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 watched the Grammy’s on Sunday. Apparently this is the last year on CBS – next year it will be on a streaming service ….. feels like a sign of the times …. a little bittersweet for those of us who made a night of it. I’ve always loved watching the Grammys. The anticipation, the surprise performances, the talent, the sense that for a few hours we were all tuned in together.
And since Superbowl is tomorrow I thought I would mention the hilarious scene with Trevor Noah and Bad Bunny.
You see, although Bad Bunny won big at the Grammys taking home major awards, he couldn’t officially perform on music’s biggest night because he’s contractually committed to headlining the SuperBowl LX halftime show which I will be watching tomorrow. Trevor Noah cheekily coaxed him into a spontaneous mini performance by singing Bad Bunny’s hit “DtMF” and bringing out a live band. Check it out….
I could not possibly list all my favorite parts….. but here is another – a tribute to Roberta Flack.
My favorite song:
Yesterday, after a loooong work week, I sank into the start of the Winter Olympics. Here are two of the many favorite moments from the Opening Ceremony.
One cool segment – Fantasia. In this surreal and joyful piece, dancers appeared with oversized heads representing the towering figures of Italian opera history, Rossini, Verdi, and Puccini. Loved the swirling colors, choreographed motion, and references to everything from opera to Renaissance aesthetics. Check it out. Check out the video on YouTube.
And a performance of Italy’s National Anthem by Laura Pausini. Before the national anthem, the stadium transformed into a runway in celebration of Giorgio Armani. Models moved across the field in silk suits the colors of the Italian flag, their silhouettes unmistakably Armani. Check out the video on YouTube.
Good morning California. It is February 7, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Coastline College Launches First Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition to Support Former Foster Youth Entrepreneurs
Coastline College successfully hosted its first Dolphin Tank Pitch Competition, an innovative, Shark Tank–inspired capstone experience designed to support aspiring student entrepreneurs, with a special focus on students who are current or former foster youth. The event served as both a graduation celebration and a live pitch competition, giving students the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of experienced community leaders while receiving real-time feedback and mentorship.
Pending Sacramento City College Program Enhancement Will Address National Air Traffic Controller Shortage
Last month, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) joined leaders from the Los Rios Community College District, Sacramento County, and the aviation industry at Mather Airport to celebrate Sacramento City College’s (SCC) progress toward becoming one of the nation’s only dual-certified Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) programs. Upon final approval, Sacramento City College would be the first Enhanced AT-CTI program on the West Coast, and one of only two institutions in the country with dual certification to train students for both tower and en route air traffic control careers.
A First Day, Reimagined: Inside San José City College’s New Career Education Complex
The Career Education Complex, now open for instruction, represents a significant shift in how San José City College imagines learning spaces. Over the course of the spring semester, 140 class sections will be taught inside the new facility, spanning career education programs and general education courses alike. English classes meet alongside high-tech labs. Students heading to their first lecture pass classmates gathering in open study areas and sunlit corridors.
Long Beach City College And Congressman Robert Garcia Announce $1.5 Million Community Project Funding
Thanks to the advocacy of Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42), Long Beach City College will receive $1.5 million in Community Project Funding to support the LBCC Child Development Center (CDC) at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus (TTC). The funding will be used to purchase and install new playground equipment at the TTC CDC. The funding will support a redesign of the center’s outdoor play area, replacing outdated equipment and creating a more functional space tailored specifically to early childhood use. The new playground equipment will serve children ages 3–5.
How Community Colleges Are Becoming America’s AI Talent Engine
In August 2024, while the technology world fixated on billion-dollar AI startups, something quieter but potentially more consequential was happening in American education. The National Science Foundation announced a $2.8 million grant to establish the National Applied AI Consortium—an initiative placing community colleges, not elite research universities, at the center of America’s AI workforce strategy.
The idea was deceptively simple: if artificial intelligence is going to reshape every industry from healthcare to manufacturing, then the technicians who implement, maintain, and work alongside these systems should come from the institutions that have always served as on-ramps to the American middle class.
Here are 5 reasons why 2026 is an exciting year for community colleges
Rising enrollment in short-term credential courses and community colleges is not a fluke.
Students—including young cohorts—are favoring affordable programs that lead directly to career opportunities, and community colleges are answering the call.
EAB, a higher education consulting firm, recently outlined five macro trends that help explain record-setting interest in the community colleges.
Giving tours = our favorite thing. Sharing the tech = even better. Thank you, @toyotausa community!
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From Napa Valley College:
Thank you, Congressman Mike Thompson, for taking the time to visit our campus and meet with our student leaders. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share the work happening at NVC and explore ways to further support student success. Your continued dedication to expanding educational opportunities makes a meaningful impact on our community.
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From Evergreen Valley College:
Retired judge LaDoris Cordell returned to EVC to speak to the campus as part of Black History Month.
Cordell was the first African American woman to serve on the bench in Northern California, serving on the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. Cordell graduated from Stanford Law School and became a respected jurist and advocate in the Bay Area, generations after her great-great-grandmother was a slave.
Cordell discussed being an “Upstander” and shared stories of those who caused good trouble. She ended with a quote from slave Araminta Ross, who said, Always remember, you have within you the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
Ross changed her name to Harriet Tubman and became an American abolitionist, social activist, and upstander herself during the Civil War.
Cordell’s book, “Her Honor,” tells much of her story to readers.
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From Allan Hancock College:
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department donated one of its ambulances to AHC’s Public Safety Training Complex February 3.
The ambulance will be used by PSTC’s Emergency Medical Services program, and will help provide EMS students with realistic training.
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And Las Positas College shared some photos from their Winter Club & Resource Fair:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Celebrates Recognition as a Black Serving Institution
Earlier this week, faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered on the CSS Lawn to kick off Black History Month and celebrate Bakersfield College’s recent recognition as a California designated Black-Serving Institution (BSI). The distinction is an important milestone highlighting BC’s commitment to advancing equity, access, and student success for Black students.
The event featured remarks from BC administrators, BC faculty, and community members, including BC President Dr. Stacey Pfluger, BC Faculty member Dr. Tommy Tunson, NAACP President of the Bakersfield Branch Patrick Jackson, and others. The event also included a special singing of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ by the Agapeland Christian Academy choir and concluded with food samples and a time for networking. It was an exciting way to kick off Black History Month at Bakersfield College.
I was back in San Diego this week for a Vision 2030 Regional Workshop.
As I always say … what is there not to love about San Diego!
The Chancellor’s Office team showed up strong. Here are a few photos.
James Todd, Don Daves-Rougeaux, Cheri Fortan, Terrence Willett, Chris Ferguson, Sonya Christian
Here we are with the amazing West Ed team.
On My November 29th blog I mentioned that I was in Toronto and we were expecting snow the next day. Here are a few photos from the window of my bedroom in my daughter’s place.
Most folks love watching planes in action. I remember when I was a little girl, my brother Roy routinely driving me to the airport so we could watch planes land and take off.
So here is a 17-sec video of Air Canada pulling up to the gate at LAX.
Good morning California. It is December 6, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
L.A. Pierce College Becomes First U.S. Community College to Launch AI-Powered Biomedical Research Program
Students at Los Angeles Pierce College took a historic step recently as they convened their first research team meeting for the newly launched L.A. Pierce AI Campus, an initiative that officially makes Pierce the first community college in the United States to launch an AI-powered biomedical research program through a groundbreaking partnership with National AI Campus.
Golden West College Receives Major Investment to Expand Nursing Program, Strengthen Local Workforce Pipeline
Golden West College has been awarded $3.5 million over three years from the Samueli Foundation to expand its highly successful School of Nursing and increase access to high-demand healthcare careers across Orange County. The multi-year funding will support program growth, new faculty positions, expanded partnerships with local high schools, and upgrades to clinical training technology.
Los Medanos College Rolls Out Hi-Tech Type 1 Fire Engine
Los Medanos College Fire Academy students this year will benefit from training on a fully-loaded 2009 Hi-Tec Type I Fire Engine. LMC used California Strong Workforce Program grant funding to purchase the $114,000 engine from the Cordelia Fire Protection District. The engine includes equipment for urban and wildland firefighting, and represents significant cost savings to the college. A new engine of this type would have cost about $800,000 with no equipment on board.
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Wins Prestigious Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College has received the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), a national honor recognizing Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing the zoo’s excellence in new and unique live animal display, exhibit design and construction. This year’s award honors the zoo’s creation of “Rajah’s Retreat,” a state-of-the-art natural habitat for tigers.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Sierra College:
Yesterday we held our annual EMT Trauma Day and SWAT training on campus. This event gives Sierra College EMT and paramedics students a chance to gain valuable, real-world experience in their field and provides an opportunity for them to practice hands on skills with several local industry partners. Our annual Public Safety Career Fair was held yesterday as well. This event gives students in related fields the opportunity to connect and network with representatives and recruiters in related fields
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From Palomar College:
Last month, the ESL Department hosted an inspiring event titled Multicultural Voices: An ESL Celebration. Students united to honor the rich tapestry of languages, cultures, food, and stories that define their home countries.
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From Allan Hancock College:
Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex welcomed the Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Fresno fire departments for joint disaster response training this week. Crews practiced shoring damaged structures and ran search and rescue drills on the rubble pile.
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From Foothill College:
Big congrats to Nava Call for their incredible win! Presenting at Google HQ? Talk about next-level opportunities
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And check out this video from Las Positas College:
Big congrats to LPC music student Joshua Glatt for winning 1st Place in the statewide MACCC Composition Competition! His piece “Yearning for More” premiered last Spring with the Friction Quartet
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Students ‘Destress’ with Miracle Mutts
On Monday, December 1st, BC welcomed Miracle Mutts to their Panorama Campus to give students a chance to take a break from their busy schedules and enjoy some down time with their therapy dogs.
Several therapy dogs and their owners congregated in the lobby of the BC Library and students, staff and community members were able to pet and interact with the furry, friendly companions. Each therapy dog was eager to share affection with participants, while showcasing their own unique personalities. The event was part of De-Stress Week – a series of activities intended to help students get a mental health break from end of the semester exams, presentations, and projects.
Spoke at the Collective Equity Institute in Irvine and had a lot of fun with our team from the Chancellor’s Office the Student Senate for the California Community Colleges and other leaders in the state.
The main theme song I used for my speech was Nina Simone’s I am Feeling Good. Was so happy when one of my friends snapped this picture of me walking onto the state with the song blasting through the event ballroom.
Here is the song for you to enjoy.
Good morning California. It is October 11, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
El Camino College Selected for 2025–2026 National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) Mentorship Program
El Camino College (ECC) is proud to announce its selection to participate in the 2025–2026 Mentorship Program of the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC). This prestigious opportunity positions El Camino College among a select group of institutions nationwide working to expand access to artificial intelligence education. Through this nationwide program, El Camino College will partner with NAAIC to develop and launch an associate degree in Artificial Intelligence.
$100,000 Investment for San Diego MiraCosta College Strengthens Pathways for Student-Owned Businesses and Economic Mobility
MiraCosta College Foundation has received a $100,000 grant from San Diego Foundation’s El Camino Fund. The funding will support the Latina/o Entrepreneur Advancement & Contracting Initiative (LEACI), which will expand and enhance the College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) programs to focus specifically on Latina/o entrepreneurs.
Yuba College Earns Silver-Level Caring Campus Certification
Yuba College has been recognized as a Silver-Certified Caring Campus, marking the first time the college has achieved certification through the Institute for Evidence-Based Change’s (IEBC) Caring Campus initiative. The certification, which lasts three years, highlights Yuba College’s commitment to institutionalizing caring practices that strengthen student belonging, connection and success.
Moreno Valley College Hosts HR Network Business Meeting to Strengthen Apprenticeship Partnerships
More than 48 industry partners gathered at Moreno Valley College on Sept. 11 to strengthen apprenticeship and career education pathways during the Inland Empire HR Network and Business Meeting, a private event focused on workforce collaboration. The meeting, organized in partnership with the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE), featured presentations on regional workforce development, a networking breakfast, and a guided tour of MVC’s new Industrial Automation classroom. For many attendees, it was their first time on campus, offering an opportunity to expand education-industry connections.
New Research Shows How Many California College Students Benefit from CalWORKs and CalFresh benefits
New research from the nonpartisan California Policy Lab shows how many students in California Community Colleges and in the University of California (UC) system are enrolled in two safety-net programs that help pay for expenses while in college.
One data point focuses on CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids), which provides cash assistance for low income students who are also parents, and for students who are younger than 18.
A second data point focuses on CalFresh, which provides monthly benefits that can be used by low-income students (of any age) to purchase food. CalFresh is much more widely used among college students than CalWORKs.
Yesterday, OCC hosted a vibrant celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival! This festival is a cherished tradition across many Asian cultures. OCC’s event included cultural performances, delicious mooncakes, tea tasting and a resource fair.
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From Oxnard College:
The “Miracle League of the 805” turns every inning into a celebration by bringing the joy of baseball to children of all abilities. Our Condors were honored to coach the Miracle League’s teams over the weekend in Camarillo. It was a beautiful and fun day for all!
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From Gavilan College:
On 9/5, Judy Rodriguez, Hollister Campus Site Director, accepted an award from the Santa Cruz Breastfeeding Coalition. The award recognizes Gavilan’s Hollister Campus for providing dedicated lactation accommodations that support the health and well-being of our campus community.
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From Santa Rosa Junior College:
We are so proud of our SRJC Shone Farm and all the hardworking students and staff! The college farm has earned multiple awards at this year’s Sonoma County Harvest Fair, which celebrates its 50th anniversary. Shone Farm received the Excellence in Local Food Production award. The estate-grown olive oil, Miller’s Blend, was awarded Best in Show. Additionally, the wines won a Double Gold and three Gold medals.
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And check out this video showcasing Las Positas College’s photography program:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Hosts Annual High School Counselor Conference to Strengthen Regional Partnerships
On Friday, October 3rd, Bakersfield College hosted its annual High School Counselor Conference, bringing together over 100 high school counselors and staff from across the region to strengthen partnerships and support student success for all high school students.
On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched the Apple Computer. It was almost exactly one year after Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft – on April 4, 1975. Why do I mention it? I am reading the Bill Gates memoir Source Code – first in a trilogy.
50 years of computer innovation – it’s amazing how far we have come and how these two companies are still at the forefront. And of course now we have AI …. that is all I hear everywhere I turn.
Diving into the world of technology is getting me excited for this fall’s Futures Summit – Educational Innovation in a Digital Era. It will be held September 9-11 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
Good morning California. It is April 5, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Los Medanos College Students to Present Research at National Conference
Ten students from Los Medanos College (LMC) will present their work at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This is the second time LMC research has risen to warrant national exposure in a field dominated by four-year universities. LMC was among the first community colleges to adopt STEM course-based research in 2014 and was one of the first members of the National Science Foundation-funded for the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative in 2015.
Hundreds participate in first-ever LPC Run for Higher Education fundraiser
Las Positas kicked off its first LPC Run for Higher Education at 9 a.m. on March 29. The community event featured a 5k run and a 1-mile fun walk and welcomed everyone in the Tri-Valley area to participate. LPC’s fun run saw more than 200 participants, with all proceeds benefiting Las Positas’ student health and wellness programs. Student government President Angelo Mercado said they were hoping for 100-150 participants but were shocked to see more than 200.
Los Angeles Trade-Tech College Breaks Ground on Future Design & Media Arts Building
On March 17, 2025, LATTC held a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming Design & Media Arts (DMA) Building. LATTC’s future Design & Media Arts Building will be the new home of DMA programs like Digital Media, Fashion Design, Fashion Technology, Fashion Merchandising, Sign Graphics, Tailoring, and Visual Communications.
From Grossmont College to the Super Bowl: Alumnus David Haile’s Journey to the Big Stage
Grossmont College alumnus David Haile (right) performs with Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans.
When David Haile first stepped into a dance class at Grossmont College, he had no idea it would lead him to the biggest stage in the world. Haile grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and never envisioned a career in dance. Besides dancing in his bedroom growing up, dance wasn’t even part of his life until he took a hip-hop choreography class at Grossmont College in 2017. Encouraged by a classmate, he signed up for the course taught by Melissa Adao, a faculty member who quickly became a mentor.
Now, the Grossmont College alumnus has danced at Coachella, toured internationally, and most recently, performed alongside Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl halftime show.
California Community Colleges to HBCU Transfer Summit
Registration is now open for the California Community Colleges to HBCU Transfer Summit, June 24th – June 28th in New Orleans, LA. The summit is an unparalleled event designed to foster enduring connections between California Community College counselors, staff, administrators, and representatives from partner Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Modesto Junior College hosted Governor Gavin Newsom this morning for the announcement of his Master Plan for Career Education. The press conference took place at the Regional Fire Training Center where #MJC Fire Academy and EMT courses and hands-on training activities are held. Officials from Modesto Junior College, City of Modesto, Stanislaus State, UC Merced, Merced College, Stanislaus County Office of Education, Northern San Joaquin K-16 Collaborative, CA State Assembly and more were invited to a round table discussion on career pathways in career technical education. The Governor’s plan is focused on creating easier access points to education for students in CTE fields, providing college credit for professional experience and achievement, and allowing high school students to explore technical career paths through dual enrollment opportunities.
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From Citrus College:
Congratulations to our architecture and engineering students for their ongoing efforts to build a second solar shower to help people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Two years ago, Citrus College students worked with other groups including Hillside LA and Cal State LA to build a solar-powered mobile shower trailer to help those in need. Led by instructor Tommy Reyes, a new group of Citrus College students is taking what they’ve learned in the classroom and applying it to the real-world challenge of converting a trailer originally meant for hauling off-road vehicles.
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From Santa Ana College:
A few photos from today’s Midterm Motivation and Start Up! Thank you to everyone who came out to the event. We hope you were able to take a mental health break before midterms and connect with friends and SMC resources.
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From Cerritos College:
Inspiring stories were shared at Latinas: Unexplored Pathways! An ironworker and an entrepreneur—Alejandra Rosales and Claudia Ximena Benavides Ulloa—discussed career, family, and resilience in a powerful fireside chat moderated by Atalie Oliva from our Apprenticeship program. Thank you to all who joined!
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And check out this video from West Los Angeles College’s Microforest Planting Day:
And From the Home of the Renegades
NASSSP Hosts Women’s Celebration Event
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Bakersfield College Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) hosted a Women’s Celebration in the Outdoor Theater. The event aimed to uplift, honor, and empower women from all backgrounds, recognizing their contributions, resilience, and achievements. Attendees gathered to celebrate the strength and diversity of women through cultural performances, inspiring speeches, and community engagement, fostering a shared sense of unity and appreciation for the vital role women play in society.
Johnny Nieto, the Program Manager of NASSSP, opened the event with a warm welcome to guests and a meaningful land acknowledgment, honoring the history and significance of the land. Following his remarks, he welcomed Christina Contreras, an Educational Advisor, to the stage. She introduced NASSSP, shared its mission, and highlighted the program’s dedication to supporting Native American students in their personal and academic journeys.
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.
