Tag Archives: Bakersfield College

Let’s remember – every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

Uncategorized February 1, 2025 Leave a comment

This week was a heartbreaking one as a helicopter collided with an airplane in Washington, D.C. The crash took the lives of 67 people. Among the victims were a group of children returning home from a national figure skating development camp, along with their coaches and family members.

Lives taken too soon …..
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/31/us/dc-plane-crash-victims/index.html

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This week, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office lost a dear colleague, John Stanskas.

John Stanskas presenting to the Board of Governors in Sep 2024

A friend of John’s shared this poem in a social media post, and I wanted to share it with you:

“Write It on Your Heart” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.

Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”

Good morning California.
It is February 1, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Berkeley City College Students Win Global Animation Award

Congratulations to the Berkeley City College Multimedia Arts students for earning second place in the global VIVE Mars “Best Horror Shot!” film competition for their spooky short “Night of the Living Dodo.” This achievement was made possible by the RVPA internship program, which is sponsored by the Film Commission via the California Community College Foundation.

» Read more!

Check out the video below:

Butte College Celebrates First Graduating Class of Accelerated Nursing Program

Butte College honored its first graduating class from the accelerated registered nursing program at a pinning ceremony on December 20, 2024, at the Paradise Alliance Church. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 45 students who completed the rigorous three-semester program, launched in January 2024, to address the critical shortage of registered nurses in Butte and Glenn Counties and surrounding areas.

» Read more!

Reedley College Cuts Ribbon on Fine & Performing Arts Center

After years of dreaming, planning, fundraising, groundbreaking, and building, Reedley College proudly held its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the McClarty Center For Fine and Performing Arts November 19, 2024. 

» Read more!

California First Partner Visits Pierce College to Support Fire Response Efforts

Amid the challenges of wildfires sweeping through Southern California, Pierce welcomed California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 to our Equestrian Center, where a large animal evacuation shelter has been operating in partnership with L.A. County Animal Care and Control. The shelter is currently home to approximately 225 animals, including horses, alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund
Receives $1 Million Donation From Jay Pritzker Foundation

The Jay Pritzker Foundation has donated $1 million to support the California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund, which is providing vital aid to students, faculty, and staff impacted by this month’s devastating wildfires in Southern California. The ongoing emergency has impacted more than a dozen Los Angeles-area colleges and counting as fires continue to burn in the region. 

» Read more!

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Upcoming Webinars

Join us on Tuesday, February 4, at 12:00 p.m. for the latest addition to the #CalCommColleges #AI webinar series.
» Register today!

Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the California Community Colleges System Webinar, “The State Budget: Proposition 98 and Proposed Governor’s Budget Resource Allocations.”
» Register for the series!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Modesto Junior College:

The MJC Fire Academy proudly presented 29 candidates with the Fire Academy Certificate of Achievement. “We are one of the premier training facilities. The program at MJC has earned a well recognized reputation and many of our candidates obtain jobs in fire departments throughout the state.” shared Matt Curless, Modesto Fire Department Captain and Academy Coordinator. In just one semester, students learn to successfully navigate an intense training program and complete an all-inclusive set of State Fire Marshall certifications, preparing them for real life scenarios. The Fall 2024 ceremony was unique, as Captain Curless’ son received his certificate.

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Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu shared these photos of Assemblywoman Julia Brownley’s recent visit to their campus:

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From Ventura College:

Last night the Ventura College Foundation hosted the Grand Opening of the new Gibbs Diesel Mechanics Center, a cutting-edge training facility.

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From Hartnell College:

The first day of Spring Semester at #HartnellCollege is officially in the books. Let’s make this an incredible semester, Panthers!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Spring 2025 STEM Resource Fair

Recently, Bakersfield College hosted a STEM Club and Resource Fair in the Science and Engineering building. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with representatives from the BC STEM Clubs and resource programs, who were ready to share invaluable insights, financial support, and other essential resources.

» Read more!

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Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

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

Saluting and honoring our fire fighters

Uncategorized January 25, 2025 Leave a comment

It has been heartbreaking with the fires in southern California being fanned by the Santa Ana winds. We have all watched our fire fighters run towards the danger to save people, animals, and homes. Let’s take a moment to honor them – their skill, dedication, and selflessness keeps us safe and uplifts our communities.

California Community Colleges train large numbers of our first responders. I am so proud of our colleges.

In that spirit, let me share this post from College of the Siskiyous celebrating heroic, lifesaving efforts by 4 of their students:

“Last nights monthly Board of Trustees Meeting recognized some of our Paramedic and Fire Academy Students for their lifesaving skills during a recent call.

“On December 9th 2024 Lake Shastina Fire was dispatched to a medical 911 call for a 74 year old male with chest pain. 4 responding Lake Shastina student firefighters arrived, and the patient answered the door to let the firefighters in. He was walking around the living room, talking and completely coherent and responsive. While the students were doing a patient assessment and taking vitals, he suddenly collapsed in his chair. They tried to wake him and attempted a sternum rub with no response. The firefighters then checked for a pulse and did not find one.

“They quickly pulled him out of the chair to lay him on the floor and begin life saving measures. One of the firefighters ran out to the engine to grab the AED while the other 3 performed CPR. Once the AED was applied the patient was shocked twice during multiple rounds of CPR. At this point the patient was stable enough to load him into the ambulance to transport to the hospital. He started to gain consciousness while in route to Mercy Medical Center. Once arrived, he was flown to Redding for emergency heart surgery due to a heart attack.

The patient has recovered and wrote the following letter:

On 12/9/24, while visiting my daughter, I suffered a heart attack. At the time of the event four of your members were on site. Because of their quick reaction and skill, I’m able to write this Thank You Note! My Gratitude isn’t just to the gentlemen on scene, but to all of YOU.

Again, thank you for what you did and what you do! I’m on the mend, feeling well and extremely grateful for the way things turned out. God Bless!

The 4 firefighters were recognized by The American Heart Association and received the Heartsaver Hero Award.

Pictured from left to right: Jase Rothenberger, Tobias Medina, Matt Maben (patient), Christian Cerezo, and Nathan Ade.”

On a more personal note, last weekend, I watched a 2018 movie that was on one of my streaming services – The Samuel Project. A wonderful heartwarming drama where a teen artist, Eli, connects with his grandfather Samuel through a school project. As Eli uncovers Samuel’s Holocaust survival story, their bond deepens. It is a beautiful family story. Check out the trailer.

Good morning California.
It is January 25, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santa Monica College Holds Disaster Support Distribution Event

For just over a week, the Santa Monica College Foundation worked to gather essential items for community members who’ve been impacted by the recent wildfires. Now all those items have to find the people who need them. The college’s gym now resembles a department store of free goods, with dozens of tables teeming with neatly folded clothes for babies, children, and adults. As shoppers enter, they’re handed a large, blue shopping bag. Once inside, they’re greeted by upbeat music and a sea of mylar balloons.

» Read more!

Compton College Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Student Housing Facility

Last Friday, the Compton Community College District held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for its new Student Housing facility on campus! The new Student housing is targeted for completion in summer 2027 and will accommodate 250 students.

» Read more about the housing project!

College of the Redwoods Announces Fire Instruction Partnership

College of the Redwoods is proud to announce a new partnership through an Instructional Services Agreement (ISA) with the Humboldt County Fire Instructors Association (HCFIA) and the CAL FIRE Humboldt Del Norte Unit.  Once the curriculum is shared and implemented, HCFIA students will go through College of the Redwoods, allowing CR to grow its cohort and train more students. Teaching will initially occur at CR, HCFIA, and CAL FIRE facilities, ensuring greater access to training across the region.

» Read more!

Cerritos College Student Team Develops Tools for NASA’s Moon Exploration

 Cerritos College’s student team, known as Team Falcons, was selected to advance to phase II of NASA’s 2025 Micro-g NExT challenge, making it the only community college team in the nation to reach the final stage of the highly competitive event. This is the third time Cerritos College’s student team has advanced to phase II, following successes in 2021 and 2022.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

25-year CSU and Community College Partnership Helps Prepare
More Teachers for California’s Workforce

​Since Cal State Long Beach and Cerritos College​ partnered in 1999 to develop the first formal California Community College-California State University (CSU) educator preparation pathway, thousands of students have transferred seamlessly to CSU teacher preparation programs, completed their bachelor’s degrees and teaching credentials and joined the workforce as educators in California’s P-12 schools. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Medanos College:

Today’s moment of reflection and joy — the Bay Miwok Mural Blessing Ceremony. The mural is a commissioned project by artist Drew Valencia, created in partnership with LMC students, art faculty, office of Student Life and grant funding from @4cd_live . The ceremony featured remarks by Rosa Armendariz, LMC senior dean of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, Land Acknowledgement by ethnic studies assistant professor Max Trujillo, Red Line by Cara Little, outreach coordinator for the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health’s Calhope Redline Warmline, and Honor Song by Sylvia Rodriguez, founder of “medicine for My Sisters” Native women’s drum group.

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From Santiago Canyon College:

The Santiago Canyon College Outreach team recently visited El Dorado High School to support the school’s FASFA Night. More than 90 students and families attended the event, seeking information and assistance with their FASFA and Dream Act. The SCC team offered a Financial Aid 101 presentation, reviewed all the aspects of financial aid and explained the process of how to apply.

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It’s WOW week at @FeatherRiverCol where students learn about the many resources on campus. Come for the #nachos Stay for the #studentsupport

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And check out this video from Cosumnes River College about the Promise to Career scholarship for construction management and apprenticeship students:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Spring 2025 Sports Media Day

Recently, Bakersfield College hosted Spring 2025 Sports Media Day which brought together BC athletes, coaches, and key figures for an exciting event where fans and media had the opportunity to get a first look at the upcoming athletic season through interviews, insights, and a glimpse behind the scenes. The event took place in the Renegade Events Center on BC’s Panorama Campus.

Sports Media Day gave attendees a unique opportunity to engage with our student-athletes and seasoned coaches through exclusive interviews, in-depth discussions, and spirited introductions. Some of the sports that highlighted were Women’s Beach Volleyball, Golf, both Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Women’s Wrestling, Track and Field, Softball, and Baseball.

» Read more!

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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

Developing intelligence plus character

Uncategorized January 18, 2025 1 Comment

“We must remember that intelligence is not enough.
Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.
The complete education gives one not only power of concentration,
but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.”

Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke these words in a speech he gave as a student at Morehouse College.

On Monday, we will remember King’s legacy as the nation recognizes MLK Day for the 39th year. President Ronald Reagan signed MLK Day into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later, in 1986.

California Community Colleges developing intelligence plus character building both the power of concentration plus worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.

Yesterday evening (TGIF) I relaxed with dinner and a movie – A Real Pain. The movie follows American Jewish cousins David and Benji, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, as they journey to Poland to explore their late grandmother’s heritage and confront the lingering shadows of the Holocaust. Culkin won the Golden Globe for his portrayal of Benji a character who is both infuriating and endearing.
Jesse Eisenberg acted, wrote and directed the movie … pretty remarkable. I have always enjoyed the way Eisenberg sees the nuances in every day life.

Good morning California.
It is January 18, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

 Lake Tahoe Community College Secures $8.6M
for Tahoe’s First Public Safety Training Complex

Lake Tahoe Community College has officially secured the final funding to build the Tahoe Basin’s first Public Safety Training Complex. An $8.6 million grant from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, approved on January 14, 2025, paves the way for this transformative project. This project marks a significant step forward in enhancing the region’s emergency response capabilities and workforce training in fire, forestry, and emergency medical services.

» Read more!

Coalinga, Diablo Valley Colleges Honored for
Expanding Free, Open-Source Textbooks Programs

(From L to R: Chancellor Sonya Christian, ASCCC President Cheryl Aschenbach, Coalinga OER Librarian Heather M. Evans, Board President Hildegarde B. Aguinaldo, Board Vice President Bill Rawlings, Deputy Chancellor Rowena M. Tomaneng)
(From L to R: Chancellor Sonya Christian, ASCCC President Cheryl Aschenbach, DVC Academic Senate President John Freytag, DVC Dean Anne Kingsley, DVC Dept. Chair Lindsey Shively, Board President Hildegarde B. Aguinaldo, Deputy Chancellor Rowena M. Tomaneng)

Coalinga College and Diablo Valley College have been honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors with 2024-25 Exemplary Program Awards for their outstanding efforts in expanding free, open-source textbooks and instructional materials for students. The Exemplary Program Award was established in 1991 by the Board of Governors and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to recognize, support and embrace exceptional community college programs.

» Read more!

Riverside City College Rising Scholars Program Expands Funding to $600K to Support Justice-Impacted Youth

Riverside City College (RCC) is receiving a significant boost to its ongoing efforts to support justice-impacted youth, thanks to a $300,000 grant extension from the California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness). The amendment to the original 2021 grant brings the total funding to $600,000, allowing the college to expand its Rising Scholars program and continue its mission to assist young people involved in the juvenile justice system. 

» Read more!

African Diaspora Educational Summit Transforms Fullerton College

Fullerton College recently sent a select few faculty and staff to attend the “Colonization to Sovereignty” African Diaspora Education Summit in Ghana, Africa. The summit highlighted the importance of African Centered Education (ACE) and planning between the North Orange County Community College District faculty, classified staff and students who identify as part of the African Diaspora.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Reaffirms Commitment
to Climate Action and Sustainability

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors has updated its Climate Action and Sustainability Goals as the system continues to work to empower institutions to act on bold climate commitments and to create innovative climate solutions.

The updated 2025 Climate Action and Sustainability Goals, presented at the Board of Governors meeting Tuesday in Sacramento, prioritizes measurable progress across critical areas such as greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, green building standards, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, food systems, sustainable procurement, and transportation. The goals build on the Climate Action and Sustainability Framework from 2021, that set ambitious energy reduction goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the 73 California community college districts. The new, enhanced targets align with California’s statewide climate initiatives and the California Community Colleges’ strategic plan, Vision 2030.

» Read more!

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It’s FLEX day at PC! Time to get excited for our students to start Spring semester! Thank you to KernCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven Bloomberg for getting us off to a great start!

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From Cañada College:

This week on Upper Lawn was all about joy, connection, and support as we welcomed our Colts back to campus.
The sunshine and good vibes made it the perfect start to the semester, and we loved seeing everyone connect with the people and resources they can trust.
Let’s keep this momentum going—tackle this semester with confidence, stay connected, and remember, you’ve got a whole community here rooting for you.
Let’s make it a great one!

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From Grossmont College:

Grossmont College art students spent the afternoon restoring a rainbow mural at La Mesa Dale Elementary. This 60-foot mural was first created by Grossmont College art students in 2021. In this class, students learn about the cultural history of mural painting and community impact of public art while applying hands-on skills.

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And check out these beautiful pics from Shasta College:

If you’re here early on campus sometime, take a moment to watch the sunrise. We promise it’s worth it

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Excited to Welcome Back Students for Spring 2025 Semester

The spring semester is starting, and Bakersfield College is excited to welcome students back to campus for the Spring 2025 Semester! The official first day of instruction is Saturday, January 18th, for weekend courses, and Tuesday, January 21st, for weekday courses. The first week of the semester will feature several “Welcome Week” events and activities that aim to provide new and returning students an opportunity to connect with fellow Renegades, explore different programs, and get acclimated to campus life.

» Read more!

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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

Let us pray for our communities in LA

Uncategorized January 11, 2025 Leave a comment
Cover Page in the LA Times

LA Times updates:
https://www.latimes.com/california/live/2025-01-10/fire-los-angeles-california-eaton-palisades-updates

Raymond Chandler in his 1938 book Red Wind famously describes the Santa Ana winds as a force that can “curl your hair and make our nerves jump.” That was my experience when I came to USC as a foreign grad student many decades ago. The wind speed is typically 30-40 mph.

Last week, these winds were clocked at times over 100 mph …. combined with the fires …. the devastation at a scale we have not seen before …. 11 confirmed deaths, and more than 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed. More than 150,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation.

Even after the fires are extinguished, these communities will face harrowing times as they return and rebuild entire neighborhoods. Let us pray for our communities in LA.

LA County has prepared this list of resources for those affected by the fires.

In addition to many other organizations, the Foundation for California Community Colleges is raising money for wildfire & disaster relief. Learn more & donate!

Los Angeles Pierce College serves as an animal evacuation site for large animals. 

And deepest thanks to the brave firefighters and first responders who are working day and night to put out the blaze and keep our communities safe.

Good morning California.
It is January 11, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

College of San Mateo, College of Marin MESA Students
Win STEM Entrepreneurship Contest

A team of future STEM entrepreneurs claimed the top title of a month’s long business pitch competition. Isabelle Ablao of San Diego State University, Michelle Gantos of College of Marin and Auner Barrios Vasquez of College of San Mateo are champions of the 2024 MESA Idea Accelerator. The program empowers undergraduate students to become innovative entrepreneurs. Using the Human-Centered Design process students gain the skills to create real-world solutions for their communities.

» Read more!

Johnson Controls Renews Sacramento City College
Workforce Development Grant

Sacramento City College received a $100,000 grant for the third year as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. This funding enhances on-campus training and educational opportunities for future leaders in the HVAC, digital, fire and security industries. Sacramento City College remains committed to addressing the skilled trades gap through strategic investments to equip the future skilled trades workforce and foster strong communities.

» Read more!

Santa Ana College Journalism Students Win Top National Honors
at Pacemaker and Pinnacle Awards

Santa Ana College journalism students took home over 40 awards from the National College Media Convention held in New Orleans, Louisiana, earning recognition for their work at el Don, Santa Ana College’s student-run news organization that has been in circulation for over 100 years. The Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) Pacemaker awards and the College Media Advisers (CMA) Pinnacle Awards were both presented at the conference which was held from Oct. 30- Nov. 2, 2024.

» Read more!

Chaffey College Manufacturing Day Brings Together 600 Inland Empire Students

Hundreds of middle and high school students from 15 San Bernardino and Riverside County schools visited InTech to meet with employers, try their hand at welding simulators, program robots and more. Manufacturing Day is an event that gives companies and schools a chance to showcase modern manufacturing careers to students, parents and the public.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Tune In to January 2025 Board of Governors Meeting

The January 2025 meeting of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors is Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a Closed Session from 9:05 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., in-person in Sacramento and viewable via Zoom.

» Agenda and Video Link

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Joaquin Delta College:

Recently our Student Food Pantry not only reached their fundraising goal, but surpassed it! All thanks to the incredible generosity of many, the pantry raised over $6,000. From monetary donations to campus contributions — thank you for fueling our students’ futures!

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From De Anza College:

We’re excited to welcome our new college President Omar Torres! Here, he’s pictured with former Interim President Christina Espinosa-Pieb. Welcome Dr. Torres, and thank you to Ms. Espinosa-Pieb!

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From San Bernardino Valley College:

Some of our fav pics from 2024!

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And check out this video of highlights from 2024 Cabrillo Talks:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Library Welcomes Special Guests from Romania

The Grace Van Dyke Byrd Library at BC welcomed several distinguished guests from Romania as part of Friendship Force of Kern County’s initiative to expand literacy and informal education to institutions outside the US. The Romanian visitors were all library workers striving to improve the services and educational resources they provide in their home libraries.

» Read more!

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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

Systematically keeping hope alive

Uncategorized December 28, 2024 Leave a comment

What were you up to this past week? Drop me a comment with your story while I tell you about my week.

I enjoyed a white Christmas with my daughter.

Growing up in Kerala, India, Bing Crosby’s I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas was an all-time favorite. At that time, I imagined snow to have a cotton-like soft texture even though I had sufficient experience by then to know it was frozen water. I first saw snow when I came to the United States as a foreign graduate student and my brother Roy took me for a drive to Reno. You know how some memories get etched deeply in your mind ….. Well that first snow experience was one of them.

I attended the morning Christmas service at St. Peter’s catholic church. The sermon was about how we could and should systematically keep hope alive. So here’s to 2025 filled with joy and hope!

Later in the day, we took a drive by Lake Ontario and stopped at Humber Bay. Check it out.

Back at the house, we lounged on the couch by the fireplace and the cutest Christmas tree and binge-watched the new Matlock show starring Kathy Bates as Matlock.

Roger Ebert closes out his review of the show with this:

This earnestness, combined with Bates’ performance and the show’s strong and consistent use of humor, makes for a good watch. “Matlock” isn’t exactly throwback TV, but it delivers on the comfort food of solving at least one complex problem in forty-two minutes. That it’s funny and heartfelt along the way just adds to the charm, particularly as the suspense mounts. Toying with our expectations of a recognizable persona like Matlock, CBS’s newest legal drama honors the original while creating something new entirely.

And now back home with Neo

A few more holiday greetings from our California Community Colleges –

Citrus College:

Sierra College:

Good morning California.
It is December 28, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

Over the last several weeks I have been featuring blogs from the past starting in 2013….. today I wrap up the “throwback series” by highlighting blog posts from 2021-2024.

2021

March 13, 2021: An evening to remember. Sterling Silver 2021.

Last Saturday’s Sterling Silver broadcast on KGET/Channel 17 was an amazing celebration of our outstanding philanthropists. I hope you were able to tune in and watch as the BC Foundation honored Margaret “Peggy” Haight, Patricia Mettler, Greg & Mary Bynum, and Becki Whitson.

» Read more!

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July 31, 2021: Wrapping up July with grandness – Olympics, Beach, and KCCD

I returned from a mini-vacation to see this amazing article above the fold in the Bakersfield Californian. Congressman Rudy Salas has secured an additional $6 million in state funding for Bakersfield College,  authorized in Assembly Bill 132.

The projects proposed will include expanding the college’s Rural Health Equity and Learning collaborative, the Certified Nursing Assistant and Registered Nurse programs, and the allied health programs such as the new Physical Therapy Assistant program, while also providing funding for new post-pandemic student health and wellness services, and new certification programs, such as the Mental Health Worker Certificate.

» Read more!

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September 26, 2021: Join us in imagining and making it so

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, Bakersfield College’s Early College Program announced a new Early College option to McFarland High School freshman to earn a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Automation in five years! This year’s class of 232 incoming ninth grade students will be able to start on a pathway toward a bachelor of science degree that begins their freshman year and is completed one year after they graduate from high school. Really appreciate the leadership of Superintendent Aaron Resendez and Trustee Romeo Agbalog.

» Read more!

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November 6, 2021: KCCD paying attention – to a moment, to an idea, to a feeling

On Wednesday, the PC Writer & Poet Speaker Series continued with a virtual event featuring Clint Smith.

Clint Smith is a staff writer at The Atlantic. He is the author of the narrative nonfiction book, How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America, which was a #1 New York Times Bestseller, and the poetry collection Counting Descent, which won the 2017 Literary Award for Best Poetry Book from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and was a finalist for an NAACP Image Award.

» Read more!

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2022

January 29, 2022: KCCD Colleges settling into the Spring Semester

On Wednesday of this week, I was so inspired by the conversation led by the California Community Colleges Women’s Caucus, and California Competes, in a panel discussion about “student parents” in community colleges.

Dr. Su Jin Jez from California Competes shared their findings on how to best help our student parents reach their educational goals. 

One message that in particular stood out for me was when Su Jin advocated for “enabling more pathways that are accessible, cost effective and portable.” 

» Read more!

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April 30, 2022: Kern CCD – No shortage of worthwhile work to be done

On, Friday, April 22nd, the Porterville College Foundation held its 53RD ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS CEREMONY.

The annual scholarship ceremony is a mainstay event that has long offered a personal touch that students, donors, faculty, and staff have come to look forward to each year. We were pleased that this year’s event marked the return to an in-person format – with the ceremony being held inside the Porterville College Gym.

» Read more!

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July 23, 2022: Exciting Times at Kern CCD

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.

» Read more!

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October 22, 2022: Kern CCD Busting with Activity

Last weekend, I traveled to UCLA to speak as a panelist at the California Learning Lab Inspire Convening. The incredible Lande Ajose was our moderator, and I joined Michael Drake, John Perez and Romey Sabalius to discuss “who’s really in charge in higher education.” We talked about the stakeholders and governance structure involved in higher education, and what roadblocks faculty and administrators sometimes face in advancing innovation.

» Read more!

2023

January 21, 2023: Kern CCD – Together we can meet our many needs

Started my week joining a group from Kern CCD at the MLK Community Awards Breakfast Celebration to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

» Read more!

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March 25, 2023: Moments that take our breath away – March 2023

It was my great pleasure to bring together student athletes, coaches and faculty from across the county for a conference recognizing the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation that established equal rights for women in education and athletics. Kern CCD’s celebration of Title IX was an inspiring, joyful day of recognizing how far women have come in sports and higher education.

» Read more!

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August 12, 2023: CA CC Vision 2030 on the road

As summer comes to a close, I’ve had a very busy week traveling to several of our community colleges.

On Tuesday, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for student housing at Lake Tahoe Community College. It was inspirational to see so many people come out to support this fantastic project.

Thank you to Pam Haynes for joining from the Board of Governors, LTCC President Jeff DeFranco, the LTCC Board of Trustees, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, Chris Ferguson & the CA Department of Finance team, and everyone who was present and who has made this possible.

» Read more!

*****

October 21, 2023: It’s all about partnerships

It was a week of travel for me… headed north to Fresno City College with the Undocumented Student Action Week, then south to College of the Canyons where Chancellor Dianne Van Hook hosted a wonderful event on Vision 2030 and I was inspired by the forward leaning work of the college… then to my office in Sacramento for Consultation Council… then back to Fresno Convention Center for the annual CVHEC summit. Wrapped up Friday night watching episodes of Stephen Colbert and John Oliver. The John Oliver piece was on safety of our foods and after watching it I think when travelling I will stay away from salads and other fresh produce which we eat fresh and without cooking.

» Read more!

2024

February 17, 2024: CA CCs taking care of our planet

On Monday I was at a climate summit hosted by Second Nature and was on a panel with
Chancellor Millie Garcia, CSU, and Executive Vice President Nathan Brostrom, UC. The panel was moderated by Lande Ajose, who is now with Waverley foundation.

» Read more!

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May 18, 2024: Making every day count

I started my week at Oracle Park, at the Giants-Dodgers game dedicated to California Community Colleges. CCCCO Vice Chancellor for Communications Paul Feist planned this event as part of the ICan campaign. It was so much fun!

We had Malia Venegas, San Jose City College student athlete throw the first pitch. Venegas is a 4.0 student and a softball team standout player who is transferring to San Jose State University.  

» Read more!

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August 31, 2024: Relationships…the joy of life

This past week, I attended the Women’s Equality Day event hosted by the League of Women
Voters, the American Association of University Women and Delta Kappa Gamma in
Kern County. Thank you Janet Tarjan for all of your efforts in making this happen.

Board of Governors President Amy Costa keynoted the event. Her speech was inspirational and brought in her personal experience while quoting stats on the disparities that still exist.

» Read more!

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October 5, 2024: California Community Colleges highlighting Noncredit Programs

This week, I was in Anaheim for the Vision 2030: Noncredit Summit, hosted by North Orange Continuing Education.

Thank you President Valentina Purtel who put together an incredible two days of engaging conversations. From data to policy and practice. The speakers were were exceptional and the camaraderie in the room was palpable.

We had 40 of the 72 districts represented in a sold-out auditorium. If you missed this year’s event, plz mark your calendar and plan to attend in October 2025 in San Diego.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

Sonya Christian's Blog