March 9, 2017 • Volume 90 • Issue 9 • Published since 1927
Abortion poster prompts responses Page 3
Almost $5K raised for murder victim Page 3
SOLIDARITY ON WOMEN’S DAY
Photo by Lloyd Bravo/Viking Maria Landeros, 20, a history major, holds her self-made signs at the LAC for an organized protest by the Long Beach Students United on Wednesday, March 8, in support of International Women’s Day. See story on page 2.
Beach volleyball team begins with wins Page 8
Kilmer, director combine efforts Page 4
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NEWS
March 9, 2017
Women’s Day events reach LAC Photo and Story by Lloyd Bravo Staff @lloydbravo
Students at the LAC rallied as the Long Beach Students United, a new activist group on campus that formed this semester, and demonstrated on the matters of women’s equality on International Women’s Day, Wednesday, March 8. According to the United Nations' website, the day "reflects on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. "Maria Landeros, 20, a history major, explained the coalition on campus and the purpose of the demonstration, which began at 8 a.m. on the overpass across Carson Street at the LAC with signs of equality, eventually trickling down to the large planter on the Front Quad. “What we want to do is to create small demonstrations for different causes,” Landeros said about the overall purpose of the group. “We want to inform students attending LBCC on how they can become active in their own communities and help.” Kimberlyn Coats, 20, a sociology major and co-founder of LBCC’s Feminist Club,
FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS: Members of the Long Beach United gather for a demonstration rally in the LAC Front Quad on Wednesday, March 8.
participated in the protest and said, “It’s nized more. about equality and equity, which is pretty Ann Burdette, 67, an undeclared major, simple in those terms.” said, “We are representCoats spoke about “If you believe in some- ing women’s issues, but the issue pertaining we are also concerned to women and said, thing, stand up for it be- about immigration, “I don’t think there is cause a small amount racism, equal pay and one particular issue environment.” can make a difference.” the Along because every women with being a -Maria Landeros is affected by different part of the Long Beach 20,history major personal issues.” Students United, BurThe term “intersecdette is the outreach tional feminism” is one that is being recog- chair for Long Beach United, a new orga-
nization to help divergent small groups get organized and heard: “The lead is the younger students on campus.” With the age gap between Burdette and her classmates, she said, “I have not found any discrimination made because I am an older student and that’s what Community College is all about.” The impartiality of the group welcomes all who want to attend. Benjamin Lomeli, 22, a sociology major, said, “We made posters Friday of last week for today’s cause.” Regarding his involvement, Lomeli said, “With everything that’s going on politically and socially, we felt the need for students collectively getting together and organizing politically.” Lomeli and the rest of the group have no issues with his gender: “I think there is a misconception that men can’t be a feminist, but I am a self-proclaimed feminist.” The issues Long Beach Students United raised during the rally include the pay gap regarding women, confronting violence against women and increasing the minimum wage. Landeros summed up the situation by saying, “If you believe in something, stand up for it because a small amount can make a difference.”
LBCC rallies to help staff family after fire Photo and Story by Danny Rivera News editor @DannyRiveraLBCC
In a show of support for employees who lost their home and belongings in a New Year’s Day fire, the LBCC theater arts program is donating revenues from their “Cinema Twain” event to help with the family’s expenses. Greg Mortensen, professor of performing arts and director of the upcoming production of “Taming of the Shrew”, the Aguero family will be receiving close to $1,000 from the program. “We are just waiting on the ticket company to cut us a check and they’ll be receiving it shortly thereafter,” Mortensen said. While Mortensen doesn’t know the Agueros personally, he and members of the theater arts program felt inclined to help. “When we heard about it happening to our family, our LBCC family, we felt it was the right thing to do.” News of the donation was shocking to Susana Mendez, a 10-year employee of LBCC and daughter of 27-year employee Lucy Aguero, who “had no idea” about the theater program’s donation. “I was overwhelmed with (the support from) my community, how they outreached to us, because literally, we had nothing,” she said.
The fire began in the early morning of New Year’s Day. Mendez said, the fire started from a faulty light fixture in their living room. Most of the Aguero family was visiting relatives in Baja California at the time of the fire. Mendez’s sister and her four children, however, had stayed behind in hopes of picking up extra shifts at her new job. “We tried calling her, but there was no answer for hours,” Mendez said. “I just started thinking ‘Oh my gosh, the kids were in the house. The firefighters were looking for bodies after they put the fire out.” Thankfully, Mendez said, her sister had taken the kids to a friend’s house before the fire started and spent the night there. “Right now, we’re dealing with the aftermath, which is stressful and kind of overwhelming,” Mendez said. It has especially been hard on the five Aguero children, who range from 2 to 13 years old. “The kids are having a hard time adjusting,” Mendez said. “They had a hard time with all this rain, because sometimes the kids would go to school with shoes that were still kind of wet from the day before.” Shortly after the fire, help from LBCC started coming in. John Pope, communications director, said the Human Resources department passed along news of the fire.
FAMILY SUPPORT: Susana Mendez, equipment manager for women’s athletics, folds the LBCC softball team’s uniforms. Her family lost their home and almost all their possessions in a New Year’s Day fire.
“While this was a terrible tragedy, we were glad that the LBCC community could come together and help our colleagues in a small way during this difficult time,” Pope said. Speaking on behalf of her family, Men-
dez said they could not express enough gratitude to “the LBCC family.” “From the bottom of our hearts, we cannot thank you all enough. You have helped us, you have blessed us and it is amazing.”
March 9, 2017
NEWS
Fundraising continues for slain student
Story by Denny Han Staff writer @ dennyh_
LBCC student Kenia Buckner, 31, a single mother working her way through college and into a nursing career, left behind three children after she was allegedly shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, Antowan Parker, 27, in her Bellflower home on Monday, Jan. 16. Help for the family came in from friends and the LBCC community when Buckner’s colleagues at the LBCC Instructional Development Technology Center started a
GoFundMe campaign, raising $4,777 as of March 7, with the page having been shared over 1,200 times throughout social media, according to GoFundMe analytics. The Black Student Union-sponsored “Mocktails and Canvas” event brought in further funding Feb. 23, where half the proceeds are expected to be donated to the campaign. LBCC college spokeswoman Stacey Toda said the Associated Student Body has not totaled the final donation amount as of March 2. Debra Buckner, Kenia’s mother, explained in an email the impact her daughter had on those around her. “Kenia has
Anti-abortion group prompts reactions
Photo by Lissette Mendoza/ Viking/ @chingonapicosa REACTIONS: Kevin Torres, 23, a nursing major, snapchats a poster of an aborted fetus at the LAC Central Quad on Monday, March 6.
Story By Isabelle Cheam Sports editor @bellybelle_ The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform promoted their message that abortion is an “act of violence” with a large image of an aborted fetus in the LAC quad on Monday, March 6, Diana Altamirano, 18, an English major, said she is pro-choice. “The picture doesn’t affect me, but other females who have been through the situation, I’m sure is hard to see that image. You don’t know what people have been through.” Pro-choice means the woman should be able to do what she wants with her body. Kevin Olivier, the director of operations for the center, said, “We’ve come with photographic evidence that abortion is violence.” The center is a 5013C non-profit organization. Oliver has been with the program for five years. He wears a GoPro on his chest for security purposes, he said during previous events students have yelled, threatened and thrown objects at him. Oliver said some people say positive things about the organization and said it woke them up and informed them on what
really is going on. The organization goes out to 20 Community Colleges and universities every semester. This Spring is their second time attending LBCC. While Oliver informed students about abortions, he asked them, “Is killing a human being the solution? There has to be other options for unplanned pregnancies. There are about 3,000 abortions a day. It’s a massive kill.” Fabian Najera, 20, a computer-science major, said he is against abortion, but it also depends on the situation they are in deciding whether to keep the baby. Olivier repeatedly listed many options women can choose for unplanned pregnancies. “Adoption is wonderful. There are many people who want to adopt kids. There are also 2,500 clinics that help with unplanned pregnancies and also help with funding.” Kevin Torres, 23, a nursing major, snapchatted the abortion board, “Abortion is something people don’t want to talk about, but it’s reality. The fact that the board is visible in the middle of campus, it’s a visual and you can actually see the fetus.”
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always been a joy to be around; ry employee, highly intelligent smart clever and ambitious. She with an outstanding work ethic is loving and caring. She was and a joy to work with.” an absolutely incredible mom Antowan Parker is the faand would prepare a full-course ther of her children and is curmeal everyday for her children. rently being sought by police She was even a comedian in her after witnesses reportedly saw own right. I love and will miss Parker enter Buckner’s home her sense of humor and beautiwith a pistol about 1:34 p.m. ful smile.” Lt. Joe Mendoza of the Los Cherie Toofly, 33, a human Angeles County Sheriff ’s DeKenia Buckner services major, met Kenia while partment told the Los Angeles Nursing Student they both worked at the tech Times, “In front of their chilcenter lab and became friends dren, in their living room, he soon after. pulls out a gun and fires toward “She was a beautiful, hard the victim multiple times, strikworking spirit,” Toofly said. “She ing her at least one time in the was a great friend to me right off upper torso.” the bat. I was having car probAnyone with information lems and she’d help me out. I regarding the case is encourwas having family problems aged to contact the Los Angeles and she’d be my shoulder to cry County Sheriff ’s Department’s on. And her children meant the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890world to her. She would do any- Antowan Parker 5500. thing for them. Her dedication Suspect in Killing to school was to make a better life for them.” gofundme.com/KeniaBuckner Buckner’s supervisor at the tech center, Hussam Kashou, described her as “a woman of high moral character, well-mannered with a pure heart full of kindness. She was Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department’s always smiling and a person full of grace, Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 poise and empathy. She was an exempla-
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March 9, 2017
Shakespeare to hit stage ‘TAMING OF THE SHREW’ Story by Josh Avendano Staff @josh_avendano
Lissette Mendoza/Viking/@chingonapicosa ARTISTIC GIFT: Hector Hernandez, a huge Batman and Val Kilmer fan, shows off an art piece that Kilmer gave to him. The scene occurred Saturday, Feb. 25, during the actors visit to LBCC.
Dedicated 1-man show thrills Kilmer audience
Story by Sienna Thomas News editor @sienna__thomas
Val Kilmer presented two screenings for “Citizen Twain” in LBCC’s LAC Auditorium on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25. Kilmer joked to the crowd, “If anyone has been wondering where I’ve been,” about the ongoing project that has been in the works for the past 13 years. Kilmer offered a private screening with the theater students the day before the show and they acted as ushers at both screenings. Will Werner, 21, a theater major, said he felt fortunate regarding Kilmer’s presence at the school. “Not many people get to hear the perspective of someone who’s made it in the industry,” he said. The movie was created before the play, which Kilmer admitted was an unusual order to work in. He had always wanted to direct a film and knew he could stay passionate for the time of work it took, but he didn’t expect for it to take so long. The 1-man screenplay is based on the life of Samuel Clemens and his writings as Mark Twain. Politics, family and faith were explored from Twain’s satirical point of view. The character study and research began for the film and turned into a play, putting Kilmer back on stage where he began at Juilliard School in New York City. Reflecting on the process of his work, Kilmer said, “I sold my 6,000-acre ranch
and I used to have a career. Those are two things gone now,” he joked. “I used to have friends and a staff. What I do have is the best thing I’ve ever done so I’m grateful to have something that represents how I feel about life.” As the event began, Kilmer opened with questions from the audience, giving a disclaimer for his swollen tongue and that he was undergoing speech therapy. “I woke up one day and my tongue was like this and I had to stop the play,” he said regarding other shows.
movie would be available for purchase, to which Kilmer responded, “Yes, I’d love to finish it first.” When the film ended, the cheering crowd gave Kilmer a standing ovation. During the VIP meet and greet, Hector Hernandez, a fan of Kilmer, said he found out about the event on Facebook and had to purchase tickets. After speaking briefly with Kilmer, Hernandez must have made an impression on him because he received a piece of Batman art created by Kilmer himself that was selling in the lobby for $250. Saturday’s sold-out screening, with “What I do have is the best 600Atattending, “VIP were the first to sell thing I’ve ever done so I’m out in about 10 days,” said Greg Mortensen, grateful to have some- performing arts professor at LBCC. Around 500 tickets were sold for Friday’s thing that represents how showing. “He’s very generous with his time,” Mortensen said about Kilmer doing I feel about life.” -Val Kilmer the VIP meet and greet at 10:30 p.m. with Actor a line still waiting for their moment with Kilmer. A large portion of ticket sales went At 7:45 p.m. as people were still making to the theater program as well as a portion their way to their seats, Kilmer said, “You’re to the Aguero family from LBCC, whose very late. I came from Malibu and I made house burned down New Year’s Eve. it on time,” causing an uproar of laughter Kilmer said he would like to do more from the crowd. work like “Cinema Twain” focusing on the Kilmer was in good spirits and told Mark Twain perspective, working closely jokes the whole night. When asked who his with teachers and students in theater profavorite director was, poking fun at him- grams. Current projects for Kilmer include, self, Kilmer pointed to screen and said “I “Song to Song,” “The Super” and “The love this guy, so understanding, great with Snowman,” but said he’d love to be back on the crew, he bought me a car.” Broadway. One audience member asked if the
The LBCC theatre arts department will perform the Shakespearean comedy “Taming of the Shrew” from Thursday, March 9, to Saturday, April 1. The play follows its two leads, Katherine and Petruchio, played by Dani Ponce and Diontae Simpson. Ponce, 23, a theatre major, said about her portrayal of Katherine, “I fell in love with the character of Kate. I wasn’t originally going for Kate, but after reading more into it, I fell in love.” Playing the lead of Petruchio, Simpson, 21, a theatre and English major, said, “I knew I had to go for the part of Petruchio because I know I wouldn’t get the part in the professional world.” Theatre Arts director Greg Mortensen said, “It’s a fun period, it works to a great effect. Some Shakespeare plays you can play with time, especially with comedies.” “Taming of the Shrew” opens Thursday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the LAC Auditorium and will be alternating evenings with “Twelfth Night.”
‘TWELFTH NIGHT’
Story by Danny Rivera News editor @dannyriveralbcc A melding of pop-culture icons with classic performance works is set to debut Friday, March 10, as LBCC’s theater arts department performs William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” in the Auditorium. Director and LBCC professor Anthony Carreiro used the stylings of the 1980’s new wave and hair metal scenes to give a modern take on Shakespeare’s 17th century story about a love triangle involving a cross-dressing lead character. The cast and crew are “taking Shakespeare’s original words, not changing a thing about that,” Carreiro said, “but I chose ‘Twelfth Night’ because it’s about gender identification and the glam rock of the era was really open about androgyny and gender fluidity, which fits in well.” Kassie Howard, 19, a theater arts major, said her portrayal of the lead characters Viola and Cesario took some getting used to. “It’s very different because there are certain things the characters say that don’t match at all with the time period,” she said. “But I find it wonderful to work with because it is so challenging.” Carreiro said the large production was cast to give the students one final experience before the Auditorium is closed for renovations over the next two years. But he said he also believes more LBCC students can be turned onto Shakespeare’s work with some fresh, modern context.
March 9, 2017
CITYSTYLE
‘12 Years a Slave’ caps history month
Story and photo by Darlene Maes Staff @Dawrlean
With the end of Black History Month, PCC provided a free showing of “12 Years a Slave” for students and the public on Friday, March 3, at PCC with a food truck. Associated Student Body adviser Derek Oriee, Cultural Affairs hosted this event to close out Black History Month. By having the support from the Student Council and Union, the idea to show a film with historical value was possible. Serena Grumbs, 20, an undecided major, discussed the importance of having movies like “12 Years a Slave” to be shown. “To be able to see this is great. It is the right time and it shows Black history. Where Blacks came from and show how far they have been,” Grumbs said. The reaction to the film was educational and left a mark on the audience. Grumbs said, “It was actually pretty inspiring. To see history and what they went through and how they had to fight for their life.” Although the information of the event was posted on fliers and available at LAC, PCC and Long Beach Nordic Sync, many did not attend. About 15 audience mem-
VIEWING: Derek Oriee, a student activities director and ASB adviser far left, and audience watch the film “12 Years a Slave” on the PCC Lawn on Friday, March 3.
bers attended the screening some students and employees to show support for Cultural Affairs Committee. With the outcome of audience members, reasons as to why puzzled students. Kalon Perdim, 19, a dance major, said, “If more posts were made on social media or even more fliers that could have helped.” Grumbs commented how she heard of the event. Grumbs said, “I hang out at the Stu-
dent Union, that’s how I heard. Not all student are on Nordic Sync, but if they took the time to notice fliers then maybe more people would have shown up.” Despite the turnout, students remained for the film. Wayne Bergman, Vice-President for ASB, said, “I am supporting them for what they need. We are happy to provide an opportunity to show a movie that has a relevant impact on our history and
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culture.” Ryan Nelson-Langley, LBCC alumni, said, “I was on ASB when I attended LBCC. We need to support it more. The movies shown are only educational and beneficial to students.” The idea of having movies shown regularly at the PCC could be possible in the future. Although the showing of “12 Years a Slave” was to close out Black History Month, Oriee said, “As for Cultural Affairs, we aren’t planning any. But the Black student Union may be sponsoring a few.” The chance to watch a film on campus for free is encouraged for students. Grumbs said, “I wouldn’t mind staying on Fridays to watch a movie. I am already on campus and it gives me a chance to see something I never watched.” Predim said, “Yes, if movies were shown on Friday it would be cool. Students get a chance to see movies they didn’t watch in theaters. Some students can’t afford to go to the movies and gives them a chance to see something they missed.” As a former student and part of ASB, Nelson-Langley said, “We should start doing this more often. The ASB Cabinet should encourage this because it is beneficial to PCC and can even have the public attend.”
As LBCC nears 90, students applaud progress
Story and photo illustration by Presley Swearingen Staff @pres711
As LBCC nears its 90th anniversary in September, students and employees see the advancements the school is making, in communicating with its students through social media, introducing a new sport such as beach volleyball, the remodel of the oldest building on campus and offering a wide variety of classes on both campuses. According to the Community Colleges Chancellor’s website, in the past 90 years, the number of students has grown from a few hundred to over 27,000. According to u-s-history.com, “LBCC started its service on the Woodrow Wilson High School campus in 1927. Due to a devastating earthquake in 1933, the school was flattened and classes had to be held in tents and outdoors. Later, in 1935, the college was relocated to its present LAC at Clark Avenue and Carson Street in Long Beach. In 1949, a new wing, the PCC was added on the Pacific Coast Highway between Walnut and Orange streets.” Board of Trustees President Ginny Baxter, who has worked at LBCC since 1970, explained how she has seen LBCC change over the years. On Wednesday, March 1, she said, “As a faculty member, I see the great difference between my lecturing (and students attentively listening) to multimedia presentations today. Faculty need to be
much more engaged in keeping the attention of students in their classes. I admire them because I don’t think I could be so creative if I were teaching today.” “From the physical plant there are many changes both at PCC and LAC. The shift of LAC to south of Carson Street is remarkable. Beverly O’Neill asked me in 1983 to get funding for a walk way from the administration building to Carson Street. “Besides the two P.E. facilities, there were no other buildings there. Now we have the T and V buildings. At PCC when I taught there in 1972, we shared the campus with Reid Continuation High School. Now the new facilities have brought 21st century technology to that campus and with the new building opening in the Fall, even better space is available. Lastly the student body has become so much more diverse and that is for the better.” Since the 1920s, LBCC has continued to change and today many students they hope for LBCC to progress. Savanah Hoppes, 19, an English major, said, “One way LBCC can improve in the future is to update the website. There’s usually a lot of either old information or posts that make it difficult for students to find what they need.” Max McDaniel, 19, a kinesiology major, said he would like to see the Food Court improve: “The quality of food is just bland and expensive. I want them to put in a small restaurant like McDonalds.” LBCC plans to host a number of events and activities related to the 90th anniversary.
THEN AND NOW: Students in 1959 walk in front of the Auditorium at LBCC, left, while students take a similar path Friday, March 3, 2017. Left photo from Long Beach Post. Right photo by Presley Swearingen/Viking
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OPINION
EDITORIAL
Support of DACA praised Immigration, is a phenomena that has been a part of recorded human history dating back to the beginning of mankind. Today, nothing has changed and LBCC has done the right thing in the long run for continuing the push for integration of undocumented students. Through the Board of Trustees support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. before their 16th birthday and before June 2007, are enrolled in school, a high school graduate or honorably discharged from the military, under age 31 as of June 15, 2012, and not convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor or three other misdemeanors can receive the support of college education at LBCC. Taxpayer money should be used to fund undocumented immigrants at LBCC. For starters, it piggybacks off the momentum of the college’s Long Beach College Promise and the college’s promise to accept students from all backgrounds, despite their economic situation, preparedness level for college and other factors. To argue against LBCC’s supporting of undocumented students, one must also have to fight against the heavy precedence of support the college has for unprepared students, disabled students, workers, veterans and many more socially and economically disadvantaged students. Aside from standing out against LBCC’s status quo, not supporting highly motivated immigrant students who have dealt with real-life barriers to receive an education in America and were dealt the unfair hand of being undocumented because of their family, is like missing the golden tick-
Nearly a month into Trump’s presidency, he has proposed laws banning immigration to the U.S. from six nations. On Monday, Feb. 13, the California Assembly ratified a resolution criticizing Trump’s contentious executive order imposing new limits on refugees and other immigrants, according to the LA Times. I interviewed students of LBCC for their views about the beginning of Trump’s presidency and the recent immigration ban. Michael Biltz, 27, a computer science major, immigrated from the Philippines almost 10 years ago. Biltz said, “This is my home now and I love it, I think we should give others the opportunity to have America be their safe haven, especially when we have the means to support them.” Personally, I believe the ban creates a
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Susan Usas @suzyq_445 Illustration by Darlene Maes/Viking/@Dawrlean TAX DELIVERY: LBCC shows commitment to the diverse community of Long Beach.
et of productivity. The college has inefficiency problems when it comes to unmotivated students who take for granted the opportunity handed to them, as opposed to undocumented students who are fighting for every bit of help they get and are willing to go above and beyond to reach the same amount of success possible. We cannot deny at some extent that the system can be inherently flawed and inefficient, but we also realize LBCC now has a responsibility at the national level and as a leader of the Community College system that provides opportunity to students at the bottom of the economic and social ladders.
OPINION
Today, immigration has brought itself to the forefront of the U.S. political debates, where concerns for economic, social and safety stability or instability sit at the center of the debate. If taxpayers are looking for a return on investment, undocumented immigrants who are using their education in a resourceful manner and are on a path to citizenship should be given a chance to express their success through an institution that shares the value of equal access to education as a national priority and one that will put LBCC on the map for its remedial and jump-starting opportunities as a Community College.
Immigrant welcome mat debated Story by Brigid McLaughlin Staff @brig_mc
March 9, 2017
divide. Refugees from other have been unrightfully stuck countries should be welcomed in other countries, which I do with open arms, especially not agree with.” considering we are a primarily Arnold, a registered LiberChristian country. tarian, said the ban has “turned Gabrielle Cuda, a commuU.S. citizens against the everynications major, said she felt day white American male and uneasy about the ban: “My female.” He was accused and mother came here from Ectargeted for being a Trump uador in the 1960s. Back then supporter merely because he it was much easier to get here is white. and people were accepting of Brigid McLaughlin Trump to me has put a laher and the rest of my family. Now I feel a bel on many immigrants, saying before that sense of disconnect from other Americans many from Mexico are rapists and murderbecause of the ban, and not to mention, ers. America is a land of immigrants, all of isolated from the rest of the world.” us except for Native-Americans, came here Cuda said the Syrian refugees being in some way shape or form and through banned indefinitely should be reconsid- coming here we have built a democracy, ered, which I agree with. which shouldn’t be abused, but used to Mitchell Arnold, 19, a fire science ma- benefit its citizens and people in need. jor, said, “The good side about this is that it On Jan. 24, LBCC Board of Trustis finally showing other countries that we ees voted to support Deferred Action for have a backbone, but our own people have Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. gotten the wrong impression and some
Staff
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The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication. The Viking will be published March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11 and May 25. The Viking is published by Journalism 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87 and 88 students of the LBCC English Department. The Viking newsroom is located at LBCC, LAC, 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, Calif., 90808, Room N108, 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. The Viking is funded by the Associated Student Body Delivered with the help of the PCC Student Life Staff.
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SPORTS
March 9, 2017
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Vikes fall in 1st round of playoffs
Amamda Rodriguez/Viking/@arod_mandy ROCK AND A HARD PLACE: Stuck between two Antelope Valley players, sophomore center Miranda Martinez worked her way through her opponents to make a jump shot. The Vikings played their last game and lost in the playoffs, 65-59 on Wednesday, Feb 22.
Wrestling history stirs disscusion of new club Story by Jaycob Martinez Staff Wrestling was offered at LBCC when the college opened in 1927 and the Vikings won a state championship in 1929, but students who wrestled in high school and now are enrolled at LBCC don’t get the opportunity to wrestle for the Vikings. LBCC has a rich history of wrestling. In the Hall of Champions gymnasium at LBCC visitors may find banners of wrestling state championships won in the past. Paul Johnson, who was inducted into the Hall of Champions in 2005, won two wrestling state championships. For students who are interested in wrestling at LBCC now, athletic director Randy Totorp said Friday, March 3 in an email, “I would recommend to establish a club through LBCC Student Life. A club is a great place to start interest and establish being organized.” Students have not taken the initiative to start the club up. The club cannot only be the rebirth of wrestling at LBCC, but it may lead to a reestablishment, Totorp said. He said he did not no why or when it
was cut from the athletic program sometime last century. Totorp said that when a program is cut, it has to do with the inability of substantial interest or budget reductions. Totorp is interested in wrestling at LBCC, but said the college would have to find a way to provide full support of it. Christian Serpas, a student at LBCC who wrestled at Lakewood High School, said Wednesday, March 1, “I was really hoping that wrestling would be a sport here. It is kind of not fair that wrestling does not get the glory it should. It can give wrestlers who did not meet expectations in high school have another chance at it.” Serpas went on to say he would be in full support of LBCC starting a wrestling club. “The exposure to it can bring the hype up,” Serpas said. With the banners that hang in the LBCC Hall of Champions, the start of a wrestling club can possibly provide additional recognition. Starting a club will give wrestling another chance at LBCC, Serpas said.
Story by Josh Avendano Staff @josh_avendano Round one of the California Community College Athletic Association regional playoffs for women’s basketball was playedWednesday, Feb. 22, between the LBCC Vikings with a record of 18-11 and the Antelope Valley College Marauders at 15-13. Marauders was able to outscore LBCC and win 65-59. LBCC started the first period dominating the Marauders, 17-8, led by Miranda Martinez, a sophomore center who scored eight points. Antelope Valley fought back, scoring 18 points to tie the game at 26 at the end of the first half. A back-and-forth scoring scene ocurred in the third quater, with LBCC being up by two at the end. With impressive teamwork, LBCC scored 18 points in the third. The teams scored one basket after another with the intensity picking up as the timer ran down. During a nail-biting fourth period, the crowd starting shouting “D UP!” but LBCC’s championship hopes ended. Ayerjenee Jeanmard, Viking sophomore point guard, scored 20 points and said, “It’s bittersweet mainly because it’s my last game. I really appreciated my team-
mates this year and all the support from everyone and I wish them luck next year.” Viking coach Michael Anderson commented on the loss: “We did not execute in the fourth. At the end of the day we have to rebound the ball.” Anderson said he is looking forward to next season after a tough loss: “We have work to do. We have a few key players coming back and we hope to add to our team as well as winning conference again next year and hope to go further in the playoffs.” Anderson led LBCC’s women’s team with a 9-1 record in conference games this year, finishing first, beating out five other teams to finish the season.
VIKING SEASON STATS Games 30 Average points per game 58.8 Field goal percentage 36.4 3-point percentage 28.9 Free throw percentage 59.9 Rebound percentage per game 40.7 Assists per game 12.4
SPORTS
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March 9, 2017
Amanda Rodriguez/Viking/@arod_mandy SAND CASTLES: As she shouts out to her teammate Paige Panter that she will hit the ball, LBCC sophomore outside hitter Sarah Miller runs toward the net at the moment the ball falls tword her arms to make a return hit against her opponents. The Vikings won all 15 sets Friday, Feb. 24, in their first-ever competition.
Beach volleyball team debuts Story by Fantacie Jackson Sports editor @_fantaciej With a set record of 19-1, the women’s beach volleyball team has dominated all opponents as they played their first matches as the newest sports a LBCC. The Vikings made it a historical day Friday, Feb 24, for LBCC athletics with their inaugural tournament at Granada beach. The tournament featured games against San Diego City, Orange Coast and
Santa Ana. LBCC entered beach volleyball with the first season led by coach Misty May-Treanor, the 3-time Olympic goal medalist in the sport. Athletic director Randy Totorp said, “I am proud that we have successfully added women’s beach volleyball to the great LBCC athletic legacy. Women’s beach volleyball continues to grow and it is exciting to be a part of the competition.” Freshman Marina Adolpho and sophomore Jessica Kaeka overcame a second-set
deficit against San Diego, 21-14. The duo was trailing by nine points, but came back to win, 21-18, in the second set. Sophomore Breana Torres and freshman Jordan Diaz dropped the opening set to San Diego, 21-13, but came from behind to win the second game, 21-18. Torres and Diaz came back and won in set three, 158. That was the only match that went a full three sets. Freshmen Mariah Clausen and Valeria Payan came through with a 2-set win, 21-
10, 21-13, while freshmen Amber Bangma and Fayleen Valdez did the same, 21-14, 21-18, both against Orange Coast, according to LBCC’s athletic website. Payan said, “I’m excited to see how we match up against any college and I hope in our next match we will be equally exciting and fun as our last two tournaments.” The Vikings are on a 4-match winning streak and are scheduled to play their next game at 10 a.m. Friday, March 17, at San Diego Mesa.
Home run leads Vikings past West L.A.
Darlene Maes/Viking/@dawrlean TEAMWORK: Sophomore first baseman Vincent Byrd II is embraced by LBCC teammates after hitting the only home run hit against the West Los Angeles Cougars on Friday Feb. 24. LBCC won, 14-3.
Story by darlene maes Staff @dawrlean After suffering a loss to the Orange Coast Pirates, the Vikings came back and won against the West Los Angeles Cougars, 14-3. The team banged out 12 hits Friday, Feb. 24, and now have a 6-5 record. During the first half of the game, the LBCC softball team showed support in the stands for the Vikings, shouting words of encouragement to the players. Softball coach Megan Martinez, said, “We believe in ourselves as a huge family. “The Viking baseball team was at our game two weeks ago supporting as well.” Cesar Gomez, a sophomore baseball pitcher, said, “Our pitching is good and so is our hitting. We just have to continue working together. (Coach Casey) Crook stresses for us to work as a team.” During the bottom of the fifth inning,
the only home run was smashed was by sophomore first baseman Vincent Byrd II. Casey Crook said, “We have two goals set, state championships and competing for conference.” The Vikings’ next game is at home today, Thursday, March 9, at 2 p.m. against East Los Angeles.
VIKING SEASON STATS Top batters Vincent Byrd II, 24 hits in 62 at-bats, .307 average. Rober Barham, 5 hits in 12 at-bats, .417 average. Top pitchers Josh Agnew, 4 wins and 2 losses. Angel Delgadillo, 0.52 earned run average over 17 innings.