Volume 140 Spring 2024 Roundup Issue 4

Brahmas beat Marauders

pg. 9

Students learn about the holy month of Ramadan

Daniel Habibi (center) defends the ball against Donovan McGilbray (#19), Adam Coons (#13) and Justin Coons (#15) during a game against Antelope Valley College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 6, 2024. The Brahmas won 3-2.

Myraneli Fabian / Roundup News

Megan Arana / Roundup News

Sophie Lotterstein / Roundup News

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Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup All paws on deck to improve students’ mental health

With their calm demeanor and fluffy bodies, therapy dogs are on many campuses to help ease students’ stress or anxiety.

While Pierce had therapy dogs during finals last year, therapy dogs should be around to help people throughout the year.

Therapy dogs are not considered service dogs under the guidelines of the American Disabilities Act, but a National Institute of Health study showed that the use of therapy dogs for university students helped with their mental state.

Hale

News Editor....................Delilah Brumer

Campus Life Editor......Gerardo Escobar

Campus Life Editor........Olivia Espinoza

Sports Editor......................John Ormeno

Sports Editor......................Sadie Shields

Social Media Editor........Alfonso Vargas

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Benjamin Hanson

Fabiola Carrizosa

Marcus Nocerino

Raiden Vazquez

Spencer Fuller

Taj Robles

Xavier Boyston

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Icy Smith

Karla Delgado

Kyle Camacho

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“The use of therapy dogs for university students has shown significant reductions in outcome measures of psychological and physiological stress,” the NIH wrote.

Los Angeles Valley College also had an event with therapy

dogs on Feb. 7, 2024.

Therapy dogs are dogs used to provide emotional support to individuals in a variety of settings, according to the United States Disability Services Foundation.

While this is true, it’s important to consider other people’s perspectives of having such canines on campus.

Concerns and risks include allergies and fear of dogs among students, potential disruptive behavior and incidents such as bites or scratches, according to Educational Wave.

These factors can easily be resolved through proper training and clear guidelines, which most hired therapy dogs go through before going to a school campus or other setting. In addition, therapy dogs enter with consent from the school. They are not

allowed to enter any campus without the proper paperwork. Schools that invite therapy dogs to their campus tend to have liability coverage for any incidents involving a therapy dog, coverage for potential damage caused by the therapy dog and also ensure that the dog handler is covered as well.

Some ideas on how to bring this service back to Pierce is through the non-profit organization Love on 4 Paws, which Cal State LA also uses as one of its resources on campus. Love On 4 Paws works to make a positive difference for those in need through animal-assisted therapy. Volunteers accomplish this by sharing the joy, comfort and healing power of their pet’s unconditional love, according to Love on 4 Paws.

Santa Monica City College

has a link to therapy dog services on its website that also provides information on how the therapy dog services work.

Many studies have shown that having students interact with therapy dogs produces a number of favorable outcomes. The most significant outcome is the reduction of stress and anxiety, which is typical in firstyear students, as well as during midterms and finals.

There is also a reduction of homesickness and a boost in overall mood and happiness, according to Psychology Today.

Pierce should increase the amount of time they bring therapy dogs to campus throughout the year.

Photo illustration by Sadie Shields /

Should Pierce enter its cornucopia era?

By Taj Robles Reporter

TExpand food options to increase student happiness and success

he college experience is one many students look forward to in their lifetimes and choosing the right campus is on the top list for many people. Attending a college that has great academics is a must for future students, but if they aren’t being fueled properly by the food choices offered on that campus, then can they really be their best self?

Attending a college that prioritizes its food diversity to cater to more students, and faculty, can bring people together—creating a more welcoming environment for all.

According to newschoolfreepress.com, “Part of having a great college experience is its food culture. Most college students want to eat spectacular food in all ways, including taste and texture.

By Spencer Fuller Reporter

HSome believe that food should somewhat be conscientious.”

While convenience is something students need due to their hectic class schedules, they shouldn’t have to neglect the option for healthy alternatives besides grabbing a quick bite out of a vending machine. Often these vending machines are filled with unhealthy snack options which can lead students to the infamous “Freshman 15” myth.

Having diverse cafeteria food options, besides burgers and chicken tenders, or even allowing food trucks to serve students around campus can boost overall campus morale. Many times, students have large gaps in their schedules, while others must run off to their jobs after class, not leaving them with much time to grab a full meal at a dining hall. Healthy quick bite alternatives are possible, and colleges can benefit from offering their students these options as well.

“It may seem like a reach, but for the comfort of all students, they must all have safe, inclusive and nutritional food options on campus. More types of meals will allow students to spend more money on food in the dining halls rather than going elsewhere to eat,” according to Study Breaks Magazine.

Colleges that don’t offer students options to diverse food alternatives often leave them having to leave the campus to grab something to eat. This leads to them being late to classes or missing classes overall to have a meal they enjoy, not simply a snack.

Another benefit of having food options is to make students feel more included. A college campus is often leaning towards more diversity among its population so having different cultural dish options can boost the overall satisfaction of the schools. In addition, vegan students should

Too many options, not enough time

aving fewer food options on campus will provide students with the right amount of food and benefit the ones on a busy schedule. Colleges need to waste little food and continue to work to make meals more affordable for their students, especially those not working.

A study conducted in 2020 and published in the Journal of American College Health (JACH) revealed that college students who maintain a healthy diet are more likely to have higher academic performance. The article Healthy Food Options for Busy College Students discusses the lifestyle of busy college students and the food on campus and it also gives recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, including substitutions.

Besides the benefit of financial savings, fewer food options may improve academic performance if the food is healthy, as is discussed the article How Does the University Food Environment Impact Student Dietary Behaviors? A Systematic Review. Most of the participants in the study chose what they ate based simply on taste, but “among them, diet quality was poorer.” Fruit and vegetable

consumption was incredibly low. It’s also been noted that students and faculty are more likely to pick unhealthier products for consumption if given a wide variety of products.

Provided in a study, How Does the University Food Environment Impact Student Dietary Behaviors? A Systematic Review, fewer food options will help students maintain a good choice of healthy options already on campus—it is about the perception of food as a convenience.

Nuts are proven to be healthy for the brain, according to a Northwestern Medicine article, “Best Foods for a Healthy Brain,” with nutrients such as antioxidants and healthy fats, increasing better outcomes for student success. Almonds have been shown to improve memory, while macadamia nuts maintain normal brain function.

Say universities were to limit food options to nuts in vending machines. One can envision the exponential growth of productivity and improvement of grades.

Food on campus has been provided by franchise chains off campus, including Subway and their products are considered healthy for their consumers.

It’s on the schools to update or modify their contracts with

outside sources. It’s incumbent on them to ensure what they are supplying students is nutritious. The meals available on a college campus should benefit students based on their schedule.

Students sometimes work a full-time schedule and have enough to think about as there is. From the choices on a college campus, the positive effect should be that dining options are reasonably priced.

In the article, Finding ways to make healthy eating on campus the simple choice, “the article explained that students are in a ‘hot state’ when they are making purchases and aren’t considering many other variables other than their hunger and the taste and appearance of food,” health educator Lynn Cordes said.

It’s been suggested in the article that arranging healthy foods into a confined general area will influence the dietary behavior of consumers and have them gravitate away from less healthy snacks such as chips simply because it’s an easier choice.

have options in their food choices besides fruit or a simple salad option.

It would also help students with food allergies to have more options for what they can eat because a wider variety menu would not leave them eating the same type of meal all the time. No one would want to eat the same meal over and over again, especially when having more food options can help fill that void students feel when missing those home-cooked meals.

A home away from home is what these cafeterias and dining halls can offer to students. Colleges should keep in mind that bringing in more diverse food options will lead to happier students and in turn, better overall experience in the classroom environments.

The solution is simple and students voiced their opinions on how their university can support them.

According to InsideHigherEd, “One in five students says colleges should prioritize convenient food service locations. Same for ability to use dining points or dollars across campus.”

Through InsideHigherEd’s page they surveyed hundreds of students and most came to the conclusion that food needs to be in constant flux aside from simple snacks to go.

Being able to grab readymade meals and using their prepaid dining hall points would make the lives of all students better. It’s prioritizing the students by letting their voices be heard on having more food options that would bridge together the community.

Crocheting in good company

ASO Vice President Sara Hameed (L), the host of the Crochet & Craft club, teaches Wilber Chavez (R) how to crochet. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.

Jessica Reyes-Carreno (L) and Guadalupe Estrada (R) are members of the Crochet & Craft club at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 6, 2024. The club meets inside the ASO building on Mondays and Thursdays from noon-2 p.m. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.

Tyler Hale contributed to this story.

What movies do you like to watch and why?

Quotes gathered by Marcus Nocerino Photos by Icy Smith

“I love action and romance because that’s what I was surrounded by growing up and stuff. With my grandma being Filipina and everything, it’s always like the cheesy duos and stuff. So growing up I was exposed to that, and my dad liking action movies really influenced my liking.”

Jenica Felicitas - Film major

“I’m not much of a movie-goer, but what I love to watch are movies that are based on reallife stories, so I love to watch success stories that are based on the real thing.”

Andrew Garcia - Japanese major

“I like cartoons and animated movies, and that’s because I’m an artist and I geek out whenever I see beautiful artwork in motion.”

Joy Littlejohn Bainton - Vet tech major

“I think I like sci-fi’s and fantasies because I like being transported into a world where it’s completely different to ours or just alternate from what ours is, and it’s really enjoyable for me.”

Kayla Sondhi - Film major

“I like mostly animated films, but I like the first “Wreck It Ralph,” “WALL-E” from Pixar, and let’s just throw in “Tangled” there, too.”

Evelyn Zendejas - Art major

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Board of Trustees discusses impending budget deficit, honors Women’s History Month and passes a non-resident tuition increase

By Delilah Brumer News Editor

With a statewide budget deficit looming, finances were top of mind at the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees meeting on March 6. The board discussed several grants that will bring in money to campus programs, but which are projected to not be enough to close the gap.

“The budget picture is getting

dire and we might be facing cuts next year, that seems to be the consensus,” said LACCD Academic Senate President Angela Echeverri during a presentation to the board.

As a way to increase funding beyond the district’s initial budget, the Board of Trustees approved more than $10 million in grants from the federal, state and local governments. These grants include allocations of $269,000 to support Pierce’s College’s Umoja program and

$150,000 to expand and maintain enrollment in Pierce’s Associate Degree in Nursing program.

“I’m proud that this institution is doing good work to provide these opportunities for higher education,” Student Trustee Alexy Cordova said.

The Board of Trustees also approved an increase in tuition for non-resident students across the district, in a unanimous vote. Starting in fall 2024, non-resident tuition will change to $359 per semester unit, up from $342 per

semester unit.

In honor of Women’s History Month this March, the Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution affirming the district’s commitment to celebrating and supporting women and women’s history.

“[We have] a commitment to equal opportunity access by supporting and enhancing services, courses and programs that enable women to attain their educational and career goals,” said Trustee Kelsey Iino, who co-

authored the resolution.

LACCD Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez pointed to how several campuses are holding Women’s History Month celebrations in the coming weeks.

“These types of events are a reminder of our firm responsibility as educators to counter gender discrimination,” Rodriguez said.

Students and faculty march for higher education affordability

Approximately 80 members of the Pierce community join Sacramento event

By Delilah Brumer News Editor

Speeches, songs and chants of “Whose future? Our future.” reverberated throughout the state capital on Thursday, as hundreds of community college students and faculty marched for increased education funding and reduced tuition.

News Briefs

Upcoming Super Saturdays

Two upcoming Super Saturday workshops will be held on March 16 and March 23 to help students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Dream Act. The events will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Library.

STEM Lecture Series

Pierce College is hosting a lecture about careers in math on Wednesday, March 13 at 1 p.m. in ELM 1728. A reception will follow. The event is part of the monthly STEM lecture series, with the next lecture focusing on anthropology careers to be held on April 10.

ASO Officer Application

The ASO Executive Officer Application for the 2024-25 school year is due on Friday, March 15 at 12 p.m. Apply on the ASO page of the Pierce College website.

Copy by Delilah Brumer.

“There was camaraderie and it was a really festive place,” political science professor Denise Robb said. “For me, the best thing was seeing students, for the first time, taking the future into their own hands.”

Robb was one of approximately 80 Pierce College students and faculty who flew to Sacramento on March 7 as part of the “March in March.” The main focuses of the march were to call on state lawmakers to make higher education more accessible and affordable, fund affordable housing and commit to environmental justice initiatives.

“I got very politically active this past year and I wanted to do my part,” journalism major Matthew Stewart said. “I care about this as a student and lots of these issues involve students.

I also care about teachers and I have teachers in my family.”

The participants voiced their support for State Assembly Bill 252, which would divest state employee pensions from the fossil fuel industry.

“We marched for affordable tuition, for divesting from fossil fuels, for affordable housing since so many of our students can’t afford to pay rent,” Robb said. “These are important issues.”

With a potential budget deficit within the Los Angeles Community College District approaching, several of the march’s attendees said this event was especially important.

“We know that the state is facing some budget difficulties and there might be some budget cuts,” psychology professor

Angela Belden said. “We’re saying ‘don’t cut education.’ There was a lot of solidarity and it felt really amazing to be with people out there lobbying for the same things.”

The event was organized by a partnership of several organizations including the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, the California Federation of Teachers and AFT College Staff Guild Local 1521. According to Robb, the march took several months of planning.

Beyond the experience of advocating for issues he cares about, political science major Marcelo Cabrera said he also valued meeting and bonding with other community college students. Cabrera even had the opportunity to go inside the

California State Capitol building. “We made our own posters, which was really enjoyable, and we discussed with people from other campuses and worked together,” Cabrera said. “The marching was really powerful. We even had some random people who were just on the sidewalk see what we were saying and join in on the march.”

According to the professors who went, plans are already being made to hold the march again next year.

“To see that number of college students and faculty so energized and willing to use their voices, it was really heartwarming,” Belden said.

Brandon Harrell contributed to this story.

On this day 42 years ago, a Roundup photographer and reporter covered the West Valley Police Activity League (PAL) Applecrate Derby on the Pierce campus, which was published in the March 24, 1982 issue.

In the paper’s 10 pages, other topics covered included a new sexual harassment policy passed by the LACCD Board of

Trustees, an agriculture assistant caring for the 10-acre Pierce Orchard, the planned late 1985 renovation of the Media Center, and many letters to the editors.

Two photo essays in the issue were about a Pierce intermediate fencing class and the annual lamb barbeque.

Young racer Manuel Arroyo prepares his vehicle for one of the races down a 250 yard course starting at the top of Stadium Way at Pierce during the West Valley Area PAL Applecrate Derby. The derby took place on Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photo by Gary Fitleberg.

Copy by Raquel G. Frohlich.

Media Arts department takes home 18 awards

Students learned and competed in La Jolla, California

By Delilah Brumer News Editor

Journalism student Emil Rizkalla traveled to the 2024 Spring National College Media Conference with hopes of learning and maybe placing top three in a contest. His photos ended up winning four awards—and he wasn’t alone.

“For someone who got into photojournalism really spontaneously, I did not expect this at all,” Rizkalla said. “I was honestly speechless.”

Including Rizkalla, eight students in the Pierce College media arts department attended the conference, which was held in La Jolla, California on March 7-9, 2024. The event was hosted by Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), in partnership with the California College Media Association (CCMA) and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC).

“A highlight was being able to spend time with other students in the media arts department at Pierce,” journalism student Gerardo Escobar said. “It was really fun seeing everyone from all these schools come together.”

More than 800 students from community colleges and four-year universities

attended the conference, which offered opportunities including media critiques, competitions, workshops led by professional journalists and affinity group roundtables.

“One of the most interesting parts of this whole experience was to learn from the mentors and experts,” first-time attendee Sadie Shields said.

“It was really fun seeing everyone from all these schools come together.”

Gerardo Escobar Journalism student

Current and former members of The Roundup and The Bull Magazine took home 18 awards in statewide contests run by JACC and CCMA. The Bull staff won a General Excellence award from JACC, one of the highest honors for a community college publication.

The following students won individual awards:

• Daniela Raymundo, first place magazine photo essay, honorable mention magazine photo

• Emil Rizkalla, first place news photo, second place news photo, second place creative portrait, honorable mention feature photo

• Alexis Guevara, first place magazine photo

• Benjamin Hanson, second place sports feature photo, third place sports action photo, fourth place front page layout

• Delilah Brumer, second place news writing, third place copy editing

• Myraneli Fabian, fourth place news photo

• Lindsey Whittaker, fourth place audio news

• Gerardo Escobar, honorable mention critical review, honorable mention sports game story

• Tyler Hale, honorable mention sports writing

Alana Hackman, the co-Editorin-Chief at The Lumberjack newspaper at Cal Poly Humboldt was photographed at the Associated Collegiate Press Conference in the Hyatt Regency La Jolla Hotel in San Diego, Calif.,, on March 7, 2024. “It’s my first time attending the conference after two years on my university’s newspaper. I’m now the co-editor-in-chief and it’s extremely rewarding to see my team get so far and be able to be here in person to do so,” Hackman said.

Brahma Blotter

Reporting by Christian Castellanos.

Crime Log

No crimes were reported for the week of March 4-10, 2024.

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

Emil Rizkalla / Roundup News

Life

Supercar Sunday shines in early sunrise

By Brandon Harrell Online Editor

The loss of sleep brought on by daylight savings time was not enough to stop the waves of gearheads flocking to Pierce College to check out the cars on display this Supercar Sunday. From muscle cars to JDM, patina to luxury, hot rods to showroom new, there was a build for every preference on exhibit.

Supercar Sunday is as much a staple of Pierce life as the founder—and former Brahma— himself. Founded by Pierce alum Dustin Troyer more than 20 years ago, the car show has taken on a life of its own as enthusiasts from all walks of life congregate

“You look around and you think ‘Which car would I like to have? Which is the most unique?’”

Ady Gil Supercar Sunday attendee

to Lot 7 each Sunday to show off their rides in partnership with Porsche of Woodland Hills. Vehicles can be more than just a machine to get their owners from A to B, they can also hold

sentimental value—Todd Tapia’s forest green 1955 Willys Jeep, complete with classic army markings, is used to honor his family’s military service.

“My grandfather served in World War 2, so I painted his serial number on the side of the hood,” Tapia said. “Then a couple of years ago we lost my uncle to a stroke, he was in the Air Force, so we put his serial number on the other side. It will probably stay in the family a long time.”

To those in the car enthusiast community, meets like these are much more than the sum of its parts. To some, lasting relationships can trace their beginning to a shared interest in the automotive community.

Jim and Dianne Baldwin came to the event to show off their LS swapped 1952 Jaguar Mk VII Saloon two toned in brilliant white on top and fiery orange on bottom. They met after the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

“I had a house with no furniture, and she had furniture with no house,” Jim Baldwin said.

Dianne Baldwin drives a 1969 Chevy Camaro with a 4-speed

manual transmission. When Jim Baldwin bought the Jaguar, it did not have an engine. He bought a 2000 GMC Yukon, ripped the LS1 V8 out and installed a suspension from a 1984 Corvette, all in his own garage with basic tools.

“I am not an engineer by any form of the imagination,” he said. “It’s a lot of ‘Hmm, how am I going to make that fit?’”

Ady Gil stood by his white 1947 Rolls Royce convertible as he greeted and joked with passersby. He bought his car through Mecum Auctions, a classic car auction organization, and was drawn to it in particular.

“You look around and you think ‘Which car would I like to have? Which is the most unique?’ You can’t get another on Craigslist or Bring a Trailer,” Gil said.

Cars are lined up in the early morning during Supercar Sunday in Lot 7 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 10, 2024.

A 2006 Ford GT sits in Lot 7 for Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 10, 2024.

A 1962 Austin Healey 3000 on display in Lot 7 for Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 10, 2024.

Veronica Rosas / Roundup News

Veronica Rosas / Roundup News

Veronica Rosas / Roundup News

Music from the space between the notes

Musician captivated audience with sweet pluckings of classical guitar

By Violet Garcia Online Editor

Anickel-finish guitar with a metal lattice accompanied by geometric shapes along its body rested against a pair of long black slacks and a midnight blue-grey button-up. A slender musician rapidly plucked its metal strings while tunes of the Great Depression rang out into the theater.

Each week Pierce College hosts an Associated Student Organization (ASO) Concert on Thursday afternoons to give music program students a preview of their potential careers. Guests of various musical backgrounds are invited to perform and answer questions from attendees afterward.

This week’s guest was Grammy Award-winner John Schneider, a guitarist and composer who has also worked his way into an array of different fields such as radio, writing and television. He introduced a setlist compiled of

abstract music from composers

Harry Partch and Lou Harrison.

ASO Concert Director Kevin Good is involved with the selection process of performers, which begins with housekeeping information such as determining the availability of the Performing Arts Building (PAB). When it comes to choosing guests, the director can be more creative.

Good aims to establish a well-rounded assortment of talent for the students.

“I always try and curate it for people that are curious to learn more about music, and have it tie into each other,” Good said. “It’s a little sneaky in how it’s done.”

Schneider’s solo act began with the “Three Jahlas,” a piece with gamelan influences

by Lou Harrison, an American music pioneer. His show also featured songs written from the Great Depression era, including “Barstow: Eight

Hitchhiker’s Interpretations” by Harry Partch and “Serenades” by Harrison. Due to the different nature of the pieces, Schneider switched between three guitars in total, a Classical, Adapted I and National Resophonic guitar.

Schneider’s first-ever concert as a performer was on campus as a Pierce professor and provided an understanding of why hosting these events is important.

“It was in the music department. I was so nervous, it was incredible. That got me started, I thought ‘What am I going to do to get rid of these nerves?’ and I found a way to do it,” Schneider said. “That’s what it does for the students here, it shows them possible paths, and to be in the room and see it happen, and maybe talk to them after is priceless.”

Recent Fall 2023 Pierce graduate Hasti Almasi has supported the ASO concert series since her start on campus. The Music Club President feels the concerts give students a chance to discover new genres.

“That’s why I come every time, it’s a good opportunity to explore more artists and different concepts of music that we have never heard of,” Almasi said.

Almasi also stressed the importance of being exposed to a wide range of music and the opportunity it gives students to connect.

“Whether you’re into studying music or not, it’s good to be able to see this art form in multiple different ways,” Almasi said. “This is an art form that brings people together. By doing this and having that available, it’s just an important thing to connect on. It’s for a better sense of community.”

Learning about the holy month of Ramadan

Ramadan informational

Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 7, 2024. The event was hosted by the Los Angeles Pierce College Muslim Student Association.

Students filled Multicultural Center Room 5111 as they listened to guest speaker Sheikh Abu

the holy month of Ramadan, in

Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.

“Our scholar told us about what we do in Islam and what are the priorities,” said Mariam Mohtadi, a food science major. “What we do in the month of Ramadan—when to eat, what to eat, and when.”

Icy Smith / Roundup News

Omar talk about

which

Attendees listen to guest speaker Sheikh Abu Omar in Room 5111 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif, on Mar. 7, 2024.

Owen Meza-Vandermeer / Roundup News

Sheikh Abu Omar, an Imam, speaks at a Ramadan event in a classroom in the Multicultural Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 7, 2024.

Copy by Raquel G. Frohlich. Icy Smith contributed to this story.

Sophie Lotterstein / Roundup News

Chemical engineering major Nida Yar-Khan (left) and food science major Mariam Mohtadi (right) smile as they look at the group of people who came to the

event at

John Schneider performs a microtonal solo guitar concert in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 7, 2024.

Melanie Jurado / Roundup News

With the increase of prices and food uncertainty, students and members of the local community may be questioning whether they can afford food for themselves and their family for the day.

The not-for-profit organization Student LunchBox and the Brahma Bodega at Pierce partner bi-monthly to help these concerns be one less thing to worry about.

“I think more and more of our students have food insecurity and the college is committed to ensure that there is a way to support our students for food insecurity, housing insecurity, even clothing for jobs,” Pierce Interim President Ara Aguiar said.

En español

Con el aumento de precios e inseguridad de acceso a la comida, estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad local quizás dudan si pueden proporcionar comida para ellos mismos y sus familias para el día.

La organización sin fines de lucro Student LunchBox y la Brahma Bodega de Pierce se juntan bimensualmente para aliviar esas preocupaciones.

“Yo creo que mas y mas de nuestros estudiantes tienen inseguridad de la comida y el colegio está comprometido a cerciorarse que hay un modo para soportar nuestros estudiantes para la inseguridad de la comida, inseguridad de vivienda, hasta ropa para trabajos, [traducido al español a inglés]”, Presidente Provisional de Pierce Ara Aguiar

Food for all down at the Bodega

The pandemic has escalated the number of students— and families—that have been negatively impacted, not only at Pierce, but throughout society, said Aguiar.

“And so I think it is a way for us to not only have the Bodega, not only have the events, and have establishing partnerships with organizations that can support our efforts to help our students, but also to continue to look for ways that we can better support, whether that be information, linking students to external partners that can support not just the student, but also the family,” Aguiar said.

The Fresh Bodega food distribution event offered a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables

dijo. La pandemia ha aumentado el número de estudiantes y familias que han sido impactadas negativamente, no solo en Pierce sino en toda la sociedad, dijo Aguiar.

“Entonces yo pienso que es una forma para no solo tener la Bodega, no solo los eventos y tener afiliaciones fundadoras con organizaciones para soportar nuestros esfuerzos para ayudar los estudiantes, pero para también seguir buscando formas para mejor soportar, sea con información, dirigiendolos a afiliados externos que puedan soportar no solo el estudiante, sino la familia también, [traducido al español a inglés]”, Aguiar dijo.

El evento de distribución de

and non-perishable canned goods that students and families could choose from. They had a selection of blueberries, bananas, eggs, broccoli, cabbage, Mexican squash, oranges, potatoes, apple juice, pineapple juice, rice, beans, frozen strawberries and more. Some attendees planned to make use of these foods by cooking a delicious and nutritious meal, trying out a new recipe or coming up with a new one. Others decided to take these items home to their families as a way to show gratitude towards them for their hard work and support.

Copy by Karla Delgado. Christian Castellanos contributed to this story.

comida de Fresh Bodega ofreció una variedad de frutas frescas, verduras y productos en lata no perecederos que estudiantes y familias podrían escoger. Tenían una selección de arándanos, bananos, huevos, brócoli, repollo, calabaza mexicana, naranjas, papas, jugo de manzana, jugo de piña, arroz, frijoles, fresas congeladas y más.

Unos de los asistentes planeaban hacer uso de estas comidas cocinando un plato delicioso y nutritivo, o intentando una receta nueva o crear una nueva. Otros decidieron llevar estos productos a casa a sus familias como una forma de dar gracias por su esfuerzo y soporte.

Translation by Gerardo Escobar.

Nursing major Samantha Perez walks down the line as she takes Food Distribution event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, my family with groceries due to the increase in prices,” Perez said.

Megan Arana / Roundup News Pierce employee Ozzy Portillo, who comes and helps at the Fresh Bodega every two weeks, passes out eggs to each family at Pierce College in Woodland Hills Calif., on March 6, 2024.

(L) Sidra Bar, Peer Mentor Coordinator, listens as (R) Karlen Nurijanyan, CEO at Student LunchBox, explains how many items each person gets to take with them during the Fresh Bodega Food Distribution event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 6, 2024.

Karla Delgado / Roundup News

Photo Essay 11

BOTTOM: (L to R) Deonzell Green, an American Sign Language major, and Destiny Rivera, a Buisness administration major, talk with one another as they walk down the food table discussing Deonzell’s passion for cooking during the Fresh Bodega Food Distribution event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 6, 2024.“I love vegetables and I thought it was a great opportunity to try new vegetables like the egg plant. Also I like to cook and it has helped for my budget as well,” Green said.

March 6, 2024.“I have come here a few times already. Right now, I am working only two hours and since it is expensive to buy food at the grocery stores, coming here has helped us quite a lot,” Becera said.

People line up at the Fresh Bodega in order to get fresh produce, canned goods, oil and eggs at Pierce College in Woodland Hills Calif., on March 6, 2024.

a look at the vegetables being offered during the Fresh Bodega Calif., on March 6, 2024. “I decided to come here today to help

Karla Delgado / Roundup News

Karla Delgado / Roundup News

TOP: Angelica Becera walks down the line as she picks out Mexican squash to take home to cook with during the Fresh Bodega Food Distribution event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on

Karla Delgado / Roundup News

Foods given out at the Fresh Bodega Food Distribution event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 6, 2024.

Karla Delgado / Roundup News

Megan Arana / Roundup News

Cheer team competes in nationals and honors late coach

By Delilah Brumer News Editor

As she stood on stage surrounded by her teammates, cheerleader Ashley Garcia stared into the gleaming lights. Garcia paused after her team finished their routine to take in the moment.

“I’m very lucky that I got to have that experience,” Garcia said. “Those last few seconds before getting up and rallying out felt so good.”

Garcia, along with the other members of the Pierce College cheer team, competed at nationals in Anaheim, California on Feb. 17-18 and placed second in their group. The national competition featured high schools, twoyear colleges and four-year universities.

“I myself am a product of Pierce College, so it was a very surreal feeling to see this team go out there and do their best,” assistant coach Dulce Rendon said.

The team only had nine practices prior to the national competition, due to the death of their head coach, Zach Harris, on Dec. 7, 2023. According to

Rendon, competing at nationals was especially important this year because she and the team were concerned about the potential of the program not continuing. Rendon said the team worked

hard to compete in Harris’ honor.

“We wanted to be able to go out and represent the school and do it for Coach Zach, and that’s exactly what they did,” Rendon said. “We didn’t want our team to crumble. It didn’t. We reached our goal.”

For Dani Dehart, who has been a member of the cheer team for three seasons, this was her second time competing at nationals. As a prospective transfer to a fouryear university, she enjoyed meeting other college students while they were there.

“It’s really cool to see people and the other colleges,” Dehart said. “I also have friends in the cheer world at other schools and it was great to see them.”

Bringing Harris’ picture and a stuffed animal bear with them, Dehart said the team competed for him. She said that this year at nationals was different without his “positive energy,” but that the team came together.

“We tried to keep our hopes and spirits up as if he was there,” Dehart said. “It was very different, but it was still really special.”

Men’s volleyball wins in a close 3-2 match

Brahma cheerleaders perform a cheer during a game against Cuesta College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 23, 2024. The Brahmas won 77-67.

Myraneli Fabian / Roundup News

Myraneli Fabian / Roundup News

Cheerleader Sean Ayala perfoms a cheer during a game against Cuesta College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 23, 2024.

LEFT: Ethan Ortiz (#22), Karl Manolong (#13) and Alejandro Rios (#4) score and celebrate during a game against Antelope Valley College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 6, 2024. The Brahmas won 3-2.

Myraneli Fabian / Roundup News

Pierce libero Anthony Baker (#9) passes a serve against Antelope Valley College in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. Calif., on March 6, 2024. The Brahmas won 3-2.

Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News

RIGHT: The Pierce Men’s volleyball team get ready to play a game against Antelope Valley College in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. Calif., on March 6, 2024. The Brahmas won 3-2.

Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News