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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
Student concerns persist following Lot 4’s recent elevator meltdown
Share: For weeks, the elevators in Pasadena City College’s Lot 4 parking structure have been malfunctioning, causing frustration for students and staff who rely on them to navigate the multi-level facility. PCC student Kacey Charbonnet lives with Patellofemoral pain syndrome in her left knee which creates irritation and pain when walking up flights of stairs. “It was a painful experience walking up the stairs,” said Charbonnet. “The elevators are very finicky and are inconsistent in their service,” Charbonnet decides to park on the 4th floor …
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 …