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

The Citizen
A neon sign on the Laney College Tower building lights up at dusk. The Tower houses the offices of administrators, counselors, and other Laney employees.
Besikof Leaves Laney
March 19, 2025
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
March 15, 2025
On Jan. 30, 2025, the Trump Administration issued two executive orders focusing on restricting trans and non-binary people from accessing gender affirming care and spaces. These executive actions have raised questions within the LGBTQ+ community at Peralta about what the colleges are doing to protect their students.
LGBTQ+ students are feeling “fear and hesitation” under Trump. What’s Peralta doing about it?
March 14, 2025
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
March 1, 2025
A sign reading 'No human is illegal' in the R-building at Merritt College. As of Jan. 21, ICE agents are now permitted on college campuses.
Merritt College updates its online resources for undocumented students after The Citizen finds outdated information from 2022
February 20, 2025
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
March 10, 2025
New CoA President wants to be a role model for students
New CoA President wants to be a role model for students
December 12, 2024
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
December 11, 2024
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
December 11, 2024
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
November 26, 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
March 10, 2025
Native American photographer Dugan Aguilar spent decades documenting the lives of Indigenous Californians through his camera lens. His collection of work is on display now at the Oakland Museum of Califoria. (Shown: “Mimi Mullen (Madiu) Grand Marshall,” 1997 Greenville Gold Digger Days Parade)
This Indigenous art exhibition is free for Laney students
January 27, 2025
A seven-year relationship ends in a tumultuous fight in Jeffrey Lo's "A Kind of Sad Love Story," performed live at the Laney Theater last month. Shown: Maya Wooten, Jesse Savoey
‘It started with an argument about bags’: Laney Theater performs A Kind of Sad Love Story
December 8, 2024
Merritt Librarian reimagines 'alebrijes' sculptor’s life in new picture book
Merritt Librarian reimagines ‘alebrijes’ sculptor’s life in new picture book
May 30, 2024
College of Alameda jazz professor Glen Pearson demonstrates his musical talent on his classroom piano. He's one of the newest members of the Count Basie Orchestra, a historic 18-piece jazz ensemble that took home a Grammy this year.
The humble Grammy-winning pianist leading CoA’s music program
March 4, 2024
Incumbent Area 2 Trustee Paulina Gonzalez-Brito, pictured here in The Citizen's newsroom, has what it takes to stay on the Peralta board for another four years.
EDITORIAL: Keep Paulina Gonzalez-Brito on the Peralta board
September 25, 2024
Staff Writer Desmond Meagley stands in the very spot where a security guard confronted him last month: the doorway of the men’s restroom in the Laney College Library. Meagley, who is transgender, tried to report the incident, but reached a dead end when an administrator told him he would need the security guard’s name.
The Catch-22 in AP 3435, Peralta’s Harassment Protocol
May 20, 2024
Social Media Editor Isabelly Sabô stands in front of the door to The Citizen's newsroom. Sabô is an international student from Brazil.
We’re not just ‘rich kids on vacation’: The journey of an international student
May 5, 2024
(Photo: Glen Carrie/Unsplash)
Student elections open today. Has voter information been ‘widespread’?
April 9, 2024
The state flag of California flies underneath the American flag on the west side of the Laney College campus. Behind, the Tribune Tower, which once housed Oakland's daily print newspaper, sits in the city skyline. Both California and the United States have open government laws that establish the public's right to information, but the Peralta Community College District consistently lags behind in comprehensively fulfilling requests for public information made by student journalists at The Citizen. (Photo: Li Khan/The Citizen)
We sued our district over public records and won. Here’s what we learned
February 22, 2024
The American Straight A Academy helped students in China receive transfer degrees from the Peralta Community College District without paying international tuition or setting foot in California. The for-profit company, registered in Dallas, Texas, has not disclosed how much students pay for the experience.
Investigation: A look at the for-profit Chinese business that sold Peralta classes overseas
October 30, 2024
Investigation: Over half of PCCD conflict of interest disclosures nowhere to be found
Investigation: Over half of PCCD conflict of interest disclosures nowhere to be found
September 17, 2024
The Citizen Investigates: International Travel
The Citizen Investigates: International Travel
July 25, 2024
Sunshine Week 2024: Spotlighting public records
Sunshine Week 2024: Spotlighting public records
March 17, 2024
The UC Berkeley chapter of End Overdose at Sproul Plaza in Berkeley on Jan. 23, 2024. The organization passes out free fentanyl test strips to students, and gives other organizations training on Narcan usage. (Photo: Juliana Yamada/CalMatters)
Narcan at California colleges: Are students getting overdose medication?
March 8, 2024
Peralta Community College District's only student-run publication.

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

The Citizen
Li Khan

Li Khan, Managing Editor

Li Khan believes in the power of student media to hold local institutions accountable. She’s followed up on California laws that put Narcan in the hands of college students and improved access to healthcare for part-time community college faculty. She’s a member of the CalMatters College Journalism Network, where she analyzes how changes to higher education policy trickle down from the Capitol to colleges and their constituents. Li holds a degree in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Dallas and hopes to incorporate that knowledge into data-centered reporting projects. 

When she scrapes together some free time, she loves going for walks, befriending local cats, and baking for her friends.

You can reach Li at [email protected].

All content by Li Khan
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.

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

Rachel Venable, Staff Writer
February 20, 2025
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
Dozens of community members weighed in on the timeline for selected a new Interim DA for Alameda County at the Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday. The board voted to extend the timeline by a week, after some speakers voiced concerns that the timeline felt "rushed."

Supes approve DA timeline; Royl Roberts eyes Interim DA role

Applications will open Wednesday and close Jan. 6
Li Khan, Editor in Chief
December 10, 2024
Photo Illustration by Li Khan/The Citizen

Who is Royl Roberts? Little-known Peralta veteran temporarily fills recalled DA’s shoes

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
December 6, 2024
Unofficial counts show Paulina Gonzalez-Brito is leading in the Peralta Community College District Trustee Area 2 race.

Election update: Brito leads in Area 2 race, votes still being counted

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
November 6, 2024
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.

[Photo] Peabody Award winner inspires students

Tamara Copes, Staff Writer
November 1, 2024
Peralta Community College District Trustee Area 2. Source: Draft map of Trustee Area Boundaries presented to the board on Feb. 08, 2022. Trustees approved the map on Feb. 22, 2022 with no changes.

Am I in Area 2? Here’s how to find out

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
September 24, 2024
New Student Trustee Pierce Byrne takes the oath of office at the Sep. 10 meeting of the Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees.

New student trustee, $325m budget and more at 9/10 meeting for PCCD trustees

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
September 24, 2024
Don't miss it: Public forums set for Area 2 Trustee candidates

Don’t miss it: Public forums set for Area 2 Trustee candidates

Both candidates confirm attendance for Monday
Li Khan, Editor in Chief
September 19, 2024
Investigation: Over half of PCCD conflict of interest disclosures nowhere to be found

Investigation: Over half of PCCD conflict of interest disclosures nowhere to be found

Lack of state-mandated forms 'raises some ethical questions about transparency,' expert says
Li Khan, Editor in Chief
September 17, 2024
Trustees and prospective challengers have four days left to secure a spot on the November ballot.

No challengers yet for incumbent Peralta trustees

Candidates have four days left to secure spot on ballot
Li Khan, Editor in Chief
August 5, 2024
Lylah Schmedel-Permanna (left) and Desmond Meagley (right) have been selected for the CalMatters fellowship.

CalMatters picks two Citizen journalists for notable fellowship

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
August 2, 2024
A rendering of what a renovated Laney Theater could look like one day. The $29 million project is on hold until the state approves designs for a functional fire alarm system for the aging campus. (Source: BuildPERALTA website)

Big money is being spent to upgrade Peralta’s facilities. How’s it going?

Trustees get update to $945 million bond program
Li Khan, Editor in Chief
July 29, 2024
Sharon Serrano overviews Peralta's $945 million bond program, which funds many much-needed repairs and facilities upgrades across the district.

Bond update, student trustee vacancy, and new blue phones at 6/25 meeting for trustees

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
July 29, 2024
Travel Story

[Photo] The Citizen Investigates: International Travel

Lylah Schmedel-Permanna, Managing Editor
July 25, 2024
A blue phone in the Laney College parking lot. District officials are advising community members to take precaution in parking lot areas after a recent vehicle burglary.

Laney issues safety advisory after vehicle theft in parking lot

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
July 12, 2024
PCCD offices. (Photo: Li Khan/The Citizen)

Board bears down on budget at 6/11 meeting

District faces $11.2 million deficit
Romi Bales and Li Khan
July 10, 2024
Students discuss their work in class at the MESA center at American River College on April 25, 2024. (Photo: Cristian Gonzalez/CalMatters)

California boosts spending to help students earn math and science degrees

Li Khan, via CalMatters
July 9, 2024
They conquered gloom and Zoom: 2024 college grads on what comes next

They conquered gloom and Zoom: 2024 college grads on what comes next

Li Khan and The CalMatters College Journalism Network
June 29, 2024
Breaking: PCCD appoints former San Leandro police chief to Interim Executive Director of Public Safety

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
Staff Writer Desmond Meagley stands in the very spot where a security guard confronted him last month: the doorway of the men’s restroom in the Laney College Library. Meagley, who is transgender, tried to report the incident, but reached a dead end when an administrator told him he would need the security guard’s name.

[Photo] The Catch-22 in AP 3435, Peralta’s Harassment Protocol

Desmond Meagley, Staff Writer
May 20, 2024
Social Media Editor Isabelly Sabô stands in front of the door to The Citizen's newsroom. Sabô is an international student from Brazil.

[Photo] We’re not just ‘rich kids on vacation’: The journey of an international student

May 5, 2024
IMG_7522

[Photo] Carpentry instructor spruces up department

Rym-Maya Kherbache, Staff Writer
April 24, 2024
San Mateo district passes on Besikof

San Mateo district passes on Besikof

SMCCCD to appoint incumbent chancellor Melissa Moreno
Li Khan, Editor in Chief
April 15, 2024
Sunshine Week 2024: Spotlighting public records

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
The UC Berkeley chapter of End Overdose at Sproul Plaza in Berkeley on Jan. 23, 2024. The organization passes out free fentanyl test strips to students, and gives other organizations training on Narcan usage. (Photo: Juliana Yamada/CalMatters)

Narcan at California colleges: Are students getting overdose medication?

Li Khan, via CalMatters
March 8, 2024
Breaking: Acting CoA President Diana Bajrami to step down, return to faculty

Breaking: Acting CoA President Diana Bajrami to step down, return to faculty

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
March 6, 2024
Journalism chair to serve on ‘Pillars of Democracy’ panel

Journalism chair to serve on ‘Pillars of Democracy’ panel

Eleni Gastis will speak alongside Oaklandside EIC on strengthening democracy through education
Li Khan, Editor in Chief
March 5, 2024
The state flag of California flies underneath the American flag on the west side of the Laney College campus. Behind, the Tribune Tower, which once housed Oakland's daily print newspaper, sits in the city skyline. Both California and the United States have open government laws that establish the public's right to information, but the Peralta Community College District consistently lags behind in comprehensively fulfilling requests for public information made by student journalists at The Citizen. (Photo: Li Khan/The Citizen)

We sued our district over public records and won. Here’s what we learned

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
February 22, 2024
Tony Claar, an animation instructor at Laney College, passed away at 74. (Photo: Li Khan/The Citizen)

At annual student artwork showcase, Graphic Arts Department honors recently deceased instructor

‘Visual fiesta’ closes with a dedication to Tony Claar, animation instructor
Li Khan, Editor in Chief
January 24, 2024
(Graphic: Li Khan/The Citizen)

How $11.2 million in state funding led to a $6.2 million deficit for PCCD

A semester-long push and pull regarding cost-of-living raises culminated in budget cuts to address a $6.2 million deficit.
Sam O’Neil and Li Khan
December 25, 2023
(Graphic by Li Khan/The Citizen. Photo: Feng Yu/Shutterstock)

The Citizen Investigates: PCCD Vendor High Performance Learning Environments

The construction consulting firm has ties to two past controversies at school districts in Southern California surrounding allegations of bribery and fraud.
Lylah Schmedel-Permanna and Li Khan
December 12, 2023
(Graphic made with free Canva image by Li Khan/The Citizen)

The Citizen launches new website

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
November 16, 2023
Denise Richardson to be permanent BCC President

Denise Richardson to be permanent BCC President

Li Khan, Editor in Chief
October 13, 2023
Meet the three finalists for BCC President

Meet the three finalists for BCC President

Li Khan, Sam O’Neil, and Ian Waters
October 3, 2023
Fall is Free Again at Peralta Colleges

Fall is Free Again at Peralta Colleges

Li Khan, Associate Editor
April 20, 2023
Paulina Gonzalez-Brito appointed as Area 2 Trustee

Paulina Gonzalez-Brito appointed as Area 2 Trustee

Vote affirmed following random selection method
Li Khan, Associate Editor
March 15, 2023
PCCD Board remains deadlocked over trustee appointment as deadline approaches

PCCD Board remains deadlocked over trustee appointment as deadline approaches

Li Khan, Associate Editor
March 2, 2023
PCCD board deadlocked over trustee appointment

PCCD board deadlocked over trustee appointment

3-3 split after vote confusion, item carries to Feb. 28 agenda
Ian Waters and Li Khan
February 25, 2023
Peralta Community College District begins search to fill board vacancy

Peralta Community College District begins search to fill board vacancy

Li Khan, Staff Writer
February 6, 2023
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