July | 2022 | Sonya Christian's Blog

Monthly Archives: July 2022

Wrapping up July 2022

Uncategorized July 30, 2022 Leave a comment

This week I spent some time in beautiful Santa Barbara.

Neo and I particularly enjoyed walking among the bountiful bougainvillea throughout the area:

Good morning, friends.
It is July 30, 2022.
The sun shines bright over Kern CCD.

Porterville College

PC Neighborhood Market Returns

We’re excited to see the return of the PC Neighborhood Market to the Jamison Stadium parking Lot. The monthly food distribution event has been back up and running for the past several months now. It’s great to see the amount of people we are able to help each month with this wonderful service for students and the community.

This free community food distribution is held on the fourth Monday of every month as a drive through event to assist people in the community facing food insecurity and hunger. We provide pre-bagged items such as food, toiletries and hygiene items along with other essentials. Each car pulls through the line and items are loaded into their vehicle for them.

We are often asked how someone can help with this effort. There are several ways that you can help:

Volunteer to help during the distributions. You can apply to volunteer with our volunteer form at https://pcpio.wufoo.com/forms/s1cybhzo1n0evar/
Donations can be made in the PC Business Office. You may donate any amount you see fit.
Bring plastic grocery bags for us to use in the food pantry for students.
Donate non-perishable food items each month.
Get involved in the Annual Pirate Pantry Food Drive held during the Fall semester.

All food donations can be delivered to the Pirate Pantry. If you prefer pick-up, please call to schedule a time.

Jump Start Academy Tours Setton Farms

The PC Jump Start Academy is in full swing, giving students hands on experience in industrial careers, along with opportunities for career exploration.

The Academy provides a curriculum designed specifically for incoming Central Valley high school seniors (current juniors) with an interest in learning more about careers in Industrial technologies.

This week the group took a tour of Setton Farms in Terra Bella to get a look inside their plant and learn about career opportunities in the farm and processing industries. Before leaving on the trip, Dr. Habib stopped by to talk with the students and was excited about what they had to tell her.

The Jump Start Summer Academy, part of a partnership between Porterville College and several higher education and industry partners, provides a curriculum designed specifically for incoming Central Valley high school seniors (current juniors) with an interest in learning more about careers in Industrial technologies.

Cerro Coso Community College

Aloha! Potluck Luau Welcomes Staffs Return

The meatballs were made. The theme was set. We had a Luau. We’ll never forget.

After more than 2 years of limited staffing, working from home, and COVID restrictions, it was exciting to see the campus come alive again with the staffs full return to work. A Welcome Back Potluck Luau was held at the Ridgecrest campus on Thursday, July 28, 2022, to celebrate.

Meeting new staff members, greeting those who returned, the overall event was a tropical blast, complete with music and leis.

Welcome back everyone.

Davis and Mills Present at Book Festival

Professors Cliff Davis and Yvonne Mills were invited to speak at the Eastern Sierra Book Festival on Sunday, July 17^th. The organizer of this annual event is Jennifer Crittenden, a current Cerro Coso student and a published author of successful books about women in the workplace and life in Mammoth. Davis’s presentation, “The Odyssey and Greek Classics, cites Homer’s epic poem as a paradigm of a classic: a work “so meaningful that it has universal application to the human condition, a text so profound that it isn’t limited by historical context, authorial intention, or the fallacy of an ‘ideal reader.’” Mills participated in an interview with Crittenden called “Shakespeare and Modern Performance History,” in which she discussed how political immediacy and diverse interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays can significantly impact their presentation and reception. Both talks were very well-received by audience members.

Briseno – Passion for Advocacy, Leadership, and Community Involvement

Anthony Briseno has joined the Counseling Department at the Ridgecrest campus as an Education Advisor.

Anthony spent most of his life in Kern County where he grew up in Bakersfield, CA, and outlying cities.

He is a first-generation college student who attended CSU Bakersfield where he obtained his bachelor’s in Sociology and his master’s in Educational Counseling with an emphasis in student affairs.

Anthony’s professional background is in Human Services where he worked for Jamison Children’s Center, Child Protective Services-Adoptions, and Welfare.

Anthony’s passions are advocacy, leadership, and community involvement. Oh, and you can’t forget Anthony’s love for big, oversized dogs! In fact, Anthony has a nine-year-old Blue Nose Pitbull named Adonis that he rescued back when he started college.

A motto that Anthony lives by is “Hermanos Unidos Juntos Triunfaremos – Brothers/people united together we will triumph.”

Welcome to Cerro Coso, Anthony!

Preparing for the Unexpected

Safety and Security has been busy all summer bringing the college up to speed on its Active Assailant training.

The Ridgecrest Police Department recently completed a site assessment of the Ridgecrest campus and conducted an internal training on Friday, July 22 in the LRC. It is everyone’s nightmare – an active assailant putting lives in danger. In addition to training, It is vital that the local police department be familiar with our campuses to ensure a quick strategic response to any incident on campus for which they are called to assist.

A larger scale exercise that will incorporate Cerro Coso employees and other first responders is being planned.

These exercises will also be expanded to the Tehachapi and ESCC campuses.

Safety and Security Manager Kevin King will present an Active Assailant training for the Faculty Flex event this fall and in person to all staff sections in the coming weeks.

Preparedness: Readiness, organized, arranged by systematic planning, and a united effort.

Cerro Coso to offer NEW AA-T Degree in Law, Public Policy, and Society

Are you interested in working in a law-based profession to help people and society? Are you interested in an education path that could lead to law school? Are you interested in becoming a politician or working in government offices? Cerro Coso is offering a new Associate of Arts for Transfer degree in Law, Public Policy, and Society.

An associate degree for transfer provides a clear pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. The AA-T degree guarantees admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and gives priority admission consideration to your local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to your community college major. This priority does not guarantee admissions to specific majors or campuses.

The Law, Public Policy, and Society study spans the humanities and the social sciences, incorporating disciplines, such as criminal justice, business, economics, political science, diversity, and paralegal. Careers in this field include: paralegal and legal assistants, legal secretaries, lawyers, and judicial law clerks.

Students pursuing this degree major will learn to: identify sources of American law and articulate how a law is created; describe the American legal system, including jurisdictional requirements, state and federal court systems, and roles of those in the legal field; locate, critically read, and analyze relevant primary and secondary sources; apply laws, public policy, and/or societal or ethical theories to develop a solution to a legal issue, a public policy issue, and/or a society concern, describe one’s ethical obligation to social responsibility under the laws.

The degree has an option to take a more civil law, or more criminal law-based pathway to completing the program depending on your interests.

If you are not sure that you have the technology resources you need to be successful in an online program, please contact studentservices@cerrocoso.edu to see how the college can help you.

Fall 2022 classes at Cerro Coso Community College begin August 22, 2022. Complete registration and course information is available on the web at www.cerrocoso.edu or contact the College Counseling Department.

Bakersfield College

BC Students Attend the 14th Annual Immigrant Youth Empowerment Conference (IYEC) at UCLA

Student leaders from Latinos Unidos Por Educación attended the 14th Annual Immigrant Youth Empowerment Conference, hosted by UCLA’s AB540 Project and IDEAS.

The AB540 Project is the community service component of UCLA’s Improving Dreams, Equality, Access, and Success (IDEAS) program, with the goal of increasing awareness and access to resources for immigrant students. IYEC is an all-day conference that is committed to empowering, educating, and paving a way for immigrant youth to pursue higher education.

Students left UCLA with renewed confidence in themselves and developed a wider network of supportive colleagues. After the IYEC Conference students enjoyed a nice evening relaxing and having fun at the Santa Monica Pier/Promenade.

BC Celebrates Disability Pride Day

This week, Bakersfield College held a special event in honor of Disability Pride Day. Staff and students were invited to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This moment has led to substantial improvements in terms of access to public services, accessibility to buildings and online entities, and began a societal shift in understanding of persons with varying disabilities.

Automotive Technology Program Launches Auto Detailing Course

The Automotive Technology program has developed two new, non-credit courses in auto detailing. The focus of the curriculum and training will be on industry standard techniques to clean and restore a vehicle’s interior and exterior surfaces. The two courses, AUTOB60AN and AUTOB60BN, were first offered this summer and are expected to be offered again in late fall. Each non-credit course is 54 hours and are available tuition-free to the public.

Auto detailing is utilized throughout the automobile industry to maintain and prepare both new and used vehicles for purchase at dealerships. These programs prepare students for employment at such dealerships, as well as small business opportunities in the detailing industry. BC’s Andrew Haney and Rick Range both attended training and were certified in detailing by the International Detailing Association.

Rural HEAL Hosts Kids’ Summer Camp

Rural Health Equity and Learning Collaborative offered a hands-on summer camp for third- and fourth-graders at the Shafter Library and Learning Center focused on the body’s cardiopulmonary system and how it works. The program provided a basic overview of human health and an introduction to careers in the health science and medical fields. HEAL has been a major driver of advancing strategies to build up the local health care workforce as a way to eliminate health disparities common throughout the San Joaquin Valley by improving overall health, education and economic outcomes in rural communities.

The one-hour course is called “The Human Body” and is part of HEAL’s See It Be It campaign led by Dr. Kathy Murphy, a local pediatrician and interim director of the HEAL advisory group.

Check out this video:

California Energy Commission Workshop

Last week, the Kern CCD hosted the California Energy Commission (CEC), as it gathers input for an “equity and environmental justice framework” to inform its Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) update. It was the first time an IEPR meeting has ever been held in Kern County.

During my remarks, I highlighted Kern CCD’s leadership in clean energy and transportation, including our California Renewable Energy Center of Excellence.

CRC partners, Commissioner Siva Gunda, Trustee Yovani Jimenez

For more photos from the workshop, visit https://kerncommunitycollegedistrict.smugmug.com/Public/2022-2023/California-Energy-Commission-IEPR-Meeting/.

Representatives from Kern CCD Attend Veterans Education Conference

Veteran representatives from Bakersfield College and Cerro Coso Community College attended the annual Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES) conference. Convening in Portland, Oregon, the WAVES conference brings together representatives of higher education from across the Western states to serve the needs and interests of veterans, faculties and administrators by providing a forum to facilitate the interchange of ideas and information.

Representatives from the sister schools of KCCD had the opportunity to work collaboratively to address issues and legislation affecting student veterans of Kern County.

Latina Leaders of Kern County Awards Dinner

Latina Leaders of Kern County celebrated its 21^st Annual Latinas Leading the Way Awards Dinner on July 16 at the Seven Oaks Country Club with our own Norma Rojas-Mora serving as MC. Norma is the past President and current board member for Latina Leaders. Gabriela Gonzales, External Affairs Advisor for California Resources Corporation currently serves as the President of the Board. They did a phenomenal job of keeping the crowd inspired.

It was great seeing the tremendous community support including participation from our Trustees Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and Yovani Jimenez as well as our good friend Maria Herrera, the newly appointed California State Director, Rural Development for USDA and Abigail Solis, the Central California Director of External Affairs for the Office of Governor Newsom.

There definitely were plenty of friends of Kern CCD. The Latinas Leading the Way award recipients included Emily Duran, CEO of Kern Health Systems; Monica Bermudez, Attorney at Law; Rosa Romero, Superintendent of the Richland School District, and volunteer of the year Sarah Sanchez.

Latina Leaders has continued to develop the leadership potential of young Latinas through the Youth Leadership Program.

In The News

Shafter Learning Center offers first class for HEAL

The Bakersfield Californian published this wonderful piece about the Rural HEAL kids’ summer camp in Shafter.

“It’s never too early for kids to learn about careers that are available to them in their community and to begin thinking about their future,” said Romeo Agbalog, president of the Kern Community College District’s governing board and the KCCD’s representative for the Shafter area. “With classes like this, BC is showing how our collaboration with rural communities like Shafter can be a win-win for education and workforce development.”

‘Just transition’ discussion stands out at environmental justice workshop

The July 20th workshop was also covered in this piece in The Bakersfield Californian.

“The issue of “just transition” — ensuring that workers are protected as the economy shifts away from oil and gas toward clean energy — involves a variety of logistical factors, added U.S. Department of Energy Senior Advisor Betony Jones.”

Fun Photos and Spotted on Social Media

PC President Dr. Claudia Habib took to twitter to sing the praises of faculty taking part in the Summer Retreat for Student Success.

“I am impressed by the energy & commitment to students’ success by this cohort of faculty who came together #SummerRetreat to build community, share best practices and design the best experience in career exploration courses #ACIP #Onboarding #Ask #LightTheirFire #DualEnrollment”

Kylie Campbell shared this fantastic update from our district’s Early College program:

2021-2022 was an outstanding year for #EarlyCollege in Kern County. @KernCCD colleges provided 12,406 high school students with free college credit opportunities, resulting in 26,916 enrollments for the year. Way to go @BAKcollege, @cerrocosocoyote and @PCollegePirates!

====================

That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!

The future is bright at KernCCD.

-sonya
a joyful and grateful Chancellor

#KCCDDaringMightyThings

Exciting times at Kern CCD

Uncategorized July 23, 2022 1 Comment

It was an exciting week at the Kern Community College District as we welcomed some very special visitors. Tara Lynn Gray, Director of the California Office of Small Business Advocate, and the California Energy Commissioners Siva Gunda and Patty Monahan. I will add photos of the CEC visit in my next week’s blog.

Really enjoyed my visit with Director Gray who was warm and committed to entrepreneurship as being the equity solution to economic development for rural communities. And what a treat to see Linda Quinones-Vaughn after so many years. Nicole Parra and I had a delightful visit with these two wonderful women.

Nicole Parra, Sonya Christian, Tara Lynn Gray, Linda Quinones Vaughn

And here is Tim Rainey, executive director of the California Workforce Development Board, who dropped in from Sacramento for a few hours to present on a panel with the CEC folks. Norma Rojas was fabulous on a panel discussing equitable economic and workforce development.

Norma Rojas-Mora, Tim Rainey, Sonya Christian

And check out this blast from the past that was shared by my cousin Daphne on Facebook this week:

Good morning, friends.
It is July 23, 2022.
The sun shines bright over Kern CCD.

Porterville College

PC educator chosen for prestigious fellowship program

Porterville College professor emeritus Jacinto Gardea has been selected to participate in the prestigious English Language Fellow Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.

As part of the program, he’ll get the chance to do two things he’s passionate about–teach English and travel abroad. The program will take him to southern Laos where he will participate in fellowship project training for 10 months at Savannakhet University. He has previously participated in the English Language Fellow Program in Peru.

“It’s just a very tremendous thing for a teacher,” said Gardea. He is one of only 200 U.S. Citizens chosen for the 2022-2023 English Language Fellow Program. The program is an opportunity for experienced teachers of English to enact meaningful and sustainable changes in the way English is taught abroad to speakers of other languages.

The English Language Fellow Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. government.

Through projects developed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries, Fellows work directly with local teachers, students, and educational professionals to improve the quality of English language instruction offered at prestigious universities and other academic institutions.

Gardea said he has 2 to 2 ½ months to prepare. “I’m looking forward to being in Laos,” he said. “I’m getting ready for it.” Gardea moved to this country when he was 11 and went on to develop a love for English. “Teaching English has been a passion of mine for a long time,” he said.

While in Laos, he will be training teachers and teaching English. He said about one of his priorities, “I’m just concerned about the pronunciations. [I want to] make them better English teachers. We do the best we can.” Gardea also said he’ll be involved in other projects while in Laos such as serving in a hospital and dealing with issues like climate change.

The teachers selected for the English Language Fellow Program represent the best of the U.S., according to the state department. In return, the program provides professional development opportunities to help participants experience different cultures and build skills that can greatly enhance their careers back home.

For more information about the English Language Fellow Program, visit the State Department website at https://exchanges.state.gov/us/program/english-language-fellow-program.

More GREAT work from PC Faculty in Online Course Development

Rebecca Baird, Jeff Jacobs, Elisa Queenan, (Laura Sweeney photo not available)

Some more great work has been done this summer by the PC Distance Education Committee and our PC Peer Online Course Review (POCR) Team.

These dedicated instructors have devoted an enormous amount of time, energy, and creativity throughout the Spring semester and into the Summer to build and refine outstanding courses for our online students. We are so lucky to have each of them at Porterville College.

Please join us in congratulating Elisa Queenan, Jeff Jacobs, Rebecca Baird, and Laura Sweeny for their incredible work!

Locally Certified Courses as Aligned with CVC-OEI Rubric
*Locally certified as aligned with the CVC-OEI Rubric after passing our local POCR review
**Made possible with Title V funding and Porterville College support

ADMJ P107 – Jeff Jacobs – Locally Certified 06/14/2022
HIST P117 – Rebecca Baird – Locally Certified 06/24/2022
HIST P118 – Rebecca Baird – Locally Certified 06/24/2022
HIST P118 – Laura Sweeney – Locally Certified 06/24/2022
ECON P101 – Elisa Queenan – Locally Certified 07/09/2022
ECON P102 – Elisa Queenan – Locally Certified 07/09/2022

Most Recent CVC-OEI Quality Badged PC Courses
*Fully state-certified as aligned with the CVC-OEI Rubric after passing our local POCR review
**Made possible with Title V funding and Porterville College support

MATH P110 – Dustin Acres – Quality Badged 06/08/2022
ENGL P101A – Joy Lawrence – Quality Badged 06/08/2022
SOCI P101 – Karen Bishop – Quality Badged 06/09/2022
Spring 2022 CVC-OEI Quality Badged PC Courses

PC Staffers are “Buddies” through tough times

Just some of the PC Faculty and Staff involved in our Buddy Check 22 Initiative

PC Faculty and Staff recently wore black in support of Buddy Check 22, a national campaign to help bring awareness to the issue of suicide facing military personnel.

According to recent studies by the Department of Veterans Affairs, 22 veterans die by suicide each day. The Buddy Check 22 program takes place on the 22nd of each month to raise awareness of this issue.

On the PC campus, faculty and staff wear their Buddy Check shirts to show their support of this effort and to let students know that we are there for them through tough times.

Porterville College Veteran’s Services will be using photos taken of staff and faculty in their shirts for an ongoing campaign featuring posters and digital messaging designed to support students and student veterans alike. With our support of Buddy Check 22 and other mental health initiatives, we want to show students that we are here for their support – whether it is help in the form of mental health and therapy services or just someone to listen when needed.

Thank you to all the Pirates who regularly lend their support to this ongoing effort on our campus.

Cerro Coso Community College

CC represented at WAVES Conference

Photo (Left to Right): Jess Kawelmacher, Nichole Cook (BC), Hilda Rodriguez (BC), Jenny Frank (BC), and Addy Windsor.

Cerro Coso employees Jessica Kawelmacher (Interim Director of Admissions and Financial Aid) and Addy Windsor from Admissions and Records attended the Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES) Conference in Portland, OR this week.

This conference focuses on providing training that enhances our ability to provide the highest quality service to our military-connected and veteran students.

They were joined by Bakersfield College staff and had a great time learning and collaborating with our sister college and other colleges in the western region of the U.S.

Ward and Vitale attend NALA Paralegal Conference and Expo

Faculty members Dawn Ward and Laura Vitale attended the NALA Paralegal Association conference and expo at the JW Marriot Resort in Phoenix, Arizona July 14-17.

One of the most anticipated paralegal events of the year, the three-day conference was full of lots of updates on the law and practice tips to share with students and other faculty.

There were many great speakers on a variety of topics from motion drafting to space law. Yes, space law!

The legal field is constantly changing with new laws and procedures, and as a paralegal it is important to stay up-to-date on this information. Education, networking, and professional development are top priorities of the NALA Paralegal Association. The paralegal-focused conference was packed with more than 30 education sessions, all led by speakers who are experts in their field.

Their investment will pay off in more efficient practices, new insights, and ideas that will benefit them and the college.

Bloomberg Joins Counseling Department

Meet the new Program Coordinator in the Counseling Department at the IWV Ridgecrest Campus, Alyssa Bloomberg.

Alyssa is a Ridgecrest native who went off to school in Reno at the University of Nevada.

For the last four years, Alyssa was a special education teacher in the K-12 system. Prior to teaching special education, she spent several years working in Student Services at the University of Nevada.

Alyssa is thrilled to be working in higher education at Cerro Coso Community College.

She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and hiking for those EPIC views!

In addition, Alyssa values leaving a good tip, and always returning the shopping cart to the stall.

Cerro Coso welcomes Alyssa to the college family and wishes her all the best in her new career at the IWV campus!

Cerro Coso to Launch Cloud Computing and Linux Administration Certificates this Fall!

Cerro Coso Community College will be offering two new certificates to meet the ever-growing and changing Information Technology field. Cloud Computing and Linux Administration Certificates of Achievement will not only benefit those new to the field but also those experienced in the IT/Cyber workforce.

This certificate can be completed in just one year entirely online. Employers have repeatedly emphasized the skills for cloud computing and knowledge of Linux Administration is crucial to the industry. So, whether you are experienced or not, sign up for classes today to enter the field or advance to a higher position!

The Cloud Computing Certificate of Achievement is comprised of five courses. If a student has previously completed the IT Plus Certificate of Achievement (IT C101 – Introduction to Computers, C142 – Information & Communication Essentials (A+), C143 – Computer Network Fundamentals (Net+ ) and C146 — Introduction to Information Security Systems) taking an additional three classes will yield the new certificate. Students will need to take IT C251(Python), IT C248 (Server+), and IT C280 (Introduction to Cloud Computing) in the fall term and then IT C282 (Cloud Architecture) in the Spring 2023 term.

The Linux Administration Certificate of Achievement is comprised of four courses. If a student has previously completed the IT Plus Certificate of Achievement (IT C101 – Introduction to Computers, C142 – Information & Communication Essentials (A+), C143 – Computer Network Fundamentals (Net+) and C146 — Introduction to Information Security Systems) taking an additional two classes will yield the new certificate. Students can take IT C290 (Linux Administration) in the fall term and then IT C292 (Linux Administration II) in the Spring 2022 term. The Linux Administration courses are aligned with the Red Hat version and will also align with the industry certification exams.

f you have questions, please contact the Counseling Department at Cerro Coso Community College to get more information at 760-384-6100.

Bakersfield College

INDA Explores NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Facilities at Edwards AFB

Department Chair; Professor, Engineering, Jason Dixon, Faculty, Electronics, Bonnie Hammond. (Photographer: INDA Program Manager, Carlos Medina)

Industrial Automation had the opportunity to tour some exclusive NASA facilities at Edwards Air Force Base to give the INDA program a better perspective of how to support students with aerospace industry career opportunities.

Engineering chair Jason Dixon, electronics faculty Bonnie Hammond, and INDA program manager Carlos Medina were given an in-depth tour of different NASA’s Dryden Aeronautical Test Range(DATR) operating control centers to learn more about how these facilities support aerospace flight research missions for NASA, US Air Force and other industry partners. Some of the facilities included the tour were Aeronautical Tracking Facility, Communications Facility, Video Control Center and the Mission Control Center.

One unique facility serves as a direct communication line to the International Space Station for both the US and Russia side. INDA hopes to build more relationships with the aerospace industry to provide future opportunities for our students as the industry continues to grow.

Early College and Outreach Retreat

The Early College and Outreach team hosted their annual retreat at the BCSW campus on July 13, 2022. As every retreat should, the team played a fun game of jeopardy to get to know more about each other and share in some laughs. Associate Vice Chancellor Steve Watkins gave an encouraging opening message to the group and set the stage for a great day.

Our Directors, Kylie Campbell and Ashlea Ward, reviewed advisor and counselor school assignments and their expectations for the upcoming year. Kylie announced an exciting and impressive update: Bakersfield College is leading the Dual Enrollment efforts across the state with 9,023 enrollments for Spring 2022. Leadership at its finest!

The Program Managers had the opportunity to discuss updates for their prospective areas. Kara McDonald shared very detailed, and data driven information from our 2022 success and progress in the Senior Matriculation efforts, innovative ways to communicate with partners and students, projections leading up to Fall 2022, and the goals for the next academic year.

Alma Feathers and Berenice Arellano provided an overview of the 2021-2022 Early College success data and the schools that met the enrollment goals. In addition, they highlighted our 116 high school students that graduated with associate degrees. Summer academies and events are off to a great start. Berenice led the efforts for student field trips in Administration of Justice, Industrial Automation, Psychology and Public Health, and has received positive feedback from the students that participated.

Planning for the 2022-2023 academic year is underway with enrollment goals and strategies for success on the forefront.

The retreat wrapped up with a working hour, giving the staff time to set personal and professional goals as well as using the time to connect with their partners.

Special thanks to Vice Chancellor Manny Mourtzanos, who was able to join me in visiting the BC Early College team.

We look forward to the impact the team will make this upcoming year!

In the News

How to improve job prospects locally? CERF wants to help

The Daily Independent of Ridgecrest published an article about this week’s CERF (Community Economic Resilience Fund) update meeting at Cerro Coso Community College. For more about CERF, visit the Kern Community College District website. A recording of Monday’s meeting, as well as recordings from other meetings, are available at https://www.kccd.edu/cerf/meetings-updates.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Porterville College President Claudia Habib shared this post:

I feel inspired and energized surrounded by these amazing leaders! Thank you to the amazing team at @UCDWheelhouse for the careful and intentional program #Leadership #CEOs @CalCommColleges

Cerro Coso hosted a community meeting about the CERF (Community Economic Resilience Fund) proposal:

Dr. Sean Hancock, Stu Witt, facilitator Pawan Gill, Jessica Weston, and Dave Janiec discuss how to improve and retain job prospects in the local region.

Here’s Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and Maria Ramirez at the Latina Leaders event:

And finally, I’d like to share the video message I created last year for Becki Whitson’s birthday memorial celebration – her birthday is July 26:

====================

That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!

The future is bright at KernCCD.

-sonya
a joyful and grateful Chancellor

#KCCDDaringMightyThings

July 10-16, 2022 Moments that take our breath away

Uncategorized July 16, 2022 Leave a comment

A week of a Supermoon and colorful first celestial images from the James Webb Telescope.

The first set of images included the deepest and sharpest infrared image of the distant universe to date:

One of the other images released shows the edge of a nearby, star-forming region in the Carina Nebula. This image reveals previously invisible areas of star birth:

On the Supermoon, NASA wrote that the moon appeared full for about three days, from early Tuesday morning through early Friday morning. A Supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to earth – a point known as perigee.

Photo taken on July 13, 2022 shows a supermoon and a windmill in Consuegra, Spain. (Photo by Meng Dingbo/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The next and final Supermoon of the year will be the night of August 11.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the number of moments that take our breath away.

Good morning, friends.
It is July 16, 2022.
The sun shines bright over Kern CCD.

Porterville College

High School Students get a look at industrial career pathways at PC

Thanks to the Summer Jump Start Academy hosted by the Porterville College CTE division, students from multiple Porterville Area High Schools have been getting a first-hand look at some of the career pathways available to them at PC.

This summer academy, part of a partnership between Porterville College and several higher education and industry partners, provides a curriculum designed specifically for incoming Central Valley high school seniors (current juniors) with an interest in learning more about careers in Industrial technologies.

The academy’s curriculum is designed to encourage student interest in college and to give them practical knowledge and experience in potential career paths related to industrial professions. Our hope is that providing this hands-on engagement with potential career paths will paint a clear future plan for students to follow.

PC’s Jump Start Summer Camp is made possible by a regional partnership between PC, West Hills College Lemoore, College of the Sequoias, and Reedley College. It takes place on the PC campus and includes instruction in Welding Technologies, OSHA safety and compliance, and other Industrial Careers.

PC Police Academy returns to campus for Fall Semester

PC will host its first Police Academy cohort in over a year this coming Fall Semester. The last several academies have had to be postponed due to health and safety concerns brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Students and faculty gathered on Thursday evening to discuss the coming program and preview the equipment and methods that will be used in instruction. PC’s Module 3 law enforcement academy begins on August 27, 2022.

This Academy is offered as a POST-certified modular police academy at levels II and III. Porterville College also offers academic degrees in this subject area including a degree for transfer in Administration of Justice.

Students and recruits who complete programs at the PC Law Enforcement Training Center will receive college credits towards a degree and be eligible to apply for a variety of law enforcement careers – such as Police Officer, Sheriff Deputy, Reserve Officer, Probation, or Parole Officer, and more.

For more information on the Porterville College Law Enforcement Academy, visit our website at https://www.portervillecollege.edu/porterville-college-law-enforcement-academy.

PC Announces continuation of new student benefit for Fall 2022

Porterville College has announced it will be able to continue to offer a very exciting benefit program for students this Fall. This benefit, made possible with state funding, is available for all first-time PC Students who have completed their FAFSA or Dream Act Application.

All first-time students registering for 12 or more units, will receive a NEW Laptop Computer to keep. To be eligible, students need to have completed the FAFSA or Dream Act application and they must complete the first semester in which they enroll with 12 or more units. (If a student drops classes below the required 12 unit load, they will need to repay PC for the laptop and a hold will be placed on their account).

See the Porterville College Financial Aid website for complete details and restrictions.

You may also email the Financial Aid Office with any questions at pc_faid@portervillecollege.edu.

Cerro Coso Community College

CCCC Volleyball Camps July 18-21

Cerro Coso Community College is offering Volleyball Camps July 18-21, 2022 for youths 6 – 17.

A camp for young players 12 -17 will be held Monday thru Thursdays from 8 am to 11 am in the College Gymnasium. Another camp will be held from 12:30 – 3 p.m. for 6 to 11 year-olds.

Take advantage of these great opportunities to join new head Coach Andy Cole, staff, and players to enhance your technical skills and volleyball knowledge.

For athletes looking to advance their skills in a team environment, Cerro Coso’s volleyball camp will help improve skills and practice in inter-program scrimmages.

Younger players are introduced to the game in a fast, energetic environment meant to teach the game the right way and foster a love of the sport. Camp will emphasize executing skills correctly and building good habits early.

More information and registration may be completed online at www.cosocoyotes.com/sports or contact Coach Cole at andrew.cole@cerrocoso.edu.

Coyote Volleyball looks forward to providing a fun filled camp experience while taking your game to the next level.

Go Coyotes!

College to Bring Admissions to You

Cerro Coso Community College is holding two admissions application and registration workshops in the Fossil Falls Room at the Kerr McGee Community Center.

College experts will be on hand to help you apply and register for fall 2022 classes on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 6 to 8 pm, and on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 form 12 noon to 3 p.m.

Open to all new and returning students.

Counseling staff will be available for educational advising.

Already applied? Our team can assist you with registering for fall 2022 classes.

Fall classes begin August 22, 2022. Register early for best class selection.

Cerro Coso Community College – Your Hometown College!

Petrovich New DA III in PIO

Meet the new Department Assistant III in the Public Information Office at the IWV Ridgecrest Campus, Chandler Petrovich!

Chandler is a Ridgecrest native and a first-generation college student who graduated from Cerro Coso in May of 2020 with her Associates for Transfer in Psychology. “Forever a Coyote!”

Chandler also played on the Cerro Coso Women’s Soccer team 2018-2019.

She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Western Governors University.

Chandler’s professional background involves working as a Technical Writer and Office Manager at NAWCWD.

Chandler is over the moon to be working at Cerro Coso because she is passionate about helping people pursue their goals. To point out just a few of Chandler’s hobbies – they include snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, camping, and traveling.

She values making genuine human connections and spreading kindness.

Welcome to the Cerro Coso family, Chandler! We look forward to working with you and helping you pursue your goals.

Cerro Coso Return to Campus

President Sean Hancock shared this email with the Cerro Coso community this week as the campus prepares for a return this fall:

“As we prepare for the fall 2022 term, I am looking forward to our collegewide return to working in person on July 25^th, with the expectation that we are all back to full-time on-campus work. We acknowledge that COVID has not disappeared. Continued need for quarantining and isolation may require a particular employee to return to working remotely for a prescribed amount of time. Be assured that your COVID Response Team continues the work of monitoring and communicating established safety protocols. We also recognize that there may be other situations when working remotely might be appropriate. In recognition of this, we will maintain flexibility on an exception basis. Please work with your supervisor when a possible need for an exception arises.”

Bakersfield College

BC’s Southwest Campus Hosts In-Person Express Enrollment Event

Bakersfield College has put together a series of Express Enrollment events to streamline the registration process for future students. On Wednesday, they hosted the first one this year at BC’s Southwest Campus on Camino Media. Prospective students were welcomed onto campus and had the opportunity to receive information on enrollment, financial aid, counseling and much more.

More than 60 people attended the event, with many of them registering at BC for the first time and enrolling in courses. It’s so exciting to watch new Renegades begin their collegiate journey.

Bakersfield College to Host International Drum Corps Competition at Memorial Stadium

On Friday July 22, Bakersfield College will host the 6th Annual RESOUND Drum Corps International Competition. The event will take place at Memorial Stadium from 7:00 – 9:30 pm. The competition will feature several of the top drum and bugle corps from around the nation, including teams who have been crowned champions in the past. Truly the best of the best! Also competing will be our hometown team Golden Empire from Bakersfield College! Come and show your support for the local team, and see some of the best drum corps in the country.

Tickets are available through the Performing Arts Eventbrite page.

Bakersfield College to Build an Affordable Housing Residence Hall

Bakersfield College was selected by the state to receive funds allocated toward expanding affordable living for students. The project is still in the very early stages of development, but the plan is to have an apartment complex that will be able to house 154 residents. The goal of this project is to help with the increasing issue of housing instability among college students.

The plan is for the apartment complex to include other services and programs geared toward helping students as well. The complex may also include a food pantry to assist with nutrition needs and a wellness center that would provide medical services to students.

Construction for BC’s new residence hall is slated to begin in the Summer of 2023, and for the complex to be operational in 2025.

Please visit 23ABC for a recent news story about the project.

BC Hosts Bakersfield Police Department, Fire Department and First Responders for Emergency Response Drills

Bakersfield College has always prioritized safety for its students, administrators, faculty and staff. In an effort to maximize campus safety, the Bakersfield Police Department, Fire Department and first responders came to our Panorama campus on Thursday, July 14th, to conduct various Emergency Response Drills.

They practiced several situations in order to improve response and emergency procedures on campus. The exercises took place throughout the day from 8:00am – 2:00pm near the Campus Center building.

One of the important training exercises was an active shooter scenario. Participants were given tips on how to respond during an active shooter incident. The police department, fire department and active responders practiced their protocols as well with a communications hub, evacuation procedures, helping injured victims, and apprehension of the perpetrator.

Thank you BPD, BFD and everyone who participated in this event. Your efforts to help make Bakersfield college a safer campus are much appreciated.

In the News

BC thinks big with ‘Seussical’

I enjoyed this article by Stephani Dias in The Bakersfield Californian about Bakersfield College’s production of “Suessical.” The show opened this weekend, with performances on Friday and Saturday. It continues July 21-23. For tickets, check out BCPerformingArts.eventbrite.com.

“Working with a pit orchestra, only some theaters and schools have them,” (director Brian Sivesind) said. “With all these instruments playing, it’s a wonderful learning experience but definitely a new challenge for them.”

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) hosted their 2022 Hope Leadership Institute Central Valley session. Local Latino leaders – Helen Iris Torres (Executive Director of HOPE), Supervisor Leticia Perez, Assemblymember Rudy Salas, Councilman Andrae Gonzales, Gaby Gonzales, CRC and Norma Rojas-Mora – were part of a panel sharing insights on Latino leadership and the opportunities and leadership dynamics in Kern County.

Cerro Coso President Sean Hancock shared this photo:

“Lacole Copeland painted the Rotary bench on Cerro Coso’s Indian Wells Valley campus earlier this week. Lacole is doing this work through the Salvation Army’s Teens Activated in Community Service program. Thank you Lacole!“

Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez shared this post:

“The Arvin-Lamont Kiwanis Club has officially been Chartered. South Kern has many community leaders and the Arvin-Lamont Kiwanis club brought together those leaders to built the Arvin-Lamont Kiwanis club. Our goal is to make a positive change in South Kern and be part of the amazing future that South Kern has to offer. Honestly, it is an honor to be a Charter member and help bring together this amazing club that gives back to our youth.
Thank you to the City of Arvin, Supervisor David Couch, Assemblymember Rudy Salas, and many others for always supporting our club.”

Fun video that Zav Dadabhoy, Sean Hancock and I did for Claudia Habib who was not able to attend the July 14, 2022 Board meeting

Sean Hancock, Sonya Christian, Zav Dadabhoy – A message for Claudia Habib

And I loved this post from Mindy Wilmot, showing us how even her wardrobe has plenty of Renegade pride:

====================

That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!

The future is bright at KernCCD.

-sonya
a joyful and grateful Chancellor

#KCCDDaringMightyThings

Summer at Kern CCD

Uncategorized July 9, 2022 Leave a comment

Did you know the Dog Days of Summer have an official beginning and end? Every year, they are from July 3 until August 11. The phrase gets its name from the star Sirius, the “Dog Star,” which is the brightest star in our night sky. During the “Dog Days,” Sirius occupies the same region of the sky as our sun.

On July 23rd, specifically, it is in conjunction with the Sun, and because the star is so bright, the ancient Romans believed it actually gave off heat and added to the Sun’s warmth, accounting for the long stretch of sultry weather.

Thus, the term “Dog Days of Summer” came to mean the 20 days before and after this alignment.

Here’s Neo enjoying the Dog Days of Summer:

On Thursday, I enjoyed the Bakersfield College Alumni Hall of Fame event hosted by the BC Alumni Association and the BC Foundation.

This year’s honorees included:

Lou Barbich

Louis “Lou” Barbich has more than 40 years of experience serving the community as a certified public accountant, specializing in diversified and integrated agricultural operations. He has held many leadership roles in our community and in his profession.

Shirley Haney

Shirley has fostered more than 109 children in her home, giving each of them a loving, caring, and compassionate start in life. She most definitely put her BC child development education to work as she impacts our community!

NaTesha Johnson

Among her many accomplishments, NaTesha Johnson is the founder and owner of Upside Productions Management, specializing in relationships focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion outreach. T is committed to helping local nonprofits succeed and has helped raise more than $550,000 to benefit local programs.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy

Congressman McCarthy serves California’s 23rd district and is currently the Republican Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. Kevin’s leadership at the local, state, and national level is well-known.

Check out this video from KGET News:

And this piece by Alex Dominguez in The Bakersfield Californian highlighting the honorees.

It was a beautiful evening celebrating some of BC’s alumni. Thank you to everyone who came out in support!

Good morning, friends.
It is July 9, 2022.
The sun shines bright over Kern CCD.

Porterville College

Launch your Law Enforcement Career at PC!

Your chance to launch a career in law enforcement begins this summer! The PC Law Enforcement Academy is holding an orientation this summer and offering academy modules in 2022-2023.

Orientation will be held on July 14, 2022.

Module III – Arrest and firearms certifications (PC 832), reserve officer level III, security, prisoner transport, park ranger, code enforcement, animal control officer, arson investigator, or federal law enforcement working within the state of California.

Module II – Reserve officer level II certification which allows work as a paid or unpaid reserve officer with police powers on duty (under PC 830.6), parole agent, probation officer, some investigators, transit, harbor, or port officer, and Native American tribal police.

More info from POST: https://post.ca.gov/reserve-officer-program

For more information, visit the PC Law Enforcement Academy website.

PC Foundation Swap Meet to hold Community Yard Sale

Come out to support the PC Foundation Swap Meet next Saturday as they hold their first annual community yard sale! The public is invited to sell or to shop at the PC Foundation Swap Meet – 100 E. College Ave.

Vendors pay $15 for their spot if reserved by July 15!

For more information, call (559) 920-2001 or email pcfoundation@portervillecollege.edu.

Cerro Coso Community College

Apply now for Cerro Coso Promise

Cerro Coso is now accepting applications for the Cerro Coso Promise Program.

The Cerro Coso Promise is a scholarship intended for hard-working, dedicated students that deserve an education, regardless of financial or personal status. By meeting basic criteria, students may qualify for up to $1,000 per semester for 2 years to help with tuition, books, and fees. From specialized counseling to help with creating a comprehensive education plan, the Promise is committed to making sure students participate in a variety of initiatives designed to help them meet their educational goals. Participants also receive priority registration, career advising, help with transferring, and other student support services to assist them in staying on track.

The deadline to apply is September 9, 2022. More information and the application are available at www.cerrocoso.edu.

Cerro Coso to offer Associate Teacher Certificate in Spanish

If you have a passion for working with children, and a love for all the wonder they carry. Early childhood education may be the right career path for you.

This fall the Cerro Coso College child development program is offering the Associate Teacher Certificate of Achievement (12-Units) taught in Spanish online through synchronous Zoom.

CHDV C100 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children and CHDV C102 Introduction to Materials and Curriculum are both being taught in Spanish this fall via Zoom.

CHDV C104 Child, Family, and Community and CHDV C106 Child Growth and Development will be taught in the Spring of 2023 to complete the full 12 units in two semesters.

English versions of all of these Childhood Development classes, and more, are being offered online this semester. Complete schedule available online at www.cerrocoso.edu.

The Associate Teacher Certificate of Achievement indicates successful completion of the core courses in early education. Additionally, those who complete the coursework will qualify for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Looking for a rewarding career, where you can truly make a difference? Look into Cerro Coso’s child development programs of study. For more information please contact Cerro Coso Education Advisor Alfonso Guzman at alfonso.guzman@cerrocoso.edu or call 760-384-6219.

Live enrollment support in Spanish is being provided via Zoom July 13, 2022 and July 25, 2022 from 6 to 7:30 pm.

COMING SOON! Digital Diplomas and Certificates

Cerro Coso College is excited to announce digital diplomas and certificates through Parchment These are certified electronic credentials and allow you to show instant proof of your education.

Digital awards are a fun way to share accomplishments with family and friends on social media and to display for potential employers on career sites such as LinkedIn.

Spring 2022 graduates – be on the lookout for an email from Parchment in your student emails! Emails from Parchment should arrive mid-July.

Cerro Coso Community College is always looking for ways to improve our services to students.

Bakersfield College

LUPE Students Attend a 3-Day Leadership Retreat

Bakersfield College student leaders from Latinos Unidos Por Educación (LUPE) participated in an unforgettable experience of leadership development. The leadership retreat took place in a 3-day adventure at the Pali Retreat. During the retreat, these student leaders developed trust with each other and were able to cultivate a stronger support network.

Students were fully engaged in an in-depth workshop about Networking 101: Professional Development by adjunct counselor- Rene Deniz. Students learned about how to effectively market themselves, engage in on-going professional development opportunities, build alliances and professional networking, resume building, and successful strategies to become instruments of change in their communities.

Students engaged in outdoor activities to enhance their self-confidence and learned to be resilient while facing difficult challenges in their lives. In the evening hours, students had a blast on the karaoke machine, enjoyed storytelling/s’mores in the outdoor fire pit, and spent the late evening hours learning some dance moves.

Without the financial support of the Bakersfield College Innovation Grant and the BC Foundation Donors and Alumni, the Pali Retreat would not be possible. Special thanks to the coordinating efforts of the EOPS Executive & Program Directors and staff who graciously took care of the logistics.

Big SHOUT OUT to the BC staff/faculty who served as mentors: Patricia Ramirez, Jo Ann Acosta, and Rene Deniz.

Summer Retreats and Workplans

More than 25 administrators from across the college have spent the last several weeks collaborating to develop workplan targets and tactics to maximize student success over the next two years. These were outcomes from 10 days of retreats and planning sessions which began with a three-day Chancellor’s Retreat.

BC’s Welding Students Get Hands-on Training at KGET Studio

Jeremy Staat, during a conversation with KGET-TV GM Derek Jeffery, learned that KGET was planning to add gates outside the front doors of their building. The two explored the possibility of teaming up on the project. KGET then made a contribution to the BC Foundation, and Jeremy’s students created this beautiful project. It’s great to see our students gain experience on community projects.

Check out this video:

BC Motorsports: 19 hours, 450 laps, 1125 miles = Success

After years of constructing the car, many months of preparation and assistance from several programs across campus, the Renegade Motorsports team made its competitive debut on June 17th, 2022.

The team, composed of 10 Automotive Program Interns, traveled to Willow Springs International Raceway for a practice day during which the four student drivers logged about four hours of track time. During this time the students executed the correct driving line, braking, and acceleration points, as well as navigated traffic as they have been training to do for the past several weeks. The team also practiced their Pit Stop routine which includes refueling the car, changing drivers, and safety checks on the car.

On Saturday June 18th, the team participated in the ChampCar California Grand Prix 8-hour Endurance Race. During the race, each student driver completed two-hour stints around the 2.5-mile road course with substantial elevation changes. Pit stops and minor mechanical issues were dealt with by the crew with efficiency and accuracy allowing the team to finish in 6th place overall and 4th in their class.

Fun Photos and Spotted on Social Media

Bridge to BC New Student Success Program is roaring through the summer with amazing students, staff, and faculty! Please spread the word that all incoming students who are new to college or returning to college should attend Bridge to BC.

“We had some visitors today! Our College president and a couple of our VPs were really impressed to see the energy and the ongoing enthusiasm at Bridge to BC!“

Cerro Coso has been doing outreach outside Starbucks:

Check out this gorgeous photo Kalina Hill shared from Lake Tahoe:

Looking Back

Check out the groundbreaking of Bakersfield College’s first Peace Garden:

====================

That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!

The future is bright at KernCCD.

-sonya
a joyful and grateful Chancellor

#KCCDDaringMightyThing

July 2022 – Happy B’day America

Uncategorized July 2, 2022 Leave a comment

Could July 2nd have been Independence Day?

It was in fact July 2nd that the Continental Congress voted in favor of Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee’s resolution in favor of independence. That very day, John Adams – our second president – wrote to his wife Abigail, saying that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.”

In the end, it was July 4th – the date that the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence – that became the day we celebrate our nation’s birth.

Happy Birthday America! Calla Lilies from this immigrant to the country I love.

***

Yesterday was an anniversary for me, completing my first year as Chancellor of the Kern Community College District. Photos – day 1, year 1 and day 1, year 2.

It has been an incredible year, and I am grateful for every minute; thank you Board of Trustees for your support. I have enjoyed working with colleagues at each of our campuses, and I look forward to what the next year will bring as we #DareMightThings.

Good morning, friends.
It is July 2, 2022. Happy Birthday America
The sun shines bright over Kern CCD.

Porterville College

PC to Start New Program for Underrepresented Students this Fall

PUENTE Program Faculty and Counselor Elizabeth Buchanan, Dustin Acres,
and Patricia Serrato

Porterville College is starting a new program to support underrepresented students on their journey through higher education. The PUENTE program will start this Fall Semester with its first cohort of students on the PC campus.

PUENTE, meaning bridge in Spanish, is a program that consists of rigorous instruction, focused academic counseling, and mentoring by members of the community. It acts as a bridge for transferring to a four-year institution. This academic, counseling, and mentoring support program is designed to help students build the skills necessary for academic and career success.

Students who are enrolled in the PUENTE program work closely with their Counselor, English Instructor and Mentor to prepare for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The program is open to all students.

Apply to become a Puente Student today. All students receive a mentor and take field trips to 4-year institutions and local businesses. They also receive assistance filling out applications and financial aid forms and get their own “personal” English professor.

Visit https://www.portervillecollege.edu/puente to learn more or to apply to the program.

Celebration of Pride at PC

Porterville College Students, Visitors, Faculty, Staff and Administration gathered in the campus quad on Thursday, June 24^th to celebrate Pride Month. Each year we gather to provide acknowledgement, support, and allegiance to our LGBTQIA+ Community.

Dr. Habib Joins the Celebration in the Quad

Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States where the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as “Gay Pride Day”.

Event Organizers Monica Daniels, Katherine
Figueroa, and Jasmin Quinones

In major cities across the nation the “day” soon grew into a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world.

Happy Independence Day from PC!

On this Independence Day, we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to each and every one of the freedoms that we are so privileged to have.

As lawyer and author Wendell Willkie said, “I believe in America because we have great dreams, and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.” Keep following your dreams and using the power of education to make them a reality.

Happy 4^th from all of us at Porterville College!

Cerro Coso Community College

Take Your Creativity to New Heights this Fall at Cerro Coso

Tap into your creative side and take an art class at Cerro Coso Community College this fall. Interested in art history, meeting new people, rekindling a lost passion, or just because you have always wanted to take that class? Cerro Coso is offering a variety of art classes both online and at the Ridgecrest campus.

Loren Sandvik will be instructing an Introduction to Art class ART C101 online. The class provides a general introduction to art that offers a look at works of art through the study of theory, terminology, themes, design principles, media, techniques, with an introduction to visual arts across time and diverse cultures. Students are given studio art experiences with various studio media to reinforce the concepts presented.

Also online is Survey of Western Art from Renaissance to Contemporary (ART C106) taught by Katherine Hover-Smoot. Additional art classes offered online include: Modern Art (ART C108), and Drawing I (ART C121).

And at the Ridgecrest campus an overview of western art and architecture from prehistory though the Middle Ages is the topic of ART C105 to be taught by Tanner McGuire. The class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 to 12:25 p.m. in the Learning Resource Center Room 709.

Other art classes being taught at the Ridgecrest campus this fall include: Art and Design Foundations 3-D (ART C115) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 4:40 pm; Painting I (ART C131) Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:40 pm; Ceramics (ART C141) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 am to 12:25 pm; Drawing II (ART 221) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:10 to 8:20 pm; Painting II (ART C231) Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:40 pm; Intermediate Drawing (ART C821) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:10 to 8:20 pm; Intermediate Painting (ART C831) Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 – 4:40 pm; Intermediate Ceramics (ART C841) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 am to 12:25 pm.

The fall 2022 term at Cerro Coso Community College begins August 22, 2022 . Complete registration and course information is available at www.cerrocoso.edu or contact the Counseling Department at 760-384-6219.

Studies have shown that students who take art classes do better in school overall. Explore your potential at Cerro Coso Community College this fall.

Coyote Alumni, CJ Grant doing BIG things on and off the field!

Great Falls Voyager Pitcher/Actor CJ Grant-DuBose

By: Dylan Johnson, Syracuse University Graduate Student ’22

From the Pioneer Baseball League to the TV screen. That’s what the offseason was like for Great Falls Voyager pitcher CJ Grant-DuBose.

Grant-DuBose appeared on “All American Homecoming” on The CW Network, a spin-off from the original show “All American.” Part of the show is about the baseball team at a fictional HBCU called Brixton University, set in Atlanta.

“Being in that atmosphere, it’s a different thing. It’s a different lifestyle, and it’s honestly very enjoyable,” Grant-DuBose said.

Grant-DuBose doesn’t have a speaking role but can be seen in action scenes playing second base, outfield, or pitching.

“Just helping out as much as I can on the field and keeping actual baseball on TV,” Grant-DuBose said. “I feel like sometimes we don’t see actual baseball moves and players on TV and televise certain things regarding TV shows and movies and stuff.”

Grant-DuBose said it’s important to him that the show brings light to HBCU baseball and the student experience at HBCUs.

“Just as a person of color myself, I wish I would have gone to an HBCU growing up,” Grant-DuBose said. “HBCUs, are often overlooked, and the ideals and teachings at HBCUs, I don’t feel like they are valued as much as they should be. So having a TV show projecting the lifestyle and showing how rich the atmosphere of being at an HBCU is amazing.”

The opportunity came to him from Kevin Martin, a scout for the Atlanta Braves. Martin reached out about extras needed for a TV show. Grant-DuBose initially would be the double for the main character, played by Peyton Alex Smith. When he didn’t turn out to be an identical match for him, he pivoted into the baseball player role.

Grant-DuBose got to film in the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA, where one of the Batman movies was filmed. He also got to see the Batmobile and other props during a studio tour, something he said was surreal.

Acting and filming are something that he said has always been in the back of his mind, and that he’s not the type of person who turns down new things anyway.

“I’m big blessings and opportunities guy, and I don’t really turn down too many opportunities, so I just felt like this was a way for me to get my foot in the door and meet people and grow connections throughout life,” Grant-DuBose said. “Because you never know when you might meet anyone, or you never know who you might meet to elevate your life to the next level.”

He filmed three times a week with the show from the beginning of October to when filming wrapped up on February 23, sometimes having to be on set as early as 5:30 in the morning. The first episode aired on February 21 on the CW Network and has aired new episodes on Tuesdays on the CW app. The first season has ten episodes, with the season finale airing on May 2.

Grant-DuBose called it a fantastic project that was well-done by everyone involved. They’re hoping it gets renewed for a second season, but for now, he can enjoy seeing himself on TV.

“I’m able to look at myself, and I know the background work, and I know the hours we put in being on set for 13, 14, sometimes 15 hours, the different takes and angles we had to do, so it’s just amazing to see it all come together into such a beautiful project,” Grant-DuBose said.

If it does get renewed for a second season, Grant-DeBose hopes to be able to keep acting and filming during baseball off-seasons moving forward.

“Who knows, maybe one day when my career in baseball ends, I can get on the big screen and get some lines, and who knows, maybe I’ll be like the next big actor,” Grant-DuBose said.

For now, he said he misses traveling with his teammates and competing in front of the crowds and atmospheres in the Pioneer League and is excited about his upcoming season in Great Falls.

“Everything about the Pioneer League is something I’ve always dreamed of, and I can’t wait to be back a part of it, and I can’t wait to just watch the boys take off,” Grant-DuBose said.

Look for fall schedules in your mail soon!

Print marketing is not dead. In fact, it is still relevant, viable, and an important part of the marketing mix. It’s been a while, but Cerro Coso has made the decision to print fall 2022 schedules and mail them to all homes in its service area. A strategy to boost engagement and enrollment, a number of success metrics have been put in place to evaluate effectiveness of the schedules. A printed schedule provides a tangible and personal resource that communicates importance to some people. Research shows that people who use a print item remember what they read longer than those who read the same content in a digital format. Those in the CC service area can look for their schedules to arrive in the mail soon.

Bakersfield College

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Returns to BC

CLEP is back at the Testing & Placement Center at Bakersfield College! CLEP is a means through which academic credit may be given for non-traditional forms of educational experience, also known as credit by exam. Those who may have reached a college level of education through home or correspondence study, on-the-job training, television courses, military service, or other means may take the CLEP examinations which are offered by the College Entrance Examination Board. The list of subjects for which credit may be obtained by taking the CLEP is listed in the Bakersfield College Catalog. For more information, visit the CLEP Information page.

BC Outreach Team Hosting Virtual Express Enrollment Event

College is a very exciting and challenging time for new students. BC’s Outreach Team has prepared a fast-paced, one-day event so students can get through all of the enrollment steps and leave registered for courses. BC’s goal is student success, and that is why any new student, even if they are not enrolled, is welcome to participate.

Participants will get an introduction to Bakersfield College, receive information on financial aid assistance, get an overview of placement and education planning, and get enrollment help. Students have the opportunity to become a Renegade in one day!

For more information, please visit the Express Enrollment information page.

Project HireUp Hosts event Celebrating Graduates

Bakersfield College’s Project HireUp hosted a celebration for the graduates of the Summer Cohort 2022 on June 30th at The Summit, a facility and coffee shop at Canyon Hills Church. Those who participated in the program were recognized for their accomplishments and received a Certificate of Completion to commemorate their completion of the program.

Project HireUp was launched in the Spring 2020, a collaboration between BC, the Mission at Kern County, the faith-based local non-profit City Serve, and industry partners including Adventist Health.

The goal of Project HireUp is to decrease homelessness in Kern County through a creative and innovative partnership that supports students who are currently experiencing housing insecurity in continuing their education and securing employment.

Congratulations to all of the graduates of the program, and thank you to everyone who contributes to the success of Project HireUp and its participants.

Office Of Student Life Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month with Pride Rocks!

Wednesday June 29th the Office of Student Life along with the Consent Project Club held a fun Pride event called “Pride Rocks!”. Freemomhugs was also onsite for the event! The BC community came and enjoyed rainbow-colored drinks and snacks while they painted rocks for Pride to inspire and encourage people while also putting smiles on everyone’s face.

Kern Coalition for CERF

This week, the Kern CCD hosted a series of events that brought together The Kern Coalition – a group of local entities working toward the goal of securing a CERF (Community Economic Resilience Fund) grant from the state.

In addition to the Kern CCD, the coalition includes Community Action Partnership of Kern, B3K, and the Kern, Inyo & Mono Counties Central Labor Council. Kern CCD will be the fiscal agent for this grant.

On Wednesday, the Kern CCD hosted two online meetings discussing updates to the CERF application.

Here’s the video from the 11 am meeting:

Check out this article by John Cox for The Bakersfield Californian.

And stay up to date about the process by visiting the Kern Coalition CERF website at https://www.kccd.edu/cerf.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Here are some great photos from last weekend’s Beautiful Bakersfield Awards:

The BC Team:

And Kern CCD Trustees Yovani Jimenez and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg:

PC President Claudia Habib shared this post on the the CC League Leadership Program:

Wonderful time at @CCLeague Leadership Program, learning and talking to fellow CEOs @CalCommColleges inspired by the amazing Pascale Charlot. Thank you @EloyOakley for visiting with us. #CollegeCEOs #Leadership #Courage #Equity #StudentFocused

Cheryl Harris Scott shared this from the BC Foundation:

BC Foundation Planning Retreat. It was a day filled with strategy and planning for the coming academic year…with a lot of fun and laughs mixed in, too. Oh yes, and some Escape Room sleuthing (and screaming) as we searched for, and found, Bigfoot!