Tag Archives: California Community Colleges Chancellor

September 27, 2025

Uncategorized September 28, 2025 1 Comment

September 24 plan: McDonald’s fries for Mom’s birthday. Reality: work hijacked the day, so I honored mom with bonus potato chips. Happy birthday mom. Miss you everyday.

It was back to Orange County this week as we kicked off the California Adult Education Summit in Anaheim.

This annual event is presented by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Department of Education in partnership with the CAEP Technical Assistance Providers, North Orange Continuing Education, the Sacramento County Office of Education, and the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

Good morning California.
It is September 27, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego City College Celebrates Grand Opening of AANHPI Connections Center

San Diego City College proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Connections Center on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The event, held at the Business and Technology Quad, marked the official launch of the college’s newest identity space dedicated to fostering belonging, cultural pride, and student success.

» Read more!

Solano Community College Unveils Solar-Powered Soofa Signs,
Ushering in a New Era of Smart, Sustainable Campus Communication

Solano Community College (SCC) proudly announces the installation of solar-powered Soofa Signs across its Fairfield campus, marking a significant stride toward sustainable innovation and enhanced community engagement. These state-of-the-art digital kiosks, powered entirely by solar energy, provide real-time information on campus events, transit updates, and community news, aligning seamlessly with SCC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and modern communication. 

» Read more!

College of the Siskiyous Partners with NACCE
to Launch Everyday Entrepreneur Program

College of the Siskiyous (COS) is proud to announce its participation in the Everyday Entrepreneur (EE) Program, a national initiative led by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow small businesses in their local communities. The program is designed to serve both students and community members with the ambition and passion to create or expand a small business.

» Read more!

Citrus College Expands Nursing Program

Citrus College is significantly expanding its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to prepare more graduates for successful health care careers. This growth is in response to increased student demand and will help address the region’s critical shortage of skilled medical professionals. For more than a year, Citrus College has collaborated closely with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to grow the scope of the program. Last month, the BRN granted the college its official approval to increase enrollment from 30 to 120 students each year, opening the door for more aspiring nurses to begin their careers.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

OPINION: Rural community colleges are uniquely positioned to tackle complex regional challenges and drive community transformation. Here’s how

Every person deserves a place close to home where they can learn, grow and build a better future. In rural areas, that place is often a community college.  

But in today’s environment, community colleges are under threat. Enrollment has been declining for most of the past 15 years as increasing numbers of Americans question the value of higher education. Recent reductions in federal support for college programs and for low-income Americans will almost certainly create additional pressure on community colleges to deliver education more effectively and efficiently.  

But improving delivery alone will not be enough to regain trust, enrollment and government investment. Rural community colleges must become rural development hubs, delivering value by bridging economic, social and civic sectors to address regional challenges.  

» Read more!

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Santiago Canyon College/UC Irvine Partnership
Streamlines Master’s Degree in Accounting

Students who earn an associate degree in accounting at Santiago Canyon College are well-prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, as well as promotional opportunities, in such areas as accounts receivable/payable, income tax preparation, payroll and more.

However, those seeking to aim higher are encouraged to enter a unique program that will fast-track them toward an eventual master’s degree in this in-demand field.

Created through a partnership between SCC and UC Irvine, the SCC and UCI 2+2+1 Masters of Accountancy Pathway Program closes the gap between a community college and a graduate degree. Students spend two years completing prerequisite courses at SCC, earn a bachelor’s degree at UCI (or another accredited four-year university) over the next two years and complete UCI’s Master of Professional Accountancy Program the final year: hence the term “2+2+1.”

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

California Native American Day – A celebration with drummers, dancers, cultural practitioners, artists & poets

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From Cañada College:

Womxn of Color Collaborative kicked off Fall 2025 with a powerful Community Circle!
Students, faculty, and staff shared reflections on today’s social and political climate, found affirmation, and wrapped up with food & fellowship. 

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From Ventura College:

La Batalla Esta Aquí We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a multimedia presentation explaining the Chicano/a Movement. Thank you Dr. Elias Serna for this great discussion about ethnic studies.

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From College of Marin:

Club Fest 2025 is in the books! Thanks to everyone who joined us, here’s to an exciting year ahead!

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From De Anza College:

Welcome Day was a blast! Thank you to everyone who made this day possible. We were so glad to see so many of you back on campus today for the start of fall quarter!

And From the Home of the Renegades

VP of Student Services César Jiménez Named to 20 Under 40

Bakersfield College is proud to celebrate Vice President of Student Services César Jiménez, who has been recognized as one of Bakersfield’s 20 Under 40.

At 39, César has already built a career defined by service and community impact. Born and raised in Chicago, he came to Bakersfield in 2023 and quickly found a home here, embracing the city’s mix of opportunity and small-town connection. “I have been loving every single moment living in this great city,” he says.

» 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

Life – one moment at a time

Uncategorized August 16, 2025 Leave a comment

I started my week in San Diego. Out on my evening walk by the waterfront, I heard a stunning voice performing REM’s Losing my Religion.

Sit back close your eyes and play this song. A little over 4 minutes.

Is her voice and the song lingering in your mind and heart? That’s exactly what happened to me. So yes—this is officially my song of the week.

The song has always been one of my favorites. It came out the same year I moved to the U.S., and I’ve loved it ever since. Hearing Amber Rubarth singing it live was hypnotic. It drew me to the amphitheater which was packed with people. I stood outside mesmerized listening and watching the sunset over the water.

Rubarth was the opening act to Gypsy King … of course I love their sound as well. More on that later.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.

San Diego – what’s not to like?

On Tuesday, I visited Glendale Community College.

We began in the stunning Science Building, a space that feels both state-of-the-art and inviting.  I made sure to keep my distance from the vivarium, home to the snakes. From there, we checked out their biotechnology lab where students did research projects on DNA sequencing. The organic chemistry lab impressed us with its sophisticated expensive equipment.

Then came a personal first for me: stepping into their Dreamscape Learn virtual reality lab. The 3D immersion was unlike anything I’ve experienced.  It pulled me in emotionally and intellectually.

We wrapped up with a Persian lunch prepared by their culinary program that was delicious (I definitely ate more than I planned), paired with a showcase of their professional development work.

I’m grateful that Board members Hildy Aguinaldo, Bill Rawlings, Pam Haynes, and Adrienne Brown,  could join.  Also happy that  Craig Hayward was also able to come.

Good morning California.
It is August 16, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Chaffey College’s The Breeze Wins $10,000 Chronicle of Philanthropy Grant

Chaffey College journalism students have received investigative journalism experience, training and even some cash for their work after the Chronicle of Philanthropy awarded The Breeze $10,000 to report on Chaffey’s Mackenzie Scott gift. It’s a yearlong fellowship aimed at bolstering coverage of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. Four news outlets including Riverside’s Black Voice News received $30,000 grants to improve coverage of nonprofits, foundations and other groups.

» Read more!

Los Angeles Valley College Awarded a
$1.4 Million TRIO Student Support Services Grant

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Los Angeles Valley College a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant totaling $1,430,545 million to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. This award marks the continuation of 25 years of TRIO SSS services on our campus. Since 2000, the program has served thousands of students, helping them stay in school, earn degrees, and build meaningful careers.

» Read more!

San Bernardino Valley College Partners with VARP to Expand Access
to Higher Education for Justice-Impacted Individuals

San Bernardino Valley College has launched a transformative partnership with VARP, Inc., a leading nonprofit provider of substance abuse recovery services, to expand college access for individuals impacted by the justice system. Through this collaboration, SBVC’s Rising Scholars program is working hand-in-hand with VARP to support prospective students with academic advising, enrollment assistance, and pathways into high-demand programs such as aviation, welding, and HVAC.

» Read more!

From High School to Higher Ed: Options Middle College High School
Opens Doors at Southwestern College

In a bold move to transform lives and broaden access to higher education, Southwestern College (SWC) has welcomed Options Middle College High School (Options MCHS) to its Chula Vista campus. This collaboration with the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) is designed to uplift students who have often felt overlooked or underestimated, helping them discover that college is well within their reach.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Community College Daily: A New ROI Metric and Dashboards

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) has launched a new return-on-investment (ROI) metric and dashboards to help students, policymakers and institutional leaders explore trends in student outcomes among the commission’s institutional members, which are primarily California community colleges.

The Student Achievement Dashboards pull from three data sources: institutionally reported annual data, federally reported IPEDS data and a new ROI metric developed in partnership with the College Futures Foundation. The metric uses a Price-to-Earnings Premium (PEP) model to assess how long it takes students to recoup their educational investment by examining the relationship between net costs and earnings premiums, according to ACCJC.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Golden West College:

Today marked the final day of GWC’s first-ever STEM XP summer program! Students wrapped up the week with a Shark Tank-style simulation, pitching ideas like new GWC App features and parking lot upgrades to a panel of campus faculty and staff. The judges were blown away by the creativity, problem-solving, and presentation skills each team brought to the table.

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From College of San Mateo:

Swifties have TS12. Bulldogs have F25. 12 tracks. One campus. Zero skips. What song are you streaming first this semester? Welcome to CSM, Bulldogs!

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From Porterville College:

College Promise Days kick-off with a day of full of making new connections!

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From Santiago Canyon College:

Over 1,000 @OrangeUnifiedCA students joined us this summer for College for Kids! Hands-on learning, new skills, and a taste of college life—all at SCC. Proud to partner with OUSD to inspire the next generation.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts ‘Bridge to BC’

“Bridge to BC” is a one-day, in-person, first-year experience course designed to help first-time and returning college students prepare academically, socially, and personally as they transition to college. Under the leadership of Faculty Director Dr. Kimberly Bligh, Education Advisor Kris Herrera, Program Manager Tim Lafondez, dozens of student peer mentors, educational advisors, and faculty come together to create an intensive and supportive learning community.

The Bridge in-person day includes a full campus tour highlighting all of BC’s academic, personal, and career resources. Classroom activities include topics such as learning strategies to identify and navigate barriers to success, setting SMART goals, learning to navigate the BC website, the student portal, STARFISH, and Canvas. Students also research their career and educational pathways and network with peers. They meet one-on-one with an education advisor to review their upcoming schedule, discuss their major, and review their educational goals. Lunch and hands-on classroom activities are always fun and interactive!

» 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

Happy Seventh Birthday Bessie!

Uncategorized June 14, 2025 Comments: 2

Here are a few glimpses from the ebb and flow of my week — shifting tide from lighthearted laughter to quiet reflection.

Happy Seventh Birthday Bessie

Watch this 1-minute reel of Bessie that I posted on instagram. I have created only two reels ever. The first one last year on her birthday. Now the second one… again on her birthday.

Bessie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on February 10, 2025. She was my daughter’s baby.

Last weekend was the finals for the French Open…. my mom’s favorite.

American Coco Gauff took the women’s singles title. Although she was down against world Number 1 Aryna Sabalenka, she claimed her second career grand slam singles title – becoming the youngest American to win the title since Serena Williams in 2002.

Carlos Alcaraz won the men’s singles title in an epic comeback over Jannik Sinner. It was a great match – a six hour instant classic.

Alcaraz, 22, defended his title by coming back from two sets down and saving three championship points to win 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2).

On June 6, 1944, photojournalist Robert Capa captured one of the most iconic images of World War II during the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach.

Amid chaos and gunfire, Capa took a series of photographs as American troops stormed the shore. One of the most famous, often referred to as “The Face in the Surf,” shows a lone soldier struggling through the water…. Despite technical issues that damaged most of his negatives, the surviving images became powerful symbols of war and human endurance.

Check out this YouTube video about it –

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As for me, this week I was able to make it to Los Angeles Trade-Tech College for their 100th anniversary celebration.

Fun selfie snapped by Chancellor Alberto Roman.

From Left to Right: Chancellor Alberto Roman, Former Senator Laphonza Butler, President Alfred McQuarters, Sonya Christian, Trustee Sara Hernandez

Good morning California.
It is June 14, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santa Barbara Community College School of Extended Learning students
offer community comfort via aprons and quilts

The SBCC School of Extended Learning’s Home Economics programs are doing much more than sewing and quilting … they’re giving back to community members who are struggling with illness and other life challenges. After discovering that local clinics did not have aprons available for patients, SBCC sewing instructors Judi Brooks and Emily Adams asked for volunteers and got students to work making colorful aprons from leftover fabric and ribbon. Dozens have been donated to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of SB and Ridley-Tree Cancer Center and will be available to UCLA as well. 

» Read more!

Laney College Journalism Student Earns National Fellowship & Full Ride

Laney College is proud to celebrate a landmark achievement by The Citizen’s co-editor in chief, Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, who has been selected as one of only three national IRE/ProPublica fellows. The prestigious fellowship includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Conference this June in New Orleans, where Lylah will join a select group of journalists from across the country.

» Read more!

Oxnard College hosts the first Latina GDP report

Oxnard College hosted an event April 15 on the first Latina GDP report, with remarks by two of the authors: Matthew Fienup, the executive director of CLU’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting; and David Hayes-Bautista, the director of the Center for Latino Health and Culture at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

EdSource Commentary: Eliminating programs that improve
higher education access is a huge mistake

President Donald Trump’s “skinny budget” proposal aims to eliminate a group of eight federally funded programs known as TRIO that support higher education access and success for individuals from “disadvantaged backgrounds.” 

Eliminating these programs would be a huge mistake. 

How was I, a daughter of migrant farmworkers whose parents have limited formal education and live in poverty, able to beat the odds and land a faculty position at a selective university in the U.S.? TRIO.

» Read more from Mayra Puente’s commentary piece!

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Zora Elling, age 10, is Irvine Valley College’s youngest grad

Check out this recent article from The Orange County Register –

Ten-year-old Zora Elling is an avid reader who enjoys taking care of the family chickens, solving puzzles and convincing her family to join her in adopting a vegetarian lifestyle.

She’s also about to become an Irvine Valley College alumna — the youngest in school history, in fact. She’s slated to graduate from the community college on Thursday, May 22, with an associate’s degree in science for transfer in mathematics.

And she’s breaking the record set last year by an older sister, Athena. And Athena, who graduated at 11 years and five months, beat the record set by their oldest brother, Tycho, who was a few days shy of his 12th birthday when he graduated from IVC in 2023.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

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From Norco College:

The pre-demolition ceremony at the Corona Education Center marks the first step toward bringing more CTE and STEM education to our region. Thanks to our community’s support through Measure CC, Norco College is one step closer to opening new doors of opportunity.

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From El Camino College:

Last week, the ECC Fashion Department hosted its annual showcase of Warrior couture! Take a look at some of our favorite designs from Premiere Night.

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From Ventura College:

Congratulations to the Ventura College Chamber Singers on their performance in London’s iconic Cadogan Hall! Next up for this crew is Florence, Italy! This extraordinary concert brings together choirs from around the world in a celebration of music, art, and innovation.

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And check out this video highlighting Lassen College’s Early Childhood Education program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Grand Opening of Renegade Athletic Complex

On June 11, 2025, Bakersfield College (BC) celebrated a significant milestone with the official ribbon cutting of the new Renegade Athletic Complex, followed by the dedication of the weight room in honor of legendary coach Carl Bowser. The event, held on the Panorama Campus, showcased BC’s commitment to enhancing student-athlete experiences and honoring its rich athletic history.

The Renegade Athletic Complex, a 58,904-square-foot facility funded by Measure J, is designed to support BC’s growing athletic programs. The complex includes a full-size basketball court, locker rooms, a sports therapy wing, concessions, and more, providing state-of-the-art resources for student-athletes. This facility underscores BC’s dedication to fostering teamwork, competition, and growth among its students.

» 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!

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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

CA CCs occupy DC – the 2024 Grammys – CA storms – and more

Uncategorized February 10, 2024 Leave a comment

This week, I travelled to Washington, DC, for the 2024 Community College National Legislative Summit. We had a large delegation attend from the Chancellor’s Office and the Board of Governors: Amy Costa, Hildy Aguinaldo, Paul Medina, Casey Chang, David O’Brien, and Linda Vasquez.

I also participated virtually in the Rio Hondo Spring Inservice. The college has mobilized around the three strategic directions of Vision 2030. It was heartwarming to see their earnest focus on the various college-wide initiatives to advance the goals of Vision 2030.

I enjoyed the Grammys this year in my hotel room in DC …. when I looked to the left, I could see the Washington Monument.

I had a lot of favorite moments at the Grammys.  Here are just four of them.  I did not want my blog to get clogged up with only the Grammys …. although it was tempting. Check out the links at the Grammys website –

Miley Cyrus performing “Flowers”

» Check out the video

Billy Joel performing “Turn the Lights Back On”

» Check out the video

Joni Mitchell performing “Both Sides Now”

» Check out the video

Jon Batiste performing “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me”

» Check out the video

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While I was gone, California experienced some severe weather. The wind damaged the trees in my backyard as it did elsewhere –

And now back at home…. while we have a break from the rain, I continue to enjoy the clouds during my sunrise and sunset walks with Neo…. here are a few pictures so you can too ….

Good morning California.
It is February 10, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerro Coso Graduates 35 Students from
Tehachapi California Correctional Institution

Cerro Coso Community College is proud to announce the graduation of 35 students from our Incarcerated Student Education Program at the Tehachapi California Correctional Institution. Combined, these students earned nearly 100 associate degrees.

» Read more!

Barstow Community College Joins Fight to End Hunger

At the heart of Barstow’s
fight against hunger
stands Dr. Usha Gautam, a
beacon of compassion and
commitment. Her leadership
has ignited a wave of
community collaboration,
notably with the Barstow Community College Food Pantry.

» Read more!

Victor Valley College Hosts Community Influences
to Kick Off Black History Month

Victor Valley College welcomed approximately 30 Black and African American community influencers from the Victor Valley area to a special event aimed at highlighting the college’s successful Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. In partnership with the DVL Project and Millionaire Mind Kids, the three-hour event provided an exclusive tour showcasing various career pathway training opportunities, student support services, and the essential steps for students to embark on a path of opportunity.

» Read more!

Allan Hancock College Students
Present Research to Prestigious Biology Organization

Two Allan Hancock College students were invited to present their research project to a prestigious body of scientists and scholars in Seattle, Washington. Brianna Munoz Gonzalez and Katherine Goldstein traveled to Seattle, Washington, where the duo presented their research on native plant and bee populations to the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) during the organization’s annual meeting in January 2024.  

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

So many great photos from colleagues in DC this week!

Paul Medina shared a few –

From Yovani Jimenez:

Attending the 2024 @CCTrustees National Legislative Summit was an absolute privilege. Advocating for our community college students and representing @KernCCD at Capitol Hill was a standout moment. Grateful for the opportunity! #NLS2024#OurTimeisNow

Today, Team @KernCCD had a productive day. We attended a meeting at the @ENERGY headquarters to discuss our KCCD @CrelKccd programs and explore further areas of collaboration.

From Larry Galizio:

Honored to learn from Congressman Jimmy Panetta, keynote speaker for our CA Delegation Breakfast.

From the FACCC:

We are pleased to collaborate with the @ASCCCNews and the Chancellor, as well as other system partners, in our advocacy endeavors within the @CalCommColleges. Here’s to effecting positive change in Washington D.C. #Advocacy#HigherEducation

*****

From San Joaquin Delta College President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson:

Had a great time Friday welcoming more than 100 @StocktonUnified ag students to the Delta College farm in Manteca. @JanetARivera1 and I even got a turn in the excavator! Agriculture is our region’s heritage and it’s exciting to pass that on to the next generation

*****

And check out this interview from KRON with Merritt College President David Johnson:

Blast from the Past

My remarks from the Jean Fuller Women in Leadership Panel – March 4, 2021

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Annual Financial Aid Fest and Resource Fair

Understanding the Financial Aid process can often be overwhelming for college students. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Department at Bakersfield College hosts the annual Financial Aid Fest to educate and assist students as they navigate through the financial aid process.

» 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