December 4, 2023

Solano students, faculty, and staff participated in a Day of Giving on November 16^th at all three campuses. The event inspired a wave of donations, including non-perishable food and gently used clothing, all dedicated to supporting our cherished campus food pantry and clothes closet.

The outpouring of support was remarkable, with a special shoutout to the incredible contributions from Vacaville and Vallejo Centers. Together, our students filled an impressive 2.5 boxes, while our dedicated employees filled nearly 4 boxes, each measuring 4ft x 4ft x 4ft.

In the spirit of celebration, students who contributed received raffle tickets, and we're delighted to announce that the lucky winner, Joshua Montoya (see below), is now the proud owner of a brand-new iPad! As a token of our gratitude to our amazing employees, a special luncheon, graciously hosted by the Superintendent President, awaits on December 13th. Thank you to everyone who made this event a resounding success – your generosity has truly made a difference in our community.

A special thank you goes out to Neil Glines, Jose Cortes, and Christina Rodriguez for organizing this fantastic event.

Videos from Tik Tok:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8PNGNKK/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8PN746V/

Mark your calendars, the SCC Shrimp & Crab Feed is scheduled! The date is Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Solano Community College Fairfield campus.

It’s the same great event you recall from the past, with the best Dungeness crab available, extra jumbo-sized shrimp, plus a live band and dancing in Captain’s Bob’s Dive Bar. 

Take advantage of our Early Bird Discount through November. Find out more at this link: https://foundation.solano.edu/event/2024-crab-shrimp-feed/

All proceeds will benefit the SCC Educational Foundation. We hope to see you there!

Only a few days left until finals week! Start studying today with ASTC tutors. To access our ASTC Canvas shell, students need to self-register at the following Canvas link: https://solano.instructure.com/enroll/EKEA7Y.

The library is looking forward to finals week, and seeing our students crush their assignments! We are still looking for faculty/staff/administrator volunteers to keep the library open late (until 10pm) that week, so please consider reaching out and making that commitment! Remember, we are remaining open until 10pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of finals week, and are looking for volunteers to be present in the building from 6pm to 10pm on those days. We are hoping to see you there!

The Fairfield campus power outage on November 28 was due to a squirrel tripping a PG&E breaker on one of the poles on Suisun Valley Road. 

PG&E was here within the hour to reset it. We are exploring devices that can protect the breakers from squirrels.

Toni (Coleman) Seals, Cosmetology professor, welcomed a 7lb. 5oz. baby girl in the early hours of November 30^th. Mom and family are doing well. Congratulations, Toni!

Eleven (11) contestants entered the cook off from around the campus.



1st place went to Rei Rei Leal 

2^nd place went to Peter Perez

3^rd place went to Jose Cortes 

Fun was had by all. We look forward to next year’s competition!

Solano College Soccer's 2023 season had another successful season under the guidance of Head Coach Jeff Cardinal. The success  was a testament to their grit, resilience and teamwork. Despite a limited roster and no dedicated goalkeeper, the Falcons secured an impressive 2nd place in the Bay Valley Conference with a record of 8-2 -2

Critical moments defined their journey, with three conference games decided in the last 5 minutes, showcasing the team's ability to perform under pressure. Notable draws and thrilling victories, like a 2-2 tie at Mendocino College and a last-minute goal at Marin College for a 1-0 win, highlighted the Falcons' resolve.

Key comebacks, including a pivotal penalty kick in the closing minutes against Mendocino College to secure a 2-1 win, solidified the Falcons' 2nd place finish in the conference. Solano's consistent and resilient play, even in games without substitutes, reflected the team's unwavering commitment and determination.

Individual Accomplishments

1^st Team Bay Valley Conference

1. Kate-Lynn Jimenez – Forward – Sophomore – Benicia High School
2. Briana Shafer – Defender – Freshman – Rio Vista High School
3. Giovanna Edwards – Freshman – Buckingham Charter

2nd Team Bay Valley Conference

1. Aaliyah Padilla – Defender – Freshman – Jesse Bethel High School
2. Jayden Hill – Defender – Freshman – Jesse Bethel High School
3. Ella Gervasoni – Midfielder – Freshman – Amador High School

Kate-Lynn Jimenez – Solano Athlete of the Month – October

Briana Shafer – Solano Athlete of the Month – November

Kate-Lynn Jimenez – 2^nd leading scorer in the conference with 13 Goals and 4 Assists, 3 hat tricks and 1 4 goal game

The 2023 volleyball season marked a historic milestone for Solano College, showcasing the team's remarkable ascent under the guidance of Head Coach Darla Williams. Achieving an unprecedented #9 ranking in the north, this season stands as the program's most successful to date.

Securing their sixth consecutive Bay Valley Conference Championship with an 12-0 record, the team demonstrated exceptional prowess and resilience on the court. Sporting an impressive overall record of 25-7, the squad exhibited consistent excellence throughout the season. Stepping into uncharted territory, Solano College reached the third round of the playoffs, a feat never before accomplished in program history. The team triumphed over the #8 seed, Hartnell College, before bowing out to the #1 seed, Delta College.

Highlighting individual excellence, Setter #18 Vanya Paopao's outstanding contributions earned her recognition and a nomination to the All-Regional team. Being among the top 12 players in Northern California selected for this honor solidifies Paopao's exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. This season has been a testament to the team's collective effort, determination, and the outstanding leadership of Coach Darla Williams.

Alliyah Hayes has been a consistent piece to the women’s basketball success in November. Alliyah had 13 points and 9 rebounds in the season opening win over #9 Fresno City College. Alliyah followed that up by being named the team’s player of the tournament at the Riverside City College Earn Our Stripes Tourney. In those 3 games Alliyah averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game. Alliyah has played solid in all 7 games so far helping Solano to a 3-4 record vs a very tough non-conference November schedule.

Congratulations to November's Athlete of the Month, Alliya Hayes.

Human Services & Social Work (HSW) students and alumna, who are also our Wellness Center Leads and Team Member, participated and co-

presented with Dr. Cabrera at the National Organization for Human Services conference in Virginia, November 2023. The presentation was

titled, “You Don’t Need a B.A. to Provide Culturally Responsive Services!” They shared their experiences -from working at the Wellness

Center, to local organizations, co-facilitating support groups, and holding various leadership positions. Dr. Cabrera shared the HSW

curriculum applied at Solano College and emphasized how earning a certificate enables people to become gainfully employed - meeting the need in this helping field and not acquire lots of debt. Everyone got an opportunity to learn more about various topics and networked on a

national platform; Dr. Cabrera is now the Vice President of NOHS.

Below are some of their words of gratitude and these transformative experiences.

"I want to thank Solano Community for supporting me as I chase not

only my dreams but my calling. Without the support of the college I

wouldn't have been able to make it to the NOHS. During the trip there in

Virginia not only was I able to be a presenter, but more than that I was

able to see myself in a different light. I learned that I am more than just

a student but I am also the result of amazing training and schooling. "I

am my super power" is my new motto. Being able to represent my

school on a national level was a privilege. I learned that the certificate

program we have isn't common everywhere so to even be a part of the Human service and Social work certificate program I don't take lightly. Our trip was full of laughs, some tears and a lot of fun. While we were out there we visited Washington D.C and my mind was blown. Never could I ever have imagined I would be there visiting. Sometimes I don't see past my county, but being out there showed me that there's so much more out there for me to experience and be involved in. I know this is just the beginning of so many more things to come and I look forward to experiencing it all. Again, thank you so much for supporting me as I continue to reach for the stars." Delfa

"Thank you so much for the opportunity to learn and participate at this year’s NOHS Conference! I learned things I truly believe will help me be a better provider, helper, and person; and was also deeply enriched by the monuments and sightseeing experience in ways I know I would not have been able to on my own. On top of that it was so great being a speaker at the Conference and sharing my story about how great and unique the training at Solano College is. I greatly appreciate this opportunity and once in a lifetime experience. I feel so

full from the memories, laughs, and moments. Thank you again!!!!” Abigail

"Where do I begin? This was an experience I will always cherish and I am thankful to Solano Community College for. After I registered for the conference I went to each table and spoke with representatives from different Universities about furthering my education in the Human Services field. I had conversations about how to get a bachelors, masters and Ph.D degrees. At the last table a man was setting up the table and as he placed the brochures, resources and books on the table, I recognized a book that changed my way of thinking and has helped me better serve the human service field. I picked the book up and started sharing with him how much I love the Introduction to Human Service class and how we used this book. As I was talking with him, Abby and Delfa (Solano students), whispered to me, 'You know he (Edward S. Neukrug) is the author of the book.' I screamed in excitement and expressed how grateful and thankful I am. I would have never had that opportunity otherwise. The experience was phenomenal. I was given the opportunity to present at the National Organization of Human Services. A platform that I could have never imagined being a part of and at one point, I believed it was not reachable for me. I attended sessions, conversed with people and learned so much. Again, thank you Solano Community College #IAmSolano." Rebecca

I wanted to share a little bit about my story on how I was almost facing homelessness due to the fact that my landlord at the time refused to accommodate my Section 8 voucher. I was a full time student and trying to figure out what I needed to do to keep my home. I’ve been looking for a place to relocate due to the circumstances and unfortunately my landlord was implementing unethical housing practices including threatening eviction. As a result, this behavior affected me emotionally and mentally to the point where I was ready to give up, but I knew that giving up was not an option. I reached out to the housing authority and legal services within Solano County with no results. Finally I reached out to the basic needs program at Solano College. I explained my situation to Christina Rodriguez, Director of Student Support Services and in sharing my situation with her, it made me feel at ease knowing that I had finally found someone who would put in the effort to help and advocate for me to stay in school and find a new home. Considering that I do not have any family here in California who I can depend on, my only option was to depend on my college and myself. With everything that I had to overcome, I was still able to sustain a 3.5 GPA knowing that my basic needs were being fulfilled with the help of Christina, Dean Lewis and Solano College.

It was a learning experience for me because this situation has never happened to me before. However, I learned quickly that being a person with a disability has its challenges that I didn’t think I would experience. It was very difficult and hard to realize that I needed the help to survive and continue my education. I continued to keep up with my grades, push through and finally on Sept. 15, with the help of the basic needs program, I was approved to move into my new apartment in Solano County. After several months of looking for an apartment I can afford and that would accept my Section 8 voucher, I finally was able to secure my new permanent home. Without the help of Christina Rodriguez and Dean Shirley Lewis, I don’t think any of this would be possible.

I would like to leave this message to other students at Solano College who may be experiencing similar situations. No matter what you may go through throughout life, just remember there is always light at the end of the tunnel. You can do it!  

Special thanks to the basic needs staff at Solano College, Christina Rodriguez and Dean Lewis for their continued support and encouragement throughout my new journey.

With gratitude,

Torranna Burch 

Correction: In the last SolanoCARES newsletter, this "I Am Solano" article incorrectly spelled Briana's last name in the headline. Apologies for this error. We are re-running the piece with the corrected last name.

My experience at Solano College was pivotal in my journey to becoming a dentist. Little did I know at the time, but the career and life planning class helped predict my path into becoming a dentist through the tests I took in that class. I did not know from a young age what I wanted to do when I grew up, but from the multitude of classes at Solano College from career and life planning, to astronomy, to costume making, to cosmetology, there were an abundance of options to explore and learn from. The supportive environment and diverse opportunities provided a solid foundation for my future career. The comprehensive coursework and dedicated instructors laid the groundwork for my understanding of the science courses that helped me to succeed when I transferred to an undergraduate college and taking the test that I needed to apply to dental school. Additionally, there was a lot of support from the staff and counselors when it was time for me to leave Solano College and move on to get a Bachelor's degree. Solano College has a great community that really comes together to help their students succeed both at their time on campus and when it is time for them to leave. I believe wholeheartedly that Solano College was an integral part in helping pave a path to my current career and I will always have a deep connection to my beginnings at Solano College. 

Currently, I just graduated from Midwestern University, College of Dental Medicine in Downers Grove, IL. I am practicing as a general dentist and I also work as an adjunct faculty member at the simulation clinic laboratory at my alma mater. I enjoy working with the public in private practice and also contributing to the education and mentorship of budding dentists by fostering a collaborative and enriching learning environment. I also enjoy giving back to the community through free dental care events. Providing essential oral healthcare to underserved communities really reinforces the importance of accessibility to dental services for all. 

Overall, the collective experiences of professional practice, teaching, community service, and my time at Solano College have been integral in shaping my service-driven approach to dentistry. They've instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and dedication, reinforcing my commitment to making a positive difference in both individual lives and the community at large. 

Briana Joy Travis, DMD, MA

SCC's French Language class took a field trip to San Francisco to try out their skills! The class took the ferry and ate at Maison Danel for lunch.

Students got a chance to order in French, and we tried to speak in French at much as possible.

Students also had the opportunity to visit numerous French sites, including the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires French church, Café de la Presse, le Centrale restaurant and the French cultural center, l’Alliance Française. 

Solano College Dance students are excited to be performing at the 2^nd Annual SRJC Community Dance Festival.

SRJC Dance Program Presents the 2nd Annual SRJC Community Dance Festival.

Friday December 15th 7:00pm and Saturday December 16th 7:00pm at the SRJC Burbank Theater.

Through diverse stage performances, SRJCCDF strives to bring awareness to the extensive artistic and cultural dance community of the city of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, and their reputation as a hub for the art of dance. Featuring new work by SRJC's dance company (TDC). Also featuring work form Bay Area dance companies: Farrah McAdam and Co., Visceral Roots Dance Company, Natasha Carlitz Dance Ensemble, Cosmos Collective, SCC Dance, Aleño Dance Project, and PlayGROUND Dance Collective.

This is the last Solano CARES for this semester. We want to wish you a restful winter break and hope you are able to recharge as we prepare for the spring semester, which begins January 16.