Tag Archives: Mt. San Jacinto College

August 15, 2026

Uncategorized August 15, 2026 Leave a comment

Last Saturday was one of those wonderful Los Angeles evenings… a trip to the Pantages to see The Phantom of the Opera. Nearly four decades after the musical first opened, the combination of spectacle, romance, darkness and that extraordinary score still works its magic. The current North American production had been playing at the Pantages through August 9.

My favorite.  Turn up your volume, click the video, and close your eyes and immerse yourself in the Phantom of the Opera.

The Phantom’s story began long before Andrew Lloyd Webber.

French journalist and novelist Gaston Leroux published Le Fantôme de l’Opéra in 1910, setting his tale inside the magnificent Palais Garnier in Paris. The story went on to inspire numerous adaptations, including the famous 1925 silent film starring Lon Chaney.

Then came Andrew Lloyd Webber.

In the 1980s, already riding the enormous success of Cats, Lloyd Webber became interested in creating a musical from the story. The turning point came when he found an old copy of Leroux’s novel at a secondhand bookstall in New York and read it that afternoon. He saw something beyond the Gothic horror.  He saw a love story. That insight became the emotional center of the musical. The Phantom of the Opera opened in London’s West End on October 9, 1986. Michael Crawford was the Phantom and Sarah Brightman was Christine.

I first saw The Phantom of the Opera when it came to Los Angeles in at the Ahmanson Theatre. Michael Crawford had crossed the Atlantic with the role he had created in London and then performed on Broadway. Playing Christine in Los Angeles was Dale Kristien. 

And today is August 15th….. one of those dates that has always done double duty for me.

Growing up in India, of course, it was Independence Day. And growing up in our Catholic household we also celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.

Today, six years ago, I did this blog post…. August 15, 2020

http://sonyachristianblog.com/2020/08/15/bakersfield-college-a-blessing-to-our-community/

Good morning California.
It is August 15, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

NASA Brings Out of This World Summer Experience to Reedley College

Reedley College was awarded a $50,000 NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) grant through NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). The program was led by Physics Instructor Kurt Shults, Engineering and Computer Science Instructor Dr. Emmanuel Abioye, and MESA Director, Dr. Jacquelyn Rubalcaba-Muniz. Together, the team oversaw a three-mission program designed to introduce students to NASA careers, hands-on science, and robotics.

» Read more!

Two Mt. San Jacinto College Honors Students Selected
for Prestigious National Partners in Peace Program in Oslo, Norway

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) students Danela Young and Marisa Salazar have been selected to participate in the highly competitive Partners in Peace (PiP) program, a national initiative of the National Collegiate Honors Council in collaboration with the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway. The Partners in Peace initiative challenges honors students from across the United States to examine the work and strategies of Nobel Peace Prize laureates and to develop projects that promote peace, understanding, and conflict resolution in their own communities.

» Read more!

Building a Legacy: Celebrating Southwestern College’s Mariachi Program

For nearly three decades, mariachi has been part of the Southwestern College experience. Students have studied the music, developed their performance skills, and strengthened their connection to a cultural tradition that continues to resonate across generations. But the college’s mariachi program began with a vision to create new educational opportunities for students.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Finding the best ways to stay in touch with students

 Prospective students don’t lack information; they’re buried in reminders about applications, financial aid and registration across a dozen platforms. The challenge instead is to help that person believe the message applies to them.

Research in psychology, neuroscience and behavioral science offers colleges a practical framework for doing just that. For community college leaders, the takeaway may be less about adopting new technology than rethinking how communication fits into the student experience. From a student’s first website visit to the post-graduation years, the messages institutions send — and the relationships behind them — can shape whether students enroll, persist and remain connected long after they leave campus.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Cerro Coso Community College:

Thanks to our dear friends at SSUSD for inviting us to attend last week’s “Party In The Parking Lot”! We had a wonderful time connecting with all of the fellow organizations and informing the community members of our many services, resources, and educational opportunities.

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From Butte College:

Roadrunner Rush 2026 is in the books!

Our newest Roadrunners spent the day getting to know campus, discovering resources and connecting with the Butte College community.

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From Las Positas College:

Yesterday’s Special Programs Orientation brought our newest Hawks together to connect, learn, and get ready for the semester ahead.

Students heard directly from campus programs and communities including Puente, MESA, the Honors Program, Basic Needs, Umoja, Movement API, the Cultural Community Center, and more. The day also featured a student panel, interactive activities, campus tours, and a resource fair where students could connect with even more campus support and resources.

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From Sierra College:

Yesterday, we gathered on the football field to celebrate our 90th Anniversary! Sierra College, originally called Placer Junior College, was established in 1936 sharing a location with Placer High School. We moved to our current location in Rocklin in 1961. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the next decade brings.

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And check out this video from Moorpark College celebrating 60 years:

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Hosts EOPS Freshman Day

This week, the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) department at BC hosted their annual Freshman Day. Each year, new EOPS students are invited to the Panorama campus to connect with peers, meet EOPS staff, learn about programs and services, participate in workshops and activities, and much more.

Freshman Day was first launched in 2017 and has been an annual event ever since. This year, more than 200 students participated in the event which included workshops, a Cal Grant information session, lunch and keynote speaker Zach Gowen from Coolspeak. Zach shared his inspirational story of athletic achievement despite losing his leg at a young age. He encouraged students to believe in themselves and pursue their educational goals.

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

2026 Sterling Silver on March 14th

Uncategorized March 22, 2026 Leave a comment

But before I jump into my week, let me start with Sterling Silver, last Saturday, March 14th. It was wonderful seeing friends and colleagues.

With Kate Pluta, Nick Strobel and Janet Tarjan:

It was great connecting with Ravi and Naina Patel. I got to know the two of them very well when we worked on the Peace Gardens at BC and the Regenerative Farm project. The won the philanthropist of the year award at this year’s Sterling Silver.

Talking about the Patels, here is a blast from the past….

In 2020 the Pease Garden was established. Here is a 10-min video where the committee introduced this project to the campus. The speakers in this video include — Sonya Christian, Krista Moreland, Emma McNellis, Naina Patel, Lisa Elzy Watson, Hansa Patel, and Neeraj Rama.

And Corny Rodriguez was recognized with the Sterling Silver Service award. A

Always happy to see Mayor Karen Goh.

Talking about Corny, here is a blast from the past…..

Check out this video celebrating Corny on his retirement:

Back to Sterling Silver. Here is a photo with Romeo Agbalog, Kay Meek & Jean Fuller:

Was so happy that Jean Fuller was able to make it. Here is throwback to when Jean was recognized with the Service award.

Here is the video of Kylie introducing Jean Fuller and her work with Early College.

And another selfie with Kate, Nick & Janet –

Thankful that Janet snapped these pictures.

Here is one with Rudy Salas.

Rudy Salas brought significant resources to Bakersfield College when he was in the Assembly. He received the 2020 Sterling Silver Service Award. Check out this blast from the past. A 3-min video.

And with Yovani Jimenez

And with Norma Rojas-Mora and Gabby Gonzalez

Now, let’s move to this week…. started in Sacramento…

Spring has sprung in Sacramento. Snapped photos of azalea on my walk back with a friend from Zocalos.

More flowers –

And calla lilies –

And dogwood in bloom –

Closed out my week in San Diego.

What’s not to love about San Diego

And at night –

And the icing on the cake – when I met up with Daisy Gonzales and we did our usual walk by the waterfront.

Then it was off to the CEO symposium. Here’s a pic with Anthony Culpepper and Rowena Tomaneng:

This week was also the Rising Scholars Program Convening.

Rising Scholars now spans 104 colleges, supports students in 147 correctional facilities, and connects them to 90 on campus programs that help them continue their education after release.

Chelsea Esquibias, senior advisor at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, started the event with a welcome and network address.

Board of Governors Member and Former President Pamela Haynes held a fireside chat moderated by Assistant Vice Chancellor Erin Larson, with panelists Tyee Griffith, program coordinator at the Prison Education Project and Matthew Caddell, Student Government President/Student Trustee at Chaffey College.

Michael Redding, deputy cabinet secretary and senior advisor for public safety at the Office of the Governor, gave the keynote address on ‘Public Safety and Higher Education.’

Good morning California.
It is March 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cloverlane Foundation Funds New “Jaws of Life”
for Allan Hancock College Fire Academy

 A generous donation is helping Allan Hancock College strengthen hands-on training for the next generation of firefighters.   The Allan Hancock College Foundation received a $25,000 donation from Cloverlane Foundation to support the purchase of a state-of-the-art “Jaws of Life” extrication system for use in the college’s fire academy, along with other essential equipment for fire academy students.

» Read more!

Rep. Juan Vargas secures additional $500K in funding
for San Diego College of Continuing Education

U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52) has secured $500,000 in federal funding for critical utility and water infrastructure improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education.  The investment will upgrade critical campus infrastructure, strengthening SDCCE’s ability to provide hands-on workforce training to approximately 30,000 adult learners each year.

» Read more!

Long Beach City College Opens New Building MM to Help Students Build the Future

Long Beach City College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus to celebrate the grand opening of the new Building MM complex. The facility supports the city’s growing Space Beach sector and serves as the new home for the Architecture, Anthropology, Carpentry, Horticulture, HVAC, and Plant Science programs, preparing students for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and construction industries expanding across the region.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

He was an undocumented immigrant. Now he runs LA’s community colleges

When Alberto Román was a boy growing up in the Mexican state of Durango, his father was often far from home. Most times, he’d be gone for months.

Román’s father, Javier, had a third-grade education. And when work was scarce in Mexico, he’d venture north to the United Sates and take whatever job he could find.

Román missed his father terribly, and he relished the time alone with him. When his father would return to Mexico, they’d hike to a majestic statue of the revolutionary Pancho Villa, where Román and his father could also look out at their city.

Román did not know it then but, soon, that view would become a memory. When he was eight, his father returned; but, this time, Javier took his son, his daughter, and his wife with him back to the U.S. The family settled in Rialto, in California’s Inland Empire. Suddenly, Román had a new home and new challenges to contend with.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Mission College:

Mission College’s Rising Scholars program is partnering with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office on an initiative to revitalize the Elmwood Men’s Library, supporting education, personal growth, and second chances for incarcerated students. Last week marked a major milestone as decades-old furniture was replaced and new furniture donated by Mission College was installed.

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From Ventura College:

From galaxies to black holes, Ventura College welcomed a full crowd for an inspiring two-day astronomy experience.

We honored 100 years of science at VC with stargazing, interactive space simulations, and a vibrant evening of discovery for all ages

Dr. Cameron Hummels from CalTech lectured on black holes as part of the American Astronomical Society’s Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program, a nationally recognized initiative that brings leading astronomers to colleges across the country.

Thank you to the Ventura County Astronomical Society for setting up the all the telescopes for the star watching party.

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From Ohlone College:

This year’s #WomenInSTEM Dinner was one for the books! Thank you to Ohlone College MESA and our Society of Women Engineers student club for connecting women leaders in #STEM with our Renegades. Cheers to bright futures and #WomensHistoryMonth

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From Mt. San Jacinto College:

Enjoying pizza slices and conversations with the president!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Bakersfield College Beach Volleyball Makes History with First-Ever Home Matches

Bakersfield College’s beach volleyball program made history on Friday, March 6, hosting its first-ever home matches on the college’s newly constructed beach volleyball courts. The Renegades rose to the occasion, defeating Cuesta College 3-2 and Glendale 4-1 to sweep the day.

The milestone marked a significant moment for BC athletics, with the new courts giving the program a permanent home to compete and grow. The wins extended what has been a strong start to the season. BC has now won five straight and sits at 8-4 overall on the season.

All home events this season are free and open to the public.

» Follow results and see upcoming schedules!

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

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

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

Uncategorized January 17, 2026 Comments: 2

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.

Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article314061601.html#storylink=cpy

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.

*****

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.

» Read more!

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.

» Learn more about CCHPP!

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). 

» Read more!

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.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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.

» Read more!

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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.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Moorpark College:

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.” 

» Read more!

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Moments that take our breath away – New Orleans

Uncategorized October 25, 2025 Leave a comment

Hello New Orleans!

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. 

» Read more!

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.

» Read more!

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.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

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.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles Southwest College:

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.

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Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Sonya Christian's Blog