Tag Archives: Yovani Jimenez

McFarland Early College Launch Oct 29, 2026

Uncategorized November 1, 2026 Leave a comment

Happy Halloween all!

The sound of work…

For the past two weeks, we have had some flooring and painting work going on at home. Which meant that for two weeks, my house was no longer quite my home.

There were workers coming and going, tools everywhere, furniture moved out of place, music playing loudly, and conversations happening at a volume that suggested everyone needed to be heard over everyone else. At times, I wondered whether we were renovating the house or hosting a music festival…. I found myself actually enjoying the whole production.

The camaraderie among the workers…They talked constantly. They laughed. They teased one another. The music kept playing. And through it all, the work got done. There was a rhythm to it, a kind of choreography that comes from people who know their craft and know how to work together.

This Saturday marked the end of the two weeks, the floors looked beautiful, the walls were freshly painted, and the house was finally back in order.

And then the workers left.

The tools disappeared. The music stopped. The conversations faded. The house became quiet again.

I enjoyed the quiet.

But I have to admit, I missed the noise and chaos a little.

It was the sound of people enjoying their work. And what a lovely sound that is.

California has lost an extraordinary leader, and the California Community Colleges has lost a distinguished alumni.

Dolores Huerta attended San Joaquin Delta College, where she prepared to become a teacher. What she witnessed in the lives of farmworker children inspired a lifetime of advocacy for dignity, justice, and opportunity.

On a personal note, as an immigrant who has come to call California’s Central Valley home, I have seen firsthand the lasting impact of her work on families and communities across the region. She understood that lasting change begins when people find their voice and come together to shape their future.

Her life reminds us of the transformative role of education and the difference one person can make.

On behalf of our California community colleges, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and all who mourn her passing.

Also, for stories on Dolores Huerta read Michele Siqueiros’ piece in the LA Local –

Remembering Dolores Huerta: A force of power and love

McFarland Early College: From a Bold Idea to a Statewide Movement

On Thursday, October 29, we celebrated a wonderful milestone at McFarland High School in Kern County – the launch of California’s Early College Demonstration Initiative and the McFarland Early College Hub.

This moment was especially meaningful to me. In 2019, McFarland High School and Bakersfield College came together around a bold idea: What if every high school student could begin college in ninth grade and graduate with a meaningful head start toward a certificate or degree?

The state has invested in this idea to see if we can scale the McFarland wall-to-wall dual enrollment into a statewide model.

The initiative will support the expansion of early college opportunities across California, with the goal of ensuring that every high school student can earn at least 12 college units before graduation. Over the next three years, we aim to reach 5,000 to 7,000 students and save families more than $42 million in college costs.

And the students are already showing us what is possible. McFarland graduates have earned associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas. Students are pursuing pathways in public health, business, welding, and media. They are discovering their interests, building confidence, and beginning to see college as something they are already part of.

It was wonderful to celebrate alongside so many people who believe in the power of education to transform communities.

My thanks to McFarland Unified School District Superintendent Aaron Resendez, McFarland High School Principal Dario Diaz, and McFarland trustees Liz Gutierrez and Jim Beltran for their leadership and for joining us. Dario went big with the set up at McFarland High School. It was truly incredible. Aaron vision and steady leadership right from the beginning was what made this idea a reality. Romeo Agbalog was on the Kern District Board and was all in right from the state. We missed former Senator Jean Fuller who has been a true champion. Steve Watkin was leading out outreach program.

A special thank you to the Kern Community College District trustees who attended — Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Kay Meek, Yovani Jimenez, and Danny Diaz — and to KCCD Chancellor Sean Hancock for their continued commitment to making college accessible to students while they are still in high school.

We had Pam Haynes from the Board of Governors join us and a great group from the Chancellor’s Office.

We were also delighted to have John Mendiburu, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Senator Melissa Hurtado, and former Assemblymember Rudy Salas with us. Their presence reflected the broad community support that has helped make this work possible.

And there was a wonderful connection to McFarland’s history. Jim White, the legendary cross-country coach whose story was brought to the big screen by Kevin Costner in the film McFarland, USA, joined us for the celebration. If you have not seen it, the movie is streaming on Disney and Amazon Prime. Maybe one of these rainy weekends, you should settle down and watch the movie.

McFarland has long been a community that reminds us what happens when someone believes in the potential of young people. It was special to have him there as we celebrated another chapter in that story.

And perhaps that is what makes McFarland such a fitting place for this movement to grow. A community known nationally for a coach who saw extraordinary potential in his students is now helping California rethink when and how students begin their college journeys.

What began in McFarland is now helping shape what is possible for students across California. This is Vision 2030 in action.

We brought back Kylie Campbell to lead the implementation of the Statewide Early College Demonstration Project.

In the news:

Good morning California.
It is October 31, 2026
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Bernardino Valley College’s First Bachelor’s Degree Off to Successful Start

San Bernardino Valley College’s first bachelor’s degree cohort is off to a running start in the fall 2026 semester.

The new bachelor’s degree in water resources management drew more than 100 applicants for fall 2026, leading the program to expand from 20 spots to 35.

The program aims to supply new workers in the local water industry, where more than a third of employees are expected to retire within the next decade, according to a 2024 SBVC labor analysis. The Inland Empire ranks among the top regions nationally for water-related careers, with strong salaries and persistent demand for qualified candidates.

» Read more!

Lemoore College and Fresno State expand transfer opportunities
with opening of Fresno State Success Center

Lemoore College and Fresno State are strengthening their partnership to expand educational opportunities for Central Valley students with the opening of the Fresno State Success Center on the Lemoore College campus. The new center provides students with direct access to Fresno State resources, guidance and support as they prepare to transfer and continue their education. By bringing university services directly to Lemoore College through the Bulldog Bound transfer program, the partnership is designed to simplify the transfer process, strengthen academic pathways and help more students pursue bachelor’s degrees.

» Read more!

Chaffey College Black and Brown Minds & Mattering Conference Celebrates Superheroes

Star Rivera-Lacey, deputy chancellor and provost for the Riverside Community College District, delivered her message of resilience and strength to about 450 higher education leaders, students and community members at Chaffey College’s Black and Brown Minds & Mattering Conference on Oct. 23. The conference, focusing on the theme of superheroes, included a variety of workshops on supporting and lifting up communities of color, as well as keynote presentations by Rivera-Lacey and Nikkolas Smith, artivist and bestselling author.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Report: 6.4 Million Adults Are California’s Untapped Workforce

Nearly half of the 6.4 million California adults of prime working age who hold a high school diploma but no college degree have already taken college courses, and three in four are employed, according to a new analysis that urges the state to remake its higher education system around them.

The report, “Untapped Opportunity: Meet California’s 6.4 Million Potential Graduates,” was released this month by California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy, a nonpartisan research and policy organization based in Oakland. It profiles residents ages 25 to 54 who finished high school or earned an equivalent credential but never completed an associate degree or higher, a group the organization calls “potential graduates.” The study refreshes a statewide portrait California Competes first published in 2021.

» Read more!

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Inside California’s decadelong higher education expansion in prisons

In 2014, then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation to fund community college courses inside jails and prisons, part of a slate of criminal justice and prison reforms to reduce the rate of people returning to prison after serving their sentences. More than a decade later, California’s higher education offerings in prisons now include 13 bachelor’s degree programs with nearly 500 graduates to date, with plans for further expansion.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Los Angeles City College:

Los Angeles City College (LACC) welcomed more than 3,500 Los Angeles Unified School District students and family members to campus on Tuesday, September 29, for the LAUSD Region West College & Career Fair, one of the region’s largest events focused on helping students explore their options after high school.

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From Monterey Peninsula College:

A name that honors a legacy.

Today, we celebrated the official ribbon-cutting and dedication of The Walker Center (Building 10), named in honor of the late Laurence E. “Larry” Walker, Sr. An MPC alumnus and first-generation college student, Larry dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to expanding educational opportunities, supporting student success, and making sure every student had the resources they needed to thrive.

Now home to MPC’s Welcome Center, student programs, and support services, The Walker Center will continue the work Larry was so passionate about: helping students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed. We were honored to celebrate this special milestone alongside the Walker family and our campus community.

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From Citrus College:

We had a gourd time in the Campus Mall today! Students got into the fall spirit with pumpkin painting, games, friendly competitions, seasonal treats, music and more at Pumpkin Palooza! Thank you to the Pride Center, Black Scholars and Rising Scholars programs for hosting this festive event and bringing our campus community together.

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And San Joaquin Delta College shared that alum Robert Gasser would be playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in this year’s World Series. His efforts helped his team secure their franchise’s first World Series championship.

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC Receives $100,000 Grant to Support Students Pursuing Healthcare Careers

Last week, Bank of America hosted their annual Community Roundtable and Celebration in the Renegade Event Center. The event brings together local community members and businesses to discuss public relations, charitable contributions and strategizing, and more. During the event, the BC Foundation received the 2026 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Grant for $100,000 to support the Aspiring Medical Professionals Pathway.

Karen Zuber, President of Bakersfield Local Market at Bank of America, was excited to announce the recipient of the grant. “We are so honored to present this year’s Neighborhood Builder Award to the Bakersfield College Foundation,” she said to the attendees, “we thank you for believing in students, we thank for believing in the community, and for helping create opportunities that can change the course of a person’s life.”

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Winter Solstice 2025

Uncategorized December 20, 2025 1 Comment

As we enter a season that’s meant to bring warmth, comfort, and connection, our hearts are heavy from so many senseless acts of violence that have taken place in recent weeks.

On December 13, a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island left two students, Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, dead and nine others wounded while they were preparing for final exams. Authorities have also tied that attack to the killing of MIT physics professor Nuno Loureiro, who was found shot at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, just days later in an incident that stunned the academic community.

On December 14, the world was shaken by the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where what should have been a joyful Hanukkah celebration turned into a profound tragedy. At least fifteen people lost their lives, and dozens more were injured. The victims reflect the breadth of lives and stories cut short that evening:

  • Edith Brutman, 68, Vice president of B’nai B’rith NSW
  • Dan Elkayam, 27, French national and soccer player
  • Boris Gutman, 69, Husband of Sofia, who helped disarm one of the gunmen
  • Sofia Gutman, 61, Wife of Boris, killed while trying to stop the attackers together
  • Alex Kleytman, 87, Holocaust survivor and civil engineer
  • Yaakov Levitan, 39, Rabbi and secretary of the Sydney Beth Din
  • Peter Meagher, 61, Retired police detective and photographer
  • Reuven Morrison, 62, Businessman who confronted the shooter
  • Marika Pogany, 82, Long-time community volunteer
  • Matilda, 10 — The youngest victim, a child attending the celebration
  • Eli Schlanger, 41, British-born assistant rabbi and chaplain
  • Adam Smyth, 50, Local resident attending the event
  • Boris Tetleroyd, 68, Visitor at the Hanukkah gathering
  • Tania Tretiak, 68, Randwick resident attending the celebration
  • Tibor Weitzen, 78, Automotive engineer who died while shielding others

Closer to home, the deaths of beloved figures like Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, found fatally wounded in their Los Angeles home, have added layers of sorrow to this season as families grapple with unimaginable loss.

Let us pray for peace for the families of those affected by these senseless acts.

As we enter this season I hope we all get a moment to slow down, exhale and connect with those we care about, and give space find small sparks of hope and healing amidst the heaviness.

*****

Here is something more hopeful and uplifting.

Every year, the Chancellor’s Office has a virtual holiday party organized by the People and Culture department. They put their hearts into planning every detail of the event to send us all into the holiday season on the right note.

Dr. Rowena Tomaneng wrote a poem that she read at this event. So beautiful that I wanted to share it with you and send you off into the season on the right note.

Across California’s valleys, its coasts, and mountain air,

A network of 116 colleges shines with purpose everywhere.

From bustling city campuses to quiet desert skies,

2.2 million students rise, with hope before their eyes.

And in the Chancellor’s Office halls, this season brings a glow—

A steady hum of mission-driven work that helps our students grow.

For each email, plan, and policy; each meeting, task, and call,

Is a step toward greater opportunity for every learner—all.

Vision 2030 guides the way, a lantern burning bright,

A promise that with equity, we widen paths to light.

To open doors to access, to strengthen every hand,

To build support that meets each need across this vast, diverse land.

We champion student success not just in grades or ends,

But in the thriving of their futures, their families, and trends.

We craft the road, we clear the path, we listen and we lead—

So every dreamer walking in finds tools they truly need.

This holiday, we celebrate the work we proudly share—

The late nights spent refining plans, the moments of deep care.

For every colleague’s dedication, every team that stands as one,

We honor all the progress made, and all that’s still to come.

So here’s to joyful winter days, to warmth within our space,

To a future built with Vision—every challenge we embrace.

And here’s to California’s students, whose journeys inspire the way:

May the new year bring success and light, more brilliant every day.

And to close out, last weekend I attended the graduation of both Asha Chandy and Yovani Jimenez. Here are some photos.

With Asha Chandy, her mom and cousins.

With Yovani Jimenez and Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg

Good morning California.
It is December 20, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

This week, I’ll continue my annual tradition of closing the year reviewing past blog posts. Today we’ll look at posts from 2013-2017.

Take a little time out of your weekend, relaxing with a cup of coffee (or tea or hot chocolate) to browse through previous posts…

2018

April 7, 2018 – Watching Dreams Blossom at BC!

The community has been clamoring for a BC presence in the Southwest.

On Friday, April 6th, College Council met at BC-SouthWest to explore the facility and continue building on our ideas to ramp up class availability and courses for students at this alternative location.

We had a great morning hearing updates from Nick Strobel about BC’s ISER in preparation for our accreditation visit later this year, hearing from Janet Fulks and Khushnur Dadabhoy regarding transfer pathways, and Liz Rozell and Manny Mourtzanos about the upcoming courses being offered at BC SouthWest.

» Read more!

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August 18, 2018 – Welcome Families, Faculty, and Friends to Fall 2018

Opening week at BC is the week before the students come back for their fall semester.  This is the week where faculty, staff and administrators spend five days together attending a variety of workshops and gearing up to greet our students and provide the very best learning environment for them.

Fall 2018 Opening Week was particularly good with a great slate of workshops.  On Tuesday, August 14th we welcomed not only incoming Renegades, but their families as well to The Family Bridge To BC: Open House and New Student Convocation. Turnout was amazing.

» Read more!

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October 14, 2018 – Proud to Announce “The Bakersfield College
Vernon Valenzuela Veteran Resource Center”

Group Photo of BC Representatives at the KCCD Board Meeting
Group Photo of BC Representatives at the KCCD Board Meeting

Thursday, October 11th was a historic day for Bakersfield College! The Kern Community College District unanimously voted to approve the naming of the new VRC to The Bakersfield College Vernon Valenzuela Veteran Resource Center. We are proud the KCCD Board of Trustees voted to name the center after a local veteran advocate, inspirational leader, and Renegade.

Vernon Valenzuela left a lasting legacy, for the Home of the Renegades, but also for his extended community, and in the hearts of all who knew him. His life’s work to benefit veterans lives on through the veterans he worked with, and the Renegades whose lives he helped transform.

» Read more!

2019

March 2, 2019 – Let’s celebrate women

Five women sitting and talking

To celebrate the kickoff of Women’s History Month at Bakersfield College, yesterday I hosted a panel discussion on Women in Leadership.  California Senator Emeritus and Early College champion, Jean Fuller served as the guest moderator while four esteemed panelists shared their stories, accomplishments, challenges, and more. Thank you to guests Shannon Grove, Republican State Senator, 16th Senate District;  Blanca Cavazos, Taft Union High School District Superintendent; Cynthia Giumarra, Local Attorney and minister;  and Rosalina Rivera, Delano Union Elementary School District Superintendent for participating on the panel.

» Read more

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June 22, 2019 – Summer Leadership

Professors shake hands with a student.
Roy Allard and Manny Fernandez congratulate campers.

Throughout the months of June and July, Bakersfield College faculty are getting high school and middle school students interested in STEM with the Summer STEM Camps sponsored by Chevron and Project Lead the Way. There are 7 camps over the summer centered around interesting STEM projects. Each participating student applied to the free camps with an application and essay back in May.

Students in the first three camps learn about digital fabrication (3D Printing), mobile app development, and programming drones. Last week, the students created guitars from cigar boxes in camp. Upcoming projects in the STEM camps include learning to design and build a tiny house, and exploring and designing alternative sources of energy. This is a fun and engaging method to entice students to consider STEM fields of study.

All of the camps are held on our Panorama Campus, except the last, Alternative Energy/Solar, which will be held at the Weill Institute location. I’d like to thank Martin Perez, Program Manager, Klint Rigby, Department Chair, and everyone with the Industrial Technology Department, as well as Chevron and Project Lead the Way for providing this amazing opportunity for potential future students.

» Read more!

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October 27, 2019 – The Energy That’s BC!

Our BC Student Government Association and the Office of Student Life had the pleasure of hosting the Distinguished Speaker Dr. Paula Green and her presentation Peacebuilding in Divided Communities earlier this week. Dr. Green, founder of The Karuna Center for Peacebuilding, presented her work on the significance of peacebuilding efforts in communities worldwide with the purpose of resolving conflicts and the valuable impact of understanding one another’s different views. Dr. Green discussed the importance of reconciliation through our mutual understanding to communicate on the issues that divide communities and give rise to conflicting views making it necessary to discuss and understand our differing perspectives. 

The humanitarian efforts of the Karuna Center for Peacebuilding advocate for the importance of bridging divides in order to develop a sustainable peace in communities worldwide affected by political, civil, religious, and war conflicts. Dr. Green has recognized that we must learn to be deep listeners and to understand the circumstances of others around us in order to accept the differences of others and to reach a point of unity and peace. Thank you to the BC Student Government Association and the Office of Student Life for hosting this presentation, and a very special thank you to Dr. Green for taking the time to visit our campus and share her insight.  And thank you Nick Strobel!

» Read more!

2020

February 29, 2020 – Celebrating Leap Year & showcasing Sterling Silver 2020

We had a beautiful reception at the Seven Oaks Country Club last weekend as part of our 12th-annual Sterling Silver Dinner, which the BC Foundation puts together to honor and recognize the exceptional support that members of our community provide to BC every day. Proceeds from the Sterling Silver Dinner help fund scholarships for students, providing vital opportunities to make higher education a reality for thousands of Renegades.

The evening brought together Renegade alumni and supporters, generous donors, and friends of the college to celebrate this year’s honorees. Under the direction of Kris Tiner, the BC Jazz Ensemble masterfully entertained the crowd as they entered the event. Seven Oaks chef Paul Burzlaff prepared a wonderful variety of culinary delights with help from BC Culinary Arts students.

Several notable Renegade supporters were on hand to celebrate our honorees, including Mayor Karen Goh, Assemblymember Vince Fong, State Senator Shannon Grove, County Supervisor Zack Scrivner, and City Councilmember Andrae Gonzales. Other notable community partners included S.C. Anderson, Diane Lake, and AECOM/Parsons.

» Read more!

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March 22, 2020 – BCGoesOnline

Novel coronavirus, COVID-19, social distancing, shelter in place, stay at home, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Sanjay Gupta,….. all names, words and phrases that have become part of our day-to-day conversations.

In this time of uncertainty and crisis, I am amazed at how swiftly and robustly BC moved to continue supporting our students. We have been ahead of the curve with our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, sending out emails to our faculty and staff as early as January 30 with resources to keep themselves safe.

From the moment the incident command team was activated in late February , we cancelled events as we systematically ramped up our actions to ensure the health and safety of our campus community. Over the next three weeks we systematically moved all of our instruction, student services, and academic support online while preparing 40,000 students and 1,000 employees with resources for using Canvas, ConferZoom, Starfish and accessing their desktops remotely.

» Read more!

*****

August 29, 2020 – Bakersfield College –
A Peace Garden of Learning, Reflection & Renewal

Have you met Dr. Naina Patel? Well, she is a quiet force in our community promoting peace and wellbeing. I got to work alongside Naina last year as she she was coordinating the Gandhi celebrations here in Bakersfield. During these celebrations, we had the fortune of having Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson Arun Gandhi speak to the students in our Early College Program in Delano. What a treat! Check this out in my October 5, 2019 blog titled – Live simply so others can simply live https://sonyachristianblog.com/2019/10/05/live-simply-so-others-can-simply-live/

Here is a 9:31-minute video from Opening Week where we unveiled the Peace Garden project. If you don’t have time to watch the whole video, then start at the 6:56 timestamp and hear the message from Dr. Naina Patel and the Gandhi committee.

» Read more!

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November 14, 2020 – On Eagle’s Wings

Has this hymn been on your mind recently?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Ms2wqg39Q

And then Earl found me this great piece from BC’s first president, a woman.

“One thinks of a college year book as a record of things past, things done together that are worth remembering. And this is surely its evident purpose. However, one might also think of it as a promise of things to come, a rehearsal for the larger drama of community life. As you turn over the pages of this 1948 Raconteur, let each one tell its story of personal and group achievement, of cooperation toward a common goal, of happiness shared with one another. And, in doing so, let each page also prophecy the kind of community you can help create by the same willing and selfless working together.”

» Read more!

2021

January 30, 2021 – Kern County — Thank you for supporting BC

As we wrap up the first month of 2021 – a month that has brought upheaval and many changes – I was grateful this week to be able to get back to campus briefly to see the progress on the construction of our new buildings. I was joined by Billie Jo Rice, and it was wonderful to spend some time together and appreciate the future of Bakersfield College as we build #ABetterBC.

» Read more!

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May 29, 2021 – Sunsetting May 2021 as BC Builds Bridges

This week I read an article about the Brooklyn Bridge. May 24th was the 138th anniversary of the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, which connected New York and Brooklyn for the first time in history. It seems almost impossible now to imagine a time when those two cities were not connected. And the sheer amount of planning, thought, work and engineering that went into what became the “eighth wonder of the world.”

I’m so pleased to see resources set aside in the upcoming nationwide infrastructure plan that will help restore our great nation’s precious bridges — a thing of remarkable beauty and great engineering feat.

And it’s not only physical bridges that are key to maintaining our relationships. Our metaphorical bridges also must be maintained so that we can continue to connect with people and ideas that otherwise may have been unreachable.

That’s why I’m so proud of the Bridge to BC program. This high-touch, high-tech program helps our first-year students get all the support and guidance they need to be successful. This year’s program will be fully online, designed as a one-week course with online sections that run Monday through Saturday. The sessions will run from June through August, and are available to all our incoming freshmen, including those who earned college credits in high school.

» Read more

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October 23, 2021 – KCCD living every moment, not just existing

This week, all three of our campuses celebrated Undocumented Student Action Week. It’s a statewide effort led by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Community College League of California, and the Foundation for California Community Colleges. 

This year’s theme, “Change in Action”, aimed to find ways to engage in local, state, and federal action to support undocumented students in their goal of earning a college education. 

Across KCCD, daily events helped support our students on a local level, while also encouraging participation in the statewide efforts. Undocumented students were able to get assistance on topics like financial aid, transfer, or immigration questions. Other events encouraged allyship and cultural education. 

Students at Cerro Coso Community College were encouraged to share their Immigration Story. Porterville College held a virtual sugar skull decorating event. Bakersfield College welcomed guest speaker Yehimi Cambrón to speak about Immigration, Art, and Activism. 

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.
See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,
-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

Autumn bring luster to the skies

Uncategorized November 8, 2025 Leave a comment

‘Tis the season of clouds –

As we ease more deeply into the autumn season, my mind is drawn to the beautiful skies during sunrises and sunsets.

There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky.
Percy Bysshe Shelley in “Hymn To Intellectual Beauty” –

This week I was back at the Home of the Renegades for the California Renewable Energy Lab (CREL) fall event.

It was fun seeing everyone and walking the campus. I spoke about the history of CREL and the importance of climate action in Vision 2030.

It was great seeing Karen Goh.

West LA College brought out their students to the event. Here is a photo with West LA President Jim Limbaugh and the director of their climate center Jo Tavares.

Here is the CREL gang with Norma Rojas-Mora and Ellen Morris.

Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg.

I grabbed this photo that Trustee Yovani Jimenez posted on social media.

Here is Board of Governors President Hildy Aguinaldo.

President’s panel with Jonathan Eldridge, Martha Garcia, Jim Limbaugh.

Director of CREL – Ellen Morris

Good morning California.
It is November 8, 2025.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Long Beach City College Receives $50,000 Scholarship Fund
from Western Governors University

 Western Governors University (WGU) has established a $50,000 Grow Long Beach Scholarship Fund in partnership with Long Beach City College (LBCC) to expand educational opportunities for students continuing their academic journey at WGU. The fund will provide vital support for working learners preparing for careers in high-demand industries aligned with the City of Long Beach’s Grow Long Beach initiative, which includes logistics, supply chain, healthcare, and education. 

» Read more!

Fullerton College and Anaheim Union High School District
Launch Exclusive Game Design and eSports Pathway 

Fullerton College and the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking Game Design and eSports Pathway at Katella High School and South Junior High School, beginning the 2025–26 school year. Developed through an exclusive partnership with Fullerton College, and supported by industry leader Extron, this first-of-its-kind initiative will empower students with the technical, creative and collaborative skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing video game and interactive media industries. 

» Read more!

Clovis Community College STEM Student Selected
to Attend Prestigious Youth Summit

Cayleigh Sitchon, a CCC STEM student and inspiring youth leader, is one of only sixty-five students across the country selected to attend the prestigious Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit. Cayleigh is a researcher and STEM outreach leader and also serves as the president of the Valley Health and Science Club.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

California colleges brace for food aid delays, offer assistance to students

Food assistance and basic needs programs across California’s colleges and universities braced for an influx of students on Monday in anticipation of delays to federal food benefits despite a partial last-minute reprieve.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would pause funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beginning Monday because of the ongoing government shutdown. But after two federal judges ruled Friday that the freeze was likely unlawful, the White House said Monday it would pay half of the normal SNAP benefits. Federal officials also warned of potentially lengthy delays before November benefits reach the nearly 42 million Americans who receive the food aid.

» Read more!

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Commentary: Rural students shouldn’t have to leave home to succeed

Imperial Valley College’s LIFT the Valley initiative demonstrates how rural colleges can serve as workforce anchors. By connecting students to local jobs in lithium production, advanced manufacturing, and industrial automation, programs like this demonstrate that when education and employment are linked locally, rural students can achieve meaningful, sustainable careers without leaving home.

These place-based programs illustrate what’s possible when we design education with communities, not just for them.

To continue this momentum, California must intentionally invest in rural-serving colleges as catalysts for workforce development.

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Santiago Canyon College:

Santiago Canyon College is honoring Veterans Day this week with unique, student-led events hosted by the Veterans Resource Center. On Tuesday, President Jeannie G. Kim, Ph.D., her cabinet and campus staff experienced a taste of the field through Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), served by our student veterans. From beef stew and spaghetti to cookies and classic field drinks, the event offered insight into military life and deepened our appreciation for those who serve, especially the veterans in our SCC community working toward degrees and certificates.

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From Compton College:

This past week we celebrated Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) here on campus! No tricks, only treats and good fun with the community. Thanks to all those that came and especially big thanks to all those who volunteered at our Trunk Or Treat event and Dia De Los Muertos Celebration, hosted by the Mecha Club! Hope to see you all for Halloween next year!

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From Cuesta College:

Promise Day 2025 was a success! Nearly 540 local high school students visited the SLO Campus today to explore areas of study, connect with faculty, and discover all the ways Cuesta College supports student success. For more than a decade, the Cuesta Promise has empowered SLO County high school graduates to pursue their dreams with two years of fee-free education. Thanks for spending the day with us, future Cougars! Don’t forget to submit your Cuesta Promise application by August 1, 2026. We can’t wait to welcome you back on campus next fall

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From Modesto Junior College:

There was something for everyone at the MJC Club Rush event held in September. New and returning students connected and explored over 30+ student-led clubs that offered informative opportunities. Joining a club is more than just meetings; it’s about discovering your passions, making lifelong friends, and shaping the student experience.

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From Glendale Community College:

Thank you to everyone who joined @gccveterans for today’s Veterans Day BBQ! The GCC community came together to honor those who have served, all while raising funds to support our military connected students.

And From the Home of the Renegades

HBCU Caravan Returns to Bakersfield College

Earlier this week, the California Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee Pathway to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caravan returned to Bakersfield College, providing an incredible opportunity for students to explore transfer options, connect directly with HBCU representatives, and learn more about academic programs available across the country.

Hosted in the Renegade Event Center on BC’s Panorama Campus, the event welcomed almost 300 attendees, including Bakersfield College students, local high school students, and peers from neighboring community colleges such as Taft College, Antelope Valley College, and College of the Canyons. 
This year’s Caravan brought together 27 HBCU representatives from 16 institutions, including Harris-Stowe State University, Lane College, Talladega College, and Stillman College, among others. The event offered a distinctive opportunity for community college students to apply on-site to participating HBCUs with support from visiting college staff, a hands-on experience that made the transfer process more accessible and approachable. 

» 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

Relationships ….. the joy of life

Uncategorized August 31, 2024 Leave a comment

This past week, I attended the Women’s Equality Day event hosted by the League of Women
Voters, the American Association of University Women and Delta Kappa Gamma in
Kern County. Thank you Janet Tarjan for all of your efforts in making this happen.

Board of Governors President Amy Costa keynoted the event. Her speech was inspirational and brought in her personal experience while quoting stats on the disparities that still exist.

So appreciated the community college presidents coming out to support members of the Board of Governors.

President Prima Monarrez, President Rafe Trickey, Sonya Christian, President Sean Hancock, Trustee Yovani Jimenez

I enjoyed seeing Prima in her new role as President of Porterville College vibrant and engaged. It was wonderful getting to meet the new president of Taft, Dr. Rafe Trickey. Rafe brought his mother Loretta Schield and I remembered her from my past when I was president of BC.

Loretta Schield and Rafe Trickey. Photo obtained from Mayor Karen Goh’s Facebook post

Here is a little something about Loretta and her husband Mike who passed in 2020.

BAKERSPATCH? I got a nice email the other day from local resident Mike Schield, who describes himself as a Bay Area transplant who has lived here for 13 years and (thank you Mike) a regular reader of Bakersfield Observed and The Californian. In his words:

“It’s been most interesting to read all the kibitzing re Bako, B-town etc. Loretta (his wife) has been encouraging me to put in my two bits worth, so here goes. Frequently in discussion with my buddies for lo these many years, I refer to our community as Bakerspatch. I know it’s a little corny but Loretta and I both think that one of the beauties of our country is that it’s okay to be a little corny! Helps grease the slides! Also when I’m addressing local mail, I use Bfld. Try pronouncing that one! Keep up the great work, Richard.”

Source: Bakersfield Observed archives. http://www.bakersfieldobserved.com/2010_01_24_archive.html

Thank you Sean Hancock for driving all the way from Cerro Coso… you came the longest distance… it was so great to see you.

And Yovani Jimenez is just one happy person who brightens the day with his presence.

The picture below has only a fraction of those who had come out to the event. So enjoyed seeing old friends from Bakersfield College. Relationships… the joy of life!

Amy Costa, Sonya Christian, Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg with folks from Bakersfield College
BOG Member Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, Sonya Christian, Mary Helen Barro, BOG President Amy Costa, Janet Tarjan

Enjoyed catching up with Mayor Karen Goh.

Karen Goh, Sonya Christian, Kimberly Schmidt, Janet Tarjan

After the event, Amy and I, along with Jean Fuller, did a brief tour of the Bakersfield College campus with the new President Jerry Fliger. The campus looks great! Loved seeing the trees planted during the centennial celebrations growing taller. Enjoyed the draught resistant flowering plants.

Senator Emeritus Jean Fuller, BOG Member Amy Costa, President Jerry Fliger

Yovani snapped a fun selfie

The following day, we spent a couple of hours with the West Hills Community College District folks at Lemoore College. The photo was taken at the food pantry.

From left to right:
Chancellor Robert Pimental, President Carla Tweed (Coalinga College), Nan Gomez-
Heitzeberg, Amy Costa, President Jim Preston (Lemoore College), employees who
work at the pantry, and Ivan a student wrestler who also works at the pantry.

California Community Colleges
We take care of our students, our communities, and our planet.

Good morning California.
It is August 31, 2024.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

Coalition For Responsible Community Development and LATTC Receive
$20 Million Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant

The Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) and were announced as one of 21 selected applicants of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants. The Community Change Grants program is designed to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.  

» Read more!

Mendocino College among partners to receive
$18 Million grant to address Pacific Coast ocean restoration

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the awards that are recommended for funding under the Transformational Habitat Restoration & Coastal Resilience grant program, with Mendocino College to be among the grantees.

The Nature Conservancy California has been recommended to receive $18 million over three years to launch the Pacific Coast Ocean Restoration Initiative, a comprehensive, collaborative statewide effort aimed at restoring and recovering degraded marine ecosystems across California.

» Read more!

Pasadena City College Joins Forces With Three Nonprofits
to Combat Youth Homelessness

On July 16, First Place for Youth, Heritage Housing Partners, and Pasadena City College announced a groundbreaking partnership to provide housing for transitional age youth in Pasadena. The collaboration has transformed two existing structures at 2322 E. Foothill Blvd. into six 375-square-foot studio apartment units for young adults transitioning out of foster care. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held earlier in August.

» Read more!

In Case You Missed It

Two Bakersfield women honored at state’s Latina Empresaria Luncheon

The 45th edition of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce convention wrapped up last weekend in downtown Bakersfield. Bakersfield College professor Olivia Garcia was inducted to the Latina Empresaria Hall of Fame. Also honored at the luncheon was Norma Rojas-Mora, receiving the Pioneer Empresaria of the Year Award.

» Read more!

Two wonderful women, colleagues and friends.  Not surprised that they received this recognition.

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C3 Converge 2024 – The Community College Climate Summit

Hosted by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, C3CONVERGE 2024 is a pivotal summit that will inspire innovation, build resilience, and drive climate action through education. The summit unites educators, industry experts, and policymakers in a dynamic exchange of ideas, offering unparalleled networking, cutting-edge insights, and empowering educational strategies. C3CONVERGE 2024 workshops and discussions will deliver actionable outcomes and bring into focus a nationwide community of practice dedicated to sustainability and climate resilience.

Check it out September 17-18 in Sacramento.

» Learn more & Register!

*****

Futures Summit 2024

Led by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office in partnership with Foothill-De Anza Community College District and hosted at De Anza College, this event brings together the largest system of higher education in the nation. The California Community Colleges is uniquely positioned to address the challenges and opportunities of our new AI-informed reality. 

This landmark event kicks off with a reception on 9/9, followed by a day of groundbreaking discussions on 9/10 at De Anza College in Cupertino.

» Learn more & Register!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From El Camino College:

Yesterday we welcomed our Early College students for their first day of fall! The group of juniors from North Torrance High School is the 1st cohort and attended a variety of classes.

*****

From College of the Desert:

College of the Desert’s Welcome Day was a success!
Incoming and current students had the opportunity to attend a resource fair, tour campus, get COD swag and learn about college resources to start the year off right.

*****

From Los Angeles Pierce College:

A warm welcome to Pierce International Students! Did you know that our International Program hosts students representing a whopping 46 countries around the world?! We strive to be an inclusive and diverse campus and this is one way we do it!

*****

From Shasta College:

Hey Knights! We’re out here at Day on the Green for Welcome Week with fun games, prizes, music by DJ Bucky, and a dunk tank!

And From the Home of the Renegades

BC’s Renegade Room Features Quality Cuisine and Training

Marcia Overturf, one of the chefs inside the Renegade Room at Bakersfield College, describes the Renegade Room in just three words: “A hidden gem.” This single description, one that she has heard countless times directly from customers, perfectly encapsulates the college restaurant’s impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and charming atmosphere.

Contrary to popular belief, the Renegade Room is open to everyone—students, staff, faculty, and even the public! As Chef Overturf emphasizes, “It is a restaurant for the community [where] everyone is welcome; it’s a place to try different cuisines—something you may have never tried before at a very good price.”

» Read more!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Remember – our greatest challenges enable us to do our greatest work.

That’s all for today.

See you next Saturday!

With much hope and joy, 

Your Chancellor,

-sonya

#OurTimeisNow
#NuestroTiempoEsAhora

CA CCs wrapping up August 2023 in a big way

Uncategorized September 2, 2023 Leave a comment

As summer comes to a close …. another glorious Bakersfield sunset:

Was another busy week at the California Community Colleges.

On Tuesday, we reached agreement with Doug Moore, Executive Director of United Domestic Workers, for the Pathways for Workers Demonstration Project.

We also launched the Apprenticeship Pathways Demonstration Project with 25 Districts and with Dr. Marvin Martinez and Rancho Santiago taking the lead. This project aims to give college credit to apprentices for “on the job” training through their apprenticeship programs. 

Later Tuesday, the Foundation for California Community Colleges hosted a reception at the California Museum. It was wonderful to see so many colleagues from across the state, as well as representatives from philanthropic organizations.

Everyone who worked on and presented at the program was magnificent – special thanks to Keetha Mills; Daisy Gonzales; Amy Costa; Andra Hoffman, President of CCC Trustees; Chanelle Win, VP SSCCC; Hildy Aguinaldo; Cheryl Aschenbach, President of the Academic Senate; Manuel Payan, CSEA; Julianna Barnes, President of CEO Board and Chair of the League Board; Francisco Rodriguez, Chancellor of LA District; and Pam Haynes.

On Thursday, I joined new CSU Chancellor Millie Garcia and UC President Michael Drake, Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Secretary Stewart Know, Academic Senate President Cheryl Aschenbach, and others, as Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Career Education Executive Order in West Sacramento.

Good morning California.
It is September 2, 2023.
A good day to be a Community College Champion

From California Community Colleges.
Our Time is Now!

San Bernardino Valley College’s Summer Bridge Program Prepares Students for College Life

For two weeks in July, more than 200 Valley-Bound Commitment students came to San Bernardino Valley College for Summer Bridge and enrolled in the Orientation to College course, where they learned about the academic and vocation programs available and watched presentations from different departments. They also had the opportunity to meet staff members and explore the campus to become familiar with it before the first day of the fall semester.

» Read more about SBVC’s Summer Bridge program!

Sky’s the Limit Observatory Becomes Satellite Campus for
Copper Mountain College Astronomy Classes

Just in time for Fall Semester Astronomy classes, an Affiliation Agreement between Copper Mountain College and Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center has established the observatory as a satellite campus for the college’s Astronomy courses.

Astronomy students from CMC will have as their “laboratory,” the dark desert skies of Twentynine Palms, on the border of Joshua Tree National Park.

» Read more about the agreement!

NASA Competition lands at Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College played host to NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) Robotics competition. This 4-day engineering design challenge brought students together from OCC and Southwestern College who had completed two online events earlier this year.

» Read more about the competition!

100 Black Men of the Inland Empire Establishes Umoja Scholarship Fund at Riverside Community College District

Riverside Community College District (RCCD) is pleased to announce a collaboration with 100 Black Men of The Inland Empire (100 BMIE) to introduce the 100 BMIE Umoja Scholarship Fund. This investment from 100 BMIE underscores their commitment to supporting youth and young adults in their pursuit of higher education and academic excellence.

In Case You Missed It

Inside Higher Ed: Community Colleges Double Down on Dual Enrollment

The number of students taking advantage of dual enrollment has grown slowly since California lawmakers adopted a new, more structured framework for dual enrollment in 2015. The new program, College and Career Access Pathways, was designed to expand dual-enrollment opportunities “for students who may not already be college bound” by removing “fiscal” and “policy barriers.”

» Read more!

Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media

From Bakersfield College‘s Basic Needs Center and Nexus ribbon-cutting:

*****

California Treasurer Fiona Ma was a guest speaker at one of Fresno City College‘s political science classes:

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From Cabrillo College‘s new student welcome:

*****

And check out this video from Mission College about the Community College Collaborative project, with Mission College offering classes at Elmwood Correctional Facility.

And From the Home of the Renegades

Veterans Plaza Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Bakersfield College held a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor the Veterans plaza located in the center of the Panorama Campus. 

The plaza was built over the Summer of 2023 as a devotion and recognition of the Bakersfield College student veterans who serve our country. There are pillars with quotes from current veteran staff, faculty, and current veteran students and sitting areas for others to sit and learn about the people who fight for our freedom. 

» Read more about the ceremony!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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