THE TEAM DESIGNERS WRITERS PHOTOGRAPHERS ARTISTS ADVISORS
ART BAEZ JONAH COLOMA LISET LOPEZ
SOKCHENDA PRAK KASIE RING KAREN TORRES
MATHEW LUCAS KAYLA MCKEEVER BRIAN MCNALLY JOSH OLVERA
KASIE RING RAYMOND SHINE EMMA STEWART
QUINTA HARRIS MONICA HERNANDEZ SOTHON IN MATTHEW LUCAS BRIAN MCNALLY
NANCY MERCADO JOSH OLVERA ANDRES RESTREPO NORMAN ROBERTS RAYMOND SHINE
GABRIEL LEON MIKE LUBITS KAYLA WALLACE MORGAN BARNARD ANN MITCHELL
Cover and Logo by: Liset Lopez Images by: Monica Hernandez, Sothon In, Mike Lubits, Josh Olvera, Andres Restrepo, & Norm Roberts
CONTENT 03
MISSION STATEMENT
32
UPGRADE INSTANT NOODLES
04
FOR THE LOCALS
34
FASHION REPORT
08
ON 4TH
38
GABRIEL LEON
10
A DAY AT JOSHUA TREE
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ODE TO THE WILDFLOWERS
18
DOWN AT RETRO ROW
44
LONG BEACH IS HEAVEN
20
MAN FOUND
46
SEASON OF
22
HIGH. KARAT. GOLD.
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DROUGHT STRICKEN
24
MOVING FORWARD
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SUNSET AT 6TH STREET BRIDGE
26
GUACAMOLE
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LBCC ACADEMIC CALENDAR
28
CAMBODIAN TOWN
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE LBCC ASB FOR HELPING TO FUND THIS PUBLICATION.
MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to give a voice to creativity on campus and express what our community is all about. The aim of Presence is to introduce Long Beach students and the greater Long Beach community to arts and design as cultural elements at Long Beach City College. The magazine plans to highlight artists, display student submissions and discuss trends that will educate, allow expression, inspire and build a creative presence at LBCC. Readers of the magazine will feel welcome to contribute and be part of the publication. PRESENCE MAG lbpresencemag@gmail.com
3
FOR THE LOCALS By Josh Olvera
The Diamond Supply Co. skate crew invites local skaters for their BBQ and skate jam at downtown Long Beach. With the help of OC Ramps, skaters can come down to hang out and show off their tricks for the event. For safety, the streets were closed off for pedestrians. For more skating, there is a closed area at the corner of 7th and Pine ave. with ramps provided by Cody McEntire and Tj Rogers from OC Ramps. 5
Showing off a trick for the Diamond Supply skate crew.
Local Long Beach Skater Suee cruising on her long board.
4
Written by Brian McNally Photos by Nancy Mercado Brian McNally and Monica Hernandez
IN
1973, a man by the name of Richard O’Brien brought his musical tribute to B-horror films to the stage under the title, The Rocky Horror Show.
Two years later, his vision was brought to the screen as The Rocky Horror Picture Show: since then fans across the country have married the stage and screen in a performance known as shadow acting (where live performers mimic the film as it plays). The actors interact with the audience and the patrons are encouraged to yell and dance
during certain parts of the film. At Long Be ach’s own Art Theater, you can join the creatures of the night that come to see this one of a kind show, every Saturday midnight
“...join the creatures of the night...”
At first you may be strung out by the way it looks but don’t judge a book by its cover because by the end of the show you might be one hell of a lover. There’s a reason why devoted fans return
each week to dance The Time Warp again. You’ll leave laughing, singing your new favorite songs and wondering ‘what’s a triffid?’ Admissions at the Long Beach Art Theater is only $9 when you show your student ID.
Bonus: Reread this after the show and you’ll groan at each reference crammed into this article.
9
A day at joshua tree
Whether it’s for the day or a longer period of time, Joshua Tree National Park offers a variety of activities to explore.
11
The park is a vast desert wilderness that includes activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and stargazing. 13
15
San Bernardino
Joshua Tree North/West Entrance
Desert Hot Springs Riverside Anaheim
Palm Springs
Long Beach
The park’s landscape offers surreal views of rock formations, boulder piles, native plants, wildflowers, and wildlife. It may be at the outer limit of how far someone may go on a day trip, but there is a lot the park offers that is possible to be explored in a day.
Indian Cove Road Joshua Tree Visitor Center
West Entrance Station
Oasis Visitor Center
North Entrance Station
Black Rock Nature Center
Paved Roads Hiking Trails
Cottonwood Visitor Center
Photo: Norman Roberts & Sothon In Text: Kasie Ring 17
Article By: Brian McNally Photographs by: Monica Hernandez, Ray Shine, Norm Roberts, and Josh Olvera
R
etro Row is Long Many of you reading Beach’s thriving this are likely students, hub of independent who spend most of their businesses. The roots of finances on classes and Retro Row arguably stem school books but maybe from its oldest business; you want to go out on the Art Theater which a dinner date without opened in 1924 as the breaking the bank, see Carter Theater. The long that new film all the lasting stability and draw critics are raving about, of the theater allowed or maybe you just want to for other surrounding be the biggest hipster in business to flourish. your social group. Most of Eventually allowing the area Retro Row’s to be known dinners are “Movie tickets as a place for reasonably are only $9 with shopping and priced, quality dining. your student ID at movie tickets
the Art Theater”
are only
$9 with you student ID at the Art Theater and all its many clothing and antique shops can help you be the biggest hipster you can be. Retro Row is also home to live musical performances, poetry readings, weekly showings of the cult classic film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, and other special events. For more information on all this and more go to 4thstreetlongbeach.com.
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MAN FOUND S tudents go to libraries to study and complete school works, even read leisurely knowing that they are in a peaceful, quiet environment. However, it may be possible that a student, if he even is one, may have found an alternative use for the library at the Pacific Coast Highway campus. An LBCC student named Alan Smithee Jr. came across some unusual items around the library one Saturday while taking photos for a student project. The items include a toothbrush, a tooth paste and
a sleeping bag. Smithee also admitted to having snuck in food: a large order of Jack in the Box curly fries, despite signs that prohibit food inside the library. He said they were missing when he returned to his backpack after taking photographs of bookshelves, where he found the dental care products. Smithee also came across a razor and shaving cream in the bathroom which he believes belongs to the same person. He claims that it is a man residing in the library, about 5’8�, whom he saw aimlessly roaming the library in a greyish blue jacket.
Is the possibility of someone living in the library preposterous?
We further learned that a librarian reported his keys as missing and were never returned roughly four years ago. The library is open from Monday through Saturday, yet some staff report that doors were found unlocked on Monday mornings despite the fact that they were locked Saturday upon closing time. On any morning of the week it is apparently not uncommon to find some lights left on in certain parts of the library. Is this just negligence or further proof that someone is living in the library? Is the possibility of someone living in the library preposterous? Sleeping in when no one is around, hiding his personal possessions where people would ever think to look, living off the contraband brought in by students and hiding in plain sight? It just may be.
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Khobe Delucca, LBCC Alumna
K HIGH KARAT GOLD
hobe Delucca is an accomplished
LBCC alumna. She studied the timeless craft and fine art of making
What is your greatest accomplishment in Jewelry so far?
jewelry. Her love for the craft inspired her
Delucca: “The custom pieces I have
that will aid in sharing her ability of ma-
times and events in their lives -- engage-
of art. She was kind enough to speak to us
es -- all count together as my greatest
to create her own line and to open a shop
made for clients to mark the important
nipulating precious metals into fine pieces
ments, weddings, birth, memorial piec-
about what she does and why she loves it.
accomplishment. Having the honor to
How did you get into jewelry & what attracted you to it? Delucca: “I have been attracted to jewelry and adornment for as long as I can remem-
ber. One of my first memories of loving jewelry was my obsession as a little girl over tribal
earrings and neckpieces that my mother had brought back from her travels to Afghanistan.”
What is your favorite material to work with? Delucca: “High Karat Gold.”
participate in these important moments.”
What advice would you give to future jewelry artist? Delucca: “Tenacity, humility, and the will-
ingness to learn are the most important
traits in this industry. Along with a good eye and a steady hand! Just refuse to
give up. With patience and consistency, you can accomplish whatever you set out to. Oh! and, be willing to do whatever it takes to learn from the masters.”
BY: RAYMOND SHINE
.
Moving
Forward
“Rush Hour�
For the greater Los Angeles area is it safe to say rush hour is not limited to just one hour? In an environment of an endless growing population and constant movement it seems like we never stop moving. Whether it is driving in a vehicle or commuting via public transportation, bike, or by foot, someone always seems to be on the go. By : Kasie Ring
P h o t o g ra p h er : Mo ni c a Her na nd ez
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PHOTOGRAPH & RECIPE BY MATTHEW LUCAS EDITED BY LISET LOPEZ
Sometimes people tend to think that guacamole is a magical and delectable green dip that is difficult to make. Well, it’s actually very simple! 1 large ripe avocado 1/2 a small onion, diced 1 cilantro bunch, chopped fresh lemon juice salt & pepper Gut the avocado into a bowl, add the onion, cilantro, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Finally, mash it all up with a fork. Want to spice this up? Simply add some Sriracha sauce to the mix & throw in some diced tomatoes. Bon appetit!
CAMBODIA TOWN
Long Beach
Photography and story by Sothon In Edited by Art Baez
S
ophiline Cheam Shapiro is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, the artistic director of the Khmer Art Ensemble in Long Beach, and a survivor of the Khmer Rouge.
Between 1975 and 1979
the Khmer Rouge had destroyed
the country. Sophiline lost her father and two brothers in that time. After the war, Sophiline and her mother struggled
to survive but dancing
gave her a sense of elevation that separated her from the devastation
all around her. She learned classical Cambodian dance at the School of
Fine Arts in Phonm Penh from some
of the masters of dance that survived
the war. Sophiline devoted herself to
perfecting the complex gestures and
movements of this classical dance.
29
In 1991 Sophiline moved to the United
States, here she began teaching dance
at different Cambodian communities. In
2002 she and her
husband, John
Shapiro, founded the Khmer Arts Academy in Long Beach, CA. The school was made
to
help
Cambodian-American
youth be more confident about their cultural heritage. Although Cambodia’s
recent history is stained with a horri-
ble era, she encourages others to see beyond that . Sophiline, with the aid of
her students, want to demonstrate the
Cambodia that is full of art and culture. For more info visit: khmerarts.org
Sophiline (center) surrounded by some of her students. 31
Upgrade Instant Noodles PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATTHEW LUCAS RECIPE BY MATTHEW LUCAS & LISET LOPEZ
C
ollege Students usually, survive on a budget and can’t afford extravagant foods. One very common college food is Cup Noodles®.
Tired of the same boring instant noodles? Craving some restaurant style ramen, but can’t afford it right now? You can definately upgrade your plain instant noodles by simply adding a few inexpensive ingredients.
You’ll need: instant noodle cup green onions boiled egg ham Prepare the instant noodle cup according to package directions. Meanwhile, prep your toppings. Slice your green onions into thin rings and cut a boiled egg in half. Pour the noodles into a bowl: add the green onions, boiled egg, and finally—the best part—as many slices of ham as you’d like! Bon appetit! Tip: This simple recipe goes well with some freshly squeezed lime and Sriracha sauce.
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Fashion Report: from the students at LBCC
T he featured images showcase select ensembles from a body of work from the fashion design students at Long Beach City College.
This project is a platform to showcase t h i s y e a r ’s f a s h i o n s h o w t h e m e “ M o d s t a l g i a”.
Photography by: Norman Roberts Models: Alexis Brown, Saam McBride
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“ M o d s t a l g i a� h i g h l i g h t s t h e concept of history and nostalgia inspiring modern fashion.
The 2016 spring fashion show will present the complete collection of student work.
Photographer: Norman Roberts
Models: Ashley Pagan, Saam McBride
37
GABRIEL
E O N
G
abriel Leon was born in Puebla Mexico, and the flavor of his artwork reflects his Mexican heritage. Ever since he was a boy his creative expression has been through his art, which has taken on many forms over the years, including assemblage, ceramics, and acrylics. Recently he has been focusing on Computer Art at Long Beach City College where he has especially enjoyed his Illustration classes with Mr. Jaynes. Gabriel lives in Long Beach, California with his husband and teenage son.
Deehorse, The Forest Healer (2016) Black paper and white pencilcil 39
Deer, Spring Spirit (2016) Photoshop
Mother’s Love (2003) Acrylic
An Ocean of Tears (2003) Acrylic
My Heart is Dormant (2003) Acrylic 41
A
wild flower is like a rainbow; it’s beautiful and shines in the dullest of places. It wanders and strays, sometimes too far. It must be careful, however, because it might end up in the backyard of someone who considers it to be a weed and decides to destroy it. I can sympathize with a wild flower. I once considered myself a weed, growing in a household that I felt didn’t want nor need me. But now as I begin to blossom, I fear the same fate every wild flower does, being picked by someone who doesn’t appreciate their existence as much as the mother who tended to it does.
Ode to the Wild Flowers Kayla Mckeever
Dedicated to my mom, Maria Mckeever.
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LONG BEACH IS HEAVEN BY SOTHON IN
We all know that Long Beach is a melting pod for Cambodians, its more than another city, it is home, even heaven. Comparing to
where the 1st generation came from, Long Beach is seen as paradise of opportunity, far from the Killing field of Cambodia.
This picture depicts a lady doing the Angel Dance in Long Beach that is in the sky of clouds. She represents the Cambodian spirit.
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SEA SON OF
It is time to crack open the wounds that courage grew from. It is time to drag torpid reason onto the cracked throat roads. Head towards the red lights the blue skies the dead grass third knuckle of your neck exposed to third degree waiting and the possibility of cancer. This is the step through, eye catching wind, teeth clenching grind, keep licking the wound so it stays open fresh Blooming.
EMMA STEWART
KAYLA WALLACE Canyon River (2016) Blender and Photoshop
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Drought Stricken Norman Roberts The severity of California’s drought makes it impractical to have moisture-loving plants and water-hungry grass. Before long, Southern California will be forced to give up on its greenery and adopt drought-friendly plants. The beautiful desert landscape fits this category and should be adopted to people’s standard of curb appeal, saving vast amounts of water.
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Sunset at 6th Street Bridge 1.4.2016 Downtown L.A. Photograph by Andres Restrepo
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LBCC ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2016 /2017
SEP
2016
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Fall Semester
Flex Day
Winter Session
Holidays
Spring Semester
Non-Instructional Days
Summer Session
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WANTED: STUDENT SUBMISSIONS!
S U B M I T:
100 WORD STORY
Original works only. Stories can be fictional or nonfictional.
ARTWORKS
High resolution image or photo (300 dpi). Please include the following: Title, date, medium, and one short paragraph describing your work.
To submit works or for further details, email lbpresencemag@gmail.com