ASB election preview News Page 3
Letters to the editor Opinion Page 6
Grand Prix coverage Sports Page 8
April 25, 2019 • Volume 92 • Issue 7 • Published since 1927
Photo Illustration by Andrea Ramos
Local activists to far-right rally
‘GET OUT!’ News Page 2
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NEWS
April 25, 2019
Students protest sexual violence
By Andrea Ramos Viking Staff “However we dress, wherever we go, yes means yes and no means no.” This is one of the many chants yelled by students marching against sexual violence at LAC. The event “Take Back The Night March” was hosted by the Sexual Assault Awareness Month student committee, and it took place on April 22. It began with opening remarks from Andrea Rodriguez, a student on the committee and a survivor, with her giving some time before the march to create posters. About 10 people participated in the event including students who were on the committee and the march began at the E quad at noon and went through the main center of LAC until 1 p.m. Sexual awareness month goes through all of April and all month the student committee and student health services will bring awareness to sexual violence, prevention, and abuse. According to one of the informational flyers being given out, approximately 1 in 5 women have been victims of sexual assault in college as well as 1 in 16 men. They gave out wristbands, flashlights, flyers with information about sexual as-
Photo By Andrea Ramos The Sexual Assualt Awareness Month Student Committee hosts Take Back The Night March event at LAC E-Quad on Monday, April 22.
sault, and informational cards giving information on what consent means. Sylvia Garcia, the advisor for the SAAM committee, gave insight into why she feels these events are important. “A lot of our survivors, the events happen in their own personal lives, in their
own communities, it happens everywhere, it just comes to light being in sexual assault awareness month people become aware … as we do these events people kind of open up about their experiences … it’s an impactful thing that happens to them, it takes a long time to heal, and some people
don’t deal with it, so with events like this it kind of helps them move toward talking to someone about it,” Garcia said. Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact and any form of action that is unwanted can be uncomfortable and leave an impact that can last for years. Andrea Rodriguez, who also had an uncomfortable encounter explains what happened to her. “I was in the women’s locker room, on the other side of campus, just getting ready for my day, and then I was in the gym right by the pool area so there’s like an entrance right there and then like there was a guy that came in and he was like fully naked, like his penis was erected and it was so weird, personally for me it was shocking, like did this really happen,” Rodriguez said. Shera Hawbaker, a student who heard of the event through the NordicSync event website for LBCC says she participates because, “I’ve known people who have suffered with sexual violence, both genders, so I like that this march is open to everyone and I just wanted to be a part of it, I think that it is important to get involved.” Many people are victims of sexual violence and abuse, if you or anyone you know is in harm’s way, student health services can help, with offices located at both LAC and PCC.
Long Beach community braces for far-right rally By Steven Matthews Viking Staff The Bluff Park neighborhood in Long Beach, known for being a quiet neighborhood with little crime, is expected to be the site of a far-right rally, but that has not gone unnoticed by citizens who have already mobilized a counter protest and plan to meet the far-right protesters head on in an effort to push them back out of Long Beach. The initial rally is scheduled to take place at Bluff Park and was originally announced by the United Patriot Nationalist Front, or UPNF. The Southern Poverty Law Center has dubbed the UPNF a hate group, and points out its ties with Antonio Foreman, a white nationalist activist who marched in Charlottesville at the Unite the Right rally. When the event for the rally went public on Facebook, many citizens in the city were quick to condemn it, and some formed a coalition of sorts, the Long Beach United Anti-Racist Neighborhood Front, and along with the Long Beach chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America have formed a counter rally called “No White Nationalism in Long Beach.”
One of the original commenters on the event announcement page on Facebook, Brian Addison was very clear on who he thought the group represented, and how he felt about them in Long Beach. “This, Long Beach should not be dismissed. White supremacists and ultra-nationalists are using our city as a stage,” Addison said. After the counter rally was announced, UPNF have appeared to change their tactics by first changing their name to Everything Patriot and Tactical. Which may be temporary because their Facebook page banner and profile picture still contain UPNF insignia. After the name change, EPAT have also erased, or made private, the event on social media, which has lead members of the counter rally to speculate that the far-right group has decided not to hold their rally in Long Beach after all. According to their Facebook page, The Long Beach United Anti-Racist Neighborhood Front have decide to hold their counter rally anyway, and if the far-right rally doesn’t show up, then the Neighborhood Front will consider it a victory. Many of the business owners in Retro Row, Downtown, or the Bluff Park area of
Long Beach either hadn’t heard of the rally, or had only heard of it through passing conversation. Most of them maintained that far-right rhetoric regarding immigration and sanctuary cities would not play well in Long Beach. Sidney Cramer, owner of Spa Sidney in Bluff Park summed up the common sentiment in a brief phrase, “Those groups don’t really have any business here,” said Cramer referring to the far-right groups holding the initial rally. The Long Beach Police Department has been made aware of the rally and counter rally, but for now have no plans on increasing patrols in the area. “We are aware of the rally but at this time, we are not increasing patrols in the area. We encourage all members of our community to express their first amendment rights peacefully,” said Officer Jennifer De Prez while giving a prepared statement to the media. The office of the third district of Long Beach Councilwoman, Suzie Price, who’s district contains most of Bluff Park, have also been made aware of the rallies. Price holds a similar view as the LBPD, that peaceful expressions of first amend-
ment rights are preferred for all who attend the rallies. The rally in Long Beach follows a day after another planned rally in Huntington Beach by another far right group, “March to END Sanctuary State”, and that rally too is to be met with resistance in the form of counter rally called, “All Out to Oppose Hatred & White Supremacy”. According to the rally’s social media page, it is being hosted by Occupy ICE LA, a group that fights against what they consider to be negative policy from ICE and the Trump administration, and Indivisible OC, a group dedicated to holding their values during the years of Trump’s presidency. Arthur Schaper, a local far-right activist is a planned speaker at the far-right event in Huntington Beach. Schaper is well known in Southern California for showing up to town hall or city council meetings and disrupting them with either anti-immigration or anti-sanctuary city rhetoric, which has seen him arrested on a few occasions. Both rallies are expected to occur on the last weekend in the month of April, with the Huntington Beach happening on April 27, and the Long Beach rally happening on April 28.
April 25, 2019
NEWS
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It’s ASB election time now at LBCC Story By Shani Crooks Viking Staff
Colorful campaign posters hung up on every major bulletin board and wall throughout LBCC means one thing; The 2019-2020 Associated Student Body general elections, which will start on April 23. ASB is a form of student government here at LBCC, whose members are known to join with the hopes of learning leadership skills that will help them in their future endeavors. The student run organization is delegated to represent the student body, and plays a key role in the disbursement funds amongst the different programs and clubs that LBCC offers. “Every program that ASB supports is very important, from athletics to the arts. I don’t want one program to be left out,” said Jan Paolo Canteras, the ASB 2018-2019 president. Candidates will have to meet the minimum requirements of being enrolled at LBCC for at least one year, completing six academic credit units, and maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA, this year’s election will have five candidates. Alyssa Jones and Ian Rubinstein will go head to head for the ASB presidential position. However, with no one to run against them, Kindyl Tisby running for LAC vice president, Donnell Jones running for student trustee, and Cesar Fierro running for secretary, will automatically be appointed to their desired positions. Despite the college having over 24,000 students enrolled, just over 1% of the student body actually voted during the last ASB elections. Canteras won the 2018-2019 elec-
tions with 293 votes. Canteras has acknowledged that voter turnout has been very low and set up a game plan to increase the student-voter turnout. One plan was to market the election early on and to bring student awareness by putting up posters all throughout campus, and teaming up with the school’s communication department to email out important election dates to the student body. “I am busy with work and school so I don’t have time to run for student office here, not to say that I don’t care about Long Beach City College, but a university is way more important. If I ran there, I would have more opportunities,” said Mayura Kong, full-time student. More students shared similar ideals. “If I didn’t sit in front of the E building today, I would not know there was an election,” said Brian Lopez, Pre-Bio major. “The posters don’t do anything, people just walk past without even reading, they should make voting mandatory, then there would be a good turnout.” “I don’t think emails would help, I rather the candidates be more around and in the mix, maybe not come to class, but make themselves more known,” said Daisy Salazar, who is currently taking general education courses. “If I were to vote, I have no idea who I’m voting for. I think we should see a video of the candidates so that way we can see their personality, how much they really care.” Canteras spoke about implementing a new policy for candidates to run for presidency. With Canteras new policy, candidates running for president would need
Photo by Shani Crooks ASB president Jan Paolo Canteras poses with 2019-2020 electoral candidates Donnell Jones, Alyssa Jones, Cesar Fierro, and Alyssa Tisby.
to have 500 signatures from their constituents. Canteras believes this will increase student interaction and get them involved in the election. “The ideal candidate is all about learning and investing in students. You have to talk to your constituents and represent them on all levels” said Canteras. ASB held a candidate meet and greet where candidates would give speeches and introduce themselves to the student body. But out of the 15 students that showed up, a majority of them were close friends
and family to the candidates. Along with the rest of the student body, by the time the event started, presidential candidate Rubinstein, was not in attendance. Cantreras advises that the new president should stay organized and never do anything half-hearted. Posters were displayed the day before the election around campus, and will give students information on where and how to vote. Voting closes on April 25 at 10 p.m., to cast your vote, visit http://asbelections.lbcc.edu/?eID=1.
Faculty is taught how to use LinkedIn Learning Story By Cassandra Reichelt Viking Staff
LinkedIn Learning is spreading all across California as a state initiative funded by the state to community colleges and is taking a focus on the Los Angeles Community College District. LinkedIn is best known for people looking for jobs and employers looking for candidates to those jobs. With LinkedIn Learning students can earn online badges and certificates to those prospective jobs and help students achieve goals. LinkedIn bought Lynda.com which has now become LinkedIn Learning today. Career Coach and LinkedIn Administrator Francia H. Pena, teamed up with
Nick Carbonaro professor of business administration and economics department to present LinkedIn Learning to faculty at LBCC. Carbonaro planned a workshop for faculty called, “LinkedIn Learning: How to Create a Level Economic Playing Field through LinkedIn.” A classroom filled with faculty members learned about what LinkedIn Learning is and how faculty can get LinkedIn Learning in their classrooms. Pena explained to the faculty in the workshop the importance of what LinkedIn Learning can offer to faculty and their students. “Faculty can invite their students to the platform and group them into categories to suggest videos and courses related to
their classes,” Pena said. LinkedIn Learning is $30 a month, but faculty were able to get LinkedIn Learning for free, and through faculty, give it for free to their students. According to Carbonaro, this will be the first semester that LBCC is starting with LinkedIn Learning. This workshop was specifically targeted to faculty, so faculty can give their students more resources to succeed. Gene Carbonaro, dean of career technical education at LBCC, was in attendance with Anthony Pagan, associate dean of career technical education to show their support. “It’s a more structured education platform so, I’m sure there’s statistics out there as far as students going onto YouTube to
access various tutorial videos to teach them set skills, but now with LinkedIn Learning you have a structured environment where if I’m pursuing a particular set of skills or competency that it is in a format I don’t have to go searching for,” Pagan said. A couple of faculty members explained what they liked about the workshop they attended. John Sicklick, part-time professor of computer office studies said, “I think it is a great opportunity for students … Life management can help students get jobs.” Gerard Greenidge, part-time professor of career technical education said, “Gives students the opportunity to learn on their own.” The LinkedIn Learning workshop has opened up a new way for faculty to help students achieve their education goals.
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LIFESTYLE
April 25, 2019
Robots take over during the break Story By Ryan Cholico Viking Staff
Straw rockets, zip-line challenges, and Ozobots were just a few of the many attractions that Long Beach City College and Shared Sciences put together for families on April 7 at LAC. Many organizations like Momentum Robotics, Pikatech Robotics, and even the Environmental Science Bureau put together small learning stations to teach the families who attended about the world of science and robotics. William Trang of Pikatech Robotics and Kyle Alix of Momentum Robotics both started learning the basics of robotics at a young age and continued to participate in events such as Robo-Tech. The Pikatech Robotics robot climbs up to the stand in the middle of the miniature arena. “I enjoy these kinds of events and like Photo By Ryan Cholico Willian Trang shows off a Pikatech Robotics’ robot in just one of the small learning station showing off my groups creations,” Trang held for many organzations. said. Michelle Wells, president of Shared Sci- more complicated.” causes. ence, provided some insight on why events Exposing kids to science at an early age Kim Hatch, professor at LBCC, put tosuch as Robo-Tech are important. is something many of the organizations gether the event with the help of the physi“Robo-Tech is mostly about bringing strive to do. cal science department and Shared Science. the opportunities that are here locally so Stands like “Jack’s Creations” and According to Hatch, an event like this that families can be exposed to it as much “Brighter Future” focused on helping chil- has been in his mind for the past few years as possible,” Wells said. dren with disabilities. as he applied for equity grants and reached “The younger you reach and touch kids This was the case with many of the or- out to non-profit organizations such as with this message and make it exciting, the ganizations as they were also selling snacks Shared Science to help create learning exmore likely they are to stick with it as it gets and drinks to help raise donations towards periences for the youth.
“We have a chance to impact the youth, and that is what we are hoping to achieve,” Hatch said. The Long Beach Maker Society and the Environmental Science Bureau both did their parts in showing off plans for the Future. The maker society showed off their 3-D printer which it offers for free to the public. The ESB taught families about the benefits of compost and how the society can benefit by using organisms like worms to deal with their garbage. While many families were busy learning about science and robotics, schools were in the meantime battling it out in a Lego competition inside the Nordic Lounge. Schools such as Lowell Elementary School created miniature robots and programmed them with different functions in order to carry out various tasks. Workshop were also some of the main attractions for families as they had a chance to enlist their kids in short classes where they were taught some basic science and engineering knowledge. They were given a chance to create straw rockets and play with small Ozobots. Former LBCC students have joined forces with Shared Science and landed jobs with them, helping both the organization and the student grow together. LBCC will also be hosting a science night on May 3 at 6 p.m. at the LAC campus for anyone in the community interested in science and engineering.
Students says ‘Aloha’ to PCC Spring Luau Story By Jorge Hernandez Viking Staff Free food, table games, and even a game of tug-of-war was at the Spring Luau for students, but it eventually ended prematurely at PCC on April 4. The PCC club senate put on the event to show its appreciation to all students on campus that attended with a Hawaiian themed event at the EE quad. According to the PCC club senate, there has been discussions for the last month wanting to make this event. “Students can participate in a tug-ofwar competition, play jenga, a make your own mai tai and pina colada, and lei and flowers for students to wear and take pictures with,” said PCC Club Senate Advisor Jamie Kammerman. While fun and games are there for their enjoyment, poke was served with rice and seaweed to the students. Some students enjoyed and appreciated
the event, but a few felt like it can be done better. The PCC club senate serving the food during the Spring Luau at PCC on April 3, 2019. They were offering tuna or salmon poke with rice and seaweed. LBCC Student Joseph Gradowy said, “It reminds me of a previous event years ago which is actually cool but it’s kind of the same. I want to see more culture with student involvement.” Luis Ortiz, another student said, “I like to see people getting together and to enjoy the bonding time with meeting new people. I feel appreciated and fed.” The event was well attended until 12 Photo By Jorge Hernandez p.m., until the organizers had run out of Marliu Reyes is playing tetris that the PCC Club senates provided at the Spring Luau at food, which resulted to clear out the set ups LBCC PCC on April 3, 2019. “I was mainly on LAC but this is my first semester on this camand to end the event. pus and it makes me feel more like home.” she said. Most of the students attended the event believed they made a successful event re- were in place for the Spring Luaa, but the for the free food and the drinks, and the orgardless of the shortage of food. senate voted in favor of the Spring Luau. ganizers were serving as much as they can. Others events such as the club olympics According to the PCC club senate, they
April 25, 2019
LIFESTYLE
Mexican and Latin American expert Gregorio Luke adds students to an informative mailing list following his lecture at LBCC.
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Photo By Sebastian Angulo
Students gather to hear immigration lecture
By Ryan Cholico Viking Staff
“Will we become a nation of immigrants, or a closed society,” was one of the many thought provoking ideas brought up by Mexican and Latin American expert Gregorio Luke during the “Plight of the Immigrant” lecture at LBCC on March 14. The lecture was held in the T-building from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and was open to the public for free.
Luke stayed longer than he was supposed to, taking questions from anyone with concerns or comments. Many of the questions asked were about today’s immigration problems and concerns about the government. The “Plight of the Immigrants” lecture was the third installment of a three part series of lectures in the “Lecturer in Residence Series.” The series also included a lecture on Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz and another on Dia de los Muertos.
Gregorio Luke, former director of the Museum of Latin American Art, Consul of Cultural Affairs of Mexico in Los Angeles, and first secretary of the embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C. has also given over 1,000 lectures making the turnout to this event great with over 30 people showing up. The lecture focused on immigration throughout the history of the United States and Luke really recognized how important it was to allow new immigrants into
the country as they help in various ways, including helping the economy and adding to the culture. Luke spoke on the issues that people against immigration bring up. “Immigrants actually create jobs,” said Luke According to Luke, this lecture on immigration was was one of the more controversial ones and more difficult ones to schedule, because of the topics he was covering.
Students showcase their talents at Spring Sing
By Brandon Silva Viking Staff
Photo By Brandon Silva Seen here is contestant Shannon Wynn in the midst of powerful vocal performance.
With singing, dancing, and a $300 grand prize, the students of LBCC kicked off spring break than with the annual Spring Sing talent show. There were many performances throughout the afternoon of April 4, so there was no shortage of entertainment for the event that had a large turn-out. Acts during the show were put on by both group and solo performers. Many awards were given at the end of the night, including plaques to every participant who was brave enough to showcase their talents. Some of the awards throughout the night included best performance, best costume, best solo vocals and best group vocals. One audience member and student, Omar Martinez was surprised at the talent on display. “I wasn’t expecting those amazing vocals from some of these performers,” Martinez said. The one award that everyone was paying attention to was Best Overall Perfor-
mance, which was given to Christina Armendariz for her ukulele and singing act. Paired with a large trophy to take home, was also a $300 dollar grand prize scholarship. “This whole event was really amazing,” said Armendariz as she was walking off the stage, just winning the top award for the night. After being asked if she had any advice for any future participants, Armendariz was quick to reply. “Don’t think you have to have experience… if your passionate about it do it anyway.” Other acts included “Princess Camping Quest” from the Ladies of Athena, “Just Breathe” from the Architectural Student Association, and a stunning performance of “Before It’s Over” by Shannon Wynn. Many of the audience members were very content with the judges choices in awards for the evening. Jessie Villalta, a student at LBCC, commented, “Everyone did great, but my favorite performance of the night was the Ladies of Athena,” Villalta said. This is the third Spring Sing event Villalta has been to.
OPINION
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BOARD EDITORIAL FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSES SHOULD BE REQUIRED LBCC should require its students to take financial literacy classes to help them better manage their money. During their college years, students can face many financial burdens from facing credit card debt to taking out student loans, students are left with this weight on their shoulders because they’re not sure how to manage their money wisely. Regardless, if the student is a first-time or returning college student a financial literacy class will be an asset for them when transferring to a four-year university, or even after the completion of community college, it can be difficult if students don’t have the guidance needed to achieve financial security. To graduate or transfer from LBCC, students must complete a certain amount of courses according to the Area E: Life Long & Self Development on Plan B, there are 17 available courses that students can choose from that educate students about life skills that could be helpful later on in life. Additionally, all courses in Area E are
essential, but learning how to properly manage finances is something that would be crucial to prevent students from dealing with financial burdens if the possibility ever presented itself. For example, how some people might not know what credit loans are, or understanding the difference between renting and buying a home that could be taught when taking a financial literacy class. LBCC offers a personal finance management class as a general education course on Plan B, but only offers one of those classes on campus and the rest online, with only one professor teaching those courses, as well as it not being a requirement for students to take. Plan B, which is aimed to help students successfully transfer to a California State University. The only plan that offers a personal finance management course (GBUS 10) as a general education option. Plan A, which is LBCC General Education, and Plan C, which is Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
(IGETC), do not offer GBUS 10 as a general ed. Even though it may be a bit of a challenge incorporating the financial literacy classes in all of the general education plans, it should be done, and LBCC should make it a priority to do so. According to Professor Nick Carbonaro, he is the only faculty member to teach personal finance management on campus, he agrees that having to take this course as a requirement will be beneficial to students. The possible benefits of having a personal finance management class should make it even more of a priority for LBCC to make it a required general education course. With having personal finance management as a requirement a potential increase in enrollment, faculty hiring, and value of the course. As a result to this, more on-campus classes and more options of when and where to take those classes will be offered.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR BIRTH CONTROL CAN SAVE LIVES Hello, I am writing this letter in response to an opinion piece from April 2, 2019 titled “Educating people on the negative effects of birth control.” I truly have no ill intent, but I hope to enlighten readers to a few points I believe were overlooked. First, I wish to stress that not only women use birth control. Many non-binary people, intersex people, and transgender men use various forms of birth control. Unless this article was intended specifically for cisgender women, I believe more inclusive language would have been beneficial because the effects listed can also affect much of these populations. Secondly, hormonal birth control is prescribed for number of serious, chronic heath conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. For people with these disorders, myself included, hormonal birth control is often the only treatment available and can be lifesaving because of the severe physical and psychological symptoms these conditions cause, despite the possible side effects and risks that the treatments may carry. An additional note is that two types of cancer mentioned in the article whose risks are reduced by oral contraceptives
have lower survival rates than those which have a heightened risk, meaning that oral contraceptives may actually lower the user’s risk of more dangerous cancers in exchange for less dangerous types. Although I agree that patients should be more informed when being prescribed contraceptives, they typically do come with information about the medication which includes the risks and side effects. I feel that it is the patient’s responsibility to read over that information and let it influence their decision. Overall, I think this is a great conversation to have. I just wish it had been more informed and inclusive. Thank you, Kylie-Sky Lindsey, Student
CARE PROGRAM IS NOT FOR EVERYONE I read the article “LBCC provides support for single parents” and I felt the need to respond to the article. I am a recent student from LBCC I have successfully transfered to UC Merced. As an LBCC student I was an advocate for parenting students. I advocated for the much needed breast feeding facilities with my fellow parenting student Lara
Meintjes and the school met us half way with the room that is occasionally available upon request in the health center. It is not promoted and there are no signs. It is in violation of title 9. As a single parent in LBCC I did not qualify for the care program it is only for students that are parents, that receive cash aid. Many working single parents such as myself do not qualify for the program. EOPS is a great program that I was grateful to have but it is not a program made for parenting students. Children are strictly not allowed to EOPS councilor meetings. I found it difficult to make all 3 of my meetings every semester. I struggled to get through LBCC as a single parent, with limited recourses, to successfully transfer to a UC. I got through it without the only recourse that is made for students that are parents. I worked full time and I was a full time student. I would just appreciate it if other single parents wouldn’t receive false hope. I feel that it should be clarified that the breast feeding “facility” does not meet title 9, that it is not readily accessible, the care program qualifications should be made clear, and the EOPS program does not put the needs of Parenting student’s first. Darlene Medrano, Alumni
MORE LETTERS ONLINE
April 25, 2019
VIKING NEWS Editor-in-chief: Steven Matthews Managing editor: Abel Reyes News editors: Andrea Ramos Cassandra Reichelt Opinion editors: Fernando Pacheco Iman Palm Lifestyle editors: Dylan Keith Shani Crooks Sports editors: Malik Reeves Johana Trujillo
Staff Jennifer Vidal Hannah Buckley Melanie Gerner Sabriyya Ghanizada Ryan Cholico Nehemiah Balaoro Aspyn Sewell Sebastian Angulo
Brandon Silva Alexis Turner Abrielle Lopez Marissa Lopez Arlene Guerrero Jorge Hernandez Takota Haas
Adviser: Walter Hammerwold Photo and online adviser: Chris Viola The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication. 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, LAC 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, Calif., 90808, Room P135, mail code Y-16, Telephone (562) 938-4285 or contact the staff by email to vikingnews@lbcc.edu or on social media. 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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April 25, 2019
SPORTS
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Vikings seek playoff redemption
Story By Malik Reeves Viking Staff
The Long Beach City College men’s volleyball 2018 season was a historic one which saw them go undefeated, only to lose against Pierce College in the semifinals of the state playoffs. To get a chance at redemption this season, the Vikings are going back to the Semifinals with a game on Thursday at Fullerton College against El Camino College. The Vikings were victorious in their first round matchup against Santiago Canyon College, in a 3-1 victory on April 19. The Vikings are coming off another successful season, with an overall record of 17-3 and 11-1 in the conference. Vikings have seen plenty success under head coach John Charette, which they have won two state titles in 2013 and in 2016 and then finished in the state semifinals 4 of his 7 years. Coach Charette discussed how there’s a different feeling going into this years semifinals match up, but his
Photo By Malik Reeves Freshman Uriel Batista attempting to spike the ball against his teammates in practice.
mindset is the same. “It’s a younger team and the desire is there and we had a really good practice
on last years team talked about what being back in the semifinals mean to him. “It was tough last year we had such a great season and the way it ended wasn’t how we pictured but we have another chance on Thursday and we’re ready for a different outcome this time,” Davis said. The Vikings will face El Camino next, a conference opponent who they shared a conference title with. The two played two times this year and split both matches and also faced each other in a semifinal match back in 2017 in which the Vikings lost. “They’re kind of a crosstown rival this will be our third time playing them, we got a good squad they got a good squad and we’re just ready to play,” Charette said. The Vikings will play on Thur. April 25 at Fullerton College at 5 p.m. in the CCCAA State Championship Semifinal.
and hope to have another good one tomorrow,” Charette said. Sophomore Miller Davis who was
Vikings win the first game of season series story by Abel reyes viking staff
Sophomore infielder Raul Gonzalez was the first one to bring it home for the Vikings, as the Long Beach City College baseball team won 9-3 against visitor Compton College. Gonzalez improved from his last appearance against Santa Ana College, Gonzales ended with two runs in total against Compton, where he had no runs against Santa Ana. “It’s all about just improving and fixing my mistakes overtime, and I know my teammates and coaches are here to help me out,” Gonzales said. Freshman outfielder Zach Rivas was right behind Gonzales, as he was the only other player to have two runs in the game. Sophomore pitcher Garrett Rennie had a better game than average, Rennie had 9 strikeouts against the Tartars and no home runs “I really have to keep my focus for the rest of the season. I think that’s what brought us here, having our focus as our priority,” Rennie said. The Tartars were having trouble the
entirety of the game, sophomore left hand pitcher Kevin Smith had six base on balls. “We have two more games against Long Beach so I’m not completely worried, but if we want to be better, it has to start with me,” Smith said. According to Vikings Head Coach Casey Crook, the Vikings need to work on their decisions in the infield, as the team had missed opportunities during the game. The Vikings are set to play the Tartars two more times, and Head Coach Martinez plans to win them all and go as far as possible in the conference. “We are capable of going as far as possible in the conference it because I’ve been in these situations many times,” Martinez said. “We need to run less people and we have to our infield catchers focused. But it also really depends who we play, that’s the uncertainty I have for our future.” The Vikings increase their overall record to 25-13, and 16-4 in the South Coast Conference. The Vikings are set to play Compton College again, the game will be at Compton College on April 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Photo By Dylan Keith Raul Gonzales slides back to first base after attempting to steal against Compton College. After the play he successfully stole to 2nd base.
SPORTS
8
April 25, 2019
Photo by Jorge Hernandez Kyle Mohan No.99 is drifting his way toward turn 11 during drift practice for the Motegi Drift Challenge at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13, 2019.
Grand Prix returns to Long Beach
Story by Abel Reyes Viking Staff
As one of the longest running major street races held in America, the 2019 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach started off by reminding fans the smell of burnt rubber. Some of the most exotic cars at the event started off the Grand Prix, the IMSA WeatherTech vehicles came out to prepare for their 100-minute long race on Saturday. Cadillac, Nissan, Mazda, Corvette, BMW, Ford, Porsche and Acura were some of the type of brands that participated in the race, which was sponsored by BUBBA burger. The IMSA cars are some of the fastest and the most technological advance cars in America, specifically designed for the race track. Alexander Rossi, who won his sixth IndyCar Series on Sunday, dedicated his win to his late grandfather. Rossi had received an email from his cousin a day before the race saying that his grandfather died. Rossi is the first driver to win backto-back wins since 2008, but Sunday’s win meant a lot more to him. “I want to dedicate this one to him,” Rossi said. “He meant a lot to me.” The driver from California dominated throughout the whole race, only giving up first place twice because of pit stops. “My crew dominated today and they’re the biggest contributing factor in why I won,” Rossi said. The final day of the event also came with surprises, specifically in the Super Stadium Trucks races. Robby Gordon stole first place in the end for the second SST race and Matt Brabham won the previous SST race on Saturday.
Photo by Jorge Hernandez All drivers in their vehicles are following the safety car toward the hairpin turn during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach race on April 14, 2019.
Gordon, who is the series founder, did not place on Saturday’s race, so then he came in the next day even more prepared. According to Gordon, the race that was held on Saturday did not feel right for him, as he felt unfocused during the day. Spencer Pumpelly was the other winner of the day, as he led his way to first play in the Pirelli G4 series race. According to Grand Prix CEO Jim Michaelian, this year’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach brought an estimate of 80,00 people. Ray Benitez worked during his spring break from Long Beach City College, and was a small contributing factor in trying to help 80,000 people in attendance. “I’ve always volunteered here because I really like environment but every year it keeps getting bigger,” Benitez said. The Grand Prix of Long Beach will return next year in the spring, for its 46th year.
Photo by Jorge Hernandez Alexander Rossi along with Josef Newgarden and Scott Dixon are presented with their winning trophies at the end of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 14, 2019.