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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

PCCD

SEIU members pack the Board of Trustees regular meeting at the Peralta District Offices, Aug. 26, 2025.

Board hears union opposition during public comment and more at Aug. 26 Board meeting

Public comments focused on district security and a new payment schedule for campus facility rentals.
Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza and Ivan Saravia September 9, 2025
The Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees convened for their first meeting of the 2025 Fall semester on Aug. 26. During public comment, the board heard representatives for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) voice grievances on behalf of security workers and discussion of a new rental fees schedule for campus facilities.
Peralta Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson introduced her recommendation to merge Laney College and Merritt College at a recent district professional development day. Historically, Laney and Merritt were once two campuses of one school -- Oakland City College.

BREAKING: Peralta chancellor recommends merge between Merritt College and Laney College

In her FLEX day address, Gilkerson said the colleges may become “Oakland City College” in a move to “prune” and grow the district
Ivan Saravia, News Editor August 15, 2025
Peralta Community College District Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson announced Thursday that she will recommend that the Board of Trustees approve a merger between Laney College and Merritt College. Her announcement came during a staff development day for Peralta district personnel. 
Students walk through campus at Cabrillo College in Aptos on Dec. 7, 2023. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

A safety net for struggling colleges is expiring. Why the Bay Area will be hit hardest

This June, struggling California community colleges will stop getting yearly cost-of-living increases to their budgets. These increases have kept many districts, including Peralta, afloat for the past six years while community colleges adjusted to a new funding method based patrially on student performance.
Peralta seeks proposals for new security vendors

Peralta seeks proposals for new security vendors

The district says it will work with up to four new firms to deliver “community-based” safety and security services, in line with its new Holistic Safety and Wellness Plan.
Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza, Staff Writer May 30, 2025

The Peralta Community College District is looking for “one to four firms” to provide security across campus and district facilities. In its official request for proposals, the district writes that...

As a part of a tour of visits and study sessions at all four Peralta campuses, the Board of Trustees made their final stop at the College of Alameda.

April 22 Board Brief: College of Alameda highlights its academic programs and district enrollment trends

The college invited the Board of Trustees and the public to review its accomplishments
Romi Bales and Lylah Schmedel-Permanna May 28, 2025

The Peralta Board of Trustees convened at the College of Alameda (CoA) on April 22 where CoA showcased two of its programs and reviewed the annual student success and equity data report. CoA President...

The district announced a new app allows students to access campus security, emergency contacts and law enforcement with the touch of a button.

Peralta community members now have access to new safety and security app

New security app will help address safety concerns from students
Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza, Staff Writer May 3, 2025

The Peralta Community College District launched a new security app for students and community members in February. The PeraltaSafety app allows users to receive instant emergency alerts, report security...

Laney athletics members line up for their turn during public comment.

April 8 Peralta Board of Trustees Brief: students say no to cuts, resignation incentives approved, and 2025 Employee of the Year Awards

The district settles resignation incentives across various union groups as a way to save money in the long-run
Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza, Staff Writer April 22, 2025

The Peralta Community College District convened for a Board of Trustees Meeting on April 8, where several athletic department leaders, student-athletes, and cosmetology students showed up for a passionate...

The Board of Trustees listens intently as public comments are under way.

Peralta’s Board of Trustees vote to lay off 68 positions at 02/25 trustee meeting

The board voted unanimously to approve the cuts despite disapproval during public comment
Rachel Venable, Staff Writer March 15, 2025

Previously, at the Feb. 11 board meeting, Peralta Community College District classified professionals vehemently opposed the layoffs proposed to keep the district afloat.  The meeting agenda for Feb....

Abdul Pridgen sits down for a chat with The Citizen regarding public safety, how Peralta's security model currently works, and his plans for a new model.

Interview and security updates with Peralta’s Interim Executive Director of Public Safety Abdul Pridgen

Prigden speaks with The Citizen about his experience as a long-time police officer and a new proposal to form a Peralta-led police force through a “hybrid model”.
Stephon Autery, Staff Writer March 1, 2025

Over the past 30 years, the Peralta Community College District (Peralta) has undergone substantial changes to its security model which continues to evolve. The Citizen interviewed Peralta's recently appointed...

SEIU 1021 members carry protest signs decrying planned layoffs among Peralta employees. The district recently announced its intent to cut 68 positions across several departments, 44 of which are currently filled.

Proposed layoffs condemned during public comment at 2/11 Peralta trustee meeting

District Chancellor Gilkerson called the reductions in force a “survival strategy.”
Rachel Venable, Staff Writer February 20, 2025
Peralta’s classified employee union protested a recent budget proposal during the public comment portion of the Feb. 11 Board of Trustees meeting. Armed with purple signs and heartfelt comments, a small crowd of classified employees filled the Peralta Community College District boardroom to oppose the elimination of 33 classified positions.
(Photo by Li Khan/The Citizen)

PCCD to hold hearing on proposed layoffs

68 positions could be eliminated including administrative, classified, and more
Rachel Venable, Staff Writer February 10, 2025
The proposal includes the elimination of 44 positions that are currently staffed.
Faculty, classified employees, and administrators convened Friday to share ideas for how to repair the district's financial crisis in the long term. The district needs to make at least $11.5 million in cuts next year, but officials say a significant "reimagining" of the district is necessary to sustain the district in the long run.

PCCD is in crisis. Everything is on the table

Officials consider layoffs, college closures in light of repeated deficits
Li Khan and Rachel Venable February 1, 2025
"There will be impacts to employees," said Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson.
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