Tag Archives: Mendocino College

9 days, 1 hour, and 32 minutes. we will forever remember

Uncategorized April 11, 2026 Leave a comment

On Friday, the Artemis II mission around the moon ended with Integrity’s splashdown into the Pacific.

There are so many amazing parts of this mission – when Commander Reid Wiseman’s crewmates asked to name a moon crater after Reid’s late wife Carroll; how they carried a swatch of fabric from the original Wright Flyer – from first flight, to furthest from Earth; an SD card holding millions of names in the “send your name to space” campaign that brought the public along on the journey.

Another fun part has been the daily wake up songs that greeted the astronauts. Every morning, Mission Control would play a song to start their day.

A few of my favorites:

Under Pressure, by Queen & David Bowie:

Working Class Heroes (Work) from CeeLo Green:

Green Light from John Legend and Andre 3000:

On the day of their lunar flyby, the crew also received a special message from Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell, who recorded this before he passed in 2025:

“Hello, Artemis II! This is Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. Welcome to my old neighborhood! When Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and I orbited the Moon on Apollo 8, we got humanity’s first up-close look at the Moon and got a view of the home planet that inspired and united people around the world. I’m proud to pass that torch on to you — as you swing around the Moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars … for the benefit of all. It’s a historic day, and I know how busy you’ll be. But don’t forget to enjoy the view. So, Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy, and all the great teams supporting you  – good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth.”

NASA has shared the full playlist on Spotify.

*****

As for my week…. hectic.

Spent Easter with my daughter in Toronto and then headed to Sacramento for the CCC Advocacy Day. Here are a few photos from Advocacy Day

Check out these two photos … one from 2024 and the second from 2026. Amy Costa and me in action!

Amy Costa and Sonya Christian April 10, 2024

Sonya Christian and Amy Costa April 7, 2026

Board of Governors

Large Group

I was honored to speak at the Public Policy Institute of California’s “A Conversation with California’s Higher Education Leaders”.

Then it was back to my boy Neo –

Good morning California.
It is April 11, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Merced College Wins Bellwether Award for Leadership in Workforce Innovation

Merced College has been named a 2026 Bellwether Award winner in the Workforce Development category, a national honor recognizing innovative and replicable programs that address critical workforce challenges. The award recognizes the college’s AgTEC Workforce Initiative, a comprehensive agricultural innovation ecosystem designed to prepare farmworkers and future agricultural professionals for a rapidly evolving industry shaped by automation, robotics and data-driven systems.

» Read more!

West Los Angeles College Aviation Team Soars During Women’s History Month, Challenging Gender Norms in Aviation

From March 15 to 18, 2026, the Aviation Women’s Skills Team, led by WLAC Professor Monica Reyes, completed the 2026 specialized skills Training in Texas. The partnership, sponsored by United Airlines, provided our students with high-level professional exposure and technical development. West is the only California Community College that offers a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, with a focus on the future of aviation technology, including AI, drones, and satellite navigation.

» Read more!

Mendocino College Celebrates $20 million Project on Willits Campus

Local and state leaders recently visited the Mendocino College Willits campus to celebrate a major $20 million investment that will fund a new career training center. U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Ukiah, state Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Ukiah, Mendocino College President Tim Karas, Mendocino County Supervisor John Haschak and other leaders involved in the project spoke about how the infusion of funds will support increasing enrollment at the college and create opportunities for economic development. The planned 19,000‑square‑foot facility will expand hands‑on programs in areas like fire technology, health sciences, construction, and energy technology, supporting both workforce development and local economic growth. Doors are expected to open in spring 2029.

» Read more!

College of the Canyons Earns ‘Bee Campus’ Designation

The college has earned designation as a Bee Campus USA affiliate, becoming the first community college in Southern California to receive the distinction in recognition of its long-standing commitment to pollinator conservation, native habitat restoration, and biodiversity education. As a Bee Campus USA affiliate, COC will further its efforts to conserve native pollinators by providing healthy habitats rich in diverse native plants, protected nesting sites, and landscapes managed with minimal pesticides.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

After losing his home in the Palisades fire, he’s learning to rebuild it — literally

Hudson Idov wasn’t excited about any of his college options — that is, until his Los Angeles house burned down in the Palisades Fire his senior year of high school. 

Less than a week after graduation, he and one of his classmates enrolled in the carpentry program at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, a community college just south of downtown. Their goal is to start a construction company one day and help rebuild the Palisades. “We have big, big 10-year plans,” he said during a break in his morning class.

» Read more!

*****

Which Jobs Are Most at Risk in the Age of AI?

Last month, researchers at Tufts University published “When Wired Belts Become the New Rust Belts: AI and the Emerging Geography of American Job Risk,” which ranks occupations, industries, regions and states by vulnerability “based on the most current understanding of AI’s evolving impact.”

While not as severe as the tech sector’s predictions, the index projects that roughly 6 percent of jobs are vulnerable to AI-driven elimination within the next two to five years, amounting to “a wipeout equivalent to the economy of Belgium” or even “just shy of the economy of South Korea,” if adoption of agentic AI tools increases.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Santa Barbara City College:

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the Physical Education & Athletics Building Groundbreaking Ceremony. The P.E. & Athletics Building is the first project out of the Measure P Bond Extension; This was prioritized to attain matching state funds of $34 million for the project.

“It is exciting to see the P.E. & Athletics Building already deconstructed and moving into the construction phase for our Cliff Campus, as this is the first major building project on campus in almost a decade,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D.

From Santa Barbara City College:

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the Physical Education & Athletics Building Groundbreaking Ceremony. The P.E. & Athletics Building is the first project out of the Measure P Bond Extension; This was prioritized to attain matching state funds of $34 million for the project.

“It is exciting to see the P.E. & Athletics Building already deconstructed and moving into the construction phase for our Cliff Campus, as this is the first major building project on campus in almost a decade,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D.

*****

From Butte College:

Thank you to Mr. Jim Tanimoto for sharing his remarkable story and wisdom with our campus community. At 102 years old, Mr. Tanimoto offers a powerful and personal connection to history as one of the last survivors of the Tule Lake Segregation Center.

We were honored to host a screening of Mr. Tanimoto’s Journey as part of our U in Butte programming, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Jesse Dizard, Mr. Tanimoto, and Patrick Gilmore.

We thank Mr. Tanimoto for his time and his words!.

*****

From Folsom Lake College:

A delegation representing FLC’s Prison and Reentry Education Program (PREP) is attending the 15th National Conference on Higher Education in Prison, April 8–10 in Cleveland, Ohio. The conference is bringing together educators and practitioners from across the country to explore policy developments, emerging trends, and innovative practices in prison education.

By participating in this national convening, the FLC team hopes to gain valuable insights to strengthen and expand educational opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students, further advancing the college’s commitment to access, equity, and student success.

*****

From Solano Community College:

Solano Community College Trustees proudly showed their support for Autism and Neurodiversity Acceptance Month by wearing blue—a symbol of solidarity, understanding, and inclusion.

This meaningful gesture reflects our commitment to celebrating the strengths and contributions of neurodivergent individuals, whose unique perspectives help shape our world for the better—on our campus and beyond. Together, we continue to foster an environment where every voice is valued and every individual belongs.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Jones Art Gallery Hosting 2026 Student Art Exhibit

The Bakersfield College Wylie and May Louise Art Gallery is hosting the 2026 Student Art Exhibit which officially opened this week. This annual event features a diverse collection of artwork by BC students, highlighting their creativity and exceptional talent. There were hundreds of submissions, and each piece included in the exhibit was reviewed and selected by a panel of jurors.

The 2026 BC Student Art Exhibit will be on display in the Jones Art Gallery until April 30th during regular gallery hours (Monday-Thursday, 2:00PM-5:00PM) and is free and open to the public. Please come and enjoy the beautiful artwork created by some of BC’s most talented artists.

» 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

A Love Letter to the California Community Colleges on Valentine’s Day 2026

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

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

California Community Colleges, your best chance – A tribute to John Beam

Uncategorized November 15, 2025 1 Comment

My thoughts and prayers are with the Laney College community after the tragic death of Athletic Director and legendary football coach John Beam. The Peralta Community College District shared this beautiful tribute to his legacy.

*****

This morning, I found myself re-reading The Dash by Linda Ellis.

Between the date when we arrive
and the date we go away,
there exists a horizontal line
that captures every single day.

And because these days we’re living
seem to vanish in a flash,
we need to make the most of
that special little dash.

*****

A trio of sunsets for you to make three wishes –

Pause, close your eyes, and make three wishes.

Good morning California.
It is November 15, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Allan Hancock Students Design Signage for Nature Preserve

 Visitors to the Central Coast’s rugged coastline will soon have a new way to connect with its natural beauty, thanks to Allan Hancock College graphic design students who transformed science into art for the community. A group of nine students in the college’s art, graphic design and multimedia programs teamed up with fine arts instructor Tellef Tellefson and staff from The Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, located in Lompoc, to design interpretive signage for the Jalama Campground, located adjacent to the preserve.

» Read more!

San Diego Mesa College Fashion Students Redefine Couture
with Sustainable Designs at Laguna Art Museum

On November 1, 2025, four San Diego Mesa College Fashion Design students — Tiara Daring, Edwin Alba, Liliia Derkach, and Vanessa Felix — were selected to participate in the Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM) Upcycled Couture Fashion Show. The annual runway event combines community, creativity, and environmental awareness. This year’s theme, Restoring the Future, challenged students to create one-of-a-kind sustainable couture pieces that highlight the many ways local partners are making a difference in the community and beyond. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Commentary: Community colleges are where
American opportunity becomes reality 

Headlines often focus on the challenges facing higher education — rising costs, shifting workforce demands and questions about value. Yet at a time when confidence in institutions is waning, many California community colleges are quietly earning trust the old-fashioned way: by delivering on their promises.

From my vantage point as chancellor of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), serving California’s vast Central Valley, I see that story firsthand. Community colleges are not only adapting — they are thriving — expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the communities they serve.

» Read more!

*****

Community colleges again lead enrollment increases

Undergraduate enrollments for this fall are up again, with community colleges again seeing the largest rate increase, according to preliminary reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Research Center.

Overall undergraduate enrollment is up 2.4% so far, with increases in all sectors, though community colleges are leading with a 4.0% boost, compared to 1.9% at public four-year institutions and 0.9% at private, nonprofit four-year institutions. And, once again this fall, certificates appear to be a driving force — a 6.6% increase, compared to a 3.1% bump for associate degrees and 1.2% for bachelor’s degrees.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Coastline Community College:

Thank you to Santiago High School for visiting our Newport Campus for MESA Day! It was inspiring to see so many bright and eager students exploring their future in higher education.

From Río Hondo College:

El Monte UHSD honored Río Hondo College’s free Math Academy for its 81% summer completion rate! Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Zuniga and the Board for recognizing our team—and to Dean Yolanda Emerson for her leadership.

*****

From Hartnell College:

Today, our #HartnellCollege community gathered in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Ohlone/Costanoan–Esselen Nation Tribal Chairperson Louise J. Miranda Ramirez shared a presentation on the history and living legacy of the Esselen people, weaving together stories of land and cultural continuity. The event continued with a jewelry-making workshop, inviting participants to connect through hands-on creation and community. A heartfelt thank you to our Hartnell Ethnic Studies team and ASHC for making this event possible!

*****

From Mendocino College:

The Basic Needs Produce Wednesday service was successfully provided at the Lake Center. We extend our gratitude to the Lake Center staff for their valuable support and collaboration in facilitating this service.

*****

From Golden West College:

Psych Day was a day full of games, an internship and resource fair, a career panel and an amazing keynote speaker, Dr. James Garcia! Thank you to the Psychology faculty who helped coordinate the event.

*****

And check out Irvine Valley College’s 40th anniversary documentary!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Holds First-Generation College Student Day

Last week, Bakersfield College gathered students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the inaugural First-Generation College Student Day, a moment to recognize the determination of those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. With more than 40 percent of BC students identifying as first-generation, the event highlighted the strength and resilience that shape our campus community.

» 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

California Community College Students on the move – March in March

Uncategorized March 8, 2025 Leave a comment

Spring is in bloom! A friend shared this pic with me, with a text –

“Flowering Plum Trees are in bloom. When there’s a slight breeze the flower petals  sometimes fall off as if there are snow flakes.”

I started my week in San Francisco, presenting at the CISOA conference on Monday – the annual conference for the Chief Technology Officers of the California Community Colleges.

Monday afternoon, I dropped by for the student March in March event. Here are some photos.

The fabulous Linda Vasquez selfie.

With Board of Governors Member Cirian Villavicencio

With Ivan Hernandez – SSCCC President

On Thursday, I spoke at the A2MEND Conference with Board of Governors member Pam Haynes.

Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Ebony Jeffries
Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Don Daves-Rougeaux

And with a group of students from Southwestern College:

Good morning California.
It is March 8, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

The Human Library® Returns to Cuesta College

Cuesta College, in collaboration with the Cuesta College Library, Cuesta College Student Health Services, and San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health, is proud to announce the return of The Human Library® to its San Luis Obispo campus on March 5.

Originating in Denmark over two decades ago, The Human Library® is a global movement designed to challenge stereotypes and biases through open and meaningful conversations. The event creates a safe and inclusive space where topics are discussed openly between the human books and their readers, providing an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and foster deeper understanding. 

» Read more!

Peralta CCD Hosts Event With House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

On February 21, 2025, the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center in partnership with the Peralta Community College District hosted a forum dedicated to civic engagement, bringing together community leaders, elected officials, and citizens to discuss the vital importance of defending democratic principles in today’s challenging political climate. 

» Read more!

Mt. San Antonio College Turf Teams Sweep Contest

Mt. SAC Turf Teams recently mowed the competition at the annual Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) contest, taking first, second and third place and beating out major universities. Three teams of four competed in the Student Challenge, a two-hour exam testing knowledge of the sports turf industry, covered subjects as diverse as Turfgrass Identification, Selection and Morphology, Soil Management, Soil Fertility, Water Management, Drainage, Turfgrass Mathematics, Pest Identification and Management, and both turf and non-turf Sports Field Management. 

» Read more!

Mendocino College Announces the Purchase of Property
for Future Student Housing

Mendocino College is pleased to announce the purchase of a property at the corner of Perkins and Main Streets in downtown Ukiah, marking the first phase of a multi-year initiative to develop future student housing. This project aims to increase the availability of affordable housing for students and support the local community.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Victor Valley College:

Victor Valley College’s inaugural Community Education — Paint Night Experience in VVC Performing Arts Center Black Box Room was a sold-out success! It was incredible to watch our lead instructor, Theresa Shellcroft, guide and inspire participants as they brought their unique Desert Sunset masterpieces to life.

*****

From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

What an amazing afternoon we had celebrating Women’s History Month! We came together to share inspiring affirmations, create uplifting messages, and take home a beautiful flower. Thank you to everyone who joined us in spreading joy and empowerment!

*****

From Madera Community College:

On February 25, we held another CAMP Seminar for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) 2024-25 Cohort at Madera Community College! This event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with CAMP students. They received essential information regarding academic advising, CSU/UC transfer requirements, financial aid, health services, psychological services, and tutoring resources available on campus.

*****

From Imperial Valley College:

Step right up! We’re all set inside the Preble Building at the California Mid-Winter Fair, ready to hear your big ideas for Imperial Valley College’s future.

*****

From Rio Hondo College:

This weekend, we hosted the LA Regional Science Olympiad Tournament, where Division B & C teams from across LA County showcased their STEM skills! Congrats to those advancing to the State Tournament in April! Thanks to Ryan Wong & all the volunteers!

*****

And check out this video from Evergreen Valley College –

McTate Stroman, a staff member at Evergreen Valley College, whose hometown of Altadena was devastated by the Los Angeles Fires, wrote and recited this poem. McTate also curated an art exhibit in his hometown.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Students Travel to Arizona for Theatre Arts Festival

Recently, twenty-seven BC Theatre students traveled to Mesa, Arizona to participate in the Region 7/Region 8 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) at Mesa Community College. This Festival is a celebration of the work in Theatre Arts that college students in these regions have done throughout the year, as well as a place to audition and compete for scholarships, gain knowledge and skills through workshops, see plays, and network with students from other schools.

Three BC students – Riss Halbwachs, Savanna Lux, and Jesse Magdaleno – and their partners advanced to the Semi-Final Round of the Irene Ryan auditions, which is a huge accomplishment! Out of hundreds of preliminary participants, only sixty make it to the Semi-Final Round. Then, Jesse Magdaleno and his partner Nathan Armendariz made it to the Final Round of the audition– the top fifteen participants of the entire festival. This is the first time a BC student has made it to the Final Round of the Irene Ryans.

» 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

Relationships ….. the joy of life

Uncategorized August 31, 2024 Leave a comment

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.

*****

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!

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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!

*****

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!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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