President's Office

November 17, 2025

Dear Foothill Campus Community,

On October 10th, Foothill College journeyed to Oakland to play the Laney College Eagles. It was a night steeped in camaraderie. The President of Laney College is a close friend; our parallel paths as nationally traveling policy debaters, our mutual move to California, and a wide, intertwined circle of colleagues have reinforced our bond. The victor would be treated to a good meal, shared in good spirits. Arriving at the field house with Becky, we were welcomed by the legendary Athletic Director John Beam. Former athletes that would later that evening be inducted into Laney’s Wall of Fame were mingling. I cherished being present—an interloper enjoying John’s playful banter with his former players, enjoying Costco pizza and Halloween candy, and witnessing Chancellor Gilkerson’s stirring half time video tribute of Laney’s journey from “Last Chance U” to “First Choice, Best Chance U.” John Beam, larger than life in the Netflix series (and in person), shone at the center of it all. Foothill won, and I teased my hosts only lightly. 

It feels surreal that, 33 days later, that very field house—where I witnessed celebration—became the site of a tragedy that took John Beam’s life. As you may have heard, a gunman entered the fieldhouse, committed a targeted, horrific act, and fled. I’m grieving alongside my community college colleagues. The fragility of life is undeniable in moments like these, and I have found myself equally reflective and pragmatic—the proximity of these events supercharging my own questions about what we would do if faced with such a tragedy at Foothill.

I suspect you may be asking those questions too. Thankfully, we have a current Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in place, and I want to share the comprehensive overhaul of these procedures currently in progress. Here is a high level summary of those efforts, being led by Campus Safety.

• We are undergoing a comprehensive review and update of current Emergency Operations Plans. The district is actively incorporating new preparedness protocols for all campuses and sites—including housing. The revised plan is scheduled for completion in February 2026, followed by annual updates.
• The Police Chief’s Advisory Committee meets monthly. In addition, EOC meetings keep team members informed and have been recently been working to refine responsibilities, ensuring that everyone knows their role within the updated EOC structure.
• All EOC personnel are completing required training.  Under California law, EOC staff are classified as Disaster Service Workers. Baseline and section-specific training must be completed by December 31st, with certificates submitted. 
• Facility-specific safety improvements are being iterated and codified.  Conducting site assessments and providing emergency supplies.
• Risk assessment and scenario planning is underway. Departments are developing risk assessments and participating in specialized tabletop exercises starting in early 2026. These plans address a wide range of emergency incidents—including public safety threats, natural disasters, hazardous materials, and health emergencies.
• Campus engagement continues. Community-wide drills will keep our response skills sharp and reinforce awareness campus-wide.
• Recovery and support coordination is being reviewed and improved. Post-incident recovery efforts collaboratively refined and managed to ensure swift restoration and ongoing support for all affected.

The safety and wellbeing of our campus is one I take seriously, and we all undertake together. I am grateful for Joy Garza and Chief Acosta for ensuring that we continually improve our protocols. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making Foothill College a place where every member is assured, informed and safe.

Yours in service,
Kristina 

Dr. Kristina Whalen​

President