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
Spoke at the Collective Equity Institute in Irvine and had a lot of fun with our team from the Chancellor’s Office the Student Senate for the California Community Colleges and other leaders in the state.
The main theme song I used for my speech was Nina Simone’s I am Feeling Good. Was so happy when one of my friends snapped this picture of me walking onto the state with the song blasting through the event ballroom.
Here is the song for you to enjoy.
Good morning California. It is October 11, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
El Camino College Selected for 2025–2026 National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC) Mentorship Program
El Camino College (ECC) is proud to announce its selection to participate in the 2025–2026 Mentorship Program of the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC). This prestigious opportunity positions El Camino College among a select group of institutions nationwide working to expand access to artificial intelligence education. Through this nationwide program, El Camino College will partner with NAAIC to develop and launch an associate degree in Artificial Intelligence.
$100,000 Investment for San Diego MiraCosta College Strengthens Pathways for Student-Owned Businesses and Economic Mobility
MiraCosta College Foundation has received a $100,000 grant from San Diego Foundation’s El Camino Fund. The funding will support the Latina/o Entrepreneur Advancement & Contracting Initiative (LEACI), which will expand and enhance the College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) programs to focus specifically on Latina/o entrepreneurs.
Yuba College Earns Silver-Level Caring Campus Certification
Yuba College has been recognized as a Silver-Certified Caring Campus, marking the first time the college has achieved certification through the Institute for Evidence-Based Change’s (IEBC) Caring Campus initiative. The certification, which lasts three years, highlights Yuba College’s commitment to institutionalizing caring practices that strengthen student belonging, connection and success.
Moreno Valley College Hosts HR Network Business Meeting to Strengthen Apprenticeship Partnerships
More than 48 industry partners gathered at Moreno Valley College on Sept. 11 to strengthen apprenticeship and career education pathways during the Inland Empire HR Network and Business Meeting, a private event focused on workforce collaboration. The meeting, organized in partnership with the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE), featured presentations on regional workforce development, a networking breakfast, and a guided tour of MVC’s new Industrial Automation classroom. For many attendees, it was their first time on campus, offering an opportunity to expand education-industry connections.
New Research Shows How Many California College Students Benefit from CalWORKs and CalFresh benefits
New research from the nonpartisan California Policy Lab shows how many students in California Community Colleges and in the University of California (UC) system are enrolled in two safety-net programs that help pay for expenses while in college.
One data point focuses on CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids), which provides cash assistance for low income students who are also parents, and for students who are younger than 18.
A second data point focuses on CalFresh, which provides monthly benefits that can be used by low-income students (of any age) to purchase food. CalFresh is much more widely used among college students than CalWORKs.
Yesterday, OCC hosted a vibrant celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival! This festival is a cherished tradition across many Asian cultures. OCC’s event included cultural performances, delicious mooncakes, tea tasting and a resource fair.
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From Oxnard College:
The “Miracle League of the 805” turns every inning into a celebration by bringing the joy of baseball to children of all abilities. Our Condors were honored to coach the Miracle League’s teams over the weekend in Camarillo. It was a beautiful and fun day for all!
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From Gavilan College:
On 9/5, Judy Rodriguez, Hollister Campus Site Director, accepted an award from the Santa Cruz Breastfeeding Coalition. The award recognizes Gavilan’s Hollister Campus for providing dedicated lactation accommodations that support the health and well-being of our campus community.
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From Santa Rosa Junior College:
We are so proud of our SRJC Shone Farm and all the hardworking students and staff! The college farm has earned multiple awards at this year’s Sonoma County Harvest Fair, which celebrates its 50th anniversary. Shone Farm received the Excellence in Local Food Production award. The estate-grown olive oil, Miller’s Blend, was awarded Best in Show. Additionally, the wines won a Double Gold and three Gold medals.
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And check out this video showcasing Las Positas College’s photography program:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Hosts Annual High School Counselor Conference to Strengthen Regional Partnerships
On Friday, October 3rd, Bakersfield College hosted its annual High School Counselor Conference, bringing together over 100 high school counselors and staff from across the region to strengthen partnerships and support student success for all high school students.
And you know what I am going to say….. what I always say…. What’s not to like about San Diego.
This photo looks surreal. There was a band playing at the amphitheater and people enjoying their Sunday evening.
Another –
On Monday, I spoke at the Veterans Symposium in San Diego, where I called on our colleges to fully embrace Credit for Prior Learning as a way to recognize and honor the military experience of our student veterans.
The energy in the room was inspiring—a powerful reflection of the shared commitment to those who have served.
I’m especially proud of the dedicated staff who lead this work across our system, with heartfelt appreciation for Heather McClenahen and her steadfast leadership of our Veterans Program.
Heather McClenahen, Sonya Christian, Gina Browne, Mia Keeley
Was happy to snap this picture with Marvin Martinez, Pam Haynes, Chris Ferguson
Good morning California. It is June 28, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Calbright College Connects Adult Learners with Work-Based Learning in High-Growth Tech and HR Careers
California’s only fully online statewide community college focused exclusively on adult learners working through a unique competency-based education model—today announced the launch of the Calbright Career Bridge Program, a new pilot initiative that integrates paid work-based learning experiences into its career support offerings for program completers.
Del Norte Healthcare District Donates $1 Million to College of the Redwoods
College of the Redwoods is happy to announce a $1 million contribution from the Del Norte Healthcare District in support of the college’s vision create a state-of-the-art healthcare training center on their Crescent City campus. This generous investment will fund advanced healthcare training equipment, helping prepare local students for in-demand careers in the healthcare sector.
Cloverlane Foundation Launches New Program for Nursing Students at Allan Hancock College
The nonprofit Cloverlane Foundation announced the launch of the Nurses Project, a new program to provide textbooks and other educational resources for nursing students with the initial savings for students of $35,000. Allan Hancock College is the first school selected to participate in what is intended to become a multi-college program.
Check out this selfie of the California Community Colleges executive staff with the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. Podcast’s “Best in Show” award from NCMPR:
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
The Cultural Events Taskforce came together for a dynamic summer retreat—reflecting on past successes, brainstorming fresh ideas, and laying the groundwork to strategically plan inclusive, engaging events for the year ahead.
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From Orange Coast College:
OCC students are studying abroad in Kyoto, Japan! They are learning all about drawing, watercolor and architectural history, all while exploring & getting inspiration from the breathtaking city of Kyoto.
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And From the Home of the Renegades
Umoja Celebrates 10th Anniversary
This year, Bakersfield College proudly marked the 10th anniversary of the Umoja Community ASTEP (African American Success Through Excellence and Persistence) program with a vibrant gala that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members in celebration of a decade of achievement, growth, and unity.
Rooted in the Kiswahili word for “unity,” Umoja is more than a student support program — it is a powerful movement grounded in African American culture, identity, and educational equity. Over the past decade, Umoja at BC has helped foster student success by integrating culturally responsive curriculum, dedicated mentoring, and a strong sense of belonging.
Started my week in Santa Barbara for the Vision 2030 Workshop. Woke up to this …..
As always, the Chancellor’s Office team found time to have some fun!
Flowers for you from my morning walk.
Back at home to my boy Neo …. the morning ritual …. after our walk Neo greets the pool dragon with a “woof”.
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Ms Rosamma Babu, my high school history teacher, passed away. She taught Indian history and was an amazing teacher.
Good morning California. It is May 31, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Cerritos College Team Wins National Award for Transformative High School Partnership
Cerritos College’s commitment to meeting students where they are at once again earned national recognition from the League for Innovation in the Community College. The 2024-25 Innovation of the Year Award was presented to Assistant Director of Admissions and Records Laura Estrada, Interim Director of Educational Partnerships and Programs Sasha Leonardo, Assistant Director of Financial Aid Jamie Quiroz, and Counselor Dr. Clara Ross-Jones for their work launching the College Bound Buccaneers. In collaboration with Bellflower High School, this pilot program provides a direct pathway into Cerritos Complete, the college’s award-winning Promise Program.
American River College Professor Jesus Valle Honored with 2025 Wilma Mankiller Memorial Award
American River College is proud to celebrate one of its own, Professor Jesus Valle, as the distinguished recipient of the 2025 Wilma Mankiller Memorial Award for Human and Civil Rights from the National Education Association. This national honor, named after the legendary Cherokee Nation leader and fearless advocate for American Indian children, recognizes individuals who have profoundly impacted education and the achievement of equal opportunity for American Indians/Alaska Natives. Professor Valle’s dedication spans 28 years of advocacy, mentorship, and an unwavering belief in the potential of tribal youth.
Orange Coast College Partners with MM-SEAS to Enhance Maritime Professional Licensing Support for Students
Orange Coast College is proud to announce a new partnership with MM-SEAS, a leading provider of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) licensing software. This collaboration aims to enhance professional licensing support and tools for students enrolled in programs at the OCC Waterfront Campus, further demonstrating the College’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the maritime industry.
Sierra College Receives CAL FIRE Partnership Award
Sierra College and Superintendent/President Willy Duncan were honored by the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit with its 2024 “Partnership Award” for the college’s commitment to public safety and community service, its longstanding Fire Academy program, and recent efforts to bring a Regional Public Safety Training Center to Placer County.
5 creative ways California colleges are feeding students beyond food pantries
To improve CalFresh outreach and enrollment, California started setting aside annual funds in 2021 for public colleges and universities to establish and operate basic needs centers with food pantries, where students obtain free food staples. The California State University and University of California systems each receive $15 million and California Community Colleges receives $30 million annually. As of 2023, every public higher education campus in the state has a basic needs center and food pantry.
However, for many campuses, these solutions still aren’t enough. To fill the gaps, some have created their own innovative solutions. From free meals to food lockers, staff and students at five campuses – including CCCs Compton College, Contra Costa College, Antelope Valley College, and Cerro Coso Community College – around California offer creative alternatives.
We’re incredibly proud of the creativity, drive, and business acumen our students demonstrated at the Entrepreneurship Center’s Business Pitch Competition. Their ideas are not just future-ready, some are already making an impact.
Leading up to the event, students participated in pre-sessions with mentors and industry experts to shape and strengthen their ideas. Each team delivered an 8–10 minute pitch to a panel of esteemed judges and the results were nothing short of impressive.
Congratulations to all the winning teams, each awarded a $5,000 startup grant to help launch their businesses. We are deeply grateful to Howard Gore and Kimberly Hawkins-Gore for generously sponsoring these grants and serving as judges during the event.
Special thanks to all the mentors, panel of judges, volunteers, E-Center Director Teresa Thompson, and our Dean of Professional Studies Eric Grabiel for bringing student innovation and entrepreneurship to center stage.
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From Coastline College:
To wrap up #AAPIHeritageMonth students and employees joined a peaceful Ikebana workshop last week. Led by Ayako Ariga and Miyako Arao, 35 participants created beautiful flower arrangements while learning the art and symbolism of this Japanese tradition.
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From Copper Mountain College:
We’re thrilled to announce that the Criminal Justice Club at Copper Mountain College is officially up and running — and growing fast! Our April launch event, “Anatomy of a Murder,” was a huge success, bringing students, staff, and local law enforcement together for an engaging evening of insight and discussion. We’re proud to share that the club already has 17 active members!
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From Chaffey College:
So much pride celebrating the accomplishments of our Black/African American students at our Rites of Passage graduation celebration.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Celebrates 2025 Transfer Students
Bakersfield College proudly hosted the 2025 Transfer Celebration late last month, honoring students who will be continuing their academic journeys at four-year universities across California and beyond.
Representatives from the CSU Office of the Chancellor and UC Merced, speaking on behalf of the UC Office of the President, offered welcoming remarks and words of encouragement as students prepare for the next step in their educational journey.
Just wrapped up Board week…. Since March is Women’s History Month we have started wearing white at the March meeting….
Here is a fun photo from last year’s March Board of Governors.
At the meeting, we honored three faculty with the prestigious 2024-25 Gerald C. HAyward awards for Excellence in Education
History Instructor Stacey Marie Svilich of Feather River College, Math Professor Leila Safaralian of MiraCosta College, and Business Professor Denise Bushnell of Sierra College were honored at the March 25 Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento.
Stacey Marie SvilichLeila SafaralianDenise Bushnell
The Hayward Award for Excellence in Education program, established in 1989 and named in honor of former California Community College Chancellor Gerald C. Hayward, are presented annually to celebrate outstanding community college faculty members for their commitment to their students, college and profession.
It is so nice to be able to celebrate our amazing faculty.
After the BOG meeting, I headed to UCLA to present at the Blue Economy Intersegmental conference. Our community colleges are doing great work in this space. 15 community colleges are collaborating with AltaSea to develop the Blue Economy Climate Action Pathways (BECAP) certification program, with new curriculum and programs to fill the next generation of jobs focused on the ocean. The curriculum includes Regenerative Aquaculture, Ocean Renewable Energy & Clean Air, Blue Tech & Underwater Robotics, and Ecosystems Conservation and Restoration.
The picture below is with three of the five climate fellows – from left top right: Holly Bailey-Hoffman, myself, Carla Grandy, Tonya Huff, and our Vice Chancellor for Workforce Anthony Cordova.
It is always great to see Dr. Ellen Morris at climate events.
Headed back home towards the end of the week to my boy Neo.
We also had feathered visitors in the backyard. Check out the 19-sec video below.
Spring is the best time in Bakersfield.
Snapped pictures of beautiful flowers in the neighborhoods and parks on my walks with Neo –
A talented gardener must live in this house…
Good morning California. It is March 29, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Merced College’s Innovative Ag Program Gains National Attention
Merced College’s new Agricultural Systems certificate program has received national attention, recently being featured in a national CBS News segment highlighting its innovative approach to career education. The program, which uses a competency-based education (CBE) model, allows students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery in specific skills, preparing them for in-demand jobs in the agricultural industry.
West Valley-Mission District Launches First-in-Nation Universal Free Meals Program
West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) has approved the first universal free meal program at a U.S. community college—a historic initiative that will guarantee every in-person student at West Valley College and Mission College at least one free, nutritious meal each school day. Launching in Fall 2025, the program will also offer expanded support for high-need students. By investing $2.5 million annually, the District is making a long-term commitment to eradicating student hunger and ensuring that no learner has to choose between paying for textbooks or affording lunch.
Sierra College President Receives Statewide Award for Distinguished Community College Leadership
Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan has been honored with the Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award by the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) for transformational community college leadership and significant contributions to the local community, economy, workforce, and equitable access to higher education.
Orange Coast College Culinary Team Wins Western Regional Competition
Orange Coast College culinary arts students won the 2025 American Culinary Federation’s Western Regional Student Team Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 15. By earning the highest point value, OCC’s Hot Food Team will represent the western region in the national championship. For the competition, the Hot Food Team was tasked with creating a four-course menu showcasing regional flavors and ingredients. They worked closely with OCC’s Horticulture Department and Marine Science Department to harvest tilapia and aquaponic lettuces used in their competition dishes.
EdSource: At community colleges, online classes remain popular years after pandemic
More than 40% of community college classes remain online statewide as of this year, about double what it was before the pandemic, and a much higher rate of remote education than exists at the state’s four-year universities. That includes hybrid classes, which mix online and some required in-person instruction. Some colleges also offer HyFlex courses, which give students the option of attending online or in person. The vast majority of the system’s online classes, however, are taught fully online and asynchronously.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the 25th Bach to Blues Concert! We had an incredible time celebrating 25 years of music. Your energy and support made the event truly special. All proceeds from the event went to support the Gavilan College Music Program, helping us to continue to foster the next generation of musicians!
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From Citrus College:
Thank you to everyone who attended our 110th Anniversary Gala, “The Magic of Citrus,” on Saturday, March 22! Hosted by the Citrus College Foundation, the event raised funds to increase scholarship opportunities, enhance academic programs and enrich the learning environment.
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From Modesto Junior College:
Let’s get social! Each semester Associated Students of Modesto Junior College hosts Club Rush, an event for students to learn about and join campus clubs of all kinds. This semester brought outside games, music, food, face paintings and 17 club booths ranging in interests from the arts to the sciences. Club Rush is the perfect event for incoming MJC students looking to make friends and explore their academic interests.
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And check out this video from San Diego City College about their recent Professional Learning Center Grand Opening:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Women in Leadership Discussion Panel
This week, the Bakersfield College Student Government Association (BCSGA) hosted Campus Stories: Voices of Female Unconventional Leaders, an inspiring event held at the Renegade Event Center. As part of a series of events celebrating Women’s History Month, the discussion panel featured six BC faculty, staff, and students and was moderated by Olivia Garcia, Professor of History at BC.
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.
