Pomona ASPC and CSWA continue efforts to reinstate dining hall worker Rolando Araiza

ASPC unanimously voted to pass a CSWA-backed resolution that demands the rehiring of Frary dining hall cook and union leader Rolando Araiza on Thursday. The decision solidifies ASPC’s support in presenting the resolution to the Pomona College administration.
Since Araiza’s termination Jan. 29, CSWA has collaborated with students and dining hall staff to collect over 900 signatures from the 5C community in support of Araiza’s reinstatement.
“The support from the students was really powerful and heartwarming and meant a lot to the workers,” CSWA member and author of the resolution Elias Pleucker PO ’28 said.

Moving forward, ASPC President Grace Zheng PO ’26 said it will be up to the two sponsors, Murphy-Pearson and Vice President of Student Affairs Ireland Griffin PO ’26, to spearhead the next steps in fulfilling the resolution’s demands.

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Union leader and Frary cook Rolando Araiza terminated; Pomona faces backlash

Pomona College is under fire for terminating Frary Dining Hall cook and union leader Rolando Araiza last Thursday after 21 years of employment, months before a new union contract is due in June. Students and workers are campaigning for Arazia to be reinstated under claims that Pomona’s decision was influenced by his involvement with workers unions.

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5C community rallies following death of Diego Rios in police custody

5C students and community members gathered in front of Claremont City Hall last Saturday to rally for further investigation into the death of Diego Rios, who died in Claremont police custody last November.
On Jan. 20, the city released audio and footage from when police pulled over 30-year-old Rios, who was experiencing a mental health crisis. The video showed Claremont Police Department Corporal Benjamin Alba tase Rios, leaving him unresponsive.
Rios’ family is now seeking answers from Claremont City Council about a missing two minutes and 25 seconds from the body camera footage and an explanation as to why mental health professionals were not called to the scene.

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In the wake of SNAP freezes, 5C students take on more food distribution efforts

5C community members have been ramping up food distribution efforts across campus and to neighboring communities in light of the recent SNAP benefit freeze that hindered food access for millions of Americans.

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