At 1:45 pm, on July 14, 2016, the Kern Community College District Board decided to place a bond measure on the November ballot. The voters voted “yes on Measure J.” Thank you!
#DareMightyThings
I submitted a 550-word opinion piece which was published today in the Community Voices section of today’s Bakersfield Californian.
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Did you see about the woman who rowed solo from California to Hawaii?
Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river rafting guide, made the 2,400 mile journey from Monterey to Honolulu in just 43 days, 17 hours, 55 minutes and 59 seconds – breaking both the previous women’s record (86 days) and men’s record (52 days) for the crossing.
Hundreds gathered in the harbor to cheer her on as she finally made it ashore, and many more followed along with her journey on social media.
Check out this piece from Hawaii News Now talking about her experience:
Good morning California.
It is July 11, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Barstow Community College Purchases Property
to Create New CTE Workforce Training Center
Barstow Community College (BCC) has completed the purchase of the former Rite Aid building at the corner of Barstow Road and Rimrock Road and plans to transform it into a new Career Technical Education (CTE) Workforce Training Center. The facility will serve as a training hub preparing local residents for high-wage careers. The new facility will house five hands-on Career Technical Education labs with capacity for up to 25 learners per lab, enabling hundreds of residents to train each year.
Porterville College Celebrates the Next Generation
of Women in STEM with Innovative Program
Porterville College, AAUW Porterville, and the Porterville Chamber of Commerce officially celebrated the InnovateHER STEM Program, a collaborative initiative designed to inspire and empower the next generation of young women in science, technology, engineering, and math. On June 22, community members, local leaders, and families gathered at Porterville College (PC) for a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the success of the 2nd Annual InnovateHER STEM Summer Camp. The day was filled with inspiration, featuring powerful words from sponsor organizations, local dignitaries, and a special awards ceremony honoring some of the wonderful students who have participated in the program.
California Volunteers wildfire recovery grant provides opportunities
for Pasadena City College students and the community
California Volunteers, Office of the Governor has awarded Pasadena City College more than a half a million dollars to create a new Wildfire Recovery College Corps chapter on its campus. The award from California Volunteers creates the state’s first College Corps chapters dedicated specifically to rebuilding communities ravaged by the Eaton and the Palisades fires in January of 2025.
In Case You Missed It
Tuition to be permanently free at San Mateo County Community College District
The San Mateo County Community College District has made its free tuition program permanent following a signature from Gov. Gavin Newsom, The Daily Journal reported.
Senate Bill 968, signed into law by the governor, disregarded the 2028 sunset date for the Free College pilot program. The legislation enables the community college district to eliminate tuition by using property tax revenue, The Journal reported.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Los Angeles Mission College:
On Tuesday, June 2, students, faculty, and staff from Los Angeles Mission College participated in the Student AI Showcase at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Pacific Design Center as part of the National AI Campus Project.
Los Angeles Mission College presented eight research posters demonstrating applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in biomedical sciences and astrophysics. Research topics included planetary debris disk identification, cancer cell segmentation and classification, optimization of deep learning models for biomedical imaging, AI-assisted analysis of urothelial cell images, and neural network hyperparameter optimization.
The showcase featured student research from Los Angeles Mission College and Pierce College and provided participants with an opportunity to present their work to faculty, researchers, industry partners, family members, and the community.
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From Modesto Junior College:
MJC Student Services employees were honored during the annual Student Services Celebration, an end‑of‑year gathering dedicated to recognizing the commitment of counselors, student workers, administrators, and classified professionals who support student success at Modesto Junior College.
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
More highlights from A Taste of the District!
Our Advanced Culinary Arts students showcased their talent with a seven-course tasting menu inspired by SDCCE’s seven campuses.
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From Woodland Community College:
Our Upward Bound students are making the most of their summer!
These 9th–12th grade scholars are taking college courses at the Colusa County Campus while participating in tutoring and academic enrichment to prepare for next year’s high school classes. With support from tutors and peer mentors, they’re building the skills and confidence to succeed in college and beyond!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts First Ever Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway Pinning Ceremony
In October last year, Bakersfield College announced the launch of an exciting new initiative in collaboration with Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), Morehouse School of Medicine, Kern High School District, KCSOS, and More in Common Alliance that creates a streamlined pathway for students from Kern County to pursue careers in medicine.
Recently, BC hosted the first ever pinning ceremony welcoming the first cohort for the Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway. Eight scholars were welcomed into the program and received a ceremonial pin and certificate. Dr. Kevin Smith, Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Affiliations, welcomed each student to the program. “Tonight’s pinning ceremony marks the official beginning of each scholar’s journey through the Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway,” he said, “The pin represents commitment, service, academic excellence, and a promise to use education to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”
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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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Great memories of the Prop. J campaign which included Bill Thomas lectures
Oh wow…. it is so good to hear from you Ken You were an integral part of Measure J. Thank you!