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
I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend surrounded by family and friends.
I am in Toronto right now… spent Thanksgiving with my daughter. We are expecting the first snow of the season to roll in late Saturday. I’m already imagining what it will be like to wake up to a blanket of white outside the window … instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit.
I am so blessed with incredible people in my life – family, friends, colleagues.
And eternally thankful for our entire California Community Colleges family, and for all of the amazing students we are privileged to support in our mission of access, equity, and opportunity.
Here are a few fun photos from the last few weeks:
The famous Linda Vasquez selfie
Larry Galizio and the League team put on an inspiring convention.
Linda Vasquez, Sonya Christian, Larry Galizio, Rowena Tomaneng, Chris Ferguson
Good morning California. It is November 29, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
College of the Siskiyous Holds Groundbreaking Event for New Student Housing Facility
College of the Siskiyous is proud to announce a new student housing development aimed at addressing critical housing shortages in the Weed community. The initiative, launched in collaboration with the City of Weed, represents a major step toward supporting both student success and community recovery.
LYLA Conference Inspires Launch of College of the Redwood’s Indigenous Language Institute
This year’s Live Your Language Alliance (LYLA) gathered at College of the Redwoods from August 11–14, alongside CR’s Indigenous Language Institute (CR ILI). Speakers, learners, and cultural leaders from across the United States gathered for a week dedicated to language preservation, education, and community connection. Participants engaged in hands-on learning around grammar, digital teaching tools, and online language resources, while “language time” encouraged attendees to speak in their languages, not just speak about them.
Nissan Donates Two All-Electric Vehicles to El Camino College’s Automotive Program
El Camino College is proud to announce a generous donation from Nissan North America, which has provided two all-electric Nissan vehicles to the school’s automotive program. This contribution will offer students invaluable, hands-on experience with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology—preparing them for the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
Vibrant Villages Barstow Partners with Barstow Community College and High Desert Second Chance to Restore Food Distribution in Barstow
Barstow Community College’s Basic Needs Center, led by Magaly Rojas, has partnered with Vibrant Villages Barstow, led by Executive Director Juan Rivera, and High Desert Second Chance to bring back and expand food distribution services for local nonprofits. Supported by IEHP Foundation, the program provides a steady supply of fresh food every Monday from 8 to 10 a.m., now reaching Fort Irwin’s military families as well.
Come as you are: Noncredit coursework is the hidden engine of California’s workforce
Adult education is one of California’s best avenues for helping our communities move forward, yet it doesn’t always receive the attention it deserves. These free courses allow adult learners to build skills and earn credentials without the roadblocks that can make higher education feel out of reach.
Adult education practitioners must actively reach out to individuals facing barriers such as low digital literacy, limited English, employment gaps, mental health challenges, poverty or incarceration, and draw them into our programs.
MPC’s International Student Program (ISP) recently celebrated our F-1 students in honor of International Education Week! International education expands horizons, promotes cultural exchange, and enriches our campus here at MPC. Thank you to all of our ISP students who picked MPC!
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From Chaffey College:
Chaffey celebrated its 22nd annual International Education Week through a vibrant celebration of culture and conversation! We kicked off the week with a panel discussion featuring Chaffey’s international students, faculty, and staff as they shared their educational experiences from around the world. Yesterday, we continued the celebration with live performances, cultural tables, international cuisine, and more!
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From Antelope Valley College:
Umoja’s Grateful Gathering brought students, staff, and mentors together for an afternoon of connection, culture, and delicious food Thank you to @avcumoja for continuing to create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
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From American River College:
American River College’s Renewable Energy Program recently received a significant visit from Heidi Sanborn, SMUD’s elected Board Member representing Ward 7 in which ARC is located, at the ARC Solar Lab on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Scheduled a month in advance, Ms. Sanborn’s visit offered invaluable insights to our students. During her time with the class, she delivered an inspiring speech and engaged with students by answering their questions about the vital future of renewable energies, particularly solar, and the job opportunities within the sector. Students described her address as highly motivating and found her perspective on the industry’s future to be extremely helpful.
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From Gavilan College:
Thank you to ASGC for a thoughtful, generous thrift event this week. The care put into collecting and sharing clothing made a real difference for students and gave hundreds of items a second life. Grateful for the heart behind this work.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Celebrates Fall Holiday Season with Friendsgiving and Turkey Giveaway
In celebration of the Fall Holiday Season, Bakersfield College hosted two events to bring community together, play games, provide aid, and eat delicious food.
On Monday, BC’s Renegade Nexus, in partnership with the Bakersfield College Foundation, hosted a Holiday Harvest Giveaway in which they distributed more than 250 turkeys to enrolled students. Students were invited to the Renegade Pantry, showed their student IDs, and received a free turkey to share with friends and family during the holidays.
Over two days, the event brough together leaders statewide to explore how noncredit programs are transforming lives and strengthening communities.
Mt SAC Trustees along with President Martha Garcia, President Tina King, BOG member Bill Rawlings, Madelyn Arballo
Chancellor Greg Smith, Exec Vice Chancellor Chris Ferguson, Secretary Stewart Knox
It was especially great to hear from some of our adult noncredit students –
President Martha Garcia with students
Thank you to host Mt. San Antonio College, co-host San Diego College of Continuing Education, the Association of Community and Continuing Education, and everyone at the CCC Chancellor’s Office for all your work putting this great event together!
Good morning California. It is October 18, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
College of Marin Foundation Receives Landmark $10 Million Matching Grant from The Jay Pritzker Foundation
The College of Marin Foundation is proud to announce a transformative grant and endowment fund agreement with The Jay Pritzker Foundation, establishing the Jay Pritzker Foundation Centennial Endowment Fund. This landmark agreement with The Jay Pritzker Foundation will commit up to $10 million to create a permanent endowment dedicated to providing crucial needs-based scholarships and grants to College of Marin students. For every dollar donated to this fund, the Jay Pritzker Foundation will provide a one-to-one match creating the potential for a $20 million endowment.
West LA College Launches More Accessible Home Appraiser Training Program
West Los Angeles College has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo to launch a groundbreaking real estate appraiser education program this Fall. This is a first-of-its-kind, Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA)-approved program that provides aspiring appraisers with an innovative pathway to licensure without the traditional supervisory requirement. Students will engage directly with licensed appraisers and gain exposure to real-world property appraisal assignments.
Contra Costa College’s Laura Lozano Elected to National I‑CAR Board of Directors
Contra Costa College collision repair program lead Laura Lozano has been elected to the I‑CAR Board of Directors, representing the Education segment in a national leadership role. I‑CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is a leading nonprofit that provides education, resources, and standards to ensure safe, high-quality vehicle repairs. The Board guides strategic direction for the organization, helping shape training for technicians, educators, and industry partners nationwide.
California expanding early childhood education apprenticeships
California will spend $1.4 million to expand the Early Care and Education Pathways to Success apprenticeship program, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.
Apprentices study curriculum for teaching and child care credentials while gaining hands-on experience in the classroom at child care centers such as Head Start.
Glendale Community College Awarded $640K to Promote Fire Prevention and Recovery Careers
Glendale Community College’s Career Education Department was recently awarded two grants totaling $640,000 from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office aimed at strengthening such efforts in the region through expanded career training opportunities.
Federico Saucedo, the dean of Instructional Services who oversees the Career Education & Workforce Development Department, said both grants highlight a common theme supporting fire programs and rebuilding efforts in the region, in light of the Eaton and Palisades fires in January.
The third regional Healthcare Education & Workforce Summit was held on October 10th @bluelakecasino . The event addressed critical workforce education and training gaps affecting local healthcare employers and developing solutions to strengthen Humboldt County’s healthcare workforce.
This was an inspiring event, collectively bringing educators and healthcare providers together to strategize and improve the healthcare workforce to meet the needs of our community. Many thanks to @humboldtpolytechnic @humboldtcoe @northfarnorth @crcareercenter and our numerous local sponsors: we could not do this without your support!
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From Folsom Lake College:
Kikkoman executives toured our new science building today and we are so appreciative of their generosity and contribution to the new building and to the support of our students.
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From Copper Mountain College:
The first Color Run at CMC was a fun success! Thanks to all who participated!
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And check out this video from Reedley College promoting their Flight Science Program:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts 2025 Agriculture Career Expo & Manufacturing Day
Bakersfield College was proud to host the 2025 Agriculture Career Expo & Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 10th. This annual event brought together more than 30 local employers to showcase a variety of career opportunities in the dynamic world of agriculture and manufacturing.
More than 1,000 students from local high schools and BC programs attended the event, which featured interactive stations, networking with industry professionals, an introduction to BC Programs, and more. Attendees also had the chance to gather in BC’s Indoor Theater to view an informational video on careers in the Ag and Manufacturing industries, and the anticipated growth of those industries in the years ahead.
» Read more!
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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.
And you know what I am going to say….. what I always say…. What’s not to like about San Diego.
This photo looks surreal. There was a band playing at the amphitheater and people enjoying their Sunday evening.
Another –
On Monday, I spoke at the Veterans Symposium in San Diego, where I called on our colleges to fully embrace Credit for Prior Learning as a way to recognize and honor the military experience of our student veterans.
The energy in the room was inspiring—a powerful reflection of the shared commitment to those who have served.
I’m especially proud of the dedicated staff who lead this work across our system, with heartfelt appreciation for Heather McClenahen and her steadfast leadership of our Veterans Program.
Heather McClenahen, Sonya Christian, Gina Browne, Mia Keeley
Was happy to snap this picture with Marvin Martinez, Pam Haynes, Chris Ferguson
Good morning California. It is June 28, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Calbright College Connects Adult Learners with Work-Based Learning in High-Growth Tech and HR Careers
California’s only fully online statewide community college focused exclusively on adult learners working through a unique competency-based education model—today announced the launch of the Calbright Career Bridge Program, a new pilot initiative that integrates paid work-based learning experiences into its career support offerings for program completers.
Del Norte Healthcare District Donates $1 Million to College of the Redwoods
College of the Redwoods is happy to announce a $1 million contribution from the Del Norte Healthcare District in support of the college’s vision create a state-of-the-art healthcare training center on their Crescent City campus. This generous investment will fund advanced healthcare training equipment, helping prepare local students for in-demand careers in the healthcare sector.
Cloverlane Foundation Launches New Program for Nursing Students at Allan Hancock College
The nonprofit Cloverlane Foundation announced the launch of the Nurses Project, a new program to provide textbooks and other educational resources for nursing students with the initial savings for students of $35,000. Allan Hancock College is the first school selected to participate in what is intended to become a multi-college program.
Check out this selfie of the California Community Colleges executive staff with the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. Podcast’s “Best in Show” award from NCMPR:
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
The Cultural Events Taskforce came together for a dynamic summer retreat—reflecting on past successes, brainstorming fresh ideas, and laying the groundwork to strategically plan inclusive, engaging events for the year ahead.
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From Orange Coast College:
OCC students are studying abroad in Kyoto, Japan! They are learning all about drawing, watercolor and architectural history, all while exploring & getting inspiration from the breathtaking city of Kyoto.
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And From the Home of the Renegades
Umoja Celebrates 10th Anniversary
This year, Bakersfield College proudly marked the 10th anniversary of the Umoja Community ASTEP (African American Success Through Excellence and Persistence) program with a vibrant gala that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members in celebration of a decade of achievement, growth, and unity.
Rooted in the Kiswahili word for “unity,” Umoja is more than a student support program — it is a powerful movement grounded in African American culture, identity, and educational equity. Over the past decade, Umoja at BC has helped foster student success by integrating culturally responsive curriculum, dedicated mentoring, and a strong sense of belonging.
Nothing beats jasmine in full bloom. The fragrance…
I had the trellis for the jasmine installed during the COVID lockdown.
And the second trellis –
I wanted to share a few events I was at recently.
The Orange County AI and Gen Z Summit was a great event. Here’s a short excerpt from my remarks:
What was the first piece of technology that changed your world?
For Boomers, it might have been the moon landing broadcast on a black-and- white TV.
For Gen X, maybe it was the Walkman. I witnessed the dawn of the internet.
For Millennials, it was probably Napster.
And for Gen Z? It may be when ChatGPT answered a question better than a textbook.
These stories help us anchor rapid change in shared human experience. And right now, artificial intelligence is shaping a new chapter in how we live, learn, work, and relate.
I also participated in a fireside chat with Cheryl Aschenbach at the ASCCC Plenary.
It was a great conversation and I was astonished at the quantify of work we have advanced in the last two years with the Academic Senate.
After my travels it is always good to be home.
Neo, the 100-pound gentle giant has a surprising hobby—gardening. Not the dig-up-the-yard kind, but the delicate, blade-by-blade grass selection from overgrown flower beds. You’d think a mouth that big would bulldoze everything in its path, but Neo approaches his grassy buffet as a delicacy—sniff, inspect, nibble…. avoiding every geranium petal.
Good morning California. It is May 3, 2025 A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Hard Hats & High Tech: Exploring Career Education at Santa Rosa Junior College
KCRB’s “The 707” radio show recently featured career education at Santa Rosa Junior College. They toured the Construction Training Center to see hands-on building skills in development and exploring the technological advancements fostered in their STEM education labs.
Los Angeles Valley College Speech & Debate Team earns National Medals at Phi Rho Pi Forensic Tournament
Students on the LAVC Speech & Debate Team brought home with four prestigious awards at the 2025 Phi Rho Pi National Forensics Competition that was held in Norfolk, Virginia last month. LAVC’s Speech and Debate Team has participated in the competition since the 1970s, and many of its team members have earned top awards over the years, including the team being the tournament champions in 1999, 2008 and 2009.
More Than a Place to Stay: How Saddleback College Supports Students Facing Housing Insecurity
Rising rents, unstable family dynamics, and economic pressures have made housing insecurity an increasingly common occurrence, even in a traditionally affluent area like Orange County. Thanks to a growing network of support services, Saddleback College is working hard to ensure that no student is left behind simply because they don’t have a permanent address.
Riverside City College Hosts Inaugural AAPI Arts & Culture Event
On Friday, April 11, Riverside City College proudly hosted its first annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Arts & Culture event, a vibrant celebration of heritage, creativity, and scholarship. The event was organized by RCC’s Asian Pacific Student Union (APSU) and the Office of the Vice President of Student Services, with support from ASRCC and the RCC Art & Art History Department.
Four Female Inmates from FCC Victorville Make History by Attending College Outside Prison
In January 2025, four female inmates housed at the Satellite Camp of the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Victorville became the first federal inmates in the country to attend community college outside of a correctional facility.
California Community Colleges Closing in on 100,000 Registered Apprenticeships this National Apprenticeship Day
Momentum is carrying the California Community Colleges, the nation’s largest workforce development and training provider, toward a key milestone — 100,000 registered apprenticeships. This comes as the system’s 116 colleges, along with their partners across the state, celebrate National Apprenticeship Day today.
Apprenticeship programs offer cutting-edge, hands-on career training and classroom learning, paving the way for higher-wage, high-growth careers. The California Community Colleges is playing a crucial role in Gov. Newsom’s goal of training 500,000 apprentices by 2029 and in the newly released Master Plan for Career Education. To date, there are more than 96,000 registered apprentices in the system. This is about 20% of the goal, with four years still to go.
An amazing conversation with the legendary Civil Rights Activist Delores Huerta
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From San Joaquin Delta College:
PUENTE Celebration Recap. Congratulations to our grads!
Puente, Spanish for “bridge”, is a national award-winning program that has helped thousands of students reach their dreams of college success — and yesterday, we honored another step in that journey.
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From College of the Redwoods:
The Career fair was a hit! Thank you to everyone who came out for this event!
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And check out this video from College of the Siskiyous:
You may have seen some smoke coming from the Fire Academy last week?
Our cadets got the opportunity to do some live wildland fire training in our own backyard. With the help of Siskiyous CalFire, and the Weed City Fire Department, they were able to provide real live fire training in a safe controlled environment.
Great job to our cadets for working successfully throughout each scenario, and thank you again to Siskiyous CalFire and Weed City Fire Department for your support.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Garden Fest 2025 Blooms with Community Spirit Despite Rainy Weather
Bakersfield College and the Horticulture Department proudly hosted the much-anticipated Garden Fest 2025 this past weekend, and this year’s festival delivered a truly unforgettable experience! Despite the unexpected downpour of rain, the turnout remained strong, with enthusiastic guests exploring a diverse array of booths, activities, and entertainment.
With more than 100 local businesses and organizations participating, Garden Fest offered something for everyone, creating an engaging and memorable experience that highlighted the college’s deep-rooted commitment to community and education.
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.
