Two weeks’ worth of content in this blog….
Last Saturday, February 14th, rather than doing my usual “week in review” blog post, I wrote a Valentine’s Day letter to the California Community Colleges.
Here is the link if you would like to take 3 minutes to read it again. https://sonyachristianblog.com/2026/02/14/a-love-letter-to-the-california-community-colleges-on-valentines-day-2026/#comments
Week of February 9th – 13th
Throw Back to Super Bowl Sunday. I was blown away by all the amazing performances.
Brandi Carlisle performing “America the Beautiful.” Check out the video!
Charlie Puth performed the National Anthem. You can see the video here.
And Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was so joyful! I especially loved when he had special guest Lady Gaga for a song.
You can find a video of that part here.
Right after the Super Bowl, I headed out to Washington, D.C., for our annual advocacy event.
It was cold…
A few photos –
Descending to Reagan National Airport:
Can you see the ice in the water?
Another picture for you:
The view from my room:
This is what I fell asleep to:
Here is a photo with the SSCCC delegation.
Lots of photos…. I know. Was absolutely feeling every moment in DC. Last glimpse of the Washington monument as we speeded away to the airport.
Goodbye for now, DC. Until we meet again!
Got this picture of a cherry blossom from a friend – celebrating the birth of Spring 2026 back here in California.
Then there was the Community College Baccalaureate Conference, which was held in Long Beach.
Here is Pam Haynes with the team from the Chancellor’s Office.
The week of February 14th – 21st
February has highs and lows for me.
Highs – My daughter’s birthday, my best friend from high school’s birthday and Valentine’s Day… and I love Valentine’s Day!
Lows – My mom passed away and Bessie, our chocolate lab, passed away.
On Monday, February 15th, I headed back to Sacramento for meetings and the annual Assembly Higher Educational Budget Subcommittee hearing.
Then headed to San Jose to host a CEO tech tour along with the Digital Center.
We had the opportunity to visit the campuses of Google, Zoom, and Adobe. At each stop, the conversations were substantive. From AI integration and workforce preparation to collaboration tools and the future of digital creativity. What stood out to me was not just the sophistication of the technology, but the speed at which these companies iterate and evolve. That pace challenges us to continue to revise our thinking about agility, partnerships, and how we prepare students for the world they are stepping into.
Good morning California.
It is February 21, 2026.
A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!
West Valley College Awarded $3.9 Million Federal FIPSE Grant
West Valley College has been awarded a $3.9 million grant for development of a new semiconductor certificate program through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). The four-year grant funding begins immediately and runs through December 2029. West Valley is the only community college in the state — and one of only 18 nationwide — to receive a FIPSE award in this highly competitive national funding cycle, placing the college among a small group of institutions selected across the country.
Crafton Hills College formally introduces the Captain Mike Orland
San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to the public
On Jan. 31, Crafton Hills College unveiled the newly minted Captain Mike Orland San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to hundreds in attendance at a naming ceremony hosted by the Yucaipa-based college, including Orland’s mom, Margie, and colleagues. Orland, a Crafton alumnus, last worked with the San Manuel Fire Department until his retirement in 2018.
Santa Ana College Foundation Receives $50,000 Contribution from U.S. Bank
The Santa Ana College Foundation, which raises funding to maintain, expand and enhance the educational opportunities of Santa Ana College (SAC), today announced it has received a $50,000 contribution from U.S. Bank. The grant will be used to support internship stipends for SAC students.
In Case You Missed It
Dual Enrollment Surges to 2.8 Million Students as Equity Gaps Persist
High school students taking college courses through dual enrollment programs now number 2.8 million nationwide, with community colleges serving the majority of these students, according to a new policy fact sheet released by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. The February 2026 report reveals that dual enrollment has nearly doubled over the past decade, growing from approximately 1.4 million students in 2013 to more than 2.8 million in the 2023-24 academic year. Community colleges enrolled two million of these students, representing 71% of all dual enrollment participants.
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To Solve the Student-Attention Problem, Professors Turn to Pencils and Paper
Could students in online classes possibly focus better with less technology? Julie Bernard, an assistant professor of anthropology at East Los Angeles College who teaches a majority of her classes through an online, asynchronous format, encourages students to use whatever medium — analog or digital — is most helpful to their needs. Printed texts can be expensive, and “a lot of our decisions are always being driven by equity, by fairness, by accessibility,” Bernard said of herself and her colleagues.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Los Angeles City College:
Today LACC hosted a Black History Month Celebration in commemoration of BHM’s 100th
anniversary and celebrated the opening of the newly renovated quad area. LACC honors Black culture, history, and community with good vibes and great people!
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From Solano College:
Congratulations to our very own Anna Anderson, the youngest and newest member of the Team USA Women’s Karate Team. Anderson took 2nd place in her weight class at the 2026 USA Karate National Team Trials landing her a spot on Team USA . She is on track to potentially compete in the upcoming Olympics. While in Colorado, she visited the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado. Last summer she won Gold for the Women’s Under 21 Elite Point Kumite Division at the U.S. Karate National Championships and U.S. Junior Team Trials, earning her a place on the U.S. Junior Team. Anderson has big goals both on and off the mat, she is currently in our EMT program while preparing for the Fire Academy in hopes of becoming a Paramedic/Firefighter. She also is a part of Ramtown Karate. Let’s show Anderson some support from her Falcon community!
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From Ohlone College:
Newark is where we do our best work! In collaboration with @ACWDB, our Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center hosted our #STEM and #Startup#CareerFair at the Newark Center. Our Career Ed team joined in by hosting our Professional Skills lab. Cheers to bright futures!
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From Clovis Community College:
Still feeling the rhythm. A look back at our West African drumming experience with the Fresno African Drumming Circle energy, tradition, and hands on learning.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Welcomes Former MLB Player Garry Templeton for Black History Month
Bakersfield College is hosting a variety of events and seminars throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. This week, BC welcomed former Major League Baseball player Garry Templeton. Garry played Major League Baseball for 15 seasons, which included tenures with the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. He was a three-time All-Star and was inducted into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame in 2015.
The event took place in the Norman Levan Center, which was filled with students and staff who were eager to hear Mr. Templeton’s stories about his upbringing, career, and post-baseball life. The event began with an introduction from BC Professor Tommy Tunson, who was a childhood friend of Mr. Templeton and shared a few memories from their time growing up together. Mr. Templeton was then welcomed to the front of the room to speak.
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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
