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
At the ACCT Leadership Congress this week. My first visit to New Orleans. Absolutely fell in love with the city.
Here we are at the famous Cafe du Monde
Yovani Jimenez, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Sonya Christian
Cafe du Monde is known for its cafe au lait and beignets. It’s the oldest coffee shop in New Orleans, first opening in 1862!
The shop has a simple menu, largely unchanged since it first opened – dark-roasted coffee with chicory, beignets, milk and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, fresh-squeezed orange juice. In more recent times, soda and iced coffee have been added.
Beautiful sunrise over the Mississippi –
With student Board Member Maria Blaze – an amazing young woman.
On Thursday night, wandered through the French Quarter. The energy was palpable… sound of live jazz spilling into the streets, the light of gas lamps, balconies draped in ironwork, and people all around having a great time.
Then there was St. Louis Cathedral facing Jackson Square. Way more beautiful in person than all the pictures you may have seen. Supposedly, it is the oldest continuously active Catholic church in the United States, with its first church on the site dating to 1718.
Growing up, mom always told us: “Whenever you enter a church for the first time, close your eyes and make three wishes.” It was a quiet ritual, passed down like a family secret. I remember doing it as a child, standing next to her and it has become a habit that traveled with me across time. So even though the church was closed, I sank into the familiar ritual.
St. Louis Cathedral, is a must see if you visit New Orleans.
Life Is Not Measured By the Number of Breaths We Take, But By the Moments That Take Our Breath Away
Wrapped up the evening sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River watching the river boats.
And back home to Neo and our walks.
Good morning California. It is October 25, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
East Los Angeles College Students’ Lives Transformed Through Campus Essentials Donation
Thanks to the kindness of a recent donor, students at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) received a tremendous boost to their well-being and academic success. On Friday, September 12, the ELAC Foundation, Basic Needs Center, Athletic Department, and Associated Student Union (ASU) teamed up for a shopping trip to Costco. With the generous donation, they were able to stock up on food, snacks, and basic needs items that will make a real difference for our students on campus.
Mt. San Jacinto College’s Erik Ozolins Receives National Award for Excellence in Honors Education
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) proudly announces that Erik Ozolins, Co-Director of the Honors Enrichment Program and Professor and Chair of the Anthropology Department, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Ron Brandolini Award for Excellence at a Two-Year Institution from the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). This prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional faculty and administrators at two-year colleges who demonstrate outstanding leadership, teaching, and innovation in honors education.
First Ohlone College AA Degree Awarded at Elmwood Correctional Facility
Ohlone College’s Rising Scholars Program reached a historic milestone on September 18, 2025, when a student at Elmwood Correctional Facility became the first to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication Studies. The degree, awarded with the highest honors and a perfect 4.0 GPA, reflects both academic excellence and the transformative power of education behind bars.
Making Gains in Gateway English and ESL through Dual Enrollment
In California and across the country, interest has surged in expanding access to dual enrollment (DE)—the opportunity to take college courses while in high school. Informed by abundant evidence of associated stronger high school and college outcomes, the state has enacted legislation to remove logistical hurdles and include historically underserved student populations. In the past few years, California has invested nearly $700 million to support K–12 and community college districts in these efforts. Moreover, system-level agreements and initiatives—including the Master Plan for Career Education, the CCC Roadmap, the UC and CSU Compacts, and the Golden State Pathways Program—increasingly promote increased access to DE and the completion of at least 12 college credits during high school.
Los Angeles Southwest College proudly spent the past month honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lineup of events dedicated to celebrating the histories, cultures, and lasting contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities. Guided by an enthusiastic Planning Committee and embraced by students, faculty, staff, and neighbors, the celebration brought learning, joy, and cultural pride to every corner of campus.
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From Chabot College:
Tuesday we celebrated the groundbreaking for our new football stadium and track renovation! We are very excited for the transformation thanks to the Measure A bond program. It will feature a new turf field, a reconfigured regulation track, upgraded bleachers, accessible pathways ad more!
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From College of the Desert:
COD Cares… And It Shows! Students in our Culinary Catering class prepared a delicious breakfast buffet to thank our hardworking Maintenance and Operations team. Our M&O team keeps our campuses looking beautiful and running smoothly. Thank you to our M&O team for all that they do and shoutout to our culinary students for serving a delicious meal!
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From Irvine Valley College:
Today, we marked IVC’s official 40th birthday with sweet treats, orange soda, and a special plaque dedication honoring the legacy of the orange trees that once surrounded our campus. While the original trees are no longer standing, their spirit continues to inspire us—a proud reminder of the roots that shaped our earliest days. Here’s to our heritage that planted the seeds—and the bold possibilities ahead!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Theater Program Celebrates Record-Breaking Success at 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival
The Bakersfield College Theater Program hosted the 41st Annual Kern Shakespeare Festival in the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center throughout the first two weeks of October. This year’s festival featured two Shakespearean productions – the beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Professor Brian Sivesind and his wife Ellie Sivesind; and the romantic comedy All’s Well That Ends Well, directed by Professor Cody Ganger.
The Shakespeare Festival has always been a well-attended event, but the 2025 offering was truly a box office smash! By the festival’s conclusion, it achieved record-breaking attendance and sales, making it the most successful event in the last five years. Much Ado About Nothing was the single best-selling production in that time period. It is the first performance to sell more than 600 tickets, with a total of 667 sold.
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.
This week our nation again grieves together as we face the unimaginable loss following devastating floods in Texas. The death toll has topped 121, with many still missing.
The New York Times has put together a touching tribute to the victims – many of whom were young children at an overnight camp.
Let us pray …..
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A bit more from my time in Paris….
I loved – the language the people, the food, and the walking… yes the walking mostly. Not a powerwalk for exercise but the strolls by the Seine. It is hard to imagine how old the buildings are, some dating back to the 1200a like Notre-Dame and the Sainte- Chapelle. Enjoyed Montmartre that had the extremes of Moulin Rouge at the base and the Sacre-Coeur Basilica perched at the very top.
The Eiffel Tower –
And at night –
The main purpose for the trip was actually to visit Lourdes. My mom, who passed away in 2019 had made a vow to visit Lourdes and this trip was a pilgrimage to honor that vow.
The story of Lourdes is centered around a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to a 14-year old girl – Bernadette.
The grotto is breathtaking. Listening to the Gregorian chant in the night and seeing everything lit is soft lights was profoundly spiritual. Whether you’re a devout Catholic or not, it’s impossible not to feel something in this place.
The Grotto
Grotto and Church from a distance
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Always delightful to hang out with my daughter.
After an amazing trip, it was a mad dash back to Sacramento.
Good morning California. It is July 12, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Ohlone College Students to Perform Original Musical at the World’s Largest Arts Festival in Edinburgh
In a bold and creative leap onto the international stage, Ohlone College is proud to announce that 27 students from its Theatre & Dance program will travel to Scotland this summer to debut an original musical, Blind Fury: The Untold Story of the Queen of Hearts, at the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Running from August 1 to August 5, the performance marks a milestone for the college and its award-winning Theatre & Dance Department, led by Director of Theatre, Michael Navarra. The group will stage four performances of the musical at Nicolson Square, located in the heart of Edinburgh.
Irvine Valley College Speech Wins Double Gold Sweepstakes at Nationals
After being named the 1st Place Community College at the NOF Online National Championships, and 1st Place in limited entry at the CCCFA State Championship Tournament, IVC Speech tested their skills at the Phi Rho Pi National Championships in Norfolk, Virginia from April 5–13. IVC Speech was awarded the Gold in debate sweepstakes, the Bronze in individual event sweepstakes, and the coveted Gold in overall sweepstakes in the Wheeler Division.
Long Beach City College Announces New Associate Degree in Urban Planning
Nearly one year ago, Long Beach City College (LBCC) launched the first Urban Planning associate degree in the California Community Colleges system, through a new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona. The program was developed in consultation with the Long Beach Community Design Center, a non-profit comprised of leading area urban planners, architects, and representatives from Cal Poly Pomona.
Inside HigherEd: Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities for Noncitizen Students
International and undocumented students face restrictions on work opportunities while enrolled because of their legal standing in the U.S. Students covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status have greater opportunities to engage, but securing work can still be a challenge.
In addition, financial obligations can limit students’ ability to participate in campus activities, particularly for low-income students who need to work for pay.
“I have a deeper understanding and respect for the mothers, fathers, and even grandparents who come to AVC seeking an education.”
When Karen Ramos and Joshua Torres walked across the commencement stage at Antelope Valley College this spring, it marked more than just the end of a chapter; it was a shared milestone.
The mother-and-son duo not only earned their associate degrees together, but both were also awarded scholarships from the Antelope Valley College Foundation to help them pursue the next steps in their academic journeys.
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From Crafton Hills College:
Mascot Reveal!!!!!! Celebrating our amazing Marketing Intern and Mascot, Morgan, on her graduation and transfer! Congratulations on all your accomplishments! We’re wishing her the happiest birthday and all the best in her next chapter. Thank you for everything you brought to the team!
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From American River College:
Exciting things are coming to Natomas! Our ARC team had the chance to tour the ARC Natomas Center STEAM building, set to open in spring 2026. This new space will bring expanded opportunities for Natomas students — including brand new science labs and more capacity for dual enrollment classes.
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From Chabot College:
Sweet, smart, and Chabot proud! Celebrating #NationalSugarCookieDay the only way we know how – with Gladiator spirit and lots of icing on top.
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And check out this video from Mt. San Antonio College about their 2025 Dance Artist In Residence, Benita Blake:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts 8th Annual RESOUND at Memorial Stadium
On July 8th, Bakersfield College proudly hosted the 8th annual RESOUND: A Drum Corps International Tour Event at Memorial Stadium. With over 750 tickets sold and hundreds more participants in attendance, the event brought together an enthusiastic crowd to witness the power and precision of four DCI Open Class drum corps, including the 5-time world champions Blue Devils B and Bakersfield College’s own Golden Empire.
I hope you are enjoying some rest and relaxation over the long weekend as we honor Presidents Day. The holiday is officially known as “Washington’s Birthday” and was first implemented in 1879.
Good morning California. It is February 15, 2o25. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
PC and ZeroNox launch ground-breaking program & EV Tech Center.
This week, Porterville College’s Career Education Division celebrated the grand opening of the new and cutting-edge Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology Center. This innovative classroom space supports a new training program designed to meet the growing demand for skilled EV technicians. Developed in partnership with industry leader Zero Nox, the program offers non-credit, tuition-free instruction, ranging from basic EV fundamentals to advanced maintenance.
Allan Hancock College, SMJUHSD Offer Classes in Guadalupe
Allan Hancock College and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District have partnered to bring college-level courses directly to students in Guadalupe, expanding access to higher education opportunities within the community. The new classes allow high school students in Guadalupe to enroll in general education courses for college credit. The classes include Communication Studies 101: Introduction to Public Speaking and Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology and are held at the Guadalupe Senior Center.
MiraCosta College Awarded $116,500 Grant for Student Wellness
MiraCosta College has received a grant from The Prebys Foundation to set up a project to enhance the mental health and wellness of formerly incarcerated and marginalized students through hands-on outdoor experiences. The $116,500 grant to MiraCosta College was among the $5.2 million that The Prebys Foundation awarded 59 nonprofits across San Diego for its Healing Through the Arts and Nature initiative to offer proactive ways to enhance the quality of life in a post-pandemic world.
Reducing Food Insecurity on California Community College Campuses
CalFresh Outreach Week will be held February 24-28, 2025, at college campuses statewide. This bi-annual event provides an opportunity to educate students about the program and encourage them to apply to reduce food insecurity and remove the stigma of applying among qualifying students. These efforts help reduce hunger and poverty and improve health by providing nutrition assistance to millions of low-income households through various vital services.
2025-2026 SEM Program: Supporting the Student Journey
If your college is looking for ways to strengthen its SEM efforts, this program is for you! With Vision 2030, recent legislative changes, Guided Pathways, equity planning, and the Student Centered Funding Formula, our approach to serving students throughout their journey continues to evolve presenting both challenges and exciting opportunities.
Today,@SenAdamSchiff and I met with California community colleges here in DC. Our community colleges are a cornerstone of California’s higher education system, and we won’t stop fighting to ensure they receive the federal funding they need.
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From Ohlone College:
This week, our Umoja students celebrated #BlackHistoryMonth with a kickoff featuring BBQ, games, and community! Don’t miss out on Umoja’s upcoming Poetry Reading by Karla Brundage and their movie event. See you there!
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From Palomar College:
Last Wednesday, the Black History Month Kickoff event was a wonderful celebration of culture, history, and community. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event!
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And check out this video from Laney College about their bistro:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Jones Art Gallery Hosts 2025 Panorama Invitational, Featuring Art of Kern County High School Students
The Bakersfield College Wylie and May Louise Jones Art Gallery is hosting the 2025 Panorama Invitational, a special exhibition dedicated to showcasing the art pieces of Kern County high school students. The exhibit features more than twenty artistic creations, each composed of a different medium, including two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and multimedia formats.
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.
