Bernardo's experience matters

When Bernardo first joined the Board of Trustees (BOT), our three community colleges’ accreditation was at risk because the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) had just placed them on Warning Status for performance predating Bernardo’s joining the BOT.

Bernardo and the BOT along with Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura Colleges worked immediately and successfully to regain full accreditation affirmation. And, to this day, all three of our community colleges continue to achieve state and national recognition such as:

Moorpark College was judged to be #4 out of 1200+ community colleges nationwide by the Aspen Institute’s most recent College Excellence Program.

Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura Colleges are now judged to be in the Top 20 while Moorpark College is the only California community college rated in the Top 10. Moorpark College advances to the final competition once again.

All three colleges offer four-year applied baccalaureate degree programs.

Oxnard College Fire Academy is a Bellwether Award Winner.

Oxnard College Dental Hygiene Program is a Bellwether Award Finalist. Its students have a 99.99% pass rate on national and board exams.

Oxnard College is one of only four California colleges chosen for the Ford Automotive Career Exploration Program.

Ventura and Moorpark College Nursing Program students have a greater than 95% pass rate on their NCLEX Certification exam.

Moorpark College Radiologic Technology students have over 97% pass rate on their JRCERT Certification Exam.

Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura Colleges transform lives by creating hope and opportunity. Bernardo supports our community colleges to meet the educational and career pathways of our students through his key local and statewide leadership roles and activities.

Bernardo's Background

Bernardo Perez joined the Ventura County Community College Board of Trustees in 2010. Previously, he served his community on the Moorpark City Council, including as Mayor of the City of Moorpark.

Additionally, Trustee Perez currently holds positions with:

  • Simi Valley Youth Enployment Services Advisory Board
  • Moorpark Foundation for the Arts
  • Leadership Simi Valley 2025
  • House Farm Workers!

Bernardo's professional background includes being previously employed with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for over 30 years.

Through the years, Bernardo has served his community by volunteering or participating in:

  • Simi Valley Hospital Foundation
  • Ventura County Civic Alliance
  • Clinicas del Camino Real
  • United Way of Ventura County
  • Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation
  • El Concilio del Condado de Ventura
  • Children’s Health Initiative Steering Committee
  • HOME Housing Task Force
  • Justice and Peace Commission, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
  • Ventura County Living Wage Coalition (Co-Chair)
  • the 2010 Ventura County Housing Conference Planning Committee
  • and he has assisted the Moorpark Unified School District as a classroom volunteer/reader.

Bernardo's Goals/Initiatives

Bernardo's Goals/Initiatives

Maintain Prudent Fiscal Management & Integrity

Our colleges and District receive “clean audits” demonstrating sound financial operations and planning and program management. We maintain sufficient reserves to see us through the next ‘great recession’ and/or any projected state deficits in the higher education budget.

Student Access & Success

I will continue to work for increased access and success for our students. I support the expansion of dual enrollment programs so that our high school students can earn college credit.

I will continue my advocacy at the state level for additional four-year applied baccalaureate degree programs at our community colleges. This prepares our students for high-demand, high-wage paying jobs and provides a skilled labor force to meet the regional economic and workforce development needs.

Expand Our Connections with the Communities We Serve

I represent that part of our district name – community – and will ensure strong connections between our colleges and our communities, educational partners and the business and industry sectors that we serve.

Community College District 4 Area

  • Moorpark,
  • Simi Valley,
  • Santa Susana Knolls,
  • Box Canyon, Bell Canyon,
  • Chatsworth Peak,
  • Home Acres,
  • Sinaloa Lake
  • Tierra Rejada Valley