California Architects Board Meets at Laney College

On August 21, 2025, Laney College was honored to host the California Architects Board public meeting at the BEST Center. The statewide regulatory body oversees the licensure and practice of architects in California and gathered to discuss legislative updates, licensing matters, and national professional standards.

As part of the agenda, Laney Architecture Department Chair Barry Yu delivered a presentation highlighting the college’s Architecture program, its successes, and its role in preparing the next generation of architects. Hosting the meeting reinforced Laney’s visibility as a hub for architectural education and community partnership.

Laney President Joins Oakland Rotary Club

Laney College Interim President Rebecca Opsata was honored to be inducted into the Oakland Rotary Club, alongside Merritt College President David Johnson. Both were sponsored by long-time Laney supporter John Claassen, pictured with them at the ceremony.

Rotary provides a unique space to connect with leaders across industries—building bridges between education, business, and civic life.

President Opsata’s membership will help strengthen Laney’s partnerships in the community, creating opportunities for internships, mentorships, scholarships, and career pathways for students, while further elevating Laney’s role as a driver of talent and innovation in Oakland.

Laney at Oakland Chinatown StreetFest

Laney College proudly participated in the 36th Oakland Chinatown StreetFest on August 23–24, 2025, an event that annually draws more than 60,000 visitors. At the Laney APASS table, David Lee, Director of the APASS/AANAPISI Program, and Joan Su, Staff Assistant for APASS, joined student ambassadors Loan Le, Mai Nguyen, Jiewen Deng, XiaoXia Xie, Shuqin Liu, Kima Sanduijav, Nar Suurinburneebaatar, and Nasanjargal Nyamragcjaa to engage with hundreds of community members interested in courses and programs at Laney.

“Over the two-day event, our ambassadors and staff connected with hundreds of Chinatown and community residents,” said David Lee. “The visibility and support APASS provides every year is invaluable to forging closer ties between the community and Laney College.”

This year, Interim President Rebecca Opsata was also invited to speak from the main stage, underscoring Laney’s deep and lasting connection with Oakland Chinatown.

Eagle’s Nest Pantry Expands Support, Serving 350 Students Weekly

The Eagle’s Nest Pantry continues to be a vital resource for students, serving an average of 350 students each week. The pantry provides essential food and basic resources to support student well-being and academic success.

Under the leadership of Katrina Santos, Basic Needs Project Manager, the pantry operates on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 3:00–5:00 p.m., ensuring accessible hours that meet the needs of students throughout the week. A snazzy new shelving system was built by Laney Wood Technology students.

Laney Students Inform Statewide Design for Reentry Housing

Designing Justice + Designing Spaces (DJDS), an Oakland-based nonprofit architecture and design firm, recently showcased its Mobile Refuge Rooms at the Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt Design Museum. These innovative transitional housing units—created to support individuals reentering the community after incarceration— were first prototyped in 2019 with input from formerly incarcerated Laney College students.

Their contributions helped shape critical features of the design, from privacy-centered layouts to multipurpose furniture, ensuring the rooms provide dignity and healing rather than replicating carceral environments.

This national recognition underscores Laney’s role in advancing community-based, justice-oriented design.

Laney College Welcomes New UCRC Coordinator

Laney College is proud to announce that Aissata Camara has joined the team as the new Undocumented Community Resource Center (UCRC) Coordinator.

Aissata is a Laney College alumna and UC Berkeley graduate with extensive experience supporting immigrant communities through legal and social services. In her previous role with the African Advocacy Network in San Francisco, she worked closely with clients navigating complex immigration processes and policies, building a strong foundation for supporting undocumented students and their families here at Laney.

Aissata’s leadership further strengthens Laney College’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and ensuring undocumented students have the resources and support they need to succeed.

STOKED: National Exhibition of Wood-Fired Ceramics

Laney College is hosting STOKED, a national juried exhibition of wood-fired ceramics on view until December 5, 2025. A reception took place on Saturday, September 6, from 4–6 p.m.

Juried by artist and educator Scott Parady, Director of Cobb Mountain Art and Ecology Project and Ceramic Faculty at CSU Sacramento, the exhibition features functional and sculptural works by 36 artists from across the United States, representing both emerging voices and leading innovators in the field.

The exhibition title, Stoked, reflects both the act of stoking a wood kiln and the energy of community that fuels this centuries-old practice. Wood firing is highlighted not only as a technique but also as a collaborative, philosophical approach rooted in patience, intention, and shared effort.

Laney College Awarded $158,300 Battery Curriculum Regional Joint Venture Grant

Laney College has been awarded the Battery Curriculum Regional Joint Venture grant in the amount of $158,300. As the fiscal agent, Laney will lead a regional effort to develop a modular battery curriculum that can be integrated into electronics, mechatronics, maintenance, and other advanced manufacturing programs.

The initiative will also support the creation of a battery technician apprenticeship program, preparing students for high-demand clean energy careers in the region. This work is expected to benefit more than 450 students over the next two years, with broader impact as the curriculum is scaled statewide and nationally.

Laney Eagles Football Season Kicks Off

The Laney College Eagles have launched their 2025 football season, and we look forward to welcoming our community to cheer on the team throughout the fall. The first home game of the season took place on Friday, September 5, against Butte College at 5:30 p.m. on the Laney College Football Field.

Home games this season:

• September 19 vs. Monterey Peninsula College
• October 10 vs. Foothill College
• October 24 vs. San Jose City College
• October 31 vs. Diablo Valley College (Sophomore Night)

Laney College encourages students, faculty, classified professionals, alumni, and community members to join us in showing their Eagle pride as we celebrate another exciting season!

Gateway to College Expands Support for High School Students

Gateway to College at Laney College is serving 104 concurrently enrolled high school students this semester, including 46 new Foundation students. A successful Welcome Event brought together over 70 students to connect with faculty, staff, and peers.

In partnership with the Workforce Division, the program is launching a CTE Exposure Initiative to provide hands-on learning and career-connected experiences. Additional programming includes pathway workshops, events, and a field trip to UC Merced to highlight transfer opportunities.

The program is led by William Ochoa, Director of Gateway to College.