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
I started my week in San Diego. Out on my evening walk by the waterfront, I heard a stunning voice performing REM’s Losing my Religion.
Sit back close your eyes and play this song. A little over 4 minutes.
Is her voice and the song lingering in your mind and heart? That’s exactly what happened to me. So yes—this is officially my song of the week.
The song has always been one of my favorites. It came out the same year I moved to the U.S., and I’ve loved it ever since. Hearing Amber Rubarth singing it live was hypnotic. It drew me to the amphitheater which was packed with people. I stood outside mesmerized listening and watching the sunset over the water.
Rubarth was the opening act to Gypsy King … of course I love their sound as well. More on that later.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
San Diego – what’s not to like?
On Tuesday, I visited Glendale Community College.
We began in the stunning Science Building, a space that feels both state-of-the-art and inviting. I made sure to keep my distance from the vivarium, home to the snakes. From there, we checked out their biotechnology lab where students did research projects on DNA sequencing. The organic chemistry lab impressed us with its sophisticated expensive equipment.
Then came a personal first for me: stepping into their Dreamscape Learn virtual reality lab. The 3D immersion was unlike anything I’ve experienced. It pulled me in emotionally and intellectually.
We wrapped up with a Persian lunch prepared by their culinary program that was delicious (I definitely ate more than I planned), paired with a showcase of their professional development work.
I’m grateful that Board members Hildy Aguinaldo, Bill Rawlings, Pam Haynes, and Adrienne Brown, could join. Also happy that Craig Hayward was also able to come.
Good morning California. It is August 16, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Chaffey College’s The Breeze Wins $10,000 Chronicle of Philanthropy Grant
Chaffey College journalism students have received investigative journalism experience, training and even some cash for their work after the Chronicle of Philanthropy awarded The Breeze $10,000 to report on Chaffey’s Mackenzie Scott gift. It’s a yearlong fellowship aimed at bolstering coverage of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. Four news outlets including Riverside’s Black Voice News received $30,000 grants to improve coverage of nonprofits, foundations and other groups.
Los Angeles Valley College Awarded a $1.4 Million TRIO Student Support Services Grant
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Los Angeles Valley College a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant totaling $1,430,545 million to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. This award marks the continuation of 25 years of TRIO SSS services on our campus. Since 2000, the program has served thousands of students, helping them stay in school, earn degrees, and build meaningful careers.
San Bernardino Valley College Partners with VARP to Expand Access to Higher Education for Justice-Impacted Individuals
San Bernardino Valley College has launched a transformative partnership with VARP, Inc., a leading nonprofit provider of substance abuse recovery services, to expand college access for individuals impacted by the justice system. Through this collaboration, SBVC’s Rising Scholars program is working hand-in-hand with VARP to support prospective students with academic advising, enrollment assistance, and pathways into high-demand programs such as aviation, welding, and HVAC.
From High School to Higher Ed: Options Middle College High School Opens Doors at Southwestern College
In a bold move to transform lives and broaden access to higher education, Southwestern College (SWC) has welcomed Options Middle College High School (Options MCHS) to its Chula Vista campus. This collaboration with the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) is designed to uplift students who have often felt overlooked or underestimated, helping them discover that college is well within their reach.
The Student Achievement Dashboards pull from three data sources: institutionally reported annual data, federally reported IPEDS data and a new ROI metric developed in partnership with the College Futures Foundation. The metric uses a Price-to-Earnings Premium (PEP) model to assess how long it takes students to recoup their educational investment by examining the relationship between net costs and earnings premiums, according to ACCJC.
Today marked the final day of GWC’s first-ever STEM XP summer program! Students wrapped up the week with a Shark Tank-style simulation, pitching ideas like new GWC App features and parking lot upgrades to a panel of campus faculty and staff. The judges were blown away by the creativity, problem-solving, and presentation skills each team brought to the table.
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From College of San Mateo:
Swifties have TS12. Bulldogs have F25. 12 tracks. One campus. Zero skips. What song are you streaming first this semester? Welcome to CSM, Bulldogs!
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From Porterville College:
College Promise Days kick-off with a day of full of making new connections!
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From Santiago Canyon College:
Over 1,000 @OrangeUnifiedCA students joined us this summer for College for Kids! Hands-on learning, new skills, and a taste of college life—all at SCC. Proud to partner with OUSD to inspire the next generation.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Bakersfield College Hosts ‘Bridge to BC’
“Bridge to BC” is a one-day, in-person, first-year experience course designed to help first-time and returning college students prepare academically, socially, and personally as they transition to college. Under the leadership of Faculty Director Dr. Kimberly Bligh, Education Advisor Kris Herrera, Program Manager Tim Lafondez, dozens of student peer mentors, educational advisors, and faculty come together to create an intensive and supportive learning community.
The Bridge in-person day includes a full campus tour highlighting all of BC’s academic, personal, and career resources. Classroom activities include topics such as learning strategies to identify and navigate barriers to success, setting SMART goals, learning to navigate the BC website, the student portal, STARFISH, and Canvas. Students also research their career and educational pathways and network with peers. They meet one-on-one with an education advisor to review their upcoming schedule, discuss their major, and review their educational goals. Lunch and hands-on classroom activities are always fun and interactive!
Pope Francis passed away on April 21st (Easter Monday). He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires.
Pope Francis led with humility, focusing on big reforms, and embracing modern ways to connect with people. His social media posts felt more like personal messages from a caring pastor rather than an official declaration. He shared prayers, encouragement, and called for a caring society.
Pope Francis was not afraid to take bold stands. He made it clear that issues like climate change aren’t just political debates — they’re moral responsibilities. He called on everyone to care for the planet. He has been a strong voice for migrants and refugees and has shown more openness toward LGBTQ than past popes, stressing that the Church welcomes everyone.
At a time when so many institutions feel out of touch, Pope Francis stood out by showing that leadership grounded in humility, action, and real human connection still matters.
His last message was read out on April 20th, Easter Sunday.
Here are two excerpts:
The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint! Spes non confundit! (cf. Rom 5:5). That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us.
On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!
Good morning California. It is April 26, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
College of the Desert hosts panel for students to Connect with Hollywood professionals
COD’s Career and Workforce Solutions Center partnered up with Palm Springs Women in Film & Television to host a Careers in Art, Media & Entertainment Panel on April 2, featuring speakers from Hollywood. The panel gave students a sneak peek into a career in the industry. The panel featured an award-winning, producer, audio specialist and cinematographer. Some notable speakers included “Modern Family” production manager Sally Young and “Mission Impossible” cinematographer Alan Gitlin.
Santa Ana College Prepares Future Generation of College Students at 31st Annual Kindercaminata
On March 28, 2025, Santa Ana College (SAC) hosted its 31st annual KinderCaminata, a college readiness and youth empowerment program that brings nearly 1,000 kindergartners from Santa Ana and Garden Grove Unified School Districts and several charter schools to visit the community college. The children, along with their teachers, experienced interactive activities, exhibits and other entertainment to learn about various career opportunities made possible through college education.
Building a Bridge to Success: Southwestern College’s Men of Color Initiative
Southwestern College has taken another significant stride towards educational equity with the launch of its Men of Color Success and Excellence program. This initiative is not merely a program; it’s a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and empowering Black, Latino, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander male students to thrive in higher education.
California Student Aid Commission and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Announce Partnership to Support Student Access to Aid
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is excited to announce a new collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (Chancellor’s Office). This new partnership will bring financial aid opportunities to students enrolling at California’s 116 community colleges through expanded data sharing. Last week, the two organizations finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide CSAC with additional data to enhance opportunities for outreach to community college students that have not yet applied for aid, as well as supporting greater analysis of financial aid access across student groups and regions of our state.
California community colleges receive Hearst Foundations grant to enhance forestry and wildfire prevention
The Foundation for California Community Colleges in Sacramento has received a $150,000 grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and The Hearst Foundation Inc. to support and expand its Resilient Careers in Forestry program.
The program partners with colleges throughout California to develop the forestry workforce, including wildfire preparedness. The foundation plans to use the grant to expand resources to Southern California.
We joined forces on Wednesday for Earth Day and the Black Student Success Week Spring Mixer .
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From Reedley College:
Thanks to everyone who came out to our cook-out for a fun day on the library lawn!
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From Cerro Coso Community College:
Black Student Success Week at Cerro Coso
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From Cuyamaca College:
CONGRATS to our men’s soccer team, state champions, and THANKS San Diego District 4 Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe for proclaiming April 25th as Cuyamaca College Men’s Soccer Team Day!
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From Norco College:
Hi Mustangs! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Student Employees! We hope you enjoyed the Student Employee Appreciation Breakfast. Your hard work and dedication fosters community and continued success for all students at Norco College!
And From the Home of the Renegades
Shafter Library Adds Braille Books to Promote Inclusivity and Learning
The Shafter Library, a public library and satellite campus of Bakersfield College, recently acquired a collection of braille books, thanks to a Friends of the Shafter Library contribution. These books provide readers with the story written in English with clear braille lettering taped on each page. This makes the books inclusive to children who are blind or visually impaired, as well as to older family members reading to young children. It also provides a learning opportunity to those who are not visually impaired to learn more about braille.
Ariel Dyer, a BC Reference Librarian and Shafter Library Liaison, was excited about the new books. “The addition of this braille collection expands our reach to blind and visually impaired people and their families,” she said, “Additionally, it enriches the informal learning of sighted people and families through exposure to braille.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I began my week in San Diego, for the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding finalizing Assembly Bill 91 granting students living in Mexico, within 45 miles of the California-Mexico border, the opportunity to attend community colleges in San Diego and Imperial Valley at in-state tuition rates.
Southwestern College hosted the event.
See if you can spot Assembly Member David Alvarez and Senator Steve Padilla
Was happy to meet the students … an Architecture major and Graphic Design major…. also met Marisol Tapia undersecretary for education from Mexico.
The next day, I attended the graduation ceremony for Southwestern College’s Restorative Justice graduates at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility.
RJ Donovan Graduation Class. See if you can spot President Mark Sanchez and Senator Josh Newman
What’s not to like about San Diego?
Then it was from San Diego to Seattle:
I watched the boats coming in early morning from Bainbridge and other islands….
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away
Good morning California. It is October 26, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
New Program at Irvine Valley College Opens Doors to Legal Profession
A new initiative at Irvine Valley College (IVC) is championing diversity in the legal field. The Pathways to Law School program, which is now underway at IVC, is overseen by June McLaughlin, an IVC professor and director of its American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies program. Created to establish a pipeline of diverse legal students to reflect California’s multicultural population in the workforce, the statewide initiative is a collaboration between the California Community Colleges and the State Bar of California through California LAW, a nonprofit organization.
San Jose City College’s American Indian and Alaskan Native Student Resource Center Officially Opens
The American Indian and Alaskan Native Student Success Center opened in the Learning Resource Center Oct. 9 to much jubilation from the crowd and organizers. The ribbon-cutting ceremony contained food, poems, songs and student speakers at a grand opening that had been undertaken for years.
Cerro Coso Community College recently held an event featuring a guest lecture by Michael López-Alegría, the world-renowned astronaut. Over 250 students from local middle and high schools attended the morning session, asking Michael questions, and gaining unique insights into the life of an astronaut. The afternoon session welcomed over 200 community members, who also interacted with Michael, making it an enriching and inspiring experience for all.
Launch of the Community College Dashboard will help to increase financial aid applications for more community college students
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has partnered with the California Community College Chancellors Office (CCCCO) to create a new data dashboard that will enable 115 California Community Colleges (CCC) to monitor the completion of financial aid applications.
The new California Community College FAFSA/CADAA Dashboard (CCC Dashboard) was launched on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Modeled after the Race to Submit dashboard for high schools, the CCC Dashboard will enable community college campuses to monitor FAFSA and CADAA completion rates and help identify students who may still need assistance, ultimately facilitating a smoother financial aid process.
Save the Date & Register Now: Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs
The California Community Colleges Student Housing event will center on students’ needs and bring together student housing operators and prospective operators from across the state. Most importantly, connecting with colleagues from across the state who have a passion for student housing. This is an all-day event where you can immerse yourself in insightful discussions, hear from experienced and new housing operators, and learn from subject matter experts on emerging and best student housing practices.
Discover the latest changes and collaborations designed to streamline credential and career attainment, as well as ensure proper CPL allocation to our valued working adults, apprentices and veterans. We are thrilled to announce the MAP cohort will expand to support all 116 California community colleges in the 2024-25 academic year, through our partnership with the Chancellor’s Office. Speakers from the Chancellor’s Office, MAP Initiative and the Academic Senate for California Community College (ASCCC) will share CPL best practices and strategies to optimize student access and outcomes.
Art student Debi McKee did her first mural! It is located in Welch Park, off Tully Road, across the street from Eastridge Mall.
Here is a photo of Debi standing before the mural and next to the designing artist Andy Kong Knight (another former student). Andy was commissioned by the City of San Jose to do the mural, and he asked Debi to be his assistant. Debi ended up doing a large part of the mural and gained a lot of real-world experience.
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From Antelope Valley College:
Thank you to everyone who joined Equity and Student Achievement last week for a festive event celebrating the rich cultures and traditions of Hispanic and Latin America as Hispanic Heritage Month came to a close!
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From Compton College:
The Compton College Board of Trustees proudly recognized the Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for their unwavering dedication to the betterment of the Compton community.
Since their chartering on March 6, 1989, the Compton Alumnae Chapter has been a beacon of public service, addressing vital issues in education, health, and community development. Their commitment to “Sisterhood First” and “Moving Compton Forward” through meaningful service continues to inspire us all.
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And check out this video from Cypress College’s International Cultural Festival:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Collaboration of BC Agriculture and Culinary Arts Creates Delicious Food While Promoting Sustainability
The Bakersfield College Agriculture and Culinary Arts Departments have teamed together for a unique collaboration, displaying the talents of both programs through stunning cuisine. This inspiring collaboration showcases the heart of the farm-to-table concept, bringing the freshest ingredients from the BC edible garden directly into the hands of our aspiring chefs, creating vibrant dishes that highlight sustainability, flavor, and creativity.
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.
