Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month

Each year, we observe National Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Innovation Grant Application Open

This Fall we will be awarding up to $100,000 in Innovation Grants! The innovation grants program has been retooled to align with our work on equity and inclusion. The application period is from September 11 – November 6, 2023. Complete the Innovation Grants Form to apply.

Questions? Contact: 

• Kirsten DuBray for application questions
• Dr. BJ Snowden, Dean of Equity, Institutional Effectiveness & Innovation for guidance on aligning your application.

Upcoming Mental Health and Wellness Events

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Los Rios Mental Health and Wellness is offering two special events this month to help spread hope and share vital information about depression and suicide.

Laughter Helps

Depression has one degree of separation – if you’re not suffering from it, then someone you know does. Students and employees are invited to join us for a special comedy show, aimed at ending the stigma of mental illness: Thursday, Sept. 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at ARC

Suicide Protocol Training

Join us for suicide prevention training for all staff and faculty at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 21 on Zoom. The first half of the training is intended for all staff and will last approximately 30 minutes. The second half of the training is intended for counselors, nurses, and mental health staff who may conduct a suicide assessment. If you can not make it, no worries! It will be recorded and posted to our Canvas.

Mental Health Services Available to Students

College can be an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. Feeling pressure and stress is normal and may pass with time but if students have been feeling sad, hopeless, anxious, or not themselves for two or more weeks, it may be time to talk about it and seek connection. To support our students, we have free services to help. All currently enrolled students have access to up to 17 free mental health appointments.

Brief Therapy

Students can meet with a Los Rios mental health therapist for five free sessions per school year. Support is available in-person and virtually by appointment.

TimelyCare Teletherapy

Students have access to 12 free sessions with a licensed therapist through TimelyCare. Encourage students to go to timelycare.com/LRCCD or download the TimelyCare app and create their profile using their Los Rios email (wID@apps.losrios.edu). If they register their account by Friday, September 15, they will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Work Experience

Looking to refer your students for support finding an internship?

Are your students interested in earning academic credit for their work/volunteer/internship position? Good news - referring your students to Work Experience is even easier!

The Work Experience and Internship Program is now located in the Welcome and Support Center co-located with Career and Pathways Support Services (CAPSS) and is available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

Students can also connect with the program at (916) 484-8182 or wexp@arc.losrios.edu

Get Accessibility Support from the A-Team!

Utilize the new Los Rios A-Team for support and guidance on your course accessibility journey! We will work with you individually to create a robust plan for your online course materials.

Accessibility of your instructional materials advances equity by removing barriers and making it possible to engage students who may otherwise be pushed to the margins. It is a proactive solution to providing equal access for all learners to access the same materials and resources.

By using the Web Accessibility Content Guidelines in alignment with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as our guide, our process improves usability for everyone including students using mobile devices, English-language learners, students with disabilities, Veterans, neurodivergent, and other variable learners; setting up success for all students. Learn More!

Picturing Politics: Malaquías Montoya and Richard Muñoz-Moore

Representing two different generations of artists, Montoya and Muñoz-Moore will have a conversation about the different ways they have approached politics in their art. From Montoya’s start as a founding member of the RCAF and a significant voice in Chicano art to Muñoz-Moore’s recent work addressing issues from police violence to immigration, each has taken a creative approach to the social issues of our time. Please join us for a thought-provoking conversation.

Tuesday, September 12, 12:00 - 1:20 p.m., in Raef Hall Rm. 161.

Racial Justice Book Circle Begins



Reminder: All Los Rios employees are invited to join Folsom Lake College’s virtual Fall 2023 Racial Justice Book Circle as we read and discuss Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. To accompany the book read, join your colleagues on Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm via Zoom, starting this Wednesday, September 13, to review and discuss the concepts addressed. We hope you will join us as we continue our district's commitment to cultivating a culture of anti-racism on our campuses!

Constitution Day

Constitution Day is commemorated each year on September 17, the date on which the founding fathers signed the document in 1787. You can learn more about the founders, the formation of the constitution, and read the text online at the National Archives website.

Don't forget that you can also register to vote at any time on the CA Secretary of State website.

In Remembrance of Dick Cristofani

Long-time Los Rios employee Richard “Dick” Cristofani recently passed away at the age of 86.

A star football player at Sacramento High School, Dick went on to play college football at Sacramento City College, then San Jose State University, and finally for the semi-pro Sacramento Lancers. 

He earned a bachelor's and master's degree from San Jose State University in physical education, launching him into his career of 40 years, a true labor of love!

Coach Cristofani played a vital role in the lives of many students and athletes and numerous national records and a championship were achieved under his leadership. After starting his career teaching in high schools, he joined the faculty at American River College and then was recruited to coach football and track and field and teach boxing, health and Judo (he was a certified black belt), at Cosumnes River College when it opened in 1970 as one of the original faculty and worked at CRC for almost 30 years, retiring in 1999. He was hired as an instructor in the department and was CRC's first athletic coach. Dick was the head coach for both cross country (1970, 1976-1980) and track and field (1971-1987) during his time at CRC while also serving as assistant coach for football (1971-1976). He was honored to be inducted into their Hall of Fame. 

Dick's management and people skills led him to his next career at the Training Source, a part of the Los Rios Community College District, to develop programs for business and government, and after "retiring" he was asked to return to take the helm.

+A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm at the Dante Club in Sacramento on Saturday, September 23. A dinner reception will follow.