The Citizen

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...

Gilkerson quells Pell grant fears during federal freeze: “This executive order does NOT impact your financial aid”

A White House memo mandating a freeze on all federal grants left students nationwide concerned about their financial aid.

Desmond Meagley, Editor in Chief • January 29, 2025

A pause on federally funded grants would not impact student financial aid, the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) informed students Tuesday. The district’s reassurance came during an uncertain moment for the future of publicly funded institutions nationwide.

New hybrid safety model proposed for Peralta Community College District

Peralta safety director suggests employing ‘sworn and non-sworn’ personnel

Ivan Saravia, Staff Writer • October 3, 2024

The proposed hybrid model is a new development in the district's efforts to restructure its approach to campus safety following the 2020 death of George Floyd. PCCD currently contracts with Marina Security Services to provide unarmed security districtwide.

Laney issues safety advisory after vehicle theft in parking lot

Li Khan, Editor in Chief • July 12, 2024

An individual was inside the vehicle when the passenger window was broken into, according to the statement.

Breaking: PCCD appoints former San Leandro police chief to Interim Executive Director of Public Safety

Abdul Pridgen will lead the district’s community-based safety program

Li Khan, Editor in Chief • June 21, 2024

Earlier this year, Pridgen left the San Leandro Police Department following an investigation against him.

VC of General Services retires

New security survey, search for PCCD General Counsel, and more announced today

Eliot Faine, Staff Writer • April 22, 2024

Interim Vice Chancellor of General Services, Atheria Smith, has retired effective April 19.

Knowledge Saves Lives to receive new contract for security study

Isabelly Sabô Barbosa, Social Media Editor • April 8, 2024

The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Board of Trustees is expected to vote tomorrow on a new contract with Knowledge Saves Lives (KSL) to conduct a districtwide “public safety feasibility study.” The...

Sunshine Week 2024: Spotlighting public records

A multi-year investigation into public records related to campus security, public funds, and more

Li Khan, Editor in Chief • March 17, 2024

As the news cycle churns on and current events beg for our attention, some public records that we obtain inevitably end up collecting dust in the corner. In honor of Sunshine Week, we’ve decided to dust off some of those records, and shed light on public information.

PCCD public safety director Tim Thomas pleads no contest, receives six months probation for battery charge

PRA update: Thomas ‘did not apply/request to work remotely’ on day of DUI/concealed carry charge, district says

Lylah Schmedel, Managing Editor • March 13, 2024

Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Executive Director of Public Safety, Tim Thomas, received a deferred entry of judgment at a disposition hearing March 6, for his misdemeanor case related to a...

PCCD Trustees to vote on $6 million Marina contract

$63.7 million amendment to BCC’s Milvia Street Expansion also on agenda

Sam O’Neil, Associate Editor • February 27, 2024

The Peralta Community College District (PCCD)’s Board of Trustees is set to vote tonight on a new $6 million contract with Marina Security Services (Marina), the private security firm currently contracted...

PCCD public safety director placed on leave pending resignation

Announcement comes hours after recent court hearing for battery case

Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, Managing Editor • February 14, 2024

Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson announced yesterday that she placed the district’s Executive Director of Public Safety Tim Thomas on leave pending resignation. The announcement came hours after Thomas’ recent court hearing, during which the presiding judge stated that an active warrant had been issued for Thomas’ arrest.

Thomas hearing rescheduled due to outstanding arrest warrant

Warrant stems from Thomas' failure to appear for Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program

Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, Managing Editor • February 13, 2024

A disposition hearing for the misdemeanor case against Tim Thomas, Executive Director of Public Safety for the Peralta Community College District, was rescheduled by the judge today, due to an outstanding...