Tag Archives: Clovis Community College

A week of discussing AI and the future of higher ed… in DC then Sunnyvale

Uncategorized July 18, 2026 Leave a comment

Hello DC

View from my room

This week I was at Jobs for the Future’s Horizons 2026 Conference in DC.

I was on a panel with Diya Wynn from Amazon Web Services, Shad Ahmed from Anthropic, and Alex Swartsel from Jobs for the Future, to discuss AI’s transformation of jobs, skills and systems. It turned out to be a fun presentation and the energy of the panel was real great.

Presenting at JFF:

A large team from the Chancellor’s Office attended the conference.

Although I had heard about Horizons for years, this was my first time participating. It quickly became clear why Horizons has become one of the nation’s premier gatherings on the future of learning and work. The conference brings together leaders from higher education, business, philanthropy, workforce development, technology, and public policy.

Here is a photo with some of our team members at JFF in DC.

Then from DC to San Francisco…

Then to Sunnyvale to join the Future U. podcast, hosted by Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn, two of the nation’s leading voices on the future of higher education. Through their podcast, writing, and research, Jeff and Michael have created thoughtful forums for exploring the forces reshaping colleges and universities. Our discussion took place at the Google campus. The panel represented the UCs, CSUs, and the California Community Colleges.

Blast from the past …. 6 years ago on this day …. July 18, 2020 – BC faculty & staff always engaged in “good trouble”

BC faculty & staff always engaged in “good trouble”

Good morning California.
It is July 18, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Mission College Partners with Samuel Merritt Expanding Nursing Pathways

Mission College and Samuel Merritt University (SMU) have announced a new Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP) that will allow eligible Mission College Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and LVN-to-RN students to begin Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) coursework through Samuel Merritt University while completing their associate degree requirements at Mission College.

» Read more!

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon Secures Funding for Peralta FabLabs

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon returned to her roots with a message of perseverance and possibility during a visit to the digital fabrication laboratories at Laney College and College of Alameda. While visiting, she announced a combined $250,000 investment to support innovation, student success, and workforce development across the two campuses.

» Read more!

Fresno City College Architecture Students
Sweep AIA San Joaquin Student Design Awards

The annual student design competition challenged local aspiring architects to design a “Community Hub” in Fresno’s historic Chinatown, focusing heavily on urban revitalization. The rigorous competition drew 46 total entries from standout regional architecture programs, including California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), College of the Sequoias (COS), and Fresno City College, which submitted 13 student entries.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California opens AI-Ready micro-credential pilot with AWS and public colleges

California is launching AI-Ready California this month, a free micro-credential pilot that will give 500 students and jobseekers in the San Diego area foundational training in AI literacy, responsible use and workforce readiness.

The program was announced by the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency and developed with the Governor’s Innovation Council, California Community Colleges, the California State University system, Amazon Web Services, Instructure and support from the James Irvine Foundation.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

Mike Muñoz hosted our Long Beach College Promise Summer Retreat today. As academic partners in the Promise, our CEOs came together to set our shared vision for serving students this year—our first official meeting with LBUSD Superintendent David Zaid and CSULB President Loren J. Blanchard together.

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From Feather River College:

Love seeing FRC graduates making immediate impacts in the local community.

Plumas Underburn Cooperative welcomes new manager

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From Evergreen Valley College:

EVC Nursing hit a streak of 7-in-a-row of perfect NCLEX pass rates on their first attempt at becoming registered nurses. The latest group of graduates, 12 in total, give EVC Nursing 72 perfect scores over the past year.

Another 25 Spring graduates are preparing to take the test over the next two months. Over the past seven quarters, 107 EVC graduates have passed on their first attempt.

Over the two years, the rate is 99.2 percent, with 127 of 128 passing on the first attempt.

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From Clovis Community College:

President Armstrong at the Golden Charter Academy ribbon cutting where she will proudly serve as a new board member.

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From Southwestern College:

Congratulations to The SWC Sun for being named Best College Media Newspaper by the San Diego Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists!

Shout out to our student journalists, faculty, and alumni for continuing to tell stories that inform, inspire, and make an impact!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Celebrating Bridge to BC

Check out this video from KGET – “Look Who’s Talking BC: Bridge to BC Helps Students Start Strong and Prepares Future Teachers.”

Dr. Kimberly Bligh, Professor and Faculty Chair of BC’s Department of Education, started the Bridge to BC program back in 2014 with just 140 students. Over the past 12 years, it has grown to more than 18,000 students. I remember all the planning that went into this “start up” operation the second year I was president. The slogan was “make it happen.” Kimberly did just that!

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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

May 16, 2026

Uncategorized May 17, 2026 Leave a comment

Was in San Francisco this week – and here’s a video from my first Waymo ride!

Good morning California.
It is May 16, 2026
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerro Coso Community College Celebrates First CDL Graduate

Cerro Coso Community College proudly celebrates Gavin Hopkins, the first student to complete the college’s new Commercial Driver License (CDL) program, earning his Class A Driver’s License on February 25, 2026. Hopkins successfully passed his licensure examination on his first attempt after completing the college’s two-course non-credit training series. The program is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the high-demand trucking industry through comprehensive instruction that combines classroom theory and hands-on driving experience.

» Read more!

College of the Redwoods to Launch Flexible 8-Week Course Pilot in Fall 2026

College of the Redwoods is rethinking the traditional college schedule with the launch of a new 8-week course pilot program set to begin in fall 2026. The initiative aims to increase flexibility, improve student success, and expand access to higher education. The pilot emerged from a grant-funded initiative supported by Achieving the Dream and the California Community College Foundation, with a directive to explore shorter course formats. From there, the college had the flexibility to design a model that best serves its students.

» Read more!

Coastline College’s ECHO Conference Unites California Educators
Around Equity and Student Success

Coastline College’s ECHO Conference (Equity-Centered Holistic Outcomes in Education), formerly known as the Teaching for Equity Symposium, was a great success, bringing together educators, students, and community leaders from across California. The event focused on collaboration, dialogue, and advancing equity in education. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Hope, Growing in Kinship: Advancing Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging,” invited participants to explore how equity-minded practices can foster community, opportunity, and transformation.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Adult Learners Are the New Norm

As institutions nationwide navigate the enrollment cliff, new research from the University of Kansas and Florida International University suggests that older, working and commuting students may exhibit characteristics linked to stronger persistence and completion—suggesting ways that colleges can engage with adult learners.

The study examined institutional data from the 2023–24 academic year at a large, four-year Hispanic-serving research institution in the southeastern U.S., including for more than 7,000 undergraduates in the engineering and computing programs.

Researchers found that students older than 25, those working full-time, commuters and students with dependents demonstrated better academic outcomes, including retention, six-year graduation rates and cumulative GPA. The findings suggest that characteristics often viewed as barriers may not necessarily hinder student success.

» Read more!

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9.9 Million Students Now Eligible for Pell Grants, According to New GAO Findings

A total of 9.9 million students were eligible for Pell Grants in 2024-25 – 6% more than the prior year, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office, or GAO. The report also found that 31% more students were eligible for the maximum award of $7,395 that year, and that much of the rise in eligibility rates took place for students with household incomes of $60,001-$125,000.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Clovis Community College:

Spring Extravaganza hit different this year – music, food, games, and just good vibes all around. Everyone outside and actually enjoying campus life! Now this is what spring supposed to feel like.

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From Allan Hancock College:

A huge thank you to Chumash Casino Resort for donating more than 600 men’s and women’s suits to Hancock’s Career Closet. These gently used professional clothes will help students show up confidently for job interviews, internships, and new career opportunities.

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From Norco College:

Check out these moments from last week’s Yoga Health session! May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Remember, you are important. Your mental health is crucial. Let’s come together to prioritize our well-being!

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From Shasta College:

Really excited to attend the Scholarship Award Ceremony and celebrate the accomplishments of our Knights who were awarded scholarships to help their academic pursuits! Thanks to the Shasta College Foundation, we were able to give out $904,303 to deserving students. Congrats!

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From Ohlone College:

Hip-hip-hooray! Cheers to our Ohlone College MEChA and Puente graduates for walking the stage at this year’s MEChA/Puente Graduation. We celebrate our #Latinx students for reaching this important milestone and for their dedication to participating in MEChA and Puente.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Industrial Automation Students at BC Showcase Their Senior Projects

The Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College recently hosted their Senior Project Open House. The event took place in the robotics lab in the Science and Engineering building on BC’s Panorama Campus. The students proudly displayed their projects and were ready to answer questions while putting their projects into action. The senior projects are part of the requirements to receive a bachelor’s degree in the Industrial Automation program.

The public event attracted students, staff, and community members eager to see the senior projects. The projects focused on a wide variety of subject areas including agriculture, robotics, industrial processes, and more. There were more than a dozen projects on display and each one represented a culmination of an entire semester of planning, preparation, and work.

» 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

The Highs and Lows of February: Love, Loss, and Everything In Between

Uncategorized February 21, 2026 Comments: 4

Two weeks’ worth of content in this blog….

Last Saturday, February 14th, rather than doing my usual “week in review” blog post, I wrote a Valentine’s Day letter to the California Community Colleges.

Here is the link if you would like to take 3 minutes to read it again. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/#comments

Week of February 9th – 13th

Throw Back to Super Bowl Sunday. I was blown away by all the amazing performances.

Brandi Carlisle performing “America the Beautiful.” Check out the video!

Charlie Puth performed the National Anthem. You can see the video here.

And Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was so joyful! I especially loved when he had special guest Lady Gaga for a song.

You can find a video of that part here.

Right after the Super Bowl, I headed out to Washington, D.C., for our annual advocacy event.

It was cold…

A few photos –

Descending to Reagan National Airport:

Can you see the ice in the water?

Another picture for you:

The view from my room:

This is what I fell asleep to:

Here is a photo with the SSCCC delegation.

Lots of photos…. I know. Was absolutely feeling every moment in DC. Last glimpse of the Washington monument as we speeded away to the airport.

Goodbye for now, DC. Until we meet again!

Got this picture of a cherry blossom from a friend – celebrating the birth of Spring 2026 back here in California.

Then there was the Community College Baccalaureate Conference, which was held in Long Beach.

Here is Pam Haynes with the team from the Chancellor’s Office.

The week of February 14th – 21st

February has highs and lows for me.
Highs – My daughter’s birthday, my best friend from high school’s birthday and Valentine’s Day… and I love Valentine’s Day!
Lows – My mom passed away and Bessie, our chocolate lab, passed away.

Pam Christian
Bessie

On Monday, February 15th, I headed back to Sacramento for meetings and the annual Assembly Higher Educational Budget Subcommittee hearing.
Then headed to San Jose to host a CEO tech tour along with the Digital Center.

We had the opportunity to visit the campuses of Google, Zoom, and Adobe. At each stop, the conversations were substantive.  From AI integration and workforce preparation to collaboration tools and the future of digital creativity. What stood out to me was not just the sophistication of the technology, but the speed at which these companies iterate and evolve. That pace challenges us to continue to revise our thinking about agility, partnerships, and how we prepare students for the world they are stepping into.

Good morning California.
It is February 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

West Valley College Awarded $3.9 Million Federal FIPSE Grant 

West Valley College has been awarded a $3.9 million grant for development of a new semiconductor certificate program through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The four-year grant funding begins immediately and runs through December 2029. West Valley is the only community college in the state — and one of only 18 nationwide — to receive a FIPSE award in this highly competitive national funding cycle, placing the college among a small group of institutions selected across the country. 

» Read more!

Crafton Hills College formally introduces the Captain Mike Orland
San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to the public

On Jan. 31, Crafton Hills College unveiled the newly minted Captain Mike Orland San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to hundreds in attendance at a naming ceremony hosted by the Yucaipa-based college, including Orland’s mom, Margie, and colleagues. Orland, a Crafton alumnus, last worked with the San Manuel Fire Department until his retirement in 2018.

» Read more!

Santa Ana College Foundation Receives $50,000 Contribution from U.S. Bank

The Santa Ana College Foundation, which raises funding to maintain, expand and enhance the educational opportunities of Santa Ana College (SAC), today announced it has received a $50,000 contribution from U.S. Bank. The grant will be used to support internship stipends for SAC students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Dual Enrollment Surges to 2.8 Million Students as Equity Gaps Persist

High school students taking college courses through dual enrollment programs now number 2.8 million nationwide, with community colleges serving the majority of these students, according to a new policy fact sheet released by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. The February 2026 report reveals that dual enrollment has nearly doubled over the past decade, growing from approximately 1.4 million students in 2013 to more than 2.8 million in the 2023-24 academic year. Community colleges enrolled two million of these students, representing 71% of all dual enrollment participants.

» Read more!

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To Solve the Student-Attention Problem, Professors Turn to Pencils and Paper

Could students in online classes possibly focus better with less technology? Julie Bernard, an assistant professor of anthropology at East Los Angeles College who teaches a majority of her classes through an online, asynchronous format, encourages students to use whatever medium — analog or digital — is most helpful to their needs. Printed texts can be expensive, and “a lot of our decisions are always being driven by equity, by fairness, by accessibility,” Bernard said of herself and her colleagues.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:

Today LACC hosted a Black History Month Celebration in commemoration of BHM’s 100th
anniversary and celebrated the opening of the newly renovated quad area. LACC honors Black culture, history, and community with good vibes and great people!

*****

From Solano College:

Congratulations to our very own Anna Anderson, the youngest and newest member of the Team USA Women’s Karate Team. Anderson took 2nd place in her weight class at the 2026 USA Karate National Team Trials landing her a spot on Team USA . She is on track to potentially compete in the upcoming Olympics. While in Colorado, she visited the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado. Last summer she won Gold for the Women’s Under 21 Elite Point Kumite Division at the U.S. Karate National Championships and U.S. Junior Team Trials, earning her a place on the U.S. Junior Team. Anderson has big goals both on and off the mat, she is currently in our EMT program while preparing for the Fire Academy in hopes of becoming a Paramedic/Firefighter. She also is a part of Ramtown Karate. Let’s show Anderson some support from her Falcon community!

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From Ohlone College:

Newark is where we do our best work! In collaboration with @ACWDB, our Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center hosted our #STEM and #Startup#CareerFair at the Newark Center. Our Career Ed team joined in by hosting our Professional Skills lab. Cheers to bright futures!

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From Clovis Community College:

Still feeling the rhythm. A look back at our West African drumming experience with the Fresno African Drumming Circle energy, tradition, and hands on learning.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Welcomes Former MLB Player Garry Templeton for Black History Month

Bakersfield College is hosting a variety of events and seminars throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. This week, BC welcomed former Major League Baseball player Garry Templeton. Garry played Major League Baseball for 15 seasons, which included tenures with the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. He was a three-time All-Star and was inducted into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame in 2015.

The event took place in the Norman Levan Center, which was filled with students and staff who were eager to hear Mr. Templeton’s stories about his upbringing, career, and post-baseball life. The event began with an introduction from BC Professor Tommy Tunson, who was a childhood friend of Mr. Templeton and shared a few memories from their time growing up together. Mr. Templeton was then welcomed to the front of the room to speak.

» 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

A Love Letter to the California Community Colleges on Valentine’s Day 2026

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

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

Bye for now Toronto and hello San Diego

Uncategorized December 6, 2025 Leave a comment

I was back in San Diego this week for a Vision 2030 Regional Workshop.

As I always say … what is there not to love about San Diego!

The Chancellor’s Office team showed up strong. Here are a few photos.

James Todd, Don Daves-Rougeaux, Cheri Fortan, Terrence Willett, Chris Ferguson, Sonya Christian

Here we are with the amazing West Ed team.

On My November 29th blog I mentioned that I was in Toronto and we were expecting snow the next day. Here are a few photos from the window of my bedroom in my daughter’s place.

Most folks love watching planes in action. I remember when I was a little girl, my brother Roy routinely driving me to the airport so we could watch planes land and take off.

So here is a 17-sec video of Air Canada pulling up to the gate at LAX.

Good morning California.
It is December 6, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

L.A. Pierce College Becomes First U.S. Community College to Launch
AI-Powered Biomedical Research Program

Students at Los Angeles Pierce College took a historic step recently as they convened their first research team meeting for the newly launched L.A. Pierce AI Campus, an initiative that officially makes Pierce the first community college in the United States to launch an AI-powered biomedical research program through a groundbreaking partnership with National AI Campus.

» Read more!

Golden West College Receives Major Investment to Expand Nursing Program, Strengthen Local Workforce Pipeline

Golden West College has been awarded $3.5 million over three years from the Samueli Foundation to expand its highly successful School of Nursing and increase access to high-demand healthcare careers across Orange County. The multi-year funding will support program growth, new faculty positions, expanded partnerships with local high schools, and upgrades to clinical training technology.

» Read more!

Los Medanos College Rolls Out Hi-Tech Type 1 Fire Engine

 Los Medanos College Fire Academy students this year will benefit from training on a fully-loaded 2009 Hi-Tec Type I Fire Engine.  LMC used California Strong Workforce Program grant funding to purchase the $114,000 engine from the Cordelia Fire Protection District. The engine includes equipment for urban and wildland firefighting, and represents significant cost savings to the college. A new engine of this type would have cost about $800,000 with no equipment on board.

» Read more!

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Wins Prestigious
Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College has received the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), a national honor recognizing  Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing the zoo’s excellence in new and unique live animal display, exhibit design and construction. This year’s award honors the zoo’s creation of “Rajah’s Retreat,” a state-of-the-art natural habitat for tigers. 

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Sierra College:

Yesterday we held our annual EMT Trauma Day and SWAT training on campus. This event gives Sierra College EMT and paramedics students a chance to gain valuable, real-world experience in their field and provides an opportunity for them to practice hands on skills with several local industry partners. Our annual Public Safety Career Fair was held yesterday as well. This event gives students in related fields the opportunity to connect and network with representatives and recruiters in related fields

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From Palomar College:

Last month, the ESL Department hosted an inspiring event titled Multicultural Voices: An ESL Celebration. Students united to honor the rich tapestry of languages, cultures, food, and stories that define their home countries.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex welcomed the Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Fresno fire departments for joint disaster response training this week. Crews practiced shoring damaged structures and ran search and rescue drills on the rubble pile.

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From Foothill College:

Big congrats to Nava Call for their incredible win! Presenting at Google HQ? Talk about next-level opportunities

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And check out this video from Las Positas College:

Big congrats to LPC music student Joshua Glatt for winning 1st Place in the statewide MACCC Composition Competition! His piece “Yearning for More” premiered last Spring with the Friction Quartet

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Students ‘Destress’ with Miracle Mutts

On Monday, December 1st, BC welcomed Miracle Mutts to their Panorama Campus to give students a chance to take a break from their busy schedules and enjoy some down time with their therapy dogs.

Several therapy dogs and their owners congregated in the lobby of the BC Library and students, staff and community members were able to pet and interact with the furry, friendly companions. Each therapy dog was eager to share affection with participants, while showcasing their own unique personalities. The event was part of De-Stress Week – a series of activities intended to help students get a mental health break from end of the semester exams, presentations, and projects.

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog