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
Here is the small by mighty executive leadership at the Chancellor’s Office.
Swearing in our new board member Lilian Coral –
I love this photo of senior leadership that was snapped right before the BOG meeting – Chris Ferguson, Rowena Tomaneng, and Kathy Lynch.
The team that works hard and plays hard!
A fun photo snapped by Jennifer Perry on our walk to Mulvaney’s:
Then it was off to Denver for Achieving the Dream’s K-College Institute: Strengthening Pathways Through Dual Enrollment.
What fun reconnecting with Karen Stout at ATD
And the song of the week…..
My Uber driver was playing this song during my ride, and it has been in my head. Check out This Love by Maroon 5.
Now back home to Neo morning walks. Check out this happy boy… 17-second video:
Good morning California. It is July 26, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Lake Tahoe Community College Celebrates Successful First Mentorship Program
Lake Tahoe Community College’s inaugural Classified Staff and Director Mentorship Program wrapped up last month with outstanding results. The six-month pilot program paired new employees with experienced mentors for monthly group sessions and one-on-one meetings focused on professional development and campus culture.
San Diego Miramar College Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant from San Diego Foundation to Advance Health Equity for AANHPI Students
The San Diego Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the San Diego Miramar College Foundation to support a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving mental health outcomes for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students at San Diego Miramar College. The grant will fund the “Mental Health Equity for AANHPI Students” project, a comprehensive, culturally responsive program designed to destigmatize mental health care and expand access to critical services for AANHPI students.
Four Laureates Selected for Inaugural Cuesta College Music Conservatory Award
Cuesta College has long served as a bright light for music education on the Central Coast. Through a generous gift from Carol and Eric Olsen, Cuesta College builds on that tradition with the launch of the Cuesta College Music Conservatory, a premier program to support a select group of advanced music students.
These students will perform in ensembles, engage with the community, and focus intensively on musicianship and artistic growth. Each student receives $8,000 annually to support their education, participates in mentorship meetings, and contributes to the campus and greater community through music-related service.
KCRA: 78-year-old defies the odds, becomes oldest police rookie in California history
The 78-year-old recently attempted a feat that most people half his age wouldn’t dare try. Myers, who was 77 at the time, decided to enlist in the police academy.
“This is the last chance I have to do something like this, period,” Myers said. “I may be too old to do it. I’m certainly close to too old, so I have to do it now or never.”
Last year, Myers enrolled in the POST Academy to become a peace officer. He felt like it was a calling he’d had since he was a boy.
Adult School Stories: A 70-year-old retiree finds satisfaction in her GED studies
Maria Bernarda De Leon always wanted get an education, but growing up in a low-income family in Honduras, it wasn’t an option.
Now 70-years-old and retired, De Leon is finally acting on her long-time wish by taking classes at Allan Hancock College (AHC), a community college that serves the Santa Barbara region. The school offers students a wide variety of free and low-cost classes, including adult basic education, high school diploma equivalency and even income tax preparation.
SDCCE & SDCCD proudly marched in the Pride Parade, wearing our “Unbreakable Pride, Unshakeable Power” shirts—designed by talented Digital Media student Jessi Noreault! It was a joyful day of unity and celebration.
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From Woodland Community College:
Eagles Welcome Day at Lake County Campus was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who showed and made it a day full of energy, connection, and Eagle Pride
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From Ohlone College:
Our Summerfest Production was a major hit! Cheers to our students who starred in our Once Upon a Mattress Musical.
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From Moorpark College President Dr. Julius Sokenu:
Proud to join the College/Career Readiness STEM Pilot Program at #OxnardCollege, funded by a federal grant to advance participation in #STEM careers for low income & underserved students, facilitated by Dr. Klein Williams of OC, Dr Gonzalez, Pres. of OC & Dr. Anderson, VPAA at VC
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And check out this video celebrating Madera Community College’s 5th anniversary:
And From the Home of the Renegades
Kern Transit Offering Free Rides for BC Students
Kern Transit has announced that it is resuming the Free Rides for Students program, which provides no-cost bus rides for students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. Students can catch a ride on any Kern Transit bus and be transported to any Kern Transit stop! The program is effective as of July 1, 2025, and will continue through June 30, 2026. Each student will just need to show a valid student ID to the driver at each boarding. The program also includes Dial-A-Ride Services throughout Kern County.
Earlier this week, we all turned our eyes and thoughts toward Florida as Hurricane Milton battered the state, leaving millions without power – but sparing Tampa a direct hit. The storm reached as high as a Category 5 over the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall as a Category 3.
Check out the remarkable rescue of a man found clinging to an ice chest 30 miles off the Florida coast. The Coast Guard estimated that he survived a night with winds of 75-90 mph and waves up to 25 feet.
A miracle…..
This week of travels took me to Riverside for the Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) awards gala and then to Sacramento for the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) annual meeting in Sacramento.
Ashish Vaidya, Exec Dir of GIA, Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent, and me
Good morning California. It is October 12, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Sierra College Foundation Receives $100,000 Grant from the Bosch Community Fund
Sierra College Foundation (SCF) received a $100,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund to its Career Technical Education (CTE) Support Fund. The grant will support associated costs with certification fees, microcontroller kits, development material, software, protective gear, tools, entry and travel fees for STEM competitions, project supplies for STEM Clubs and more.
Grossmont College Art Student’s Cosplay Catches Marvel’s Eye at Comic-Con
When Diego Montalvan started a project in his Grossmont College sculpture class, he had no idea it would lead to him dawning it as full cosplay during San Diego Comic-Con and that it would lead to a feature and recognition from Marvel Entertainment. Out of the many attendees vying for photos of Montalvan was Marvel Entertainment. The comics company asked to take photos and videos to share on their official social media accounts and website.
Woodland Community College Awarded $3 Million Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Grant to Launch Escalera STEM Initiative
Woodland Community College (WCC) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. With more than 50% of the student body identifying as Hispanic/Latinx, this grant holds special significance and reaffirms the college’s commitment to supporting the academic success of Hispanic/Latinx students. The $3 million, five-year grant will fund the Escalera Initiative, a campus-wide strategy designed to support Hispanic/Latinx students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Next stop on transfer students’ journey: UC Berkeley’s new, high-end dorm
Bakersfield College transfer student & TRIO/Bridge mentor Elizabeth Diaz is one of the students featured in an EdSource article about Anchor House, a brand-new residence hall specifically for transfer students on the university’s campus.
Kat shows off her new glitter tattoo for world mental health day. Booths are setup near the student union building. A fun cool breezy day with food and kites and a little time to relax.
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From City College of San Francisco:
So thrilled to be back with my amazing Student Completion team after our fall Gear Up for Student Completion 2.0 retreat! We dove deep into team building, innovation, and equity, sparking our creativity and strategic thinking Can’t wait to see the incredible impact we’ll make aligning our efforts with our institution’s goals and working towards closing equity gaps!
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From Madera Community College:
Our new 2024-2025 College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) student cohort had an opportunity to go on a campus tour here at Madera Community College!
Throughout the tour, they familiarized themselves with the different campus resources, such as the Welcome Center, Food Pantry, second-year special programs, and the Learning Center, where they received information about the various in-person and online tutoring options available to them.
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And check out this video from Norco College:
Summer is a former foster youth student who is an alumni of Norco College. Hear her story about growing up in the foster care system, being involved in Phoenix Scholars, and what students need to succeed.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Renegade Nexus Offers Students Free Haircuts and Styling
Bakersfield College’s Renegade Nexus is dedicated to supporting the basic needs of students who are experiencing challenges while pursuing higher education. Through this unique program, students have access to additional resources, such as nutrition, transportation, health services, clothing, and much more.
The Renegade Nexus recently hosted “Styled for Success” an event that offered BC students professional haircuts and styling at no cost to them. Located in the Renegade Campus Store, BC’s Bookstore was transformed into a pop-up salon featuring salon chairs, mirrors, and local professional stylists. In partnership with ClipDart, a mobile hair care company, this exciting initiative presented students with the unique opportunity to receive haircare services on campus, accommodating the needs of each student and relieving any stressors of cost, transportation, and accessibility.
Started this week with the BOG meeting at San Bernardino Valley College. What a phenomenal visit to the campus. Here are some photos.
Here are the BOG members who were able to join the meeting in person.
We did a great tour of the STEM-MESA center. Here is a selfie that Board Member Joseph Williams snapped. See if you can spot Board Members Tom Epstein and Bill Rawlings
We had dinner at the KVCR studio. What a treat! Former senator Connie Leyva is now the Executive Director of the PBS station. We also met Assembly member Eloise Reyes – I sat next to her at dinner and thoroughly enjoyed her warmth and care for our students and community.
Snapped this photo of John Stanskas when he presented to the BOG.
After the BOG meeting, I headed to Irvine for the 10-year anniversary of the Rising Scholars Network.
So many great speakers, including Le Barron Woodyard who stepped in for Tonya Williams, Martha Garcia, Keith Curry, Chelsea Esquibias, Anthony Cordova, Bryan Hirayama – and Rising Scholar graduates Serafin Leon, Isaiah Posey and Marquis Jiles.
We were joined by BOG members Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg and Bill Rawlings.
Did you know – one academic year of graduates saved over $27 MILLION in incarceration costs?
Serafin was in the first graduating class in 2019 at the Kern Valley State Prison – I was president of BC at that time. Check out this 37-sec video.
And now, here I am with Serafin 5 years later at the 10-year anniversary celebration of the statewide Rising Scholars program legislated in 2024 with the passage of AB 1391.
Was wonderful reuniting with he BC team who made this program happen.
And Vicki Coffee snapped this selfie.
Forever grateful to Bryan Hirayama for doing the first fully in-person course in the state of California in Spring 2015.
Following the Rising Scholars 10-year celebration was the DEIA Institute which opened with Tom Heasley’s BC Drumline. Just fantastic ….
Here is a panel with Gina Brown, Tony Cordova, and John Stanskas who joined us via zoom. Clearly Stanskas said something witty…
and here is John…
Good morning California. It is September 28, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Mt. San Jacinto College Celebrates Grand Opening of New STEM Building at the San Jacinto Campus
Mt. San Jacinto College proudly announces the grand opening of its state-of-the-art STEM Building at the San Jacinto Campus. A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by college officials, local leaders, and community members celebrated the completion of this transformative facility designed to enhance educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Santa Rosa Junior College Awarded $3 million HSI Grant From U.S. Department of Education
Santa Rosa Junior College has been awarded a $3 million grant, to be received over 5 years, from the U.S. Department of Education under the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) program. This grant will fund the college’s latest initiative, Transformando, aimed at enhancing SRJC’s ability to serve its growing Latinx and underrepresented student populations.
New Ballot Drop Box Unveiled at Woodland Community College and Voter Registration Drive Announced
In a significant step toward expanding voter accessibility, Woodland Community College (WCC), in partnership with Yolo County Elections and the League of Women Voters, is proud to announce the unveiling of a new permanent ballot drop box at the Woodland campus. This initiative is aimed at providing easier and more convenient access for students, staff, and the community to securely submit their vote-by-mail ballots during local, state, and national elections.
Undocumented Student Action Week: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible
Register today for the Eighth Annual California Community Colleges’ Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) on Oct. 14 – 18, 2024. Join the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the Community College League of California and our statewide partners for a week of collaboration and supporting students, faculty and those involved in advocating for undocumented students.
2024 System Webinar: Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible
Join California Community Colleges on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. for the System Webinar “Education and Career UndocuDreams Made Possible.”
Board of Governors Member & Kern CCD Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg shared this photo from the BOG visit to San Bernardino Valley College:
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From Fresno City College:
Thank you,@senatortoniatkins for letting us showcase the @fccwestfresnocenter We continue to empower our students with hands-on skills & opportunities for the future. We appreciate your dedication to advancing education & workforce development!
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From Santiago Canyon College:
Santiago Canyon College is continuing its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The college’s First Year Support Center, SCC TRiO and TRiO Future Teachers sponsored a workshop on Tuesday afternoon, titled Breaking Barriers: Latino Men in Education.
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From Evergreen Valley College:
Our latest graduates from our Tesla START program finished a 16-week intensive program as employees of the automotive company. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
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From Saddleback College:
Happy Birthday to us! Today we celebrate 56 years since we first welcomed students to our interim campus (where Mission Hospital sits today). Students finally took their first classes on the campus we occupy today in 1970.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Writing Centers Offer Renegades Valuable Support and Resources
The Bakersfield College Writing Center proudly offers its services to all BC students, allowing Renegades to hone the craft of writing throughout all areas – from structural elements and stylistic improvements to public speaking and academic reading. More than that, BC’s specialized Writing Consultants are determined to help students gain independence and confidence in their academic reading, writing, and English language speaking, while also equipping them to take those life-long skills into their careers.
The Opening Ceremony for this year’s Olympic Games in Paris was spectacular. An hours-long display featuring multiple genres of music and dance, athletes traveling down the Seine in boats, a one-of-a-kind hot air balloon Olympic cauldron, all culminating in a breathtaking comeback performance by Celine Dion.
This country hip-hop by Shaboozey has been stuck in my head – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”.
Listen to it three times, and trust me – it will be stuck in your head as well.
Spending the July 27th weekend at the beach and what a view as I work on my blog this morning
Blogging Saturday morning. Beach and Neo. #LoveLife
Good morning California. It is July 27, 2024. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
California Community Colleges Recognize East Los Angeles and Palo Verde Colleges for Advancing Student Success through an Equity Lens
East Los Angeles College Maria Villegas and Alberto RomanPalo Verde College Clint Cowden and Bruce Moses
East Los Angeles College and Palo Verde College have been honored with the 2024 Dr. John W. Rice Equity and Student Success Awards for their ceaseless efforts at creating successful and equitable pathways to greater student achievement in line with goals and benchmarks articulated in Vision 2030.
Woodland Community College earned an Honorable Mention in the Student Success Award category, and all three colleges were recognized during a July 22nd ceremony in Sacramento.
Barstow Community College Launches Groundbreaking CodeBoxx Cadet Program
Barstow Community College is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and CodeBoxx to launch the groundbreaking CodeBoxx Cadet Program. This collaborative effort is aimed at meeting the specific needs of our community college workforce development audience by offering a unique and tailored coding program.
Crafton Hills College Receives $15,000 Grant From Bank of America to Support Training First Responders Project
Crafton Hills College (CHC) has received a $15,000 grant from Bank of America to support its Training First Responders project and Crafton Roadrunners pursuing degrees or certificates in public safety and allied health programs. CHC’s Training First Responders project aims to provide financial support to students studying to become paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters and members of other emergency health professions.
Expanding Opportunities: San Bernardino Valley College’s New Credit for Prior Learning Program
SBVC is proud to announce the launch of its new Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program, designed to acknowledge and validate the diverse experiences and skills students acquire outside of conventional academic environments. This program enables students to earn college credits through various assessments that recognize prior learning from work, military service, or other educational pursuits.
CCRC Webinar – Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of Community Colleges in Preparing Students for the Green Economy
On August 1 at 9 am, I will join climate justice author and activist Bill McKibben for a webinar presented by the Community College Research Center.
What is the role of the nation’s community and technical colleges in responding to the pressures of climate change? Join the Community College Research Center to hear about the central role community colleges should play in preparing for the significant workforce transitions that are occurring as colleges, governments, and industries work to limit, adapt to, and mitigate the effects of climate change. Hear from California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian on how community colleges can address climate change and help their local communities prepare students for jobs in the green economy.
Inside Philanthropy – Community Colleges: Making the Most of Philanthropic Dollars to Bring Equity to Higher Education
Keetha Mills, President and CEO of Foundation for California Community Colleges, wrote this piece for Inside Philanthropy:
“Supporting community colleges means opening doors to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds, offering opportunities to those who might otherwise be excluded. These institutions provide quality education, real-world work experience, and programs that empower individuals to pursue their academic and career goals regardless of their socioeconomic status.“
Have you seen our newest four-legged friends? This week we welcomed 600 goats to the Redding campus to perform fire mitigation maintenance by eating brush across 61 acres. Feel free to enjoy watching them from a few feet back, but don’t touch or feed them. They’re hard at work!
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From Ohlone College:
Summerfest 2024 was a hit! Let’s give a standing ovation to our students and Smith Center team for presenting Grease the Musical!
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From San Diego College of Continuing Education:
Thanks for bringing your vibrant energy, love, and support at the San Diego Pride Parade this weekend! A special shoutout to our amazing volunteers, sponsors, and local organizations who worked tirelessly to make this event a success.
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Performing Arts Wrap Up Successful Production of ‘Something Rotten’
The Bakersfield College Theater Department has wrapped another successful summer production, with the final performance of ‘Something Rotten’ taking place over the weekend. The entertaining, musical comedy presents the story of the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who struggle to reach the success they long for in the theatrical world as they compete with the renowned Renaissance writer, William Shakespeare.
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.
