Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Ventura County Community College District; Trustee Area 3

Richard S. Diamond is an attorney and an educator. He has five children and, as a result, he is all too familiar with the financial burdens of obtaining a college education. He is aware that our state is in a financial crisis, but believes that educating all those who seek instruction remains vital to our growth as a county, state, and nation. His primary responsibility as your Trustee will be to maximize revenues, and to prioritize and monitor the distribution of funds. He will seek participation of the private sector in new programs, such as "adopt a student."

Richard S. Diamond has no prior involvement with our community college district, and is not obligated to any group, association or agenda which would create a conflict of interest. As a problem solver he is completely impartial and his position on the issues will be decided solely on what is best for our community colleges, and not because of a possible obligation to any organization of which he has been a member, or which has supported his electoral campaign.

Richard will represent you: the families, the students, the professors, and the community members, ensuring that your goals will be reached.

Richard Diamond is a father of five and recently celebrated his 37 year anniversary. He has always stressed the importance of education. His son and daughter+in-law reside in Southern California where he is an adjunct professor and she is a public school teacher. His youngest daughter is also a senior academic advisor at the undergraduate level. Richard knows what it takes to meet the financial responsibilities of obtaining an education as he worked throughout his own high school, college, and law school experiences.

Mr. Diamond was graduated from UCLA in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Immediately thereafter he commenced law school, also at UCLA, and began practicing law in January of 1962. From 1966 until the mid-80's he was a member of the America Board of Trial Advocates. He has served as a Judge Pro-Tem, arbitrator, and mediator for the California Court system. He has been engaged in the general practice of law and has also appeared regularly before California Administrative Law Tribunals as well as the Superior Court. He has tried well in excess of 100 jury matters and countless bench trials. His 42 years in the practice of law have trained him to become a problem solver.

Mr. Diamond is a coach of the Camarillo High School Mock Trial Team when, in 2003, it won the Ventura County championship and advanced to the State finals. Richard has been a little league coach, AYSO soccer referee, organized and supervised numerous blood drives, organized and financed multiple holiday dinners for the homeless, and served as a volunteer coach for a law school trial advocacy team. He has the commitment and experience to successfully serve on the VCCCD Board of Trustees.

Education: University of California at Los Angeles: Bachelor of Science; Business Administration, 1958 University of California at Los Angeles: Juris Doctor, 1961.

Admission to Practice: Admitted to practice in the State of California in 1962. Admitted to practice in Central Federal District Court of California in 1962.