Volume 138 Spring 2023 Roundup Issue 11

Hot property, brazen thieves

Acatalytic converter was stolen in the Lot 7 of Pierce College on April 17, raising some concerns about the safety of faculty and student cars on campus.

Chemistry Professor Benny Ng got out of meetings shortly after 6 p.m. to discover the catalytic converter of his car was stolen. He started his car and heard a strange noise and instantly knew something was wrong.

“I turned on my car and tried to back up when I heard a loud jet-engine sound,” Ng said, “I knew right away that my catalytic converter was probably gone.”

Although this was perhaps the first case of a catalytic converter being stolen on Pierce’s campus, this is only one of the many cases of converters being stolen across the county.

Approximately 8,000 converters were stolen in 2022, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Catalytic converters are responsible for filtering out the different chemicals a car produces, including nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide.They rest directly behind the muffler.

These converters are high value because they contain metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium, and they can be worth approximately $2,000.

Some of the vehicles being targeted are Toyota Priuses, Camrys and Highlanders because of the easy accessibility and

higher quality materials used in their converters. Automotive Technology Professor Alex Villalta spoke more as to why Toyotas are targeted often.

“Toyota is prevalent not only in the United States but all over the world,” Villalta said. “They’re trying to minimize their pollution because they have a lot, so their minerals are a lot more effective than other manufacturers.”

Catalytic converters are also high ticket items because of how quick they are to remove from cars. The entire process takes a short amount of time.

Deputy Isaac Jorge from the Pierce College Sheriff’s Department shared some reasons why these converters are so easily stolen. “It’s very quick,” Jorge said. “They come, jack up the car, and in 30 seconds to a minute they’re out.”

The penalty for being caught with a stolen catalytic converter or stealing a converter is a felony, and the LAPD has task forces such as the Taskforce for Regional Auto Theft Prevention (TRAP) team and the Catalytic Converter Task Force (CCTF) to dedicate more attention to these thefts.

In an effort to deter these thefts, Pierce’s automotive department has held several etching events, where students and teachers can work with the department and LAPD to get their catalytic converters assigned a VIN number.

Although the etchings may not stop the thefts, they make it easier

to file claims and alert the sheriff if a catalytic converter is stolen. It also makes it possible to find it being sold for metal.

There are shields that car owners can buy for their vehicle that go underneath the car and limit access with security bolts. Besides that, people have been getting creative in finding ways to protect their catalytic converters from being stolen, including sheet metal, alarm systems or simple signs.

“They’re welding whatever they can,” Villalta said. “They’re trying to do their best to ultimately not be an easy target.”

Security cameras, more lighting and more patrolling around campus are all ways that can prevent more thefts on campus.

“Hopefully we can pick up and record it,” Ng said. “But maybe some more additional cameras can help catch people, or give more footage on what happened and when it happened.”

The Sheriff’s Department is advising that students report any suspicious activity in the parking lots to them, and to park closer to campus whenever possible. They’re also suggesting students and teachers take breaks in between classes to take walks and check on their cars to ease worries.

“If you see something, say something,” Jorge said. “We'll be there in seconds. If you see someone under a car, give us a call.”

Photo by Wyatt Sanchez

Photo by Wyatt Sanchez

Lisa Valdez inquires to deputy Michael Sampson on how the library can be better prepared for an active shooter scenario with the help of the Sheriff's department in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May

Photo by Owen Meza Sheriff's deputy Michael Sampson speaks at the active shooter drill in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 11, 2023. This drill was open to faculty, staff and students.

Photo by Owen Meza

professor Alex Villalta and Outreach coordinator Julia Mendoza watch as Student Services employee Ozzy Portillo barricades a door during the drill in the 600 building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 11, 2023.

STREET BEAT

IS PIERCE READY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER?

Pierce needs more sports ads around campus

Walking across many college campuses you likely would see posters and ads for upcoming games.

At Pierce College, there is little evidence of school spirit or Brahma pride anywhere around campus.

Thecampusiscompletelyopen,so anybodycanwalkin.Iwouldfeel morecomfortableiftherewasaplan inplacethatwayweknowwhattodo in case there’s an active shooter.” -Ina

Petroysan,MolecularBiologyMajor

This is a daily occurrence for Pierce. Even if a team is doing well, there is still little recognition.

For example, women’s soccer has gone to the playoffs for several years, including last semester, and there wasn't any promotion for the home playoff game. The only people that might know about these games are the people who keep up with the teams

“Ithinkknowingwherethesecurity isandknowingwherethesheriff orpoliceofficeis,andknowing wheretogoifashootingwereto happenwouldbehelpful.I’vealso neverheardofanydrillstaking placeoncampus.”

-BellaMontes, ArchitectureMajor

and the player's family members. This could be the reason attendance for games is so low.

Advertising games can help give exposure to new athletes.

According to CCDaily, “Athletic facilities draw widespread attention to college campuses while capturing the attention of prospective students and athletes. Athletics bring local and national stakeholders to schools, improving the surrounding community and school system.”

Not only will this help the school but it will also help the community.

Plus, many students and people go to games just to

have a good time. Advertising around campus or online could also help boost attendance, help the athletes feel more at home, and help the teams to gain a competitive advantage.

At the moment it’s just bleak.

Even if advertising sports games around campus poses a financial issue, a campus club or the Associated Student Organization (ASO) could help the Athletic department.

PRO: Gun control saves lives

JENNIFER TANZIL Reporter

“Idon’tthinkPierceisreadyforan active shooter situation. I think the layoutofthiscampushasanegative effect.It’saveryopencampusand Ithinkthatmakesthecampusfeel insecure. I also think the windows arewaytoohigh,andthisgives offalotofvisibility.-Luis

Aguilar, PsychologyMajor

Gun control has been effective in decreasing the number of shootings in the United States. These laws don’t aim to take away anyone’s Second Amendment right to own firearms. Instead, they decrease the sale of assault-style rifles and make it more difficult for people to purchase firearms. These measures could prevent the next devastating mass shooting. Shooting deaths of any quantity are tragic, but they could be more tragic if gun control laws weren’t in place.

Lee Spieller wrote in their research journal, Gun Control in America: A Global Comparison, that “a combination of the ready availability of guns and the

“Ifeelalackofprotectionhere at school. I don’t think there are manyproductsinplacetoprepare us if there were an active shooter. It’sjustsocommonnowadays.I thinkhavingconversationswith students,facultyandstaffabout activeshooterswouldhelp.Ithink weshouldgeteveryone'sopinions and worries heard in order to make solutions.”-Kailyn

Stewart,Business AdministrationMajor

Quotes gathered by Reuben Santos

Photos by Hunter Hammerot

willingness to use maximum force in interpersonal conflict” is the most important cause of high U.S. death rates from violence. Guns being easily accessible in parts of the U.S. contribute to the high number of gun-related deaths. Without guns, it would be harder to commit these crimes. Say, a disturbed individual who wishes to inflict harm on a group of people would have a harder time doing so using a knife as opposed to an automatic rifle. Laws banning the sale of such firearms and stricter background checks are necessary in preventing shootings.

Countries like Australia, Canada and Switzerland have set an example as nations who are virtually free from mass shootings due to their tough federally mandated gun control laws.

Mass shootings are almost

exclusively an American problem due to the prevalence of a gun culture. The federal government has left it to the states to impose their own gun laws to prevent such incidents and other gun-related violence.

In states where gun control laws are lenient, gun violence is most high. Mississippi and Louisiana are the states with the most rampant gun violence, according to the Pew Research Center.

These states were given a grade of F by Giffords Law Center's assessment of gun laws by each state.

Meanwhile, in California, where over 100 gun laws are in place, the number of shooting deaths per capita is less than the national average of 13.7 deaths per 100,000 people.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention), California’s firearm mortality rate is among the nation’s lowest with gun deaths averaging 8.5 deaths per 100,000 people.

Dr. Garen Wintemute, director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at UC Davis, said in an article titled California Has Toughest Gun Laws in United States and Fewer Deaths that the lower gun ownership numbers in California is instrumental in the lower rate of firearm violence in the state.

This is in part because California requires extensive background checks and banned the sale of military-style assault weapons. But it wasn’t always this way.

In 2005, California had around the same rate of deaths by firearm as Texas and Florida, according to an article from David Lauter of the LA

Times Since then, California implemented stricter gun laws, leading to a 10% decrease of gun deaths. Today, California has one of the lowest rates of gun deaths in America.

On the other hand, Texas and Florida, states known for antigun control, saw an increase of 28% and 37% in rate of gun deaths, respectively. It’s not necessary to even look at other countries because the same statistics go for U.S. states as well. Where gun laws are prevalent, gun deaths are less. Other factors contribute to the number of gun deaths aside from gun control laws, but at the end of the day, it’s better to have some regulation than no regulation at all.

CON: Gun laws are not the solution

MADELEINE CHRISTIAN Sports & News Editor

Fear of guns and gun violence is growing across the United States and people are demanding stronger gun control laws.

CNN reported that this year there have been 215 mass shootings in the United States Many cities are also experiencing a wave of violent crime, including Philadelphia, San Diego and New York.

It's reasonable to feel unsafe when the news is full of frenzied talk about guns and peoples’ seemingly unfettered access to

these dangerous weapons. Fear stems from a desire to feel safe and protected in their homes, schools and all public places. It is, however, important to separate the problem from the symptom.

A rise in violent crime is not the result of access to guns, but rather guns being used by violent criminals. It seems like the obvious solution to tamper access to guns in order to stop violence, but will we get the results we really want?

A 2018 report by Insider listed the safest countries in the world and listed number one was Finland, a country that allows the sale and possession of firearms

with a permit, same as the United states. So what makes Finland a safer place to live if the access to guns is the same? According to the World Happiness Report shared by Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times, Finland is also the happiest country in the world.

Political turmoil and emotional distress due to covid-19 have been scapegoats for the recent uptick in crime, but the issue with America's crime is much deeper than that. We continue to uphold systems that repress marginalized groups, use prison as a form of punishment rather than rehabilitation, and refuse to provide our citizens

with basic healthcare, housing, and a livable wage.

The United States is the richest country in the world, yet the same report that listed Finland as the happiest country in the world ranked the US at 19thnineteenth. The issue with the United States that does not apply to Finland, is our misuse and misunderstanding of how to treat crime and violence. Finland pours its money into social programs, has a prison system that focuses on reintegration into society, and has a Universal basic income (UBI) that ensures their citizens will never have to decide between paying rent and feeding themselves.

Poverty has proven to be a direct link to a higher rate of incarceration and violent crime.

A study by The Prison Policy Initiative found that 57% of incarcerated men and 72% of incarcerated women live in poverty. People in poverty are considered more likely to commit violent crimes whether it be with a gun or other weapon. Using more tax payer dollars to fund new gun legislation that would not do much for the guns already in circulation would only take away from the root cause of America's problem, its people.

Happy together

The Bull Magazine issue centers on the pursuit of happiness

Applying themselves

If you ask a room full of people what really makes them happy, you will probably get just as many answers as you do people.

Happiness is difficult to define, but this semester’s issue of The Bull Magazine encapsulates the countless ways people try to find contentment.

The issue that came out this week includes stories about ketamine drug therapy, a cat cafe and underground raves. These stories and others fall under the theme “The Pursuit of Happiness” as chosen by Editorin-Chief Benjamin Hanson.

“I chose that theme because I'm always so curious about what makes other people happy and because I've always struggled to find my own,” Hanson said.

Journalism professor Jeff Favre said it’s important to Hanson to encourage others to do what they truly enjoy doing in the newsroom and beyond.

“I think Ben would say that he has found some real happiness working on this happiness issue,” Favre said. “I've known him now for a few years and he has seemed happier working on this than any other time.”

Reporter Drew Hokama, who wrote an article about the use of ketamine in therapy, said she knew from the first day that she wanted to cover ketamine.

“I thought it would be really impressive,” Hokama said. “I just wanted to sound smart, like a smarty-pants, to be honest.”

According to Favre, the piece was impressive.

“Drew wrote this amazing story on ketamine and I learned so much that I did not know about this drug and the therapy for it,” Favre said.

As with the true pursuit of happiness, putting the issue together was not without its challenges.

Hokama said scheduling conflicts with sources was a struggle.

“It was really hard to keep on track of everything, especially because people will cancel on you at the last minute,” Hokama said.

More than 10 students preformed at the Applied Music Program (AMP) recital on Thursday, May 11. Friends, family and classmates attended the event. Upcoming events will take place on May 18 and May 25.

Favre shared that the size of the staff and their limited experience was difficult.

“This staff is so small, and not very experienced,” Favre said. “So for everyone, pretty much except Ben, there's been a real learning curve.”

Despite the size of the team, they worked together to get all the work done on time.

“Everyone has kind of worked hard not only to do their piece but to help others with what they're doing,” Favre said. “So it's been a real team effort, but a very small team.”

Hanson was editor in chief in the fall of 2021 before but said he did not feel great about his work back then and took this semester to redeem himself.

“Another challenge was being present,” Hanson said. “The first time I was EIC, I was so overwhelmed that I just didn't show up and was almost voted off of it. But luckily I came back and proved myself again.”

Favre said Hanson has worked incredibly hard this semester.

“He wanted to come back and really prove how much he had grown, and he has,” Favre said. “And even though our staff is really small, he has really pushed them hard to get their visions realized.”

Favre said there is something for everyone to enjoy in this issue.

“I think this issue will inspire people to maybe find their happiness, their path to being happy,” Favre said. “There's just so much in the variety that I think almost anybody would find a story that they kind of connected to.”

If that is not enough to inspire you, Hanson hopes to lure readers with cute photos of cats.

“The first thing that you're going to read about is a story about Crumbs and Whiskers, the cat cafe in Los Angeles,” Hanson said. “And there's a giant cat photo in it. It's so cute.”

The Pursuit of Happiness issue of The Bull Magazine is available in digital and print form. It's available on newsstands this week.

Free professional clothing for students

Brahma Career Closet helps prepare job seekers for success

Being confident in the clothes you wear to an important interview or your first day of work is essential to feeling like you’re on top of the world.

Brahma Career Closet is a program that started last fall and had its first clothing pop up of the spring semester Tuesday afternoon.

Professional, casual and business attire was available for free and donated from faculty, community organizations and students.

Career Center Director Wendi Meckler hosted the event for students to have the opportunity to dress for success.

“I think when you find an outfit that sparks joy, it could build your confidence and make your interview work,” Meckler said. “If you have confidence going into a meeting, it makes a huge difference.”

Having access to free clothing is not an option for many people, which is why the Pierce Career Center is giving students a chance to pick out any clothing they might need from clothing racks filled with professional apparel.

“We are here to bring students in and let them pick out some professional clothing,” Meckler said. “Whether it's for work placement, interviews or a class presentation. We're also trying to let them know about other things

that the Career Center does for them like resume building, LinkedIn profiles, interviewing skills and finding a job or an internship.”

From all different sizes to all different styles, the Brahma Career Closet displayed dress shirts and pants in different colors. They also had skirts, dresses and a variety of casual and professional tops to choose from. A small selection of shoes and professional heels were also offered for students to take.

ASO Treasurer Aiden Rubinstein acknowledged how expensive and inaccessible formal clothing can be for some people who can’t afford it or don’t have the transportation to go shop for it.

“I think formal wear is really expensive,” Rubinstein said. “Giving students the opportunity

to get it right where they go to school without having to break the bank is really helpful.”

Career and Transfer Center

Student Worker William Macaraeg has taken professional clothes from the Career Closet before and spoke about the benefits of wearing them to work.

“I've actually got some pants from this closet as well as neckties and a few polo shirts to accompany my closet," Macaraeg said. "I definitely feel like I'm mentally ready to go to work since I dress up for the part.”

Kinesiology and psychology

major Larae Jordan is grateful for the access she has to take free pieces of clothing on campus.

“I am looking for another job and I feel confident and very excited to show my sense

of style within my job and it is not coming out of my pocket,” Jordan said.

Meckler expressed the significance of having professional clothes that helped students feel more elevated and different from how they dressed before.

“I hear some really awesome stories about how it makes a huge emotional impact on them that Pierce College is wanting to support them in work or in class,” Meckler said. “Some students are in tears because they're so excited and happy that they found free clothing to support their journey.”

The next Brahma Career Closet event will take place on May 23 at 11 a.m. on The Mall.

NICOLE KHAIT Reporter

LINDSEY WHITTAKER Reporter

Reporter Nicole Khait works on The Bull Magazine in the Roundup Newsroom in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 9, 2023.

Photo by Owen Meza

Asher Levich plays the jazz guitar, Sam Archer plays the drums, Pablo Sela plays the bass during the Applied Music Program in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 11, 2023.

Elizabeth Lopez plays the violin during the Applied Music Program in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 11, 2023.

Photo by Rachael Rosenberg

Photo by Rachael Rosenberg

Lance Merril plays the piano while Sandy Palacios sings during the Applied Music Program in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 11, 2023.

Photo by Rachael Rosenberg

Photo by Audrinna Meza Larae Jordan, a double major in psychology and kinesiology, browses the Brahma Career Closet provided by Associated Student Organization (ASO) in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 9, 2023.

Postseason player honors

With the end of softball comes the Western State Conference honors for the Pierce players. It is a time to recognize players for their hard work and officially close a curtain on the 2023 season.

This year, the Western State Conference post season honors included 1st Conference Catcher Alexcia Espinoza, 2nd Conference Pitcher Andrea Roldan, and two honorable mentions–Center Field Olivia Vasquez and Shortstop and Third Base Kaylie Zenan. These honors were chosen based on game performance

For the love of volleyball

A volleyball coach watches students develop their athletic skills

and contributions to the team throughout the season.

This season was the first time since 2019 that Pierce had a softball team, and even though the season ended with a score of 1-14, coach of the softball team Brett Marschall held this season and the players in high regards.

[Read the rest of the story on theroundupnews.com]

NATHALIE MIRANDA Reporter

Volleyball isn’t the only sport that Joseph Arechiga has tried and loved. But as the coach of Pierce’s men’s volleyball and also a highschool team, he has grown to love it the most.

Arechiga was made head coach in the beginning of the spring semester after being an assistant coach since 2019 and has been coaching since the season started.

Arechiga grew up playing mainly football and basketball and started playing volleyball in high school. He continued playing as a student at Pierce in 2015 and it was an entirely different experience compared to playing volleyball in high school.

“When I came to community college it was like a whole new universe of volleyball,” Arechiga said. “It was really humbling, but it was also something I absolutely loved. I was very, very grateful for the opportunity to play volleyball as well as just the life lessons that it taught me.”

After graduating high school and transferring out of Pierce, Arechiga had plans of majoring in Economics and going into Accounting. It was after doing that work for a bit that he realized he really missed playing and working with students and came

back to Pierce as an assistant coach for Edison Zhou, who is now the women’s volleyball coach.

“He was just a very experienced coach and player,” Zhou said. “He helped me a lot and just made my life easy. It was great.”

After coaching for a few different schools and teams, he is now working as a coach for Pierce and also the girls’ volleyball team at Verdugo Hills High School (VHHS), the same high school he attended and started his volleyball journey at. He is also a special education English teacher at VHHS.

“It’s nice to go back there and see kids with a love for the sport,” Arechiga said. “It's fun to see all the different levels from people who are first touching the volleyball to seasoned players who’ve been playing for a while. I love my job, I love teaching, I love coaching. It's a blessing to get paid to play some volleyball with high school kids. It’s fun.”

Arechiga has a few different goals he wants to achieve now that he is head coach and something that he wants to prioritize is making sure his players have the opportunity to transfer after Pierce. He wants to make sure that his players are doing well outside the court so that they can go on to do whatever it is they want to do.

“As far as academically

and professionally, I just want to help propel them and give them opportunities to continue to grow in life and as human beings,” Arechiga said.

Director of Athletics Susan Armenta believes Arechiga most capable for his new position and sees him being a huge factor in building up the Pierce volleyball program. She shared her thoughts back when he was first interviewed for the job.

“We liked the fact that he was a Brahma and also coached with us as in the past,” Armenta said. “He knows what student athletes go through at Pierce College and balancing their academics and athletics. He was very passionate about the sport. He was very student athlete centered.”

Arechiga has established himself as a good coach and Zhou is looking forward to seeing how far he will take the volleyball program. He sees Arechiga succeeding in building real connections with his players and leading a great team.

“He’s going to make the Pierce men’s program better,” Zhou said. “He’s got the knowledge and experience and a lot of passion for this sport. He’s young and could be like a big brother for all the athletes.”

nm.miranda.roundupnews@gmail.com

Despite challenges, men’s volleyball had a positive

CLEMENTE PASILLAS Reporter

Brahmas Men’s Volleyball ended their season with an overall record of 1-11.

Despite their record, Head Coach Joseph Arechiga said the season was incredible for many reasons.

“When we got our first win in over a year, we were winning sets. We were playing good volleyball, and for the amount of time we had practice,” Arechiga said. “I think we did a really good job.”

season

The Brahmas didn’t win a game away, and their win came at home.

From a coaching perspective, Arechiga said that he enjoyed every practice with his team and that he learned a lot this year.

“I think there are just so many good positives to take away from the season," Arechiga said. “I learned a lot about all the ins and outs of paperwork and what we need to look for next year, like eligibility and things that I would never have thought about originally.”

Outside Hitter and Captain

Vinny Harris shared his plans for the offseason.

“We are going full speed right away to better ourselves and recover,” Harris said. Opposite hitter Josh Berina shared some of his favorite highlights of the season.

“Some highlights were definitely our first game,” Berina said. “We took a set off of El Camino, and from my knowledge, they didn’t even take a set off of anyone last year.”

cpasillas.roundupnews@gmail.com

SOPHIA CANO Reporter

Head coach Joseph Arechiga claps on the sidelines during a game against the Santa Barbara Vaqueros in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 10, 2023. The Pierce Brahmas lost in straight sets 25-7, 25-13 and 25-14.

File photo by Benjamin Hanson

File photo by Hunter Hammerot Catcher, Alexcia Espinoza takes off her helmet during a game against the Cuesta Cougars in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 21, 2023.