Monthly Archives: November 2016

There’s so much to be thankful for!

Uncategorized November 26, 2016 Leave a comment

Good morning Bakersfield.  It is Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend, November 26th, and as I write this morning I feel so alive and my heart is full and thankful.  How can I describe it?  Life right now is like peanut butter and jelly. Or perhaps let me use the words of Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music:

My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds
That rise from the lake to the trees
My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies
From a church on a breeze
To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls over
Stones on its way
To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray

It is the best job in the world — being President of Bakersfield College…..great colleagues and friends.

 

I woke up this morning to find the cover of the Bakersfield Life Magazine featuring the Condors playing at Memorial Stadium on January 7th. How cool is that!  Matt Riley, thank you for being a phenomenal partnership.  Let’s  support Riley and pack the stadium for the Condors Dec 21st through Jan 7th.  I plan on being there.  Will I see you there?

Bakersfield Life Nov 26 2016.jpg

 

On Thursday, we headed to San Francisco…just a quick overnight trip.  Staying by the waterfront is a treat that always reminds me of growing up close to the beach in Quilon, although of course a much much warmer beach than the one by SFO!  (Even if he didn’t really say it, my favorite quote attributed to Mark Twain is “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”). In the collage below, the picture on the left was taken in May 2013 at the breakwaters in Quilon with a temperature of 80 degrees and the two pictures on the right at San Francisco on Nov 25, 2016, early morning when it was 40 degrees.

Yesterday, Friday, after getting back from San Francisco, I headed to campus to check out the scene since Mary Jo Pasek and Sandi Taylor worked hard to bring back Friday Night Football at Memorial Stadium with the BHS vs Liberty game.  It was wonderful seeing the crowd having a good time.  Thank you Stan Greene for partnering with BC.

And at the Gil Bishop Sports Center the Bakersfield College Men’s Basketball Team won by 51 points to open the 2016 Thanksgiving Tournament.

11/25/16 2:17:36 PM — Bakersfield College vs Cero Coso College, Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament –Bakersfield College, Bakersfield, Ca; Photo by Joe Bergman / Joe Bergman Photography

This is what Francis Mayer had to say:

Shane Christie and Jamar Hammonds led BC in scoring with 19 points each, but were just two of five Renegades who scored in double digits.

Stockdale product Tucker Eenigenburg had the second-highest scoring total with 16 points and was a perfect three for three from beyond the arc, but picked up a double-double by also pulling down 11 rebounds for BC.

The college was relatively quiet during the short Thanksgiving week, although the office was buzzing and churning out work. These women in my office all work so hard, and so smart! At one point I walked around and persuaded them to do selfies with me. Here are the fabulous Tracy Hall, Somaly Boles, June Charles and Tarina Perry. (There should be selfies with Chris and Jennifer but they happened to be out of the office at the moment I got inspired to take photos…)

And here is the wonderful gang from the Outreach Office on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving — Ashley Ward, Debi Anderson, and Rosanne Lewis.  I remember three years ago when we started this department with just the Director Steve Watkin.  And he built what we currently have, a comprehensive outreach program, to our 46 feeder high schools.

outreach-nov-22-2016

And on Tuesday, Sandi Taylor and I spent 4 hours in traffic to catch the last part of Coach Carl Ferreira‘s Volleyball team at El Camino in the post season playoff.  Our students were just great and we are so lucky to have Coach Ferreira at BC.

I hope you’ve all had a happy and restful Thanksgiving. When I take a step back and look around, I see incredible beauty and so many things to be thankful for…

And on Monday, November 21, 2016, the Bakersfield College Jazz Ensemble directed by Kris Tiner presents a program exploring the intersections of jazz, gospel, and soul, featuring music by Cannonball Adderley, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Thad Jones and others.

Check out Mason Edwards singing Hallelujah, I Love Her So by Ray Charles. He was the first to bring together gospel and rhythm and blues. All of the songs in the Soul Jazz Concert focused on jass influenced by gospel music. Kris Tiner said Ray Charles defined soul music when Saturday night got mixed up with Sunday morning 🙂

wow…. Ray Charles.  I just love his music.  Check him out in these two songs

Hallelujah, I Love Her So

and here he is with Georgia on my mind

Kris Tiner, thank you for bringing beautiful music to us!

Good morning again! I am thankful for Bakersfield. Each morning, the sun rises and shines brightly casting warmth upon our vibrant city. We accomplish so much when we work together, and this year, I’ve had uncountable daily reminders of how truly blessed I am to be a part of BC and our larger Kern County community.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where to start and the list of “little things” that make my heart full of gratitude is a list which could never be complete… it keeps growing and growing. But, I’m thankful for life and the people who make life worth living… I’m thankful for people like you. I’m thankful for the journey, the pursuit of knowledge, and for hope. I’m thankful for endless possibilities made possible through higher education and a community that believes in and supports their college students. I’m thankful for the arts, humanities, and sciences… for subjects that span the imagination and talented and focused students who are dedicating their lives to their interests and field. I’m thankful for doing work that matters with leaders, friends, volunteers and partners who share similar goals of supporting our students, and for doing everything possible to make our future better. I’m thankful for Measure J, I’m thankful for our students today and for our students of the future.

Sometimes, pictures can say what words cannot, so I’d like to share a bit of what I’m thankful for today:

 

 

Thank you President’s Cabinet

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Thank you College Council

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KIT/CSUB “Electronic Bookworm” Library Tech Hackathon

Last weekend, our BC students participated in the KIT Community / CSUB “Electronic Bookworm” Library Tech Hackathon — innovation competition to develop the best technology tool for library efficiency and patron access in Kern County. Pictured here is 1st place Team Goat for “Roomly” with Cristian Gutierrez and Karen Goh always posts the best pictures on her Facebook, so if you have the time, check them all out at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154675259069174.1073742226.645844173&type=1&l=e4f01e990d

To learn more about the hackathon, check out the article from KGET at http://www.kerngoldenempire.com/news/library-management-hackathon-at-csub-begins-friday.

C.H.A.P. in Delano

The Bakersfield College Delano Campus Cultural and Historical Awareness Program (C.H.A.P.) concluded its Fall 2016 semester events with two exciting and well-attended presentations dealing broadly with the topics of civic engagement and social justice.  These events represent a partnership with the Bakersfield College Social Justice Institute, the Bakersfield College Office of Student Life, and Student Government Association Campus Collaborative Action (CCA) grant.chap-3

On Monday, Nov 21st,  the Delano Campus hosted a series of speakers promoting civic participation and a voter education forum.  Manuel Barrera, Director of Programs and Planning for the Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF), spoke to a packed room about the importance of voter education and civic engagement.  A non-profit organization based in downtown Bakersfield, the DHF works locally and more broadly at the state and national levels, “creating networks of healthy, organized communities pursuing social justice through systemic and structural transformation.”  Mr. Barrera was accompanied by his colleague, Mr. Moises Duran, who you can also learn more about below.  Following Mr. Barrera’s talk, Anjelica Perez and Alexa Rivera, representing Bakersfield College Students in Support of Measure J., spoke broadly about the potential impact of the bond.

 

The final C.H.A.P. event began featuring two speakers who work broadly within the field of social justice.  Gustavo Aguirre, Jr., Project Coordinator for the Central California Environmental Justice Network and Rodrigo Alatriste-Diaz, Ph.D. Candidate at Cornell University, spoke to a packed house about the importance of civic engagement and promoting healthy communities in rural California.  Aguirre, a BC alumni and graduate of Foothill high school, comes from a family of farm labor activism.  His father, Gustavo Aguirre, Sr., was a leader within the United Farm Workers of America for more than a decade.  Alatriste-Diaz is completing his Ph.D. at Cornell University in New York in the Department of Sociology.  He spoke to the students about his research on public health in Central Valley and the unique challenges facing residents to achieving healthy communities.  He highlighted a number of examples and strategies residents, especially in Tulare County, have been using to promote equity in food access, particularly community gardens and work associated with the organization, Be Healthy Tulare.   You can learn more online at http://www.behealthytulare.org/.

C.H.A.P. organizers Michelle Hart and Oliver Rosales and I want to thank everyone who helped make our events successful this semester and for your continued support for expanding cultural enrichment opportunities for our rural students.  We look forward to bringing you new and exciting speakers and events next semester!

fromjayroseblieb_-fatherfrankrosenliebg_gradbc1947BC Family Memories

Tuesday morning I received a photo from Jay Rosenlieb. BC connects our community and is a common bond among many of our families. Jay’s father, Frank Rosenlieb, graduated from Bakersfield College in 1947. This handwritten note from “Junior College Graduation” is still in the family today.  Just wonderful!

What family mementos from BC are in your family history? Or maybe you’re one of our current students who will be first-generation college graduates. I hope you will keep special mementos from graduation day and pass them down to the next generation.

Thank you Kern County! Thank you Bakersfield! Thank you Bakersfield College!

We are BC! Todos somos BC!

 

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That’s all for now.  

Until next week.

With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.  

sonya — the luckiest and happiest college president ever.

 

 

Bakersfield has talent

Uncategorized November 19, 2016 Comments: 10

Good morning Bakersfield!  It is 4 am, Saturday, November 19th and a fabulous day to be a Renegade.  

Most of Bakersfield is asleep right now….the air is cool and crisp at 48 degrees.  The coffee by my side could not taste better.

An ideal morning to listen to Misty Mountain Cold.  The song I was introduced to with the Hobbit Trilogy that I watched on December 31st 2012, Dec 31st 2013, and Dec 31st 2014.  Take a moment to enjoy this beautiful music.

This last week was yet another hectic week and a week of travel for me.  Left on Sunday for Napa Valley where I was chairing a technical assistance  PRT team for the college, back to Bakersfield late on Monday, and was on the road again on Wednesday to attend the state-wide CEO meeting at Riverside.  Kay McClenney was the keynote speaker at the event and she spoke about Guided Pathways.  A few of us are trying to bring this work to Californian through the CA Guided Pathways three-year demonstration project for which we submitted a proposal to the funding agency.  We should know the results on December 6th.  I chair the CA Guided Pathways advisory committee and here is a photo from our last meeting.

CA Guided Pathways Advisory Committee Oct 11 2016.jpg

You can find me in the second row, second from the left.  The tall man to my left is Eloy Oakley the incoming Chancellor of the 114 community colleges in California.

matt-riley-and-sonya-christian-nov-18-2016Got back from Riverside on Thursday and then had a full day on Friday.  Met with Matt Riley of the Condors to do some planning.  We are so fortunate to have the Condors here in our community and Matt has such a great vision and works on the details with such great precision.  Just remarkable!

Now, they are putting together a historic event here in Bakersfield.  WE MUST fill Memorial Stadium friends.  Mark your calendars right now.  yes, right now.  Stop reading my blog, go to your calendar and block your calendar for January 7th to watch the Condors play on ice outdoors at the Memorial Stadium.  Did I just say play ice hockey outdoors at the Memorial Stadium?

The entire extended event begins on Dec 21st and concludes with the game on January 7th.

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Here is the a short video from the press conference this term.

 

BC’s College Council met earlier in the day.  The meeting was a particularly engaging meeting and I just loved walking into the room seeing all the familiar faces that I work with.  I am the luckiest and happiest college president ever.  Here is College Council!

college-council-group-sep-2-2016

From left to right: Bernadette Martinez, Chris Glaser, Faith Bradham, Nicky Damania, Janet Thomas, Krista Moreland, Mark Staller, Isabel Stierle, Tina Johnson, Sonya Christian, Cindy Collier, Steve Holmes, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Kate Pluta, Sue Vaughn, Jennifer Marden, Jason Stratton, Jennifer Johnson.

Nan opened up the meeting by reading the diversity core value one of the six core values of Bakersfield College.

 

Here are BC’s Core Values.  Please take a moment to read them.

bc-core-values

We use our Core Values in various ways at the college.  One way we use our core values is to read the relevant one(s) during difficult times and then share our reflections.  It serves as an anchoring feature to stabilize us and give us direction to move.  Right now the college has been significantly disturbed by the possibility that some of our students and their families and loved ones could be moved out of their homes and schools and out of the United States.  I will be addressing the college from our Delano campus on Monday, November 21st at 3:00 p.m.

Bakersfield College has identified about 700-800 students who are supported by the Dream Act. The Dream Act provides a great opportunity for those students to attend college and pursue their educational goals.  We value each one for what they are able to bring to our vibrant, diverse college community.  Our students are our greatest resource, and we are committed to providing access and supporting their success.

I believe that education is the vehicle to advance the economic and social mobility of the communities we serve.  We should do everything possible to keep these opportunities available to everyone. At Bakersfield College, we value and promote diversity and work to create a college community that is inclusive.  We strive to be leaders and role models for others.

BC has great talent:

Alfredo Ramirez:

alfredo

Just a few days ago, I received an email from Kris Tiner, BC’s Jazz Program Director, who shared incredible news about one of our Applied Music students, Alfredo Ramirez, who also plays clarinet with the Jazz Ensemble.

The email said

Alfredo is in Las Vegas tonight attending the Latin Grammy Awards. He plays with Banda Troyana, based in San Jose, and their recent album Tengo Ganas de Ser Fiel was nominated for Best Banda Album. The band has been touring quite a bit and recently performed on Univision. They didn’t win the Grammy, but as you know it is a huge honor to be among the nominees. Alfredo is very humble about his success, so be sure to congratulate him when you see him!

 

This is just incredible – Congratulations Alfredo!!! Along with the BC staff, faculty, and your fellow Renegades, I am so proud of you and what you’ve accomplished so far. Keep pursuing your dreams. It’s amazing to see the wonderful things you’re doing! And thank you Kris Tiner for the email and for the beautiful music you give us.

Rebekah Barton: 

rebekah-barton

One of our voice instructors in our Applied Music Program, Rebekah Barton, just won a metropolitan opera competition and is going on to the next level. It is very exciting and so hard to win!

Here is an email that Jen Garrett sent me:

The competition was the Metropolitan National Opera Council audition:  District level in Pocatello, ID on November 5.  Rebekah sang ‘Evven! Ne andro longs a’ and the judges picked ‘Porgi amor’.  She won the competition and the Northwest Regionals will be held in Seattle, WA on Jan 8.  We are very excited for her and hope she does well at the Regionals in January.  She also teaches Music Appreciation in Delano!

 

Veterans Day & Measure J from Paul Beckworth

I often flag emails worth sharing from various staff, faculty, friends of BC, and members of the community because they show just how awesome our community is and the great things we can accomplish. I’m sharing this one a tad behind schedule from Veterans Day.

Paul Beckworth wrote,

“My fellow veterans, Happy Veterans Day!  In 2010, all BC veterans had was window 6.  That was it, a window.  Three days ago, under the aggressive leadership of our college president, Measure J passed. This measure ensures an $8.5M Veteran Resource Center.  We have made great strides for veterans at BC in the past six years.  These things did not occur overnight, nor did they occur without struggle.  This is your doing.  Your persistence, your ability to improvise, adapt and overcome has gotten us to this moment.  There is much to be proud of.  You are the current veterans of BC who follow the footsteps of BC veterans as far back as the First World War.  Not a bad legacy.  Not bad at all.

Happy Veterans Day! – Paul Beckworth”

In only a few short sentences, Paul was able to accurately describe where our journey to improve Veterans services at BC began years ago. Thank you to Paul, our veterans, veterans across our country, including those stationed in other countries and overseas, and everyone locally who supported Measure J. It is our priority that BC will be a second home for all students, where they can feel safe, relaxed, and can focus on their education and studies.

And btw, it was so fun listening to Paul Beckworth during Vet Fest on November 2nd when Supervisor Leticia Perez donated the cart for our student veterans.  Paul could not advocate for Measure J but he said…”all I can say is that if I had a son, I would name him J.”  Lol …. so funny.  Supervisor Perez however, did not hold back.  She talked about the important of taking care of the BC facilities and passing Measure J.

BC Athletics

What a week for our Renegades who compete in the classroom AND on the fields and courts, as some seasons draw to a close, and old rivalries had big implications!

Renegade Football was named to the Western State Bowl at Long Beach City College Saturday at 6pm. LBCC is a strong football team with a lot of huge players, but like Coach Chudy says, “the only thing we can control is how hard we work,” and I know our student athletes work hard.

And btw, what are you doing on Friday, November 25th? BC is bringing back the Friday Night Lights to the Memorial Stadium with BHS meeting Liberty.  Stan Green from KHSD just confirmed this with Sandi Taylor.  Come spend Friday evening of the long Thanksgiving weekend with your family at Memorial Stadium watching great high school football.

Volleyball! My oh my…Coach Carl Ferreira and an amazing group of women that form BC Volleyball won their 13th match in a row to win the Western State Conference-East. “It’s been years since we’ve won a conference title, I’d have to look in my archives,” Coach Carl said, “But it’s been many years.” The Renegades are seeded #11 and will play #6 El Camino College on the road in the first round of the playoffs November, 22nd.  Check out http://www.bakersfield.com/sports/renegades-win-th-straight-capture-outright-wsc-volleyball-title/article_c60c192b-a703-5324-a479-7f00e06d72b5.html

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Wrestling:  Pedro Sarabia, Julio Fuentes, and Zack Mitchell also won conference titles last weekend when BC hosted the Southern California Wrestling Alliance championships. Sarabia and Fuentes are both top seeds in the state, and are expected to place high in December’s state championships.

“But first we have to get there,” Coach Clark said, “and that involves placing at the regionals and then getting through ‘The Brawl’ tournament at East Los Angeles College.”

The Women’s Soccer team also qualified for the play-in round of the postseason and they headed to Mt. San Jacinto College Wednesday and made a great showing, but saw their season end with a 2-0 loss. “We took more shots on goal and played a great game,” Coach Scott Dameron said, “so I’m disappointed with the outcome for the right reasons in that we didn’t win…the effort and the heart were there.”

And a congratulations to the Women’s Cross Country Team for qualifying to compete in the State Championships in Fresno Saturday! Way to go Coach Pam! She’s had several runners, including Freshman Alyssa Morales, who have made great improvements over their high school times because they bought into the Renegade Way and Coach Pam Kelley’s methods. Good luck!

Jennifer’s Wedding

Remember when I said I couldn’t wait to share a picture of Jennifer’s big day? Last weekend, on November 12th, I had the joy of attending as Jennifer and Mark tied the knot. As promised here are a few pictures, one of me and the lovely bride and one of the whole BC crew in attendance.

 

Jennifer_BC-Gang.jpg

It was a beautiful wedding and I found myself in tears many times during the wedding and the reception/dinner.  Jennifer’s brother officiated the wedding which was short but powerful.  Jennifer looked so beautiful and her gorgeous hair was done exquisitely.  As Jennifer appeared in the distance for the first time enveloped by beautiful green trees, shrubs and grass, a beautiful vision, there was a spontaneous response from the group.  And Mark Serratt was just completely focused on his bride-to-be as she slowly walked towards him.

BC, let’s toast our favorite red Jennifer Marden, now Jennifer Serratt!

Bakersfield Marathon:

 

I’m always excited whenever the Bakersfield community has an opportunity to visit our campus on the hill.

Last weekend, during the Bakersfield Marathon, over 2,000 runners ran through the BC campus before heading down beautiful Panorama Drive. A crew of volunteers were on hand passing out water and adding to the excitement as runners passed through. Pictured in the yellow shirts is Francis, Mike, Mary Jo, and Tom – missing from the photo is Melissa. Thank you for all your help at the BC water station!  And Mary Jo Pasek, you are the best!

 

Supermoon

Did you have a chance to see the “supermoon” on the night of November 13th? I had the lovely chance to see it from Napa while chairing an IEPI team event. Napa was so beautiful and I enjoyed walking and taking in the beautiful locale Sunday night and enjoying the Supermoon.  My dad Paul, who passed away in 2006, loved Napa.  So it was an opportunity to think and feel.

BC’s Nick Strobel tells us in his article at the Bakersfield Californian that you’ll have a second chance next month. He starts his article with

If you missed this month’s “supermoon” on the night of Nov. 13-14, you’ll have another chance to catch a supermoon next month, on the night of Dec. 13-14, when the full moon will occur just one day and 39 minutes past perigee (closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit). This month’s supermoon received so much attention because the full moon occurred within just two and a half hours of perigee and this month’s perigee was especially close.

and I loved his ending

One final thing is not space-related, but a big thank you to all who supported Bakersfield College by voting in favor of Measure J. We at Bakersfield College really appreciate your support. Thank you!

Here is a better picture of the supermoon by Agencia Gazeta via Reuters of the supermoon as seen over Lake Morskie Oko in the Tatra Mountains near Zakopane, Poland

agencia Gazeta via Reuters Nov 14 2016.jpg

Mark your calendars for next month! Find the date at http://www.bakersfield.com/news/missed-the-supermoon-there-ll-be-another-in-a-month/article_db782494-259b-5ec0-902a-f67454c424bf.html

Rad Tech Accreditation

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This week, our Radiation Technology department had its accreditation visit. As expected, our phenomenal department did great! We are proud of our students, faculty, and staff that make our Rad Tech department so wonderful!  And Nancy Perkins, you rock!  The administrative team, Cindy Collier, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and I sat at the back just so proud of the program.

10th Annual Kern County Energy Summit

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The Kern Economic Development Corporation (Kern EDC) held its 10th Annual Kern County Energy Summit on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. Local industry leaders in the petroleum, utility, and renewable sectors joined with policy makers and economists to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the energy industry.

kern-energy-2 This year four speakers addressed local planning outcomes, an outlook on renewable goals, the business incubator model successfully implemented in Los Angeles, and an overview of the effects of legislative outcomes on the energy industry.  The Keynote Address was delivered by Chairman & CEO of Southern California Gas Company, Dennis Arriola, who discussed the benefits of natural gas and innovative opportunities to meet state energy needs.  A group of Bakersfield College faculty and staff attended the summit and were honored to share a table with Mayor-elect Karen Goh. Thank you to Tom Gelder, Antonio Alfaro, Martin Perez, Jason Dixon, Kelvin Abaa, Yadira Guerrero, Liz Rozell, Rozanne Hernandez, and Roger Fessler for representing BC!

The Kern Economic Development Corporation was established in 1988 in response to a lagging economy to ensure regional economic stability. The official website states, “Kern EDC’s mission is to stimulate a diversified and strong economic climate in Kern County, through recruitment of new business opportunities and assistance in the retention and expansion of existing businesses.”

President and CEO Richard Chapman leads the charge and brings an unrivaled level of passion and foundational knowledge to his position in Kern County. Vice President, Cheryl Scott, has a knack for connecting people which has earned her the nickname, “Dot Connector.” Cheryl is a fabulous woman who understands our community and region, and volunteered many hours in support of Measure J.  Cheryl Scott, you are a rock star! Thank you to KEDC, Cheryl Scott, and Wayne Kress for all the backing and support for BC and Measure J.

Learn more about the KEDC by visiting http://kedc.com/ and watch Wayne Kress the Chair of the KEDC Board speak at the Measure J Open House:

 

Bakersfield, we all know that

Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take, But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away

and we are so fortunate so have so many moments that take out breath away in Bakersfield.  We have so many moments that take our breath away at Bakersfield College. We Are BC! We Are Bakersfield!

sonya-at-eddie-palmerie-slasa-may-3-2015-at-yerba-buena-gardens-festival

 

That’s all for now.  

Until next week.

With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.  

sonya — the luckiest and happiest college president ever.

Thank you Kern County!

Uncategorized November 12, 2016 Comments: 7

Measure J Passes! Thank you Kern County

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With a vote of 96,589 to 58,155, Kern County supported Measure J with 62.42% of the vote. Measure J also received 59.99% of the vote in Tulare County, and 63.6% of the vote in San Bernardino County. After months of hard work, I am so grateful to our voters for supporting our community colleges! And I am grateful to the many volunteers who turned out over the past few months to get out the vote and spread the word about the great things that this bond will do for Bakersfield College and all of the college in the Kern Community College District.

And a special thank you to my friend who reminds me everyday to Keep the Faith!

And thank you Tom Moran who responded to my early morning call on Saturday and taught me how to sign my thank you message to the voters.

We had an amazing group of volunteers that came out to assist in our final push on Election Day. It was a busy day that began around 6 am and lasted until midnight! The guy behind me in the picture is Dave Mason who worked with us through the campaign.  He drove in from Oakland to spend election night with us.  Thank you Dave!

Here are two great pictures of Nick Strobel on November 8th.  One was taken when he was relentless in phone banking to get out the vote.  The picture was taken at 7:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the polls closed.  And the picture on the left is when we had a table give way, sending an ice bucket and the melted water in it crashing to the floor. (I guess you could say the election center took the ice bucket challenge…) Nick, true to himself, we the first one up and helping to clean the floor.

A few of our volunteers shared some memorable moments from the campaign:

 

The weekend leading up to Election Day was hectic at campaign headquarters.  Here are pictures of Nov 5th (Saturday) and Nov 6th (Sun) including the half-time show that Congressman Bill Thomas (or should I say KCCD Trustee Bill Thomas) did with Vance Palm on the Damron Deck with a great view of the city and the valley.  Vance Palm, you do a real nice job with Renegade Football and the half-time show with the congressman was fantastic.

November 5th;  Here is Rick Kreiser, owner of Carney’s saving the day and saving the campaign by replacing the toner Saturday late evening so that we could continue printing materials for our GOTV (Get Out the Vote) campaign.  Thank you Rick Kreiser for all of the donations and all of your time in support of passing Measure J.

 

I love this picture of Chief Counts and his beautiful daughter Faith who volunteered their time through the entire Measure J campaign.

And pets were also part of the campaign. Here’s Tom Gelder with canine friend Lexy and Bruce our election dog on November 10th helping clean up Campaign HQ.

Measure J was a “whole family affair.”  Andrea Thorson and her son James.  Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg holding Lily Ann (Grace’s baby girl), who was sleeping peacefully while Nan phone banked.  I love both these pictures.

Dr. Kimberly Bligh, Dr. Janet Fulks, Bruce Meyer all phone banking on Nov 7 2016

Grace Commiso and Sue Vaughn.

I loved the cookies Bill Moseley baked using a 3D printed cookie cuttter.  Yes on J!

Bill Moseley Cookies Nov 7 2016.JPG

On November 7th night, I was trying to get these folks out of the office and get them to go to bed before the big day.  It was a hard task! Lesley Bonds, Nicky Damania, Chris Glaser, Nicole Para.

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The Election Day 6:00 a.m. pictures

On the right, our fabulous campaign manager Nicole Parra. In the group picture on the left: Chris Glaser, Lesley Bonds, Sue Vaughn, Ashley Ward, Todd Coston, Bill Potter, Liz Rozell, Asha Chandy, Nicole Parra.

Nicole Parra

Polling location teams at Aera Energy and at Delano

Polling location team at the Kern County Fair and first-time voters who were so excited. Thank you Olivia Garcia for the photo.

 

Polling location teams in South East Bakersfield and at Wasco.

 

Veterans Day. Nov 11, 2016

On Veterans Day, our BC Veterans Club took part in the annual Bakersfield Veterans Day parade. It was such an honor to meet with them at the parade. We are truly grateful for their service, and for the service of all this great nation’s veterans. Thank you!

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doug-and-martha-miller-and-sonya-christian-nov-11-2016-vets-paradeThank you Karen Goh for some great pictures.

It was also a treat running into Martha Miller nee McCuen at the Vets Parade.  Martha is the daughter of Theron McCuen who was the Superintendent of Kern High and Bakersfield College when BC was on the Kern High campus. Martha’s husband Doug Miller retired as Superintendent of the Panama Buena Vista School District in 2007.  I am so glad Martha recognized me and called out as I was dashing towards my car.  With the work we undertook related to campaigning for Measure J, I was always fully aware of BC’s past, particularly 1956 when the campus moved from Kern High (Now BHS) to the Panorama Bluffs, while we were forging BC’s future.  So to run into the daughter of Theron McCuen whose name is on the Administration Building where I have my office felt like an auspicious moment.

So, of course, I went searching in BC’s archives.  Thank you Jerry Ludeke for your commitment to the archives.

 

Here is a 1958 photo that includes Theron McCuen at Ralph Prator’s retirement dinner. From Left: Ralph Prator (outgoing BC President), Ed Simonsen (incoming BC President), Marvene Simonsen, Theron McCuen (Superintendent), Hazel McCuen. 1958.

1958-ralph-prator-outgoing-bc-president-ed-simonsen-incoming-bc-president-marvene-simonsen-theron-mccuen-superintendent-hazel-mccuen

Also from the archives this newspaper clipping from the Bakersfield Californian.  From Left to Right: H.E. Woodworth, Ralph Prator, Ed Simonsen, Dorothy Donohoe, Theron McCuen.  This is the first time that I have seen a picture of Dorothy Donohoe, who as Assemblywoman was responsible for the development of the California Higher Education Master Plan.  It seems appropriate to have her picture in my post Measure J blog to recognize the leaders from our community who had the vision for what we are today.

may-15-1958-newspaper-clipping-woodworth-prator-simonsen-dorothy-donohoe-mccuen

 

BC Veterans

Let’s salute our faculty, staff and students who are veterans.

Bernadette Martinez in the counseling department put out a call to our faculty & staff to share out who on our BC campus is a veteran, which I’d like to repeat here:

United States Marines

  • Jeremy Staat, 2005-2009, Corporal (E-4). — Welding
  • Armando Trujillo, Marine Corps –Veterans Educational Advisor
  • Felix Ramirez from 1980-1985.  1985-2002 Army National Guard (E-7) —Public Safety Officer
  • Juan Torres, United State Marine Corps from 1988-1994—Site Operations  (Delano)

United States Navy

  • Lieutenant Manuel Fernandez, 11 years—Electronics
  • Jahnea Palfrey, 1999-2003, Law Enforcement—Department Assistant
  • Di Hoffman,  1992-2001 – Nursing
  • Eddie Rangel, 1998-2001 (E-4) –Information Technology
  • Diana Alcala, 2002-2008—Human Resources Assistant
  • Paul Beckworth, 1989-1993, Guard 1997-2003—History
  • Richard McCrow, 30 years –Director Delano Campus

United States Army

  • Pat Smith, 5 yrs —Criminal Justice
  • Patrick Fulks, 1969-1971,(E-5) Biology

United States Air Force

  • Bernadette Martinez, 1993-1997 (E-4)—Office Supervisor
  • Christine Dunn 1995-1998 (Captain) Nursing

Veterans Celebration at Porterville College

On November 10th we had the KCCD Board meeting at Porterville College.  They had their Veterans event on the same day and it was wonderful wandering the campus hearing from student veterans and visiting the Veterans Resource Center.  Steve Schutlz has done a real nice job with the facility and I was warmly greeted by the counselor for PC’s student veterans Maria Roman.

I learned from the keynote speaker, a Vietnam Vet, that it was important to remember our history…particularly the local history.  He shared that there was a former airport and military airfield located in the area that conducted flying training during World War II.

During our lunch with the Board, Dr. Carlson had organized a presentation on the Pathways work undertaken by the community over the last decade; a large scale collaboration with business and industry and K-12 partners.  Both Trustee John Corkins and President Rosa Carlson have worked in leadership roles to advance this work on student success. Pretty cool stuff.  Great results!

At the Board meeting, I enjoyed the presentation by Jay Rosenlieb on behalf of the Measure J Honorary Committee.  Jay reviewed the work done by hundreds of volunteers that resulted in the successful passing of Measure J.  Board members too commented about this great accomplishment.  YesOnJ!

 

vets-parade-2016-with-glenn-porterWounded Heroes Fund

The Kern County Wounded Heroes Fund is a local nonprofit that supports veterans and their families with a focus to help ease the transition back to civilian life through ongoing support and appreciation. When veterans come home, sometimes they’re unsure of what to do, not knowing what’s next – that’s where Wounded Heroes comes in, offering everything from a cup of coffee and good conversation to marriage retreats, couples counseling, financial counseling, and even housing.

On November 5th at the Kern County Fairgrounds, a BBQ Steak Lunch helped raise money for these great causes.  At the Veterans Parade on November 11th, Paul Beckworth introduced me to Glenn Porter who is on the Board of Directors for the Wounded Heroes fund and he talked about this event and that it was sold out this year.  It was wonderful getting to know Glenn.

To learn more about the Wounded Heroes Fund, check out http://thewoundedheroesfund.org/.

BC was out at the Fairgrounds for the Wounded Heroes Fund event.  Here are three pictures..the first with our nursing students and the second with Paul Beckworth’s family (Andy Lopez, Eileen Lopez, Adam Lopez, Sandra Beckworth, Paul Beckworth, Sonya Christian) who came out to support the event and the last one, a selfie with Wesley Barrientos.  Wesley, I am so happy to see you!

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Renegade RIP covers Driven by Art

The Renegade RIP, BC’s student newspaper recently highlighted the unique and individually painted trucks you’ve spotted around town. J.R. Hensley, the RIP Reporter notes, “the trucks will be in their current locations until the January 6, 2017, at which time the businesses that purchased the models will take possession of them or they can donate them to the city, which will put them on permanent display on the Westside Parkway.”  I hope you’ll have a chance to spot them all – many are in various places throughout Downtown Bakersfield.

The RIP has been around for over 85 years at Bakersfield College reporting on news and events across campus and our community. To learn more about The RIP, visit www.therip.com and to see my previous blog about the BMOA’s Driven by Art Trucks, see https://sonyachristianblog.com/2016/10/08/so-many-reasons-to-celebrate-we-are-bc/.

EOP&S Takes Off to Museum of Tolerance

eopsI found this draft blog entry from March 2016.  Enjoy!

A group of 42 EOP&S students and staff gathered before sunrise on March 18, 2016 and boarded a bus headed southbound to the Museum of Tolerance. During the drive, the movie Anne Frank was played to get an insight of the holocaust.

Her spirit was felt on the bus and students were left thinking about the horrific events that happened in the early 1930s.

The Museum of Tolerance provided an interactive experience for students ranging from digital storytelling, films, artifacts, personal testimonies and thought provoking questions. Students were also guided to the Tolerance center exhibit where they were exposed to major issues of intolerance that happen on a local and global level. Topics on contemporary events such as bullying, hate speech, discrimination, human rights exploitation, and terrorism were covered, all which affect our community. “Don’t be a standby” was a phrase that the docent kept repeating as he challenged us to think what we can do to work to end injustices, discrimination, hateful behaviors and concluded with “History has a tendency to repeat itself.”

After the tour, a few students shared this was an eye-opening experience. One student expressed “this education[al] excursion [taught] me a lesson about the power of words.” Another student said “every minute was filled with learning about history” and others shared this was just not a visit “but also an educational trip, it teaches us about what we should do about eliminating discrimination.” When students were asked to identify steps to be more personally responsible for positive change, many responded to “speak up, help others, and care more.” One student summed it up and said “Speak up because someone needs to take initiative. Be the change I want to see.”

Their visit to the Museum of Tolerance was impactful. Over 85 percent of the group had never visited the museum. In the evaluation of their learning experience at the Museum of Tolerance, only about 26 percent indicated they had a great deal of understanding of the Holocaust prior to visiting the museum — after visiting the museum, 75 percent of the students indicated they gained a greater understanding of the Holocaust. Overall there was a 77 percent student consensus that visiting the Museum of Tolerance increased their awareness of past social injustices and the different types of prejudice and discrimination that exist in the world we live in.

Academic Senate

Its been a while since I visited with our Academic Senate.  BC has a great group of faculty serving on the senate with exceptional leadership from President Steven Holmes, VP Andrea Thorson and the Exec Board of the Senate.  I stopped by on Wednesday, November 9th, after the election to thank the faculty members from the senate who helped with the Measure J work.  One of my colleagues took these pictures and I so enjoyed seeing them that I thought I would share them with you. We Are BC!

 

bruce-the-election-dog-nov-9-2016

 

That’s all for now.  

Until next week.

With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.  

sonya — signing off with a picture of Bruce and reminding everyone that I am the luckiest and happiest college president ever.

Our BC family gives to the community!

Uncategorized November 6, 2016 Comments: 4

Have you voted yet? And did you vote Yes on Measure J? #MeasureJ 🙂

I did vote on October 30th, a rainy Sunday morning and then dropped off my ballot at the Post Office.  Here is my proof!

 

Good morning Bakersfield.  It is Saturday, November 5, 2016…..A great day to be a Renegade.

This past week was busy on campus with many events including Vet Fest, the Levan Faculty Colloquim, a special FCDC meeting where faculty positions for next year were presented as well as a quick trip to Orange County to present the work on California Guided Pathways at the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges Fall Plenary.  In addition, the Campaign Head Quarters for Measure J was buzzing with activity as the volunteers were shifting gears to the last lap of this marathon.  Four more days to November 8th!

Here we have Prof. Harlan Hunter volunteering his time to lead a team of volunteers to promote Measure J.

Harlan Hunter and volunteers return after precinct walking Nov 5 2016.jpg

 

So proud of our faculty, staff and students:

Paula Parks and ASTEP:

BC’s ASTEP Program, under the leadership of Prof. Paula Parka, won first place in the Black365 Knowledge Bowl!  Just phenomenal.

Parks says on Facebook:

My students studied their Black history!!! #umojaconf All the ASTEP Umoja students in attendance cheered our team to victory! They all make me so proud!!

astep-students-winning-an-award-nov-2016

Anna Poetker and the Levan Faculty Colloquim:

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Anna Poetker, Susan Pinza

Philosophy professor Dr. Anna Poetker presented her research findings on her work with undocumented students at Bakersfield College at the Norm Levan Faculty Colloquium (the longest running program of the Levan Center). Her talk The Struggles and Success of Undocumented Latino/a College Students on Friday, November 4th was a combination of the theoretical background of the philosophical and psychological foundations of the problems facing  undocumented students, personal stories told to her by her undocumented students, and practical ways we can support our undocumented students.

 

Nick Strobel emailed me:
She gave us the mental framework of the process undocumented college students go through in forming their own identity—“self authorship”. In some ways it is like the maturing process we all go through as we transition from learning values and identity from our family and society as children and then constructing our own identity as young adults in late high school and early college years. However, the consequences for undocumented students can be much more significant for our undocumented students because they are “sewn with two threads” (as one student put it).
They entered this country as very young children, so their values and background are primarily of the United States with a more distant familial connection to the country they came from, but they are not citizens of the U.S. with all the rights thereof. The undocumented students can face strong negative pressures against going to college from society and even from their own families. As young adults, the undocumented students that Anna shared stories about had gone through the phase of tearing down/blasting away the externally constructed identity  shaped by the society and family and then constructing their own identity internally from within.
There are practical ways we can support these students. It starts with acknowledging them and their special needs as undocumented students, being supportive with even something as simple as a smile and listening ear, and letting them know about the resources and rights given to them through the California Dream Act and DACA for attending college and remaining in the U.S.
Alex Gomez prepared a nice spread of Mexican food for attendees to enjoy after the talk.
For more about what BC is doing to support our undocumented students see https://bcdreamers.wordpress.com and https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/president/project-dream-act .
For more about the Faculty Colloquium series, see https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/levancenter/programs#colloquia. The Faculty Colloquium committee needs nominations from faculty for faculty who have done research on interesting topics and would
be good speakers. Contact Susan Pinza with your suggestions.

Flu Shots

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According to the CDC, the “flu season” can begin as early as October and last until May. During these months, the flu viruses circulate at a higher rate and an annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce chances of catching the flu and spreading it to others. Students and faculty from BC’s Allied Health provided free flu shots to BC students and staff on Tuesday morning at the Collins Conference Center. Way to go BC!

Student Volunteers at Allensworth Park

allensworth_volunteers1

allensworth_houseEvery year, the volunteer coordinator for the CA State Parks invites BC students to a one-day volunteer event at Allensworth State Historic Park. Not only is this a great way to give back, but students also learn about the amazing Colonel Allensworth State Park, tour of the park, and a chance to talk to park Rangers.

This year, they had two groups since so many students wanted to attend. One group dusted the insides of historic homes and the other painted a historic house. Pictured above are BC students Andrea Moreno, Salvador Murillo, Krista Nolan, Payton Brandon, and Mitchell Switalki with the park ranger.

Alongside these students, many others also volunteered. It’s great to know so many of our students are getting involved, helping out, volunteering, and learning about local history!

Thank you to Erin Miller and Krista Moreland for helping to facilitate these great experiences!

Vet Fest at BC!

vet-fest-nov-2-2016

Veterans Day is a reminder of the price paid for the liberties we enjoy, but it’s also time to reflect on the burden we all share in ensuring our future generations enjoy those same freedoms. We must never forget that it is the strength of our armed forces that has brought us to this point, and it is the strength that will continue to ensure peace.

leticia-perez-at-vet-fest-2016Between now and Veterans Day on November 11th, people throughout America will gather to remember and give thanks to those who have served in our armed forces. But at Bakersfield College, our veterans are our family… you are our friends, classmates, students, staff, and faculty.  Today we honor you and we thank you for your courage, strength, and soul.

Thank you to all of our speakers and guests, especially Supervisor Leticia Perez for her generosity and her commitment to Bakersfield College and to our student veterans.  Our keynote speaker JR Browning was fabulous. A copy of JR Browning’s speech is available here.

You can see more photos in our online gallery at https://bakersfieldcollege.smugmug.com/Vet-fest.

Thank you to KGET for the coverage http://www.kerngoldenempire.com/news/vet-fest-returns-today-at-bakersfield-college

Check out my blog on last year’s Vet Fest.

http://tinyurl.com/hg3rmjj

The Kern Housing Authority

I attended the fundraising gala put on by the Kern Housing Authority and Norma Rojas-Mora.  This is a great organization that does great things for our community.  Here are a few pictures from the event.

Row 1: Here I am with friends of Measure J and friends of Bakersfield College.  NaTesha Johnson, Nicole Parra and Karen Goh.

Row 2: Selfies with Norma Rojas-Mora and Andrea Navarro a culinary graduate of Bakersfield College.  Andrea is currently working at the Padre and reminder me that she taught me the right way to cut vegetables.

 

A little something:

When this note from Professor Dave Neville found its way to my desk on Wednesday afternoon with its attached project, I just knew I had to share it with you. It says, “Could you find an appropriate time to return this project that Lesley did as a student for my Spanish 2 class at North High School. I was going through papers that I had saved as prime examples of student work and came across this.”

David Neville
Lesley Bonds

I should add that Lesley Bonds is our director of Student Success and Equity and she’s a graduate of North High, right here in Bakersfield.

lesleybonds_book

The highly educational story that Lesley wrote as a high school student follows a girl named Rosa who accidentally cut herself while running with a knife. Rosa’s doctor could not save her and her friends and brother were very, very sad. Throughout the rest of the story, Juan decides to educate other children about knife safety and he even takes the steps necessary to make his own kitchen safer for his little boy.  You can see in the end, the child cries because the knife drawer is locked, but grows up to be a strong and healthy young man.

Our professors at BC are great people who go the extra mile to let our students, past and present, know that they care… and that’s only one reason why I love this story. BC is Bakersfield… our staff, faculty, and administration love this community. We are Bakersfield and… We are BC!

Also wanted to do a quick shout out to Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Tracy Hall, deans, and Faculty Chairs and Directors who do a phenomenal job every day making sure we have the classes available to our students and also making sure that our students are successful in those classes.  Here are two pictures from the FCDC meeting on Friday, Nov 4th, where the chairs were presenting their requests for faculty positions.  Thank you Corny Rodriguez for getting me these photos.  And thank you FCDC!

Measure J support continues:

As we continue with the campaign for Measure J (#MeasureJ), I want to thank our volunteers for this week:

October 30: Cynthia Munoz, Maria Wright, Jamal Wright, Steve Waller, Ramona Benavidez, Tom Gelder, Dana Heins-Gelder, Ivan Valdez, Marisa Marquez, and Kaylana Demmin.

October 31: Stephen Waller, Steve Watkin, Emmanuel Mourtzanos, Todd Coston, Michelle Pena, Jennifer Achan, Sandi Taylor, Liz Rozell, Corny Rodriguez, Janet Fulks, Shannon Musser, Nicky Damania, Lesley Bonds, Zav Dadabhoy, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Tom Gelder, Bill Potter, Shanell Tyus, Maria Wright, Sarah Baron, Ivan Valdez, Rob Parsons, David Koeth, Paul Beckworth, Nick Strobel, Loy Salarda, and Laura Longo.

November 1: Jackie Lau, Michelle Pena, Todd Coston, Isabel Stierle, Christine Saldivar, Joe Saldivar, Dena Rhoades, Terri Goldstein, Grace Commiso, Heather Skibinski, Ivan Valadez, Kathy Howarth, Manny Mourtzanos, Zav Dadabhoy, Steve Watkin and Stephen Waller.

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November 2: Eileen Pierce, Kaitlyn Kirkland, Alexa Rivera, Chris Cruz, Felicia Scott, Maria Wright, Ivan Valadez, Savannah Andrews, Manuel Muralles, Claudio Felix, Brian Nava, Russel Tetzschner, Randi Tetzschner, Danny Verdugo, Debi Anderson, Raul Leon, Shanell Tyus, Marshall Compton, Loy Salarda, Alberto Munoz, Juan Cillarreal, Cain Perez, Connor Turner, Jorge Reyes, Juan Hernandez, Ashlea Ward, Edwin Bernal, Carlos Melendez, Lokai Borthel, Reese Weltman, Edgeir Morcio, Julia Crayton, Josie Guillen, Carlos Barbaran, Heidi Forsyth, Lori Williams, Jose Chavez, Tom Gelder, Kalina Hill, Jackie Brouillette, Steven Watkin, Chris McCraw, Greg Cluff, Heather Baltis, Araceli Navarro, Bill Kelly, Tracy Lovelace, Janet Thomas, Lindsay Ono, and Steve Waller.

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November 3: Yadira Guerrero, Gabriel Torres, Brigid Mady, Josh Shackleford, Tom Gelder, Evette Lara, Jackie Lau, Salvador Gomez, John Means, Steve Waller, Paul Beckworth, Grace Commiso, Cristian Gutierrez, Valerie Robinson, Ivan Valadez, Rob Parsons, Chris Cruz, Shanell Tyus, Manuel Muralles, Kristina Whitmore, Todd Coston, Ashlea Ward, Steven Watkin, Terri Goldstein, Maria Wright, John Means, Matt Frazer, and Lawrence Salardo.

2

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November 4: Todd Coston, Carlos Barbaran, Evette Lara, Matt Frazer, Pedro Ramirez, Keesha Collins, Danyel Owens, Paulette Rodriguez, Peter Rodriguez, Emmanuel Limaco, Nicky Damania, Chris Glaser, Lesley Bonds, Sam Moreno, Heidi Allison, Bob Allison, Shanice Watson, Dalton Jones, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Zav Dadabhoy, and Rob Parsons.

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Community Voices in the Bakersfield Californian

The support we have received in recent months for Measure J (#MeasureJ) has been spectacular and we’re on a four day countdown to when our community decides whether to invest in the future of the Kern Community College District, including BC’s campus, infrastructure, our mission, vision, and values.

Here are two Community Voices pieces that were published this last week and one letter to the editor.

November 1, 2016. Measure J will help those working in the field by Professor Oliver Rosales. Check out his piece in the Bakersfield Californian.

Here are a few excerpts:

There are tremendous needs in this community and, conversely, tremendous opportunities for making a real impact on people’s lives. I have always enjoyed challenges. Delano is a challenge for Bakersfield College. That’s why the center was built in the first place: to educate the children of farm workers. It is a campus center in the middle of the fields, surrounded by high levels of poverty, poor health outcomes, and low educational attainment.

BC Delano is also surrounded, though, by fields of dreams. My Delano students are the reason I love going to work every day. They ground me and keep me content, “working in the fields” every day as I jokingly tell my wife…

Rosales concludes:

Measure J expands opportunities to teach students of the field. The Bakersfield College Delano campus has been around for more than four decades, first located on Randolph Street (now the Wonderful Academy) and now located west of Highway 99 next to Robert Kennedy High School. Measure J will expand the BC Delano campus by developing additional physical space for students to study, collaborate with faculty, and learn. It is not far-fetched to say that students at BC Delano literally study in the fields.

Let’s pass Measure J and continue to give them the opportunity to dream big and change their communities for the better for decades to come.

oliver-rosales-nov-1-2016

November 2, 2016: The Bakersfield Californian published Measure J supports a long-held community vision  (#Measure J) by Sonya Christian 🙂

Check out the web version at http://tinyurl.com/h2m3f8o.

Here is an excerpt

In the early 1900s, our people had a dream, a shared goal and a vision, to make the Central Valley a place of opportunity and unbelievable growth, and they did it. In 1913, a then-isolated and relatively small community decided to open a college campus that initially served only 13 students. …..

and another excerpt

Today, our generation is at a pivotal point. We are facing a challenge to prepare and provide for the next 50 years of growth and evolving education. In the 1950s, that generation of leaders had the courage and foresight to make the investments that have paved the way for strengthening our community. Now it is up to us; it’s our turn to look forward.

and I conclude with:

Let your name be listed alongside, for your children and grandchildren, who, when they look through the historic archives, will say, yes, my parent or grandparent was one of the leaders who look care of me and our community.

I ask you to vote yes on Measure J.

 

sonya-christian-nov-2-2016

 

November 3, 2016. Letter to the Editor. Yes on J: Local Health Care needs Educated Workforce by Gitest Patel.

Gitesh Patel Nov 3 2016.png

 

david-torres-californian-nov-4-2016November 4, 2016. BC is community’s ears, ears; but what about bones? by David Torres

Check out the full article at  http://tinyurl.com/gsafm5r

Here are a few excerpts:

Every day, I see where our community struggles, but more often, I see where it comes together and succeeds. Often, the nexus of that success emanates from our area’s community college: Bakersfield College.

I am a father of five and four of my children have attended BC. Two of my daughters earned their AA degrees at BC. Another started college their before transferring to CSUB and one is currently attending BC in order to satisfy requirements for entrance into medical school. I am also a veteran, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. I have seen first-hand the innovative ways that BC interacts with its vets and supports their success. BC means a great deal to me and to our community…..

I see the students of Bakersfield College as the eyes and ears of the institution: they see and hear, they learn. The faculty is the heart of BC.

What about the body, the bones? The infrastructure of BC’s campus overlooking the bluffs is 60 years old and it’s starting to show. Put another way, 21st Century learning can’t happen in mid-century facilities. Just think of the advances in architecture, building construction, disability access, and learning technology that have been introduced in the last 50 years.

Our community’s college is in dire need of replenishment, and the time to provide that is now. Measure J, on the Nov. 8 ballot, is the best, most direct way to provide BC with the badly needed funds to carry this venerable, cherished community institution further into the 21st Century.

I urge you support the many needs of our community and the success of your children and neighbors. Join me in voting yes on Measure J.

 

Thank you to all who have shared your opinions and voices with the community!

List of endorsements for Measure J:

Over 2000 individuals have endorsed Measure J.

Here are a few

Cathy Abernathy, Cathy Abernathy Consultants
Romeo Agbalog, KCCD Trustee
Joe Aguirre, Former Delano Mayor
Dennis Beebe, KCCD Trustee
Sue Benham, Former Bakersfield City Council Member
Kevin Burton, President, SJCH Foundation
Kyle Carter, Bakersfield Mayoral Candidate/KCCD Trustee
Ricardo Chavez, Delano Mayor
John Corkins, KCCD Trustee
Stephanie Cortez, Porterville Chamber of Commerce CEO/President
David Couch, Kern County Supervisor
Ed Davis, S&E Farms
Robert de la Rosa, Ola Raza Director
Jose Flores, Arvin Mayor
Fran Florez, Shafter City Council Member
Mick Gleason, Kern County Supervisor
Karen Goh, Bakersfield Mayoral Candidate
Doug Greener, Bakersfield Fire Chief
Shannon Grove, California State Assembly Member
Jose Gurrola, Arvin City Council Member
Virginia Gurrola, Porterville Councilwoman
Harvey Hall, Bakersfield Mayor
Cam Hamilton, Porterville Vice Mayor
Harold Hanson, Bakersfield Vice Mayor
Chad Hathaway, Hathaway LLC
Ruben Hill, Delano City Council Member
JP Lake, Rain for Rent
Pauline Larwood, Former KCCD Trustee/
Kern County Supervisor
January Lau, January & Associates
Mike Maggard, Kern County Supervisor
Terry Maxwell, Bakersfield City Council Member
Michelle McLean, Arvin Union School District Superintendent
Kay Meek, KCCD Trustee
Liz Morris, Delano City Council Member
Arnold Morrison, DJUHS Board Member
Steve Murray, Murray Family Farms
Chris Parlier, Bakersfield City Council Member
Nicole Parra, Former California State Assembly Member
Ruben Pascual, Delano City Council Member
Leticia Perez, Kern County Supervisor
Christy Porter, Jasmine Cetner Inc.
Leticia Prado, Lamont Water District Member
Fred Prince, Omega Financial & Insurance Services
Janet Rabanal, Delano Chamber of Commerce Director
Rosalina Rivera, Delano Union Elementary School District Superintendent
Willie Rivera, Bakersfield City Council Member
Jazmine Robles, Arvin City Council Membre
Rudy Salas, California State Assembly Member
Mary K. Shell, Former Bakersfield Mayor & County Supervisor
Bob Smith, Bakersfield City Council Member
Mark Storch, KCCD Trustee
Milt Stowe, Porterville Mayor
Jay Tamsi, Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President
Rob Taylor, Stafford’s Chocolates
Bill Thomas, Retired U.S. Congressman, KCCD Trustee
Grace Vallejo, Delano City Council Member
Jon Van Boening, Dignity Health
Greg Williamson, Bakersfield Police Department Chief
Keith Wolaridge, Panama Buena Vista Union Trustee
Dr. James Young, Retired KCCD Chancellor
Donny Youngblood, Kern County Sheriff
Milt Younger, Attorney
Mark Zaninovich, Sunview Vineyards

Here are some organizations that have endorsed Measure J:

The Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield City Firefighters Association
Bakersfield College Alumni Association
Bakersfield Downtown Business Association
Building4SUCCESS Inc
California City Chamber of Commerce
California Teachers Association
Chevron
Delano Camber of Commerce
Democratic Women of Kern
Dolores Huerta Foundation
Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council
KCCD California School Employees Association
KCCD Community College Association
KCCD Management Association
Kern Agriculture Foundation
Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce
Kern County Democratic Party
Kern County Farm Bureau
Kern County Firefighters Union
Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Kern County Young Republicans (PAC)
Kern Economic Development Corporation
Kern Taxpayers Association
Latina Leaders of Kern County
Murray Family Farms
Ola Raza
Porterville Democratic Club
RA Johnsfam
Renegade Helmet Club
Sikh Women’s Association of Kern County
Veterans of Foreign Wars District #6
Veterans of Foreign Wars #97
Wendale Davis Foundation

4 more days Bakersfield!

November 8th is an important day – make sure your voice counts. To find your nearest polling location, visit http://elections.co.kern.ca.us/elections/Voterinfo/Address.asp

vote

Here is a video that the Bakersfield College Student Government Association (BCSGA) under the leadership of President Matthew Frazer created to Get Out the Vote!  Check it out.

And let’s make sure we follow the advice of Mayor Harvey Hall and retired Congressman Bill Thomas.

 

 

There’s so much to celebrate and it’s a great time to be at BC!

sonya-christian-measure-j-oct-1-2016

 

That’s all for now.  

Until next week.

With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.  

sonya — the luckiest and happiest college president ever

Sonya Christian's Blog