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 was supposed to be in DC this week …. but between the storm and a wave of flight cancellations, the trip just didn’t happen.
The good news…. got to see a lot more of my boy Neo
Good morning California. It is January 31, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cerritos College delivers for local communities with new $850,000 workforce training grant
Cerritos College continues to deliver unmatched value to workers and employers across our local communities with a new $850,000 workforce training grant from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP). As one of the region’s strongest workforce partners, Cerritos College remains the top choice for employers seeking high-quality, industry-responsive training that drives real results. Cerritos College collaborates closely with local employers to design customized, results-driven programs that strengthen the regional economy.
Norco College Rising Scholars Program Celebrates Historic Final Graduation at California Rehabilitation Center
Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program celebrated its final graduation ceremony inside the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, marking a profound moment of both achievement and legacy. The intimate ceremony honored 63 graduates—the largest cohort in the program’s history—and recognized students for their perseverance, academic success, and commitment to personal transformation. The ceremony carried special significance as the CRC is scheduled to close in August 2026, marking years of collaboration that expanded access to higher education within the institution. Norco College extends its sincere gratitude to CRC leadership and staff for their steadfast partnership in supporting educational opportunity and student success.
The new football and softball stadiums at Palomar College have been recognized with a national award from the American Sports Builders Association. The projects received a bronze award in the multi-field facility category, selected from submissions across the country that ranged from schools and universities to health centers and public recreation complexes.
The Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges reaches Promise Plus endowment goal of $4 million
At the December 16, 2025 Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board meeting, the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges announced successfully reaching the Promise Plus endowment campaign goal of $4 million. By achieving this goal, the Foundation will be able to distribute $200,000 in Promise Plus scholarships annually, in perpetuity, benefitting up to 400 East County students each year. Since its inception, the Promise Plus has provided nearly $500,000 to fund more than 900 scholarships for Grossmont and Cuyamaca college students.
The EduLedger: Higher Ed Staff Embrace AI for Daily Work Despite Policy Gaps, New Survey Finds
Nearly all higher education employees are using artificial intelligence tools for work tasks, but less than half know whether their institutions have policies governing such use—a disconnect that experts warn could pose significant risks to data security and privacy. According to a new report from EDUCAUSE released this week, 94% of survey respondents said they have used AI tools for work within the past six months, yet only 54% are aware of policies or guidelines meant to guide such use. The survey, conducted in partnership with AIR, NACUBO, and CUPA-HR, drew responses from 1,960 higher education professionals between late September and mid-October 2025.
#Recap of College of the Desert students taking part in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program at our Indio Campus.
During the program students:
Competed in robotics challenges
Connected with STEM professionals
Toured Collins Aerospace and UC Riverside
Built teamwork and perseverance skills
Learned what it takes to meet NASA’s expectations for space missions
Congratulations to our NCAS scholars, and thank you to Professor Pérez, Professor Burns, Professor Blanton, the Indio Campus staff, and all who made this experience possible.
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From Cañada College:
Last week, the Cañada College Art Gallery was buzzing as students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of Guy Diehl: A Retrospective. With Guy Diehl himself in attendance, the evening was filled with meaningful conversation, connection, and reflection as guests explored nearly seven decades of his masterful still life work.
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From Cabrillo College:
Welcome Seahawks! Cabrillo’s Week of Welcome continues with new Superintendent & President Dr. Jenn Capps working the welcome table in Watsonville!
Bienvenidos, Seahawks! La Semana de Bienvenida de Cabrillo continúa con la nueva superintendente y presidenta, la Dra. Jenn Capps, atendiendo la mesa de bienvenida en Watsonville.
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From Santiago Canyon College:
Thank you to Rep. Lou Correa’s staff for visiting SCC’s Veteran Resource Center!
Student veterans led a tour & hosted a powerful Q&A with the Veteran Advisory Council.
The visit ended with a meaningful challenge coin exchange.
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From Mission College:
Mission College Nursing and Counseling faculty earlier this month traveled to Vietnam for a weeklong cultural exchange focused on advancing global partnerships and student success.
While in Ho Chi Minh City, the team collaborated with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMP) to share best practices and support the development of a Certified Nursing Assistant program. This meaningful exchange highlights the power of international collaboration in strengthening workforce pathways and healthcare education.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC’s Renegade Jazz Combo Performs in New Orleans
Recently, the Bakersfield College Renegade Jazz Combo traveled to New Orleans to perform at the JENerations Jazz Festival at the 17th Annual Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference. The group performed a set of original songs to a panel that consisted of professional artists and educators and received critique and feedback. During the four-day conference, the students also participated in various clinics, concerts, jam sessions, networking opportunities, and more.
Kris Tiner, Music Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at BC, was instrumental in coordinating the trip and getting the musicians ready to perform. “The Renegade Jazz Combo is the top jazz group at BC,” said Tiner, “and each year we try to take the group to a festival. The (JEN Conference) is a four-day conference and they perform a set of their original music, and they get a clinic following the performance from two professional jazz artists.” The conference represented a large part of their trip, but the students also got to experience other aspects of New Orleans. “We got to visit the French Quarter to hear some local music a few times,” said Tiner, “I wanted to take the students to Preservation Hall, because that is where the local musicians present their music. We started off at the gumbo shop to eat some local food and then we visited Preservation Hall – it was amazing.”
At the ACCT Leadership Congress this week. My first visit to New Orleans. Absolutely fell in love with the city.
Here we are at the famous Cafe du Monde
Yovani Jimenez, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Sonya Christian
Cafe du Monde is known for its cafe au lait and beignets. It’s the oldest coffee shop in New Orleans, first opening in 1862!
The shop has a simple menu, largely unchanged since it first opened – dark-roasted coffee with chicory, beignets, milk and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, fresh-squeezed orange juice. In more recent times, soda and iced coffee have been added.
Beautiful sunrise over the Mississippi –
With student Board Member Maria Blaze – an amazing young woman.
On Thursday night, wandered through the French Quarter. The energy was palpable… sound of live jazz spilling into the streets, the light of gas lamps, balconies draped in ironwork, and people all around having a great time.
Then there was St. Louis Cathedral facing Jackson Square. Way more beautiful in person than all the pictures you may have seen. Supposedly, it is the oldest continuously active Catholic church in the United States, with its first church on the site dating to 1718.
Growing up, mom always told us: “Whenever you enter a church for the first time, close your eyes and make three wishes.” It was a quiet ritual, passed down like a family secret. I remember doing it as a child, standing next to her and it has become a habit that traveled with me across time. So even though the church was closed, I sank into the familiar ritual.
St. Louis Cathedral, is a must see if you visit New Orleans.
Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take, But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away
Wrapped up the evening sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River watching the river boats.
And back home to Neo and our walks.
Good morning California. It is October 25, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
East Los Angeles College Students’ Lives Transformed Through Campus Essentials Donation
Thanks to the kindness of a recent donor, students at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) received a tremendous boost to their well-being and academic success. On Friday, September 12, the ELAC Foundation, Basic Needs Center, Athletic Department, and Associated Student Union (ASU) teamed up for a shopping trip to Costco. With the generous donation, they were able to stock up on food, snacks, and basic needs items that will make a real difference for our students on campus.
Mt. San Jacinto College’s Erik Ozolins Receives National Award for Excellence in Honors Education
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) proudly announces that Erik Ozolins, Co-Director of the Honors Enrichment Program and Professor and Chair of the Anthropology Department, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Ron Brandolini Award for Excellence at a Two-Year Institution from the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). This prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional faculty and administrators at two-year colleges who demonstrate outstanding leadership, teaching, and innovation in honors education.
First Ohlone College AA Degree Awarded at Elmwood Correctional Facility
Ohlone College’s Rising Scholars Program reached a historic milestone on September 18, 2025, when a student at Elmwood Correctional Facility became the first to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Studies. The degree, awarded with the highest honors and a perfect 4.0 GPA, reflects both academic excellence and the transformative power of education behind bars.
Making Gains in Gateway English and ESL through Dual Enrollment
In California and across the country, interest has surged in expanding access to dual enrollment (DE)—the opportunity to take college courses while in high school. Informed by abundant evidence of associated stronger high school and college outcomes, the state has enacted legislation to remove logistical hurdles and include historically underserved student populations. In the past few years, California has invested nearly $700 million to support K–12 and community college districts in these efforts. Moreover, system-level agreements and initiatives—including the Master Plan for Career Education, the CCC Roadmap, the UC and CSU Compacts, and the Golden State Pathways Program—increasingly promote increased access to DE and the completion of at least 12 college credits during high school.
Los Angeles Southwest College proudly spent the past month honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lineup of events dedicated to celebrating the histories, cultures, and lasting contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities. Guided by an enthusiastic Planning Committee and embraced by students, faculty, staff, and neighbors, the celebration brought learning, joy, and cultural pride to every corner of campus.
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From Chabot College:
Tuesday we celebrated the groundbreaking for our new football stadium and track renovation! We are very excited for the transformation thanks to the Measure A bond program. It will feature a new turf field, a reconfigured regulation track, upgraded bleachers, accessible pathways ad more!
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From College of the Desert:
COD Cares… And It Shows! Students in our Culinary Catering class prepared a delicious breakfast buffet to thank our hardworking Maintenance and Operations team. Our M&O team keeps our campuses looking beautiful and running smoothly. Thank you to our M&O team for all that they do and shoutout to our culinary students for serving a delicious meal!
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From Irvine Valley College:
Today, we marked IVC’s official 40th birthday with sweet treats, orange soda, and a special plaque dedication honoring the legacy of the orange trees that once surrounded our campus. While the original trees are no longer standing, their spirit continues to inspire us—a proud reminder of the roots that shaped our earliest days. Here’s to our heritage that planted the seeds—and the bold possibilities ahead!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Theater Program Celebrates Record-Breaking Success at 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival
The Bakersfield College Theater Program hosted the 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival in the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center throughout the first two weeks of October. This year’s festival featured two Shakespearean productions – the beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Professor Brian Sivesind and his wife Ellie Sivesind; and the romantic comedy All’s Well That Ends Well, directed by Professor Cody Ganger.
The Shakespeare Festival has always been a well-attended event, but the 2025 offering was truly a box office smash! By the festival’s conclusion, it achieved record-breaking attendance and sales, making it the most successful event in the last five years. Much Ado About Nothing was the single best-selling production in that time period. It is the first performance to sell more than 600 tickets, with a total of 667 sold.
Another week of travel. Not as crazy as the previous week…
Board Retreat on Tuesday at Santa Barbara City College. Beautiful location and great retreat. Then to El Camino College to sign a transfer pathway agreement with Coppin University. I forgot to snap pictures for you.
Then back home to my boy Neo.
And here is an older 10-sec video of the classic Bessie run to Eisha – on the beach at the Marina.
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Last night, we were treated a rare Planetary Parade as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune – and the moon – were aligned in the night sky just after dusk. While it’s relatively common for groups of 3-5 planets to appear, all of these seven being involved is rare. The next time we’ll be treated to such an alignment won’t be until 2040!
In India, the Mahakumbha Mela was celebrated …. a religious gathering recognizing the planetary movements that symbolize cosmic order, purification, and spiritual transcendence. It reflects the integration of astronomy, mythology, and spirituality in Indian traditions.
Good morning California. It is March 1, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Santa Barbara City College Awarded Grant from Uplift Central Coast Coalition
Santa Barbara City College, the SBCC Foundation, and Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara have been awarded a Catalyst Pre Development Phase grant from the Uplift Central Coast Coalition through the State’s California Jobs First program. The two-year initiative, “The Ocean Collective: A Consortium to Develop a Diverse and Climate-Resilient Blue Economy for the Central Coast,” will support the design of new facilities at SBCC and the creation of a workforce training pipeline that engages area high schools, community colleges, universities and blue economy employers.
Formerly Incarcerated Long Beach City College Student Rebuilds His Life Through Art and Education
Formerly incarcerated LBCC student, Francisco Baldonado has rebuilt his life through art, education, and is now a featured artist in the new exhibit “Hope Restored: Justice Scholars Student Exhibition,” which opened on Feb. 13. Baldonado is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Fine Art and a teaching credential at the age of 45, but none of it would have been possible without the help of the Justice Scholars, a program that raises awareness for formerly incarcerated students so that they are capable of getting a further education.
Recycled Water Connection at LA Southwest College Sets Precedent for Sustainability Efforts
A new recycled water irrigation system at the Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) campus marks an impactful stride toward sustainability and a significant reduction of potable water use. West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin), in collaboration with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), announces the completion of a transformative recycled water connection that will provide irrigation to approximately 20 acres of landscaping across the LASC campus.
Irvine Valley College Model UN Team Wins National Awards
IVC’s Model United Nations team won two Outstanding Delegation awards at the National Model UN Conference held in Washington, D.C. (NMUN DC) last fall. The awards mark a decade of excellence for the IVC MUN team, now winning the top award at NMUN DC 10 years in a row. IVC was the only community college, out of the 35 schools in attendance, to win two top awards.
Did you see the story last week about a Bay Area college student who won $100,000 at the NBA All-Star Game?
Jaren Barajas is a student at Los Medanos College. YouTuber MrBeast hosted a challenge – sink one bucket from half-court before Oakland native Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks could make three.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Oxnard College:
We recently welcomed counselors to campus for another inspiring 805 Industry Day. This annual event introduces our K-12 partners to career education programs, helping to ensure grade and high school students are aware of career pathways at Oxnard College. The event wrapped up at our public safety campus, where our guests got to tour facilities and network with our faculty and staff.
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From Skyline College:
The Automotive Department hosted Driving the Future this week to introduce high school students to the Automotive Career Program at Skyline College. Students heard from guest speakers, toured the department, and then enjoyed a catered lunch afterwards. Huge thanks to everyone who participated and helped inspire the next generation of automotive professionals.
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From Folsom Lake College:
FLC “Comunidad” Student Club participated in its first international community service event at the Casa Hogar Orphanage in Mexico! FLC student and Veteran John Locke said it perfectly, ” It’s so rad to help others.”
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From Shasta College:
Congratulations to our seven Shasta College MESA students who have been selected to participate in a special NASA program! The NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) activity is comprised of three missions designed to challenge and build student knowledge and skills by focusing on NASA’s mission goals, collaboration, and career pathways.
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And check out this video from Monterey Peninsula College’s Family STEM Day:
Blast from the Past
Getting my COVID-19 vaccination back in 2021, when I was president of Bakersfield College. Check out this 53-sec video. It’s kinda fun.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Industrial Automation Hosts 2025 Career Fair
It was an exciting day for the Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College as they recently hosted their 2025 Career Fair. Held in the Renegade Event Center, the gathering gave attendees the opportunity to explore a variety of careers and internships in the industrial automation industry.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
