Please join me in congratulating Dr. John Nunes, inaugurated today as the ninth president of California Lutheran University. Because Cal Lu and the city have grown up together, our histories are intricately intertwined. Having first-rate higher education in our community is essential for everyone, including those of us well past college age.

I’ve gotten to know Dr. Nunes a bit during his time as interim president, and found we share many things in common – a love of language and books; a deep concern over attacks on science, the arts, and education; and above all a recognition that the most important thing we have is, as he put it today, “the gift of one another.”

I’m looking forward to a continued strong partnership with Dr. Nunes and the CLU community.

#callutheran #clu #thousandoaks #conejovalley #highereducation #venturacounty #tocc

I am happy for everyone who graduated today from California Lutheran University but none more so than first-gen grad Wilbert Ac.

Wilbert grew up on Warwick Avenue, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects that gangs, violence, and drugs had on his family. Volunteering with Safe Passage Youth Foundation, he turned away from a “bad path” and instead began helping others in his community. Wilfred’s work at the Conejo Community Center earned him the city’s first Community Commitment Award from then-mayor Claudia Bill-de la Peña.

Today Wilbert completed his studies at CLU and faces a bright future. He already has a job in the corporate world, and is especially interested in continuing his interest in film/video production (take note, production companies!)

Congratulations to Wilbert, his family, and all the community groups who support him!

Photo 1: Amy Commans

#thousandoaks #clu #callutheran #safepassageyouth #conejovalley #tocc

Had the privilege yesterday of touring the Paulucci Studios of KCLU Radio, one of the premier news organizations on California’s Central Coast or anywhere else. This excellent resource on the California Lutheran University campus is required listening for me every morning and whenever news breaks.

Like all NPR stations, KLCU is listener-supported. I’m so glad thousands of others have joined my wife and me in supporting KCLU and local journalism. The Paulucci Studios also have a classroom and lab for CLU students.

#kclu #callutheran #npr #radionews #breakingnews #journalism #freepress #thousandoaks #conejovalley #venturacounty #centralcoast #tocc

Congratulations to the Cal Lutheran Regals women’s soccer team, the NCAA 2023 Division III national champions. Last night the City Council honored the team for bringing the first-ever national collegiate championship to Thousand Oaks. Go Regals!

#soccer #womenssoccer #womensfootball #callutheran #thousandoaks #tocc