InFocus Volume XII, Issue 1

SMC In Focus

A bi-monthly newsletter connecting the Santa Monica College community. Celebrating endless possibilities, innovation, and resilience.

Santa Monica College
News
SMC In Focus
2026
Volume XII, Issue 1

Volume XII, Issue 1, February 18, 2026
SMC in Focus presents 2026’s first issue, focused on looking in the rearview mirror (a #2016Era Throwback!), looking forward, and celebrating Santa Monica College’s mission which transforms lives and helps mitigate crushing societal issues, as highlighted in the feature on Homeless Service Work alum Pat Kusaba. This issue also highlights the creativity, dedication, and innovative thinking that makes SMC such a singular place—through stories about administrative assistant Erin O’Neill & director of facilities maintenance Terry Kamibayashi, plus a $1M renovation of the SMC Library to create spaces for students to collaborate or study/reflect in solitude. Onward!

Patricia with colleagues at the compassion event in torrance

Hope for the Unhoused

An assignment in SMC’s Homeless Service Work certificate program led Patricia Kusaba to launch an online toolkit to help people in need.

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Frontline Responder

From award-winning journalist to first point of contact at the SMC Police Department, Erin O’Neill brings empathy and creativity to a vital role.

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Woodshop Until He Drops

Meet Terry Kamibayashi, Santa Monica College’s reggae-loving, easy-going director of facilities maintenance.

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Solo & Ensemble

SMC redefines the library experience to support both personal study and group collaboration. With a $1 million renovation, the award-winning 96,000 sq.ft. space has been reimagined.

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SMC architecture program at California Community Colleges BOG meeting

Bragging Rights

The Architecture program recognized as an Exemplary Program. A counseling instructor appointed to statewide FACCC Board of Governors. A sociology prof interviewed on a popular Apple crime podcast.

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#2016 Era SMC in Focus: A Look Back

SMC in Focus does a #2016Era throwback. Ten stories—Nursing’s 50-year anniversary, Emeritus, Promo Pathway, SMC students at NASA/JPL, & more—celebrate SMC’s excellence: past, present & future.

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