Share: This semester PCC’s Sarafian Building or the U building has officially reopened to the public, with a variety of science classes already taking place inside. Faculty and students were asked about their opinions of the new building which prompted mixed reactions on the building and how moving the health sciences and natural sciences divisions classes were handled. Anatomy professor Teresa Trendler is currently only faculty member from department of anatomy division of natural science to have moved into the U building on the third …
Altadena sees guest dwellings as first step to rebuilding
Share: Altadena saw 17 percent of its structures destroyed in the Eaton Fire and 65 percent of those were single family homes. As residents begin navigating the difficult process of rebuilding, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) have become a way for wildfire victims to get through the biggest hurdle: starting. The 2021 HOME Act (SB-9) allows for single family homeowners to build a second residence, an ADU, on their property as well as splitting their lot into two equal parcels, according to Los Angeles County Planning. …
PCC community fights to rebound from Eaton Fire catastrophe
Share: Over 650 students and 100 employees at PCC have lost their homes due to the recent Southern California wildfires, and PCC has provided housing for 50 families during the recovery period. After the Eaton Fire broke out in Altadena on Jan. 7, 2025, only to be contained after 24 days of burning, Pasadena City College students and staff who were impacted by the fires have been fighting to regain a sense of normalcy. “More than a month has passed since one of the worst …
Faculty respond to ‘Dear Colleague’ warning letter from Department of Education
Share: A letter from The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to a range of educational institutions claims diversity programs violate federal law, prompting responses from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office and PCC’s faculty. On February 14th, the letter from the Office of Civil Rights titled “Dear Colleague,” was received by a variety of educational campuses, including community colleges. The author, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the DOE, Craig Trainor, asserts his expectation that campuses uphold Title IV within programs. However, in opposition …
State and local governments unite to give Altadena stable ground after Eaton Fire
Share: More than a month has passed since the devastating Eaton Fire tore through the region, and Altadena is now in the midst of a two phase plan to assist residents in rebuilding their properties through a rapid influx of government and local assistance. Los Angeles County Public Works and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are working in tandem to remove the debris left by the fire. Phase one where the EPA removes hazardous material from the area finished this week according to a press …
Finding the root of the tree removal problem at the mirror pools
Share: A construction site at Pasadena City College’s (PCC) Mirror Pools has raised questions among students and faculty after decades-old trees were removed from the landmark at the start of January. According to PCC spokesperson Alexander Boekelheide, the project aims to renovate the mirror pools, relocate pool pumps and other equipment beneath the main entrance of the Jack Scott building. “The renovation of the pools will consist of repairing cracks, replacing the coping caps, along with replacing and relocating all the pool equipment,” Boekelheide said …
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. …