Men’s water polo team looks to stay afloat.
SEE SPORTS PAGE 5
September 5, 2013
Volume 87, Issue 2
Published Since 1927
STUDENT LIFE CUTS MINI GRAND PRIX
FERNANDO JIMENEZ/VIKING TRADITION CRASHES: Members of Aztlan reach for their push cart after a crash in the Spring 2011Mini Grand Prix at Veterans Stadium. Aztlan would go on to win the men’s race, and have won the last three years.
Popular event canceled citing staff shortages. By Edward Mahurien Managing Editor In 1975, President Gerald Ford was entering his second year in office, a gallon of gasoline was 53 cents, the Vietnam War ended as Saigon fell to the communists and the Mini Grand Prix was first contested at LBCC. However, after 38 years the final checkered flag apparently has been waved. Director of Student Life Anita Gibbins said she knew the decision she said was “made and agreed on by every member of Student Life” wouldn’t go over well with the students. The Office of Student Life decided to cancel the popular spring event. Lack of funding is not being used as the reason for the cancellation as the ASB has funded the event within its budget. Student Life says they don’t have the personnel to run the event. “The staff are really stressed. They’re union employees and their contract says their hours
should be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., all hyped up. At first we borbut the truth is they work more,” rowed cars from the LAC and it Gibbins said. really took off. The Mini-Mini Considering teachers’ sched- Grand Prix exclusively included ules and the race being largely a the PCC. The Board of Trustees physical event that doesn’t pro- and the president would come mote leadership, Student Life out and flag the races,” Carter decided something had to go, said. Gibbins said. The Mini-Mini Grand Prix Jeri Carter, who retired in is gone and those students and 2007 after 20 years in charge of programs Carter speaks about the PCC Student Life activities, are now gone as well. strongly disagrees with Gibbins’ The annual LAC event drew reasonhundreds ing. of stu“I think if we got students and “How dents, does it teachers to help organize it, we employees m a k e wouldn’t have a problem.” and coms e n s e munity -Diego Navarro members. that the Aztlan Student Senate representative ParticM G P ipants, d o e s n’ t create leadership skills? When largely from the clubs on camyou’re the captain of a race team pus, spend countless hours you’ve got to get uniforms and building and modifying homeorganize practices on top of made push carts made especially building a car. That teaches lead- for the event. Contestants naviership. That’s what Student Life gate their carts around a track lined with hay bales making sevis all about,” Carter said. Carter, a long-time support- eral turns, and crashes, before er of Student Life on the PCC, crossing the finish line. In the past the event has increated the now defunct MiniMini Grand Prix exclusively at cluded a Chili Cook-off, a classic the PCC. car show and live bands as part “You take a bunch of avia- of the festivities. The Men of Aztlan have tion, automotive, sheet metal and welding guys and get them dominated the Mini Grand Prix
lbccviking.com • facebook.com/vikingnews
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in recent years and Diego Navarro, Student Senate representative for the club, sees the competition as an integral part of club recruitment. Responding to claims of lack of staffing, Navarro offered to ease the burden of the staff by enlisting more students in the organizing process. “I think if we got students and teachers to help organize it, we wouldn’t have a problem,” “It’s embedded in the school’s tradition,” Navarro said. Last year’s coordinator and ASB Cabinet adviser Derek Oriee is also unhappy to see the event go away. With an increased schedule, Oriee was unable to coordinate the event this year. “I’m a traditionalist so it’s hard for me to see any tradition go away. It helps keep the school together as far as Student Life is concerned,” said Oriee, who participated as a student. He knows not many students are aware of the cancellation, but he’s sure their reactions are coming. If Facebook is any indication the reaction will be strong. A post by the Viking to Facebook has drawn dozens of angry responses from students.
@lbccvikingnews
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Closure of Lot J draws criticism By Eliza de la Flor Copy Editor
Parking Lot J closed at the LAC allows the new home of the Math and Technology and Culinary Arts departments to be built, but the present impact on parking doesn’t leave students feeling optimistic. Jazzel Atienza, 21, a nursing major, said, “The first week is always terrible, but this semester I think it’s worse. They started when all the students are coming.” Atienza said she was not aware of the plans for Lot J. When told, she said, “I hope they also build a new structure, because many students are having problems finding parking. And it would be nice to have parking close to the other buildings.” Chef Pierre Jues, head of the Culinary Arts Department, shared details on plans for the new facilities that include increased storage, several kitchens and audio-visual coverage of all classes to replace the current method of students observing instructors’ demonstrations in overhead mirrors during class. A skills kitchen for introductory courses, a production kitchen for more advanced classes and a pastry kitchen will be constructed. All culinary classes will have access to a multi-use kitchen and possibly hosting the Baking and Pastry Arts Club. A demonstration kitchen will include stadium seating. The new building plans include a student-run restaurant and a retail area to sell creations by baking and pastry art students.
Clubs recruit
Students interested in joining clubs for the Fall semester are encouraged to meet representatives at the semi-annual Join-a-Club Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the PCC in the Quad area near the flagpole and Thursday, Sept. 12 on the LAC in the Front Quad. There are 83 registered clubs at LBCC, of those 13 are based at the PCC. Even with all of the options available, students may start a club of their own by contacting Student Life Coordinator Teila Robertson at (562)938-4978.
vikingnews@lbcc.edu
NEWS
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September 5, 2013
CRASH SUSPECT IN COURT
Shuttle funding in jeopardy ASB and district debate how to divide bus contract. By Max Ward Sports Editor
STEPHEN CARR/LONG BEACH-PRESS TELEGRAM Mario Ivan Palafox, 21, was involved in a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Carson Street and Clark Avenue next to the LAC on Wednesday, May 15, killing Elane Logay, 47, a mother of two and part-time math teacher at Santa Ana College. Palafox plead not guilty to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and three charges of leaving the scene of an accident. He was released on bail Thursday, May 30. and has his next pre-trial court date Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 8:30 a.m. at the new Long Beach courthouse.
Student recall of Board still underway By Elizabeth Cheruto Calendar Editor
A recall effort against four LBCC trustees is still under way despite being rejected three times by Los Angeles County officials, recall leaders say. The recall was launched April 24 after Trustees Douglas Otto, Roberto Uranga, Jeffrey Kellogg and Thomas Clark voted to support a proposal by the LBCC administration and the Board to
Troia added that recall effort eliminate 11 trade programs in “is necessary because the Board January. Former Student Trustee Ja- does not represent the best interest of the son Troia who trans- “The Board betrayed the students s t u d e n t s and haferred to ven’t for UC Berkley whom they represent and violatthe past said, “We ed their trust,” 10 years. I will move -David Root have zero ahead and Co-organizer of Board recall confifile the petition with the registrar’s office in dence with the Board.” Co-organizer David Root, 48, Norwalk when the required paper work is ready.” an auto body major, said, “The re-
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call petition represents the opinion of most of the trade students and others students from both campuses.” “The Board betrayed the students whom they represent and violated their trust. I come from a third generation family who has benefited through the trades program and I want the same for the next generation and that gives me the strength to fight,” said Root. The recall failed to happen because of clerical layout error, not addressing Otto with his honorable attorney position and a lack of enough required signatures. Root said they will try as long as it takes to petition through the recall process and they are working on the paper work to meet all the requirements before they file again. Root concluded they need every student’s support because the issue could affect their programs in the future. LBCC Student Trustee Andrea Donado, 28, a gender studies major, said in the past she was in support of the recall before the last ASB elections, but she has decided not to take a stand this semester. Donado said, “I have the opportunity to work with the Board to represent the students. I am hoping to have a good relationship with the Board members so I can represent the students effectively.” Kellogg said, “There is no recall until whoever is behind this effort files the paper work with the county.” Otto said, “The recall effort was a very unfortunate distraction in the midst of an important and difficult decision by LBCC faculty, administrators, staff, students and trustees. We are now again moving forward in the best interests of the college and our students.” Oakley said, “To date there is no recall that has been authorized by the Los Angeles County Registrar’s office. It is an unfortunate distraction from the work that needs to be done at LBCC to improve opportunities for students to complete their goals.”
ASB Cabinet President Marco Mendoza led the first meeting of the Fall semester in regard to potential changes to the Voyager Shuttle schedule on Monday, Aug. 26 at the LAC. Scheduled on the agenda were topics of terminating the shuttle services and where to reallocate the money used to fund the shuttle service. The meeting included several gallery speakers. Among the speakers was Margie Padron, business support services director. She discussed how LBCC signed a contract with Keolis transportation services in 2008 and 2009. The contract included two shuttles that traveled every 30 minutes to an hour from the PCC to the LAC Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. The district funded the Voyager Shuttle service for students Aug. 26 through Sept. 6. The contract terminated July 23, leaving LBCC staff and the Cabinet with a huge decision to make. With the district agreeing to fund only half of the shuttle costs, the Cabinet remains divided about whose responsibly it should be to fund the other half. Upon the contract’s termination, the district accepted seven proposals from shuttle bus companies. The district narrowed it down to two proposals, one being 20 passengers for $59 per hour and the other being 26 passengers for $59.61, accumulating to about $64,500 a year. Keolis was willing to present LBCC with two shuttles. While discussing the shuttle services, gallery speaker, Brendan Hayes, Business Support Services Manager, spoke about the Long Beach Transit 176 Zap Line. The idea of funding a discount on bus passes arose. As of now, the CampusStore sells about $175,000 in monthly bus passes per year at a student-discounted price of $40 per month. Cabinet members discussed subsidizing the money used to fund the shuttle services by applying a $5 donation toward every bus pass purchased. There was also discussion of the Mini Grand Prix cancellation due to lack of staff availability. The funds remain untouched and have not yet been reallocated. The six vacant ASB positions are vice president, secretary, treasurer, LAC student president, representative of environment and representative of communications. The next Cabinet meeting is Monday Sept. 9 on PCC.
September 5, 2013
Parking lot is a parking not
By David Stephens Opinion Editor
Parking Lot A on the corner of Faculty Avenue and Carson Street has been invaded by construction crews again this summer. The lot was closed in early 2011 to act as a construction staging area while the new student services Building A was under renovation. Original plans called for the roughly 55-stall staff parking lot to open upon the completion of Building A in April. However, fences remain, closing off the parking lot to on-lookers. When Krisse Piache, 22, a mechanical engineering major was asked if he knew why Parking Lot A was closed, he said, “Closed, no. I mean, it looks clean, there are no cars there.” The lot has only two stalls being used for materials while the rest remain vacant until the occasional car of a construction worker drives in or out. In May, LBCC released its most up-to-date construction impact diagram showing that the lot will remain closed until summer 2015, as it will remain a staging area for contractors. Piache commented about the lot remaining closed: “As a student, yeah it bites. That’s extra parking we can use to walk faster to class.” Construction has no end
in sight as plans are in place until October 2020, therefore Lot A may remain closed for several more years. Although Lot A is the smallest lot on campus, its use and lack thereof can be felt across campus. Some employees of LBCC also feel out of the loop. Associate professor of English, Kirsten Moreno said, “I understand that construction workers need a location on campus, but the larger question is whether or not the lot will eventually be restored to faculty use. To my knowledge, no one has addressed this.” Students on the southern side of campus feel the effects as well. While walking from the parking lot to the T Building, nursing major David Bentahar, 36, mentioned that parking needs to be “improved for easy access for all.” Not everyone is upset about the construction crews taking up nearby parking spaces. Marlon Zepeda, an architecture design major, 22, said, “They do not have anywhere else to go. They do need a space to give them room to work so they don’t have to worry about running into their own equipment.” Information about the construction and parking impacts brought forth by Measure E is available by visiting lbcc.edu/ bond program.
NEWS
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Caleb Ellis/Viking SHOUT: Student Trustee Andrea Donado spreads the word on Assembly Bill 955, which would increases tuition for Winter and Summer intersessions at Community Colleges in California.
Assembly Bill 955 causes a protest By Leonard Kelley Staff Writer
LBCC students took to the streets against Assembly Bill 955, to protest against the bill passing the state Senate Appropriations Committee and heading to the Senate floor. Protester gathered on the corner of Clark Avenue and Carson Street on Tuesday, Sept. 3. AB 955 would allow Community Colleges to raise their outof-state fees from $46 per unit to more than $200 per unit for Summer and Winter intersessions. Janet Hund, a sociology
teacher, said, “Our faculty stands against AB 955 with our students.” Members of the Civic Engagement Club encouraged students and Long Beach residents to “come out and help us stand strong. Let your voice be heard and fight against this bill to the end.” President of LBCC, Eloy Oakley helped put together this bill for the purpose to move the students along faster who are close to graduating . In an interview with the Press Telegram, President Oakley explains, “We want to ensure that students who want to come to
LBCC and have the means to pay are able to access the classes they need to finish their educational goals.” Jessica Bracho, 24, a sociology major, said, “It is imperative that all students are fairly and equally protected. We, the Civic Engagement Club, are against AB 955 because it places an unfair burden on students of color, single-parent families and students receiving Financial Aid. We are interested in the collective good.” As of now, no date has been established for when the Senate Education Committee will vote on the Assembly Bill.
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CITYSTYLE
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ON STANDBY
Tech tools out of reach due to budgeting
September 5, 2013
Smartphones and tablets give learning opportunity to expand. By David Stephens Opinion Editor
With textbook prices on the rise, there is not much anticipation on the campuses for the release of the new iPad and iPhone 5s, expected for Tuesday, September 10. Jaelin Santos, 18, a music major, said Apple is “overhyped” and “Apple has a lot of smart people doing the marketing,” which is what leads to their success. Melvin Cobb, a professor in computer sciences, said, “The fact that Apple has managed to replicate the basic Macintosh operating system from one device to the next is a huge factor that contributes to their success.” Long Beach Unified School District began using iPads in the classrooms to help algebra students at Washington and Hudson schools in 2010. In September 2012, with the opening of Nelson Academy in Signal Hill, the first wireless iPad technology system for a Long Beach school was created. Cobb said the technology in smartphones and tablets has “given the ability to make learning mobile and take it beyond the four walls of a classroom, and they have expanded the access we have to information.” Apple devices such as iPads and iPhones range from $300 to $850. Dorian Rodriguez, 20, an undecided major, said he is “too broke” to buy the new iPhone and when talking about if he would buy a new smartphone if money became available sometime over the year, he explained that he would “use the money wisely” and not on a phone. A survey was conducted with 32 participants at the LAC. 47 percent own an iPhone. Galaxy phones came in second with 16 percent while the remaining users varied across other platforms. Also, 31 percent of students surveyed use a tablet in their daily lives. When participants were asked their average cost of textbooks per year, 47 percent said they spend roughly $550 a year and 19 percent said they spend more than $1,000 a year. The remaining 34 percent were evenly dispersed among the groups who pay less than $500 or between $600 and $1,000 a year. With the yearly cost of books being the same, if not more than a tablet, smartphone or laptop, college students said they need to prioritize now more than ever. With the Apple stock dropping more than $200 a share in the last year, it is apparent the iBubble is being popped.
Caleb ellis/Viking FRESH START: Jocelyn Hernandez, far right, waits with fellow students trying to get into English 105 on the first day of school Monday, Aug. 26. “This is horrible,” Hernandez said.
Safety techniques reveal awareness By Robert Fullingim Staff Writer
Sexual assault against women continues to be a problem on college campuses across the country. The issue has steadily gained awareness from situations like the U.S. v. Morrison Supreme Court case in 2000 to the string of campus rape cases currently being investigated at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Maggie Jessup, the mother of Just Yell Fire founder and CEO Dallas Jessup, said, “Co-eds don’t know they face a 1-in-4 risk of sexual assault and a 1-in-3 chance
Mystery writers visit
of dating abuse or other random lege women face. Her aunt was a violence.” victim of date rape while attendJust Yell Fire started in 2006. ing CSU Northridge. Founder Dallas Jessup said she Torres said, “She left her drink chose the name unattended Just Yell Fire “This is something I will at a party because “yelling and some‘help’ doesn‘t definitely take the time to one spiked draw as much look at.” it. Since attention.” then she -Annette Torres has always Jessup, a Biology major black belt in taewarned me kwon-do since age 13, has videos to be aware and even told me on her website, justyellfire.com, about ways to defend myself.” that demonstrate effective self-deTorres said, “This is somefense techniques for women. thing I will definitely take the Annette Torres, 18, a biology time to look at.” major, is aware of the dangers colPart of Torres’ reason for
Katie Cortez Staff Writer
Paying homage to the superstitious hype of Friday the 13th, the LBCC Foundation and Library and Learning Resources Associates are hosting a murder mystery event in P104 at the LAC on Friday, Sept. 13. The Foundation and Library and Learning Resources Associates invite authors to campus to raise funds for the Library. Proceeds from ticket sales go toward buying new books for the Library, Executive Director of the Foundation Ginny Baxter said. Mystery and thriller authors Darrell James and Tammy Kaehler will be reading from and signing copies of their newest novels, “Sonora Crossing” and “Braking Points.” Copies of both novels will be available for purchase during the book signing. The authors “really seem to enjoy coming to a college campus,” Baxter said. Admission is $15 and may be reserved by calling or emailing Baxter at (562) 938-4634 or gbaxter@lbcc.edu, buying at the door or purchased online at foundation.lbcc.edu. Students with a current LBCC ID get in free.
wanting to watch the video is because of how she feels about campus security at LBCC. LBPD has offices on both campuses and they are available 24 hours a day. and Police escorts are available for anyone. For those who choose to skip the escort, they recommend to stay in well-lit areas, to keep your property close at all times and to walk in groups for safety. To reach the LBPD offices from campus, people may dial extension 4910, or from a cell (562) 435-6711 which will connect them to the LBPD headquarters. For emergencies dial extension 9911, or 911 from a cell phone.
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EDUCATION BENEFITS • SKILLS TRAINING • PART-TIME SERVICE
Contact Staff Sergeant Erick Sanchez at 310.221.1183
1-800-GO-GUARD Programs and Benefits Subject to Change
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8/29/13 11:12 AM
SPORTS
September 5, 2013
Coach brings hope Saturday Night Lights return.
By Max Ward and Morgan Mayfield Co-Sports Editors
William Martin/Viking UNDER DISTRESS: Attacker Jessica Diaz avoids being swamped by a defender as she looks for an open teammate to pass the ball to in practice Tuesday, Sept. 3 at the LAC pool.
Vikes aim for 1st again By Shannon Murphy Staff Writer
LBCC’s women’s water polo team finished the season last year with 19-11 record, finishing in first place in the South Coast Conference and eleventh in the state. Coach and two-time Olympian Chris Oeding said “since taking over in 2000 my goal has been to maximize our potential. Our focus this season is to master our individual skill set so collectively
we can be a stronger team.” “[Water polo] is exciting to watch. It’s a very fast paced sport with lots of movement and lots of scoring.” Jessica Diaz, 20, an attacker and member of the All-South Coast Conference Second Team has been playing water polo for 15 years. “It’s a really unique sport that’s very physically challenging.” Ranya El-Tawil, 19, a defender, and also a Second Team member, has been playing water polo for nine years. “We’re small, but
we’re mighty. We have a lot of individual skills.” “[Water polo] is like a whole bunch of sports combined, football without the pads, wrestling without the ground plus ball work like basketball or soccer,” said El-Tawil. The Viking’s have their first game on Friday Sept. 6 at Cypress College. More game dates and times are available at lbccvikings.com/ sports/wwaterpolo.
in the conference playoffs. The Vikings fell short to Golden West in the hunt for a state championship. Golden West went on to win the state tournament. Giving the Vikings their first absence from the tournament in the last 4 years. The Vikings have had 8 state championships, the last coming in 2006. Coach Chris Oeding said in an interview Wednesday, Sept. 4, “The team has many strengths including their depth, fundamental defense and strong attacking offense.” Oeding said some standout players to follow this year are
freshman left-handed attacker Ikko Saito, Croatian right-handed freshman attacker Marino Fatovic and left-handed sophomore attacker Jason Lee. Having one of the largest rosters in school history brings with it a lot of depth to the team, but also some chemistry issues. Utility player Jack Ellinthorpe explained the chemistry issue by saying, “We all played on different teams so we are still getting to know each other.” Oeding said with the team’s depth and strong offense, the team will overpower the issue.
Following the worst season in school history, the Athletic Department made a crucial adjustment to the coaching position of the football team. As well as hiring a new coach, the football program has scheduled almost every home game to be under the lights. Responsible for revitalizing the LBCC football program is coach Brett Peabody. As coach of the Los Angeles Harbor College football team, Peabody led the Seahawks to a 21-12 overall record in three years. Coming off a winless 0-10 season last year, the Vikings are depending strongly on standout players Corey Waller, Josh Fasavalu and AA Vaaula whom Peabody says to have true NFL potential. Peabody also went on to say that the team will need their sophomore stars to shine in order
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to be successful in such a difficult conference. In search for a winning season, the Vikings have some obstacles to overcome in teams such as, Riverside and Mount San Antonio who’s records prove they bring in endless depth and talent year after year. Peabody brings in a no-huddle offense and disciplined defense in a fast paced, intense and structured regime. Coming off an difficult loss against the Fullerton Titans last year, the team will need to dig deep in the trenches and use the coach’s scheme to come out with a victory. Vikings assistant Coach Sean Flynn said the game will be difficult, but if the team sticks to the new style and new system, they expect to come out on top. So far, the team has been practicing hard and reviewing film in preparation. Peabody said, they are ready to compete and even be contenders for this year’s conference championship.
Depth in roster fuels team Attackers hope to lead LBCC back to state tournament. By Max Ward Sports Editor With only three players returning to this year’s roster, the LBCC men’s water polo team plans to use its new found depth and refined fundamentals to have another successful year. The Vikings finished their last season with an overall record of 14-5, giving them the No. 1 seed
D.A Phillips/Viking LUNGING: Goalie Lazar Andric attempts to block a shot during practice on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The Vikes begin play on Friday, Sept. 13 against Diablo Valley in the West Valley Tournament.
D.A Phillips/Viking GUNSLINGER: Sophmore quarterback Nick Pope drops back to pass during practice on Friday August 30. The season opens Saturday Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. against Fullerton at Verterans stadium.
CALENDAR
6 IMPORTANT DATES
IMPORTANT DATES
Through Oct. 12 “Freedom is the Motorbike” runs in the LBCC Art Gallery K100 at the LAC Monday and Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Through Sunday, Sept. 8 Parking is free in student stalls. Parking permits may be purchased in cashier’s office on either campus to avoid a ticket. All-day permits can be purchased at the parking lot machines for $1. Through Sept. 5 Two shuttles will run between 7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. One shuttle will continue midday from 10 a.m.-3.p.m. Zap line 176 through Long Beach transit runs between the campuses from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Friday, Sept. 6 ASB Cabinet elected and appointed position packets are due by noon in LAC E119 or PCC EE102. Packets are available online at lbcc.edu/studentlife Sept. 11-12 Join-a-Club Day Wednesday at the PCC, Thursday at the LAC 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone (562) 938-4978 at LAC (562) 938-3088 at PCC Sept. 10-12 ASB Cabinet elections Friday, Sept. 13 Mystery authors Darrell James and Tammy Kaehler will speak in P104 at 2 p.m. Phone LAC (562) 938-4634 Open classes Students may still register for open Fall classes through their Oracle account. Senior citizens Registration information and assistance at Senior Center at the PCC. Phone (562) 938-3048 Disabled Students Registration assistance from DSPS. Phone LAC (562) 938-4558 PCC (562) 938-3921 TTY (562) 938-4833
EOPS and CARE A state funded program providing support for students with language, social and economic hardship, to help them achieve academic success. Phone LAC (562) 938-4273 PCC (562) 938-3097 Friday, Sept. 27 Apply for Fall 2013 graduation by noon. Tuesday, Oct. 1 Flex day, No classes LIBRARY HOURS
PCC Building LL Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday: Closed LAC Building L Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
VIKING CAMPUSSTORE
PCC Building EE (562) 938-3008 Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. LAC Building I (562) 938-4755 Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. -7 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Viking Express Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday 9a.m.-1 p.m. lbcc.bncollege.com Facebook.com/LbccCampusStore Phone (562) 938-4223
September 5, 2013 SPORTS
Friday, Sept. 6 Women’s cross country at Rio Hondo Invitational at Legg Lake Park, El Monte at 10 a.m. Men’s cross country at Rio Hondo Invitational at Legg Lake Park, El Monte at 10:45 a.m. Women’s water polo at TBA at Cypress Tournament Women’s volleyball vs. San Diego Mesa at noon Women’s volleyball vs. Chaffey at 3 p.m. Men’s soccer vs. Allan Hancock at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept .7 Women’s water polo at TBA at Cypress College Football vs. Fullerton at 6 p.m.
CAMPUS SECURITY
For any security issues, contact the campus police Police on-campus Dial ext. 4910 Police off-campus Dial (562) 435-6711 Police, emergency on-campus Dial 9-911 Police, emergency off-campus Dial 911 The phone numbers are for both campuses FINANCIAL AID
LAC Phone: (562) 938-4485 Building: A1075 Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday : 8 a.m.-noon PCC Phone: (562) 938-4485 Building: MD146 Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. until noon
OPINION
September 5, 2013
7
editorial
Mini Grand Prix should be rescued
The LBCC Mini Grand Prix came to a screeching halt when Student Life coordinators announced that the 38-year tradition would be canceled this school year. The annual event, which is fully funded by the participating clubs and sales from the college services card, draws one of the biggest student crowds on campus, yet was somehow chosen as the first to be cut. Even after last year’s Cabinet approved an overall 5 percent reduction for the 2013-2014 ASB budget, roughly $5,249 was still allocated toward the MGP. Yet, without any input from the Cabinet or the student body, Student Life coordinators took it upon themselves to cut the MGP from the budget entirely. Their reasoning—inefficiencies in event staffing.
Naive Community College students, we were under the impression that funds collected through fees we pay might actually go toward funding an event that promotes Viking pride, and creates end-of-the-semester enthusiasm amongst the community and students. Since the $300,000 allocated toward paying the ASB employees’ yearly salaries and benefits was apparently not enough to ensure staffing for the three-day event, the journalism program is offering 1 percent of our total budget to put toward MGP. We are fairly certain that if other ASB funded programs knew that the MGP was veering toward a dead end; they too would offer a percentage of their budget. Whether the issue is money or manpower, current teachers and
alumni have also expressed interest in donating their time to compensate for the supposed staffing shortage. With more than 30 clubs participating in MGP every Spring, Student Life should have suggest-
City views
ed implementing a participation fee to generate additional funds. The staff must think the students are here to serve them and not the other way around because they easily could have tried to mend the gap in the budget and
contacted Long Beach businesses to find sponsors. However, with dozens of past participants left feeling betrayed and outraged, it appears this cut is just another attack on campus morale.
What steps should be taken to help fund student activities facing cancellation, such as the Mini Grand Prix? Compiled by William Martin on Sept. 4 on the LAC
Bridgette Arambul, 18,
Sonia Flores, 19,
nursing major
undecided major
“Let’s get the staff and students more involved.”
“It gives students a sense of community and makes them feel more at home while participating in fun activities.”
Letter to the editor
Gun ally responds In “Guns disrupt morals” on Aug. 1 by Brittany Lieberman, she doesn’t talk about morals, but she does talk about guns. However guns are neither moral or immoral. To me a red flag is the number 11,000 which repeated towards the end of the commentary. 11,000 annual gun deaths is a raw number and doesn’t represent anything, since it is not statistically reflective. According to the Guardian in the United Kingdom, the U.S. suffers 2.97 gun deaths per 100,000 people. That paints quite a different picture and provides a more realistic perspective. The Viking author said, “Since 1980 there have been 62 gun-related mass murders...” In which some legally obtained guns were used. Between 1927 and 1995 there were 35-gun related attacks. From 1995 to the Santa Monica shooting June 7, 2013, there were 96 mass shooting at schools. I suppose we can conclude that sometimes good people do bad things. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict if someone will act on a violent urge, so do we ban weapons completely? James Eagan Holmes drove 20 minutes out of his way, past five
other identical theaters, to commit his crime. That Cinemark movie theater was the only one with a sign posted at the theater’s entrance prohibiting weapons. You claim that “Nobody knows how the situation would have ended...” While this may be true, however when I lived in Arizona, I carried a gun and I can tell you firsthand a situation like that probably never would have even gotten started. In the state of Vermont a person only needs to be 16 to buy and carry a loaded concealed handgun. Vermont has the lowest homicide rate by firearms with 0.2 per 100,000. If the incident had occurred in Vermont, there is a high probability that the outcome would have been immensely different. When you blow out a candle, it gets dark. When you suck air out of a place, more air rushes in. When you remove a government from a country, another government moves in. When you remove good people with guns out of an area, bad people with guns move in.
Kevin Myers Computer Science major
Nohemi Lopez, 18,
Joe Smith, 24,
Hank Lam, 20,
radiology major
history major
communications major
“We should have a car wash or yard sale.”
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Editor in chief: Tonia Ciancanelli Copy editor: Eliza De La Flor News editor: Brittney Lieberman City style editors: Jessica De Soto Gabby Gentile Calendar editors: Elizabeth Cheruto Becky Urrutia Opinion editors: David Stephens Shannon Murphy Images editor: Jacob Rosborough Photo editors: Caleb Ellis D.A. Phillips Staff: Katie Cortez Leonard Kelley Braxton Moore
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“We should sell the ASB stickers to raise funds.”
“Students should be able to get involved. We should be more informed.”
opinion
Nobody votes By Caleb Ellis Photo Editor
When elections for the ASB are held and multiple positions are left unfilled on the ballots, it shows the lack of interest by the senate and students. At the end of last Spring, there were three unfilled positions. I found it incredibly odd since there was so much budget-related turmoil and no one wanted to fill the positions in order to have a say. On election day, I tried to get elected as a write-in candidate. Unfortunately, I did not get the 50 votes required to fill the position, nor was I ever told how many votes I actually got. No one knew, or possibly cared, that the elections were even happening to even fill the positions. At that point, it would make sense to elect the person with the most write-in votes? I don’t know necessarily if it would have even been me, but I do know filling the positions last semester would likely have benefit the overall student population more than holding another election.
I was also told if someone had all but one less than the votes to qualify as a write-in candidate, they would lose to someone that got only one vote as a selected candidate on the ballot. So despite the voice of the students’ writing in more votes for a candidate than whoever was deemed, “appropriate” for the ballot, their voice isn’t enough. I see a lot of things around campus that students have no say in. I see the “elite” students continue to fill any positions they want, while the majority isn’t aware the positions are available. I’ve had my fill of red tape shoved down my throat in the last 28 years, but I wish I didn’t have to see it daily at school as well. I am tired of the elite pretending they are representing us, when it never seems to mirror the opinion of the student body. The Cabinet will claim it’s because we can’t attend all of their meetings. I’m not campaigning that next week you write me in for vice president; I’m campaigning that you get out there and write someone’s name.
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IMAGES
September 5, 2013
Bakr Alduhaim/Viking PARTICIPATION IN STEPS: Students practice modern dance routine for upcoming concert with LBCC teacher Laura Ann Smyth. In all, 57 auditioned for the concert.
Dancing into the spotlight 57 audition for roles in Fall concert.
Bakr Alduhaim/Viking JUDGES CONFER: Dance judges Jesse Mendoza, left, and Laura Ann Smyth discuss the performances they just saw during the LBCC dance department Fall dance concert auditions in Building Q113.
Bakr Alduhaim/Viking HIGH SPIRITS: LBCC student Joinie Charlien Vazquez gives a dance participate a high five before the auditions start, while students in the back are warming up.
Juan Delgado, 23, a dance major, said, “From beginning to end, you feel the competition, but you have to get into that zone.” By Cesar hernandez Jesse Mendoza, choreograStaff Writer pher, said, “I feel very privileged to see these students. I see myself in every single one of them. It The LBCC Department of takes a lot to just come out and Dance Performance and Arts audition, I am so proud of their hosted its auditions Tuesday, Sept. journey.” 3, and drew 57 student to show Making the dance audition what they have on the floor. means a lot to the students and The dancers prepared for choreographers. Some students their Fall concert Nov. 22-24. describe it as an eye-opener to As students showed up one what the future holds in dancing, by one to sign up, each student Some say making the cut is awaited a number to be assigned one step closer to be called to their goal. and show their “You get all sorts of dancAs a forskills in jazz, ers, some beginners, admer partichip-hop and ipant in the vanced and some just contemporary events Sheree dancing. getting there.” King, dance Students performance -Laura Ann Smyth performed in LBCC teacher art profesgroups to dance sor, described in the specific genres as choreogwhat it’s like not making the auraphers took notes on each dancdition, “It is very hard to get use er’s ability. to at first, but you realize it’s nevLaura Ann Smyth, LBCC er personal or that you are a bad teacher, said, “You get all sorts dancer. You just have to keep of dancers, some beginners, adpracticing.” vanced and some just getting As the audition neared its end, there.” the dancers showed what they “A great dancer is focused, had left in their tank after for exdoesn’t give up and keeps trying.” hausting dances. As some students felt the The dancers were left with a competition, some became frusfew seconds to show what they left trated and left the audition and out and make the best of it, as the some embraced the challenge to current pop song “Blurred Lines” earn their spot in the concert. played, the energy in the room Jewls Lagman, 19, an envirose and all the participants broke ronmental engineering major deinto their own style of dancing as scribed her audition experience the choreographers noticed. as “spontaneous you have a good For more information, people time as you dance that’s all it is.” may contact King at (562) 938And some students feel that 4383 or sking@lbcc.edu. their work is cut out for them, as