Community Colleges Can Help Close the Gap

Re “Census Sensibilities,” Editorial, April 22:

Your editorial on the new 2000 census data for Orange County questioned whether Orange County is headed for a division geographically into the “haves” (south) and the “have-nots” (central and north). Why? The 2000 census confirms significant demographic shifts. A growing portion of the populations of central and northern Orange County cities including Anaheim lack the skills and education needed for jobs in our information economy.

Do we have the leadership to address the gaps in education and job training you asked? I believe the North Orange County Community College District does. We just closed escrow on the purchase of our first facility in Anaheim. We will convert the former Martin Luther Hospital building into a higher-education complex for Anaheim.

We expect to play a significant role in closing the gaps in education and training in Anaheim. Our two community colleges, Cypress and Fullerton, will be offering transferable college-credit classes there as well as many vocational programs. Our School of Continuing Education will have courses including basic skills, ESL, business education, computer training, and vocational/work force preparation at our new Anaheim center.

We have accepted your challenge. We see this as an opportunity to serve some urgent needs in north Orange County.

Leonard Lahtinen

Board of Trustees

North Orange County

Community College District