Peralta Community College District's Only Student-Run Publication
Peralta Community College District's only student-run publication.

The Citizen
Students can access primary care, birth control, and STI testing at no cost through the Laney health clinic, which is now under the leadership of Baywell Health.
Laney health clinic gets new provider
November 19, 2024
Peralta’s financial outlook is ‘negative’ according to Fitch Ratings
Peralta’s financial outlook is ‘negative’ according to Fitch Ratings
November 14, 2024
PCCD's financial future got an honest look at the Oct. 22 board meeting. From left: Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson, Chief Operating Officer Greg Nelson. (Photo: Kristina Hoessl/The Citizen)
‘The sky’s already fallen’: Peralta’s grim financial future and past mistakes overviewed at 10/22 trustee meeting
November 14, 2024
Voter registration display at Laney College library entrance. Photo by Kristina Hoessl.
Worried that you missed the voter registration deadline? Same Day Registration is still an option
November 3, 2024
The American Straight A Academy helped students in China receive transfer degrees from the Peralta Community College District without paying international tuition or setting foot in California. The for-profit company, registered in Dallas, Texas, has not disclosed how much students pay for the experience.
Investigation: A look at the for-profit Chinese business that sold Peralta classes overseas
October 30, 2024
A new space for LGBTQ+ students has popped up on the Laney College campus. The Queer Community center will host events and offer resources to LGBTQ+ members of the Peralta community.
‘We’re here, we’re in school, we have dreams’: New Laney queer center offers safe haven for LGBTQ+ students
November 20, 2024
Citizen Staff Writer Eliot Fane pays a visit to PCCD's cat community. Photos by Stevie Campos-Seligman.
The Feline Freaks Come Out at Night:  Peralta District Office’s Nocturnal Neighbors
November 3, 2024
Peabody Award-winning journalist Candice Nguyen captivated a crowd of student journalists Saturday as she recounted her life and career. Nguyen, who was born and raised in Oakland, said journalism gave her the "structure and purpose" to stitch her life back together after a chaotic childhood.
Peabody Award winner inspires students
November 1, 2024
Who are Peralta’s student trustees?
Who are Peralta’s student trustees?
October 31, 2024
Tea with Tamara: Black Panther Party History Month w/ Merritt College President David Johnson
Tea with Tamara: Black Panther Party History Month w/ Merritt College President David Johnson
October 25, 2024
Merritt Librarian reimagines 'alebrijes' sculptor’s life in new picture book
Merritt Librarian reimagines ‘alebrijes’ sculptor’s life in new picture book
May 30, 2024
College of Alameda jazz professor Glen Pearson demonstrates his musical talent on his classroom piano. He's one of the newest members of the Count Basie Orchestra, a historic 18-piece jazz ensemble that took home a Grammy this year.
The humble Grammy-winning pianist leading CoA’s music program
March 4, 2024
In Director Chelsea Bo's first feature-length film, half-sisters Harper (left, Chelsea Bo) and Georgie (right, Ava Acres), thrown together by circumstance and a weak blood relation, must untie the knots in their relationship. The film won "Jury Prize Feature" at the Alameda International Film Festival last week. (Courtesy: Paxeros)
No Right Way, Chelsea Bo’s hard-hitting emotional rollercoaster about the complexities of sisterhood, shown at Alameda International Film Festival
February 29, 2024
©Netflix 2023. Fair Use Disclaimer: This image has been used in good faith for the purpose of review and critique under the terms of "fair use". Under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" of copyrighted work for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research.
Queer Black History: A review of ‘Rustin’
February 28, 2024
Muffler’s first headlining performance at the Golden Bull in Oakland, CA on May 24, 2023. From left to right: Wes Allerd, TJ Gardea Jr., Gaby Aravjo (Photo by Lylah Schmedel-Permanna/The Citizen)
Your next favorite post-punk band includes two Peralta students — an interview with Muffler
November 6, 2023
Incumbent Area 2 Trustee Paulina Gonzalez-Brito, pictured here in The Citizen's newsroom, has what it takes to stay on the Peralta board for another four years.
EDITORIAL: Keep Paulina Gonzalez-Brito on the Peralta board
September 25, 2024
Staff Writer Desmond Meagley stands in the very spot where a security guard confronted him last month: the doorway of the men’s restroom in the Laney College Library. Meagley, who is transgender, tried to report the incident, but reached a dead end when an administrator told him he would need the security guard’s name.
The Catch-22 in AP 3435, Peralta’s Harassment Protocol
May 19, 2024
Social Media Editor Isabelly Sabô stands in front of the door to The Citizen's newsroom. Sabô is an international student from Brazil.
We’re not just ‘rich kids on vacation’: The journey of an international student
May 5, 2024
(Photo: Glen Carrie/Unsplash)
Student elections open today. Has voter information been ‘widespread’?
April 8, 2024
The state flag of California flies underneath the American flag on the west side of the Laney College campus. Behind, the Tribune Tower, which once housed Oakland's daily print newspaper, sits in the city skyline. Both California and the United States have open government laws that establish the public's right to information, but the Peralta Community College District consistently lags behind in comprehensively fulfilling requests for public information made by student journalists at The Citizen. (Photo: Li Khan/The Citizen)
We sued our district over public records and won. Here’s what we learned
February 22, 2024
The American Straight A Academy helped students in China receive transfer degrees from the Peralta Community College District without paying international tuition or setting foot in California. The for-profit company, registered in Dallas, Texas, has not disclosed how much students pay for the experience.
Investigation: A look at the for-profit Chinese business that sold Peralta classes overseas
October 30, 2024
Investigation: Over half of PCCD conflict of interest disclosures nowhere to be found
Investigation: Over half of PCCD conflict of interest disclosures nowhere to be found
September 17, 2024
The Citizen Investigates: International Travel
The Citizen Investigates: International Travel
July 25, 2024
Sunshine Week 2024: Spotlighting public records
Sunshine Week 2024: Spotlighting public records
March 17, 2024
The UC Berkeley chapter of End Overdose at Sproul Plaza in Berkeley on Jan. 23, 2024. The organization passes out free fentanyl test strips to students, and gives other organizations training on Narcan usage. (Photo: Juliana Yamada/CalMatters)
Narcan at California colleges: Are students getting overdose medication?
March 8, 2024
Peralta Community College District's only student-run publication.

The Citizen
Peralta Community College District's only student-run publication.

The Citizen
Front Page
The American Straight A Academy helped students in China receive transfer degrees from the Peralta Community College District without paying international tuition or setting foot in California. The for-profit company, registered in Dallas, Texas, has not disclosed how much students pay for the experience.
Investigation: A look at the for-profit Chinese business that sold Peralta classes overseas
American Straight A Academy advertised an asynchronous online pathway to California university admissions
Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, Managing Editor • October 30, 2024
A private company sold access to California public education for an undisclosed price.
Opinion
Staff Writer Desmond Meagley stands in the very spot where a security guard confronted him last month: the doorway of the men’s restroom in the Laney College Library. Meagley, who is transgender, tried to report the incident, but reached a dead end when an administrator told him he would need the security guard’s name.
The Catch-22 in AP 3435, Peralta’s Harassment Protocol
Desmond Meagley, Staff Writer • May 19, 2024
Recent Stories
A new space for LGBTQ+ students has popped up on the Laney College campus. The Queer Community center will host events and offer resources to LGBTQ+ members of the Peralta community.
‘We’re here, we’re in school, we have dreams’: New Laney queer center offers safe haven for LGBTQ+ students
Romi Bales, Staff Writer • November 20, 2024
Students can access primary care, birth control, and STI testing at no cost through the Laney health clinic, which is now under the leadership of Baywell Health.
Laney health clinic gets new provider
Baywell health brings 50 years of experience to campus
Stephon Autery, Staff Writer • November 19, 2024
Peralta’s financial outlook is ‘negative’ according to Fitch Ratings
Peralta’s financial outlook is ‘negative’ according to Fitch Ratings
New report outlines PCCD’s upcoming fiscal challenges but maintains AAA status
Ian Waters, Staff Writer • November 14, 2024
PCCD's financial future got an honest look at the Oct. 22 board meeting. From left: Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson, Chief Operating Officer Greg Nelson. (Photo: Kristina Hoessl/The Citizen)
‘The sky’s already fallen’: Peralta’s grim financial future and past mistakes overviewed at 10/22 trustee meeting
Kristina Hoessl, Staff Writer • November 14, 2024
Trustee Elections
Unofficial counts show Paulina Gonzalez-Brito is leading in the Peralta Community College District Trustee Area 2 race.
Election update: Brito leads in Area 2 race, votes still being counted
Incumbent Area 2 Trustee Paulina Gonzalez-Brito, pictured here in The Citizen's newsroom, has what it takes to stay on the Peralta board for another four years.
EDITORIAL: Keep Paulina Gonzalez-Brito on the Peralta board
Unofficial counts show Paulina Gonzalez-Brito is leading in the Peralta Community College District Trustee Area 2 race.
Election update: Brito leads in Area 2 race, votes still being counted
November 6, 2024
Voter registration display at Laney College library entrance. Photo by Kristina Hoessl.
Worried that you missed the voter registration deadline? Same Day Registration is still an option
November 3, 2024
Citizen Staff Writer Eliot Fane pays a visit to PCCD's cat community. Photos by Stevie Campos-Seligman.
The Feline Freaks Come Out at Night:  Peralta District Office’s Nocturnal Neighbors
November 3, 2024
The Citizen staff and faculty advisor Eleni Gastis (center right) poses with nine awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. (Photo: Annie Scaccia)
JACC recap: Citizen leads workshop on investigative journalism, wins nine awards
November 1, 2024
Peabody Award-winning journalist Candice Nguyen captivated a crowd of student journalists Saturday as she recounted her life and career. Nguyen, who was born and raised in Oakland, said journalism gave her the "structure and purpose" to stitch her life back together after a chaotic childhood.
Peabody Award winner inspires students
November 1, 2024
Trending Stories
The Peralta boardroom. Photo was taken before current Board President Paulina Gonzalez-Brito stepped onto the board. (Photo: Peralta Colleges SmugMug)

Sinead Geneva Anderson runs for Peralta board against Area 2 Trustee Paulina Gonzalez-Brito

The American Straight A Academy helped students in China receive transfer degrees from the Peralta Community College District without paying international tuition or setting foot in California. The for-profit company, registered in Dallas, Texas, has not disclosed how much students pay for the experience.

Investigation: A look at the for-profit Chinese business that sold Peralta classes overseas

Citizen Staff Writer Eliot Fane pays a visit to PCCD's cat community. Photos by Stevie Campos-Seligman.

The Feline Freaks Come Out at Night:  Peralta District Office’s Nocturnal Neighbors

Incumbent Area 2 Trustee Paulina Gonzalez-Brito, pictured here in The Citizen's newsroom, has what it takes to stay on the Peralta board for another four years.

EDITORIAL: Keep Paulina Gonzalez-Brito on the Peralta board

Unofficial counts show Paulina Gonzalez-Brito is leading in the Peralta Community College District Trustee Area 2 race.

Election update: Brito leads in Area 2 race, votes still being counted

Tea with Tamara: Black Panther Party History Month w/ Merritt College President David Johnson

Tea with Tamara: Black Panther Party History Month w/ Merritt College President David Johnson

News
Smoke from the Keller Fire rises into the air above the Oakland hills. Residents near Merritt College and the Oakland Zoo were evacuated from the area Friday.
Oakland “Keller Fire” sparks Merritt College evacuation
Desmond Meagley, Associate Editor • October 19, 2024
Abdul Pridgen. (Source: 9/24 PCCD Board of Trustees Meeting livestream)
New hybrid safety model proposed for Peralta Community College District
Ivan Saravia, Staff Writer • October 3, 2024
New Student Trustee Pierce Byrne takes the oath of office at the Sep. 10 meeting of the Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees.
New student trustee, $325m budget and more at 9/10 meeting for PCCD trustees
Li Khan, Editor in Chief • September 24, 2024
(Photo: Citizen Staff)
Peralta board approves budget
Ian Waters, Staff Writer • September 21, 2024
Features
Who are Peralta’s student trustees?
Who are Peralta’s student trustees?
October 31, 2024
Tea with Tamara: Black Panther Party History Month w/ Merritt College President David Johnson
Tea with Tamara: Black Panther Party History Month w/ Merritt College President David Johnson
October 25, 2024
Q&A with Trustee Dyana Delfín Polk
Q&A with Trustee Dyana Delfín Polk
October 17, 2024
Q&A with Trustee Nicky González Yuen
Q&A with Trustee Nicky González Yuen
October 17, 2024
The newly reopened Laney Cafeteria, packed with students, faculty, and staff, now offers burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.
Four years later, Laney Cafeteria reopens without free meals
September 20, 2024
Students walk through the Laney Quad.
Engaging a diverse student body: A stroll on the Laney College Quad
September 19, 2024
They conquered gloom and Zoom: 2024 college grads on what comes next
They conquered gloom and Zoom: 2024 college grads on what comes next
June 29, 2024
Armando Franco, BCC's new MESA Program Director, sits at his desk in a corner of the MESA center at BCC. The new program will offer support for low-income, first-generation students in STEM.
BCC’s new MESA director instills confidence in students
May 20, 2024
As College of Alameda searches for a new president, The Citizen searched for one of the college's former presidents. The late Jeanette Poore was the first woman to lead a community college in California.
CoA’s mystery woman: The forgotten legacy of the first female community college president in California
May 13, 2024
Carpentry instructor spruces up department
Carpentry instructor spruces up department
April 24, 2024
Deep dives
Investigation: Over half of PCCD conflict of interest disclosures nowhere to be found
Investigation: Over half of PCCD conflict of interest disclosures nowhere to be found
September 17, 2024
We asked PCCD for five years of conflict of interest disclosures, but only got half. Here's why an ethics expert is concerned.
The Citizen Investigates: International Travel
The Citizen Investigates: International Travel
July 25, 2024
Peralta has yet to establish a process to evaluate the costs and benefits of funding international travel. We combed through travel receipts, international student data, and district policy to find out.
The UC Berkeley chapter of End Overdose at Sproul Plaza in Berkeley on Jan. 23, 2024. The organization passes out free fentanyl test strips to students, and gives other organizations training on Narcan usage. (Photo: Juliana Yamada/CalMatters)
Narcan at California colleges: Are students getting overdose medication?
March 8, 2024
A California required campus health centers at public colleges and universities to arm students with free Narcan, but not all have followed suit.
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