Tag Archives: Ventura College

Let’s remember – every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

This week was a heartbreaking one as a helicopter collided with an airplane in Washington, D.C. The crash took the lives of 67 people. Among the victims were a group of children returning home from a national figure skating development camp, along with their coaches and family members.

Lives taken too soon …..
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/31/us/dc-plane-crash-victims/index.html

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This week, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office lost a dear colleague, John Stanskas.

John Stanskas presenting to the Board of Governors in Sep 2024

A friend of John’s shared this poem in a social media post, and I wanted to share it with you:

“Write It on Your Heart” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.

Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”

Good morning California.
It is February 1, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Berkeley City College Students Win Global Animation Award

Congratulations to the Berkeley City College Multimedia Arts students for earning second place in the global VIVE Mars “Best Horror Shot!” film competition for their spooky short “Night of the Living Dodo.” This achievement was made possible by the RVPA internship program, which is sponsored by the Film Commission via the California Community College Foundation.

» Read more!

Check out the video below:


Butte College Celebrates First Graduating Class of Accelerated Nursing Program

Butte College honored its first graduating class from the accelerated registered nursing program at a pinning ceremony on December 20, 2024, at the Paradise Alliance Church. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 45 students who completed the rigorous three-semester program, launched in January 2024, to address the critical shortage of registered nurses in Butte and Glenn Counties and surrounding areas.

» Read more!


Reedley College Cuts Ribbon on Fine & Performing Arts Center

After years of dreaming, planning, fundraising, groundbreaking, and building, Reedley College proudly held its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the McClarty Center For Fine and Performing Arts November 19, 2024. 

» Read more!


California First Partner Visits Pierce College to Support Fire Response Efforts

Amid the challenges of wildfires sweeping through Southern California, Pierce welcomed California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 to our Equestrian Center, where a large animal evacuation shelter has been operating in partnership with L.A. County Animal Care and Control. The shelter is currently home to approximately 225 animals, including horses, alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens, and pigs.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund
Receives $1 Million Donation From Jay Pritzker Foundation

The Jay Pritzker Foundation has donated $1 million to support the California Community Colleges Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund, which is providing vital aid to students, faculty, and staff impacted by this month’s devastating wildfires in Southern California. The ongoing emergency has impacted more than a dozen Los Angeles-area colleges and counting as fires continue to burn in the region. 

» Read more!

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Upcoming Webinars

Join us on Tuesday, February 4, at 12:00 p.m. for the latest addition to the #CalCommColleges #AI webinar series.
» Register today!

Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the California Community Colleges System Webinar, “The State Budget: Proposition 98 and Proposed Governor’s Budget Resource Allocations.”
» Register for the series!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Modesto Junior College:

The MJC Fire Academy proudly presented 29 candidates with the Fire Academy Certificate of Achievement. “We are one of the premier training facilities. The program at MJC has earned a well recognized reputation and many of our candidates obtain jobs in fire departments throughout the state.” shared Matt Curless, Modesto Fire Department Captain and Academy Coordinator. In just one semester, students learn to successfully navigate an intense training program and complete an all-inclusive set of State Fire Marshall certifications, preparing them for real life scenarios. The Fall 2024 ceremony was unique, as Captain Curless’ son received his certificate.

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Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu shared these photos of Assemblywoman Julia Brownley’s recent visit to their campus:

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From Ventura College:

Last night the Ventura College Foundation hosted the Grand Opening of the new Gibbs Diesel Mechanics Center, a cutting-edge training facility.

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From Hartnell College:

The first day of Spring Semester at #HartnellCollege is officially in the books. Let’s make this an incredible semester, Panthers!


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Hosts Spring 2025 STEM Resource Fair

Recently, Bakersfield College hosted a STEM Club and Resource Fair in the Science and Engineering building. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with representatives from the BC STEM Clubs and resource programs, who were ready to share invaluable insights, financial support, and other essential resources.

» Read more!

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Let’s remember –
every day is too dear with its hopes and invitations

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!

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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

Celebrating Community College Innovations in California

Nine years ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece “Hamilton” debuted to rave reviews, following 2005’s “In the Heights.” Here is the 4-min piece My name is Alexander Hamilton.

He’s been busy in the years since, including soundtracks like “Moana”, “Vivo” and “Encanto”.

This week, he released his newest musical – a concept album, based on the 1979 movie The Warriors.

Check out a few minutes of it:

I attended the Inspire conference at the UCLA Luskin Center. It was a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures snapped by Cirian Villavicencio, member of the Board of Governors who attended the event.

Elizabeth Gonzalez, College Futures; Sonya Christian; Michael Crow, ASU; Julia Lopez, CSU Trustee; Kim Wilcox, UC Riverside

Good morning California.
It is October 19, 2024
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Riverside City College Hosts Inaugural Digital Art & Animation Convention, Inspiring Creativity and Cultural Representation

Can you imagine what happens when educators, industry professionals, and aspiring artists come together for a day of creativity and inspiration? That’s exactly what unfolded at the 2024 Digital Art & Animation Convention, where over 150 participants gathered to explore the latest in animation technology, learn from top industry leaders, and dive into hands-on experiences that brought digital art to life. Hosted at Riverside City College (RCC), the event was a game-changer for students looking to break into the world of animation and digital media.

» Read more!


Grand Opening of Mission Market: A New Era of Student Support

Mission College is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Mission Market, an innovative initiative designed to support students by providing access to fresh, nutritious food every week. In collaboration with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley and the Bill Wilson Center, Mission Market aims to be a cornerstone of student support, recognizing that access to healthy meals is vital for academic success.

» Read more!


Cuesta College Hosts 3rd Annual Awareness Gallery for Students

Cuesta College is proud to announce the return of the 3rd Annual Awareness Gallery, an interactive health-focused exhibit open to all students, staff, faculty, and the public. The Awareness Gallery is a collaboration between the Cuesta College Student Health Center, the SLO County Behavioral Health Department, and the Cuesta College Libraries.

» Read more!


Yuba College Expands On-Campus Support for Students Through Partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services

 Yuba College is excited to announce a significant expansion of student support services through a partnership with Yuba County Health and Human Services (YCHHS). Beginning this month, a dedicated social worker from YCHHS will be stationed at Yuba College’s Marysville Campus to provide essential services and assistance to the college’s growing population of more than 10,000 students.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs

The Chancellor’s Office Student Housing team is hosting an all-day, in-person Student Housing event: Building for Tomorrow: Meeting California Community College Students’ Housing Needs on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Sierra College in Rocklin.

» Learn more & register!

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No Magic Here: Demystifying Black Female Leadership in a California Community College HSIs

Contra Costa College President Kimberly Rogers wrote this piece for Diverse:

Today, the California Community College System, with more than 1.8 million students at 116 institutions, boasts 29 Black CEOs and nearly 40 Latine CEOs. As a Black woman, I am privileged and proud to serve as President of Contra Costa College (CCC), an institution serving approximately 10,000 students annually in the East Bay. CCC has a diverse student body, with 44% self-identified as Hispanic, 20% as Asian Pacific Islander, 14% as white, and 13% as African American. CCC is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). If Governor Gavin Newsom signs SB 1348 into law, CCC will seek status as a Black Serving Institution (BSI). 

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Citrus College:

We are so grateful to Arlene Abundis for coming back to Citrus College to share her story. A Citrus College alumna, Arlene is the author of the acclaimed children’s book, “Into the Mighty Sea.” In front of faculty, staff and students, Arlene talked about her journey as a student, mother and author. During her appearance, which also included a book signing, Arlene encouraged everyone to keep chasing their dreams.

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From Ventura College:

We’re creating a college-going culture in Ventura County! During Higher Education Week our Ventura College Outreach Team visited eight local high schools to share info about the amazing programs and services we provide

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From Fresno City College:

We are excited to announce the grand opening of our brand new Child Development Center!

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And check out these videos from De Anza College:

As Latinx Heritage Month draws to a close, we want to share the new Tiny Mic videos created by the Office of Communications in celebration of the month. Students and employees were asked about their culture, traditions and favorite foods, as well as any advice they have for our Latinx students.

Find the rest at https://www.deanza.edu/news/2024/latinx-heritage-month.html.


And From the Home of the Renegades

Headline

Bakersfield College hosted a series of events to celebrate Homecoming Week. Students had the opportunity to participate in the various activities and contests all leading up to the Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 19th.

The week kicked off with ‘Conquer the Gauntlet’, which featured a large, inflated obstacle course for students to race through. Students could compete against each other while running through inflated stations, climbing hills, and a huge slide to the finish line.

» 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 CCs advancing Vision 2030 Workforce Development

The Fastest Man in the World.

Last Sunday, The US’s Noah Lyles took gold in the men’s 100M final. It was a photo-finish; he beat the silver medalist, Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, by only .005 seconds. It was another in a series of amazing finishes and great story lines that have been all over these Olympic Games.

A huge congratulations to Diablo Valley College student Amit Elor, who took gold in 68kg women’s wrestling. Her cumulative score during the Games? 31-2.

20-year-old Amit is the youngest American to ever win wrestling gold at the Olympics.

Former Giant Quincy Hall made College of the Sequoias proud with a comeback win to take the men’s 400M gold. College of the Sequoias hosted a watch party –

Check out the race video from NBC Sports.

And congratulations to MiraCosta College student Bryce Wettstein, who made the finals for Women’s Sktateboarding Park, ending up in 6th place.

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As for me …..

This week I signed a MOU with Jensen Huang of NVIDIA and Governor Gavin Newsom as we launched a new state initiative to expand AI tools and resources for students, educators and workers.

This initiative will help our more than 2 million students get prepared with industry aligned skills in AI, and will support our Vision 2030 work about Generative AI and the Future of Learning.

Next I made a stop in Orange County to attend the Credit for Prior Learning workshop. It was a great conversation of how we can scale this work and bring it from the margins to the mainstream.

Valerie Lundy-Wagner, Erin Larson, Gar Adams, Sam Lee, Gina Browne, Don Daves-Rougeaux, Michelle Smith, David O’Brien, Sonya Christian, Billy Wagner, Ginni May

Then I headed south to San Diego to speak at the Hunt Institute. I try to always squeeze in a walk when I am in San Diego.

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Good morning California.
It is August 10, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

U.S. Department of Commerce Leader Alejandra Castillo
Tours Chaffey College’s InTech Center

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo visited the Industrial Technical Learning Center with Congresswoman Norma Torres on July 26 to learn how the federal government can support workforce development in the Inland Empire.

» Read more!


College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team
Receives $136,000 Grant from NASA

It’s all systems go for the College of the Canyons Aerospace and Science Team (AST), which has received a $136,000 grant from NASA to support its High-Altitude Student Platform (HASP), RockOn, and RockSat-X suborbital rocket programs.  To date, COC is the only community college that has successfully participated in HASP eight years in a row, as well as four RockSatX missions and two RockOn missions.

» Read more!


Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program at CRC
Achieves Unprecedented Success

In June 2024, 52 students graduated from Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program at CRC with Associate Degrees for Transfer. This milestone was marked by the first graduation ceremony since 2019 that allowed the presence of family and friends, making it a particularly special event for the graduates and their loved ones. According to the 2024 Rehabilitative Programming Report by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Norco College’s Rising Scholars Program at CRC has awarded more college degrees than any other CDCR institution.

» Read more!


MSJC’s Roger Schultz Elected as League Board Chair,
CEOCCC Board President

Roger Schultz, Ph.D., Mt. San Jacinto College’s President/Superintendent, has been elected as the President of the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (CEOCCC) Board of the Community College League of California. Schultz will also serve as the Chair for the Community College League of California (League) Board of Directors.

» Read more!



In Case You Missed It

California Community Colleges Expanding Nursing Programs
to Meet State’s Regional Nursing Shortages

The California Community Colleges announced the launch of a new initiative to increase the number of nurses to meet the growing needs of California’s aging and diverse population.

Twelve community colleges convened in a virtual kick-off of the associate degree for nursing demonstration project led by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. The goal of the initiative, part of the community colleges’ Vision 2030 strategic framework, is to increase enrollment in associate degree nursing programs to address the shortage of registered nurses in rural and remote areas while ensuring equity in access to the profession.

The 12 colleges participating in the demonstration project are: Butte College, Cabrillo College, Monterey Peninsula College, Bakersfield College, Modesto Junior College, Cuesta College, Ventura College, Golden West College, Saddleback College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Riverside City College, and College of the Desert.

» Read more!


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angles Harbor College:

Harbor College celebrating DSPS pride month College President, Dr. Dorado and VP, Dr. Dorado welcoming students Go Seahawks!!

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From Bakersfield College’s Kimberly Bligh:

Love love love our Bridge to BC team. One week to go for Summer 24… 10 years and over 15,000 students served!

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From Allan Hancock College:

The Santa Maria Valley YMCA, in collaboration with Allan Hancock College, hosted a RiseUP Bridging Ceremony Aug. 2 celebrating the achievements of local youth as they transition to higher education and future careers.

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From Ventura College President Claudia Lourido-Habib:

I’m grateful for my admin team’s openness & contributions during a productive leadership retreat. Grounded in the student experience, we worked towards increasing team cohesion and collaboration so we can lead and support our colleagues


And From the Home of the Renegades

BC History Highlight: Memorial Stadium

The Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium was not an easy feat for those credited with its creation, but certainly a triumph! The stadium was the first structure completed on Bakersfield College’s Panorama campus, and the construction plans were meticulously assembled. It required intensive research and close attention to detail by Theron McCuen, then Superintendent of the Kern County Union High School and Junior College District and its Board of Trustees, and then BC President Ralph Prator, who contributed significantly to realizing Grace Bird’s vision of a college on a hill.

» 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

CA CCs at the Capitol 2024

This week, parts of the United States, Mexico & Canada were treated to one of the rarest & most beautiful phenomena – a total solar eclipse. In California, it was a partial social eclipse.

Check out this video from NASA of highlights from the eclipse:

I loved this story about a science teacher who, back in 1978, invited his students to an eclipse watch party decades in the future.

When he started teaching in 1978, Patrick Moriarty passed out worksheets to his science class, showing the trajectories of upcoming eclipses. Only one was expected to pass near their hometown in Upstate New York, but watching it as a class was going to be difficult — it wouldn’t occur for nearly five decades.

“Hey, circle that one on April 8, 2024,” Moriarty recalled telling his students. “We’re going to get together on that one.”

On Monday, Moriarty fulfilled his promise when about 100 former students watched the total solar eclipse from the driveway of his Rochester, N.Y., home. But ultimately it wasn’t the eclipse that astonished Moriarty — it was his students.

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I began my week at the 2024 Pathways to Equity Conference in Anaheim.

I asked my keynote time to be split between my opening remarks and a student panel. Our students were fantastic – Jessica Lopez, Jessica Velez, Esteban Zeferino & Alexis Primo.

Jessica Lopez, a recent graduate of Coastline Community College and transfer student to ASU, was born without hands and feet, and battling a chronic illness, Jessica’s story is one full of institutional barriers, systems of inequity and her resilience to overcome them is remarkable. Here is a link to her LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/realjessl/

Alexis Primo, a single mother of two, who had to close her home childcare business in the face of COVID. Needing to make ends meet for her family, Alexis faced system barriers, and situations difficult to overcome, but she found the way out through a noncredit business pathway at San Diego College of Continuing Education.

Jessica Velez, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who became a single mom and needed help with housing and finances. Education and a degree seemed out of reach at the margins, and Jessica’s stressful daily grind did not align with the structure and mainstream messaging about who belonged at college. Facing the difficulties addressing her basic needs, Jessica’s story is testimony of her resilience in finding allies.

Esteban Zeferino, who currently serves as a work study student in Santa Ana College’s Rising Scholars Program, assisting with the onboarding process of other justice impacted members of the Santa Ana community. Esteban’s story of survival and will is a stark reminder of how those out of sight and marginalized must be brought into our equity work.

With BOG member Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg:

Wednesday was CCC Advocacy Day. It was a great day meeting with many state leaders to support our California Community College students.

Love this fun photo of walking to the Capitol with Amy Costa, Board President.

At Senator Newman’s Office

With our student Jacob from Sierra and Board Members Paul Medina and Harry LeGrand

Recognizing Senator Ashby at the Legislative Champions Reception

Trustee Welcome event in Sacramento

Good morning California.
It is April 13, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion



From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Grossmont College Introduces Innovative Student-Centered Space The Village 

Step inside the second floor of the Grossmont College Tech Mall, and you’ll find one of the most unique and transformative spaces on the Grossmont College campus. The Village is a brand-new student cultural hub that includes student services, community, and culture. It also brings together specialized counseling programs under one roof.

» Read more!


Colleg of the Canyons Instructor Selected to Represent COC in Iceland

Holly Hitt-Zuniga, an architecture and interior design instructor at College of the Canyons, has been selected to represent the college and the National Science Foundation’s Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education (CREATE) in Iceland as part of a 10-person delegation of educators participating in an international education program focused on clean energy and electric transportation. 

» Read more!


Ventura College Holds Annual Diversity in Culture Festival

Ventura College held the 2024 Diversity in Culture Festival April 10-11. This year’s theme was returning to our roots with nature and highlighting Indigenous Culture worldwide.

» Read more!


Woodland Community College hosts Lake County Restaurant Expo

On January 29, Lake County Campus was host to the Lake County Restaurant Expo organized by the Lake County Economic Development Corporation. The event is part of an initiative to support the local food service and restaurant industry.

» Check out this video about the event!



In Case You Missed It

2024 Student Leadership Award Winners Announced

Four student leaders, dedicated to equity and inclusion on campus and in their communities, have been honored with the California Community College’s annual Student Leadership Award.

April Brown of Long Beach City College, Claudette Clark of Cuyamaca College, Jessica Lopez of Coastline College and Nikhil Masand of Contra Costa College were recognized April 5th at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges 28th General Assembly in Santa Clara.

» Read more!

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Bridge Program founders Kate Pluta and Kim Flachman

A literary love story: Local colleges collaborate on English programs at conference

Kim Flachmann, the coordinator of the writing program at CSUB, and Kate Pluta, a retired English professor from BC, originally started the conference with a $13,000 grant and a goal to create a smoother pathway for English students to transfer from BC to CSUB.

Flachmann and Pluta chose to collaborate on their English programming rather than compete in the interest of their students. Flachmann calls it “the love story” between the two colleges that started more than 30 years ago.

Read more: https://www.bakersfield.com/news/a-literary-love-story-local-colleges-collaborate-on-english-program—at-conference/article_e65a6b8e-f93a-11ee-a109-bf096fb01762.html

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Making an Impact in California – Higher Education Leaders
on Learning & the Ed Tech Revolution

On Monday, April 15, at 10:30 am, I will join ASU President Michael Crow at the ASU+GSV Summit. We will present a session – “Making an Impact in California – Higher Education Leaders on Learning & the Ed Tech Revolution.”

» Watch: https://ow.ly/ig0C50RftrJ.


Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

I copied and pasted Jessica Lopez’ post on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/realjessl/

I was honored to be invited to speak on a student panel to open the California Community Colleges Pathways to Equity Conference on Monday. Seeing Chancellor Christian’s commitment to equity and accessibility within the higher education was impactful, and I appreciated the opportunity to share my story with the leaders of the community college system.

Here are the key takeaways I hope the audience received from my story:
• Online education may not be for everyone, but it’s necessary to offer it. It expands access to higher education in ways traditional education has never done. Coastline College served 56% percent of all disabled students within the Coast Community College School District. This represents the fact that disabled students are drawn to online learning formats.
• Accessibility is not about compliance, it’s about culture. With over 1 billion disabled people in the world, we make up a wide variety of artists, inventors, administrators, and leaders. Schools that highlight diversity will serve their disabled students better by elevating disability as a culture and celebrating it as an identity, rather than just a compliance issue.
• Schools that allow their online students to participate through hybrid events will find higher student engagement. Not everyone can make it to an in-person event, but it doesn’t mean they don’t want to participate.

The biggest takeaway from my story is that my story isn’t unique at all, it’s extremely common. As such, my place within this world isn’t to make people feel good or inspired, it’s to teach them how to serve.


I was approached by many people after the student panel who told me that my story was inspiring. That may be intended as a compliment and I appreciate that sentiment. However, a true compliment would be to tell me that my story made you rethink how you do your work. My goal is for people to come away with a direct policy you’ve identified that can be changed to make your institution more inclusive to disabled people. That’s true inspiration.

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From Cerro Coso Community College:

It was an amazing evening at Cerro Coso Community College’s Denim and Diamonds event. A great opportunity to focus on how Cerro Coso Community College gives the Eastern Sierra region access to higher education. President Sean Hancock shared how their college is an engine of opportunity for thousands of students. Dr. Richard Jones, the first President of the college, honored the attendees with his inspirational speech about the beginning of the college.  Such an uplifting night at one of our sister colleges in the Kern Community College District. #collaboration #studentsuccess #highereducation

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From West Valley College:

What an amazing day on campus as we welcomed students from 16 Bay Area high schools for the Black Student Summit! Major props to Phil Severe for leading this effort and our Umoja Community of student leaders for showing our prospective Vikings a great day at WVC! #gowest #getfutureready

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From Los Angeles Harbor College:

LAHC Dual Enrollment Team in the House @ San Pedro High! Come see us at the San Pedro High Open House. So Pirates and Go Seahawks!

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And check out this video from Folsom Lake College:

The cast and crew of Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College gave Good Day Sacramento viewers a sneak peek of their spring production of “Cabaret” during their April 4 live broadcast.


Blast from the Past

Here are my remarks from the Educators for Peace virtual event back in 2021:


And From the Home of the Renegades

Garden Fest at Bakersfield College Postponed to April 27th Due to Weather

Garden Fest, previously scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024, has been postponed due to anticipated adverse weather conditions. The event will now take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

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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