Incident Report Town Hall a first

Students tackle social crises after months of research and preparation for event

VICTOR RODRIGUEZ Roundup Reporter @vrodriguez2100

At an event based on a similar program at California State University, Chico, Pierce College held its first Town Hall meeting Friday where hundreds of students researched and discussed solutions to pressing social issues.

Before the May 1 event began, professors partnered with real world professionals to lead groups through talking points students had developed, which related to one of the six different topics. Topics covered were homelessness, climate change, immigration, gender equality, mental health, and disparities in the criminal justice system.

“It was pretty good, I learned a lot,” said Jacquelyn Lowe, an English major who participated in the gender equality section of the Town Hall. “I felt that the expert was helpful in engaging the whole classroom in a balanced discussion.”

Pierce president will not become vice chancellor

“I think we, the district office and everyone in it, have worked very hard,” Kimble said. “We’re all kind of rowing the boat in the same direction. So we are really hoping for the best.”

Before the chancellor’s statement rescinding the recommendation, Steve Springer, media contact for the LACCD, said that Burke was indeed considered as a replacement for Kimble, but that no decision had yet been made.

“As of now, she’s the only one they’ve talked to,” Springer said. “Nothing has been decided, and it would be premature to say what is going to happen.”

There is currently no definite timeframe for when a new vice chancellor would be appointed, and no other candidates have yet been put forward.

During the opening ceremonies, California state assemblyman Matt Dababneh, of the 45th district, delivered a brief speech in which he went over the underlying lessons the Town Hall was meant to teach.

“Unfortunately, too often young voters and students are left out of the decision making process,” Dababneh said. “Some of the ideas that I’ve gotten from my legislation this year came from students.”

Dababneh continued with a reminder of where the power stems from in a democracy.

“Elected officials have an ability to pass laws, and be in a position of leadership, and they are given that opportunity by the people they serve,” Dababneh said. “I serve all of you and I work for all of you.”

The event began outdoors at Rocky Young Park, where the the heat caused, students, instructors, experts and attendees to take refuge in the shade. After the brief opening ceremony, students prepared to engage in in-depth discussions and to look for practical solutions to integrate into society.

“I think that it helps students have applicable, hands-on experience, and be a part of the political community, whereas otherwise we could only have access to that information in theory and not through actual practice,” Lowe said. Event coordinator and associate professor of political science Denise Robb said she was happy with the overall turnout and plans to hold another Town Hall next year.

“I was impressed with the students I was impressed how they were interacting, the experts had a good time,” Robb said. “We’re gonna try and do it again next year, I made notes of all the things I did wrong. Just little things.”