Tag Archives: Karen Goh

2026 Sterling Silver on March 14th

Uncategorized March 22, 2026 Leave a comment

But before I jump into my week, let me start with Sterling Silver, last Saturday, March 14th. It was wonderful seeing friends and colleagues.

With Kate Pluta, Nick Strobel and Janet Tarjan:

It was great connecting with Ravi and Naina Patel. I got to know the two of them very well when we worked on the Peace Gardens at BC and the Regenerative Farm project. The won the philanthropist of the year award at this year’s Sterling Silver.

Talking about the Patels, here is a blast from the past….

In 2020 the Pease Garden was established. Here is a 10-min video where the committee introduced this project to the campus. The speakers in this video include — Sonya Christian, Krista Moreland, Emma McNellis, Naina Patel, Lisa Elzy Watson, Hansa Patel, and Neeraj Rama.

And Corny Rodriguez was recognized with the Sterling Silver Service award. A

Always happy to see Mayor Karen Goh.

Talking about Corny, here is a blast from the past…..

Check out this video celebrating Corny on his retirement:

Back to Sterling Silver. Here is a photo with Romeo Agbalog, Kay Meek & Jean Fuller:

Was so happy that Jean Fuller was able to make it. Here is throwback to when Jean was recognized with the Service award.

Here is the video of Kylie introducing Jean Fuller and her work with Early College.

And another selfie with Kate, Nick & Janet –

Thankful that Janet snapped these pictures.

Here is one with Rudy Salas.

Rudy Salas brought significant resources to Bakersfield College when he was in the Assembly. He received the 2020 Sterling Silver Service Award. Check out this blast from the past. A 3-min video.

And with Yovani Jimenez

And with Norma Rojas-Mora and Gabby Gonzalez

Now, let’s move to this week…. started in Sacramento…

Spring has sprung in Sacramento. Snapped photos of azalea on my walk back with a friend from Zocalos.

More flowers –

And calla lilies –

And dogwood in bloom –

Closed out my week in San Diego.

What’s not to love about San Diego

And at night –

And the icing on the cake – when I met up with Daisy Gonzales and we did our usual walk by the waterfront.

Then it was off to the CEO symposium. Here’s a pic with Anthony Culpepper and Rowena Tomaneng:

This week was also the Rising Scholars Program Convening.

Rising Scholars now spans 104 colleges, supports students in 147 correctional facilities, and connects them to 90 on campus programs that help them continue their education after release.

Chelsea Esquibias, senior advisor at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, started the event with a welcome and network address.

Board of Governors Member and Former President Pamela Haynes held a fireside chat moderated by Assistant Vice Chancellor Erin Larson, with panelists Tyee Griffith, program coordinator at the Prison Education Project and Matthew Caddell, Student Government President/Student Trustee at Chaffey College.

Michael Redding, deputy cabinet secretary and senior advisor for public safety at the Office of the Governor, gave the keynote address on ‘Public Safety and Higher Education.’

Good morning California.
It is March 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cloverlane Foundation Funds New “Jaws of Life”
for Allan Hancock College Fire Academy

 A generous donation is helping Allan Hancock College strengthen hands-on training for the next generation of firefighters.   The Allan Hancock College Foundation received a $25,000 donation from Cloverlane Foundation to support the purchase of a state-of-the-art “Jaws of Life” extrication system for use in the college’s fire academy, along with other essential equipment for fire academy students.

» Read more!

Rep. Juan Vargas secures additional $500K in funding
for San Diego College of Continuing Education

U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52) has secured $500,000 in federal funding for critical utility and water infrastructure improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education.  The investment will upgrade critical campus infrastructure, strengthening SDCCE’s ability to provide hands-on workforce training to approximately 30,000 adult learners each year.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College Opens New Building MM to Help Students Build the Future

Long Beach City College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus to celebrate the grand opening of the new Building MM complex. The facility supports the city’s growing Space Beach sector and serves as the new home for the Architecture, Anthropology, Carpentry, Horticulture, HVAC, and Plant Science programs, preparing students for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and construction industries expanding across the region.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

He was an undocumented immigrant. Now he runs LA’s community colleges

When Alberto Román was a boy growing up in the Mexican state of Durango, his father was often far from home. Most times, he’d be gone for months.

Román’s father, Javier, had a third-grade education. And when work was scarce in Mexico, he’d venture north to the United Sates and take whatever job he could find.

Román missed his father terribly, and he relished the time alone with him. When his father would return to Mexico, they’d hike to a majestic statue of the revolutionary Pancho Villa, where Román and his father could also look out at their city.

Román did not know it then but, soon, that view would become a memory. When he was eight, his father returned; but, this time, Javier took his son, his daughter, and his wife with him back to the U.S. The family settled in Rialto, in California’s Inland Empire. Suddenly, Román had a new home and new challenges to contend with.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Mission College’s Rising Scholars program is partnering with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office on an initiative to revitalize the Elmwood Men’s Library, supporting education, personal growth, and second chances for incarcerated students. Last week marked a major milestone as decades-old furniture was replaced and new furniture donated by Mission College was installed.

*****

From Ventura College:

From galaxies to black holes, Ventura College welcomed a full crowd for an inspiring two-day astronomy experience.

We honored 100 years of science at VC with stargazing, interactive space simulations, and a vibrant evening of discovery for all ages

Dr. Cameron Hummels from CalTech lectured on black holes as part of the American Astronomical Society’s Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program, a nationally recognized initiative that brings leading astronomers to colleges across the country.

Thank you to the Ventura County Astronomical Society for setting up the all the telescopes for the star watching party.

*****

From Ohlone College:

This year’s #WomenInSTEM Dinner was one for the books! Thank you to Ohlone College MESA and our Society of Women Engineers student club for connecting women leaders in #STEM with our Renegades. Cheers to bright futures and #WomensHistoryMonth

*****

From Mt. San Jacinto College:

Enjoying pizza slices and conversations with the president!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Beach Volleyball Makes History with First-Ever Home Matches

Bakersfield College’s beach volleyball program made history on Friday, March 6, hosting its first-ever home matches on the college’s newly constructed beach volleyball courts. The Renegades rose to the occasion, defeating Cuesta College 3-2 and Glendale 4-1 to sweep the day.

The milestone marked a significant moment for BC athletics, with the new courts giving the program a permanent home to compete and grow. The wins extended what has been a strong start to the season. BC has now won five straight and sits at 8-4 overall on the season.

All home events this season are free and open to the public.

» Follow results and see upcoming schedules!

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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

Autumn bring luster to the skies

Uncategorized November 8, 2025 Leave a comment

‘Tis the season of clouds –

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. 

» Read more!

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. 

» Read more!

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.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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 Friday that 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.

» Read more!

*****

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.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Santiago Canyon College:

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.

*****

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!

*****

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

*****

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.

*****

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. 

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

Relationships ….. the joy of life

Uncategorized August 31, 2024 Leave a comment

This past week, I attended the Women’s Equality Day event hosted by the League of Women
Voters, the American Association of University Women and Delta Kappa Gamma in
Kern County. Thank you Janet Tarjan for all of your efforts in making this happen.

Board of Governors President Amy Costa keynoted the event. Her speech was inspirational and brought in her personal experience while quoting stats on the disparities that still exist.

So appreciated the community college presidents coming out to support members of the Board of Governors.

President Prima Monarrez, President Rafe Trickey, Sonya Christian, President Sean Hancock, Trustee Yovani Jimenez

I enjoyed seeing Prima in her new role as President of Porterville College vibrant and engaged. It was wonderful getting to meet the new president of Taft, Dr. Rafe Trickey. Rafe brought his mother Loretta Schield and I remembered her from my past when I was president of BC.

Loretta Schield and Rafe Trickey. Photo obtained from Mayor Karen Goh’s Facebook post

Here is a little something about Loretta and her husband Mike who passed in 2020.

BAKERSPATCH? I got a nice email the other day from local resident Mike Schield, who describes himself as a Bay Area transplant who has lived here for 13 years and (thank you Mike) a regular reader of Bakersfield Observed and The Californian. In his words:

“It’s been most interesting to read all the kibitzing re Bako, B-town etc. Loretta (his wife) has been encouraging me to put in my two bits worth, so here goes. Frequently in discussion with my buddies for lo these many years, I refer to our community as Bakerspatch. I know it’s a little corny but Loretta and I both think that one of the beauties of our country is that it’s okay to be a little corny! Helps grease the slides! Also when I’m addressing local mail, I use Bfld. Try pronouncing that one! Keep up the great work, Richard.”

Source: Bakersfield Observed archives. http://www.bakersfieldobserved.com/2010_01_24_archive.html

Thank you Sean Hancock for driving all the way from Cerro Coso… you came the longest distance… it was so great to see you.

And Yovani Jimenez is just one happy person who brightens the day with his presence.

The picture below has only a fraction of those who had come out to the event. So enjoyed seeing old friends from Bakersfield College. Relationships… the joy of life!

Amy Costa, Sonya Christian, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg with folks from Bakersfield College
BOG Member Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Sonya Christian, Mary Helen Barro, BOG President Amy Costa, Janet Tarjan

Enjoyed catching up with Mayor Karen Goh.

Karen Goh, Sonya Christian, Kimberly Schmidt, Janet Tarjan

After the event, Amy and I, along with Jean Fuller, did a brief tour of the Bakersfield College campus with the new President Jerry Fliger. The campus looks great! Loved seeing the trees planted during the centennial celebrations growing taller. Enjoyed the draught resistant flowering plants.

Senator Emeritus Jean Fuller, BOG Member Amy Costa, President Jerry Fliger

Yovani snapped a fun selfie

The following day, we spent a couple of hours with the West Hills Community College District folks at Lemoore College. The photo was taken at the food pantry.

From left to right:
Chancellor Robert Pimental, President Carla Tweed (Coalinga College), Nan Gomez-
Heitzeberg, Amy Costa, President Jim Preston (Lemoore College), employees who
work at the pantry, and Ivan a student wrestler who also works at the pantry.

California Community Colleges
We take care of our students, our communities, and our planet.

Good morning California.
It is August 31, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coalition For Responsible Community Development and LATTC Receive
$20 Million Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant

The Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) and were announced as one of 21 selected applicants of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants. The Community Change Grants program is designed to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.  

» Read more!

Mendocino College among partners to receive
$18 Million grant to address Pacific Coast ocean restoration

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the awards that are recommended for funding under the Transformational Habitat Restoration & Coastal Resilience grant program, with Mendocino College to be among the grantees.

The Nature Conservancy California has been recommended to receive $18 million over three years to launch the Pacific Coast Ocean Restoration Initiative, a comprehensive, collaborative statewide effort aimed at restoring and recovering degraded marine ecosystems across California.

» Read more!

Pasadena City College Joins Forces With Three Nonprofits
to Combat Youth Homelessness

On July 16, First Place for Youth, Heritage Housing Partners, and Pasadena City College announced a groundbreaking partnership to provide housing for transitional age youth in Pasadena. The collaboration has transformed two existing structures at 2322 E. Foothill Blvd. into six 375-square-foot studio apartment units for young adults transitioning out of foster care. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held earlier in August.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Two Bakersfield women honored at state’s Latina Empresaria Luncheon

The 45th edition of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce convention wrapped up last weekend in downtown Bakersfield. Bakersfield College professor Olivia Garcia was inducted to the Latina Empresaria Hall of Fame. Also honored at the luncheon was Norma Rojas-Mora, receiving the Pioneer Empresaria of the Year Award.

» Read more!

Two wonderful women, colleagues and friends.  Not surprised that they received this recognition.

*****

C3 Converge 2024 – The Community College Climate Summit

Hosted by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, C3CONVERGE 2024 is a pivotal summit that will inspire innovation, build resilience, and drive climate action through education. The summit unites educators, industry experts, and policymakers in a dynamic exchange of ideas, offering unparalleled networking, cutting-edge insights, and empowering educational strategies. C3CONVERGE 2024 workshops and discussions will deliver actionable outcomes and bring into focus a nationwide community of practice dedicated to sustainability and climate resilience.

Check it out September 17-18 in Sacramento.

» Learn more & Register!

*****

Futures Summit 2024

Led by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office in partnership with Foothill-De Anza Community College District and hosted at De Anza College, this event brings together the largest system of higher education in the nation. The California Community Colleges is uniquely positioned to address the challenges and opportunities of our new AI-informed reality. 

This landmark event kicks off with a reception on 9/9, followed by a day of groundbreaking discussions on 9/10 at De Anza College in Cupertino.

» Learn more & Register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From El Camino College:

Yesterday we welcomed our Early College students for their first day of fall! The group of juniors from North Torrance High School is the 1st cohort and attended a variety of classes.

*****

From College of the Desert:

College of the Desert’s Welcome Day was a success!
Incoming and current students had the opportunity to attend a resource fair, tour campus, get COD swag and learn about college resources to start the year off right.

*****

From Los Angeles Pierce College:

A warm welcome to Pierce International Students! Did you know that our International Program hosts students representing a whopping 46 countries around the world?! We strive to be an inclusive and diverse campus and this is one way we do it!

*****

From Shasta College:

Hey Knights! We’re out here at Day on the Green for Welcome Week with fun games, prizes, music by DJ Bucky, and a dunk tank!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Renegade Room Features Quality Cuisine and Training

Marcia Overturf, one of the chefs inside the Renegade Room at Bakersfield College, describes the Renegade Room in just three words: “A hidden gem.” This single description, one that she has heard countless times directly from customers, perfectly encapsulates the college restaurant’s impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and charming atmosphere.

Contrary to popular belief, the Renegade Room is open to everyone—students, staff, faculty, and even the public! As Chef Overturf emphasizes, “It is a restaurant for the community [where] everyone is welcome; it’s a place to try different cuisines—something you may have never tried before at a very good price.”

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

KCCD gearing up for in-service week of activities

Uncategorized August 14, 2021 Comments: 2

What a week! Colleagues across the Kern Community College District have been hard at work making the final adjustments as we return to in-person learning this fall. Of course we have plenty of options for students … besides face-to-face classes we have online, hybrid, zoom online etc. We’re just about a week away from the start of Fall 2021 semester – and welcoming many of our students, faculty, and staff back after nearly 18 months away.

As we approach the finish line for these preparations, I had to share this 1-min epic video my daughter made of Bessie at the beach set to the theme of Chariots of Fire. Loved it!

And of course, here’s my own Neo, who has a new mischievous streak including hiding in the bramble.

And here is a quick tribute to Cornell. Saw his gorgeous face on Jessica Wojtysiak’s FB post.

Good morning, friends…
It is August 14, 2021.
The sun shines bright over KCCD.

This week, the Pirates, the Coyotes, and the Renegades continue to 
Dare Mighty Things

Porterville College

PC Promise Students return to campus early for In-Person Orientation

President Claudia Habib visits with new freshmen Promise Students in the cafeteria.

Porterville College welcomed its newest class of PC Promise Students to campus this week for a four-day in-person orientation event.  Dozens of students attended in-person, while many more attended the event virtually.  During the annual four-day orientation, students learned about campus and received tours, listened to motivational speakers, and attended panels that provided tips for success from our financial aid staff and several Porterville College student ambassadors. 

The Porterville College Promise Program serves first-time college students through their first year with a comprehensive plan of financial and academic support.  It is open to students who attend PC full-time, with on-time completion of 30 units per year, meeting the 15 to Finish campaign pledge.  To remain in the program, students must also declare a Pathway and establish an Education Plan.

Students get back to building their dreams of becoming firefighters

Porterville City Fire Chief Dave LaPere (right) talks with Fire Academy Students







  • Fire Academy students settle in for the coming months of rigorous training.


  • Fire academy students share their stories during their first class session.

This past weekend, President Claudia Habib Visited the Porterville College Fire Academy, which is conducted in partnership between Porterville College and the City of Porterville Fire Department, to welcome the new cohort of Firefighter-I Academy students.

The students began their semester with welcome messages from both Dr. Habib and Porterville Fire Chief Dave LaPere. Habib said of the day, “It was so inspiring to hear their stories. A common thread among them was chasing life-long dreams of becoming Fire Fighters.” 

Porterville College conducts the Academy in the Fall, along with an Interagency Basic Wildland Firefighter Academy that takes place in the Spring each year. The programs are designed to help students prepare for Entry-level firefighter job opportunities, both locally and on the state level.

The one-semester Firefighter-1 Academy runs from August through December and helps prepare graduates to apply for entry-level firefighter positions with most fire departments in the state. It is accredited by the Office of the California State Fire Marshal and provides the training students need for certification by the State Fire Marshal as a Firefighter-1.

Let’s say a small prayer for our brave California Firefighters as we move through this summer 2021 which is already a difficult fire season.

Porterville College is Growing Futures with Outreach


PC faculty and staff recently spent the day spreading the word about continuing education to local farm workers.

The “PC Growing Futures” program provides farm workers classes offered in their own communities, with access to laptops, textbooks, and access to Rosetta Stone Software to help them achieve student success.

Just this past week, several teams of Porterville College advisors, counselors and outreach staff traveled to fields and cold storage facilities in Porterville and the surrounding communities to provide direct outreach and information to hundreds of farm workers about PC Growing Futures and other PC programs.  During these very full days of outreach activities, they spent the mornings and evenings mingling with employees one-on-one and giving quick presentations to large groups.

With this program, PC continues to partner with the California Farmworker Association to offer new services to farm workers throughout the Greater Porterville Area.

PC Educational Advisor Connie Oropeza talks to warehouse workers about continuing their education.

Cerro Coso Community College

P.O.S.T. Academy recruits return to speak to incoming class

Student success! Two prior Cerro Coso P.O.S.T. Academy recruits, now officers, Sunny Hasnian (McFarland PD) and Zach Page (Tehachapi PD) joined the academy orientation for the upcoming fall in Tehachapi to give some guidance and answer questions to nervous potential recruits.  The Program’s graduation and placement rates are outstanding for the last class (97% success and 75% employed) even during the pandemic!

Cerro Coso campuses open for in-person instruction and services

All Cerro Coso campuses are now OPEN offering a full complement of student and instructional services. What the staffing looks like may be different for each department as we continue our phased-in approach to our return.  Dr. Hancock welcomed staff back with donuts and coffee the first two days.  He has long anticipated the day when the Cerro Coso family could gather again in-person. 

College facilities were closed and staff working from home when Dr. Hancock took over the Office of President in September.  #CoyoteSafe. #CoyoteStrong.  

Don’t forget – the Cerro Coso Rocks Welcome Back Celebration is this Thursday, August 19, from 3-7 pm. There will be in-person and virtual events. There will also be a COVID vaccine clinic.

Find out more at https://www.cerrocoso.edu/about/outreach/cc-rocks.

Thank you to M&O Staff for HVAC work!

In the past year, Cerro Coso has poured a lot of time and money into getting its HVAC units up and running.  For the first time in a couple of years, we are above 90% of our units operating at full capacity.  All of the M&O staff are to be commended for making this happen.

Bakersfield College

Local Officials Join BC For Get Out The Vaccine Neighborhood Canvas

Earlier this year, Bakersfield College students began participating in the statewide “Get Out The Vaccine” project, utilizing canvassers to share vaccine knowledge, information, and awareness with residents living throughout the zip codes of 93307 and 93301.

On Thursday, local officials including Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez and community partners such as Dignity Health and Kern Health Systems joined BC’s students and nursing program to offer both the Moderna or the Johnson and Johnson vaccines on the spot in neighborhoods.. 

Renegade Athletics Holds Media Day

Bakersfield College’s Athletics extended a warm welcome to join the Renegades in kicking off the 2021 fall sports season with the annual BC Athletics Media Day on Thursday, August 12th.

The event featured a full lineup of guest speakers, including:

  • Opening Remarks with Kenny Calvin
  • Remarks by Bakersfield Mayor, Karen Goh 
  • Men’s Coach, Vayron Martinez
  • Cross Country, Pam Kelley
  • Volleyball, Carl Ferreira
  • Golf Women’s coach, Wes Coble
  • Football, R.Todd Littlejohn
  • Athletic Director, Reggie Bolton

BC Student Convocation Going Virtual

From email from OSL:

In light of the newest Kern County COVID-19 updates, Bakersfield College is moving to a virtual setting for the upcoming New Student Convocation.

If you have already registered for the ceremony, you do not need to do anything. You will receive a separate email, one day before the event, with the virtual link.

If you have not yet registered to participate, please do so now at https://bcstudentlife.wufoo.com/forms/r6fynh3017yave/

Another Successful Express Enrollment Event at Bakersfield College!

Bakersfield College Outreach with support from Financial Aid, Counseling, and more, hosted a Virtual Express Enrollment Event on August 11th from 12pm to 8pm to help new and continuing students enroll and get the classes they need.

The enrollment team helped around 200 students enroll in courses for fall, while interacting with students meaningful and impactful during this fast paced event. One student shared the positive experience on the “Surviving Bakersfield College” page below.

The next virtual express enrollment event will be August 18th from 12pm to 5pm, and ongoing registration events are happening throughout August.

Visit the website for more details: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/registrationrocks

Or register for the next virtual express enrollment event here: https://forms.gle/og858uCosjSU6Cao9

Health Science team hosts Peak Performance event

On Wednesday, August 11th, the Title V Health Science team hosted their first on-campus event, “Peak Performance: Health for the Whole Person.” This was an in-depth seminar on self-care, peak performance and mental health treatment modalities as it relates to Health Science Careers. Dave Seymour was our speaker and got the semester off to a great start with his expertise, compassion and guidance as students start their journeys back on campus and into their prospective programs. This is the first in a series of seminars for the Fall semester in hopes to providing successful skills and support to students pursuing health science careers.

WE ARE BC! 

Seminar Series

This week, we held two seminars that are part of the Chancellor’s Seminar Series.

On Monday, we heard from Dena Rhoades, Roger Perez, Resa Hess, Nicky Damania, Joe Grubbs and Terri Higgins as we discussed the new KCCD Campus Pass App.

Representatives from each of our colleges shared details about how the App works at their locations.

Roger Perez, Porterville College:

Resa Hess, Cerro Coso Community College:

Nicky Damania, Bakersfield College

We also had a Q&A session with Joe Grubbs and Terri Higgins – Terri is from ReadyEd, the company that made the app:

On Tuesday, we had a chance to get a student perspective. Student trustee Gian Gayatao hosted a panel with Edith Mata (BC), Yvette Carranza (PC) and Mia Guzman (CC). The student panel asked a series of questions to nursing faculty and COVID Response team leaders for the three campuses. Thank you to our students and to our panelists: Alisha Loken, Kim Behrens, Matthew Wanta, Nicky Damania, Roger Perez, and Kevin King.

Here’s the Q&A Panel from that discussion:

You can see all the videos from the Chancellor’s Seminar Series at https://www.kccd.edu/chancellors-office/chancellors-seminar-series.

Poetry Corner

Photo of Rockport

Last week, I shared the second part of Jack Hernandez‘s poetry series “Rockport in June.”

Please enjoy Part 3:

The ocean cannot
be seen
through the morning fog,
the sun that lays
a lighted path
Is hidden
as are our days     
that sometimes begin
with only large rocks
before our eyes,
and we wonder
if we will see
the vast sea
that promises
a day of joyful
searching.

In the News

Cerro Coso to hold virtual admissions workshop

The Tehachapi News shared this information about the upcoming Virtual College Admissions Workshop at Cerro Coso, scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday. A financial aid technician will review the Cerro Coso Promise scholarship, Foundation scholarships, outside scholarships, and more!

BC partnering with auto industry to bring training center to Bakersfield

I saw that both the Bakersfield Californian and KGET shared the news that BC will partner with the Greater Bakersfield New Car Dealer Association and other auto industry experts to bring a new auto facility to Bakersfield.

“Through many ideas and conversations, we developed this partnership as a way for Bakersfield College students to train on the vehicles that otherwise might not be profitable due to normal technician labor costs, giving new access for the students to work on current and relevant technologies,” said Automotive Instructor Andrew Haney.

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Porterville College shared their next Community Vaccination Clinic, which will be held on Thursday, August 19, from 11 am to 2 pm in the Porterville College Cafeteria. Anyone age 12 and older is welcome to receive their first Pfizer dose.

Thank you to Laurel Mourtzanos for the STEM Academy photos.

I’d also like to thank those that took part:

  • Kathleen Rush, Dept. Chair Math
  • Jon Brown, Math Faculty
  • Jesse Oropeza, STEM Counselor and Rural Initiatives
  • Laurel Mourtzanos, STEM Counselor
  • James McGarrah, Associate Dean, STEM
  • David Riess, Faculty Psychology (Presentation on Imposture Syndrome)
  • Karen Gomez, Faculty Psychology (Presentation on Imposture Syndrome)
  • Connie Gonzalez, Director MESA
  • Rebecca Bumpous, Financial Aid

And student interns:

  • Gabriel Diaz
  • Jose Lopez
  • Praise Oo
  • Brandon Mondragon
  • Brandon Peffer

****

Here are some photos from the Bakersfield College EAC/SALT/OIE Enrollment Management Workday on Tuesday morning.

Snapped with photo after the Board meeting.

Zav Dadabhoy, Sonya Christian, Kay Meek, Claudia Habib, Dena Rhoades, Sean Hancock

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That’s a wrap for now.
See you next Saturday!

The future is bright at KCCD.

-sonya
a joyful and grateful Chancellor

June – new graduates new beginnings

Uncategorized June 5, 2021 Leave a comment

This week, I went out to eat at the New Vintage Grill, and was so pleased to run into two new Bakersfield College Students.

Erica Vitela is an incoming nursing student. Avery Edgmon just graduated from Liberty High School.

I was able to get a picture with them, along with Heidi Allison and Janet Tarjan:

I just love running into students…. and these two smart young women are amazing and totally made my day.

Good morning Bakersfield.
It is Saturday, June 5, 2021 … a great day to be a Renegade.

Memorial Day Tribute from Jenny Frank

I wanted to share this beautiful email that Veterans Services and Programs Manager Jenny Frank sent out in honor of Memorial Day:

Zav Dadabhoy, Armando Trujillo, Paul Beckworth, Sonya Christian and Jenny Frank at the VRC dedication

Each Memorial Day, I take time to quietly reflect on the blessings that have been afforded to us as Americans. I pause to give thanks to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy these blessings. Every year, I am driven to pay tribute to them in a way that would honor their sacrifice. 

This year, I am reminded of a story told by our center’s namesake, Vietnam veteran, the late Vernon Valenzuela. Over two decades ago Vernon learned of the tragic, violent death of a young football player here in Kern County. Angered and saddened by this travesty, Vernon reasoned that he did not fight in the jungles of Vietnam to have our youth die this way in our own country. He was moved to action and so began his journey to extend his efforts to create peace within our community.  

Whether they fell on the battlefield, as a result of an internal battle after they left the front lines, or due to physical ailments brought on by their time at war, the brave Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and women and Coast Guardsmen and women who gave their last full measure are deserving of our gratitude and honor.  

This Memorial Day 2021, I propose to you that we commit to peace in their honor. They fought and died so that we may know peace. For their sacrifice, let us do our part by continuing to seek peace, peace within ourselves, in our neighborhoods, within our country, so that one day we may be the example of peace. 

May the families, friends, and comrades of the fallen find peace in their loved one’s absence but most of all, may the souls of the brave men and women that answered our Nation’s call rest in peace.  

“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war” -Douglas MacArthur 

A message from Bakersfield College’s Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Manny Mourtzanos:

On this Memorial Day (and every day), we remember our fallen military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties to secure our freedom and liberty, and we remember their families who also sacrificed for our country. Words are insufficient to fully convey our appreciation. As we know, our military personnel serve voluntarily and willingly, not through conscription. In so doing, each and every member of our armed forces, including active duty, reservists and retired personnel, is prepared to make the same sacrifice made by our fallen heroes. Let us collectively express our gratitude for our fallen personnel, their families, our veterans, and current military personnel for their willingness to serve.

BC Students to serve as COVID Outreach Project Interns

This summer, the Kern Inyo Mono Central Labor Council in Partnership with the Central Valley Workers Center is engaging in direct community outreach to educate residents of Kern County on COVID-19 and the ongoing vaccination efforts. As part of this initiative, up to ten Bakersfield College students will receive an internship to participate in direct community engagement activities.  

Freddie Rodriguez, Job Development Specialist at BC, is an advocate for students getting involved in community wide efforts. He says, “We have a lot of passionate students at BC who want to serve their community, especially while we navigate this pandemic. Our nursing students are administering vaccines, students are volunteering at the pop-up clinics, and these ten interns will help bolster public health outreach efforts to keep our community safe and healthy while gaining work experience. It’s a win-win.”

Through this program, the interns will advance efforts of educating Kern residents on COVID-19 and vaccination efforts. Activities planned for the positions include reaching impacted communities through phone banking, texting, social media, participation at vaccine clinics, and community events.  

BC Vaccine Clinics

The BC Student Health and Wellness Center is open to all students and the community to be vaccinated. They are currently administering the Moderna COVID vaccine Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9 am and 3 pm. The Moderna vaccine is available for people who are 18 and older.

Community clinics will also continue throughout the summer. You can see a list of upcoming Vaccine Clinics on the BC Student Health & Wellness Center website.

Walk-ins are accepted at all clinics or register at myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255 and schedule your appointment. Enter the zip code of 93305 to view the Bakersfield College Student Health and Wellness Center availability.

Closing Day

On Day 2 of our Closing Day Spring 2021 festivities, we heard from KCCD Chancellor Tom Burke:

I’d also like to share a few of the President’s Leadership Award winners for the 2020-2021 year.

Our fabulous Nursing Department:

And the Student Information Desk/SID Team, led by Dan Hall:

You can see all the videos from Closing Day at https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/president/closing-day-spring-2021.

2021 Commencement

The 2021 Commencement Tribute aired on KGET on May 16, to honor our amazing Class of 2021. I’d like to share a few videos from that production:

Philosophy Professor Anna Collins was the Samuel W. McCall Outstanding Faculty Recipient:

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh shared remarks:

We also heard from Assemblymember Rudy Salas:

Our graduates were able to submit photos to be included in the program. We divided our graduates into 6 groups, and today I’m sharing Group 1:

You can see all the videos from the 2021 Commencement Tribute at https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/admissions/2021-commencement-tribute.

Additionally, all 2021 BC graduates will be welcome to participate in the in-person commencement with the Class of 2022 when restrictions for large gatherings are lifted. Information regarding how to participate will be available on the Commencement page in March 2022.

CCC Women’s Caucus to welcome Lilly Ledbetter

On June 22, the CCC Women’s Caucus will welcome guest speaker Lilly Ledbetter. Lilly was the plaintiff in the US Supreme Court Case Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., regarding employment discrimination. The court decided that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not allow employers to be sued for pay discrimination more than 180 days after an employee’s first paycheck. However, Congress passed a fair pay act in her name – the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 – to remedy this issue.

This event is free to members of the women’s caucus. Non-members may attend for $35.

For more information, or to register, please visit the CCC Women’s Caucus website at https://www.cccwomenscaucus.org/upcoming-events.html.

In the News

Bakersfield College Creates Innovative Partnerships to Expand Resources

Advanced Transportation and Logistics published a piece about a partnership that BC Automotive Instructor Andrew Haney initiated between Bakersfield College and the Greater Bakersfield New Car Dealers Association.

“We have an industry that depends on each other, and we can help create that fusion here,” Haney said. “Our students are eager, and the technician shortage is tremendous. We need the entire industry to come together to address it. The more we work together, the more we’re exposing students to the industry, giving them the opportunity for a stable career, living wage, and good future.”

Andrew Haney

CTEC students at KHSD graduate with a sense of purpose

Check out this article form the Bakersfield Californian about Career Technical Education Center graduation:

Jesse Espinoza, a senior at Foothill, said that he had contemplated other options for his future but he really wanted to be a firefighter. He enrolled in the fire technology program at CTEC, and that solidified it for him.

He’s planning to enroll to take firefighting courses at Bakersfield College, and ultimately become a firefighter. His parents were beaming and proud at Wednesday’s ceremony.

“He wanted to be a firefighter and he’s accomplishing it,” said his dad Juan Espinoza. “He’s really going for it.”

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Thank you April for this great photo of Neo, enjoying a nice walk this week.

Bill Moseley shared this throwback picture with a note:

“June, 1998. It was a summer of disaster movie blockbusters, with Deep Impact and Armageddon in theaters. Stanzi, our oldest, was two weeks old. She and my wife accompanied me (as one of our first trips out of the house) to a job interview at Bakersfield College, and sat in the lobby while I met with my future boss. 23 years (and six kids) later, I’m still here. I have a bit more gray, and a lot of experiences that have shaped me. The two week old is all grown up and finishing a master’s degree, and my wife and I would still choose to spend every minute together, rather than be apart. I’m thankful for everything BC has done for me over the years, and hope the college and our students have benefitted from my work. As I look to the future, I hope that I can continue to serve California’s most impactful population of students, and that I can work to support equity for students and my colleagues.”

BCSGA shared this screenshot from Emma McNellis, who spoke at the 2-21 Celebration: Student Messages for their Community College Family webinar with the Student Senate for California Community Colleges:

Nick Strobel shared pictures of his saguaro cactus flowers:

And the BC Cheer team celebrated National Donut Day:

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That’s all for now.
Until next time.

With much Renegade Pride and Collegiality.
sonya –
the luckiest and happiest college president ever

Sonya Christian's Blog