It was Board of Governors week, and we had a few especially exciting topics.
First, the CCC Chancellor’s Office and AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advancing climate action, sustainability, and workforce development opportunities within California’s growing ‘blue economy.’
Here is a fun celebratory picture after the signing
Terry Tamminen signing the MOU
I am so excited to see what great things will come of this amazing partnership.
Check out the opinion piece – The emerging California job industry that is AI-proof, published in the Sacramento Bee
With 840 miles of coastline and the nation’s most active port complex, California is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution and share its model with coastal communities around the world seeking both good careers and a sustainable future. The blue economy is projected to reach $3 trillion globally by 2030, driven by the expansion of offshore renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, marine carbon removal, coastal restoration and maritime innovation. These sectors require skilled, trained workers who can operate vessels, manage hatcheries, install offshore infrastructure, grow sustainable seaweed crops, maintain marine robotics and make critical decisions in real time, where wind, waves, weather and ecosystems intersect.
Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article314061601.html#storylink=cpy
Also, congratulations to College of the Canyons – their Rising Scholars Program was recognized as this year’s Exemplary Program Award winner.
College of the Canyon’s Rising Scholars program was launched in 2016 and has served more than 7,290 justice-impacted students since its inception.
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And as we take time to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this weekend, I am reminded of his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” written on April 16, 1963. In particular, I am drawn to this quote –
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Good morning California.
It is January 17, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Mt. San Jacinto College’s First Commercial Driver’s License Cohort
Celebrates Strong Completion and Workforce Impact
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is proud to celebrate the successful completion of its first Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training cohort, a new workforce-focused program preparing adult learners for high-demand careers in commercial truck driving. MSJC’s CDL program offers comprehensive, hands-on preparation and testing support, covering vehicle safety, pre-trip inspections, road operation, and exam readiness—ensuring graduates are prepared for both certification and employment.
Compton Community Health Professions Partnership
Receives $1.78 Million Grant from The Broad Foundation
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has awarded $1.78 million to support the continued
implementation of the Compton Community Health Professions Partnership (CCHPP) over the next three years. Established in 2024, CCHPP is a collaborative initiative designed to address the critical shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in Los Angeles County and improve the overall health and well-being of community members through education and increased access to trained healthcare professionals.
The grant will fund key positions essential to CCHPP’s success, including a Research Analyst at
Compton College, an Administrator at Compton Unified School District, a Program Partnership
Analyst at CSU Dominguez Hills, and a Program Manager at Charles Drew University. These roles
will provide critical coordination and support for expanding work-based learning and increasing access to health career pathways for the Compton community, including those who are first-generation, low-income, Black, or Latino students.
Reedley College Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Agriculture
The National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) named Reedley College the Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award winner in Region 1 for 2025, which covers the Western United States (California, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington & Wyoming).
SisterWeb Partners with City College of San Francisco
to Launch Credited Community Doula Training Course
In a groundbreaking move to expand equitable access to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum support—and to increase workforce development opportunities for Black community members—SisterWeb has partnered with City College of San Francisco (CCSF) to offer the Blossoming Birth Community Doula Training Course (HLTH 210, Community Birth Worker/Doula Education). This three-unit credit course is the first of its kind in the Bay Area.
In Case You Missed It
EdSource Commentary: New California AI laws that matter to you in 2026
As we head into 2026, it already feels clear that 2025 will be remembered as a turning point: the year artificial intelligence (AI) became a regular part of daily life. ChatGPT is now as ubiquitous as Google, Waymo cars are a familiar sight on big city streets, and distinguishing between real and AI-generated images or videos is no longer straightforward.
Every sector, whether entertainment, finance, health care and beyond, is grappling with the implications. Education is no exception.
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LA Times: Auto shop class is thriving. Community college students
basically fix your car for free
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers the largest community college auto repair program in the region, turning out graduates ready to work at dealership service centers, independent shops and the fleet departments of municipalities, among other areas.
The college has offered the training for decades, and its Automotive and Related Technology program has evolved with industry changes — including the advent of fuel injection, airbags and the rise of electric vehicles.
As the rising cost of four-year universities has led many to question the value of higher education, training for high-demand trades has been growing. An American Staffing Assn. survey conducted by the Harris Poll and released in June found that 33% of U.S. adults would recommend to high school seniors that they attend vocational or trade school.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Moorpark College:
Day 2 of IN THE HEIGHTS rehearsals- After an energetic night of plunking out parts for the AMAZING Lin Manuel Miranda music in this play, the cast continues their bonding and growing friendships as they come together for a first cast picture! This is an exciting collaboration between the Theatre Arts, Music and Dance programs and a full-court press for the PAC on the Moorpark College campus. IN THE HEIGHTS opens March 12th and runs through March 29th and promises to be one of the biggest and most energetic productions to come to our main stage in some time. 2026 @ Moorpark College is starting with celebration and fireworks!
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Santa Ana College is celebrating the grand re-opening of their Main Campus Entrance:
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From Chaffey College:
The wind didn’t stop us from enjoying Unity in Community today! Thank you to everyone who joined us.
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From Merced College:
Hoops & Hello’s was a success! Thank you to everyone who came out today to meet our Men’s & Women’s Basketball teams and show some Blue Devil love to our student-athletes!
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From Cerritos College:
When @cerritoscollegepres is away, the real big dog comes out to play. Okay, she’s little, but we’re betting Delta is speedier than Dr. Fierro on his scooter! Shoutout to Professor @crystallovetere for stopping by before the spring semester with her pup.
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And check out this video of the Santa Barbara City College Trombone Quartet playing “Auld Lang Syne.”
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Athletics Hosts Sports Media Day for Spring 2026
This week, Bakersfield College Athletics hosted their Sports Media Day for the Spring 2026 semester. Local news outlets, students, staff, and the community were all invited to learn more about the teams and athletes that would be competing throughout the semester. The event included players and coaches from men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s and women’s tennis, track and field, women’s wrestling, swimming, and more.
Representatives and players from each team addressed attendees, and discussed goals for their upcoming seasons, preparation strategies, team chemistry, goals, and a variety of other topics. Marc Gomez, Head Coach of the BC Women’s Tennis team, shared excitement about the prospect of their upcoming season. “We have some girls who are returning from last year’s state championship finals team,” he said, “and we’re looking forward to building on that success.”
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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
