Tag Archives: Rio Hondo College

Wrapping up summer 2026

Uncategorized August 23, 2026 Leave a comment

This week the Chancellor’s Office gathered for our annual retreat.

And a colleague sent me this ….

Good morning California.
It is August 22, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Merced College Secures $1.5 Million for Fire Training Facility Expansion

Merced College has secured $1.5 million in federal funding to support the expansion of its fire training facilities at the Hawk Regional Training Center, advancing efforts to strengthen workforce development and public safety across the region. Awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Project Funding program, the funding will support Phase II development of the training center and was secured with the support of Senator Adam Schiff.

» Read more!

Palomar College Television Wins Awards for Documentary Film

 A moving documentary about a wildlife photographer directed by Bill Wisneski, director/producer at Palomar College Television, recently received a Gold Telly Award, a worldwide competition for video and streaming pieces that received more than 13,000 entries. It also won an Emmy for best documentary from Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards, which honors professionals in the southern California and Las Vegas markets. The film was also nominated for best musical composition and best audio recording and mixing. The 48-minute film, My Wild Life, tells the story of wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas, who has faced life-threatening challenges to capture intimate images of newborn animals and family life in the wild.

» Read more!

Chabot College Leads Hub as California Medicine Scholars Program
Expands to LA and Bay Area

The California Medicine Scholars Program (CMSP), a program of the Foundation for California Community Colleges, is expanding its innovative Regional Hubs of Healthcare Opportunity (RHHO) model to the Bay Area and Los Angeles. As part of this expansion, CMSP is launching three new regional hubs: two in Los Angeles, led by the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , and one in the Bay Area, led by Chabot College.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

An Earn-While-You-Learn Path Into Teaching

As a new academic year begins, teacher shortages remain a challenge for K–12 districts nationwide. Addressing those workforce needs will require long-term strategies, including building new pathways into the profession, researchers say.

A new report from New America’s Center on Education & Labor examines one such pathway: teacher degree apprenticeships. These programs allow aspiring educators to earn a paycheck while completing their degree and teaching certification.

» Read more!

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From survival to success: Kristofer Evans’ remarkable path through Cabrillo College

Kristofer Evans hit rock bottom before he decided to get sober and create a stable life in his late 20s. 

Since graduating from continuation high school about a decade ago, he had been mostly unemployed, was in and out of jail and his health was tanking from years of alcohol abuse. About six months into sobering up and working, he learned he was going to be a father. 

Four years later, as a new Cabrillo College graduate on his way to Morgan State University in Baltimore, having earned one of four statewide California Community College Student Leadership awards, he’s full of emotion and joy at what he’s accomplished for himself and his son, Ke’vion. 

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Monterey Peninsula College:

First day of class funsies

Campus is officially back in action. Welcome back, Lobos!

*****

From Ventura College:

We love the Mini Horses

Thank you for coming to Ventura College. You always make the day better.

Thank you for coming back to visit us Reins of H.O.P.E.

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From Citrus College:

So great to see so many smiling faces at Welcome Day! Congratulations to all of our new Owls — wishing you the best as we prepare to start the fall semester!

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From Río Hondo College:

Students, staff and community members, as well as our Board of Trustees President and Student Trustee, came out today for a meet and greet to say good bye to the herd of goats that has been working hard at fire prevention on the Río Hondo College campus.

Thank you to Fire Grazers and their hungry goats for helping make Río Hondo College a little safer for upcoming fire seasons.

*****

And from Cañada College:

The whole leadership team is hyped for this semester. Whether you’re back for more or just getting started, welcome to Cañada College

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Annual New Student Convocation

Earlier this week, hundreds of new students and their families gathered together on Bakersfield College’s Panorama Campus for this year’s New Student Convocation. This annual event welcomes incoming freshman, first-time students and family members to celebrate the new academic year, preview various campus resources, meet faculty, staff and fellow Renegades, and more.

The event started with a resource fair where attendees could get more information about the services, programs, activities, and campus clubs available to BC students. Each program had an information booth with representatives available to provide information, answer questions, and hand out swag to new students. Students could get information from the Student Health & Wellness Center, the BC Rodeo Club, Financial Aid, the BC Industrial Automation program, and several others.

» 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

Mother’s Day 2026

Uncategorized May 9, 2026 1 Comment

Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful and restful weekend.

I wanted to share this post form the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum about the history of Mother’s Day.

“After Ann Jarvis’ death, her daughter, Anna Jarvis (1864–1948), set out to honor her mother’s legacy by establishing a national Mothers’ Day on the second Sunday in May, the day her mother had died. Anna, who never married or had children of her own, did not focus the holiday on peace activism but on the idea of honoring one’s own mother. She chose white carnations as an emblem and urged people to write heartfelt letters of gratitude to their mothers (in Anna Jarvis’ eyes, sending a pre-printed card didn’t count). Anna succeeded in her quest for official recognition, and President Wilson issued a proclamation of the first national Mother’s Day just before the start of World War I in 1914. ”

Though the younger Anna Jarvis didn’t intend for the holiday to be a day of florists and greeting cards – I think however we show appreciation to those strong women in our lives is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.

I love you mom.

Good morning California.
It is May 9, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Río Hondo College Earns Clean California Community Designation

Río Hondo College has been recognized with a Clean California Community Designation, becoming the first community college in California to earn this prestigious statewide honor. The Clean California Community Designation program is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California program, launched in 2021 by Caltrans to clean up, reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces statewide. To qualify, the College met 10 of 15 criteria, including litter assessments, highway cleanups and community education efforts.

» Read more!

Los Angeles Mission College Breaks Ground on Net-Positive Plant Facilities Building

Los Angeles Mission College broke ground Friday, April 3, on a new Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop, a 27,820-square-foot building that will serve as the central hub for the College’s maintenance and operations. As the District’s first net-positive facility, the building is designed to generate more energy than it consumes. A system of 574 solar PV panels will produce up to 252,560 kW of renewable power—more than 115% of the facility’s average daily energy use—and will be supported by a Battery Energy Storage System to enhance efficiency and resiliency.

» Read more!

Barbershop Talk Builds Community, Conversation & Connection at Laney College

Laney College recently hosted a powerful and energizing Barbershop Talk, bringing together more than 40 students for an evening centered on connection, conversation, and community. Held in the Cosmetology Building, the event featured free haircuts provided by professional barbers, adding to the welcoming, familiar atmosphere that helped spark open and honest conversations.

» Read more!

Chaffey College Rising Scholars Alum Emerges from Prison as a Celebrated Artist, Mentor

Kenneth Webb was just 19-years-old when a judge sentenced him to life in prison. Webb, now 35 and a New York Times-featured artist, survived the horrors of prison violence, and turned his dark fate into a light that shines on himself and others. He credits Chaffey College with giving him the confidence to envision a life beyond prison walls.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Mendocino College launches first-ever Native American language course

Mendocino College has reached a historic milestone with the launch of its first Native American language course, marking the first time in the college’s history that a Native language is being offered as a standalone, credit-bearing class.

The new Northern Pomo language course, taught by Lori Laiwa Thomas, Department Chair of Ethnic Studies, is currently the only opportunity in the region for adult learners to study Northern Pomo. Interest has been strong, with 41 students enrolled, including local tribal leaders, grandmothers, siblings, Mendocino College faculty, and community members of all ages. This intergenerational participation highlights the language’s vibrancy and its essential role in maintaining community continuity.

» Read more!

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Community College Daily: Creating bridges, not barriers

About 40% of all U.S. undergraduate students attend two-year colleges, according to the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. Most students come through the door with the intent to transfer, but find their path blocked by credit loss, financial obstacles, or an aggravating lack of reliable information.

Despite surveys indicating that nearly 80% of community college learners aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only about one-third transfer to a four-year institution. And less than half of students who do transfer earn a bachelor’s within six years of initial enrollment.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

I enjoyed Fresno City College’s nod to Star Wars Day this week:

“Do. Or do not. There is no try. But at Fresno City College, we show up, we learn & we grow stronger each semester.” Yoda Jedi Grand Master #maythe4th

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From Cabrillo College:

Yesterday marked a meaningful milestone for Cabrillo College! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of the new Watsonville Wellness Center & Food Pantry.

This space is now open to support students’ well-being and success. Connecting them with essential resources like food, housing, transportation, technology, and holistic wellness services.

Missed it? Stop by and check it out at the Watsonville Center, Building B!

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From Evergreen Valley College:

Our Evergreen community hosted its annual Wellness Fair, which included Hip-Hop artist Jeff Turner, community booths, pizza, paletas and of course, you can’t go wrong with puppies!!!

2026 Wellness Fair
2026 Wellness Fair

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From Gavilan College:

We were honored to welcome Luis Valdez to campus for a community meet and greet and screening of American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez. It was an incredible opportunity for our students, employees, and community members to hear directly from one of the most influential voices in Chicano theater and film.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Luis Valdez for his generosity, presence, and lifelong contributions to storytelling, culture, and the arts. We are also deeply grateful to the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and the Watsonville Film Festival for partnering with Gavilan College to make this event possible.

*****

And check out this video tour of Cypress College’s community garden:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Library Welcomes Miracle Mutts as Part of De-Stress Week

The Bakersfield College Library hosted a series of events as part of their De-Stress Week. The goal is to help students take a break from their busy schedules and finals preparation to enjoy some down time and reduce stress.

On Wednesday, the Library invited Miracle Mutts to the Panorama Campus for a time of playful interaction with their therapy dogs. Several students stopped by the peace garden outside the library to spend some quality time with the furry, friendly companions. Each dog was happy to share affection with all the participants, including giving hugs and playing. Overall, it was a fun time of connection with the Miracle Mutts, while disconnecting from the busyness of the week.

» 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

Happy Easter 2026

Uncategorized April 6, 2026 Comments: 2

This week we watched in awe as Artemis II made its historic journey to orbit the moon. This is NASA’s first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in over 50 years – the last mission, Apollo 17, launched December 7, 1972, and marked the last time humans set foot on the moon.

Orion, the spacecraft launched in the Artemis II mission, will orbit the moon on its 10-day journey, and is expected to reach a distance of 252,799 miles from Earth.

Here’s a short introduction to the 4 astronauts aboard Orion:

Reid Wiseman, Commander

Reid Wiseman, 50, is a 27-year Navy veteran and Baltimore native. He was selected as an astronaut in 2009.

In 2014, he flew to the International Space Station and spent 165 days in orbit. During that mission, he made two spacewalks.

Wiseman is also an aquanaut – he was a member of NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) program, living undersea in conditions similar to those on a spacecraft.

Victor Glover, Pilot

Victor Glover, 49, is a California native, born in Pomona. He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a Legislative Fellow in the US Senate.

He piloted the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which flew to the International Space Station in November 2020. During that mission, he spent 168 days in space. He completed 4 spacewalks during that time.

Glover has accumulated 3,500 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft.

Christina Koch, Mission Specialist

Christina Koch, 47, was selected as an astronaut in 2013. She is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

On March 14, 2019, she launched to the International Space Station, returning on February 6, 2020. During that mission, she and Jessica Meir were the first women to participate in an all-female spacewalk. She also broke the record for longest continuous time in space by a women.

She conducted a total of six spacewalks, totaling 42 hours and 15 minutes.

She also made the first edit to Wikipedia from space.

Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist

Jeremy Hansen, 50, is from London, Ontario. As a Canadian, he’s an astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency and is the first non-American to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

In 2013, he participated in the European Space Agency’s CAVES program, living underground for six days.

In 2014, he was a crewmember of NEEMO, living and working on the ocean floor for seven days.

On Friday, NASA released this amazing image taken by the astronauts aboard the spacecraft:

NASA is also sharing a live feed from the Orion capsule:

And back on Earth, another beautiful sunrise.

And my boy Neo

In case you were wondering why my blog post is delayed ……

Spent Easter with my daughter in Toronto. It was a quick hectic and beautiful trip.

Life is not measured by the breaths we take,
but the moments that take our breath away

Good morning California.

Happy Easter 2026


It is April 4, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Lake Tahoe Community College Chef Virat Vij Named Chef of the Year
by High Sierra Chefs Association

Chef Virat Vij of Lake Tahoe Community College has been named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation High Sierra Chefs Association, in recognition of his leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the regional culinary community. The annual award honors culinary professionals who demonstrate excellence in their field. Vij was selected by the association’s Board of Directors for his service on the board and his support for fundraising efforts benefiting aspiring chefs. At LTCC, Vij teaches in the college’s culinary arts program, where students gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens and develop skills for careers in the food and hospitality industry. The program focuses on real-world training, preparing students for jobs that are essential to the Lake Tahoe region’s tourism-based economy.

» Read more!

Solar Energy Coming to Mt. San Antonio Campus

Mt. San Antonio College, following approval from the Board of Trustees, is moving forward with plans to install a solar energy system that will generate clean electricity on campus, reduce long-term energy costs, and strengthen energy reliability for both the College and surrounding community. The planned system will produce 6.75 megawatts of electricity—enough to power thousands of campus operations—and will include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to store energy for use during peak demand or outages.

» Read more!

Riverside City College Alumna Sarah Ruyle’s
Animated Film Hungry Hollow Gains Global Recognition

Hungry Hollow, an animated short created by Riverside City College alumna Sarah Ruyle, has been selected for screening at both the Slamdance Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying festival, and the New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival in Hokkaido, Japan. The selections mark an exciting milestone for the emerging animator whose creative journey includes time studying animation at Riverside City College during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

» Read more!

HCSB Honors San Bernardino Valley College
with 2026 Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award

The Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses (HCSB) has named San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) the recipient of the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Visionary Award, recognizing the college’s leadership in preparing people and communities for a more sustainable future. SBVC will be honored at the 2026 HCSB Spheres of Sustainability Summit on April 22, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pomona.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Improving women’s experiences in internships

Community colleges are rightly being recognized as central to the nation’s skilled trades pipeline. They are nimble, workforce-focused and deeply connected to regional employers. In automotive technology, especially, that role matters. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects about 70,000 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year over the next decade, and the occupation employed about 805,600 workers in 2024. 

But if we are serious about strengthening that pipeline, we need to be honest about a problem hiding in plain sight: women remain dramatically underrepresented in the field, and “access” alone is not the same thing as equity. According to recent BLS data, women make up just 4.2% of automotive service technicians and mechanics, placing the occupation among those with the smallest share of women workers. 

» Read more!

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2026 Student Leadership Award Winners Announced

Four student leaders, dedicated to equity and inclusion on campus and in their communities, have been honored with the California Community College’s annual Student Leadership Award.

Kristopher Evans of Cabrillo College, Ode Tso Kunthar from Contra Costa College, Valerie Pamphile from Barstow Community College, and John Paul Rosales from Moreno Valley College were recognized March 27 at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges 2026 General Assembly in San Francisco.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Río Hondo College :

Río Hondo College kicked off Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month with a special flag-raising ceremony in the Lower Quad today! Student, Brooklyn Decker, led the ceremony.

The Autism Awareness flag will fly proudly all month long, reminding us of our commitment to celebrating neurodiversity, promoting understanding and fostering inclusion across our campus community.

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Monterey Peninsula College’s recent Dress for Success event:

Thanks to generous community donations, MPC students were able to pick out free professional outfits to help them feel confident and prepared for interviews, internships, and career opportunities ahead.

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From San Joaquin Delta College:

Last weekend’s #womeninSTEM celebration honored our students and alumni who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of STEM. Congratulations on your accomplishments! #MESA#sjdeltacollege

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From Los Angeles Mission College:

On Friday, March 20, Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) hosted a free Student Vision Care Clinic on campus, providing no-cost eye exams and glasses for students.

The clinic reached capacity early, with 150 students registered by 9:45 a.m., and students were seen throughout the day until 2 p.m. The event was presented in partnership with the Power of Sight to bring vision care services directly to students on campus.

Each participating student received a comprehensive eye exam from a licensed optometrist, had their prescription filled on-site, and left the same day with a new pair of glasses.

Funding and support for the clinic were provided by LAMC, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce, Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) and Champions in Service.

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And check out this video on Goat Yoga at San Diego City College:

Blast From the Past

Wanted to share this look back at the first 6 months of Vision 2030:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC and Partnering High Schools Receive
California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award

Recently, several of Bakersfield College’s high school partners were presented with the 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. The statewide honor highlights outstanding dual enrollment programs that provide opportunities to enroll in and earn college credits while still in high school – expanding college access while supporting student success.

The Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award recognizes programs that demonstrate strong collaboration between K–12 and community college partners, academic rigor, and meaningful pathways that support students in achieving their educational and career goals.

» 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

Wrapping up March 2026 with roses

Uncategorized March 29, 2026 Leave a comment

The season of roses has started as we wrap up March.

And beautiful sunrises –

I also wanted to share the Educate Elevate podcast episode on the Blue Economy. I’m very proud of this work being led by the California Community Colleges.

Check out this 30-minute video:

Good morning California.
It is March 28, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez Secures $1.03 Million in Federal Funding
for Río Hondo College’s Public Safety Scenario Training Unit

Federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez will allow Río Hondo College to advance the development of its Public Safety Scenario Training Unit (PSSTU), a facility designed to expand training for Police Academy cadets and public safety professionals. The $1.03 million in Community Project Funding will support the purchase of technology, equipment and modular furniture to create immersive training environments for cadets. The federal investment marks the second time Congresswoman Sánchez has secured funding for the project following a $963,000 Community Project Funding award in fiscal year 2024.

» Read more!

Irvine Valley College Foundation Receives $50,000 Gift from Irvine Company
to Strengthen Teacher Preparation Pathway

The Irvine Valley College Foundation has received a $50,000 gift from Irvine Company in support of the college’s Teacher Preparation Pathway (TPP), a collaborative initiative designed to create a clear, supportive route from community college to the teaching profession. The gift directly supports students pursuing careers in education by removing financial barriers, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthening program infrastructure. Notably, $10,000 of the donation establishes a new Teacher Preparation Funding Program, creating a sustainable source of support for future generations of IVC teaching students.

» Read more!

Citrus College Construction Program Leads State with Accreditation

The Citrus College Construction Management program has become the first community college in California to earn accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), marking a significant milestone for construction education statewide. ACCE serves as the premier accrediting body for construction-related academic programs in the United States. It evaluates curriculum, faculty, facilities and student outcomes to ensure graduates are prepared for leadership and professional excellence in the construction industry. 

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

2025 Energy and Sustainability Award Winners Honored by California Community Colleges Board of Governors

 The California Community Colleges Board of Governors this week honored leading innovators and standout programs with the 2025 Energy and Sustainability Awards for their ongoing efforts of to achieve environmental sustainability while advancing the goals of the system’s strategic plan, Vision 2030.

Six awards were handed out at the Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, March 24 in Sacramento. The honorees, recognized for outstanding achievements in energy and sustainability, include Riverside Community, Sonoma County Junior, and Kern Community College Districts; Shasta College; and leaders from Contra Costa Community College District and Mt. San Antonio College.

» Read more!

Here are the photos:

Kern

Santa Rosa

Contra Costa

Shasta

Mt. Sac

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Yuba College:

Day one of 2026 Weld Camp is a wrap! High school students from across the area joined us for hands-on activities showcasing what our Yuba College Manufacturing and Welding program offers. Plus, they took home a cool souvenir!

*****

From El Camino College:

As we close out every Women’s History Month, our campus community came together for the 29th Annual Distinguished Women Awards & Reception.

We recognize and honor the contributions these individuals have made for El Camino College and the surrounding community.

The 2026 recipients include: Cynthia Cervantes, Mia Dobbs, Dr. Edith Gutierrez, Germany Kent, Dr. Brandi Odom Lucas, Dr. Lesley Meza, Mauren Barbara O’Donnell (In Memoriam)

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From Fullerton College:

The Business and CIS Division recently hosted a successful Entrepreneurship Week, inviting students to explore how to build their own opportunities under the mentorship of entrepreneur experts. An annual event, attendees explored different activities, including workshops, networking opportunities and insightful competitions.

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From Chabot College:

Last Thursday was ROCK DA MIC! A panel and open mic event that celebrated culture and community while promoting mental wellness for all. Shoutout to the event organizers and coordinators who put together an event where students could connect and express themselves through performing arts.

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From Victor Valley College:

We want to extend a RAMFAM shoutout to the “mayor” of Victor Valley College! The one and only Robert Sewell has received a lifetime achievement award in Washington DC for his 30 years of dedicated service to student leadership at Victor Valley College! Robert serves as the long-time ASB Advisor/Public Information Officer/Marketing Director for all things in the VVC universe! Congratulations Robert!

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And check out this video promoting Cañada College’s Middle College Program:

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Marketing & Public Relations Earns National Recognition

Bakersfield College’s Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) team earned national recognition at the 2025 NCMPR (National Council for Marketing and Public Relations) Paragon Awards in Washington D.C., receiving Gold in the Social Media Post/Story (Still) category. The Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at two-year community and technical colleges and are the only competition of their kind focused exclusively on marketing and public relations professionals in this sector.

The award-winning piece, ‘Caps Off, Renegades,’ offered a deeply personal glimpse into the pride, identity, and meaning students carried with them at the 2025 commencement ceremony.

» 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