Tag Archives: Los Angeles Pierce College

Let’s remember – every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

This week was a heartbreaking one as a helicopter collided with an airplane in Washington, D.C. The crash took the lives of 67 people. Among the victims were a group of children returning home from a national figure skating development camp, along with their coaches and family members.

Lives taken too soon …..
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/31/us/dc-plane-crash-victims/index.html

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This week, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office lost a dear colleague, John Stanskas.

John Stanskas presenting to the Board of Governors in Sep 2024

A friend of John’s shared this poem in a social media post, and I wanted to share it with you:

“Write It on Your Heart” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.

Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”

Good morning California.
It is February 1, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Berkeley City College Students Win Global Animation Award

Congratulations to the Berkeley City College Multimedia Arts students for earning second place in the global VIVE Mars “Best Horror Shot!” film competition for their spooky short “Night of the Living Dodo.” This achievement was made possible by the RVPA internship program, which is sponsored by the Film Commission via the California Community College Foundation.

» Read more!

Check out the video below:


Butte College Celebrates First Graduating Class of Accelerated Nursing Program

Butte College honored its first graduating class from the accelerated registered nursing program at a pinning ceremony on December 20, 2024, at the Paradise Alliance Church. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 45 students who completed the rigorous three-semester program, launched in January 2024, to address the critical shortage of registered nurses in Butte and Glenn Counties and surrounding areas.

» Read more!


Reedley College Cuts Ribbon on Fine & Performing Arts Center

After years of dreaming, planning, fundraising, groundbreaking, and building, Reedley College proudly held its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the McClarty Center For Fine and Performing Arts November 19, 2024. 

» Read more!


California First Partner Visits Pierce College to Support Fire Response Efforts

Amid the challenges of wildfires sweeping through Southern California, Pierce welcomed California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 to our Equestrian Center, where a large animal evacuation shelter has been operating in partnership with L.A. County Animal Care and Control. The shelter is currently home to approximately 225 animals, including horses, alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund
Receives $1 Million Donation From Jay Pritzker Foundation

The Jay Pritzker Foundation has donated $1 million to support the California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund, which is providing vital aid to students, faculty, and staff impacted by this month’s devastating wildfires in Southern California. The ongoing emergency has impacted more than a dozen Los Angeles-area colleges and counting as fires continue to burn in the region. 

» Read more!

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Upcoming Webinars

Join us on Tuesday, February 4, at 12:00 p.m. for the latest addition to the #CalCommColleges #AI webinar series.
» Register today!

Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the California Community Colleges System Webinar, “The State Budget: Proposition 98 and Proposed Governor’s Budget Resource Allocations.”
» Register for the series!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Modesto Junior College:

The MJC Fire Academy proudly presented 29 candidates with the Fire Academy Certificate of Achievement. “We are one of the premier training facilities. The program at MJC has earned a well recognized reputation and many of our candidates obtain jobs in fire departments throughout the state.” shared Matt Curless, Modesto Fire Department Captain and Academy Coordinator. In just one semester, students learn to successfully navigate an intense training program and complete an all-inclusive set of State Fire Marshall certifications, preparing them for real life scenarios. The Fall 2024 ceremony was unique, as Captain Curless’ son received his certificate.

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Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu shared these photos of Assemblywoman Julia Brownley’s recent visit to their campus:

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From Ventura College:

Last night the Ventura College Foundation hosted the Grand Opening of the new Gibbs Diesel Mechanics Center, a cutting-edge training facility.

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From Hartnell College:

The first day of Spring Semester at #HartnellCollege is officially in the books. Let’s make this an incredible semester, Panthers!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Spring 2025 STEM Resource Fair

Recently, Bakersfield College hosted a STEM Club and Resource Fair in the Science and Engineering building. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with representatives from the BC STEM Clubs and resource programs, who were ready to share invaluable insights, financial support, and other essential resources.

» Read more!

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Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

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

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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

Fourth of July 2024

Happy Fourth of July California!

I hope you enjoyed some time relaxing and celebrating with friends and family as we honored the United States’ 248th birthday.

Check out this video from NYC’s fireworks show:

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A July 4th tidbit – the day that the Caesar Salad was invented? It celebrated its 100th anniversary this year!

Not many classic dishes can claim a specific birthday. But the Caesar salad was created for the very first time on July 4, 1924, in Tijuana, Mexico.

It is not a Mexican salad, says Jeffrey Pilcher. He’s a culinary historian who studies Mexican foodways.

“This is an Italian salad,” Pilcher says. “Caesar Cardini, the inventor of the salad, was an Italian immigrant and there were many Italian immigrants to Mexico.”

» Check out this NPR story!

And CNN shared a video with the original chef’s grandson, Alex Cardini.

Good morning California.
It is July 6, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

El Camino College FIRST Students Win Big in PSA Competition

The team from El Camino’s Formerly Incarcerated Re-Entry Students Thriving (FIRST) Program recently competed in the Rising Scholars PSA Challenge, part of the annual Project Rebound symposium at Cal State LA. The team brought home the first-place prize, along with a sense of pride in their work, and a $1,000 award for the FIRST Program.

» Read more!


Hancock Art & Design Professor Nancy Jo Ward Featured in
International Art Exchange Exhibition in Japan

Allan Hancock College Professor Nancy Jo Ward is one of 57 visual artists selected to represent the United States at the 23rd International Art Exchange Exhibition. The event fosters curiosity, artistic expression, and meaningful interactions. The exhibition is officially supported by the cultural embassies of Japan, China, Thailand, and Australia.

» Read more!


Three Solano College Arts students place in the top 20 in Bridgegood’s Inspire Oakland Design Challenge

As one of their class projects this spring, students in Rachel Smith’s advanced graphic design class (DMA 11: Graphic Design 2) participated in the Bridgegood.org Inspire Oakland  design challenge, creating billboard designs inspired by the diversity and culture of Oakland. Student Lilliana Mendez placed in the Top 6 with her design, while students Herman Billingsley and Nova Ojeda both placed in the Top 20.

» Read more! 



In Case You Missed It

LA Times – Mike Muñoz: College champion of marginalized students

Mike Muñoz bears the lofty title of superintendent-president of Long Beach City College. But he still sees himself in many of his students who have navigated hardscrabble lives to pursue higher education.

Muñoz, who grew up in Whittier and Anaheim, became homeless at age 17 and moved 10 times in five years searching for a place to live. He went without food or electricity at times, scrapping to make ends meet with low-wage work. He became a single parent at age 20. Then, he came out as a gay man and became estranged from his father.

» Read more!

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Education Trust-West: Championing Student Parent Success
in the Cradle-to-Career Data System

Juggling coursework and family can be a lot, as Dia, a parenting student at Los Angeles Pierce College, knows all too well. Dia was hired as a student worker with Project SPARC (Student Parents Are Reimagining CalWORKs), a statewide effort that empowers parenting CalWORKs students to drive forward systems change through leadership development, research and policy development, and advocacy. Through this work study opportunity, Dia and other SPARC students design solutions that address their needs as parenting community college students and advocate for these solutions to systems leaders and policymakers.  

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From College of the Redwoods:

CR Trail Building class professor Dennis Houghton leads the Bigfoot Trail Alliance Trail Steward Team (including CR Faculty Gabrielle Gopinath and Benjamin Funke and CR students), along with Take to the Hills and the US Forest Service, in the Trinity Alps wilderness.

Students built and widened a ½ mile section of trail from 6200-6800ft elevation on the way to Packers Peak.

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Columbia College climate stewardship class helps clean up Firewise Community

Climate Stewardship class students (from left) Ben Cossel, Orion Peck, Christina Johnson, Morgan Velasco, Lisa Murphy (instructor), Autumn Azzaro, and Mateo Garcia helped create defensible space in the Sonora Knolls/Dragoon Gulch neighborhood.

» Learn more!

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From San Jose City College:

The Jaguar family mourns the passing of the retired, legendary Percy Carr, head coach of the San Jose City College Men’s Basketball team for 45 years. He is the winningest Black men’s basketball coach in history and the winningest men’s basketball coach in California Community College history.

» Read more!

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And check out this video promoting cybersecurity programs at our California Community Colleges!


Blast from the Past

Please enjoy this video of Bakersfield College’s fireworks after commencement in 2016:


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Campus Stories: Voices Of LGBTQIA+ Scholars at Bakersfield College

In honor of Pride Month, BC’s Student Government Association recently hosted Campus Stories: LGBTQIA+ Scholars at Bakersfield College.

The event featured a panel of four BC faculty and staff members and two BC students and was moderated by Chris Cruz-Boone, Professor of Communications at BC. Each panel member answered various questions about their experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in Kern County and at Bakersfield College.

» 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