announce the election of six officers to its Board of Directors. The six officers were elected for a term of one year at the foundation’s annual meeting on September 13.
For the past two years, Immediate Past Chair Jim Ott has assumed the role of Chair at the special request of the Board. Newly-elected Chair Sherrie Souza of Livermore Valley Brokers will lead the new Executive Committee. Thomas Daggett, President of Tanner Insurance Brokers in Livermore, will serve as Chair-Elect, and ReMax Executive Bill Aboumrad is the new Vice-Chair of Business Development. Chief William McCammon of the Alameda County Fire Department was elected Treasurer and Livermore resident Charlene McKenney is the new Secretary. The six join 14 other directors who were also elected to one-year terms on the panel, under the guidance of Dr. Ted Kaye, CEO of the Las Positas College Foundation.
The Foundation was established in 2003 to serve as a funding support resource for the college, as well as to educate surrounding communities about the many learning opportunities available at the college, and its cultural contributions to the region. Last year, the foundation awarded more than $10,000 in student scholarships and provided generous financial support to the Student Emergency Textbook and Supplies Loan Fund, Disabled Students Programs and Services, and athletic uniforms for the LPC Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. To learn more about the Las Positas Foundation, please visit www.lpcfoundation.org
The LPC Foundation also extends its support beyond the campus borders to the surrounding community in a number of ways. “One of the most significant items the LPC Foundation funded last year was a $30,000 grant to pilot The Future Scholars, a program designed to encourage college attendance by 30 at-risk middle school students in our region,” notes Dr. Kaye.
The foundation provides donors with an opportunity to contribute to the college with tax-deductible investments that can be used for student support, including scholarships, staff development and technology upgrades. Foundation funds are also used to improve and increase the school performing arts and other college programs and services.

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9/12/06

Las Positas College Children’s Theater Presents An Irish Folk and Fairy Tale in Two Free Performances
Three Silly Leprechauns Take Center Stage in “Blather, Blarney and Balderdash”

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College (LPC) in Livermore kicks off its Fall 2006 Performing Arts schedule with a Children’s Theater presentation of “Blather, Blarney and Balderdash”. The play is scheduled in two performances on Friday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m., and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday, October 28. Both performances will take place in Room 601 on the LPC campus, and admission is free to the public.
Written by Patrick Rainville Dorn, “Blather, Blarney and Balderdash” incorporates slapstick humor, storytelling and clever dialogue as three leprechauns lead the enactment of an Irish folk tale called “The Griffin’s Feather”.
The Las Positas Theater Arts program provides knowledge, training, and practical experience in all aspects of theater arts. The curriculum offers the essential lower-division courses necessary for transfer to similar programs at four-year institutions, as well as assisting students towards employment in professional, academic and Community Theater.


8/9/06

Las Positas College Unveils Exciting Roster of Affordable Fall Community Education Classes
Broad Range of Classes Includes “Landscaping With Natives” to “Debt Free and Prosperous Living”

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College (LPC) in Livermore has announced its non-credit Community Education class schedule for Fall 2006. The LPC Community Education program recently implemented a new registration system that allows participants to register and pay for classes online. Online registration is available at www.laspositascollege.edu/communityed
Tri-Valley residents can register now for high quality classes taught by instructors and seasoned professionals in a wide range of areas including art, film, languages, photography, gardening, health and fitness, parenting, careers and training and more. Residents can check the website frequently since some classes, such as Medical Transcription, will be advertised exclusively online.
Among the new classes offered this fall is Mandarin Chinese. China is a huge trading partner with the United States, and those who can speak Chinese will have an advantage in the future job market. There are an estimated 24,000 American students who are currently learning Chinese. This vibrant class covers an introduction to the culture, history and traditions of China, and how to understand and speak basic Chinese polite speech, such as greetings.
Another exciting new class is titled “Get Started Making Money in Business to Business Selling”, geared specifically toward individuals who want to break into the world of business-to-business sales (B2B selling). This fast-moving seminar covers the five key things you need to know before accepting a sales job and the ten commandments of good business-to-business selling.
For more information about the Las Positas College Community Education class schedule, please contact Frances DeNisco, Program Coordinator at (925) 424-1467. For more details, the fall catalog can also be accessed online at www.laspositascollege.edu/communityed Copies of the Fall 2006 schedule are available at local libraries in Pleasanton, Livermore and Dublin.


8/7/06

Las Positas College Welcomes New and Returning Students to EXPO LPC
One-Half Unit College Orientation for New and Re-Entry Students

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College (LPC) in Livermore will host Expo LPC 2006 on Tuesday, August 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Expo LPC is a one-half unit college orientation that includes a tour of the 147-acre campus, a preview to college life, college success strategies, important academic information, an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and fellow students, food, and fun activities.
A ll new and re-entry students enrolled in 6 or more units are encouraged to register for the August 15 Expo orientation (PSCN 24 section - course code CRN# 21155). For more information, please call Veronica Jennings at (925) 424-1421 or the Counseling office at (925) 424-1400.

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8/1/06

Las Positas College Community Education Offers New Online Courses
Online career training now easier than ever with self-paced, non-credit programs

(Livermore, CA) - In response to overwhelming interest in online training courses, Las Positas College Community Education has partnered with Gatlin Education Services to provide non-credit programs in healthcare and business.
The new online training courses are designed for individuals looking to switch career paths, obtain advanced training and certifications, or for first-time job seekers who need specialized training. The courses are all open enrollment and self-paced, and students are paired with a personal instructor. Online training courses take an average of 90 days to complete and provide training for entry-level positions.
Job seekers can be trained in these occupations by taking online courses offered through Las Positas College Community Education via Gatlin Education Services. They offer certification programs in the fields mentioned above, as well as many other high interest areas.
Established in 1989, Gatlin Education Services is the largest provider of asynchronous Web-based, instructor-supported training to colleges and universities. GES open-enrollment programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.
For program and course descriptions, go to www.laspositascollege.edu/communityed For enrollment information, contact Frances De Nisco at (925) 424-1467 or commed@laspositascollege.edu For media inquiries, please contact Sandy Bell at (972) 934-2850 ext. 106.


7/20/06

Las Positas College Names New Dean of Social Sciences and Wellness

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College (LPC) in Livermore has appointed Dr. Carlos Navarro to the post of Dean of Social Sciences and Wellness. Dr. Navarro, a resident of Castro Valley, has an extensive background in higher education in the California State University (CSU) system.
“We are very pleased that Dr. Navarro has joined us at this pivotal point in the growth and expansion of the Las Positas campus,” according to LPC President Karen Halliday. “He brings with him a broad range of experience with academic programs, curriculum development, and program review that will lend a solid foundation to the LPC curriculum,” she adds.
Dr. Navarro will direct all physical education, health, nutrition, recreation and sports medicine courses at Las Positas. His purview also includes the social science program, which includes anthropology, early childhood development, economics, history, political science, psychology, and sociology classes.
Dr. Navarro was an Associate Dean at CSU Northridge, and a member of the faculty. He later served as the Dean of Arts, Letters, and Social Sciences at CSU East Bay, where he was also a professor. Upon retirement from CSU, he was Department Chair in Liberal Studies for the National Hispanic University.
Dr. Navarro received his BA from CSU Los Angeles, a Masters degree in Political Science from UCLA, and a Ph.D. in Government from Claremont Graduate School.


7/20/06

Las Positas College Names New Vice-President

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College in Livermore has appointed Dr. Laurel Jones to the post of Vice-President of Academic Services. Jones joins Las Positas from Solano College, where she served as Vice-President of Instruction. Prior to that she was the Dean of Instruction at Mt. San Jacinto College, the interim Dean of Business and Student Learning at Mt. San Antonio College, and a member of the faculty at Mt. San Antonio College.
Dr. Jones will oversee all aspects of academics at Las Positas, which includes the entire roster of classes and programs, degree and certificates, career education and training, transfer programs, community education, Weekend College, and high school/ROP articulation.
“Dr. Jones made a strong impression based upon her extensive experience at many levels of higher education. She is extremely well qualified for this position and we are delighted to have her join the staff of the college,” said Karen Halliday, President of Las Positas College.
Dr. Jones received her Ed.D in Educational Management and Leadership from the University of La Verne, an MA from California State University, Fullerton, and a BA from Taylor University in Indiana. She began her college studies in the community college system at Mt. San Antonia College, where she obtained an AA degree.


7/20/06

Las Positas College Collaborates With Local Community to Offer Interior Design Students a Hands-On Approach
Instructor Seeks Businesses, Churches, Homeowners Interested in Free Interior Design Consultation by Students, Under Direction of Professional Interior Design Staff

(Livermore, CA) - Budding interior designers can roll up their sleeves and delve into a class that allows them to put their creativity and skills to work. Las Positas College in Livermore offers “Materials and Resources,” a class where students survey residential and commercial interior furnishings related to a product knowledge of furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass, metals, plastics and composite materials.
Last fall, the 35 students enrolled in “Materials and Resources” took on the redesign of several rooms in the residence of Joel and Jill Heinke of Livermore. Students re-designed the bedrooms of both the Heinke children, incorporating a space theme in one child’s room. The den was also transformed into a working home office/guest room combo, and a design plan was prepared for the complete remodel of the master bedroom.
Course instructor Jill Hornbeck is presently recruiting businesses interested in a free interior design consultation by the next class of students, which gets underway in September. Businesses, residential homeowners, and churches and other facilities located in Livermore, Pleasanton, or Dublin are invited to apply to participate.
“Students will work on your project under the guidance of our Interior Design faculty and will provide you with ideas, potential costs, resources, and suggested direction, as well as a color board to enable you to finish your project with your contractor on your own,” says Hornbeck. Students will begin in September with a site visit, and follow up with at least one more site visit and a final presentation by the end of November. A manager or homeowner must be present during all visits and the final presentation.
To apply to participate, or for more information about "Materials and Resources", course code INTD60, please call Jill Hornbeck at (925) 424-1000, ext. 2753, or email jhornbeck@laspositascollege.edu The deadline to apply is August 10.
The Interior Design Program at Las Positas College prepares individuals for entry-level positions in the field of Interior Design. Courses within the program provide specific knowledge in the various aspects of Interior Design; and knowledge in general education as well. Students learn many skills through the program, such as creativity, listening, business practices, and art.

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7/19/06

Las Positas College Student Artwork on Display

(Livermore, CA) - Tri-Valley art enthusiasts can view the creative efforts of students of the Las Positas College (LPC) Art Club at two locations in the area this summer. Admission to both exhibits is free.The first exhibit, appropriately entitled “Summer”, will be displayed through August at the East Bay SPCA, located at 4651 Gleason Drive in Dublin.
A second exhibit, entitled “Tribute to Oneida Stow-Artist, Educator, Friend”, will show at the Livermore Public Library throughout the month of July.
The late Oneida Stowe was an artist and educator who taught art and humanities at Las Positas College for 15 years. Stowe worked tirelessly to identify exhibition sites for Las Positas College students to have their work displayed in the Tri-Valley. She helped to coordinate such events as: Art Under the Oaks at Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore, student exhibits at the SPCA in Dublin and the showing of student works at Livermore's Annual Spring Festival.


7/19/06

Las Positas College Foundation Awarded $100,000

(Livermore, CA) - The Las Positas College Foundation recently accepted an award of $100,000 from the Livermore Chapter of the Ancient Order of Foresters of America.
“Our campus community is deeply grateful for this wonderful show of support from the Foresters. The LPC Foundation, our students, and all of our supporters view this investment in Las Positas College as a landmark event in our 2 1/2 year history,” said Ted Kaye, CEO of the Las Positas College Foundation.
The Las Positas College Foundation was created to help ensure that Las Positas College continues to be a premier community college that fulfills the many mandates for which it was founded. This volunteer-governed organization is dedicated to informing and educating the communities it serves about the special treasure that they have in the college. It also provides a vehicle for the residents of the Tri-Valley to invest in the future of their asset: Las Positas College.
The Foresters of Livermore chose several local non-profit organizations to receive awards. In addition to Las Positas College, awards were given to The Taylor Foundation, Open Heart Kitchen, Tri-Valley Haven, Hope Hospice, Livermore Valley Education Fund, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Livermore Heritage Guild, and the Valley Crisis Center.
The Foresters of Livermore, a non-profit organization, promotes the traditions of the Foresters of England who were committed to “Unity, Benevolence and Concord.” At one time there were over 100,000 members in the USA. There was also the Companions of Foresters, the women’s organization. However, in 2001 there were fewer than 250 members in California’s seven courts.
For more information about the Las Positas College Foundation, please contact Dr. Ted Kaye, CEO, Las Positas College Foundation at (925) 424-1010.


6/15/06

Las Positas College Foundation Welcomes New Board Member

(Livermore, CA) - The Las Positas College Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Manchester to its Board of Directors. Manchester has worked at Sandia National Laboratories for the past 25 years where he currently manages Public Relations and Strategic Communications.
Manchester, a Pleasanton resident, joins 19 other directors on the panel under the guidance of Dr. Ted Kaye, CEO of the Las Positas College Foundation.
“Jeff’s strong background in management, logistics and public relations, combined with his knowledge of this region adds another vibrant presence to the Las Positas Foundation Board,” says Kaye.
The Foundation was established in 2003 to serve as a funding support resource for the college, as well as to educate surrounding communities about the many learning opportunities available at the college, and its cultural contributions to the region. The Foundation provides investors with an opportunity to contribute to the college with tax-deductible support that can be used for scholarships, staff development and technology upgrades. Foundation funds are also used to improve and increase the college’s performing arts and other programs and services.


5/22/06

Las Positas College to Close on Fridays During Summer

(Livermore, CA) - In an effort to continue energy conservation, Las Positas College will be closed on Fridays beginning June 5 through August 4, 2006. The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Offices in Pleasanton will also be closed on Fridays and follow the same schedule.
Students will still be able to apply for admission and register via the college web site at www.laspositascollege.edu
Security will be on duty even though the campus is closed.
Las Positas College will resume its regular schedule on Monday, August 7.

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5/11/06

Las Positas College Presents Festival of the Arts 2006
Engaging Student Art Work Can Be Viewed at Select Sites around the Tri-Valley

(Livermore, CA) - Tri-Valley art enthusiasts are in for a treat during the month of May, when Las Positas College (LPC) presents Festival of the Arts 2006. The Festival highlights the visual arts in a number of colorful and exciting displays scattered throughout public areas of the Tri-Valley region. Admission to all exhibits is free.
“This annual festival represents the most adventurous and comprehensive effort yet by our art faculty and students,” according to Dr. Philip Manwell, Dean of Academic Services. “I think the public will be surprised at the extraordinary level of talent displayed in these fabulous exhibits located in Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore,” he adds.
From May 8 to May 22 guests can view works of art from the genres of fine art and interior design at the LPC Library, Bldg. 2000, and the LPC Staff Lounge, Bldg. 1600, 3033 Collier Canyon Road. Between May 15 and May 22, student photography will be on display at the Independent Newspaper Building, located at First Street and North Livermore Avenue in downtown Livermore.
Also from May 15 to May 22 is an exhibit by students of the Las Positas Visual Communications (VCOM) program, at the Dublin Civic Center at 100 Civic Center Plaza in Dublin. Visual communications encompasses all the visual arts - drawing, painting, and photography - but instead of traditional tools and media, students in the LPC program use computers and software to produce their work. Students learn composition, typography, digital photographic manipulation, drawing, print and web page layout, and an array of technical skills to create their art.
An exhibit featuring watercolor paintings is also scheduled to run from May 15 to May 22 at the Pleasanton Library at 400 Old Bernal Avenue. Meanwhile, during the same period, works from students of
graphic design will hang at the East Bay SPCA, located at 4651 Gleason Drive in Dublin.
The Festival of the Arts culminates with a gala reception to honor the artists and faculty on Wednesday, May 17 in the LPC Student Center, Building 1700 on campus. The reception is slated for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is also free to the public.
For more information, please contact Dr. Manwell at (925) 424-1382.


5/5/06

Las Positas College Spring Music Series Continues With Choir and Orchestral Performance on Saturday, May 20
New Venue for Concert is St. Charles Borromeo Church in Livermore

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College in Livermore will feature a performance by the student Choir and Orchestra on Saturday, May 20 at 8:00 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, located at 1315 Lomitas Avenue in Livermore.
The 42-member Las Positas College Choir and Orchestra will perform a variety of music from different time periods, genres and styles, including some original student compositions and collaboration on Magnificat by Pergolesi.
General admission tickets are $10 with student and senior admission set at $7. For more information, please call (925) 424-1100. The concert was originally slated to take place at the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church, but that venue has changed to the new location at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Livermore.


5/3/06

Las Positas College Presents World Renowned Expert on Sleep on May 17
Dr. William Dement to Speak on Sleep and Dreams

(Livermore, CA) - The Las Positas College Psychology Department and the campus branch of Psi Beta National Honor Society in Psychology are pleased to present an upcoming speaking engagement featuring acclaimed sleep researcher Dr. William Dement. Dement, who opened the first sleep center more than 30 years ago at Stanford University, will speak on the topic of Sleep and Dreams at Las Positas on Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 601.
Dement is considered the “father” of modern sleep medicine and was the first researcher in his field to recognize Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep as a distinct biological state with unique properties including vivid dreams and muscle paralysis. He is also the author of the definitive textbook on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, founding co-editor of the scientific journal Sleep, and has written or co-authored more than 500 scientific publications including the best seller The Promise of Sleep. He is the Director of the Stanford University Sleep Research and Clinical Programs department.
The event is free to the public but seating is limited and participants are encouraged to arrive early. For more information please contact Ernie Jones, Department of Psychology, at (925) 424-1217 or Gerry Gire at (925) 337-3026.


5/2/06

Las Positas College Foundation Hosts Third Annual “Best of the Best” Event on Saturday, May 13
Growing Success of Elegant Black Tie Event Contributes to Local College Scholarships and Programs

(Livermore, CA) - Tickets are going fast for the Las Positas College (LPC) Foundation’s Third Annual ‘Best of the Best’ gala event scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2006 at the college in Livermore. Some 200 attendees can look forward to an evening of performing and visual arts, gourmet food and fine local wine. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. as guests mingle and sample wines from eleven Livermore Valley wineries and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres created by six Tri-Valley restaurants.
Barone’s Restaurant, Dry Creek Catering, Fuzio Universal Pasta, McNamara’s Steak & Chop House, Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard, and Zephyr Grill & Bar will prepare delicious appetizers. The wine sponsors include Bent Creek Winery, Cedar Mountain Winery, Concannon Vineyards, Retzlaff Vineyards, the Steven Kent Winery, Tenuta Vineyards, Wente Vineyards, and White Crane Winery. Sparkling Wine sponsors include Chouinard Vineyards, Elliston Vineyard and Westover Winery.
Guests begin the evening in an elegant courtyard setting on the Las Positas College campus that is decorated with visual art designs created by LPC students in a blooming garden setting by Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore. At 8:00 p.m., the entertainment kicks up with performances by the choral jazz and orchestral jazz ensembles, dancers, scenes from this year’s musical production, and LPC’s nationally recognized forensics team. The Performance Showcase will be followed by a dessert and champagne reception in which guests mingle with the performers.
“The inaugural event of Best of the Best raised $12,000 for the LPC Foundation,” reports Foundation CEO Ted Kaye. “The second year of the event netted $24,000 and this year we expect to nearly triple that figure,” he adds.
The success of the event is based upon careful planning and a low overhead for the Foundation, which relies on the generous donations from local businesses, wineries and restaurants. There are also the many donations for the silent auction, and corporate sponsorships. During the evening, guests will have the opportunity to bid on a number of unique items including wine country meals and adventures, weekend get-aways, and special sessions - such a fencing or conga drum lessons with LPC faculty.
“Each year we add another element in a way that subtly increases the support and improves the event,” says Kaye. Last year, a silent auction was added that helped to double the amount of profit to the Foundation. This year, the LPC Foundation has added a sponsorship component that has drawn the interest of Sandia National Laboratories, Centex Homes, Follett, Safeway, Shea Homes, Topcon, Wells Fargo Bank, ValleyCare Health System and the Tri-Valley Herald.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please contact Ted Kaye at (925) 424-1010 or visit www.lpcfoundation.org


4/13/06

Las Positas College Presents Benefit Concert Featuring Original Music Composed By Students and Faculty

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College (LPC) in Livermore will host a Benefit Concert on Sunday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. in the LPC Library on campus. This special presentation will feature a myriad of talent from throughout the LPC music department, all focused on original music composed by students and faculty. Guests can expect to hear choral music, string quartets, piano sonatas, and more in this special performance.
The purpose of the concert is to share the talent of the LPC music department with the music-loving community, and to generate donations that will be applied to a trip to Italy planned by the LPC Chamber Choir, who will take its show overseas to U.S. airbases where the group will perform for American troops.
The suggested donation at the door is $10 for Las Positas students and $15 for the general public. The venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information, please contact Mary Campbell at (925) 424-1118 or Jim Heiner at (925) 424-1155.

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4/3/06

Students and Public Invited To Participate In Upcoming Free Career Information and Employment Fair on April 25
Event Hosted by Las Positas College and the Tri-Valley One-Stop Career Center

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College and the Tri-Valley One-Stop Career Center invite job seekers to attend a free Career Information and Employment Fair scheduled on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at the Las Positas College Student Center, Building 1700.
The fair, scheduled to take place between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. presents an opportunity for students, staff, and the community to interact with prospective employers. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of a current resume to this ADA compliance event. Campus parking is free during the scheduled hours of this event.
Featured employers at the fair include 24-Hour Fitness, Dynamic Office & Accounting Solutions, Hacienda Child Development Center, HFC member-KSBC Consumer Lending Group, Nellcor/Tycohealthcare, Nobis Financial Group, Professional Staffing Resources, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Securitas Security Services-USA, Inc., Zachary’s Chicago Pizza, Inc., and many others.
Las Positas College has approximately 8,000 students, with the median age of 22 years old. Students attend the college to pursue a certificate, obtain an AA/AS degree, prepare to transfer to a four-year college and often to re-tool their skills. The Tri-Valley One-Stop Career Center in Pleasanton serves Tri-Valley job seekers with assistance in labor market information, assessment tools, resume assistance and other resources.
To learn more about the fair, please contact Katherine Dizon at the Tri-Valley One Stop Career Center, (925) 485-5272, or visit http://www.laspositascollege.edu/employmentcenter/employmentfair.php


3/28/06

Las Positas College Presents Final Concert in Early Music Series
Concert Slated for April 1 Includes a Pre-Concert Talk by Renowned Harpsichord Builder

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College presents the final concert in its inaugural Early Music Concert Series on Saturday, April 1, 2006 with a performance of works by Ortiz, Marais, Abel, Purcell, and Hume. The musicians are all international performers with world class reputations. Shira Kamman on baroque violin, David Morris on baroque cello and viola da gamba, and Yuko Tanaka on harpsichord are all experts in early music and historically informed performance.
The concert will be held in the Las Positas College Library, Building 2000 at 3033 Collier Canyon Road, in Livermore. The program gets underway with a pre-concert talk at 7:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 8:00 p.m.
The pre-concert talk features Kevin Fryer, a master San Francisco instrument builder with a worldwide reputation who builds just two instruments per year. Fryer built the harpsichord that will be used in the concert. Working from a Bayview loft, Frey builds the 7-1/2 foot long harpsichord as modeled after an original dating back to 1711 France. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Bay Area has become one of the world’s leading centers for “early music” and “the period instrument movement”, from the 10th century until the mid-1800’s, when the modern piano was introduced.
The suggested donation at the door is $10 for Las Positas students and $15 for the general public. The venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information, please contact Artistic Director Marilyn Marquis at (925) 424-1209.


3/15/06

Las Positas College Forensics Team Ranks In Top 25% of Colleges at State Speech Tournament
LPC "Talk Hawks" Team’s Next Stop is Czech Republic for International Competition

(Livermore, CA) - The Las Positas College (LPC) “Talk Halks” forensic team made its mark at the Pacific Southern California Forensics Association Spring Championship Tournament held earlier this month. The team competed against 40 other California colleges, and, when the dust settled, LPC ranked in ninth place overall and in first place among all Northern California colleges participating.
The home team competed against institutions with much larger school populations of 15,000-30,000 including CSU Fullerton, CSU Northridge, CSU Long Beach, Pepperdine University, CSU San Diego, and UC San Diego. Las Positas College has a student enrollment of 8,100.
"I am extremely proud of our team's performance this year. They exhibit great skill and poise and serve as excellent ambassadors for our school, our region, and our nation," says James Dobson, an instructor in the LPC forensics program.

Students winning individual awards were:

Carolyn Hunt - 5th in Communication Analysis, Finalist in Informative
Callie Ryerson - Finalist in Prose, Finalist in Drama, Finalist in After Dinner Speaking
Britney Kidd - Finalist in Prose
Ajibola Hassan - 4th in Poetry, 1/4 finalist in debate (our first debate award this year), 16th speaker in Debate
Paul Keenan - 1/4 finalist in debate
Lyndsay Parkman - 5th in Duo Interpretation, 5th in Poetry
Karen Brohard - 5th in Duo Interpretation

The team and supporting faculty then did a quick turnaround and are now competing internationally for the first time, in the International Forensics Association competition held in the Czech Republic through March 18th.

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3/14/06

Las Positas College Emergency Medical Technician Students Display High Pass Rate in State Exams
Great Demand for EMT’s Leads to Increased Enrollment in Popular Program

(Livermore, CA) - The Las Positas College Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program reports that 92% of the students enrolled in the fall semester course 2005 passed the national EMT exam. As a group, Las Positas students demonstrated one of the highest pass rates in Alameda County, and well above the nationwide average of 70%.
“We congratulate our students and faculty with their success on the national exams. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that EMT and paramedic jobs will grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014. In view of this, we anticipate that there will be many career opportunities available to our graduates,” says Sebastian Wong, the Las Positas College Emergency Medical Technician Program Coordinator.
The Las Positas College EMT Program offers a one semester course based upon a California state sanctioned curriculum and features lectures, classroom simulation labs, 8 hours of on-site observing in a hospital and 10 hours observing an ambulance shift. Prospective students are encouraged to check the Las Positas college catalogue for a list of prerequisite classes necessary to enter the program. Registration for the next course, in Fall 2006, will begin this summer. For more information, please call Sebastian Wong at (925) 424-1000, ext. 2046.
Upon satisfactory completion of the course, successfully passing a criminal history background check, and passage of the state exam, students may apply to the local emergency medical services regulatory agency in Alameda County to receive a statewide EMT-1 card that allows them to work anywhere in California as a basic emergency medical technician.


2/22/06

Las Positas College Presents “Learning to Triumph” Open House Featuring Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante on Saturday, March 11

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College (LPC) will host a free open house with the theme of Aprendiendo a Triufar (Learning to Triumph) targeting Spanish-speaking families on Saturday, March 11, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by LPC and Latinos por la Education.
The entire program will be conducted in Spanish with some English translation where appropriate, beginning with a general session and keynote address given by California Lieutenant Governor Cruz M. Bustamante (from approximately 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the LPC Theater, Room 801).
Following the keynote address are a series of workshops on financial aid, English as a Second Language, an overview of programs and services offered at Las Positas College, campus tours, and lunch in the Student Center. During the lunch break, LPC faculty will be available to discuss their disciplines and career opportunities.
“This is an opportunity for Las Positas to really connect to the Spanish speaking community in our region and share the many opportunities available academically, as well as the broad range of resources available on campus,” said Gilberto Victoria, an LPC counselor and event coordinator.
Free transportation to and from the event is available at St. Michael’s Catholic Church departing at 10:20 a.m. and 10:50 a.m., and returning from the college to the church at 3:05 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. St. Michael's Church is located at 458 Maple Street in Livermore.
For more information, please contact Gilberto Victoria at LPC at (925) 424-1477, or Father Isamel Gutierrez at St. Michael’s Church in Livermore at (925) 447-1585.


2/13/06

Las Positas College Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

(Livermore, CA) - The Las Positas College Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment in recent months of five new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the board in September 2005 were Livermore resident Charlene McKenney, a director of logistics in the high tech field, and Josh Shinnick, who is a past chair of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce and an attorney at the law firm of Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel, Inc.
New to the board in 2006 are Betty Tse, the chief investment officer of the Alameda County Employees Retirement Fund, Marty Livingston, second vice president of wealth management at SmithBarney, and Ralph Kokka, an associate with McNichols, Randick, Odea and Tooliatos, LLP.
The five join 15 other directors on the panel that sets policy and priorities for the Las Positas College Foundation. The organization was established in 2003 to serve as a funding support resource for the college, as well as to educate surrounding communities about the many learning opportunities available at the college, and its financial and cultural contributions to the region. Jim Ott, president/CEO of Uncle Credit Union is chair of the Board; Dr. Ted Kaye is the CEO of the Foundation and manages its day-to-day activities.
The foundation provides investors with an opportunity to contribute to the college with tax-deductible support that is used for student aid, including scholarships, staff development and technology upgrades. Foundation funds are also used to improve and increase the school performing arts, athletics and other programs and services.
Las Positas College is a community college, located in Livermore that serves the entire Tri-Valley. It offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs throughout the year. The campus caters to a vital student population whose goals range from transfer to a four-year college to skills training, to personal enrichment. For more information, about the College please visit www.laspositascollege.edu For additional information about the Las Positas College Foundation, please go to www.lpcfoundation.org


2/10/06

Regional Science Bowl at Las Positas College a Success

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College recently announced the results of the Regional Science Bowl.
The Science Bowl is a High School competition with local students competing in a question and answer forum. The winner was Mission San Jose (Fremont) the runner up was Mission San Jose (Fremont) and in third place, Homestead (Cupertino). Mission San Jose will represent our region in the national competition later in the spring.
Seventeen teams from around the area participated. In the morning a series of round-robin matches took place to determine which teams would advance to the final rounds. Finalists then squared off after lunch to determine the champion. Trophies were presented in the afternoon at the conclusion of the competition.
This year Livermore and Foothill (Pleasanton) made it into the afternoon rounds. This was the first time in a long time that two Tri-Valley teams made it that far.
“The enthusiasm among some of the teams was among the highest I have ever seen. In fact, three fans from one school, showed up with their faces painted in school colors and with big foam #1s to quietly cheer their team on”, said Dr. Neal Ely, dean of academic services.
For more information please contact, Dr. Neal Ely, dean of academic services at (925) 424-1182.

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2/2/06

Las Positas College Hosts Regional Science Bowl Competition on Saturday, February 4
Annual Event is Co-Sponsored by Las Positas College and Sandia National Laboratories

(Livermore, CA) - The Superbowl isn’t the only contest on the slate for this coming weekend, but it's brains, not brawn that will be challenged as Las Positas College (LPC) hosts the regional Science Bowl competition. On Saturday, February 4, some 18 high school teams will converge on the Livermore campus to answer questions such as, “Laser is an acronym for what?” (Answer: Light Amplification By Stimulated Emission Of Radiation)
The event is one of 64 regional competitions in the nation, where high school teams vie to advance to the national competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. later this spring. Last year, the regional winner from this area, Mission San Jose, was the national runner-up.
Participating teams hail from Santa Teresa High School (San Jose); Livermore High School (Livermore); Granada High School (Livermore); Foothill High School (Pleasanton); Chinese Christian Schools (San Leandro); Mission San Jose High School (Fremont); Valley Christian High School (Dublin); Terra Linda High School (San Rafael); and Homestead High School (Cupertino).
Students and coaches will spend the morning in round robin elimination matches, with final rounds leading to a winner in the afternoon, following lunch. The schedule follows:

8:45 a.m.: Welcome, Announcements and Drawing for Team Pairings at the LPC Little Theatre
9:20 a.m.-12 p.m.: Three Round-Robin groups of 6 teams each will play the other 5 teams within their group. The two top teams will qualify for a Modified Elimination competition in which the three first place teams will be eliminated after two losses and all 2nd place teams will be eliminated with one loss. Head to head competition occurs in various classrooms around campus.
12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch (and any necessary tie-breakers)
1:00-3:00 p.m.: Modified Double Elimination Competition
3:00-3:30 p.m.: Awards Ceremony

For more information please call Dr. Neal Ely at (925) 424-1182.


1/30/06

Las Positas College Presents Early Music Concert Series
Concerts Slated for February 4, March 4 and April 1 Include a Pre-Concert Talk

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College is pleased to announce its first Early Music Concert Series. The series launches on Saturday, February 4, 2006 with a performance of works by Telemann, Handel, Couperin, Marais, and Leclair by artists Louise Carslake on baroque flute and recorder, John Dornenburg on viola da gamba, and Yuko Tanaka on harpsichord.
Kevin Fryer, a San Francisco instrument builder with a worldwide reputation, who builds just two instruments per year, built the harpsichord used in the concert. Working from a Bayview loft, Frey built the 7-1/2 foot long harpsichord as modeled after an original dating back to 1711 France. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Bay Area has become one of the world’s leading centers for “early music” and “the period instrument movement”, from the 10th century until the mid-1800’s, when the modern piano was introduced.
On Saturday, March 4, 2006, Yuko Tanaka will present a concert of the fortepiano featuring works by CPE Bach, JC Bach, Haydn and Mozart.
The final concert, on Saturday, April 1, 2006, features a performance of works by Ortiz, Marais, Uccellini, and Rossi by Shira Kamman on baroque violin, David Morris on baroque cello, and Yuko Tanaka on harpsichord.
All three concerts will be held in the Las Positas College Library, Building 2000 at 3033 Collier Canyon Road, in Livermore. All three programs get underway with a pre-concert talk at 7:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 8:00 p.m.
The suggested donation at the door is $10 for Las Positas students and $15 for the general public. For more information, please contact Artistic Director Marilyn Marquis at (925) 424-1209.


1/11/06

Las Positas College Presents ‘Cash For College’ Financial Aid Workshops for Tri-Valley Students
Workshops Scheduled for January 25, 31, February 1, 2, 12, and 15 at Local Schools

(Livermore, CA) - The Financial Aid Office of Las Positas College has scheduled six free ‘Cash for College’ informational workshops in the Tri-Valley region designed to assist parents and high school seniors who plan to attend college in applying for financial aid. Financial aid can assist students to pay for college, and may be available for part-time or full-time enrollment. Fee waivers, grants, work-study, student loans and scholarships help cover school expenses such as tuition/fees, room/board, books/supplies, transportation and personal expenses.
The goal is to ensure that students meet the March 2, 2006 Cal Grant deadline, and to make certain that each student is considered for the maximum amount of free federal and state grant money for college.
The first Cash for College Workshop is slated for Wednesday, January 25, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Granada High School Student Union, 400 Wall Street in Livermore. The next workshop is Tuesday, January 31, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward, 2490 Grove Way in Castro Valley. On Wednesday, February 1, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., a workshop will be held at the Dublin High School Library, located at 8151 Village Parkway in Dublin. The next workshop will be held on Thursday, February 2, in the Livermore High School Theater, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at 600 Maple Street in Livermore. On Wednesday, February 15, a financial aid workshop is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Village High School multi-purpose room, located at 4645 Bernal Avenue in Pleasanton.
A more comprehensive and hands-on financial aid workshop is scheduled on Sunday, February 12, at Las Positas College with an informational presentation and Q & A session scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the LPC Student Center, Building 1800.
From noon to 3:00 p.m., visitors can access a drop-in computer lab with professional staff assistance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and apply online in Room 1519.
Assistance is available in Mandarin, Spanish, and Portuguese. Participants who do attend the workshop at noon are welcome to receive hands-on assistance in completing and filing an online FAFSA following the workshop, in Room 1519. For more information and to register for the February 12 workshop, please contact the Las Positas College Financial Aid Office at (925) 424-1580 or email lpcfinaid@laspositascollege.edu Participants are asked to bring a pen, and their 2005 W-2 forms or federal tax return, and all other pertinent income information.


1/3/06

Las Positas College Unveils Two New Business Classes with Consumer Appeal

(Livermore, CA) - Las Positas College in Livermore introduces two new classes in the Spring Semester designed to appeal to fledgling investors and those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the federal tax code as it applies to individuals.
Principles of Federal Income Tax (BUSN 9950) covers tax laws and provides students with the information they need to prepare their own taxes correctly by the end of the semester. The class meets Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. starting January 17.
Also new is Introduction to Investments (BUSN 81), a basic introduction to the world of securities, the stock market, saving for retirement, options, ETF’s and more. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:25 p.m. to 6:55 p.m. beginning on January 31.
Evan Barshack, an attorney and full-time instructor at LPC who also has an MBA with a Finance Specialty, will teach both classes.
“The curriculum for both classes is lively and full of interesting and practical information that students can apply to their own finances. For example, the IRS estimates that the average taxpayer overpays in taxes by $438 per year. The class will present students with ways to locate and remedy that type of error,” according to Barshack.
For more information please contact Evan Barshack at (925) 424-1000, ext. 2945.

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