Volume 129 Fall 2018 Roundup Issue 1

The Buck(ley) stops here

Interim president Larry Buckley brings a new air to Pierce

DANIELLE PADILLA News Editor @dcxpadilla

Imagine up to $6,000 being handed to students to cover their school expenses. This happens every semester in the form of the Pell Grant, but thousands of dollars go unclaimed by students who do not apply for it.

The Pell Grant is funded by the government and is available to any eligible student who applies through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Once one receives their awarded amount, they are free to spend the grant on any school related expense.

“Such a large percentage of our students are now eligible for the California Promise, The old board of governors waiver,” Interim President Larry Buckley said. “So, many students are thinking I already have the financial assistance I need. Why do this with a Pell Grant?”

Despite FAFSA being a free application, some students do not utilize this resource to pay for tuition, school supplies and other school related finances.

JOSHUA MANES Editor-in-Chief @TheManesEvent

Life in Hawaii often is portrayed as more relaxed and care-free than on the mainland. Newly appointed Interim President Larry Buckley, a Hawaiian native, exudes that island vibe.

While his tan complexion may be common in Los Angeles, his friendly demeanor, smile and approachable nature is a breath of fresh island air.

With a collage of pictures on the wall next to his desk of those that

inspire him, Buckley has already settled into his position at Pierce.

A position that, by definition, is temporary. However, if you ask Buckley about that now, he may want to stay a little longer.

“If you'd asked me that question three weeks ago I would say I've taken this role understanding that mine is an interim role,” Buckley said. “But if you asked me that today, I've just fallen in love with this college. I didn't expect that.”

While he doesn’t know what that means for his future, he does know what it means for the person who is appointed President.

“I haven't really thought about

Deficit looming

Funding model and other issues leave district in the red

VAUGHAN Managing Editor @JVaughanRoundup

At Monday’s academic senate meeting, Instructor of Psychology and Academic Senate Treasurer Angela Belden said that the budget committee is projecting a $4.8 million deficit.

Belden said that the district takes all of the money that it’s colleges earn and redistributes a portion of it mostly to cover salaries.

However, Belden said that the real problem lies with the funding model and Rolf Schleicher should be working at the district level to improve the funding model.

Instructor of Psychology and Chair of the College Outcomes

Committee Jennifer Moses said that Pierce’s spending model was good until the district decided to lower the budget, ultimately leading Pierce to a deficit. Moses said that Pierce is not spending money frivolously

“My labor alone cost more than the money im being allocated to

the college by almost $800,000,” said Schleicher, Vice President of Administrative Services. “We need to get our expenditures under control, because the budget committee has done a very good job of having a threshold where we said we also want to keep some kind of reserve. We blew through that reserve in the last 2 years because we haven't been mindful of our budget.”

According to Schleicher, Pierce will have to make adjustments quickly to keep some of the freedom the school has to make decisions.

“I’m looking at a 4 to 5 million dollar reduction we have to make this year so we can just balance our budget because as soon as we are a deficit college, which is what we are projecting, certain district measures take hold and that means the district is going to dictate a lot more of our direction of how we handle our finances,”

Schleicher said.

A new funding form will be put into use.

what that means to me, but whoever is going to be the permanent president of this college is a very very lucky man or woman, because this is a great place.”

In Buckley’s opinion, it is not what a school has that makes it, but who it has.

“College is a collection of people. A really great facility can have really bad people,” Buckley said. “And a median facility can have great people. That facility can have great people and turn a experience for students into the greatest thing imaginable.”

Buckley looks at a historic teaching example as proof that a

minimalist approach can certainly work.

“I believe it was Socrates who spent most of his time teaching students, he sat on one end of the log and the students sat on the other end of the log. And it was the greatest teaching environment in the history of the world,” Buckley said. “That's what I've seen here. I've seen students and faculty who were engaged in teaching and learning at the highest levels and that's been very very impressive to me. The faculty are having conversations about teaching.”

One’s eligibility for the Pell Grant varies from year to year based on a variety of components. Some of these factors are the income and assets of the student, number of people in one’s household and the number of people attending college in the household. For students who are filed as a dependent on FAFSA, they will need to provide their parents information as well.

In addition to completing FAFSA, some students may be required to complete a verification process from the Department of Education.

the tax information versus their FAFSA,” said Anafe Robinson, director of financial aid.

While that is all that is needed to be eligible for the Pell Grant, there are still some students who do not claim their financial aid because of some common misconceptions surrounding eligibility and how disbursement work.

Robinson said the reason she hears the most for students not completing FAFSA is that they believe they need to be enrolled as a full time student to apply for any type of financial aid.

“We recommend students to be full time so they can achieve their educational goal faster,” Robinson said. “The student could be less than full time and still apply. Their eligibility will then depend on the enrollment status, so the Pell Grant amount will be prorated based on enrollment.”

Although there are students who are potentially eligible for the Pell Grant, they are discouraged to apply based on the misinformation they hear about the guidelines to receive financial aid.

Students also do not use their Pell Grant because they believe they can collect the sum of their grant later in their college career.

Financial aid assistant Susan Navaro said students believe they can save their Pell Grant for when they transfer to a separate university. However, the grant becomes inaccessible when students receive a bachelor’s degree or reach the allotted 600 percent of funding.

Every student is encouraged to apply on FAFSA for all types of financial aid that will cover their school expenses depending on their eligibility.

FAFSA for the 2019-2020 school year will open on Oct. 1.

[see BUCKLEY on pg. 3] dpadilla.roundupnews@gmail.com

“Students will be required, if selected, to submit tax information and that’s when we then need to verify the income information on

Football heads out west

Brahmas secure first win of new season at West LA College, draw even at 1-1

West LA added a field goal with less than two minutes to play in the first half to go up 10-3. Saavedra led the Brahmas back down the field in less than one

minute, scoring on a 15-yard run where he dove for the pylon.

“I felt the rush from the inside, tried to roll out, I almost fell to be honest,” Saavedra said. “I just saw the

pylon and did whatever I could to get in the endzone.”

3+2=1

It may not be standard math, but that was the equation for the Brahmas Saturday when they traveled to face the West LA College Wildcats.

Three interceptions for the defense, plus two touchdowns from quarterback Jonathon Saavedra equaled win number one under head coach Carlos Woods.

The Brahmas got out to an early lead aided by great field position to start. A squib kick and an unsportsmanlike penalty on the opening kickoff gave Pierce the ball across midfield on the Wildcats 45.

Pierce drove down to the West LA 1-yard line, but went no further. The Brahmas lined up to go for it on fourth and one, but a false start penalty forced the kicking unit out on the field. Williams Peña knocked in the 23-yard field goal to give the Brahmas a 3-0 lead.

Near the end of the first quarter, Wildcats quarterback Markell White gave West LA the lead on a one-yard touchdown run.

Natalie Miranda / Roundup

Pierce College's Interim President Larry Buckley sits in front of a wall of photos while wearing a lei in his office on Sept. 10, 2018, in Woodland Hills, Calif. Buckley was presented with the lei at convocation and said he put up the collage because the images inspire him.

Pell grants unclaimed 40% of eligible students don't apply

Joshua Manes / Roundup

Doma Morris (28) tries to fight off the West LA College defender on Sept. 8 , 2018, in Culver City, Calif.

JOSHUA MANES Editor-in-Chief @TheManesEvent

JESSICA

Aron Kamajaya

From the desk of the Roundup: Editorial

The lesser known path

Guided Pathways is a plan to redesign the way Pierce students finish college, find transfer success and navigate the job market with useful certificates.

But this plan has failed to launch successfully as the program struggles to gain traction with students and staff. With many of the programs at Pierce, Guided Pathways is a system that aims to help students create a cohesive educational plan that guides them through their college career. As a result, students will be able to finish college faster and achieve their educational goals. Students are not aware of all the benefits that come from a program like Guided Pathways. However, if there were workshops offered to students that could inform them, there would be more of an urgency to reform the system. Currently, there are numerous information packets detailing what Guided Pathways is, but none geared toward student comprehension of the program.

The site, The Atlantic wrote, “All of the net job growth since the 1970s has been in occupations

that require some post-secondary education, whether it's a bachelor’s or an associate degree. That demand for skills is causing more students to sign up for school than ever before.”

Although students tend to register for classes because they know they should, not every

student understands how the classes they take correlates to a degree.

The site, The Atlantic wrote, “Once they get to class, not every student is prepared. Nor do they necessarily want to be at college, or have a clear notion of what they’re doing there.”

Aimlessly enrolling because one is undecided or does not know which course to take next is a detriment to a student’s overall academic success. This lack of direction is what lengthens one’s time at Pierce and wastes students’ financial aid.

Students must first understand

Pro Con General Education classes

Pro: GE for everybody Con: Generally useless

SOFI MATZAGANIAN Campus Life Editor @dnovazski

Many college students are not aware of the significance that comes with taking general education courses. The transformation from a high school to college student is a big one, and many expect to immediately socialize themselves into a certain culture - a certain major.

General education classes are a great way for people to be refreshed on general topics upon entering college. Often, they are viewed as a waste of time in the eyes of college students; they look to take classes that serve as an interest and something relative to their chosen field of study.

Some students may not understand the significance of general education courses, which could also justify why there is an evident lack of interest. These classes are essential to students of all ages. Often, adults decide to continue their pursuit of educational success after an initial, unsuccessful attempt. Adults who go back to school face the challenge of forgetting knowledge obtained from general education classes taken in high school and their first attempt in college. There is no telling how long it may have been since these adults took a course in English and Math - essential courses that assist us in everyday life. Therefore, a refresher in these courses would serve as a benefit to the students who decide to go back to school.

Furthermore, general education classes can also benefit younger students. These courses teach students fundamental topics that can assist them in excelling in different areas.

In addition to this, these classes provide students general information in different fields of study. Extra information can help maximize one’s knowledge and give students a taste of what other fields have to offer in case one may decide to switch majors.

The Walden University website claims that general education classes are beneficial to students because they build a base of knowledge, enhance your communication skills, improve your critical thinking skills, and help you with your career.

General education courses also benefit students who have not decided on a major. Deciding on one field of study can be difficult for some students, and having these classes as exposure to different fields of study can help prompt them in one direction.

According to a Huffington Post article, reporter Chuck Cohn said, “College is intended to make students aware of as much as possible about the world they live in,”

General education courses are beneficial to students for a variety of reasons. They help students efficiently prepare for their major, and they clear the way for different avenues of learning not yet explored.

AMIR MALEKPOUR Reporter @roundupnews

There’s no question that the cost of living is rising. It’s not just the quinoa eating, kombucha drinking, Tesla riding parts of the United States; it’s everywhere!

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1940, the median home value adjusted for inflation was at $30,600. By 2018, the median value had just risen over $200,000.

Home prices aren’t the only expense people my age have to worry about. The cost of higher education is also continually rising at a higher rate. According to the College Board’s “Trends in College Pricing 2017,” in 1988, the average tuition for a transfer student attending a private, nonprofit institution adjusted for inflation was $15,160. By 2017, it had risen to $34,740 - a 129 percent increase.

With a lack of competitive, liveable wages, rising healthcare and transportation costs add to the lack of technical skills that would inflate their chances of a decent paying job.

It’s easy to see how pessimistic prospective undergraduates get when they see the amount of general education classes they must take before they focus on their major. Instead of learning the traits they need to be successful in the field they desire,

Photographers:

they must go through what feels like a repeat of high school.

If you take the high school aesthetic each general education class carries and the extra cost of a class that carries little to no relevance to most majors, it’s not hard to see how it can feel like a waste of time and money.

In some cases, like my cousin Samir, that’s what happens. You’d just go straight out of high school and into a low-paying job. In most cases, you’d bury yourself in student debt. The U.S. alone is struggling with a collective $1.4 trillion in student loan debt, according to the College Board.

If I’d offer a suggestion, either abolish the concept of general education from higher education entirely and start improving the quality of education in secondary education. Also, instead of forcing students to take a class in quantitative statistics, have students take a mandatory life skills course. Students would be less pessimistic of taking general education classes if there were classes concerning budgeting, resume building, networking, or paying your taxes.

what Guided Pathways is and how it acts as a faster route to their educational destination. This can be done by setting up student success workshops that help demystify the program. Even during appointments with students counselors can help explain the advantages that come with having

this program structure. Opening up the conversation to Guided Pathways will help students recognize the massive restructure that needs to happen to help them complete their educational goals more efficiently.

Letter from the Editor

As another semester starts, and more and more new faces find their way onto this campus, it seems apparent that Pierce is in the process of changing. While that is true every semester, Pierce truly seems to be in a state of flux right now.

With the appointment of Interim President Lawrence Buckley, there are changes at the top of administration. And since his is an interim position, that change could continue.

The Athletic department has four new head coaches this semester, and hundreds of new students are attending college for the first time.

But we’re still here. There may

be new faces in the newsroom, but our commitment to bringing the news to the Pierce community remains.

The truth is, we can’t really do it without all of you.

I encourage anyone who is reading this, if you have ideas for stories and topics that aren’t covered, if you know someone on campus who’s story needs to be told, or if you have any comments or followup to the stories you’ve read please let us know. There are two phone numbers and an email at the bottom left of this page. Give us a call or write us. Let us know. And I hope to hear from at least some of you this semester.

amalekpour.roundupnews@gmail.com

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that are not obscene or libelous and do not contain racial denigration. Writers are given the

opportunity to revise unacceptable letters. The Pierce College Roundup will not publish, as letters, literary endeavors, publicity releases, poetry or other such materials as the Editorial Board deems not to be 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.

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 Maxwell King / Roundup

Slipping away Physical add forms finished

CHELSEA WESTMAN Reporter @roundupnews

Students at Pierce College now receive permission codes instead of waiting in long lines at the Admissions and Records Office for add slips, which allow students to be enrolled in classes.

Up until the Fall 2017 semester, add slips were the only way to enroll in a course after classes came into fruition. Since then, the Los Angeles Community College District has implemented an immediate system, which makes it possible for students to join a class within minutes of receiving a permission code.

Dean of Student Services William Marmolejo said the new system has made the process more convenient for students. Marmolejo also expressed that the old policy was time consuming.

“Permission codes are a part of a new student information system called PeopleSoft,” Marmolejo said.

“The instructor gives the student a permission number, which is a unique number, and they can’t share it with another student because it is tied to them.”

Biology professor Brandon Jones said having permission codes are fast and favorable because he can give someone a code, and within minutes they are adding the class. This way he can get his rosters updated by the minute. Jones feels add slips made it difficult to keep track of which students were actually adding his classes.

“Sometimes I run out,” Jones said.

The guiding light

Guided Pathways aids students journeys

“In some classes I might have 20 adds and I have 15 add slips. With add codes, I have like 50 of them and it’s all on my computer.”

Marmolejo mentioned that the add slips have always only been issued by instructors and that the instructor might say to come back in a few days and when students finally get that add slip they are waiting in line to get processed.

Student Marina Sanchez recalled how it was a challenge to even obtain an add slip during the first two weeks of the semester.

“I was waiting in line with 50 people just to get an add slip,” Sanchez said. “You only had a slight chance of being able to receive the add slip.”

Marmolejo said switching to the new system has caused a few issues along the way.

“The first two semesters it would crash for a few hours while the students were trying to add classes so that increased anxiety for a lot of students,” Marmolejo said.

This is the third semester Pierce has been using permission codes, and Marmolejo said the new system is coming a long way.

“It makes it easier for students to not only add classes here at Pierce, but other colleges within our district so we are really trying to be as student friendly as possible,” Marmolejo said.

According to Marmolejo, California State University Northridge is another institution, which uses PeopleSoft and permission codes.

Students are able to consult with the Admissions and Records office for any help with their permission codes.

cwestman.roundupnews@gmail.com

ARIELLE ZOLEZZI News Editor @ArielleZolezzi

Since the Guided Pathways initiative has been set in motion at Pierce College, students have been receiving dozens of resources provided by Raffi Kahwajian and his band of tutors and counselors.

But there are still a lot of students that don’t know what is available for them.

Guided Pathways is a districtwide initiative that helps students in the community college system who have spent an excess amount of years achieving their associate degree, transfer degree or certificate.

Kahwajian said the initiative was not due to grades that students were receiving, but the fact that there weren’t as many completions of degrees and certificates once starting the path toward these goals. Guided Pathways helps make the road to these outcomes simpler for students who are confused about what the next step.

“The Guided Pathways initiative is looking to improve the current model by providing clear course sequences and helping students choose and

No more lines at financial aid

The

QLess app moves wait times online

DEVIN MALONE Reporter @roundupnews

Hour long lines at Pierce College’s Financial Aid office are a thing of the past now that they have implemented a virtual line system through the QLess app to cut down on waiting times and increase student productivity on and off campus.

This new system was implemented during the summer and has replaced the previous method of physically standing in a line. While not new to other colleges in the area, its introduction this July was a first for Pierce.

Anafe Robinson, the director of financial aid, saw that the new virtual line system be put in place as a means to keep student productivity high amongst students coming into the office without having to queue in a physical line around the Student Services Building.

“In the past we would have

the line snaking all the way to the parking lot in a 110 degree weather,” Robinson said. With this new line in place, Robinson believes that the students can attend more activities while waiting for the new queuing system to call their number.

“We initiated this queue list because students could then be in the library, they can be in the cafe, they could be at home, they could study and be productive in their time while waiting,” Robinsons said.

The virtual line system functions mainly as an appointment role call algorithm. Those who sign up for the line earlier receive a place closer to the front of the line, but if there is something that intervenes with their appointment, they may choose to go back further and come in at a later time.

According to Paul Mendoza, a student assistant, the line system itself operates within the Financial Aid’s office hours.

“Since we have a lot of students and there’s only a limited time,

and the system takes in a lot of students, which gives us a lot of waiting hours, and the system automatically closes itself,” Mendoza said. “So, by the time of 8:30 a.m., it closes the system and we can’t handle students anymore.”

By the end of the first week of this semester, Robinson estimated that the number of people that had signed up for appointments at the Financial Aid Office was just over 200 people.

Laris Begin, also a student assistant, believes that she sees 90 people a day.

“The lines have been pretty hectic,” Begin said, “But the queuing system helps us manage them a lot more than the physical line did.”

The virtual line system can be accessed by students interested in making appointments with the Financial Aid Office via the QLess app or on the Pierce College website under the “Fees and Financial Aid” tab.

Time to scrub down

stay on a path,” Kahwajian said. “It will definitely be more focused on outcomes and try to get more involved with students’ education via student support services. It is funded on a statewide basis.”

Prior to their first year at school, a student can come in and make a plan that is clear. With more assistance and support, they can be successful in their endeavors. They also are offering new opportunities by providing specific tutors to assist the Guided Pathway students in a range of subjects, including English and nursing.

Kosar Afsari is one of the Guided Pathway tutors who helps students cover engineering and math. She thinks that although the program still is new and picking up momentum, it’s rewarding being able to help students by helping spread knowledge that she already has obtained.

“The best way to get more people involved would be word of mouth,” said Afsari. “That way people can have more help to get to the university and have help with all your classes so that you aren’t lost.”

Along with the tutors that are provided, teachers and counselors are also contributing by giving these students extra help when needed.

Joseph Roberson, one of the counselors involved, believes the success of the program relies on conceptualizing what Guided Pathways is going to look like on this campus before they start delivering that message to students.

“I think the most important part is the philosophy that we all have to look at things through the lens of what is best for our students,” Roberson said. “Sometimes even though people mean well, they got lost in their own personal agendas and their own preferences and what they think is meaningful versus what the concept of what’s in the best interest of students.”

Roberson added that the strong philosophical pillar of Guided Pathways is to get people to look at what benefits students the most. From his perspective, Roberson explained that this concept will be one of the key benefits of the program.

Guided Pathways has a sister program, Creative Pathways/ Abriendo Caminos, which is similar, but this program is specifically funded and provided by CSUN. For information about either programs, students can contact Raffi Kahwajian.

azolezzi.roundupnews@gmail.com

Rundown Brahma Blotter

These incidents were reported between Sept. 2 - Sept. 8

Reported by:Joshua Manes

09/4

• Petty Theft Professor reported that a couple North Gym lockers were broken into.

09/4

•Verbal Altercation

Two students were arguing in Lot 1 at 11:33 a.m.

09/4

•Hit and Run Parked Vehicle Student reported her car was hit in Lot 1 while she was in class at 2:14 p.m.

09/5

•Trespassing

A male transient was found sleeping in gender neutral bathroom at 5:33 a.m.

09/5

•Trespassing

A Student reported her car was hit in Lot 1 while she was in class at 2:14 p.m.

09/6

•Ill Student

An ill student in class was escorted to Health Center.

“The funding form gives us performance metrics and some other metrics that we can potentially enhance which gives us additional point of revenue,” Belden said.

Schleicher believes the campus has the people working on the issue to make things work.

“I think the budget committee is very attuned to the needs and trying to do the best they can to help us get the perspective of what's most important to us at our college and fund those things first,” Schleicher said.

Schleicher feels that, even with the pending issues, the campus does well when it comes to spending.

“I feel very confident as a fiscal

steward here that we do a good job with what we have but we are going to have to do better because the money we are getting isn't sufficient to cover the amount of headcount we have hired and the amount of expenditures we are incurring for the things we do in the operation.”

This is the first time since 1988 that Pierce has found itself in the red. That deficit saw over 400 empoyees laid off district-wide, including dozens at Pierce, as well as a two-year hiring freeze. According to Belden, no layoffs are currently projected for Pierce.

jvaughan.roundupnews@gmail.com

09/6

•Trespassing

A possible male transient was sitting in the shower fully dressed. Escorted off campus.

09/8

•Traffic collison no injuries

A female teen driver hit a parked vechicle in Parking Lot 7 at 12:14 p.m.

Pierce College Sheriff’s Station General Information: Emergency: (818) 710 - 4311

ability to help increased when he became a vice president, and even more so as President.

New bio-security measures introduced at farm

ALEXIS CANELO Reporter @roundupnews

Pierce farm animals can now rest easy in their since Pierce enacted a new biosecurity protocol.

All visitors entering the animal enclosures at Pierce College are required to sanitize and scrub their shoes.

The Pierce College Agriculture department recently enacted a new biosecurity protocol. Before entering any animal unit, people are required to dip their shoes in a sanitizing solution and scrub their shoes. This is to prevent the spread of disease and bacteria that may be harmful to the animals.

David Bothuel, a student worker in the Pre-Veterinary program,

explained the new biosecurity protocol is important to the safety of the animals.

“We’re not sure where all the students come from. Maybe they have chickens in their backyard or whatever. So, we don’t want to cross contaminate with our chickens,” Bothuel said.

The new protocol consists of a foot brush upon entry into the facility. The process lasts ten seconds, which is enough time to clean pathogens off the bottom of one’s shoes.

Steven Cooper, a veterinary science major, is a student that takes classes on the farm. The biosecurity protocol protects animals from bacteria present in other animals.

Cooper explains that students must also sanitize their footwear if

they are walking to different animal units on the farm.

Kaytee Lawrence, a veterinarian student, thinks the new biosecurity protocol is a good idea, which will prevent the transmission of diseases. The protocol not only protects the animals but the students and staff as well.

“It’s not really common, but there are some diseases-- we call them zoonotic diseases, that can transfer between humans and animals,” Lawrence said When working with farm life, the main threat to animals’ safety is the potential pathogens that can be transmitted.

The new biosecurity protocol was put in place to prevent disease transmission among the animals.

dmalone.roundupnews@gmail.com acanelo.roundupnews@gmail.com

When Buckley began teaching, he was a contract worker for the University of Hawaii system, meaning he would be placed at whatever campus he was needed at from semester to semester. He was looking for a full-time, tenure track position. In his field of study, Native American history, there was only one school west of the Mississippi with the position he was seeking, according to Buckley.

That school was Feather River College in Quincy, Ca., the smallest community college in the state.

Buckley’s move to the administration side of things came when he was selected to be division chair.

“I thought if I didn't take the job I wouldn't get tenure,” Buckley said.

Buckley split his time as an instructor and administrator, but slowly realized he could possibly make more a difference as fulltime administration.

“As a faculty member I really loved what I did, and as any faculty member can tell you at the end of the semester when students are taking their final exam and looking out at them you can tell the ones who you had an effect

on,” Buckley said. “Then when I started doing the work as a chair realized by helping my fellow faculty members' professional development, supplies, equipment, scheduling, I was kind of having an even bigger impact.I realized that I could do more, for more people doing this. They were never going to know that, but that wasn't important to me.”

According to Buckley, his

“You're affecting tens of thousands of students,” Buckley said. “And that was very satisfying to me.”

jmanes.roundupnews@gmail.com

[BUCKLEY from page 1]

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION by Danielle Padilla / Roundup Ripped up physical add/drop forms that have been replaced by digital add codes.

Joshua Manes / Roundup

Interim President Larry Buckley speaks with Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga and members of Peer 2 Peer Mentoring at the Student Services Fair on Sept. 5, 2018 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

[DEFECIT from page 1]

Illustration by Pia Haywood / Roundup

Biology professor brings impressive resume CalTech grad chooses Pierce as his new home

DEVIN MALONE Reporter @roundupnews

Amicrobiology

professor peed hiking up trails and playing the bass guitar seems more like the set up to a movie than actual reality.

But when it comes to Aron Kamajaya, the newly hired professor at the science department at Pierce College, reality is more interesting than fiction.

Originally interested in a nursing majoring after coming from Indonesia, Kamajaya struck a different path for himself, one which led him to get a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.

According to Shannon DeVaney, the chair of the department of science, Kamajaya’s different degrees in biology were one of the reasons why Pierce College was interested in hiring him.

“He has an excellent academic background,” DeVaney said. “He does have a PhD, and his PhD is from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), a very prestigious program. We’re also really excited that he’s really knowledgeable about biotechnology, and it’ll be great for our students to have training in the latest fields. So that’s very exciting.”

Jamie Beavers, a professor of both genetics and biology, was also impressed by Kamajaya’s academic background.

“Obviously he gave us his information when we hired him,” Beavers said. “So yeah, he’s remarkable and his work before coming to us is amazing.”

But the road from being a nursing student to becoming a professor at Pierce College wasn’t a straight line, Kamajaya said.

‘My uncle brought me here (the United States),” Kamajaya said. “He told me that ‘In America, if you want to make it, you have to go into nursing,’ because at the the time nursing was in high demand, and that’s why I took all those prerequisites for nursing. But when I applied I didn’t get any calls. I guess it was just bad luck.”

Despite the lack of call backs, Kamajaya found himself taking a keen interest in both microbiology and teaching while working as an assistant for a microbiology

professor.

“During that time while I was waiting, I decided to help out my professor in the lab,” Kamajaya said. “My original intention was to learn a little bit more about microbiology. But as I was working with her I started talking about my career and she told me about how she enjoyed teaching, and how teaching can actually change people’s lives. They can come in with no hope and then they can become successful. You hear this success story all the time.”

In his spare time, Kamajaya does a wide range of activities, be it keeping up with academic studies or just some physical activities.

“Everybody has 24 hours in a day,” Kamajaya said. “I set aside two hours on Saturday and Sunday in order to catch up with the latest breakthrough in science, because there is always new science out there. I also used to go to the local trail, and I would time myself going up the hill just to make it more fun.”

But besides keeping up with current trends in science and hiking, Kamajaya was also very musically active at one point.

“I used to play music and my main instrument was the bass,” Kamajaya said, “But over time I learned how to play the piano and other instruments. I also used to have a lot of gigs playing at weddings and such, but those days are over.”

There were numerous reasons why he chose to work at Pierce College. First, a friend put him onto it, calling Pierce a “crown jewel” when it came to community colleges in the Los Angeles district. The other was that Pierce College has close ties to Amgen, a prominent bio-pharmaceutical company that Pierce is partnered to. Kamajaya also says that the sense of collaboration amongst the staff was another reason for joining.

“When I met the board, I really felt there was a collaborative atmosphere here, and that was what really sealed the deal,” Kamajaya said.

As for the expectations Kamajaya has with Pierce College, he believes that while it’s still too early to tell, most of them have already been met, and that his primary focus now is to fill the niche where he could make the biggest impact for the students.

Natalie Miranda/ Roundup Microbiology Professor Aron Kamajaya holds an award in his office at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. Kamajaya was awarded the 2013 Wendie A. Johasron Biotechnology Ambassador Award.

Sonia Torres of the LA Mobile Catering truck

“I like when the students come, smile and talk, because they have fresh minds. I love it. The first time my boss asked me if I wanted to go to the college, I said yes.”

Quotes and Photo by Natalie Miranda

Natalie Miranda / Roundup

Microbiology Professor Aron Kamajaya holds molecule displays in his office at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Lack of revenue forces Farmer's Market out of Equestrian Center after brief stint

sure that the quality of the food and produce sold at this market was top tier.

The farmers market was back at Pierce College last week after it’s month long hiatus in July, as the farmers market took a break from it’s regularly scheduled Thursday time.

When speaking with Sarah Seelinger, the market manager of the farmers market, she said that due to the high temperatures in July, the market decided to wait until the fall to re-open.

Seelinger mentioned that the vendors at the market pay a surcharge to Pierce College which will support the Financial Aid program. Seelinger let us know that the market is not only for students and faculty of the school, but rather they want the market to be a community event that everyone can enjoy.

According to Seelinger, the market advertises all over the surrounding area in the hopes that it will attract more of the local residents in the Woodland Hills area.

“It is all about bringing local farms to this area and, supporting small farms as well as artisan prepared foods,” Seelinger said.

The main focus at the market is sheer quality. Seelinger expressed a heightened interest in making

Seelinger explained that the quality of produce at the farmers market would surpass that of a regular supermarket because of

growing process of the produce. They are also sustainably grown as well as nutritious. She states that all of the artisan prepared foods are small batch and made with just as high quality ingredients. Marisol Ramirez, who is a

at the market that day with a plethora fresh produce in hand. She mentioned that she had been coming since the farmers market opened this past July. Ramirez heard about the farmers market from co-workers

co- workers were when they found out that the farmers market would be returning to campus in the fall.

“The community, I think that this is a place that can bring us together, I think that is what we are lacking at Pierce College,” Ramirez said.

Her hope is that with the start of the farmers market back on campus, that students and faculty alike will attend and enjoy all that it has to offer. She hopes to see many more faculty and students in attendance to help the market grow.

One of the more popular vendors at the market was Hilda Llerenas. Llerenas was representing Flor De Lima, a local fruit juice business based in San Fernando. She explained that her juice was “made with no sugar and no water. Made fresh every morning.” Llerenas also explained that her booth is at the farmers market every Thursday selling her pressed juices.

According to an email from Seelinger, the farmers market is looking for a new location due to low profits from this past week. They are currently exploring options within the college administration in hopes they can persuade them of the benefits of having a farmers market on campus.

As the bi-yearly brahma tradition, Club Rush, nears and the influx of new freshman arrive, the diverse selection of Pierce College extracurriculars prepare to attract prospective members.

The over abundance of disengaged students last semester had gotten clubs to rethink their methods of survival. It had even gotten the newly formed Industrial Hemp Club to go as far as offering prospective members money to pay their ASO fees.

Industrial Hemp Club officer Andrew Hemphill said the lack of engaged students informed the club’s decision to offer money to potential members.

“The thing is we do have enough signatures to maintain our status as a club but five of those signatures haven’t paid their ASO fees. That’s why (we’re) offering to pay anyone’s ASO fees just as long as they sign our list. If we have the members on paper, we’ll have a classroom to hold our meetings in every week.” Said Hemphill.

Moving forward into this semester the anxiety was not unfamiliar.

how fresh and locally grown it is.

There are no pesticides used in the

financial aid technician at Pierce College, reflected on her time

You think you can dance?

PCDC holds open auditions for fall semester

lives aside and just dance.

in her offices at Pierce. She told us about how excited she and her

smatzaganian.roundupnews@gmail.com

The Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga stood in his guayabera as he answered Michael Sandoval, a 20-year-old art major’s questions.

The dance auditions that took place in the North Gym this past Thursday had a goal of forming a dance crew with new talent that hadn’t been seen before.

Whether it was their first time auditioning for the crew or if they had been on the crew before, Pierce students awaited their time to shine, and perform a choreographed hip-hop routine that they were to learn on the spot from Jay Gamble, a professional choreographer and CSUN student.

Some students including Jacob Soriano, had both excited and nervous feelings towards auditioning, especially when it came to having to learn the choreography.

“I feel nervous that I’m going to butcher the whole choreo... but I’m mostly excited to find out if I make the team and to purse my love for dance,” Soriano stated.

The goal of the dance crew this year is simple, to find a group of people who all share a commonality; to put their busy

“I’m looking for new talent,” said Pierce College Dance Director Jenny Ghiglia, she added, “Enthusiasm, a love and passion for dance, great performers, great role models for other dancers on this campus, and for people to release stress in a fun and wonderful way.”

Although the new rules of competing as a dance crew this year are strict, the goal this year is to expand, including doing outreach performances to schools like Taft, at upcoming football games, and on campus events.

The number of people who made it onto the dance crew this year was not a concern, and it was more about the quality of dancers than the quantity. “I don’t have a number,” said Ghiglia. “I go by who comes and what talent we have, and based on the choreography and their own style I’ll take a balance of that and we’ll see what happens.”

To make it into the dance crew, the dancers must have a familiarity with hip-hop, whether that be as a b-boy, in tutting, locking, or commercial hip-hop. However, the auditions were open to people of

all dance backgrounds who had an interest in expanding their dance horizons.

“I do hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical but my main style is modern contemporary,” said firsttime auditioner Angeleve Cortez. “I’m excited to meet new people, learn and get better every single day.”

While most student dancers auditioning for the first time had dance experience and an interest in continuing to grow, they also stressed the importance of the social aspect of a dance crew, and the opportunity to make friends.

“If I make it into the dance crew I’m mostly looking forward to the team environment, making friends, and to gain close relationships with one another,” said auditioner Kenneth Adkins. “No competition, no “clicks”, just everyone being one, in unity all together.”

-OmidTaghizadeh,Art

“Myfavoriteplacewould probablybethecafébecause youcanjustcomehereand chillafterclassandgrab acoffee;itʼslikealittle Starbucks.”

-Grace Cuevas, Business

“Myfavoritespotoncampus wouldbethebull,righthere deadinthemiddle,because thatʼswhereImeetmy amigos.”

-DylanGarcia,Undecided

“I wasn’t the happiest person going into my first semester here. I was the only person in my circle of friends from high school that didn’t get into the four-year of my choice. Starting the semester, I kept my routine to going to class, going to practice, and going home.” Sandoval said. “After hearing about the Photography Club, I think that routine is going to change. I never knew Pierce had the same creative spaces that would allow me to utilize my love for photography the same way my high school did.

I think after speaking with the dean I will definitely check out what the photography club has to offer at Club Rush.”

When speaking with The Dean of Student Engagement, Juan Carlos Estorga, he stated, “The opportunity is for us to capture the new students that are really excited about being on campus and really introducing them to the type of vibrancy and out of classroom experiences they can benefit from in participating this.”

He further elaborated that Club Rush was put in place to foster an inclusive environment where the development of student’s networking and leadership skills can take place and diversity and creativity are celebrated.

[For the full story visit theroundupnews.com]

“Thislittlegardenareaby BIRCHbecauseitʼsusually shadyanditʼsbymyclasses, soIjustcomehereandIsit on a bench and I do whatever I need to do.”

AveryTamura,Comp.Science

Natalie Miranda/ Roundup

Joba Yanes and Francis Burciaga fill bundles with produce at the Gutierrez Farm booth at Pierce College's Farmers Market on Sept. 6, 2018, in Woodland Hills, Calif.

STOCK PHOTO Randi Love/ Roundup

Bryson Wesley "breaking bones" on the top of the art hill near the Los Angeles Pierce College Theatre on April 27, 2017 in Woodland Hills, Calif.

““Rightbythebull,theart gallery,becauseyoucanseethe entireviewofthiscampuswhich isprettycool”

LEXI BOSCOVICH Reporter @roundupnews

Thank you, please come again?

Colorful jugs of aguas frescas, fresh produce, pressed juice and hot tamales are a few of the items available for purchase at the farmers market at Pierce College.

Booths, set up along a strip of land by the Equestrian Center, provides an area for students, faculty and community members to support local vendors by purchasing the fruit of their labors. From chips and guacamole to a bundle of berries, the offerings were plentiful.

The farmers market debuted on July 5 and was scheduled to run every Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

But the market was open for only three weeks before taking a six-week hiatus due to heat conditions. It returned Sept. 6, for what might be the last time.

According to an email from Market Manager Sarah Seelinger, the farmers market is unable to continue at its current location due to low sales.

The weekly event on campus is gone for now, but Seelinger hopes the school might allow it to re-open at some point on the Mall.

Top: Diana Zuniga retrieves her purchase from Joba Yanes at the Pierce College Farmers Market at the Gutierrez Farm booth on Sept. 6, 2018, in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Middle: Merin Gotirrez prepares a sample for potential custumers in the Jumbo Tamales booth at Pierce College’s Farmers Market on Sept. 6, 2018, in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Bottom Left: Various pasteries are displayed at Pierce College’s Farmers Market at the Chaupin Bakery booth on Sept. 6, 2018, in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Bottom Right: Francis Burciaga fills bundles with strawberries at the Gutierrez Farm booth at the Pierce College Farmers Market on sept. 6, 2018, in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Photos and copy by Natalie Miranda

Soccer starts season strong Brahmas begin 18th season for head coach Adolfo Perez 2-1-2

FELIPE GAMINO Sports Editor @fgamino13

Brahmas soccer already have five games in the books and the start to their season has had its ups and downs.

The soccer team are currently fourth in the Western State Conference- South with a 2-1-2 overall record.

Head Coach Adolfo Perez said the start to the season has been good.

“Overall it has been good. We have a hard schedule, but we’ve been blessed to have a competitive team,” Perez said.

The soccer team already have been dealt two blows. Goalkeeper Madison Holland has been ruled out with a tore ACL and Irene Reyes, midfielder, suffered a knee injury after the game against MiraCosta College.

“I’m a little bummed. We have two players out. We dealt with it last year,” Perez said. “I felt we didn’t have an efficient summer and what you put in is what you get out of it.”

The Brahmas started their season on the road with a trip to Irvine Valley College. The Lasers took the lead, before Gisell Cruz and Keyonna Hill turned the game around to take a 2-1 lead.

However, with three minutes left in the game Savanna Hayes tied the game at two.

The Brahmas would be on the road again when they went to San Diego to have two games in less than 24 hours.

On Aug. 31, they faced the San Diego Miramar Jets in a rematch of last year. Hill and Jessica Tapia scored the goals to give the team their first road win.

The next day they would take on MiraCosta and Hill would continue

her great start to the season scoring a brace. However, it wasn’t enough and the game ended in another 2-2 draw. The Brahmas left San Diego with a win and a draw.

Perez felt that the draws against Irvine and MiraCosta should have been wins for the team.

“Irvine was our first game. We were getting our feet wet, but we

had opportunities to finish the game. We had the lead, but they scored with a minute and a half left in the game which was a bummer,” Perez said. “Against MiraCosta we missed seven one-on-one’s with the goalkeeper and we hit the post.”

The Brahmas hosted the Mt. San Jacinto College Eagles in their home opener. Heading into

this game, goalkeeper Iliana Yanez played all three road games, but Perez decided to rotate three of his four goalies.

Emily Claros, Madison Holland and Valerie Mojica all played 30 minutes each. The team would begin losing, however Dominique Gonzalez led the comeback scoring two goals in 12 minutes.

Ian Felix/ Roundup

Cristina Peruch-Alegria, Jessica Palmer and Hill all added a goal and the team would win 5-1.

Hill leads the team with six goals and she is eight away from tying Cruz who was last season’s top goal scorer with 14. Gonzalez is second with two goals.

Hill said she is happy with the start she had and only looks

forward to big things with the team.

“It feels awesome. That is one of my goals I want to achieve. Be the top goal scorer for the team this year, but you have to remain humble,” Hill said.

The Brahmas were on the road Friday when they faced the Antelope Valley College Mauraders. Heading into the game, the team were undefeated while the hosts were 1-1-1. Hill scored the lone goal for the team, as the Brahmas lost 3-1. Holland started the game before injuring herself in the 10th minute. Yanez came in her place and played the rest of the game.

Adriana Sosa is close to a full recovery after tearing her ACL last season and she is looking forward to be back on the team.

“It is exciting because I want to keep playing so I go to the university level,” Sosa said.

fgamino.roundupnews@gmail.com

From the land of the rising sun Brahmas new defender makes herself at home in new country

NICK MARTINEZ Reporter @roundupnews

Brahmas soccer already have five games in the books and the start to their season has had its ups and downs.

The soccer team are currently fourth in the Western State Conference- South with a 2-1-2 overall record.

Head Coach Adolfo Perez said the start to the season has been good.

“Overall it has been good. We have a hard schedule, but we’ve been blessed to have a competitive team,” Perez said.

The soccer team already have been dealt two blows.

Goalkeeper Madison Holland has been ruled out with a tore ACL and Irene Reyes, midfielder, suffered a knee injury after the game against MiraCosta College.

“I’m a little bummed. We have two players out. We dealt with it last year,” Perez said. “I felt we didn’t have an efficient summer and what you put in is what you get out of it.”

The Brahmas started their season on the road with a trip to Irvine Valley College. The Lasers took the lead, before Gisell Cruz and Keyonna Hill turned the game around to take a 2-1 lead.

However, with three minutes left in the game Savanna Hayes tied the game at two.

The Brahmas would be on the road again when they went to San Diego to have two games in less than 24 hours.

On Aug. 31, they faced the San Diego Miramar Jets in a rematch of last year. Hill and Jessica Tapia scored the goals to give the team their first road win.

The next day they would take on MiraCosta and Hill would continue her great start to the season scoring a brace. However, it wasn’t enough and the game ended in another 2-2 draw. The Brahmas left San Diego with a win and a draw.

Perez felt that the draws against Irvine and MiraCosta should have been wins for the team.

“Irvine was our first game. We were getting our feet wet, but we had opportunities to finish the game. We had the lead, but they scored with a minute and a half left in the game which was a bummer,” Perez said. “Against MiraCosta we missed seven one-on-one’s with the goalkeeper and we hit the post.”

The Brahmas hosted the Mt. San Jacinto College Eagles in their home opener. Heading into this game, goalkeeper Iliana Yanez played all three road games, but Perez decided to rotate three of his four goalies.

Emily Claros, Madison Holland and Valerie Mojica all played 30 minutes each. The team would begin losing, however Dominique

Gonzalez led the comeback scoring two goals in 12 minutes.

Cristina Peruch-Alegria, Jessica Palmer and Hill all added a goal and the team would win 5-1.

Hill leads the team with six goals and she is eight away from tying Cruz who was last season’s top goal scorer with 14. Gonzalez is second with two goals.

Hill said she is happy with the start she had and only looks forward to big things with the team.

“It feels awesome. That is one of my goals I want to achieve. Be the top goal scorer for the team this year, but you have to remain humble,” Hill said.

The Brahmas were on the road Friday when they faced the Antelope

Valley College Mauraders. Heading into the game, the team were undefeated while the hosts were 1-1-1. Hill scored the lone goal for the team, as the Brahmas lost 3-1. Holland started the game before injuring herself in the 10th

minute. Yanez came in her place and played the rest of the game.

Adriana Sosa is close to a full recovery after tearing her ACL last season and she is looking forward to be back on the team.

“It is exciting because I want

to keep playing so I go to the university level,” Sosa said.

nmartinez.roundupnews@gmailcom

Jordyn Conlon dribbles the ball during a game against Mt. San Jacinto on the Pierce College soccer field in Woodland Hills Calif. on Sept. 4, 2018.

“We have a hard schedule, but we’ve been blessed to have a competitive team”

-Adolfo Perez Head coach

Sonya Miller/ Roundup

Midfielder Jessica Palmer during practice on the Pierce College Soccer Field Sept. 6, 2018, in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Sonya Miller/ Roundup

Midfielder Jessica Palmer takes a break during practice on the Pierce College Soccer Field Sept. 6, 2018, in Woodland Hills, Calif.

The ensuing extra point was blocked by the Wildcats and returned for two points, giving West LA a 12-9 lead heading into halftime.

The Brahmas offensive strategy switched up in the second half. In the first game of the season and the first half against West LA, coach Woods rotated quarterbacks Saavedra and Kwon Peterson every two drives. At the start of the second half, Woods decided to go with Saavedra.

“Whenever you rotate quarterbacks it’s difficult. You have to get into a rythme, you have to feel the game out, and you can’t do that within two drives,” Saavedra said. “The fact that they had the confidence to get me in the game, it just gave me more confidence and allowed me to settle into the game and really see what the defense is trying to do.”

Saavedra rewarded Woods’ confidence in him, finishing the game 19-28 for 239 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

“We got really fortunate with multiple good quarterbacks,” Woods said. “We try our best to rotate our guys, but at the end of the day you have to go with the hot hand, and I felt like Jonny had that hot hand.”

At the start of the fourth quarter, the Brahmas were driving in West LA territory. A fourth down pass interference call on the Wildcats kept the drive alive, and gave Saavedra the opportunity to give Pierce the lead.

Saavedra connected with receiver Giomanni Perez in the back of the endzone from 11-yards out, giving the Brahmas a 16-12 lead with 13 minutes left in the game.

“I knew once he got that outside leverage and goes to that corner he’s going to be open,” Saavedra said. “So I just tried to

look off the safety, come right back to it, and it was there.”

A couple failed field goal attempts by Pierce, one missed and one blocked, kept the Wildcats in the game, and gave them the ball with 2:28 left to play on their own 33-yard line.

White drove West LA down the field, breaking away for chunks of yardage, but an interception from Dimetri King in the endzone sealed the victory for the Brahmas.

“As an overall defense we didn’t execute in the first half,”

King said. “But the second half we came out and just did our thing.”

Poor execution in the first half was a problem in the first game of the season as well. The Brahmas were down 27-3 at halftime

against Mt. San Jacinto College.

“We gotta come out flying, we can’t come out flat,” Saavedra said. “We have to have a fast first half. Three points in the first half is not acceptable, and we almost had that in this game.”

The Brahmas are back on the field Saturday when they host San Diego Mesa College at Shepard Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Passing on knowledge Former player helps current team adapt

Brahma of the Week

Dimetri King

Sport: Football

Position: CB

Class: Sophomore

Hometown:

Apopka, Florida

Had the interception that gave the team the win over the Wildcats.

You had the end zone interception to win the game for the team. How did it feel?

“It felt great. I did it for the team. We had to come up big. I was the guy to step up and make the big play.”

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

“Before the game I say a prayer to my Father. My Savior. And I leave it all on the line in every single play.”

Future plans after Pierce?

“Go on and transfer to a D1 school and then go to the NFL if I get a shot. I’m looking to transfer to LSU."

What do you feel you can improve on?

“I can improve on being more of a leader on and off the field. Just being a leader everywhere I go.”

A former Brahma is a part of the coaching staff this season. Devon McKinney returns to the program to be the special teams and recruiting coordinator.

Also, a Co-Defensive Line Coach, McKinney is very first hand after playing special teams for Pierce and Louisiana Tech University.

Head Coach Carlos Woods said he chose McKinney to be apart of his coaching staff because he knows the program well.

“I chose him because of the experience and because he was a former player here,” Woods said.

Williams Pena, punter and kicker said that McKinney is well experienced and trusts him.

“McKinney knows what he’s doing andknowsthepositionitself,”Penasaid.

McKinney said one of his coaches , Tyrone Greenwood, gave him another opportunity and he took advantage of it.

“So I took it and ran with it,” McKinney said.

Playing for the Brahmas, McKinney was awarded the First Team All-Conference Award.

McKinney said that they teach the players how to be disciplined and when they leave the program they are more mature.

“We try to teach the kids character and discipline, McKinney said. “They comeinaskidsandleaveasyoungmen.”

Pena said that McKinney has helped him in his adaption to the team.

McKinney said that he wants to get these players to move on from community college.

“I definitely just want help these kids get to where I went; the D1 level,” McKinney said.

The coaches go by a team slogan, “Get out of JUCO”.

McKinney said special teams are very important. He said It is one-third of offense and defense.

Pena said that both Woods and McKinneyemphasizeonspecialteams.

“Him [McKinney] and Coach Woods are both emphasizing on special teams because a lot of teams don’t take it seriously,” Pena said.

Woods said the Special Teams

unit took a lot of time, energy and effort to prepare through special teams meetings, special teams walk-throughs, and hard work.

“I’m all for it. We’re definitely going in the right direction,” Woods said.

McKinney said Woods talks about how in college and the NFL and said some of them make the team through special teams.

McKinney elaborated saying you can feed your family or get a scholarship through special teams.

“We want to treat special teams just like offense and defense,” McKinney said.

Woods said he chose McKinney because he was young, hungry and eager to learn.

Woods said he likes to challenge McKinney with ideas for plays constantly. He said it makes him a better coach because he allows him to delegate and can depend on him to get things done.

“He’s not content with the knowledge base he has,” Woods said. He will do research to comeback with a solid answer when he doesn’t have one.”

Water polo plays at Valley tourney

College and the hosts Valley.

In the morning game against Pasadena, the team lost 11-7.

Water polo hit the water at LA Valley College as a part of the mini tournament held Saturday. The Brahmas played twice losing both games against Pasadena City

Cassidy Hoffman and Ava Recchia led the Brahmas with two goals while Kyrah Hunter, Lily Pang and Natalie Mac Ewan had one.

The team would then face the Monarchs and would lose 15-6. Judy Martinez, Recchia and Kyrah Hunter scored twice.

Brahmas Scoreboard

The Brahmas open their season on Wednesday, Oct 10 at Citrus College. They will have only one home game against Santa Monica on Oct.17.

Joshua Manes/ Roundup

Ben Broadwell , running back, rushes against the West LA College Wildcats on Sept. 8, 2018, in Culver City, Calif.

[FOOTBALL from page 1]

Joshua Manes/ Roundup

Running back Ben Broadwell cuts through the gap on a rush attempt against West LA College on Sept. 8, 2018, in Culver City, Calif.

Natalie Miranda/ Roundup

Special Teams and Recruiting Coordinator Devon McKInney stands in front of a white board with game plays at Pierce College's John Shepard Stadium on Sept. 7, 2018 in Woodland Hills, Calif.

KENDALL SHANNON Reporter @The_Valley_Life