Tag Archives: Chaffey College

Wrapping up women’s history month 2024

Uncategorized March 30, 2024 1 Comment

I started my week at the Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento.

I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful and restful Easter weekend.

Good morning California.
It is March 30, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Six New Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Approved for California Community Colleges

As part of a continued effort to enhance accessibility to four-year degrees, California Community Colleges will soon offer six new bachelor’s degrees programs, bringing the total number of bachelor’s degree programs that are now offered, or soon to be available, within the system to 39.

The new programs are Respiratory Care at Antelope Valley College, Paramedicine at College of the Siskiyous, Dental Hygiene at Cypress College and Oxnard College, Paralegal Studies at Santa Ana College and Respiratory Care Therapist at Victor Valley College.

» Read more!

Hartnell College Unveils El Mercado to Combat Student Food Insecurity

Hartnell College proudly announces the grand opening of El Mercado, an on-campus market set to launch on April 1, 2024. Developed by the Hartnell College SOUL Center (Office of Basic Needs), El Mercado is an innovative initiative designed to provide students with free, easy access to essential groceries, personal care items, and basic necessities throughout the year.

» Read more!

College of Alameda Launches its
Rising Scholars Initiative for Student Success

College of Alameda’s Rising Scholars initiative kicked off with its first meeting in early February, bringing together college members and various community partners to launch a program aimed at supporting student academic success.

» Read more!

Chaffey College’s Unity in Community Draws Hundreds

More than 200 students, faculty and staff members gathered for Chaffey College’s “Unity in Community” event Jan. 31, enjoying an afternoon of food, music and program information.

The event featured eight groups including Prism and the Lavender Coalition – supporting the undocumented and LGBTQIA+ community – as well as Umoja, Puente, the Center for Culture and Social Justice, Rising Scholars, the ethnic studies program and the Veterans Resource Center.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

EdSource: California’s new cradle-to-career system
can illuminate student pathways

California recently took a big step toward making data available in tangible, easy-to-access ways. The new California Cradle-to-Career Data System (C2C) connects the dots from early and K-12 education, to higher education and the workforce. It’s a new, longitudinal data system that can enable people to make more informed decisions about their lives. As early as 2024, Californians will have access to C2C’s first planned dashboard.

» Read more!

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California Competes, Ed Trust West Announce
New Digital Hub for Student Parent Success

California Competes and Ed Trust West launched a new digital hub for student parents. The website brings together resources, advocacy efforts & engagement opportunities aimed at empowering student parents statewide.

» Check it out at https://castudentparentalliance.org/.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Butte College:

Yesterday we hosted our second annual Big Time. Thank you to our Native American Center, and Student Services for creating this event and space for our students and community.

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From BOG Member Paul Medina:

Meet Lorenzo Valdez-Larios. He is a student at LA Pierce College. Although he isn’t officially in student government, he loves helping out with many activities such as this @piercecollegeaso sponsored Block Party.

Fun fact: I never met Lorenzo until yesterday. He recognized me from my Instagram page and we struck up a conversation.

Next to me is Dean Will Marmolejo. I first met him a few weeks ago at a Vision 2030 event on dual enrollment at LA Southwest College.

He is a well liked leader on campus and loves to champion student centered issues. I’m glad that @pierce_college has good people like Lorenzo and Dean Will.

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From Mt. San Jacinto College:

Last night, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society held its induction ceremony to recognize the outstanding students of Mt. San Jacinto College! Welcome the new members of the chapter and organization.

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Blast from the Past

Check out this video from Bakersfield College’s 2016 Chicano Commencement – less than 5 minutes.

And From the Home of the Renegades

The 2024 Bakersfield College Garden Fest

Get ready for one of the community’s favorite events of the year! Bakersfield College’s Garden Fest will take place Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Attendees can take part in various gardening seminars where experts will share tricks and tips to cultivate your green thumb, browse various plants and decor items for home and garden, and splurge at one of the food trucks.

» 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

Walk between the raindrops

Uncategorized February 3, 2024 Comments: 2

Beautiful week of winds, rain and thunderstorms. Has the awaited El Nino finally arrived ….
Happy to see California getting drenched… well, for the most part.

Here are a few photos of vibrant skies which I snapped while I, as a loved one always said, walked between the raindrops.

This week, I was at the League legislative conference, where I participated in a panel with CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia.

At the general session, I presented a proclamation to retiring Peralta Community College District Chancellor Janett Jackson. 

Her remarkable career took her from IT professional to tenured faculty, then Vice President of Instruction, President of a college, and finally Chancellor of a district.  In addition to a long career in education, Dr. Jackson is also a military veteran having served in the United States Army National Guard as an enlisted service member and a military officer for more than 30 years. Her military career included multiple tours of duty serving in the Middle East and she retired with honors at the rank of Colonel.

Finally, I participated on a panel with Dr. Michal Kurlaender, UC Davis, and Dr. Jennifer Laflam, American River, moderated by the wonderful Kate Chang who leads this work on UN’s Sustainable Development Goal

We covered a range of topics including quality education, equity, community, and sustainability. I found myself energized by my fellow panelists as well as with the attendees who are committed to values and behaviors that we represent as community college educators.

And Billy Joel is back after 17 years with Turn the Lights Back On.

Good morning California.
It is February 3, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Santa Rosa Junior College Holds Ribbon Cutting
for Lindley Center for STEM Education

Named after current Santa Rosa Junior College Trustee W. Terry Lindley, the new 95,000-square foot Lindley Center for STEM Education will modernize and expand a number of programs, and provide new hands-on learning activities to support students in their educational journey.

» Learn more!

And check out this video from NASA Astronaut Colonel Nicole Mann:

Lassen Community College
Celebrates New RN Program

Lassen Community College Nursing staff and the first Registered Nursing class celebrated the momentous occasion of the new program with a Lassen County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, January 18, 2024.  

» Read more!

Palomar College Uses Innovation to Better Serve Students

For 40 years, Palomar has maintained a food pantry to meet the food security needs of thousands of students and employees.  It was a little over five years ago that the College opened the Anita & Stan Maag Food and Nutrition Center, providing a comfortable stigma-free environment to shop for perishable and non-perishable items and other basic needs.  The college also hosts monthly farmers markets and offers free snacks at “grab ‘n go” refrigerators at all sites.  During the spring 2024 semester, access to these services will expand considerably as Palomar launches a new secure storage locker system.  

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Embracing AI: Navigating Job Evolution
and Thriving in the Future Workplace

N2N Services Inc founder & CEO Kiran Kindrithala and Foothill-De Anza Community College District Chancellor Lee Lambert wrote a piece for (ET) Magazine about the future of AI.

“The advent of AI has ushered in transformative tools, such as AI Companions and ChatGPT, showcasing unparalleled capabilities in understanding and processing information. While there’s a legitimate concern about the automation of many traditional roles, this shift also signifies a broader cultural and professional transformation. Individuals should not merely fear job loss but rather embrace the chance to evolve into more skilled content creators, strategists, and decision-makers.“

» Read more!

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Educate Elevate Podcast

Check out the new California Community Colleges podcast aimed at engaging & inspiring current and prospective Black and African American students and their influencers.

Spotlight on Parenting Students

Here’s a video from the Center for the Study of Social Policy about “A Day in the Life of Parenting Students Who Participate in CalWORKs”:

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Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Chaffey College:

A warm thank you to all who participated in our first Unity in Community event! It was an uplifting celebration, embracing intersectionality and diversity at Chaffey College.

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From Yovani Jimenez:

Community college trustees under 40 from across California coming together to make a difference!

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From Palo Verde College:

We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the newest class of Nursing students at Palo Verde College! Your journey into the world of healthcare is about to unfold, and we couldn’t be more excited to have you on board.

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From Coastline College:

Coastline’s Esports Lab is officially open! Thank you to everyone who came to our Grand Opening Ceremony.

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And check out this video from Citrus College:

The Citrus College Beta Nu Eta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society recently created a video highlighting chapter activities throughout the fall 2023 semester. Enjoy!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Renegade Nexus Hosts Outreach
To Promote Auto Insurance Program For Students

The Renegade Nexus welcomed a special guest to the Panorama Campus for an outreach event highlighting the California Low-Cost Insurance (CLCA) program. Paul “Doc” Nigh brought his Back to the Future DeLorean replica for students to view and take pictures of. “Doc” was also available to answer questions and discuss his unique vehicle.

» 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

Wrapping up October 2023

Uncategorized October 28, 2023 Leave a comment

Another week of travel promoting the Vision 2030 plan for California Community Colleges. Started in Santa Ana, then San Diego, on to Chicago and traveling back home today as I blog on my flight.

Chancellor Marvin Martinez of the Rancho Santiago Community College District hosted Vision 2030: A Focus on Workforce and Economic Development, a wonderful one-day summit focusing on various priorities in Vision 2030 – Apprenticeship Programs, the community college baccalaureate, industry partnerships and partnerships with trade unions.

Three Board of Governors members were in attendance- Amy Costa, Bill Rawlings, and Adrienne Brown.

With Academic Senate for California Community Colleges President Cheryl Aschenbach and Community College League of California Trustees President Andra Hoffman

On Thursday, I spoke at the Chief Instruction Officers conference in San Diego. Here is a photo with the CIO Board after my talk.

The Executive team also took the opportunity for a mini planning meeting at the Southwestern Aquatic Center. A beautiful location to work through our next steps.

After San Diego, I headed out to Chicago to present at the HACU conference. Ran into a large group of our very own California Community College students from El Camino.

Caught Hamilton at the Nederlander Theater. Amazing! Enjoy this opening number.

This coming week, California Community Colleges will host a system webinar – “Vision 2030: A Focus on Equity in Support.” Please join us at 9 am on Wednesday – register at https://t.co/iiWEeNJt72!

Good morning California.
It is October 28, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Contra Costa Compass Center Wins Outstanding New Project/Program Award

The Contra Costa Council on Homelessness has awarded Contra Costa College’s Compass Center the “Outstanding New Project/Program” accolade. The Compass Center is designed to provide students with comprehensive support and vital referrals, ensuring they can focus on their academic goals while having their basic needs met.

» Read More!

West Valley College Student Awarded Patti Grace Smith Fellowship


West Valley College student Elizabeth Antoine-Hands has been named one of only two community college students in the country to be awarded a Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, following a rigorous four-round selection process. This year, the fellowship was awarded to thirty-nine exceptional Black students seeking experience in the aerospace industry. The fellowship consists of a summer internship, a scholarship, and a pair of personalized mentors to guide fellows in their career aspirations.  

» Read More!

Sierra College Student Leads Team to Grand Prize at Brembo Hackathon

Sierra College computer science major Serhii Demchuk and his team tied for first place in the 2023 Brembo Hackathon held this month in Sunnyvale, Calif. Brembo is a world leader in manufacturing braking systems for most motorsports and high-performance cars, and according to Demchuk, “The event combined both my passions of cars and coding, so it was a no brainer [to participate].”  

» Read More!

Chaffey College Hosts 700 High School Students for Manufacturing Day

Chaffey College hosted 700 students for National Manufacturing Day, which takes place every October to showcase manufacturing careers to the next generation of workers and positively shift perceptions about the industry. Students toured the center’s industrial electrical and robotics laboratories, participated in welding demonstrations and more.

» Read More!

In Case You Missed It

Vision 2030: Pathways to Equity and Economic Mobility in Healthcare

On November 7, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office will host state leaders, legislators, community college peers, and representatives from labor and industry in a day-long summit exploring how innovation in the healthcare industry will transform the earning power of those entering critical careers.

The event is co-hosted by the El Camino Community College District and will be held at El Camino College in Torrance.

Registration deadline is October 31.

» Find out more and register!

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Reimagining Online Education in California:
A Roadmap for Advancing Access and Quality

California Competes has released the Reimagining Online Education in California: A Roadmap for Advancing Access and Quality report that examines online education at universities and colleges in California.

» Read the Report

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:
Mesrobian School High School Students Explore Exciting Opportunities at LACC! On October 6, talented high school students embarked on an inspiring journey to Los Angeles City College (LACC), where they got an exclusive taste of the endless possibilities that await them!

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From Santiago Canyon College:

SCC hosted the 20th USA National Folklorico Competition on Sunday. The organization is the longest-running Folklorico Dance Competition in the United States.

More than 500 Folklorico enthusiasts from across California watched 13 teams – featuring 250 dancers – exhibit their skills in friendly competition.

SCC is excited about the partnership with event co-producers, International Folklorico Institute, as our Dance Department is developing a Folklorico specialty.

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From Citrus College:

On Aug. 10, Citrus College held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the upgraded Educational Development (ED) Center, which reopened with new classrooms and state-of-the-art science laboratories. Check out this brief video recapping the morning’s festivities!

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From Laney College:

The tiny house @laneycarpentry built for @shelterwood_collective got delivered to its home today! So grateful for the collaboration and feels so good to see in its forested surroundings

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And check out these pics from Porterville College President Claudia Habib:

Great discussion at The Central Valley CEO Policy Summit and Legislator Convening sponsored by Central Valley Colleges CEO Caucus and @CVHEC_ Addressing issues concerning our ability to better serve students in effective and equitable way @AsmSoria @AsmArambula @JuanAlanisCA

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Brings Back the BC Alumni BBQ

Bakersfield College was filled with Renegade pride this past Saturday, October 21, at the 63rd BC Alumni BBQ. The event, hosted by the Bakersfield College Alumni Association and the Bakersfield College Foundation, was held in conjunction with Renegade Promenade. The day started with a festival that included community vendors, Bakersfield College exhibits, and live music and performances by talented BC students and alumni. The crowd was in awe of some of these performances by the BC Jazz, BC Choir, BC Drumline, and the BC Ballet Folklorico Ritmo y Sabor.

» 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

Working with a fun and dedicated team.

Uncategorized July 15, 2023 Leave a comment

This week marked the one-year anniversary of the first image from the James Webb Space Telescope. To celebrate, NASA released a new image of the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex.

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

***

Started last weekend with the new Indiana Jones movie. Absolutely enjoyed it … but then, I enjoy cinema, period. full stop.

If you are an Indiana Jones fan, I have organized the trailers of all five editions of the movie franchise for you here in one spot. Enjoy!

Indians Jones 1 – Raiders of the Lost Arc 1981

Indiana Jones 2 – Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Indiana Jones 3 – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Indiana Jones 4 – Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Indiana Jones 5 – Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

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Now if you think I am all play and no work, let me disabuse you of this thought.

Last Tuesday, I attended the 9th Grade to Baccalaureate Dual Enrollment Convening hosted by American River College. I was on a panel with Chancellor Brian King and Board of Governors member Pam Haynes. What fun! We talked about Vision 2030: A Roadmap for California Community Colleges.

I loved Pam’s reference to the frequently-discussed image of 3 boys looking over a fence at a baseball game.

“Why do we even have the fence? Let’s tear down the fence.
We need all of our kids on the field!”

Cheryl Aschenbach (President of Academic Senate of California Community Colleges, Carina Hoffpauir (Academic Senate President, American River college) then moderated a faculty panel with Sandra Guzman (Academic Senate President, Sacramento City College) and Alisa Shubb (Academic Senate President, American River College). They discussed best practices related to dual enrollment, and how to increase dual enrollment with equity.

Frank Kobayashi, Interim President of American River College, and Scott Pitts, Principal at Inderkum High School, highlighted their institutions’ dual enrollment partnership.

Glad we snapped this photo with some of the presidents and chancellors who were in attendance.

President Frank Kobayashi, President Albert Garcia, President Art Pimentel, Board Member Pam Haynes, Chancellor Brian King, Sonya Christian, President Tawny Dotson, President Santanu Bandyopadhyay

We had a good turnout from the Chancellor’s Office.

Later that day, I headed to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for an all-staff meeting. It was a great afternoon of fun and fellowship. This was my first time seeing all the staff together at an in-person gathering.

Thank you Daisy for snapping the selfie!

And as a surprise special guest, Pam Haynes also joined us for the all-staff meeting:

Pam was recently selected as one of the Spark Community Advisors for the 2023 OER Spark Grants Funding Cycle from the Michelson 20MM Foundation.

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After a busy and rewarding week, I returned home and was able to enjoy my calla lilies – an annual treat in my backyard.

And of course, I love coming back home to this sweet boy after a week away in Sacramento:

Good morning California.
It is July 15, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Jose City College Holds Equitable Dual Enrollment Expansion Workshop

Kylie Campbell (KCCD), Naomi Castro (CLP), Dr. Rowena Tomaneng (SJCC), Dr. LaTanya Williams (CCCCO), Dr. Rene Alvarez (SJCC)

A team from the Chancellor’s Office and Career Ladders Project headed to San Jose City College this week to lead a workshop on equitable dual enrollment expansion.

Thank you to SJCC President Dr. Rowena Tomaneng and Interim SJECCD Chancellor Dr. Beatriz Chaidez for convening your college team and high school partners to engage in activities and meaningful discussions around implementing and scaling dual enrollment opportunities for your students.

Dr. Rowena Tomaneng (SJCC) & Dr. Beatriz Chaidez 

So fun to see their mascot “Jagy” in these photos …check out San Jose’s SPOT campaign, which promotes Guided Pathways to their current and future students. 

Bill Gates Visits Chaffey College

In April, Bill Gates visited Chaffey College to explore the state and region’s efforts to streamline college pathways benefitting California students. Last month, he published a blog post about how Chaffey is using pathways to foster student success with equity.

» Read more about the visit!

Congressman Cárdenas Presents $2 Million to LA Mission College

 U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas announced $2 million in Community Project Funding to Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) to increase and diversity STEM Workforce programs.

» Read more about the funding!

San Diego CCD Creates Pathways to College Credit

Miramar College Peer Mentor Breanna Hinojosa is one of the thousands of students who have benefitted from a decade-long partnership between the K-12 San Diego Unified School District and the San Diego Community College District.

» Read more about the partnership!

In Case You Missed It

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Inside HigherEd: Leadership Academy Provides Access,
Equity in Career Development

Inside HigherEd published a piece about Ohlone College’s Junior Leadership Academy, an optional 15-week program allowing learners across the community college to engage in career exploration and receive paid internship experience.

» Read the Article!

» Learn more about Ohlone College’s Junior Leadership Academy!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Las Positas College shared this update:

“LPC’s Classified Senate had a blast at their annual Retreat Cultivating Classified Connections! Together, they set their sights on Classified Senate Goals & Priorities for the 2023-2024 AY. #ClassifiedConnections #ProfessionalDevelopment #LPC“

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Lake Tahoe Community College Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco shared a post about the new Mobility Hub:

“We’re thrilled to cut the ribbon for the state-of-art Mobility Hub @LakeTahoeCC
Made possible through the “Power of Partnership” with @LibertyUtil_CA & @TahoeTrans (TTD), whose electric buses charge & propel our community toward a greener future!”

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Chabot College and State Senator Aisha Wahab hosted a free immigration clinic at the Chabot College Event Center:

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Rowena Tomaneng shared this photo from LEAP Advance:

“<3 my #APAHE Pamilya! #Educate#Advocate#Advance“

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Students Participate in Internship Project with Kern County Sheriff’s Office

The Baccalaureate degree program in Industrial Automation collaborated with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office on a special robotics project. Recent Industrial Automation, Early College, Wonderful Education Shafter High School graduates had the opportunity to participate in this 2-day internship project utilizing their recently gained skills. 

Also this week, the City of Bakersfield awarded BC’s Launchpad a grant – the City of Bakersfield Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Technical Assistance and Grant Program, designed specifically for those who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

» Read more about this week at Bakersfield College!

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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

Sonya Christian's Blog