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
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
Avin Sharma, Carla Grandy, Sonya Christian, Terry Tamminen, Hildy Aguinaldo, Tony Cordova, Derrick Kirk, Sandra Sanchez, Bill Rawlings
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Happy Saturday from Manzanita, Oregon. I have to say it’s exactly what I needed after the hot days in the central valley.
The skies have been overcast – which is perfect. That soft gray light, the cool air, highs around 65, lows dipping into the mid-50s. it’s great sweatshirt weather.
Started the morning with a slice of marionberry coffee cake from Manzanita News and Espresso, a local café. Walked through the little shops in town…lots of handmade stuff, a couple of galleries, and of course, salt water taffy everywhere. That seems to be the universal language of every coastal town I have been to.
The drive on Highway 26 from PDX to the coast was beautiful. Huge trees, and everything is just green. Layers and layers of green.
Here is a photo that I snapped for you this morning.
Good morning California. It is July 19, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Hartnell College Students Perform Original Play at Prestigious BorderLight Theatre Festival in Cleveland
A group of nine Hartnell College students and two faculty members is heading to Cleveland, Ohio, to present their original production, Get with the Times, Jane! at the acclaimed BorderLight Theatre Festival, an international showcase known for celebrating boundary-pushing, socially engaged, and independent theatre.
Río Hondo College Awarded $20,000 Grant for LEGACIE+ Male Success Initiatives
California State University Dominguez Hills, on behalf of Toro Auxiliary Partners, has awarded Río Hondo College a $20,000 grant to support the college’s LEGACIE+ Male Success Initiatives program, aimed at improving the academic and social outcomes of men of color.
City College of San Francisco Engineering Club Races to Victory at Statewide Solar Regatta
The City College of San Francisco Engineering Club has once again shown remarkable ingenuity and team collaboration by winning the 2025 Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) California Solar Regatta, held on May 3, 2025, at the Rancho Seco Recreation Area. The CCSF Engineering Club has now won the SMUD Regatta Cup in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2025, making the college one of the most decorated in the event’s history.
Mother, Daughter Overcame the Odds to Graduate from Merced College With Honors
We asked Karen Navarro-Estrada and Moriah Cortez what message they could send to people who, like them, weren’t great students growing up, or even to anyone reading about this mother-daughter team that defied expectations at Merced College.
They said the same thing: “If I can do this, anyone can.”
Navarro-Estrada, 52, is mother to Cortez, 27, and they both graduated with honors from Merced College on May 23.
Both Navarro-Estrada and Cortez started in the Merced College Online program. Mom chose to study Psychology, and daughter chose to study Administration of Justice.
They also, as Navarro-Estrada says, “broke generational curses.”
El Camino’s architecture students showcased their spring designs for their final presentations last month. The June event was host to dynamic environmental designs with low ecological impact for locations in and around the South Bay.
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From Fresno City College:
@scccd & @downtownfresno commemorated the opening of the newly installed downtown Mural thanks to the work of Fresno City College faculty & local artist, @love_danieldemeza & the contributions of Fresno City College student artists.
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From Compton College:
Spectrum News Los Angeles did a story on Compton College’s One Meal Per Day Program! Find out how this program is helping our students and staff for their daily needs:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Project HireUp’s Summer 2025 Graduation
Bakersfield College and the CityServe Educational Collaborative hosted a special graduation ceremony to celebrate the participants of Cohort #15 of Project HireUp
Project HireUp aims to decrease homelessness in the community through a creative and innovative partnership that supports students currently experiencing housing insecurity or other setbacks. Project HireUp and CityServe Educational Collaborative will continue to host three cohorts a year – Spring, Summer, and Fall, with a capacity of thirty students per cohort.
Since my high school readings included Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the Ides of March got defined with an ominous tone….. Every year, on March 15th, I feel a shudder. And then promptly proceed to redefine the day as a fabulous spring day.
The geraniums this morning did it for me!
The term “Ides of March” as I understand it, had a neutral meaning in the Roman calendar, referring to March 15, which was simply a standard way of marking the middle of the month (the “Ides” typically fell on the 15th in March, May, July, and October, and on the 13th in other months). It was traditionally associated with religious observances and debt payments in ancient Rome.
However, its meaning dramatically changed after the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15th. Caesar had been warned by a soothsayer to Beware the Ides of March, as famously dramatized in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.
Over time, the phrase has taken on a more general meaning, often used to suggest looming disaster.
On another note ….. Did you catch the lunar eclipse this week? It was the first total lunar eclipse in 2 years.
The Griffith Observatory live streamed the entire event –
As for me …..
This week was a whirlwind of meetings – I spent time with team members preparing for the upcoming budget hearings, working on the LA Rebuild project, and other key priorities.
A team of us from the Chancellor’s Office did visit Pasadena City College where the president gave a moving presentation about how the college brought together the community to help with the LA Fires and now with the recovery. I am so proud of Pasadena City College. Unfortunately, I did not snap any photos for you.
The California Community Colleges continue doing great work for our students, our communities, and our planet.
Good morning California. It is March 15, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Newly Expanded Veterans Resource Center Opens at San Diego Miramar College
Over a hundred people took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at San Diego Miramar College. The ceremony featured guest speakers, the Mira Mesa High School Junior Air Force ROTC color guard, and a performance by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Band from Miramar Corp Air Station Miramar.
TRIO Day at Moreno Valley College Celebrates Access, Opportunity, and Success
Moreno Valley College hosted its sixth annual National TRIO Day on Feb. 22, celebrating opportunity, empowerment, and access to higher education. The event, which drew hundreds of students, families, and community partners, highlighted MVC’s commitment to ensuring underserved students are not only given access but also supported in achieving their goals. Hands-on STEM activities, workshops, and a resource fair provided students with inspiration and tangible pathways to success.
Palomar College Expands Offerings to Include Incarcerated Military Students
Palomar College offers a wide range of academic courses at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Recently, the schedule of courses was expanded to include coursework for those incarcerated in the brig at Camp Pendleton. Trusting its 53 year relationship with Palomar College, the Camp Pendleton brig leadership initiated a proposal designed to align with their rehabilitation program for the incarcerated population on base. This initiated the planning for increased educational opportunities and the first classes.
Community Colleges Reimagine Their Role to Transform Whole Communities
Community colleges have always been the open door of higher education—focusing on students and employers who might not otherwise get served. In recent years, as the accountability push in higher education evolved, that’s translated to an increasing focus not just on getting students to the finish line but beyond it into good jobs. Now, the leading community college reform organization, Achieving the Dream, is taking that a step further—focusing on how community colleges can not only be an engine for success for students, but for entire communities.
Registration Open for 2025 Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) Summit
Register now for the 2025 Blue Economy and Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) Summit, on Wednesday, March 26 at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center.
This groundbreaking event offers a unique platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing, to address the pressing environmental challenges and opportunities ahead, while shaping the future of the Blue Economy and its workforce.
Color, joy, and celebration! Our International Student Club hosted its third annual HOLI event today, bringing the campus together for a vibrant festival of color
“As Cardoza focuses on building a campus culture ‘where every student can see themselves succeed,’ she offers those students who were once like her specific advice for a strong future: ‘Find your community. Find those who are going to be your biggest cheerleaders, those who believe in you.‘”
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From Antelope Valley College:
Antelope Valley College, in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), held a graduation ceremony recently on Yard A at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County, hosted through the New Horizon Adult School program.
Fifteen students earned associate degrees from AVC, while an additional nine students received associate degrees from other California community colleges. High school diploma and GED recipients, along with those who completed vocational certificates, were also celebrated during the ceremony.
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And check out this video from Copper Mountain College:
Copper Mountain College Auto Club students participated in the 2025 King of the Hammers event, gaining valuable hands-on experience working on off-road vehicles during the event.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Hidden Figures Author Margot Lee Shetterly Inspires Bakersfield College Community
Bakersfield College recently welcomed Margot Lee Shetterly, author of Hidden Figures, to its Panorama campus in honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. The event drew an overwhelming turnout, with the Renegade Event Center filled to near capacity. Students, faculty, and community members were all present, eager to hear Shetterly’s insights, inspirations, and current projects.
Shetterly started the conversation by discussing the three “no longer hidden figures” of her novel: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson. A central theme of Shetterly’s talk was the idea that ordinary people are capable of achieving extraordinary things. She emphasized that the women of Hidden Figures were not household names, nor were they widely recognized as pioneers in their time, but it was because of their dedication, intellect, and perseverance that they were able to make history. She encouraged BC students to recognize their own potential, reminding them that greatness is achieved through hard work, passion, and the willingness to challenge barriers.
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.
