Since we are sill in the month of February, let me re-post my Valentine’s Day message from two weeks ago. Take 3 minutes to read it again and enjoy our California Community Colleges. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/
This week it was back to beautiful San Diego…. what is there not to like about San Diego.
We had our Board of Governors retreat at Southwestern College Crown Cove Aquatic Center on Coronado Island.
The retreat focused on three interrelated areas where investment and innovation can accelerate meaningful outcomes:
- Building, renewing, and modernizing our infrastructure:
From aging facilities to climate-friendly redesigns and data/technology systems essential for equitable learning and AI-ready campuses. - Deepening our work in equitable baccalaureate attainment:
Strengthening transfer pathways and expanding community college baccalaureate opportunities so that more of our students access and complete bachelor’s degrees linked to economic mobility. - Scaling internships for our students:
Reimagining work-based, project-based, and service-based learning so that internships become a default option in every pathway, connecting students to career-relevant experience and workforce opportunities.
Here is a photo with panelists for one of the sessions.
What a fun photo discovered by one of our Board members,
Thank you so much to Southwestern College for hosting us this week. President Mark Sanchez, you rock!
Good morning California.
It is February 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
Pasadena City College Launches a New Facility to Help Increase
the Skilled Trades Workforce and Support Fire Recovery
Pasadena City College has broken ground on a new construction trades facility that will train students to help rebuild fire-ravaged communities. The groundbreaking for the Construction Trades Lab was held January 14, as Los Angeles County continued its commemoration of the anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires. In January of 2025, the fires destroyed 16,000 structures. By the time the Eaton fire was contained on January 31, 2025, it had destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship. Pasadena City College is located minutes from neighborhoods devastated by the fires.
Diablo Valley College Students Shine at Nationwide AAICE Student Works Expo
Diablo Valley College students earned national recognition at the 2025 AAICE Student Works Expo, a nationwide competition celebrating student achievement in Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Five DVC students submitted projects, and four of those projects were selected for display on the organization’s official website.
Science Alive Marks 25 Years of Hands-On Learning at Gavilan College
Gavilan College is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Science Alive, a long-running program that introduces middle school students to hands-on science through interactive labs and experiments. Founded in 2001, Science Alive has served more than 5,000 students from South Santa Clara and San Benito counties. The program invites students to spend a Saturday on campus exploring science by building, testing, observing, and asking questions, often for the first time in a college lab setting.
In Case You Missed It
Santiago Canyon College’s new water sciences lab will
enhance classes in water technology
A new, modernized water technology classroom is in final planning stages for the Santiago Canyon College campus that will feature state-of-the-art equipment to help train students for well-paying careers in water districts throughout Orange County and beyond.
The new lab will enhance SCC’s substantial Water and Wastewater Technology program. “Water technology is one of the most popular programs in the division of business and career education,” said Denise Foley, dean of the division. “It’s one of the few and largest programs in the state that teaches water operations in treatment and distribution.”
*****
For many college students, picking a major takes time and revising
For many students applying to college, choosing the right major and career path may seem like the most important decision they’ve ever had to make.
Some students prioritize fields that offer high salaries, while others follow their passions. Some may be inspired by their peers’ careers or influenced by their parents’ wishes.
But the reality is, many students do not stick to their initial choice. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences reveals that 55% of students who graduated with a humanities degree began their college education intending to major in another field. Roughly 85% of college students change their major at least once, according to the Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm EAB, formerly known as the Education Advisory Board. EAB studies also show that students who delay declaring a major graduate at a slightly higher rate than those who choose a major in their first semester.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Skyline College:
Wrapping up Black History Month with the Black Student Union’s Soul Social. We celebrated community with games, local vendors, and campus connections. BSU delivered us soul and gave it a home right here at Fireside Dining.
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From Golden West College:
GWC’s Amphitheater was filled with culture, community and celebration today as we welcomed the Year of the Horse! From the Lion & Dragon Dance and Vietnamese fashion show to hands-on activities, performances and delicious food, it was a joyful afternoon all around.
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From Imperial Valley College:
Imperial Valley College is proud to share that our Mardi Gras Parade float was honored with the Mayor’s Choice Award at the 2026 El Centro Mardi Gras Light Parade! Thank you to the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of El Centro for this special recognition. This award reflects the creativity and collaboration of IVC’s Associated Student Government (ASG) for envisioning the float, along with Student Affairs, Cheer Club, SSS Club, and the many students and team members who helped decorate and represent the College with pride. Warrior spirit was shining bright on Main Street!
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From Madera Community College:
A beautiful blanket of snow has transformed the Madera Community College Oakhurst Campus into a true winter wonderland! The late winter storm has brought stunning views and a peaceful glow to our campus.
*****
From Hartnell College:
the Financial Aid Office welcomed over 60 students and their families to a Cash for College Financial Aid Workshop, providing hands-on support with FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications to help students maximize their financial aid opportunities.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC’s Renegade Motorsports Team Competes at Sonoma Raceway
On Friday, February 13th, 2026, the Bakersfield College’s Renegade Motorsports team traveled to Sonoma Raceway in Northern California to compete in the Lucky Dog Racing League’s 14-hour race weekend. Participating in competitions like this gives students the opportunity to utilize their skills in an authentic racing environment. The team arrived Friday and went straight to work. The team’s practice and qualifying session experienced a minor setback due to a batch of contaminated fuel, but they were able to work through it and complete one hour of practice time. Student drivers Jesus Frias and Aiden Lomeli were able to complete their first laps on the iconic racetrack.
The weather on Saturday morning was beautiful, and BC’s Emanuel Trujillo took the green flag at 9:00AM and drove the first two-hour stint of the race with no issues. At the first pit stop, the team refueled and serviced the car and Aiden Lomeli strapped in to drive the second stint. During his stint, Aiden noticed a mechanical issue with the car that the team was able to repair quickly. After the repairs, Jesus Frias took the wheel for his two-hour stint. Unfortunately, about halfway through his stint, he noticed an issue and brought the car into the paddock for the team to diagnose and repair. The team worked quickly to fix the issue, and Jesus was able to finish the 7-hour race on Saturday.
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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
A special thank you to our DVC student veterans for leading this meaningful tribute and reminding us of the values of unity, resilience, and service.
