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
My thoughts and prayers are with the Laney College community after the tragic death of Athletic Director and legendary football coach John Beam. The Peralta Community College District shared this beautiful tribute to his legacy.
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This morning, I found myself re-reading The Dash by Linda Ellis.
Between the date when we arrive and the date we go away, there exists a horizontal line that captures every single day.
And because these days we’re living seem to vanish in a flash, we need to make the most of that special little dash.
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A trio of sunsets for you to make three wishes –
Pause, close your eyes, and make three wishes.
Good morning California. It is November 15, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Allan Hancock Students Design Signage for Nature Preserve
Visitors to the Central Coast’s rugged coastline will soon have a new way to connect with its natural beauty, thanks to Allan Hancock College graphic design students who transformed science into art for the community. A group of nine students in the college’s art, graphic design and multimedia programs teamed up with fine arts instructor Tellef Tellefson and staff from The Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, located in Lompoc, to design interpretive signage for the Jalama Campground, located adjacent to the preserve.
San Diego Mesa College Fashion Students Redefine Couture with Sustainable Designs at Laguna Art Museum
On November 1, 2025, four San Diego Mesa College Fashion Design students — Tiara Daring, Edwin Alba, Liliia Derkach, and Vanessa Felix — were selected to participate in the Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM) Upcycled Couture Fashion Show. The annual runway event combines community, creativity, and environmental awareness. This year’s theme, Restoring the Future, challenged students to create one-of-a-kind sustainable couture pieces that highlight the many ways local partners are making a difference in the community and beyond.
Commentary: Community colleges are where American opportunity becomes reality
Headlines often focus on the challenges facing higher education — rising costs, shifting workforce demands and questions about value. Yet at a time when confidence in institutions is waning, many California community colleges are quietly earning trust the old-fashioned way: by delivering on their promises.
From my vantage point as chancellor of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD), serving California’s vast Central Valley, I see that story firsthand. Community colleges are not only adapting — they are thriving — expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the communities they serve.
Community colleges again lead enrollment increases
Undergraduate enrollments for this fall are up again, with community colleges again seeing the largest rate increase, according to preliminary reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Research Center.
Overall undergraduate enrollment is up 2.4% so far, with increases in all sectors, though community colleges are leading with a 4.0% boost, compared to 1.9% at public four-year institutions and 0.9% at private, nonprofit four-year institutions. And, once again this fall, certificates appear to be a driving force — a 6.6% increase, compared to a 3.1% bump for associate degrees and 1.2% for bachelor’s degrees.
Thank you to Santiago High School for visiting our Newport Campus for MESA Day! It was inspiring to see so many bright and eager students exploring their future in higher education.
From Río Hondo College:
El Monte UHSD honored Río Hondo College’s free Math Academy for its 81% summer completion rate! Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Zuniga and the Board for recognizing our team—and to Dean Yolanda Emerson for her leadership.
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From Hartnell College:
Today, our #HartnellCollege community gathered in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Ohlone/Costanoan–Esselen Nation Tribal Chairperson Louise J. Miranda Ramirez shared a presentation on the history and living legacy of the Esselen people, weaving together stories of land and cultural continuity. The event continued with a jewelry-making workshop, inviting participants to connect through hands-on creation and community. A heartfelt thank you to our Hartnell Ethnic Studies team and ASHC for making this event possible!
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From Mendocino College:
The Basic Needs Produce Wednesday service was successfully provided at the Lake Center. We extend our gratitude to the Lake Center staff for their valuable support and collaboration in facilitating this service.
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From Golden West College:
Psych Day was a day full of games, an internship and resource fair, a career panel and an amazing keynote speaker, Dr. James Garcia! Thank you to the Psychology faculty who helped coordinate the event.
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And check out Irvine Valley College’s 40th anniversary documentary!
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Holds First-Generation College Student Day
Last week, Bakersfield College gathered students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the inaugural First-Generation College Student Day, a moment to recognize the determination of those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. With more than 40 percent of BC students identifying as first-generation, the event highlighted the strength and resilience that shape our campus community.
Happy Saturday from Manzanita, Oregon. I have to say it’s exactly what I needed after the hot days in the central valley.
The skies have been overcast – which is perfect. That soft gray light, the cool air, highs around 65, lows dipping into the mid-50s. it’s great sweatshirt weather.
Started the morning with a slice of marionberry coffee cake from Manzanita News and Espresso, a local café. Walked through the little shops in town…lots of handmade stuff, a couple of galleries, and of course, salt water taffy everywhere. That seems to be the universal language of every coastal town I have been to.
The drive on Highway 26 from PDX to the coast was beautiful. Huge trees, and everything is just green. Layers and layers of green.
Here is a photo that I snapped for you this morning.
Good morning California. It is July 19, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Hartnell College Students Perform Original Play at Prestigious BorderLight Theatre Festival in Cleveland
A group of nine Hartnell College students and two faculty members is heading to Cleveland, Ohio, to present their original production, Get with the Times, Jane! at the acclaimed BorderLight Theatre Festival, an international showcase known for celebrating boundary-pushing, socially engaged, and independent theatre.
Río Hondo College Awarded $20,000 Grant for LEGACIE+ Male Success Initiatives
California State University Dominguez Hills, on behalf of Toro Auxiliary Partners, has awarded Río Hondo College a $20,000 grant to support the college’s LEGACIE+ Male Success Initiatives program, aimed at improving the academic and social outcomes of men of color.
City College of San Francisco Engineering Club Races to Victory at Statewide Solar Regatta
The City College of San Francisco Engineering Club has once again shown remarkable ingenuity and team collaboration by winning the 2025 Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) California Solar Regatta, held on May 3, 2025, at the Rancho Seco Recreation Area. The CCSF Engineering Club has now won the SMUD Regatta Cup in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2025, making the college one of the most decorated in the event’s history.
Mother, Daughter Overcame the Odds to Graduate from Merced College With Honors
We asked Karen Navarro-Estrada and Moriah Cortez what message they could send to people who, like them, weren’t great students growing up, or even to anyone reading about this mother-daughter team that defied expectations at Merced College.
They said the same thing: “If I can do this, anyone can.”
Navarro-Estrada, 52, is mother to Cortez, 27, and they both graduated with honors from Merced College on May 23.
Both Navarro-Estrada and Cortez started in the Merced College Online program. Mom chose to study Psychology, and daughter chose to study Administration of Justice.
They also, as Navarro-Estrada says, “broke generational curses.”
El Camino’s architecture students showcased their spring designs for their final presentations last month. The June event was host to dynamic environmental designs with low ecological impact for locations in and around the South Bay.
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From Fresno City College:
@scccd & @downtownfresno commemorated the opening of the newly installed downtown Mural thanks to the work of Fresno City College faculty & local artist, @love_danieldemeza & the contributions of Fresno City College student artists.
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From Compton College:
Spectrum News Los Angeles did a story on Compton College’s One Meal Per Day Program! Find out how this program is helping our students and staff for their daily needs:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Project HireUp’s Summer 2025 Graduation
Bakersfield College and the CityServe Educational Collaborative hosted a special graduation ceremony to celebrate the participants of Cohort #15 of Project HireUp
Project HireUp aims to decrease homelessness in the community through a creative and innovative partnership that supports students currently experiencing housing insecurity or other setbacks. Project HireUp and CityServe Educational Collaborative will continue to host three cohorts a year – Spring, Summer, and Fall, with a capacity of thirty students per cohort.
It was a sigh of relief as NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams successfully returned back to Earth after nine months in space. Their trip to space was initially expected to last a little more than a week.
The vehicle that launched them to the International Space Station back on June 5 experienced helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, and NASA determined the craft was not safe for their return trip.
As for me…..
Yesterday, I attended the celebration of life of John Stanskas. Here is a poem published by John.
The Physics of Absence, the Nature of Nothingness
I believe it is all light at the end, these strained seconds defined by the slap-click of clocks means nothing. An effort to bend time, to exert control, force this habit.
of filling the space occupied by light. The vacuum is not empty, nothingness seethes with production, mind-flash of insight destined to collapse. I pant to undress.
you, mirage in the dark, strain toward molecules unclaimed, underground. I know you are here, the crease in the mattress, a vestibule where in absence, from nothing, you appear.
The secondhand stops in this crease of night; matter collapses, you flash into light.
This week I visited the West Hills Prison Education Program at Pleasant Valley State Prison. President Hildy Aguinaldo and Board Member Cirian Villavicencio joined on on this college visit.
Good morning California. It is March 22, 2025 A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Pasadena City College receives $1 million from Ballmer Group to support wildfire community relief efforts
Pasadena City College has received a $1 million grant from Ballmer Group to support critical relief for students, faculty, staff, and community members recovering from the devastation of the recent wildfires. The grant from Ballmer Group is the largest single gift to the PCC Community Relief Fund.
A spirit of pride and collaboration filled the air on January 28th as Laney College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the stunning Tiny House crafted by its talented Carpentry students. Under the expansive Construction Canopy, students, faculty, and community members gathered to witness the culmination of months of dedication and hard work.
Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College Co-Host 10th Annual ASL Educators Collaboration Conference
On March 1, Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College proudly co-hosted the 10th Annual ASL Educators Collaboration Conference at San Bernardino Valley College. This milestone event was the largest yet, with 120 registered participants and five dedicated student volunteers.
On March 14, LACC welcomed professors from ITE College East in Singapore to meet and get a campus tour of facilities in the Department of Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering, and the Visual and Media Arts. Professors viewed classes in action and discussed how community colleges in the US deliver education and potential collaborative opportunities between LACC and ITE.
In Case You Missed It
EdSource Commentary: Why California must champion community college bachelor’s degrees
Cerritos College President/Superintendent Jose Fierro wrote a piece for EdSource about the importance of community college bachelor’s degrees.
California cannot rely on four-year universities alone to meet its growing workforce needs. Expanding community college bachelor’s degree programs will strengthen industries, create more opportunities and solidify California’s leadership in workforce innovation. It’s time for policymakers, industry leaders and educators to support these programs and invest in the future of our state.
What an honor it was to host the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón, for an intimate and moving poetry reading at Cerro Coso! Ada’s words filled the room with inspiration, hope, and love, as she shared the stories behind her poems before delivering a truly engaging reading. As the first Latina U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada’s journey resonated deeply—especially with one audience member who felt truly seen by her words.
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From College of the Desert:
Students came together for an interactive anatomy and physiology study session, strengthening their knowledge with support from in-person tutoring. Thanks to a collaborative grant with OneFuture, College of the Desert is expanding tutoring opportunities to help students succeed!
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From Rio Hondo College:
Río Hondo Police Academy honored the achievements of 45 police cadets during the Basic Police Academy Class No. 217 graduation ceremony. The graduates represent 18 different law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, marking the culmination of six months of rigorous training.
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And check out this video about how Chevron’s donation to Taft College is helping MESA students:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Foundation Partners with Amazon and The Wonderful Company
The Bakersfield College Foundation has committed $1.37 million to expand workforce training through a powerful partnership with Amazon and The Wonderful Company. As one of just five institutions nationwide selected to offer Amazon’s Reliability and Maintenance Engineering (RME) program, Bakersfield College is set to strengthen career education and workforce development in Kern County.
The RME program will provide students with industry-recognized certifications and direct career pathways in advanced industrial maintenance, meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in Kern County’s expanding industrial sector.
Spring is in bloom! A friend shared this pic with me, with a text –
“Flowering Plum Trees are in bloom. When there’s a slight breeze the flower petals sometimes fall off as if there are snow flakes.”
I started my week in San Francisco, presenting at the CISOA conference on Monday – the annual conference for the Chief Technology Officers of the California Community Colleges.
Monday afternoon, I dropped by for the student March in March event. Here are some photos.
The fabulous Linda Vasquez selfie.
With Board of Governors Member Cirian Villavicencio
With Ivan Hernandez – SSCCC President
On Thursday, I spoke at the A2MEND Conference with Board of Governors member Pam Haynes.
Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Ebony Jeffries
Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomenang, Sonya Christian, Don Daves-Rougeaux
And with a group of students from Southwestern College:
Good morning California. It is March 8, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
The Human Library® Returns to Cuesta College
Cuesta College, in collaboration with the Cuesta College Library, Cuesta College Student Health Services, and San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health, is proud to announce the return of The Human Library® to its San Luis Obispo campus on March 5.
Originating in Denmark over two decades ago, The Human Library® is a global movement designed to challenge stereotypes and biases through open and meaningful conversations. The event creates a safe and inclusive space where topics are discussed openly between the human books and their readers, providing an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and foster deeper understanding.
Peralta CCD Hosts Event With House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
On February 21, 2025, the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center in partnership with the Peralta Community College District hosted a forum dedicated to civic engagement, bringing together community leaders, elected officials, and citizens to discuss the vital importance of defending democratic principles in today’s challenging political climate.
Mt. SAC Turf Teams recently mowed the competition at the annual Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) contest, taking first, second and third place and beating out major universities. Three teams of four competed in the Student Challenge, a two-hour exam testing knowledge of the sports turf industry, covered subjects as diverse as Turfgrass Identification, Selection and Morphology, Soil Management, Soil Fertility, Water Management, Drainage, Turfgrass Mathematics, Pest Identification and Management, and both turf and non-turf Sports Field Management.
Mendocino College Announces the Purchase of Property for Future Student Housing
Mendocino College is pleased to announce the purchase of a property at the corner of Perkins and Main Streets in downtown Ukiah, marking the first phase of a multi-year initiative to develop future student housing. This project aims to increase the availability of affordable housing for students and support the local community.
Victor Valley College’s inaugural Community Education — Paint Night Experience in VVC Performing Arts Center Black Box Room was a sold-out success! It was incredible to watch our lead instructor, Theresa Shellcroft, guide and inspire participants as they brought their unique Desert Sunset masterpieces to life.
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
What an amazing afternoon we had celebrating Women’s History Month! We came together to share inspiring affirmations, create uplifting messages, and take home a beautiful flower. Thank you to everyone who joined us in spreading joy and empowerment!
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From Madera Community College:
On February 25, we held another CAMP Seminar for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) 2024-25 Cohort at Madera Community College! This event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with CAMP students. They received essential information regarding academic advising, CSU/UC transfer requirements, financial aid, health services, psychological services, and tutoring resources available on campus.
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From Imperial Valley College:
Step right up! We’re all set inside the Preble Building at the California Mid-Winter Fair, ready to hear your big ideas for Imperial Valley College’s future.
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From Rio Hondo College:
This weekend, we hosted the LA Regional Science Olympiad Tournament, where Division B & C teams from across LA County showcased their STEM skills! Congrats to those advancing to the State Tournament in April! Thanks to Ryan Wong & all the volunteers!
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And check out this video from Evergreen Valley College –
McTate Stroman, a staff member at Evergreen Valley College, whose hometown of Altadena was devastated by the Los Angeles Fires, wrote and recited this poem. McTate also curated an art exhibit in his hometown.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Students Travel to Arizona for Theatre Arts Festival
Recently, twenty-seven BC Theatre students traveled to Mesa, Arizona to participate in the Region 7/Region 8 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) at Mesa Community College. This Festival is a celebration of the work in Theatre Arts that college students in these regions have done throughout the year, as well as a place to audition and compete for scholarships, gain knowledge and skills through workshops, see plays, and network with students from other schools.
Three BC students – Riss Halbwachs, Savanna Lux, and Jesse Magdaleno – and their partners advanced to the Semi-Final Round of the Irene Ryan auditions, which is a huge accomplishment! Out of hundreds of preliminary participants, only sixty make it to the Semi-Final Round. Then, Jesse Magdaleno and his partner Nathan Armendariz made it to the Final Round of the audition– the top fifteen participants of the entire festival. This is the first time a BC student has made it to the Final Round of the Irene Ryans.
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.
