This week was another filled with travel.
Tuesday’s Board of Governors meeting was held at College of Marin, in beautiful Marin County, just north of San Francisco, with campuses in Kentfield and Novato. Founded in 1926, the college is celebrating its centennial this year. It serves about 9,000 students and offers everything from transfer and career programs to ESL and lifelong learning.
College of Marin also takes full advantage of its extraordinary natural surroundings. Its Natural History program turns Marin itself into a classroom, with students studying local ecosystems, plants, insects, birds and marine life through hands-on fieldwork. The college even has a monarch butterfly habitat and a field station in Bolinas …wonderful examples of learning grounded in place.
Linda Vasquez snapped a selfie with Siria, Yanna, Board Member Adrienne Brown and me when we were at the Monarch butterfly habitat.
College of Marin has designed space around belonging. Its learning communities and affinity spaces come together around a large, open common area filled with natural light, with offices and gathering spaces opening directly into it. Students can study, connect with friends, find their community or simply hang out, and support is right there. It is a physical space designed around the idea that belonging and learning go together.
Here is a photo with a student leader Isa… check out the view from the learning space.
On Wednesday, I headed to San Francisco.
I spoke at Dreamforce, Salesforce’s flagship annual conference that brings together the global Salesforce community for learning, connection, philanthropy, and entertainment. It has grown into one of the largest technology and cloud innovation events in the world.
I joined will.i.am and Ron Smith from Salesforce to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the classroom experience.
Here is 1 minute of Usher performing my favorite song Yeah at Dreamfest later that same evening
Good morning California.
It is September 19, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
SIRENS Lights the Way: Summer Immersion in Research and Experimentation for Next-Gen Scientists at Skyline College
This summer, a new cohort of 24 student scientists spent three intensive weeks living the life of a researcher through the Summer Immersion in Research and Experimentation for Next-gen Scientists (SIRENS) Program supported by Skyline College’s STEM Division and MESA program. Running from May 26 through June 12, the program gave students hands-on experiences across biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, data science, and physics, culminating in a full day of team research presentations.
The program opened with team-building activities before students rotated through skill-building workshops designed to get them comfortable in various STEM labs. In the Fab Lab, students learned basic and advanced soldering techniques, while in the Biotech lab they practiced micropipetting, a foundational skill for any bench scientist.
Fullerton College Dual Enrollment Program Launches Urban Agriculture Pathway
The Dual Enrollment and Horticulture programs at Fullerton College celebrate the success of their urban agricultural pathway with Magnolia High School. A unique opportunity for high school students, the program combines the traditional classroom experience with a paid internship – paving the way for future horticulture professionals. The internship offers participating students 20 hours of service per week for a rate of $18 an hour. Designed to cultivate professional skills and independence, MACC farm duties address pertinent issues, including food deserts, food insecurity, urban agriculture, environmental sustainability and more.
Reedley College Awarded Grant From Governor’s Office for FAME Program
As part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative, Reedley College’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing (FAME) program was awarded over $1.3 million dollars to expand our existing earn and learn training program for advanced manufacturing technicians (AMT’s). The FAME program helps strengthen sector innovation and supply chains by investing in infrastructure and workforce development.
In Case You Missed It
A state program now puts $3,000 in the pockets of foster, Covid-bereaved youth entering adulthood
In May, four years after the program was first created by the state Legislature, California launched the Hope, Opportunity, Perseverance and Empowerment, or HOPE, for Children program. More than 56,000 young Californians are eligible for $3,000 in a trust account to use however they choose. The program was created to provide a safety net for two groups of young people who may enter adulthood without parental support.
*****
Claremont High School student completes two college degrees
through Citrus College dual enrollment before her senior year
Zaira Amara recently began her senior year at Claremont High School with something most people don’t earn until years later: two college degrees. At 17, she is an outstanding example of how high school students can access free Citrus College classes and earn associate degrees while still making the most of their high school years.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
KernCCD Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg shared this photo from groundbreaking day at Cerro Coso’s new Tehachapi campus, set to open in 2027:
*****
From Oxnard College:
On Constitution Day, we reflect on the impact this document has had on our democracy over the past 250 years.
Like our nation, the Constitution’s power lies in its enduring promise of a more perfect union. Through the Constitution and its amendments, and through generations of civic engagement, Americans have worked to narrow the gap between the document’s ideals and the realities faced by those too often excluded from its promise.
We honor those who have served and sacrificed to defend our Constitution, as well as those who have worked to help our nation live up to its highest ideals and extend its liberties to all.
That work is part of the American story, and each of us has a role to play in carrying it forward. We can participate in our democracy by being informed, exercising our rights, engaging in our communities, and working together toward that more perfect union.
Thanks to our Associated Student Government for helping bring Constitution Day to life here on campus today by sharing copies of the Constitution and encouraging students to learn more about this important document and our democracy.
*****
From Saddleback College:
The quad came alive yesterday during the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Kickoff event with the vibrant energy of Ballet Folklórico, live music from Tabu, and meaningful memories shared on our community heritage board. Bobcats also spent the afternoon connecting with Success Coaches and the counseling department to explore campus resources, lock in academic goals, and enjoy yummy tacos and aguas frescas together.
*****
From Crafton Hills College:
This summer, Crafton’s classroom CNTL 238 became the meeting ground for a group of eight determined students to prepare themselves to excel in the upcoming year. From July 27th to August 6th, the Mesa Program and the Mathematics department teamed up to launch Kickstart to Calculus—an eight-day summer bridge pilot program designed to help STEM students jump straight into Calculus I with confidence.
*****
From Madera College:
Yesterday, our campus came together to celebrate Central American and Mexican Independence! We appreciate all of the faculty, staff, and student organizations who helped plan and host this great celebration!
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College launches 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations
The Bakersfield College (BC) Hispanic Heritage Month Committee hosted the college’s 2026 celebration kickoff Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Panorama campus. The Student Equity and Achievement Program sponsored the event.
The celebration honored Latino cultures, traditions and contributions. Guests enjoyed food inspired by several Latin American countries, participated in cultural activities and listened to live music. Bakersfield band Velorio performed a mix of cumbia and Latin rock.
“This celebration is especially meaningful to me as the son of Mexican immigrants who came to this country in pursuit of the American dream,” said Dr. César Jiménez, BC’s vice president of student affairs. “It is an opportunity to showcase the richness of Latino culture, our traditions, music and food.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 special thank you to our DVC student veterans for leading this meaningful tribute and reminding us of the values of unity, resilience, and service.
