Another week of travel. Not as crazy as the previous week…
Board Retreat on Tuesday at Santa Barbara City College. Beautiful location and great retreat. Then to El Camino College to sign a transfer pathway agreement with Coppin University. I forgot to snap pictures for you.
Then back home to my boy Neo.
And here is an older 10-sec video of the classic Bessie run to Eisha – on the beach at the Marina.
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Last night, we were treated a rare Planetary Parade as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune – and the moon – were aligned in the night sky just after dusk. While it’s relatively common for groups of 3-5 planets to appear, all of these seven being involved is rare. The next time we’ll be treated to such an alignment won’t be until 2040!
In India, the Mahakumbha Mela was celebrated …. a religious gathering recognizing the planetary movements that symbolize cosmic order, purification, and spiritual transcendence. It reflects the integration of astronomy, mythology, and spirituality in Indian traditions.
Good morning California.
It is March 1, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Santa Barbara City College Awarded Grant from Uplift Central Coast Coalition
Santa Barbara City College, the SBCC Foundation, and Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara have been awarded a Catalyst Pre Development Phase grant from the Uplift Central Coast Coalition through the State’s California Jobs First program. The two-year initiative, “The Ocean Collective: A Consortium to Develop a Diverse and Climate-Resilient Blue Economy for the Central Coast,” will support the design of new facilities at SBCC and the creation of a workforce training pipeline that engages area high schools, community colleges, universities and blue economy employers.
Formerly Incarcerated Long Beach City College Student Rebuilds His Life Through Art and Education
Formerly incarcerated LBCC student, Francisco Baldonado has rebuilt his life through art, education, and is now a featured artist in the new exhibit “Hope Restored: Justice Scholars Student Exhibition,” which opened on Feb. 13. Baldonado is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Fine Art and a teaching credential at the age of 45, but none of it would have been possible without the help of the Justice Scholars, a program that raises awareness for formerly incarcerated students so that they are capable of getting a further education.
Recycled Water Connection at LA Southwest College
Sets Precedent for Sustainability Efforts
A new recycled water irrigation system at the Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) campus marks an impactful stride toward sustainability and a significant reduction of potable water use. West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin), in collaboration with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), announces the completion of a transformative recycled water connection that will provide irrigation to approximately 20 acres of landscaping across the LASC campus.
Irvine Valley College Model UN Team Wins National Awards
IVC’s Model United Nations team won two Outstanding Delegation awards at the National Model UN Conference held in Washington, D.C. (NMUN DC) last fall. The awards mark a decade of excellence for the IVC MUN team, now winning the top award at NMUN DC 10 years in a row. IVC was the only community college, out of the 35 schools in attendance, to win two top awards.
In Case You Missed It
Did you see the story last week about a Bay Area college student who won $100,000 at the NBA All-Star Game?
Jaren Barajas is a student at Los Medanos College. YouTuber MrBeast hosted a challenge – sink one bucket from half-court before Oakland native Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks could make three.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Oxnard College:
We recently welcomed counselors to campus for another inspiring 805 Industry Day. This annual event introduces our K-12 partners to career education programs, helping to ensure grade and high school students are aware of career pathways at Oxnard College. The event wrapped up at our public safety campus, where our guests got to tour facilities and network with our faculty and staff.
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From Skyline College:
The Automotive Department hosted Driving the Future this week to introduce high school students to the Automotive Career Program at Skyline College. Students heard from guest speakers, toured the department, and then enjoyed a catered lunch afterwards. Huge thanks to everyone who participated and helped inspire the next generation of automotive professionals.
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From Folsom Lake College:
FLC “Comunidad” Student Club participated in its first international community service event at the Casa Hogar Orphanage in Mexico! FLC student and Veteran John Locke said it perfectly, ” It’s so rad to help others.”
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From Shasta College:
Congratulations to our seven Shasta College MESA students who have been selected to participate in a special NASA program! The NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) activity is comprised of three missions designed to challenge and build student knowledge and skills by focusing on NASA’s mission goals, collaboration, and career pathways.
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And check out this video from Monterey Peninsula College’s Family STEM Day:
Blast from the Past
Getting my COVID-19 vaccination back in 2021, when I was president of Bakersfield College. Check out this 53-sec video. It’s kinda fun.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Industrial Automation Hosts 2025 Career Fair
It was an exciting day for the Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College as they recently hosted their 2025 Career Fair. Held in the Renegade Event Center, the gathering gave attendees the opportunity to explore a variety of careers and internships in the industrial automation industry.
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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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What a wonderful idea! Thank you for including me as a retired Citrus College trustee who served for 21 years. I loved reading you blog. Sue KeithSent via the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, an AT&T 5G smartphone