Laney Tower

Board approves AC Transit proposal

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Peralta Board of Trustees voted unanimously May 20 to fund a one-year pilot program with AC Transit that will subsidize the costs of bus passes for full-time students at its' meeting.
The Peralta Pass will be available to all full-time students enrolled in any of the four Peralta campuses.

ASLC election results-contested

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Despite alleged violations of the Peralta District's election code, a three-week postponement, and recent accusations of "corruption" by one presidential candidate, the Associated Students of Laney College (ASLC) elections took place May 6-7 in the Laney Student Center.

Bookstore prices investigated

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On college campuses these days, textbook prices are one of the hotest topics.
Research conducted by the Student Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG) and the U.S, Government Accountability Office (GAO) reveal that students are spending $900 per year for their textbooks; that's more than one year of community college fees in California.

'Queenie Pie' bursts with flavor

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While most of us could name Oprah Winfrey as the first black billionaire, few of us could name the first black millionaire. That honor goes to Madame C. J. Walker, who did it a century ago with a line of hair-care products for black women.
Born Sarah Breedlove in Delta, Louisiana, Walker was the first member of her family born free in 1867.

Recover from white supremacy

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Author, playwright, and poet Dr. Marvin X is a modern theologian and philosopher sent to earth to help other finds themselves. He's not a prophet, but is certainly beyond worthy of his Oakland bestowed title of "Plato."
His most recent book, "How to recover from the addiction to white supremacy: A Pan African 12-Step Model for a mental health peer group.

Honoring El Hajj Malik El Shabazz

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In honor of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X), the East Side Arts Alliance (ESAA) held the eighth Annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival Saturday May 17 at San Antonio Park in East Oakland. Fusing music, arts and crafts, and dance there was something for all.

Eagles finish third at State

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Candise Maxwell and Robyn Hunte won individual titles and the Laney 4x100-meter relay team also emerged victorious at the California Community College Track and Field Championships held May 16-17 at Cerritos College in Norwalk.

Preventing college shootings

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Peralta Police Deputies, Alameda Police Department (APD), and the Alameda County Sheriffs Office's (ASCO) Special Response Unites participated in an "active shooter" training on May 16 at COA. The "Simunitions training was designed to prepare safety officers to respond to a shooting on campus, similar to last year's Virginia Tech Massacre.

Baseball, swimming finish strong

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While one sport looks to get better, another rejoices.
Despite finishing in third place and reaching 20 wins in the past two seasons, the 2008 Laney College baseball team looks to improve by next year.
"This season went okay, not great, because our goal was to make the playoffs and win a championship, but we finished in third place with a record of 21-18 in the Bay Valley Conference," Coach Francisco Zapata said.

Food for Thought

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With this being the last issue for the 2008 Fall semester, I thought I would finish with a refreshing seasonal dessert. Rhubarb is one of those ingredients that I have fond memories of while growing up. My grandma makes phenomenal strawberry rhubarb pie during the summer, unfortunately, with my living here in California and her in Washington, shipping is inconvenient, and I don't visit often enough.

Tower Watch

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

"'Tis the end of the semester, and all through the campus/are deficiencies apparent, below our standards/armed with our cameras, and a mission of truth/the Tower watches, and shows it to you'

Peralta Police Reports

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Peralta Police Deputy Glenn Pace thwarted three juveniles who attemped to steal an car May 8 between 1:15 p.m. and 1:25 p.m. on Second Avenue.

Peralta travels to El Salvador

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A delegation of eight students and two faculty members traveled to El Salvador in March 2008.

Jack Scott appointed statewide Chancellor

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

California State Senator Jack Scott (D-Pasadena) was named the next state Chancellor by the Board of Governors for the California Community Colleges.

The California Community College Chancellor's Office oversees the 109-college system, the largest system of higher education in the world.

Honored to edit the Laney Tower

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Editor-in-Chief-big title and a lot of responsibility.
As I sit here listening to Dennis Richmond's last broadcast, I am reminded of my finite Tower existence. This is my last issue of the Laney Tower.
This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experience I've had during my time here at Laney.

Dry soil brings sorrow

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Here it is-mid-May, and the sun's rays have already begun their blazing descent onto our black-paved parking lots and reddening shoulders. All that rain-and the subsequent inconveniences of wet hair and indoor activities-which we hardly experienced this year, has dehydrated California into a near drought.

Gay marriage ban finally overturned

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Just last week, the California Supreme Court overturned the gay marriage ban! It will take 30 days for the overturn to take place. If it passes, California will be the second state, after Massachusetts, to legalize gay/lesbian marriage.

Letters to the Editor

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Editor-I have been at Laney College since June 17, 1997 when I transferred from the College of Marin. When I was a new comer on this campus, the educational programs seemed to be excellent except that there was a lack of tutors and computers because the school itself needed more funding to support our students.