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
My thoughts and prayers are with the Laney College community after the tragic death of Athletic Director and legendary football coach John Beam. The Peralta Community College District shared this beautiful tribute to his legacy.
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This morning, I found myself re-reading The Dash by Linda Ellis.
Between the date when we arrive and the date we go away, there exists a horizontal line that captures every single day.
And because these days we’re living seem to vanish in a flash, we need to make the most of that special little dash.
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A trio of sunsets for you to make three wishes –
Pause, close your eyes, and make three wishes.
Good morning California. It is November 15, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Allan Hancock Students Design Signage for Nature Preserve
Visitors to the Central Coast’s rugged coastline will soon have a new way to connect with its natural beauty, thanks to Allan Hancock College graphic design students who transformed science into art for the community. A group of nine students in the college’s art, graphic design and multimedia programs teamed up with fine arts instructor Tellef Tellefson and staff from The Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, located in Lompoc, to design interpretive signage for the Jalama Campground, located adjacent to the preserve.
San Diego Mesa College Fashion Students Redefine Couture with Sustainable Designs at Laguna Art Museum
On November 1, 2025, four San Diego Mesa College Fashion Design students — Tiara Daring, Edwin Alba, Liliia Derkach, and Vanessa Felix — were selected to participate in the Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM) Upcycled Couture Fashion Show. The annual runway event combines community, creativity, and environmental awareness. This year’s theme, Restoring the Future, challenged students to create one-of-a-kind sustainable couture pieces that highlight the many ways local partners are making a difference in the community and beyond.
Commentary: Community colleges are where American opportunity becomes reality
Headlines often focus on the challenges facing higher education — rising costs, shifting workforce demands and questions about value. Yet at a time when confidence in institutions is waning, many California community colleges are quietly earning trust the old-fashioned way: by delivering on their promises.
From my vantage point as chancellor of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), serving California’s vast Central Valley, I see that story firsthand. Community colleges are not only adapting — they are thriving — expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the communities they serve.
Community colleges again lead enrollment increases
Undergraduate enrollments for this fall are up again, with community colleges again seeing the largest rate increase, according to preliminary reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Research Center.
Overall undergraduate enrollment is up 2.4% so far, with increases in all sectors, though community colleges are leading with a 4.0% boost, compared to 1.9% at public four-year institutions and 0.9% at private, nonprofit four-year institutions. And, once again this fall, certificates appear to be a driving force — a 6.6% increase, compared to a 3.1% bump for associate degrees and 1.2% for bachelor’s degrees.
Thank you to Santiago High School for visiting our Newport Campus for MESA Day! It was inspiring to see so many bright and eager students exploring their future in higher education.
From Río Hondo College:
El Monte UHSD honored Río Hondo College’s free Math Academy for its 81% summer completion rate! Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Zuniga and the Board for recognizing our team—and to Dean Yolanda Emerson for her leadership.
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From Hartnell College:
Today, our #HartnellCollege community gathered in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Ohlone/Costanoan–Esselen Nation Tribal Chairperson Louise J. Miranda Ramirez shared a presentation on the history and living legacy of the Esselen people, weaving together stories of land and cultural continuity. The event continued with a jewelry-making workshop, inviting participants to connect through hands-on creation and community. A heartfelt thank you to our Hartnell Ethnic Studies team and ASHC for making this event possible!
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From Mendocino College:
The Basic Needs Produce Wednesday service was successfully provided at the Lake Center. We extend our gratitude to the Lake Center staff for their valuable support and collaboration in facilitating this service.
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From Golden West College:
Psych Day was a day full of games, an internship and resource fair, a career panel and an amazing keynote speaker, Dr. James Garcia! Thank you to the Psychology faculty who helped coordinate the event.
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And check out Irvine Valley College’s 40th anniversary documentary!
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Holds First-Generation College Student Day
Last week, Bakersfield College gathered students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the inaugural First-Generation College Student Day, a moment to recognize the determination of those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. With more than 40 percent of BC students identifying as first-generation, the event highlighted the strength and resilience that shape our campus community.
You may have been tracking the 4 Nations Face Off this week ….but it was 45 years ago today that the Miracle on Ice happened.
On February 22, 1980, during the medal round of the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, the US team defeated the Soviet Union 4-3. The Soviet Union had been dominating Olympics hockey – winning 5 of the previous 6 gold medals.
As for me …..
This past week was a hectic travel week. Starting in Sacramento with the Assembly Budget hearing, then Chabot College to present at the National EV Consortium Conference, then to El Centro to visit Imperial Valley College and check out their Lithium program, then to San Diego to present at the Academic Senate AI Academy, and wrapped up with a Digital Center meeting in Orange County. All of this travel, while taking zoom meetings in the airport, driving in the car, in a hotel lobby etc etc etc. In the meantime, the emails pile up and so do the texts. If I don’t respond to a text and it gets buried, go ahead and bump it up.
But honestly, it is all good. Such a privilege to put in time and energy supporting our California Community College students, faculty and staff.
California Community Colleges – we take care of our students, our communities, and our planet.
Here are a few photos from my week.
I love this photo that Linda Vasquez snapped – the three higher education system heads when we were testifying at the Assembly budget subcommittee. This is Michael Drake’s last presentation to this Assembly subcommittee since he is retiring at the end of the year. California Higher Ed – Championing our students.
With Michael Drake and Millie Garcia
With the team from Kern CCD, Porterville College and their industry partner Zeronox
Nick Griffith, Tony Cordova, Ellen Morris, Sonya Christian, Zeronox person
Photos from my visit to Imperial Valley College
At Imperial Valley College Feb 20, 2025
President Lennor Johnson, faculty member, student, me, Don Daves-Rougeaux
Student Barbara, IVC employee, Sonya Christian
Happy to come back home.
Missing Bessie
Click on this 7-sec video and enjoy her.
Good morning California. It is February 22, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Saddleback College Receives $3 Million Grant from Samueli Foundation for Student Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Saddleback College was awarded a $3 million grant from the Samueli Foundation to increase work-based learning opportunities for students. The investment, which will be paid in $1 million installments over three years, will focus on paid internships for students in programs related to renewable energy and the electric grid.
Mt. San Jacinto College Students Challenge Filipino Beauty Standards Through Research and Advocacy
Alicia Chloe Nicole Geronimo, a 20-year-old Pre-Nursing student, and Agnezze Ventura, a 21-year-old aspiring lawyer specializing in environmental or immigration law, met in Professor Torres’s Honors Cultural Anthropology class. Their mutual interest in cultural identity and social structures led them to collaborate on an ambitious, comprehensive study: “The Colorist and Capitalist Roots of Filipino Beauty Standards.”
Savoring Tradition: A Culinary Celebration of Black History at College of Alameda
On February 19, 2025, the College of Alameda (COA) Student Center came alive with the rich aromas and deep history of Black cuisine. “Savoring Tradition: A Culinary Reflection on Black History” brought together students, faculty, and staff for a special cooking presentation that was as much about storytelling as it was about food. Created and managed by Jennifer Sanoh, J.D./MSW, this Black History Month gathering celebrated the cultural significance of Black culinary traditions through education, community, and of course, delicious food.
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office in collaboration with the Digital Center for Innovation, Transformation, and Equity (Digital Center) is seeking five exceptional individuals to join our inaugural cohort of AI Fellows. This program aims to advance the thoughtful and equitable integration of AI across California’s community colleges by promoting innovation in teaching, learning, operational efficiency, and student support.
California Community Colleges Celebrate Career Education Month
The California Community Colleges, the nation’s largest workforce training provider, celebrates Career Education Month this February by highlighting the powerful role their programs play in shaping California’s workforce and boosting its economy. Serving more than 2 million students annually across 116 campuses, the system offers cutting-edge, hands-on career training, paving the way for high-wage, high-growth careers.
Yesterday CCC was honored to celebrate Black History Month with its 7th Annual African American Read-In by faculty, staff and students of literature and poetry. Congratulations to student, Kasandra Tate, for winning the Sweet Potato Pie Contest that kicked off the day’s events.
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From Long Beach City College:
Today, we hosted an inspiring event at Long Beach City College, coming together with our partners at City of Long Beach, Cal State Long Beach and Long Beach Unified to advance the Long Beach College Promise!
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From Fresno City College:
Women in Engineering 2025 for female high school students designed to encourage more women to pursue STEM careers. Thank you @Chevron for the gift of $75,000 to the college. We’ll use this to support STEM education.
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From El Camino College:
Back in January, the Architecture Department hosted the 2025 Transfer Summit. Panelists from around the industry helped drive the conversation to how community colleges can better prep students for an equitable transfer to universities to continue their design journey.
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And check out this video Annual Report from Mission College:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Students Showcase Creativity During NASSSP Outdoor Art Event
The Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) recently organized a special Outdoor Art Event designed to celebrate and honor Indigenous cultural practices. This event provided participants a chance to relax and unleash their creativity, offering a peaceful break from their demanding academic schedules.
“Art plays a central role in Native culture, and this event is an integral part of the services we offer to NASSSP participants, specifically through our Cultural workshops,” said Angel Solis, one of the program’s Peer Mentors. “The objective of these workshops is to honor our heritage and preserve our cultural traditions.”
I am a little sad that the Olympics are over …. until next time.
Here are a few highlights
The U.S. Women’s 4x100m relay team taking gold, with Sha’Carri Richardson’s phenomenal come-from-behind anchor leg:
United States women’s 4×100-meter relay final team pose for a photo after winning the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
For the NBA superstars representing Team USA in the Olympics, 1992 will always be the gold standard.
That was the year that American pro players were first allowed to compete in the Games—the year the Dream Team touched down in Barcelona. Jordan, Magic, Bird and Barkley were called the greatest basketball team ever assembled.
Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler during the 1992 medal ceremony. Photo: Mike Powell/Getty Images
The 2024 version of Team USA that beat France in the gold medal game Saturday night, 98-87, isn’t the Dream Team.
That’s because it just might be better.
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The Farm Boy Who Picked Up a Spear—and Became an Olympic Hero to 1.4 Billion People
In a country with 1.4 billion people, there is nobody quite like Neeraj Chopra.
He is the farm boy who became a national hero to the world’s most populous country by picking up a sport that no one else took seriously. He is the strapping Olympian who competes with his flowing dark hair tied back in a black bandanna. And he is the man who secured a breakthrough gold for India by launching a javelin the length of a football field.
That medal was just the start. The shower of real prizes began when Chopra returned home in 2021 as his country’s first ever track-and-field Olympic champion and found some 30,000 people in his village waiting to greet him in an open car. India’s defense minister gave him a stadium. India’s largest airline gave him a year’s worth of free tickets. India’s first individual gold medalist gave him a Golden Retriever named Tokyo.
Neeraj Chopra of India is the reigning gold medalist in javelin. ILLUSTRATION: Timmy Huynh, CHRISTIAN BRUNA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock, iStock
Very much looking forward to when the 2028 Olympics come back to Los Angeles!
Good morning California. It is August 17, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
College of Alameda Holds STEM Pilot Program
On July 24, 2024, College of Alameda hosted Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and his team, including Northern California Regional Liaison Abel Pineda. This visit highlighted the collaborative STEM pilot program with Oakland Natives Give Back, the East Oakland Youth Development Center, and the State Superintendent’s office.
College of San Mateo’s Active Minds Chapter Wins Top Honors
College of San Mateo (CSM) is proud to announce that its Active Minds Chapter has been awarded the Chapter of the Year Award at the 2024 Active Minds Conference in Washington, D.C. This significant recognition is a testament to the chapter’s dedication and innovative approach to mental health advocacy on campus.
Hartnell College Awarded $2 Million Subaward as Part of $71 Million NOAA Regional Climate Resilience Project
Hartnell College will play a crucial role by focusing on workforce development. The college plans to build and offer non-credit certificates and related internships to equip the local workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to address climate resilience effectively. These programs will prepare students and community members for careers in climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
The power of community was on full display earlier this month at Gavilan College’s second annual Scholarship Ceremony. This heartfelt event brought together generous donors and deserving scholarship recipients. This year, 133 awards were presented, totaling a remarkable $116,600 in scholarships.
In Case You Missed It
California Community Colleges Celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in California
Members of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, lawmakers and students were on hand at the state Capitol this week for a formal proclamation celebrating the fourth week of September as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week in California.
I love this time of year! Welcome Day @palomarcomets! Go Comets!
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From Mission College:
STEM students gathered for a day of exploration and support today at STEMVeniDa 2024! The event featured guidance from Mission College team members who provided resources to help students thrive throughout their academic journey
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From College of the Siskiyous:
Happy 85th to Coach Ray! The first Head Football Coach at College of the Siskiyous!
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From Santa Barbara City College:
Check out the KSBY story, “‘Through our lived experiences, we can help someone else’: How one SBCC program is reducing recidivism” here:
And check out this video from Mendocino Peninsula College, showcasing their STEM LEGO Summer Camp:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Offering Free Media Literacy Certificate Program
Bakersfield College is excited to introduce a new three-course, Media Literacy Certification Program for participants to learn how to navigate online environments ethically and confidently. The program will also provide useful tips and instruction on how to effectively utilize mass media sources, artificial intelligence tools, and online safety and privacy techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
