Volume 127 Fall 2017 Roundup Issue 1

Trump's DACA repeal causes uproar

As many as 800,000 nationwide will be affected

The termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by President Donald Trump has forced Pierce College staff and students to come forward about their concerns for the future of the school and the individuals who will be affected.

DACA is an immigration policy that gives undocumented minors, who were brought to the United States as children, eligibility to receive a work permit and a two-year reprieve from deportation.

Political Science instructor Denise Robb went into detail about the concerns her DACA students have expressed to her via email or in person.

“They won’t be able to go to school anymore, and they won’t be able to work anymore, and they are going to be deported. That’s the worst one. They are going to be sent to a country that they haven’t lived in since they were a year old. They don’t know anybody; their family is here,” Robb said.

On Sept. 5, LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez issued an email to the district on the matter. He provided details about the number of recipients who are enrolled.

“This morning, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the DACA program (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) has been rescinded. He has directed the Department of Homeland Security to "wind-

down" the program, and has signaled to Congress time to address this issue over the next six months. This ruling affects our Dreamer student population, within the approximately 11,000 undocumented students, enrolled in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD),” Rodriguez said in the email.

Maria Bates co-chair of the the Diversity Committee expressed concern about what may happen should Congress not come to a proper conclusion in the next six months.

“If Congress fails to pass legislation to protect our DACA students, people will suffer, both emotionally and economically, and not be able to legally work. They may be taken advantage of by exploitative employers or may avoid getting the help they need at hospitals or from the police. They will be treated as criminals even though they are innocent,” Bates said.

Efren Lopez, the Pierce College ASO president, is a DACA recipient. In a Facebook post, Lopez told the story of when he first arrived to the United States. He said that he is no different from anyone else who is a citizen.

“I was brought to the United States when I was 3. I was raised by the same values and morals like any other American child would be. This country raised me, and I like to call it mine. And while just the legality status of my presence in the United States is of difference, I am no different, as a person than a citizen,” Lopez said.

He expressed how fortunate he is to be able to experience what he has as a recipient of DACA.

“I am grateful for living in such a beautiful country filled with diversity and opportunity. I got to fly across the nation because of my filmmaking abilities, and I got to fly across the nation again because of my political affinities,” Lopez said.

Norman stated that there had been a change in staff and declined further comment.

First-year assistant coach Lucas Melo is unsure of the specifics for the firing.

“There’s been some things that happened this year I’m not too sure about,” Melo said. “I guess there’s been some decorum violations, that’s what I keep hearing.”

Sabolic was shocked by the decision on his first infraction and receiving no formal writeups or any other disciplinary actions prior to the firing. According to Sabolic, the decision was made based on decorum violations reported at Saturday’s game.

Taylor Arthur/ Roundup

A protestor who did not want to be identified holds up a sign as she walks toward Union Station at the Defend DACA March on Sept. 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, Calif.

thought process that, long-term, it was in the best interest of the student athletes, the institution and adhering to the mission of the school,” Roberson said.

According to Hughes, it was actions at Saturday’s game that led to the change.

“Apparently at the game Saturday there were witnesses of behavior that wasn’t conducive to a college environment or wasn’t what the college wanted from a football coach,” Hughes said. “I just don’t understand why I was terminated at all. I was on my best behavior Saturday.”

The news caught coaches and players off-guard.

Services Earic Dixon-Peters could not comment on specifics for the decision.

“At this point in time we’re working on a transition plan,” Dixon-Peters said. “Our number one priority is to make sure the players are ok and this season continues with the least distractions as possible. We understand this is a huge distraction.”

According to Melo, he and assistant coach Dylan Flannery will take over defensive duties

while John Austin will run the offense.

“There’s been talk about an interim but we’re not sure who that is yet,” Melo said. “The program moves on, everything keeps going. We have our toughest opponent probably of the year coming up this week against Southwestern, so we just gotta get ready and prepared.”

Brahmas top Cougars

While the days following a win are normally a time for celebration, the mood quickly changed for the Pierce football program Monday when the coaches and players were informed of the terminations of head coach Jason Sabolic and defensive coordinator Torry Hughes.

Saturday’s home win against the Los Angeles Southwest College Cougars saw 14 personal fouls between the two teams, a player ejected from each side and a sideline penalty against a Brahmas assistant coach. Animosity between the two teams was obvious, and culminated in the Cougars foregoing the handshake following the game.

Athletic Director Moriah Van

“I was never shown the reports, they were all taken at face value,” Sabolic said.

According to Sabolic, the only specific violation he was made aware of was profanity, and that a “lack of control” was cited.

“We’re all at a loss,” Sabolic said. “But there’s really nothing you can do about it as an at-will employee. To be just dismissed like that after dealing with a lot of change., new athletic director, season coming up, no support. It’s difficult to swallow.”

Counselor John Roberson, who works with the school’s athletes, said he was not aware of all the reasons for the move.

“I can most definitely say that the decision was made with the

“I showed up to the facility at around 3 o’clock yesterday thinking we were about to get ready to go over film and all that stuff,” Melo said. “Next think you know, Sabolic comes in and tells us he’s been fired. After that went and told the kids.”

Players were noticeably upset upon hearing the news, and Melo and other coaches have been working damage control to keep the program rolling.

“There’s a lot of parents calling, a lot of kids concerned about the situation. But we’re going to move on,” Melo said. “These kids are here to get out. At the end of the day the assistant coaches are all here for the kids 100 percent.”

Vice-President of Student

William “Bill” Judge, a Buildings and Trades skilled plumber in the Maintenance and Operations Department, died Tuesday, Aug. 29 in a motorcycle accident on his way to work at Valley College.

He was headed southbound on the U.S. Highway 5 when his Harley-Davidson motorcycle crashed, The Daily News reported on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead at 4:40 a.m.

Judge began working for LACCD in 2001 at Los Angeles City College. He began working at Pierce College in 2004 before transferring to Valley in April.

“On behalf of everyone who worked with Bill at Los Angeles Pierce College, we add our condolences [to] his family and friends,” Pierce College President Kathleen Burke said in an email.

Judge is survived by his wife and three adult sons, Valley College President Erika A. Endrijonas said in an email.

“He will be missed by everyone who knew him, especially at Valley and Pierce where he worked most recently,” Endrijonas said in the email. “Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts at this difficult time.”

The funeral services occurred on Sept. 8. According to Operations Manager Rodney Allen, the funeral was open to family, friends and coworkers.

A group of Pierce employees attended the funeral to support the family and say their farewells to Judge.

Allen said that when he first heard about Judge’s accident, he was shocked because Judge had been riding motorcycles for a while.

“He had a dirt bike that he would ride to work that was street legal,” Allen said. “He would ride to work often. So, I felt that he was a good rider.”

Judge reported to General Foreman Dominic Gasperi under general trades, but when Gasperi was off campus due to business, Judge would report to Allen.

“Whenever I directed him to do something, he was never a problem,” Allen said. “He was always helpful and helped anybody with everything.”

Pierce College Director of Facilities Paul Neiman said Judge was a hard working employee.

“He was a good person who always did his best for the campus and for his family,” Neiman said during a phone interview. “He will be missed.”

Judge was known for wearing fluorescent shirts so that everybody could see him, Allen said. He joked around a lot and loved to talk about Kansas City football.

TAYLOR THIBODAUX Reporter @taylorthibbs

Shae Hammond/ Roundup

Sterling Salguero stiff arms a Los Angeles Southwest defender to avoid a tackle and advance down the line at John Shepard Stadium at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.

The Brahmas defeated the Courgars 55-21.

From the desk of the Roundup: Editorial

Walking through triple-digit temperatures, the sun beaming down on your skin, the dry air chapping your lips as the beads of sweat drip.

No, it’s not the Mojave, it’s not the Savannah. You’re just walking to class.

Pierce sits in one of the hottest parts of the Valley, and water is, at times, not easily accessible. In times of extreme heat, the school should provide students and faculty with water throughout the campus.

Setting up a few, let’s call them hydration stations, across campus to provide water for those in need would be a simple and vital solution. Two in the Mall, one in the Village and one up on the Art Hill would successfully cover most of the foot traffic across campus and provide a vital resource.

Funds could be allocated by ASO for the 20 or so days a year that the temperature is over 100 degrees. Volunteers could operate the stations, dispensing ice cold water from jugs to those that are in need.

In the first week of the fall 2017 semester, according to the Pierce College weather station, temperatures reached record highs. Practices were cancelled and games were delayed on campus. Aug. 28 saw the mercury reach 111 degrees. Shade is a commodity on this campus, and the main walkway from one end to the other, the Mall, is almost completely sunbathed throughout the day.

We all sweat. And while you may enjoy earning that sweat when working out, no one likes sweating just from a short walk. Medicinenet.com reports that a brisk walk may generate up to 16 ounces of sweat per hour to cool the body. This lost water needs to

be replaced. According to a report from CBS, up to 75 percent of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. This may be due in part to misinformation.

Most of us have heard about the “eight and eight” rule, where the recommended water intake is eight eight-ounce glasses throughout the day. This adds up to just under two-liters. According

JORDAN NATHAN Reporter @JNathan_Roundup

School is where students go to learn and to further their education, but the weather is one factor that can take away their energy or ability to concentrate if it becomes uncomfortable enough.

California weather from late May until mid October has its share of heatwaves, and this can put a huge damper on college life. A brutal heatwave can seriously damage a student's quality of thinking and reasoning while learning.

One problem that a classroom full of tired and dehydrated students can face is the lack of or unavailability of proper air conditioning. I took a class during the summer term in hot weather, and the air-conditioning unit in the class didn't work until close to the end of the session. It was difficult to listen to the professor lecturing while constantly thinking about how hot it was inside the classroom and how hot it would be outside. In a crowded classroom with little cool air, or none at all, a heatwave will win against even the most energetic of individuals.

If classes were canceled due to a heatwave on campus, the school could save a lot of money because little electricity would be used. Computers and electronic devices wouldn't need to be on all the time and use up electrical energy on a hot day. Power failures or blackouts could occur due to all the electricity

“Iwentcliffdivingin Yosemite.Iwasactually forcedto.Iwashavingsecond thoughts,butmyfriend goteveryonechantingand counted down for me to jump.”

-Aaron Hernandez, 21, MathematicsMajor

to the Mayo Clinic, the adequate intake is nearly double for males at 3.7 liters and 2.7 for women.

Water in the vending machines across campus cost $1.75. To properly hydrate on campus throughout the day, it could cost the average student nearly $10.

That is, of course, if the machines are working at the time. The first day of the fall 2017 semester, vending machines

in the Village were not working. This is an all too familiar site. Machines are constantly down, and sometimes not refrigerated, adding another obstacle to those on campus trying to stay hydrated.

Yes, there are traditional water fountains around campus. But with a student population of over 20,000, most of whom have classes at the same time, when exactly is a student supposed to be able

to stand in front of one of these fountains to properly hydrate?

Dehydration has some serious adverse health effects.

Fatigue, dizziness, confusion and irritability are all symptoms of dehydration, according to the Mayo Clinic.

None of those things provide for educational success.

being used, and it can be bad for students who use computers or projectors for classwork. An outage costs a school more money because of the problems that staff and students may face from lack of power.

If classes were cancelled, there would be no need for students to take the time to drive or take the bus to campus. In extreme weather, they would be able to stay home instead of going the distance to their classes on such a hot day.

A student's health can be jeopardized, and they might experience an awful feeling like they're going to melt or a bad experience with fatigue due to the intense conditions of a heatwave. Heat exhaustion symptoms from excessive heatwaves are more common in Southern California, and the health of many can decline rapidly as the temperature increases throughout the day. Heatstroke can cause some students to seek medical attention if they go to class during a heatwave.

I accept the idea that classes should only be in session when students are able to think and focus on what is going on in a classroom environment. These intense heatwaves are the worst on the West Coast because California is a desert. Classes should be scheduled only when there are no possible chances that someone going to school can suffer undue trauma as they go about their day.

jnathan.roundupnews@gmail.com

Photographers:

NATALIE MIRANDA Reporter @natalierosemir

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), high temperature is potentially dangerous to locals. Some may argue that schools should be closed and classes should be cancelled; however, cancelling classes does not solve or prevent heat-related illnesses or injuries. The dilemma is not that school is open, the issue comes from being unprepared. Students have an individual responsibility to protect themselves from the heat. Heat-related illnesses include dehydration, exhaustion, cramps, syncope, rash and heat stroke. Youth, elderly and disabled are at greater risk for injury, however, these conditions can affect anyone. Avoiding prolonged exposure to the weather by limiting time outdoors while on campus can diminish the potential danger. Those at greater risk of developing heat-related illnesses would benefit from remaining in cool, air-conditioned facilities. The library, cafeteria, and Student Services Building on campus are open to students looking to cool off during extreme temperatures. According to research from the University of Connecticut, dehydration can alter mood, energy levels, and can cause cognitive function to decrease. Water is a necessity. The cafeteria, bookstore and vending machines on campus have bottled water available for students to purchase. But students should bring their own.

Cartoonist:

Limiting strenuous activity in extreme heat can put you at a lower risk for developing heat-related injuries. Consider avoiding unnecessary physical activity when the sun’s UV rays are strongest. This occurs when the sun is at it’s peak, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Sunscreen can maintain the integrity of skin health by preventing burns, rashes and skin-related cancers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, sunscreen acts as a barrier between the skin and the sun’s harsh rays by absorbing and reflecting some of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation by providing protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is a quick and easy way to help maintain the health of your skin.

Wearing weather-appropriate clothing to school can prevent overheating and alleviate discomfort. According to the NWS, people are recommended to wear loose, lightweight and lightly-colored apparel. Dark clothing attracts the sun’s heat, while light-colored apparel reflects it away from the body.

Student health is a priority and should be taken seriously, but cancelling classes seems unnecessary during a heatwave. Taking simple, but crucial, steps to lower the risk of heatrelated illness and injury is necessary and extremely important to the health of students. With so many options available to deal with this type of extreme weather, there is no dire need to cancel class as a response.

nmiranda.roundupnews@gmail.com

“I went to Lake Tahoe with a couplefriendstogetawayfor a bit.”

HelenZuniga,20, AnimalTechnicianMajor

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

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. Cartoons and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup.

The college newspaper is 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 to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.

Illustration by Wyce Mirzad / Roundup

“Iwashangingoutwithmy friendsalot,goingtothe beach.Igotdrunkalot.”

-Lerato Mbalati, 22, Undecided

The new SIS system integrated with Canvas is affecting students and faculty with log-ins for their accounts causing difficulties accessing course material.

Monday’s Academic Senate meeting, the first in the new Faculty and Staff Building, also included discussions about budgets and ASO’s plan of action after the removal of DACA.

Distance Education Coordinator

Wendy Bass said in her campus report that the new SIS system, which has been causing issues for faculty and students, is now combined with Canvas in a single sign on. Bass reported that students have been accidentally dropped from class, and though they will be re-enrolled, it may take up to 24 hours for the system to update.

“All students should be in Canvas, unless there is an accidental drop,” Bass said.

The biggest issue concerning the new system is the lack of automatic connection between Canvas and SIS, Outcomes Coordinator Jennifer Moses said. She said that it is a district decision, and there is not much that Pierce College can do.

Moses, said that because Canvas and the SIS system are separate entities, there is an integration problem.

“The district, as well as Pierce, needs to work toward better integration of all of our varying technology,” Moses said.

The Faculty Senate Budget was approved at the meeting and includes new changes like more categories for spending. The senate is becoming better at identifying what their expenses are, according to treasurer Angela Belden.

As for the campus wide budget, it is in crisis, according to Belden.

The next Academic Senate meeting will be held Sept. 25.

Assault victim readjusts to life

Alumnus survives gun violence on day commemerating death of step-father

A year ago, her stepfather was killed as a victim of gun violence. A month ago, as she commemorated him, a gun took the sight in her right eye.

These kind of hardships might stop some people, but Tanisha Saunders proves that her preaching for a positive attitude is more than just talk.

Saunders was an involved student on campus and participated in student government and in the peer mentor program while attending Pierce. In fall 2016, she was chosen to be the commencement speaker, and she spoke about overcoming her struggles and prevailing through education.

She transferred to Cal. State Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), where she is studying public policy and education.

On Wednesday, August 9, as they commemorated the death of her stepfather, Saunders, her brother Dominique, and their family friend became victims of gun violence.

The Saunders’ survived the shooting with critical wounds, but their family friend died protecting the siblings.

“I was shot in the face,” Saunders said.

Saunders lost vision in her right eye and is coping with the fact that she is now a “different-abled” person.

“I'm doing fine,” she said. “Taking it one day at a time. One moment at a time. I thought I could get back to school and start a job, but I'm dealing with a new reality. I'm just trying to rehabilitate myself and get reacclimated with my academics, my social, personal and emotional life.”

Saunders said that because her injury happened a month ago, she is still not accustomed to her new life. It is now more difficult to walk and read, she said. Though she now has to fill out disability forms, she prefers to say she is “differently-abled” because she is still processing the effects of the incident.

“I know that I have to give myself and my body more time to heal. I’m still getting adjusted to what that means, because I'm still getting to know what that means, myself,” Saunders said. “I've heard disabled, but it’s settling in. That's an emotional as well a physical task for me. Differently-abled is more comfortable to me right now as I'm coming more to term with things.”

Tanisha Saunder’s cousin La Mikia Castillo said the Saunders family is just glad that she is alive and safe. She is a strong person with a large support group of people who love her, stand by her and support her, she said.

“It’s very devastating what happened,” Castillo said. “Our family is very much against gun violence, and Tanisha and us are also very involved in Black Lives Matter. We condemn any violence against our community, within our community.”

Saunders said that her time at Pierce College reignited her curiosity for advocacy.

“I was able to explore different areas within my major and social issues such as homelessness, class matters, Black Lives Matter and education,” Saunders said.

During her last year at Pierce, she attended a financial literacy workshop at UCLA. It was in Campbell Hall that an African American student informed Saunders that she was in the hall where two members of the Black Panthers were murdered by the FBI.

“It was in this moment that I felt an out-of-body experience, where I was like, ‘Wow, this education thing is much bigger than me.’ There's a bigger opportunity for me to be involved in the community,” Saunders said. “I have the opportunity to be involved and comment and address the things that affect the things in my community on and off campus. I started to take back this passion to Pierce. I came back with this fire in me.”

Saunders said she realized that she could combine education and

community and learn and teach from and within her community.

“She was an amazing student leader,” Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga said. “She dedicated her heart and soul to the experience of being here on campus, offering support and being a very critical figure on our campus. She left an indelible imprint on us.”

Tanisha Saunders (right) shares a moment with Joe Hernandez after speaking to a crowd of people gathering

the 8th Annual Woodland Hills Relay For Life at Pierce College on Saturday, May 21, 2016

DACA student leads by example

After overcoming barriers, ASO President mobilizes efforts to advocate for undocumented students

Lopez aided Cardenas with his mobile office, which consisted of them going to different parts of the Cardenas’ district.

Back straight rising from his chair, Efren Lopez strides across the room during an Academic Senate meeting to report about a protest and advocate for programs that could help undocumented students, including himself.

Lopez is ASO president and a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, which he announced to his fellow senators during a meeting last Tuesday.

“I’ve been a recipient of the program since it started in 2012 when Obama signed the executive order for DACA,” Lopez said. “I applied for it even though I was young back then, but I got it to protect myself from the chance of deportation. It was about the sense of security.”

He said that he first heard that the Trump administration rescinded the program through a Twitter post by Politico as he headed home from work.

“On the same night, I sat down with my mom to talk about it and my sister, who is also a DACA recipient, were talking about plans after the six-month period that my DACA expires within two years,” Lopez said. “We were figuring out what we would do.”

Although Lopez is worried about his future and that of his family, he said he thinks about other program recipients, especially those on campus, because as ASO president, he represents the students along the spectrum.

Two decisions were made by Lopez to help ease the situation.

He plans on creating a hot seat committee alongside other existing

clubs such as Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) to inform and meet with community leaders to find solutions. He also said he wants to motivate students to organize and unite.

“Get up and fight for your right to be here, because we grew up in the same norms, same education system as any other citizen, in the same culture, and integrated into society,” Lopez said. “We’ve been here our entire lives and have families.”

According to Lopez, these decisions that happen at Washington D.C. will eventually affect everyone just as DACA has started to affect him.

“You have the six-month period until the end of the your DACA, but it’s the concern, the anxiety, and the turmoil that affects a person and their family that is

the most heart wrenching part,” Lopez said.

At 3, his family migrated from Mexico to the United States. They had relatives living in the San Fernando Valley and moved in with them in 2001.

“I’ve lived in the community in Van Nuys for my entire life,” Lopez said. “The San Fernando Valley is close to me. It’s my home. I couldn’t call Mexico home even though I have family there.”

According to Lopez, even though he had anxious feelings about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) he wasn’t aware that he was undocumented until he was in ninth grade when he started asking questions about his citizenship.

“I was confused because I didn’t understand what that meant [being

Take a page out of her story

Professor love of teaching stems from an unconventional childhood

ZOE PARKER Features Editor @zparker3594

Sheryl Nomelli’s office resembles an art museum. Covered in artifacts documenting her affinity for history, the trinkets lining her shelves tell a history almost as vibrant as her own.

Nomelli’s story begins in the historical turmoil of the 1960s and 70s amidst the Vietnam War, Watergate scandal and both the Civil and Women’s rights movements. Her childhood, in her own words was “unconventional” as her parents adopted anti-government ideals and settled their family in a commune of like-minded people in Northern California. Living in quonset huts on an abandoned military base, Nomelli grew up wandering around its grounds without supervision and without formal education.

“My mom would go out and get used books, books that were donated, books that were free and on a hodge-podge of different subjects, and she would read to me and my brother every single day, sometimes for hours,” Nomelli said. “A lot of my education was just being read to by my mom.”

It wasn’t until she was 10, when the base that was her home was sold, that she began traditional schooling. She originally planned to enroll in fourth grade, but a placement test advanced her to sixth, although she only stayed until the eighth before dropping out.

A few years later, at 15, she took the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and attended classes at Shasta College in Redding, California the same year. Throughout this phase of her life, Nomelli’s parents joined a religon and

her father went back to school to study theology and become a minister.

“They were searching for answers and got involved in a really strict religious group,” Nomelli said. “So I went from a loosey, goosey ‘do-as-you-like’ lifestyle to this harsh brand of Christianity.”

By 18, Nomelli was married, and by 20, a mother, putting her education on the back burner to raise her family. It wasn’t until her late twenties that she enrolled in courses at Moorpark College as a re-entry student and discovered her love of history.

undocumented]. I asked my mom but she didn’t want to explicitly explain to me what it meant.”

He attended John F. Kennedy High School in the magnet program as a film student and participated in Skills USA. Lopez won regional in eleventh grade, and in twelve grade, participated in regional, took home a gold medal in the state competition and made it to nationals.

Right after high school he got a job working for a small pizzeria shop before finding another job at Office Depot in Burbank working there for a year.

While attending Pierce College, he took a political science course and joined the PoliSci Society. He became interested in politics, so he decided to intern for Congressman Tony Cardenas.

During the five-month internship,

“It’s about seeing the people that you represent, and through them I learned the most about what I am doing right now,” Lopez said.

Lopez applied and interviewed for the City of Malibu under the Parks and Recreation Department during the summer and got the job as recreational assistant.

The interpersonal skills needed in a professional environment ,such as setting up meetings and sitting in on them, dressing up in suits and making sure you are entirely professional, are key learning experiences, Lopez said.

College Club Council President Kosar Afsir, 20, works with Lopez as part of ASO.

Although Afsir and Lopez work in two different branches within student government, they have different visions to accomplish similar goals.

“He sets goals for himself and he takes action,” Afsir said.

Dean of Student Engagement and co-advisor to the ASO Juan Carlos Astorga met Lopez last year when he was a senator. Astorga said that he had the privilege of traveling with him to the Student Senate California Community Campus, a statewide conference, where they participated.

“I was really impressed with his maturity and his ability to look at large scale issues that impact our community college students across the state,” Astorga said.

According to Astorga, the ASO has initiatives focusing on solving student problems. He thinks they are starting out on a good foot by being able to address the food insecurity and the home insecurity of individuals on campus.

“He’s really passionate about the initiatives, and he is going to keep it at the forefront for all of us to have these discussions as an ASO, as Pierce College community, and as leaders across the campus and district,” Astorga said.

When you first meet Lopez he’s serious, Astorga said. But he is a caring person and dedicated to ensuring all individuals at stake are included and a part of the discussion.

“I settled into politics,” Lopez said. “That’s my passion right there.”

“I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck, renting a tiny, little two-bedroom condo with my family of four,” Nomelli said. “I worked nights and weekends; my husband worked days. It was hard.”

It was then that she met Moorpark Professor Ceil Copsey, who inspired her to not only switch her major to history, but to want to become a history professor like her.

“She would march across the room telling stories in this very dramatic way with her hair swinging everywhere. She would make a bunch of strange noises and

we started calling her ‘Cousin It’ like the character from the Addams Family, because she was just covered in hair,” Nomelli said. “Halfway through that semester, I changed my major to history.”

After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Nomelli earned her master’s at Cal. State Lutheran where she was involved in the Natchez Courthouse Records Program created by Professor Ron Davis. During the five week trip, Nomelli traveled to Mississippi and Louisiana to explore primary sources and archives.

“I was just weird enough that I was interesting,” Nomelli said in regards to obtaining fellowships from Davis himself.

Soon after, she began her teaching career. Nomelli taught classes both at Cal. State Northridge (CSUN) and Moorpark before settling at Pierce, where she’s been since 2012.

“I learned, when I started working here, that it’s like a mini-CSUN in terms of the diversity of the student population, which I love,” Nomelli said.

Pierce student Mady Pammit said she really enjoyed Nomelli’s History 52 class.

“This class is fantastic,” Pammit said. “It’s interesting, captivating and fascinating. Professor Nomelli is awesome; she keeps you engaged.”

History instructor Brian Walsh served on Pierce’s hiring committee during Nomelli’s interview phase and said her passion for teaching was evident from the start.

“When I was observing her teach, I saw the engagement with her students,” Walsh said. “The passion was there, and that’s a key quality to being successful as a history teacher. The students need to see that you care about it, which she does. She’s one of the good ones.”

Rebecca Schulman / Roundup

Sheryl Nomelli poses near painting in her office, FO 3003, at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Nomelli has an unconventional upbringing, she grew up in a commune of quonset huts and didn’t have a formal education until 10-years-old.

JOSE HERRERA

News Editor @jose_herrera012

Rebecca Shulman / Roundup

Efren Lopez, speaks to a crowd during the Pierce College Democrats’ March for DACA Rally at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. Lopez is a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient that shares his story in effort to encourage others. Photo: Rebecca Schulman

“I was really impressed with his maturity and his ability to look at large scale issues that impact our community college students across the state .”

-Juan Carlos Astorga Dean of Student Services

“The passion was there, and that’s a key quality to being successful as a history teacher .”

-Brian Walsh History Instructor

After Pierce, what's next?

University reps reach out to high school, college students and the community

VAUGHAN Reporter @JVaughanRoundup

Representatives from colleges across California participated in the College Fair Extraordinaire, where students flocked to discuss transferring to their dream schools.

Last Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon, students gathered along The Mall for the College Fair Extraordinaire, an event aimed at furthering student’s education and transfer possibilities.

The event was geared toward freshman admission for high school students. However, college students, staff members, community members or anyone looking to further their education were welcomed.

Approximately 100 colleges and universities attended the event allowing students to gather all the information they needed. Free lunch was provided along with music and entertainment. Two information booths were on each end of the fair,

and programs were passed out as members of the community entered.

“It’s difficult to find events where you could have 100 universities giving you information, and you have it here in your backyard, so take advantage of it,” Gonzalez said.

Rodney Morales, a kinesiology major, never had the opportunity to attend a college fair in high school.

“It would have been helpful to figure out more about my major, see if there was a different major I liked, or been able to see the classes I needed to be more prepared,” Morales said.

Because September is Suicide Prevention Month, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health reached out to be a part of the College Fair Extraordinaire. They were interested in targeting college and high school students to build more awareness about suicide prevention.

There were approximately 17 workshops including community college and how to transfer, UC and Cal. State applications, how to

write personal statements, testing, financial aid, and financial aid for undocumented students. There was also a number of financial aid workshops in Spanish.

Gonzalez said that it is very beneficial to have events like the College Fair Extraordinaire available to the community.

“It helps some of the smaller high

Public relations rep will entertain Pierce

JENNIFER BELCHER

Reporter

@jbelcher94

In the entertainment industry, the difference between a good and bad reputation can mean the difference between a million dollars and going broke. Public relation specialists dedicate their careers to maintain public images for the companies they represent.

The Media Arts Department begins its Speaker Series Thursday, Sept. 14 with Pam Golum, the president of West Coast Entertainment: The Lippin Group.

Publicity Executive Committee (TPEC), which is comprised of the top public relations professionals at studios, networks, production companies and public relations firms.

The ASO-sponsored event will take place in the Great Hall at 7 p.m., and is free and open to students, staff, faculty and the general public. Food and drinks will be provided free of cost.

schools, or high schools that don’t have the space or the capacity to host their own fair, or don’t have the time for one individual to coordinate a large-scale event,” Gonzalez said. “We collaborate with the community to host for the community.”

The representatives from the universities were mainly focused on freshman admission, not on

transfer admission, but they usually know the answers to most students’ questions. Salter welcomes students to visit the transfer center for other workshops and assistance on transfer admissions. Salter strongly encourages students to have a list of questions for the representatives at the fair about requirements, classes, campus life, or anything they may

need to know.

“The goal is finding out if it is going to be a place where you are going to feel comfortable and want to go,” Salter said.

Golum has managed some of the firm’s most prestigious accounts, including the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Dick Wolf’s Law & Order franchise, Jaclyn Smith’s JSI, Disney Channel projects —which include High School Musical and Hannah Montana—and the Monte Carlo Television Festival.

“The thing about PR is there is no typical work day because everyday is different,” Golum said. “You can spend the day writing, pitching, trying to get new business, meeting clients or on set covering interviews.”

Golum is a member of the Publicists Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and has served two terms as vice chairman of the Television

The Speaker Series is a oncea-month event, hosted throughout the fall and spring semesters, where experts and professional journalists, publicists, and photographers in the media arts industry come and speak about their experiences and give students advice on how to break into and maintain a career in their respective industries.

Golum said analytical thinking, common sense and the ability to multitask are the skills most valuable for students thinking of a career in public relations.

“It's a wonderful opportunity for students to come and hear from people who might be doing what they hope to do in the industry,” said Tracie Savage, an assistant professor of journalism. “They’re getting first-hand knowledge about the pros and cons of this profession.”

Media Arts Department faculty choose the speaker for each month based

information and knowledge about a career in media arts.

Stacy Long, the only public relations professor on campus, explained that students can also recommend someone they think is interesting, worthwhile or valuable.

“It’s one thing when a teacher stands up there and tells you something, but it's another thing when a professional stands up there and gives their professional expertise and perspective and answers your questions,” Long said.

Speakers usually talk for an average of 90 minutes and then are followed by a short question-andanswer segment, where students are encouraged to ask their own questions.

“Students never really get access to someone who will just answer your questions because you asked it,” Long said. “Usually, they would have to call and set up a meeting. Having someone on campus like this is just amazing.

It’s really educational.”

Speakers in the series have provided students with contact information, internships and other job opportunities in their respective industries.

“She’s been so integral in starting off young people's careers,” Long said. “Pam’s a rockstar; you can quote me on that.”

jbelcher.roundupnews@gmail.com

Students never really get access to someone who will just answer your questions because you asked it,”

Stacy Long

Professor

Matlock/ Roundup

Prospective students crowd the mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. for the College Fair Extraordinaire on Saturday Sept 9, 2017.

As a reaction to President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, hundreds of protesters assembled in solidarity with DACA recipients.

The Defend DACA March was organized by 10 local activist groups, which included AF3IRM National and UndocuMedia.Community leaders gathered the protesters for a rally and prayer, which began at 3 p.m. at McArthur Park and ended at Union Station. A group of Trump supporters situated on the corner of 6th and

Alvarado Streets. They held up signs and shouted their approval of the Trump’s policies.

Police officers worked to keep the two sides separated. Guest speakers expressed their fears and frustrations at the decision and talked about how many students will be affected.

“I have been a teacher for 26 years,” Yolanda Varela-Gonzalez said. “My students have been here since they were babies, and this is the only country they have ever known. What we are going through right now, Donald Trump, is unacceptable.”

The History of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals:

What Happens Now:

The

Program was initiated by President Obama via an executive order in 2012 after the Dream Act stalled in Congress. DACA Recipients received work permits and a renewable two year deferred action from deportation.

• To be eligible for the program, a child must have entered the United States before their 16th birthday and prior to 2007. They must be currently in school, a high school graduate and be younger than 31 as of June 15, 2012.

•

Right: Yolanda Varela-Gonzalez, a teacher for 26 years and speaker at the Defend DACA rally, gives a speech to protesters in the center of McArthur park in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sept. 10, 2017.

Bottom Left: A woman who

identified wears

blue graduation cap and gown during a rally in McArthur Park before participating in the Defend DACA March on Sept. 10, 2017, in Los Angeles, Calif. Photos

Shepard Stadium sees home win Brahmas beat LA Southwest to win first home game since 2015

ARIELLE ZOLEZZI Reporter @ArielleZolezzi

Electricity was in the air Saturday when the Brahmas secured their first home win since week seven of the 2015 season, defeating the Los Angeles Southwest College Cougars in a game that had an hour-long midgame delay due to lightning.

The Brahmas offense came out strong scoring on their first possession of the game with a pass from starting quarterback Jonathon Saavedra to wide receiver Damaris August, followed by a touchdown from Keyshawn Richards.

“Great team win, for both offense and defense, special teams played a key role in the game too,” Richards said. “The second half we got out a little slow because of the delays but we still played a great game.”

Richards was injured in the first game of last season and had to sit out the rest of the season and wasn’t playing in the season opener, but he came out and carried a good portion of the runs and added a touchdown to the blowout.

The Cougars got on the board in the second quarter when the snap went over the head of Brahmas punter John Pecaro and returned for a

touchdown

The remainder of the second quarter was redeemed by wide receivers Joseph Branch and Amari Smith and defensive back Will Davis with receiving touchdowns.

With 19 second left in the second quarter a massive cloud of lightning trickled its way into the horizon calling for the game to be brought to a halt due to the lightning rule.

The rule essentially states if the referee can see the lightning the game cannot continue due to the safety of the players and viewers in the stands.

“Everyone played good in the first half, but because of the lightning delay we got complacent, but that’s our faults as coaches we didn’t have our players ready to go after that long delay, but it’s a learning experience,” defensive coordinator Torry Hughes said.

The referees used the break as the halftime. After the final 19.2 seconds in the second quarter, the game game rolled into the third quarter.

“The first half was great,” head coach Jason Sabolic said. “Firing on all cylinders and scoring five touchdowns,

Jonathon Brahma of the Week

that’s where you ideally want to be offensively.”

During the third quarter LASW turned the heat up, closing the gap by adding two touchdowns, making it 35-21.

Running back Sterling Salguero scored the sixth touchdown for the Brahmas, and he would be followed with another touchdown by Steven Frost putting Pierce at a comfortable lead of 49-21.

“We started off really strong, it felt good especially coming off of last week’s loss,” Salguero stated.

The obvious animosity between the two teams

ramped up in the second half. The game had a total of 14 personal fouls between the two teams. Dimitri King from Pierce was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, and later in the game a Cougar was ejected as well.

Defense definitely played their part in the game with a group effort. Eric Mateo racked up three sacks and twelve tackles.

As the final seconds ticked off, running back Xanre McCleary scored the final touchdown of the game bringing the score to 55-21 Brahmas taking the win.

Pierce would end the game with 33 penalties and 10 sacks. The Brahmas suffered disadvantageous yard loss on multiple penalty calls of unsportsmanlike conduct, but it wasn’t enough to stop the team from taking home a win.

There was visible tension between the two teams throughout the game, there were some unnecessary roughness, personal foul and technical foul calls made by the referees as well as trash talk between the players.

The tension was thick enough to the point that at the end of the game LA Southwest wouldn’t even participate in the traditional handshaking of both teams on the 50 yard line, showing a major lack of sportsmanship.

Sabolic knows that his goals for the season are.

“We have to keep getting better every week,” Sabolic said. “It’s not about wins or loses, it’s about these kids becoming better football players and better young men.”

Football’s next game is on September 16 against Southwestern College. The game will start at 6 p.m., and will be held at the Southwestern campus.

Football

Quarterback Freshman

Saavedra Santa Clarita

Jonathon Saavedra had four touchdown passes against LA Southwest on Saturday.

How did you feel about your performance?

“I feel great. The offense clicked quickly and we executed well our plays.”

What is your favorite sports memory?

“First game of senior year. Threw 530 yards for seven touchdowns.”

Rebecca Schulman/ Roundup

Running back Keyshawn Richards makes a harrowing leap to secure a first down on Saturday, Spetember 9, 2017 at John Shepard Stadium at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Former Olympian named A.D.

Moriah Van Norman wants to leave mark on student athletes

Moriah Van Norman has spent most of her teaching career helping students transition and learn English as a second language. But her first language has always been sports.

Vice President of Student Services Earic Dixon-Peters announced Van Norman as the new athletic director in July. She took over the position Bob Lofrano had before retiring in June. She is also the first female athletic director since 1990.

An Olympic silver medalist, two-time world champion and a four-time All-American are some of the awards that Van Norman has collected throughout her career.

Van Norman began playing water polo at USC where she was coached by legendary coach Jovan Vavic. She won the Peter J. Cutino award and a national championship in 2004.

Van Norman is grateful for the opportunity and said that athletics have always been a part of her life.

“I feel excited about this opportunity,” Van Norman said. “I’m a full-time faculty

member here, so this is a great opportunity to bridge the gap between athletics and academics.”

Van Norman founded the water polo program at Pierce in 2012, and she was the head

coach for that year. Her team won conference that first year. She said that it all started when Lofrano, Fred Shaw and the swim coaches at that time recognized the need for a program on campus.

Van Norman played for the U.S. women’s water polo team winning silver in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

“Being an Olympic athlete is a great honor to represent your country. To play at the

highest level is something dear to my heart,” Van Norman said. “The unique thing is not about the wins and losses, it's about the friends you make over the years.”

Van Norman wants to bring her life skills and experiences to her new position, because she wants to help student athletes be successful.

Playing on the national team, Van Norman also won the gold medal in 2007 and 2009, and silver in 2005 at the World Championships.

After her Olympic participation in Beijing, she went on to play in Europe. She played in Vouliagmeni, Greece, where her team won the European Championship in 2009.

“It’s amazing living in a different country and experiencing a different culture,” Van Norman said. “Water polo is bigger in Europe, and so it was nice playing on a bigger stage. I played with all the Greek Olympians, and so I got to learn a little Greek while I was there. Living in a different country, I would recommend it to all students, when they are of age, of course.”

Van Norman adapted quickly to life in Greece and said that language wasn’t a barrier because all of her teammates spoke English.

Dixon-Peters said that hiring for the position was tough because they had to look for the person that was right for the job.

“The process is challenging, because you’re wondering who’s going to apply for the position,” Dixon-Peters said. “We had amazing candidates, but we decided to go with Moriah.”

Dixon-Peters said that there always has to be a plan B in case a chosen candidate decides to step down.

“When a candidate decides not to take the position, we always have a backup plan just in case,” Dixon-Peters said. “There is always a well-qualified person there, and Moriah is an amazing candidate and she will do fine.”

Dixon-Peters expects Van Norman to do great and believes she will bring all her knowledge to the position.

“She will bring her expertise as an Olympian, as a Division I student athlete and a master’s degree holder,” DixonPeters said.

Randi Love/Roundup

Moriah Van Norman poses near a field at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Monday, Sept. 12, 2017.

Van Norman was named the new athletic director, she also teaches English as a second language classes.