Tag Archives: Las Positas College

Happy Thanksgiving 2024

The movie musical Wicked – the untold story of the witches of Oz – has taken the world by storm. It’s a great story about prejudices, first impressions, unlikely friendships, discrimination and persecution.

Check out the amazing choreography and vocal performances from “What is this Feeling”:

Amanda Gorman, who was our nation’s first ever youth poet laureate, wrote the poem “Do Us Good,” inspired by “Wicked.”

With heart alight, I raise a cheer,
For laughter, love, and dreams held dear.
A life lived big, in joy I soar,
Grateful today and evermore.

Good morning California. Happy Thanksgiving!
It is November 30, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Moreno Valley College’s Serrato Named 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for Transformative Work in Credit for Prior Learning

Arlene Serrato, a dedicated leader in the field of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), has been honored as the 2024 MAP Champion of the Year for her exceptional work advancing equitable access and career attainment for students at Moreno Valley College. Her efforts have helped thousands of students earn college credits for their prior learning, saving them both time and money while significantly impacting their educational journeys.

» Read more!


LACCD Wins Prestigious Award for Pioneering Sustainability in Design

The Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop Replacement project at Los Angeles Mission College was recognized with the prestigious Merit for Design Award at the Annual CCFC Conference. The facility will be LACCD’s first Net-Positive facility; 574 solar PV panels will have the capability to produce up to 252,560 KW of renewable power—over 115% of the facility’s average daily use.

» Read more!


Former City College of San Francisco Parking Lot
Will Soon House More than 1,000 Residents

Construction will begin soon on the major Balboa Reservoir housing development to be located just west of City College’s Ocean campus. The project’s development team held a Community Update meeting on Saturday, Sept 28, 2024, in the plaza on Ocean Avenue next to the Muni bus turnaround. A large map of the planned project was spread out for the public to view, and many representatives from the project were present to answer questions.  

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Voice of San Diego – The Progress Report: More San Diego Unified Students
Are Taking College Courses Than Ever Before  

“We work very closely with the principals. We work very closely with the counselors,” said Mesa College President Ashanti Hands. “We do outreach at each of those schools so that they’re consistently hearing from our current students who are enrolled. We do parent outreach to the families in the communities as well to make sure that people are aware of the opportunities that we provide.” 

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Evergreen Valley College:

Our community came together for food and fellowship in the season of giving thanks. See our programs: International, Umoja and Student Affairs Office.

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From El Camino College:

Happy Thanksgiving, Warriors! Campus will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday. Have a terrific weekend and enjoy the extended break from classes. Now, let’s throw it back to last week’s Turkey Giveaway hosted by CA Senator @SteveBradford!

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From Las Positas College:

Yesterday we celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Viticulture and Winery Technology program Buildings 3600 and 3700! We are incredibly excited about the opportunities these new buildings and state of the art technology will bring to students interested in careers and/or lifelong learning in the viticulture and enology industry. Thank you to Livermore @mayormarchand for attending to celebrate as well as representatives from the Office of Congressman @repdesaulnier, Office of Representative Bauer Kahan, and Office of Congressman @ericswalwell.

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And check out this video from the ribbon cutting for Gavilan’s Hollister campus:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Apprenticeship Program Promotes Valuable Opportunities for Students and Community

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Bakersfield College hosted an event designed to connect students with the BC Apprenticeship team and highlight the importance of apprenticeships in building successful careers. The event, held on November 28 and 29, provided students and community members an opportunity to learn more about apprenticeship programs and the resources available to help them succeed in the workforce.

Throughout the two-day event, the BC Apprenticeship team set up a welcoming station in the Renegade Crossroads, where they greeted attendees with hot coffee, delicious treats, and valuable information about apprenticeship opportunities in various fields. The team is dedicated to supporting students and community members at every stage of their apprenticeship journey, sharing insights into the benefits of apprenticeships, including firsthand training, certifications, and the potential for long-term career growth.

» 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 make people who can be easily overlooked vivid, unique, and compelling.

Woke up this morning to Scott Simon remembering Ina Jaffee who passed away. Take a 2-min listen about this great reporter.

https://www.npr.org/2024/08/02/nx-s1-5060096/opinion-remembering-weekend-editions-own

Scott Simon (top right) and Ina Jaffe (center left) pose for a picture with other NPR Chicago Bureau staff.
Kevin Horan/Jacki Lyden

Here is an excerpt:

She made people who can be easily overlooked and lumped together as “seniors,” vivid, unique, and compelling. Jaffe used her skills and stagecraft to bring us stories that will play on in our hearts.

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I have been tracking the medal tally for the Olympics ….. At this time the US is fifth with respect to the number of gold medals and first in terms of overall medals.

This is my go to site to keep up with the latest tally https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/medals

This week, the US Women’s Gymnastics Team defended their gold medal.

Just two days later, Simone won her second women’s All-Around gold medal, while teammate Suni Lee, who took gold in Tokyo, earned a bronze. At the last Olympics, Simone Biles withdrew from competition, and at that time, it seemed her gymnastics days were over.

The GOAT.

Check out this article from the New York Times.

And Suni Lee – since her All-Around title at the Tokyo Olympics, she was diagnosed with two rare kidney diseases that sidelined her training. She was able to stage a comeback for this Olympics.

Both these young women displayed amazing strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The US Men’s team also medaled, taking the bronze and ending their 16-year drought.

Meanwhile, swimmer Katie Ledecky won her record-breaking 13th Olympic medal in the women’s 4x200M freestyle relay. She joins Michael Phelps, as the only swimmers to win 13 Olympic medals. She is now the most decorated American female Olympian.

I actually watched the Ledecky 1500 live, a rare treat given my crazy schedule. Pretty darn incredible.

I also went to the movies after a very long hiatus. My daughter was visiting before her big trip and we saw Deadpool and Wolverine – yes, an odd combination.

I am a big Wolverine fan … well who isn’t…. also a big fan of Hugh Jackman…. well, who isn’t. And Hugh Jackman playing Wolverine – absolutely a moment that takes your breath away 🙂

And then there is Deadpool – I enjoy the Ryan Reynolds portrayal of Deadpool with sharp, irreverent, sarcastic and witty banter with the head flips to the side to speak directly to the audience. I also enjoy the playful commentary on superhero tropes and pop culture references with the Reynolds charisma and mischievous charm. But the sprinkling of regular doses of crude humor .. not so much 🙂

Would I recommend the movie? Absolutely.

Let me know if you saw the movie and what you think of it….

Check out the trailer


Good morning California.
It is August 3, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Porterville College Hosts Jump Start Academies

The Porterville College Career Education Division hosted three Summer Jump Start Academies this past month, giving Porterville area high school students a first-hand look at some of the career pathways available at PC. These Summer Jump Start Academies were designed as stand-alone four week project-based internship programs focused on in-demand careers in Tulare County. They provide a curriculum designed specifically for incoming Central Valley high school seniors (current juniors) with an interest in learning more about careers in Hospitality, Technology, Health and Safety. The classes run from 8 am until 1 p.m., 4 days a week, and the students get paid to participate in most cases.

» Read more:


LA Southwest College Dual Enrollment Graduate
Featured on Telemundo, La Opinión

Elias Cruz is an extraordinary graduating senior from Stella High Charter Academy who earned two associate degrees as part of the dual enrollment program with LASC. This fall, he will be the first in his family to attend college. 

» Read more!


Sandia Donates Advanced Manufacturing Machines to Las Positas College

Sandia National Laboratories recently donated two cutting-edge manufacturing machines complete with full attachments to the advanced manufacturing and transportation program at Las Positas College. The donation was part of a broader movement to adapt to the new economic challenges facing the United States.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

At Patrick and Bobbin Mulvaney’s Restaurant, Ingredients and Compassion for the Community Are Locally Sourced

Patrick Mulvaney is president of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Check out this feature about the restaurant he owns with his wife, Bobbin:

For Patrick and Bobbin Mulvaney, the long-married couple whose restaurant Mulvaney’s B&L is on the top of almost everyone’s fine-dining list in the Capital Region, two words seem to coexist as a single mission statement: nourish and nurture.

“If you own a restaurant and you love what you do, you become part of the community,” Patrick says over an intimate twilight dinner for three: the Mulvaneys and a very fortunate magazine writer. It’s a Tuesday, one of the industry’s traditionally least-populated nights. But the Mulvaneys’ restaurant — a onetime City of Sacramento firehouse and later a building-and-loan institution (hence the B&L in its title) — is bustling. It usually is; thousands of people have frequented Mulvaney’s B&L since it opened in 2005.

» Read the article!

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New Report Highlights Promising Practices
to Close the Equity Gap Among Adult Learners

The California Community Colleges and the California Department of Education released a new report that offers specific practices to better meet adult students’ needs and close persistent equity achievement gaps. The California Adult Education Program (CAEP) is the largest adult education system in the nation serving 481,200 students.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Oxnard College:

This week, Proyecto Éxito hosted the Éxito Summer Academy at Camp Whittier in Santa Barbara. Students bonded while learning about career and transfer opportunities as well as building community among one another.

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From Coastline College:

Coastline College makes waves at California Community Colleges 11th Veterans Symposium, sharing and showcasing its own veteran services best practices with Veteran Centers from across the state.

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From College of Marin:

In the spring, College of Marin (COM) was proud to celebrate the second cohort of Certified Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide students who completed over 200 hours of training in eleven weeks. Alumni from cohort one offered these emerging professionals great advice ahead of their official completion saying: “ask questions, work hard, believe in yourself, and don’t give up!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Performing Arts Announces Afrocuban Folkloric Percussion Concert

Bakersfield College’s Performing Arts Department has announced details for a special concert presented by students and musicians in the Afrocuban Folkloric Percussion summer class. The concert will present traditional Afrocuban music telling the stories of Yoruba folklore. This unique opportunity will take place Sunday, August 4 at 2:00 PM in the Edward Simonsen Indoor Theatre. Admission is free and open to the public.

» 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

Field Trip — McFarland Early College & Kern Valley State Prison Rising Scholars

Governor Gavin Newsom announced two appointments to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors:

Congratulations! I am looking forward to working with them as we continue our work on Vision 2030.

Wrapped up my week with beautiful clouds and snapped this photo while walking Neo.

Thursday and Friday were hectic with events at my home grounds — Farewell reception for Steve Watkin, acting President of BC; KCCD welcome dinner hosted by Chancellor Tom Burke for the Board of Governors visiting Kern; event at McFarland High with the Board of Governors showcasing what wall-to-wall dual enrollment looks like; visit to the Kern Valley State Prison to connect with students who are enrolled in BC pathways. All four events were food for my soul and as I write this blog on Saturday, I could not be more grateful to BC and KCCD. A picture is worth a 1000 words….. Enjoy!

At the Steve Watkin event.

At the KCCD dinner

McFarland High School’s Early College program.

The students at McFarland, Cougar-Renegades, and truly remarkable. Could do an entire blog on our visit. For now, here are a few photos.

Paul Medina, Sonya Christian, McFarland Health Pathways students, Bill Rawlings, Cheryl Aschenbach

Kern Valley State Prison Visit

The visit to see our Renegades taking classes in the Kern Valley State Prison was amazing. Again, I could probably do a whole blog on this experience. Instead here is one photo of Rich McCrow, the founding Dean of the program, and Bryan Hirayama, founding faculty along with two members of the Board of Governors – Bill Rawlings and Paul Medina.

Good morning California.
It is March 2, 2024
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!


Las Positas College Hosts Science on Saturday Lecture Series

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) popular lecture series, “Science on Saturday,” returned Feb. 4 through Feb. 25 at Las Positas College’s Mertes Theater. The series offered four different lectures with the theme, “70 Years of Science.” Each lecture was presented by leading LLNL researchers, joined by high school science teachers. 

» Learn more about Science on Saturday!


Saddleback College Cuts Ribbon on Gateway Building

Saddleback College and the South Orange County Community College District unveiled the latest addition to the Saddleback campus, the Gateway Building, with a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony. The ceremony was led by Board of Trustees President Tim Jemal, SOCCCD Chancellor Julianna Barnes, and Saddleback College President Elliot Stern. The ultramodern, three-story building contains two floors dedicated to student support services and a third floor featuring modern classrooms.

» Learn more about the Gateway Building!


West Hills Community College District Celebrates Selection
as a Parks California 2024 Route to Parks Grantee

West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) is thrilled to announce its selection as one of the 29 Parks California 2024 Route to Parks grant recipients. Now in its fourth year, the program aims to break down barriers to accessing state parks and foster a deep appreciation for nature among participants. WHCCD’s project, known as the CATCH (Creating Access to California’s Heritage) project, is set to engage underserved, underrepresented, multi-generational, and “park poor” families in outdoor education opportunities. 

» Read more!


Santa Barbara City College Nurtures Pathway for Professional Journalism

The Channels, the student news outlet of Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), welcomed the campus and community to tour their new collaborative workspace on the East Cliff Campus during a grand opening celebration on February 8. The Channels newsroom has relocated from a portable classroom on the edge of the East Cliff Campus to a newly redesigned space in the Administration Building at the heart of SBCC. This places students in the center of the action, giving them easier access to the administration, faculty, and staff and fellow media arts programs on campus. This move and investment emphasizes SBCC’s commitment to supporting and valuing students’ freedom of press and expression, recognizing journalism’s critical role in democracy and social justice, and operating with transparency.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Vision 2030: Access, Success and Support with Equity
for High School and Justice Involved Youth

Join a two-day convening exploring dual enrollment’s vital role, including opportunities for justice involved youth. This transformative initiative is led by dual enrollment and rising scholars practitioners bringing college experiences to students.

Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 in Riverside

» Learn more & register!

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Register Now for 2024 System Webinars

Please join us on Wednesday, March 6 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. for the next System Webinar and mark your calendars for the upcoming webinars. All webinars will be on Wednesdays from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

» Learn more & register!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

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From San Joaquin Delta College:

Vibrant poppies brightening up our day near the Science and Math Building!

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From Long Beach City College:

State of the College 2024 was a hit! “BeLong Beach” came alive with stories of progress from Dr. Muñoz & Vivian Malauulu, celebrating our amazing community, faculty, and student achievements. Thanks to all who made it our biggest yet!

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And from DeAnza College:

We’re closing out #BlackHistoryMonth with this great video from the #MartinLutherKingJr event in January


Blast from the Past

In honor of Nan’s new appointment, I thought it fitting to share her video of remarks from Bakersfield College Opening Day 2020.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Panorama Invitational Exhibit Creates
Unique Opportunity For Young Artists

The Bakersfield College Wylie and May Louise Jones Art Gallery is currently hosting the Panorama Invitational 2024. This unique event has taken place annually for more than twenty years, highlighting diverse artwork from local high school students. This year, there are more than sixty art pieces on display, ranging from a variety of different mediums including 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, and multimedia.

» 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

CA CCs on the move

What a busy week! Across the country and back.

On Saturday, headed out to Morgantown home of West Virginia University where my best friend from high school teaches in the Life Sciences department.

On Sunday headed with the team to Washington DC to elevate the visibility of the work being done at California Community colleges. The team included – Deputy Chancellor Daisy Gonzales and Vice Chancellor of Government Relations David O’Brien; from the Board of Governors, President Amy Costa & Pamela Haynes; from the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Executive Director of Workforce Development Tim Aldinger.

Then headed to San Diego for the DEI Conference and then back home Friday night.

Here are some photos:

Morgantown visiting my friend who cooked great Kerala dishes and event packed some food for the road…. yuuum.

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Washington DC visit

Department of Education:

Department of Energy:

Department of Labor:

Senator Alex Padilla:

A must-do photo of the Washington monument every time I visit DC:

Check out Little Amal who visited DC. Little Amal represents a fictional nine-year-old Syrian girl, representing displaced children today. The giant puppet was created by the South Africa-based Handspring Puppet Company.

“The Walk” tells Amal’s life story, her search for her mother and her flight to safety.

Check out this video from Georgetown University about it:

Goodbye for now DC

David O’Brien, Pam Haynes, Amy Costa
Daisy Gonzales, Sonya Christian, David O’Brien, Pam Haynes at Dulles. Heading out to San Diego

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After a few jam-packed days in DC, we headed to San Diego for the DEIA in Action Institute.

At the conclusion of my talk, I invited the leadership at the Chancellor’s Office to come up on stage with me – John Hetts, Daisy Gonzales, Pamela Haynes, Marc LeForestier, Lizette Navarette and Aisha Lowe. Check out the photo.

John Hetts, Daisy Gonzales, Sonya Christian, Pam Haynes, Marc LeForestier, Lizette Navarette, Aisha Lowe

What a wonderful week!

Good morning California.
It is September 23, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

CCC Presidents Selected for Aspen Presidents Fellowship

Tawny Dotson, Michael Gutierrez, Jim Limbaugh,
Claudia Lourido-Habib, and Julius Sokenu

The College Excellence Program announced the cohort of college presidents for the 2023-2024 Aspen Presidents Fellowship. Several of our California Community College Presidents were selected:

  • Tawny Dotson, Yuba College
  • Michael Gutierrez, Hartnell College
  • Jim Limbaugh, West Los Angeles College
  • Claudia Lourido-Habib, Porterville College
  • Julius Sokenu, Moorpark College

Congratulations to all!

» Read more about the 2023-2024 Presidents Fellows


Las Positas College Hosts Black College Day

Las Positas College hosted its first annual Black Family Day. “It really ties into our educational master plan, which is to be the destination campus for Black students and other students of color here in the Tri-Valley,” said LPC President Dr. Dyrell Foster.

» Check out the news coverage!


Cerritos College Hosts Event For The College Tour Episode

Cerritos College is featured in a 30-minute episode of The College Tour, an Amazon Prime streaming series. This week, Cerritos College hosted an exclusive screening of the episode at their Performing Arts Center.

» Learn more about Cerritos College on The College Tour!

Check out the video below:


San Joaquin Delta College Launches Free Public Fitness Court

Delta College celebrated the opening of a new outdoor exercise facility known as a Fitness Court, part of an initiative by National Fitness Campaign (NFC) to plan, build, and fund healthy communities across the country.

» Learn more about the fitness court!



In Case You Missed It

NANDI: Reimagining Success

The Nandi Symposium will center the voices of Black women while also creating space for all professionals and students in the California Community College System to be in community with one another. The Nandi Symposium is being brought to you in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

When: Thursday, October 5; 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Where: Westin Los Angeles Airport

For more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nandi-symposium-tickets-700528769407?aff=oddtdtcreator


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From MiraCosta College President Sunita Cooke:

@MiraCosta⁩ representing ⁦@NCAAWA⁩ Annual Gentlemen’s Gourmet scholarship fundraiser. TY to our talented chefs, volunteers, and donors! Shout out to Trustee Raye Clendening, ⁦⁦ @RepMikeLevin⁩ ⁦ @jim_desmond⁩ ⁦ @joegreen760⁩ ⁦ @satiaaustin

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From CA Assembly Member & Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon:

Yes! This is exactly why we formed the paid Community College Internship for the Assembly. This is such an important program. Community college students are incredibly diverse, and have so much to offer. Uplifting them benefits everybody.

The Assembly’s community college interns are placed in Member offices (both Republican and Democrat) to learn how the legislature functions. One of these interns, Frank Arenas, works in my office. He’s an aspiring attorney, and has been a wonderful addition to the team.

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From Lassen College:

Thank you to our amazing students and staff for representing LCC this morning at The Out of the Darkness Community Walk. This walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.

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From Kern CCD Trustee Yovani Jimenez:

Grateful for an inspiring State of the College event at @PCollegePirates, celebrating their achievements and future vision with Dr. @PortervillePrez and the PC team. I am excited for what’s to come!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Learning Resource Center in Delano

Bakersfield College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning for the newly finished multipurpose building at BC’s Delano campus. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the college in its commitment to providing enhanced and expanded educational opportunities to students in North Kern.

» 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