Tag Archives: Reedley 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

The One whose verdict counts most in your life is the one staring back from the glass

Uncategorized April 18, 2026 Leave a comment

Started my week at ASU-GSV.. in San Diego. What is not to love about San Diego?

And at night –

And a short video during break from the conference:

The Chancellor’s Office showed up to ASU+GSV in full force back in 2024, when we were shaping the concept for the Digital Center, a concept that came before the Board in July 2024 and was adopted.

Now, two years later, in 2026, we returned again in full force, but this time, with a clearer sense of where this work needs to go next.

I also got a chance to present with will.i.am!

Michael Crow, Sonya Christian, will.i.am

Ran into President of National University, Mark Milliron. We have a great partnership with National.

Mark Milliron, Sonya Christian

Evening walk and talk with Lee Lambert planning for the Digital Center.

Lee Lambert, Sonya Christian

With Board Member Lilian Corral

Rebecca Ruan O’Shaughnessey, Amber Hroch, Sonya Christian, Lilian Corral, Eloy Oakley

Later in the week, we visited College of the Desert, located in Palm Desert in the heart of the Coachella Valley, surrounded by one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing regions of inland Southern California. Founded in 1958, the college has now been serving students for nearly seven decades and first opened its doors in 1962 on a 160-acre campus. It was created through a local vote by residents who understood that higher education would be essential to the future of the desert communities.

What I appreciate about College of the Desert is how closely its story mirrors the region it serves … entrepreneurial, resilient, and always evolving. Over the years, the college has grown alongside the Coachella Valley, developing strong programs in nursing, agriculture, hospitality, public safety, and transfer education, all aligned with local workforce needs. It is also a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), reflecting the communities around it.

Andrea Reynolds, Tony Cordova, Student Jonathan Garcia (DJ Limon),
Sonya Christian, Jesse Melgar, Val Garcia

Jonathan Garcia, who goes by DJ Limón appears to be a College of the Desert student based in Indio, active in student leadership, media, and the local creative scene. He is involved with Associated Students at College of the Desert, connected to COD Roadrunner Radio, and pursuing studies in film, television, and media.

Here we are with the culinary students who prepared an outstanding meal for us. The parfaits, beautifully layered and served in elegant slender tall cups, were as impressive visually as they were delicious. And the biscuits and gravy quickly became the talk of our team. Here’s to all our culinary students across the California Community College system.

The campus itself has a few unique touches. Its library was once a shared facility with both the City of Palm Desert and Riverside County, a reminder that community colleges often become true civic anchors. Today, under President Val Garcia’s leadership, College of the Desert continues to expand opportunity across the valley, including new campus development in Palm Springs and growing access for students throughout the region.

Board Chair Ronald Oden recited the poem “The Man in the Mirror” (also known as “The Guy in the Glass”) by Dale Wimbrow.

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear up to the end,
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum,
And think you’re a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.

After such a busy week, it was great to be enjoying the beautiful back yard. Happy to be back home.

Good morning California.
It is April 18, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Cerritos College’s Innovative High School Credit Recovery Program
Earns National Award, Transforming Students’ Futures

Cerritos College transformed the recovery process into an opportunity; the college’s credit recovery program was awarded the 2025-26 League for Innovation in Community Colleges Excellence Award. In collaboration with the Downey Unified School District, the college launched a program in Summer 2025 to help high school students recover credits for missed or failed classes. 

» Read more!

San José City College Celebrates the Career Education Complex,
Marking Largest Campus Investment in Decades

Students, faculty, classified professionals, elected officials, and community members gathered on the San José City College campus Tuesday evening to celebrate the completion of the Career Education Complex (CEC). This sprawling, four-story building represents the most significant investment in SJCC’s facilities since the college was founded more than a century ago. The new CEC building stands four stories tall and encompasses 91,000 square feet of classroom space, labs, and collaborative learning environments. Its design, led by Steinberg Hart Architects, was intentional from the ground up.

» Read more!

East Los Angeles College’s Sisterhood Expo
Celebrates Women Who Lead, Build, and Inspire

On March 24th East Los Angeles College (ELAC) hosted the 2026 Sisterhood Expo, drawing community members to a vibrant marketplace celebrating women’s entrepreneurship. The event spotlighted women-owned businesses from across Los Angeles County, offering attendees the opportunity to shop, connect, and engage with the creative and entrepreneurial talent that defines the East LA community.

» Read more!

Barn Owls Take Flight on Moreno Valley College Campus

Moreno Valley College is advancing its approach to environmental stewardship by welcoming a new team of nocturnal specialists: barn owls. This innovative initiative marks a shift in the college’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, which is an ecosystem-based approach focused on long-term pest prevention through biological controls and habitat manipulation rather than traditional chemical pesticides. A single barn owl is capable of consuming approximately 1,500 rodents per year. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

AI is remaking the workforce. How can colleges ensure students thrive?

Though the long-term effects of artificial intelligence on the job market remain to be seen, the rapidly developing technology has already begun changing how employers discuss work and hiring. Colleges now face the daunting task of preparing students for occupations that could look radically different in a relatively short timeframe.

A 2025 report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that the rapid implementation of AI could simultaneously ease and worsen skills shortages, reducing the need for workers to complete some routine cognitive tasks but prompting demand for advanced technical and adaptive skills.

» Read more!

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Students Earning Credentials at Younger Ages

For the first time, students ages 18 to 20 made up the largest share of first-time associate degree earners, 32.6 percent, beating out older students ages 21 to 24. More broadly, the number of 18- to 20-year-olds who earned an associate degree was up 47.7 percent compared to a decade ago. A relatively small but fast-growing number of students under the age of 18—52,500—also earned their first undergraduate credentials. Students under 18 who completed their first associate degree tripled, while the number who finished their first certificates quadrupled. The report suggests that these trends reflect a surge in dual enrollment.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Coastline College:

A simple conversation at Coastline College led to something extraordinary.

Meet Zekai Wu, a student veteran whose journey took him from the Veterans Resource Center to an acceptance at MIT in just 45 days.

See how the right support and a single moment can change everything. Read his story.

*****

From Reedley College:

Our Tiger Job Fair was a huge success!

A big thank you to all the employers and vendors who joined us to share valuable career opportunities and insights with our students and community. Your support made this event truly meaningful!

*****

From Modesto Junior College:

The 2026 Latinx Comic Arts Festival brought creativity, culture, and community together in a big way. Creatives from around the nation showcased their talents on MJC’s West Campus during the two day festival. Cartoonists, artists, writers, animators, and more displayed their work and shared their stories during speaker panels. Saturday guests were treated to an epic lowrider car show, where they could get a close-up of each unique ride and talk with the car builders. This festival is held every other year on MCC West Campus.

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From Santa Rosa Junior College:

An SRJC Culinary Arts student and an alumna just received $1,500 microgrants from the Sonoma Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a worldwide philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality.

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Hien Pham (left photo) began as a cottage baker, working from her home kitchen to serve her Santa Rosa community. Today, she is the founder of Corner Bakehouse, a neighborhood microbakery grounded in whole grains, seasonal ingredients, and slow fermentation. Her work reflects a deep respect for traditional techniques and for the farmers who grow the ingredients she uses, many sourced here in Sonoma County and from her own garden. In addition to her bakery, Hien shares her knowledge through teaching and continues to refine her craft alongside some of the region’s most respected bakeries.

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Carlee Austin (photo on the right) has been building her culinary path from an early age, beginning with cooking classes as a child and continuing through her graduation from Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management program. Carlee is focused on creating meaningful food experiences through cooking classes, private dinners, and other catered events, while working toward launching her own business through a micro-enterprise home kitchen operation (MEHKO) license.

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And Los Angeles Trade-Tech College shared pics from their 2026 Roots & Royalty Showcase.

On February 26, LATTC proudly celebrated Black History Month with “Roots & Royalty,” an inspiring showcase honoring the achievements, contributions, and rich history of the Black community. From a vibrant Fashion Showcase Extravaganza featuring District and LATTC students, faculty, and classified professional models, to stunning designs by U.S./Ghanaian brand UDefineU, the runway reflected the beauty, resilience, and elegance of African heritage. Guests also enjoyed standout contributions from our Culinary Arts, Fashion Design, and Cosmetology departments. A special highlight of the day was the jollof rice competition, where Culinary Arts students Donald Donaldson, Cherie Jones, and Shannon Jones presented their recipes—with congratulations to Cherie Jones for taking home the win! “Roots & Royalty” was a powerful reminder to honor the legacy of Black pioneers while uplifting the next generation of leaders, creatives, and changemakers. 

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Launches College Corps Career Development Program

This week, Bakersfield College announced an exciting partnership with College Corps which provides a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable professional development while earning money to help pay for college. BC has been awarded a $3.2 million dollar grant through the California Volunteers College Corps program to launch the initiative.

College Corps is a paid service and career training program at colleges and universities across the state. The goal is to connect students with local businesses and non-profit organizations to receive ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development while earning up to $10,000 for college. Participating students will have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields, including K-12 education, climate action, food security, and many others.

» Read more!

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

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

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

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

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

Uncategorized February 14, 2026 Comments: 12

Dear California Community Colleges:

My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.

I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.

And then I met you.

An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.

Infinite hope.
Untiring patience.
Radical non-judgment.
You met people where they were.

Not where they should have been.
Not where someone thought they ought to be.
But where they were.

You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil.
Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.

And then you spread.

From the Central Valley  – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced
you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino
out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio
up the North State – Chico, Redding
across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José
down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo
into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA
and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.

Across the Sierra foothills.
Along Highway 99.
Down the 5 and the 101.

Into farmworker towns.
Into port cities.
Into rural mountain communities.
Into urban corridors.
Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.

You evolved.

You empowered people.
You improved constantly
You innovated for students.
You added programs.
Added pathways.
Added chances.

And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.

I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.

I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.

I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”

I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.

You do not ask for perfection.
You ask for effort.
You do not require pedigree.
You require courage.

Over two million students a year.

Two million stories of trying again.
Starting over. Leveling up.

You are accessible.
You are practical.
You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.

On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:

I love you, California Community Colleges,
– for your open doors.
– for your stubborn optimism.
– for believing in people before they believe in themselves.

You are California at its best.

And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,

I am convinced of this:

If there is an institution built on hope in America,

It is you!

With gratitude, admiration, and love
Your chancellor,
sonya

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!

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

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

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

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

California Community Colleges supporting working California

Uncategorized October 18, 2025 Leave a comment

Over two days, the event brough together leaders statewide to  explore how noncredit programs are transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Mt SAC Trustees along with President Martha Garcia, President Tina King, BOG member Bill Rawlings, Madelyn Arballo

Chancellor Greg Smith, Exec Vice Chancellor Chris Ferguson, Secretary Stewart Knox

It was especially great to hear from some of our adult noncredit students –

President Martha Garcia with students

Thank you to host Mt. San Antonio College, co-host San Diego College of Continuing Education, the Association of Community and Continuing Education, and everyone at the CCC Chancellor’s Office for all your work putting this great event together!

Good morning California.
It is October 18, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

College of Marin Foundation Receives Landmark $10 Million
Matching Grant from The Jay Pritzker Foundation

The College of Marin Foundation is proud to announce a transformative grant and endowment fund agreement with The Jay Pritzker Foundation, establishing the Jay Pritzker Foundation Centennial Endowment Fund. This landmark agreement with The Jay Pritzker Foundation will commit up to $10 million to create a permanent endowment dedicated to providing crucial needs-based scholarships and grants to College of Marin students. For every dollar donated to this fund, the Jay Pritzker Foundation will provide a one-to-one match creating the potential for a $20 million endowment.

» Read more!

West LA College Launches More Accessible
Home Appraiser Training Program

West Los Angeles College has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo to launch a groundbreaking real estate appraiser education program this Fall. This is a first-of-its-kind, Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA)-approved program that provides aspiring appraisers with an innovative pathway to licensure without the traditional supervisory requirement. Students will engage directly with licensed appraisers and gain exposure to real-world property appraisal assignments.

» Read more!

Contra Costa College’s Laura Lozano Elected to National I‑CAR Board of Directors

Contra Costa College collision repair program lead Laura Lozano has been elected to the I‑CAR Board of Directors, representing the Education segment in a national leadership role. I‑CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is a leading nonprofit that provides education, resources, and standards to ensure safe, high-quality vehicle repairs. The Board guides strategic direction for the organization, helping shape training for technicians, educators, and industry partners nationwide.

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In Case You Missed It

California expanding early childhood education apprenticeships

California will spend $1.4 million to expand the Early Care and Education Pathways to Success apprenticeship program, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.

Apprentices study curriculum for teaching and child care credentials while gaining hands-on experience in the classroom at child care centers such as Head Start.

» Read more!

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Glendale Community College Awarded $640K
to Promote Fire Prevention and Recovery Careers

Glendale Community College’s Career Education Department was recently awarded two grants totaling $640,000 from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office aimed at strengthening such efforts in the region through expanded career training opportunities.

Federico Saucedo, the dean of Instructional Services who oversees the Career Education & Workforce Development Department, said both grants highlight a common theme supporting fire programs and rebuilding efforts in the region, in light of the Eaton and Palisades fires in January.

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Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From College of the Redwoods:

The third regional Healthcare Education & Workforce Summit was held on October 10th @bluelakecasino . The event addressed critical workforce education and training gaps affecting local healthcare employers and developing solutions to strengthen Humboldt County’s healthcare workforce.

This was an inspiring event, collectively bringing educators and healthcare providers together to strategize and improve the healthcare workforce to meet the needs of our community. Many thanks to @humboldtpolytechnic @humboldtcoe @northfarnorth @crcareercenter and our numerous local sponsors: we could not do this without your support!

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From Folsom Lake College:

Kikkoman executives toured our new science building today and we are so appreciative of their generosity and contribution to the new building and to the support of our students.

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From Copper Mountain College:

The first Color Run at CMC was a fun success! Thanks to all who participated!

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And check out this video from Reedley College promoting their Flight Science Program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts 2025 Agriculture Career Expo & Manufacturing Day

Bakersfield College was proud to host the 2025 Agriculture Career Expo & Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 10th. This annual event brought together more than 30 local employers to showcase a variety of career opportunities in the dynamic world of agriculture and manufacturing.

More than 1,000 students from local high schools and BC programs attended the event, which featured interactive stations, networking with industry professionals, an introduction to BC Programs, and more. Attendees also had the chance to gather in BC’s Indoor Theater to view an informational video on careers in the Ag and Manufacturing industries, and the anticipated growth of those industries in the years ahead.

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog