Vikings lose to Mt. Sac 7-2 Page 5
Volume 88, Issue 10
February 26, 2015
Published Since 1927
$23.4M PCC building takes shape By Sylvana Uribe Staff Writer
Sounds of power tools and heavy machinery echo throughout the PCC as construction continues on the GG Building, which will house student services. The structure is expected to be completed in Spring 2016. Services will include admissions and records, Financial Aid, counseling, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, Disabled Student Programs and Services and the cashier’s office. The GG Building also will include classrooms and a food court. The 31,698-square-foot project is set to cost $23.4 million. On Jan. 27, the college celebrated the opening of the PCC Buildings AA and BB. AA, the new administration building, stands at 30,165 square feet. Building BB is 14,768 square feet. Together they house the new administrative wing, workforce development services, computer labs, faculty offices and classrooms. Lihour Hul, 19, a business administration major, said, “I’m glad students are going to benefit from the changes and have access to resources they may not have outside of the college.” Other changes to the PCC include removing the MD trailers this Spring. Trailers housing student services will remain until Building GG’s completion. At the LAC, the renovation of the vocational nursing program Building C is anticipated to be finished in Spring 2016. It will
Brandon Richardson/Viking A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION: Students try to carry on a conversation as loud construction continues on Building GG beside the trailers at the PCC on Monday, Feb. 23.
feature hospital-simulation technology. The culinary arts program will gain seven culinary labs, studio teaching kitchens and a working restaurant when the math technology and culinary building is
completed, anticipated for this Summer. Amanda Jones, 32, a culinary arts major, said, “Having more space is going to allow for more hands-on teaching and more times for classes to be offered.”
Construction is possible due to the voter-approved $616 million Measure E bonds, which LBCC President Eloy Oakley said in his Feb. 6 State of the College Address is in its 10th year of a 15year modernization program.
Oakley went on to say that “our physical transformation is just the start. The real measure of our success is student success. We are finding new ways to help students achieve their dreams.”
of employees, elected officials almost sextupled since 1985 and and top educators from the area. the “total amount of student loan “I can’t accept it and I hope you debt held by Americans surpassed won’t either.” $1 trillion in 2011,” according to a He went on to say 27 percent 2012 study by Harvard University. of students will accomplish the Albert Romero, 50, an Engoal in four years and a glish and culinary mere 5 percent in two. arts major, said, “You For some, graduahave to work because tion gets delayed due to Financial Aid is not overwhelming demand enough. My expefor classes. With the rience has been the recent hiring of 53 fullclasses that I need at time teachers and the a certain time are not ongoing construction, available. I see a lot Oakley hopes to have of students get frusEloy Oakley more classes available to trated because they “I can’t accept it” need to work and meet the demands. However, for many nothing is available.” students, the reason they are not To combat the challenge, completing college in a timely President Barack Obama has promanner, if at all, is the ever-ris- posed offering two free semesters ing cost. The cost of college has of Community College to incom-
ing freshman, a proposal supported by Oakley. For other students, however, the reason is a lack of basic reading and math skills needed to succeed in college. Amy Wagner, an Orange Coast College employee working with incoming freshman in the Student Orientation Assessment and Registration program, said, “I am seeing lower test scores overall, especially from lower socioeconomic areas, than I was when I entered OCC.” According to the 2013 National Assessment of Education Progress, only 26 percent of 12thgrade students scored at or above the proficiency level in math and 38 percent scored at or above the proficiency level in reading. Now, with the introduction
of Common Core to California schools, some teachers said students will fall farther behind. Danielle Burson, a first grade teacher in the Norwalk-La Mirada school district, said, “If too much time is spent on the Common Core way then basic skills will not be learned and without basic skills the students are going to be unable to produce the Common Core work.” It will be several years before educators can gauge the program’s effectiveness. More information regarding Common Core is available at corestandards.org. But, whether it helps or it hurts, Oakley said he is determined to lower the number of years it takes students to graduate or transfer from LBCC.
President wants to fast-forward grad time frame 2 years free tuition, more available classes may help cut 6-year average. By Brandon Richardson Editor in Chief Six years. The amount of time it will take 42 percent of Community College students to earn an associate degree, certificate or transfer to a university, according to LBCC President Eloy Oakley said during his State of the College Address on Friday, Feb. 6. “Is six years really acceptable for getting through Community College? For finishing what used to be called a two-year degree?” Oakley said, addressing the crowd
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NEWS
2
February 26, 2015
4-year program will not be offered By Irina Nizovtseva Staff Writer
Brandon Richardson/Viking EXTRA BREATHING ROOM: Students enjoy the newly opened walkway and seating in the revamped Central Quad between the E Building and the Library on the first day of school Monday, Feb. 9.
With not enough public schools with affordable university degrees, California joins the 21 other states where Community Colleges offer bachelor’s degree programs. The bill authorized by Democratic State Sen. Marty Block and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown was chosen based on the labor market and geographic diversity, offering students more education and less student loans. President Eloy Oakley said LBCC will not participate in the innovative pilot program due to several reasons. LBCC is surrounded by public and private universities offer-
ing bachelor’s programs, ensuring transfers as well as opportunities to dual enroll at both LBCC, CSUs and U.C.s. Associate Director of Public Relations and Marketing Stacey Toda said, “At this time, there is no plan to offer the four-year degree to other Community Colleges beyond the pilot when it sunsets in 2022.” LBCC will remain true to its original goal, to prepare students for transfer to a university. Nicole Robitaille, 29, an English major, said, “I am about to finish my studies, so it does not affect me. However, my sister on the other hand just got into college and this program would definitely benefit her.”
Campus tackles Quad nears completion cat issues closely $3.3M Central area is scheduled to be completed April 15.
palm tree lined Quad early Tuesday morning, Feb. 10, second day back to classes. Anthony Uriarte, 18, a civil engineering major, said, “I’m anxious to see how the eating area is going to look.” Equally curious, Josefina Cruz 21, a premed psychology
ing first-hand the transformation of the two campuses. “It’s just so beautiful, comfortable and open. It looks like a brand new campus.” Student Earnesto Cruz 18, a civil engineering major, agreed By Kelly Mahaffey adding, “I love the palm trees and Staff Writer that the area is nice and open.” Several students said their “Just look at it, it’s beautiful,” plan is to utilize the area rathsaid Kristal Reyes, 20, an un- “It’s just beautiful, comfortable er than be more likely to just declared major referring to the and open.” pass through. Jovany Diaz, landscape and architect of the -Earnesto Cruz 18, an electrical technolonew Central Quad, now open Civil engineer major gy major, said, “More space at LAC. means more social interacReyes rushed on to say, “It’s major, said, “I am very excited to tion.” way better than having to walk all see what the Quad will look like When the project will be comthe way around those fences to when completely finished.” pleted was less on the minds of get to class.” The outdoor dining section campus-goers as the bigger quesEven more excited, Reyes remains behind construction tion, and still at this time a mysforesees the Quad will generate fencing, but this didn’t seem to tery, is What is going to go in the more student interaction as she damper the enthusiasm generated kiosk? At this time it is unknown, declares “club events will be great by students and employees when however, further investigation out here.” talking about the project. remains. The remaining renovaAlthough the $3.3 million Interim Director of Upward tions of the Quad are scheduled project is not quite complete, stuBound Margaret Antonio-Palo- to be completed by April 15. dents are still able to enjoy the mares and veteran renovation More information may be obunveiled area as many were found onlooker was proud to share that tained by visiting lbcc.edu/Bondcongregating on or around the she has been a LBCC staff em- Program. new brick-benched-seating and ployee for over 10 years, witness-
By Irina Nizovsteva Staff Writer
and Foreign Language Departments in the School of Language Arts, said, “When I got here in LBCC has attracted the atten- the 1970’s, there were no anition of animal advocates and sup- mals here. The college is no place porters over the past few years. for animals. They have fleas and First, the overgrown bunny smell. It’s just unprofessional.” population had to be taken under In a memo to employees control. Now the feral cat popu- Monday, Feb. 23, Vice President lation is an ongoing topic of con- of Human Resources Rose Delversation. Gaudio said, “Beginning this Both LAC Spring semesand PCC “I personally don’t like cats ter, the college have been and want them removed from established a a home for program and over 30 feral the campus.” procedures cats. Despite -Yolanda Fernandez for the feeding never being Administrative Assistant and caring of incidents of cats that exist feral cat attacks on students or at both PCC and LAC.” employers, they post other health Designated cat feeding locaconcerns including fleas, smell of tions have been identified at the urine and feces and allergies. PCC (northeast corner of BuildAaisha Atkins, a theatre arts ing MM) and the LAC (west side major, said, “I personally don’t of Building M), DelGaudio said. like cats and want them removed District-approved volunteers from the campus.” are only allowed to feed the cats Yolanda Fernandez, admin- from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. in the desigistrative assistant for the English nated locations, she wrote.
CLUBS WELCOME STUDENTS
Darel James/Viking English major Andrew Meneses, 25, serves concessions to students and employees during welcome back week at the LAC. Meneses and other Cabinet members gathered Tuesday, Feb. 10, to help usher in the Spring semester with full stomachs. PCC hosted its Join-a-Club Day on Wednesday, Feb 18.
Darel James/Viking Communications major Marianne Cisneros, 23, and Cal State San Bernardino alumnus Todd Lee help promote the Vikings for Animals organization during Join-a-Club Day at the LAC. The event was presented in the Front Quad on Thursday, Feb. 19.
February 26, 2015
Parking issues have students overturned
Controversy spreads over increased fees. By Arnold James Staff Writer
The parking at LBCC at the LAC has been an on-going issue for quite a long time and does not seem to be getting any better. One of the complaints that seems to come up quite often is the no-drop off, red-zone on Faculty Ave between Carson Street and Harvey Way. If a LBCC student or a employee is dropped off there, even for just a minute, the driver will be cited for illegal parking if caught by the Long Beach Police or parking patrol, officers said. The fine is $49.50 and payable to the City of Long Beach parking citation department. None of the revenue will be put toward LBCC. Lt. Julie Prior of the Long Beach Police Department said, “The signs were posted with the approval of the city and they are enforced through the vehicle code. It was done due to the traffic congestion and the hazard the autos caused on Faculty Avenue to the residents and students.” Prior also added, “We posted the signs on the street that say no stopping or parking at any time in response to complaints by the Lakewood Village homeowners and in collaboration with the city traffic engineer.”
The current construction project on Carson and Clark Ave eliminated about another one-hundred parking spaces. During the Winter and Summer sessions, the problem is not as congested, but in the Spring and Fall semesters, it is much more difficult to find a space north of Carson or in the parking structure. The Veterans Stadium parking lot has more than enough spaces, but it’s not well lighted or patrolled by security as well as students would like it to be. Students have complained about the safety concerns in the past. With the two recent attacks at Victor Valley College, concerns have risen. Many students are not aware of some parking citation details. Students driving a convertible-type vehicle may obtain a special permit from the LAC public safety building, which special permit must be obtained after the purchase of a semester parking permit. Backing into parking stalls is not permitted, police say. Students may not double-park nor circle the parking lot while waiting for a parking space to open, officers emphasized. Motorcycle and moped operators must purchase a current semester parking permit and keep it in their possession at all times, police say.
NEWS
3
NATIONAL WALKOUT DAY
Jon Peacock/Viking FAIR WAGES AND CONDITIONS: Karen Roberts, part-time teachers’ union president, at LBCC, hands out fliers for National Adjunct Walkout Day on the front Quad of LAC Wednesday, Feb. 25. Part-time teachers staged walk-outs nationally to protest for fair wages and better working conditions.
Arrest made in Winter bomb scare By Samwell Favela Contributing Writer
New student Elizabeth Miranda had an explosive welcome. At 10:01 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, an emergency alert was broadcast to LBCC students regarding a possible explosive device found on the LAC. A lockdown was enforced, evacuations were made and classes starting before 2 p.m. in Buildings A, B, N, P, Q, R and T were cancelled. The Long Beach police blocked off the north half of the LAC to ensure campus safety,
with an area set up for press on Village Way and Faculty Avenue. Police and the Los Angeles Sheriff ’s Department investigated a suspicious green Honda parked in front of Building A on Carson Street for almost two hours. At 11:50 a.m., code-four was called, which canceled police backup. An email was sent to students and employees at 12:11 p.m. by LBCC officials saying the emergency was over. The police tracked down the person, who was a local resident, who made the phone call reporting the explosive device and took the individual into custody with-
out incident. Lt. Julie Prior didn’t provide the name of the man. After thoroughly inspecting Miranda’s car, police cleared her. Miranda, 20, said, “I was just here to register for classes. Someone thought the box in my back seat was a bomb. There’s just papers in it.” When the bomb threat was first reported, President Eloy Oakley had just finished the Foundation Breakfast with police Chief Robert Luna. Oakley said, “I feel very comfortable that the LBPD are always nearby and do a great job, like today.”
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CITYSTYLE
4
Artists showcase their work Two solo displays exhibit work in a variety of mediums.
Spotlight Theatre Club hosts Williams’ films By Krista Brooks Staff Writer
By Darel James Staff Writer The LAC art gallery in the K Building was filled with interested students, employees and visitors on Wednesday, Feb. 11 during the Keith Walsh and Kim Abeles art exhibition. The exhibition was the first of the Spring semester. Gallery coordinator Trevor Norris said, “I encourage the people coming in to ask questions, look around, get to know the space and enjoy the work.” Norris is in his first full year as coordinator. Visitors glancing along the gallery walls had a choice of viewing both solo galleries by each artist. Abeles presented visitors a 120-foot photographic masterpiece titled “The Golden Mile.” The project consisted of individual photographs taken over four years. The pictures were then stitched together creating a lengthy photographic banner. Displaying the entire main street of West Bromwich in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom, the piece included 1506 photographs. Abeles said, “I’ve always been a person to just dive
February 26, 2015
Darel James/Viking TINY ACHITECTURE: Art major Anthony Sok, 28, left, alongside drawing/painting major, Everett Bbcock, 24 observes displayed work by artist Keith Walsh in the LBCC art gallery at the LAC, Wednesday, Feb. 11.
into my work. sculpture. “Whenever I have been cuSculpture models placed in rious about the center of his something in “It comes from an idea that gallery worked the world, I in connection have always has no dimension which you with sketched tried to make must create.” drawings along myself part of the walls. -Keith Walsh it.” The drawArtist ings representWa l s h took visitors on a journey through ed the beginning of the art prothe process of creating art with his cess such as basic shapes, color work. Titled “The Cabs,” short for choices and measurements for cabinets, Walsh wanted to show the finished piece. The sculptures observers the stages of creating themselves were the finished starting from 2-D paper to 3-D product.
TAP &
Walsh said, “I wanted to remind observers of the wonder of form, knowing the sense of shape and its dimension. It comes from an idea that has no dimension which you must create.” For more information on upcoming exhibitions and general information, people may contact the LBCC art gallery at 562-9384815. Current gallery hours are Monday and Thursday 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday noon–7:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 7, the gallery will open from noon-4 p.m.
The Spotlight Theatre Club presented a double-feature movie night Friday evening, Feb. 20, to raise money for the Trevor Project and to honor late actor, Robin Williams. The Trevor Project is a national organization that focuses on providing services of crisis relief, specializing in suicide prevention to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. Co-Vice President of the Spotlight Theatre Club Donna Thaing, 22, said, “Robin Williams was always doing work for other people, so we didn’t feel like it was right to keep the money for our benefit, we wanted to give back the way he had.” Rory Kennedy, 23, a theatre arts major, watched “Dead Poets Society” for the first time that night. “With his comedic background, movies like this open the audience’s eyes at how talented he was as a performer in drama, he could do anything,” he said. The movie night raised $91.54 and the club plans to donate $200 to the Trevor Project. Mendelez said, “It was a great way to celebrate his work and life while raising awareness for suicide prevention.”
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SPORTS
February 26, 2015
Vikes score late wins Coaches rally
against cancer
Men, women head to playoffs.
Coach’s wife talks about battle with disease.
By Will Ranos Sports Editor With thrilling wins over Cerritos and Los Angeles Southwest, the Vikings men’s and women’s basketball teams will be looking ahead to the Southern California Regional Playoffs. The Southern California Regional Playoffs will begin for the men (21-6) at home against No. 9 seed Chaffey (20-10) on Friday, Feb. 27, at 7 pm. The women (1710) will play at No. 5 seed Palomar College (24-3) on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. The men’s team beat Cerritos, 68-67, on Wednesday, Feb. 20. LBCC had a lead as big as 14 points 14 and a half minutes into the second half, but Cerritos was able to bring the game within two after going on a 15-5 point run. Michael Shivers, a freshman guard, was huge for the Vikings in the end. Shivers had five of his 13 points in the last two minutes, including a few crucial free throws. Cerritos had multiple chances to tie the game, but struggled to make free throws down the stretch. Sophomore guard Brandon Staton led the Vikings in points with 18 points, seven rebounds and four steals. On his 18 points, Staton said, “Usually I’m a 3-point shooter, but I’ve been missing lately, so I’ve just been trying to get to the basket and be more aggressive.” Elijah Gaines, a sophomore guard, helped lead the team to victory with 14 points, four assists and a team-high 12 rebounds. The
5
By Will Ranos Sports Editor
Will Ranos/Viking GOING UP: LBCC sophomore guard Chris Spencer attempts a layup in traffic against Cerritos. Spencer finished with nine points and five rebounds in the Vikings’ 68-67 win over Cerritos.
Vikings’ season leading scorer, sophomore guard Chris Spencer, had nine points along with five rebounds, two assists, one steal and a block. Coach Barry Barnes said, “We didn’t play well tonight, but we grinded it out. Tonight was survival.” Later that night, the Vikings’ women’s team narrowly pulled out a win over Cerritos, 57-55. Going into overtime, LBCC sophomore guard Armani Wiley started by hitting a 3-pointer 24 seconds in. From there, the Vikings didn’t let go of the lead, with the sophomore guard scoring seven of the team’s eight points in overtime.
Wiley had a solid all-around game with 20 points, five assists, five steals, three rebounds and two blocks. Darshana Taafua, a center, had a dominant game, scoring 16 points, along with 20 rebounds, three blocks, three steals and three assists. Despite her success, Taafua was still critical of herself. “I need to improve down low. I played well on defense, but I need to do better on offense,” she said. Talking about the difference between the first half and the second half, Coach Michael Anderson said, “We competed in the second half. We really played hard. The defense was huge and it made up for our 25 turnovers.”
LBCC athletics and the California Community College men’s and women’s Basketball Coaches Association contributed in hosting the “Coaches vs. Cancer” event Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Hall of Champions Gym to help raise funds for cancer and promote awareness. The event began at 4 p.m. with events going on throughout the evening. The men’s and women’s basketball teams at LBCC played against Cerritos. A fund-raising free-throw contest was conducted during halftime of both games with the LBCC cheerleaders walking around during that time to gather donations. Tracy Groh, 19, an English major, said, “It’s a fantastic event. LBCC does a great job.” Celeste Peabody, wife of LBCC football coach Brett Peabody, was
recognized during the halftime of the men’s basketball game as the 2015 honoree. Talking about being recognized, Peabody said, “I’m very happy. LBCC has been very supportive and it is like an extended family for me. The support has just been wonderful.” The breast cancer survivor, who had her last radiation treatment Thursday, Feb. 19, mentioned that everyone should get monograms regularly. “Catching it early makes all the difference.” LBCC athletic director Joe Cascio said, “Everyone has in some way been affected by cancer. (Coaches vs. Cancer) is a cause that everyone can believe in.” Last year, LBCC raised $3,466 toward a statewide donation of $28,945 to the American Cancer Society. The final numbers for this year’s donation have yet to be finalized, but organizers hope to exceed last year’s contribution. Donations may be made by going to lbccvikings.com/special-events/2014-15/cvc_donation
CITY SPORTS
Baseball: After losing to Irvine Valley, 2-1, on Saturday, Feb. 21, the Vikings got their revenge Tuesday, Feb. 24, winning 3-2. The Vikes next game will be Thursday, Feb. 26, at West LA. Men’s volleyball: LBCC is off to a hot start, notching its fifth win of the season over San Diego Mesa, 3-0, on Friday, Feb. 20. The Vikings’ next game is Wednesday, Feb. 25, against LA. Trade-Tech. Swimming and diving:
In the Mt. SAC swimming invitational Friday, Feb. 20, LBCC finished sixth among 15 in the combined team-score section. The women finished 10th among 14 and the men finished second among 12. In the men’s 50-yard butterfly, LBCC’s Frankie Cervantes finished third and Ryan Collins fourth. The teams compete in a dual-meet against Mt. San Antonio and East Los Angeles on Friday, Feb. 27.
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Jon Peacock/Viking COSTLY ERROR: Freshman pitcher Amber Helguera and sophomore catcher Jenny Santiago attempt to keep Mt. San Antonio’s Sabrina Canales from scoring after a pitch that got away. The play resulted in a run for Mt. SAC and the Vikings suffered a 7-2 loss.
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LBCC loses to Mt. SAC
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Vikings hang in until last 3 innings.
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16599
The Viking softball team suffered a 7-2 loss against Mt. San Antonio on Tuesday, Feb. 24, and with the loss, now have a record of 4-7 on the season. For a large portion of the
game, the young Vikings, who are fifth in the South Coast Conference, held off the Mounties (112), who are second. Sophomore pitcher Mary Gonzales was able to keep Mt. SAC in check until the last three innings, when Gonzales would give up four-runs. The coaches pulled Gonzales later that inning and brought in freshman pitcher Amber Helguera, who was able to
limit Mt. SAC to one run during her short time in the circle. During the last three innings, Mt. SAC blew the game open, scoring five runs. It was a deficit the Vikes were unable to recover from. LBCC coach Melissa Angel explained that after a loss like this, the team needs to work on hitting and simply refreshing their skills.
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CALENDAR
February 26, 2015
REMEMBERING HISTORY
IMPORTANT DATES
No classes on Flex Day, Tuesday, March 10. Classes will not meet on either campus as teachers will participate in Flex Day. Cindy Macias/Viking Political science professor Graham, left, and exhibit director David McLucas, center, show applied math Elijah Boswell, 22, an authentic slave brace to educate him on the origin of African American slurs Wednesday, Jan. 18. The “Forgotten Images” is an educational exhibit and museum about African American history that includes books, art and authentic artifacts. They were on display in the Nordic Lounge at the LAC.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Foster and Kinship Care Education is proud to present a free parenting workshop series. The parenting class will provide caregivers with various parenting techniques. The discipline techniques will assist in addressing children’s challenging behaviors. Mondays, Feb. 23, March. 2, 9 and 16, from 6-9 p.m. at the PCC Building UU. Breakfast and snacks will be provided. Gallery hours for the run of Keith Walsh’s and Kim Abeles’ solo exhibits. Art gallery open Feb. 25-March 12, Monday and Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tues and Wednesday, noon-8 p.m., Saturday, March 7, noon-4 p.m. FINANCIAL AID
Workshops Feb. 26-27 applications for FASFA and California Dream Act Applications. More information is avaiable by going to the admission and records office or lbcc.edu
ASB CABINET
ASB president: Lokilani Hunt ASB vice president: Lauren Christine Ho ASB treasurer: Zac Pignon Secretary: Samwell Favela Student Trustee: Gus Orozco PCC student council president: Dalziel Arambula LAC Club Senate president: Benny Carrillo PCC Club Senate president: Vacant LAC Cultral Affairs chair: Alberto Moreno PCC Cultural Affairs chair: Vacant Rep. of legislative affairs: Alejandro Lomeli Rep. of academic affairs: Joanna Martinez Rep. of arts: Joy Abubo Rep. of student health and environment: Andrew Meneses Rep. of communication: Brittany Lieberman Rep. of athletics: Robert Hewitt Rep. of volunteer services: Robert Devlin
ASB CABINET
ASB meetings are every Friday at 8 a.m. Feb. 27 PCC LL102 March 6 LAC T1100 Meetings alternate between the locations weekly. SPORTS
Baseball: Tuesday, March 3, at 2 p.m. vs. El Camino Men’s basketball: Friday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. vs. Chaffey in round 2 of the Southern California Regional Playoff. Men’s swimming and diving: Friday, Feb. 27, at 12:30 p.m. vs. Mt. San Antonio and at 2:30 p.m. vs. East Los Angeles. Men’s volleyball: Wednesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. vs. Moorpark Softball: Tuesday, March 3, at 3 p.m. vs. East Los Angeles Women’s tennis: Tuesday, March 3, at 2 p.m. vs. El Camino
OPPONENT FLAGGED
Cindy Macias/Viking Communications major Michael Peys, 22, runs the ball to prevent his flag from being pulled during flag football class Friday, Feb. 20, in Veteran Stadium.
ENROLLMENT SERVICES
LAC (562) 938-4485 A1075 Office hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-noon Saturday-Sunday Closed PCC (562) 938-4485 MD146 Office hours: Monday - Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday-Sunday Closed Limited services on Friday: Specialists are unavailable. Front desk is open for questions only from noon-4:30 p.m. More information or a better understanding of the Internal Revenue Service data retrieval tool, California Dream Act, correcting the FAFSA, student loans and veterans’ benefits is available by watching Financial Aid videos on the topics and more information at lbcc. edu.
LIBRARY HOURS
PCC LL Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday: Closed LAC L Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday: Closed LAC (562) 938-4485 A1075 Office hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-noon Saturday-Sunday Closed PCC (562) 938-4485 MD146 Office hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday-Sunday Closed Limited services on Friday: Specialists are unavailable. Front desk is open for questions only from noon-4:30 p.m.
OPINION
February 26, 2015
7
OPINION
Anti-vaccers a threat to society By Eliza De la Flor Contributing Writer
EDITORIAL
Funding for K-12 ed first
Earlier this year, President Barack Obama urged Congress to pass his previously proposed initiatives regarding early-childhood and post-secondary education: federally-funded preschools and colleges to create more educational opportunities for low-income families. The “Preschool for All” initiative, which Obama first proposed in his 2013 State of the Union address, calls for $90 billion to be dedicated to preschool funding over the next 10 years. An additional $70 billion is needed to support his plan to offer two tuition-free years of Community College. While providing the children of low-income families and fi-
nancially-strapped college students easier access to education is commendable, it seems Obama is overlooking something very critical, the presently unsatisfactory state of our nation’s educational system for kindergarten through high school. Over the last 10 years, states across the country have experienced budget cuts, countless schools closing and many teachers being handed pink slips within the K-12 education system. Coupled with the costly Common Core, which has mixed reviews, the $160 billion President Obama is asking to fund new preschool and Community College programs would be better spent on the troubled K through 12
public schools system in America. Excellent preschools lose their effectiveness if the school’s students continue on to a substandard K-12 public education. Graduating public high school seniors’ math and reading levels are mostly below what is considered “proficient,” in America, according to the 2013 National Assessment of Education Progress. Free tuition for unskilled freshmen is a formula for failure at the college level. It seems the already existing problems with our grade schools should be examined before the president begins to dole out money for the before and after. And $160 billion would go a long way in rebuilding the broken K-12 education system.
CITY VIEWS
What is your stand on child vaccination? Compiled by Arieel Alcaraz and Jon Peacock on Feb. 25 on the LAC
attention when Jenny McCarthy decided vaccines were the culprit for her son’s autism diagnosis. A measles outbreak that start- Correlation is not causation. The ed at Disneyland in December rate of autism diagnosis and misis spreading to other states and diagnosis has risen as researchers countries as far as Europe and discover more about the disorder reigniting the public vaccination and more information is availdebate to levels not seen since ac- able to the public. The study had tress Jenny McCarthy realized she already been dismissed by the isn’t a doctor. medical community when McVaccine supporters cite nu- Carthy decided it was relevant to merous studies proving the drug’s her situation. It turned out her benefits. Anti-vaccine proponents son’s initial diagnosis was wrong. also reference studies as well as McCarthy was not nearly as vopast medications cal and forthcoming once considered safe with retractions as and found to have she had been with traumatic side efaccusations and fects. mis-education. Heather Dillard The Center for is a mother and Disease Control and nurse who has dePrevention (CDC) cided to go the anwebsite defines the ti-vaccine route. She risk: “Measles is so said she doesn’t worcontagious that if Eliza de la Flor ry about her family, one person has it, 90 not because they have percent of the people healthy immune systems, but close to that person who are not rather “about affecting children immune also will become infectwho are immune-compromised ed.” and cannot be vaccinated,” acDon’t even try the “I keep my cording to a Newsday article. family home if they seem at all OK, so, your seemingly sick” argument either, because the healthy child is a carrier, unbe- CDC also tells us, “Infected peoknown to you and comes into ple can spread measles to others contact with a newborn too young from four days before to four days for safe vaccination. “Contact,” by after the rash appears.” the way, can simply mean being in So, if your unvaccinated spethe vicinity, since measles can be cial little snowflake comes down transmitted through the air. You with measles, good luck contactand your child are fine, surround- ing everyone you shared the same ed by vaccinated individuals. That atmosphere with in the past week. newborn, though? Face it: if that That’s your responsibility, right? baby is diagnosed with measles, If you’re prepared not to vacyou bear the responsibility. cinate yourself and your family, A popular anti-vaccine argu- then please be prepared to shoulment cited a study tenuously link- der all the accompanying responing vaccinations to increased di- sibility. Understand that the buragnoses for autism. The argument den is shouldered by everyone. gained unfortunate widespread
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Andres Mares, 20,
Computer science major “Private schools I understand, but public schools shouldn’t.”
Cheyenne Phoenix, 19, Undecided major “I don’t know, I haven’t really looked into it. They should be vaccinated because it should be familiar in their systems.”
Jessica Lozano, 18, Undecided major “I think they should because it can prevent from kids getting sick from others.”
Editor in chief: Brandon Richardson Managing editor : Arieel Alcaraz Social media editor: Jessica De Soto Opinion editor: Paul Ingvaldsen Citystyle editor: Hunter King Sports editor: Will Ranos Staff: Tyisha Ali Krista Brooks Arnold James Darel James Christian Love Cindy Macias Kelly Mahaffey Irina Nizovtseva
Nick Dyer, 20, Administrative justice major “I think it is right to vaccinate over a period of time and not all at once to allow the building of their immune systems.”
Susan Chau, 27, Registered nursing major “I encourage it strongly because disease can be prevented.”
Jorge Marcus, 20, Biology major “I think it should be taken. The medical guidelines should be followed based on the success rate.”
Jon Peacock Sylvana Uribe Brianna Vega
Have an opinion?
The Viking welcomes letters to the editor. Writers must identify themselves by showing their ASB card, driver’s license or ID card and email. Only names will be published with the letter.
Adviser: Patrick McKean Photo and Online adviser: Chris Viola Retired photo adviser: Jim Truitt The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication. The Viking will be published March 12 and 26, April 16 and 30, May 14 and 28. The Viking is published by Journalism 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87 and 88 students of the LBCC English Department, with funding from the Associated Student Body. The Viking newsroom is located at LBCC, 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, Calif., 90808, Room P125, Mail Code Y-16, Telephone (562) 938-4285 or contact us by email to vikingnews@lbcc.edu. The Viking is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges, the California Newspaper Publishers Association, Unity Journalists of Color and the California First Amendment Coalition. Printed by Beach Community Publishing. Delivery staff: PCC Student Life staff and LAC ASB volunteers. The views expressed in the Viking do not reflect the views of the advisers, administration or the ASB. First copy free, each additional $1.
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February 26, 2015
ASH: Adelyn Tirado receives the sacrament from one of the sisters of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity.
Ash sacrament received Wednesday Mass presented at LAC. Story By Christian Love Staff Writer Photos by Brandon Richardson Editor in Chief Around 30 LBCC students and employees gathered in the T Building to celebrate the season of Lent on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Rylie Cottriel, 19, a biology major, said, “I came today so I can have a time with God and a time to appreciate what he has given us. I want to leave this world better than when I came in. I want to
encourage people.” Ash Wednesday originated as a way for Catholics to prepare for the resurrection of Jesus 46 days later. It marks the beginning of the season of Lent, during which Catholics practice self-denial and pray for 40 days, much like the Bible says Jesus walked in the wilderness for 40 days. Hector Rico, 18, a food science and technology major, said, “For me, it’s coming to worship God for an hour out of my time. Since we have time for everything else, we should worship God for a bit. God has given me everything I have so far. I just want to thank him for this.” The Rev. Brian Dorian of St. Anthony Church in Long Beach
presided over the Mass. The priest said even though people may not see or hear God, he is always here with people everywhere they go to provide protection, love and care. Jann Rodriquez, 24, an accounting major, said, “It’s a place where you can meet Jesus on a personal level and remember why he died for us. Every time you go to Mass, there is a message that is meaningful. You’ll hear what the message is God is giving to you.” Dorian said, “It gives me an opportunity to mix with other people and to interact in ways which people can grow. I felt touched by Jesus and wanted to share an institution.”
WORSHIP: Sister Su Fern Khoo of the Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity leads the people in song as she plays the guitar.
COMMUNION: Items are neatly arranged beside the Bible before the mid-day Mass begins in T1200 on Feb. 18.
SACRAMENT: Ash Wednesday Mass participants kneel as the Rev. Brian Dorian of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Long Beach prepares communion.