My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.
I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.
And then I met you.
An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.
Infinite hope. Untiring patience. Radical non-judgment. You met people where they were.
Not where they should have been. Not where someone thought they ought to be. But where they were.
You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil. Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.
And then you spread.
From the Central Valley – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio up the North State – Chico, Redding across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.
Across the Sierra foothills. Along Highway 99. Down the 5 and the 101.
Into farmworker towns. Into port cities. Into rural mountain communities. Into urban corridors. Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.
You evolved.
You empowered people. You improved constantly You innovated for students. You added programs. Added pathways. Added chances.
And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.
I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.
I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.
I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”
I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.
You do not ask for perfection. You ask for effort. You do not require pedigree. You require courage.
Over two million students a year.
Two million stories of trying again. Starting over. Leveling up.
You are accessible. You are practical. You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.
On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:
I love you, California Community Colleges, – for your open doors. – for your stubborn optimism. – for believing in people before they believe in themselves.
You are California at its best.
And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,
I am convinced of this:
If there is an institution built on hope in America,
It is you!
With gratitude, admiration, and love Your chancellor, sonya
I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend surrounded by family and friends.
I am in Toronto right now… spent Thanksgiving with my daughter. We are expecting the first snow of the season to roll in late Saturday. I’m already imagining what it will be like to wake up to a blanket of white outside the window … instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit.
I am so blessed with incredible people in my life – family, friends, colleagues.
And eternally thankful for our entire California Community Colleges family, and for all of the amazing students we are privileged to support in our mission of access, equity, and opportunity.
Here are a few fun photos from the last few weeks:
The famous Linda Vasquez selfie
Larry Galizio and the League team put on an inspiring convention.
Linda Vasquez, Sonya Christian, Larry Galizio, Rowena Tomaneng, Chris Ferguson
Good morning California. It is November 29, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
College of the Siskiyous Holds Groundbreaking Event for New Student Housing Facility
College of the Siskiyous is proud to announce a new student housing development aimed at addressing critical housing shortages in the Weed community. The initiative, launched in collaboration with the City of Weed, represents a major step toward supporting both student success and community recovery.
LYLA Conference Inspires Launch of College of the Redwood’s Indigenous Language Institute
This year’s Live Your Language Alliance (LYLA) gathered at College of the Redwoods from August 11–14, alongside CR’s Indigenous Language Institute (CR ILI). Speakers, learners, and cultural leaders from across the United States gathered for a week dedicated to language preservation, education, and community connection. Participants engaged in hands-on learning around grammar, digital teaching tools, and online language resources, while “language time” encouraged attendees to speak in their languages, not just speak about them.
Nissan Donates Two All-Electric Vehicles to El Camino College’s Automotive Program
El Camino College is proud to announce a generous donation from Nissan North America, which has provided two all-electric Nissan vehicles to the school’s automotive program. This contribution will offer students invaluable, hands-on experience with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology—preparing them for the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Vibrant Villages Barstow Partners with Barstow Community College and High Desert Second Chance to Restore Food Distribution in Barstow
Barstow Community College’s Basic Needs Center, led by Magaly Rojas, has partnered with Vibrant Villages Barstow, led by Executive Director Juan Rivera, and High Desert Second Chance to bring back and expand food distribution services for local nonprofits. Supported by IEHP Foundation, the program provides a steady supply of fresh food every Monday from 8 to 10 a.m., now reaching Fort Irwin’s military families as well.
Come as you are: Noncredit coursework is the hidden engine of California’s workforce
Adult education is one of California’s best avenues for helping our communities move forward, yet it doesn’t always receive the attention it deserves. These free courses allow adult learners to build skills and earn credentials without the roadblocks that can make higher education feel out of reach.
Adult education practitioners must actively reach out to individuals facing barriers such as low digital literacy, limited English, employment gaps, mental health challenges, poverty or incarceration, and draw them into our programs.
MPC’s International Student Program (ISP) recently celebrated our F-1 students in honor of International Education Week! International education expands horizons, promotes cultural exchange, and enriches our campus here at MPC. Thank you to all of our ISP students who picked MPC!
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From Chaffey College:
Chaffey celebrated its 22nd annual International Education Week through a vibrant celebration of culture and conversation! We kicked off the week with a panel discussion featuring Chaffey’s international students, faculty, and staff as they shared their educational experiences from around the world. Yesterday, we continued the celebration with live performances, cultural tables, international cuisine, and more!
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From Antelope Valley College:
Umoja’s Grateful Gathering brought students, staff, and mentors together for an afternoon of connection, culture, and delicious food Thank you to @avcumoja for continuing to create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
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From American River College:
American River College’s Renewable Energy Program recently received a significant visit from Heidi Sanborn, SMUD’s elected Board Member representing Ward 7 in which ARC is located, at the ARC Solar Lab on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Scheduled a month in advance, Ms. Sanborn’s visit offered invaluable insights to our students. During her time with the class, she delivered an inspiring speech and engaged with students by answering their questions about the vital future of renewable energies, particularly solar, and the job opportunities within the sector. Students described her address as highly motivating and found her perspective on the industry’s future to be extremely helpful.
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From Gavilan College:
Thank you to ASGC for a thoughtful, generous thrift event this week. The care put into collecting and sharing clothing made a real difference for students and gave hundreds of items a second life. Grateful for the heart behind this work.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Celebrates Fall Holiday Season with Friendsgiving and Turkey Giveaway
In celebration of the Fall Holiday Season, Bakersfield College hosted two events to bring community together, play games, provide aid, and eat delicious food.
On Monday, BC’s Renegade Nexus, in partnership with the Bakersfield College Foundation, hosted a Holiday Harvest Giveaway in which they distributed more than 250 turkeys to enrolled students. Students were invited to the Renegade Pantry, showed their student IDs, and received a free turkey to share with friends and family during the holidays.
This week our nation again grieves together as we face the unimaginable loss following devastating floods in Texas. The death toll has topped 121, with many still missing.
The New York Times has put together a touching tribute to the victims – many of whom were young children at an overnight camp.
Let us pray …..
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A bit more from my time in Paris….
I loved – the language the people, the food, and the walking… yes the walking mostly. Not a powerwalk for exercise but the strolls by the Seine. It is hard to imagine how old the buildings are, some dating back to the 1200a like Notre-Dame and the Sainte- Chapelle. Enjoyed Montmartre that had the extremes of Moulin Rouge at the base and the Sacre-Coeur Basilica perched at the very top.
The Eiffel Tower –
And at night –
The main purpose for the trip was actually to visit Lourdes. My mom, who passed away in 2019 had made a vow to visit Lourdes and this trip was a pilgrimage to honor that vow.
The story of Lourdes is centered around a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to a 14-year old girl – Bernadette.
The grotto is breathtaking. Listening to the Gregorian chant in the night and seeing everything lit is soft lights was profoundly spiritual. Whether you’re a devout Catholic or not, it’s impossible not to feel something in this place.
The Grotto
Grotto and Church from a distance
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Always delightful to hang out with my daughter.
After an amazing trip, it was a mad dash back to Sacramento.
Good morning California. It is July 12, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Ohlone College Students to Perform Original Musical at the World’s Largest Arts Festival in Edinburgh
In a bold and creative leap onto the international stage, Ohlone College is proud to announce that 27 students from its Theatre & Dance program will travel to Scotland this summer to debut an original musical, Blind Fury: The Untold Story of the Queen of Hearts, at the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Running from August 1 to August 5, the performance marks a milestone for the college and its award-winning Theatre & Dance Department, led by Director of Theatre, Michael Navarra. The group will stage four performances of the musical at Nicolson Square, located in the heart of Edinburgh.
Irvine Valley College Speech Wins Double Gold Sweepstakes at Nationals
After being named the 1st Place Community College at the NOF Online National Championships, and 1st Place in limited entry at the CCCFA State Championship Tournament, IVC Speech tested their skills at the Phi Rho Pi National Championships in Norfolk, Virginia from April 5–13. IVC Speech was awarded the Gold in debate sweepstakes, the Bronze in individual event sweepstakes, and the coveted Gold in overall sweepstakes in the Wheeler Division.
Long Beach City College Announces New Associate Degree in Urban Planning
Nearly one year ago, Long Beach City College (LBCC) launched the first Urban Planning associate degree in the California Community Colleges system, through a new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona. The program was developed in consultation with the Long Beach Community Design Center, a non-profit comprised of leading area urban planners, architects, and representatives from Cal Poly Pomona.
Inside HigherEd: Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities for Noncitizen Students
International and undocumented students face restrictions on work opportunities while enrolled because of their legal standing in the U.S. Students covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status have greater opportunities to engage, but securing work can still be a challenge.
In addition, financial obligations can limit students’ ability to participate in campus activities, particularly for low-income students who need to work for pay.
“I have a deeper understanding and respect for the mothers, fathers, and even grandparents who come to AVC seeking an education.”
When Karen Ramos and Joshua Torres walked across the commencement stage at Antelope Valley College this spring, it marked more than just the end of a chapter; it was a shared milestone.
The mother-and-son duo not only earned their associate degrees together, but both were also awarded scholarships from the Antelope Valley College Foundation to help them pursue the next steps in their academic journeys.
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From Crafton Hills College:
Mascot Reveal!!!!!! Celebrating our amazing Marketing Intern and Mascot, Morgan, on her graduation and transfer! Congratulations on all your accomplishments! We’re wishing her the happiest birthday and all the best in her next chapter. Thank you for everything you brought to the team!
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From American River College:
Exciting things are coming to Natomas! Our ARC team had the chance to tour the ARC Natomas Center STEAM building, set to open in spring 2026. This new space will bring expanded opportunities for Natomas students — including brand new science labs and more capacity for dual enrollment classes.
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From Chabot College:
Sweet, smart, and Chabot proud! Celebrating #NationalSugarCookieDay the only way we know how – with Gladiator spirit and lots of icing on top.
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And check out this video from Mt. San Antonio College about their 2025 Dance Artist In Residence, Benita Blake:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts 8th Annual RESOUND at Memorial Stadium
On July 8th, Bakersfield College proudly hosted the 8th annual RESOUND: A Drum Corps International Tour Event at Memorial Stadium. With over 750 tickets sold and hundreds more participants in attendance, the event brought together an enthusiastic crowd to witness the power and precision of four DCI Open Class drum corps, including the 5-time world champions Blue Devils B and Bakersfield College’s own Golden Empire.
Started my week in Santa Barbara for the Vision 2030 Workshop. Woke up to this …..
As always, the Chancellor’s Office team found time to have some fun!
Flowers for you from my morning walk.
Back at home to my boy Neo …. the morning ritual …. after our walk Neo greets the pool dragon with a “woof”.
***
Ms Rosamma Babu, my high school history teacher, passed away. She taught Indian history and was an amazing teacher.
Good morning California. It is May 31, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cerritos College Team Wins National Award for Transformative High School Partnership
Cerritos College’s commitment to meeting students where they are at once again earned national recognition from the League for Innovation in the Community College. The 2024-25 Innovation of the Year Award was presented to Assistant Director of Admissions and Records Laura Estrada, Interim Director of Educational Partnerships and Programs Sasha Leonardo, Assistant Director of Financial Aid Jamie Quiroz, and Counselor Dr. Clara Ross-Jones for their work launching the College Bound Buccaneers. In collaboration with Bellflower High School, this pilot program provides a direct pathway into Cerritos Complete, the college’s award-winning Promise Program.
American River College Professor Jesus Valle Honored with 2025 Wilma Mankiller Memorial Award
American River College is proud to celebrate one of its own, Professor Jesus Valle, as the distinguished recipient of the 2025 Wilma Mankiller Memorial Award for Human and Civil Rights from the National Education Association. This national honor, named after the legendary Cherokee Nation leader and fearless advocate for American Indian children, recognizes individuals who have profoundly impacted education and the achievement of equal opportunity for American Indians/Alaska Natives. Professor Valle’s dedication spans 28 years of advocacy, mentorship, and an unwavering belief in the potential of tribal youth.
Orange Coast College Partners with MM-SEAS to Enhance Maritime Professional Licensing Support for Students
Orange Coast College is proud to announce a new partnership with MM-SEAS, a leading provider of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) licensing software. This collaboration aims to enhance professional licensing support and tools for students enrolled in programs at the OCC Waterfront Campus, further demonstrating the College’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the maritime industry.
Sierra College Receives CAL FIRE Partnership Award
Sierra College and Superintendent/President Willy Duncan were honored by the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit with its 2024 “Partnership Award” for the college’s commitment to public safety and community service, its longstanding Fire Academy program, and recent efforts to bring a Regional Public Safety Training Center to Placer County.
5 creative ways California colleges are feeding students beyond food pantries
To improve CalFresh outreach and enrollment, California started setting aside annual funds in 2021 for public colleges and universities to establish and operate basic needs centers with food pantries, where students obtain free food staples. The California State University and University of California systems each receive $15 million and California Community Colleges receives $30 million annually. As of 2023, every public higher education campus in the state has a basic needs center and food pantry.
However, for many campuses, these solutions still aren’t enough. To fill the gaps, some have created their own innovative solutions. From free meals to food lockers, staff and students at five campuses – including CCCs Compton College, Contra Costa College, Antelope Valley College, and Cerro Coso Community College – around California offer creative alternatives.
We’re incredibly proud of the creativity, drive, and business acumen our students demonstrated at the Entrepreneurship Center’s Business Pitch Competition. Their ideas are not just future-ready, some are already making an impact.
Leading up to the event, students participated in pre-sessions with mentors and industry experts to shape and strengthen their ideas. Each team delivered an 8–10 minute pitch to a panel of esteemed judges and the results were nothing short of impressive.
Congratulations to all the winning teams, each awarded a $5,000 startup grant to help launch their businesses. We are deeply grateful to Howard Gore and Kimberly Hawkins-Gore for generously sponsoring these grants and serving as judges during the event.
Special thanks to all the mentors, panel of judges, volunteers, E-Center Director Teresa Thompson, and our Dean of Professional Studies Eric Grabiel for bringing student innovation and entrepreneurship to center stage.
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From Coastline College:
To wrap up #AAPIHeritageMonth students and employees joined a peaceful Ikebana workshop last week. Led by Ayako Ariga and Miyako Arao, 35 participants created beautiful flower arrangements while learning the art and symbolism of this Japanese tradition.
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From Copper Mountain College:
We’re thrilled to announce that the Criminal Justice Club at Copper Mountain College is officially up and running — and growing fast! Our April launch event, “Anatomy of a Murder,” was a huge success, bringing students, staff, and local law enforcement together for an engaging evening of insight and discussion. We’re proud to share that the club already has 17 active members!
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From Chaffey College:
So much pride celebrating the accomplishments of our Black/African American students at our Rites of Passage graduation celebration.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Celebrates 2025 Transfer Students
Bakersfield College proudly hosted the 2025 Transfer Celebration late last month, honoring students who will be continuing their academic journeys at four-year universities across California and beyond.
Representatives from the CSU Office of the Chancellor and UC Merced, speaking on behalf of the UC Office of the President, offered welcoming remarks and words of encouragement as students prepare for the next step in their educational journey.
Since my high school readings included Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the Ides of March got defined with an ominous tone….. Every year, on March 15th, I feel a shudder. And then promptly proceed to redefine the day as a fabulous spring day.
The geraniums this morning did it for me!
The term “Ides of March” as I understand it, had a neutral meaning in the Roman calendar, referring to March 15, which was simply a standard way of marking the middle of the month (the “Ides” typically fell on the 15th in March, May, July, and October, and on the 13th in other months). It was traditionally associated with religious observances and debt payments in ancient Rome.
However, its meaning dramatically changed after the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15th. Caesar had been warned by a soothsayer to Beware the Ides of March, as famously dramatized in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.
Over time, the phrase has taken on a more general meaning, often used to suggest looming disaster.
On another note ….. Did you catch the lunar eclipse this week? It was the first total lunar eclipse in 2 years.
The Griffith Observatory live streamed the entire event –
As for me …..
This week was a whirlwind of meetings – I spent time with team members preparing for the upcoming budget hearings, working on the LA Rebuild project, and other key priorities.
A team of us from the Chancellor’s Office did visit Pasadena City College where the president gave a moving presentation about how the college brought together the community to help with the LA Fires and now with the recovery. I am so proud of Pasadena City College. Unfortunately, I did not snap any photos for you.
The California Community Colleges continue doing great work for our students, our communities, and our planet.
Good morning California. It is March 15, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Newly Expanded Veterans Resource Center Opens at San Diego Miramar College
Over a hundred people took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at San Diego Miramar College. The ceremony featured guest speakers, the Mira Mesa High School Junior Air Force ROTC color guard, and a performance by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Band from Miramar Corp Air Station Miramar.
TRIO Day at Moreno Valley College Celebrates Access, Opportunity, and Success
Moreno Valley College hosted its sixth annual National TRIO Day on Feb. 22, celebrating opportunity, empowerment, and access to higher education. The event, which drew hundreds of students, families, and community partners, highlighted MVC’s commitment to ensuring underserved students are not only given access but also supported in achieving their goals. Hands-on STEM activities, workshops, and a resource fair provided students with inspiration and tangible pathways to success.
Palomar College Expands Offerings to Include Incarcerated Military Students
Palomar College offers a wide range of academic courses at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Recently, the schedule of courses was expanded to include coursework for those incarcerated in the brig at Camp Pendleton. Trusting its 53 year relationship with Palomar College, the Camp Pendleton brig leadership initiated a proposal designed to align with their rehabilitation program for the incarcerated population on base. This initiated the planning for increased educational opportunities and the first classes.
Community Colleges Reimagine Their Role to Transform Whole Communities
Community colleges have always been the open door of higher education—focusing on students and employers who might not otherwise get served. In recent years, as the accountability push in higher education evolved, that’s translated to an increasing focus not just on getting students to the finish line but beyond it into good jobs. Now, the leading community college reform organization, Achieving the Dream, is taking that a step further—focusing on how community colleges can not only be an engine for success for students, but for entire communities.
Registration Open for 2025 Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) Summit
Register now for the 2025 Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) Summit, on Wednesday, March 26 at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center.
This groundbreaking event offers a unique platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing, to address the pressing environmental challenges and opportunities ahead, while shaping the future of the Blue Economy and its workforce.
Color, joy, and celebration! Our International Student Club hosted its third annual HOLI event today, bringing the campus together for a vibrant festival of color
“As Cardoza focuses on building a campus culture ‘where every student can see themselves succeed,’ she offers those students who were once like her specific advice for a strong future: ‘Find your community. Find those who are going to be your biggest cheerleaders, those who believe in you.‘”
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From Antelope Valley College:
Antelope Valley College, in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), held a graduation ceremony recently on Yard A at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County, hosted through the New Horizon Adult School program.
Fifteen students earned associate degrees from AVC, while an additional nine students received associate degrees from other California community colleges. High school diploma and GED recipients, along with those who completed vocational certificates, were also celebrated during the ceremony.
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And check out this video from Copper Mountain College:
Copper Mountain College Auto Club students participated in the 2025 King of the Hammers event, gaining valuable hands-on experience working on off-road vehicles during the event.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Hidden Figures Author Margot Lee Shetterly Inspires Bakersfield College Community
Bakersfield College recently welcomed Margot Lee Shetterly, author of Hidden Figures, to its Panorama campus in honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. The event drew an overwhelming turnout, with the Renegade Event Center filled to near capacity. Students, faculty, and community members were all present, eager to hear Shetterly’s insights, inspirations, and current projects.
Shetterly started the conversation by discussing the three “no longer hidden figures” of her novel: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson. A central theme of Shetterly’s talk was the idea that ordinary people are capable of achieving extraordinary things. She emphasized that the women of Hidden Figures were not household names, nor were they widely recognized as pioneers in their time, but it was because of their dedication, intellect, and perseverance that they were able to make history. She encouraged BC students to recognize their own potential, reminding them that greatness is achieved through hard work, passion, and the willingness to challenge barriers.
The Workforce & Economic Mobility Blog blog shares approaches to workforce and economic development, with a goal of supporting economic mobility for our community while staying committed to the health of our people and the health of our environment.
In the Bhambi & Christian blog, Dr. Brijesh Bhambi join together joined together with the goal of facilitating healing and conversation in our community.
