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

The Citizen

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

The Citizen

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

The Citizen

Feature

Laney College Machine Technology students construct this high-powered reflector telescope as they progress through their training. The project teaches students how to create complex parts out of various materials using precise tools.

(VIDEO) Laney’s student-built telescope launches machining careers

The Laney Lunar Looker project is part of a "massive modernization" that recently took place within the college's Machine Technology program.
Desmond Meagley, Editor in Chief April 16, 2025
The Laney Lunar Looker is a telescope prototype that Laney College machining students build from scratch as a part of their career training. The Citizen's co-editor in chief Desmond Meagley spoke to Adam Balogh, Laney's Machine Technology department chair, to learn about how the telescope is built — as well as what opportunities his program provides for students who are seeking an education in a skilled trade.
Berkeley City College Multimedia Arts student Yunha Kim created the new owl mascot in collaboration with Marcus Creel, the district's graphic design specialist. (Owl and banner design via Yunha Kim and Marcus Creel. Used with permission.)

Berkeley City College arts student helps new mascot take flight

Native birds, Dungeons & Dragons and UC Berkeley all served as inspiration for Multimedia Arts student Yunha Kim's design.
Ian Waters, Staff Writer April 16, 2025
The owl is a popular symbol for representing knowledge and wisdom – now, it's the new mascot of Berkeley City College. BCC Multimedia Arts student Yunha Kim created the original owl design for the college in Dec. 2024.
The pieces shown in Clay, Paper, Wood are crafted by advanced Laney students across many mediums. The gallery offers a tranquil space in the center of Laney College’s campus.

Laney Art students get crafty in new gallery show

"Clay Paper Wood" melds Art and CTE student creations together in free multimedia exhibition
Emiliano Villa, Staff Writer March 10, 2025
Clay Paper Wood highlights ceramics, prints, and woodworks by Laney’s advanced student-artists, and features the works of over 20 Laney Ceramics, Printmaking, and Wood Technology students.
New CoA President wants to be a role model for students

New CoA President wants to be a role model for students

Melanie Dixon recounts her childhood in Portland and her transformation through community college
Ivan Saravia, Staff Writer December 12, 2024
“The experience and the opportunities that the two year [college] can provide ... allowed me to overcome poverty,” Dixon said.
Laney's student body president, Frida Veliz, wants to help connect students to the resources she didn't have access to when she first started college.

New ASLC President Builds Community

Frida Veliz wants campus and students to thrive
Gabriela Garcia, Staff Writer December 11, 2024
Veliz hopes that her legacy at Laney College will culminate in a cleaner, safer and more welcoming campus that encourages leadership from students.
Cheryl Lew has been an instructor in the Culinary Arts department since 2012 and was tenured in 2015. Her focus is on baking and pastries.

Multi-layered, highly decorated pastry chef Cheryl Lew brings culture and chemistry to Laney’s culinary department

Rym-Maya Kherbache, Staff Writer December 11, 2024
Lew, a Culinary Arts instructor at Laney College, believes that being a successful baker requires plenty of practice.
Laney Engineering Department Chair Mallory Barkdull tallies points as her students pit their soccer-playing robots against each other. The friendly tournament challenges contestants to learn design and coding skills through play.

Robot soccer teaches students nuts and bolts of engineering

Engineering students at Laney College get to have a ball while learning coding and design basics
Sam O’Neil, Staff Writer November 26, 2024
“This class is not like other classes where we just sit in the classroom listening to the teacher trying to give a lecture, but this class is actually hands on,” Wells said. “Everybody is always engaged.”
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 come to the center for information on where students can access vital services including counseling and academic assistance, or for a safe and quiet place to study.
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

Eliot Faine, Staff Writer November 3, 2024
Peralta's nightlife is thriving, particularly in the district office parking lot.
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

Oakland native Candice Nguyen holds power to account
Tamara Copes, Staff Writer November 1, 2024
Candice Nguyen recounted her journey from a tumultuous childhood to her current position as an investigative journalist for NBC Bay Area.
Who are Peralta’s student trustees?

Who are Peralta’s student trustees?

BCC students Sophia Parmigiani and Pierce Byrne want to bridge gaps between Peralta colleges
Sam O’Neil, Staff Writer October 31, 2024
Though they come from different backgrounds, Parmigiani and Byrne have both dedicated themselves to representing the large pool of voices and diverse needs of the student body.
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

Tamara Copes, Staff Writer October 25, 2024
Johnson has been an avid supporter of preserving the Party’s legacy on campus.
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