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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Woke up this morning to Scott Simon’s 2-min remarks on the Minnesota shooting incident that took the lives of Harper Moyski (10) and Fletcher Merkel (8). What a profound tragedy.
You can find the audio and the script in the link below.
Somehow, we’ve already reached the end of August – the golden hour of summer. It’s that bittersweet stretch where we cling to lingering sunlight while secretly welcoming the promise of cooler nights and fresh beginnings in the new school year.
I hope you are all able to to have some quiet time this Labor Day weekend as we close out summer and get ready for the busy months ahead.
A beautiful dusk for you –
I spent much of the week in Sacramento. On Wednesday I spoke at a Noncredit summit hosted by Woodland Community College.
with the Delta College team
Noncredit-to-credit pathways are a priority in Vision 2030; they expand access to higher education leading to economic mobility. These pathways provide adult learners, working professionals, and underserved populations with low-cost, flexible entry points into career and academic programs. They serve as onramps for students to gain confidence, build skills, and ultimately transition into credit-bearing certificate and degree programs that lead to family-sustaining wages. A shining example of leadership is North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE), which has been a trusted technical assistance provider for the Chancellor’s Office.
The picture below is the team that planned the conference. Thank you Gary Adams and Mayra Diaz on Tony Cordova’s team.
Also thank you to Chancellor Byron Breland, President Valentina Purtell, and President Lizette Navarette.
Good morning California. It is August 30, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Coalinga College Expands Dual Enrollment, Brings High School Seniors to College Campus
Coalinga College is expanding its dual enrollment program to give more high school students in the Central Valley the opportunity to earn college credit — and experience life on a college campus — before graduating. This fall, the College’s Firebaugh Center is hosting 45 Mendota High School seniors enrolled in three agriculture pathway courses, with additional classes planned for next spring.
Ribbon-Cutting for Innovative, $140M Student Success Center at City College of San Francisco Marks New Era of Access and Opportunity
City College of San Francisco (CCSF) will celebrated the Grand Opening of the Student Success Center on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. This outstanding building consolidates over 30 student development programs, including academic counseling, tutoring, career center, and transfer center, all under one roof.
At LAHC, the program will officially be launched in Fall 2025. In this first year, initial initial goals include building strong infrastructure, recruiting students, and creating an early support network while continuing to grow the program’s long-term vision.
Crafton Hills College Recognized Statewide for Adult Education Innovation
Crafton Hills College was recently named an Advancing California Adult Education Model Program by the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) for its Crafton Leadership Academy for Student Success (CLASS). It honors the CLASS summer bridge program as one of the top initiatives in the state for helping adult learners transition to higher education.
A life reclaimed: From incarceration to UC Berkeley
The message that Santiago Canyon College grad Charlie Nguyen has tattooed on his left wrist serves as a daily reminder of how far he’s come after bottoming out at age 16: “No one is unworthy of redemption.”
Imprisoned for nearly eight years after committing what he calls “a violent gang-related crime,” Nguyen found his own redemption through persistence, hard work and whip-smart intelligence, along with crucial assistance from Rising Scholars, an empowering SCC program that serves incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students facing similar challenges.
Commentary: Working Students Face New Challenges in a Shifting Policy Landscape
Most undergraduates today are juggling academics with paid work, many logging 40 or more hours a week. That load leaves little margin: more non-academic responsibilities, less time for coursework, and fewer opportunities to engage on campus mean these students often feel the effects of federal policy changes first.
The budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 threatens to make those challenges worse, reshaping student loans and public benefit programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid in ways that risk cutting off critical financial lifelines. On Pell Grants, the news is mixed: the bill restores a revised Workforce Pell program that could open doors to short-term training, but makes other changes that may reduce access for some students.
ICYMI: The Citrus College Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) program completed its first cohort of Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP) students! This is a new state certification course offered as an extension to the RDA program. Students who complete the course are eligible to sit for the California Orthodontic Assistant Permit examination. Obtaining an OAP allows an orthodontic assistant to perform more advanced duties, such as placing and removing orthodontic appliances. The OAP also increases job opportunities, resulting in potentially earning a higher salary!
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From San Diego City College’s 2025 Opening Day and Student Resource Fair:
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From Cañada College:
Earlier this month, Fashion Design Professor, Jaleh Naasz, was invited to speak on sustainability in fashion at the Earth Gala in San Francisco. Students from Cañada’s Fashion program joined her in presenting a stunning runway showcase, highlighting their creativity and commitment to sustainable design.
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From Fullerton College:
Fullerton College’s Fall 2025 Convocation provided an amazing opportunity for faculty and staff to ring in a new academic year in community, solidarity and hope. Our theme, “Hornet Hope,” inspired a series of insightful presentations and updates that left the audience feeling empowered, seen and optimistic. From unveiling our exciting partnership with CSUF to celebrating the work of our Student Success Advocates, we thank everyone who attended and worked to make this event possible.
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And check this out from Monterey Peninsula College:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Annual New Student Convocation
There was buzz and excitement on the Panorama Campus of Bakersfield College as they recently hosted the annual New Student Convocation. Incoming freshman, first-time students, and their families were all invited to join the festivities to officially welcome them to the Renegade community and showcase BC’s various services and resources.
And you know what I am going to say….. what I always say…. What’s not to like about San Diego.
This photo looks surreal. There was a band playing at the amphitheater and people enjoying their Sunday evening.
Another –
On Monday, I spoke at the Veterans Symposium in San Diego, where I called on our colleges to fully embrace Credit for Prior Learning as a way to recognize and honor the military experience of our student veterans.
The energy in the room was inspiring—a powerful reflection of the shared commitment to those who have served.
I’m especially proud of the dedicated staff who lead this work across our system, with heartfelt appreciation for Heather McClenahen and her steadfast leadership of our Veterans Program.
Heather McClenahen, Sonya Christian, Gina Browne, Mia Keeley
Was happy to snap this picture with Marvin Martinez, Pam Haynes, Chris Ferguson
Good morning California. It is June 28, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Calbright College Connects Adult Learners with Work-Based Learning in High-Growth Tech and HR Careers
California’s only fully online statewide community college focused exclusively on adult learners working through a unique competency-based education model—today announced the launch of the Calbright Career Bridge Program, a new pilot initiative that integrates paid work-based learning experiences into its career support offerings for program completers.
Del Norte Healthcare District Donates $1 Million to College of the Redwoods
College of the Redwoods is happy to announce a $1 million contribution from the Del Norte Healthcare District in support of the college’s vision create a state-of-the-art healthcare training center on their Crescent City campus. This generous investment will fund advanced healthcare training equipment, helping prepare local students for in-demand careers in the healthcare sector.
Cloverlane Foundation Launches New Program for Nursing Students at Allan Hancock College
The nonprofit Cloverlane Foundation announced the launch of the Nurses Project, a new program to provide textbooks and other educational resources for nursing students with the initial savings for students of $35,000. Allan Hancock College is the first school selected to participate in what is intended to become a multi-college program.
Check out this selfie of the California Community Colleges executive staff with the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. Podcast’s “Best in Show” award from NCMPR:
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
The Cultural Events Taskforce came together for a dynamic summer retreat—reflecting on past successes, brainstorming fresh ideas, and laying the groundwork to strategically plan inclusive, engaging events for the year ahead.
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From Orange Coast College:
OCC students are studying abroad in Kyoto, Japan! They are learning all about drawing, watercolor and architectural history, all while exploring & getting inspiration from the breathtaking city of Kyoto.
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And From the Home of the Renegades
Umoja Celebrates 10th Anniversary
This year, Bakersfield College proudly marked the 10th anniversary of the Umoja Community ASTEP (African American Success Through Excellence and Persistence) program with a vibrant gala that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members in celebration of a decade of achievement, growth, and unity.
Rooted in the Kiswahili word for “unity,” Umoja is more than a student support program — it is a powerful movement grounded in African American culture, identity, and educational equity. Over the past decade, Umoja at BC has helped foster student success by integrating culturally responsive curriculum, dedicated mentoring, and a strong sense of belonging.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
