The chair of the Art Department, Anna Vaughan, returned to campus Jan. 16 and was dismayed with what she found.

“There (was) garbage scattered everywhere (at the art building) — plus graffiti and a fire pit,” she wrote in an email to Laney administrators.

Vaughan pointed out that this area of the campus is highly visible to the public who use the walkway around Lake Merritt, possibly their first view of Laney, “giving the impression that Laney is not a safe or clean place to attend classes.”

Vaughan said that she and other faculty and students reported the condition of the art building last year but were not taken seriously.

“We desperately need security and more grounds keepers,” she said.

Vaughan got a positive response recently from Amy Marshall, director of facilities and college operations.

“Amy responded quickly and has been very helpful,” Vaughan added.

There is also the issue of room 135 in the Art Center.

“I have requested that it be cleaned throughout the semester,” Vaughn wrote, “and I have repeatedly informed the college of the cancer-causing danger of having dusty floors.”

Vaughan submitted photos with her email and, thanks to Marshall’s response, remains hopeful.

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