Volume 140 Spring 2024 Roundup Issue 2

Double win Brahma for basketball

A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION

Hills, California Volume 140 - Issue 2 Wednesday, February 28, 2024 Free Copy

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@Roundup News on Facebook

From the desk of the Roundup Parking at Pierce creates more problems than just headaches for students

With the semester starting and enrollment returning to pre-pandemic numbers, parking has become a time-consuming and anxietyinducing task for students that also compromises their safety.

The scarcity of parking, especially in the mornings, often results in students driving laps around the parking lots only to find no space is available. Additionally, the search for parking makes the lots dangerous as students take their eyes off the road to look around for an available space.

With accidents in parking lots occuring at a higher rate than most people expect, Pierce should not wait until someone is injured in an accident to address the issue of lack of clear signage and to implement more safety precautions.

The California DMV identifies three forms of distracted driving—eyes off the road, mind off the road and hands off the wheel, two of which apply to the

Students’ minds may be preoccupied with getting to class late and figuring out where they will have to put their car, which takes away from their ability to “safely control [their] vehicle and respond to events happening on the roads around [them],” according to the DMV.

However, the issue of parking extends beyond just the parking lots. In particular, when the Admissions Parking Lot 1 is full, another safety concern is revealed—students resort to parking further uphill toward Shepard Stadium and in the surrounding lots.

Due to the geography of Pierce, students have to walk down Brahma Drive to the main part of campus. Between the Performing Arts lots and Student Services Building, there is no sidewalk, mostly due to construction, which forces students to make a daunting and dangerous trek downhill toward campus while cars flash by.

The National Library of Medicine found that there is a

of a pedestrian versus vehicle collision in areas without a sidewalk compared to zones with one.

Considering the higher concentration of younger and less experienced drivers on a college campus, there is an added risk for speeding during higher-traffic hours as motorists scramble for parking.

Possible solutions to address parking scarcity can include encouraging students to take public transportation or setting up carpools.

University Business laid out solutions in a 2019 article, with examples that were successful for other schools.

“Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo pays a flat fee to the local transit provider that allows campus users to ride for free by just showing their ID. Funding comes from parking citation revenue. Cal Poly users now account for 60 percent of the system’s ridership.”

Another solution without a hefty financial burden could

would not only mitigate parking scarcity, but allow students a wider variety of classes to accommodate their schedules because many community college students work or have family obligations.

Currently, some students use the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s (LADOT) CityRide, “which provides doorto-door service” to get to school, according to the Pierce website. Steps toward a reduced strain on parking could be raising more awareness for the service.

As for the section of missing sidewalk on Brahma Drive, Pierce could have a sheriff’s cruiser patrol the area to discourage students from speeding and encourage them to drive more diligently.

Improving signage and pedestrian safety would make the campus safer for students.

2 Opinion theroundupnews.com

The two sides of a four-day workweek

By Xavier Boyston Reporter

PWorking four days is beneficial

eople tend to work five to six scheduled days every week. Over time, it becomes a game of pace.

Staying consistent with attendance plays an important role for anyone that is employed, and with obligations outside of work, this can be overwhelming. Working four days can minimize this outside stress. It doesn’t delay people from making money—the thing that keeps people motivated to show up for work and stay ahead.

Having four days on the job is a game changer—less stress on the body and more self-reset days to focus more on personal goals. During the pandemic, many jobs and businesses were forced to shut down, making it difficult for those to have an honest living. With things looking uncertain, a shift on how to navigate everyday life became a relief.

By Delilah Brumer News Editor

WTo navigate the tough times, people began utilizing technology more to simplify things without being physically present.

An article from Time, FourDay Work Weeks Are Good for Your Health, talks about how, in a study conducted by Professor Brendan Burchell from the University of Cambridge, people started doing more things to work at a better pace.

“People found all sorts of ways of working more efficiently, cutting out lots of the time they were wasting,” Burchell said. Working less and not in contact with people, everyone started adapting to this new way of life.

Less than four years after the pandemic, now more than ever, people can work less or from home. This allows more time spent with family members, children, and significant others.

In the article, How to Actually Execute a 4-Day Workweek, Josh Bersin talks about how a study was conducted in 2022

Same work in less time

ith a federal minimum wage that hasn’t kept up with inflation and millions of Americans working two or more jobs to make ends meet, it’s clear that the labor norms in the United States need to change. However, transitioning to a four-day workweek is not a direct or effective way to make improvements and would mostly benefit a narrow field of highpaying jobs.

Reducing the number of hours employees work and shortening the workweek to four days may seem appealing, but it has setbacks.

One of the issues with a four-

day workweek is the compression of tasks and the increased stress for workers it comes with. According to an article in Forbes, employees reported a 27 percent increase in stress during a shortened workweek trial. In busy jobs, it often isn’t possible to complete all work in fewer days, and for some people, the associated worries and time crunches aren’t worth the tradeoff of having longer weekends.

Then there’s the probIem of practicality. In recent years, several companies—many of which are in the tech industry— have floated the possibility of a four-day workweek or even implemented one, according to Newsweek.

For example, the logistics of running a software engineering

“I think $16 an hour is a good, normal amount. For me, it was enough. I don’t know the amount that is needed for a specific person, but $16 an hour is enough for a student like I am—to be able to study and be able to go out with friends once in a while.”

Hayk Mirzakhanyan - Computer science major

with different airlines within the United Kingdom doing four-day workweeks.

“61 UK-based companies participated in a pilot program to study a four-day workweek,” wrote Bersin. “Average organizational revenue rose by 1.4 percent; pilot companies also reported a 57 percent decline in the likelihood that an employee would quit, plus a 65 percent reduction in the number of days taken off as paid sick time.”

After these results, some would argue “Well, why isn’t this everywhere?” Having only four days a week will keep people accountable for their workday actions, building stronger connections with co-workers and opportunities for those that would impact their work performance.

Over the past decade, things have changed for better or worse and they are beginning to move into the 21st century. Advanced technology is allowing people to work less, yet some workplaces

require five to six days out of people to have a grand number on their checks.

In an article from BBC called “The realities of the four day work week” by Alex Christopher, the reporter interviewed Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, program director of the nonprofit organization 4 Day Week Global.

“There are different four-day workweek models: from cutting one workday, reducing working hours and being paid the same wage; to intense working hours, where five days’ worth of work is crammed into four longer shifts,” Pang said. “The former set-up is generally the goal; achieved by a combination of the introduction of new tools and operating practices that boost efficiency and result in a rise in worker wellbeing that fuels productivity.”

Working for four days during a workweek does work.

What do you think the minimum wage should be and why?

“In my opinion, I think minimum wage should be a minimum of $23. I personally think that because with inflation, gas prices and prices of renting, it’s the most reasonable way to get by.”

Mina Saleh - Pre-nursing major

company might allow for a four-day workweek. Still, this wouldn’t be possible in many sectors, such as food distribution, journalism or emergency services. Grocery stores need to stay open and stocked, reporters need to inform the public on a continuous basis and ambulances need to always be available in case of medical emergencies.

Although the industries that need to be constantly staffed could hire more people or have rotating shifts to accommodate a four-day workweek, there’s a much better way to improve the labor environment in the United States—pay all employees a livable wage.

When people can afford to live without worrying if they can afford rent, food, childcare

or other necessities, they are much better off. Yet this stability simply isn’t the reality for many United States residents, with 58 percent of Americans reporting living paycheck to paycheck, according to a 2023 survey by CNBC.

The workplace needs dramatic improvements across the United States, but considering the associated stress and impracticality, a shift to a fourday workweek is not the solution.

“It should be enough to have a livable wage. Like not enough to be like, ‘Oh, I can buy a boat with this,’ because obviously, that’s not possible. But more like a wage where you can afford your cheap apartment, and you don’t need to get a second job. You just kind of need to afford what you have.”

Janelly Morales - Nursing major

“I think it should be a little higher for the reason that inflation is really hitting us. It’s expensive to purchase groceries, and sometimes the work is a bit more than what we’re getting paid. So in general, I feel that they should put more into the minimum wage.”

Deisy Yaque - Kinesiology major

“Honestly, for me personally, $17.50 is fine. I think so because most jobs I see aren’t $16. It’s like $14. I think $17.50 is just ideal for me. I don’t know about other people. Maybe it should be higher or lower. But that’s just what I think.”

Sohrab Hakimi - Welding

major

Quotes gathered by Raiden

Vazquez

Photos by Owen MezaVandermeer

Opinion 3 Wednesday, February 28, 2024

A festival of dramatic proportions

Theater students receive awards for work on stage and behind the scenes

By Violet Garcia Online Editor

With the final round of competition approaching the next morning, nerve-wracked acting major Dale Van Slyke realized his previously perfected monologue for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) was too long. Van Slyke reached out to his trusted professor Shaheen Vaaz in the middle of the night and began to cut down his script.

Vaaz said the judges placed strict time constraints on contestants.

“It must’ve been pretty traumatic. The first person who went up, she got called on time,” Vaaz said. “My palms were sweating, I was sitting there with the team and nobody was timing Dale. We were freaking out.”

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival hosts 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities nationwide and about 30 students from the LAPC Theatre department attended this year’s festival. The program strives to celebrate collegiate productions and hone students’ skills while encouraging professionalism.

The students were contenders

in a variety of categories such as directing, acting and musical theater. Contestants also participated in behind-the-scenes work such as design, scenic design and stage management.

Though the event took place during the weekend of Feb. 16, Pierce’s theater program began preparing last semester.

Vaaz said students went through a lengthy creative process from choosing monologues to selecting musical pieces.

There were a lot of technical and skill improvements in the months leading up to the festival, but Vaaz said collaboration and mutual support also played a key

A look into the archives: 70 years of the Roundup

On this day 13 years ago, photos of a building demolition on campus were taken by Roundup staff and published in Volume 114, Issue 1 of the Roundup in the photo essay titled, “Another one bites the dust…” The 60-year-old Country Café was among other older structures demolished to make way for newer, advanced buildings on campus.

role.

“It was so amazing that they had each other and they were so supportive and not competitive with each other,” Vaaz said. “We try to cultivate that in class and their work.”

Students were involved in onthe-spot rounds but KCACTF also chose four productions to be revived for the Region 8 presentations. Pierce College’s production of “Ironbound” was selected to be performed during this year’s festival.

This added another layer of difficulty during the prep process for students like Joshua Goulde, who had to balance monologue rehearsals along with the revival.

Vaaz said juggling several moving pieces proved to be challenging.

“We started with our winter class which was just hard-core heavy prep,” Vaaz said. “He was also rehearsing ‘Ironbound’ so he could only come to me one day a week. That was stressful.”

Once the festival began, students competed in three total rounds. Their ultimate goal was to make it to finals and walk away with a prize. Of the 16 students who proceeded through to finals, four students were Brahmas.

Pierce’s theater program collectively received three firstplace awards and three honorable mentions within their respective categories.

Van Slyke received first place for Student Directing and the award for Classical Acting in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition. In addition to the accolades, Van Slyke was given the opportunity to attend the

National KCACTF festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, which will be held on April 21, 2024. Van Slyke said it was a happy shock and very rewarding.

“They also gave me membership into the directing union,” Van Slyke said. “It’s almost as if they’re giving you a jump start for your career, which is invaluable in this field.”

Jordyn Kieffer, a recent winter 2023 graduate, received first place in the Design, Technology and Management program for her projection design of “RENT,” and was also given the Student Choice Award in the same category.

For Kieffer’s portion of the competition, she was required to create a poster and present a speech to a panel of judges. The preparation process for Kieffer differed from those of actors—instead of rehearsing monologues, she explored different ways to infuse aspects of characters into projections.

After the festival, Kieffer felt empowered in her talents and was also invited to the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, a tech theater convention in Seattle, Washington.

“I won,” Kieffer said. “That is just amazing connection building. It is better than winning a piece of paper, and to have access to these industry leaders is going to be a great opportunity for me.”

Pierce students received standing ovations for each of their performances and incredible responses from the judges, according to Theatre Managing Director Michael Sande.

4 News theroundupnews.com

Piles of rubble litter the area surrounding the Pierce Country Café on Feb. 28 as construction crews demolish the building to make way for a new library complex, slated to open in 2014. Photo by UD. Copy by Raquel G. Frohlich. (L to R) Joshua Scott Gould, Dale Van Slyke, Shaheen Vaaz, Emelysse Paez and Trevor Bowens together on stage in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 22, 2024. Raquel G. Frohlich / Roundup News

Pierce College Council talks enrollment recovery and risk of budget deficit

By Taj Robles Reporter

From enrollment rates and retention to parking concerns, as well as the possibility that the school might go into a budget deficit, the Pierce College Council (PCC) addressed multiple issues during a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 22.

Interim President Ara Aguiar said there has been progress with the recovery of enrollment rates at Pierce. She also discussed how all the colleges are working on a three-year projection plan to reach the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees goals regarding enrollment.

“Our enrollment continues to recover, we are 10 percent higher than we were last year at this time. The gap still exists [compared] to 2017, we have a 20 percent enrollment gap,” Aguiar said.

Due to the passing of bill AB 928, Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act of 2021, the college will be receiving state funds to implement the push for Associates Degree for Transfer.

“Any student that identifies their educational goal to be a transfer, that student will be assigned an ADT that aligns with that particular educational goal that they may have,” Aguiar said.

Barbara Anderson with the Guided Pathways Committee

brought attention to their goal of holding a Pierce College Day on March 20, where they will bring middle and high school students to the campus so they can see what Pierce has to offer. This event is being organized with the CAP community.

Anderson said this would bring more awareness and help the president’s goal of increasing enrollment rates.

One of the goals for retention is to give students more options in gaining marketable skills, such as obtaining certificates during their path towards receiving an ADT. Another goal is to offer various studentfocused activities that would give them extra reasons to come to campus, according to Anderson.

Given the increase of students, the council talked to Pierce’s deputies regarding the concerns over the parking situation. Parking permits are now mandatory for students, as well as faculty, and citations will be given out starting the last week of February. Students enrolled in nine units or more can get their permit for free and permits are also available for $20.

Safety concerns due to closed gates in Lot 7 were brought up by multiple members. One of the main gates remains closed due to possible tree hazards, creating congestion and causing students to be late to class.

Deputy Isaac Jorge mentioned potentially hazardous zones are being marked off with cones.

Another topic brought up by Jorge is the option for three different training programs offered by the LA County Sheriff’s department. These are panic attack and de-escalation, workplace violence walkthrough, and active shooter training that can be scheduled by the interested faculty by contacting their deans.

Deputy Mike Sampson, with the transport unit, mentioned how Pierce has participated in these training sessions before. Sampson’s main goal is for the faculty who reach out to him to know there are resources available.

“‘I need training,’” said Sampson, referring to common concerns he has heard from faculty. “‘I don’t feel safe at work, I need help.’ And I don’t want you guys to think there’s no options, because your administration has contacted me directly and I want you guys to know that that’s an option that I do.”

There were comments about how the schools reserves are being allocated and how the cushion the school had made, due to being able to save because of the pandemic, is getting smaller. This led to the voting on whether Pierce should implement a Financial Intervention Team (FIT).

Did you spot a splash of Hollywood on campus?

The vote was 13 members approving it with three abstaining their vote.

FIT teams are mandated by the district whenever a school is at risk for a budget deficit. The main objective is to steer a school into creating an action plan that would help them get out of this situation in the future, and Pierce’s Budget Committee had a document readily available showing that they are on top of it before it has reached that point.

The FIT team would consist of one representative from each CFO, College President, College Vice President, Guild, Academic Senate, Teamsters Local 911 and Faculty Guild.

Vice President of Administrative Services Rolf Schleicher was at the last meeting with the District where it was brought up at the Q1 meeting that their reserve was at $2.3 million. He compared the hidden costs of running a university to those of running a home.

“We’re hoping just to break even at this point,” said Schleicher, adding the other nine colleges in the district are facing the same concern about reserves.

Brahma Blotter

Pierce’s parking permit requirement, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been reinstated as of Feb. 19, according to the Business Office.

Students who are enrolled in nine or more units this semester can receive a free parking permit at the Welcome Center or Student Services office. Permits can be purchased at the Business Office.

should make sure to bring a list of colleges they are applying to, a driver’s license, social security information and tax records, or whichever of those documents are applicable to them. The deadline for Cal Grant is March 2.

In order to receive assistance with completing FAFSA, Dream and Cal Grant applications, students can go to the Welcome Center between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Feb. 28 through March 2, according to the Financial Aid office’s social media. Students

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News/Campus Life 5 Wednesday, February 28, 2024 No crimes were reported between Feb. 19-25. Pierce College Sheriff’s Office General Information 818-719-6450 Emergency 818-710-4311 News Briefs LAPC Journal of Anthropological and Geographical Sciences The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office. Submissions to the Second Annual Pierce College Journal of Anthropological and Geographical Sciences are due by Friday, March 15 to Professor Astales at atsalekc@laccd.edu. Reporting by Christian Castellanos and Raquel G. Frohlich Financial aid support Parking permits required again

Wild Art

cars line Lot 7 as part of a production base camp at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on

27,

The film is called “The Maven,” which is a CIA thriller in-progress, according to IMDB.

Vintage

Feb.

2024.

/ Roundup News

Delilah

Brumer

by Delilah Brumer and Raquel G. Frohlich.

Umoja hosts trivia and game show

Brahmas play to engage and educate for Black History Month

By Brandon Harrell Online Editor

The atmosphere in the Multicultural Center during Umoja’s Ultimate Game Show was filled with laughter and comradery as two teams went head-tohead to test their knowledge of Black history and culture.

The teams were assembled–christened THE Revolution and The Black Panthers–and seated at tables facing each other,

but out of whispering range to encourage team communication in the style of Family Feud.

The first round consisted of a “Guess Who?” style game, where participants had to correctly guess a prominent Black figure from a pool of people by asking yes or no questions.

The second round called

said she enjoyed the event.

“It was a lot of fun,” Smith said. “Especially the history.”

Umoja means ‘“To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race” in Swahili (also known as Kiswahili), according to an article in CNN.

“Umoja is a support program

“I think it was a great win, great opportunity to engage but more so to educate.”

Marquis Brignac Campus Ambassador

“Quizardry” was similar to “Jeopardy!,” where the teams picked from categories and were given trivia to be answered in question format. Although competition was fierce and the lead was exchanged multiple times, in the end THE Revolution squeaked out the win.

“I think it was a great win, great opportunity to engage but more so to educate,” facility employee and contestant Marquis Brignac said.

The event had a sizable turnout both in person and on Zoom.

Umoja member Mistoe Smith

that primarily focuses on retention and persistence for our Black students on campus, but we have students of all different cultures and welcome everyone to be part of our program,” Umoja Counselor Lateaira Hockaday said.

Hockaday explained how Umoja benefits its students.

“We offer classes that count for your general education, but the focus of the curriculum is on the African diaspora,” Hockaday said. “That is more relatable to students that are

part of the program, and then we host different activities in terms of events like today. We also go on trips to historically Black colleges and universities.”

Umoja also offers counseling, mentorship, a laptop loan program, textbook assistance, student success workshops and an International Student Fellowship Program that encourages and assists students interested

Transferring on a high note

in study abroad programs, according to their webpage. Students can visit the Umoja Village at the Multicultural Center in LLC 5113, or get more information online at www.lapc.edu.

Applied Music Program students perform before moving on to universities

By Delilah Brumer News Editor

When Paulette Santa Maria started college, she didn’t think she’d be able to turn her talent for singing into a career. Four semesters later, she performed as part of the Applied Music Program (AMP) showcase— culminating her time at Pierce before she transfers to California State University, Northridge in the fall to study music therapy.

The AMP showcase was held in the Performing Arts Building on Thursday and featured six performances, with students whose instruments range from voice to bassoon.

“AMP has really helped me gain my confidence and has helped me grow as a singer,” Santa Maria said. “Before AMP, I never realized that music could be something I get to do in the future.”

Each of the student performers is in the process of transferring to a four-year university, in order to study music performance, musicology, composition or music education.

“I was excited to be here and it was great to perform,” said vocalist Hasti Almasi,

a recent AMP graduate. “It was a full-circle moment to come and showcase what I’ve worked towards one last time.”

As an audition-based, foursemester program, succeeding in AMP takes perseverance, AMP Director Charlotte Wilkins said. A lot of preparation goes into honing their skills before AMP students take the stage at each performance and audition, with many students practicing two or more hours a day in addition to music classes and other responsibilities, according to Wilkins.

“They truly care about what they’re doing and it shows in their dedication to their practice and in their performances,” Wilkins said. “Regardless of their transfer outcomes for different universities, I’m so proud. It’s not easy to apply for any degree, but music has additional hoops to jump through. Yet they take it all in stride and with professionalism.”

According to Wilkins, the students built up for their performance on Thursday and their transfer auditions not only with practice and classes, but also with the one-onone lessons that AMP offers.

Wilkins said the AMP

application is due in June for the next cohort of Pierce musicians.

The showcase was part of a larger series of weekly concerts this spring, organized by ASO.

“It was really nice to have this opportunity for the students,” ASO Concert Director Kevin Good said. “It will hopefully create a sort of feedback loop where a lot of students who are beginning the AMP program now can see themselves on stage in a couple years.”

For Almasi, who plans to study music education in the fall at either California State University, Long Beach, where she was recently accepted, or another university, this performance and the larger AMP experience proved to be memorable.

“I don’t think that I would be anywhere close to where I am today without AMP,” Almasi said. “It set me up with the exact fundamentals I needed to pursue music.”

Upcoming concerts will be held on Thursdays at 1 p.m. in the Performing Arts Building, free of charge. The spring concert series will include both professional and student musicians.

6 Campus Life theroundupnews.com

(L to R) Joseph Thomas, Kaycea Campbell, Keyshaun Oglesby, Xannia Simpson, VP Jason Cifra and Mary Anne GavarraOh try to figure out the answer during the Black History Month Ultimate Gameshow at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 21, 2024. Karla Delgado / Roundup News Karla Delgado / Roundup News (L to R) Campus Ambassador Marquis Brignac, Dean William Marmolejo, Lisa Valdez, Allayna Alexander Alicia Lewis and Diana Kabazarwe work together to answer trivia questions during the Black History Month Ultimate Gameshow at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 21, 2024. Veronica Rosas / Roundup News Elizabeth Lopez plays violin, accompanied by Michelle Do, on piano during the AMP Student Showcase at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 22, 2024.

Photo Essay 7

Black History Month Luncheon

Photography prints, art and copies of the book “What Happened to You?” were on display in Building 600 at a Black History Luncheon presented by BFSA, Umoja, and ONE Book, ONE Campus.

Outreach Librarian Lisa Valdez—who was honored at the event—teaches Umoja classes, research courses, co-advises AGS (Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Sigma Honor Society) and runs the ONE Book, ONE Campus program.

“This year we’re doing a book called, ‘What Happened to You?’ but our theme this year is ‘healing invisible wounds to heal our campus,’” Valdez said. “So this is what we’re doing this year just because in the post-COVID era,

people are just going through a lot—you notice in the way people drive, you notice in the way that people communicate. So it’s just that we want to address those things so we can figure out a way to get back to normal—I guess as close to it as possible—but also healing their hearts.”

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Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Emil Rizkalla / Roundup News Icy Smith / Roundup News Students, professors and faculty gather to enjoy the Black History Month Luncheon at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 22, 2024. Professional Development Coordinator Shannon Krajewski serves food to computer science major Shannan Jackson at the Black History Month Luncheon at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 22, 2024. Librarian Lisa Valdez (center) is emotional as Carman Wimsatt, an associate professor of psychology, and Kalynda McLean, the Umoja Coordinator/Counselor, honor and appreciate the hard work she does for the students and for the community at the Black History Month Luncheon at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 22, 2024. Emil Rizkalla / Roundup News Emil Rizkalla / Roundup News Allayna Alexander, a psychology major, looks over her art at the Black History Month Luncheon in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb 22, 2024.“My art represents a playful unique aura with a touch of feminine. I represent Black creativity and diversity,” Alexander said. by Raquel G. Frohlich. Emil Rizkalla contributed to this story.

Women’s basketball leads with 15th win

Brahmas beat Cougars with a final score of 66-59

By Marcus Nocerino Reporter

The women’s basketball team played their 15th win of the season, with Brahma Tijera Henry scoring the final points.

During the first few minutes of the game, both teams were tied. The final score of the game was 66-59.

Henry scored a shot at three minutes and 38 seconds of the first period. Before the 30 second timeout the first quarter score was 12-4.

After the first quarter, Pierce forward Kayla Fisher made a basket and shared her thoughts on the game.

“The energy was inconsistent, but we were definitely able to hold it down and maintain a unity as a team,” Fisher said. “We took all the nonsense out and we were able to stay humble as a unit.”

The Cuesta College Cougars caught up in the second quarter but after a timeout, the Brahmas were ahead 27-20.

The Cougars caught up to a close score with 44-42 in the middle of the third quarter.

Post Nahyan Noor explained why she liked playing for this team.

“My teammates are absolutely loving and very supportive of each other so I think this team

can go places,” Noor said.

The score was tied 47-47 in the third quarter of the game during the last 10 seconds. The Brahmas fell behind with Cuesta scoring a few more points, making it 4750.

A timeout was called while the score was 58-57. Brahma Bahiyjaui Allen scored, with the Brahmas in the lead 61-58.

The score was 64-59 with a timeout being called 13.7 seconds left in the game.

According to Head Coach Thara Innocent, she explained her thoughts about taking this win.

“It feels good cause we played them last time and it was a close game that they beat us and we got them now,” Innocent said.

Innocent explained how much the team made an impact from their last meet.

“I feel it was a good game and competition that we had some adversity in the mix but we were able to pull through and come together as a team to make it happen,” Innocent said.

Men’s basketball charges to victory with 77-67 win

Sports 8 Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Chassen Gutierrez (#1) rushes down the court to get by defenders in a game against Cuesta College in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 23, 2024. Sadie Shields / Roundup News Point Guard and sophomore Isiah Salim (#10, right) plays in a game against Cuesta College in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 23, 2024. “To my freshmen, I love every last one of y’all. If I could only leave some words for y’all going in the next year is just enjoy every single day through the good, the bad, anything in between, love every last one of y’all teammates, coaching staff, trainers and just enjoy everyday,” Salim said. Sadie Shields / Roundup News Point Guard and sophomore Garang Deng (GD) (#3, center) shoots a free throw in a game against Cuesta College in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Feb. 23, 2024. “If I could leave anything to the freshmen, I would just say go hard everyday and come ready to compete whether it’s practice shoot around, and just push your teammates to be their best self. Push yourself to be your best self, and try to bring yourself into the culture that’s going to allow you to get to that next level and allow you to become a better person. Because at the end of the day it’s about the relationships you make and the people that you meet along the way so really just enjoy the journey and enjoy your time here,” GD said. Sadie Shields / Roundup News

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