Volume 126 Spring 2017 Roundup Issue 3

www.theroundupnews.com

Cafeteria update pg.3

Minister magic pg.4

Job fair pg.7

Baseball beats Valley pg. 8

Horses hit the hurdles at expo

At last, Equine Center hosts its 1st Camelot March competition

DANIELLE KIMBLE Reporter @thereal_joi

O

Razi Goffman, the show manager and owner of Camelot Riding Club, has hosted shows for 40 years.

According to Goffman, the center was unable to host previous shows at Pierce due to funding and construction issues.

ne by one, champion horses warmed up in the Equine Center prior to Pierce's first equestrian competition, the Camelot March, held the weekend of March 11.“It’s been 17 years trying to get a horse show here,” Goffman said. “I know they've had clinics and little carriage shows and the ranch sorting, but never a threering hunter/jumper show where it utilizes the whole facility.”

The event was set up with three arenas: one with jumpers and two with hunters. There was also a covered ring for warm-ups.

All of the horses participating in the event came in from local equestrian farms such as Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Newhall and the L.A. Equestrian Center.

The event began with horses that have been competing for one year. There were some concerns among riders and trainers about the footing of the arenas.

Some thought that the footing was too deep for the horses to use during their jumps and worried about the injuries the animals could have sustained.

Chad Mahaffey, the head trainer at Chad Mahaffey Stables, was one of the leaders of the

Camelot March show.

Mahaffey won 15 first-place ribbons, six championships, three championship reserves, six second-place and three thirdplace ribbons in Saturday’s hunter/jumper and hunter derby shows.

Ron Wechsler, volunteer and retired professor at Pierce, founded the equine program on campus. Wechsler created this club to teach students and to host equestrian shows.

Now that the Equine Center is

finally completed in accordance with the school’s standards, Pierce was able to host their first hunter/jumper horse show.

Wechsler said that the equine center could still improve aesthetically with the planting of trees and flowers.

“As you can see, it kind of looks like a desert,” Wechsler said. “There’s not a tree. There’s no landscaping. That all needs to be done someday. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do that.”

Is 'Bad Jews' a bad title?

Marquee display

JOSE HERRERA News Editor @jose_herrera012

final slide presented the words Pierce College and ‘Bad Jews’ that caused controversy in the community.

Wechsler is hopeful that this is the beginning of more equine shows on campus and that his vision for the equine center will finally be put to use as a show arena.

“That’s what it was built for, and we haven’t used it for that. It basically has hardly been used at all,” Wechsler said.

Mahaffey thinks Pierce’s equestrian center has potential.

“I think it’s a very good location and a really nice equestrian center. I think there’s

Diplomat Guest Speaker

Melissa Martinez, US State Dept. Diplomat in Residence alongside her colleague Cheryl Jennings from USAID, will be guest speakers for PoliSci Society on Wednesday, March 15, at 4 p.m., in the Student Engagement Center, she will speak about career and internship opportunities for all majors. Free pizza will be available.

Film screening

“They Live,” will be screened on Wednesday, March 15, at 5 p.m., in The Great Hall. The Media Literacy and Skeptcism Film Festival. A discussion panel will follow.

Taylor Arthur / Roundup

just some work to do with respect to the footing,” Mahaffey said.

The Camelot March hunter/ jumper show also brought in a local jewelry vendor.

Nancy Louie, owner of Horse Coin Jewelry, was at the event selling her custom-made jewelry and hats.

For

the full story visit:

dkimble.roundupnews@gmail.com

Cal Lutheran University

On-the-spot admissions are being accepted on Wednesday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Transfer Center. Pepperdine University Representatives will visit from 4 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Fake news vs real news workshop

The next Fake News vs. Real News workshop will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,on March 21, in the Library / Learning Crossroads.

Theater Manager Michael Sande gave the information for the play to Public Relations Manager Doreen Clay from a flyer that she had to reformat to fit the configuration of the the marquee.

Clay created four slides and she used the visual part of the poster, which were partial faces of the four characters in the show, Sande said. However, the

“So, in looking at that, when people were driving by, they didn’t happen to catch the three photos before, but even if they did, they’d probably be thinking, ‘What is that?’,” Sande said. “It wasn’t presented in a way that made it sound like a play, much less a comedic play.”

The Theater Department issued a statement on Thursday, March 9, addressing the community about the play and the situation.

Mayer Greene a resident of the community heard of the issue through an acquaintance. Greene said he was initially confused because it was a quick glance, and he did not understand

why the words ‘Bad Jews’ were displayed.

“The government can never stop free speech, but the look was not nice and I didn’t like it,” Greene said.

However, Greene went home and did his research on Pierce and what was being advertised.

“I immediately looked it up,” Greene said. “Pierce College did not mean any ill intentions. They simply didn’t realize the message of the the advertisement.”

He added that he was impressed by the civility and quick action that the school took to handle the situation.

Hillel 818 is an organization that aids and supports the Jewish community on college campuses.

David Katz, executive director of Hillel 818 for CSUN,

Pierce and Valley College, was first notified by a student of his about the marquee.

According to Katz, a photo was shared with him, and soon after, he reached out to the Theater Department to provide insight about how the promotion could be taken out of context.

“There was nothing but good

Free CPR training

There will be a free CPR/AED training course on Saturday, March 25, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is open to all Pierce students but seats are limited. Must RSVP.

intentions,” Katz said. “It could be a potential issue and easily be averted.”

For the full story visit: theroundupnews.com

There will be a job fair on March 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along the Mall. Meet professionals, update your resume, and dress professionally.

Marc Dionne / Roundup Pierce College marquee shows the changed promotion of "Bad Jews" play, adding the phrase 'The Hit Comedy' to it on March 9, 2017

Demi Hird jumps her horse Celine at the 2017 Camelot horse show held at Pierce College on March 10, 2017 in Woodland Hills, Calif

Several local residents sent emails and made phone calls to the Theater Department throughout the day last Wednesday with concerned messages about the wording of the promotion for the upcoming comedy “Bad Jews.”

Illustration by Beck Shields / Roundup

From the desk of the Roundup: Editorial

M

However, it seems as if many professors have found some loopholes.

Participation points and most in-class work are merely tools that

Cyber security

by Madeline Martinez

In just the past year Yahoo Inc. had to admit to two different incidents where hackers had gotten into their networks and compromised almost two billion accounts.

Read that again. Two. Billion. Accounts.

Yet most of us do not take the time to secure our information on the internet or even know where to begin.

The number one step to make sure you are safe online is knowing what sites you are using and making sure you understand what you are clicking on.

Second: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t believe everything you read at first glance. Even if it came from Google doesn’t make it safe.

Third: Create multiple email accounts for different functions on the internet. Use an email just for school, use one for newsletters, one for personal use, such as banking and other sensitive information.

Fourth: Never use the same password twice, nor an iteration of the same password. There are free password managers out there such as LastPass that can store your passwords for you and even generate harder ones to crack.

Lastly, never share too much information on the internet.

Following all these safety precautions will ensure the highest level of cyber security for anyone and will help deter the spreading of your information.

mmartinez.roundupnews@gmail.com

“No,simplybecauseIthinkitjust comesdowntoexams.Ifyouknow thematerial,whyshouldyoube gradedonparticipating?”

andatory class attendance in college has been debated for years. Students and professors are found on both sides of the argument. According to the California Community College curriculum “Attendance is not part of a course subject matter or a discipline-specific skill and therefore may not be separately assessed as part of the course curriculum.”teachers have to require students be in class each day.

But the truth is, teachers at this level are not babysitters. They do not have the same level of responsibility for their students as teachers, and the school as a whole, at the high school and lower levels do.

A Bloomberg article from 2007, “Treating college students like school children,” urges that students be graded on “how they perform and what they create, not whether they keep a seat warm.”

If a student completes the work needed and passes any quizzes and exams, whether or not they were in the room for the other days

Pro:

AUSTIN BROWN Reporter @AustinBRoundup

Most teachers at Pierce College drop students if they miss the first day or week of class, and they have good reason to do so.

A student who cannot show on the first day of class, or even the first week, likely doesn’t care about the course. Some students register for classes just to fill a spot that they need, and if they don’t have a care in the world to stay in, why should the teacher keep them on the roll sheet?

You’re getting off on the wrong foot with a professor, showing up to class to find out they’ve already dropped you.

More importantly, there are students who are trying to get into certain classes, and if there’s a person who doesn’t show up has their spot removed, someone else can add to the course. This allows those students who have enough drive to show up to these classes to get the roster spot, rather than having it sit with someone who doesn’t show the first day of class.

However, as the semester moves on, students may eventually stop coming to class for their own reasons. Regardless of whenever they stop showing, I’ve had professors email the students to

should not matter.

In fact, if students that fully understand the material don’t go to class it allows more possible one-on-one class time between the instructor and students who need assistance.

While attendance may not be part of the grade, there is the ever looming threat of being dropped from a class after a certain number of absences, and in the case of some classes, tardies.

The policy was created to combat financial-aid scammers. There are reports of people signing up for classes merely to receive financial aid. Once the check clears they’re never in class again.

Similarly, teachers are instructed to drop students that do not attend the first class meeting. The school is fined for each of these students that is a no show and never dropped. College students have responsibilities beyond classes. Sixty percent of community college students work 25 hours, while 25 percent work more the 35 hours. Work, family and other needs require a student to not attend class. They are hurt by missing the information presented in lecture. That is compounded by points, and at times entire letter grades, lost due to absences and tardies.

Punishing hard working students can diminish their desire and motivation to continue their education. Requiring class attendance could actually increase dropout rates. According to collegeatlas.org, inability to balance school, work and family is one of the top reasons for dropouts.

-DylanPralta,Business,20

newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

Con: Let them stay

check if they’re still attending. If they, in turn, get no reply, then the students absolutely deserve to be dropped from the course.

Communication can bring a lot of stress off the shoulders of the professors who don’t know where their students are. Professors should be mainly teaching those who are willing and capable of showing up, not constantly trying to chase down those who aren’t. If they get caught up trying to get a student who either didn’t show the first day or week, they can’t devote their full attention to teaching their subject material.

Students who don’t show any care will learn the errors of their way. One way of looking at classes is that you paid to learn by way of a professor and if you’re not willing to show up even if you paid, then you’re terrible at managing money. Students should realize that they aren’t just blowing off their teachers and peers by doing this; they’re also wasting money.

There’s no point for professors to constantly try and cater to those students who don’t show enough responsibility or care to show up. The students who attend class will be rewarded with an education, and the students who don’t show up will have to live with the consequences.

Drop them Matt Thacker *For advertising call Matt at (818) 710-2960

Students should be able to decide if they attend class or not without fear of a teacher dropping them.

According to the Pierce College Attendance Policy, “any student who has accumulated more than one week’s worth of unexcused absences by the census date (normally in the third week of a 15-week semester) will be excluded from the class.”

In some instances, students are unable to attend class because of work, family emergencies or because they have a project that needs to be completed for a different class. Attendance should not keep students away from other responsibilities.

A lot of students at Pierce have jobs with a specific schedule, and resetting that schedule can be tough. Sometimes, it might even be harder to find a class that fits the specific hours one is looking for.

Imagine that the class you want to enroll in is only available during the hours you have work. As a result, you don’t regularly attend the class. Later you find out that you have been removed from that class. Wouldn’t that be miserable?

According to CNBC News, “more than 70 percent of college students have worked while attending school. And the number of working students

“Ithinkitshouldbepart ofgrading.Itʼsabigpartof lecturingandmakingsurethat youʼreactuallytakingnotesand understanding.”

EmilyMartinez,Nursing,18

has grown as college enrollment and tuition have increased.”

Withdrawing students from a class due to attendance is like punishing the students for wanting to work while trying to better their education.

Students are paying for the class, and if they are doing their work, and meeting their deadlines there is no reason for teachers to remove them. The students should be able to decide whether or not they attend the lectures. Teachers should not have the ability to decide that for them.

Another issue that may affect a student’s attendance is having to complete projects for another subject during the lecture of a different class.

In numerous courses, there is work that has to be completed outside of class hours. Students may have to attend an event during lecture hours and it is illogical for teachers to hold that against them by eliminating them from their class.

Every human being gets sick at some point and that is another reason why students may be missing class lectures, but that does not mean that they don’t care about the class or their education. Getting sick should not be a motive to remove students from a class.

kruiz.roundupnews@gmail.com

“Ibelievetheyshouldpartially,justto makesurepeopleareactuallypaying attentionandactuallyinteracting withtheclass.Ifitʼsnotlikethat,they mayaswelltakeanonlineclass.”

“Ithinkyes,professorsshouldgive creditforparticipating,becauseit isaveryimportantthingtoinvolve yourself.”

BushraAktar,Biology,21

a letter. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. the Sunday prior to the issue date. Editorial Policy: The Pierce College Roundup position is presented only in the editorials.

published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment

-Edward Avila, Criminal Justice, 20

Beck Shields Photographers: Liz Haven Arthur Azarian Victor Franco Jose Salazar Shanooi Bass Ahmed Siembaby Vilma Figueroa Debbie Donovan Reza Razi Luis Cooke Sebastion Cornejo Advisers: Jill Connelly Jeff Favre Tracie Savage Advertising Manager:

“Participationintheclassroom, yes;but,participationincoming toclass,no.Therecanbeissues regardingthatsoIdonʼtthinkthat itshouldbeamajorreasonwhya studentshouldbegraded.”

-PatriciaAvina,Psychology,18

With all of the news of hackers and hacking incidents happening all over the world, why do we not take our internet security more seriously?

Cafeteria to boost its menu, increased choices

Food Court will add more options to accomodate additional dietary needs

DANI NOVAZSKI Reporter @dnovazski

Pierce’s Food Court has added options to accommodate dietary needs, and plans to add more, including Kosher items.

The Food Court is continuing to add new items to serve the dietary needs of the Pierce College community.

Ofir Bass, owner of Falafelicious, said the cafeteria is going to be adding a kosher menu, in addition to the other modifications it has already made.

“We did a lot of work to address various dietary needs, adding many gluten-free and vegetarian items,” Bass said. “We are currently working with a rabbi to develop a kosher menu, hopefully within the semester.”

The cafeteria has also made changes to provide more vegan and vegetarian options. Vegan falafel sandwiches, Complete Cookies, and vegan snacks are being offered.

Stephanie Winnard, Vegan Society advisor, said they are impressed with some of the recent changes, including the Food Court’s addition of a vegan burger.

“The vegan burger is homemade and delicious,” Winnard said. “Many

restaurants serve remade frozen veggie patties, but the Food Court’s veggie burger is made from scratch.”

Winnard said the Vegan Society was also pleased to see items added to the menu at the Brahma Cafe.

“The Brahma Cafe has done a marvelous job increasing their vegan options, and we really appreciate this,” Winnard said. “They have several types of vegan wraps, burritos,

Spot the diff erence

Fake news workshop in the library

HAZEM ELWARY Reporter @Hazem_Roundup

Controversy about fake news circulating in the media in recent months has prompted the Pierce College library to host a series of student workshops. The first Fake News vs. Real News

workshop was on March 1 and the next will be hosted on March 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Technology Librarian Clay

Gediman said the workshop is designed to help students evaluate, from multiple aspects, the news they come across.

“We’ve had faculty asking us about some of the fake news that's been going around lately,” Gediman

cookies, and milk alternatives, such as soy and almond milk. Nearly the entire top shelf of the main counter is vegan, which is great.”

The process of adding food items includes the considerations of the general population at Pierce. Vice President of Administrative Services Rolf Schleicher said the desire to provide certain foods has to be considered alongside with what the

said. “Especially with the election last semester, this semester we really decided to go forward with it. We got so much feedback from faculty that we decided to do the workshop.”

Library Department Chair Paula Paggi said the workshop was based on the input of students and the recommendations of professors.

“We do a survey at the end of each workshop and ask for input on what you would like to see presented,” Paggi said. “We go from there to develop these workshops.”

Pierce student Monica Torrico said the workshop would be beneficial, but not enough students know the library is hosting these events.

majority of Pierce cafeteria patrons are buying. Providing meals that are modestly priced is important to students, according to Schneider.

“There is a challenge in providing food that students want at a realistic price point that students can afford,” Schleicher said. “We have to accommodate the needs of our faculty, staff and students, while making sure to provide a wide variety

around and people aren't very involved with the

-Monica Torrico Student

of items that actually sell. Students have provided feedback that access to affordable food, around $5 a meal, is a top priority.”

Bass said the upcoming kosher menu is ready to be rolled out as soon as they receive the rabbi’s consent.

“Students have communicated to us that they felt the kosher items we currently offer are just kosher snacks, as opposed to meals. We have been working on getting food to fit their needs,” Bass said. “Everybody is ready to move forward. We are just waiting for the rabbi’s approval on the kosher items we are going to include on the menu.”

Despite the changes, Winnard said the Vegan Society is hopeful that more vegan food choices will be available.

“We would still like to see many more vegan options, including plantbased meat alternatives,” Winnard said. “Ideally, we would love to see an all-vegan dining station.”

Bass said that students making their needs heard is the best way for Pierce to continue to develop a menu that meets the needs of its students.

“We encourage students to ask for specific items they want to see here,” Bass said. “We always want open communication, and hope to get better at meeting the dietary needs of our students every semester.”

dnovazski.roundupnews@gmail.com

“I don't know if people will actually go. There is not enough word going around and people aren't very involved with the campus,” Torrico said. “People just come here to get their credits and move on.”

The library will also host work shops on evaluating online sources and research strategies and tools starting March 27. Information on these events and times are available on the Pierce College library website.

There will be two more workshops on Tuesday, March 21, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, May 3, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

helwary.roundupnews@gmail.com

Registration begins April 13

Rundown Brahma Blotter

These incidents were reported between Feb. 27 - March 8

Reported by: Vanessa Arredondo Randi Love, Jose Herrera

02/27

•Vandalized Vehicle Unknown suspect damaged a parked vehicle in Lot 7 between the hours of 7:50 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.

03/02

•Petty Bike Theft Unknown suspect cut the lock and stole the bicycle from the bookstore bike rake between the hours of 6:50-10:00 p.m.

03/08

•Petty Bike Theft Unknown suspect cut the lock and stole the bicycle from the Performing Arts Building around 3:15 p.m.

Pierce College Sheriff’s Station

General Information:

Emergency: (818) 710 - 4311

“I don't know if people will actually go. ere is not enough word going

Jose Herrera/ Roundup

Jennifer Zavala rings up Pierce student at Falafelicious Food Court at Piece College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on March 13, 2017.

Former EIC back in the headlines

Marketing guru and former Roundup editor provides tips for aspiring Journalists

“It is a craft you need to develop,” she said. “You have to write for the milkman. Everyone has to understand your story,” Tate said.

The Roundup saw success during Tate’s tenure as EIC.

After cutting her teeth as EIC for the Roundup and managing editor for the Malibu times, Laura Tate decided to take her skills and start her own digital marketing company.

Crackerjack Scribe is a company dedicated to “create[ing] valuable networks that expand your brand online,” according to the company website.

Tate knows what it’s like to work under pressure. As former Roundup editor-in-chief (EIC) from 19992000, Tate said learning to meet strict deadlines was just one of the skills she obtained during her tenure.

“At the Roundup, you’re relying on student to turn assignments in, so it was a lot like pulling teeth in some ways,” Tate said.

Nobody knows this better then Tate’s former teacher and longtime “boss” at the Roundup, Rob O’Neil. O’Neil oversaw publication of the Roundup when Tate was EIC. He knows firsthand the struggles a new editor can go through.

“College newspaper EIC’s have a tougher job than regular editors. They don’t get to choose their employees, and the staff is whoever enrolls in the writing and photo classes,” O’Neil said.

Though her time as an editor had its chaotic moments, Tate also learned what makes a publication stand out.

“If the content in the newspaper is not good, forget about it,” Tate said.

“You need to make sure your sources are good and you have to get the facts correct.”

Tate emphasized the importance of good writing and writing with the reader in mind

“What we put out was a good paper, and we won a lot of awards individually as reporters and photographers, but also as a whole publication,” Tate said.

After her job at the Roundup, Tate moved on to a city paper, the Malibu Times.

“There wasn’t much of a difference between the papers. My experience at the Roundup prepared me very well for my job at the Malibu Times,” Tate said.

Tate succeeded Pam Linn, another former Roundup editor, at the Malibu Times.

“Laura and I both had the benefit of good training on the Roundup and I found her to be a good editor,” Linn said.

Though there wasn’t a huge difference between the Roundup and the Malibu Times, Tate had obstacles in other areas.

“The hardest part about working

Laura Tate, former associate publisher and editor of the weekly newspaper, The Malibu Times, and the bimonthly lifestyle Malibu Times Magazine. She was former editor-in-chief of the Roundupnews. Social Media Manager, Writer, and Consultant in Los Angeles, California. Pierce College, Woodland Hills. Calif. Feb 27, 2017

at the Malibu Times were the sales people. There was always that battle between editorial people and sales,” Tate said. “Also, having to do pieces you didn’t think were ethical, but a small paper that needed to survive had to do certain things.”

Tate also started the Malibu Times

Magazine during her time there.

“We were a bi-monthly magazine, and we had competition in the form of the Malibu Magazine. There was always a competition to get the best scoop from Malibu celebrities,” Tate said.

Her time as a journalist taught her

the importance of advertisement, and keeping a level of trust between the reader and the writer.

“We use social media and blogging to help create a web presence for businesses,” Tate said.

Tate’s clientele includes musicians, artists, beauty businesses and real

estate clients. She also uses her writing skills to provide content for client’s websites. “You need to establish yourself as an authority and it’s really all about trust,” Tate said.

zrome.roundupnews@gmail.com

Tech teacher is the marrying kind

COAT Professer gets licence to officiate friend’s wedding

get the proper qualifications.

Joseph Perret has a habit of taking a leading role in any group he’s apart of. Whether it’s being a father to his three children, being a principle figure in his church, or instructing skiing programs on Mammoth Mountain. Now he’s taking a key position in a new endeavour, certifying his friends wedding.

In January 2017, Perret received a call from his best friend’s son Sean Cagle about officiating his wedding.

“We thought about it for months on end and we kept coming back to Joe even before we discussed it with him,” Cagle said. “We weren’t concerned that he’s never done it. We know that being a professor, speaking in front of a small crowd is something that he’s done as long as he’s been around. He’s an excellent communicator.”

Even though Cagle’s fiancé Ashley Rowlett had not come into contact with Perret as much as Cagle, her feelings toward Perret were similar.

“I have not known Joe my whole life like Sean has,” Rowlett said. “I’ve been around Joe three or four times now, and feeling his excitement toward us has made us really confident that we made the right decision.”

Perret quickly agreed to wed the couple and he went through the process of getting his certificate of ordination.

“I found out the laws in California were really rather strange,” Perret said. “To officiate a wedding ceremony, you have to be a deputized commissioner of civil services.”

Perret found an alternative way to

“If you are an ordained minister, you can officiate at any wedding and sign any wedding certificate,” Perret said. “So I went online, and sure enough, I could get ordained into this ministry that does weddings.”

According to Cagle, they wanted someone special to them and thought it was a great opportunity to get a life-long friend involved in the ceremony.

“He was my dad’s best man,” Cagle said. “And we thought it would be special for us and my dad to have his best friend marry us.”

The couple were a bit hesitant about having a religious aspect to their ceremony, however they thought Perret’s approach was tasteful.

“We were okay with that as long is it wasn’t the overarching take-away from the ceremony,” Cagle said.

Perret wants to bring spirituality into weddings and make them memorable and fun.

“There is going to be videos of this that will far out last me, so I want to do a good job for sure,” Perret said.

When it comes to Perret, it seems he can’t get away from his daily job as a professor, even in other areas of life.

“I don’t view my role as a lecturer, I view my role as a coach,” Perret said.

Perret was raised to have a strong sense of community and to give back to his family.

“Some people give money, some people give their time. I give my time. I was a boy scout for years, and I got far more out of it then I put into it,” Perret said. “It’s fun to see kids I’ve mentored grow up and have families of their own.”

“A small paper that needed to survive had to do certain things.”

-Laura Tate Founder of Crackerjack Scribe

ZACK ROME Reporter @datzackrome

Marc Dionne / Roundup

Joseph Perret is a teacher at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Feb. 22, 2017. Perret became a minister to initialize his friend’s wedding.

Vilma Figueroar/ Roundup

ZACK ROME Reporter @datzackrome

Students Against Student Hunger hosts open pantry every Tuesday

away as much food as possible to students in need. The St.A.S.H. pantry is open Tuesdays from 2:05 to 3:30 p.m. in Iris 910.

Outward expressions conceal internal struggles—Every day, homeless students pass by, hiding in plain sight, struggling to pass classes, not knowing where their next meal will come from, while the rest of the student body is none the wiser. This student-led food pantry seeks to change that.

According to Juan Ornelas, the president of the Students Against Student Hunger (St.A.S.H.) club, there are 250 students at Pierce who are registered as homeless or hungry. St.A.S.H. was founded in summer 2016 with the goal of ending student hunger.

“We saw this issue right under our noses that no one was doing anything about,” Ornelas said.

The club members spent the fall semester gathering food through donations and outreach. This semester, they are hoping to give

“The beautiful worry is that we will get rid of it too fast,” Club adviser Christopher Lay said.

At the pantry, Ornelas waits to give away the food that has been gathered. He said that when students stop by the pantry, he takes food off the shelves and packs it in bags for them to take. If students have any specific dietary needs, he can pack accordingly.

According to Ornelas, the pantry has been open for two weeks, and not many students have come so far, but this does not discourage him from moving forward with the club.

He said he has spoken to members of similar clubs at Cal. State Northridge for advice.

“They told me that the first month can be a little slow, but over time, more people start coming consistently,” Ornelas said.

Lay hopes to work with the club to raise awareness of student hunger and de-stigmatize it.

“If you’re hungry, you can’t learn well,” Lay said. “We want to normalize the idea that food is part of one of the things that are necessary for success. We want to make this resource as normal as going to the library. Students shouldn’t have to feel embarrassed that they need help.”

Mary Anne Bromley, a nursing student at Pierce, did not know that

Euphonic tones concert

there are students at Pierce who are hungry or homeless and had never heard of St.A.S.H.

“That’s a pretty amazing thing that the club is doing for the students, and I would definitely consider looking into how I can get involved,” Bromley said.

The club plans on spreading more awareness throughout this semester

through events and advertising. Lay said that they are trying to organize an open mic night as well as a fundraiser for the club this semester.

According to Ornelas, there are around 130 students on the club’s email list and about 10 to 15 active members.

“Even if the people on the email list don’t show up to meetings, they’re

still informed and aware of what is going on, so I don’t feel like that’s a waste at all,” Ornelas said. Students can get more information about joining the club, donating food and receiving food by contacting the club at foodclubdrivepiercecollege@ gmail.com.

HENI ABASSI Reporter @kpcr_farsishow

“Alexander the Great” conquered the Performing Arts Building with the sound of a 3000-year-old instrument, the oud.

“Planetary kisses”, “Magnon”, and “Alexander the Great” were the musical pieces played by the Mahlis–Panos Project on March 9 during the ASO-sponsored free music concert.

The band is comprised of three musicians.

Dimitris Mahlis is the composer, guitarist and oudist. In musical circles, he is known as an eclectic interpreter of many musical traditions. He is knowledgeable in both eastern and western musical theory.

Mahlis also developed a playing style on several instruments and he

has written the soundtrack for many movies.

“Anytime you see a desert scene in a film, it’s probably one of his sounds,” said James Bergman, the host of the event and a Pierce College music instructor.

Anastasios “Toss” Panos is the drummer in the ensemble, known for his unique sound. Panos described the band as his family.

“The band’s name is a mix of our names. Dimitris and I have known each other for over twenty years. We are both Greek, and Jerry Watts Jr. is like a family member to me. He is my kid’s godfather,” Panos said.

Jerry Watts Jr. is chair of the bass department at the LAMA College for Music Professionals and played the bass during the performance.

According to Mahlis, the oud is one of the oldest stringed instruments

in the world. The oud has been played in different countries such as: Iran, Turkey, Arabic areas, Central Asian, and Younan (Greece).

“Most modern western instruments, including guitar, are descendants of the Oud,” Bergman said.

As part of an education plan, Bergman will continue inviting musicians.

“These guys have been here a few times and they are fantastic musicians,” Bergman said. “Their concerts are loud each time with a lot energy flowing around. They start at one place, and who knows where they go.”

Music major Athena Naghi said she learned a lot by attending this event.

“As an Iranian, I could identify myself with the music, specifically ‘Magnon’,” Naghi said.

Marc Dionne / Roundup

Dimitris Mahlis playing the Oud at the concerts series on the Main Stage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on March 9, 2017.

Camelot ComesPierceto

Riders trot with their horses before jumping over hurdles wound with brightly colored flowers in hopes to win a first place ribbon.

Camelot Events brought the renaissance of horse shows to the Pierce College equestrian center over the weekend with two days of 100 jumper competitions.

Boots n’ Saddles Club and students from Pierce’s horse science classes volunteered to assist with putting the show together.

“They have actually been showing up at six in the morning to help with the parking. They have been wonderful,” Horse Show Manager Raizy Goffman said.

Local horse show communities from San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Simi Valley and Moorpark gathered at 8 a.m. for their first round of jumps. Riders and their horses competed for metals and points which will help them qualify for year end competitions.

“I have been trying to get a horse show here for seventeen years. Finally, finally we have a real three ring two day show going,” Goffman said.

The March 10 show was the first competition of the year. Due to the rainy conditions seen in the past few months previous scheduled shows had been canceled, according to Goffman. A 100 derby was the stand out event at the show. The last class of riders competed at the end of Saturday and into the morning on Sunday.

Photos and Copy by Taylor Arthur

Above: Lauren Schimmel stands with her horse Cannavaro outside the horse arena at Pierce College during the Camelot horse show on March 10, 2017 in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Left: Ribbons won by a competitor in the Camelot horse show lie on a table in the lunch area set up in the Pierce equestrian center on March 10, 2017 in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Below: Hannah Gansert jumps her horse Pius Luga during a jumping competition in the Camelot Horse show on March 10, 2017 in Woodland Hills, Calif. This is the first competition Camelot events has held at Pierce.

Left: Competitors in the Camelot horse show line up to receive their ribbons after they competed against each other in a jumping completion on March 10, 2017 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Now accepting Foundation scholarship applications

Lack of application submissions for Foundation scholarships has advisors worried

SAMANTHA BRAVO Managing Editor @sammybravo93

Pierce College’s Foundation has been offering scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals; however, lack of submissions has advisers questioning students’ interest and eligibility.

Students can submit applications now through April 7. The winners will be announced at the Student Awards Brunch the morning of commencement on June 6, 2017.

Associate Professor of political science Denise Robb encourages students to apply for the scholarships before the deadline approaches.

“Often, students don’t know there are scholarships available,” Robb said. “You can apply to as many as you want in that section.”

According to the Pierce College Foundation website, there are eight different scholarships available that students can apply for ranging from $250 to $500.

Gain experience with job fair

An array of professionals working in various fields from software design to law enforcement, and more things in between, will be answering students’ questions in their respective line of work.

The Career Center is hosting a Job Fair on Thursday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will offer students seeking to land a job a chance to meet with employers and different vendors in the community.

The scholarships that are listed are the General Scholarship Fund, Saunders Initiative Scholarship, Larry Horn Memorial Scholarship, Spanish American Institute (SAI) Scholarship, Ken Weiser Memorial Scholarship Fund, Mona Field Scholarship, Marilyn and Stewart Robb Memorial Scholarship and Gold’s Inspiration Scholarship.

According to Robb, there are additional scholarships that are not listed on the website, but are offered by the department. The student can refer to their department chair if they are interested in applying.

“I know there’s only eight mentioned here, but I remember last year’s ceremony; it goes on for hours,” Robb said. “I know sports has their own scholarships, then dance department, journalism department, math departments and so on.”

Most of the scholarships require that the applicant be a full-time student (12 or more units), maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and write a onepage essay in which they describe the reason why they deserve the scholarship.

Professionals attending will provide opportunities within career fields such as the food industry, education, government and more. Presentations and information will be available for students looking to expand their career choices.

It is an event to create professional connections, establish first impressions with potential employers, and explore different options in the working world, whether or not a person is set on an occupation.

Economic and Workforce Development College Counselor

David Turcotte offered students advice to get students engaged with their employment community.

“[The Job Fair] is a good opportunity for students to showcase their resume and find out what jobs and careers are out there,” Turcotte said.

Most of the employers attending the Job Fair will be looking to hire

“We’ve had scholarships where no one applied, and the money just sat there and didn’t get used,” Robb said.

English Professor Marra Kraemer said the foundation struggled with getting applicants last year.

According to Kraemer, only four students applied for the English scholarship last year.

“We would like more students to apply, but the challenge is they think they don’t qualify, which the matter of fact is they do,” Kraemer said.

The Ahmadian Follett Scholarship is the English department’s scholarship. According to Kraemer, the student would need to have taken an English 21 course to qualify for that scholarship.

“I think there’s a confidence students get when they receive a scholarship. They feel like they represent their discipline,” Kraemer said. “That can often take students really far in their major.”

Pierce College Financial Aid Director Anafe Robinson said scholarships are an additional resource for students to help pay for expenses.

immediately.

“It’s promoting employers from across various domains. It’s for students looking for entry level or even career specific type of employment,” Turcotte said. “It’s important for students to engage with employers.”

Wendi Meckler, counselor and director at the Career Center, said the upcoming Job Fair will be hosting more than a dozen different employers and vendors such as: early education, engineering, hospitality, healthcare, government, social work, law enforcement, insurance and software design.

“A lot of students are undecided on what to do,” Meckler said. “This gives them a good idea of some areas they could pursue their careers. It’s good for them to see areas they can get part time jobs, internships and volunteer work. They’ll also be talking about full time opportunities too.”

Financial crunch

“There’s thousands of scholarships out there,” Robinson said. “Students shouldn’t be afraid of applying. What I have seen in the past is students are not taking advantage of scholarships, and sometimes there’s scholarships out there that haven’t been utilized or awarded because there haven’t been enough applicants.”

According to Anafe, applying for scholarships will not affect pell grant or financial aid applications. However, it may reduce the unmet need students receive if the student wins a scholarship.

“If the student receives a scholarship, we will add that as an award,” Robinson said. “It’s not really reducing; it’s in a different bucket. You’re not really losing out, it’s just reducing for need-based financial aid. Only need-based financial aid programs will reduce if you are receiving additional scholarships, which is fine because you want free money instead of taking out loans.”

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Meckler said this is an excellent way for students with little or no work experience to prospect the options available in the job market and begin acquiring professional experience. According to Meckler, Eureka Burger, located in the Woodland Hills Village, will be catering the event with food for attending students and faculty.

Career Guidance Counseling Assistant Lusine Koshkaryan is working closely with Meckler to assure the Job Fair is successful and students seize the most opportunities they can.

“The Job Fair is a great way for students to explore their major,” Koshkaryan said. “And see what field could spark their interest to point them in the right direction.”

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Pierce College budget decreased by millions within the past five years

KAREN RUIZ Reporter @karenyRuiz11

The Academic Senate’s former treasurer stressed that the college’s budget has dropped by several million dollars since 2012.

Joe Perret, now a district academic senate representative, said during the Academic Senate meeting on March 13 that the college is paid by the amount of people taking classes here, and the cost have grown faster than the student body.

“In fact, we are not going to grow much next year, but our expenses have increased and that leads to a systematic dissemblance by spending more than we bring for the last couple of years,” Perret said. Pierce College may face a problem if the needed equipment is unable to be supplied due to a smaller population of students.

“We are now at the point where it looks like our reserved are going to fall below the required 5 percent of the budget. This means that when we start looking at what we can spend we are going to have to cut back,” said Perret.

Graphic design instructor, Richard Kamimura, said “the budget was actually the big one” and his department can be affected.

“I was really surprised that it drastically changed from what it used to be,” Kamimura said. “We have a really high demand in technologies, so when you apply for new technologies, it can possibly affect our major.”

The college’s budget has decreased dramatically within the past five years.

“Fiscally, it’s going to be tight next year. We had about 8.5 million in the bank, and based on this year’s budget we will probably end up with less than one million,” Perret said.

“We are going to fall below a certain amount of reserves, where the district

is going to step in to help. It’s very serious”

The budget doesn’t go into effect until July 2017, so there may still be time to recuperate at least the require five percent Perret said.

Amir Haghi, ASO President, addressed the upcoming executive elections for the spring semester. He wants to change the voting system and discussed whether it should be held on campus mall or online.

“There’s ups and downs to both,” Haghi said. “We have to balance out how accessible it is and how practical it is to see how we can get the most amount of people to vote and how accurate we can have those votes be.” Should the ASO decide to hold elections online this will allow more time for students to make their voting decisions. If the elections are held on campus student voting time will be shortened.

Haghi also announced Pierce College will be changing its mission statement.

“Pierce College is changing its mission statement to make it more relative to millennials,” said Haghi. “This is important because it will not be changed for another 5 to ten years.”

Haghi said the new mission statement will go into effect in the Fall 2017 semester.

Maria Perser, instructor of psychology and statistics, said nominations are being accepted for Pierce College faculty awards, including Faculty Leadership Award and the Professor of the Year Award, until March 24.

“The awards have actually increased from $500 to $750 this year, which is a nice sum of money,” Perser said. “If you have wonderful faculty, please make sure to nominate them.”

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ROCIO ARENAS

Reporter @rarenas_roundup

Pirates deep-six Brahmas No. 2

Orange

The No. 6 Brahmas fell in four sets (25-18, 25-22, 13-25, 25-21)

Friday night at home to the powerhouse No. 2 Orange Coast College Pirates. The victory was Orange Coast’s ninth in a row.

The Brahmas seemed overmatched in the first two sets. The high-powered offense of Orange Coast was too much to handle.

Justin Kam, who leads the Pirates in kills for the season, and Jordan Hoppe were a one-two punch that the Brahmas couldn’t recover from.

An ace from Hoppe made the score 24-18 and the first set fell out of reach.

“We have some good leadership and the older guys really came through tonight,” Orange Coast coach Travis Turner said. “We have some sophomores and that helps.”

Pierce kept it close in the second set with key kills from Trenton Sellers and Brandon Oswald, but they again fell short, 25-22.

Baseball

[From Kovach,Brahmas roll, pg. 8]

Although the Brahmas were ahead of the Monarchs for the duration of the game, concentration on fellow teammates and shouts of support were lackluster.

“Our dugout was terrible,” Picketts said. “I just had a talk with them about that. Their intensity wasn’t very good. In order for us to be a better team, a

Coast College too much for Pierce to handle

“Today we just came out flat,” Pierce head coach Lance Walker said. “Our energy was a little bit low. We were warming up kind of like a diesel engine because it took us a moment to get going, and that’s something we have to learn from.”

In the third set, the Brahmas played with some fire power.

Pierce went on several big scoring runs with the help of a variety of players.

-Brandon Oswald opposite hitter

Jadrien Wiser came up with a key ace and big kills in a route

championship team, they need to be more focused.”

Lebarron shared the same thoughts as Picketts, emphasizing that teamwork is key.

“As a team, I feel like we need more throughout the game,” Lebarron said. “We need to be more enthusiastic.”

The Brahmas are playing in a new conference, the Western State Conference South, that includes a total of five schools: Pierce, Valley, Mission College, West LA College and Bakersfield College.

of the Pirates 25-13. This was the first set Orange Coast had lost since Feb. 4.

Walker was happy that the scoring came from different places.

“We are a very diverse team and a very balanced team, which is rare at our level,” Walker said.

Orange Coast’s coach was impressed with Pierce’s improvement.

“That’s the best team we’ve seen all year,” Turner said. “Their blocking is good and that’s the best ball control I’ve seen out of Pierce in a few years.”

The crowd was lively at Ken Stanley Court. Members of the baseball team were in attendance to support their fellow Brahmas.

Walker praised the help of the fans.

“I’m incredibly proud of the baseball team that came out in support of us,” Walker said. “I thought that brought a lot of great energy to the gym tonight.”

The fourth set was back-andforth before the Pirates finally seized control.

“It literally came down to two points in that fourth set,” opposite hitter Brandon Oswald said. “If

Every player’s mind should be focused on the goal of winning the conference, according to Picketts.

“We have played everyone so far, and we think we are just as good,” Picketts said. “If we can come back on Tuesday and get on a roll, it will be much easier.”

The Brahmas head back to Valley on Tuesday to continue the season series.v First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

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Academic All-Staters

Pierce baseball has 3 players nominated in CCCAA awards for academics

Three members of the Pierce baseball team, Adrian Rodriguez, Tommy Wilson and Chris Kovach, were recently nominated for the Scholar Athlete Award, which honors their accomplishments off the field for having a 3.5 GPA.

They will officially receive the award in late April, according to Pierce athletic counselor Joseph Roberson.

“My hope is that, as an institution and as an athletic department, we get to the point of honoring and making everyone else aware of the students that excel academically,” Roberson said. “Holding them out as the exemplary student and give other students something to look forward to.”

According to the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA), the Scholar Athlete Award is the “highest student achievement honor awarded annually by the CCCAA. The winners, along with the rest of the annual honor roll, are selected by the CCCAA Awards Committee from nominations made by community colleges throughout California.”

“You’d be surprised how many athletes are good students,” athletic director Bob Lofrano said.

“It kind of goes hand in hand. You have to organize your time to be an athlete, a student, to possibly work, and organize time to be a son or daughter to your parents. That’s not easy.”

Baseball coach Bill Picketts was pleased to have three members of the team recieve the award, especially since he had three players who made the list last year as well.

“As a coach, it’s important because our goal is to get them onto the next level. 99 percent of it is on them,” Picketts said. “When the students are doing that, it makes my job easy.”

Picketts stressed the importance of what exactly this means for his team.

“It’s not easy. The players are out on the field 30 hours a week at least

with travel, so their commitment level is a lot higher than the general student,” Picketts said. “I have kids that go to school and work as well, so it is special for a player to get the award”

Early this year, Roberson said that he sent out an e-mail to all Pierce College athletic teams seeking nominations for the award.

“Sometimes, the ones who excel academically might be overlooked.” Roberson said.

This is not the first time that Pierce baseball players have taken home the award.

In addition, Lofrano noted that in 2011 the Women’s Volleyball team took home Academic-All State as a team. The team award takes both the classroom and in-game performance into account.

“That was quite an honor for us and the team back then as well,” Lofrano said.

“Pierce College is an exceptional place to be,” Roberson said. “The coaches really work hard. The students work hard. So when we have individuals that excel, they deserve to be acknowledged. We live in a community, so what is good for us, is good for all.”

two things go our way rather then go their way, we end up taking that fourth set and we send that game to five sets.”

The Brahmas would end up losing the final set 25-21, sealing the 3-1 victory for Orange Coast. Going up against the No. 2 team in the state caused trouble for Walker and his team.

“They are a great team. They were the better team tonight,”

Walker said. “Will they be the better team at the end of the year? I don’t know, but that’s another challenge, and we hope to see them again.”

The Brahmas fall to 7-4 in the season. Their next game is away versus the UCSB club team on Wednesday, March 15 at 6 p.m.

zrome.roundupnews@gmail.com

ZACK ROME Reporter @datzackrome

ZACK ROME Reporter @datzackrome

“If two things go our way rather then go their way, we end up taking that fourth set and we send that game to five sets.”

Arthur Azourian / Roundup

Bernardo Roese sets up the ball for his teammates at Stanley Court in Woodland Hills, Calif. on March 10, 2017

“Sometimes, the ones who excel academically might be overlooked.”

-Joseph Roberson Athletic counselor

Tennis player makes history as the first woman to join a men's team at Pierce Tennis starts with (double) love

KAYLA BERENSON Reporter @kayla_berenson

When she nervously walked onto the tennis courts hoping to join the men’s tennis team in September, Freshman Sowgol Sadeghi didn’t know what to expect. Seven months later, she is making history as the first woman to join a men’s sports team at Pierce.

“When I first came to Pierce, the only people I saw on the tennis court were eight guys and a coach,” Sadeghi said. “I asked them about it, but they said that there was no women’s tennis team here.”

In September, Sadeghi spoke to athletic director Bob Lofrano about joining the tennis team at Pierce. Though she was doubtful at first about being the only woman on a men’s team, Lofrano encouraged her to try it out.

“I think that day was the highlight of my life,” Sadeghi said. “I owe so much to Bob for helping make this all happen.”

Sadeghi moved to Los Angeles from Iran a year ago. She said that before she moved, she had been playing tennis for about six years after watching her oldest brother play.

Sadeghi was invited to play for Iran’s national tennis team, but didn’t take the offer because she was injured.

Before coming to Pierce to study biology, Sadeghi attended Taft High

School for six months. While tennis is a sport offered at the school, she said she didn’t play because she thought it was too late to join the team.

“If I don’t play tennis for a week or two, it messes me up mentally,”

Sadeghi said. “Being away from it for six months was torture for me.”

When she was accepted onto the team, Sadeghi said she was very nervous about what her new teammates would think. After spending so much time with them, she said they have grown very close.

“They are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” Sadeghi said. “I wasn’t expecting that at all. We all have each other’s backs. They are some of my best friends.”

The camaraderie between Sadeghi and her teammates is clear to Lofrano.

“I don’t know if she has any brothers at home, but I know she now has six or seven brothers: her teammates,” Lofrano said. “They really take care of her.”

Sadeghi said that the biggest challenge she has faced so far is the pressure to keep up with the men on the team.

“When you’re a girl, people expect that the pressure is going to be less on you, but the best thing about our coach is that he doesn’t take any excuses,” Sadeghi said. “If I was going to join, I would have to do everything that the guys were doing with the same pressure.”

When the time came for head coach Long Dao to decide which team members would be playing this season, Sadeghi didn’t think she

was going to get chosen. When she found out that she had been picked, she was excited and ready.

Dao said that when he first met Sadeghi, he kept an open mind before writing her off because she is a woman. He also said that she brings something special and unique to the team.

- Sowgol Sadeghi Tennis player

“She puts in so much effort, sometimes more than the guys do,” Dao said. “She is a huge supporter of the team. You’ll hear her cheering for her teammates from the start of the game to the finish. She’s really part of the team, and she’s one of the guys.”

Sadeghi said that the pressure of being “one of the guys” has made her a stronger player.

“A lot of guys are stronger, so you put yourself in a position where you have to get better,” Sadeghi said. “There’s no other option.”

Sadeghi said she hopes to transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles and continue playing tennis.

happening inspire other girls to join the team or form a women’s team in the future.

by playing for Pierce.” She also said

she

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