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
As we ease more deeply into the autumn season, my mind is drawn to the beautiful skies during sunrises and sunsets.
There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky. Percy Bysshe Shelley in “Hymn To Intellectual Beauty” –
This week I was back at the Home of the Renegades for the California Renewable Energy Lab (CREL) fall event.
It was fun seeing everyone and walking the campus. I spoke about the history of CREL and the importance of climate action in Vision 2030.
It was great seeing Karen Goh.
West LA College brought out their students to the event. Here is a photo with West LA President Jim Limbaugh and the director of their climate center Jo Tavares.
Here is the CREL gang with Norma Rojas-Mora and Ellen Morris.
Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg.
I grabbed this photo that Trustee Yovani Jimenez posted on social media.
Here is Board of Governors President Hildy Aguinaldo.
President’s panel with Jonathan Eldridge, Martha Garcia, Jim Limbaugh.
Director of CREL – Ellen Morris
Good morning California. It is November 8, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Long Beach City College Receives $50,000 Scholarship Fund from Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) has established a $50,000 Grow Long Beach Scholarship Fund in partnership with Long Beach City College (LBCC) to expand educational opportunities for students continuing their academic journey at WGU. The fund will provide vital support for working learners preparing for careers in high-demand industries aligned with the City of Long Beach’s Grow Long Beach initiative, which includes logistics, supply chain, healthcare, and education.
Fullerton College and Anaheim Union High School District Launch Exclusive Game Design and eSports Pathway
Fullerton College and the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking Game Design and eSports Pathway at Katella High School and South Junior High School, beginning the 2025–26 school year. Developed through an exclusive partnership with Fullerton College, and supported by industry leader Extron, this first-of-its-kind initiative will empower students with the technical, creative and collaborative skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing video game and interactive media industries.
Clovis Community College STEM Student Selected to Attend Prestigious Youth Summit
Cayleigh Sitchon, a CCC STEM student and inspiring youth leader, is one of only sixty-five students across the country selected to attend the prestigious Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit. Cayleigh is a researcher and STEM outreach leader and also serves as the president of the Valley Health and Science Club.
California colleges brace for food aid delays, offer assistance to students
Food assistance and basic needs programs across California’s colleges and universities braced for an influx of students on Monday in anticipation of delays to federal food benefits despite a partial last-minute reprieve.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would pause funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beginning Monday because of the ongoing government shutdown. But after two federal judges ruled Fridaythat the freeze was likely unlawful, the White House said Monday it would pay half of the normal SNAP benefits. Federal officials also warned of potentially lengthy delays before November benefits reach the nearly 42 million Americans who receive the food aid.
Commentary: Rural students shouldn’t have to leave home to succeed
Imperial Valley College’s LIFT the Valley initiative demonstrates how rural colleges can serve as workforce anchors. By connecting students to local jobs in lithium production, advanced manufacturing, and industrial automation, programs like this demonstrate that when education and employment are linked locally, rural students can achieve meaningful, sustainable careers without leaving home.
These place-based programs illustrate what’s possible when we design education with communities, not just for them.
To continue this momentum, California must intentionally invest in rural-serving colleges as catalysts for workforce development.
Santiago Canyon College is honoring Veterans Day this week with unique, student-led events hosted by the Veterans Resource Center. On Tuesday, President Jeannie G. Kim, Ph.D., her cabinet and campus staff experienced a taste of the field through Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), served by our student veterans. From beef stew and spaghetti to cookies and classic field drinks, the event offered insight into military life and deepened our appreciation for those who serve, especially the veterans in our SCC community working toward degrees and certificates.
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From Compton College:
This past week we celebrated Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) here on campus! No tricks, only treats and good fun with the community. Thanks to all those that came and especially big thanks to all those who volunteered at our Trunk Or Treat event and Dia De Los Muertos Celebration, hosted by the Mecha Club! Hope to see you all for Halloween next year!
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From Cuesta College:
Promise Day 2025 was a success! Nearly 540 local high school students visited the SLO Campus today to explore areas of study, connect with faculty, and discover all the ways Cuesta College supports student success. For more than a decade, the Cuesta Promise has empowered SLO County high school graduates to pursue their dreams with two years of fee-free education. Thanks for spending the day with us, future Cougars! Don’t forget to submit your Cuesta Promise application by August 1, 2026. We can’t wait to welcome you back on campus next fall
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From Modesto Junior College:
There was something for everyone at the MJC Club Rush event held in September. New and returning students connected and explored over 30+ student-led clubs that offered informative opportunities. Joining a club is more than just meetings; it’s about discovering your passions, making lifelong friends, and shaping the student experience.
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From Glendale Community College:
Thank you to everyone who joined @gccveterans for today’s Veterans Day BBQ! The GCC community came together to honor those who have served, all while raising funds to support our military connected students.
And From the Home of the Renegades
HBCU Caravan Returns to Bakersfield College
Earlier this week, the California Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee Pathway to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caravan returned to Bakersfield College, providing an incredible opportunity for students to explore transfer options, connect directly with HBCU representatives, and learn more about academic programs available across the country.
Hosted in the Renegade Event Center on BC’s Panorama Campus, the event welcomed almost 300 attendees, including Bakersfield College students, local high school students, and peers from neighboring community colleges such as Taft College, Antelope Valley College, and College of the Canyons. This year’s Caravan brought together 27 HBCU representatives from 16 institutions, including Harris-Stowe State University, Lane College, Talladega College, and Stillman College, among others. The event offered a distinctive opportunity for community college students to apply on-site to participating HBCUs with support from visiting college staff, a hands-on experience that made the transfer process more accessible and approachable.
Here is the small by mighty executive leadership at the Chancellor’s Office.
Swearing in our new board member Lilian Coral –
I love this photo of senior leadership that was snapped right before the BOG meeting – Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomaneng, and Kathy Lynch.
The team that works hard and plays hard!
A fun photo snapped by Jennifer Perry on our walk to Mulvaney’s:
Then it was off to Denver for Achieving the Dream’s K-College Institute: Strengthening Pathways Through Dual Enrollment.
What fun reconnecting with Karen Stout at ATD
And the song of the week…..
My Uber driver was playing this song during my ride, and it has been in my head. Check out This Love by Maroon 5.
Now back home to Neo morning walks. Check out this happy boy… 17-second video:
Good morning California. It is July 26, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Lake Tahoe Community College Celebrates Successful First Mentorship Program
Lake Tahoe Community College’s inaugural Classified Staff and Director Mentorship Program wrapped up last month with outstanding results. The six-month pilot program paired new employees with experienced mentors for monthly group sessions and one-on-one meetings focused on professional development and campus culture.
San Diego Miramar College Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant from San Diego Foundation to Advance Health Equity for AANHPI Students
The San Diego Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the San Diego Miramar College Foundation to support a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving mental health outcomes for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students at San Diego Miramar College. The grant will fund the “Mental Health Equity for AANHPI Students” project, a comprehensive, culturally responsive program designed to destigmatize mental health care and expand access to critical services for AANHPI students.
Four Laureates Selected for Inaugural Cuesta College Music Conservatory Award
Cuesta College has long served as a bright light for music education on the Central Coast. Through a generous gift from Carol and Eric Olsen, Cuesta College builds on that tradition with the launch of the Cuesta College Music Conservatory, a premier program to support a select group of advanced music students.
These students will perform in ensembles, engage with the community, and focus intensively on musicianship and artistic growth. Each student receives $8,000 annually to support their education, participates in mentorship meetings, and contributes to the campus and greater community through music-related service.
KCRA: 78-year-old defies the odds, becomes oldest police rookie in California history
The 78-year-old recently attempted a feat that most people half his age wouldn’t dare try. Myers, who was 77 at the time, decided to enlist in the police academy.
“This is the last chance I have to do something like this, period,” Myers said. “I may be too old to do it. I’m certainly close to too old, so I have to do it now or never.”
Last year, Myers enrolled in the POST Academy to become a peace officer. He felt like it was a calling he’d had since he was a boy.
Adult School Stories: A 70-year-old retiree finds satisfaction in her GED studies
Maria Bernarda De Leon always wanted get an education, but growing up in a low-income family in Honduras, it wasn’t an option.
Now 70-years-old and retired, De Leon is finally acting on her long-time wish by taking classes at Allan Hancock College (AHC), a community college that serves the Santa Barbara region. The school offers students a wide variety of free and low-cost classes, including adult basic education, high school diploma equivalency and even income tax preparation.
SDCCE & SDCCD proudly marched in the Pride Parade, wearing our “Unbreakable Pride, Unshakeable Power” shirts—designed by talented Digital Media student Jessi Noreault! It was a joyful day of unity and celebration.
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From Woodland Community College:
Eagles Welcome Day at Lake County Campus was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who showed and made it a day full of energy, connection, and Eagle Pride
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From Ohlone College:
Our Summerfest Production was a major hit! Cheers to our students who starred in our Once Upon a Mattress Musical.
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From Moorpark College President Dr. Julius Sokenu:
Proud to join the College/Career Readiness STEM Pilot Program at #OxnardCollege, funded by a federal grant to advance participation in #STEM careers for low income & underserved students, facilitated by Dr. Klein Williams of OC, Dr Gonzalez, Pres. of OC & Dr. Anderson, VPAA at VC
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And check out this video celebrating Madera Community College’s 5th anniversary:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Kern Transit Offering Free Rides for BC Students
Kern Transit has announced that it is resuming the Free Rides for Students program, which provides no-cost bus rides for students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. Students can catch a ride on any Kern Transit bus and be transported to any Kern Transit stop! The program is effective as of July 1, 2025, and will continue through June 30, 2026. Each student will just need to show a valid student ID to the driver at each boarding. The program also includes Dial-A-Ride Services throughout Kern County.
Spring is in bloom! A friend shared this pic with me, with a text –
“Flowering Plum Trees are in bloom. When there’s a slight breeze the flower petals sometimes fall off as if there are snow flakes.”
I started my week in San Francisco, presenting at the CISOA conference on Monday – the annual conference for the Chief Technology Officers of the California Community Colleges.
Monday afternoon, I dropped by for the student March in March event. Here are some photos.
The fabulous Linda Vasquez selfie.
With Board of Governors Member Cirian Villavicencio
With Ivan Hernandez – SSCCC President
On Thursday, I spoke at the A2MEND Conference with Board of Governors member Pam Haynes.
Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Ebony Jeffries
Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Don Daves-Rougeaux
And with a group of students from Southwestern College:
Good morning California. It is March 8, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
The Human Library® Returns to Cuesta College
Cuesta College, in collaboration with the Cuesta College Library, Cuesta College Student Health Services, and San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health, is proud to announce the return of The Human Library® to its San Luis Obispo campus on March 5.
Originating in Denmark over two decades ago, The Human Library® is a global movement designed to challenge stereotypes and biases through open and meaningful conversations. The event creates a safe and inclusive space where topics are discussed openly between the human books and their readers, providing an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and foster deeper understanding.
Peralta CCD Hosts Event With House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
On February 21, 2025, the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center in partnership with the Peralta Community College District hosted a forum dedicated to civic engagement, bringing together community leaders, elected officials, and citizens to discuss the vital importance of defending democratic principles in today’s challenging political climate.
Mt. SAC Turf Teams recently mowed the competition at the annual Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) contest, taking first, second and third place and beating out major universities. Three teams of four competed in the Student Challenge, a two-hour exam testing knowledge of the sports turf industry, covered subjects as diverse as Turfgrass Identification, Selection and Morphology, Soil Management, Soil Fertility, Water Management, Drainage, Turfgrass Mathematics, Pest Identification and Management, and both turf and non-turf Sports Field Management.
Mendocino College Announces the Purchase of Property for Future Student Housing
Mendocino College is pleased to announce the purchase of a property at the corner of Perkins and Main Streets in downtown Ukiah, marking the first phase of a multi-year initiative to develop future student housing. This project aims to increase the availability of affordable housing for students and support the local community.
Victor Valley College’s inaugural Community Education — Paint Night Experience in VVC Performing Arts Center Black Box Room was a sold-out success! It was incredible to watch our lead instructor, Theresa Shellcroft, guide and inspire participants as they brought their unique Desert Sunset masterpieces to life.
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
What an amazing afternoon we had celebrating Women’s History Month! We came together to share inspiring affirmations, create uplifting messages, and take home a beautiful flower. Thank you to everyone who joined us in spreading joy and empowerment!
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From Madera Community College:
On February 25, we held another CAMP Seminar for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) 2024-25 Cohort at Madera Community College! This event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with CAMP students. They received essential information regarding academic advising, CSU/UC transfer requirements, financial aid, health services, psychological services, and tutoring resources available on campus.
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From Imperial Valley College:
Step right up! We’re all set inside the Preble Building at the California Mid-Winter Fair, ready to hear your big ideas for Imperial Valley College’s future.
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From Rio Hondo College:
This weekend, we hosted the LA Regional Science Olympiad Tournament, where Division B & C teams from across LA County showcased their STEM skills! Congrats to those advancing to the State Tournament in April! Thanks to Ryan Wong & all the volunteers!
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And check out this video from Evergreen Valley College –
McTate Stroman, a staff member at Evergreen Valley College, whose hometown of Altadena was devastated by the Los Angeles Fires, wrote and recited this poem. McTate also curated an art exhibit in his hometown.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Students Travel to Arizona for Theatre Arts Festival
Recently, twenty-seven BC Theatre students traveled to Mesa, Arizona to participate in the Region 7/Region 8 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) at Mesa Community College. This Festival is a celebration of the work in Theatre Arts that college students in these regions have done throughout the year, as well as a place to audition and compete for scholarships, gain knowledge and skills through workshops, see plays, and network with students from other schools.
Three BC students – Riss Halbwachs, Savanna Lux, and Jesse Magdaleno – and their partners advanced to the Semi-Final Round of the Irene Ryan auditions, which is a huge accomplishment! Out of hundreds of preliminary participants, only sixty make it to the Semi-Final Round. Then, Jesse Magdaleno and his partner Nathan Armendariz made it to the Final Round of the audition– the top fifteen participants of the entire festival. This is the first time a BC student has made it to the Final Round of the Irene Ryans.
Nine years ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece “Hamilton” debuted to rave reviews, following 2005’s “In the Heights.” Here is the 4-min piece My name is Alexander Hamilton.
He’s been busy in the years since, including soundtracks like “Moana”, “Vivo” and “Encanto”.
This week, he released his newest musical – a concept album, based on the 1979 movie The Warriors.
Check out a few minutes of it:
I attended the Inspire conference at the UCLA Luskin Center. It was a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures snapped by Cirian Villavicencio, member of the Board of Governors who attended the event.
Elizabeth Gonzalez, College Futures; Sonya Christian; Michael Crow, ASU; Julia Lopez, CSU Trustee; Kim Wilcox, UC Riverside
Good morning California. It is October 19, 2024 A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Riverside City College Hosts Inaugural Digital Art & Animation Convention, Inspiring Creativity and Cultural Representation
Can you imagine what happens when educators, industry professionals, and aspiring artists come together for a day of creativity and inspiration? That’s exactly what unfolded at the 2024 Digital Art & Animation Convention, where over 150 participants gathered to explore the latest in animation technology, learn from top industry leaders, and dive into hands-on experiences that brought digital art to life. Hosted at Riverside City College (RCC), the event was a game-changer for students looking to break into the world of animation and digital media.
Grand Opening of Mission Market: A New Era of Student Support
Mission College is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Mission Market, an innovative initiative designed to support students by providing access to fresh, nutritious food every week. In collaboration with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley and the Bill Wilson Center, Mission Market aims to be a cornerstone of student support, recognizing that access to healthy meals is vital for academic success.
Cuesta College Hosts 3rd Annual Awareness Gallery for Students
Cuesta College is proud to announce the return of the 3rd Annual Awareness Gallery, an interactive health-focused exhibit open to all students, staff, faculty, and the public. The Awareness Gallery is a collaboration between the Cuesta College Student Health Center, the SLO County Behavioral Health Department, and the Cuesta College Libraries.
Yuba College Expands On-Campus Support for Students Through Partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services
Yuba College is excited to announce a significant expansion of student support services through a partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services (YCHHS). Beginning this month, a dedicated social worker from YCHHS will be stationed at Yuba College’s Marysville Campus to provide essential services and assistance to the college’s growing population of more than 10,000 students.
Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs
The Chancellor’s Office Student Housing team is hosting an all-day, in-person Student Housing event: Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Sierra College in Rocklin.
No Magic Here: Demystifying Black Female Leadership in a California Community College HSIs
Contra Costa College President Kimberly Rogers wrote this piece for Diverse:
Today, the California Community College System, with more than 1.8 million students at 116 institutions, boasts 29 Black CEOs and nearly 40 Latine CEOs. As a Black woman, I am privileged and proud to serve as President of Contra Costa College (CCC), an institution serving approximately 10,000 students annually in the East Bay. CCC has a diverse student body, with 44% self-identified as Hispanic, 20% as Asian Pacific Islander, 14% as white, and 13% as African American. CCC is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). If Governor Gavin Newsom signs SB 1348 into law, CCC will seek status as a Black Serving Institution (BSI).
We are so grateful to Arlene Abundis for coming back to Citrus College to share her story. A Citrus College alumna, Arlene is the author of the acclaimed children’s book, “Into the Mighty Sea.” In front of faculty, staff and students, Arlene talked about her journey as a student, mother and author. During her appearance, which also included a book signing, Arlene encouraged everyone to keep chasing their dreams.
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From Ventura College:
We’re creating a college-going culture in Ventura County! During Higher Education Week our Ventura College Outreach Team visited eight local high schools to share info about the amazing programs and services we provide
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From Fresno City College:
We are excited to announce the grand opening of our brand new Child Development Center!
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And check out these videos from De Anza College:
As Latinx Heritage Month draws to a close, we want to share the new Tiny Mic videos created by the Office of Communications in celebration of the month. Students and employees were asked about their culture, traditions and favorite foods, as well as any advice they have for our Latinx students.
Bakersfield College hosted a series of events to celebrate Homecoming Week. Students had the opportunity to participate in the various activities and contests all leading up to the Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 19th.
The week kicked off with ‘Conquer the Gauntlet’, which featured a large, inflated obstacle course for students to race through. Students could compete against each other while running through inflated stations, climbing hills, and a huge slide to the finish line.
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.
