Pausing for a moment to remember all those affected by the devastating wildfires that hit Hawaii – predominately on the island of Maui- 3 years ago today. Over 100 people were killed, making it the deadliest wildfire and natural disaster in Hawaii in its statehood.
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On another more uplifting note …. did two fun things this work week.
Checked out the On-running On-cloud shoe store as well as The Butcher’s Daughter cafe on Abbot Kinney in Venice.
We shared the seasonal White Pizza with peaches, kale, pistachios, smoked mozzarella, and aged balsamic; the Japanese sweet potatoes with miso butter; and the grilled chipotle watermelon topped with whipped feta and a touch of honey. As my friend remarked, the flavors were simply exquisite.
Good morning California.
It is August 8, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Cuesta College Renewable Energy STEM Camp Gives High School Students
Hands-On Learning and College Credit
Twenty-five local high school students spent four days exploring energy technologies, environmental science, and STEM career pathways while earning college credit through Cuesta College’s Renewable Energy STEM Camp, held June 22-25 at Arroyo Grande High School. Now in its third year, the camp has evolved into an official offering connected to Cuesta College’s PSCI 220: Energy, Electricity, and Environment course. The program allows participating students to earn college credit while gaining hands-on experience with real-world energy concepts and technologies.
Disney Imagination Campus Becomes a STEM Classroom
for Moreno Valley College MESA Scholars
For a group of Moreno Valley College MESA scholars, a Saturday at the Disneyland Resort was not a break from their STEM education. It became one of the most immersive extensions of it. On May 2, MVC MESA students traveled to Disney Imagination Campus at Disney California Adventure Park for the “Physics of Disney” workshop, joining students and faculty from Riverside City College and Norco College for a day of applied science in one of the most imaginative environments on Earth.
Santiago Canyon College and Orange Unified School District
Celebrate First Certified Nursing Assistant Cohort
Santiago Canyon College (SCC), in partnership with Orange Unified School District (OUSD), is proud to celebrate the completion of the first-ever OUSD/SCC Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) cohort, marking a major milestone in expanding college and career opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Through this innovative partnership, OUSD students successfully completed rigorous CNA coursework and hands-on clinical training while still enrolled in high school, earning industry-recognized skills and preparing for immediate entry into postsecondary education pathways and the healthcare workforce as Certified Nursing Assistants.
In Case You Missed It
Some California students may begin receiving Workforce Pell federal aid this fall
For the first time, California students in short-term career training programs may begin to receive federal aid through a pilot program this fall, according to the California Student Aid Commission.
During the commission’s Thursday meeting at Cal State Los Angeles, executive director Daisy Gonzales and other state agencies discussed a timeline for implementing the new Workforce Pell program. Under the program, students can now use federal aid for workforce training programs lasting between eight and 15 weeks.
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Lawmakers will decide on these 10 bills affecting California students and schools
California legislators returned from their summer recess this week for the final stretch of the legislative season, with the fate of several education bills still undecided. Lawmakers have until Aug. 31 to pass bills and send them to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the measures.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Allan Hancock College:
Congressman Salud Carbajal recently visited Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc to tour the facility and learn more about how Hancock is preparing the next generation of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, and other first responders.
We appreciated the opportunity to showcase the hands-on training and dedicated faculty helping students build the skills they need to serve communities throughout the Central Coast and beyond.
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
Take a look at more moments from our Digital Textile Experience Day, where participants explored digital textile arts through hands-on activities including textile printing, industrial embroidery, and more.
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From Gavilan College:
We’re proud to celebrate Gavilan College Board President Alicia Cortez, who received the Global Community Innovator Award at Global Tassels’ 12th Annual Founder’s Gala in New York City.
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From College of the Desert:
We are so proud of our COD students and production staff for receiving 17 nominations from the Desert Theatre League this year!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Project HireUp’s Summer 2026 Graduation Ceremony
It was a day of celebration and hope as Bakersfield College hosted the 18th Graduation Ceremony of the Project HireUP and CityServe Educational Collaborative Cohort on July 22, 2026. The Renegade Event Center was filled with community members, local agencies, and program partners who came to show support to the graduates. For the Summer 2026 cohort, fifteen students participated in and completed the program.
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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.
That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!
With much hope and joy,
Your Chancellor,
-sonya
#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora
