{"id":6393,"date":"2026-08-05T14:08:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T14:08:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=6393"},"modified":"2026-08-05T14:08:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T14:08:58","slug":"west-valley-college-ranks-among-nations-top-online-degree-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=6393","title":{"rendered":"West Valley College ranks among nation’s top online degree programs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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College gains national recognition<\/h4>\n

West Valley College in Saratoga placed No. 6 in Forbes\u2019 list of best online associate degree programs in the U.S.<\/p>\n

Read more Map: Gann Fire uncontained, climbing list of this year\u2019s biggest<\/a><\/p>\n

Forbes\u2019 ranking takes into account a program\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis recognition reflects the passion of our faculty and the dedication of our students,\u201d said Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, president of West Valley College. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

West Valley College\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal has always been to ensure that distance is never a barrier to education,\u201d Taylor-Mendoza added. \u201cBeing recognized among the nation\u2019s top online programs is an honor that inspires us to continue innovating and bring affordable learning to the community\u201d.<\/p>\n

Builder\u2019s remedy project appeal<\/h4>\n

The owners of Mountain Winery are appealing the Saratoga Planning Commission\u2019s decision to reject their builder\u2019s remedy project proposal, according to a July 13 letter from their lawyers to the city.<\/p>\n

Read more \u2018Exorcist\u2019 actress Linda Blair addresses police raid on her California dog rescue<\/a><\/p>\n

Masson Estates was proposed as a builder\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s remedy project.<\/p>\n

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Wenter added that the Saratoga Planning Commission illegally refused to certify the project\u2019s 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\u2019s housing stock by making it more difficult for local governments to deny, delay or alter housing development projects.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Planning Commission\u2019s 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,\u201d Wenter wrote.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Read more 10-year-old boy doesn\u2019t remember dramatic rescue by teen lifeguard from pounding Santa Cruz surf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

West Valley College ranks highly on Forbes’ national list for online associate degree programs. 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