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Laney College printmaking instructor makes lasting impression; student work on display at SFO Museum

Shared Impressions: Printmaking from Laney College is now on display until April 25, 2027.

Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza, Associate Editor • May 2, 2026

“I think people will always come back to these processes,” Echevarria said about the physicality of making art, “people have been painting for hundreds [and] thousands of years with dirt.”

Philip Jucaban brings bayanihan into counseling Laney students

For Jucaban, Filipino American History Month – which is celebrated annually in October – offers an opportunity for reflection with a "critical lens."

Dustin Chu, Staff Writer • October 29, 2025

“At first, I didn’t understand the difference between heritage and history,” Jucaban said. “But heritage is what you choose to celebrate. History is everything: the good and the painful. We have to look at it with a critical lens.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Q&A with Trustee Dyana Delfín Polk

Berkeley rep wants Peralta to 'explore additional revenue sources' to avoid cuts

The Citizen Staff • October 17, 2024

Polk, a political organizer and campaign consultant, represents the Berkeley and Oakland hills and parts of North Oakland.

Q&A with Trustee Nicky González Yuen

Longtime board member is hopeful about new administration: 'Things are actually just getting fun'

The Citizen Staff • October 17, 2024

Yuen, a political science instructor at De Anza College, is running uncontested for his sixth term on the Peralta Community College District’s governing board.

BCC’s new MESA director instills confidence in students

Armando Franco reflects on journey from first-generation college student to experienced mentor

Ivan Saravia, Staff Writer • May 21, 2024

Armando Franco leads BCC's program for first-generation, low-income students in STEM. Like the students he guides, Franco is a first generation college graduate who once dreamed of a career in a STEM-related field.

Carpentry instructor spruces up department

Matthew Wolpe found his passion for building in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Now he wants to inspire students

Rym-Maya Kherbache, Staff Writer • April 24, 2024

Newly tenured instructor Matthew Wolpe’s path brought him to Laney College, where he has whittled his creative passion into teaching students about building and carpentry.

Student Trustee Natasha Masand finds her voice

Isabelly Sabô Barbosa, Social Media Editor • March 19, 2024

Natasha Masand used to be shy in high school, and didn't always feel like she “fit in.” But at Peralta Community College District (PCCD), Masand found her voice. “Being a student trustee changed...

The humble Grammy-winning pianist leading CoA’s music program

Jazz professor Glen Pearson performs with legendary Count Basie Orchestra, which took home a Grammy this year

Desmond Meagley, Staff Writer • March 4, 2024

Seated at his piano in room G-119, between stacks of papers and cardboard boxes, Glen Pearson effortlessly hammers out snappy blues melodies with the flick of a wrist for his jazz ensemble students. His...