COASTLINE COLLEGE

After two years of being closed to the public, Coastline Art Gallery in Newport Beach is hosting its first art show, "An Orderly Line?" This three-person exhibition focuses on one of the seven elements of art: line. A basic gesture that has the power to be a complex tool of expression. The phrase, an orderly line, comes from the first half of a poster promoting safety procedures used for civil defense air raid drills, "An Orderly Line Is a Safe Line!" This slogan was a product of the WPA's efforts to ease congestion and assure that all members of the community found refuge in the event of a disturbance.

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

Over the weekend, a Huntington Beach Police helicopter, HB-1, crashed in Newport Beach waters while responding to a call Saturday evening. The crash resulted in the injury of the pilot and tragically killing Officer Nicholas Vella. Officer Vella, a 14-year veteran of the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD), was 44 years old and leaves behind a wife and teenage daughter. He is described by his colleagues as a selfless and driven police officer and man.

This tragedy hits close to home to our GWC colleagues in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety departments, many of whom are either active or retired HBPD officers; and Chief Jon Arnold, GWC Public Safety Director and 30-year veteran of the HBPD, who served as a former helicopter pilot and flight instructor and has personally experienced the challenges and hazards of law enforcement aviation. On behalf of the Coast District and Golden West College, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Officer Vella, Huntington Beach Police Department, GWC's community of officers and trainees served by our training center, and our GWC family as they grieve the loss of their friend, colleague, and brother.

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE

During the month of February, Orange Coast College is celebrating Black History Month, a nationally recognized observance that highlights the achievements and contributions of Black- and African-Americans who have shaped United States history. OCC's newly formed Black Student Union (BSU) led the way, organizing several events throughout the month including a "Certified Black Students Meet & Greet" on Zoom, an online screening of the film "A Love Song for Latasha," and a "Rollin' in Melanin" roller skating event on Feb. 25 at Fountain Valley Skating Rink. Founded last year by president Nylah Hines, the OCC BSU provides a space for students to gather and learn more about Black culture in the U.S and around the world. OCC's Multicultural Center, International Multicultural Committee and Student Equity program also collaborated to plan several events throughout the month, including lectures that are part of OCC's Umoja Indaba Series.