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
Toronto got slammed by a full-on blizzard, with thick snow and sharp winds messing up flight schedules. My flight to Toronto from LAX got cancelled and the one coming back spent over an hour on the tarmac being deiced.
Coming into Toronto after a blizzard had shut down Pearson –
And a lower altitude photo from the plane –
And a short video of the plane taxiing in Toronto –
Then back to California for a busy work week. Headed to Long Beach and then to Twentynine Palms to visit Copper Mountain College. Though small in size, the college has a wide reach and an outsized impact. In a geographically isolated area, Copper Mountain serves as both an educational anchor and a community hub.
Check out this fun selfie taken by our SSCCC student Valerie Pamphile – you can see Bill Rawlings and President Daren Otten at the back. And further back, Adrienne Brown.
And another great pic, this one with Julie Adams and Chris Ferguson added to the group:
Copper Mountain College has a tortoise preserve right on campus. The desert tortoise is an iconic species known for its long lifespan and remarkable ability to survive in harsh, arid conditions. It is endangered primarily because of habitat loss from development, roads, and energy projects, as well as disease and human disruption that threaten its fragile ecosystem.
The preserve at Copper Mountain protects this habitat, supports conservation efforts, and helps educate students and the community about caring for the desert they live in. It is pretty amazing that a California community college is literally helping safeguard an endangered species right on its campus.
Check out this 30-sec video of Professor Paul Delaney talking about the tortoise preserve being a natural laboratory for students.
Just a few miles away from the college is one of the most significant military installations in the country, the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. As the largest Marine Corps base in the world, it prepares service members for complex, large-scale combat operations and plays a critical role in national defense. The installation is also a major economic engine for the region, shaping both the workforce and the broader community.
Here we are with Colonel Ron Storer who was a wonderful story teller about the Marine Corps and the training provided at the installation. He praised the partnership with Copper Mountain College.
Good morning California. It is January 24, 2026. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Calbright Partners With Barstow Community College, Los Angeles Trade Technical College For Research Supporting Students
Calbright has entered into partnerships with two sister California community colleges to test new research that improves support for students’ basic needs, including access to food and health care. Pilot programs developed through that research showed promising results: Significantly more students in the pilot programs disclosed that they needed support and scheduled meetings with Calbright staff who can guide them through the California programs designed to offer support to qualifying adults. This includes programs such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs, that help millions of eligible Californians receive support for themselves and their families. Now Calbright will work with Barstow Community College and Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) to further test, develop, and expand that research.
Santa Rosa Junior College Receives STARS Gold Rating for Sustainability Achievements
Santa Rosa Junior College has earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), recognizing SRJC’s leadership and ongoing progress in advancing sustainability across academics, operations, and community engagement. STARS—the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System—is a transparent, self-reporting framework used by colleges and universities worldwide to measure their sustainability performance. Santa Rosa Junior College’s full STARS report is publicly available on the STARS website.
PBS SoCal Recognizes East Los Angeles College Child Development Center with Bryson Transformative Leader Award
PBS SoCal recently announced that the East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Child Development Center has been selected as the recipient of the John and Louise Bryson Transformative Leader in Early Childhood Award. The award recognizes the Center’s unwavering commitment to creating learning environments that value and empower every child and family in East Los Angeles and the greater Los Angeles Community College District.
Middle College Students Explore Emerging Technologies in Eight-Week Cohort at Moreno Valley College
Through an eight-week Experiential Technology and Engineering Cohort hosted by the iMAKE Innovation Center, 68 Middle College students from Wendy Sharkey’s fifth and sixth period classes engaged in hands-on instruction in emerging technologies this fall. The cohort was designed as an immersive, project-based learning experience that introduced students to artificial intelligence, microcontrollers, mechanical systems, sustainability concepts, and app development.
OC Register: Santiago Canyon College hopes to lead the way in AI for educators
Jason Parks is staring at a problem with a moving target of a solution. A problem that not only promises to get worse but comes with the chaser of potentially taking a wrecking ball to his institution’s purpose, mission and reason for being.
Scott James is trying to be the solution to that problem. It’s a job with a moving target of answers that is the academic whack-a-mole of the 2020s. And James finds himself holding the mallet and wondering where and what he’s going to smack next.
The problem is artificial intelligence, or AI, which is turning the world upside down. And as AI flips industry after industry on its head, few industries find themselves dealing with the falling debris and attack on purpose more than academia. This is why Parks, the vice president of academic affairs at Santiago Canyon College, and James, a professor and distance education coordinator at SCC, are trying to get ahead of the AI craze and turn the debris field into an intellectual garden.
Mic check. Yogi has something to say…Did you know you can check out snowshoes, podcasting kits, and more from the LTCC Library? It’s all part of the Library of Things (yes, that’s what we like to call it), thoughtfully curated by our library staff to support student success and made possible by our recent LTCC Foundation Student Success Grant.
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
Spring Institution Day was an inspiring reminder of the shared purpose that drives our work at SDCCE. From campus safety and student support services to academic excellence and innovation, the “heart work” our colleagues bring every day is creating progress for student success.
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From Ventura College:
We’re celebrating our centennial all year long! Last night our Learning, Equity, Achievement, and Persistence Division (LEAP) honored tutors and staff who have made exceptional contributions to Ventura College over the years Congratulations to the honorees!
Dr. Vandana Gavaskar Sandy Hajas Pedro Gaxiola Ouiall Ghazi David Oros Sara Sevilla
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From De Anza College:
Check out these photos from the @SVReads kickoff last week! Thank you to @profjohnapowell (The Power of Bridging), @KeeonnaHarris (Mainline Mama), Annie Hartnett (Unlikely Animals) and Sal Pizarro for making this an amazing event!
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And check out the first episode of San Bernardino Valley College’s Centennial Podcast:
Blast From the Past
I had to hop on the “back to 2016” trend I’ve seen going around social media. Here’s a pic from 2016 after Mayor Harvey Hall endorsed Measure J for Kern CCD:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Renegade Rally of Belonging to Promote Connection and Community
Bakersfield College was excited to welcome back students for the Spring 2026 semester. On the first day of classes, the BC Student Government Association and the Office of Student Life hosted the first ever Renegade Rally of Belonging. The event gave attendees a chance to learn more about various BC student resources, enjoy some delicious food, connect with fellow Renegades, and have fun!
The event included lively music, donuts, Ronnie Renegade, and a series of information tables for a variety of campus resources. The lively atmosphere provided the perfect environment for students to connect and take a quick break between their classes.
Raymond Chandler in his 1938 book Red Wind famously describes the Santa Ana winds as a force that can “curl your hair and make our nerves jump.” That was my experience when I came to USC as a foreign grad student many decades ago. The wind speed is typically 30-40 mph.
Last week, these winds were clocked at times over 100 mph …. combined with the fires …. the devastation at a scale we have not seen before …. 11 confirmed deaths, and more than 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed. More than 150,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation.
Even after the fires are extinguished, these communities will face harrowing times as they return and rebuild entire neighborhoods. Let us pray for our communities in LA.
In addition to many other organizations, the Foundation for California Community Colleges is raising money for wildfire & disaster relief. Learn more & donate!
Los Angeles Pierce College serves as an animal evacuation site for large animals.
And deepest thanks to the brave firefighters and first responders who are working day and night to put out the blaze and keep our communities safe.
Good morning California. It is January 11, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
College of San Mateo, College of Marin MESA Students Win STEM Entrepreneurship Contest
A team of future STEM entrepreneurs claimed the top title of a month’s long business pitch competition. Isabelle Ablao of San Diego State University, Michelle Gantos of College of Marin and Auner Barrios Vasquez of College of San Mateo are champions of the 2024 MESA Idea Accelerator. The program empowers undergraduate students to become innovative entrepreneurs. Using the Human-Centered Design process students gain the skills to create real-world solutions for their communities.
Johnson Controls Renews Sacramento City College Workforce Development Grant
Sacramento City College received a $100,000grant for the third year as part of the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program. This funding enhances on-campus training and educational opportunities for future leaders in the HVAC, digital, fire and security industries. Sacramento City College remains committed to addressing the skilled trades gap through strategic investments to equip the future skilled trades workforce and foster strong communities.
Santa Ana College Journalism Students Win Top National Honors at Pacemaker and Pinnacle Awards
Santa Ana College journalism students took home over 40 awards from the National College Media Convention held in New Orleans, Louisiana, earning recognition for their work at el Don, Santa Ana College’s student-run news organization that has been in circulation for over 100 years. The Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) Pacemaker awards and the College Media Advisers (CMA) Pinnacle Awards were both presented at the conference which was held from Oct. 30- Nov. 2, 2024.
Chaffey College Manufacturing Day Brings Together 600 Inland Empire Students
Hundreds of middle and high school students from 15 San Bernardino and Riverside County schools visited InTech to meet with employers, try their hand at welding simulators, program robots and more. Manufacturing Day is an event that gives companies and schools a chance to showcase modern manufacturing careers to students, parents and the public.
Tune In to January 2025 Board of Governors Meeting
The January 2025 meeting of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors is Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a Closed Session from 9:05 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., in-person in Sacramento and viewable via Zoom.
Recently our Student Food Pantry not only reached their fundraising goal, but surpassed it! All thanks to the incredible generosity of many, the pantry raised over $6,000. From monetary donations to campus contributions — thank you for fueling our students’ futures!
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From De Anza College:
We’re excited to welcome our new college President Omar Torres! Here, he’s pictured with former Interim President Christina Espinosa-Pieb. Welcome Dr. Torres, and thank you to Ms. Espinosa-Pieb!
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From San Bernardino Valley College:
Some of our fav pics from 2024!
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And check out this video of highlights from 2024 Cabrillo Talks:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Library Welcomes Special Guests from Romania
The Grace Van Dyke Byrd Library at BC welcomed several distinguished guests from Romania as part of Friendship Force of Kern County’s initiative to expand literacy and informal education to institutions outside the US. The Romanian visitors were all library workers striving to improve the services and educational resources they provide in their home libraries.
The Blue Marble. On this day in 1972, one of the most widely-reproduced photographs in history was taken aboard Apollo 17.
This was the last crewed lunar mission. No human since has ventured far enough away to be able to photograph a whole-Earth image. There have been photographs taken by uncrewed spacecraft missions.
The photo has long stood as a symbol of Earth’s vulnerability and the need for environmental protection.
In January 2012, NASA unveiled “Blue Marble 2012,” a composite image created from a series of photos taken on January 4, 2012.
Good morning California. It is December 7, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
San Bernardino Valley College Recognized as Global Leader in Water Stewardship
San Bernardino Valley College was honored on August 20, 2024, by GWF, a renowned Swiss technology company founded in 1899, as a global innovator and leader in water stewardship. This prestigious recognition–the first of its kind awarded to a college campus anywhere in the world–underscores SBVC’s dedication to sustainable practices and its pioneering role in water resources education.
The National Council for Workforce Education Awards Solano Community College’s Biotechnology Program its Top Award
The National Council for Workforce Education, a non-profit organization that promotes and supports education and training programs across the United States, awarded the Solano Community College Biotechnology program one of its top awards. The NCWE citing the program’s comprehensive education pathway, partnerships with industry leaders and other institutions, high job placement rate, contributions to local economic development, and overall impact.
West Valley College Students Win National Math Research Championship
For the second time in three years, West Valley College students coached by Math Instructor SerKuang Chen have captured first place in the national Student Research League competition. The competition, organized by the American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges, pits dozens of teams composed of two to three students against one another in applying their mathematical problem-solving, collaboration, and analytical skills, and creativity to a real-world scenario. The 2024 challenge: Create a theoretical plan for transitioning a city of at least 50,000 residents to using 100% renewable energy.
Vision 2030 Demonstration Project Aimed at Creating a Template to Have California Community College Students Covered by Health Insurance
A groundbreaking partnership between 12 community colleges in San Bernardino and Riverside counties and one of the nation’s largest Medicaid health plans is creating a model for getting every uninsured California community college student enrolled in Medi-Cal or Covered California.
The initiative is among more than a dozen pilot projects emanating from Vision 2030: A Roadmap for California Community Colleges, an equity-based strategic plan to guide the state’s community colleges through the end of the decade. The Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is among the nation’s largest Medicaid health plans and currently serves more than 1.5 million Inland Empire residents through more than 8,600 healthcare providers.
Inside HigherEd: A Guaranteed Income Program for Community College Students
The Los Angeles Community College District is experimenting with a new program that gives $1,000 a month to students in health-related fields.
The district is promising to dole out $3 million in unrestricted monthly payments to a cohort of 250 students. The funds, along with support for the program, come from private donors: a little over $3 million from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and $867,500 from the California Community Foundation. Four of the district’s nine colleges will offer BOOST, including L.A. City College, East L.A. College, L.A. Trade-Technical College and L.A. Southwest College.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us at yesterday’s grand opening for Travel OCC! Travel OCC is Orange Coast College’s on-campus, student-run travel agency.
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From San Joaquin Delta College:
Recent highlights from our BIOL 10 field trip! Our Delta students had the chance to observe the Mokelumne River fall salmon run, which is hitting record levels this year! It’s not just a textbook experience—this is the real deal in action.
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From Santa Barbara City College:
The SBCC Ambassadors hosted a Friendsgiving event in collaboration with the Basic Needs Center, Dream Center, CESJ, Veterans Club, EOPS, and Rising Scholars last week in the campus center.
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And check out this video from Crafton Hills College:
Dr. Michael Sheahan, Crafton’s incredible Director of Respiratory Therapy, took the TEDxTemecula stage with his talk: “How Using Perspective Transformed My World.” From shifting viewpoints to embracing resilience, empathy, and adaptability, Dr. Sheahan’s insights inspired the crowd and reminded us all of the power of reframing challenges. Crafton is beyond proud of his achievement and the inspiration he brings to our campus every day!
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Agriculture Laboratory Provides Students a Unique Learning Environment
The Bakersfield College Agriculture Laboratory is home to much more than crops and farm animals – it is a bustling, hands-on learning environment where students can roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and discover the wonders of farming. Located on the northwest end of the Panorama campus, the Agriculture Farm is a cornerstone of the college’s agricultural program, offering students an invaluable learning experience.
Whether it is wrangling baby calves or solving unexpected water leaks, the program’s Animal Science instructor, Julie Beechinor, collaborates with other members of the Agriculture Department to guide students through these real-world challenges, offering valuable life lessons along the way.
Started this week with the BOG meeting at San Bernardino Valley College. What a phenomenal visit to the campus. Here are some photos.
Here are the BOG members who were able to join the meeting in person.
We did a great tour of the STEM-MESA center. Here is a selfie that Board Member Joseph Williams snapped. See if you can spot Board Members Tom Epstein and Bill Rawlings
We had dinner at the KVCR studio. What a treat! Former senator Connie Leyva is now the Executive Director of the PBS station. We also met Assembly member Eloise Reyes – I sat next to her at dinner and thoroughly enjoyed her warmth and care for our students and community.
Snapped this photo of John Stanskas when he presented to the BOG.
After the BOG meeting, I headed to Irvine for the 10-year anniversary of the Rising Scholars Network.
So many great speakers, including Le Barron Woodyard who stepped in for Tonya Williams, Martha Garcia, Keith Curry, Chelsea Esquibias, Anthony Cordova, Bryan Hirayama – and Rising Scholar graduates Serafin Leon, Isaiah Posey and Marquis Jiles.
We were joined by BOG members Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and Bill Rawlings.
Did you know – one academic year of graduates saved over $27 MILLION in incarceration costs?
Serafin was in the first graduating class in 2019 at the Kern Valley State Prison – I was president of BC at that time. Check out this 37-sec video.
And now, here I am with Serafin 5 years later at the 10-year anniversary celebration of the statewide Rising Scholars program legislated in 2024 with the passage of AB 1391.
Was wonderful reuniting with he BC team who made this program happen.
And Vicki Coffee snapped this selfie.
Forever grateful to Bryan Hirayama for doing the first fully in-person course in the state of California in Spring 2015.
Following the Rising Scholars 10-year celebration was the DEIA Institute which opened with Tom Heasley’s BC Drumline. Just fantastic ….
Here is a panel with Gina Brown, Tony Cordova, and John Stanskas who joined us via zoom. Clearly Stanskas said something witty…
and here is John…
Good morning California. It is September 28, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Mt. San Jacinto College Celebrates Grand Opening of New STEM Building at the San Jacinto Campus
Mt. San Jacinto College proudly announces the grand opening of its state-of-the-art STEM Building at the San Jacinto Campus. A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by college officials, local leaders, and community members celebrated the completion of this transformative facility designed to enhance educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Santa Rosa Junior College Awarded $3 million HSI Grant From U.S. Department of Education
Santa Rosa Junior College has been awarded a $3 million grant, to be received over 5 years, from the U.S. Department of Education under the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) program. This grant will fund the college’s latest initiative, Transformando, aimed at enhancing SRJC’s ability to serve its growing Latinx and underrepresented student populations.
New Ballot Drop Box Unveiled at Woodland Community College and Voter Registration Drive Announced
In a significant step toward expanding voter accessibility, Woodland Community College (WCC), in partnership with Yolo County Elections and the League of Women Voters, is proud to announce the unveiling of a new permanent ballot drop box at the Woodland campus. This initiative is aimed at providing easier and more convenient access for students, staff, and the community to securely submit their vote-by-mail ballots during local, state, and national elections.
Undocumented Student Action Week: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible
Register today for the Eighth Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on Oct. 14 – 18, 2024. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the Community College League of California and our statewide partners for a week of collaboration and supporting students, faculty and those involved in advocating for undocumented students.
2024 System Webinar: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible
Join California Community Colleges on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the System Webinar “Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible.”
Board of Governors Member & Kern CCD Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg shared this photo from the BOG visit to San Bernardino Valley College:
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From Fresno City College:
Thank you,@senatortoniatkins for letting us showcase the @fccwestfresnocenter We continue to empower our students with hands-on skills & opportunities for the future. We appreciate your dedication to advancing education & workforce development!
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From Santiago Canyon College:
Santiago Canyon College is continuing its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The college’s First Year Support Center, SCC TRiO and TRiO Future Teachers sponsored a workshop on Tuesday afternoon, titled Breaking Barriers: Latino Men in Education.
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From Evergreen Valley College:
Our latest graduates from our Tesla START program finished a 16-week intensive program as employees of the automotive company. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
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From Saddleback College:
Happy Birthday to us! Today we celebrate 56 years since we first welcomed students to our interim campus (where Mission Hospital sits today). Students finally took their first classes on the campus we occupy today in 1970.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Writing Centers Offer Renegades Valuable Support and Resources
The Bakersfield College Writing Center proudly offers its services to all BC students, allowing Renegades to hone the craft of writing throughout all areas – from structural elements and stylistic improvements to public speaking and academic reading. More than that, BC’s specialized Writing Consultants are determined to help students gain independence and confidence in their academic reading, writing, and English language speaking, while also equipping them to take those life-long skills into their careers.
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.
