Tag Archives: Lake Tahoe Community College

Developing intelligence plus character

“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.”

Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke these words in a speech he gave as a student at Morehouse College.

On Monday, we will remember King’s legacy as the nation recognizes MLK Day for the 39th year. President Ronald Reagan signed MLK Day into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later, in 1986.

California Community Colleges developing intelligence plus character building both the power of concentration plus worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.

Yesterday evening (TGIF) I relaxed with dinner and a movie – A Real Pain. The movie follows American Jewish cousins David and Benji, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, as they journey to Poland to explore their late grandmother’s heritage and confront the lingering shadows of the Holocaust. Culkin won the Golden Globe for his portrayal of Benji a character who is both infuriating and endearing.
Jesse Eisenberg acted, wrote and directed the movie … pretty remarkable. I have always enjoyed the way Eisenberg sees the nuances in every day life.

Good morning California.
It is January 18, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

 Lake Tahoe Community College Secures $8.6M
for Tahoe’s First Public Safety Training Complex

Lake Tahoe Community College has officially secured the final funding to build the Tahoe Basin’s first Public Safety Training Complex. An $8.6 million grant from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, approved on January 14, 2025, paves the way for this transformative project. This project marks a significant step forward in enhancing the region’s emergency response capabilities and workforce training in fire, forestry, and emergency medical services.

» Read more!


Coalinga, Diablo Valley Colleges Honored for
Expanding Free, Open-Source Textbooks Programs

(From L to R: Chancellor Sonya Christian, ASCCC President Cheryl Aschenbach, Coalinga OER Librarian Heather M. Evans, Board President Hildegarde B. Aguinaldo, Board Vice President Bill Rawlings, Deputy Chancellor Rowena M. Tomaneng)
(From L to R: Chancellor Sonya Christian, ASCCC President Cheryl Aschenbach, DVC Academic Senate President John Freytag, DVC Dean Anne Kingsley, DVC Dept. Chair Lindsey Shively, Board President Hildegarde B. Aguinaldo, Deputy Chancellor Rowena M. Tomaneng)

Coalinga College and Diablo Valley College have been honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors with 2024-25 Exemplary Program Awards for their outstanding efforts in expanding free, open-source textbooks and instructional materials for students. The Exemplary Program Award was established in 1991 by the Board of Governors and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to recognize, support and embrace exceptional community college programs.

» Read more!


Riverside City College Rising Scholars Program Expands Funding to $600K to Support Justice-Impacted Youth

Riverside City College (RCC) is receiving a significant boost to its ongoing efforts to support justice-impacted youth, thanks to a $300,000 grant extension from the California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness). The amendment to the original 2021 grant brings the total funding to $600,000, allowing the college to expand its Rising Scholars program and continue its mission to assist young people involved in the juvenile justice system. 

» Read more!


African Diaspora Educational Summit Transforms Fullerton College

Fullerton College recently sent a select few faculty and staff to attend the “Colonization to Sovereignty” African Diaspora Education Summit in Ghana, Africa. The summit highlighted the importance of African Centered Education (ACE) and planning between the North Orange County Community College District faculty, classified staff and students who identify as part of the African Diaspora.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Reaffirms Commitment
to Climate Action and Sustainability

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors has updated its Climate Action and Sustainability Goals as the system continues to work to empower institutions to act on bold climate commitments and to create innovative climate solutions.

The updated 2025 Climate Action and Sustainability Goals, presented at the Board of Governors meeting Tuesday in Sacramento, prioritizes measurable progress across critical areas such as greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, green building standards, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, food systems, sustainable procurement, and transportation. The goals build on the Climate Action and Sustainability Framework from 2021, that set ambitious energy reduction goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the 73 California community college districts. The new, enhanced targets align with California’s statewide climate initiatives and the California Community Colleges’ strategic plan, Vision 2030.

» Read more!

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It’s FLEX day at PC! Time to get excited for our students to start Spring semester! Thank you to KernCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven Bloomberg for getting us off to a great start!

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From Cañada College:

This week on Upper Lawn was all about joy, connection, and support as we welcomed our Colts back to campus.
The sunshine and good vibes made it the perfect start to the semester, and we loved seeing everyone connect with the people and resources they can trust.
Let’s keep this momentum going—tackle this semester with confidence, stay connected, and remember, you’ve got a whole community here rooting for you.
Let’s make it a great one!

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From Grossmont College:

Grossmont College art students spent the afternoon restoring a rainbow mural at La Mesa Dale Elementary. This 60-foot mural was first created by Grossmont College art students in 2021. In this class, students learn about the cultural history of mural painting and community impact of public art while applying hands-on skills.

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And check out these beautiful pics from Shasta College:

If you’re here early on campus sometime, take a moment to watch the sunrise. We promise it’s worth it


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Excited to Welcome Back Students for Spring 2025 Semester

The spring semester is starting, and Bakersfield College is excited to welcome students back to campus for the Spring 2025 Semester! The official first day of instruction is Saturday, January 18th, for weekend courses, and Tuesday, January 21st, for weekday courses. The first week of the semester will feature several “Welcome Week” events and activities that aim to provide new and returning students an opportunity to connect with fellow Renegades, explore different programs, and get acclimated to campus life.

» 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

California Community Colleges: Empowering Education for All

Another week traveling this beautiful state!

First it was in Orange County, where the California Community Colleges team engaged with chancellors, administrators, deans, faculty, K-12 partners and the regional consortium at the Vision 2030 Regional Convening: Empowering Orange County’s Educational Future.

Don Daves-Rougeaux, James Todd, Ebony Jeffires, Erik Cooper, Sonya Christian, Rowena Tomenang, Jenny Saechao, Chris Ferguson, Siria Martinez

Here are two new members of my team – Dr. Rowena Tomenang, Deputy Chancellor, and Chris Ferguson, Exec Vice Chancellor.

I ended the week at UC Merced for the CEO Roundtable at the Strategic Transfer Summit. I was joined by CSU President Mildred Garcia and UC President Michael Drake:

Thank you to UC Merced Chancellor Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz!

Here are some more photos what were sent my way.

Craig Hayward, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg

Michelle Grimes-Hillman from the Chancellor’s Office facilitating a student panel at the Transfer Summit.

The amazing students on the transfer panel.

Good morning California.
It is November 9, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Golden West College Implements Zero-Cost Course Materials
for All Math Classes in Spring 2025

Golden West College will eliminate all course materials fees – including textbooks, calculators, and access codes for homework and study programs – for math classes in the Spring 2025 semester, which starts on Jan. 31. Currently, GWC has converted approximately 50 percent of its courses into “Zero Textbook Costs” to remove financial barriers for students. ZTC courses often use Open Educational Resources, which are created under a Creative Commons License that allows people to share, use, and build upon the work.

» Read more!


Sierra College Hosts California Forward and Regional Partners for Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Event

On October 8, Sierra College welcomed members of the California Forward organization along with regional leaders from education and business for a collaborative event focused on building a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the Sacramento region’s growing manufacturing sector. The event featured a panel discussion that emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in developing programs that align with industry demands.

» Read more!


Porterville College Receives $2.9M Grant to Enhance Student Success

Porterville College (PC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a U.S. Department of Education Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Title V grant in the amount of $2.9 million (Award# PR/031S240205). This significant funding will support the development of the Porterville Access, Success, and Opportunities (PASO) program, which aims to improve academic outcomes for a diverse group of students.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Monograph Series: Apprenticeships in California

The Chancellor’s Office has initiated a series of monographs that connect Vision 2030’s priorities to Federal and State investments in higher education. These documents highlight advances in different areas of our roadmap and why continued support by policymakers is important. The first monograph of the series focuses on dual enrollment.

The latest edition looks at Apprenticeships in California.

» Read more!

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Webinar: Economic Mobility for Students with Disabilities

Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 | 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Webinar

Save the date for the final systemwide webinar of the year on Wednesday. Dec. 4. The final webinar will provide a deep dive into improving economic mobility for students with disabilities.

» Learn more & Register!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Lake Tahoe Community College:

Fifteen students from Dr. Scott Valentine’s Physical Geology course explored the Eastern Sierra on a 3-day field excursion. The group visited Mono Lake, Bodie State Park, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, and Devils Postpile, engaging in hands-on scientific observations while fulfilling their Physical Science Lab requirements. It was a perfect blend of learning, nature, and adventure.

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

Thank you for joining us for our annual #DiaDeLosMuertos celebration. We are honored to celebrate your loved ones with you.

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From Palomar College President Star Rivera Lacey:

There’s no better place to be than among champions of equitable education. I’m incredibly proud, and thankful, for the dedicated employees and students who represented @palomarcomets at the COLEGAS conference. We look forward to enhancing the success of our students.

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From El Camino College:

Today, we celebrated our First-Gen students with a morning of Pancakes with President Thames. Whether you grabbed a plate on the way to class or shared a table with your fellow Warriors, we are happy to get your day started with a tasty meal.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Planetarium Hosting Exciting Line-Up of Shows for Fall 2024

Opened in the Fall of 1962, Bakersfield College’s William M Thomas Planetarium has presented shows for over 4,500 K-12 students each year, offering a memorable educational experience while highlighting astronomy and science. This semester, the Planetarium is thrilled to present an exciting series of shows, culminating with the holiday evening shows in December.

» 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 CCs – Enhancing Academic Landscape

July 20, 1969 – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to step foot on the moon.

Since then, 10 additional astronauts have walked on the moon. Harrison Schmitt and Gene Cernan were the last to walk on the moon, as part of Apollo 17 in December 1972.

NASA is again working toward a moon landing, with the Artemis program. Artemis 2, which will launch no earlier than September 25, will take 4 astronauts on a flyby of the moon. Artemis 3, planned for 2026, will be the first American crewed lunar landing since the Apollo program.

Good morning California.
It is July 20, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Diego Mesa College Installs Accessible Wellness Vending Machine

San Diego Mesa College recently introduced a Wellness Vending Machine stocked with reduced cost and free essential items. The vending machine, created by San Diego company Dotstash, brings equity and affordability in the health space to students and the greater Mesa College community. The installation is part of The Wellness Vending Machine Pilot Program.

» Read more!


Lemoore College Breaks Ground: New Visual Arts & Applied Sciences Building

Lemoore College unveils the ambitious beginnings of a transformative project to enhance its academic landscape: the construction of the new Visual Arts & Applied Sciences (VAAS) building. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the college’s endeavor to enrich its facilities and academic offerings, signaling a forward-thinking approach to education.

» Read more!


Evergreen Valley College Hosts High School Students
at TRiO Upward Bound Program

This summer, EVC’s TRiO Upward Bound program has hosted high school students. They have been immersed in the experience of going to college by taking a sociology class (and earning college credit) and building friendships across a few of our area high schools. President Denise Noldon and Vice Presidents Matais Pouncil and Howard Willis spoke before them. All three were in the TRiO program and later worked for TRiO and their respective campuses. Chancellor Beatriz Chaidez also spoke to the EVC students.

» Learn more about the program!



In Case You Missed It

CalChamber Advocacy: Local Workforce Development and Economic Mobility Have Extensive Community College Underpinnings

Through diverse and innovative workforce development programs and initiatives, California Community Colleges are directly shaping the future of the state’s workforce by addressing industry needs, bridging skill gaps and providing students with practical training and opportunities for economic advancement and career success.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Long Beach City College:

Cheering on Coach Oeding as he leads the U.S. Women’s Water Polo team in Paris!

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From Lake Tahoe Community College:

LTCC students and Washoe Tribe members earned their S212 Sawyer Certifications in a recent wildland fire course, mastering safe chainsaw operation and clearing downed trees from the meadow trail.

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From Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez:

It was wonderful to hear about the growth, successes, and future plans of the @Bakersfield_Cal during the State of the City Luncheon hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. A special thank you to the City Council and Bakersfield city staff for steering the city in the right direction. I am excited for the present and future of Bakersfield on its path to becoming the 8th largest city in California.

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From El Camino College:

Today, the ECC Men’s Soccer Team was presented their 2023 state and national championship rings! We’re proud of our scholar athletes and all they have accomplished.

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And check out College of San Mateo’s episode of The College Tour:


Blast from the Past

From back in 2021, my remarks from BC’s Educators for Peace virtual event:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC and The Wonderful Company Collaboration
Receives Golden (VR) Goggles Award

A unique educational collaboration between Bakersfield College and The Wonderful Company was the recent recipient of the 2024 Golden (VR) Goggles Award, an award that recognizes innovative and transformative uses of VR training in the logistics industry. Through the collaboration, a program was developed that features forklift training simulators that utilize virtual reality software to teach proper operation and safety techniques.

» Read more!

And check out the video below –

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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

Happy Father’s Day 2024

Happy Father’s Day

Paul Christian and Pam Christian
Paul and Pam Christian

I spent last weekend in Toronto with my daughter.

Anthony Bourdain when asked about Toronto said: “It is a city of surprises. The fact that over 50 per cent of the residents of Toronto are not from Canada, that is always a good thing, creatively, and for food especially.”

And yes, we enjoyed every meal. For example, the chickpea fritters with lemon & parsley appetizer at Ardo, a little Sicilian Restaurant on King Street.

Snapped this photo for you ….

At 1,815.3 feet, the CN Tower in downtown Toronto held the record for the world’s tallest free-standing structure for 32 years – from its completion in 1975 until 2007. It is currently the 10th tallest free-standing structure in the world, and the tallest free-standing structure on land in the Western Hemisphere.

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I also want to wish a Happy 6th Birthday to Bessie! Check out this short reel I created on instagram…. my first reel ever 🙂

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I started my week with a visit to Saddleback College for the low-income pathways launch at Saddleback College.

Then Zav’s retirement event at Kern.

Check out this 4-min video with fun Zav photos

And then the celebration held by the Campaign for College Opportunity as the leadership baton was passed from Michele Siqueiros to Jessie Ryan.

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Congratulations to Daisy Gonzales, who has been selected to lead California Student Aid Commission.

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Good morning California.
It is June 15, 2024. Happy Father’s Day!
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Moorpark College Advances to Top 10 in National Competition
for $1 Million Prize

Moorpark College has been named a top 10 finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Presented by The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, the $1 million award is the nation’s signature recognition of strong performance among community colleges. 

» Read more!


Santa Rosa Junior College Art Students Created
New Major Exhibit Of The Children’s Museum Of Sonoma County

One of the latest projects involving SRJC’s Sculpture and 3D-Design students is the newly redone Dino Dental Clinic at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (CMOSC). The project just had its grand opening on June 1st, 2024.

» Read more!


Cerritos College Team Rocks
NASA’s Gateways to Blue Skies Competition with Award

Cerritos College proudly took center stage at NASA’s 2024 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition in May. The Cerritos College student team Project F.I.R.E. (Fire Intervention Retardant Expeller) was one of four winners, earning the Future Game-Changer Award. 

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Educate. Elevate. Podcast

In the season finale of the Educate. Elevate. podcast, find out what today’s students think about the Brown vs. Board of Education decision and the ongoing effort to uplift Black and African American students at California community colleges. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming barriers and the supportive role the California Community Colleges play.

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Transfer students triumph in the Class of 2024

From University of California: Out of some 61,000 graduates in the University of California’s Class of 2024, close to a third started their higher ed journey at a California community college.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Lake Tahoe Community College President Jeff DeFranco:

Thrilled to announce the ‘topping off’ of the new student housing @LakeTahoeCC! This milestone marks the midway point, ensuring we’re on track to welcome students in Summer 2025. From humble beginnings in an old motel, #LTCC is now closer to becoming a residential campus.

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De Anza College shared this video describing their Guided Pathways Villages Centers:

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From Monterey Peninsula College:

MPC’s Superintendent-President Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III welcomed Upward Bound students to our Monterey Campus! We’re proud to support Monterey County’s college-going rate!

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And Compton College President Keith Curry shared this update about a celebrity visit to Compton College‘s commencement:

@kendricklamar pulled up to @compton_college yesterday to celebrate our grads



And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Plays Host To Drum Corps International Tour Event

This week, Bakersfield College’s Golden Empire Drum & Bugle Corps, an ensemble within the Performing Arts department, announced the details of the 8th annual presentation of RESOUND, a drum and bugle tour event bringing together some of the country’s best corps, presented by Drum Corps International. The event will take place July 8 at 7:30 PM inside Bakersfield College’s Memorial Stadium and is open to the public.

» 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

Hello Spring 2024!

Spring 2024 is officially here … and with it beautiful skies and bursts of spring flowers to enjoy during my sunrise and sunset Neo walks.


Another busy week of traveling

On Tuesday, I presented Vision 2030 at Citrus College.

I headed to San Diego on Wednesday to co-present with Eloy Oakley at the California Guided Pathways Institute.  It was a lot of fun and we got an opportunity to visit on designing a potential project on Guided Pathways in the space of economic mobility.

On Thursday, March 21st, I joined Pam Haynes and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg on a panel moderated by Cindy Miles at the ACCT Governance Leadership Institute in Long Beach. 

And we celebrated Neo’s seventh birthday on March 17, 2024. Spent a lot of time in the backyard which is what he loves doing.

Good morning California.
It is March 23, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


Netflix Partners with LATTC for Work Study Program
Benefitting CMU Pathway Students 

This past January, Netflix partnered with LATTC to host a paid three-week work study program for students in the college’s Construction Maintenance and Utilities (CMU) pathway. During the program, students were exposed to real world work situations, and enhanced their proficiency in leadership development, building operations, and construction. 

» Read more!


West Hills College Coalinga Firebaugh Center and Fresno Pacific University Celebrate Historic Educational Partnership

In a landmark event held on March 4 at the Firebaugh Center, West Hills College Coalinga (WHCC) and Fresno Pacific University (FPU) officially unveiled their innovative educational partnership, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to enhancing learning opportunities and academic resources in the region. The ceremony, attended by community leaders, faculty, students, and media partners, highlighted the collaboration’s aim to create seamless educational pathways and foster academic innovation.

» Read more!


Lake Tahoe Community College Celebrates 50th Anniversary

On March 5th LTCC celebrated a significant milestone: its 50th Anniversary. The event united community members, students, past and current employees, and local officials to honor this remarkable moment  in their long journey as a respected institution of education.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Inside Higher Ed: To Transform Transfer, Key Barriers Must Be Overcome

Understanding the barriers students face on the transfer pathway is key to improving transfer outcomes. Successful transfer from community college to a four-year university has the potential to improve access, completion and racial equity gains in higher education and produce the educated workforce that California needs.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

Board of Governors member Joseph Williams presented at a Vision 2030 event at Riverside Community College District:

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From East Los Angeles College:

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis celebrated the accomplishments of women in community colleges at the President’s First Women’s History Month Celebration & Teatime. She was in a panel discussion with Lenore French of Transformation Arts and Dr. Martha Garcia, Mt. San Antonio President.

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From Fresno City College:

Pancakes & Peeps for staff & faculty at FCC

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And from El Camino College, the latest ElCoChats podcast discusses first generation students:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Performing Arts Hosts Flute Masterclass

BC’s Performing Arts department recently hosted a Flute Masterclass on March 7 with the legendary Trudy Kane, the first female Principal Flute at the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the longest-serving principal to date. Flutists from across the Central Valley gathered in the Performing Arts Center’s choir room for performances by Kane and BC Professor of Flute Tracy Harris, open lessons with Kane, and a general clinic. 

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog