Volume 135 Fall 2021 Roundup Issue 8

Revving up for Supercar Sunday

BY WALTER ORELLANA Reporter

It’s 7 a.m. on a Sunday outside Parking Lot 7. The sound of engines roaring and smell of gasoline builds excitement for car owners and enthusiasts as they drive into Pierce College.

Supercar Sunday is the creation of Pierce alum Dustin Troyan, whose passion for cars and community led him to start his first car event 20 years ago. Since then, he has established partnerships with Porsche of Woodland Hills and Pierce, which has helped the events thrive.

The car event had been on a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19, but was back this weekend in full throttle mode, bigger than before. Hundreds of spectators came to see the cars on display including exotics, classics and one-of-a-kinds.

“I believe in people, in helping and adding value to their lives,” Troyan said. “If you look around the event, we have all kinds of socio-economic classes, races, religions, celebrities and cops. Everyone is united. That's why I do it. It’s about community. I wasn’t sure what to expect today after being away so long, but there’s a lot of happy people walking around.”

The event is loaded with Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches, classics and novelty cars. There’s something for everyone at Supercar Sunday whether you’re an onlooker, photographer, or just wanting to get outside the event is free to the public.

“It’s my first time at this

BY GISELLE LOMELI Reporters

The Los Angeles Community College

District Board of Trustees met on Nov. 3 via Zoom to discuss a large number of staff who have not completed COVID-19 requirements.

Acting Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Mercedes Gutierrez said that 3,600 LACCD employees have still

event. I came with my grandson who’s into fast cars. He heard about it and invited me to join him. I’ve never seen so many Porsches in one place.” Joseph Wong said.

Aside from the car event, Troyan believes in giving back to the community his connections have helped foster an internship program with

Pierce’s Automotive Service Technology department (AST), where students who graduate from AST can find a pathway into a paying job in the automotive industry.

“Pierce College is wonderful.

Alex, John, and the team from the Pierce Automotive are out here every Sunday. We’ve partnered with them on many

projects. There’s a lot of good synergy when you're dealing with passionate people.” Troyan said.

As onlookers glaze in awe over their dream cars, the event is more than just supercars, there’s a unique community behind it and for the last two years those missed social interactions with other car

owners and enthusiasts could be felt but many are thankful to be back engaging with one another once again.

“I was telling my friends that I haven’t been to a gathering like this in over two years because of COVID, and seeing the smiles on everybody’s faces is such a great feeling,” attendee Jeff Gilliam said. “I don’t think

I’ve been to a car show this size. This is over the top.” Supercar Sunday will continue its weekly run, from 7 to 10 a.m., free to the public. For more information about future events, please visit www. supercarsunday.com

still pending

not uploaded vaccination proof, which prompted an all-staff email to be sent regarding a grace period.

Although the grace period concluded on Nov. 3, disciplinary action will not take place immediately because too many employees would need to be monitored.

“We will continue to send out messages and finalize our discipline process with our labor groups through the Labor

Caucus,” Gutierrez said. “We will not be extending another grace period.”

Faculty Guild representative

Joanne Waddell said that reducing class size and in-person services should be taken into consideration when discussing the safety of students, faculty and staff.

“Not only does [reducing these services] amplify the advantage of masks, sharing less air reduces the risk of poor ventilation that still needs to be corrected,” Waddell said.

“ Reduced class sizes gives instructors and students the opportunity to engage in dialogue and immediate answers to immediate questions.”

Waddell also urged the Board to listen carefully to students who would share their experiences living through pandemic related concerns.

The meeting turned to address homelessness as Pierce College ASO Senator Dustin Lopez said that many concerns in the community included housing

insecurity.

“About 550,000 people in the United States experience homelessness, and about 150,000 individuals that are living in California do not have a home to live in,” Lopez said. “This problem has been circulating throughout higher education, and has been hindering future students from pursuing an education, negatively affecting the LACCD system.”

Lopez said statistics show that 55% of LACCD students experience housing insecurity and 18.6% experience homelessness. Lopez asked the Board of Trustees to use two billion dollars to build temporary housing for future students so that they can seek out numerous careers.

In other business, student Ruben Estrada said LACCD students are experiencing economic inequalities.

“Fifty-three percent of LACCD students reported having an income at or below the poverty line,” Estrada said.

Trustee David Vela said that in a budget committee meeting on Oct. 20, the state wide $2 billion budget allocation for staff and student housing was reviewed.

“We also reviewed our statewide $10 million dollar budget allocation for the LGBTQ Support Program and Services,” Vela said. “A lot of the student housing insecurity is vastly represented by our LGBTQ student population and I want to thank everyone for their participation and support.”

Student Trustee Coraima Martinez said she was happy to share that the next Student Affairs Committee meeting will be held in person.

“This will be the first Student Affairs Committee meeting that will be held in person on Nov. 12 since we have transferred online,” Martinez said. “LACC is so gracious to host us, it will be held in the conference room on the second floor of the student union building.”

She hopes that one of the

trustees will join the meeting in person since she believes that the student representatives that will be in attendance have not met any of the trustees in person.

Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez was very happy to announce that six out of nine LACCD colleges were recognized as 2021 Equity Champions of Transfer Excellence for Latino students.

“I really wanted to thank and recognize these colleges East Los Angeles College, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Valley College and West Los Angeles College,” Rodriguez said.

The campaign will have a celebration ceremony on Nov. 14 to recognize the institutions.

“By far, no other district has this many colleges that are being recognized for getting our students from here to the four year CSU’s,” Rodriguez said.

Photo by Cecilia Parada

Jacob Reyes looks at toy cars on a Hot Wheels Race track at Supercar Sunday at Parking Lot 7 at Pierce College in Woodland

Hills, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2021

Screenshot by Giselle Lomeli

LACCD Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez speaks during the Board of Trustees meeting via Zoom on Nov. 3, 2021.

STREET BEAT

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?

“I love fall and winter because IʼmahomebodyandIliketobe inside where itʼs warm when itʼs cold outside. I love the winter because of Christmas and spendingtimewithmyfamily.”

-NazarethHailey

From the desk of the Roundup

Chairing is caring

Studying or reading under the trees at Rocky Young Park can be quite relaxing for students.

The shade makes this an ideal hang out spot on campus.

But the park does not offer many seating options. While there are a few small tables and chairs near the cafeteria, many students find themselves sitting on the grass.

Pierce College should set up more chairs at Rocky Young Park.

Additional seating would allow students to wait comfortably for their classes. This would benefit those who have classes in the Center for Sciences and wait nearby for them to start.

Interim President Ara Aguiar said there are plans to add solar paneled shades and chairs to campus and the park would be a great place to start.

Harvard University has

“ItdependsonwhereIlive,but IʼllsayI'mcoldforsure.Youjust protectyourselfwiththings andlayerwiththeclothesyou need,butifitʼshotthenIdonʼt knowwhatyoucoulddo.”

-GettyD

“Iusuallypreferfallorwinter becauseIcanbundleupmore andstaywarmerinthecolder season than cool off easier in the summer season.”

-AlyxKuick

“Idefinitelyprefercoldweather. I like cold weather because I like theairinthemorning.Ifeellike theairisreallygoodwhenthe weatheriscold,andIlikebeing abletoputonmultiplelayers becauseyougetmorefashion choices.”

-JosephEsten

placed several chairs at Harvard Yard, a small grassy park on campus. These metal chairs are bright, neon and perfect for students to complete work or finish their cup of coffee.

Having more seating options in the park is also beneficial during the pandemic. With more outdoor chairs, there may be fewer students who want to sit and socialize together indoors. Outdoor chairs at the park would give students the opportunity to socially distance in an environment with openair circulation.

The University of Alabama placed Adirondack chairs, along with fire pits, on their campus’ lawns and quads during the pandemic for students to socialize outdoors.

It’s an easy way for Pierce to help out their students, while also adding some color and comfort to campus.

Pro: Teach kids in the classrooms with tech

BY PAMELA KALIDASAN Reporter

When it comes to implementing technology such as tablets in classrooms, the common concern educators have is whether they are aiding students' academic success.

According to a Futuresource industry analyst, 30 million laptops and tablets were bought by American schools in 2019, and parents bought 2.2 million of those products for their kids. This is not something new as technology in classrooms has already been set in the American school system, with computer labs available for students who need them in order to finish their classwork.

And for the most part, there’s no harm done by providing and utilizing tablets in a classroom. In fact, there are more upsides, especially for younger students in elementary, middle school and highschool.

But in a classroom, students can’t always depend on visiting the computer lab to get things done. And that is why it is important for students to have their own device to finish their work, so why not a tablet as there are several benefits.

Those benefits include its portability, the amount of storage it holds for notes and digital textbooks, and the access to 20,000 different types of educational apps.

Between 2011 to 2012, more than 13,700 children in the United States ranging from five-years-old to 18-years-old, received back injuries from

“Cold like fall or winter because I likewearingsweatersandbeing comfy.”

-AshleyAcosta

carrying heavy backpacks. And with the increase of tablets, students with backpack-related injuries decreased by 54 percent.

More could be said about the advantages of allowing students to use tablets including narrowing down equity gaps when it comes to outreach inside and outside the classroom settings in terms of student collaborative work and study, supplementing students with better equipment in order to be successful in academic and social settings.

One prime example is Geography elementary school teacher Kristen Paino, who started the Global Book Series originally for her students in New York to have her students be more engaged with Geography. Since then, her students have learned how to use multimedia and learn from other students and educators around the world about their communities.

And as technology keeps rapidly developing, education can’t remain stiff and has to work with change and not be afraid to try new things.

According to LAUSD program and policy specialist Vanessa Morterosa, she said students who are using technology in their classrooms now will be more prepared for the digital economy.

With concerns of students being distracted while using their tablets in the classroom, people working in education

must note that the schools who plan on utilizing this technology, should address those concerns to both students and parents on how students should manage time on their devices, and if possible these schools can restrict certain

Con: Table those tablets!

BY ALANA KING Reporter

Deciding on where to go to college is a tough and exciting decision for students. During this process, many students consider attending either a private or public university.

Although the cost of tuition is often higher for private universities than for public ones, one should still consider the advantages of attending a private university, as opposed to a public university.

One benefit of attending a private university is the size of the student population. According to Florida Tech News, the student population at private universities are often smaller than those of public universities. This means class sizes are smaller and more interactive

and students can develop stronger connections with their peers.

A smaller student body also allows one to easily network with others and their community, without having too much competition. Socializing and making friends or finding others that share similar interests is also easier and more likely within a smaller student body.

Private universities also tend to have stronger alumni networks, since students are able to form close knit communities. Some alumni will even donate money to the college, which benefits incoming students because there are more opportunities for them to gain scholarships.

At private universities, professors are more readily available. In contrast to public universities, where many classes are taught by graduate assistants, classes at

private universities are taught by professors.

Since class sizes are smaller, it is likely that students will have an easier time contacting their professor. Forming meaningful relationships with professors helps students gain new connections and get letters of recommendations.

Although private universities are typically known for their high tuition and fees, many of them are generous with financial aid. According to US News, private institutions tend to offer financial aid that is sometimes more than what is offered by public universities.

The College Board reported that the average financial aid per student at four year public universities was $7,330 for the 2020 - 21 school year, while at private nonprofit universities, the average was $21,660.

websites/platforms to purpose their tablets for education only.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology executive director of the PreK-12 initiative and educational researcher Justin Reich said that this is a chance for a fresh start for schools.

This is because private universities are funded by endowments funds and students’ tuition fees, as opposed to the state government. By offering more financial assistance, these universities hope to attract more students to their school and it encourages them to look beyond the “sticker price” and see the reduced costs.

Private institutions are also ideal for students who have a specific interest or major they would like to pursue. Unlike public universities, private universities often offer fewer majors. Yet, some colleges may emphasize certain areas of studies, such as liberal arts, fine arts or STEM. This is beneficial for students who are certain about what they want to study or for those who are interested in majors that are not typically offered at public universities.

“This is our chance for a reboot,” Reich said. “A chance to put learning and vision at the heart of the adoption of a new technology.”

pkalidasan.roundupnews@gmail.com

Graduation rates also tend to be higher at private universities than at public ones. The National Center for Education Statistics reported in 2019 that the 6-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduate students who began seeking a bachelor’s degree at 4-year degree-granting institutions in 2013 was 62 percent at public universities and 68 percent at private nonprofit universities.

When making one’s college decision, it is beneficial to look beyond just the cost of tuition and attendance. The advantages of attending a private university may outweigh or make the higher fees worth it.

Quotes gathered by Pamela Kalidasan

Photos by Bre Jenkins

File photo by Kevin Lendio

(Left to right) Penelope Hernandez, Kimberly Ourid and Natalie Daniels sit at Rocky Young Park at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 27, 2020.

Photo illustration by Trisha Anas

Rock 'n roll at the Showcase Concert hosted for middle and high school students

BY PAMELA KALIDASAN Reporter

For the first time in almost two years, Pierce College welcomed hundreds of visitors to experience live music and dance.

The LAPC Theatre and Music department’s hosted a concert that brought 300 middle school and high school students to experience 13 music and dance acts.

The Performing Arts Showcase featured jazz, drum improvisation and a scene from the most recent theater production, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

Music professor Wendy Mazon played Heinrich Sutermeitser’s “Capriccio for solo clarinet in A” with pride and joy, exhausting much of her breath to perform her piece.

Charlotte Betry performed

Pierre-Octave Ferroud’s “Three Pieces for Solo Flute II. Jade.” Percussion professor Kevin Good played drums for his original piece “Käne.” Sopranos Moriyah

Pourfarid and Connor Sullivan performed an arrangement of Ben Bram’s and Scott Hoying’s “Rise.” Both had executed their job in matching the chemistry of their partners.

The Pierce College Choir were accompanied by pianists Lance Merrill or Hyunju Hwang. Associate professor of Music specializing in Voice and Choral Garineh Avakian conducted the performances with Merrill.

At the end, Avakian had everyone stand for the performance of “Let the Sunshine In” in the style of Roger Emerson, to close the evening.

Pierce College Interim

President Ara Aguiar said she was impressed by Pierce students and she looks forward to having more bright minds turn to Brahmas.

“I am absolutely impressed, thrilled. Being here is like lifting my soul with your music,” Aguiar said. “I’d like to welcome you to Pierce, home of the Brahmas, and I hope that you’ll come back and join our community.”

pkalidasan.roundupnews@gmail.com

Photo by Pauline Gener

Taylor Frankel (bass), Andrea Davis (left vocals), Rick Levey (guitar), and Isabel Navas (right vocals) perform "Detroit Rock City," by KISS at the Musical Perfomance Showcase, held in the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2021.

Photo by Pauline Gener Ariel Pisturino sings "Zueignung," by Richard Strauss at the Musical Perfomance Showcase held at the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2021.

Photo by Ginina Pulcinella

Interim President Ara Aguilar addresses visiting students at the Performance Showcase Performing Arts Event at the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., Nov. 9, 2021.

Photo by Pauline Gener Garineh Avakian leads the choir performing "Let the Sunshine In," arranged by Roger Emerson, at the Musical Perfomance Showcase in the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2021.

Photo by Pauline Gener

Wendy Mazon plays the clarinet at the Musical Perfomance Showcase held on the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2021.

Sundays are for

Copy by Pauline Gener

Car enthusiasts share their love for all things automotive at Supercar Sunday held at Pierce College on Nov. 7, 2021. The event takes place every Sunday morning from 7 to 10 a.m. and was founded by Dustin Troyan. His bright orange hat makes it almost impossible to miss him.

TV personality Caitlyn Jenner brought her yellow Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Everyone can attend Supercar Sunday whether a car owner or admirer.

Robert Adelson holds his daughter Savannah Aldeson up to look into 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Sentinel at Superc Ectomobile or Ecto-1 from the movie "Ghostbusters."

Photo by Cecilia Parada.

Porsche owner David Rozansky brings his car to Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2021.

Photo by Pauline Gener.

Kyra Steinbach poses for crowds in a La Bestioni vintage fire truck from the 1920's. The car is part of the Supercar Sunday show in Parking Lot 7 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2021.

Photo by Jasmine Casanova

The interior of a Porsche at Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2021. Photo by Pauline Gener.

for the Supercars

Hoods are up of three Porsche's in Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Nov. 7, 2021.

Photo by Pauline Gener.

Supercar Sunday at Parking Lot 7 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2021. The Cadillac is a replica of The

Sebastian De Jesus sets up toy cars on a racetrack during Supercar Sunday in Parking Lot 7 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2021.

Photo by Cecilia Parada.

Cyrus Ahmadi checks his bumper of his Porsche at Supercar Sunday at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2021. Photo by Pauline Gener.

Caitlyn Jenner stands with her yellow Porsche GT2 RS at Supercar Sunday in Parking Lot 7 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 7, 2021. The show returned to campus after being canceled in 2020. Photo by Jasmine Casanova.

A Savage comeback to acting Professor returns to the silver screen

BY PAMELA KALIDASAN Reporter

Imagine watching journalism professor Tracie Savage inside her locked classroom, shaking while gripping a pair of scissors, preparing to confront one of her worst fears—an unknown stalker fanboy preying on wellknown actresses who have starred in the “Friday the 13th” franchise.

In contrast to what is portrayed on screen in the independent, low-budget film “13 Fanboy,” Savage said that she had a good time returning to acting.

“It’s fun to just kind of go off and do something crazy, really insane and have blood all over me.” Savage said.

On it’s opening night on Oct. 22, the film has made $9,538 and Savage said she was shocked at how many fans still care.

“I had no clue that 40 years later people still talked about it, which I think is hysterical and great,” Savage said.

And when it comes to how Savage was on set, “13 Fanboy” Director, Producer, Screenplay Writer, Editor and Actress Deborah Voorhees said she was great to have on set.

“Tracie is just fantastic,” Voorhees said. “She’s so easygoing and great to have on set.”

Voorhees said she casted Savage after she was looking into the popular actresses who were in the “Friday the 13th” franchise.

“I’ve looked at who was the most popular and clearly Tracie was definitely one. I felt like she would be a good fit, so I got in touch with her.”

Savage said that Voorhees introduced her to the project during fall of 2018 and it wasn’t until the summer of 2019, before COVID-19 Voorhees called back Savage about filming in New Mexico where she stayed for four days.

And about working with Voorhees, Savage explained how she was impressed by

her kindness and how she was able to gather former actors and distribute “13 Fanboy'' in 30 theaters nationwide and through streaming.

Prior to shooting “13 Fanboy,” Savage said it had been four to five years since she last acted in the lead role as Alice Hardy in “Bone Garden.”

Savage said she started acting ever since she was twoyears-old and continued until she was 19, when she moved to attend University of Michigan to finish her bachelor’s degree in communications.

Since then, she took a break to prioritize her education and after a few years passed, she acted in a few small roles for movies including playing a newscaster in “The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson.”

For 30 years, she was a news reporter and broadcast journalist, and for the last 10 years she has been a professor.

She said she had fun teaching students and she said she loves explaining how these films are produced in

her video production class.

“I love that I can bring my on-set experience into my classroom,” Savage said. “So when I do these low budget films, I shoot photos and bring them to my students to show how these movies are made.”

In the film, Savage plays as herself and her acting students came from nearby community colleges.

“I played myself and that was my zen place where I love being in front of a classroom with students,” Savage said.

Sophomore Logan Volandi said that he liked the movie and Savage’s acting.

“I thought that the movie was really cool and awesome to see,” Volandi said. “Seeing Tracie act on screen was pretty amazing, and she did a wonderful job.”

A former student of Savage, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) junior

Alex Winters, who is producing his own films, said that it felt like he was back in her class.

“I’m not used to seeing my teachers in a movie,” Winters said. “So when I watched her teach, I was literally replaying my student life experience.”

And when it comes to choosing between teaching or acting, Savage said she chooses teaching any given day.

“I love teaching and I find it personally rewarding, interesting, fun and challenging,” Savage said.

If there ever was a challenging part, Savage said it was having to do her death scene in one take and cleaning out the blood on her afterwards.

“I was covered in bloodhead to toe - and I had to fly out of New Mexico after that scene,” Savage said. “And I

cleaned up as best as I could, but my skin was pink for about four days.”

Voorhees said that she used her personal experience as inspiration for the movie.

Voorhees recalled when someone sent her a creepy message on Facebook saying, “wouldn’t it be cool if you died in real life like you did on Friday the 13th?” which turned into the main question the fanboy stalker in the movie texted to his targeted victim.

A blooper of Savage is included at the end of the credits, which according to Voorhees, was hysterical to everyone on set.

“She had us all in stitches,” Voorhees said. “We were laughing like crazy.”

Photo by Ginina Pulcinella

Media Arts professor Tracie Savage alludes to her role in the film "13 Fanboy" in the photo studio at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2021.

Photo by Ginina Pulcinella

Tracie Savage stands in front of a projection of images of her starring role in "Friday the 13th: Part 3" at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., Nov. 3, 2021.

Photo by Ginina Pulcinella

Media Arts Professor Tracie Savage shows off a poster of a movie in which she starred, "Friday the 13th: Part 3," in the photo studio at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., Nov. 3, 2021.

'Tú puedes' mantra

Competitive skills are not lost in translation for recently immigrated student athlete

ANASTASIYA OREL Reporter

You won’t know what you’re good at until you try it. Freshman

Mariana Villareal Guerra became proof of this when she moved to the United States and joined Pierce College’s women’s water polo team for the fall season.

Guerra has attended Pierce for three months just after moving from Preparatoria Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) located in Monterrey, Mexico and had never played water polo before.

Guerra said that transitioning from Mexico to the United States and going to college while swimming has been hard.

“I’ve been here three months and I just learned English at school, so sometimes I don’t understand or cannot express myself with the correct words,” Guerra said. “When I have a problem, being in the water becomes a stress reliever. I just don’t think of the problem and it’s like magic.”

Guerra said that water polo is a tough sport, but sees herself improving at every practice.

“I love it but it kills me,” Guerra said. “The hardest thing is keeping up in the water. Other players are super fast, so you have to use those legs and arms. It’s a lot of exercise.”

Women’s water polo head coach Judi Terhar said the pandemic had limited people’s ability to exercise and that the water polo team includes players who have never played before, including Guerra.

“The girls have made a

commitment to one another to show up and fight and it has literally been one of the best years just by the joy of being able to participate in sports,” Terhar said. “I think Mariana’s done wonderful and I’ve gotten to see how

about her is that she comes in the morning and afternoon, and she’s learning exactly what we want her to learn.”

Guerra said she had wanted to try water polo originally for exercise.

“I was just looking for a sport and I like being in the water,” Guerra said. “I came here with my aunt and we were like ‘oh wow they have a pool, that’s so nice’ so I sent a message to Judi and said I wanted to know about the swim team and I wanted to get in.”

Guerra said her family has been her biggest inspiration and has kept her motivated.

“When I found swimming, my family said I could do it,” Guerra said. “It’s so funny because when I’m in the water and I know I can’t keep up, I think ‘oh my God Mariana, there’s a shark on your back and it’s gonna bite you’ and

that also helps me.”

Guerra said she has had to learn how to manage her time with school and water polo games. She said that she goes to swim practice in the morning, then has water polo practice in the afternoon and on game days she tries her best to finish her schoolwork prior to leaving to the pool.

Assistant coach Mircea Pitariu said that Guerra has proven to be a great player in and out of the pool.

“Mariana has been a big part of our team and our whole team has embraced the new culture,” Pitariu said. “I’m really happy with the attitude we have on this team because nobody is down. If we lose a game or anything like that, everybody has each other’s backs and supports each other, and Marianna has been a big part of that.”

Pitariu also said that Guerra has been able to feel welcome and part of the team.

“We have a lot of other Spanish speaking players on our team and it’s nice to have a team that has a lot of new people,” Pitariu said. “She has a lot of people she can relate to.”

Guerra said that she sees herself improving in the sport and she found something that she enjoys doing.

“It’s fun playing for the team and I’m proud of myself,” Guerra said. “My parents used to tell me when I first started, ‘tú puedes,’ which means ‘you can do it,’and I’ve been telling myself that since. I’m like, ‘Yeah, I can do it.’”

much she loves this sport and being here every day.”

Terhar said that Guerra is a great player and asset to the team.

“She’s a tremendous defensive player,” Terhar said. “What’s so amazing

Assistant coach makes a splash Water polo teaches patience to team

BY SOPHIE WARD Reporter

One dip in the pool was all that was needed to launch his career.

Pitariu’s passion for the sport developed when he played water polo in high school. From 2009 to 2010, Pitariu was an athlete at Pierce. At the same time he attended Pierce, he was a water polo and swim assistant coach for Crespi High School.

Pitariu also coached for local schools including Louisville High School, Birmingham High School and El Camino Real High School.

After leaving Pierce as a student athlete, Pitariu played water polo at CSUN. He was a player and coach at the same time. His experiences playing for Pierce and CSUN helped him recognize his love for water polo and what it entails.

“As soon as I started playing, I fell in love with the sport as it really mixes a level of physicality and wits like no other sport I had seen before,” Pitariu wrote in an email. “I truly love the skill set and knowledge required to play the sport. There are few games out there as complex and as physically rigorous as water polo.”

Eventually, Pitariu landed a job as the Pierce assistant swimming coach in 2012.

“I had a great time here at Pierce as an athlete and when my coaches at the time Fred Shaw and Judi Terhar came up to me and asked if I would want to help come on board as an assistant coach, I jumped at the opportunity,” Pitariu wrote.

Pierce head water polo coach Judi Terhar worked with Pitariu for 12 years. Terhar said Pitariu maintained a good

attitude, especially when the water polo team lost games at times. In a recent game where Pierce scored zero points against Santa Barbara, Mircea remained positive and had a good attitude.

“We got so many compliments from parents from Santa Barbara at the game Saturday. They were commenting on the way that Mircea was talking to the team. He respected, honored, encouraged, and was very patient in a game where we scored 0 points,” Terhar wrote in an email.

Pitariu said that coaching at Pierce is a rewarding experience. He enjoys watching athletes grow up and flourish in their lives.

“Pierce College did athletics the right way as I was an athlete here and continues to inspire young adults to continue and pursue their athletic development and scholarly endeavors.”

According to Pitariu, many coaches or assistant coaches at local high schools like Viewpoint, Harvard Westlake, Notre Dame and Crespi were former Pierce athletes.

He believes he and others owe their love of the sport and their inspiration to start coaching to Pierce coaches and former coaches like Judi Terhar, Fred Shaw and Moriah Van Norman. Pierce Athletic Director Susan Armenta said Pitariu works well with the other coaches and Pierce’s student athletes.

“He’s kind of our, one of our backbones of the program, as much as Judi has been a backbone, he’s been like her right arm. So, we really appreciate all that he has done

for us,” Armenta said. “He has a really good presence and I think the athletes respond to him well.”

Currently, Pitariu is the Harvard Westlake head middle school swim coach and assistant coach for the high school swim team. He also coaches club swimming at the Los Angeles Swim Club and water polo at the Los Angeles Premier water polo club.

He hopes to continue his career as a swim and water polo coach possibly at the

high school or four year college level.

“Pierce College Aquatics has always been a process oriented program that did not focus on results but rather excellence done the right way,” Pitariu wrote. “I hope future Pierce College coaches keep this in mind and continue to inspire athletes to continue the sports they love.”

Photo by Cecilia Parada

Assistant coach Mircea Pitariu holds a ball during a game against Santa Monica College at Steven E. Schofield Aquatic Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2021. The Brahmas lost 9-4.

Photo by Raquel Frohlich

Assistant water polo coach Mircea Pitariu teaches in the Steven E. Schofield Aquatic Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 19, 2021.

Photo by Anastasiya Orel

Mariana Villareal Guerra laughs during a water polo practice at Steven E. Schofield Aquatic Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2021.

Photo by Raquel G. Frohlich

Mariana Villareal Guerra sits in the pool at the Steven E. Schofield Aquatic Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2021.

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Brahmas beat the Vaqueros; improve to 1-2 on the season

BY SHAYNE TAMKIN Reporter

Through a hard fight, the Brahmas took their first victory of the season.

Pierce College came out on top Tuesday to take their first win of the season over Glendale Community College 98-92.

It was a highly contested battle with both sides attempting to score, but Pierce had trouble due to the hard nosed defense being played.

The game itself started out rough for Pierce with the first three scores going towards Glendale.

Things continued to look bleak for the Brahmas as they started out the game one out of seven from the field.

This all seemed to turn around at around the 15 minute mark when a block by forward Zion White brought the crowd to its feet.

Zion White said it was important to win.

“It got close towards the end of the game but everyone kept their composure. When we got in the double bonus everyone made their free throws and iced the game to seal the win,” Zion White said.

This was just the tip of the iceberg though, as Pierce continued to swarm the Vaqueros throughout the first half.

Scores were vollied back and forth for a while until the seven minute mark when point guard Larry Williams found wing Don McCrary for a lob off the screen, giving the Brahmas swing in momentum.

This run did not last long though, as Glendale responded to the 6-0 run by Pierce by draining a trio of threes to quiet the crowd

and bring the game back to within two.

As the half approached and both teams vying for the edge going into the locker room shooting guard Hector Page made two plays that appeared to swing things back in Pierce’s favor.

As the teams went into the locker rooms for halftime, there was a visible pep in Pierce's step as they prepared themselves for the second half.

When the second half started, there was a clear edge to both teams, as there were few fouls

called in the first half and both sides were looking for the call more.

When asked his thoughts on if this was the final momentum swing, head coach Charles White felt as though, despite some questionable plays, William’s energy is what swung the game back in Pierce’s direction.

“He's that beast we needed, you know, you got to like what he [does] sometimes, but sometimes you just got to let him go,” Charles White said.

The momentum continued to

stay with the Brahmas as they held onto the lead over Glendale before Julian DeJesus caught fire, sinking five threes in six possessions, retaking the lead with five minutes remaining.

As play continued the “let them play” mentality came out again with both teams fighting hard for every possession. What happened next was completely unexpected.

As Williams and a Glendale player got into it following some hard nosed play going after a loose ball.

Charles White’s opinion of the refereeing was very divisive considering the player reactions on the court.

“You know it's college basketball. College basketball is not high school basketball. It's a physical game. It's a fast paced game, and it's not for the mild and the meek,” Charles White said.

This seemed to put a fire under the Brahmas though, as the team found shooting guard Dylan Hicks for back to back threes.

This led to a 15-4 Brahmas run leaving Pierce nine points up with 1:45 left on the clock.

Point guard AJ Werner said the game against Glendale was difficult.

“They looked at our 0-2 record. They thought it was going to be a cakewalk and lot of players on our team stepped up,” Werner said. “We don’t want teams coming to our home and getting wins.”

Werner said they’ll look at film to see what they need to fix when they play Glendale again.

The Brahmas next game will be Thursday Nov. 18 where they will be playing Glendale at Pasadena College as part of the Skip Robinson Classic. Tip-off is at 5 p.m.

BY FELIPE GAMINO Sports Editor

Asense of normalcy returned to the Steven E. Schofield Aquatic Center as the team competed in a six-game schedule.

Head water polo coach Judi Terhar said they had a new and young team compete.

“Most of these players came in at the last minute and were tired of just being at home and were willing to try water polo,” Terhar said. "It is a very complicated game and most of them did not have swim backgrounds.”

The Brahmas began facing Citrus College. A team that they would face in the conference tournament.

They only had one home game which was against Santa Monica. It was a close match, however the Brahmas lost 9-4.

Despite not winning a game this season, Terhar was proud of their improvement.

“They improved game by

game. There are so many components to water polo. Mental and physical. Any of them could have dropped out and we would had to cancel our season,” Terhar said. “Even in a midst of a game you would watch them improve. The second halves were a lot better.”

Terhar strongly encouraged all those who were on the team to join swim.

Assistant coach Micrea Pitariu said he was proud of how the team did despite the record.

“Just to have the opportunity to compete after what was a challenging year due to COVID-19, obviously it is a win for us to be in the pool,” Pitariu said.

Athletic Director Susan Armenta said it was good to see some of their games.

“Having conversations with coach Judi and I can is we are proud of the team. Most of them were new to the team and seeing how they came together for the final match was impressive,” Armenta said.

Battling for the Victory Bell

BY FELIPE GAMINO Sports Editor

After there was no Victory Bell game in 2020 due to the pandemic, Pierce College Brahmas and Valley College Monarchs will renew their rivalry on Saturday.

The Monarchs have had possession of the Bell since 2015. This is the second Bell game for Valley head coach Lester Towns, while for Anthony Harris this is his first.

Pierce comes into the game losing to Antelope Valley 55-7. Valley lost 31-28 to Santa Monica.

The Brahmas are 0-7 overall, while the Monarchs are 2-7. LAVC have managed to beat Harbor College and Santa Barbara City College.

The game takes place on Saturday, Nov. 13, at Valley College. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

Photo by Jasmine Casanova

Julia Nederlk (5) and Alejandra Velazquez (30) block the ball against the rival team during the volleyball game in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on

5, 2021.

File photo by Cecilia Parada Quarterback David McCullum passes the ball during a game against Valley College for the Victory Bell, at Pierce College's Shepard Stadium in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Sept. 28, 2019.

Photo by Bre Jenkins Pierce College player Zion White (left) goes for a lay-up during a game against Glendale College in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Cailf., on Nov. 9, 2021.

Photo by Cecilia Parada

(Center) Ginger Garrett attempts to block a shot on goal from Maria Sandoghdar during a game against Santa Monica College at Steven E. Schofield Aquatic Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2021.