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 was supposed to be in DC this week …. but between the storm and a wave of flight cancellations, the trip just didn’t happen.
The good news…. got to see a lot more of my boy Neo
Good morning California. It is January 31, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cerritos College delivers for local communities with new $850,000 workforce training grant
Cerritos College continues to deliver unmatched value to workers and employers across our local communities with a new $850,000 workforce training grant from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP). As one of the region’s strongest workforce partners, Cerritos College remains the top choice for employers seeking high-quality, industry-responsive training that drives real results. Cerritos College collaborates closely with local employers to design customized, results-driven programs that strengthen the regional economy.
Norco College Rising Scholars Program Celebrates Historic Final Graduation at California Rehabilitation Center
Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program celebrated its final graduation ceremony inside the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, marking a profound moment of both achievement and legacy. The intimate ceremony honored 63 graduates—the largest cohort in the program’s history—and recognized students for their perseverance, academic success, and commitment to personal transformation. The ceremony carried special significance as the CRC is scheduled to close in August 2026, marking years of collaboration that expanded access to higher education within the institution. Norco College extends its sincere gratitude to CRC leadership and staff for their steadfast partnership in supporting educational opportunity and student success.
The new football and softball stadiums at Palomar College have been recognized with a national award from the American Sports Builders Association. The projects received a bronze award in the multi-field facility category, selected from submissions across the country that ranged from schools and universities to health centers and public recreation complexes.
The Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges reaches Promise Plus endowment goal of $4 million
At the December 16, 2025 Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board meeting, the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges announced successfully reaching the Promise Plus endowment campaign goal of $4 million. By achieving this goal, the Foundation will be able to distribute $200,000 in Promise Plus scholarships annually, in perpetuity, benefitting up to 400 East County students each year. Since its inception, the Promise Plus has provided nearly $500,000 to fund more than 900 scholarships for Grossmont and Cuyamaca college students.
The EduLedger: Higher Ed Staff Embrace AI for Daily Work Despite Policy Gaps, New Survey Finds
Nearly all higher education employees are using artificial intelligence tools for work tasks, but less than half know whether their institutions have policies governing such use—a disconnect that experts warn could pose significant risks to data security and privacy. According to a new report from EDUCAUSE released this week, 94% of survey respondents said they have used AI tools for work within the past six months, yet only 54% are aware of policies or guidelines meant to guide such use. The survey, conducted in partnership with AIR, NACUBO, and CUPA-HR, drew responses from 1,960 higher education professionals between late September and mid-October 2025.
#Recap of College of the Desert students taking part in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program at our Indio Campus.
During the program students:
Competed in robotics challenges
Connected with STEM professionals
Toured Collins Aerospace and UC Riverside
Built teamwork and perseverance skills
Learned what it takes to meet NASA’s expectations for space missions
Congratulations to our NCAS scholars, and thank you to Professor Pérez, Professor Burns, Professor Blanton, the Indio Campus staff, and all who made this experience possible.
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From Cañada College:
Last week, the Cañada College Art Gallery was buzzing as students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of Guy Diehl: A Retrospective. With Guy Diehl himself in attendance, the evening was filled with meaningful conversation, connection, and reflection as guests explored nearly seven decades of his masterful still life work.
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From Cabrillo College:
Welcome Seahawks! Cabrillo’s Week of Welcome continues with new Superintendent & President Dr. Jenn Capps working the welcome table in Watsonville!
Bienvenidos, Seahawks! La Semana de Bienvenida de Cabrillo continúa con la nueva superintendente y presidenta, la Dra. Jenn Capps, atendiendo la mesa de bienvenida en Watsonville.
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From Santiago Canyon College:
Thank you to Rep. Lou Correa’s staff for visiting SCC’s Veteran Resource Center!
Student veterans led a tour & hosted a powerful Q&A with the Veteran Advisory Council.
The visit ended with a meaningful challenge coin exchange.
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From Mission College:
Mission College Nursing and Counseling faculty earlier this month traveled to Vietnam for a weeklong cultural exchange focused on advancing global partnerships and student success.
While in Ho Chi Minh City, the team collaborated with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMP) to share best practices and support the development of a Certified Nursing Assistant program. This meaningful exchange highlights the power of international collaboration in strengthening workforce pathways and healthcare education.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC’s Renegade Jazz Combo Performs in New Orleans
Recently, the Bakersfield College Renegade Jazz Combo traveled to New Orleans to perform at the JENerations Jazz Festival at the 17th Annual Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference. The group performed a set of original songs to a panel that consisted of professional artists and educators and received critique and feedback. During the four-day conference, the students also participated in various clinics, concerts, jam sessions, networking opportunities, and more.
Kris Tiner, Music Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at BC, was instrumental in coordinating the trip and getting the musicians ready to perform. “The Renegade Jazz Combo is the top jazz group at BC,” said Tiner, “and each year we try to take the group to a festival. The (JEN Conference) is a four-day conference and they perform a set of their original music, and they get a clinic following the performance from two professional jazz artists.” The conference represented a large part of their trip, but the students also got to experience other aspects of New Orleans. “We got to visit the French Quarter to hear some local music a few times,” said Tiner, “I wanted to take the students to Preservation Hall, because that is where the local musicians present their music. We started off at the gumbo shop to eat some local food and then we visited Preservation Hall – it was amazing.”
Pope Francis passed away on April 21st (Easter Monday). He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires.
Pope Francis led with humility, focusing on big reforms, and embracing modern ways to connect with people. His social media posts felt more like personal messages from a caring pastor rather than an official declaration. He shared prayers, encouragement, and called for a caring society.
Pope Francis was not afraid to take bold stands. He made it clear that issues like climate change aren’t just political debates — they’re moral responsibilities. He called on everyone to care for the planet. He has been a strong voice for migrants and refugees and has shown more openness toward LGBTQ than past popes, stressing that the Church welcomes everyone.
At a time when so many institutions feel out of touch, Pope Francis stood out by showing that leadership grounded in humility, action, and real human connection still matters.
His last message was read out on April 20th, Easter Sunday.
Here are two excerpts:
The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint! Spes non confundit! (cf. Rom 5:5). That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us.
On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!
Good morning California. It is April 26, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
College of the Desert hosts panel for students to Connect with Hollywood professionals
COD’s Career and Workforce Solutions Center partnered up with Palm Springs Women in Film & Television to host a Careers in Art, Media & Entertainment Panel on April 2, featuring speakers from Hollywood. The panel gave students a sneak peek into a career in the industry. The panel featured an award-winning, producer, audio specialist and cinematographer. Some notable speakers included “Modern Family” production manager Sally Young and “Mission Impossible” cinematographer Alan Gitlin.
Santa Ana College Prepares Future Generation of College Students at 31st Annual Kindercaminata
On March 28, 2025, Santa Ana College (SAC) hosted its 31st annual KinderCaminata, a college readiness and youth empowerment program that brings nearly 1,000 kindergartners from Santa Ana and Garden Grove Unified School Districts and several charter schools to visit the community college. The children, along with their teachers, experienced interactive activities, exhibits and other entertainment to learn about various career opportunities made possible through college education.
Building a Bridge to Success: Southwestern College’s Men of Color Initiative
Southwestern College has taken another significant stride towards educational equity with the launch of its Men of Color Success and Excellence program. This initiative is not merely a program; it’s a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and empowering Black, Latino, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander male students to thrive in higher education.
California Student Aid Commission and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Announce Partnership to Support Student Access to Aid
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is excited to announce a new collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (Chancellor’s Office). This new partnership will bring financial aid opportunities to students enrolling at California’s 116 community colleges through expanded data sharing. Last week, the two organizations finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide CSAC with additional data to enhance opportunities for outreach to community college students that have not yet applied for aid, as well as supporting greater analysis of financial aid access across student groups and regions of our state.
California community colleges receive Hearst Foundations grant to enhance forestry and wildfire prevention
The Foundation for California Community Colleges in Sacramento has received a $150,000 grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and The Hearst Foundation Inc. to support and expand its Resilient Careers in Forestry program.
The program partners with colleges throughout California to develop the forestry workforce, including wildfire preparedness. The foundation plans to use the grant to expand resources to Southern California.
We joined forces on Wednesday for Earth Day and the Black Student Success Week Spring Mixer .
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From Reedley College:
Thanks to everyone who came out to our cook-out for a fun day on the library lawn!
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From Cerro Coso Community College:
Black Student Success Week at Cerro Coso
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From Cuyamaca College:
CONGRATS to our men’s soccer team, state champions, and THANKS San Diego District 4 Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe for proclaiming April 25th as Cuyamaca College Men’s Soccer Team Day!
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From Norco College:
Hi Mustangs! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Student Employees! We hope you enjoyed the Student Employee Appreciation Breakfast. Your hard work and dedication fosters community and continued success for all students at Norco College!
And From the Home of the Renegades
Shafter Library Adds Braille Books to Promote Inclusivity and Learning
The Shafter Library, a public library and satellite campus of Bakersfield College, recently acquired a collection of braille books, thanks to a Friends of the Shafter Library contribution. These books provide readers with the story written in English with clear braille lettering taped on each page. This makes the books inclusive to children who are blind or visually impaired, as well as to older family members reading to young children. It also provides a learning opportunity to those who are not visually impaired to learn more about braille.
Ariel Dyer, a BC Reference Librarian and Shafter Library Liaison, was excited about the new books. “The addition of this braille collection expands our reach to blind and visually impaired people and their families,” she said, “Additionally, it enriches the informal learning of sighted people and families through exposure to braille.”
The musical “The Sound of Music” premiered on Broadway on this date, 65 years ago. This version starred Mary Martin as Maria Von Trapp and won 5 Tony Awards – including Best Musical and Best Leading Actress. Of course we all know that the movie version starred the one and only Julie Andrews.
And check out this video of the amazing Audra McDonald performing the song “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” in “The Sound of Music Live!”
Let the sound of music envelope you this week
Good morning California. It is November 16, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Long Beach, Santa Rosa Receive Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Awards
Long Beach City College and Santa Rosa Junior College received the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As recipients of the annual HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — the colleges will be featured, along with other recipients, in the November/December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
San Diego College of Continuing Education Secures Professional Design Award for Historic Educational Cultural Complex Theatre Renovation Plans
Architectural plans for a $35-million restoration of San Diego College of Continuing Education’s historic theatre at the Educational Cultural Complex in southeastern San Diego are being recognized with a prestigious Professional Design Award from the Community College Facility Coalition.
Community College Research Center: Moorpark College’s Innovative Tutoring Program Improves Math and English Completion Rates
When staff at Moorpark College, a community college in Ventura County, California, sat down to brainstorm strategies for improving completion rates in transfer-level math and English courses, we started with a likely subject: tutoring.
The November 2024 meeting of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors is Monday, Nov. 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with Closed Session from 9:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m., in-person and viewable via Zoom.
VVC took a drive out to our satellite campus, the High Desert Training Center at the Victorville airport, to honor Eric Schmidt and the dedicated Exquadrum team! We proudly dedicated this space to Exquadrum, recognizing their relentless commitment to advancing the workforce and economy of the Victor Valley.
Exquadrum’s impactful partnership with VVC plays a key role in the economic growth of our region and provides hands-on training right here at the High Desert Training Center.
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From Ventura College:
Celebrating GRATIDUDE! Ventura College international students enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal!
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From Palo Verde College:
The PVC Board of Trustees honored our five Palo Verde College retirees. Congratulations to Carrie Mullion, Cecy Garcia, Denise Hunt, Maria Kehl, and Shelley Hamilton!
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From Cuyamaca College:
After four long years, wheelchair basketball has returned to Cuyamaca! Both the Men’s and Women’s teams made an appearance, showcasing incredible talent and teamwork. Go Coyotes!!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month and the Native American Student Support & Success Program (NASSSP) at Bakersfield College is hosting a series of exciting events to celebrate. All students, staff, and community members are invited to attend the activities, which includes luncheons, art workshops, discussion panels, and more.
Johnny Nieto, Program Manager of NASSSP, is excited to host these activities for the BC community. “We want to emphasize that Native American Heritage Month is about recognition, education, and unity,” he says, “We are excited for others to join us, to learn about our heritage, and to celebrate the strength and endurance of Native cultures. Everyone is welcome to attend! We believe that a broad, inclusive audience enriches these gatherings!”
This past Monday, as we paused to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I re-read his piece “The Purpose of Education.”
We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dressed in a cap and gown. King graduated from Morehouse College in 1948 with a bachelor’s of arts degree in sociology. Source: The Atlantic Journal-Constitution.
I was happy to attend Bakersfield’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast Celebration and see some of my colleagues from Kern CCD. Steve Watkin, acting President of BC was honored at this event.
During the holiday season, my travels were at a minimum and I spent 3 glorious weeks doing my zoom meetings sitting by the fireplace. This week, I was back on the road starting in Sacramento then Oakland.
The Chancellor’s Office Executive Team had a 2-day work session in Sacramento, focused on Vision 2030 and ensuring we support colleges to achieve our goals.
On Tuesday evening, I participated in a panel, Leadership on the Line, with CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia and UC President Michael Drake. The event was hosted by the Campaign for College Opportunity.
Michele Siqueiros, Sonya Christian, Millie Garcia, Michael Drake, Jessie Ryan
On Wednesday, I presented to the Association of Community College Administrators-Association of Chief Business Officers at their annual budget meeting in Sacramento. It was fun connecting with President Claudia Habib and Chancellor Marvin Martinez.
On Thursday, I spoke at the inservice for the Peralta Community College District, in Oakland, where we discussed Vision 2030, climate and Generative AI.
Good morning California. It is January 20, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Beloved Educator, Author Celebrates 50 Years At Citrus College
A longtime resident of La Verne, Dr. Dale Salwak first joined the Citrus College community as a full-time faculty member in 1973. Raised in a family of educators, he was a natural. In fact, he quickly developed a reputation for having an innovative and engaging classroom.
Skyline College Hosts Winter Research Scholars Internship Program
Starting January 2nd, the STEM division hosted 25 students as part of the Winter Research Scholars Internship program. The two-week program, which ran from Tuesday, January 2, 2024, to Friday, January 12, 2024, in Skyline College’s Fab Lab, introduced students to scientific research, topics, and skills that will help them gain further research and industry internships in STEM.
On November 14th, 2023, Cuyamaca College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Queer Student Center. The celebration, complete with music, food, and enthusiastic support from the community, reflected the college’s sincere commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students.
Glendale Community College’s Baja Program Celebrates 50 Years
Glendale Community College (GCC) has been offering field classes in the Baja California peninsula of Mexico since 1974. The program aims to expose students to a pristine and complex natural environment coupled with a unique experience in Mexican culture.
Four spring transfers share their journeys from community college to USC
USC recently posted a feature about 4 of their more than 350 spring undergraduate transfer students. Xander Singson (Los Angeles Harbor College), Jasmine Adhoot (Pasadena City College), Foris Huang (El Camino College), and Alexia Ruiz (Los Angeles City College) shared their experiences going from community colleges to USC.
From San Diego College of Continuing Education President Tina Maria King:
My family and I enjoyed walking with @sdcceedu in the MLK Parade along with all of our students, employees & community members. This year’s float was extra special, it was a dedication to ECC’s late Artist in Residence Rossie Wade’s “Black Family Sculpture”.
SPS (Special Programs & Services) hosted our first-ever collaboration event with TLSC (Teaching and Learning Support Center) today – “Jitters with Tutors”! Our goal was to introduce new and returning SPS students to the incredible services TLSC offers. From faculty-led workshops to personalized 1:1 tutoring, TLSC provides a wide range of support services.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Renegade Pantry Hosts First Farmers Market of 2024
On January 16, 2024, Bakersfield College hosted our first Renegade Nexus Farmer’s Market of the semester. This month’s market offered bananas, oranges, cabbage, red chard, chicken, and more. All items handed out were provided for free in partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK).
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.
