West Valley College ranks among nation’s top online degree programs

College gains national recognition

West Valley College in Saratoga placed No. 6 in Forbes’ list of best online associate degree programs in the U.S.

Forbes’ ranking takes into account a program’s academic excellence, accessibility, affordability and job market relevance. They use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers and reputable educational and professional organizations. According to a press release, West Valley’s placement reflects its growing reputation as a leader in accessible education and as a reasonable option for students seeking convenient, career-focused training without sacrificing quality of learning.

“This recognition reflects the passion of our faculty and the dedication of our students,” said Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, president of West Valley College. “We have worked hard to create an online learning experience that preserves the foundation of our principles while making it accessible to students wherever they are.”

West Valley College’s online associate degree programs combine comprehensive virtual instruction with faculty mentorship and resources like free tutoring. From there, graduates can transfer to a four-year degree program at any University of California or California State University or continue their education at many private and out-of-state institutions.

“Our goal has always been to ensure that distance is never a barrier to education,” Taylor-Mendoza added. “Being recognized among the nation’s top online programs is an honor that inspires us to continue innovating and bring affordable learning to the community”.

Builder’s remedy project appeal

The owners of Mountain Winery are appealing the Saratoga Planning Commission’s decision to reject their builder’s remedy project proposal, according to a July 13 letter from their lawyers to the city.

Masson Estates was proposed as a builder’s remedy project in the Saratoga hillsides. It would provide 20 market rate homes and five affordable homes for lower-income residents. The planning commissioners rejected the project on July 8 due to environmental and safety concerns.

Bryan Wenter, a land use lawyer from HSW, LLP, asserted that the project cannot be lawfully disapproved. During the July 8 meeting, a Saratoga city staff member acknowledged that the city has not provided a written analysis that the development would have a specific adverse impact on public health and safety that cannot be mitigated, which is required to reject a builder’s remedy project.

Wenter added that the Saratoga Planning Commission illegally refused to certify the project’s environmental impact report and its overriding considerations, which is in violation of the Housing Accountability Act, a state law that was meant to fast-track home building and expand California’s housing stock by making it more difficult for local governments to deny, delay or alter housing development projects.

“The Planning Commission’s unlawful disapproval appeared to be grounded in part in the false notion that there is a policy decision to be made in connection with this project and that the putative policy decision is one to be made by the city council,” Wenter wrote.

Cities that violate the Housing Accountability Act may be compelled by courts to approve the housing development. The city council is set to hear an appeal from the developers on either Aug. 19 or Sept. 2.