Incident on Laney Campus 8/17/23

Dear Laney Community:

Yesterday at approximately 1 PM, there was an incident involving battery on a Laney College employee on campus in the upper G area in one of the restrooms. At present, district safety has a heightened presence on campus.  Furthermore, there is positive identification of the suspect, and an investigation is going forward.  That said, persons having additional information should contact Tim Thomas or Amy Marshall (copied).

 As we are returning to campus and experiencing more foot traffic, please exercise caution in public areas. Wherever possible, a good precaution is to travel on campus with at least one other person and exercise special caution in more restricted, closed areas such as restrooms. 

If you see or experience any potentially dangerous or hazardous situation, please notify district campus security at (510) 466–7236, as that number is answered 24 hours a day.   Also, please note that I have copied both Tim, Thomas and Amy Marshall with District public safety on this message, and you may email them directly if you wish.

We have a great semester ahead of us, but I ask during this time that you please be careful when you are on our campus.

Sincerely,

Rudy Besikof

Laney College President

COVID-19 Notification for District Office Employees – August 18, 2023

Dear District Office Employees:

We learned earlier today that an employee working at the District Office has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was here at the office yesterday, August 17, 2023. Because of privacy laws, we cannot identify the particular employee. The contract tracing team has been notified and will be contacting individuals who may have come into close contact with the individual.

The health and well-being of our community is our highest priority. Being vaccinated, masking when appropriate, and following other recommended safety protocols such as washing your hands and covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough will help to mitigate its spread.

If you develop flu or other symptoms including dry cough and fever, please contact your medical provider and do not come to the office. As a response to protecting everyone’s health and safety, this message serves as notification in accordance with state laws.

Please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty, and staff.

Stay safe and healthy!

Mark

Mark Johnson
Executive Director
Department of Marketing, Communication & Public Relations
Peralta Community College District

Merritt College Public Safety Announcement—8/8/22

Good evening, Merritt Community.

I am writing to inform you that yesterday afternoon there was a report of a vehicle stolen from the parking lot adjacent to the Childcare Center (Lot A). Marina Security/Public Safety obtained video of the suspect's car and they are following up with OPD. I also plan to meet with Director of Public Safety Thomas to discuss additional measures we can take to improve campus safety.

I will share additional details as they become available. In the meantime, please report any suspicious activity you observe to Campus Public Safety at (510) 466-7236.

Take care and please be alert.

David

David M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President
Merritt College

Mask Policy Update

Dear Peralta Community,

This message is an update regarding the Peralta Community College District COVID masking and vaccination policies.

As many of you know, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared the end of the COVID-19 emergency in the state of California effective February 28, 2023. USA President Joseph Biden declared the end of the federal government's COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023.

Masking

Per our policy to follow Alameda County Public Health Department guidelines, and based on discussions with union leaders, it is agreed that with immediate effect masks will become optional on Peralta Community College District (PCCD) property and will no longer be required. People may choose to mask at any time. Some caveats apply:

• Faculty members can require masks to be worn in their class provided that requirement is included in the course syllabus.

• An individual with a personal office can require others to wear a mask when in that person’s individual office space.

PCCD remains committed to protecting the health and safety of students and employees on our campuses. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as outlined in the PCCD COVID-19 Prevention Plan (CPP), we have been following the guidance of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD).

Alameda County requires masks to be worn indoors when the COVID-19 Community Level is medium or high but that is not the case currently in Alameda County, where the level is low and has been low now for many months. Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, when the community level is low, masks are not required but people may choose to mask at any time.

People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should stay at home and not come onto campus.

Should circumstances change in Alameda County we will let you know but for now the Peralta Community College District remains fully in alignment with CDC, CDPH, and ACPHD recommendations by making masks optional on our campuses beginning July 2023.

Vaccination Policy

The PCCD Vaccination Policy remains unchanged, however, the District will no longer be committing resources to the enforcement of the policy. As of Monday, July 24, 2023, employees are no longer required to submit the daily COVID status questionnaire via PeopleSoft HCM. Students are no longer being instructed to provide their vaccination status via PeopleSoft Campus Solutions. The message indicating that student vaccination is required before entering campus property is being withdrawn from CANVAS, PeopleSoft, and Safe Peralta.

This update brings PCCD into alignment with the other Bay Area community college districts, none of which require student vaccinations or masking for campus access.

As always, for the latest information on COVID-19 at the Peralta Community College District, please visit the Safe Peralta website at https://safe.peralta.edu.

Thank you and be well,

Dr. Ronald McKinley
Interim Vice Chancellor of Human Resources and Employee Relations

Laney College Timely Notice to Campus - June 26, 2023

Dear Laney Community:

I am writing to inform the college community of a death that took place near the Laney campus over the weekend. Police on Saturday found a male who had been dead for an indeterminate amount of time in one of the vehicles on 8th Street. The Alameda County Sheriff’s determined the individual to be deceased, and per policy, no further information can be released at this time, though it can be confirmed that the individual in question was neither a student nor a Laney/Peralta employee.

Individuals having further questions may contact the Peralta Colleges’ Director of Public Safety or the Alameda County Sheriff Coroner’s Office.

Sincerely,

Rudy Besikof, Ed. D.

Laney College President

Laney College COVID-19 Update

Dear Laney Community: 

Earlier today the College learned of an individual on the Laney campus who has tested positive for COVID-19. They were last at Laney on April 25th and tested positive yesterday.

Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, this individual will remain off campus for at least five days from the date of the positive test result and may return once they are no longer symptomatic.   As the positive results were from individuals occupying a portion of the upper F area, the area in question has been identified for immediate cleaning and sanitization by Facilities and Campus Operations and cleaning will take place within 24 hours.  If you have questions, please contact your supervisor.  Additionally, information about these positive tests has been/will be forwarded to the County.

While privacy guidelines preclude me from providing additional descriptive information, please know that the PCCD Office of Human Resources and well as Risk Management and General Services have been apprised of the positive test result so that they can notify the Alameda County Public Health Department and Cal/OSHA. In compliance with our district guidelines, I will continue to report COVID-19 cases as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe and informed. 

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines to protect your health and those around you.  They are as follows:   

• The mandatory masking policy remains in place for all indoor parts of the Laney campus and Peralta property, with instructors allowed to set masking expectations in their classes, with employees having similar options within their own private workspaces.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.  

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.  

• If you have medical questions, please contact your health care provider. Students with concerns can contact the Roots Clinic at (510) 533-1248 (please provide your student ID during the call).          

• If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19 related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, your Vice President, or me.  Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible. 

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates should there be further developments.     

Please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community, including testing availability through the four college campuses and the PCCD office.    

We appreciate everyone continuing to do their best to support our students and colleagues.  

Thank you and take care.

Rudy

RJ Besikof

Rudy Besikof, Ed. D.

Laney College President

900 Fallon Street

Oakland, CA  94607

Phone:   (510) 464-3236

Email: rbesikof@peralta.edu

Website:  laney.edu

Laney College COVID-19 Announcement - April 28, 2023

Dear Laney Community:

Earlier today the College learned of an individual on the Laney campus who has tested positive for COVID-19. They were last at Laney on April 25th and tested positive yesterday.

Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, this individual will remain off campus for at least five days from the date of the positive test result and may return once they are no longer symptomatic. As the positive results were from individuals occupying a portion of the upper F area, the area in question has been identified for immediate cleaning and sanitization by Facilities and Campus Operations and cleaning will take place within 24 hours.  If you have questions, please contact your supervisor. Additionally, information about these positive tests has been/will be forwarded to the County.

While privacy guidelines preclude me from providing additional descriptive information, please know that the PCCD Office of Human Resources and well as Risk Management and General Services have been apprised of the positive test result so that they can notify the Alameda County Public Health Department and Cal/OSHA. In compliance with our district guidelines, I will continue to report COVID-19 cases as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe and informed. 

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines to protect your health and those around you. They are as follows:   

• The mandatory masking policy remains in place for all indoor parts of the Laney campus and Peralta property, with instructors allowed to set masking expectations in their classes, with employees having similar options within their own private workspaces.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.  

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.  

• If you have medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Students with concerns can contact the Roots Clinic at (510) 533-1248 (please provide your student ID during the call).          

• If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19-related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, your Vice President, or me.  Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible. 

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates should there be further developments.

Please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community, including testing availability through the four college campuses and the PCCD office.

We appreciate everyone continuing to do their best to support our students and colleagues. 

Thank you and take care.

Rudy

Rudy Besikof, Ed. D.

Laney College President

COA COVID-19 Notification - April 18 2023

Hello COA community,

We learned that one of our community members tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 over the weekend. The individual was last on COA facilities on April 13, 2023. They complied with PCCD policy regarding masking and vaccination. While we cannot identify the individual who tested positive for the virus because of privacy laws, we are following up as required. We did inform the district of this exposure and the district will follow the appropriate procedures. Those individuals concerned about the possibility of being exposed should get tested and follow up with the healthcare provider.

The health and well-being of our community are our highest priority, and your active practicing of masking, vaccination, and other COVID-19 prevention measures work to mitigate its spread.  If you develop flu or other symptoms including dry cough and fever, please contact your medical provider and do not come to campus. As a response to protecting everyone’s health and safety, this message serves as notification in accordance with state laws.

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state, and local Health Department Guidelines to protect your health and those around you.  They are as follows: 

• Abide by the guidelines established by the County of Alameda Health Department.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.

If you have medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Please visit Safe Peralta for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community.

If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19-related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, supervising Vice President, or me as soon as possible.  Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible.

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates as appropriate. 

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep our community healthy and safe.

Warmly,

Diana

Dr. Diana Bajrami
Acting President
College of Alameda

Laney College COVID-19 Announcement - April 7, 2023 (#2)

Dear Laney Community:

Yesterday the College learned of an individual on the Laney campus who has tested positive for COVID-19. They were last at Laney on April 4th.

Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, they have remained off campus and will do so for at least five days from the date of the positive test result and may return once they are no longer symptomatic. As the positive results were from individuals occupying a portion of Lower B, the area in question has been identified for immediate cleaning and sanitization by Facilities and Campus Operations and cleaning has already taken place. If you have questions, please contact your supervisor. Additionally, information about these positive tests has been/will be forwarded to the County.

While privacy guidelines preclude me from providing additional descriptive information, please know that the PCCD Office of Human Resources and well as Risk Management and General Services have been apprised of the positive test result so that they can notify the Alameda County Public Health Department and Cal/OSHA. In compliance with our district guidelines, I will continue to report COVID-19 cases as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe and informed.

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines to protect your health and those around you. They are as follows:   

• The mandatory masking policy remains in place for all indoor parts of the Laney campus and Peralta property, with instructors allowed to set masking expectations in their classes, with employees having similar options within their own private workspaces.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.  

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.  

• If you have medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Students with concerns can contact the Roots Clinic at (510) 533-1248 (please provide your student ID during the call).          

• If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19-related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, your Vice President, or me.  Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible. 

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates should there be further developments.

Please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community, including testing availability through the four college campuses and the PCCD office.

We appreciate everyone continuing to do their best to support our students and colleagues. 

Thank you and take care.

Rudy

Rudy Besikof, Ed. D.
Laney College President

Laney College COVID-19 Announcement - April 7, 2023 (#1)

Dear Laney Community:

Today the College learned of an individual on the Laney campus who tested positive for COVID-19. They were last at Laney on April 6th.

Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, they have remained off campus and will do so for at least five days from the date of the positive test result and may return once they are no longer symptomatic. As the positive results were from individuals occupying a portion of Upper B and the Laney Tower, the areas in question have been identified for immediate cleaning and sanitization by Facilities and Campus Operations and cleaning is taking place right now. If you have questions, please contact your supervisor. Additionally, information about these positive tests has been/will be forwarded to the County.

While privacy guidelines preclude me from providing additional descriptive information, please know that the PCCD Office of Human Resources and well as Risk Management and General Services have been apprised of the positive test result so that they can notify the Alameda County Public Health Department and Cal/OSHA. In compliance with our district guidelines, I will continue to report COVID-19 cases as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe and informed. 

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines to protect your health and those around you. They are as follows:   

• The mandatory masking policy remains in place for all indoor parts of the Laney campus and Peralta property, with instructors allowed to set masking expectations in their classes, with employees having similar options within their own private workspaces.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.  

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.  

• If you have medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Students with concerns can contact the Roots Clinic at (510) 533-1248 (please provide your student ID during the call).          

• If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19-related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, your Vice President, or me.  Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible. 

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates should there be further developments.

Please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community, including testing availability through the four college campuses and the PCCD office.

We appreciate everyone continuing to do their best to support our students and colleagues. 

Thank you and take care.

Rudy

Rudy Besikof, Ed. D.
Laney College President

COA COVID-19 Notification - April 5, 2023

Hello COA community,

We learned that one of our community members tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 at the end of the last week. The individual was last on COA facilities on Monday, March 27, 2023. They complied with PCCD policy regarding masking and vaccination. While we cannot identify the individual who tested positive for the virus because of privacy laws, we are following up as required. We did inform the district of this exposure and the district will follow the appropriate procedures. For those individuals concerned about the possibility of being exposed, they should get tested and follow up with the healthcare provider.

The health and well-being of our community are our highest priority, and your active practicing of masking, vaccination, and other COVID-19 prevention measures work to mitigate its spread.  If you develop flu or other symptoms including dry cough and fever, please contact your medical provider and do not come to campus. As a response to protecting everyone’s health and safety, this message serves as notification in accordance with state laws.

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state, and local Health Department Guidelines to protect your health and those around you.  They are as follows:

• Abide by the guidelines established by the County of Alameda Health Department.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.

If you have medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Please visit Safe Peralta for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community.

If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19-related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, supervising Vice President, or me as soon as possible.  Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible.

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates as appropriate.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep our community healthy and safe. 

Warmly,

Diana

Dr. Diana Bajrami
Acting President
College of Alameda

Merritt Campus Closure March 29th and 30th

Greetings Merritt Community:

The campus will be closed on Wednesday, March 29th and Thursday, March 30th because of construction work. The college will be without water on those two days while we address some pipeline issues associated with our new building projects. While faculty and students do not have classes during Spring Break next week, classified staff members and administrators are expected to be on campus on March 27th and March 28th, and to work remotely on March 29th and March 30th. The entire District will be closed on Friday, March 31st in observance of the Cesar Chavez holiday.

We will work with Executive Director Mark Johnson and the Public Information Office to inform our students and the community of this closure. We will also reach out to Public Safety Director Tim Thomas so that appropriate steps are taken to secure the campus.

Please contact my office with any questions or concerns you have.

Best.

David

David M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President
Merritt College

Chancellor's Announcement: Severe Weather in Alameda County

Dear Peralta Community,

The National Weather Service has issued both a flood watch and a wind advisory that took effect this afternoon (Thursday, March 9, 2023) for areas including the Peralta Community College District.  Both notices are in effect through tomorrow (with the flood watch extending to March 12th).  As a result of these weather conditions, I am recommending that employees who can do their jobs remotely work from home tomorrow, Friday, March 10, 2023. If you have questions about your status, please consult your supervisor.  I have advised leadership at the colleges and district office to have non-essential staff work remotely.  

Alameda County resources are available at https://www.acgov.org/emergencysite/ and https://www.acgov.org/ready/flood.htm. 

National Weather Service information about Oakland and surrounding areas is available here.   

We will continue to keep you posted via email announcement and via Safe Peralta at https://safe.peralta.edu regarding additional weather-related updates.  

Please stay safe and look out for one another. 

JANNETT N JACKSON, PhD

Interim Chancellor

COA COVID-19 Notification - March 7, 2023

Hello COA community,

We learned that one of our community members tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The individual was last on COA facilities on Thursday, March 2, 2023. They complied with PCCD policy regarding masking and vaccination. While we cannot identify the individual who tested positive for the virus because of privacy laws, we are following up as required. We did inform the district of this exposure and the district will follow the appropriate procedures. For those individuals concerned about the possibility of being exposed, they should get tested and follow up with the healthcare provider.

The health and well-being of our community are our highest priority, and your active practicing of masking, vaccination, and other COVID-19 prevention measures work to mitigate its spread.  If you develop flu or other symptoms including dry cough and fever, please contact your medical provider and do not come to campus. As a response to protecting everyone’s health and safety, this message serves as notification in accordance with state laws.

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state, and local Health Department Guidelines to protect your health and those around you. They are as follows:

• Abide by the guidelines established by the County of Alameda Health Department.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.

If you have medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Please visit Safe Peralta for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community.

If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19-related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, supervising Vice President, or me as soon as possible.  Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible.

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates as appropriate.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep our community healthy and safe.

 Warmly,

Diana

Dr. Diana Bajrami
Acting President
College of Alameda

Laney College COVID-19 Announcement - March 7, 2023

Dear Laney Community:

Yesterday the College learned of an individual who was on the Laney campus who has tested positive for COVID-19. They were last at Laney on March 5.

Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, they have remained off campus and will do so for at least five days from the date of the positive test result and may return once they are no longer symptomatic. As the positive results were from individuals occupying a portion of the area and buildings connected to Athletics, the areas in question were identified for immediate cleaning and sanitization by Facilities and Campus Operations. If you have questions, please contact your supervisor. Additionally, information about these positive tests has been/will be forwarded to the County.

While privacy guidelines preclude me from providing additional descriptive information, please know that the PCCD Office of Human Resources and well as Risk Management and General Services have been apprised of the positive test result so that they can notify the Alameda County Public Health Department and Cal/OSHA. In compliance with our district guidelines, I will continue to report COVID-19 cases as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe and informed. 

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines to protect your health and those around you. They are as follows:

• The mandatory masking policy remains in place for all indoor parts of the Laney campus and Peralta property, with instructors allowed to set masking expectations in their classes, with employees having similar options within their own private workspaces.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.

• If you have medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Students with concerns can contact the Roots Clinic at (510) 533-1248 (please provide your student ID during the call).

• If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19-related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, your Vice President, or me. Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible. 

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates should there be further developments.

Please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community, including testing availability through the four college campuses and the PCCD office.

We appreciate everyone continuing to do their best to support our students and colleagues. 

Thank you and take care.

Rudy

Rudy Besikof, Ed. D.
Laney College President

Merritt College COVID-19 Exposure Notice: February 28, 2023

Good evening, Merritt Community.

I am writing to inform you that this evening we learned that an individual tested positive for COVID-19. Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, this person will remain off campus for at least five days from the date of the positive test result (which was today) and may return once they are no longer symptomatic. The person reported that they were on campus earlier today. Those who we know were in contact with this individual will be notified.

While privacy guidelines preclude me from providing additional descriptive information, please know that the PCCD Office of Human Resources has been apprised of the positive test result so that they can notify the Alameda County Public Health Department and Cal/OSHA. In compliance with our district guidelines, I will continue to report COVID-19 cases as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe and informed.

For the most up-to-date information and resources for students, faculty/staff, and the community, I encourage you to visit https://safe.peralta.edu/.

Thank you and take care.

David

David M. Johnson, Ph.D.
President
Merritt College

District COVID-19 Update

Dear District Office Employees:

We were notified yesterday that an employee who was working at the District Office tested positive for COVID-19. The last date the employee was in the office was Thursday, February 23, 2023. Because of privacy laws, we cannot identify this particular employee. 

The health and well-being of our community is our highest priority, and your active practice of masking, being vaccinated, taking daily COVID assessments via the PeopleSoft Employee Health Tracker at https://hcm.peralta.edu when coming to campus, and other COVID-19 prevention measures work to mitigate its spread.  

If you develop flu or other symptoms including dry cough and fever, please contact your medical provider, and do not come to the office. As a response to protecting everyone’s health and safety, this message serves as notification in accordance with state laws.

Please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty, and staff.

Ronald McKinley, PhD, MBA, SPHR 
Interim Vice of Chancellor Human Resources & Employee Relations 

Peralta Community College District 

333 East 8th Street Oakland CA 94606  

rmckinley@peralta.edu| (510) 587-7883 

Safe Peralta: COA COVID-19 Notification February 8, 2023

Hello COA community,

We learned today that one of our community members tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The individual was last on COA facilities yesterday, February 7, 2023. They complied with PCCD policy regarding masking and vaccination. While we cannot identify the individual who tested positive for the virus because of privacy laws, we are following up as required. We did inform the district of this exposure and the district will follow the appropriate procedures. For those individuals concerned about the possibility of being exposed, they should get tested and follow up with the health care provider.

The health and well-being of our community is our highest priority, and your active practicing of masking, vaccination, and other COVID-19 prevention measures work to mitigate its spread. If you develop flu or other symptoms including dry cough and fever, please contact your medical provider and do not come to campus. As a response to protecting everyone’s health and safety, this message serves as notification in accordance with state laws.

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state, and local Health Department Guidelines to protect your health and those around you. They are as follows:

• Abide by the guidelines established by the County of Alameda Health Department

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC

If you have medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Please visit Safe

Peralta for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for

students, faculty/staff, and the community.

If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19-related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, supervising Vice President, or me as soon as possible. Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible.

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates as appropriate.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep our community healthy and safe.

Warmly,
Diana

Dr. Diana Bajrami
Acting President
College of Alameda

Laney COVID-19 Notice

Dear Laney Community:

Yesterday the College learned of an individual who was on the Laney campus who has tested positive for COVID-19. They were last at Laney on February 2. 

Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, they have remained off campus and will do so for at least five days from the date of the positive test result and may return once they are no longer symptomatic.   As the positive results were from individuals occupying a portion of Eagle Village, the area in question has been identified for immediate cleaning and sanitization by Facilities and Campus Operations and cleaning has already taken place.  If you have questions, please contact your supervisor.  Additionally, information about these positive tests has been/will be forwarded to the County.

While privacy guidelines preclude me from providing additional descriptive information, please know that the PCCD Office of Human Resources and well as Risk Management and General Services have been apprised of the positive test result so that they can notify the Alameda County Public Health Department and Cal/OSHA. In compliance with our district guidelines, I will continue to report COVID-19 cases as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe and informed. 

We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines to protect your health and those around you.  They are as follows:   

• The mandatory masking policy remains in place for all indoor parts of the Laney campus and Peralta property, with instructors allowed to set masking expectations in their classes, with employees having similar options within their own private workspaces.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.  

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  

• Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.  

• If you have medical questions, please contact your health care provider. Students with concerns can contact the Roots Clinic at (510) 533-1248 (please provide your student ID during the call).          

• If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19 related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, your Vice President, or me.  Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible. 

As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates should there be further developments.  

Please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community, including testing availability through the four college campuses and the PCCD office.  

We appreciate everyone continuing to do their best to support our students and colleagues. 

Thank you and take care.

Rudy

Rudy Besikof, Ed. D.

Laney College President

900 Fallon Street

Oakland, CA  94607

Phone:   (510) 464-3236

Email: rbesikof@peralta.edu

Website:  laney.edu

Leadership Statement on Monterey Park Shooting

Dear Peralta Community,

Welcome to the Spring 2023 semester. Today should be a day of celebration for students returning to our colleges’ to continue their educational goals and to avail themselves of our outstanding instruction and support services. Today should also be an opportunity for us to celebrate the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Rabbit. And we do celebrate these events! But this week, we also fly our flags at half-staff at the campuses in solidarity with US President Joe Biden and our federal government, in memory of the lives lost and people injured at the tragic shooting yesterday at Monterey Park in southern California. Monterey Park is home to one of the largest Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in America, many of whom were celebrating the Lunar New Year along with loved ones and friends this weekend. The impact of this tragedy reaches our very own community, as many of our colleagues, students, and community members are mourning, during a time that should be filled with celebration.

We emphatically condemn such violence and again call for additional legislation regarding gun control. Our legislators in Washington D.C. must act to curb easy access to firearms, which will save lives and avoid these tragedies that are far too common. We call upon the United States Senate to consider HR-8, a bipartisan bill that passed the House in 2019 and again in 2021, which would require background checks for those wanting to purchase guns. You can contact members of the U.S. Senate to voice your demands here: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm.

Peralta Community College District has counseling services available for both students and employees. For links to your campus contact, visit https://www.peralta.edu/health-services/. Peralta employees have access to free, confidential counseling -- including grief counseling -- through our Employee Assistance Program administered by MHN. Please call MHN toll-free at 1-800-535-4985, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; TDD callers can dial 1-800-327-0801.

All of us have seen tragedy at some point in our life; and although some events are more profound than others—it does not lessen the impact that it has on our psyche and our soul. As trite as it sounds, life must still go on. And while we can’t--and shouldn’t--put this behind us as if it doesn’t matter, we should also remember that our actions -- like those in Monterey Park, where bystanders thwarted another attack that would have caused further harm -- bring hope, inspiration, and education to those around us. Regardless of the circumstances that occur, all of us are special people. If you see something, say something..., and if appropriate, do something! The Peralta Public Safety switchboard is at (510) 466-7236 while for emergencies, call 911.

Stay vigilant and be safe.

In Solidarity,

Dr. Jannett N. Jackson, Interim Chancellor, Peralta Community College District

Dr. Angélica Garcia, President, Berkeley City College

Dr. Diana Bajrami, Acting President, College of Alameda

Dr. Rudy Besikof, President, Laney College

Dr. David M. Johnson, President, Merritt College