Tag Archives: Cuesta College

It’s all about partnerships

It was a week of travel for me… headed north to Fresno City College with the Undocumented Student Action Week, then south to College of the Canyons where Chancellor Dianne Van Hook hosted a wonderful event on Vision 2030 and I was inspired by the forward leaning work of the college… then to my office in Sacramento for Consultation Council… then back to Fresno Convention Center for the annual CVHEC summit. Wrapped up Friday night watching episodes of Stephen Colbert and John Oliver. The John Oliver piece was on safety of our foods and after watching it I think when travelling I will stay away from salads and other fresh produce which we eat fresh and without cooking.

Here are a few photos from the Undocumented Student Action Week Conference. Thank you Gina Brown and Linda Vasquez for taking care of so many details to make this happen.

With State Center team and other presenters
Selfie with Linda Vasquez
Team from Chancellor’s Office: Belen Lopez, Leah Abate, Marisela Hernandez, Sonya Christian, Gina Brown, Linda Vasquez. Second row – Theresa Brown, Alonso Garcia, Paul Medina (BOG), Heather McClenahen
Ran into Bill Moseley, BC

Find out more about Undocumented Student Action Week on the CCCCO website.

Had an inspiring half a day with Dianne Van Hook, faculty, students, administrators at the College of the Canyons. Dianne’s suggestion that the theme of the day be “partnerships” set the tone for our gathering. Vice President of the Board of Governors Hildy Aguinaldo made it a priority to rearrange her schedule to join us.

Was happy that the California Labor Secretary Stewart Knox joined us for this event. I am planning on doing another blog on the workforce development work at Canyons. For now, let me share some of the photos.

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Here are some photos from the Central Valley Higher Education Summit.

With CVHEC Executive Director Ben Duran and West Hills Community College District Chancellor Kristin Clark.
Chancellor Carole Goldsmith, Ben Duran, Sonya Christian

Good morning California.
It is October 21, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

California Community Colleges Expand Access to Bachelor’s Degrees
with Two New Programs

California Community Colleges have approved two new bachelor’s degree programs in an effort to make earning a four-year degree more attainable for all Californians. This brings to the total number of bachelor’s degrees that are now offered or will soon be offered at a community college to 33.

The new programs are biomanufacturing at Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) and public safety management at San Diego Miramar College. Five additional bachelor’s degree program proposals are in the current evaluation cycle and are pending review.

» Read the Press Release from CCCCO

» Read about Los Angeles Mission College’s Bachelor of Science in Biomanufacturing

» Read the Press Release from San Diego Miramar College


Irvine Valley College Hosts Manufacturing Day for High School Students

Earlier this month, IVC welcomed over 150 students from the Tustin and Irvine Unified School Districts to the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP) on October 6 for Manufacturing Day. This event provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain insights into various aspects of manufacturing, broadening their perspectives on the diverse career pathways within this industry.

» Read more!


Cuesta College’s University Bound program
gets $10K donation from Bank of America

The Cuesta College Foundation is pleased to announce a generous $10,000 donation from the Bank of America Foundation for University Bound, a program supporting historically underrepresented students in their goal of transferring to universities to continue their education. The Foundation partnered with Cuesta College’s University and Transfer Center to launch the first University Bound program during the 2021-22 academic year, with money donated to the Cuesta Fund.

» Read more!


Woodland Community College hosts health & healing walk/run

In September Woodland Community College hosted “Sana Sana; Health & Healing Walk/Run.” The event was held to raise awareness of the health and healing practices in everyday life, according to organizer Dr. Melissa Moreno, a professor of ethnic studies at the college. It was part of several events scheduled throughout Woodland as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

EdSource: Community Colleges are key
to solving California’s toughest challenges

This week, EdSource published my commentary piece about the importance of community colleges.

The Community College System is one of our state’s most valuable assets, our main engine of social mobility. We generate $128 billion in annual income for California, amounting to more than 4% of the state’s gross product.

We are essential to the state’s achieving its ambitious goals in everything from climate policy, to growing a world-class labor force, to expanding the middle class. We are essential to the state’s ability to address a massive nursing shortage, support an aging population, prepare for an electric future in need of skilled and trained technicians and more.

» Read the article

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LA Times: New law will allow some Mexican residents
to pay in-state tuition at California community colleges

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday {October 13} signed Assembly Bill 91, which was inspired in part by a decades-old law in Texas that permits Mexican residents like Agustin to pay in-state tuition for their public education because they live so close to the border. The California law will permit low-income Mexican residents and citizens who live within 45 miles of the Mexico-California border to pay in-state tuition.

The bill permits 150 students at each of the eight partner colleges to be awarded this “nonresident fee exemption.”

» Read the article


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Constance Carroll:

Yesterday, the Assembly Higher Education Committee (Mike Fong Chair, and Tri Ta, Co-chair) held a hearing at East LA College to discuss various community college issues. I was pleased to present regarding community college baccalaureate programs and progress.

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From Allan Hancock College:

Hancock viticulture and enology program alumnus Fidencio Flores was featured on CBS’s “The Talk” as part of Hispanic Heritage Month! Congratulations Fideoncio!

Check it out at https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/0Ki0OWuKNn8OzCLEh5PaNaUzaXHruz59/.

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And check out these posts about last weekend’s solar eclipse –

College of the Desert:

San Bernardino Valley College:


And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Archives Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The Bakersfield College Archives is excited to announce its 20th Anniversary celebration, marking two decades of preserving the rich history and cherished memories of Bakersfield College (BC). Since its inception in 2003, the Bakersfield College Archives has been dedicated to safeguarding the legacy of BC and fostering a sense of belonging within the BC community.

» 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

CA Community Colleges – Our Time is Now

Enjoying my backyard working on this blog post after spending most of the week in Sacramento. My daughter is travelling and so Bessie will be in Bakersfield for the next two weeks. Check out this 20-sec video of her playing with a plum that she picked up during our morning walk.

California Community Colleges and Climate: Defining the Possible | Tuesday, June 27, 2023

The California Center for Climate Change Education will host the first in a series of events, the California Community Colleges and Climate: Defining the Possible, to be held across the state, on the roles of California Community Colleges in building resilience to climate change. In partnership with California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges this event will take place at the West Los Angeles College’s Fine Arts Auditorium on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming you at this landmark event, and together, creating sound and innovative strategies to do our part to address climate change.

For more information with the registration link, click here: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cventevents.com/event/19299b9c-6cee-48ab-9160-6c45c48d22bc/summary

Let’s read

This week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that country singer superstar Dolly Parton’s groundbreaking Imagination Library project would expand to include all of California. That means that ever child under the age of 5 in California will be eligible to enroll in the program that mails children one book every month. The program is currently active in areas across 30 counties in California, and this expansion is expected to fully cover the entire state by 2028. Additionally, California is the first state to offer a fully bilingual book option.

What a wonderful opportunity for all of our youngest Californians to embrace the gift of reading.

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On Tuesday of this week, I enjoyed visiting with the CCC Athletic Directors and we discussed a wide range of topics on community college athletics.

On Wednesday, I joined my first California Community Colleges System Webinar. This edition was titled, “Guided Pathways in Action: Equitable Entrance into Pathways.”

You can find out more about past and future webinars on the CCCCO website. You can also register for upcoming webinars. The next one, on July 12th, will focus on Building Supports & Resilience for Historically Disadvantaged Students.

Good morning California.
It is June 10, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges
Our Time is Now!

Lake Tahoe Community College
Breaks Ground on Student Housing Project

LTCC breaks ground on new campus housing project

Ground has been broken! LTCC is moving ahead with its 100 bed on-campus housing project to support low-income, full-time students, with an expected opening of Fall 2025.

» Read all about this transformative project


OCC Forensics Take Gold in Nationals for 13th Time

The Orange Coast College Forensics team won the National Championship title on April 15, at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament. This is the 13th National title for the program. All 14 members of the OCC team had at least one event in the final round of competition. Overall, the team scored 282.5 points, making them the winningest team in community college forensics history.

» Read more about the national champions

Orange Coast College Forensics

Yuba College’s First Early College Students Graduate

Yuba College

On May 8, 2023, 53 Yuba City and River Valley High School Students were honored in the First ever Early College Presentation of Sashes at Yuba College. In 2019 Yuba College launched its Early College Program in a partnership with Yuba City Unified School District. Students attended the Yuba College Sutter County Campus taking 19 courses (60 units) in conjunction with classes at their respective High Schools, students completed the required coursework to earn their high school diploma and associate degree.

» Read more about Yuba College’s Early College graduates


Cuesta College Breaks Ground on SLO Campus Center

This week, Cuesta College marked a milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated San Luis Obispo Campus Center. The new 33,728 square feet Campus Center will serve as the “front door” and main hub of the San Luis Obispo campus. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a boardroom, café, meeting and conference rooms, offices, and student success and support programs. It will provide a comprehensive experience for new students and the community, consolidating various services under one roof.


In Case You Missed It

Podcast: Leading Community Colleges in California – Episode 20

Leading Community Colleges in California is the official podcast of the Community College League of California. In this episode, League President and CEO Larry Galizio had me as a guest, we talked about the importance of equity for students and communities, and dual enrollment opportunities as a seamless gateway to college. 

» Listen to the 33-minute Podcast


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Palomar College President Star Rivera-Lacey shared this sweet photo:

“Everyone knows that I think @palomarcomets Early Childhood Education Lab School is the absolute best! But then, I was floored to receive this beautiful art piece made by the kids! Thank you Master Teacher Carol Adams for the thoughtful & beautiful gesture! Go Comets!

Artwork made by early childhood students, featured stars on a pink, red, black and white background

Melissa Bardo shared about the Dual Enrollment Lunch & Learn event:

“Thank you @ChrisHoldenNews, @HOPELatinas, and @clporg for partnering with @EdTrustWest to host a Dual Enrollment Lunch & Learn for legislative staff! Great discussion on the strengths of #dualenrollment in CA and opportunities for growth!”

This post from Keith Curry is such a fun way to celebrate Compton College:

Tonight is @compton_college Commencement Ceremony, so now is the time to unveil the new Compton College Chuck Taylors. These shoes include images of our facilities, including the Library-Student Success Center, Instructional Building #1, and the Student Services Building.

Chuck Taylor shoes celebrating Compton College

And check out this update from Andra Hoffman:

This student went into labor this evening in the middle of the @LACityCollege
graduation. So we called her up early before sending her off in an ambulance! We love ❤️ our parenting students!

Student from LA City College graduation

And From the Home of the Renegades

Auto Detailing Students Hear from Local Business Owner

In their auto detailing class on Monday evening, Professor Andrew Haney’s students got a special visit from a local business owner to inspire these Renegades. Manuel Aguilar from Trends Auto Collision and Trends Auto Boutique came to share his knowledge and experiences with the students. He spoke about how to repair and detail vehicles, and the students were very interested in what he had to say about starting his business. Manny’s advice inspired the students to continue learning more about auto detailing and body repairs.

» Read more about this week at BC!

Andrew Haney's auto detailing class

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

Sonya Christian

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora