About
The Citizen is the student-run publication of the Peralta Community College District. We are reclaiming the word “citizen” to be inclusive of ALL members of the Peralta community. At the same time, we embrace all of the differences that make us unique.
Our publication is made up of staff who are enrolled in our Journalism 18 course, News Production.
For more information – or if you are wondering if journalism is a right fit for you – don’t hesitate to contact department chair Eleni Gastis at [email protected]
Our Mission
To amplify community voices while holding those in power accountable. To foster the growth of student journalists while giving full representation to our complex and diverse community. To provide current, balanced reporting — rooted in truth and clarity.
We believe in the importance of local coverage. Our reporting focuses on the Peralta Community College District and the surrounding community.
Our Advisor
As per the Journalism Education Association, the role of a publication advisor is to:
- Empower students to make decisions of style, structure and content by creating a learning atmosphere where students will actively practice critical thinking and decision-making.
- Encourage students to seek divergent points of view and to explore a variety of information sources in their decision-making.
- Support and defend a free, robust and active forum for student expression without prior review or restraint.
- Emphasize the importance of accuracy, balance and clarity in all aspects of news gathering and reporting.
- Show trust in students as they carry out their responsibilities by encouraging and supporting them in a caring, learning environment.
Content reported and published by The Citizen is 100% in the purview of students and upholds the Supreme Court’s landmark Tinker vs. Des Moines ruling.
Bio
Eleni Economides Gastis’ journey began at Laney College. She transferred to San Francisco State University in 2004, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and International Relations. After working for a few years as a reporter for the Bay Area News Group and the San Francisco Examiner—where she covered local governments, culture and crime—Eleni returned to San Francisco State University for a master’s in English Composition and a Certificate in Teaching Postsecondary Reading.
Eleni started teaching at Laney College as adjunct faculty in 2011 and got her dream full-time position there in 2015. Initially serving as English faculty and co-chair of the English department, Eleni became journalism department chair and took over Peralta’s only student-run publication, The Laney Tower, in August 2019. She embarked on a full-scale rebranding of what would become The Citizen, successfully revitalizing the department to increase enrollment, form a top-notch advisory committee, overhaul curriculum to mirror industry demand and remodel the journalism lab to become an inviting space for students.
In addition to her work in the journalism and English departments, she has served as the Laney College Academic Senate President, and is the co-coordinator for the college’s Guided Pathways initiative. Eleni is passionate about teaching students to advocate for themselves and their communities through writing. She believes every student should be supported and uplifted during the learning process, and shudders when she thinks about students who aren’t. When she isn’t at Laney, she enjoys spending time in Greece with her family and nerding out about all things journalism.
Journalism students harness the true power of democracy, rooted in free speech and the landmark protections of Tinker vs. Des Moines, as they afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.
You can reach Eleni Economides Gastis at [email protected]
Our Policies
The Citizen strives to uphold the standards of professional journalism. You can read more about our policies here.
