Compass

The Arts & Culture Festival 2025 was a success, thanks to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of the entire team. Every detail—from planning to execution—was handled with care and consideration for the student experience, resulting in a creative, artful day that was enjoyed by all who attended. Churros and popcorn were served from the De Anza courtyard, adding a fan favorite while sprinkling a little sugar and spice onto the festivities.

Spring is a perfect time to recommit and reinvigorate our health-related goals. As the weather warms up, our partners through the Wellness Program and the Transportation Alternatives Program connect us to campus resources to help us get moving and take steps to care for our health and wellbeing. Here are a few program highlights from this year’s UC Moves, CycleMAYnia, Bike to Work Program, and Diabetes Prevention efforts.

CycleMAYnia 

Congratulations to our June 2025 Retirees!

Robert Bustillos

Manuel Herrera

Laura Hoffman

Andy Johnson

Enrique Perez

Hilda Perez

Vicente Perez Chavez

Bruce Simioni

Welcome

Javier Delgado, Cook

Career Advancements

Leonardo Ayala, Assistant Resident Director

Annika Gilbert, Disability Accommodations Coordinator

Alexis Guerra, Assistant Director, Business and Finance

Liz Ocampo, Sr. Auto Equipment Operator

I’d like to start this issue with my sincere gratitude. The outpouring of support following the loss of our colleague and friend Jesus Beltran has been deeply moving. The memorial BBQ hosted at DLS was a great success, and I’m proud of how we came together to honor his memory, serving over 370 meals and raising more than $7,600 for his family. Whether you attended the BBQ, donated, or honored his memory in your own way, your care made all the difference.

Starting in the fall, Portola Dining Commons renewed its partnership with Isla Vista Elementary School, bringing back an important tradition that had been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the pandemic, IV Elementary students regularly visited Portola as part of a special program designed to foster community connections and give students a unique dining experience. This year, Principal Reyes brought back the tradition, inviting small groups of sixth-grade students to join her for lunch at Portola once a month.

HDAE Staff on the Move

Welcome

Annalise Almada, Financial Coordinator

Ricardo Barron Jimenez, Groundskeeper

Audrey Benelisha, Front House Personnel Supervisor

Jorge Cabrera, Irrigation Specialist

Virginia Guerrero, Salad Bar Coordinator

Andrea Guerrero, Baker

Francisco Macias, Cook

Jovanni Negorreta, Sr. Cook