Jackie Orchard
I travel to community college campuses across Southern California, seeking to tell the stories of the students who study there, the dreams they are shooting for, and how they get by. Los Angeles is pulsing with stories from all walks of life, and I’m out to tell as many as possible.
As a former Active Duty U.S. Army Captain, I’ve lived in Russia, Ghana, Alaska, and many other amazing places, and I’m excited to get to know Los Angeles the way I’ve come to know other far reaching, and beautiful, corners of the world.
With experience working in higher education in New York’s SUNY system, I understand that each campus has its own identity and its own struggles, but students tend to all have one thing in common: their drive to achieve something great. I want to connect the wide array of community college students and educators across the state, one story at a time, helping us all to better understand and root for each other.
I answer all pitches with “hot chocolate” in the headline, and I bring my dog on assignment whenever possible. I hope we get a chance to meet!
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In Southern California, Long Beach City College is bucking national trends. -
Are students saying goodbye to Zoom? Some are eager to do so, but online flexibility has long been a highlight of community colleges.
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L.A. County Public Works patrols the roads, manages cleanup, and collects stormwater. With a little help from Batman.
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Serving about 1.8 million students, the new chancellor leads one of the largest higher education systems in the nation.
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How to ensure your succulents, cacti, pothos and citrus trees make it through this cold front.
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As the investigation continues, Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell's friends are remembering him as a voice for immigrants who was clear-eyed about the Catholic Church.
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The student government wanted to offer an affordable alternative to fast fashion.
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Here's how the California Lottery allocates the money that doesn't go to the winner.
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Valentine's Day is a premium excuse to buy chocolate for someone you know — or for yourself. Here's how to do it right.
