Since networking is the number one reason why businesses join the Chamber of Commerce, at May’s meeting OCCMG refined a plan to bring a more select and exclusive networking system to the Oceanside Chamber membership. Titled Oceanside Chamber Net 10 this exciting new group will begin on June 14 and meet at a local chamber member restaurant from 4-5:30pm. The coordination of the group will be through Net 10 with support provided by Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. Because it is exclusive, only one business will represent each category. In this sense it is similar to all other networking groups, but this is where the similarity ends. There are no referral requirements or penalties and no required food or drink purchases at meetings. A waiting list will be formed if more than one business in a category is interested and as the waiting list grows, more groups will be formed.

This unique group will meet twice a month in a casual, friendly, low-pressure environment. The first two visits are free and membership in the Chamber is not required until the second visit, so invite your friends to come along and try it out. Details will follow or can be obtained by visiting www.net10networkers.com, or calling 888-593-4116, or emailing net10networkers@cox.net. Ensure your business category is still open by contacting them soon. The weekly chamber e-newsletter will also carry some details.

OCCMG meets the first Thursday of the month from 12-1pm at the Chamber meeting room. If you want to get involved with what’s going on in your Chamber, make time in your busy schedule to join us on June 7th. We look forward to meeting you.

The Supreme Court, redistricting, and a history lesson, combined with a run for an open seat in the California 76th Assembly District, created the background for a rare opportunity to hear Rocky Chavez, Farrah Douglas and Sherry Hodges, participate jointly in a recent public forum. Local citizens, business leaders, and students interested in casting an educated vote in the Tuesday, June 5, 2012 primary, attended the event to discover how each candidate plans to ensure that North County remains a great place to live, work, and attend school.

Co-Hosts, Sponsors:

Co-hosting the forum were: The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, The Oceanside Chamber BACPAC (Business and Community Political Action Committee) and MiraCosta College. Each organization said the forum presented an ideal opportunity to fulfill their respective missions to the local communities they serve by elevating political awareness. Strong leaders help ensure thriving business and residential communities, superior education systems, a strong workforce, cutting-edge health care, and much more. Ensuring the funding to make the event possible, by participating as co-sponsors, were: Federal Heath Sign, in Oceanside; and AT&T.

Moderator, History:

William (Bill) Ims, the forum moderator, and a BACPAC Representative, detailed the “rules of engagement” and introduced the candidates. Prior to that however, Bill first shared a bit of history, and a lesson on California state legislature as follows:

The California State Assembly is the lower house of the state legislature and is comprised of 80 districts, each representing approximately 420,000 people. In 1960 the districts were not sized equally, and the Supreme Court of the United States stepped-in to change the districts from disproportionate sizes to proportionate sizes in order to equalize vote influence.

Bill continued by explaining that approximately every 10 years, after each census, the lines are redrawn. In 2008-2010, a California redistricting committee made up of 14 citizens comprised of 5 members of each major party, plus 4 members of neither party was created to redraw and equalize the districts to ensure a sufficient number of people are represented in each district based on every possible category. The redrawn 76th District looks vastly different than the prior 10-years. The new district covers Encinitas north including the cities of: Carlsbad, Oceanside, parts of Camp Pendleton, and Vista.

Format, Rules:

Next, interested in bit of fun, attendees learned that the forum planning committee had added a further surprise. Unlike many other forums and debates, the candidates did not receive advance questions, preparation or coaching. The event coordinators felt this added an opportunity to gain insight into the candidate’s thought processes, ability to answer impromptu questions, and more.

Questioning was explained next. Open-ended such as: how, where, when, and why, would require a 75-second narrative answer, with a 15-second warning given at 60-seconds. Closed-ended questions, which normally require only a yes or no, would require the candidate to hold up a card which was red on one side for “no” answers, and green on the other side for “yes” answers. With one more twist for a candidates to navigate, this was starting to look challenging!

Official Questioners:

Introduced next, were the official “questioners,” also jokingly referred to “inquistors extraordinaire.” They were: Debbie Allen, Past and also Current Chair of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce; and MiraCosta College student Sasha Tangerian, who is the current President of the Associated Students; a biology major; a winner of the college’s prestigious Medal of Honor for Excellence this year; and plans next to attend UCSD, where he will study to become an anesthesiologist.

Candidates:

The candidates, who are running to replace termed-out Assembly Martin Garrick include:

Rocky Chavez, who was born in LA, is a retired marine colonel, a former Oceanside City Council member, and a former head of the California Dept. of Veteran Affairs.

Farrah Douglas, who owns a printing business in Carlsbad with her husband, is currently a Carlsbad City Council member, and also serves on 10 community boards.

Sherry Hodges, who is lifelong resident of San Diego County, built a carpentry business with her husband, and has served as: Assemblywoman Diane Harkey’s Chief of Staff; representative for Assemblyman Mark Wyland; and District Director for Senator Mimi Walters.

Each candidate was given nine individual narrative questions, where they had up to 75-seconds to answer. Candidates were also asked seven questions where they needed to show either a red card (for a no) or a green card (for a yes). The seven questions follow the narratives.

The following transcript of the Q&A narratives was transcribed by an administrative team member of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. It gives the actual question the candidate received, and his or her answer. Please note that while the questions at the forum were asked of each candidate in rotation, the transcript shows all of the answers for each candidate sequentially, prior to proceeding to the next candidate. The candidate’s answers are displayed in the order they were introduced:

1. Rocky Chavez

2. Farrah Douglas

3. Sherry Hodges.

This begins the Q&A for the candidates:

ROCKY CHAVEZ

1. ROCKY – In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue facing the Legislature today?

The most pressing issue is the inability of the Legislature to do approve a budget, on time, which meeting the priorities of the citizens. The Legislature has not shown they can do a budget that meets the needs of the people and to do it on time. The elected representative will be sitting on various committees, setting priorities. So my experience in the State Executive branch of government, in the Department of Veterans Affairs, will help me do the same.

2. ROCKY – What book are you now reading?

I am reading “Stand Up Nation” which deals with the successes of Israel by the investment they make in their people. It is about entrepreneurs and risk takers. Much of this success is a result of every citizen serving in the military.

3. ROCKY – You are all on record as pledging to not increase taxes. Without increasing taxes, how specifically will you increase State revenue?

I would work to lower the unemployment rate. That can only happen when California realizes it needs to support business. I recognize the value of supporting business. An example of a State decision that affected business adversely: The water supply to the Central Valley was cut and, as a result, there was a 30 to 40% increase in unemployment in that area. We need to increase jobs so California can be more competitive in the United States and the world.

4. ROCKY – You were elected to the Oceanside City Council and resign to pursue an opportunity in the administration of Governor Schwarzenegger. Some voters have said they feel robbed when someone they have elected leaves office before the end of their term to pursue another opportunity. How can the voters be sure you will complete your full term if you are elected to the State Assembly?

I left because I had an opportunity to serve veterans during a time of war. It was a great experience and many people complimented me on my choice. I love these communities—Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista—and an opportunity to come back and work for them is an honor.

5. ROCKY – How much would you pay for a gallon of milk?

I don’t know; we buy milk in the quart size and pay about $1.35. (Actual cost: $4.99)

6. ROCKY – How much does the average family of 4 pay for rent in San Diego County?

How many rooms? I would guess $1,600 per month.

7. ROCKY – Give us a specific example of when you have brought divergent opinions to consensus? Tell us how specifically did you accomplish that?

It was while I was on the Oceanside City Council. There was an infill project proposed for a neighborhood that was causing a lot of controversy. I went with my assistant to the site and held a neighborhood meeting in front of the property and invited both sides to join me. I started a dialogue, brought people together, and the project went forward. The only way to solve conflicts is to bring together, listen and clarify the issues.

8. ROCKY – What measures do you believe the Assembly can take to either keep the current businesses and jobs here in California or to encourage new businesses and job growth?

Each member of the Assembly represents a specific area. There are diverse interests and common interests. I will make alliances to work on common interests compromising when I can. We need to control the cost of water. Both parties need to work together.

9. ROCKY – Assembly Bill AB131 expands the provisions of the Dream Act and allows all undocumented students who graduate from high school and who meet the criteria for in-state tuition to apply for and participate in all student financial aid administered by the State of California. Both these Bills have been signed into law by Governor Brown. What is your position on the matter?

The Dream Act was the smartest strategic move the Democratic Party could make to assure their party will control the State for years to come. The Dream Act lets people get a college degree but they can’t stay here to work. It dances around the issue of residency. It avoids a comprehensive immigration reform and we need comprehensive immigration reform.

FARRAH DOUGLAS

1. FARRAH – What specific recommendations do you have for balancing the budget?

First, we need a transparent budget process. Second, we need to cut spending by looking at the budget line-by-line eliminating waste. Third, we can also cut jobs by attrition and consolidate jobs using technology. Fourth, we need to expand revenue by cutting regulations on business. The cost of doing business in California is about 40% higher than elsewhere.

2. FARRAH – Who is your political hero?

Ronald Reagan. I fled from Iran to the United States and applied for citizenship. Ronald Reagan was the first President I voted for and he is my hero.

3. FARRAH – In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue facing the Legislature today?

We need to balance the budget. And to do that we need to create an atmosphere that makes the Legislature work. We need to collaborate and we have to be able to work together. In all have done, I am always a problem solver not a problem creator.

4. FARRAH – You are currently serving a term to which you were elected on the Carlsbad City Council. But you are now pursuing higher office prior to completing your term as a Councilmember. How can the voters be sure you will complete your full term if you are elected to the State Assembly?

I am running with the encouragement of my fellow Council members and the Mayor. I am running because as a Council member I am limited as to what I can do because of what is coming from Sacramento. There are many problems created by the State that cannot be solved at the City level. It ties the hands of the Council. Carlsbad is well run but can’t work well if the State keeps taking our money. The State also imposes unfunded mandates which are bad for the cities.

5. FARRAH – What is the cost of this box of cereal?

About $5.00 (actual cost: $5.19)

6. FARRAH – Would you estimate the current unemployment rate in San Diego County?

About 12% in the County and about 10% in the State.

7. FARRAH – What do you believe can be done about the gridlock in the Legislature? What would you do to resolve it?

I would start talking with the other side. The Legislature is now polarized and do not talk with each other. I have always operated in a non-partisan manner (as Carlsbad Chamber Chair, on the Carlsbad Planning Commission and on the Carlsbad City Council). I believe you need to be open minded, have a open door and be transparent.

8. FARRAH – Do you believe that businesses, and jobs, are migrating out of the State? Please tell us upon what information you are basing your answer. And, if so, what can be done about this?

Yes. Data collected in 2011 shows that five businesses left California every day. They left because of the cost of business here and over regulation. It is cheaper to move and set up business in other states. And future environmental laws are going to escalate costs even more.

9. FARRAH – How do you stop the severe escalation of college tuition?

This is the biggest issue we have now. As the government keeps cutting the budget for schools, tuition goes up so that the colleges can meet their costs. Some colleges are also limiting the numbers of credits a student takes to 13. This means that students cannot graduate in four years. We can cut costs to students with the use of e-books as books are the biggest costs for students.

SHERRY HODGES

1. SHERRY – You are all on record as pledging to not increase taxes. Without increasing taxes, how specifically will you increase State revenue?

We need to regulate and improve the permit processes for businesses and take away regulation processes. One business a day leaves the State and our unemployment rate is stagnant. We need fewer regulations. Many of the current state departments are governing without proper authority; this needs to stop.

2. SHERRY – What is your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?

Ask my children. I can’t think of a specific example. I am sure there is one . . . I am an optimist and see the glass as ½ full. Whatever my failure, I try to learn from it.

3. SHERRY – What specific recommendations do you have for balancing the budget?

We need to increase jobs. We also need a rainy day reserve. If we had had a reserve, we could have used it and not cuts funds to education and public safety. Our pensions are too high and we need pension reform. And, government is growing way too fast. We need to stop hiring more State government employees.

4. SHERRY – How will you effectively make the shift from your long-standing role of administrative assistant/chief-of-staff where you implement decisions to the role of legislator where you are the decision-maker?

As chief-of-staff, I understand what is required of staff. I understand the complexities of the State legislature and how the Legislature works. I was involved in committees and had a leadership role in shaping policy.

5. SHERRY – How much does it cost to buy this loaf of bread?

$3.50 – $4.00 (actual cost: $3.49)

6. SHERRY – Can you tell us what the approximate median income (for a family of 4) is in San Diego County?

About $34,000. (Actual: $74,900 – per sandiego.gov link here: http://www.sandiego.gov/redevelopment-agency/pdf/affhousing/ahincomelimits.pdf)

7. SHERRY – How would you work with members of the other political parties in the Assembly to enact your recommendations?

I was already doing that as chief-of-staff working with State legislators. One of the first things I will do when elected is have my chief-of-staff set-up a meeting every 15 minutes with every Democrat in the Legislature. I will then see with whom I can work together. I would work together with other legislators in bring in more jobs and on pension reform.

8. SHERRY – As a member of the Assembly, how will you create more jobs.

One of my pet peeves is the long line on 78 to turn south on 5. Our infrastructure dollars need to come to North County and not be spent in San Diego as Sandag proposed. I would work to cure the imbalance in funding and get more infrastructure money to Northern San Diego County. The State needs to stop taking dollars from local businesses and needs to be business-friendly. I would work to reduce business taxes and fees. I will work to bring more jobs to the State which means more tax revenue and would fund more State services. I will work with the other side.

9. SHERRY – One of today’s most politically embattled discussions is California’s High-Speed Rail Plan. Proponents claim that job growth and other economic benefits will logically follow an integrated transportation system. Opponent’s state that the $68 to $98 billion dollar project is a risk California can’t afford, wrought with chaos, and even if it were built have doubts about its feasibility. What is your position on the matter?

I have worked on this issue and it is a boondoggle. The voters were not told the truth. We have nothing to show for all the money that has been spent on research. There are no private business investors yet. They keep changing the distance the rail will run constantly decreasing it. High-speed rail needs its own track and needs to get up to a high rate of speed which it cannot reach in an urban setting to be truly high-speed; there is no place they can do that. We cannot afford High-speed rail and we need to double-track Amtrak.

This ends the Q&A for each candidate.

Next, red and green cards Questions and Answers:

For further information on Q&A transcripts (if needed) please contact The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, 760-722-1534.

Pam Rumer
Director, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce
Member, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce marketing committee
Volunteer Blogger for marketing committee on Oceanside Chamber of Commerce blog
http://www.linkedin.com/in/pamrumer
pamrumer@yahoo.com

As the saying goes, “out with the old, and in with the new,” well, that’s just what we plan to do! This month, we’ll be renovating out entire fitness center, getting rid of the old equipment and bringing in new equipment.

Why the change? We want to invest in our members and spruce up our fitness center. Each day, we work to improve the quality of life of our members. This is just one more way we can do that. The new equipment coming in is state-of-the-art Precor cardio and strength equipment.

Precor has designed this equipment to make workouts more enjoyable, comfortable, and effective, helping our members stay motivated to achieve their goals more easily. And! Each piece of cardio equipment has a new, innovative touch screen display where you can watch your favorites shows, monitor your workout, or just listen to some tunes using the iPod docking station! Why workout any other way?!

We can’t wait for this change to take place! The fitness center will be closed during the renovation, from Monday, May 21st to Friday, May 25th, and will reopen on May 26th. Stop by and enjoy all our Y has to offer, and take advantage of 50% off the Membership Joining Fee May 26th through May 29th in honor of the new fitness equipment! Visit the YMCA Website.

Our Mission
“The YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through development of the spirit, mind and body.”

We believe that when people get stronger, our community grows. That’s why, at the Y, we help hundreds of people become stronger in spirit, mind, and body every day. From kids in summer camps to seniors in water aerobics, we are changing lives and saving lives. And we do it all through your support and the support of the community. Your support impacts 1 in 5 members at our Y who otherwise wouldn’t be able to have that Y experience.

From working with women at the Women’s Resource Center, to send their kids to camp and being able to reach out and help those who really need it… To a single parent mom needing to find some time to work out and grow, knowing that her kids are safe with the Y staff in Child Watch…There are so many stories and people impacted by the Y and by you. By being a part of our Y, you’re a part of something more. How has the Y impacted you?

For more information, visit the YMCA website or call 760-758-0808.

Our Approach
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Our Commitment
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“Home, family, friends, fun, learning and support – These are the words that come to mind when I think of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside is a community-based organization that is dedicated to providing a safe, fun and constructive environment for youth to spend time during non-school hours.  Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those that need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring individuals.

Since 1952, the Club has been critical to the personal development of all youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances. More than 1,400 children, ages 5 to 18, are served daily at its main Townsite facility, 401 Country Club Lane, and it operates programs at 14 sites throughout the Oceanside and Vista Unified School Districts.

Approximately 90 percent of alumni report that being in a Boys & Girls Club had a positive effect on their lives. That’s because programs are centered on five core areas, including character development, education and career exploration, health and life skills, fitness, sports and the arts, and Clubs are staffed by paid, trained youth development professionals, who form strong bonds with youth and help them to make the right choices in life.

BGCO also provides specialized programming aimed at preventing violence, combatting childhood obesity and educating teens about options available after high school graduation. One collaborative program that has blossomed over the last two years is the Teen Trade Show, which has expanded into a two-day event that reaches thousands of youth at both El Camino and Oceanside High Schools with valuable information about the options available for youth upon high school graduation. The event hosts local employers, universities and community colleges, health organizations, unions, service organizations, military personnel and artistic organizations.

Our full-list of programs and services include:

After-school Programs                                  Gangbusters

Enrichment Programs                                    Soccer Arena & Sports

Holiday & Summer Camps                            Music Classes

Health and Wellness                                       Cooking Classes

Inclusion Programs                                          Recording Studio

Computer Classes                                            Financial Literacy

R.O.A.D.S                                                            Career Development

Scholarships                                                       Journalism Club

Teen Trade Show                                             Diversity Training

Teen Pregnancy Prevention                        Science

Today, BGCO stands as a testament to building bright futures for youth. They have made great strides to improve facilities, expand programs and activities, and keep membership dues low so that no child is ever turned away for financial reasons.

None of this would be possible, however, without the support of the community. BGCO hosts a variety of events throughout the year to raise funds for its programs, including its 7^th Annual Golf Tournament on June 22^nd, and its 25^th Annual Boys & Girls Nite Out event in October.  Other ways donors can give is through monetary gifts, corporate matching programs, in-store fundraisers and percentage-of-sale gifts.

For more information on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oceanside and to find out ways you can support the Club, call 760-443-8920 or visit www.thebgcoceanside.org.

According to the California Department of Employment Development, an additional 12,740 jobs in the technical field will be added within the MiraCosta College district by 2020. These jobs are anticipated to be mostly higher wage positions with earnings of more than $53,000 a year. In response to this, MiraCosta College is poised to take a strong role in training our future local workforce, ensuring that not only will our students start great careers, but that they will be able to live, work and obtain a higher education in North San Diego County.

MiraCosta College has just completed its ten-year education and facilities plan—the 2011 Comprehensive Master Plan—that calls for the expansion of its science, biotechnology, nursing and technical health-related careers and job training programs. The vision that fuels this plan is centered on the college’s commitment to provide exceptional educational opportunities, sound leadership and prudent fiscal stewardship to the North San Diego County communities we are proud to serve. You can view this Master Plan on our website at www.miracosta.edu/masterplan.

The 2011 Master Plan for MiraCosta College is more than just a planning document. It is centered on the needs of our students and community and provides a vision of what the college will look like in the next decade. It also gives the necessary guidance to get us there. This Master Plan is the result of thoughtful collaboration among MiraCosta College faculty, staff, students, community members and the governing board.

Much has changed since MiraCosta College served its first class of 130 students in 1934. What has remained consistent over the past 78 years is our strong commitment to student success, focus on academic excellence and innovation, and dedication to serve the local community. These are the hallmarks of MiraCosta College, and they remain at the forefront as we plan for the future.

Today, the college educates more than 14,500 credit students and another 8,000 noncredit students each semester. As our numbers have grown, so has our focus on student success. This commitment ensures that our students transfer to both public and private universities, start successful careers upon college completion, and achieve their personal and professional goals. As more students graduate from our programs, expect to see an increasing number of well-prepared alumni in our local hospitals, biotechnology facilities and pharmaceutical firms. They represent the future of our region, and your continued support of MiraCosta College ensures that the students of today will be able to capitalize on our local region’s growing job opportunities tomorrow.

MiraCosta College has a long tradition of serving our communities and transforming lives through education. I want to extend a personal invitation to visit one of our three campuses—in Oceanside or Cardiff—or visit us online at www.miracosta.edu. And, as always, thank you for your investment in the futures of our students and our college.

MiraCosta College's Biotechnology Program is One of the Top in the Nation

Designed to accommodate a variety of uses, this private venue (750 square feet) features a water-filled bubble wall, 122-inch diagonal screen with state of the art connectivity and eclectic wine cabinet. The West Room can accommodate up to 50 people for meetings or celebrations or up to 80 people for cocktail receptions.

Perfect for the ultimate personal gathering with menus available from Bistro West & West Steak and Seafood. 4960 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA.

Contact our Private Event Coordinators: Sean Merzbacher 760.930.9100 weststeakandseafood.com or Paula Green 760.930.8008 bistrowest.com

My employees can’t afford health insurance—where can they go for medical and dental care?
I recently lost my job and now my family is uninsured—where can we access medical and dental care?

North County Health Services (NCHS) provides comprehensive medical and dental services at 10 locations in Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos and Ramona. With a mission to improve the health status of these diverse communities by providing quality healthcare that is comprehensive, affordable and culturally sensitive, NCHS serves patients of all ages and accepts Medi Cal, Medicare, and Healthy Families insurance plans as well as a number of private insurances.  If patients do not have insurance, they will be screened based on family size and income level to determine an affordable payment plan for their healthcare needs.  For self-pay patients, the average cost of a visit is around $50.

All of NCHS’ clinicians are board certified or board eligible and have privileges at local hospitals.  Adult services offered at NCHS locations include routine primary and preventative care as well as screenings and treatment for chronic conditions.  NCHS clinicians provide well-baby and child checkups for pediatric patients, as well as immunizations, physicals, sick-child care, health education and nutrition counseling.   Women can also access gynecological and obstetric care and deliver at area hospitals.  Family planning, pregnancy testing, screenings and nutrition counseling is also offered for NCHS patients.

Three NCHS locations offer family dentistry services, including routine exams and cleaning, sealants, fillings, dentures, and more.  NCHS has onsite laboratory and X-ray services, and pharmacy at some locations.

North County Health Services has been North San Diego County’s medical safety net for over forty years.  If you find yourself in need of medical or dental care and don’t have health insurance, let us help you.  Call any health center to set up an appointment.  For more information about North County Health Services and to find a list of health center phone numbers and addresses, visit www.nchs-health.org.

It’s the kind of questions you might expect an upper division political science class to tackle: How do you lead a growing region as vast and diverse as North County? What are the challenges that our leaders face? What will the future of our communities be like?

There are more ways than one to answer these questions as participants in California State University San Marcos’s (CSUSM) Leadership North County (LNC) soon realize. But LNC is not your typical university program and its students aren’t your typical university students.

Born as “Leadership 2000” in 1986 by a group of concerned citizens led by Dr. Fran Aleshire and Major General Marc Moore, the program seeks to cultivate leaders who will address issues unique to the North County region while also developing harmonious working relationships within the cities. In 2001, the program was entrusted to CSUSM – today it is run out of the university’s Division of Community Engagement – and renamed Leadership North County.

In its 16 year history, LNC has inspired over 400 individuals. This year’s class of current and immerging leaders includes a police captain, a museum executive director, a superintendent of a public school district and a dean from CSUSM, along with many individuals from non-profits, city departments and private industries.

Meeting once a month for ten months, each class focuses on a different issue relevant to the region. Topics cover government, transportation and land use, resources and sustainability, healthcare and human services, public safety, Camp Pendleton, education and business.

“Through expert speakers, tours and exercises, participants gather a variety of information about the subject. Each class builds on the one before it and at the end of the day we synthesize what we learned through group discussion,” commented Scott Gross, associate vice president of community engagement at CSUSM and LNC’s program coordinator. “Yet, I think our participants learn as much from each other as they do from the curriculum.”

“I think that as leaders, sometimes we are in danger of growing complacent or even arrogant about our knowledge about subjects, or myopic in our views,” said Veronica Villasenor, vice president relationship manager at U.S. Bank. Villasenor graduated with the class of 2011.

“This program ‘stirs the pot’ so to speak, and causes one to take a look at issues through a new lens. For me, knowing what I know now…makes it virtually impossible for me to idly standby and do nothing about the myriad of issues that have been brought to my attention. I am compelled to speak on topics and challenge the status quo amongst my circle of colleagues and friends.”

Applications for the next class, which begins in September, are now available.

“We are looking for people who are hungry to learn,” said Gross. “People who have a desire to transform themselves and their organizations. People who want to connect, to contemplate the issues of the day and ask, ‘What can I do?’ We are looking for people who truly want to make an impact and create the future of our region.”

The application deadline for the class of 2013 is June 1, 2012. For more information, visit www.csusm.edu/LNC.