WELCOME BACK
Students celebrate a new semester at the PCC — Focus, Page 8 and 9
State of the College address News, Page 2
“We can, and we must, do more for our students.” -Eloy Oakley LBCC president
Joshua Miller/Viking
Board to consider bond measure News, Page 6
Religious community gathers for Ash Wednesday mass
Citystyle, Pages 6 and 7
GG Building opens at the PCC
Citystyle, Page 10
NEWS
2
February 18, 2016
Sense of community praised President’s State of the College address commends students, employees for school spirit. Story by Omar Reyes Staff Writer @salar0895 Photos by Denise Jones Co-Editor in Chief @DeniseJonesLBCC
LBCC President Eloy Oakley acknowledged several students and their success and announced a possible third construction bond ballot measure in the eighth State of the College address on Friday, Feb. 5, in the Hall of Champions at LAC. Tabby Larson, 20, a creative writing major and Ambassador, said, “It makes me excited to see what’s in store for LBCC. You can tell that (President) Oakley is invested in the students. The State of the College address makes me proud to graduate because LBCC has a good reputation.” Nearly 450 people attended the event, said Stacy Toda, LBCC’s associate director of community relations marketing. Toda said the first LBCC State of the College address was in January 2008. The bond measure could be placed on the June state primary ballot by LBCC’s SEEING DOUBLE: Twins Martel, left, and Markel Cooper from Compton were recognized by President Eloy Oakley during his speech in the Hall of Champions on Friday Feb. 5, for overcoming adversity and being the first in their family to attend colBoard of Trustees. Students recognized by Oakley in- lege. The brothers plan to graduate in June, both majoring in kinesiology. cluded twins Martel and Markel Cooper, Up America” from counseling program and secured state ditional comments and Academic Senate first-generation college students who have the White House. funding to help students fill in gaps in their President Karen Kane introduced Oakley maintained high GPAs and plan to become Oakley also academic achievements. after providing a compelling story comparathletic trainers. said LBCC inThe 10-year president said LBCC’s ing LBCC’s Viking spirit and its commuThe Cooper twins, 21 and kinesiology cluded new plans include increasing the number of stu- nity with the 12th player that is prominent majors, said they were honored to be reca c c e l e r a t e d dents who transfer, graduate and get certif- with Seattle Seahawks pro football fans. ognized. Markel said, “Since we first startprograms for En- icates while decreasing the time it takes for The Pledge of Allegiance was presented, we didn’t have all these programs like glish and math students to do so. ed by ASB President Dalziel Arambula and the Promise Pathways program. We have departments, a LBCC was the the National Anall these new things and it will only new V Building for 10th best college them was played get better.” the Math and Cu- to give transfer de- “It makes me excited on the trumpet The Coopers grew up linary Arts De- grees in the state by student Sandra and still live in a lowp a r t m e n t s , and 463 degrees to see what’s in store for Ene Saucedo before er-income area of Long expanded a were given last LBCC. You can tell that lunch was served to Beach and were mennew tutoring year, Oakley said in (President) Oakley is in- guests. tored in their neighn e t w o r k , his speech that was Lunch was proborhood as youths. implanted a punctuated by ap- vested in the students.” vided by the Grand Also recognized new plause more than a Food and Beverage was Amanda Steon- dozen times. vens, a 21-year-old -Tabby Larson Co. LBCC Ambassador line LBCC was Oakley said, English education also awarded a $5 “The thinking was major and honors million innovathat so long as we student who has tion award from the state to expand the opened the doors and gave (students) an maintained a 4.0 Long Beach College Promise from one opportunity to go to college and take classGPA throughout tuition-free semester to a tuition-free aca- es, our job was done. Today, that’s just not her entire LBCC demic year. acceptable. We can, and must, do more for career. Two other Executive Vice President Lou Anne our students.” He also called on the comstudents, Kelley ZellBynum provided opening remarks, Board munity to mentor students. ner and Brian Ortiz, of Trustees President Doug Otto made adstarred in PSA “Head’s MR. PRESIDENT: Eloy Oakley speaks to the audience during his State of the College address.
February 18, 2016
NEWS
Homeless students receive aid Two trustees help lead effort to pay rent and provide supplies. Story By Melina Paris Staff Writer @ ParisMelina Photos By Henry Hollaway @YummyHenry As the holidays approached in December and people were getting ready for anticipated cheer, LBCC Trustees Ginny Baxter and Sunny Zia were preparing to help housing-challenged students. Wanting a solution, they formed an associate group of the LBCC Foundation called Helping the Homeless. It started as a result of conversations Zia and Baxter had with a veteran in need. Baxter had funds from donors in an account she keeps specifically for veterans for special situations. “Because he was a vet, when he found this apartment we were able to help him with his first month’s rent and security deposit,” Baxter said. During the Fall LBCC Board meetings Baxter and Zia announced they were starting the program. Many people wanted to help. They started a committee of 10 peo-
ple, the two trustees, community members and Angela Fowlkes of Financial Aid and Virginia Durivage in Student Life at PCC. “Sunny and I made an appeal for people to send us non-perishable items or donations,” Baxter said. “Several people including faculty and community members donated money and Sunny got the people at Port of Long Beach to donate toiletries. One man donated 23 boxes of non-perishable food, toiletries, all kinds of stuff, amazing.” Right now, pantries are being built on both campuses to hold multiple supplies, including hygiene products, for students in need to access one day a week from 8 a.m.5 p.m. Monday-Friday. So far, the efforts have put four people into apartments and helped nearly 20 people with supplies. The committee has put word out about the supplies, but still need publicity. Recipients have to be LBCC students and they have to be needy, Baxter and Zia said. “No student should have to go hungry or choose between a meal and education,” Zia said. “We don’t leave students behind. That’s what College Promise is about, coming together as a community and a village.” The committee works with students creatively, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether transportation vouch-
Student assaulted near K Building, phone stolen Suspect still being sought in nighttime campus attack near K Building By Omar Reyes Staff Writer @salar0895 A student was assaulted near Building K on the LAC on Tuesday night, Feb. 9, police said. According to a text alert, the Long Beach Police Department responded to an incident at 9:21 p.m. after the victim involved in the crime was hit in the face and a cell phone was stolen. The victim’s name or gender has not been released nor has the extent of injuries. It is unknown if the victim was a student or a employee. LBCC released a description of the suspect, who is described as an African-American male, 5-7 to 5-8, 150 pounds and wearing a black shirt with horizontal stripes on half of the shirt and black pants. “It’s pretty surprising because you
would think this campus is relatively safe because we all come here to learn,” said Gary Cambron, 23, a geology major taking an art course. Cambron suggested police presence should be increased in the area and said students should walk around campus in numbers. Trevor Norris, art gallery coordinator at LBCC, said the incident was “horrific” and suggested students to be aware of their surroundings. Norris said, “If you’re looking around and see someone suspicious, then you might be more aware.” LBCC has released tips for students to be safe while on campus, which include dialing 9-1-1 immediately if an emergency occurs, a crime in progress or if people see an incident requiring police. Students and employees who are alone may use evening safety escorts available at both campuses. They may call (562) 9384910 or (562) 435-6711. Anyone with information on the incident may contact the Long Beach Police, City College Section at (562) 938-4807 or visit the Public Safety Building X at the LAC.
3
SUPPLIES FOR HOMELESS STUDENTS: Boxed and canned food items are stored in Trustee Ginny Baxter’s LBCC Foundation office in Building O2 at the LAC. The supplies are available for homeless students and were a result of donation requests by Baxter and Trustee Sunny Zia.
ers, books or scholarships, help is based on student’s individual needs, Zia and Baxter said. Representatives from the Long Beach Unified School District, Cal State Long Beach, the Long Beach Health Department and even a field representative from Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell’s staff are all partnering with Helping the Homeless.
Baxter said, “We’re trying to keep people in school and help them, that’s our motivation. As far as we’re concerned, this is ongoing.” Donations may be brought to the Foundation Building O2 at 4900 E. Conant St. at the far south end of the LAC.
NEWS
4
February 18, 2016
Board considers bond measure Story by Hunter Hollaway Staff Writer @YummyHenry The Board of Trustees may decide Tuesday, Feb. 23, to place another bond measure on the June ballot, college officials have announced. During the State of College address Friday, Feb. 5, LBCC President Eloy Oakley
said the bonds would be aimed at critical needs such as preparing students to transfer and continuing renovations of the aging buildings on campus that have yet to be restored. The proposal’s push to restore the campuses, many buildings were built in the 1950s, would also continue the most recent Measure E. The total of $616 million bonds acquired in 2002 and 2008 helped create
the culinary arts facility and math student success center on LAC, secured PCC’s first major overhaul in 35 years and funded other major renovation projects. “If our trustees decide to place this bond measure on the ballot, I ask you to please consider lending your support,” Oakley said. “Let’s finish the work we’ve started and complete the transformation of LBCC.”
Further details regarding the new bond proposal will be solidified Friday, Feb. 19, Trustee Virginia Baxter said Wednesday, A survey last fall revealed that about 65 percent of likely voters in the district would support the additional taxes, college officials have said. Approval requires 55 percent. At 5 p.m. Feb. 23, the Board of Trustees will vote on the issue in T1100.
CHECKING IN: Dianna Forte, 25, a social work major, visits the health office for services she needs between classes. A new mother, she is taking advantage of the services available to her to better care for her health and wellness.
$19 health fee provides tests and aid New mom uses office to pump breast milk for her baby boy. Story and photo by Jerick E. LeBlanc Staff writer @JerickJake
As a new mother of a baby boy, Dianna Forte, 25, a social work major, has found a unique reason to use the health office at the LAC. “I had a baby five months ago and this is a place that I go so I can ‘pump’ in between classes,” Forte said. “It’s a place that I come to relax and they make it really private and convenient for me to be able to do that.”
Insurance is not necessary as LBCC stu- staffed by nurse practitioners, registered dents can access clinical care on-campus at nurses, and health care technicians. the Student Health Services on weekdays as “I like going to LAC because they are part of their $19 health fee. so nice here and so patient with all of my Other services offered range from tu- questions,” Anderson said. berculosis testing, glucose, cholesterol, What’s included with enrollment are anemia testing, pregemergency connancy testing, vision “I come here to get all traceptives, overscreening, first-aid the immunizations I need the-counter medtreatment and blood ications and on pressure testing. The for the nursing program.” campus health-restaff also provided lated referrals to prescriptions and -Caroline Anderson other health care Nursing major providers in serievaluation, treatment and referrals in some ous cases. cases. Culinary major Nursing major Caroline Anderson, 44 Sharon McNair, 61, said, “Part of my culisaid, “I come here to get all the immuniza- nary program requirements is regular skin tions I need for the nursing program.” testing for class. I come here to get it done Student Health Services are offered as part of my class and the services here are at LAC and PCC and shuttle services are not only convenient but they are very nice.” provided to assist students. The offices are According to the Student Health Ser-
vices website, “We promote optimal wellness by role-modeling healthy physical, emotional, and social behaviors. Providing awareness of long-term health benefits for students and their families, by modifying or removing health-related barriers to learning.” Student Health Services can provide testing as well as referrals for Hepatitis B immunizations, MMR immunizations, flu vaccinations (seasonal), as well as physical exams, ranging from $15-$72 fee, by the nurse practitioner. Business hours for both PCC and LAC are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-noon. Further information may be found on studenthealth.LBCC.edu and by calling PCC (562) 938-3992 or LAC at (562) 938-4210.
February 18, 2016
NEWS
National award for compassion Story and photo by Kelli Reynolds Staff Writer @Kellikinz After 10 years working in LBCC’s Child Development Center, Director Stacey Smith-Clark said on Friday, Feb. 12 she gets “to work to improve their lives as well” and she has been named National Coalition of Campus Children’s Center’s 2016 Director of the Year. The coalition is a non-profit educational membership program organization that provides children with programs that focus on higher learning through new and varying opportunities. Before her time at LBCC, Smith-Clark helped open a children’s center at Loyola Marymount University. She credits students and their families as the source of passion that gives her such a love for the
18172_10_25x8 OL.indd 1
CARETAKER: Stacey Smith-Clark greets the preschool students. She has won the National Coalition of Campus Children’s Center’s award for 2016.
job. “A lot of people get into this type of job because they love children, but besides that, I actually really enjoy the adults and getting to work to improve their lives as well,” she said.
Social work major Tracie Mendez has two daughters age 2 and 3 in the preschool program at the center. She said what she loves about it is “not only the childcare, but they learn social skills being around other
5
kids.” She also added the program allows them time to be outside and be involved with activities when she doesn’t have the time. The center at LBCC is “committed to enhancing the quality of life for students, children and families throughout the life span. Embracing the diversity each student brings, the department strives to empower individual learners through personal and professional growth,” as outlined by the LBCC website. Smith-Clark said the center works to provide a caring, valuable learning environment, one where students can take their children during the day when they have classes. “I love seeing students being able to succeed because they have the childcare they need,” Smith-Clark added. Smith-Clark will attend and accept her award during the 44th annual coalition conference in March in South Carolina.
12/14/2015 4:19:47 PM
6
NEWS
February 18, 2016
Campus shuttle offers longer hours Story and Photos by Sara Guernsey Staff Writer Twitter: @saraguernsey1 Viking Voyager rolls out with an extended schedule A new schedule for the Viking Voyager has been put into effect for the Spring semester. The Voyager is the free shuttle that transports students and employees commuting between the PCC and LAC. The bus makes stops at PCC, Lot D at LAC and Veterans Stadium. This semester, the hours of operation for the shuttle service have been significantly increased. In the past, the shuttle ran Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., with pick-ups every half hour in the mornings and evenings and every hour during the midday hours. Starting with the Spring semester, the shuttle schedule has been extended and runs Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. with the final pick-up at 9 p.m. In addition, the shuttle also now is available Fridays, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. both with a final pick-up time of 2:30 p.m. The frequency of shuttle pickups also has been increased, as the shuttle now runs every half-hour during all hours of operation. A complete shuttle schedule is available on the school website, lbcc.edu. The free shuttle between the two campuses offers service to hundreds of students daily. One of the students, Mark Reyes, 23, a biology major, has been taking the shuttle for three years. He described the conditions on the shuttle before the new sched-
ALL ABOARD: Mark Reyes, 23, a biology major, boards the Viking Voyager at LAC on Thursday, Feb. 11. The Voyager recently increased their hours and frequency of operation. Reyes said he is appreciative of the new hours because he no longer has to pay for the Long Beach Transit bus.
ule was implemented, saying, “People were cramming in before, standing in the aisles, all the way up to the driver’s seat.” He said that because of the new schedule, the buses have “shorter lines, more available seating and less people standing.” He said he is grateful that the shuttle runs more frequently, so that he no longer has to pay to ride the Long Beach Transit bus to
make it to his classes on time. The shuttle, funded by Student Equity and the LBCC Associated Student Body, is run by the Professional Parking company. The company also provides this service to Cal States Long Beach and Dominguez Hills and UC Irvine, said one of the drivers of the Viking Voyager, Bruce Lovelady. Lovelady worked with the company for
seven years and will turn 65 this year. Lovelady likes working for the company because “they are always coming up with something creative.” Lovelady was only recently transferred to drive at LBCC, but already, he said he believes the Voyager is a wonderful service for students that allows them to have more flexibility in their schedules.
the “obstacles and hardships students have experienced,” which sparked an interest to help future transfer students. According to the 2016-2017 transfer admission guide, students who chose to use the transfer pathways offered by the center were admitted at a rate between 60-73 percent between majors where the acceptance rate was only 10-20 percent for students who were not a part of the program. Another program is the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) workshop offered by the Career and Transfer services. According to the LBCC transfer center site, the workshops help students reach UC level criteria by September, to become admitted by fall semester the upcoming year. Transfer coordinator Ruben Dario Page, said the primary focus of TAG is to “educate students on how to prepare for ‘the guarantee’.” Page said TAG “helps get those juices flowing for transfer early on” in a student’s college career. Page said it takes some pressure off students by guaranteeing admission to at least one UC school as long as the requirements are met by the TAG deadline; information
Carlos Ochoa/Viking TRANSFER TOOLS: Alexis Medalla, 19, an art major, works quietly in the Career & Transfer Center, located in A-1098 at the LAC. The Career & Transfer Center helps students attain their goals of transferring to continue their education.
Useful new tool helps transfer students By Carlos Ochoa Staff Writer Twitter: @CarlosOchoaLBCC
Prospective pupils utilize helpful programs to assist in transfer process.
One of those options at LBCC is the Community College Partnership. Albert Moreno, a student-volunteer and peer mentor for the University of California Los Angeles’ CCP center, said the main focus of the program is to give “knowledge and skills necessary to transfer to a top university.” CCP reaches out through peer mentors such as Moreno, who spread information by holding on-campus information booths. Moreno said he works mostly with minority, undocumented, poor and disabled students, but said the program is open to anyone who meets the CCP criteria. As a transfer student and former scholar at LBCC, Moreno said he understood
that could be provided by the LBCC transfer center. Along with TAG, the UC website holds a Transfer Admission Planner (TAP) which Page said helps UC schools connect to students and extend opportunities by knowing what courses students have taken and plan to take. The transfer coordinator said schools can see what students are interested in and send reminders and recommendations.
Students can make an appointment for the TAG workshop on the LBCC website. Moreno wanted to remind students who are struggling to keep up their ambition and hard work and take advantage of the resources available. Page wants students who are eager to transfer to “really keep your options open.” For any information, students are encouraged to visit the transfer center.
February 18, 2016
NEWS
Students, staff marked for Lent By Jon Peacock Managing Editor @jonjpeacock9
conveniently participate in this crucial event,” Ladejobi said. She added that Ash Wednesday at LBCC started when she was the club adStudents and college employees gath- viser for the LBCC Be the Change Catholic ered to celebrate the start of Lent on Ash Club. Wednesday, Feb. 10, in T1200 at the LAC. “This club is no longer charted but About 30 people attended the Mass. we continued with the tradition of Ash Jesus Perez, 19, a business major, said, Wednesday,” Ladejobi said. “Personally, it can help find myself spirituSister Sufern Khoo from Verbum Deially … got to find High School said, God somehow.” “We usually have The celebration “People who don’t usu- 20 to 30 people, it’s began with confes- ally come to masses do, important for them sions from 11:15 they usualthere is some symbolic because a.m. to noon and ly can’t make it … I continued with a about the ashes on their would come for five Mass organized head.” people. by Dele Ladejobi “People who don’t from noon to 1 p.m. usually come to mass-Sister Sufern Khoo es do, there is some Ladejobi, a full-time Verbum Dei Nun librarian, orgasymbolic about the nized the Mass. ashes on their head.” Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Roland Ticzon, a buyer in the LBCC Lent. Consisting of penance, reflection and purchasing department, said, “It reminds fasting in preparation for Easter. Ladejobi you of the sacrifice that God made to save said, ashes are placed on the foreheads of us.” Christians and Mass participants as a re“I enjoy coordinating and continuing minder of human mortality and as a sign of this tradition at LBCC because everyone mourning and repentance of God. benefits immensely from having a Mass “Ash Wednesday Mass at LBCC is an conveniently located on campus,” Ladejobi opportunity for the LBCC community to said.
HOLY SACRAMENT: The Rev. Brian Doran from Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Long Beach officiates Ash Wednesday Mass.
ASHES: The Rev. Doran administers the sacrament of Ash Wednesday to a student, while Dele Ladejobi, a LBCC library employee waits her turn.
7
8
FOCUS
February 18, 2016
WELCOME: Students listen to cover band, The Kraze, and enjoy free food as they celebrate Welcome Back Day on the Lawn at the PCC on Thursday, Feb. 11.
KEEPING THE BEAT: Mark Paul, drummer for cover band The Kraze, performs for students at the PCC.
Campus welcom Story and photos by Joshua Miller Co-Editor in Chief @joshua_miller8
LET’S DANCE: Virginia Durivage, director of Student Health Services, left, dances with Christine Wiley, 26, a psychology major.
The smell of hot dogs and the sound of live music filled the air at the PCC during the annual Welcome Back and Student Resource Fair on Thursday, Feb. 11. Along with music performed by The Kraze, a Southern California cover band, and free food, several booths were set up for students to sign up for extracurricular activities with their favorite clubs.
“I think it turned our pretty the music,” said Victor Fuentes, 1 ness major. The event was planned by R sentative of student services for t LBCC students an opportunity t vice providers and answer any po may have,” Devlin said. Food was free to students on at five booths, talking to a servi ceived a happy-face sticker from
FOCUS
February 18, 2016
TICKLE THE IVORIES: Billy Meza, lead singer and keyboard player for The Kraze, right, plays along with bass player, Keith Rouster, left.
9
MUSIC MIX: Vocalist Nodesha Felix performs with her band The Kraze as they perform at the PCC.
mes students with music and food
y good. I really liked 19, a dance and busi-
Robert Devlin, reprethe PCC. “This gives to meet with the serossible questions they
nly if they spent time ice provider and reeach one.
“We want to show everyone we are all equal. We are all Vikings.” -Randy Padron
PCC representative of communication
“It forces students to talk with people at each booth, instead of just getting the free food and leaving,” Devlin said. The PCC schedules its fair in a different week than its Join-a-Club Day, which is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25. The LAC has both events today, Thursday, Feb. 18, in the Front Quad from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and on the Central Quad from 2-4 p.m. Rain could move the events inside. Randy Padron, 18, representative of communication for the PCC, said, “We’re all students and we
want to give back to all the students. It doesn’t matter what you’re in, whether it’s trade or business or nursing, it’s just a day to come back and see the departments. EOPS, DSPS, counseling, we have them out here to support all the students. Student Life are all here today to give food and give back to the students.” Padron hopes to continue to work with his peers to bridge the gap between the campuses. “We want to show everyone we are all equal. We are all Vikings.”
NEWS
10
February 18, 2016
GIANT SCISSORS: Board of Trustees members and LBCC President Eloy Oakley cut the ribbon for the official opening of the GG Building at the PCC on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
$23.4 million center unveiled at PCC Story and Photo By Hayley Hart Staff Writer @hayleylhart The official opening of the GG Building on Wednesday, Feb. 17, marks a step to further support for students at the PCC. Justin Dimas, 18, a nursing major, said, “It’s a really nice building. It looks futuristic.” The $23.4 million building, also called the student services center at the ceremony, contains Financial Aid, Counseling, CalWorks, Disabled Students Program and Services among other services. The Viking Express, which is similar to a small corner market and the Cafeteria with menu options of salads to Mexican food are also inside the building. At the center of the two-story building is a courtyard with seating and a water station consisting of a water fountain and bottle fill-up area. Outside the building, a covered patio includes several picnic tables and a barbecue area. Bryant Aras, 19, an undecided major who is considering law enforcement or cu-
linary arts, said, “It’s really beautiful looking. It is an attractive building. I really like windows.” Aras said of the outdoor patio, “It’s a comfortable place to eat.” At the start of the ceremony, Vice President of Administrative Services, Ann-Marie Gabel, said she has been at LBCC for eight and a half years and “this is my 11th ribbon cutting event.” Board of Trustees President Doug Otto said, “We will continue to meet the demands of our students.” Otto said, “Long Beach has been supporting students for 90 years” and he hopes the city will support student for another 90 years. LBCC’s President Eloy Oakley said the building is “the most essential building for student success.” Oakley said, “Our mission is to educate students. The PCC is the heart of that mission. We’re the growth. We’re the future of Long Beach. The PCC is the oasis of opportunity in the heart of Long Beach.” Otto, Oakley, Vice President of Student Support Services Greg Peterson and college spokesperson John Pope gave thanks to the construction team, architect team, and the LBCC facilities team led by Gabel.
CHILL SPACE: Students eat and work on homework under the covered patio of the new GG Building. The area includes picnic tables and a barbecue area.
Oakley gave a special thanks to the voters who passed the bond measures in 2002 and 2008, which has allowed for the construction at the college. Oakley said when people ask him if he
is greedy to ask for another bond measure to support further growth for the college, he responds, “I will fight for every penny to ensure student success and their future.”
CALENDAR
February 18, 2016
11 SPRING SING
ART GALLERY
Information meeting and registration packets for 65th annual talent show available Feb. 22 Monday from 12:30 p.m. in LAC E119 Fishbowl
Ob-ver-sa-tions An exhibition of reciprocal portraits Feb. 17-March 17 Gallery hours Monday and Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday noon-8 p.m.
“FlashBack Fridays” is 2016s theme Students, employees and alumni are invited to participate. Contact trobertson@lbcc.edu or (562) 938-4666
artgallery.lbcc.edu (562) 938-4815
SPORTS
JOIN-A-CLUB DAY Feb. 18
Baseball
LAC: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Front Quad 2-4 p.m. in Central Quad
Feb. 18
Grossmont at 2 p.m.
POLICE SERVICES The Long Beach Police Department serves LBCC with issues regarding security, lost and found items, thefts or other crimes. Evening safety escorts available for students and employees at LAC and PCC. (562) 938-4910 or (562) 435-6711 to report a crime or arrange a safety escort.
PCC-LAC SHUTTLE Viking Voyager runs every 30 minutes Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Last run leaves at 9 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Stops at PCC, LAC D Building and Veterans Stadium
Feb. 20
Santa Ana at noon
ENROLLMENT AND FINANCIAL AID
Softball Feb. 18
at Cerritos at 3 p.m.
PCC
(562) 938-4485 MD146 Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday-Sunday Closed
Feb. 23
at ECC Compton at 3 p.m.
Men’s basketball Feb. 19
at Cerritos at 7 p.m.
Doctor of
Physical Therapy
Feb. 24
Playoffs to be determined
LAC
(562) 938-4485 A1075 Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-noon Saturday-Sunday Closed Limited services Friday: noon-4:30 p.m. Specialists unavailable, front desk open for questions.
Financial Aid videos
-Internal Revenue Service -Data retrieval tool -California Dream Act -Correcting federal student loans -Veterans benefits More details on lbcc.edu. Enrollment services call center (562) 938-4485
SCHOOL BREAKS Flex Day: Tuesday, March 15 Spring Break: Monday-Sunday, April 4-10 Easter is Sunday, March 27
Women’s basketball Feb. 19
at Cerritos at 5 p.m.
Earn your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in just 31 months from Azusa Pacific University, and gain a solid, generalist perspective of patient care in a supportive Christian environment.
Feb. 24
Playoffs to be determined
Women’s and men’s swimming and diving Feb. 19
South Coast Conference Pentathlon at Rio Hondo College at noon
Program Benefits Prepares you for entry-level positions in orthopedics, neurology, cardiopulmonology, clinical electrophysiology, pediatrics, geriatrics, and sports medicine. Qualifies you for leadership positions in hospitals, private clinics, sports clinics, rehabilitation centers, pain clinics, government agencies, home and community health care programs, and research projects.
Feb. 20
South Coast Conference Pentathlon at El Camino at noon
Women’s Tennis
Enables you to join one of the fastest-growing sectors in health care.
Feb. 18
at Cerritos at 2 p.m.
Apply today!
Feb. 25
Mt. San Antonio at 2 p.m. Contact: Chris Ruiz, sports information specialist, at (562) 938-4243
Visit apu.edu/dpt/, email gpc@apu.edu, or call (626) 815-4570.
18286_4x7.indd 1
701 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702
10/16/15 2:59 PM
12
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
OPINION
February 18, 2016
EDITORIAL
Student refused Education counseling help canceled
My name is Brandon Richardson and I am writing you in regards to the recent decision by Vice President of Student Affairs Terri Long and the English Department to cancel Journalism 1A and the City magazine editors class, “due to low enrollment.” I have been immersed in the journalism program at LBCC for the last two years, having discovered a new passion during my first semester at the college after a fiveyear absence. The first class that piqued this interest was City magazine. The journalism program at our school has given me a new perspective on the world and changed my life, as I know it has done for countless other students, both past and present. Aside from my personal frustration of this class being dropped—needing the units to receive my scholarship that I worked hard for, this being the last journalism class for me to take and many classes now being full—it is especially disconcerting that the school would effectively put a stop to City magazine for this year, as it has been published for nearly four decades by aspiring journalists and graphic designers, many of whom were new to journalism, but went on to successful careers because of it. It is very disappointing that the staff writers and photographers from last semester, who were looking forward to seeing their hard work in print, as they should, may see nothing of the sort. I can say from experience that seeing a hard copy of a story or photo, be it in the magazine or newspaper, brings on an amazing sense of accomplishment, especially for new writers and photographers. This is what City magazine does, but last semester’s students have had that opportunity taken from them. In Superintendent-President Oakley’s State of the College address earlier this month, he spoke of the Viking spirit and of school tradition and pride, even acknowledging me for the Journalism Association of Community College’s recent recognition of the last issue of City magazine, which I was editor in chief of, as being the top student-produced magazine in Southern California. The decision to cancel two key classes in creating this publication seems to go directly against those sentiments. It would seem that turning a profit has come before giving the students the best possible education once again, despite Oakley and LBCC being so progressive in attempting to bring the college experience to everyone. Brandon E Richardson Former Viking News editor in chief Former City magazine editor in chief
It was the middle of January and a student was in the middle of turmoil. After writing a story for The Viking on the benefits of personal counseling at LBCC, the student remembered all the information she discovered writing that story. She then made a humbling call to do something that was difficult for her: ask for help. She called to request an appointment for personal counseling and was told no. Although politely, this was the answer she was given. Understandably, she described being dumbfounded. She was told that counseling was only available for “current” semester students. It was winter and she was enrolled for spring, so this made her ineligible for a service. She is registered for a full-time load for spring, it is her last semester before graduating, being a student in good-standing both financially and academically did nothing to help her case. She was told to wait until the semester that started a
month later. No additional help or support, no hotline number to call, no suggestions on what to do in the meantime. She was just politely told to hold on to her grief until a month passed. By no means do we suggest the woman who took her call did anything wrong; we believe she was acting in accordance with school protocol. Our concern lies in the protocol. What if she had been a student content with taking her life and this had been a final cry for help? Shouldn’t simply being enrolled for any future term be enough? To be turned away with nothing is not a helpful or adequate response. This is especially so considering this writer had just told thousands of students via newspaper that personal counseling was a safe haven. And while it still probably is to some degree, it’s best for all students to know that that safe haven is only extended to you under certain circumstances.
VIKING NEWS Co-Editors in Chief: Denise Jones @DeniseJonesLBCC Joshua Miller @joshua_miller8 Managing Editor Jon Peacock @jonjpeacock9 Opinion Editor: Will Ranos @Touchstone_Will Sports Editor: Juan Carlos Galvez @J_Images1 Online Editor: Hayley Hart @hayleylhart Photo and Images Editor: Staff Names: Jeff Dahlquist Sara Guernsey Henry Holloway Jordan Horton Fantasie Jackson Jerick LeBlanc Carlos Ochoa Chyna Owens Melina Paris Omar Reyes Kelli Reynolds Nicholas Steele Susan Usas George Zuniga
The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication. The Viking will be published Feb. 18, March 3, 17 and 31, April 14 and 28, May 12 and 26 and June 9. 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 P125, 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.
Have an opinion?
The Viking welcomes letters to the editor. Writers must identify themselves by showing their ASB card, driver’s license or ID card and email. Only names and major will be published with the letter.
Joshua Miller /Viking/
@joshua_miller8
OPINION
February 18, 2016
13
CITY VIEWS
“What did you enjoy doing over Winter Break?” By Omar Reyes and Juan Carlos Galvez at LAC on Wednesday, Feb. 10, and PCC on Tuesday, Feb. 16
Riley McCann, 18, Business major “Snowboarding at Big Bear.”
Lauren Gray, 27, Psychology major “Driving up the coast of California.”
Kyle Rivera, 21, Business major “Going to San Francisco to see Wiz Khalifa.”
Kionna Mau, 18, Law major “Baking cookies, drinking hot chocolate, and watching Netflix.”
Daisy Garcia, 18, Criminal Justice major “Getting pedicures and going to Disneyland.”
Steven Ochoa, 20, Undeclared major “Hanging out with friends.”
Chynell Casiano, 18, Political Science major “Annoying my friend.”
Joshua Kalel, 23, Psychology major “Taking a trip with my mom up to Northern California.”
Raul Cortez, 22, Kinesiology major “Hiking and playing baseball.”
Katrin Martinez, 18, Kinesiology major “Catching up with old friends who were also on Winter Break.”
14
SPORTS
February 18, 2016
Former Viking QB back as coach
By Juan Galvez Sports Editor Twitter: @jc_images1
LBCC national championship player returned to train Vikings Championship mind-set continues for coach Neo Aoga after the LBCC football ended the Fall season with a second-place conference finish and a 20-year celebration of his own national championship as the quarterback with the Vikings in 1995. “To be successful in the sport, the biggest thing you need to do is take care of school first,” assistant head coach Neo Aoga said as “You have to take care of classroom work because if you’re good on the field that will take care of itself.” With an overall record of 10-2, Aoga can relate many of his experiences coaching to his playing days. Aoga recalled a memorable moment from his playing days when the Vikings were down, 45-17, to Palomar with only 11 minutes left in the game. The fight and will to win pushed the team forward and with a huge turn-around, LBCC won, 49-45. Aoga, who just completed his 15th year as a Viking assistant coach, also said he feels football has changed from when he played, from a simple offense then to now that coaching, involves more passes and
Joshua Miller/Viking HIKE: Assistant head coach, Neo Aoga, observes players during a practice in Veteran’s Stadium, Feb. 17, at the LAC. Aoga formerly played Football at LBCC as a student and has been coaching Vikings for 15 seasons as of 2015.
defiantly more athleticism. The successful 2015 season included a No. 1 national ranking. With the experience from playing on the field to now coaching, Aoga and the rest of the Vikings hope they can use all those tools to build a successful team for the seasons to come.
Aoga is known to many as possibly the best football player ever at LBCC, and to him, it’s great to get all the love and support from people, but said many great players have stepped on the field for LBCC. Starting next Fall, Aoga’s son will be joining the LBCC Vikings and trying to
earn his own starting spot on a team. Many people thought that would be football, but the son will play volleyball. Since his son was young, Aoga would bring him along to the football practices around the same time of volleyball practice and ever since then, volleyball was the son’s choice.
SWING: Shortstop Brianna Alvarez swings for the ball during an away game at Mt. San Antonio. The Viking softball team is 5-5 for the season.
Juan Galvez/Viking
Pitcher tosses shutout in Vikes’ victory
By Juan Galvez Sports Editor Twitter: @jc_images1
The Long Beach City Vikings women softball team brings in another victory during yesterdays away game against Mt.
San Antonio with an end score of 4-0. After an end of 7 innings the Vikings were able to rally up runs by Tristin Zazueta, 2 RBI’s by Doreen Corella, and Sarah Maldonado. During the top of the 1st an error at 3rd base 2 RBI were scored by Zazueta and Daisy Velasquez giving the Vikings a 2-0
lead. At the top of the 4th inning Vikings still leading 2 to nothing with a single out an error at 2nd base brings in another RBI by scored by Andrea Barba putting the Vikings up 3 runs to non. Top of the 5th Brianna Alvarez strikes a
double then advancing to 3rd base. Off another error at 2nd base Zazueta reached 1st and bringing in Alvarez with another RBI. Bottom of the 7th inning after 1 out a double play to 1st base ends the game with LBCC 4-0 win.
SPORTS
February 18, 2016
15
ON THE MOUND: Starting pitcher Michael Hurtado pitches against the Oxnard Condors, on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The Vikings lost, 5-1.
The Vikings can’t handle the heat Story and Photos by Jon Peacock Managing Editor @jonjpeacock9
In a baseball game played with temperatures in the high 80s, the Vikings suffered a 5-1 loss against Oxnard on Tuesday, Feb. 16. “We need to learn to make the adjustments you have to make against a guy that’s
pitching pretty good,” LBCC coach Casey Cook said, “This guy pitched pretty dang good today, located his fastball well,” Though El Niño is supposed to be present, it was nowhere to be found near LAC’s Joe Hicks Memorial Field. The Vikes struggled to make runs and had a total of three errors and left 11 men on base. Oxnard struck first in the top of the third. Long Beach countered with a run of
its own at the bottom of the third. In the top of the fourth, Oxnard scored two runs and two more runs in the eighth. “We made a lot of mistakes today. The good thing about a game whether you win or lose is that it gives you something to work on the next day in practice,” Cook said, “They got a lot to learn, that’s part of the deal, just try to teach them whether you win or lose.” Viking sophomore infielder Conner
Steer said, “I think we can take away that we really need to focus on a lot more things. “We had a lot of confidence coming into this game. We were on a nice little roll there, but I think we need to focus back on the little things and focus on the details.” The Vikings now have a 4-5 record and Cook is one win away from becoming the most winningest baseball coach in LBCC history. Cook is tied with former coach Joe Hicks at 513 wins.
Tennis team wins Story By Jeff Dahlquist Staff Writer
The women’s tennis team dominated Victor Valley, earning a 9-0 victory in a South Coast Conference match Tuesday, Feb. 16. The victory is a definite confidence booster for the team after a difficult 8-1 loss against Desert on Thursday, Feb. 11. Tuesday’s match was played in 89 degree temperature. Victor Valley forfeited two singles and one doubles match. Currently, the Vikings have a record of 1-5 overall and 1-1 in the conference. Three of LBCC’s players won in straight sets. Freshman Mimi Mercado (No. 2 singles), sophomore Jasmine Hyancinth (No. 3 singles) and freshman Maria Gonzalez (No. 4 singles) all won 6-0, 6-0. The victories excited the team heard by the cheering
from the benches after each match ended. LBCC breezed past Victor Valley in all six singles matches. During the pre-conference matches, LBCC had a record of 0-5. Despite that rough start to the year, things are shaping up for LBCC after the easy victory. In addition, LBCC women’s doubles team defeated Victor Valley with a powerful team of Mercado and Hyacinth going 8-0 against Victor Valley’s team of Victoria Craig and Paige Jones. Brittany Ruelas and Kelly Zellner brought home a win for LBCC, finishing 8-3 against Oslyn Wilson and Alehandra Sanches. The Vikings travel to Cerritos today, Thursday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., and their next home game is against San Antonio on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m.
Beach volleyball to begin in 2017 Story By Jon Peacock Managing Editor @jonjpeacock9
Beach volleyball will officially be coming to LBCC in Spring 2017. Chris Ruiz, sport information specialist, suspects that a couple players from the
LBCC women’s volleyball team will be participating. Athletic director Randy Totorp spoke to a journalism class on Tuesday, Feb. 16 and included the subject. Beach volleyball is a club sport and in Spring 2017 will become an official sport and compete with 26 other Community Colleges in the state, Totorp said.
Jeff Dahlquist/Viking POWER TOSS: Freshman Mimi Mercado serves against Victor Valley in the Southern Coast Conference match Tuesday, Feb. 16. LBCC won 9-0, at the LAC.
Former national champion quarterback trains new generation of Vikings
February 18, 2016 Volume 89, Issue 8 Published Since 1927
Sports, Page 14
Softball team records shutout
LBCCViking.com
Sports, Page 14
@LBCCVikingNews
Tennis team wins big over Victor Valley
LBCCVikingNews @LBCCVikingNews Joshua Miller/Viking
Sports, Page 15