Volume 131 Fall 2019 Roundup Issue 5

Campus security and active shooter situations discussed at Senate

Captain Rodrick Armalin spoke to the Academic Senate meeting on Monday, Oct. 7 to talk about active shooter situations and how faculty can be prepared.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is offering 10-minute information sessions about campus safety that professors can schedule to take place during their classes. There was an active shooter training session for faculty members on Tuesday, at noon in the Faculty and Staff Center.

Armalin explained the chaos of being in a dangerous situation.

“Being in an active shooter situation is like being in a car crash, it hits you and you dont know whats going on,” Armalin said.

He said that the training will help prepare professors and provide information on how to keep their students and themselves safe.

“I'm glad to say I think we've got some of the best participation out of all the colleges so far, thank you very much Pierce for caring about that,” Armalin said. “It only lasts for about an hour and it's going to give you quite a good interpretation on what to do in an active shooter event. The instructor will also talk to you about what you could do to get your students prepared.”

Coach under investigation

allowed three ineligible players to compete in games and recruited outof-state.

Aformal investigation in the Pierce College athletic department is underway after some football players and staff have said Football Head Coach Carlos Woods has allowed four players to live on campus in the locker room, collected money for housing from players,

The investigation started after multiple complaints were filed, according to Dean of Student Services and Equity Genice SarcedoMagruder, who is the acting athletic director.

When asked about the complaints, Woods declined to comment.

Due to the sensitivity of this situation, some of the players from last season and this season who

have confirmed the living conditions set in motion by Woods, asked that their names be kept out of this article. Those who remain unnamed, confirmed that at least four players were living in the locker room this semester after their housing had fallen through.

They also said last football season, there was a minimum of 30 players who resided together in an apartment building on De Soto Avenue and Vanowen Street. Some players living there said they were kicked out of the

School safety concerns Brief:

apartment due to Woods not paying the rent when he was said to have collected up to $300-$400 from some of the players.

Players who were at Pierce last year explained they slept stacked up in bunk beds and on cots in any available space in the apartment. Once they noticed eviction notices being left on their door, they decided to leave and fend for themselves.

Jose Cordova, who no longer attends Pierce College due to the tension of the situation, agreed to

The students' future fair

College Fair Extraordinaire helps pave a university path for the undecided

their futures and make wellinformed decisions.

Applying and attending a fouryear institution can be a pivotal moment in a student's life. The College Fair Extraordinaire helps them prepare for their academic future, so they can ultimately pick the right university to further their education.

There were more than 60 instate and out-of-state college and university booths with representatives introducing high school students and community college students the value of college, student life and academic requirements.

Attendees had opportunities to attend numerous workshops, some such as “Financial Aid,” “Making Your College Applications Stand Out” and “Tips on Making College Affordable.”

Not all college and university representatives were college officials. Many were continuing students.

While some high school and college students may not feel the need to attend a college fair, representatives have said the information helps attendees direct

Jonathan Cottrill, a student representative from Pepperdine University, said students often think that representatives are just trying to sell a university to them.

“Realistically, I don't want any student, especially being a student myself, to come to a university and then be unhappy with it because it was advertised to them incorrectly,” Cotrill said.

He said the ability for students

to use representatives as resources and to find where they fit and belong is the most important aspect.

The Associated Students Organization (ASO) is currently working towards finding a new president after the impeachment of Angel Orellana.

At the Academic Senate meeting on Monday, Treasurer Brandon Le addressed the impeachment.

“Even though we've had a rocky start this semester, our entire senate is still enthusiastic and ready to go despite that problematic event,” Le said.

The ASO presidential seat will remain vacant for the time being however.

“We still have yet to figure out who is going to be the next president and what not,” Le said.

Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga explained that ASO operates in the same way as other elective bodies.

“When the president steps down or is impeached, the bylaws in the constitution require that the vice president be elevated to the presidency,” said Astorga. “Now if the vice president doesn’t want to move up, then the position is open to anyone within the

go on record about what he went through.

“Coach Woods told me that I was valid to move to L.A. from Orlando, Florida, and that my housing would be set up with other players coming in and returning athletes,” Cordova said. “Woods told me that it would be four to five players in a three bedroom, and we would all split the bills and each pay $350 for renteverything included.”

ASO Senate.”

Vice President Stephanie Lopez commented that she does not want to be ASO president. As a result, the presidential position will be open to anyone on the ASO senate.

Lopez also said that ASO is currently focusing on their new senators rather than on finding a new president.

“We’re still in the process of interviewing our new senators and hopefully next Tuesday we will swear them in,” Lopez said.

Student Engagement Coordinator & Counselor Lara Conrady Wong said that the presidency issue will be discussed in future ASO meetings.

Ben Hanson/ Roundup

Head Coach Carlos Woods checks the scoreboard during the Victory Bell Game against Los Angeles Valley College at Shepard Stadium in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 28, 2019.

Cecilia Parada / Roundup

Julian Jenkins, a representative from Next College Student Athlete, answers questions during the College Fair Extraordinaire at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 5, 2019.

For some students, community college is the final stop of their academic careers.

But what if that college could take them further?

While most community colleges offer only associate’s degrees and certificates, some of them have started offering a bachelor’s degree.

It’s time for Pierce to join this growing trend and look into starting a bachelor’s degree program.

There are 23 states that allow community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees, and California is one of them. In 2014, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that allowed 15 California community colleges to offer a bachelor’s program, according to Study.com.

By 2017, all 15 of the colleges had a bachelor’s degree, and the results have already shown some positive outcomes, according to a report from Judy Heiman, a fiscal and policy analyst for the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

The report showed employers who previously struggled to find workers with bachelor’s degrees have been able to hire students as interns and part-time workers who wanted to stay in the area.

Due to the success of the program, Brown signed legislation that extended it through 2026, according to the San Diego Community College District.

While it isn’t clear if they’re ready to expand the program, Pierce should try to get to the front of the line because it could benefit students.

The ability to earn a bachelor’s degree from a community college also makes an education a lot more financially feasible for many students.

A bachelor’s degree from a community college cost around $10,000, which is about half the cost of a degree from a California

-Corrections-

Volume 131, Issue 4:

Photo Essay Page 4:

Captions were wrong for the photos:

Top: Duros, also known as wheat chips are distributed during the Hispanic Heritage Month event at Pierce College's Rocky Young Park. Photo by Cecilia Parada.

Bottom Left: Close up of a set of Lotería playing cards at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Photo by Angelica Lopez.

Bottom Right: Students got a taste of Mexican culture, this table provided horchata and aguas fresca. Photo by Taylor Watson.

Campus Life Page 6: Performance is spelled wrong in the deck.

See any errors we missed? Email us at: newsroom.roundupnews@ gmail.com

Bachelor's degree at a two year community

State University (CSU) and 20% of what a student would pay to attend a University of California (UC), according to Los Angeles Daily News.

The comfort factor is also something that could help students, according to Pierce President Alexis Montivergen.

“From what I've seen, there are certain students that feel more comfortable in a particular setting,” Montevirgen said. “I know firsthand of students who their experience in the community college setting has been so eye opening for them and so positive, that they're actually afraid to transfer. So if there's a way we can have them complete a bachelor's degree by staying here, I think that's all the more positive.”

It would provide an easier transition for students from high school to college and then to their careers, because they wouldn't have to transfer to a new setting.

Adding a bachelor’s program would also expand access to degrees for more first generation and older students. According to the Education Commission of the States (ECS), community colleges are usually more well-suited to the life circumstances of non traditional students.

It has already helped some students get access to a degree.

Heiman’s report cited students she spoke to who previously thought a bachelor’s degree would be inaccessible to them until the program launched.

Under current California law, to be approved for a bachelor’s degree program, it can’t be offered at a nearby university and they are limited to offering one program, according to the ECS. That would make automotive service technology the logical choice to pitch because none of the local UC’s or CSU’s offer it and it’s a specialized field. This program

would allow more students to find jobs and make better wages because community colleges are often connected with the area they serve.

“Two-year institutions often have established collaborative relationships with local businesses that allow ongoing communications related to the ebb and flow of

workforce needs,” according to the ECS. Adding a bachelor’s degree program has a lot of potential to help many students and the community.

It’s time for Pierce to take part.

newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

PETER VILLAFANE Reporter @pcavillafane

Progress is not made through inactivity. Students can make a transformative change by moving out of state.

Students should move out of state to become independent, immerse themselves in other ways of life and take advantage of more academic and career opportunities.

The comfort of being in state can foster dependent behaviors.

On the other hand, going out of state forces a student to learn to be on their own.

It allows people to become self-sufficient quickly because of the immediate need to know how to cook, clean and work.

Some students need to be pushed out of their comfort zones to succeed.

An object at rest stays at rest. A student complacent with living at home stays at home.

A change in environment exposes people to other cultures and ways of life.

Moving to a different state can connect students with people they never would have met in their home state, expanding their cross-cultural communication abilities.

In this way, moving does not keep people apart. It brings them closer together.

Being away from home also gives students more freedom for self-expression.

When put into a new environment where few people know them, students may be

more willing to experiment with their looks, interests and lifestyle choices.

There are more options to choose from if students cast a wider net when applying to colleges or looking for jobs.

For example, programs like marine biology are more likely to be taught in schools or places located along the coast.

A student living in a landlocked state who wants to explore marine biology should not deny themselves a better learning or career opportunity by remaining in their state.

Moving out of state also lets students take advantage of scholarships and grants that are only available for out-of-state students.

According to The Sacramento Bee, the University of California spent $32 million on financial aid for out-of-state and international students in 2014.

Based on a study done by researchers from the University of New Hampshire, the process of moving can even have a positive effect on people’s memory.

The research found that people are more likely to recall a memory that occurred around the time they moved to a new house. This effect, called the “relocation bump.”

Students evolve as people when they move out of state to find opportunities that aren’t there for them in their home town because they learn to rely on themselves, grow with others and explore different paths.

They become the change they wish to see in themselves.

JOEY FARRIOLA Reporter @roundupnews

Majority of students are not ready to leave the nest to move to another state.

Some may not be experienced enough going from being familiar with the streets of their hometown to going to a new environment such as a different state.

Homesickness is a common feeling students experience when they’re not comfortable in a place.

They don't know anyone’s names or faces, they get lost easily and the place is totally different.

Missing family when going out of state would also be hard on students.

Not only is it difficult to deal with differing time zones, transportation has to be through plane or car.

Flights cost money and going by vehicle can take hundreds of miles to go from place to place.

Whether it be between immediate family members or a significant other, not seeing each other face-to-face can cause relationships to be strained.

Almost all their contact is through the phone and there’s not anyone nearby to physically turn to when in need.

They also know where the jobs are at.

Whether it be entry-level to getting a head start with a higher position, sometimes the only way to get these jobs fast is to know where to find them.

While students won’t be alone for long, it does take some time to build the same connections with people that they’ve taken years to make.

Most jobs that people are able to obtain is through networking.

It’s all about who knows who and what calls can be made rather than filling out job applications.

Some employers may be hesitant to hire someone who isn’t from the same area.

Why would they give a job to someone they don’t know rather than to someone who’s been in the community for years?

Remaining at home would allow a student to not only find work that is more easily accessible and close by.

According to collegexpress.com, going out of state for college costs more as well.

“Out-of-state students pay more simply because they do not pay taxes to the state in which the university is located. In-state residents, on the other hand, have been supporting the state, and thus indirectly funding the university, all their lives.”

An article by EconoFact.com said the numbers show that students would rather attend colleges close by.

“The majority — 56.2% — of public four-year college students attend an institution under an hour’s drive away, and nearly 70% attend within two hours of their home.”

There’s also the factor of finding somewhere to live. Finding an apartment or a house to rent doesn’t simply take a day.

There’s the first and last month’s rent to deal with and finding out whether a location is the right fit.

Tons of research should go into finding a place to live, and that can be difficult to do when someone is not physically in the state. Not only is staying at home easier, it simply saves money.

Illustration by Jesse Bertel

He shared with professors what their first steps should be in this kind of event and how they should assess the situation.

“In the event, locking your door is one of the first things you should do. We use the term ‘run, hide, fight’, which means if you have a way to safely get off of campus and away from what’s happening, then take it,” Armalin said. “If you don’t, then secure your area that you're at and hide, turn your phone off, be quiet and lock the door.”

Armalin said that he’s happy to hear how these sessions affect students and faculty.

“Security here is highly important to us,” Armalin said. “We have a management team that wants to be involved, wants to get your feedback on not just security, but in training we would like to see employer performance.”

Montevirgen said that campus security will be making sure there isn’t anyone on campus that shouldn’t be, especially in the evening.

“We have asked deputies to implement security checks in the evenings to ensure that especially between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless you have a reason to be on campus, you shouldn't be,” Montevirgen said. “If you have a justifiable reason to be on campus, we ask that you check in to the sheriff's office just so that they know.”

Montevirgen said that these 10 minute sessions can be helpful to students in case of an event where they need to think fast.

“Our focus in terms of campus security is making sure that campus security is a top priority for us here,” Montevirgen said.

In leu of recent happenings, ASO Treasurer Brandon Le addressed the Senate updating members on their current standings and plans for the future.

“To address the elephant in the room, we had an impeachment of our president last week,” Le said. “Our entire senate is still enthusiastic and

ready to go after that event.”

Also during the Academic Senate, Political Science Professor Denise Robb talked about Day of Politics, an event aimed at encouraging students to voice their political opinions.

Day of Politics will be held in The Great Hall on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m..

The event coincides with President Alexis Montevirgen’s effort to improve campus culture.

“I want to continue to foster a culture of transparency, collegiality, respect and encourage students on campus to participate and take those to heart as well,” Montevirgen said.

Communication Studies Professor Robert Loy said that debates encourage students to develop critical thinking skills.

“You’re able to argue and advocate over something, but then also have a developed reasoning toward something else,” Loy said. “I want our students to be better than our own politicians. I’m excited to see which arguments they choose to develop and to advocate for.”

Robb encourages professors to give extra credit to students attending Day of Politics.

“I think students can get a lot out of it,” Robb said. “They can register to vote and hear different sides debating important issues.”

The clubs debating will be the Pierce College Democrats, Students for Bernie, Brahma Leftists, Students for Social Justice, Political Science Society, MEChA de Pierce and Pierce College Vegan Society. Some of the issues that will be discussed include Medicarefor-All and the Green New Deal.

There will also be a Political Opportunity Fair at Day of Politics with internship and volunteering opportunities.

Los Angeles City Council District 12 candidates Loraine Lundquist and John Lee will also be speaking at the event.

Fountains are dry, costs remain high

Lucky pennies and dead leaves will not fix the fountains

LOSINSKA Reporter @RoundupNews

Pierce’s fountains have been broken and inoperable for so long that they can’t grant wishes anymore.

Director of Facilities Paul Nieman wrote in an email that there are three fountains on campus and none of them are working.

“We simply do not have the funds to redesign/rebuild these fountains, especially since the college has a current structural deficit of threeto-five million,” Nieman wrote.

The fountains were paid for with an LACCD bond.

Computer Technologies Instructor Joseph Perret said that repairs should have been included in the original bond.

“I question the fact that if it was built badly and we paid for it in the bond funds, then fix it,” Perret said. “I’m not willing to accept that we can’t fix it so we are going to leave it empty. That just isn’t right.”

Public Relations Manager Doreen Clay said that construction projects often cost a lot more than originally planned.

“It just isn’t clear how much something is going to cost down the road, and then we have to keep it up, but we don’t have the money from the original source which was the bond,” Clay said. “We make the plans, we start to build and then five, ten years later when we have to keep something up, we have to do it out of our own funds.”

According to History and Humanities Department Chair Brian Patrick Walsh, repairing the fountains are not a top priority.

“I would love to see the fountains humming along, but in terms of work environment and learning environment needs I think [there are] a lot more pressing issues,” Walsh said.

financially stable, the school will work towards fixing the fountains.

“Once funds are a little bit more available to the campus, we will address and get those fountains up and running,” Montevirgen said.

“Unfortunately, right now because of the fact that the costs of getting them up and running would be cost prohibitive given the current financial situation we find ourselves in.”

Psychology Instructor Angela Belden would like to see the space used for something aesthetically pleasing, even if fixing the fountains isn’t an option.

“Right now the fountains don’t function for whatever reason and they are not pretty,” Belden said. “Something should be done with them whether it’s a planter or a sculpture.”

President Alexis Montevirgen said that once Pierce is more

More help on the way

Senate bill covers the full cost of college

need to be ironed out.

“Right now, they are still working on where the appropriation would be,” Baglietto said.

Vice President of Student Services Earic DixonPeters is in favor of the bill.

Tuition isn’t the only thing that college students have to pay for.

Currently, California students who need financial assistance are able to go to community colleges for free with the California College Promise Grant, but that only covers tuition. If passed. Senate Bill 291 would create a fund that covers non-tuition expenses such as textbooks, housing, food and transportation.

American Sign Language student Cynthia Gonzalez believes the bill would benefit college students.

“I work full time, go to school, pay bills. If this bill passes, things will be much easier for single parents like me and of course for everyone else that needs the extra help,” Gonzalez said.

Oglivy, a marketing and public relations company, recently sent out over 6,000 emails to try and convince California legislators to pass the bill.

Drake Baglietto, Assistant Accounts Executive at Ogilvy, explained how Oglivy has been connecting with students throughout California.

“The important thing is to make sure that students have an opportunity to make their voice heard on this incredibly important issue,” said Baglietto. “As far as our outreach efforts are concerned, we’ve been travelling around the state and gone to events in every community college region.”

Beglietto explained that the logistics still

These incidents were reported between 9/2910/5

Reported by: Jackson Hayano

“If we can support students who are experiencing lack of basic needs, food, homelessness, security, things

10/1 11:40 a.m.

•Misc. Incident

Student lost a cell phone (iPhone XR black) in the library.

10/1 4:32 p.m.

like that, and help them complete their educational goals, I am all in favor of those things,” Dixon-Peters said.

Dixon-Peters explained that student success isn’t just important to the students.

“Our success is based on whether or not students continue. If we can help students continue from semester to semester until they complete, it will help our college, and help our community and ultimately our society” Dixon-Peters said.

•Student incident Student tried to steal a book from the bookstore

Photo by Sergio Torres/Roundup

The dry fountain collects dust in the Library/Learning Crossroads courtyard at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., Sept. 3, 2019.

" The important thing is to make sure that students have an opportunity to make their voice heard on this incredibly important issue."

-Drake Baglietto Assistant Accounts Exectutive

“Once funds are a little bit more available to the campus, we will address and get those fountains up and running.”

-Alexis Montevirgen President

Meet Your Major

Robotic arms built by the Electronics Program lured students to the Meet Your Major Fair Thursday, Oct. 3. Students exploring different majors offered at Pierce talked to professors about concentrations and classes in their respective departments, as well as jobs, internships and transfer opportunities in the area. The Career & Transfer Center hosted the event as part of their Student Engagement Workshops, aimed at helping students figure out their education and career paths and to build their resumes. How to Find a Job/Internship? is the next workshop and will be in the CTC Workshop Room, Thursday, Oct. 10, from 6-7 p.m.

Copy by Katya Castillo

Nursing student Steven Duran tries out the (BIA) Bio Electrical Impedence Analyzer assisted by Susan Armenta, a professor at Kineology Department, during the Meet Your Majors Fair in the Great Hall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 3,

2019.

Photo by Kevin Lendio

The Electronics Program displayed a robotic arm at the Meet Your Major fair. Photo by katya Castillo.

(Left to right) Ray Asuncion, Syeda Rahman and Brandon Le inquires at the Career Transfer Center table during the Meet Your Majors Fair. Photo by Kevin Lendio.

(Right) Lilach Farhy, a lab technician, explains to Narmeen Fatima the programs offered at the Engineering Department during the Meet Your Majors Fair in the Great Hall. Photo by Kevin Lendio

Roadtrip Nation

Known for traversing the world in 35-footlong RV’s and interviewing professionals from various fields, Roadtrip Nation made a pit stop at Pierce College in honor of the Meet Your Major Fair held Oct. 3. Brand Ambassadors opened the door to their mobile home/office for students to learn about their company and their mission. Inside, students read the quotes left by professionals that Roadtrip Nation members have interviewed and spoke to ambassadors about their passions and career plans. In front of the RV, they helped students sign up for Roadmap to Careers, an online program to help connect their interests to rewarding jobs. Students can get started at roadtripation. com/edu/lapc using the access code LAPC2019.

TOP: Wendi Meckler, the Career Center director and counselor, writes a note on the inside of the Roadtrip Nation RV parked on the Mall. Photo by Katya Castillo.

(Left to right) Joel Sienko, Carla Huezo, Antony Suarez and Anasstasia Gusar talk inside the Roadtrip Nation RV, which is parked on the Mall. Photo by Katya Castillo.

Students sign up for the program Roadmap to Careers by Roadtrip Nation on the Mall. Roadtrip Nation is helping students discover how their interests can evolve into a career. Photo by Katya Castillo.

(Left to right) Roadtrip Nation Ambassadors John Broadway and Alli Brinkerhoff converse with students, Rebecca Solomon and Lauren Franco of the Career and Transfer Center of Pierce College, in the RV. Photo by Kevin Lendio.

Wendi Meckler, the Career Center director and counselor, laughs after writing a note on the inside of the Roadtrip Nation RV parked on the Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 3, 2019.

Photo by Katya Castillo.

Copy by Katya Castillo

A professor with an aGENDa for Pierce Department chair sheds light on his journey in the world of theater

MARC BLAIS Reporter @marcTBlais1

If you were to have come across Michael Gend when he was 15 years old, you would have most likely found him here at Pierce, either practicing for a scene or lifting weights. Now, Gend has a different on his shoulders, as he’s now the Performing Arts department chair.

“It’s kind of crazy thinking about how I was kid taking an acting class and a weight training class and now I have all this responsibility on my shoulders,” Gend said. “I still feel like a kid and now I am in these grown up shoes.”

Gend has been connected to Pierce College much longer than anyone would expect. Gend was originally born and raised in Reseda, and went to high school at Valley Alternative Magnet School. While there, Gend took part in a program that allowed him to take classes at Pierce College three days a week.

He officially started Pierce College classes at the age of 15 when he enrolled in weight training and beginning acting.

After high school, Gend became a full time Pierce student for three years. In his time here, he participated in acting and performing in plays and working backstage. It was while working backstage, Gend discovered a passion he had for lighting design, and after achieving a bachelor degree in design and production at California Institute of the Arts, he turned it into his profession.

Gend started working at Pierce as an adjunct professor, but became a full time professor in the Fall of 2009. In his first year of teaching full time, he taught almost every performing arts class one could think of. He taught introduction to lighting design,

introduction to scenic design, theatre management, computer aided drafting, introduction to the theatre, history of the theatre, play production and rehearsals and performances. After teaching full time, he was elected the department chair for theater and dance. After he was elected department chair, Pierce merged the music, dance and theatre programs into one department, the Performing Arts department, and Gend then became the department chair for the Performing Arts Department.

Michael Sande, managing director of theatre department,

said that when the theatre, music and dance departments merged, many were nervous about Gend possibly give theater special treatment over music and dance, since he was a theatre person, but instead he has created a culture that all three focuses feel special and always tries to protect the department as a whole from possible budget cuts.

“What he has done is create this atmosphere where all three disciplines within the department feel equal,” Sande said. “Whether it is dance, music or theater, he puts up the same fight and advocates for us equally.”

Gend said that he has had many accomplishments since he began working at Pierce College. He said he is proud of the great staff he has helped hire. He also says that since working at Pierce, he has seen many of his students go on to work for theatres in the area, which has helped create a network that helps current Pierce College performing arts students get opportunities outside of Pierce.

Gend said that his biggest accomplishment was when he was able to hire one of his students as an assistant on an Off-Broadway play, Annapurna, that he did design for.

“That is the proudest I have been as a teacher so far. It took me ten years to get a credit at an OffBroadway theatre, it is a stepping stone for an artist, and she got to do it while she was at Pierce,” Gend said.

Shaheen Vaaz, an assistant professor of theatre arts, has worked with Gend for five years and says that Gend makes a good department chair because of his leadership.

“He sees where the performing arts department needs to go. He is ambitious about and he knows we need to grow,” Vaaz said. “He is totally willing to put in the time

and effort to make that happen.”

Beyond just being a Pierce professor, Gend also had a professional career in theater. He has worked as a lighting designer for multiple small 99seat theatres throughout the greater Los Angeles. Gend use to work as a lighting designer for plays while he was working as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine, Cal Lutheran and Pierce College. He continued to work as a lighting designer while he was achieving his masters degree. He even designed an Off-Broadway production starring Nick Offerman and his wife Megan Mullally called Annapurna. Out of all the plays he has worked on, Gend says the one that stood out to him a production of A Steady Rain that he worked on.

Annapurna was a special play because it was an Off-Broadway play, which is a very respected and high level of professional theatre.

Gend worked on lighting design for a production of A Steady Rain at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA. This production is special to Gend because he won a Suzi Award for his lighting design on the play. The Suzi Bass Awards are Atlanta’s equivalent of the Tony Awards. Atlanta’s equivalent to a Tony Award. Gend said it was an honor to receive the award.

“It was really meaningful to me, because I think, outside of awards when I was a student, it was the first time that I was acknowledged by the professional theatre community for my design work,” Gend said.

Gend is also serving as first Vice President of Academic Policy for the Pierce academic Senate. He is serving his second term as the Performing Arts department chair. Check out the Performing Arts department as they put on a production of Hookman at the Dow Arena Theatre from Oct. 1827

mblais.roundupnews@gmail.com

From struggling student to mentor of many

Professor shows that getting from point A to point B isn’t always easy

THOMAS DILLON Reporter @Troundupnews

Far from the confidant veteran professor who strolls the Pierce College campus today, when James McKeever was 18 years old ,he was struggling with his new role as father while balancing a nearly 50-hour work week and a full load of classes at Valley College.

It’s that path that helps McKeever, a self-proclaimed advocate for underrepresented youth, understand what many of his students are experiencing.

“It took me nine years to get through community college,” McKeever said. “It’s hard when you’re struggling. It’s hard to concentrate and focus on studying when you’re not knowing how you’re going to feed your kids the next day, actually not even the next day.”

with Dusenbury that changed his life.

“At the very end of it, Bill pulls out this metal box and puts it on the table,” McKeever said. “Bill said this to the parents: ‘Here is the box with all your checks and money, James coaches from now on, lineup right here so you can get your refund.’ And I thought, wow, Bill really stood up for me, and that made me sort my life around.”

Although Mckeever was not supposed to meet with the kids he mentored, he felt a sense of responsibility in making sure they stayed on the right track.

He met with one of the kids and wanted to give him some encouraging words.

“I went and met with one of the best kids we ever had there,” McKeever said. “He was working as a Starbucks manager at that point.”

Mckeever recalls a time moment in the Juvenile hall he had with him.

“He was folding laundry as I walked in, and I said, ‘Hey look, keep your head up, because you shine; Those words really stuck with him.” Mckeever said.

McKeever would go on coaching at the park for years to come. Coaching kids wasn’t about the sports it was about helping them out in their life.

“You never know what it is or when somebody needs it,” said McKeever. “Sometimes it’s just listening to them for a moment and that meant a lot to me being there for them in that moment.”

McKeever went back to Valley College and received his AA degree. After he got a full time job mentoring kids at a Juvenile Hall.

McKeever said he grew up in a rough neighborhood. At the time he participated in a variety of sports at a nearby NoHo park. A park director, Bill Dusenbury, took an interest in him.

McKeever attended a meeting

“I really loved working with those kids,” McKeever said. “ They had horrific lives themselves and a majority of them felt a lot of remorse for their actions. They felt like nobody cared about them

and so I felt like I could be there to care about them. It’s not an easy place to work and show you care, but if your firm and you’re fair, they’ll respect you.

After leaving the Juvenile Hall Mckeever decided to go back to Valley College where he received his Master’s degree.

McKeever was approached in a class one day by a professor asking students if they were interested in the McNair Scholars Program. The goal of the program is to increase the attainment of PhD degrees by students from underrepresented segments of

society.

McKeever adopted a similar goal at Pierce College. He organized the PhD club which meets a few times each semester to familiarize interested students about their journey.

Film major student Tyrome Walton II, is part of the club. He was approached in class after posting a writing assignment McKeever found interesting.

“He thought what I had to say was really interesting and went more in depth with me about the PhD program,” Walton said. “My mother always stressed the

importance of education, but before I even met him getting a PhD was just never on my mind, but now I am really interested in getting one.”

Alexander Chesney is also apart of the club and wants to become a professor after he gets his PhD.

“I want to be a professor like McKeever,” Chesney said. “He activated my sense of understanding and helped me understand that the racial hierarchy is different in every location, and that location can be two miles away.”

McKeever has learned from

his life and applies them to the classroom and in his life. He loves to give back to whoever crosses his path.

“When life was rough, focusing on other people’s lives kept me from focusing on my own and my own issues and problems,” McKeever said. “Now after going through counseling and having a better job, having a better life, having a great family, you know, now I feel like this is just something I really want to do because I love my community.”

Katya Castillo/ Roundup

James McKeever, a professor of Sociology, sitting with a copy of “The Souls of Black Folk” by William Edward Burghardt Du Bois on Oct. 8, 2019, at Pierce College in Woodland Hills Calif., in the Pierce Library.

“It’s not an easy place to work and show you care, but if you’re firm and you’re fair, they’ll respect you,”

-James McKeever Professor of Sociology

Angelica Lopez/ Roundup

Michael Gend, Department Chair of Performing Arts and lighting director poses in front of one of the stage lights that is used for Pierceʼs theater productions on Oct. 1, 2019 in the Dow Arena Theatre at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Guitarist Hugo Nogueria and pianist Ekaterina Bessmeltseva create an instrumental one-two punch

the piano in the Performing Arts Building Mainstage.

Nogueira first walked on stage by himself to play four pieces that he explained are all from the 19th century.

were composed by classical guitarists from Argentina. The first song, “Milonga” by Jorge Cardoso and the second, “Verano Porteno” by Astor Piazzolla.

Nogueria sat on a stool while he read the music off a tablet.

As he sat and strummed his guitar, the musician filled the room with emotions through the compositions he played that were based on folk music and originated in South America.

Guitarist Dr. Hugo Nogueria has been playing since he was 11-years-old and he is currently teaching classical guitar at Pierce College. On Thursday, Oct. 3 he performed solo guitar and was then accompanied by his wife on

He has been performing in many states across the U.S. for the past few years and he is passionate about teaching what he loves.

“I’m very happy to be here and share this music with you all,” Nogueira said.

Nogueira won the 2011 American Guitar Society competition in Los Angeles, Calif. He attended three conservatories in Brazil and then received a Bachelor's degree in 2007 and a teaching credential in 2010.

The first two songs he performed

He was incredibly focused on his technique as he played the first two songs softly.

The next song, “Choro N1” was composed by a man from Brazil named Heitor Villa-Lobos. Nogueira picked up the pace with this next song as it had more emotional ups and downs while the beat was also faster.

The last song that was performed on solo guitar was, “Vals Venezolano N3” by Antonio Lauro who was from Venezuela. This piece was also more upbeat as Nogueira plucked the strings of the guitar at a much quicker pace than the first two songs.

Nogueira’s wife Ekaterina Bessmeltseva then joined him on stage to play piano while he continues to play guitar.

Bessmeltseva is a concert pianist and has been playing the piano since she was 6-years-old. She has mainly performed in North America, Europe and Russia. She is a soloist as well, but when she and her husband play together, they enjoy being chamber players.

Nogueira explained how they are able to keep up with each other and be on the same page while playing together.

STREET

If you need an accomodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact Sean CollinsSmith at collinsc@piercecollege.edu or (818) 7102960, at least five business days in advance.

“There is a certain kind of balance that goes on between us that makes it possible to play together, it includes lots of communication,” Nogueira said.

The next four pieces that they played together are all songs that came out of the 17th century.

The first song, “Grande Sonate Brillante, Op.102” was by an Austrian composer named Anton Diabelli. Nogueira said that this was a comfortable piece to start with, and his wife agreed that they both enjoy this piece.

The next three songs they

performed are all composed by Itailan musicians. The second song, “Rondo N2 Op.68” by Mauro Giuliani had different pieces of the song were it solely focused on the guitar or piano at once.

The last two songs , “Duo Op.11” and “Grand Duo op. 86” were composed by Ferdinando Carulli. These two songs were composed to be played by the piano and guitar. Both instruments accompanied each other throughout the majority of both pieces.

After the final song, the couple then took time to answer any

questions that the audience had. They explained the kind of time it takes to prepare for performances and said that it takes roughly two weeks to put together something like this.

Nogueira also talked about what it’s like practicing these pieces and how he plays them for the first time. “I try to imagine how the composers played these pieces back in the day,” Nogueira said. The next concert will be on Oct. 10 and it will be a student recital.

How do you plan to apply your major toward your career or life beyond college?

Quotes by Bryan Carballo Photos by Angelica Lopez

“This is setting you up for your future, especially within your different career fields and what you're studying in college,” Cottrill said.

Attendees visited representatives from CSUs, UCs and other institutions across the country.

Sammy Wess, an attendee from Cleveland High School, said she benefited from partaking in the event.

“I feel like I've gained some insight into things that I like in colleges versus ones that I want to stay away from,” Wess said. “And it's kind of cool to see all of them together to comparatively assess which ones would be best for me.”

With about 60 high school student volunteers, each had various responsibilities.

Maryan Menalagha, a volunteer from Taft High School, said she came to the fair early and checked

“Iwanttoteachpeoplewithinmy ownmajor.Iwanttowritescripts andnovelsaboutlife.Ithinkpeople arereallymissingitlately.”

-OliviaDiNova-Daly CreativeWriting

“Iplantogointoresearch, essentiallygoingtoschooluntilIʼm dead.Asfarasthismajorgoes,itʼs ameanstogettoanend.Getmy BachelorʼsandthenmyMasterʼs.”

out the colleges and universities she was interested in.

“When my shift started, people have been asking me questions like where things are located and I really like helping them and giving them some information about colleges and where they can get more information,” Menalagha said.

When asked about the question she wished students would ask more often, Menalagha said she hoped for people to ask about FAFSA and financial aid because she has had experience completing it and understands the process.

When asked about what he would say to students who are interested in an out-of-state university like the University of Nevada, Reno, Elijah Robertson, a representative from the institution, gave his personal experience as someone who was born and raised in San Francisco, Calif.

“I've been in your position,” Robertson said. “We have no impacted majors. You're able to graduate within four years and you're able to have different opportunities, internship opportunities where you could be able to continue your career, your journey or what you want to do with your life.”

When asked about what advice he would give to incoming freshmen and transfer students, Cottrill emphasized research and seeing what school matches them best.

Cottrill said he recommends students to learn about class sizes, internships and different divisions. He also advises students to navigate websites and call the college or university because many times, the institutions have students answering the phones who can give their personal experiences.

“Iʼmintothiscareertohelppeople. Alotofpeopledon'thaverights, oraredemonizedbythemedia, juststereotyped.Iwanttoeventhe playingfieldforeveryone.”

-Adrian

Pulling at each others' strings since they were young BEAT

Norwood Criminal Justice

“Careerwiseitʼdbedownthecityplanning road.Lookintodevelopingcitiesinthemost efficientway.Beithereorinaruralarea,the worldʼsopenfromthere,nothingʼsconcrete.”

-AnthonyCarlos UrbanPlanning

-Lucas Hanson Research

Kevin Lenido/ Roundup

(Right) Josue Ortiz , high school junior, speaks with Pepperdine Admissions Representative Hannah Stephens at the College Fair Extraordinaire at Pierce College in Woodland hills, Calif., on Oct.5, 2019.

Cecilia Parada/ Roundup

(Left to right) Hugo Nogueira and Ekaterina Bessmeltseva finish performing "Duo Op. 11" during the Thursday Concert series on Oct. 3, 2019, in the Performing Arts Bulding at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Larry Jordan Photo courtesy of Larry Jordan

[From FRONT, pg. 1]

Cecilia Parada/ Roundup

Pianist Ekaterina Bessmeltseva plays "Rondo Nº2 Op. 68" during the Thursday Concert series on Oct. 3, 2019, in the Performing Arts Bulding at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Driving down success lane

Meet Your Major Fair collabs with Roadtrip Nation to assist students

ALEJANDRA AGUILERA Reporter @_ale_aguilera

What do you want to do with your life?

Some students already know their professional career goals, but others are undecided.

This year, the Meet Your Major Fair was a two-part event to give students the opportunity to possibly find an answer to this question and to explore different majors Pierce College offers.

On Oct. 3, the Great Hall Fair had professors and department chairs from different programs tabling to answer student questions.

An Associate of Arts degree in child development and education can result in a “very, very decent living,” Doelitzsch said. It can lead to jobs as an assistant in the Los Angeles Unified School District or in special education as as behaviorist.

For students interested in political science, professor Thomas Klein was there to explain the curriculum.

“I think it’s a great major if you’re not sure what to do yet or have a big idea but also because it opens a lot of doors. If nothing else it makes you a much more worldly person,” Klein said. “I think that’s very important especially in today’s political climate.”

Part two of the event was Roadtrip Nation. The nonprofit organization has multiple RVs traveling the west and east coast and have interviewed

BRYAN CARBALLO

Reporter @BRCreport

It’s #PierceBusinessMonth, and the college will hold four events aimed to inform students on the Business and Economic majors, and how it can be applied to future careers.

The event is being hosted by both the Business and Economic departments and the counseling office. There will be a new event every week, each showcasing the various fields of the major.

To kick off the event, Department Chair Martin Karamian, will host an event Thursday, Oct. 10, that will highlight the business major and the career options that come with it.

“If you’re looking for a degree that’s going to help you get jobs, that's going to lead to a good income, that's going to be flexible in any industry, this is it.” Karamian said.

Oct. 16th, hosted by Department Chair Kaycea Campbell.

“Economics is a powerful social science, and I want the students to know that,” Campbell said.

Campbell explains how the study of economics delves into business, finance and how resources are allocated. Economics goes beyond money, and can provide information about production, consumption and distribution.

Students are encouraged to attend the event to see if this major is a good fit for them. With this being one of the most popular majors at top American universities, Campbell will inform students on the various degree paths and career opportunities available to them.

A couple in attendance were arts and architecture, computer science information technology, nursing and child development and education.

“I want people to find where they belong,” Child Development and Education Chair Patricia Doelitzsch said. “If they truly have a predilection and a heart to work with children, then it’s our job to help them figure out where does that fall.”

more than 1,000 professionals in different fields, according to their website. The interviewees are asked to give students career advice on what to study and how to achieve their goals.

The “Roadies,” the job title for those aboard the RV, have also visited more than 7,000 schools and colleges to help guide students on what career path to take.

Each RV is given a name. The green RV stationed at the Mall for the Meet Your Major Fair is named Hopper. The Roadies in transit are currently on a six-week tour to further inform 18 community colleges throughout California.

“We want students to be going for a career that they’re interested and passionate about rather than something that just makes the most money or society is telling them to do or what their parents are telling them to do,” Roadie Alli Brinkerhoff said. “We want to shut that noise. We want students to hone in on what they actually want to do because you spend most of your life working.”

Katya Castillo /Roundup Roadtrip Nation parks their van on the Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 3, 2019. They are helping students sign up for the program Roadmap to Careers, which helps people discover how their interests can evolve into a career.

growth in that field and interviews of professionals in that field.

“I put in that I like to travel, nature and helping others. It recommended being a lawyer,” Emily Bennet, first year student, said. “That might interest me. I think that might help me out.”

Besides traveling across the country, Roadtrip Nation also has a “New York Times” bestselling book called “Roadmap.” They have multiple feature-length PBS documentaries and a PBS show called “Roadtrip Nation” that’s on its 18th season.

“One of the things we like to say is that once you put what you want to do out there into the world and you have conviction about it,

Roadtrip Nation is premiering an online tool during their tour that matches students to careers based on three interests selected. It’s called Roadmap to Careers and it’s available online for free. After being matched with a variety of career options, it shows the projected job

Thriller series kicks off

Film Club introduces The New Face of Horror with "Get Out"

PAOLA CASTILLO Reporter @paaolacaastillo

Pierce College’s Film Club has returned in time for spooky season with a screening of Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” as part of their newest film series, The New Face of Horror.

Students were invited to stay for the Q&A discussion panel that followed the screening of the movie.

Film Club Secretary Bryan Andrade hopes the film series will allow students to relate with the films on a personal level. He said he wants the students to have the opportunity to express themselves.

“We want to hear people. We want to give them the opportunity to talk about how film has impacted them emotionally or for whatever reason. There is no judgment here,” Andrade said.

The theme of horror was chosen because of the potential it carried to start a conversation. Film Club Vice-President Monique Jones said the chosen film was more than just a scary movie.

“It took the genre of horror and flipped it into something that everybody could relate to rather than something that people can just be afraid of,” Jones said.

Film Club President Jordan Hunter said the club chose Get Out because of the relevant topics the film touches, such as racism.

Hunter said the topics allowed for students to share their opinions which can lead to a mutual

understanding between each other. “People have very strong opinions about it and those strong opinions do help put more topics onto the table for people to understand each other, help each other out and bring us together the community,” Hunter said.

The panel was made up of four participants. On the panel was Vice President Monique Jones, Elizabeth Escobar, Professor James Mckeever, and Professor Jeff Favre.

The discussion was opened to the audience who remained for final insight. There was no limit to the topics that were touched on.

Those on the panel were not afraid to speak up about how the film made them feel. McKeever spoke about how the film portrayed problems people of color face and

how the film resonated with him.

Andrade said Mckeever was an example of what they hope to accomplish with the film series.

“We've had Professor McKeever talk about stuff that he personally was affected with this film and stuff that he's gone through and that's what we want to hear,” Andrade said.

The next film screening for The New Face of Horror series will be M. Night Shyamalan’s Split.

Hunter said the film will allow for conversations about mental health.

“We're going to be talking about mental health in this movie, which is another broad subject that we need to talk about in modern society,” Hunter said.

With business being one of the most popular majors on campus, this event is designed to help students get a better understanding on the major. The event will highlight marketing, management, accounting and more.

More interested in the economics side of business? There will be an event held Wednesday

The next event scheduled is the Business College Fair. The fair is set to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 23. It will include schools such as CSUN, UCLA, Pepperdine, Cal Lutheran, Woodbury, Azusa Pacific and others. Students will be able to meet with each specific college to see what degrees are available at their respective campuses. They can also get answers to any questions they may have. It will provide students with a chance to explore their options and find a university that meets their needs.

Preview: Upcoming student recital

Pierce College Performance students prepare themselves to show off their talents at the next Thursday Concert happening Oct. 10, 2019 at the Performing Arts Building Mainstage (PAB).

Students recitals are set to begin in a week, starting off with the Performance Workshop MUS 250 classes taking the center stage. The performance workshop class is part of the Applied Music Program at Pierce and its very popular and high in demand amongst students in the department.

A variety of genres including classical, jazz, musical theater and pop will be performed including

vocalists, violinists, pianists, saxophonists, percussionists and flute players adding to the list. Students will perform in small ensembles such as duets, trios and jazz combos. They have prepared, memorized, and are ready for an outstanding level of performance, though this specific recital is earlier in the semester than usual. The student recital next week will feature one or two student compositions. This performance is done as part of their requirements for the class.

Professor Garineh K Avakian helps contract and organize these concerts every semester with the help from the Association Students Organization (ASO), but this semester there are some generous contributors.

L O S A N G E L E S P I E R C E

C O L L E G E P R E S E N T S # P I

Kamryn Bouyett / Roundup

(Left to right) Lizi Escobar and Monique Jones, students from the Film Club, discuss the movie "Get Out" with Media Arts professor Jeff Favre and Sociology professor, James McKeever at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 2, 2019.

Katya Castillo /Roundup Wendi Meckler, Career Center Director and counselor, writes a note on the inside of the Roadtrip Nation van parked on the Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 3, 2019.

“I want people to find where they belong. If they truly have a predilection and a heart to work with children, then it's our job to help them figure out where does that fall”

-Patricia Doelitzsch

Child Development and Education Chair

Women's Volleyball Football Soccer

Football gets first win of the season, improves to 1-4 overall Brahmas stop the Roadrunners

FELIPE GAMINO & JOEY FARRIOLA Sports Editor and Reporter @fgamino13

Despite the turmoil that is going on behind the scenes, the Brahmas came out of their dry streak to catch their first win of the season beating College of the Desert. In their last non-conference game, Pierce beat the Roadrunners 31-14.

Head Coach Carlos Woods was proud of his players winning.

“We had some close games early on in the season, but our guys didn’t give up,” Woods said. “We have a resilient bunch. Very proud of them. It keeps us in the driver’s seat.”

Woods said that they have to be careful when it comes to the flags.

“It’s an emotional sport. It comes with the guys knowing on Monday is to take care of penalties.” Woods said.

Brahmas didn’t begin the game well as they fumbled the ball early on. It didn't affect them, as they took the lead for the first time this season through quarterback Andrew Young.

Defensively they showed vast improvement as they prevented the Roadrunners from getting the first down on multiple occasions.

Pierce were on a fourth down predicament in parts of the game, but David McCullum and Brandon Brock ensured that they had a new set of downs.

With 2:31 left in the quarter, Bryan Walker doubled the Brahmas lead.

At the start of the second, Roadrunners got back into it as De’jion Martin made it a seven point game.

Desert would tie the game through Trey-Quan Mathis. Pierce would have the chance to regain the lead, but the field goal attempt was no good.

Towards the end of the half, a bad snap from COD on fourth down allowed the team to take over at their 40-yard line. Young would go on to score on the next play giving Pierce a 21-14 lead.

Brahmas could have made it a 14-point game, however McCullum was short of the end zone. In the second half, it was all Brahmas. Brock scored on a pass from McCullum to make it 28-14. A field goal extended their lead by 17 points. In the final minutes the defense

-

stepped up. Dante Witcher Jr. and Jalen Burton got a big interception to secure the win.

Burton said his interception was all about luck and skill.

“I was so happy. My stats were kind of low from last season. I needed a big play for my

Brahma of the Week

Andrew Young

Sport: Football

Position: Quarterback

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

Scored two touchdowns and completed seven passes in the 31-14 win over College of the Desert.

Two touchdowns and the team got their first win. What's the overall feeling?

“It was extremely exciting. The coaches came up with a plan. It took a couple of weeks to get together and really trust each other but in the end it paid off.”

How do you prepare for games?

“I watch a lot of film and on gameday I eat healthy and keep myself hydrated.”

Where do you see yourself improving?

“Reading the defense and being accurate on my throws.”

Favorite quarterback?

"Drew Brees. He is extremely accurate. He can read the defense like crazy and is a leader on the field.”

Brahmas Scoreboard Football

Soccer WVolleyball

Water Polo Men's Basketball

W v COD 31-14

WBasketball MBasketball Water Polo

highlights,” Burton said.

Young said he was happy for his teammates.

“I feel like we have grown a lot as a team because we have a lot of diversity. We came together and proved what we could do as a team,” Young said.

Young said he is more of a player to stay in the pocket, but will get out of the comfort zone when he needs to.

Pierce improves their record to 1-4, while Desert drops to 1-3.

Brahmas have a bye week and will be back on the road on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Santa Barbara. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

fgamino.roundupnews@gmail.com

jfarriola.roundupnews@gmail.com

Soccer loses narrow game Pierce falls to Hancock College in close match

PETER VILLAFANE Reporter @pcavillafane

Following a two-game winning streak, the soccer team lost 1-0 to the Allan Hancock College Bulldogs at Shepard Stadium Friday.

It was the first time in 19 years that the Brahmas lost to the Bulldogs, according to head coach Adolfo Perez.

“We’re used to winning here,”

Perez said. “I’ve never had a team in my life where we play great on the road and not very good at home.”

The game started 11 minutes after the scheduled kickoff time because officials were late to arrive on the field.

Brahmas started on the attack in the first minute when Amelia Weckhurst’s shot went wide. They would have multiple opportunities to take the lead, but failed to capitalize. The game was scoreless at the half.

Defender Jessica Palmer had a

shot on goal that missed during the first half.

“I should have controlled the ball better and had a better first touch,” Palmer said. “I should have improved almost everything.”

Diana Millan won a free kick for the Brahmas in the second half, which ended up being another missed opportunity to score a goal. Millan said she and her teammates didn't perform well.

“We didn’t do our job,” Milan said.

Elizabeth Aldana scored the winning goal for the Bulldogs 36 minutes into the second half. She beat Joanna Cerda and put in the rebound after the ball hit the post.

Palmer said the goal being late into the second half affected the team’s attitude during the rest of the game.

“After they scored, everybody seemed discouraged,” Palmer said.

[For the full story visit theroundupnews.com]

Women's volleyball losing streak continues Mission College get the win in four sets

Pierce College women’s volleyball welcomed the LA Mission College Eagles to Ken Stanley Court Friday night.

Even though the Brahmas won set three 25-15 the Eagles kept their foot on the accelerator, winning the other three sets (2516, 25-22, 25-21).

Assistant Coach Carrie Wright said the team played really well even though one of their best players was injured. She said the players needed to get used to the change.

“We started in a new rotation, so it took us a little bit of time to figure out which one was going to work the best,” Wright said.

Middle blocker Phelony Haviland said it was the first time they played as a team. She said everyone on the team did the work they were supposed to.

“Even though we lost, it was definitely a really good game where we all worked together and we all played the part and worked as hard as we could,” Haviland said.

Despite the fact the Eagles were able to flip the score on the Brahmas in the first and second set, the Brahmas and Eagles often tied.

Wright said the team’s serves all went in the third set. She said the team played tough.

“They were serving tough, we were hitting well, and figuring out where the holes were on defense,” Wright said. Outside Hitter Camille Burman

said there wasn’t a major difference throughout the game.

“We were always like either ahead or keeping up with them and then we won the third set, so that was really great,” Burman said.

It was the first game Burman got to play as a Brahma. She was in place for outside Hitter Gianna Ros who got injured at practice.

Burman said she had only been able to play with the team at practice and would look forward to playing with them in a game.

“I've been waiting, so that was really exciting and it's really nice to play with all the girls as a team because I haven't had a chance to do that yet,” Burman said.

In addition to her first game, Burman has had more experience in beach volleyball than indoor. She said the major difference she noticed what being tied to one spot.

“For beach there's only two people on the court, so you're

doing a lot more things, whereas indoor you're kind of held to one specific position,” Burman said.

Despite their efforts, the Eagles wrapped things up in the fourth set.

Wright said they hoped to win since she felt the team needed it to boost morale. She said they just have to make sure to win the next one.

“It's one of our league games, so you just have to make sure the second time around that we beat them,” Wright said. She said the team will have to work on the smaller details for the next game.

“Focus on some little details, like serving, making sure that we're lining up on our block correctly, and that we're passing with our hands out early,” Wright said.

[For the full story visit theroundupnews.com]

“We have a resilient bunch. Very proud of them. It keeps us in the driver's seat.”

Carlos Woods head coach

Ben Hanson/Roundup

Andrew Young scores a touchdown on a quarterback scramble during a game against College of the Desert at Shepard Stadium in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 5, 2019. Brah mas up 31-14.

Moorpark 1-0

PAOLA CASTILLO Reporter @paaolacaastillo

Cecilia Parada/Roundup

Lily Eaves sends the ball over the net during a game against Mission College at Pierce College's South Gym on Oct. 4, 2019.

Cecilia Parada/Roundup

Gabriela Portillo defends the ball from Brianna Gaona during a game against Allan Hancock College at Pierce College's Shepard Stadium on Oct. 4, 2019. The Brahmas lost 1-0.

He added that once he came to Pierce, it felt like Woods packed almost the whole team in a condo on De Soto Avenue.

“He promised actual living space, and it ended up being like a camp/jail with how many people were living in that house,” Cordova said. “Lines Woods had crossed would be 30 guys in a three-bedroom and almost half of his recruits wouldn’t pay rent and bills wouldn’t be paid.”

Cordova also explained that once they were told that they were being evicted, Woods would tell the players they would have until the end of the 2018 fall semester to live there, and then they would be on their own. At one point, Cordova said, he ended up homeless.

“A lot of us were out-of-state kids, stressing everyday if the water or power was going to get cut off or if our items would be outside the house because of the eviction,” Cordova said. “The most stressful time I ever had. He truly crossed the line when I was figuring out housing, living in my car and couldn’t show up to the first mandatory practices … and was kicked off the team and Hudl (a football highlight website).”

Once Cordova realized what was going on, he confronted Woods by text, to which the coach replied, “I feel it is best we go different directions.” So Cordova decided it was time to tell the athletic director at the time, Moriah Van Norman.

Van Norman didn’t confirm that she spoke with players regarding these violations, but did say she relayed every potential violation that was reported to the administration.

“This ordeal made me feel unwanted [along] with those who also stood up against Woods, and felt as if I came across the country to get screwed over financially, with the housing and school/sports,” Cordova said. “I would tell people under him to not buy the lies and do not trust him with your money, don’t have Woods make you feel like he is the man and has a say in where you go.”

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Woods may be found in violation of multiple bylaws found in the California Community College Athletic Association Constitution

& Bylaws handbook. Bylaw 2.15.2 C states “obtaining, securing, or soliciting of housing for a prospect/ student-athlete that is not available to all students at the community college,” and Bylaw 2.6.1 states “outof-state recruiting is prohibited.”

One of the players who did not want to be named confirmed that Woods flew to Florida in June to recruit for the football team.

In a secret recording given to the Roundup by one of the football players, Woods is heard telling some players to take a shower in the north

gym at Pierce to cut down on a $3,000 water and power bill. He also talked to the players about getting their rent in and offering to call their parents for them to get the rent money. The recording also included discussions of who was responsible for the leases.

Alexis Montevirgen, who became President of Pierce on July 1, 2019, said he has yet to receive a formal report.

“So I'm waiting and I'm trying to remain impartial. I'm waiting for that type of report because I don't want to be biased by any hearsay at this point,” Montevirgen said. “So right now I don't have any concrete information, but I do know that the dean (Sarcedo-Magruder) is on this and working on it, so I just look forward to receiving a full and comprehensive report on what the status is.”

Sarcedo-Magruder said the focus is on making sure Pierce can take the appropriate steps to protect its student athletes.

“The most important thing is making sure students are taken care of, because obviously if they’re having trouble with housing, that probably means they’re also having

MAJA LOSINSKA Reporter @TheRoundupNews

The Black and Red Madness is back after a year with a new name.

Men’s basketball are hosting the Intersquad Game Madness, an event to tip off to the 2019-2020 season on Saturday.

Head coach Charles White said it is the Brahma’s version of the Midnight Madness.

“The event is something we have been doing in the past. When I took over two and a half years ago, I decided to bring it in,” White said.

upcoming season.

“We are really athletic this year and we have guys who really jump,” Salone said.

White said the Red and Black teams will be selected randomly.

“I’m going to put the names in a hat and we will do a draft to pick the teams,” White said. “It’s usually pretty fun. We flip a coin between the two assistant coaches and whoever wins, gets first one draft.”

According to White, in addition to presenting what team has been working on, it is a chance for him to sit back and watch his players.

White said the purpose of the event is to also help players get used to the new rules.

problems with hunger,” SarcedoMagruder said. “Also, we need to remember that even though they are student athletes, they are students first, so it is important to make sure they have the academic resources that they need, and just be here for the students.”

Former Athletic Director Bob Lofrano explained that it is probably time for those men to start thinking realistically now that this information has come to light.

“Either way it goes, that’s a big no-no, that’s not a hotel up there,” Lofrano said. “I know just how hard it is and it isn’t fair, but I would advise those boys to start considering about moving back home.”

At his previous job in 2017, according to San Benito Newspaper (sanbenito.com), Woods left Gavilan College after he and another coach were placed on leave after accusations of recruiting and benefits violations were made against the Gavilan College football team, resulting in 17 players being dismissed.

The Roundup will continue to follow this story as new information emerges.

azolezzi.roundupnews@gmail.com

According to White, the purpose of the event is to show students and families team’s talents and to have fun.

“We will have a dunk contest and a lot of players look forward to it,” White said.

The event is not sponsored, although White said they get donations for a snack bar.

“I had hope to really push it one day where the school would come out and see the players, but at the junior college people don’t get too excited about seeing the players,” White said.

According to White, women’s basketball used to participate in the past few years.

Pierce College students are encouraged to attend this event where they will get to see the basketball team.

The spectacle of Intersquad Game Madness will also culminate in student opportunity to participate in overtime activities.

Guard Robert Salone is excited about the upcoming event.

“This is a chance to see what we look like, compete and have fun,” Salone said.

Salone is one of the returning players and is optimistic about the

“The referees that come out, will do a little clinic. They are going to give us all the new rules that are going to be enforced this year,” White said.

According to White, the coach transition could be difficult for players so they have been working on the team unity.

“It’s tough when you have two different coaches,” White said. “Last year they had one coach and we were on the same page. Then they got me back again and with that, you have different players, so we have to learn to be on the same page.”

White said one of the exciting things this year is that the players have have length, are bouncy and can shoot.

Deon Williams is one of the new faces on the team. He is looking forward to the Intersquad Game Madness.

“The event is to show our skills and what we got to showcase for the upcoming season,” Williams said.

The madness starts at 3 p.m. and it is being held at Ken Stanley Court.

mlosinska.roundupnews@gmail.com

Ben Hanson / Roundup

Nirmolakpreet Kaur, Max Martin and Halle Manalili prepare for drills during Pierce College women's soccer practice near The Pit in Woodland HIlls, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2019.

Ben Hanson / Roundup

Head Coach Carlos Woods leads a prayer after a game against College of the Desert at Shepard Stadium in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 5, 2019.

“A lot of us were out-of-state kids, stressing everyday if the water or power was going to get cut off or if our items would be outside the house because of the eviction.”

-Jose Cordova

Former Pierce Football Player