Sonya Christian's Blog

Pope Francis passed away on April 21st (Easter Monday). He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires.

Pope Francis led with humility, focusing on big reforms, and embracing modern ways to connect with people. His social media posts felt more like personal messages from a caring pastor rather than an official declaration. He shared prayers, encouragement, and called for a caring society.

Pope Francis was not afraid to take bold stands. He made it clear that issues like climate change aren’t just political debates — they’re moral responsibilities. He called on everyone to care for the planet. He has been a strong voice for migrants and refugees and has shown more openness toward LGBTQ than past popes, stressing that the Church welcomes everyone.

At a time when so many institutions feel out of touch, Pope Francis stood out by showing that leadership grounded in humility, action, and real human connection still matters.

His last message was read out on April 20th, Easter Sunday.

Here are two excerpts:

The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint! Spes non confundit! (cf. Rom 5:5). That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us.

On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!

Read more: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/urbi/documents/20250420-urbi-et-orbi-pasqua.html

Good morning California.
It is April 26, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

College of the Desert hosts panel for students to
Connect with Hollywood professionals

COD’s Career and Workforce Solutions Center partnered up with Palm Springs Women in Film & Television to host a Careers in Art, Media & Entertainment Panel on April 2, featuring speakers from Hollywood. The panel gave students a sneak peek into a career in the industry. The panel featured an award-winning, producer, audio specialist and cinematographer. Some notable speakers included “Modern Family” production manager Sally Young and “Mission Impossible” cinematographer Alan Gitlin.

» Read more!

Santa Ana College Prepares Future Generation of College Students
at 31st Annual Kindercaminata

On March 28, 2025, Santa Ana College (SAC) hosted its 31st annual KinderCaminata, a college readiness and youth empowerment program that brings nearly 1,000 kindergartners from Santa Ana and Garden Grove Unified School Districts and several charter schools to visit the community college. The children, along with their teachers, experienced interactive activities, exhibits and other entertainment to learn about various career opportunities made possible through college education. 

» Read more!

Building a Bridge to Success: Southwestern College’s Men of Color Initiative

Southwestern College has taken another significant stride towards educational equity with the launch of its Men of Color Success and Excellence program. This initiative is not merely a program; it’s a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and empowering Black, Latino, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander male students to thrive in higher education.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California Student Aid Commission and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Announce Partnership to Support Student Access to Aid

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is excited to announce a new collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (Chancellor’s Office). This new partnership will bring financial aid opportunities to students enrolling at California’s 116 community colleges through expanded data sharing. Last week, the two organizations finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide CSAC with additional data to enhance opportunities for outreach to community college students that have not yet applied for aid, as well as supporting greater analysis of financial aid access across student groups and regions of our state.

» Read more!

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California community colleges receive Hearst Foundations grant
to enhance forestry and wildfire prevention

The Foundation for California Community Colleges in Sacramento has received a $150,000 grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and The Hearst Foundation Inc. to support and expand its Resilient Careers in Forestry program.

The program partners with colleges throughout California to develop the forestry workforce, including wildfire preparedness. The foundation plans to use the grant to expand resources to Southern California.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Clovis Community College:

We joined forces on Wednesday for Earth Day and the Black Student Success Week Spring Mixer .

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From Reedley College:

Thanks to everyone who came out to our cook-out for a fun day on the library lawn!

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From Cerro Coso Community College:

Black Student Success Week at Cerro Coso

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From Cuyamaca College:

CONGRATS to our men’s soccer team, state champions, and THANKS San Diego District 4 Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe for proclaiming April 25th as Cuyamaca College Men’s Soccer Team Day!

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From Norco College:

Hi Mustangs! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Student Employees! We hope you enjoyed the Student Employee Appreciation Breakfast. Your hard work and dedication fosters community and continued success for all students at Norco College!

And From the Home of the Renegades

Shafter Library Adds Braille Books to Promote Inclusivity and Learning

The Shafter Library, a public library and satellite campus of Bakersfield College, recently acquired a collection of braille books, thanks to a Friends of the Shafter Library contribution. These books provide readers with the story written in English with clear braille lettering taped on each page. This makes the books inclusive to children who are blind or visually impaired, as well as to older family members reading to young children. It also provides a learning opportunity to those who are not visually impaired to learn more about braille.

Ariel Dyer, a BC Reference Librarian and Shafter Library Liaison, was excited about the new books. “The addition of this braille collection expands our reach to blind and visually impaired people and their families,” she said, “Additionally, it enriches the informal learning of sighted people and families through exposure to braille.”

» 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