Tag Archives: San Diego College of Continuing Education

California Community College Students on the move – March in March

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. 

» Read more!


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. 

» Read more!


Mt. San Antonio College Turf Teams Sweep Contest

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. 

» Read more!


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.

» Read more!



Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Victor Valley College:

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.

» 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

Sustainability Leadership in the California Community Colleges

A new phrase has been added to our lexicon … bomb cyclone….

A bomb cyclone is when a cyclone rapidly strengthens over a 24 hour period. These storms are powerful and can bring torrential downpours, flash floods, high winds, and can cause widespread power outages.

The bomb cyclone that hit the Pacific Northwest this week left more than 500,000 without power.

The National Weather Service in Medford, Oregon, said this storm was tied for the most-intense on record for its location.

I was in San Francisco when it hit. And although my flight was delayed, it was, thankfully, not cancelled.

The CC League’s Annual Convention was in Burlingame right next to the SFO airport. This is the annual convention when the Chancellor of the Community College system gives the State of the System.

I invited BOG members Pamela Hynes and Tom Epstein, and Bill Rawlings to join me for the presentation.

Earlier in the week, we had the Board of Governor’s meeting where we recognized colleges and individuals who are leaders in the energy and sustainability work. Check it out later in the blog.

So glad, someone snapped this photo of the Chancellor’s Office staff and BOG members.

After the BOG meeting, the Exec Team had a planning meeting …. and then as few of us were walking out of the building Linda Vasquez snapped this selfie ….

Then back home to this sweet boy … check out the 43-sec video.

Good morning California.
It is November 23, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

California Community Colleges Board of Governors Honors Winners of 2024 Energy and Sustainability Awards

An American Green Zone Alliance certification, a Sustainability Career Center and a brand-new energy-efficient childcare center are among a handful of programs and leaders honored with the 2024 Energy and Sustainability Awards from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.

A total of six awards were presented at the Board of Governors meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 in Sacramento. The honorees, recognized for their leadership, innovative projects and efforts to achieve environmental sustainability, include Pasadena, San Mateo County and Palo Verde Community College Districts; Orange Coast College; and leaders from San Diego Mesa College and San Bernardino Community College District.

» Read more!

Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Innovative Project (large district)
Pasadena City College
Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Innovative Project (medium district)
San Mateo County CCD
Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Innovative Project (small district)
Palo Verde College
Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Faculty/Student Initiatives
Orange Coast College
Excellence in Energy and Sustainability – Climate Action Leadership
Farrah Farzaneh, San Bernardino County CCD


Monterey Peninsula College Awarded
American Water Charitable Foundation STEM Education Grant

Monterey Peninsula College Foundation was awarded a STEM Education grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation. With the generous support of this grant, MPC plans to implement a series of hands-on, work-based learning projects to engage at least 75 students and launch an engineering project competition in partnership with other local colleges.

» Read more!


New Inclusivity & Wellness Center Provides a ‘Beacon of Hope’
to Diablo Valley College Students

The opening of the new Inclusivity and Wellness Center at Diablo Valley College represents a significant step forward in supporting the diverse needs of the student body, according to school administration.  The administration’s goal with the center is to enable students to focus on their academic pursuits, engage in personal growth, and develop a stronger sense of community and belonging on campus. 

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Fresno City College:

Governor @GavinNewsom visited @fccwestfresnocenter today & introduced the San Joaquin Valley Jobs First initiative which will create more jobs for our valley!

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From Mt. San Jacinto College:

MSJC students attended the Umoja Conference in LA from October 31 to November 2, 2024. This transformative event aligns with the Umoja program’s mission to enhance African Americans’ and other students’ cultural and educational experiences.

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From Foothill College:

Congratulations to team Legacy Companion, the winners of the 2024 Foothill College Case Competition. They will now present their proposal to Google execs! Thank you to Google for partnering with Foothill on this fantastic experiential learning opportunity.

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And as we wrap up National Apprenticeship Week, check out this video from San Diego College of Continuing Education:

In honor of the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week our Apprenticeship Readiness students and instructors share a special message as they visit the local Iron Workers Union.


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosting In-Person Rural Enrollment Events Through December

The Outreach Department at Bakersfield College is hosting a series of in-person, rural enrollment events now through December. The unique events are designed to help new and returning students in rural areas of Kern County with enrollment, class registration, financial aid questions, and more. Our staff will be available to assist with applications, financial aid, counseling, and other services.

» 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

Let the sound of music envelope you this week

The musical “The Sound of Music” premiered on Broadway on this date, 65 years ago. This version starred Mary Martin as Maria Von Trapp and won 5 Tony Awards – including Best Musical and Best Leading Actress. Of course we all know that the movie version starred the one and only Julie Andrews.

Rogers & Hammerstein’s website has an archive of photos from the original production – you can see them at https://rodgersandhammerstein.com/production/the-sound-of-music/1959-original-broadway/.

And check out this video of the amazing Audra McDonald performing the song “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” in “The Sound of Music Live!”

Let the sound of music envelope you this week

Good morning California.
It is November 16, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Long Beach, Santa Rosa Receive
Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Awards

Long Beach City College and Santa Rosa Junior College received the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As recipients of the annual HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — the colleges will be featured, along with other recipients, in the November/December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine. 

» Read more from Long Beach City College

» Read more from Santa Rosa Junior College


San Diego College of Continuing Education Secures Professional Design Award for Historic Educational Cultural Complex Theatre Renovation Plans

Architectural plans for a $35-million restoration of San Diego College of Continuing Education’s historic theatre at the Educational Cultural Complex in southeastern San Diego are being recognized with a prestigious Professional Design Award from the Community College Facility Coalition.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Community College Research Center: Moorpark College’s Innovative Tutoring Program Improves Math and English Completion Rates

When staff at Moorpark College, a community college in Ventura County, California, sat down to brainstorm strategies for improving completion rates in transfer-level math and English courses, we started with a likely subject: tutoring.

» Read more!

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Board of Governors Meeting: Monday, Nov. 18

The November 2024 meeting of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors is Monday, Nov. 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with Closed Session from 9:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m., in-person and viewable via Zoom.

» View Agenda & Video Link


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Victor Valley College:

VVC took a drive out to our satellite campus, the High Desert Training Center at the Victorville airport, to honor Eric Schmidt and the dedicated Exquadrum team! We proudly dedicated this space to Exquadrum, recognizing their relentless commitment to advancing the workforce and economy of the Victor Valley.

Exquadrum’s impactful partnership with VVC plays a key role in the economic growth of our region and provides hands-on training right here at the High Desert Training Center.

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From Ventura College:

Celebrating GRATIDUDE! Ventura College international students enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal!

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From Palo Verde College:

The PVC Board of Trustees honored our five Palo Verde College retirees. Congratulations to Carrie Mullion, Cecy Garcia, Denise Hunt, Maria Kehl, and Shelley Hamilton!

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From Cuyamaca College:

After four long years, wheelchair basketball has returned to Cuyamaca! Both the Men’s and Women’s teams made an appearance, showcasing incredible talent and teamwork. Go Coyotes!!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month and the Native American Student Support & Success Program (NASSSP) at Bakersfield College is hosting a series of exciting events to celebrate. All students, staff, and community members are invited to attend the activities, which includes luncheons, art workshops, discussion panels, and more.

Johnny Nieto, Program Manager of NASSSP, is excited to host these activities for the BC community. “We want to emphasize that Native American Heritage Month is about recognition, education, and unity,” he says, “We are excited for others to join us, to learn about our heritage, and to celebrate the strength and endurance of Native cultures. Everyone is welcome to attend! We believe that a broad, inclusive audience enriches these gatherings!”

» 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

California Community Colleges: Empowering Education for All

Another week traveling this beautiful state!

First it was in Orange County, where the California Community Colleges team engaged with chancellors, administrators, deans, faculty, K-12 partners and the regional consortium at the Vision 2030 Regional Convening: Empowering Orange County’s Educational Future.

Don Daves-Rougeaux, James Todd, Ebony Jeffires, Erik Cooper, Sonya Christian, Rowena Tomenang, Jenny Saechao, Chris Ferguson, Siria Martinez

Here are two new members of my team – Dr. Rowena Tomenang, Deputy Chancellor, and Chris Ferguson, Exec Vice Chancellor.

I ended the week at UC Merced for the CEO Roundtable at the Strategic Transfer Summit. I was joined by CSU President Mildred Garcia and UC President Michael Drake:

Thank you to UC Merced Chancellor Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz!

Here are some more photos what were sent my way.

Craig Hayward, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg

Michelle Grimes-Hillman from the Chancellor’s Office facilitating a student panel at the Transfer Summit.

The amazing students on the transfer panel.

Good morning California.
It is November 9, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Golden West College Implements Zero-Cost Course Materials
for All Math Classes in Spring 2025

Golden West College will eliminate all course materials fees – including textbooks, calculators, and access codes for homework and study programs – for math classes in the Spring 2025 semester, which starts on Jan. 31. Currently, GWC has converted approximately 50 percent of its courses into “Zero Textbook Costs” to remove financial barriers for students. ZTC courses often use Open Educational Resources, which are created under a Creative Commons License that allows people to share, use, and build upon the work.

» Read more!


Sierra College Hosts California Forward and Regional Partners for Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Event

On October 8, Sierra College welcomed members of the California Forward organization along with regional leaders from education and business for a collaborative event focused on building a skilled workforce to meet the needs of the Sacramento region’s growing manufacturing sector. The event featured a panel discussion that emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in developing programs that align with industry demands.

» Read more!


Porterville College Receives $2.9M Grant to Enhance Student Success

Porterville College (PC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a U.S. Department of Education Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Title V grant in the amount of $2.9 million (Award# PR/031S240205). This significant funding will support the development of the Porterville Access, Success, and Opportunities (PASO) program, which aims to improve academic outcomes for a diverse group of students.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Monograph Series: Apprenticeships in California

The Chancellor’s Office has initiated a series of monographs that connect Vision 2030’s priorities to Federal and State investments in higher education. These documents highlight advances in different areas of our roadmap and why continued support by policymakers is important. The first monograph of the series focuses on dual enrollment.

The latest edition looks at Apprenticeships in California.

» Read more!

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Webinar: Economic Mobility for Students with Disabilities

Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 | 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Webinar

Save the date for the final systemwide webinar of the year on Wednesday. Dec. 4. The final webinar will provide a deep dive into improving economic mobility for students with disabilities.

» Learn more & Register!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Lake Tahoe Community College:

Fifteen students from Dr. Scott Valentine’s Physical Geology course explored the Eastern Sierra on a 3-day field excursion. The group visited Mono Lake, Bodie State Park, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, and Devils Postpile, engaging in hands-on scientific observations while fulfilling their Physical Science Lab requirements. It was a perfect blend of learning, nature, and adventure.

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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

Thank you for joining us for our annual #DiaDeLosMuertos celebration. We are honored to celebrate your loved ones with you.

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From Palomar College President Star Rivera Lacey:

There’s no better place to be than among champions of equitable education. I’m incredibly proud, and thankful, for the dedicated employees and students who represented @palomarcomets at the COLEGAS conference. We look forward to enhancing the success of our students.

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From El Camino College:

Today, we celebrated our First-Gen students with a morning of Pancakes with President Thames. Whether you grabbed a plate on the way to class or shared a table with your fellow Warriors, we are happy to get your day started with a tasty meal.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Planetarium Hosting Exciting Line-Up of Shows for Fall 2024

Opened in the Fall of 1962, Bakersfield College’s William M Thomas Planetarium has presented shows for over 4,500 K-12 students each year, offering a memorable educational experience while highlighting astronomy and science. This semester, the Planetarium is thrilled to present an exciting series of shows, culminating with the holiday evening shows in December.

» 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

California, tis the time to change the clocks

Tonight we turn our clocks back an hour as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end.

In 1784, Benjamin Franklin wrote a satirical essay in The Journal of Paris that formed some of the basis of Daylight Savings Time. He said that Parisians could save money on candle by getting up earlier, and utilizing the morning light.

It wasn’t until World War I that Daylight Savings Time became a reality – in the United States it began on March 31, 1918. The plan only lasted through the war, and nationwide DST was not established again until WWII.

In 2018, Californians overwhelmingly passed Proposition 7, which allowed the state Legislature to change daylight saving time in the state – either by establishing it year-round, or abolishing it completely.

The change would require 2/3 majority in the state Assembly and Senate, and the Governor’s signature. Additionally, switching to year-round Daylight Savings Time would require federal approval.

I for one look forward to this twice a year ritual. Having grown up in India, this “changing the clock” business feels foreign and exciting.

So here’s to tomorrow when we change our clocks!

Also,

Happy Diwali

Good morning California.
It is November 2, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Announces
Grand Opening of Rajah’s Retreat

The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College recently held a grand opening of Rajah’s Retreat, a state-of-the-art exhibit that promises a safe and enriching habitat for its beloved tigers, Neil and Karma. Rajah’s Retreat features expansive spaces, a pool, naturalistic landscaping and interactive elements designed to captivate and educate guests.

» Read more!


Cerritos College Receives $3M HSI Title V Grant
to Increase Hispanic Student Success

Cerritos College received a five-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education through its Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions program to implement the new Mentoring, Access, Data, and Equity project. The U.S. Department of Education’s DHSI program provides 49 grants totaling more than $28 million to assist Hispanic-Serving Institutions in expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic students.

» Read more!


LA Pierce College Begins Construction on All-Electric Classroom Facility

Los Angeles Pierce College celebrated the start of construction on the new 56,000-square-foot Academic East Building. With the addition of 60kW of rooftop solar PVs, this all-electric classroom facility will move the campus one step closer to reaching net zero by 2040. The future building will house the Pierce College Math, Psychology and Computer Science Departments. 

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

EdSource: California climate initiative could unlock new opportunities for community college students

EdSource published my commentary about Proposition 4:

Proposition 4 will create important jobs in an evolving green economy. The question is how we build the workforce needed to do the work ahead. California’s Community Colleges are uniquely positioned to ensure Proposition 4 dollars are leveraged to usher in this new workforce. 

» Read more!

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November 6: System Webinar

Join the California Community Colleges on 11/6 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the California Community Colleges System Webinar, “Demystifying Federal Advocacy: Using Federal Grants and Resources to Meet Vision 2030 Goals.”

» Learn more & Register

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November 8: Strategic Transfer Summit

Join us for the inaugural Strategic Transfer Summit! This groundbreaking event unites faculty, staff, stakeholders and visionary leaders from California’s three public higher education systems. Together, we’ll revolutionize the transfer landscape in California, building on a legacy of collaboration and innovation. Don’t miss this pivotal opportunity to shape the future of higher education!

» Learn more & Register

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Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From San Diego College of Continuing Education:

It was wonderful to honor our Classified Senate Executive Leadership Team with a special lunch today. Our classified professionals play a critical role in the success of our students. Thank you to all of our classified professionals for passionately supporting our students at #SDCCE!

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Cañada College celebrating Diwali

Our campus came alive with the vibrant colors of Rangoli, the glow of Diyas, and the creativity of paper lanterns. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a beautiful day of culture, connection, and joy.

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From Fresno City College:

We’re talking health @CoveredCA 2025 Open Enrollment Kickoff Event here at FCC:

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And check out this video from San Diego City College Veterans Night at Petco Park:


And From the Home of the Renegades

The Bakersfield College Rodeo Returns To The Kern County Fairgrounds

The Rodeo Team at Bakersfield College is proud to host the 2nd Annual NIRA Bakersfield College Rodeo, sponsored by Haddad Dodge, Ram, and Kia. Join us for a weekend filled with rodeo action and live entertainment on Saturday, November 9th, and Sunday, November 10th, 2024, at the Kern County Fairgrounds located at 1142 South P Street, Bakersfield CA.

The Bakersfield College Rodeo was voted Best Rodeo of the Year (2023) by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) and is expected to defend the title again this year with over 200 college rodeo athletes from schools including Bakersfield College, Cal Poly, Fresno State, UNLV, University of Nevada at Reno, and more

» 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

Sonya Christian's Blog