Eaton Fire: Classes resume as PCC picks up the pieces

Share: Pasadena City College (PCC) reopened its doors Monday, welcoming students and staff back to its campuses after a four-day closure due to the devastating Eaton Fire. While the college sustained only minor damage, the impact of the fire was visible across campus, and the broader community continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of California’s deadliest blazes. “Although Pasadena City College has sustained minor damage, our hearts and our prayers and our thoughts are with our greater community,” said PCC superintendent-president José A. …

Impacted by the Eaton Fire? Here’s how to drop your classes with a refund

Share: The Eaton Fire has devastated communities across Southern California, burning over 14,000 acres, displacing more than 100,000 residents, and destroying over 4,000 structures. Among those impacted are Pasadena City College (PCC) students, faculty, and staff. To support affected students, PCC has policies in place to allow students to drop winter session classes with a full refund, even if the refund deadline has passed. How to drop classes before January 12 Students still within their course’s refund deadline can withdraw from classes online through LancerPoint: …

Burn-out, containment, and WUI: A guide to firefighting lingo

Share: The Eaton Fire has already left a devastating mark on the region, scorching over 13,000 acres and destroying thousands of structures, including the homes of Pasadena City College (PCC) students and faculty. With containment at just 3%, according to CAL FIRE, firefighters are facing immense challenges as they battle the blaze. If you’re watching the news and scratching your head at some of the terminology used, you’re not alone. This explainer can help. Fuel: The source Fire needs fuel to burn, and in the …

Eaton Fire destroys homes of PCC students, faculty

Share: The Eaton Fire continues to wreak havoc across Pasadena and Altadena, burning 13,690 acres with 0% containment and destroying over 4,000 structures. Among those affected are several members of the Pasadena City College community. The fire, which has claimed the lives of five individuals, has forced more than 100,000 residents to evacuate, leaving many uncertain about their future. Students and faculty devastated Several members of the PCC community have lost their homes in the fire, including student Jose Gadea and his family of ten. …

Campus to remain closed through Sunday as Eaton Fire grows to over 10,600 acres

Share: Pasadena City College (PCC) will remain closed with all classes canceled through Sunday, Jan. 12, as the Eaton fire continues to devastate the region, Superintendent-President José A. Gómez announced Wednesday. “We have lost our peace,” Gómez said during a press conference. “Although Pasadena City College has sustained minor damage, our hearts and our prayers and our thoughts are with our greater community.” The college sustained damage from the ongoing windstorm, including loose exterior panels on several buildings, downed light poles and trees, scattered debris, …

Eaton Fire claims two lives as structures burn

Share: The fast-moving Eaton fire has claimed two lives and destroyed more than 100 structures, including homes and a historic synagogue, as it burns through Altadena and nearby communities, officials said Wednesday. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed the fatalities during a press conference. The fire, which began Tuesday evening near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive, has burned more than 2,000 acres and remains 0% contained. Pasadena City College remains closed due to unsafe conditions caused by the Eaton fire and high winds. …

Campus closed due to Eaton Fire, high winds

Share: Pasadena City College (PCC) campuses will be closed Wednesday, January 8, due to high winds, smoke, and hazardous commuting conditions caused by the rapidly spreading Eaton Fire in nearby Altadena, the college said in an email Tuesday night. “PCC will continue to monitor weather conditions and assess campus safety,” the email said. “We will provide updates as needed.” In-person classes will transition online, and students are advised to check for communication from their instructors regarding alternative arrangements. The decision comes as the Eaton Fire, …

PCC geography professors fund new scholarship from their own paychecks

Share: After years without dedicated financial support, geography students at Pasadena City College (PCC) are poised to benefit from a new scholarship, thanks to the initiative of the geography faculty. The PCC Geography Faculty Award is the brainchild of Dr. Rhea Presiado and her three geography colleagues, Dr. Hector Agredano, Professor Brennan Wallace, and Dr. Nikita Prajapati.  “Since our geography students currently have access to zero scholarships, we decided to pony up the funds out of our payroll,” Presiado said in an interview.  The four …

Forget to pay your tuition? Starting next semester, you could be dropped

Share: As Pasadena City College (PCC) wraps up the semester, students are preparing to register for classes under a new drop policy set to take effect next term. The updated policy introduces stricter payment deadlines that the college says are aimed at preventing fraud, reducing student debt, and increasing access to classes for committed students. The policy is a return to pre-COVID-19 practices, with some modifications to ensure clarity and flexibility. Under the new guidelines, students must pay for their classes on time or risk …

These vendors claim to work for the LA Times. The Times has never heard of them

Share: Pasadena City College (PCC) students have been targeted by individuals falsely claiming to represent the Los Angeles Times in an apparent scheme to sell unauthorized newspaper subscriptions. The perpetrators set up tables on campus, soliciting personal information and payment details while offering gift cards as incentives. According to the Los Angeles Times, the company has not authorized any staff or hired vendors to sell subscriptions on PCC’s campus. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Times said that the company generally does not conduct …