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
It was Board of Governors week, and we had a few especially exciting topics.
First, the CCC Chancellor’s Office and AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advancing climate action, sustainability, and workforce development opportunities within California’s growing ‘blue economy.’
Here is a fun celebratory picture after the signing
Avin Sharma, Carla Grandy, Sonya Christian, Terry Tamminen, Hildy Aguinaldo, Tony Cordova, Derrick Kirk, Sandra Sanchez, Bill Rawlings
Terry Tamminen signing the MOU
I am so excited to see what great things will come of this amazing partnership.
Check out the opinion piece – The emerging California job industry that is AI-proof, published in the Sacramento Bee
With 840 miles of coastline and the nation’s most active port complex, California is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution and share its model with coastal communities around the world seeking both good careers and a sustainable future. The blue economy is projected to reach $3 trillion globally by 2030, driven by the expansion of offshore renewable energy, sustainable aquaculture, marine carbon removal, coastal restoration and maritime innovation. These sectors require skilled, trained workers who can operate vessels, manage hatcheries, install offshore infrastructure, grow sustainable seaweed crops, maintain marine robotics and make critical decisions in real time, where wind, waves, weather and ecosystems intersect.
Also, congratulations to College of the Canyons – their Rising Scholars Program was recognized as this year’s Exemplary Program Award winner.
College of the Canyon’s Rising Scholars program was launched in 2016 and has served more than 7,290 justice-impacted students since its inception.
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And as we take time to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this weekend, I am reminded of his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” written on April 16, 1963. In particular, I am drawn to this quote –
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Good morning California. It is January 17, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Mt. San Jacinto College’s First Commercial Driver’s License Cohort Celebrates Strong Completion and Workforce Impact
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is proud to celebrate the successful completion of its first Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training cohort, a new workforce-focused program preparing adult learners for high-demand careers in commercial truck driving. MSJC’s CDL program offers comprehensive, hands-on preparation and testing support, covering vehicle safety, pre-trip inspections, road operation, and exam readiness—ensuring graduates are prepared for both certification and employment.
Compton Community Health Professions Partnership Receives $1.78 Million Grant from The Broad Foundation
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has awarded $1.78 million to support the continued implementation of the Compton Community Health Professions Partnership (CCHPP) over the next three years. Established in 2024, CCHPP is a collaborative initiative designed to address the critical shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in Los Angeles County and improve the overall health and well-being of community members through education and increased access to trained healthcare professionals.
The grant will fund key positions essential to CCHPP’s success, including a Research Analyst at Compton College, an Administrator at Compton Unified School District, a Program Partnership Analyst at CSU Dominguez Hills, and a Program Manager at Charles Drew University. These roles will provide critical coordination and support for expanding work-based learning and increasing access to health career pathways for the Compton community, including those who are first-generation, low-income, Black, or Latino students.
Reedley College Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Agriculture
The National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) named Reedley College the Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award winner in Region 1 for 2025, which covers the Western United States (California, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington & Wyoming).
SisterWeb Partners with City College of San Francisco to Launch Credited Community Doula Training Course
In a groundbreaking move to expand equitable access to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum support—and to increase workforce development opportunities for Black community members—SisterWeb has partnered with City College of San Francisco (CCSF) to offer the Blossoming Birth Community Doula Training Course (HLTH 210, Community Birth Worker/Doula Education). This three-unit credit course is the first of its kind in the Bay Area.
EdSource Commentary: New California AI laws that matter to you in 2026
As we head into 2026, it already feels clear that 2025 will be remembered as a turning point: the year artificial intelligence (AI) became a regular part of daily life. ChatGPT is now as ubiquitous as Google, Waymo cars are a familiar sight on big city streets, and distinguishing between real and AI-generated images or videos is no longer straightforward.
Every sector, whether entertainment, finance, health care and beyond, is grappling with the implications. Education is no exception.
LA Times: Auto shop class is thriving. Community college students basically fix your car for free
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers the largest community college auto repair program in the region, turning out graduates ready to work at dealership service centers, independent shops and the fleet departments of municipalities, among other areas.
The college has offered the training for decades, and its Automotive and Related Technology program has evolved with industry changes — including the advent of fuel injection, airbags and the rise of electric vehicles.
As the rising cost of four-year universities has led many to question the value of higher education, training for high-demand trades has been growing. An American Staffing Assn. survey conducted by the Harris Poll and released in June found that 33% of U.S. adults would recommend to high school seniors that they attend vocational or trade school.
Day 2 of IN THE HEIGHTS rehearsals- After an energetic night of plunking out parts for the AMAZING Lin Manuel Miranda music in this play, the cast continues their bonding and growing friendships as they come together for a first cast picture! This is an exciting collaboration between the Theatre Arts, Music and Dance programs and a full-court press for the PAC on the Moorpark College campus. IN THE HEIGHTS opens March 12th and runs through March 29th and promises to be one of the biggest and most energetic productions to come to our main stage in some time. 2026 @ Moorpark College is starting with celebration and fireworks!
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Santa Ana College is celebrating the grand re-opening of their Main Campus Entrance:
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From Chaffey College:
The wind didn’t stop us from enjoying Unity in Community today! Thank you to everyone who joined us.
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From Merced College:
Hoops & Hello’s was a success! Thank you to everyone who came out today to meet our Men’s & Women’s Basketball teams and show some Blue Devil love to our student-athletes!
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From Cerritos College:
When @cerritoscollegepres is away, the real big dog comes out to play. Okay, she’s little, but we’re betting Delta is speedier than Dr. Fierro on his scooter! Shoutout to Professor @crystallovetere for stopping by before the spring semester with her pup.
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And check out this video of the Santa Barbara City College Trombone Quartet playing “Auld Lang Syne.”
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Athletics Hosts Sports Media Day for Spring 2026
This week, Bakersfield College Athletics hosted their Sports Media Day for the Spring 2026 semester. Local news outlets, students, staff, and the community were all invited to learn more about the teams and athletes that would be competing throughout the semester. The event included players and coaches from men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s and women’s tennis, track and field, women’s wrestling, swimming, and more.
Representatives and players from each team addressed attendees, and discussed goals for their upcoming seasons, preparation strategies, team chemistry, goals, and a variety of other topics. Marc Gomez, Head Coach of the BC Women’s Tennis team, shared excitement about the prospect of their upcoming season. “We have some girls who are returning from last year’s state championship finals team,” he said, “and we’re looking forward to building on that success.”
I was back in San Diego this week for a Vision 2030 Regional Workshop.
As I always say … what is there not to love about San Diego!
The Chancellor’s Office team showed up strong. Here are a few photos.
James Todd, Don Daves-Rougeaux, Cheri Fortan, Terrence Willett, Chris Ferguson, Sonya Christian
Here we are with the amazing West Ed team.
On My November 29th blog I mentioned that I was in Toronto and we were expecting snow the next day. Here are a few photos from the window of my bedroom in my daughter’s place.
Most folks love watching planes in action. I remember when I was a little girl, my brother Roy routinely driving me to the airport so we could watch planes land and take off.
So here is a 17-sec video of Air Canada pulling up to the gate at LAX.
Good morning California. It is December 6, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
L.A. Pierce College Becomes First U.S. Community College to Launch AI-Powered Biomedical Research Program
Students at Los Angeles Pierce College took a historic step recently as they convened their first research team meeting for the newly launched L.A. Pierce AI Campus, an initiative that officially makes Pierce the first community college in the United States to launch an AI-powered biomedical research program through a groundbreaking partnership with National AI Campus.
Golden West College Receives Major Investment to Expand Nursing Program, Strengthen Local Workforce Pipeline
Golden West College has been awarded $3.5 million over three years from the Samueli Foundation to expand its highly successful School of Nursing and increase access to high-demand healthcare careers across Orange County. The multi-year funding will support program growth, new faculty positions, expanded partnerships with local high schools, and upgrades to clinical training technology.
Los Medanos College Rolls Out Hi-Tech Type 1 Fire Engine
Los Medanos College Fire Academy students this year will benefit from training on a fully-loaded 2009 Hi-Tec Type I Fire Engine. LMC used California Strong Workforce Program grant funding to purchase the $114,000 engine from the Cordelia Fire Protection District. The engine includes equipment for urban and wildland firefighting, and represents significant cost savings to the college. A new engine of this type would have cost about $800,000 with no equipment on board.
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Wins Prestigious Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College has received the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), a national honor recognizing Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing the zoo’s excellence in new and unique live animal display, exhibit design and construction. This year’s award honors the zoo’s creation of “Rajah’s Retreat,” a state-of-the-art natural habitat for tigers.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Sierra College:
Yesterday we held our annual EMT Trauma Day and SWAT training on campus. This event gives Sierra College EMT and paramedics students a chance to gain valuable, real-world experience in their field and provides an opportunity for them to practice hands on skills with several local industry partners. Our annual Public Safety Career Fair was held yesterday as well. This event gives students in related fields the opportunity to connect and network with representatives and recruiters in related fields
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From Palomar College:
Last month, the ESL Department hosted an inspiring event titled Multicultural Voices: An ESL Celebration. Students united to honor the rich tapestry of languages, cultures, food, and stories that define their home countries.
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From Allan Hancock College:
Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex welcomed the Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Fresno fire departments for joint disaster response training this week. Crews practiced shoring damaged structures and ran search and rescue drills on the rubble pile.
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From Foothill College:
Big congrats to Nava Call for their incredible win! Presenting at Google HQ? Talk about next-level opportunities
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And check out this video from Las Positas College:
Big congrats to LPC music student Joshua Glatt for winning 1st Place in the statewide MACCC Composition Competition! His piece “Yearning for More” premiered last Spring with the Friction Quartet
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Students ‘Destress’ with Miracle Mutts
On Monday, December 1st, BC welcomed Miracle Mutts to their Panorama Campus to give students a chance to take a break from their busy schedules and enjoy some down time with their therapy dogs.
Several therapy dogs and their owners congregated in the lobby of the BC Library and students, staff and community members were able to pet and interact with the furry, friendly companions. Each therapy dog was eager to share affection with participants, while showcasing their own unique personalities. The event was part of De-Stress Week – a series of activities intended to help students get a mental health break from end of the semester exams, presentations, and projects.
Here is the small by mighty executive leadership at the Chancellor’s Office.
Swearing in our new board member Lilian Coral –
I love this photo of senior leadership that was snapped right before the BOG meeting – Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomaneng, and Kathy Lynch.
The team that works hard and plays hard!
A fun photo snapped by Jennifer Perry on our walk to Mulvaney’s:
Then it was off to Denver for Achieving the Dream’s K-College Institute: Strengthening Pathways Through Dual Enrollment.
What fun reconnecting with Karen Stout at ATD
And the song of the week…..
My Uber driver was playing this song during my ride, and it has been in my head. Check out This Love by Maroon 5.
Now back home to Neo morning walks. Check out this happy boy… 17-second video:
Good morning California. It is July 26, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Lake Tahoe Community College Celebrates Successful First Mentorship Program
Lake Tahoe Community College’s inaugural Classified Staff and Director Mentorship Program wrapped up last month with outstanding results. The six-month pilot program paired new employees with experienced mentors for monthly group sessions and one-on-one meetings focused on professional development and campus culture.
San Diego Miramar College Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant from San Diego Foundation to Advance Health Equity for AANHPI Students
The San Diego Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the San Diego Miramar College Foundation to support a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving mental health outcomes for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students at San Diego Miramar College. The grant will fund the “Mental Health Equity for AANHPI Students” project, a comprehensive, culturally responsive program designed to destigmatize mental health care and expand access to critical services for AANHPI students.
Four Laureates Selected for Inaugural Cuesta College Music Conservatory Award
Cuesta College has long served as a bright light for music education on the Central Coast. Through a generous gift from Carol and Eric Olsen, Cuesta College builds on that tradition with the launch of the Cuesta College Music Conservatory, a premier program to support a select group of advanced music students.
These students will perform in ensembles, engage with the community, and focus intensively on musicianship and artistic growth. Each student receives $8,000 annually to support their education, participates in mentorship meetings, and contributes to the campus and greater community through music-related service.
KCRA: 78-year-old defies the odds, becomes oldest police rookie in California history
The 78-year-old recently attempted a feat that most people half his age wouldn’t dare try. Myers, who was 77 at the time, decided to enlist in the police academy.
“This is the last chance I have to do something like this, period,” Myers said. “I may be too old to do it. I’m certainly close to too old, so I have to do it now or never.”
Last year, Myers enrolled in the POST Academy to become a peace officer. He felt like it was a calling he’d had since he was a boy.
Adult School Stories: A 70-year-old retiree finds satisfaction in her GED studies
Maria Bernarda De Leon always wanted get an education, but growing up in a low-income family in Honduras, it wasn’t an option.
Now 70-years-old and retired, De Leon is finally acting on her long-time wish by taking classes at Allan Hancock College (AHC), a community college that serves the Santa Barbara region. The school offers students a wide variety of free and low-cost classes, including adult basic education, high school diploma equivalency and even income tax preparation.
SDCCE & SDCCD proudly marched in the Pride Parade, wearing our “Unbreakable Pride, Unshakeable Power” shirts—designed by talented Digital Media student Jessi Noreault! It was a joyful day of unity and celebration.
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From Woodland Community College:
Eagles Welcome Day at Lake County Campus was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who showed and made it a day full of energy, connection, and Eagle Pride
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From Ohlone College:
Our Summerfest Production was a major hit! Cheers to our students who starred in our Once Upon a Mattress Musical.
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From Moorpark College President Dr. Julius Sokenu:
Proud to join the College/Career Readiness STEM Pilot Program at #OxnardCollege, funded by a federal grant to advance participation in #STEM careers for low income & underserved students, facilitated by Dr. Klein Williams of OC, Dr Gonzalez, Pres. of OC & Dr. Anderson, VPAA at VC
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And check out this video celebrating Madera Community College’s 5th anniversary:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Kern Transit Offering Free Rides for BC Students
Kern Transit has announced that it is resuming the Free Rides for Students program, which provides no-cost bus rides for students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. Students can catch a ride on any Kern Transit bus and be transported to any Kern Transit stop! The program is effective as of July 1, 2025, and will continue through June 30, 2026. Each student will just need to show a valid student ID to the driver at each boarding. The program also includes Dial-A-Ride Services throughout Kern County.
Trivia for you …. the Statue of Liberty was officially presented to the United States on July 4, 1884.
There are numerous replicas throughout the world….. including Paris.
My first visit to Paris. Sunset on the Seine – so beautiful.
Bon Jour California. It is July 5, 2025. C’est un grand jour pour être un champion du collège communautaire
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Moorpark College Joins Forces with Lifetech Resources to Support Student Well-being
Moorpark College is proud to announce a new partnership with Lifetech Resources to provide essential hygiene products to students in need. A reception was hosted at the college’s Raider Central Basic Needs Center on June 11 at 3 p.m. where Lifetech Resources presented a donation of 1009 bottles of 3-in-1 cleansers.
East Los Angeles College, Vincent Price Art Museum Showcase Innovative STEAM Project “We Place Life at the Center” at 2025 AAMG Conference
– East Los Angeles College (ELAC) and the Vincent Price Art Museum (VPAM) are pleased to announce its selection to present the innovative exhibition and educational platform “We Place Life at the Center / Situamos la vida en el centro” at the 2025 Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG) Conference. Curator Joseph Valencia and Anthropology Professor Christine Sepulveda served as featured panelists, sharing insights from their interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges art, science, and environmental justice.
KTLA: Cured Diabetes Patient Graduates from El Camino College
Janine Roberson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 7.
Now, however, after years of dialysis treatment and the aforementioned surgery, Janine, now 37, has a quality of life that is “better than ever,” Cedars-Sinai said in a media release.
On June 13, she graduated with an associate degree from El Camino College in Torrance, making a significant step in her pursuit of getting a double major in child development and psychology to become a child life specialist, helping children with chronic illnesses and serving as a mentor for their parents.
Thanks to everyone who came out to Hancock’s 2025 West Coast College & University Wine Festival. This year’s guests had the opportunity to taste a variety of wines produced by winemaking programs at Hancock, Cal Poly, and other colleges and universities.
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From Citrus College:
Here are some snapshots from the spring 2025 study abroad experience in Seville, Spain, which also included excursions to nearby places like Morocco.
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From Ventura College:
Summer ceramics class at Ventura College!
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From San Joaquin Delta College:
Congrats POST Academy Grads! Your hard work, discipline, and dedication have paid off. You’re ready to serve with honor — and we couldn’t be prouder!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Choir Students Perform on International and Regional Stages
Bakersfield College’s voice students had the opportunity to participate in two major performances this summer, both locally and abroad.
Several Voice Majors joined the 92-year-old Bakersfield Master Chorale on a performance tour of Ireland, singing in historic cathedrals and participating in a workshop with members of Anuna, Ireland’s leading professional choir. BC student Krystal Grant performed multiple solos and worked directly with a Gaelic language specialist—an experience that was both personally and musically transformative.
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.
