At a time when hunger in America has tripled between 2019 and August of this year, Child Development Professor Tyrone Ledford and his organization Holistic Divine Innovations have established a Community Garden in Ridgecrest that provides more than fresh produce.

The Ridgecrest Community Garden, located on Haloid Street, encourages positive community engagement, restores hope, and improves the health and well-being of the community by providing fresh organic produce, education, and a space for healing, and positive social engagement.

Built with the assistance of the community who donated their time, monies, and materials, the goal is to promote selfsustainable living, provide fresh organic produce, and to increase conscious nutritional awareness.

Ledford says he grew up gardening and his passion for it came from his grandmother. “I began gardening on a larger scale as I changed to more of a plant-based and holistic lifestyle,” he said. “I currently garden and grow more than 100 plants in my yard here in Ridgecrest.”

Ledford and his organization are directors of the Compton Community Garden, and have seen firsthand how community gardens can strongly and positively impact communities. “I wanted to bring a community garden to Ridgecrest to help strengthen our community, especially during these very difficult and divisive times,” he continued. “Community gardens can have great outcomes including bringing more unity to a community, decreasing crime rate, increasing our fresh, organic food resources, improving food security, and improving our mental health. Community gardens open a platform for individuals to practice stewardship through learning how to be responsible and accountable for taking care of our environment through learning gardening, agriculture, and plant and herbal medicine.”

The community garden is rising to be one of the local staples and Ledford anticipates the community garden being a main source of fresh organic produce, and education on health and wellness. He welcomes the college’s partnership with the community garden by hosting wellness events for students and the community and donating funds to sponsor raised beds which can serve fresh produce as part of Cerro Coso’s hunger free campus program. 

 

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

College to Host Virtual Open House Nov. 19

Open registration for the Spring 2021 classes at Cerro Coso Community College begins November 18, 2020.  Class schedules are now available online at www.cerrocoso.edu.

A Virtual Open House is being held on Thursday, November 19^TH at 6 p.m. via Zoom that will include resources, application process, counseling, financial aid, scholarships, dual and concurrent enrollment, and more.  Personal links will be provided during the session for individuals who want to speak to specific campuses. 

Those interested in taking classes at the college are invited to register in advance at www.cerrocoso.edu  A Zoom link will be sent out to all those registered one hour prior to the event.  Meet our experts from the comfort of your home, and see what our campuses have to offer.  No special equipment is necessary to attend, all that is needed is a computer, tablet, smartphone, or telephone.

Cerro Coso Community College is your local community college.  Offering associate degrees, associate degrees for transfer, job skills certificates, and workforce training. Cerro Coso offers something for everyone.  Call a counselor today at 760-384-6219.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Handrails have been installed along the steep stairs in the Lecture Center. The first of several projects in the Lecture Center Renovation project funded by Measure J at the Ridgecrest Campus. Future projects will include refinishing of the floors, new carpet, new paint, and an upgrade to the audio visual system.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Library Is Here to Help

The physical library may be closed but library staff are still here to help at all campuses. Students can access the library staff through a variety of means including email, drop-in Zoom hours, 24/7 Library Chat, and can request assistance utilizing the Research Request or Material Request forms. Check out the library’s webpage to access eBooks (including eReserve textbooks), databases and more. Librarians are available online to assist students with research, MLA and APA citation, formatting papers, and locating sources. The library is also offering curbside pickup at the Ridgecrest campus! Students can request any circulating book using the Material Request Form located on the library website and schedule a pickup time, and the library will bring the material out to the car. For those who cannot make it to campus, the library will also scan a chapter or two of a book or textbook and email it to a student at any campus. Visit the library webpage for more information about all the services the Cerro Coso Library has to offer. 

Library

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

College Announces Plans for Spring 2021 Classes

Cerro Coso Community College has announced its plans to remain primarily remote during the Spring 2021 Semester – with continued emphasis on health and safety to protect students, faculty, and staff.

In a message to the campus community on September 30, Kern Community College District (KCCD) Chancellor Tom Burke said “after consultation with the College Presidents, the KCCD will continue the 2021 Spring Semester with hybrid operations. The majority of instruction and support operations will continue in the current online and remote environment. A limited number of instructional courses and support functions will be provided in-person for students to continue their progress to degree. Understanding this decision is disappointing to some, it was made in the interests of maintaining the health and safety of our students and employees.”

All Cerro Coso campuses will remain in a largely remote delivery format during the Spring 2021 Semester.

The only instruction taking place wholly or partially in-person at any Cerro Coso campus for Spring 2021 are classes supporting training for essential workforce activities, such as welding and nursing, and intercollegiate athletic classes. All other classes will be offered through remote instruction and virtual learning utilizing a variety of delivery methods including: Online, Scheduled Zoom, or a combination of the two. Limited hours of tutoring and computer access will be available at each campus.  While student support services, like counseling and financial aid, will remain available primarily through synchronous and asynchronous remote delivery, in-person appointments are possible when needed and by prior arrangement.  It is important to note that students will still receive the same high-quality instruction and support services from the same high-quality instructors and student services personnel.

“We look forward to one day being back on our campuses full time, but we need to safeguard our students, faculty, and staff,” college president Dr. Sean Hancock said in a news release. “The pandemic has created an unpredictable environment that prompted extensive and thoughtful discussions. After much consideration, we felt a mix of online classes and low-density labs for our technical and health programs, using strict social distancing protocols, would be the best approach for the spring.”

The decision to offer remote instruction for Spring 2021 was made so students can continue their educations safely, while reducing stress and disruption in their lives.  Rather than start in-person and possibly have to transition to an online/remote format later, Cerro Coso wants to provide students with a consistent and certain learning environment. 

“Students are our priority,” said Vice President of Student Services Heather Ostash. “We are trying to strike a balance in students continuing to progress toward their educational goals, while maintaining a safe and stable environment. We have expanded resources substantially to support our students, recognizing the many challenges they are facing. We highly encourage students to connect with us. From Counseling and ACCESS assisting with education plans to financial aid support, laptop loans, food resources, and childcare, the college is here for you.”

The decision is in alignment with most other California Community Colleges that are keeping the bulk of their Spring 2021 Semester courses in remote status.  Cerro Coso will continue to comply with new state orders and federal regulations as they are released. 

By keeping a mix of online and Scheduled Zoom classes through the spring semester, Cerro Coso is committed to ensuring the best virtual experience for students.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

College Drive-In Movie – Nightmare Before Christmas Oct. 30

Pack the family up in the car, or bring a date, and head on up to the college on Friday, October 30, 2020 for a FREE showing of the Nightmare Before Christmas at 6:45 p.m. 

A movie experience like no other set up on the hill with stunning views of the valley skyline below, Cerro Coso students are hosting the contact-free viewing experience.

Following the success of their last Drive-In Movie, the Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC) invites the community to join them for a special screening of the Nightmare Before Christmas from the comfort of their cars.

A 1993 American stop-motion animated musical dark fantasy film The Nightmare Before Christmas was directed by Henry Selick and produced and conceived by Tim Burton. Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas.  But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere.  Danny Elfman wrote the songs and score, and provided the singing voice of Jack. The principal voice cast also includes Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Ken Page, Paul Reubens, Glenn Shandix, and Ed Ivory.  The Nightmare Before Christmas originated in a poem written by Burton in 1982 while he was working as an animator at Walt Disney Productions. 

Free and open to the public, the event will be located in the college main parking lot. 

Movie goers are encouraged to get cozy with blankets and pillows and be sure to bring snacks and beverages, and enjoy some family friendly, physically distant fun for the whole family. 

The Drive-In experience will follow all public health and safety protocols as mandated by local, county, and state public health agencies. 

A Drive-In Guide is available below to help movie goers get the most of their drive-in experience.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Cerro Coso to hold Virtual Parent Night Oct. 28

Parents who have questions about their child’s path to college success are invited to attend an upcoming Cerro Coso Community College virtual Parent Information Night and see firsthand what CCCC offers. From career-training programs that include Nursing, Welding, EMT, and Cyber Security, to Associate Degrees for Transfer, and Associate Degree programs, CCCC provides the education and training students need for success in rewarding, high-demand career fields.

Helping parents navigate the college planning and enrollment process, Cerro Coso’s Parent Information Night will enlighten parents of prospective students on college costs and how to pay for college—including financial aid and scholarship availability. Representatives will share details on available resources, enrollment process, transfer requirements, vocational programs, and information on how high school students can earn college credit through dual and concurrent enrollment classes.  Time will be allotted for questions and answers.

Cerro Coso’s Virtual Parent Night will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.  Reserve your spot at https://cccconfer.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqdemrqDguGdJKMqsOvAg8sQ0gg9DIRN1N .

The college is currently closed to the public. Counseling and other student and community services are available via email and phone.  Contact your local Cerro Coso Community College Counseling Department for assistance. 

 

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Make an Appointment for your Graduation Evaluation!

Are you planning to graduate with a degree or certificate in Spring 2021?

Are you planning to transfer?

Make sure you know what classes you need to take in Spring to graduate!

Detailed information can be found at https://www.cerrocoso.edu/studentservices/counseling/ready-graduate.

1. Make an appointment for a Graduation Evaluation with the Counseling Department.  

Appointments can be done by phone or by video via Zoom:

(760) 384-6219 at Ridgecrest / Indian Wells Valley

(760) 384-6219 for CC Online students

(760) 379-5501 at Kern River Valley Lake Isabella

(661) 258-8644 at East Kern Center: Edwards AFB

(661) 823-4986 at East Kern Center: Tehachapi

(760) 872-1565 at ESCC Bishop

(760) 934-2875 at ESCC Mammoth Lakes

2. Complete a Petition for Graduation.

3. If you have attended any other college and are using those units to graduate or are using AP scores from high school, an OFFICIAL copy of your transcripts must be on file in our Admissions & Records Office. If your official transcripts are not on file, your degree or certificate will not be processed.

Transcripts must be mailed directly to Admissions and Records:

Admissions & Records

Cerro Coso Community College

3000 College Heights Blvd

Ridgecrest, CA 93555

 

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Students to hold Drive-In Movie – Interstellar

The Student Government of Cerro Coso (SGCC) is holding a Drive-In Movie night on Friday, October 16 at 6:45 p.m. in the main parking lot of the college featuring the movie Interstellar. 

Interstellaris a 2014 epic science fiction film directed, co-written and produced by Christopher Nolan. It stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, John Lithgow, Matt Damon, and Michael Caine. Set in dystopian future where humanity is struggling to survive, the film follows a group of astronauts who travel through wormhole in search of a new home for mankind.

Free and open to the public, the SGCC invites the community to join them for a night under the stars with a big-screen Drive-In Movie experience located in the college main parking lot.  The Drive-In experience will follow all public health and safety protocols as mandated by local, county, and state public health agencies.

The weather is cooling and the entrepreneurial spirits of the SGCC are reviving cinema from the comfort of your car.

Fun for the whole family, jump in the car, drive-up the hill, and enjoy an evening of rare, retro throwback to the golden age of cinema.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Cerro Coso Students:

Fall 2020 is about to begin! We are glad you have chosen to take classes with us and either begin or continue your college education. As you know, it will look different than in previous semesters. Part of that will be the Cerro Coso’s Reopening Protocols for Fall 2020, which have been finalized and are now posted to the college website on the new COVID-19 Resource Page.

As boring as it sounds, I highly encourage you to read the entire document, even if you are planning to take only online or scheduled Zoom classes. Some of it will be unfamiliar to you, all of it will be required at any point you may have a reason or opportunity to come to campus, so give yourself a head start.

The official details--while the primary purpose and importance is the safety and health of our students and employees, these protocols are also required for insurance and liability purposes. These protocols come from the guidelines received from the Statewide Association of Community Colleges (SWACC), who has provided comprehensive guidance related to reopening for California Community Colleges. It has also been aligned with the California Department of Public Health‘s Guidance for Institutions of Higher Educationand reviewed by the Kern County Public Health Services.

Important highlights:

• Until further notice, face coverings are to be worn in all public spaces at the college by all faculty, staff, and students (classrooms, hallways, restrooms, offices visited by the public, etc.) in line with the same requirements state-wide for all workers and members of the public. Masks must be worn appropriately (fully covering the nose and mouth) at all times;
• Until further notice, all students and staff intending to visit a Cerro Coso Community College campus for any reason whatsoever—including classes and scheduled work hours—must complete an on-campus visit form prior to every arrival on campus. These forms let college personnel like Campus Security and Maintenance and Operations know who is on campus in case of emergency. They also require the individual to affirm that they are free of COVID symptoms at the time of their visit and that they agree to abide by the protocols and healthy hygiene practices described in this document;
  • The form for students will be in effect starting Thursday, August 20 until further notice. It can be accessed by a link provided by the class instructor if you are taking a class in-person at any of our campus locations. If you are coming onto campus for some other reason (such as to receive in-person tutoring help), it will be provided by the person or office you have made an appointment with;
• Students who are at a higher risk for severe illness should not take any in-person courses at Cerro Coso during the fall 2020 semester but should continue making progress on their educational goals through courses offered online or through scheduled Zoom. Contact the counseling office at 760-384-6219 or counseling_forms@cerrocoso.eduto discuss your options;
• Student support services such as counseling, advising, financial aid, admissions and records, outreach, and Access programs will continue to occur virtually unless or until restrictions are lifted;
• Learning support services such as library and proctoring will continue to occur virtually unless or until restrictions are lifted;
• Tutoring services will be offered at the Ridgecrest, Lake Isabella, and Tehachapi learning assistance centers in limited amounts on an appointment basis and require face coverings and social distancing. Visit the Cerro Coso LAC website for more information and to request virtual or in-person tutoring help. Students must complete the Student Campus Visit form prior to arrival;
• Need a quiet place to study or work on course assignments? Open lab availability for individual study will be offered at the Ridgecrest, Lake Isabella, Tehachapi, Bishop, and Mammoth LAC’s in limited amounts on an appointment basis and require face coverings and social distancing; Students must complete the Student Campus Visit form prior to arrival;
• Until further notice, any face-to-face meeting between students and a faculty member or other employee will be pre-arranged by appointment only and will take place in the learning assistance center (LAC), one-stop shop, or other public space sufficiently sized to maintain social distancing. There will be no drop in hours for any college service. Please contact the college by phone, email, or web form to discuss how we can serve you best!
• Until further notice, all common spaces will be closed. All tables and chairs have been removed from spaces where individuals may gather, including the student center and the library. There will be an exception for appointment-based use of the LAC’s;
• Parking permits will not be enforced on the Ridgecrest campus for Fall 2020. (Though citations may be issued for illegal parking);
• Barnes & Noble Bookstore at the Ridgecrest campus will remain closed through fall 2020. Bookstore services are being provided virtually to Cerro Coso students through the Cerro Coso Bookstore website;
• Pony Espresso at the Ridgecrest campus will remain closed through fall 2020;
• Students or staff who believe they have been exposed to COVID should contact any of the following:
  • Human Resources
  • Campus Security
  • Your Instructor (students)

Because student and staff safety is the highest priority for us, an email account has been created if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19, the college’s response, or compliance with the protocols: cc_covid19@listserv.cerrocoso.edu

Note that theCerro Coso Fall 2020 Reopening Protocols are a living document. As has been true throughout this event, changes will be made as conditions continue to evolve. We are continuing to work with Mono and Inyo county departments of public health for their feedback. While we are not expecting significant changes, they may have particular items they would like addressed more fully. Please do not hesitate to ask questions and/or for clarification.

Need a laptop for taking classes? We got you! You can request a laptop at: SGCC Laptop Request

In spite of current challenges, we are anticipating an excellent fall semester and are glad to have you here for it!

View on the Cerro Coso College website.