LIVE UPDATES: The latest from City College amid COVID-19 concerns

City Times staff writers report on the latest developments affecting campus and the surrounding community.

City College

May 15, 9:48 a.m.

Mental Health Center host Zoom support meetings

The Mental Health Counseling Center is now offering daily social hours for City College students.

This is an opportunity to join other students and peer mentors for unstructured daily hours. Students can use this time to ask questions and have a conversation with Active Mind chapter leaders.

These meetings will be conducted on Zoom during these times:

Monday 12-1 p.m.
Tuesday 5-6 p.m.
Wednesday 4-5 p.m.
Thursday 3-4 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Connecting During Quarantine is another program where students from City College, and their families, are welcome.

This is a weekly opportunity to join other students and share ideas with the mental health staff. These support meetings include topics about anxiety, self-care and more.

The meeting will be conducted via Zoom on Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

To learn more and to get the Zoom IDs, click here.

– Isai Figueroa


May 13, 1:20 p.m.

Vote now for ASG by email

The Associated Student Government is currently having elections for president, secretary and senators.

Here is a link to meet the candidates and learn about their goals, if they get elected.

This year’s elections will take place via email. In order to vote a link will be sent to all enrolled students, who can then select the candidate they desire.

A forum was held for the candidates to answer questions regarding their plans for the upcoming academic year and how they plan on helping students.

For more on the forum, visit https://sdcitytimes.com/campus-life/2020/05/13/city-college-student-government-candidates-share-vision-in-forum/.

– Isaac Limon


May 12, 10:30 p.m.

SDCC opens up Wi-Fi lot

City College has opened up a parking lot with free Wi-Fi available to students.

The lot is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located in lot 5.

Lot 5 is located on the corner of C and 16th St.

A parking permit, student ID or schedule is required for students to enter the parking lot.

Students will leave an empty space in between vehicles while being parked and they are able to park in both student and staff marked spaces.

Occupants must remain in vehicles and restrooms; other on-campus services will not be available.

Campus police will monitor the parking lot and it is recommended to park closest to buildings for the best reception.

– Ben Williams


May 11, 6:35 p.m.

Mental health consultations available to students by phone and video

The Mental Health Counseling Center at San Diego City College launched video conferencing services for enrolled students during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Services start by requesting a phone screening. Once a request is received, students will be scheduled for a phone consultation that will determine if counseling through video chat is a good fit.

Counselors consist of licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists.

Hours for spring semester are Monday and Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Click here to get started.

– Sophia Traylor


May 7, 11:18 p.m.

City to host workshops to help students find employment

San Diego City College Job Placement Services has announced three new workshops to help students find employment opportunities amid the pandemic.

The virtual workshop on the Hidden Job Market in San Diego will be hosted on May 19 at 10 a.m. Another workshop on Trending Jobs will take place May 26 at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is available in the embedded links.

The workshop on Networking and Securing Employment is already available on their YouTube channel.

In addition to these workshops, students can access the College Central Network to look for jobs with partnered employers. Click here for remote job openings.

– Alex Gomez


May 6, 6:54 p.m.

The difference between isolation and quarantine

There are key differences between an isolation and a quarantine that are important to know as areas begin changing their policies.

People who are in isolation are sick and need to stay home and separate themselves from other people, or their family members, because they are a risk. Anyone who is sick at home should isolate themselves in a specific room. For more information on isolating, visit COVID home isolation instructions.

A quarantine separates and restricts any people who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of the virus; including people who are not showing symptoms. Visit the home quarantine guidance to learn more.

– Luz Jaimes


May 2, 2:30 p.m.

CSU waived the ACT and SAT for the 2021-2022 academic year

The California State University  has removed the ACT and SAT test for admission for all of its 23 campuses for the 2021-2022 academic year.

If you are a California resident or a graduate of California high schools you must meet a 2.50 or greater GPA. If you are an out-of-state resident you will need a 3.0 minimum.

These new requirements are the same for all CSU campuses that use a higher admissions criteria.

CSU may use higher GPA requirements, but standardized test scores will not be used to evaluate applicants for the 2021-2022 academic year.

– Isai Figueroa


May 1, 4:12 p.m.

Newest edition of City Times newspaper available online 

City Times Digital Edition - April 2020

The newest edition of the City Times newspaper is now available online at issuu.com/sdcitytimes.  

Due to the campus closure caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the usual way of distributing print editions among students is no longer viable, so the City Times team put this edition straight to digital. 

The top stories include details about relief funds received from the CARES Act, commencement updates, and a discussion on emergency response from the California Community CollegeChancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley. 

Check out the newest edition of the City Times for free and stay updated with what’s happening at City College here.

– Ben Williams


April 30, 5:50 pm

City College Math Center continues tutoring students through Canvas

The San Diego City College Math Center is helping students who have struggled with their online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MC Tutoring is being offered through Canvas, accompanied by MC tutors who can assist students with any questions they may have about their math courses.

Tutors are available during regular operational hours: Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

If any students have the need to enroll in math center tutoring, students have to enroll themselves here using their Canvas login information.

These math services are free of charge, and all San Diego City College students are welcome.

– Isai Figueroa


April 29, 4:31 pm

City College is asking students for Commencement recommendations

A Commencement questionnaire was sent out to graduating students via email on Monday, April 27.

The Commencement ceremony was originally scheduled for May 22 but was later postponed, according to a message from SDCCD Chancellor Constance Carroll.

City College expressed the importance of celebrating graduates’ achievements with their friends and families as they shared their concerns.

Although the decision on whether the ceremony will take place in-person or virtually has yet to be made, the school has already provided options which include: a live-stream ceremony, a graduation video, a special acknowledgement package, a ceremony held during fall or a joint ceremony with the class of 2021.

The school is taking recommendations as to how class of 2020 can be recognized. “Your voice is important to us as we make an informed decision,” the school wrote in the email sent along with the survey.

– Elisabeth Vermeulen


April 28, 7:05 pm

SUBIR Dreamer Resource Center continues online

City College’s SUBIR Dreamer Resource Center is continuing their support for undocumented students.

If students have concerns about their programs, the center created an online platform called Ask City where students can ask questions and give recommendations.

The center will continue offering free immigration consultations with lawyers from Jacobs and Schlesinger LLP. Students have to meet with counselor Noel Puga to submit a one-on-one appointment request. Counseling sessions are available Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Students who are facing challenges securing food or housing and think that this may affect their class performance may contact their professor, visit the Office of Student Affairs in M-200 or the Students Health Center in A-180.

Click here to see their upcoming events and programs.

– Isai Figueroa


April 27, 6:12 pm

Mental Health Counseling Center offers support for Spanish speaking students

The Mental Health Counseling Center presents Viviendo Con Positividad, a new social support group for Spanish speaking students.

The group will help Spanish speaking students build connections, express their ideas and share their experiences on various topics in a safe environment. They will meet every Wednesday via Zoom from 12-1 p.m. starting April 20, ending on May 25.

Counselors will be conducting the group primarily in Spanish. Topics include: positive psychology, reframing thoughts, mindfulness and healthy relationships.

For any students interested in participating in the event, the Zoom ID is listed on the San Diego City College website here. For any further questions, email the Mental Health Counseling Center at [email protected].

– Jovani Juarez


April 24, 2:33 pm

City College Art Gallery hosts virtual gallery online

Due to social distancing measures, the San Diego City College Art Gallery will now be hosting their gallery online for everyone to enjoy.

“Abstract Link” is a six person art exhibition, “…curated to bring together diverse, abstracted styles and various media such as acrylic painting, collage, ink drawing, calligraphy, ceramics and metal casting,” according to their YouTube page.

Artists include Stanton Hunter, Yoonchung Kim, Peter Mitten, Kyungja Oh, Ann Marie Rousseau and Jane Wells.

– Jovani Juarez


April 23, 7:30 pm

ASG elections continue online

It’s spring semester, which means the Associated Student Government of City College is electing a new board for the next school year, and students can vote online to make their voices heard.

An email from Student Services announced the information along with a list of candidates.

Among the candidates are Destiny Gallegos-Munoz running for ASG President, Isamar Mejia running as ASG Secretary, and Diego Cuadros, Marie Migambi, Victoria Boahemaa Owusu and Nicolas Ruvalcaba running for ASG Senator. 

Read about the candidates that are running here.

An ASG Candidates Forum to meet the candidates is being prepared so that students can ask questions and bring up important matters about life at City College. ASG is asking students to submit their questions in advance to ASG Advisor Lori Oldham at [email protected] by Friday May 1.

A link to the forum will be available May 8 on the ASG website where viewers can watch the candidates answer questions and deliver their opening statement.

Elections will be held May 13-14 via an email from the district that contains a link to vote. The process takes a few minutes.

Results will be posted on May 26 by 3 p.m.

– Scott Gardinier


April 22, 5:55 pm

Chicano Park celebrates 50 years

Chicano Park has been a part of the San Diego City College Community for decades. This year, the community celebrates the 50 anniversary of the park. 

Honoring the day was state assemblyperson Lorena Gonzalez, who shared a thread on the history on Twitter.

In Gonzalez’s post, she celebrated the efforts of Mario Solis, a San Diego City College student and Brown Beret member whose efforts brought the park into existence 50 years ago today. 

Solis rallied local students and residents to form a peaceful protest on a parking lot being built where Chicano Park now stands.

All celebrations previously planned for the coming weekend have been canceled due to the current COVID-19 precaution, as reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Look back: Chicano Park Day 2018, story and photo gallery

Look back: Chicano Park Day 2013, print edition of the City Times

– Marlena Harvey


April 10, 3:49 p.m.

On-campus tutoring goes online

San Diego City College is has announced it is taking its services online to support students learning.  

Students can now receive online tutoring services in a variety of subjects, including the sciences, math and languages. For weekly tutor schedules, visit here.

Online tutoring will be held using Zoom. It will allow you to meet with a tutor to help strengthen subject comprehension.

To begin your online tutoring session, visit https://etutoringonline.org/login. Students can enroll after creating an account.

For further questions or concerns, call 619-388-3685 or email [email protected].

 Valerie Vizcarra


April 9, 10:39 p.m.

Immigrant support programs, resources change during pandemic

A number of organizations that  work directly with students who are undocumented, DACA or immigrants have announced changes during the coronavirus pandemic.

To read this below information in Spanish, click here.

The United States Customs and Immigration Service is temporarily closing its offices across the country through May 4. Biometrics appointments have been postponed and will be rescheduled after USCIS reopens.

This means the renewal process for DACA and any changes in status will be delayed.

Organizations like United We Dream recommend submitting applications of renewal sooner than the recommended timeline from USCIS. This will allow applications to arrive at USCIS in time for the initial process to begin as soon as the office reopens. 

Even with the quarantine, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection will continuing deportations. Know Your Rights information is available here in different languages.

Link: Know your rights when asked about immigration status, ACLU

Additionally, if you are applying for unemployment, here is a great resource. If you are a student or community member who lost your job,  you can apply to this emergency fund.

For the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program, you can apply here. If you need food assistance, you can go to Side Food Distribution List or Youth Assistance Coalition.

–  Isai Figueroa


April 9, 1:13 p.m.

District updates COVID-19 grades, refund policies

San Diego City College announced in an email sent to students recent updates regarding grading and refunds for college students due to COVID-19.

The pass/no pass deadline has been extended to May 8, 2020,.Students can access this option using mySDCCD. For help, click here.

If a student withdraws or is dropped from a class by faculty between March 9 and May 8, students will receive an excused withdrawal (EW) with a notation of COVID-19.

If your status is switched to In Process (IP), it means work will be completed later due to missing equipment that meets the course requirements.

Students with unfinished assignments will also be notified if they have an Incomplete (I) at the end of the semester. Professors will notify you of the make-up sessions when it is permitted.

Refunds will be processed for EW grades between March 9 to May 8, and payments will be refunded via check and mailed to your address of record. To verify or update your address, visit mySDCCD.

The bookstore will accept returns of supplies and books one week after campuses re-opens. For more information help or questions, visit here.

 Valerie Vizcarra


April 2, 2:37 p.m.

Are you getting the $1,200 from the government?

As news of a stimulus package and a possible $1,200 check makes headlines, getting accurate information about how it will impact City College students can be challenging.

Congressperson Susan Davis sent out an email this week to constituents, answering the most-asked questions about the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as CARES.

Who qualifies for the $1,200 rebate? (Answer: There is no simple answer.) Will individuals be taxed on the money? (Answer: No, it is not taxable.) Do rebates need to be repaid? (Answer: No, they don’t have to be repaid.)

Davis says the money will support families and small businesses. To read the full Q&A, visit Davis’ website at https://susandavis.house.gov/homepage/coronavirus.htm.

– Chris LeFall


April 1, 4:59 p.m.

San Diego City College’s commencement postponed

Spring 2020 commencement ceremonies will be postponed to summer or fall with a possibility that it may be recast in a digital format, depending on the evolution of the COVID-19 situation.

This follows a statewide restriction of the assembly of large groups of people and the need for the school to give appropriate notice to vendors who provide the academic regalia and other items for the events. Commencement was originally scheduled for May 22.

Students have urged the district not to cancel commencement but, “concerns about health and safety must prevail,” wrote Chancellor Constance M. Carroll in an email. 

Graduation applications will still be processed. Spring graduates should expect their diplomas to be mailed out by early August, while summer graduates will receive theirs by October.

For more district updates on the COVID-19 situation, visit sdccd.edu/coronavirus.

– Gabriel Schneider


March 29, 12:02 p.m.

Student health available during campus closure

Students who worry about not having campus resources available for student health and mental health can access those online.

No on-campus, in-person services are available in the Student Health Center until further notice, according to the City College website on Sunday.

The Student Health Center is instead offering an online form for students to complete using this link. It is recommended students should not share confidential information because the form is not fully secure.

Messages and emails received by the office are checked at regular intervals during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. pm Monday through Thursday from and on Friday until 12:30 p.m.

Students will be assessed, and depending on the situation, staff can offer a virtual meeting using a secure version of Zoom.

Students can reference the following resources:

  • For medical and nursing referrals, call 619-388-3450.
  • For mental health referrals, call 619-388-3055.
  • In case of a mental health emergency, call 888-724-7240, or 911, or text “COURAGE” to 741-741

– Isaac Limon


March 27, 10:50 p.m.

City College sends survey to students 

San Diego City College administrators sent an email asking students to take an online survey this morning

The survey will allow City College to gather vital information from students to advocate for resources accordingly during the campus shutdown in hopes to ease the transition to online.

The six-question survey asks about students’ internet access, along with providing information on free or reduced services from providers like Cox, AT&T, Comcast, and Spectrum during the COVID-19 shutdown. 

The survey ends with a question on other challenges presented to students due to COVID-19, like food and housing. 

To take the survey, click here.

– Sophia Traylor


March 26, 10:23 p.m.

Enrollment, payment processes updated for students

After it was announced that classes will remain online for the rest of the semester, the San Diego Community College District released updates on enrollment and payment processes.

Among the updates:

  • Students who decide to withdraw have until May 8 to complete the process. The withdrawal will appear as excused (EW) and include a notation about COVID-19.
  • Financial aid may still be reduced if enrollment drops below 6 units before disbursement.
  • Students who withdraw with an EW will receive a refund on enrollment fees and non-resident tuition.
  • Certain classes that are not able to be taught remotely may need to be canceled.
  • Students who receive a grade of incomplete granted at the end of the spring term must follow the same process to remove the I from their transcript.
  • The new deadline to enroll in a class as pass/no pass is April 17. 
  •  Students who started the term enrolled in an eight-week course should expect their final grades no later than April 30. Students should be able to submit petitions and forms through their MySDCCD accounts.
  • Refunds will not be given for student health/accident fees, student representation fees, dosimetry fees, golf fees, Associated Student membership fees or parking permits for classes that have already begun.

Students are advised to consult with counseling and financial aid before dropping a class. To learn more, visit http://www.sdcity.edu/students/services/online.aspx.

– Lacey Stefano


March 26, 8:50 p.m.

San Diego Food Bank is accepting volunteers

With the COVID-19 crisis, the San Diego Food Bank is now looking for new volunteers because many have canceled their shifts.

There are many shifts available. If your desired time slot is not available, official recommend checking back daily.

Anyone who is 11 years old and older is welcome to help. You do not need to have experience and each shift is around three hours long.

To apply online, you can visit https://sandiegofoodbank.org/Volunteer/.

– Isai Figueroa


March 26, 2020, 3:31 p.m.

Campus blood drive canceled

Due to the  COVID-19 crisis, blood drives at San Diego City College are canceled for the spring semester.

With campus closed and social distancing in place, the canceling of the blood drive was inevitable. But local blood banks still need donations.

The San Diego Blood Bank is taking up to six appointments daily at donation centers across the county  to control the flow of donors while also collecting needed donations. 

Healthy students are encouraged to donate blood at San Diego Blood Bank locations to help sustain blood supply over the coming weeks.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit https://www.sandiegobloodbank.org/donors.

– Ben Williams


March 26, 11:45 a.m.

Classes to remain online through spring, summer

The San Diego Community College District has decided to continue with online classes throughout the remainder of the spring semester, including summer intersession classes.

The campus will remain closed and will remotely provide services such as counseling, tutoring and health services. 

“Being that the coronavirus situation changes so rapidly, plans can change as well,” said City College Public Information Officer Cesar Gumapas via email.

For more district updates on the COVID-19 situation, visit sdccd.edu/coronavirus.

                                          – Vicky Pineda and Melisa Cabello-Cuahutle


March 24, 3 p.m.

Employers seeking to hire City College students

With many students facing reduced hours or layoffs, Job Placement Services has continued to offer its services and support to students by going virtual.

Students can now make virtual appointments and participate in employer Q&A sessions and virtual on-site recruitment.

Job Placement Services connect students to many employers including Sprouts, Costco, Target, Walmart, Albertsons, Jimbo’s, Vons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., CVS, and Rite-Aid.

For students who are interested in joining and would like to follow their weekly newsletter, visit www.sdcity.edu/jobnetwork. Students can create an account under “Students” by entering your CSID number. 

For further questions or concerns, email [email protected] or job placement coordinator Sasha Knox at [email protected]

– Elisabeth Vermeulen


March 24, 12:45 p.m.

CalFresh applications now available

CalFresh is one of many resources that are offering off-campus alternatives to ensure students receive benefits despite temporary campus closure. CalFresh applications are now available for students to apply online, by phone or fax.

Apply online by visiting mybenefitscalwin.org or getcalfresh.org.

To apply over the phone, call (866) 262-9881 and an application will be sent.

To fax in applications, print out the Application for CalFresh/Snap Benefits form and send the completed application to your local Family Resource Center. It can also be mailed.

For additional information or to download the Notice to CalFresh Applicants form, visit https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ssp/access.html.

– Elisabeth Vermeulen


March 22, 6:31 p.m.

VA addresses GI Bill for students

The Senate and House of Representatives have passed a bill that will be sent to President Donald Trump to sign, which will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue GI Bill payments uninterrupted in the event of national emergencies. 

The VA would continue to pay out benefits regardless of programs that have changed from resident training to online training, as has been the case on college campuses across the country, including San Diego City College.

Students will continue to receive the same monthly housing payments they normally would receive for resident training until Jan. 1, 2021, or when school resumes.

Currently the VA is working with all approved schools and training facilities to guarantee proper enrollments are certified within a timely manner.

There are no other requirements needed from GI Bill students.

For more information, go to https://gibill.custhelp.va.gov/

– Gabriel Schneider


March 18, 2:59 p.m.

Shabazz hosts virtual town hall for students

Editor’s note: The recording of the town hall was released on March 19 and is shared below this story.

City College President Ricky Shabazz hosted a virtual town hall for students on Wednesday to discuss City College’s plan regarding COVID-19, covering diverse subjects on how the school is handling the pandemic.

Shabazz was joined by Dean of Student Affairs Marciano Perez, Associated Student Government President Oscar Rendon, and Student Health Center directors Dotti Cordell and Leslie Easton.

Read the City Times’ complete coverage of the virtual town hall.

Among the students’ questions answered by Shabazz and others were related to food distributions that have been stopped and the lack of information on parking refunds yet. 

Shabazz also said more information on when students will return to on-site classes will be available after spring break. 

Complete coverage of the event will be shared later today on sdcitytimes.com. A recording of the town hall will be available later on the SSDCC YouTube channel, according to Shabazz.

– Melisa Cabello-Cuahutle


March 17, 8:17 p.m.

Newscene covers COVID-19

Newscene covered COVID-19 and how it is affecting internationally, nationally and locally in its March 13 show, broadcast on ITV Chanel 16 at 6:30 p.m. last Friday night.

Newscene is the student-produced television news broadcast from San Diego City College covering local to international news.

Many of the stories focused on the precautions and reactions of organizations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Newscene is also planning a short news livestream this Friday, March 20. Details are still being finalized. Stay tuned for updates.

– Isaac Limon


March 14, 6:49 p.m.

Avoid COVID-19 cyberscams

As a measure of protection, the City CyberSecurity Resource Center has shared some information on how to avoid a COVID-19 cyberscam.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends being wary of any unsolicited emails or links in social media. This includes links, attachments, text, calls, and even social media pleas.

The subject of emails or posts may include false information about charities or about COVID-19 itself, and if accessed it might lead to fraudulent websites that may put you at risk.

To be safe, avoid clicking on links that came in an unsolicited email and do not include personal information in emails in general. 

Before donating, make sure the charity is legitimate, and remember to get your information from reputable sources only. You can learn more about the authenticity of a charity according to the Federal Trade Commission here.

For more information, review CISA’s risk management for COVID-19 here.

– Melisa Cabello-Cuahutle


March 14, 12:20 p.m.

Hunger Action Day food distribution, City gallery exhibit canceled

The food distribution event which was planned for Monday, March 16 will be canceled to ensure the safety of all involved. Plans are being made for a future distribution date.

The gallery exhibit will also be canceled this weekend in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

– Gabriel Schneider


March 13, 6:55 pm

Special joint SDCCD, SDUSD board meeting postponed

The San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees and the Board of Education for the San Diego Unified School District agreed to move their Special Joint Board Meeting on March 17 to an unspecified date in the fall due to the rapidly evolving issue of COVID-19.

In an email from the district board’s office, officials said they are following the situation closely in order to respond to new information as it arises and to prepare for all possible scenarios.

The district reaffirmed its commitment to the health and safety of students and employees during the crisis, and said that further information about rescheduling the Joint Board Meeting will be issued when it becomes available.

– Jesse Altilio


March 12, 4:26 pm

City College events canceled

Due to the current COVID-19 precautions being put into place, San Diego City College has canceled the following events.

  • Festival of New Plays. Canceled Friday and Saturday.
  • Voice for Change Poetry Slam, March 19
  • World Cultures events until April 6, which include:
    • We All Count, March 16
    • Gregorian Chant and Catholic Prayer During Holy Week, March 24
    • She Was Warned, March 24
    • Black Mental Health and Healing Justice Peer Support, March 26
    • Black Masculinity (Re) Imagined, March 26

– Marlena Harvey


March 12, 4:10 p.m.

San Diego City College has shared the livestream of the Coronavirus informational sessions, held on campus on March 11 and 12. View the March 12 video below.