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Diablo Valley College presents district update to Walnut Creek council, highlights facilities planning and student supports
Summary
Contra Costa Community College District Chancellor Moshe de Merizada and Diablo Valley College President Monica Chahal briefed the council on enrollment, services, fiscal health and facilities planning; the district is collecting community input on potential future bonds and prioritizing projects completed in June 2024.
Chancellor Moshe de Merizada and Diablo Valley College President Monica Chahal presented a "state of the district" update to the Walnut Creek City Council Nov. 18, outlining enrollment, student supports and facilities planning for the Contra Costa Community College District.
De Merizada said the district serves roughly 50,000 students across three colleges and two centers, and emphasized the system’s long history in Contra Costa County. President Monica Chahal described DVC’s range of programs — transfer pathways, workforce certificates and dual-enrollment options — and highlighted services such as free tuition for eligible students, food pantries, mental-health services and technology loans. Chahal said DVC’s three foundations have raised more than $3,200,000 since 2020 for scholarships and emergency funds.
On facilities, district staff said the governing board approved updated facilities plans in June 2024 and that community surveys are underway to gather feedback about prioritized projects and a potential future bond. Chancellor de Merizada noted the district’s recent economic-impact analysis estimating roughly $2.3 billion in added annual income to Contra Costa County, equivalent to about 23,752 jobs, and framed the colleges as a local economic investment.
Councilmembers thanked the presenters and asked about instructional modalities and facilities priorities. DVC noted it offers extensive remote instruction alongside in-person, hands-on classes for subjects such as math, science and career-technical education that require lab or shop space. The district said it aims to provide flexible campus spaces that accommodate evolving modes of instruction and workforce needs.
The district’s representatives invited further engagement and noted Trustee Diana Honig (vice president of the governing board) represents Ward 2, which includes Walnut Creek. Staff said they will continue community outreach as facilities plans and any bond proposals develop.
