The Citizen

Oakland “Keller Fire” sparks Merritt College evacuation

Desmond Meagley, Associate Editor • October 19, 2024

A fire broke out Friday in the Oakland Hills, causing Merritt College to temporarily shut down and evacuate students and staff.

Merritt Librarian reimagines ‘alebrijes’ sculptor’s life in new picture book

Desmond Meagley, Staff Writer • May 30, 2024

Pixar fans may recognize the colorful creatures from the 2017 animated movie, Coco, but alebrijes have been a popular art form across the Americas for decades

Merritt’s new Cannabis Horticulture Certificate is about ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’

Desmond Meagley, Staff Writer • April 20, 2024

The new certificate aims to facilitate pathways into the legal cannabis industry, but until the department’s new Horticulture Complex is completed, the curriculum will be taught using “analogs” like tomato plants.

California Virtual Campus Exchange allows community college students to enroll in online classes statewide

Peralta open enrollment for regular session classes ends soon, but many late start classes will still be available

Ian Waters, News Editor • January 25, 2024

Although Saturday is the last day to enroll in a regular session class at Peralta Community College District (PCCD), students can still enroll in online classes at other community colleges in California through the California Virtual Campus (CVC) Exchange.

Meet Peralta’s student leaders

Four student body presidents discuss their backgrounds and aspirations

Satch Alvarez, Staff Writer • December 13, 2023

At each of the four Peralta colleges, student body government plays a substantial role in the shared governance structure, responsible for voicing the needs and concerns of the students at their respective...

Peralta Board of Trustees Brief: FabLabs, facilities, chancellor contract

Satch Alvarez, Sam O'Neil, and Ivan Saravia • November 29, 2023

The Peralta Community College District’s regular meeting of the Board of Trustees included public comments in support of funding for the FabLabs, a presentation on facilities issues, and the approval of the next chancellor’s contract.

Spring is free… again!

Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, Investigations Editor • November 28, 2023

PCCD is offering its districtwide “Spring is Free” initiative for the second year in a row. Tuition and fees will be waived for those who complete the requirements.

PCCD hosts virtual town hall meeting on public safety

Satch Alvarez and Sam O'Neil • September 30, 2023

Peralta Community College District (PCCD) officials hosted a virtual Public Safety Town Hall this Monday, presenting the results of a recent survey on campus safety and security results and answering questions...

Where students can get free food at the Peralta colleges

Ian Waters, Staff Writer • September 29, 2023

Students enrolled at each of the Peralta colleges can access free meals and groceries this fall, through various basic needs programs at each college. A valid Student ID with an updated semester sticker...

Peralta Colleges continue to offer incentives to students for spring semester

David Rowe, Associate Editor • February 15, 2023

After offering free tuition for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters, the four colleges making up the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) are offering cash payments in various amounts and...

Class of 2022 graduates look toward non-traditional commencements and celebrations to mark the end of their academic reign within The Peralta Community College District

The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) prepares for virtual and in-person celebrations for the graduating class of 2022. Each college will host its own commencement ceremonies and graduations to honor its students’ accomplishments.

Pamela Samuels, Staff Writer • May 22, 2022

As Spring 2022 will soon come to a close, the Peralta Community College District will host its Virtual Commencements and In-Person celebrations across the four campuses of Berkeley City College, College...

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...