Oakland

Opinion: Let’s Promise to Put the Dream of College Within Closer Reach

Published

9 years ago

October 6, 2017

By Rob Bonta

Imagine yourself a high school senior, enjoying fall sports, hunkering down for the toughest part of the semester, around the beginning of October. Many of your classmates already know where they’ll apply to attend college and even toured campuses over the summer. Yours is a different story, however, because your family isn’t quite sure college is in the cards for you.

Your parents, like so many Californians, are on edge about the increasing cost of living– particularly housing– and you don’t think financial aid will cover enough of your expenses. You could work part-time and try to balance college or you could put it off for a year or two and try to save up. There would be sacrifices either way.

While California already offers fee waivers to low- income community college students, legislation currently on the Governor’s desk would, if signed into law, expand fee waivers to all first-year community college students including middle-income students.

I voted for Assembly Bill 19, authored by Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-43), because it would waive tuition for all of California’s first-time, full-time community college students for their first year. These so-called “Promise” programs have helped students across the nation– including in areas like Long Beach and, more recently, San Francisco– successfully enroll in certain community or technical colleges.

Promoting full-time attendance with this fee waiver can also help students access additional state and federal financial aid that many may not realize they’re eligible to receive. For example, the Promise program in Tennessee requires students to file a federal financial aid application (FAFSA). Over 70 percent of high school seniors in Tennessee completed their FAFSAs in 2015-16, the highest rate in the nation. Assembly Bill 19 can help motivate students, once they’re enrolled at a California community college, to similarly apply for federal aid.

California stands to gain much from this investment. Research shows we will need 1 million new college -educated workers to sustain our workforce and competitive advantage. In today’s economy, a high school diploma isn’t always enough. We must create equity and opportunity for low- and middle-income families.

I believe Assembly Bill 19 will help reach students who may not otherwise enter college due to their financial circumstances or a general sense that college isn’t right for them. Under the Long Beach College Promise, the number and percentage of students across all ethnic groups who’ve successfully completed coursework needed to transfer to a four-year program have increased.

If you were a high school senior, would the promise of one-year’s tuition encourage or discourage your choice about college? Mr. Governor, please sign that promise.

Assemblymember Rob Bonta represents the 18th Assembly District, which includes Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro and is the Assistant Majority Leader and Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legislative Caucus.

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Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

Published

20 hours ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

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Arts and Culture

Prescott Circus Theatre Presents Free Summer Performance Series

Now in its 41st year, the Prescott Circus Theatre is a nationally recognized performing arts education program for Oakland youth. The circus offers safe environments that challenge Oakland youth, through circus arts training, to develop the skills and confidence to thrive on stage, in school, and in life.

Published

1 week ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Prescott Circus showcase pathways pyramid. Photo courtesy of Prescott Circus.

By Post Staff

The Prescott Circus, Oakland’s longest-running youth circus, is returning this summer with its free shows. Join the Prescott Circus’s young stars as they share their joys and talents through stilt-dancing, tumbling, juggling, and more.

At the heart of this one-hour show, which demonstrates teamwork, pride, and joy, are Oakland Unified School District students ages 8 – 17 from more than 10 different schools

This is accomplished through no-cost school and community programs for more than 300 Oakland youth each year. Performing company members from Prescott, where the program began, perform and make appearances at as many as 40 Bay Area events each year.

The summer program is funded in part by Oakland Fund for Children and Youth, California Arts Council, Port of Oakland, and the West Davis & Bergard Foundation.

Performances will be held Tuesday, July 14, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (ASL interpreted) and Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m., at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. For free reservations go to

https://PrescottCircusSummerShows.eventbrite.com

For group reservations for camps, childcare centers, senior centers, go to www.prescottcircus.org

A community show will be held Saturday, July 18, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at DeFremery Park,1651 Adeline St., Oakland.

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NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

Published

1 week ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo by Billie Powers.

Special to The Post

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7.

Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legislative failures, and the erosion of constitutional protections affecting millions of Americans.

The proceedings will feature testimony from victims, families, advocates, and organizations from across the country who contend they have experienced harm through government actions, institutional neglect, and failures of oversight.

According to organizers, the People’s Grand Jury will focus on concerns involving probate courts, guardianships, conservatorships, child welfare systems, property rights, civil liberties, and what participants view as a growing disconnect between government institutions and the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve.

NPRC is participating because many of the issues being examined mirror the concerns raised by advocates, victims, and families who have participated in its monthly town halls. For years, families have reported cases involving exploitation of elders, questionable guardianships, estate depletion, denial of due process, and a lack of meaningful oversight within probate court systems.

“This proceeding gives victims and advocates an opportunity to place their experiences on the public record,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “For too long, families have struggled to have their voices heard regarding elder abuse, probate exploitation, and government inaction. This forum allows those stories to be shared before a national audience.”

In keeping with principles of transparency and fairness, invitations have been extended to legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcement representatives, and other public officials who may wish to respond to concerns raised during the proceedings or defend actions taken by their respective institutions.

One of the primary outcomes sought by organizers is public consideration and support for the People’s Remedy and Restoration Act, a proposed legislative framework that advocates believe would strengthen oversight, increase accountability, provide remedies for victims of governmental abuse, and restore constitutional protections.

The proceedings are expected to be broadcast nationally, providing citizens throughout the United States an opportunity to observe testimony, review evidence presented, and participate in an ongoing conversation regarding government accountability and the protection of individual rights.

Advocates hope the hearings will encourage meaningful dialogue, legislative reform, and renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

Individuals, organizations, public officials, and members of the media interested in attending or obtaining access information may contact the organizers at tollandroll2025@gmail.com.

As Americans continue to debate the future of constitutional governance, judicial accountability, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, the July proceedings are expected to serve as a significant forum for public testimony and civic engagement. For more information, go to https://tollandroll.com