The Blue Marble. On this day in 1972, one of the most widely-reproduced photographs in history was taken aboard Apollo 17.

This was the last crewed lunar mission. No human since has ventured far enough away to be able to photograph a whole-Earth image. There have been photographs taken by uncrewed spacecraft missions.
The photo has long stood as a symbol of Earth’s vulnerability and the need for environmental protection.
In January 2012, NASA unveiled “Blue Marble 2012,” a composite image created from a series of photos taken on January 4, 2012.

You can explore an ultra-high def version here.
Good morning California.
It is December 7, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
San Bernardino Valley College Recognized
as Global Leader in Water Stewardship

San Bernardino Valley College was honored on August 20, 2024, by GWF, a renowned Swiss technology company founded in 1899, as a global innovator and leader in water stewardship. This prestigious recognition–the first of its kind awarded to a college campus anywhere in the world–underscores SBVC’s dedication to sustainable practices and its pioneering role in water resources education.
The National Council for Workforce Education Awards
Solano Community College’s Biotechnology Program its Top Award

The National Council for Workforce Education, a non-profit organization that promotes and supports education and training programs across the United States, awarded the Solano Community College Biotechnology program one of its top awards. The NCWE citing the program’s comprehensive education pathway, partnerships with industry leaders and other institutions, high job placement rate, contributions to local economic development, and overall impact.
West Valley College Students Win National Math Research Championship

For the second time in three years, West Valley College students coached by Math Instructor SerKuang Chen have captured first place in the national Student Research League competition. The competition, organized by the American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges, pits dozens of teams composed of two to three students against one another in applying their mathematical problem-solving, collaboration, and analytical skills, and creativity to a real-world scenario. The 2024 challenge: Create a theoretical plan for transitioning a city of at least 50,000 residents to using 100% renewable energy.
In Case You Missed It
Vision 2030 Demonstration Project Aimed at Creating a Template to Have California Community College Students Covered by Health Insurance
A groundbreaking partnership between 12 community colleges in San Bernardino and Riverside counties and one of the nation’s largest Medicaid health plans is creating a model for getting every uninsured California community college student enrolled in Medi-Cal or Covered California.
The initiative is among more than a dozen pilot projects emanating from Vision 2030: A Roadmap for California Community Colleges, an equity-based strategic plan to guide the state’s community colleges through the end of the decade. The Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is among the nation’s largest Medicaid health plans and currently serves more than 1.5 million Inland Empire residents through more than 8,600 healthcare providers.
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Inside HigherEd: A Guaranteed Income Program
for Community College Students
The Los Angeles Community College District is experimenting with a new program that gives $1,000 a month to students in health-related fields.
The district is promising to dole out $3 million in unrestricted monthly payments to a cohort of 250 students. The funds, along with support for the program, come from private donors: a little over $3 million from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and $867,500 from the California Community Foundation. Four of the district’s nine colleges will offer BOOST, including L.A. City College, East L.A. College, L.A. Trade-Technical College and L.A. Southwest College.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Orange Coast College:
A big thank you to everyone who joined us at yesterday’s grand opening for Travel OCC! Travel OCC is Orange Coast College’s on-campus, student-run travel agency.


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From San Joaquin Delta College:
Recent highlights from our BIOL 10 field trip! Our Delta students had the chance to observe the Mokelumne River fall salmon run, which is hitting record levels this year! It’s not just a textbook experience—this is the real deal in action.



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From Santa Barbara City College:
The SBCC Ambassadors hosted a Friendsgiving event in collaboration with the Basic Needs Center, Dream Center, CESJ, Veterans Club, EOPS, and Rising Scholars last week in the campus center.

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And check out this video from Crafton Hills College:
Dr. Michael Sheahan, Crafton’s incredible Director of Respiratory Therapy, took the TEDxTemecula stage with his talk: “How Using Perspective Transformed My World.” From shifting viewpoints to embracing resilience, empathy, and adaptability, Dr. Sheahan’s insights inspired the crowd and reminded us all of the power of reframing challenges. Crafton is beyond proud of his achievement and the inspiration he brings to our campus every day!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Agriculture Laboratory Provides Students a Unique Learning Environment

The Bakersfield College Agriculture Laboratory is home to much more than crops and farm animals – it is a bustling, hands-on learning environment where students can roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and discover the wonders of farming. Located on the northwest end of the Panorama campus, the Agriculture Farm is a cornerstone of the college’s agricultural program, offering students an invaluable learning experience.
Whether it is wrangling baby calves or solving unexpected water leaks, the program’s Animal Science instructor, Julie Beechinor, collaborates with other members of the Agriculture Department to guide students through these real-world challenges, offering valuable life lessons along the way.
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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.
That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!
With much hope and joy,
Your Chancellor,
-sonya
#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora
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