About

• I am where I am today because of the community college system. I started at Community College and graduated with an AA degree. I went on to college and Law School at University of California. I am motivated by a belief that every student should the opportunity to succeed. My work is to provide access to education and training to be successful and contributing citizens.

• FIRST and foremost: Being a Trustee is all about the students being successful.  Every student should have the same opportunity I had.  I went to community college for two years after high school where I was provided my start from instructors who were student focused and wanted all of us to succeed.  Some very special people helped me overcome obstacles.  I was given a chance, and I saw community college give a chance and even a second chance to people of every background and different situations.  Tuition was nearly free in previous times, and there was access to higher education and job skill trainings.  But times are changing.  Tuition is now much higher at $46/unit and there is change in what is to be provided by the cost of education.  The focus is on the importance of educational and training “results” (student learning outcomes and getting the needed courses) instead of the more narrow criteria of measuring just “access” to the institution.   One aspect of “outcomes” is what the student learned. Another is the skills and training achieved. No Trustee has asked more than I have about what jobs our students actually have after completion and what transfers to 4 year colleges happen.  On a personal level, my wife and I fund three NVC scholarships for students at NVC.

• SECOND is building a healthy community. Yes, our RN’s and police academy graduates (as well as Psych Techs, Respiratory Therapy, Corrections officers and others) serve in the community AND they have jobs. But there is another part to building a healthy community. Napa was not, before I first ran for election in 2002, a place where all felt welcomed and included.  There were some who experienced Napa as hostile and felt they did not “fit” in.   They reported limited opportunities and places.  That is why I supported Playground Fantastico, Rotary Plaza and kitchen/restroom facilities at Connolly Ranch and many other community efforts including working hard to increase diversity on the Napa City Council and in many other elections.  Other activities in the past several years include being on the Boards at Connolly Ranch and Napa Creek Manor senior housing as well as working with Noon Rotary, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, COPE, Napa Valley Food Bank, VOICEs, Salvation Army, NEWS, Hispanic Network and the First United Methodist Church.

• THIRD is my background and professional positions.  I am a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law* by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization – that website is: www.ketronlaw.com  My BA degree is from UC Santa Barbara (Economics) which I received after completing my AA degree at the College of Marin. After being awarded my Juris Doctor from the University of California Hastings College of the Law, I spent three years working in Washington, D.C. including time on the Postmaster General’s staff in Congressional Relations.  In mid-life I completed an LLM from the University of London, London School of Economics. My continuing education includes annual updates along with long term participation with and certifications from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, WealthCounsel, the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, the Bar Associations of Napa County and Sonoma County and the Redwood Empire Estate Planning Council.  I was a contributing author of “Giving-Philanthropy for Everyone” and “Strictly Business-Planning Strategies for Privately Owned Business.” I taught Trust Law at Empire Law School as well as Jurisprudence and other courses including Business Law at Santa Rosa Junior College and was an instructor of Estate and Gift Tax in the graduate program at Golden Gate University.  My research projects include: Abandonment of Seniors by Adult Children; Accountability in Charitable Giving; and Civic Participation Participation & Donations.

• I am committed to the community and have been involved with many organizations: Member of Connolly Ranch Education Center; Noon Rotary’s Cycle for Sight & Pathway Home; participation in Hispanic Network and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Salvation Army Christmas fundraising; Napa Emergency Women’s Services; COPE; Napa Valley Food Bank; VOICEs; and Napa Valley Community Foundation.  These have been my basis to connect the community to the College and the College to the community.
• I have spent many years working with students and working on behalf of students. As someone who received his start in the community college system, I believe this is my best way of giving back. My goal as a Napa Valley College trustee is to support Napa Valley College so that it can grow its impact of offering students a place where they can succeed academically and prepare for their futures. This is the best way I know to secure a good future for our children and grandchildren.

As a successful small business owner who has stayed in the practice of law I know the practically reality of having to pay my bills and always assure that those who work for me are paid on time.  This is a responsibility I have faithfully carried out.  I have also faithfully encouraged understanding at the College of financial responsibility and accountability for all funds the college receives.  You can see more about my Law Office at that web site www.ketronlaw.com.