Volume 132 Spring 2020 Roundup Issue 1

Woodland Hills, California

Class Crisis, Confidence Shaken

Department chairs & senate members voice conern over proposed cuts; Pierce Union President alleges "breakdown in trust between faculty and district officials."

BY ARIELLE ZOLEZZI

Pierce College President Alexis Montevirgen announced Thursday that departments could restore their original fall allocations, reversing course on a proposal to cut 3-5 percent of classes due to an annual budget deficit that one estimate puts at $3 million.

The change came after rumblings that the Faculty Guild Executive Board on campus, led by Pierce College Chapter President Brian Walsh, and the department chairs of Pierce College were going to protest.

After the Departmental Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, when the deficit and cuts were being discussed, Vice President of Academic Affairs Sheri Berger sent out an email to the department chairs explaining two different potential plans.

Plan A explained what a straight

across the board 4.9% cut would look like for each department down to the allocated hours and schedule reductions. Plan B was a mildly softer alternative of a 3.2% cut, a total of 174 hours from the schedule compared to 272.8 hours in Plan A.

The department chairs were not pleased with either of the plans presented.

Walsh cited the college as projecting a $3.8 million deficit, but he said that the district is projecting the deficit is a much higher number than that, somewhere around $5.6 million.

“For one, I do not believe these numbers. I think this premise is a fallacy,” Walsh said. “I am saying this because this seems to be very cyclical, meaning every six years or so it seems to be another college’s turn at the bottom of the barrel.”

Prior to the current deficit Pierce College is facing, the campus ran a surplus every year from 2006 until

2019.

Walsh said he believes the district is sitting on $147 million and that there is a 20% reserve that they are not giving to the colleges in need.

“As much as the district likes to talk a good game, they do not back it up at all,” Walsh said. “The

—Maria Perser Psychology/Statistics Chair

public pays for this school, and if the public found out that the money was just being sat on, they would be outraged. People don’t pay taxes for it to just be held on to. I mean what are they doing at the district, rolling around in it?”

Walsh believes that Pierce, along with its sister colleges, need to avoid dividing any further and that is why the Union is perfect to take the lead on challenging the

district to take action in helping out their college proactively.

“We have been fighting this battle for years now, and in fact the union fought for a change in the debt relief plan at the district budget committee which is being mysteriously held up,” said Walsh. “The break-down of trust between faculty and district officials is incredible ... we never get a straight answer.”

Along with the Union, department chairs were also in outrage over the news of the deficit affecting fall allocations.

Psychology/Statistics

Chair Maria Perser recalled the last major budget cut that Pierce underwent in 2008 during the Great Recession, and how they “decimated” the schedule of classes.

“We had 15-to-20 students per class that were trying to add a class, and it was just so heartbreaking. It took us so many years to recover from that, so it is scary to think about,” Perser said.

Voting centers at all nine

Pierce to host four days of polling for primaries

BY PETER VILLAFANE

“What is interesting when you look at these particular sheets that they gave us for the expenses, there is no detail.”

Perser said Pierce is supposed to now be funded by the new Student Success Funding Formula, and that state has already dispersed that money to the district and that is a part of this pot of money that the district is holding on to.

“This is unacceptable. The district needs to give the colleges the money that they are owed because they are not supposed to just hold on to money. They are not in the business of making money, and it is going to take all of us to stand up and say this is not okay,” Perser said.

Communications Chair Yeprem Davoodian said it’s not easy trying to change the schedule now.

“As a department chair, I look at these situations from a departmental standpoint, a student success standpoint and an access

13

Potential $2 billion funding for community colleges on the ballot

BY KATYA CASTILLO

There’s only one nationwide ballot measure for the 2020 Presidential primary election, and here’s what you should know about it.

Emmanuel Luissi/ Roundup

ASO Club Council President, Kosar Afsari, serves pizza for a student at the Pierce College Tailgate on Saturday,

New Interim Athletic Director

BY FELIPE GAMINO

After an unsuccessful search last semester, a new era began in the Athletics department last month when Kinesiology Chair Susan Armenta was appointed interim director of athletics. The decision came in December when Pierce College President Alexis Montevirgen met with several faculty members of the Kinesiology department.

Armenta started her tenure in January and said she is grateful for the opportunity.

“It is very humbling for me to be here. They have been very welcoming when I started on my first day and what I want to accomplish is establishing a connection with everyone in the department,” Armenta said.

She had a great conversation with the president prior to her getting appointed on Friday, Dec. 20.

Montevirgen has been impressed with the job Armenta has done.

“She has already brought a sense of organization,” Montevirgen said.

“Since I came here, there has been a sense of transition and it is good to have some sustainability. As we engage in the search, I have told Susan that I hope this interests her and she looks to apply for the job permanently.”

Armenta said she doesn't have a certain style of running things.

"I'm pretty straight forward. I like to get things done. One of the things I do is establish a goal or a deadline when I want to get something done," Armenta said.

One of the things Armenta wants to address is the attendance for sporting events. She has sent emails to the faculty,

posted flyers across campus and wants to reach out to the community.

She will not be teaching any health classes this semester as she solely wants to focus on her new role.

"This job is a full-time position so I don't want to overload myself. I want to focus on making an impact in the months I am here," Armenta said.

Armenta also wants to make sure the needs of all student athletes are on track for graduation.

Armenta was an athlete herself. She participated in several sports one of them being cross country.

In addition to being involved with athletics, she also played the role of a racewalker on the hit show Malcolm in the Middle.

Armenta said the show reached out cause they were doing an episode of racewalking.

Voting yes to Proposition 13 would allow California to sell $15 billion in general obligation bonds to pay for school renovations and repairs. $2 billion would go towards community colleges, $4 billion towards UC and CSU campuses and $9 billion towards preschool and K-12 education, according to the Official Voter Information Guide.

It would cost taxpayers an additional $11 billion dollars in interest that doesn’t go towards schools, according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, costing $740 million/year for 35 years.

The ballot measure would also affect the process for schools to get state bond money.

Instead of receiving funds on a first-come, first-serve basis, the state would select schools with the most need regarding safety repairs and students with financial hardships.

It would also allow school districts to issue more local general obligation bonds. For K-12 school districts, the limit would be raised from 1.25% to 2% of assessed property value. For unified school districts and community college districts, it would be raised from 2.5% to 4%, according to the Official Voter Information Guide.

Finally, the measure would

Pierce will be opening a Voting Center on campus in the Faculty and Staff Building 600 by the library from Saturday to Tuesday. These centers are in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters. Voting Centers are Los Angeles County’s answer to the inconvenience of polling centers, according to Voting Solutions for All People.

Instead of having only one place they can go to vote, voters can go to any Voting Center and cast their ballots. Parking will be free during this time.

All nine community colleges in the Los Angeles district will be hosting Voting Centers. People can also register to vote at the centers.

The final deadline to register to vote before Tuesday’s election passed on Feb. 18, but voters can still register and vote because of the Conditional Voter Registration law.

Pierce College Voting Center

Dates and Times

Sat 2/29

7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sun 3/1

7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Mon 3/2

7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Tue 3/3

6:00 am – 9:00 pm

Location

Faculty & Staff Center

limit school districts wanting to assess developer fees on apartment complexes located within half a mile of a major transit stop. Schools that agree to use project labor agreements would have priority funding for school construction projects. Schools that use project labor agreements would have to pay private contractors the highest labor costs in the area according to the Official Voter Information Guide.

More information about the measure can be found on the Official Voter Information Guide.

Supporters of Prop 13 include the California Teachers Association, California Democratic Party and Charter School Association. They argue that California’s school buildings are in bad shape and the modernization and reparations financed by Prop 13 are vital.

“Well, I agree with it,” McKeeverThe break for those taxes should have never happened and it's not going to affect people for private homeowners it's only going to affect businesses.”

They say the accountability measures in the proposition will ensure that funds are fairly distributed to schools that need it most.

Opponents argue that the measure will put California in $26 billion of unnecessary debt. Opponents such as Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the Orange County Register point out that California should spend it’s $21 billion surplus on upgrading

Building 600

(Near the Library and Parking Lot 7)

Parking is free

Health fee increase

Health doubles to $16

BY JOEY FARRIOLA

After 22 years of rejection, the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees announced that the Student Health Center can raise its fees from $11 to $19 for the fall/spring semesters and from $8 to $16 for winter/summer intersessions.

The increase will help raise the quality of services available to Pierce College students. Student Health Center Director Beth Benne said the belated increase has prevented them from getting more psychological health for the students.

“The Board of Psychology says you have to work x number of hours for y number of patients, or clients that your interns are seeing, and if we max, out we can’t see any more. We can barely afford to pay the supervising psychologist Niaz Khani] 20 hours a week,” Benne said.

This deck will either be for the tennis cut story or the scholarship story

"This is unacceptable"

Photo illustration by Paola Castillo

2 Opinions STREET BEAT

“Blackhistorymonthisthere toshowhowblackpeople haveovercomethestruggle asofslaveryandhave progressedovertime.”

-Dajane Trammer Biology

haveablackhistorymonth because of our associations with African Americans and previoushistory.Aslong asweappreciateeveryone, that'stheonethingthatwe should strive for.”

- Kamaal Walker Computer Science

Voter turnout in California's 2016 Presidential Primary was 35% -Corrections-

DOES ANYONE CARE?

It’s frustrating seeing people complain online and in person about the current state of the government when they’re not doing anything themselves.

“Itgivesyouanopportunity tolearnmoreaboutevery black culture.”

-Lailah Vestal Kinesiology&MedicalScience

Some might question, “What can I do? I can’t change anything.”

Good news. You can vote.

When people vote, that is their opportunity to have their voice heard. That’s their chance to take their stance on important issues and to pick the people in office who make decisions on those laws.

“Blackpeopledon'thavea culture,soitgivesusareason tofeelinspiredthatwehave peoplebackinthedaythat wereabletodostuff,even thoughtheyweren'tallowed to.Itgivesushope.”

- Julia Plummer Biology

While many may make the argument that their choice won’t matter because they’re simply an average person, that isn’t true. If everyone had that same point of view, there wouldn’t be any votes to count.

The reason why certain candidates or laws get elected and passed is because one person went out to their polling place to cast their ballot, and then another, and another.

People in history have fought simply to have those rights. Some who are currently living in the U.S. still don’t have that privilege, don’t waste the opportunity to vote when you can so easily do so.

If someone truly cared about the problems that affected their daily livelihood, then they’d go out and vote to bring about those changes.

Do you not care? Or do you simply not have the time?

In the event that they don’t care because it doesn’t relate to them, they should be questioning themselves why they don’t.

Although the issues may not relate to them, they could be affecting the people around them that they know, work with or care about.

Those concerns also may not be something they’re worried about in the present, however they might matter in the future.

While there are lots of candidates and propositions to vote on,

there’s no reason to stay uneducated. With how current and fast technology is today, a quick search on a phone or computer can turn the ignorant into the most informed.

The 2018 election had the highest turnout of voters with 36% of those being 18 to 29-year-olds, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. College students, especially those attending Pierce College or one of the nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District, should have no excuse not to vote. Each campus is having days where the public could come and cast an early vote for the primary elections on March 3. While the registration deadline was February 18, students who attend can register and vote the same day. So are you going to educate yourself, learn the issues and vote accordingly? Or will you do what they tell you?”

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.

The lack of money led to a deficit that pushed them to use the money that was set aside for medical supplies. Benne brought the health fee issues to the Board of Trustees every month to add to the agenda for discussion.

“I will give them a running tally of how many hospitalizations we had, the new clients we had and how long the wait for a student was,” Benne said.

The flow of new students seeking mental help has forced the health center to stop admitting new clients in November. It had to put older clients on the side to make room.

“That is not fair for the clients that already had a relationship with the psychologist,” Benne said. “It’s heartbreaking. It's frustrating.”

The health fee increase will help the center attain much needed medical supplies, give adequate pay to its employees. And help with salary benefits. Benne said in time it would also allow for free services for students but she has to

action in helping out their college proactively.

“We have been fighting this battle for years now, and in fact the union fought for a change in the debt relief plan at the district budget committee which is being mysteriously held up,” said Walsh. The break-down of trust between faculty and district officials is incredible ... we never get a straight answer.”

Along with the Union, department chairs were also in outrage over the news of the deficit affecting fall allocations.

Psychology/Statistics

Chair Maria Perser recalled the last major budget cut that Pierce underwent in 2008 during the Great Recession, and how they “decimated” the schedule of classes.

“We had 15-to-20

fix the center’s debt first. “It could give them something free like Tuberculosis (TB)

students per class that were trying to add a class, and it was just so heartbreaking. It took us so many years to recover from that, so it is scary to think about,” Perser said.

“What is interesting when you look at these particular sheets that they gave us for the expenses, there is no detail.”

Perser said Pierce is supposed to now be funded by the new Student Success Funding Formula, and that state has already dispersed that money to the district and that is a part of this pot of money that the district is holding on to.

“This is unacceptable. The district needs to give the colleges the money that they are owed because they are not supposed to just hold on to money. They are not in the business of making money, and it is going to take all of us to stand up and say this is not okay,”

testing, the flu shot or vaccines,” Benne said. “I don’t know yet, I have to dig us out of this hole we

Perser said.

Communications chair Yeprem Davoodian said it’s not easy trying to change the schedule now.

“As a department chair, I look at these situations from a departmental standpoint, a student success standpoint and an access standpoint for the campus. When we do our scheduling we try to make a range of courses that fit student’s schedules, and the problem that arises when we have to cut classes is now I have to decide which areas I can take from and that is never easy,” Davoodian said.

Sheri Berger relayed via email that based on his meetings with the District Office, Pierce will be able to use additional Student Centered Funding Formula funding that is anticipated on arriving this month from the State for the fall

Top students honored

Six students from Pierce chosen among 1,500 applicants as scholarship semifinalists

BY SAMANTHA NEFF

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation selected six students from Los Angeles Pierce College to be semifinalists for the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship 2020 based on their academic achievements, financial status, and community service.

This national scholarship is known for being highly competitive and can offer students as much as $40,000 annually for up to three years to assist them with earning their bachelor degree. It also enhances community college transfer students' chances of having their applications viewed by universities.

Honor students Simon Alam, Juan Becerra, Sarkis Chrikjian, Harrison Kotik, Colin Melendez and Fatima Sheyda were selected to receive the scholarship and are in the process

of transferring to some of the most prestigious universities in the country. These students along with 456 other semifinalists are chosen out of 1,500 applicants from hundreds of community community colleges all over the nation.

These students are also offered comprehensive educational advising from Foundation staff to assist them with their transfer process.

Students who were considered for this scholarship are majoring in various different fields and have been extremely invested in their application and transfer process for some time.

Two of the students selected by both the Foundation along with the Pierce College Honors Program will present their own research at the University of California, Irvine Community College Honors Research Conference held this spring.

Student Jaun Becerra will be using his research he collected this past summer at Northwestern University to present, “How the News Media Frames Victims of Police Shootings.” Student Sarkis Chrikjian will be presenting, “The Impact of Fatigue Relief Intervention on Pain and Sleep Disturbances in HIV+ Latinx Individuals.”

are in right now with the money last year I ended with about $80,000 in deficit.”

allocations so that departments may use their original schedules.

“I am very glad that we were able to do so quickly, and that we didn’t have to go through with it,” Montevirgen said. “We will still have to look at ways to trim in other places, but at least not with the classes.

Head of all Department Chairs, Michael Gend, voiced that each of the divisions and areas on campus may have had different concerns with different vice presidents over the years, but he personally has lost faith in the system.

“I'm just speaking as one single individual right now and I'm bracing for the retaliation that is going to ensue,” Gend said. “I do not have confidence in Rolf Schleicher, I do not have confidence in Earic Dixon-Peters, I do not have confidence in Sheri Berger,

Pierce College President Alexis Montevirgen said the increase would be focused on improving the availability of mental health counselors.

“That’s one of the things that we’ve noticed a dramatic increase in need,” Montevirgen said. “All of our students are going through so much more than just what they’re going through in the classroom.”

Associated Students Organization President Vivian Yee said she's aware that the fee may be expensive. However the increase is a mandatory action, otherwise the health center wouldn’t be around for much longer.

“I know myself and if the supermarket raised the price of broccoli I’d be like ‘no’,” said Yee.

Yee said she advocates for the increase due to her own personal experiences, which reminds her of the importance of being health aware.

“I was born with really severe rashes where you scratch yourself until you bleed and I know how much health care can get, so this health center is so important,” Yee said.

and last week my confidence in the president was very heavily shaken.”

Brian Walsh said the Faculty Guild Executive Board passed a resolution on colleges in debt in the district, which also passed the District Budget Committee.

“This is only the beginning. We can do amazing things when we all come together for a common purpose,” Walsh said. “We are going to push hard to not only get the Schools and Communities proposition on the ballot, but see it pass in November which will bring $12 billion more in state funding for education and community initiatives. We also must ask the question ‘20% for Whom?’ Why does the district sit on $147 million (20.4%) rather than spend that on the colleges? Why are they saving that money?”

Reported by Paola Castillo

These incidents were reported between Feb. 16-Feb. 12

01/02-2/12

PROJECTOR THEFT

An unknown person stole a white projector from a classroom.

02/13

STUDENT BATTERY

Two students fought over a parking spot.

Pierce College Sheriffʼs Station

General Information:

Emergency: (818) 710 - 4311

[JUMP from CLASS ]

Benjamin Hanson/ Roundup

Students walk on the Mall on Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 25, 2020.

Sepehr Behmanesh works on Pre-Calculus in the Center for Academic Success at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2020. Photo by Cecilia Parada.

(Right to left) Transfer mentor Alexis Smith helps Psychology student Jax Febles get information to connect with professional psychologists at Pierce College Student Services building, in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2020. Photo by Kevin Lendio.

(Left to right) Freshmen, Uriel Mora and David Mora pick up books at the bookstore for their English 101 class, at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2020, Photo by Kevin Lendio.

(Right) Ana Etoyan hands coffee to Daniela Perez at the Brahma Cafe at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2020. Photo by Kevin Lendio.

(Left to right) Health assistant, Lilian Youssef helps Pedram Johansedgh sign up for an appointment to see a psychologist at the Health Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2020. Photo by Kevin Lendio.

STUDENT SERVICES

SHERIFF

The Sheriff’s Department provides security to anyone that visits Pierce College. They operate 24 hours a day. The department’s staff consists of Los Angeles County sheriff deputies and security officers, LACCD Cadets assist as well. The Sheriff’s Department offers students, staff members and visitors a security escort to their vehicles by stopping at the station or by calling. The department also holds lost and found items and will attempt to find the owner of them. To get an escort service or to contact the Lost and Found call (818)719-6450 or stop by the Sheriff’s Station.

HEALTH CENTER

Pierce College’s Health Center provides students with access to first aid as well as psychological assistance. The Health Center provides educational resources on physical and emotional health. The student health fee covers low-cost medications (over-the-counter), vaccinations, HIV screenings, STD testing and treatment, as well as educational events. The Health Center also offers students up to six individual mental health counseling per semester. The Health Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Fridays they are open from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. for medical treatment, counseling takes place on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Tutoring in subjects including English, Math and ESL is free and doesn’t require an appointment, but calling may help avoid long wait times. While a tutor won’t write an essay for a student, they will help get a written assignment started. A tutor will also guide a student to strengthen areas where they may need help. The Center for Academic Success is located on the first floor of the Library and Learning Crossroads. The Center for Academic Success is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Fridays they are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LIBRARY

The Library and Learning Crossroads facilitates students’ access to a reliable internet connection, a multitude of research options, textbooks and a low-cost place to print documents. Professors often place textbooks on reserve in the library, meaning that students can check the textbook out for a few hours. The library gives students options when it comes to places to study individually or in a group. Group study rooms are available to students for up to four 30-minute blocks per day. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. On Fridays the library opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m.

COUNSELING CENTER

Counselors help students find and reach their goals. The counselors are trained in personal counseling, career and educational planning, meaning that counselors are able to help students through different steps in their academic journey. The Counseling Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HELP IS HERE

The Art in His Heart

Pierce student wins Heart of Art award for the first time in 52 years

BY BEN HANSON

Engelbert Peraza didn’t let his learning disability deter him from being the first Pierce College student in 52 years to be awarded the Kennedy Center American American College Theater Festival Heart of the Art. Peraza, 32, designed the set and scenery for the LAPC-produced play “Our Town.”

“I felt like I finally accomplished something,” Peraza said. “[It was] like a dream come true, and there is still more to come.”

Peraza’s classmates and friends were sitting in the front row of the stage and could be heard chanting, “Engelbert! Engelbert!” as he walked across the stage and accepted the award. Peraza had a smile on his face from the moment he was handed the award until the moment his photograph was taken.

Performing Arts Chair Michael Gend sat next to Peraza as they called his name for the award. Gend said he felt nervous seeing his students competing in the festival and felt a sense of relief when Peraza was called to the stage.

“Seeing the joy in his face made it worth being a teacher at that moment,” Gend said.

Finalists had to make a presentation of their designs and explain to the KCACTF judges why they deserved the award. Gend said Peraza’s presentation was more laid back, and he brought a sense of humor that caught the judges’ attention and reminded them of why they became

artists.

“There’s a lot of people who treat the presentation like a job interview,”

Gend said. “Engelbert was anything but that. He was very human and joked about the process.”

Peraza’s favorite part of his design for “Our Town” was the two yellow staircases that were placed on wheels, allowing flexibility for their use.

“The stairs were my heart because you could use them to create any environment,” Peraza said.

Despite struggling with an intellectual disorder, Peraza said he overcame his challenges and found his passion in the Pierce College Theatre Program. He first came to the college in 2012 with aspirations of becoming an actor.

“I was 23 at the time, and I just didn’t know what I wanted to do,”

Peraza said. “I started taking technical theater classes, and it opened my mind to more.”

Peraza said he eventually fell in love with set and scenery design.

“My professors allowed me to figure out my passion,” Peraza said.

“They gave me the opportunity to work on ‘Our Town’ last year, and it was the most fun experience ever.”

Peraza’s creativity and passion for scenic design have a lasting and positive effect on his peers, said classmate Brandon Schumacher.

Schumacher said he is inspired by Peraza’s passion for art.

“I was very proud and happy for him to come this far and get something out of it,” Schumacher said.

Gend said he hopes to see Peraza continue his love for theatre and share

the knowledge he has gained at Pierce College.

“My hope is that Engelbert pays it forward and teaches somebody everything we taught him here one day,” Gend said.

Peraza said he wishes to set an example for anyone coping with a disability and show that anyone can achieve anything.

“I always wanted to be a spokesperson for others that can’t speak,” Peraza said, “I want to be inspiring for them one day.”

Ben Hanson/ Roundup

(Left to right) Engelbert Peraza and Scott Krakoff drill a leg into a platform for "A Streetcar Named Desire" in the Performing Arts Building in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 24, 2020.

Peter Villafane / Roundup

Engelbert Peraza stands on the stairs he designed for “Our Town” in the Performing Arts Building Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 19, 2020.

Photo courtesy of Madison Brunoehler

ART EXHIBIT: HOMELESS IN LA

Display addresses the issues of homelessness in Los Angeles

BY GISELLE ORMENO

Throughout the nine community college campuses in the Los Angeles district, classrooms are full of students who are seeking an education, but one in five of them are currently homeless according to an LACCD study published in 2017.

Pierce College is one of the schools included. Each school year, Pierce selects a piece of literature for One Book One Campus. Librarian, Lisa Valdez, chose "The Soloist," written by the award-winning Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez. It’s based on a true story and addresses current issues of student homelessness, student mental health and food insecurity.

In conjunction with One Book One Campus, the Pierce College Art Gallery has opened its new exhibition on Feb. 10 called "Homeless in L.A." The display has different intimate art pieces such as paintings, photographs and paper-cut works from six Los Angeles based artists whose work focuses on the issues of homelessness in local communities.

"Sometimes people have biases and prejudices that they don't really realize that they have," Valdez said. "We want to confront these issues and educate people because the person sitting next to you in your class could be homeless, and you have no idea. Or they couldn't have eaten for three days and you have no idea."

Valdez said that people may not have a clear understanding of what being homeless is. From her perspective, having an exhibit that demonstrates what homelessness looks like is influential because it informs.

"Just from being able to see other people's perspective on how they see homelessness, in their own communities, is very important," said Valdez.

A couple of the works submitted for the exhibit are currently featured on the Instagram page of the Pierce College Art Gallery. Lorrinane Bubar is one of the featured artists. She crafted a detailed cut-paper display that illustrates how it looks like to be living in downtown Los Angeles with a shopping cart stocked of personal belongings.

Ron Lu, a studio art major examining the pieces, stated that he has personally known classmates of his that have experienced being homeless.

"I can see they have to deal with school on top of all this other stuff, and sometimes they may not do well in class because they have to deal with all that additional stuff," Lu said. "I think they really need a lot more support from

the community and the school."

Louis Carr is a photographer whose piece, "Cali," is on display.

In it is a black and white portrait of an African American man wearing a cap with large bold letters spelling "Cali" across it.

Carr has first-hand experience, having been homeless for 29 months. His photographs that are on display at the gallery identify different aspects of what living without a home means.

"I'm an L.A. native, it's been something I've been passionate about for a very long time," Carr said in a telephone interview.

In June, it will be 11 years since Carr has overcome homelessness.

The Pierce College Art Gallery featuring "Homeless in L.A." will be open Mondays through Sundays from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. until Mar 20 at Art 3300 6201 Winnetka Ave. This art exhibit is open to the public and is free admission.

An open reception for the gallery will be on Feb. 27 from 5 p.m. through 7 p.m. at Art 3300.

The exhibit ends on March 20.

Umoja created various events to share information on Black History Month

Club informs the campus about African American history and culture

BY JOSHUA BLEIWEISS

Umoja is a word that originates from Kiswahili meaning “unity,” and during Black History Month the program created various events to share information on African American history.

For this year’s first pop up, a stand was setup at the Mall for students to hear about the importance of Umoja and learn about major African American figures on Feb. 18.

“We are American history, this country was built off of our backs,” student worker Janeeh Ford said.

“Regardless of the brutal history, I believe that this country was built off of the backs of people who started off as Africans. It’s important to bring the greatness of the culture, not just slavery.”

Cultural figures included Spike Lee, who received his first Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2019 for “BlackKklansman.”

Another was Matthew Henson, the first African American to reach the North Pole.

“The importance of this event, all

our events, is to educate,” Ford said.

“We’re giving people influential African American figures so that they can learn, and fill out flags on why these people inspire them. We’re trying to bring awareness to influential figures and to people’s lives.”

While Black History Month is an important time, it also takes place during the shortest month of the year.

Student worker Salma Ubwa gave a brief history of the month itself.

“Did you know that Black History Month started off as Black History Week? It used to be from February 1st to the 7th,” Ubwa said.

Ford agrees in how the history of Black History Month itself is “awkward.”

“Black History Month is a cool time to celebrate but African American history is every day’s history,” Ford said. “It’s the shortest month of the year, some people only have a week or a day, but to give us the shortest month is a little bit of a jab.”

Ubwa followed with why it’s important to pay respect to Black people. “D.C. in itself was built on the

backs of Black people, you wouldn’t have the White House, you wouldn’t have all these amazing places without black people who built them.”

Ford believes Umoja gives Pierce students a welcoming environment

to have these imperative discussions.

“There’s no other programs like this on campus so we’re very resourceful,” Ford said. “We have a space where people can feel safe on campus, and we’re a big community

where people feel like they have that space to talk to others.”

Christopher Strickland is a professor who teaches the only two classes on African American history at Pierce.

am – 9:00 pm

“Black History Month is extremely important so that people recognize and learn about the various struggles and contributions of African Americans in this nation and throughout the world,” Strickland said. “It’s important here at Pierce for the same reason why it is important all throughout the world: to increase knowledge. Knowledge is power, and the more we know, the more we all grow.”

Kevin Lendio / Roundup

Finance major David Nelson looks at artwork at the Homeless in L.A. Art Exhibit in the Art Gallery at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2020.

Kevin Lendio / Roundup

Mechanical Engineering major Alfredo Gonzalez-Martinez reads a description of a photo at Homeless in L.A. Art Exhibit in the Art Gallery at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2020.

Kevin Lendio / Roundup

Umoja club counselor Melody Smith sits beside her office desk at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., with Feb. 24, 2020.

Overtime heartbreak for basketball

Brahmas drop game to the Bulldogs, finish the sesaon 15-13

BY SHEHREEN KARIM

Two halves were not enough to determine the winner in Friday's conference match between the Brahmas and Bulldogs.

Men's basketball was unable to beat Hancock College and lost 89-85 in overtime despite having the lead. Head coach Charles White was proud of his team despite giving the lead away.

“I’m proud of my guys even with four starters out of the game. Even the reserves came through and played their hearts out which gave us a chance to win.”

Kevin Fassu, small forward, said it was a tough loss for the team. He said despite their best efforts they couldn’t maintain the advantage.

"We left it all on the floor and the ball just didn't bounce our way,” Fassu said.

Hancock College basketball head coach Tyson Aye said his team’s efforts tripled from the first half of the game.

“I thought our guys in the second half played harder and played more unselfish and played for each other as a family,” Aye said.

In the second half of the game, the referee ejected Brahma Dallas Johnson and Jamario Ribb from Hancock College due a flagrant foul.

“I don’t think the ejection was right,” Pierce College assistant coach Mike Farmer said. “Maybe a T on both sides [would have sufficed], but I understand the refs have a hard job and monitor the game to make sure that everything is safe for the players and fans.”

At the end of the second half, it was neck-to-neck and both teams ended the second half tied at 78. This resulted in a five minute overtime.

At first, the game looked promising for the Brahmas as they took the lead in the beginning with the score being 84-78. But two minutes later,

Hancock College pushed back to tie the game at 84.

Farmer said he thought the Brahmas would win.

“We had to play [defense] and play with purpose. We had a couple of missed shots and missed rebounds… but it was a good heartfelt battle,” Farmer said.

Kurt Dykema, Hancock College’s assistant coach, said the start of the second half showcased playoff caliber intensity.

“It was a shame someone had to

lose, honestly. Pierce came out and played hard,” Dykema said.

“[In] the second half, we turned up the intensity another notch and had a long talk during halftime and it became a really good game after.”

Aye said he felt his team’s efforts tripled from the first half of the game.

“I thought our guys in the second half played harder and played more unselfish and played for each other as a family,” Aye said. This was the last game for the sophomore Brahmas, making it even

Tennis program gets cut

Shortage of players and poor court conditions see program dropped

BY FELIPE GAMINO

While sports programs get ready for their respective seasons, others will not have that opportunity.

Tennis was scheduled to have their season opener on Feb. 4, against El Camino College, however the program has been dropped.

Interim Athletic Director Susan Armenta made the decision to pull the plug with consultation from the school administration.

more intense.

Max Edwards, who scored the most points during the game with 22, appreciated those who came out to support. He said it was the best attendance they've had all season.

Farmer said he was proud of the boys despite the result.

“It's like when you have kids, you don't love one more than the other. I love all these guys… they put their heart into it,” Farmer said.

Pierce finishes the season 15-13 overall, 6-6 in conference play.

Brothers on and off the diamond Ryan brothers keep family tradition going

BY ALEJANDRA AGUILERA

Sibling rivalry is common among families, but for the Ryan brothers it is the opposite as they empower each other on the diamond.

Jake and Dirk Ryan are on the baseball team in different capacities. Jake is an assistant coach, while Dirk Ryan plays on the mound.

“It’s a really cool thing having your family out here, especially in a place where you love to play,” Dirk Ryan said. “He’s like a role model to me, so I have my role model coaching me.”

Dirk Ryan has been playing for the Pierce baseball team since 2018. His older brother Jake got hired to join the scarlet and white as an assistant coach.

“I was extremely excited because I’ve been watching him play his whole life,” Jake Ryan said. “Having a kid like Dirk, who embodies the whole team, is something special and it makes my job that much more enjoyable.”

Jake Ryan’s collegiate career began when he attended Western Kentucky University while playing for the Hilltoppers baseball team. He then transferred his senior year to Cal State Dominguez Hills and played for the Toros before graduating in 2019.

Jake Ryan enjoyed where his baseball career took him despite wanting to compete in the big leagues.

You’re playing the sport you love, competing with your best friends against another group of guys who think they’re better than you and you have to go out there and prove yourself,” Jake Ryan said.

For Dirk Ryan, choosing to hang up his baseball uniform straight out of Bishop Alemany High School and level up into collegiate baseball as a Brahma, was a gut feeling.

Pierce felt like “home” to him since his older cousin, Casey Ryan, played for the same team in 2014.

The deal was sealed after meeting head coach Bill Picketts because he made Dirk Ryan feel he could succeed at Pierce.

“Dirk has definitely matured physically and mentally, so his approach is much more consistent than it was last year and it’s paid off,” Picketts said.

Picketts wasn’t worried about Jake Ryan’s ability to coach his younger sibling.

“So far there's been absolutely zero issues,” Picketts said. “They both handle themselves professionally and nothing has come about as far as brotherly issues.”

The Ryans are a baseball family, according to Dirk. Whether it’s watching a game, talking about it or playing the sport, baseball is on their mind “everyday.”

“There’s some videos when we were really young and we just learned how to walk,” Jake Ryan said. “We had one of those play bats and play [batting] tees and we would be in the house swinging the bat.”

In their backyard, their parents set up a cage for them to practice baseball at home.

Jake Ryan said that no matter how late their father got home from work or how long his day was, he’d put his tennis shoes on and pitch for them whenever they asked him to.

“Our dad always taught us, ‘Let everyone else do the talk. You do

the talking with your bat and your glove,’” Jake Ryan said.

Dirk Ryan, now 20, is transferring this semester and is awaiting the recruitment process which begins in March.

This summer, Jake Ryan is heading to Massachusetts to be an assistant coach under Jerry Weinstein for the seasonal Cape Cod League. The 23-year-old aspires to eventually manage his own baseball team and become a Division 1 head coach.

While at Pierce, Jake Ryan is thankful for the opportunity

Picketts gave him. He equally credits fellow assistant coaches, Tyler Eastman and Michael Hymes, for the team’s sense of comradery.

Jake Ryan said when you have players with an incredible attitude, going to practice is worth it.

“I come out here and see all these guys working their butt off, day in and day out, and then they give you the respect you deserve. I’ll do anything for these guys,” Jake Ryan said.

"Looking at the previous seasons, when it came to the facilities and participation, it made the most sense to drop the program and not pursue another season using some of the resources that we have," Armenta said.

Last season, tennis was disqualified heading into every game because of their player shortage.

Head coach Long Dao said the decision to drop tennis was made the Thursday before their opener.

Armenta informed Dao in person, before notifying the conference that the program was not going to be competing.

It was not the first time Dao had heard about the team not having a season.

"In the past seasons, I’ve heard about programs getting dropped so they told me to keep my numbers high,” Dao said. So this year with only three players available the decision was made to not go on with the season. I thought it was going to be for this year, but it ended up being permanent.”

Dao said he spoke with the players before administration did and while they were caught off guard by the news, they decided to stay at Pierce.

Armenta informed Dao in person, before notifying the conference that the program was not going to be competing.

Pierce College President Alexis Montevirgen confirmed that tennis got dropped.

“From my understanding it was due to lack of players which is what happened to our women's basketball team,” Montevirgen said. “It is a shame. That is one of the things I am having our acting athletic director look into. In doing an assessment overall of our Athletics program.”

The program had success in sending players to the Ojai State Tournament. In 2018, the complete roster nearly advanced to the competition.

Darvel Lossangoye went the farthest in the singles competition reaching the Round of 16. The team finished the season 7-4.

Last year there were two representatives with Christian Ponce and Daniel Vinterfeld reaching the tournament.

Dean of Athletics Genice Sarcedo-Magruder said one of the reasons the program was dropped is because of the low enrollment.

“The athletic programs are also classes,” Sarcedo-Magruder said.

“If there are less than 15 students they tend to get cut so that is part of the challenge. Our facility is not that good so when you bring in players and they see the courts, they would get discouraged.”

“It’s a really cool thing having your family out here, especially in a place where you love to play. He’s like a role model to me, so I have my role model coaching me.”

—Dirk Ryan baseball player

Jose Samour/ Roundup

Dirk Ryan tosses a baseball to Jake Ryan at Joe Kelly Field at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 18, 2020.

Ben Hanson/ Roundup

Players watch as Jayson Moore (20) blocks DJ Searcy's (11) layup during a game against the Allan Hancock Bulldogs on Ken Stanley Court in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 21, 2020. The Pierce College Brahmas lost in overtime 89-85.

"I’m proud of my guys even with four starters out of the game. Even the reserves came through and played their hearts out which gave us a chance to win."

—Charles White head coach