Chili Cook-Off at the LAC and Mini Grand Prix at the PCC. Pages 6 and 7
Volume 88, Issue 13
April 16, 2015
Published Since 1927
Unused trailers removed from PCC By Darel James Staff Writer
Terrence DeGray said, “The previous trailers served only as temporary use. Most students are now Students and employees at the using the new available rooms in PCC can look forward to an ad- the MDA building to continue ditional 109 parking spaces due their semester classes.” to construction renovations over DeGray said the previous the Spring Break and continuing bungalows are referred to as throughout the semester. “swing space,” where students and Contractors from G.A. Tech- employees temporarily use areas nical Services conducted a proj- while construction or modificaect from April 6-11 that involved tions are conducted in their regremoving the trailers stationed ular place. With the use of swing at the PCC. space, activThe trail- “The previous trailers served ities in the ers, which only as temporary use. ” cl ass ro oms contained and offices -Terrence DeGray can continue cl ass ro oms Bond Management Director and offices, along with were used construction. to maintain administrative work Students should expect a difand student academics while ferent view of the PCC parking multi-disciplinary and adminis- lots as the transitions continue tration buildings AA and BB were throughout the Spring semester. being completed. Additional parking spaces are Toshiaki Matsura, 51, a com- expected to be added once the puter science major, said, “A few project is fully complete, which years ago I always found it diffi- is said to be around early May, cult to grab a spot, hopefully this DeGray said. helps with the traffic most drivers He said, “The trailers should run into.” be gone by Sunday, (April 12) Bond Management Director but we’ll still have to take care of
Darel James/Viking REMOVAL: Construction workers from G.A. Technical Services, who would not identify themselves, conducted a week-long project over Spring Break from April 6-11 dismantling trailers. The renovation will make 109 parking spots available to students at the PCC once completed.
the pieces left over like electrical feeding and dry wells. Once that’s done, the fence should come down around the first week of May.”
Work will continue as the once-populated PCC bungalow territory is dismantled and recycled. Leftover furnishings and other miscellaneous items used
during their time will be redistributed throughout the campus until the project is fully complete. The new renovation should help ease parking congestion.
Parking citations issued more than doubled City takes in more than $185,000 in fines for one year period with minimum ticket cost of $49. By Irina Nizovtseva Staff Writer Parking citations issued at LBCC in February totaled 780, LAC and PCC police said. Adding all parking citations from February 2014 to February 2015, the total number of citations issued at both campuses was 4,638, according to the campus police. The total number of parking citation costs does not include citations paid after their due date, which includes late fees. Combining all citations given out in those months, with a minimum fine of $49, the total number comes to $185,520. Rafael Vega, 21, an English major, said, “That is a lot of money that could be used elsewhere, like paying off student loans, living expenses, food or transporta-
Information provided by the LBCC police department and compiled by Irina Nizovtseva Infographic by Brandon Richardson/Viking
tion. “To avoid citations, I constantly worry about being late for class, so I make sure I have enough time to park and arrive to class on
time. It takes me 10-15 minutes to walk from the Veterans Memorial Stadium, where I usually park. But it’s worth it if that’s how I can avoid parking citations.”
lbccviking.com • facebook.com/lbccvikingnews
•
Alex Contreras 19, an art major, said, “I don’t drive, but if I would, these statistics would definitely scare me. I will definitely keep this in mind if or when I
@lbccvikingnews/twitter
•
decide to start driving to school.” Students may purchase a day parking permit for $2 at the LAC and the PCC. Parking in staff-labeled parking spaces will result in a parking citation issued by the Long Beach Police Department. Many students have fallen victim to poor parking choices, especially when they are rushing to class. It looks like the number of parking citation victims are growing, according to the Long Beach Police Department’s monthly LBCC crime statistics. To avoid spending money on citations, students can park at the LAC’s Stadium lots, purchasing a parking permit for $2 in lots E, F, G, M, O, P and every floor of the parking structure and lots 1 and 5 at the PCC. There is also a 30-minute visitor parking on the northside of Carson Street. For more information on parking regulations and fines, people may visit the LBCC police department in the X Building at the LAC or call for campus parking citation information at (562) 938-4713, Long Beach parking citation information at (562) 5706822 or visit lbcc.edu/CollegeSafety.
@lbccvikingnews/instagram
2
WOOD SCULPTING
NEWS
April 16, 2015
Election filing deadline nears By Brandon Richardson Editor in Chief
Jon Peacock/Viking Fine art major Erwin Papa, 34, works on his sculpture Wednesday, April 15, in the K Building.
State raises GPA for fee waiver eligibility By Sylvana Uribe Staff Writer
California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice Harris updated students about transfer programs and changes in student eligibility for the Board of Governor’s fee waiver during a teleconference Wednesday, April 15. Through the fee waiver, enrollment fees are paid by the state. The application took into account a student’s financial situation with regard to their dependency status and income. Effective in Fall 2016, students will also have to maintain a 2.0-3.0 GPA and completion rate above 50 percent or else risk losing the waiver. ASB Rep. of Communications Brittany Lieberman, 25, a communications major, said, “Most of us get burned out at some point in the semester and a minimum GPA requirement can help students pull through in order to keep receiving Financial Aid.” The chancellor also provided an update about the pilot program permitting Community Colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees, which intends to close the gap of degree holders needed in the workforce. The program is part of Senate Bill 850, which was introduced by California Sen. Marty Block of San Diego and signed by Gov.
Jerry Brown in 2014. Of the 34 colleges who applied, 15 were selected based on the proposals submitted about the program’s diversity as well workplace demands in the surrounding area. Twelve bachelor degrees programs have been approved so far, including airplane manufacturing at Antelope Valley College Harris said, “These (degrees) are more technically oriented and legislation requires we not duplicate programs available at the CSU and U.C. level. These were designed to be in areas where the job market is changing.” LBCC President Eloy Oakley has spoken before in favor of the pilot program, in particular for colleges in rural areas who do not have a university nearby, but said LBCC would not be among them. In a letter to the LBCC community, Oakley said the college would continue to focus on preparing students for transfer or obtaining a certificate in a career field. The college recently celebrated a success as part of the Long Beach College Promise as it was recognized for its innovations in higher education with a $5 million prize. The partnership began in 2008 between Long Beach Unified School District, LBCC and Cal State Long Beach and is predicted to reduce the amount of
time it takes to earn a degree for one-quarter of transfer students. Adriana Lomas, 23, a child development major, said, “The idea of a Community College offering a 4-year degree is good because it saves students money and allows more flexibility for those trying to balance it with outside things, like work. However, as it is, LBCC is surrounded by great schools and has resources that make transferring easier.”
Dreamt is the only word that ends in a-m-t. With 1,025,108 other words in the English language, what are the odds? One in 1,025,109, actually. Learn even more earning a bachelor’s degree at National University. Online. On campus. Non-profit.
Grant awarded By Fantacie Jackson Contributing Writer
LBCC has received a $220,000 grant from Jobs for the Future and the Walmart Foundation that will allow the college to expand a training program for harbor truck drivers. The award is part of a $3 million national program funded by the Walmart Foundation and administered by Jobs for the Future. Also, the focus of the 2-year grant will be recruiting more women to join the local trucking workforce. LBCC will use the 2-year
grant to train 300 additional drivers in the college’s driver training program and recruit more women to the program. The grant pays for most of the cost of the program for qualified drivers. LBCC President Eloy Oakley said, “With this grant, LBCC will be able to further strengthen our efforts to prepare our local workforce for well-paying careers in these industries. “Women are severely underrepresented in the transportation industry and we hope that this effort will help increase the number of women drivers.”
Associated Student Body general elections applications are due Monday, April 27, by 5 p.m. for elected positions and Monday, May 18, by noon for appointed positions. Students may pick up applications from the Office of Student Life in E119 at the LAC or EE102F at the PCC. Students must turn in their applications to ASB Cabinet adviser Maya Cardenas at the LAC in E118 by the deadline or they will not be placed on the ballot. Elected positions to be filled are ASB president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and student trustee. Appointed positions include PCC student council president, LAC and PCC club senate president, LAC cultural affairs chair and representatives of legislative affairs, communications, arts, athletics, student health and environment, volunteer services and academic affairs. Lokilani Hunt, 27, ASB president and philosophy major, said, “I am excited to see the voter turn-out this year. With the simple changes made to the ASB Constitution (for example one year terms for all positions), it will be great to see the collection of students who step up and take on these leadership roles.” All student leaders are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a .67 completion
ratio of all classes taken. Elections are scheduled Tuesday May 12, to Thursday, May 14. Hunt said, “We will need volunteer poll workers for this semester’s general elections. Anyone interested in volunteering at the polls will receive double Viking Volunteer hours if they are a part of the program.” The ASB budget is more than $1 million and managed entirely by the student leaders. Brittany Lieberman, 25, ASB representative of communications and communications major, said, “You build skills and relationships, discuss and vote on items every week that aims to directly improve LBCC Student Life. It allowed for opportunities I would have not had otherwise and was one of the best decisions I’ve made as a student at LBCC.” Weekly meetings for student leaders include ASB Finance Committee meets every Thursday at 9 a.m., LAC Club Senate meets every Tuesday at noon, LAC Cultural Affairs Committee meets every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., PCC Club Senate meets every Wednesday at noon, PCC Cultural Affairs Committee meets every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., ASB Cabinet meets every Friday at 8 a.m. and PCC Student Council meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m. For more information on ASB, students can contact student activities adviser Derek Oriee at (562) 938- 3088 or administrative assistant Pam Garrison at (562) 938- 3985.
Don’t think you have time to learn something new? You just did. Los Angeles Campus 5245 Pacific Concourse Drive (310) 662-2000
Keep learning at nu.edu/transfer © 2015 National University NU15_2351
NEWS
April 16, 2015
3
Club hears from ASB V.P. resigns, cites time constraints network experts Cabinet also discusses key financial issues for clubs.
LBCC bursar Stacy Robinson when the Cabinet needed to revise and affirm a recommendation from the college’s finance committee. While the initial motion was simply to affirm the recommendation and address a typo in the original minutes, the discussion turned into a debate. According to the revised minutes, the finance committee’s recommendation was “to change the status quo of ASB sponsor’s revenue split indefinitely begin-
two recommendations from the Constitution Committee. They voted to remove the probationary period for new ASB members, which was added last year and has yet to be used. The vote was made to make proceedings more efficient. By Eliza de la Flor The second item was the proContributing Editor posal to combine the positions of ASB president and student trustThe LAC was mostly quiet ee. Concerns voiced by various the morning of Friday, April 3, as Cabinet members and Cardenas many students got an early start included that it may be “too much on Spring Break, but the ASB power” and that bias Cabinet meeting in T1100 “I feel that it is not fair for me to maintain could become an issue. was a different story. On the other hand, it As Secretary Samwell this position if I cannot fulfill its requirewas noted that combinFavela called roll, there ments.” ing the positions guarwas a casual mention that the vice president posiLauren Christine Ho antees information will Former Cabinet vice president not be disseminated tion, formerly occupied by through different chanLauren Christine Ho, was ning with the 2015-16 fiscal budnels. now vacant. The Cabinet will vote on the Ho said in an email, “I no lon- get from 50/50 to 50/50 until the amount allocated has been paid issue Friday, April 17, at 8 a.m. if ger have the time or ability to dedback, ” meaning sponsored clubs members say they have enough icate myself to the Student Body would keep revenue earned after information, Hunt said. as is necessary to adequately serve the amount granted them by the At the end of the meeting, them. I feel that it is not fair for ASB had been repaid. Carrillo stood up to announce he me to maintain this position if I Student Trustee Gus Orozwill not be running for the LAC cannot fulfill its requirements.” co asked Robinson if the reveClub Senate president position The Cabinet has not decidnue split would affect the ASB’s and will step down after this seed whether to fill the position budget sustainability and if there mester. Cardenas said she was this late in the term and general would be a significant impact on saddened by Carrillo’s announceelections for next year are already approaching, said ASB President the Cabinet’s finances in the next ment. 5-10 years. The next Cabinet meeting will Lokilani Hunt. The Cabinet also considered be in T1100 on the LAC. The meeting was joined by
TAP & Th
By Jacob Rosborough Contributing Editor
The DAAP, Development of Afro American Professionals, has hosted a mixer for employees and students to promote transfer information and programs at LBCC that will help to further their education. Bresheena Beaseel, 23, president of the club, said, “The purpose of this mixer is to build networking skills and allow students to know what their resources are. And put them in the same room so we can break the ice for students who don’t know the options that are open to them.” Representatives of many of the programs offered at LBCC attended including the counseling office and cultural affairs. Alberto Morano 23, ASB president of cultural affairs, said, “It’s a fantastic event to promote networking to those students at LBCC with the help of the DAAP program and showcase many of opportunities available to them.” According to lbcc.edu, “18 percent of the students attending LBCC are African American, are returning to school or attending for the first time. Debra Perterson, peer consular at the LAC, said, “It’s amazing what the students of the program
have put in place today and the achievements they have accomplish and how there are helping returning or new student find their own way. I am so proud.” Some employees attended the event and spoke about the many benefits of higher education and the need for an event of this type, not only for African Americans, but for all students at LBCC. History professor Melvin Ross said, “I fell they are right on the money with their goal to facilitate higher gradation and transfer rates, not only for African Americans, but all students attending LBCC.” The event lasted from 3-4:30 p.m. with light refreshments and meet-and-greets with the representatives before, during and after. Some of the programs represented were the T.R.I.O. program, Cal State Long Beach and the veterans office. Ashely Dillard, 19, a political science major, said, “We are able to engage with the all programs attending this event. It was very beneficial to me as a new student and see the many opportunities here at LBCC I did not know about.” The event was Wednesday, March 18, in the E Building’s Nordic Lounge.
Are you go ing wit hu s?
Go !
eT AP Lo car ng di Be val ach s the ue b Tra nsi est w ww mind ta ay e w.l nd to btr d Stu ma ge to a d n t en ny the sit. t oth wher co mo 3 0 m e -da e vie or y p r loca you’ s, t w re ww he ass l tr he 56 .ta be a . n ad pto To 2.5 ach sit ed g g s 91 . or o.n yst et .23 be em It’s s you et y an imp s, on 01 r L da an d, le B |m d pp tak T s to y .lb l ou ing yf tud u tra o can se, v LB en ra nsi t Th alid Co t.co as lleg disco even on m ne ad un e/V ver | lb d t oc pa be tra ati ss, our en on nsi al T g eas t.co AP o to ier. m car d—
Lik
eu
s.
CITYSTYLE
4
Art gallery presents British collection Gallery viewers get taste of foreign creativity. By Hunter King Citystyle Editor The LBCC art gallery in K100 was filled with guests, artists and musicians Wednesday, April 1, for the opening reception of “Massive, Brilliant, Mint,” a collection of artwork by British artists living in Southern California. The show featured 16 artists in a variety of media including photography, painting, sculpture and video. “A bit of everything,” said Joshua Rendan, an art major, whose favorite piece was a large oil painting of boulders in a desert scene displayed on the center wall called “Jumbo Rock,” by Caroline Jones. A large neon pink abstract canvas caught viewer’s attention by Max Presneill. Photography by Chris Finch was also thrown in the mix. “Nesting Construction,” extended off the wall in a barrage of colorful pieces of wood by Phillip Vaughan. Besides the visual art, LBCC’s jazz band performed filling the air with an energetic rhythm. Complimentary appetizers and coffee were provided making for an enjoyable night of art, music and food.
Hunter King/Viking CONTEMPLATING SECRETS: James Luu, 20, a photography major, views “Secrets,” a ceramic art piece by Caroline Jones on Wednesday, April 15, in LBCC’s art gallery. Luu said, “It’s alright I guess.”
Art gallery director and art major Nancy Morales, 22, said, “This was one of the more popular gallery shows. Most shows have a theme, but this one doesn’t. It’s very colorful and varied. People like that.” Kevin Merino, 20, a graphic design major, summed up the
whole experience in one word, “Brilliant.” “Massive, Brilliant, Mint,” will stay open until Friday, May 1. The gallery hours are Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday, noon-8 p.m. Additionally, it will be open Saturday, April 25, noon-4 p.m.
performed or attended concerts in the evening. “Siri Says,” a piece to be showContemporary Chinese, mod- cased at the concert, was perern and jazz dance pieces set to a formed by the students and they wide variety of music by Michael received rave reviews for their Buble and Billy Joel are sched- performance at the conference. uled to be performed at the LAC’s “We can’t wait to share this piece Auditorium on Friday, April 24, at the LBCC concert,” choreograthrough Sunday, April 26, for the pher and artistic director Lauren Spring Dance Ensemble in Con- Hall said. cert. Christina Hernandez, 24, The conplans to audition cert consists of “Being able to stir some- next semester: “I nine pieces. Six thing inside a spectator, really want to make pieces are chointo a lyrical, whether good or bad, is itmodern reographed by or conteachers Lauren an accomplishment for temporary piece or Hall, Jeff Hen- me as a dancer.” a combination of drix, Monik the three.” -Absoneth Magallon Jones, Grace Absoneth MaDance major, 20 Maxwell, Migallon, 20, a dance chelle Shear and Fionna Sung. The major, will perform two pieces. other three are dances choreo- One consists of an abstract dance graphed by students Shaquan Fer- where the dancers are in the miliguson, Leanne Harris, Cody Mora tary and the other is a mysterious and Sonya Salinas. Costumes are murder piece where all the perdesigned by Gina Davidson and formers go insane trying to find the set designer is Steve Aston. the murderer. Meanwhile in March, at the The Dance Ensemble will be American College Dance Asso- Magallon’s first performance at ciation Conference at Cal State LBCC. “Performing for my colLong Beach, six student dancers lege is definitely a great way to attended the conference where showcase my talents and allows they were able to take classes and me to express myself,” Magallon attend seminars all day. Some said. “Being able to stir something
inside a spectator, whether it is good or bad, is an accomplishment for me as a dancer.” Hall said, “I’m interested in presenting a dance concert to the LBCC community and audience that is diverse, dynamic and showcases the talent of our dedicated students.” Dancers auditioned to be a part of the Spring concert at the beginning of the semester and have been rehearsing for 3-12 hours a week since being accepted. The Dance Ensemble in concert will be presented on April 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and April 26 at 2 p.m. in the LBCC Auditorium. People may purchase online presale tickets at lbcc.edu/tdf or by calling Theatre Mania at 1 (866) 811-4111. General admission tickets cost $15 and prices for students, employees and senior citizens are $10. At the door, general admission will be $17 and students, employees and senior citizens will be $12. Free parking is available in Lots D, E, and F. People can follow @LBCCdancers on Instagram. Dancers will take photos April 13-April 24 using the hashtag #LBCCdance. People can also stay connected on Facebook at LBCC Dance.
Performing arts presents Dance Ensemble Concert By Cindy Macias Staff Writer
April 16, 2015
Area 3 Trustee assists students in achievement An immigrant herself, Sunny Zia serves students through service, fundraising and politics.
than just point to the problem.” In an interview March 27, Area 5 Trustee Virginia Baxter said she works well with Zia and respects Zia’s willingness to understand her point of view when disagreements occur. Together, Baxter and Zia contribute toward a scholarship for students in the English as a Second Language program, as a way to make sure this group of By Sylvana Uribe students who often come from Staff Writer impacted, underprivileged backgrounds are not forgotten by the The American Dream has college and have access to the reserved as a guiding light for many sources they need. struggling in underserved groups “She cares passionately about and few are as successful as LBCC the students and she’s passionate Area 3 Trustee Sunny Zia in darabout the college,” Baxter said. ing to dream and bringing those “She has a totally different perdreams to fruition. spective and I think it’s good that At age 9, Zia and her family we have diversity on the Board.” immigrated to the U.S. seeking a Faith Firmalino, 25, a child better life as turmoil devastated development major, said she adthe Middle East during the Iranmires Zia’s accesIraq War. Educasibility and her tion was greatly efforts to learn valued in her culabout students ture and Zia was and employees. the only female in Firmalino her class to gradusaid, “She’s thinkate from the Uniing outside of her versity of Tehran role and thinking in civil engineerabout the college ing during her reas a whole in orturn to Iran, and der for things to she later earned work and making her master’s in everything concivil engineering nect.” from U.C. Irvine. As her time At 26, Zia on the Board continSunny Zia opened an engineerues, Zia would like Area 3 Trustee ing consulting firm, to work with fellow which she sold to join members to see a community the Port of Long Beach as its conand student workforce agreement tract compliance manager. through a “Hire LBCC” campaign In an interview April 11, so that businesses who want to Zia said she started in politics collaborate with the college hire through service work. Much of its students and graduates. Going her work strived to involve immibeyond creating internships and grant communities in mainstream including a hiring component politics and she led fundraising would set students up with caefforts for several political candireers capable of supporting their dates, including Hillary Clinton. families and encourage them to Other community service work and live locally after graduprojects include helping poverating. ty-stricken and displaced individ“Nobody wants to talk about uals overcome their circumstancthe fact that when students gradues. ate, what about A f t e r “She’s thinking outside her the aftermath? hearing forrole and thinking about the I want to be mer Student talking about Trustee An- college as a whole in order jobs for our drea Donado for things to work and making students and I speak about think that starts everything connect.” two-tier edright here at ucation and -Faith Firmalino home.” program Child development major, 25 Zia said she discontinuwants the colances occurring at LBCC, Zia was lege to keep leading the way toinspired to take action. Reflectward transparency and address ing on the opportunities given to the student achievement gap as her through access to affordable well as the persisting issue of low education, she ran for office and morale. She also hopes to see a joined the Board in April 2014. more engaged student body. “I could bring a lot of things “I believe in open governto the forefront with my backment,” Zia said. “It’s not a monarground, budgeting, running a chy, that’s the beauty of democrabusiness, and being able to concy. This is the people’s college and tribute and not necessarily just they have absolutely every right be there to criticize. I’m there to to participate and have their conmake a difference and come tocerns be addressed by their public gether with the rest of the Board officials.” to make improvements, rather
CITYSTYLE
April 16, 2015
5
Historic architecture remains intact Despite recent construction and renovations, buildings maintain their original structural identity. By Darel James Staff Writer Since its opening in 1927, the buildings of the LBCC campuses have remained pieces of history modified through time. Structures built after the college’s 1935 relocation from Wilson High School and Recreation Park may not maintain their original look today, but still remain connected despite the present architectural appearance. Though the complexes differ in size and student capacity, pieces of their history remain visible in design. Many features still resemble what the old buildings used to look like. Some complexes at the LAC are still holding to true to the mission-style design that began to develop on the campus after its transition from the high school to its present location at Carson
Cindy Macias/Viking STROLLING ON A SUNNY DAY: Michael Borja, 24, a radiology technician major, walks past the P building on Wednesday, April 15. The building is the oldest buildings on campus having been constructed in the mid-1930s. The building houses the English Department that also includes creative writing and journalism classes. The structure is scheduled for major renovation in 2016 and 2017.
Street and Clark Avenue. pleasant patios.” the college’s first chain of buildAn excerpt from the “First 50 A few of the features can still ings that were constructed during years of LBCC” the campus’s early dehistory book said, “I feel that students can still enjoy the many nice velopment. “The original features still around campus.” At one point, buildings on Carthe north half of the -Arthuro Angel campus was home to son Street in the Kinesiology major mid-30s set the physical education detone and style for those which be seen in areas such as the P partments and facilities and also would follow in later years: mis- Building, which is a low one-sto- contained a field where sporting sion architecture with tile roofs, ry with varied height and red-tile events were conducted from 1935 gleaming white exterior walls and rooftop. The building was part of to 1950. The areas are now home
to the K Building for art, the Auditorium and the Library. The A Building’s clock tower was constructed during renovations from 1950 to 1951. The overall project brought the completion of the first phase of art, music and life science buildings. During the modification, the original physical education facilities on the north portion of the campus were moved south of Carson Street. The overpass that bridges the north and south portions of the LAC was completed in Spring 1956. The new addition was introduced due to heavy student and vehicle traffic with only one established crosswalk at Faculty Avenue. Another excerpt from “The First 50 years of LBCC” book said, “Traffic on Carson was therefore backed up by swarms of students going north or south between classes. Impatient motorists and late stragglers dashing across were a constant hazard and there was an increased demand for stop signs or a signal.” Recent constructions are bringing the PCC and LAC a new era for a new generation. Kinesiology major Arturo Angel, 38, said, “As long as the integrity of the architecture isn’t compromised through harsh renovations, I feel that students can still enjoy the many nice features still around campus.”
New Year, New Goals! Start Your Graduate Degree at APU. Occupations that require a master’s degree are projected to grow the fastest over the next eight years, making graduate school a worthwhile investment as you prepare to impact your field. Start planning now and further your career goals with a graduate degree from Azusa Pacific University, one of the nation’s top Christian universities.
Join the
4,200+
graduate students currently advancing their education at APU.
Choose from:
Business and Leadership MBA, Management, Leadership, Accounting
Health Care Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Nursing
Education Educational Leadership, School Counseling and School Psychology, Teacher Education, Higher Education Azusa | High Desert | Inland Empire | Los Angeles Murrieta | Orange County | San Diego | Online
Helping Professions MFT, Psychology, Social Work
16176
Find your program today! apu.edu/programs
CHILI COOK-OFF
6
April 16, 2015
Akna member Christina He
Cindy Macias/Viking Erik Bird stirs his “From the Garden Chili “before the 40th annual Chili Cook-Off. Bird represented the Horticulture Club at the annual event. The club won for best booth.
Five win Chili Cook-Off taste-test and booth awards By Tyisha Ali Staff Writer
The Metal F.A.B. club and two individual students won the judges’ Chili Cook-Off, PNK and Tong captured the people’s choice award, and the Horticulture Club gained best booth honors Tuesday, April 14 in the LAC Central Quad. The traditional judges’ choice chili winner was the team of Larae Perkins and Majeedah Wesley, two firsttime Cook-Off entry students. In honor of the 41st Toyota Grand Prix, LBCC is presenting the 40th annual Mini Grand Prix and Chili CookOff. On the newly opened Quad, 12 LBCC clubs battled bowl-to-bowl to see who could make the best chili. The chili contest was judged in two different categories, people’s choice and judges’ choice from four judges, who are LBCC employees. PNK was voted the people’s choice for a non-traditional chili and Tong took the people’s choice award for traditional chili. The challenge was judged by the students and employees who bought the $1 fundraiser wristbands. The funds from the wristbands go toward scholarships and charities. Myles Neal, 19, a computer science major, said, “I like booth 12 (Tong). Their chili had a spicy kick to it and it was a different chili I have never tasted before.” Josefina Cruz, 21, a psychology major, said, “I’ve tasted all of the chilis here and they are all good. My favorites are booth 12 (Tong) and three (Alpha Gamma SigmaKappa chapter). Booth three has a lot of vegetables.” The judges’ choice Chili Cook-Off category was rated by Athletic Director Joe Cascio, Dean of Health and Science Paul Creason, Student Life coordinator Teila Robertson and Fiscal Services and payroll bursar Stacey Robinson. The Chili Cook-Off entries were judged on the aroma, consistency, color, taste and the bite. Each of the categories were judged with a maximum of 10 points. Dijon Jackson, 23, a sociology major, said, “I choose booth nine (Akna) because I like the texture and the taste and I liked the pineapples.” Paul Brown, 23, an aviation major, said, “They all were really good, but I would say booth two (the individual Student Life students) was a little too over-seasoned, but they also had gumbo, which was real good.” Larae Perkins, 33, a business administration major,
said, “I am excited and ecstatic that we won. I never participate in anything school-like so I am happy.” Majeedah Wesley, 19, a business economics major, said, “It was fun. We just wanted to bring something different to the table so we offered gumbo too. I see us doing this again next year.” Katie Fajardo, 38, a welding major and member of the Metal F.A.B. club, said, “We joined the Chili Cook-Off because we wanted to give someone a kick. It isn’t about winning. We honestly wanted to bring a variety, so we have six different peppers in our chili.” The Horticulture Club won best booth honors based on its interpretation of the club theme and how the booth was set up. Sean Kite, 26, a horticulture major, said, “It’s an honor to win. We grew all the vegetables and flowers on our booth and we wanted to show what we do and a little about our club.”
James Holmes, 45, cuts pieces of and Welding Club’s “ARC Burn C Tuesday, April 14. The club won fo
Peppers, onions and celery from the Alpha Gamma Sigma Kappa’s honor society were part of the tr
MINI GRAND PRIX
April 16, 2015
Cindy Macias/Viking ernandez, 24, rearranges samples of their Hawaiian Chicken Chili to form an “A.”
7
Cindy Macias/ Viking PNK members Sue Jimenez, 21, and Erika Ramirez, 21, dance to “La Vaca” by Mala Fe during the Mini Grand Prix Chili Cook-off.
Mini Grand Prix turns 40
By Tyisha Ali Staff Writer
It’s going to be a show down; 18 teams are racing to find out who rides the best. Today, Thursday, April 16, LBCC presents the 40th annual Mini Grand Prix when the teams of three people will compete in a double-elimination, go-kart race. The Mini Grand Prix is a competitive go-kart races organized by Student Life and ASB in connection with the historic 41st annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. The race will be 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the PCC Lawn. Student activities adviser Derek Oriee said, “Students should come to the Mini Grand Prix because it’s a fun break in the day from studying and class. It helps keep the morale going for students who just don’t want
to be regular students.” The teams will race head-to-head in a women’s and men’s category until they lose twice. A first and second place winner will be determined in each category and they will be awarded a trophy. Anayeli Tepos, 22, a biology major and member of the Athena women’s social-service club, said, “It’s kind of like a tradition. We always do the events. It’s fun and we get to meet new people.” The groups participating in the women’s competition are Athena Widowettes, Athena, Aztlan White, Tong White Dragons, PNK Pink Wolves, Athena Black Widows, Akna Get It Get It and TNT. The groups participating in the men’s categories are Aztlan Gold, Aztlan Grey, PNK Black Wolves, Tong Black Dragons, Akna Get It Get It, Aztlan Blue, Metal Fabrication and Welding, Thor, Tong Red Dragons and Carpentry Club.
Viking Twitter will livestream races on Periscope. @LBCCVikingNews
Cindy Macias/Viking f bacon for the Metal Fabrication Chili” on the LAC Central Quad on or best non-traditional chili.
Cindy Macias/Viking raditional chili entry.
Jacob Rosborough
Judges Paul Creason, dean of Health and Sciences, right, Teila Robertson, Student Life coordinator, Joe Cascio, athletic director, and Andrea Reid, cashier, sample contestants’ chilis to decide the winners of the traditional and non-traditional categories.
SPORTS
8
Sports publicist wins top award from peers
April 16, 2015
SWINGING FAST
The 14-year information specialist is honored to gain recognition.
Along with the sports infor- and Superior Service to our Promation office, Ruiz also “compiles fession” or Brass Top Award. The and distribemployee was utes news, “So many people wake up every nominated by rosters, game day and go to a job they hate, an association results, statis- luckily I don’t have that probmember and tics and phothe group of lem.” tos for all the 50 statewide By Will Ranos -Chris Ruiz college’s athpast and curSports Editor Sports information specialist letic teams,” rent Commuaccording to Ruiz’s biography nity College sports information Serving as the lone sports inon the college’s athletic directors voted for this year’s formation specialist for website. honoree, according to the LBCC LBCC, Chris Ruiz was When talking about athletic website. recognized by his statewhat motivates him, “It is definitely an honor to wide colleagues with the sports information be recognized by my colleagues the Brass Top Award specialist said, “The and to be selected for this award. from the California fact that I love my job. The association is a great group Community College In a sense I get paid to of hard-working professionals Sports Information Aswatch sports. Obviousthroughout the state who prosociation on Thursday, ly the job is so much mote our colleges as well as our April 2. Chris Ruiz more than that. Being athletic departments. I’m proud In his 14th year with Sports info the lone sports inforto be a member of the CCCSIA the college, Ruiz has nuspecialist mation specialist here, I (and I am) honored by the recogmerous responsibilities have a bunch of duties and I get nition,” Ruiz said. for LBCC that include the colto spread my expertise in many Serving as Ruiz’s assistant lege’s athletic website and social different areas. So many people for two and a half years, Andrew media, managing the press box wake up every day and go to a job Thomas, 23, a kinesiology major, and scorer’s tables at LBCC home they hate, luckily I don’t have that said of the LBCC sports informaevents, coordinating the online problem. ” tion specialist: “Chris is really fun broadcasts for home events, as During the association’s annuto work with. He makes it fun. If well as filling in for other gameal conference luncheon, Ruiz reyou make a mistake he helps you day positions for home contests ceived the 2015 “Bringing Respect fix it and learn from it. ” when necessary.
Irina Nizovtseva/Viking Sophomore Chaira Freedom lines up to rally back against Rio Hondo on Thursday, April 2. The tennis season ended on a low note with LBCC losing to Rio Hondo, 8-1. The season was filled with 11 losses and only two wins. Despite the record, new coach Renzo Maggi said he enjoys coaching at LBCC. Maggi, an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University, served as a coach for Peter Smith’s Elite Tennis Camp. The 2013-2014 season ended with three wins and nine losses. Of the seven players this year, most of them are freshman. Maggi said he finds it rewarding to improve the skills of players who are less experienced.
CITY SPORTS By Will Ranos Sports Editor
Jon Peacock/Viking THROWING HARD: Sophomore pitcher Mary Gonzales allowed two runs in LBCC’s 8-2 win Tuesday, April 14. She allowed eight hits.
The Mounties get SAC’d Softball team snaps 6-year losing streak to Mt. San Antonio. By Jon Peacock Staff Writer After six straight years of losing to Mount San Antonio, ranked 14th in the state, the Viking softball team won, 8-2, on Tuesday, April 14th. The Vikings faced Mt. SAC for the third time this season. The last two games ended in 7-2 and 9-1 losses for the Vikings. In the top of the second inning Mount San Antonio took the lead, 1-0. However, the lead didn’t
last long. With the bases loaded, Viking center fielder Vanessa Valdez, a freshman, hit a double, allowing three runs to score. Freshman first baseman Andrea Barb ripped a single, scoring Valdez. Barb then scored on an error. With one out in the inning, sophomore catcher Jenny Santiago scored on a ground out to second base. LBCC ended the second inning up 6-1. The Vikes were able to hold Mt. SAC to only one run during the third inning. During the bottom of the fifth, the Vikings scored two more runs, making the final score 8-2. The season has been a tough one for LBCC with 13 wins, 24 losses and one tie. The Vikes
battled this season with a young team consisting of 13 freshman and only four sophomores. Sports information specialist Chris Ruiz said, “Hopefully they can end the season on a good note.” He also said their last two games will be against tougher teams in the division, and winning them would make coach Melissa Angel happy. The Vikes’ last two games are at home against El Camino and East Los Angeles. The last time LBCC faced El Camino, the Vikes suffered a 10-2 loss. The last time LBCC played East Los Angeles, the Vikes were defeated, 3-2. The Vikings play El Camino on Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. and East Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 21, at 3 p.m.
BASEBALL: Since coach Casey Crook picked up his 500th win, the Vikings have gone 6-5. That brings Crook’s LBCC career total to 506 wins and leaves him eight wins behind breaking the school record of 513 wins set by Joe Hicks. LBCC picked up a win most recently against Pasadena, 10-3, on Tuesday, April 14. Sophomore pitcher Tanner Levine got the win and is now 2-3 on the season. He pitched seven innings with three strikeouts and allowed two runs. The Vikings had a string of runs come in the bottom of the third and fifth inning, scoring four runs in each. The Vikings are 17-14 on the season and have a south conference record of 12-4. INTRAMURAL SPORTS: For the remaining 2 and 1/2 months of the Spring semester, two intramural sporting events are planned . Co-ed softball will be on Tuesday, April 21 at 2 p.m. on the northwest soccer field and tube water polo will be played Friday, May 8 at 2 p.m. Any student with a current college ID and any employees of the college may join the intramural sports. All sign-ups are on the day of the event. SWIMMING AND DIVING: In their lone home meet of the season, the LBCC swimming and diving teams had some top five finishes on the men’s and women’s sides.
For the men, Nathan Pinkley had three first-place finishes in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke and in the 500 freestyle. Ryan Dionne also had a first -place finish in the 100 freestyle as well as a second place finish in the 50 freestyle and a third place finish in the 100 butterfly. Frankie Cervantes had three second-place finishes in the 100 and 200 breaststroke and 200 individual medley. On the women’s side, Natalie Nilan finished first in the 500 freestyle and second in the 1000 freestyle. Ashley Diaz had two second-place finishes in the 200 freestyle and breaststroke. The Vikings’ next meet is today, Thursday, April 16, all day, at East Los Angeles College. MEN’S VOLLEYBALL: With only one team advancing to the playoffs based on the outcome of their game, the Vikings’ men’s volleyball team took advantage of the opportunity to control their own fate and captured a win over Santa Barbara, 25-18, 25-14, and 25-21, on Friday, April 10. This year marks the 10th year in a row the volleyball team has made it to the playoffs. They will be going into the California Community College Athletic Association’s Men’s Volleyball State Championships as the No. 3 seed. They will face off against No. 2 seed Orange Coast on the road Friday April 17, at 6 p.m.
SPORTS
April 16, 2015
9
Darel James/Viking TEACHING MOMENT: Men’s assistant track and field coach Edgar Lightbourn explains to sophomore thrower Jose Ochoa a few helpful techniques for the javelin field event. Fourteen Vikings competed in the Mt. San Antonio Relays, with three posting season-best times.
Vikes capture three season-best times Freshman runner finishes first in 100-meter hurdles. By Darel James Staff Writer and Will Ranos Sports Editor Darel James/Viking THROWING PREPARATION: Sophomore javelin thrower Gonzalo Ochoa prepares to throw during a track and field practice at Veterans Stadium at the LAC on Thursday, April 2.
In one of the biggest meets of the season, freshman runner Bayron Manuel led 14 LBCC track and field members competing in the Mt. San Antonio relays with a
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY GOLF ACADEMY Online or on-campus programs State-of-the-art swing labs Financial aid and transfer scholarships Streamlined transfer admissions Internships available PROGRAMS AVAILABLE Associate of Science in Professional Golf Management Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration* Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology* Master of Arts in Business Administration* Master of Arts in Performance Psychology Certificate in Professional Golf Management *Specialization and concentration available in Professional Golf Management
WWW.NUGOLFACADEMY.ORG
877.NUGOLF.1
705 PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD, SUITE 150 CARLSBAD, CA 92011
© 2013 National University 13237
first place finish among 19 in the men’s 100-meter hurdles on Saturday, April 11. Manuel had a time of 14:39, a season-best time and second-best in Southern California this season, according to the LBCC athletics web page. Sophomore runner Justin Weaver captured third in the 800-meters with a season-best time of 1:56.86. The 4-by-400 relay squad of freshmen Damond Burns, Jordan Noble and Kendrick Miller and sophomore Travis Thomas gained second in their heat and seventh overall among 13. Their time of 3:19:80 was also a season-best. On the women’s side, sophomore runner Danasia Richards finished sixth overall against 21 runners in the open 100-meter dash with a time of 12.16 seconds. Before their meet at Mt. SAC, the Vikings were training over Spring Break. When talking about what his goal was for the training, Weaver said, "Coming out here and making every practice counts is the goal. Training like I'm in the race has really helped my workouts
so far in the season. I'm liking the vibe this semester. It’s been a rough season, but now the big races are coming up." Freshman long and high jumper Jacob Thornton said, "I really want to see a focus factor. I want to see everybody grow and progress from each meet we knock down. All I can ask for is hard work and execution." Thornton also competes in the 100- and 200-meter sprints and 4-by-100 meter sprint relay. The men's practices are led by coach Bayano Kamani who is in his second year of training Viking runners. Kamani has coached athletes 10 years overall. The practices are focused toward technique, so athletes can avoid injury and also get the best out of their season, the coach said. He explained "We’re trying to sharpen up now, and tie up loose ends. Earlier in the year, you build the base with conditioning, but as the season progresses, you want to avoid injury." The teams are set to compete in the Cal State Los Angeles Twilight Open today, Thursday, April, 16.
CALENDAR
10 ART EXHIBIT
SUMMER REGISTRATION
May 4-June 7 Information for Summer classes Wednesday, April 22, class listings announced. Monday, May 4-Sunday, June 14, registration by 11 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, payment deadline by 4 p.m. in person or 10 p.m. online. Classes begin June 22. Graduation certificate application deadline is June 30 by 6 p.m. (562) 938-4353 or (562) 938-4846 MINI GRAND PRIX
Thursday, April 16 LBCC Mini Grand Prix myspace.com/minigrandprix/ video/mini-grand-prix-promo/4992460 (562) 938-4353 or (562) 938-4846 IMPORTANT DATES
Thursday, April 16 Study abroad in Salamanca, Spain Orientation meeting scheduled in LAC L153 at 5 p.m., conducted by professor Ingrid Wollank. iwollank@lbcc.edu (562) 938-4690 (562) 938-4353 or (562) 938-4846 Friday, April 17 Poetry month Reading and book signing in the LAC P104 featuring award-winning poet Sholeh Wolpe from 2:30-4 p.m. Books will be available for sale. (562) 938-4353 or (562) 938-4846 Friday-Sunday, April 24-26 Spring Dance Ensemble In the Auditorium on April 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and April 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at lbcc.edu/tdf. (562) 938-4348 (562) 938-4353 or (562) 938-4846 CAMPUS POLICE
LBCC phones, dial 4910 Cell phones, (562) 435-6711 or 911 Police emergency from campus phone, 9-911 Long Beach Police Department (562) 938-4807 or (562) 510-4807
Through Friday, May 1 “Massive, Brilliant, Mint”: artworks by Southern California members of the British diaspora in the LAC art gallery, K100. Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from noon-8 p.m. Open Saturday, April 25, from noon-4 p.m. Artists also will be showing in the exhibition “London Transplants” at londontransplants.com Both exhibitions will be linked to the national Britweek event at britweek.org/los-angeles-events/ (562) 938-4353 or (562) 938-4846 GRAD FAIR
Tuesday, April 21-23 Students may visit the Campus Store grad fair to order graduation material. The LAC on Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in front of the Viking Express in the T Building. The PCC on Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in front of the Campus Store in Building EE. SPRING SING
Music and dance LBCC and ASB presents the 64th annual night of music and dance in the LAC Auditorium on Friday, May 22, from 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 pre-sale and $7 at the door. Proceeds benefit LBCC Foundation scholarships. lbcc.orgsync.com/News or lbcc. edu/studentLife/ Teila Robertson at trobertson@lbcc.edu or call (562) 938-4978 ACADEMIC MENTOR
Be an academic mentor Better Learning for All Students Today (BLAST) and LBCC connects inspiring students with youth facing adversity so students in Long Beach are able to reach their full potential. Two hours a week, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The location is 10-15 minutes from either campus. Lucero Chairez at lucero@lbblast.org or apply to lbblast. org and click get involved OPEN MIC
KLBC and KCTY radio Open mic Friday, April 24, from 6-9 p.m. in the LAC Building E Nordic Lounge. (562)938-4800
GETTING GREEN
Jon Peacock/Viking About $20,000 was raised at the LBCC plant sale on the weekends of March 28-29 and April 4-5, horticulture program instructional associate Brain Hastie said. A couple thousand people visited the PCC garden during the sale. Since the plant sale was moved to two separate weekends, parking was a lot more convenient. Organizers will continue to host the plant sale over two separate weekends in the future.
VIKING VOYAGER
Free campus-to-campus shuttles for students and employees Runs every 30 minutes. Arrival and departure times are estimated. Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday: No service Passengers must present an ID with ASB sticker or employee ID card upon boarding the shuttle. ASB ELECTION
General election applications are due Monday, April 27, by 5 p.m. Elections will be Tuesday-Thursday, May 12-14. Office of Student Life LAC in E119 or PCC EE102F or asb@ lbcc.edu or mcardenas@lbcc.edu Positions to be filled: ASB president, PCC vice president, LAC vice president, ASB secretary, LAC cultural affairs chair, LAC club senate president, PCC club senate president, PCC cultural affairs chair and student trustee.
SPORTS
ASB ELECTION
Become a student leader Minimum qualifications 2.5 GPA or better. All other leadership positions 2.0 GPA or better. All leadership positions must have a .67 completion ratio. Weekly meetings ASB Finance Committee meets every Thursday at 9 a.m. LAC Club Senate meets every Tuesday at noon. LAC Cultural Affairs Committee meets every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. PCC Club Senate meets every Wednesday at noon. PCC Cultural Affairs Committee meets every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ASB Cabinet meets every Friday at 8 a.m. PCC Student Council meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m. Derek Oriee at (562) 9383088 Pam Garrison at (562) 9383985 Teila Robertson at (562) 9384978
Men’s swimming and diving Thursday, April 16 South Coast Conference Swimming Championships at East Los Angeles College, all day Friday, April 17 South Coast Conference Swimming Championships at East Los Angeles College, all day Saturday, April 18 South Coast Conference Swimming Championships at East Los Angeles College, all day Thursday, April 30 State Championships at East Los Angeles College, all day Friday, May 1 State Championships at East Los Angeles College, all day Saturday, May 2 State Championships at East Los Angeles College, all day
Doers Do CSULB Summer Sessions 2015
Two 6-Week Sessions May 26 – July 2 (S1S) July 6 – August 14 (S3S)
One 12-Week Session May 26 – August 14 (SSD)
More than 75 Online Summer Classes No formal admission to CSULB required
Enroll on a “space available” basis
Earn units toward your degree
Register Now!
ECO CLUB
Wednesday, April 22 Film screening for Earth Day in the PCC AA207 from 1-2:30 p.m. and in the LAC T1200 from 6-8 p.m. (562) 805-4086 or marianne. aguilar1122@gmail.com
April 16, 2015
(800) 963-2250 x 60001 | info@ccpe.csulb.edu www.ccpe.csulb.edu/summer #DoersDo @CSULBInterSessn
California State University, Long Beach College of Continuing and Professional Education SS_LBCC_Ad1_S15.indd 1
3/11/15 Lorinda Owens Ad size: 6.06 in. X 5 in.
12:53 PM
OPINION
April 16, 2015
11
OPINION
Smoking bans lead to unacceptable discrimination By Brandon Richardson Editor in Chief
Brandon Richardson/Viking BLOWING SMOKE: Sky Kaspar, 19, a business major, smokes out of his friend’s vaporizer outside the D Building at the LAC on Wednesday, April 15.
EDITORIAL
Applause for performing arts With many events left in the Spring semester, we would like to shine some light on the jobs being done in the performing arts department by the dance, music and theatre programs. They have presented many successful events and performances so far this semester and year. Most recently the theatre department staged the “Kill Me Deadly” play in the LAC Auditorium. The play ran from March 12-21. It takes a lot of time and effort to put on a play successfully, so we commend the theatre program for a job well done as well as
the ASB, which assisted in hosting the event. Events coming up include the Spring Dance Ensemble from Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26. The Dance Ensemble is usually one of the most successful events of the year. The “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime” by Constance Cox will be presented Thursday, May 14, at 8 p.m. and will be showing on and off through the last showing on Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m. The 64th annual Spring Sing is planned Friday, May 22, at 7 p.m., the Spring Jazz Band Concert
CITY VIEWS
is set for Friday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m., the Chorale and Singers Concert will be performed Saturday, May 30, at 7:30 p.m. and the Wind Ensemble will play Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. The last events of the semester will be the Vocal Jazz Concert on Friday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. and the Symphony Concert is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m. All of the events will be presented at LBCC on the LAC. We urge students, employees and others to take advantage of the many opportunities available to support the performing arts.
Do you believe the student body has a voice at the college? By Arieel Alcaraz and Sylvana Uribe on Wednesday, April 1, on the LAC.
Briana Gomez, 19, radiology “I don’t believe so. If there was, then there would be a lot of different changes within the school systems itself.”
Zachary Medeiros, 23, history “I haven’t seen much student activism and I’ve been disappointed by how complacent it’s been.”
Zachary Ates, 19, animation “As a freshman I don’t know much, but I do see people walking around trying to get students involved.”
With the trend of banning smoking practically everywhere and in light of the current discussions on how to enforce the “smoke-free campus” policies at LBCC, many smokers, myself included, have growing concerns. Regardless of the enforcement method chosen by the Associated Student Body and the Board of Trustees, it is going to mean fines up to $100 for anyone smoking outside designated areas. Not only students, but all employees and visitors as well. That seems steep for smoking a cigarette. However, my qualms with the entire situation are not necessarily the enforcement, but the policy as a whole. We have a limited number of designated smoking areas on the campuses. Looking at a map of the LAC, eight locations are marked as smoking areas, which might appear more than sufficient. However, the numbers are misleading considering five of the locations are not viable for use during a school or work day, due to the considerable distance from most classrooms and offices. Breaks from class or work are usually short and people may not be able to get that far that fast. Aside from the five that are simply too far, a smoking area that is actually in a convenient location has no sign marking it as such. So the location cannot be counted, seeing as no one really knows about it. The count leaves two options for students, employees and visitors to smoke at the LAC. At the PCC, four designated smoking areas include two that fall into the “too far” category. So, again, only two locations are usable for smokers at the PCC.
I also am interested to see how the policy-makers and enforcers will react to smokers in the parking lots and on city-owned sidewalks. Second on my list of problems with the smoking ban is that no smoking area at LBCC has any type of cover. No type of awning or canopy protects smokers from rain or other elements. So, on a rainy day, smokers are expected to stand in the rain, mostly on wet grass or mud (sometimes caused by sprinklers, as well) and walk great distances to partake in their habit. That seems like treating an entire group of people as second-class people. Next is the fact that a large portion of the smoking community is reasonably respectful. More often than not, smokers can be seen walking to locations where nonsmokers are not congregated in large groups, not lighting up right in the middle of them and expecting them to deal with it. Now, the last point can be taken to a broader level and be said of all college campuses that have put smoking bans in place, some of which do not have designated smoking areas at all, and other smoking bans nationwide. Somewhere along the way it became popular to fight for the rights of every group of people. Women, the gay community, every race, religion, they all have at least one thing in common: people worldwide are fighting to gain equality and rights for them. However, while all the progress is being made, it is becoming more and more commonplace, acceptable and even expected to discriminate against smokers. Last time I checked, smokers are people too and should be able to live their lives how they want as long as they are respectful.
VIKING STAFF Eddy James, 21, electrical engineering
“I believe the student voice should be stronger to give more courage, confidence and an image to the school.”
Crystal Sanchez, 20,
George Felix, 20,
pharmaceutical sciences
biomedical engineer
“From what I’ve seen in clubs and Students Life, there is a way to have a say in what we want to see and do.”
“I feel like we’re being told what needs to get done and not asked what we really need.”
Editor in chief: Brandon Richardson Managing editor : Arieel Alcaraz Social media editor: Jessica De Soto Citystyle editor: Hunter King Sports editor: Will Ranos Advertising manager: Michael Olszewski
lbccviking.com Facebook.com/lbccvikingnews Twitter.com/lbccvikingnews Instagram/lbccvikingnews vikingnews@lbcc.edu
Staff: Tyisha Ali Darel James Cindy Macias Kelly Mahaffey Jon Peacock Sylvana Uribe Adviser: Patrick McKean Photo and Online adviser: Chris Viola Retired photo adviser: Jim Truitt Student assistant: Charles Hall
Have an opinion?
Martin Martinez, 19, Political Science “Students should go to trustee meetings and take an active role in things like voting.”
April Atkins-Estelle, 20, animation “I don’t think so. Students should take advantage of things like student government.”
Devin Manning, 21, undeclared “I feel like students get their point across.”
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.
The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication. The Viking will be published April 30, May 14 and 28. The Viking is published by Journalism 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 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. Printed by Beach Community Publishing. Delivery staff: PCC Student Life staff and Viking staff. The views expressed in the Viking do not reflect the views of the advisers, administration or the ASB. First copy free, each additional $1.
IMAGES
12
Brittany Lieberman LBCC’s Eliza de la Flor, center, interviews Jason Bret Wells, a BuzzFeed news editor, after his keynote speech at the convention Thursday, April 9, while classmate Samwell Favela livestreams the discussion on Twitter’s new Periscope app.
April 16, 2015
Cindy Macias David Wells, music history teacher and bassoonist, performs at Verge Center of the Arts on Thursday, April 9, in midtown Sacramento. Wells performed with sophomore Jack Fanning on a new work for electric bassoon duo. The photo was entered in the feature competition.
Journalism students travel to capital LBCC students were honored to make an appearance at the state convention.
William Martin Sophomore goalkeeper James Del Curto snatches the ball from the sky at its highest point while warming up for a friendly scimmage Friday, April 10. The photo was entered in the sports competition.
The Viking newspaper was recognized for general excellence by the Journalism Association of Community Colleges at the state convention in Sacramento. Eleven journalism students from City magazine and the Viking newspaper traveled to attend the event. Scholarships, mail-in awards and recognition for student publications were given Friday night. Attending students also had opportunities to participate in onthe-spot contests Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning. On-the-spot competition awards were announced Saturday night during an awards ceremony and dinner. Viking alumnus and City Magazine writer and copy editor Eliza de la Flor earned one of five $100 scholarships, along
William Martin Cody Casares, 24, a journalism major from Contra Costa College, along with dozens of sports photographers representing Community Colleges from all over the state, met at the convention to compete for best action sports photo on Friday, April 10 in Sacramento.
with Viking alumnus Elizabeth tor Hunter King received honorCheruto and current Viking and able mention for his on-the-spot City Magazine editor in chief feature article, about a percusBrandon Richardson, 27, a jour- sion group at an arts festival held nalism major, took fourth place at Sacramento State. It was the for a feature profile for City mag- first time King attended the conazine on local band Fragments vention. and received $100 a scholarship. LBCC got another on-theThe magazine had two oth- spot award when de la Flor reer writers receive recognition ceived second place for copy during the mail-in awards cere- editing. mony. Yaritza Alegria was given fourth W i t h p l a c e “The pressure and uncertainty. It’s awards in for her what journalists do every day and hand, LBnews CC’s journalfeature to me that’s very valuable experi- ism program on dis- ence. ” is making abled preparations -Brittany Lieberman for the next s t u Communications major dents conference and Tyisha Ali was given third this Fall at Cal State Fullerton. for her news feature on scholarEach year LBCC students ships and grants. participate in the event with Former Viking editor in chief about 400 other students from all Brittany Lieberman, 25, a com- across the state, attending workmunications major, placed third shops and competing in contests. for her mail-in photo essay on Lieberman talked about the toddlers playing at the PCC in most important aspect of the the global cardboard challenge. convention: “The pressure and Current Viking CityStyle edi- uncertainty. It’s what profession-
al journalists do every day and to me that’s very valuable experience.” Richardson said, “It was absolutely exhausting, but such a great experience to meet new people who share the same passion as you and compete for your school.” Cindy Macias, 18, a child development major, said, “It was a fun experience overall, but because it was my first semester in college, it was little overwhelming, but it was a challenge I was up for. I would definitely do it again and again.” Former Viking page editor William Martin, 28, a journalism major, said, “I always walk away from JACC events with a better understanding of the future of journalism and how to become a more effective visual journalist.” Students who also attended the convention event were Hunter King, Jessica De Soto, Kelly Mahaffey, Elizabeth Cheruto, Samwell Favela, Eliza de la Flor, and Arieel Alcaraz.
Elizabeth Cheruto Kimberly Liaz, 23, front, dances with her boyfriend John Reynolds, 27, an alumnus of Sacramento State University, in a street performance by a Latin jazz ensemble. Students from Sacramento State entertained over 50 people including journalism students covering the event in a contest for the Journalism Association of Community Colleges on Thursday, April 9.