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.
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.
In Case You Missed It
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.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Antelope Valley College:
“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.
*****
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!
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
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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
