Alameda briefs: Peralta deputy chancellor, chief operating officer named

ALAMEDA

At their regular meeting last week, the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Greg Nelson as the district’s deputy chancellor and chief operating officer (COO), effective Monday of this week. The PCCD consists of the College of Alameda, Oakland’s Laney and Merritt colleges and Berkeley City College.

“We are thrilled to welcome Greg Nelson to the Peralta colleges leadership team,” said Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, the PCCD’s chancellor.

“His extensive experience in higher education finance and operations, coupled with his deep commitment to student success, make him a perfect fit for this critical role. His recent work eliminating costs and other barriers to enrollment for historically marginalized and minoritized students, a testament to his commitment to our mission, has been impressive.”

Nelson previously served in key leadership positions at San José City College and the College of Marin. Throughout his career, he has managed finances, streamlined operations and removed barriers to enrollment for underserved student populations.

“I am honored to be selected as the deputy chancellor and COO for the Peralta Community College District,” said Nelson. “I am deeply impressed by the District’s commitment to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities, and I look forward to working with the dedicated faculty, classified professionals and administrators to further that mission.”

In his new role, Nelson is overseeing critical operational areas including finance and administration, general services and technology. His expertise in these areas, combined with his understanding of the California Community Colleges system, will be instrumental in ensuring the district’s continued financial health and operational effectiveness.

Nelson also brings a unique perspective to the role, having served as an adjunct faculty member teaching project management courses. This experience will provide valuable insights as he leads the district in achieving its strategic goals.

His selection comes after a comprehensive national search that attracted a strong pool of candidates. The PCCD extends its gratitude to the search committee and all those who participated in the selection process, including faculty, classified professionals, administrators and community members.

Founded in 1964, the Peralta colleges provide a dynamic multicultural learning environment offering accessible, high-quality educational programs and services — including two-year degrees, certificates and university transfer programs — to more than 30,000 students a year. For more details online, visit peralta.edu.

— PCCD

City’s minimum wage increased to $17 an hour on Monday

The city of Alameda’s minimum wage increased to $17 an hour this week on Monday (the state’s required minimum wage may be higher in some instances). The minimum wage applies to all employers and employees who work two hours or more a week within the city’s boundaries.

The city will publish an official minimum wage bulletin that informs employees of this year’s new minimum wage requirement and their rights. Employers must post the official minimum wage bulletin in a conspicuous place at each workplace or job site in the city of Alameda.

Employers are required to post the official minimum wage bulletin in English. This notice should also be posted in the second most spoken language by employees. The official minimum wage bulletin is available for downloading online at bit.ly/45R6CHJ. Printed copies are also available at the Community Development Department in Room 205 on the second floor of Alameda’s City Hall West at 950 West Mall Square.

— Downtown Alameda Business Association

Latin cultural Fiesta Alameda returning for third year July 21

Officials from the Alameda-based West End Arts District (WEAD) organization have announced the third annual Fiesta Alameda, a free one-day festival celebrating Latin music, dance, food and drinks.

Taking place at Radium Runway on Alameda Point (the former Naval Air Station Alameda) with its unique views of the San Francisco Bay, the crowd will be jumping to the beats of regional Latin performers from 12 to 6 p.m. July 21.

Musical performances scheduled are Petate (Indian, Latin Fusion) from noon to 1 p.m., Radio Café (Afro-Peruvian psychedelic rock) from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., Sang Matiz (“Afro-Latin tropical spice”) from 3 to 4 p.m. and VibraSÓN (Latin vibraphone and salsa) from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Other entertainment will be provided by Per Sia (Fiesta Alameda’s emcee) from 1 to 1:15 p.m., Grupo Folklorico Tlapalli (Mexican folk dancing) from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m., Batalá San Francisco (Samba Reggae, Afro-Brazilian) from 2:45 to 3 p.m. and In Lak’ech Dance Academy from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

In Lak’ech Dance Academy will also teach free dance classes during the day, and festival emcee Per Sia will keep the audience entertained between musical performances. She is a Latinx and nonbinary youth educator, drag queen and storyteller extraordinaire.

What’s a festival without a great bar? Fiesta Alameda features hometown Latino-owned Building 43 Winery serving their wines and craft brews from Latino-owned Del Cielo Brewery. Margaritas and more mixed with award-winning tequilas Olmeca Altos and Código 1530 will be available at the bar. A host of local craft beers, wines, cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages will also be available.

Experience the festival from the Fiesta Fanaticas VIP Zone with spectacular views of the stage, two drink tickets, a private bar and spacious seating. This is a great place to bring your food, hang with friends and family and to enjoy the entertainment on the music stage. Not only will you have a great time, you will also help support this cultural arts festival financially, helping to keep it admission-free for all ages to enjoy.

Michael Lane Homes is sponsoring the kids’ crafting zone. Kids of all ages will get crafty and creative with Rhythmix Cultural Works. The USS Hornet’s jet cockpit from an F8 Crusader will be available for attendees to sit in at the pilot’s seat and for photo opportunities.

Families will also be able to browse from dozens of artisan vendors selling art, body products, apparel, jewelry and more. Festival info, drink tickets, volunteer and vendor applications and more are online at westendartsdistrict.org/fiesta-alameda.

— WEAD

Woman, 90, wins President’s Cup golf tournament on birthday

Jan Peyrot became a Bay Area golf legend last week, especially to those who follow women’s golf. Peyrot turned 90 on June 20 and on the same day competed in and won the two-day President’s Cup tournament against a field of women, many of whom were 30 to 40 years younger than her.

Played in Alameda since 1953, Peyrot was 19 when the President’s Cup tournament began, and her name will be added to it now at age 90. Peyrot says that golf is what got her through COVID-19 pandemic closure because courses were open to play during much of the pandemic.

She she has made friendships from playing golf and that the physical part of the game keeps her walking, swinging, bending and laughing a lot. Having served previously as a school principal, Peyrot says she uses her skills to help other golfers learn the game.

She was met during the tournament on the 18th hole by fellow golfers, who surprised her by wearing masks of her face and cheering as she approached the green. Peyrot’s oldest friend from Virginia flew in to celebrate her birthday and watched as she sunk the last putt to win by six strokes over the closest competitor.

Peyrot took her hard-earned trophy home to admire it over the weekend and share it with family and friends to celebrate 90 years of good living with her. On a side note, Peyrot also won her flight in match play last month. She is at the top of her game right now and thankful for golf, her health and her many friends she has made playing golf.

Alameda is home to the Bay Area’s oldest and largest women’s golf club, in which more than 100 members compete weekly in various types of competition or just for the fun of the game.

— Denise Gasti

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