The Citizen

Merritt College President David Johnson enjoys serving his community and says he is in here to stay

Johnson wants to retire as president if given the chance

Leticia Luna, Editor in Chief • May 3, 2022

As a small child, David Johnson used to play ball at the Merritt College campus. Born and raised in Oakland, Johnson’s earliest memories are a source of pride as he now returned to serve as president...

The Citizen staff wins Society of Professional Journalists’ James Madison Freedom of Information Award

Peralta Community College District’s only student-run publication was awarded for its transparency and consistency in reporting on Peralta’s security transitions

Leticia Luna, Editor in Chief • March 23, 2022

The 37th annual James Madison Freedom of Information Awards were announced on Wednesday, March 16th, by the Northern California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ Norcal). The...

Angélica Garcia: Afable, Carismática, y Latina

Leticia Luna and Maria Gomez Castro • December 13, 2021

December 13, 2021 Leticia Luna, Gerente de Redacción and Maria Fernanda Gomez Castro, Periodista de The Citizen (English version below) Afable, Carismática, y Latina - Angélica Garcia comparte...

A Letter to Peralta

Questions Have Been Raised About Our Work

Leticia Luna and Luke Wrin Piper • October 22, 2021

When, in 2019, an electrical failure occurred due to a rodent’s ambitious stroll around a transformer at the Laney College Student Center and F building, leaving the location closed for weeks until...

The Citizen presents: “On Campus During COVID-19: The Laney College Carpentry Department”

Leticia Luna, Social Media Editor • May 7, 2021

In our first video of the “On Campus During COVID-19” series, Leticia Luna, Social Media for The Citizen introduces viewers to the Laney College Carpentry Department, one of the first programs...

Peralta Board of Trustees announce Dr. Jannett Jackson as new Interim Chancellor

Board approves new Interim Chancellor in 7-0 vote during Tuesday’s meeting

Leticia Luna, Pamela Rudd, and Luke Wrin Piper • March 23, 2021

At the March 23rd Board of Trustees Meeting, Dr. Jannett Jackson was announced as the new Interim Chancellor for the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) to replace Dr. Carla Walter. During the...

Anita Black memorialized with high praise and scholarship

Longtime pillar of Merritt community remembered by colleagues

Leticia Luna, Social Media Editor • February 27, 2021

“Anita meant so much to so many. She touched the lives of so many colleagues, and especially her students, leaving her fingerprints of love, encouragement, hope and strength.” said Dr. Herbert...

Dr. Rudy Besikof set to lead at Laney

New president brings familiar face to 2021

Leticia Luna, Staff Writer • January 12, 2021

“I’m so fortunate to be this college’s president,” Laney College President Rudy Besikof said, expressing his appreciation to Laney College. Besikof has been acting as interim president...

A conversation with the College of Alameda’s new president

Leticia Luna, Staff Writer • December 30, 2020

“I want to be accessible! I will try as much as I possibly can to do that because it is important to me to understand what's on the hearts and minds of those that I serve,” Nathaniel Jones III,...

Peralta community spreads virtual holiday cheer

Leticia Luna, Staff Writer • December 18, 2020

It is finals week and we have all experienced many feelings with all that is going on on the planet this year, from a global pandemic to social injustice, extreme environmental catastrophes to stressful...

Campuses are closed, but their libraries aren’t: Where to find library resources

Peralta librarians talk ups and downs of working online

Leticia Luna, Staff Writer • October 13, 2020

From the safety of their homes, Peralta Community College District librarians are working hard to make resources available to the students within their community. A librarian's job typically revolves...