A FIRST AMENDMENT
PUBLICATION
Woodland Hills, California Volume 142 - Issue 2
Dream center offers support amid uncertainty
Students impacted by shifting immigration policies come
By Melanie Somoza Reporter
As concerns about mass deportations and immigration arrests abound, undocumented students on college campuses are actively looking for resources to help them navigate these challenges.
With approximately 100,000 undocumented students enrolled in higher education across California, the Pierce College Dream Resource Center (DRC) serves as a resource for undocumented students on campus, providing support as they navigate the challenges of higher education.
The center assists students with enrollment, scholarships and access to free legal services through the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) College Legal, which offers free consultations every Monday.
Beyond academics, the DRC also creates a safe and welcoming space where students, like business administration major Fabio Arambula, can seek guidance without fear.
“It’s like our second home, and they always make us feel welcomed here,” Arambula said. “It makes me happy to know there’s a place where I can find resources that will help me and make me feel safe.”
The Dream Resource Center isn’t just about academic support, but fostering a tight-knit community where undocumented students can connect. The organization hosts events like friendship bracelet-making, and last year, they organized a toy drive and holiday gift-wrapping event.
“We’re a big community, we have computers, and resources, and you become safe in this group with a ton of friends,” said Vice
President of the UndocuBrahmas Club Xiomara Martinez.
However, many undocumented students remain on edge due to changing immigration policies and increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, threats of mass deportations and arrests have raised questions about enforcement actions on college campuses.
While schools are generally considered “sensitive locations” where ICE enforcement is restricted, those protections are not guaranteed. With federal restrictions lifted on certain arrests, many fear that ICE could enter schools, leaving campuses unsure of how to respond.
To address these concerns, faculty and staff met on Feb. 25, to discuss how the college should handle the potential for immigration enforcement on campus. Officials emphasized that student information should never be shared with outside parties unless required by law. They also clarified that any ICErelated matters must be directed to the college president, ensuring that no individual faculty or staff member feels pressured to make decisions on their own.
DRC Lead D’arcy Corwin highlighted the importance of staying informed about government policies that impact the community.
“We’re serving our campus community first, and we could all be questioned. So we have to be prepared for ways in which we can answer those questions appropriately,” Corwin said. “And how we can route those agents to the correct place so that we’re not putting ourselves or our students in harm’s way.”
Despite the uncertainty, Corwin encourages students
to turn to the Dream Resource Center for support.
“We hope students visit and connect with us so that they can feel seen and valued, and we’ll do our best to advocate for them,” Corwin said. “I know it’s a difficult time right now, but we don’t want them to feel like they’re walking alone in the process.”
Below: Psychology major Ellen Morris and DRC Club Vice President Xiomara Martinez talk at the Dream Resource Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2025. Photo by Janet Harper.
Brian Khoury / Roundup News
Hannah Huffman/ Roundup News
Gelareh Behdad / Roundup News
Right:Posters hang in the Dream Resource Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2025. Photo by Janet Harper.
6201 Winnetka Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
Room: Pierce College Village 8211
Phone: (818) 710-4115
Phone: (818) 710-4117
Website: www.theroundupnews.com
Email: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief............Gerardo Escobar
Managing Editor..........Delilah Brumer
Photo Editor...................Karla Delgado
Photo Editor.............Abraham Elizalde
News Editor...............Matthew Stewart
Campus Life Editor....Nathalie Herrera
Opinion Editor............Raiden Vazquez
Sports Editor................Alfonso Vargas
Copy Editor...........Jonathan Wheelock
Online Editor...............Daisy Aguinada
Reporters
Joseph Acuña
David Cohen
Myraneli Fabian
Emily Garcia
Zamourad Iqbal
Alyssa Lupercio
Melanie Somoza
Elizabeth Tirheimer
Photographers
Gelareh Behdad
Jeremiah Bigalbal Lopez
Dominic Borja
John Cordova
Janet Harper
Hannah Huffman
Brian Khoury
Victor Montiel
Rashad Muhammad
Advisers
Jill Connelly
Jeff Favre
Tracie Savage
Morgan Keith
*For advertising, call: (818) 710-2960
Corrections? Email us at newsroom.roundupnews@ gmail.com
Volume 142 - Issue 1
There was a typo in Ara Aguiar’s quote in the Academic Senate story on page 4. The correct word is “scraping,” not “scrapping.”
Scan the QR code below to subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup Transparency needed on Pierce and ICE
Students need more information on policy about raids
Since President Donald Trump took office, immigration policies have undergone changes that threaten the lives of undocumented students and faculty. The Trump administration has authorized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter public college campuses.
The fear of ICE entering campuses can severely affect students’ attendance and the feeling of safety. When the latest round of ICE raids began and Trump was sworn into office, schools from K-12 saw a significant decrease in student attendance. According to the
LAist, the attendance at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) dropped to 66%, which is equivalent to 80,000 students missing.
The presence of ICE on campus would be a violation of students’ right to education and safety, and various programs are at risk under the Trump administration. According to the California Student Aid Commission, there are about 100,000 undocumented college students in California.
Schools near Pierce College have organized protests to take a stand against the potential of ICE on campus, and the student body has stated their allegiance and
resources for students. California State University, Northridge’s Associated Students released a statement via Instagram saying, “Associated Students is dedicated to providing every student, regardless of immigration status, with the support and opportunities needed to succeed academically and personally.”
Students at Pierce are left wondering how the school will respond to the ongoing threats. While there was a statement from the Los Angeles Community College District outlining resources and support for students, there needs to be more direct
support from administrators for undocumented students.
According to the Los Angeles Community College District, schools cannot provide private information regarding students’ records without a warrant. ICE may be allowed on campus, but the request must go to the office of the President and there will be a final determination on whether the request is lawful.
Students who have any concerns and need resources are encouraged to visit the Dream Resource Center at Pierce. The Resource Center can provide free legal services and can assist during this troubling time.
Wall hangings welcomes Dreamers in the Dream Resource Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2025.
Janet Harper / Roundup News
Campus needs International Women’s Day event
Women make up just 12 percent of mechanics and auto technicians, 15 percent of engineers and 36 percent of workers in agriculture and plant science, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Community colleges, including Pierce College, offer accessible introductions to these careers and a variety of other fields, so these institutions are uniquely positioned to help close the gender gap.
Next year, Pierce should host a celebration and resource fair to commemorate International Women’s Day, which is March 8. The event could include a variety of booths along the
Mall, serving to support and celebrate the women of the Pierce community.
The booths offered could include the Brahma Career Closet, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, basic needs resources and various departments at Pierce, especially those that have historically been male-dominated. By encouraging women to explore science, technology, engineering, math and the trades, and increasing the exposure of these fields, Pierce can open more paths to highpaying careers.
Several other colleges are planning to host, or have previously hosted, International Women’s Day events, and Pierce should follow suit. Within the Los Angeles Community College
District, multiple campuses are holding or have held events, speakers and networking opportunities.
On March 8, Los Angeles Mission College is scheduled to host an International Women’s Day commemorative event revolving around the theme “Inspire Inclusion.” The halfday series will include a panel on non-traditional careers, a conversation about breaking glass ceilings, a networking lunch and guest speakers including professors, business women and Representative Luz Rivas. Pierce could include guest speakers in its event, inviting local female politicians, engineers and community leaders to share their knowledge and experiences.
Mission College is not the
first. Last year, Los Angeles City College hosted an event titled “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” In 2023, Los Angeles Harbor College hosted an International Women’s Day event in their student union, which focused on celebrating “the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.”
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity for Pierce to stand with women pursuing male-dominated fields, celebrate women’s successes and offer the mentorship of women who can be role models for students.
Remote days save cash Should Pierce go online only on Friday’s? Keep the doors open
By Karla Delgado Photo Editor
While there may be benefits for students to attend in-person classes, there are also many advantages to being online.
Besides being convenient to students, online classes can also have a positive impact on the school’s ability to help cut utility costs. Colleges use many resources to help keep the campus running, but that also comes with wasting them when there aren’t many students attending classes, which is why Pierce College should only offer in-person classes on Friday.
Cutting down the days during
key factor when taking advantage of these classes online. Selfmanagement is a hard skill to develop, however, taking online classes can give students the chance to use their free time to focus on their well-being without having to worry about commuting to campus.
Often many students who are attending in-person classes can become distracted by what other students are doing or saying. An article by English Revolution Learning explains that “This means that when instructions are given for tasks, your students are less inclined to be distracted by the other students in the room.”
This also can help those who are always often comparing themselves to others in the classroom and having to deal with them being self-conscious
By Alyssa Lupercio Reporter
Pierce College offers inperson Friday classes. This works well with many college students who are balancing their education, jobs, social life and any other responsibility they may have. Colleges have a diverse population of students and their needs differ from one another. Pierce should take into consideration its students’ learning styles and continue offering Friday in-person classes.
down and students had to shift to complete online classes.
What is something you would like to learn about Black History Month?
people” Not only do these class recordings help students go back to review the material, but being placed in groups online can help them become engaged in the assignments.
Students who have questions and may need more one-on-one time with their professors can use Zoom to meet with them more conveniently. This gives both the student and instructor the opportunity to interact with one another and help the student with questions they may have from previous classes.
Habits are also an important
On March 5, 1970, the Pierce College Roundup News published Volume 32, Number 2. The issue included a photo essay containing the many faces of Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War.
The issue came out five years before the end of the war and the essay described how the country had faced many other conflicts before the United States occupation of Vietnam.
“This ceaseless war has marked the faces of the Vietnamese people in many ways,” the Roundup reported.
However, this not only helps the environment but also helps schools save money. Clrn.org states, “By reducing the number of days schools are in session, schools can save on utilities, transportation, and maintenance
Many students have their opinions on whether or not classes online can benefit them due to the different experiences during the pandemic. Some students benefited from having classes online and it can’t be ignored that having classes online via Zoom can have a positive impact on their studies and their overall well being.
Many students have jobs which may interfere with scheduling classes. Having Friday classes gives students an extra day to be able to go to school in person and dedicate time to their education.
Online courses can affect a student’s readiness and organization. Taking an online course means students will have to create a routine for themselves to get assignments done. Usually, with an in-person class, the structure and routine is already there. According to Education Seattle PI, “Students who struggle with traditional course rigor often have difficulty with the time commitment required for online classwork.”
The transfer to online classes caused a strain in students’ academic engagement and made it difficult for students to be able to experience in-person learning. According to PubMed Central, “students were less attentive on Zoom when compared to students physically in the same classrooms with their instructor, experienced reduced attentiveness for synchronous only classes, and demonstrated lower engagement for synchronous classes greater than 30 minutes.” If a student is not able to fully focus in class that will negatively impact their ability to complete the course and retain information.
The photos were taken by James Fortune, who became a combat photographer for the United States Navy after attending Pierce. Fortune acted as the photo editor for The Roundup after first attending Pierce in 1966. He served active duty from 1968 to 1970 and spent six months in Vietnam.
The essay ended with uncertainty of U.S. involvement in Vietnam and left readers to decide for themselves if it would be beneficial for the country.
Copy by Jonathan Wheelock
If a student already struggles with making time for assignments with in-person classes, it is going to be even more difficult when they need to take those extra steps to make sure they are on top of assignments on their own. In an in person class, it’s more likely that the work can be completed in the classroom.
If Pierce were to shut down the campus on Fridays and only offer online classes, that could impact its students’ academics. Students became roughly familiar with online classes after the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. Schools were shut
It is inevitable that certain classes may fill up rapidly. A Friday class may be the only available class. In-person classes allow for people to socialize. It also becomes easier to ask professors for help rather than having to sit behind a screen where this might be difficult.
According to The EvoLLLution, “students value face-to-face relationships and consider their importance for learning and personality development. They also expressed worries regarding the prolonged absence of faceto-face communication and addiction to technology on psychological health and human relationships.”
It is important that students experience face-to-face interactions as it improves their social skills.
Strictly holding Friday classes on Zoom would not benefit students and it will interfere negatively with their chances of passing courses. Pierce should continue to hold Friday classes in person as it helps students balance their time and improve academically and socially.
“I would like to know more about the Black Panther Party, their contributions to this country and why they were so hated by the government.”
Malcolm Lovelace - ASO Treasurer
“I would just like to learn more important figures besides the main ones like Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks and also more contributions that African Americans have made as far as our advancements go.
Alicia Lewis-Sociology Major
“I would like to learn about current small businesses and how they’re making an impact on their communities.”
Nyquis Morgan- Graphic Design Major
Interviews by Myraneli Fabian
Photos by Jeremiah Bigalbal Lopez
“I would love to know more about pivotal black figures that changed the scope of our modern technology systems.” -
Jasmine Minchez - ASO President
Pierce College Council tackles new student fee policy
PCC members’ catch-up on reforms and more updates
By Zamourad Iqbal Reporter
The Pierce College Council met to discuss ongoing updates and concerns from the standing committees and department members in a Zoom meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Associate Vice President Ron Paquette updated the PCC members on the amendments for the upcoming student fee policy that will be mandatory in the summer semester of 2025.
“Starting this summer, the district is rolling out this new policy where students are required to pay their fees before the beginning of classes, or they will be disenrolled,” Paquette said.
Paquette also mentioned that
there would be an exception for those who have financial aid or are in a difficult situation.
“There are a lot of exceptions to that rule for students who are in more challenging situations, students who have financial aid or have been waiting for it, or other students that we know will get paid,” Paquette said “. But generally, this is going to be a pretty big change for our students if they are not paying attention to the deadlines or paying in advance. They could get dropped from their classes.”
Paquette also added that it’s important for there to be a smooth transition of communication regarding these reforms between the Pierce College staff and students.
“We are going to try to get as much communication out there
as we can to the students in many different forms,” Paquette said “The district is also going to do that, and there is some district training coming up, and I know that will be aimed at a lot of people in admissions and records, student services, admin services and the business office.”
Michael Habata from the Diversity Committee discussed their upcoming event.
“The committee is working toward the fifth campus-wide Multicultural Day on April 23, 2025,” Habata said.
Associated Student OrganizationPresident Jasmine Minchez updated the members on recent events and the success of the Club Rush.
“We had 60 clubs sign up for Club Rush, and about 95% of them showed up for the days they
signed up for,” Minchez said “So that was really great. That brings us back to our peak numbers from, I think a couple of years ago, so awesome.”
Paquette added that although many community colleges are facing a deficit, state funding for community colleges is in better shape than four-year colleges for the upcoming budget year.
“The community colleges are doing pretty well for next year’s budget, compared to UC and Cal State,” Paquette said “There are a lot of complaints from the fouryear universities right now that their budgets were cut, and the community colleges got a pretty good bump. So next year, the state level funding looks pretty good.”
Umoja kicks off spring semester with event
By Elizabeth Tirheimer Reporter
Pierce College students gathered at the Great Hall for the Umoja program’s spring kickoff on Wednesday, Feb 26, to go over the program’s requirements, expectations and benefits for new and existing members.
Umoja is a program on campus that provides resources to students to help them succeed in their education career at Pierce.
Business major Demetreana English said that unity to her means respect.
“As long as you can respect each other and whatever their beliefs are, that brings unity,”English said.
The kickoff was to encourage new and returning members to participate in the program and hear what resources and benefits they have to offer. The program is designed to help keep students on track and help them succeed with their time at Pierce. Umoja Club President Alicia Lewis expressed that she wants more people to be aware of the Umoja program.
“I feel like lately we’ve got more coverage but a lot of people on campus don’t know our club or program exists,”Lewis said.
Lewis also elaborated on some of the things that Umoja has to offer students.
“We have textbook assistance, HBCU [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] field trips for students, just any type of support that you could need to feel like you can accomplish your journey, we provide,” Lewis said.
Some members will be attending a HBCU field trip in April to explore universities such as Xavier State University, Franklin State University and
others. They will also be able to experience the culture of New Orleans.
These resources are available to all members with their participation in the program. Other things discussed at the kickoff were the expectations of all members who are joining. The program has progress checks to ensure all members are keeping up with their academics and reporting to counselors. There are also scholarship opportunities and financial aid available.
Professors from different departments also attended this meeting to show their support and offer a hand to those who may need help in specific areas, from subjects such as public speaking, English and math.
Members were treated with lunch and concluded the kickoff with a socializing game of bingo for them to get up out of their seats and interact with one another.
Business major Eric Sandoval gave his thoughts on how a program like this plays a role on campus.
“It builds community by bringing everybody together and interacting and engaging in activities together as one,” Sandoval said. “We’re all sitting here at a table and we all come from different backgrounds.”
Brahma
Reporting by Delilah Brumer Blotter
Crime Log
A grand theft auto incident was reported on March 3. A golf cart was stolen in Parking Lot 8, and an investigation is ongoing.
On Feb. 20, an assault with a deadly weapon was reported after two cars involved in an off-campus road rage incident drove onto Brahma Drive. One car veered into the other, causing it to hit the curb. No injuries were reported and the victim did not press charges.
The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office.
. Pierce College Sheriff’s Office General Information 818-719-6450 Emergency 818-710-4311
Below:Librarian Lisa Valdez, Umoja coordinator Kalynda McLean, Umoja Volunteer Andrew Gentry-King, and Umoja Counselor Lateaira Hockaday prepare to serve food at the Umoja Spring Kickoff event in the Great Hall at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 26, 2025. Photo by Hannah Huffman.
Above: Supplies set out at the Umoja Spring Kickoff event in the Great Hall at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 26, 2025. Photo by Hannah Huffman.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Finding community among fellow thespians
Students honored for acting, directing and design at national festival
By Emily Garcia Reporter
Lights, camera, action!
On Feb. 11, 25 Pierce College theater students attended the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Mesa, Ariz. The conference was a six-day national theater festival and about 18,000 college students attended.
The purpose of the conference is to help students improve their skills with the assistance of expert critics and mentors.
KCACTF aims to provide opportunities by allowing the students to network and encourage more diverse work produced in the theater programs.
“I’m just so grateful for everything that I’ve learned while I was there,” said Alany Soils-Coleman, who was nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship and was a
runner-up in directing. There’s a sense of community in theater –we really built each other up.”
Nominee for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, Ali Suliman shared what played a key role in helping the Pierce team flourish.
“The community is the most helpful thing, but I think the fact that our scenes were chosen with us in mind helped keep us going, because we were revealing a part of ourselves that we might not normally show, day to day life, and this gave us the opportunity to do that,” Suliman said.
This process encourages students to grow professionally and interpersonally. The KCACTF conference introduces alternative directions for the students to better understand.
Pierce has been participating in the festival for years, but this February, a change occurred. Not only did Pierce compete against its neighboring states but
they also had to compete against region seven, which includes Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.
“Even fiercer, I’ve never seen the competition at this high of a level before,” Theater Professor Shaheen Vaaz said. “[This year was] very rigorous.”
Pierce theater students competed against thousands of more students than usual, but they said that didn’t worry them. Instead of viewing this change as a disadvantage, students saw an opportunity to prosper.
First-year theater major Jacob Garcia won the Heart of the Art for Properties Design award for the play “Clyde’s.” He said a highlight of the festival was interacting with other college theater students.
“I was able to go and see other people’s presentations,” first-
year theater major Jacob Garcia said. “See their work, compare it against my own, see what things that they had done differently that I could maybe draw inspiration.”
Zev Malmeth, Ryan Espinosa, Alany Solis-Coleman, Essence Hardiman, Shaheen Vaaz, Maddie McKay, Dylan Coogan, Valeria Ruvalcaba, Madison Cheramie, Clyde Sandoval, Maya Zelter, Jacob Garcia and Ali Suliman on stage in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 27, 2025.
A healthy beginning to the spring semester Student
Health Center holds open house and resource fair
By Joseph Acuña Reporter
Snacks,tours, information and health safety packages were given, and appointments were made at the Student Health Center for anyone wanting to learn about the facilities Pierce College has to offer.
Pierce held its spring semester Student Health Center Open House and Resource Fair on the second floor of the Student Services Building on Wednesday, Feb 26, seeking to educate students about the resources available to them.
During the event, attendees were encouraged to meet the staff and SHC Director Houry Tanashian, with familiarity being a major goal.
“We want to make sure students know of the services that we have on campus,” Tanashian said. “We want them to feel comfortable with us. I don’t want this place to be intimidating.”
This sentiment was common among SHC staff. Health Center Assistant Loralyn Frederick wants the facility to have more presence in students’ college careers and understand their schedules.
“They are busy with their academic goals, but we want to include them,” Frederick said. “We are here to help them while they achieve their academic success.”
With medical rooms for doctor checkups and therapy sessions, Tanashian and staff want more students to take advantage of
the free and low-cost services. The only cost would be for bloodwork and sending out specimen samples.
“We only charge the cost,” Tanashian said. “The Health Center doesn’t make money off the students.”
Through Pierce’s partnership with TimelyCare, students can speak with mental health professionals 24/7. To access the remote services, students will need to sign up with their student email on the TimelyCare website.
Therapy sessions are also free at Pierce for students, with walkins welcome. California State University, Northridge public health major, intern at Pierce and Pierce graduate, Cassie Austin sees firsthand the importance of reaching out.
“There are certain overlapping health issues that concern college students,” Austin said. “Specifically with mental health.”
According to a Healthy Minds Study from 2024, 38 percent of college students suffer from moderate to severe depression. Students reluctant to seek help should note that visits to TimelyCare and Pierce are confidential and not part of academic records, according to the SHC confidentiality statement on the Pierce website.
The Open House and Resource Fair aimed to attract awareness from students and create familiarity around the campus. Student Nurse Intern Jennifer Quach emphasized the importance of coming to the center.
“When I got to know Houry she made this such a fun and positive learning experience throughout
both my career and as a student,” Quach said. “I hope I have that same effect on people too: being
positive, kind and helping others out.”
Dominic Borja / Roundup News
Gelareh Behdad / Roundup News
Nurse Jasmine Boyle and vet tech student Shannone Vargas at the Student Health Center Resource Event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 26, 2025.
Socializing with arts, crafts, vision boards
Vision Board event gives students chance to visualize goals and connect with ASO
While vision boarding is a way for many people to visualize their goals and aspirations for the year, at the ASO Vision Board event, they also provided the chance for participants to get to know other students.
The Pierce College ASO held the Vision Board event in the Student Engagement Center from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 27.
The inspiration for the vision board event came from ASO President Jasmine Minchez making them before. Minchez expressed that the event also provided the opportunity for her to get to know other club members.
“I made a vision board for myself last year in 2024, and I knew I wanted to make one for this year in 2025, so I thought why not combine the two things and make it an ASO event that
other students can join in on,”
Minchez said. “And also give myself an opportunity to talk to other clubs, which I’m really happy I got to do.”
Participants were provided with a blank sheet of copy paper and materials to decorate their boards such as stickers, magazines and newspapers to cut out images, and decorative edge scissors.
“I really like vision boarding because it combines aspects of collaging, the physical act of crafts is really fun and I thought it would make a really fun event,” Minchez said.
English club member Luke Springer said he primarily came to the event to meet other people at Pierce.
“I’m not really in it for the vision board so much as to talk to other clubs, figure out how clubs work,” Springer said. Springer was able to meet other
Pierce clubs and the event also offered him the opportunity to get to talk to the ASO President.
Mechanical engineering major Moulay Ktiri said he went to the event to be around and talk to other people and have fun.
Ktiri said he based his vision board on the concept of selfimprovement and trying new things, and selected images based on activities he wanted to try, such as a black and white picture of a man playing a brass instrument.
“I never learned how to use an instrument and this year I’m planning on learning instruments and try new stuff like film, boxing and read a little bit more,” Ktiri said.
ASO President Jasmine Minchez looks through a magazine during the ASO Vision Board event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 26, 2025. Photo by Victor Montiel
Going green this spring
ABOVE: (Left to Right) Luke Springer, Alexa Romero, and Malcom Lorelace listen to ASO President Jasmine Minchez talk about board making during the ASO Vision Board event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 26,2025. Photo by Victor Montiel
Copy by Gerardo Escobar
LEFT:
Soil science students and Professor Savanah Senn plant seeds and set up irrigation for automatic watering for the spring semester at the greenhouse at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 28, 2025.
Gelareh Behdad / Roundup News
Soil science students and Professor Savanah Senn plant seeds and set up irrigation for automatic watering for the spring semester at the greenhouse at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 28, 2025.
Gelareh Behdad / Roundup News
Men’s volleyball stumbles against Long Beach Vikings
By Abraham Elizalde Photo Editor
After a competitive fight between the Brahmas and the Vikings, Pierce College Men’s volleyball dropped their third game in a row, getting swept by the Long Beach Vikings on Feb. 28. This game makes their record 3-7.
Although Pierce was coming off a three-game winning streak a few games before, the Brahmas would soon lose three straight, dropping their third against Long Beach.
This team is a new look for the Brahmas. Middle hitter Lars Hart,alongside Luis Penate, and Karl Manolong are the only starters from the previous year to appear on this team.
Hart believes it was the confidence and the small mistakes that led to the loss against Long Beach.
“I mean when it was the middle of the second set like 12-15, Long Beach, we’d kind of just lose our confidence,” Hart said. “It would just tank, and from that point on, they would get three points from just that.”
Despite the loss, Pierce outside hitter Jacob Jepson is confident with his new team and ready for the rematch against the Vikings.
“I think last year we got served off the court against Long Beach,” Jepson said. “This game we battled, and I’m sure that next time we’ll beat them.”
The Vikings were the school to beat last year. They were the number one team in the conference having an 11-1 record. The Brahmas are looking forward to their next outing, where they believe they can put it away now that they know the Vikings’ style.
The Brahmas would show relentless defense against the Vikings, but Long Beach’s offense was too fast for Pierce,
Pierce College outside hitter Jacob Jepson serves the ball across the net in a game against Long Beach City College on Feb 28. at the South Gym in Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.
according to libero David Montalvo
“They have a pretty fast offense. I think we’re not really used to that, we’re used to just big, tall guys just smashing the ball down,” Montalvo said. “But now we know what we’re up against. So when we go against them next time, we’re definitely going to beat them.”
After a three-game losing
streak, the Brahmas will travel to battle against Santa Monica College, last year’s secondbest team in the conference, on Wednesday, March 5.
The Brahmas will be back home on Friday, March 7, to face El Camino College, and Pierce will have a chance at payback on Wednesday, March 26, at the Vikings’ home court.
Softball optimistic about the future
By David Cohen Reporter
Last year, the Brahmas went 2-12, but with a new head coach, they are hopeful about the upcoming season.
“I’m brand spanking new,” Heach Coach Matthew Jones said, adding that he hopes to increase the numbers from last season. “I saw a little bit of what happened, and from what the team told me, we don’t have enough depth [number of players at each position],” Jones said.
Jones also brought up the presence of gopher holes as a possible reason why practice last season was hard to run.
Several players used the weightroom to make gains in
their physical abilities in the field. Players were also paying attention to their nutrition.
Jones also thanked sleep for the reason the strength training paid off and for the absence of overuse injuries. For Ramos, there’s no difference between regular exercise-induced soreness and straight up pain. “Only you can determine your limit,” she said.
Menchaca, Hernandez and Ramos said that wins over rivals gave confidence boosts.
Jones said that the team enjoying themselves while playing is also important.
“Having fun matters, and mainly because you can’t control the score. As long as they control effort and I reward that effort, they’ll do well.”
John Cordova / Roundup News
Sophmore Elizabeth Dominguez prepares to throw the ball to her teammate on the softball field at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 26, 2025.
Brian Khoury / Roundup News
A look into the fires: Perspectives from a Pierce photographer
Above: Spot fires in between homes come from gas leaks durning the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., on Jan 10, 2025. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.
Left: Fire fighter from Chino Valley Fire Department waters down a spot fire during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 10, 2025. Eaton Fire burn 14,021 acres and more than 100,000 people had to evacuate. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.
