February 23, 2017 • Volume 90 • Issue 8 • Published since 1927
DREAM ON?
LBCC BACKS UP DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS OPPOSING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
Photo by Danny Rivera/Viking Paulo Hernandez, 19, a disabled Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student, is relieved by LBCC’s support of immigrant students. See story on page 2.
Val Kilmer brings ‘Cinema Twain’ to LAC Auditorium - Page 4 Club supports family of murdered student with fundraiser - Page 4 Women’s basketball team wins conference championship - Page 7
Actor Val Kilmer
2
NEWS
February 23, 2017
College supports DACA students Despite uncertain future under Trump, Dreamers move forward with educational goals with LBCC’s help.
Photo and Story by Danny Rivera Staff writer @DannyRiveraLBCC “I just want to help people in general with rehabilitation,” Paulo Hernandez, 19, a kinesiology major, said Wednesday, Feb. 22, about his desire to become a physical therapist. “Fallen veterans, athletes, kids with my disability, just anybody within the community. I want to be the one guy who makes a difference.” Hernandez was born in Mexico City with cerebral palsy. He and his family relocated to the U.S. when he was a toddler. Because Hernandez and his two older siblings were brought to the U.S. by their parents, they qualified for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program initiated by the Obama Administration in 2012. DACA students, often referred to as “Dreamers,” are given work permits, social Security Numbers and protection from deportation for a period of two years, which can be renewed as long as the student maintains good academic standing and do not commit any serious crimes. However, with the election of Donald Trump as president, his comments during the presidential campaign of mass deportations and building a wall along the southern border has become a genuine possibility, leaving many DACA students worried about their protected status. The concerns led the LBCC Board of
Trustees to unanimously vote for LBCC to continue providing support for DACA students. This includes tuition aid, counseling and legal assistance. Ruben Page, coordinator of Counseling and Student Support Services, said, “We’re in the process of creating a Dream Center here on campus.” Page also said it has been difficult reaching DACA students “because they don’t want to out themselves.” Lety Campero, 20, a psychology major and DACA student at LBCC, said, Student Support Services has “exposed me to the
“Because there was a lot of American-born people who just don’t understand what it means to be an immigrant.” -Lety Campero
20, psychology major
opportunities available to us.” Having attended a predominantly white, upper-middle-class high school in Orange County, she appreciates the efforts being made by LBCC to help DACA students achieve their academic goals. “It just sucks, because there was a lot of American-born people (at my high school) who just don’t understand what it means to be an immigrant,” she said. Even though Campero said she believes Trump “is not a bad president,” she sees the potential for DACA to be cancelled under his order. Regardless, she said she intends to “take advantage of the opportunity I have while it lasts.” Hernandez, meanwhile, has no idea what the future holds for him and his fel-
IMMIGRATION TALK: Paulo Hernandez, 19, a kinesiology major poses in the Library at the LAC on Feb. 22. A DACA student, Hernandez is satisfied with LBCC’s involvement in protecting immigrant rights.
low Dreamers: “If he puts some sort of delay in applying for resident status, or eliminates DACA, that’s going to impact people who have
worked hard for this country, paid their taxes and put in effort into this economy.” “But who knows what he will do?”
Trustee’s brother was acting security adviser Keith Kellogg, brother of Board of Trustees V.P. Jeff Kellogg, named acting national security adviser before Trump chose final replacement Feb. 20.
Gen. H.R. McMaster will be Flynn’s official replacement. In his resignation letter, Flynn attributed his leaving to giving Vice President Mike Pence and other Cabinet members “incomplete information” regarding his ties to Russian contacts and phone calls to the Russian ambassador. While the title of “acting” national security adviser implies a temporary Story by Denny Han position, the Long Beach Press-TeleStaff writer gram reported a senior administra@dennyh_ tion official who said Kellogg was Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump named Long was acting national among three top candidates considered to permanently replace Flynn. Beach native and Poly High School graduate security adviser Kellogg’s brother, Jeff Kellogg, serves as Lt. Gen. Joseph Keith Kellogg as the acting the LBCC Board of Trustees vice president. national security adviser Monday, Feb. 13, after Lt. Gen. When talking about his thoughts on his brother’s newly apMichael Flynn’s resignation. pointed position, Jeff said: Then on Monday, Feb. 20, Trump announced Army Lt.
Jeff Kellogg, LBCC Board of Trustees vice president the rest of his life.”
“It would be an honor for anyone to serve as our country’s national security adviser and assume the enormous responsibilities that goes with the position in protecting our nation and citizens. The fact that my brother is being considered reflects positively on Long Beach where he was raised and educated. “The lessons and values he learned as he grew in our city have served him and has made him who he is today and will continue to do so for
February 23, 2017
NEWS
Pot growing at LBCC debated Story by Danny Rivera Staff writer @DannyRiveraLBCC LBCC may have a way to capitalize on California’s burgeoning marijuana industry if Long Beach politicians come on board. California passed Proposition 64 on Nov. 8, which legalizes recreational marijuana use and grants state universities permission to conduct research on its impact in a variety of manners. The horticulture program at the PCC may have an opportunity in the future to include marijuana cultivation in the curriculum, giving students access to a $6.9 billion industry in North America, according to a 2016 Arcview Market Research study.
Students “learning how to grow medicinal weed would benefit LBCC and Long Beach as a whole,” said Paul Reddig, 24, a geology major and budtender. Studies have shown medicinal benefits of marijuana, including treating illnesses ranging from nausea to chronic pain. “I haven’t heard of any other schools offering courses (on marijuana cultivation), so it would help give us a jump on the industry and maybe the next marijuana innovators will come out of Long Beach,” Reddig said. Brian Hastie, vocational instruction technician with LBCC’s horticulture program, said he believes convincing LBCC and city politicians and the public to offer the courses is unlikely.
Cancellations leave students scrambling Fear changes academic plans as classes are dropped 2 weeks into the semester. Story By Bruce Graves News Editor @realbrucegraves Class cancellations produced campus-wide anxiety for students through Spring semester’s week two at LBCC. More than 300 classes have been canceled according to a document published Thursday, Feb. 9 on the college’s website. The reason for the cancellations and the looming potential for more heading into President’s Day holiday weekend has not been officially said. However, students who shared their experience attributed the cancellations to low enrollment numbers. Among students still waiting to know if their classes will be canceled is 24-year-old Natalie Arndt, social sciences major. Arndt is enrolled in math 29, math for elementary teaching II. Arndt said her teacher announced the class could be canceled due to low enrollment. She said, “I’ll probably find out tomorrow. Apparently, they have like two weeks to cancel it.” According to the Viking Student System, enrollment in math 29 totaled 13 students as of 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19. Both class cancellations and the potential for cancellations have made one student’s experience at LBCC particularly troublesome. Daisy Rose Morales, 19, a sociology major, said she had dropped a piano class that was “threatened to be canceled,” how-
ever, the class she enrolled in to replace the course ended up being canceled, “two weeks deep into the semester.” She also attributed a W on her record to the announcement that her piano class could be canceled. When talking about how the cancellation has affected her academic progress, Morales said, “It affects my progress because now I’m scrambling to fill in these two (units). And I have been accepted into universities already, and if I don’t hit that 60-unit cap I might stay here another year, which is totally unfair since I’ve been doing everything right.” When elaborating on the situation, Morales said, “I think it would be a big deal for anybody. … Out of nowhere you walk into your class, and they’re like, ‘Hey, by the way, you can’t come here anymore, because we’re canceling it, and we’re not dropping you because you’re not doing your work. “We’re not dropping you because you failed to do something that’s in our guidelines. We’re dropping you because you’re not making us money, and this is why this class is being ripped out.’ I just think at the core it’s unfair.” School officials were not available for comment due to the 4-day holiday weekend.
For a list of 2017 Spring semester class c ancellations, students may visit lbcc.edu/oas/openclasses/
“It is still a taboo subject and I believe that the officials at the college and in the city are too conservative to let it happen,” he said. LBCC Area 2 Trustee Vivian Malauulu said she does not think Long Beach is too conservative to consider a marijuana cultivation program. “We are a Community College in a historically progressive city,” she said. “As long as it is legal, LBCC could become an innovator that gets people’s attention and makes them say, ‘Wow, look what’s happening here.’” Potential ramifications exist for starting a marijuana cultivation program from the federal government, since marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the U.S.
3
Drug Enforcement Agency. As such, schools receiving federal funding are prohibited from allowing the possession, sale and distribution of marijuana on their campuses. Newly appointed U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is an outspoken opponent of recreational marijuana laws, and under the orders of the Trump administration, he may seek legal action against states with voter-approved laws on their books. Until the laws become clearer or curriculum is approved, Hastie is happy to help any student with questions about growing methods, but won’t give tips on growing marijuana.
CITYSTYLE
4
February 23, 2017
Hollywood star to screen film Actor in “Batman Forever” and “Top Gun” to speak before screening and answer questions after. Story by Sienna Thomas News editor @sienna__thomas “Cinema Twain,” a film written, directed and produced by Val Kilmer is scheduled to show at LAC’s auditorium on Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 pm. The screenplay is based on “Citizen Twain,” a 1-man play by Kilmer about Mark Twain. Kilmer, known for his roles in “Heat,” “Batman Forever,” and “Top Gun,” has sold out several shows already, and
will continue personal appearances of the screening to get reactions from the audiences for the unfinished film. With many Southern California screenings, Greg Mortensen, performing art professor, as well as friend of Kilmer, organized the screenplay to have two showings at LBCC. They attended The Juilliard School for the Performing Arts in New York City together, as well as acted in several plays together. “He has done films that have been huge hits, and it’s incredible that he’s doing this,” Mortensen said about the event. Victor Ramos, 21, majoring in theatre, admires Greg Mortensen and his connections in the industry for bringing Kilmer to LBCC. “The auditorium isn’t always used to its full potential,” Ramos says, but believes using it for events like this is good for the community and students. “We’re pretty good on ticket sales right
now,” said Nathan Stuffel, auditorium coordinator. The theatre club has volunteered to sell tickets during lunch times at the fishbowl. Stuffel noticed a sales drop, but hopes to figure out a schedule for ticket sales to get the word out for students as they arrive for spring semester. Zachary Petrbok, 26, majoring in theatre, says students are excited about “Cinema Twain”, “I don’t know if I’m bias because I’m in Greg’s class and he put together the whole production,” said Petrbok sarcastically, “But I’m a Val Kilmer fan and so is my mom.” “It’s an incredible opportunity for those involved in theatre or film,” said Celine Castro, 24, majoring in theatre. Castro encourages students to take advantage of the discount they receive. Tickets can be purchased at valkilmer. com and lbcc.edu/performing arts. Student
tickets are only available at the box office for $25. General admission can be purchased for $39 online, and VIP tickets online as well for $100, which include a meet and greet and photos with Kilmer.
Poster courtesy of publicist Greg Lee
Val Kilmer shares ‘love of humanity’
Photo courtesy of Kenia Buckner’s GoFundMe page SUPPORTED: The Black Student Union is supporting the family of Kenia Buckner, a former nursing student who was murdered in early January.
Event will support slain student’s family
Black Student Union sponsors fundraiser.
Story By Patty Miramontes Staff Writer @pamiis23 “Mocktails and Canvas” is being hosted by the Black Student Union on Thursday, Feb. 23. Cheryl Williams of the BSU said, “This is an opportunity to get to know the Black Student Union and what is it about.” The doors open at 5:15 p.m. in the E Building in the Nordic lounge in the general area where student have a pre-mix and mingle hour. At 6:15 p.m., the painting will commence.
Half of the proceeds from the event will go to the family of Kenia Buckner, a nursing student and mother of three who was killed in January at her home in Bellflower. The other half will go to support the BSU. The evening will include instructions from artist B. Collins. Appetizers and dessert along with a “mocktail” bar are available. The cost is $45 per person and special reserved seating is available for parties with more than four people. People have an option to sponsor a student for $30. To RSVP, people may call Williams at (562) 938-5042. To sponsor a student, people may contact Associated Student Body Cabinet adviser Camille Bolton at (562) 938-4846.
Staff writer Lloyd Bravo contacted actor Val Kilmer’s publicist Greg Lee by email for Kilmer’s insight on his latest project. Kilmer is screening his 1-man show about Mark Twain at LBCC Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 pm. Question. What about Mark Twain do you fine most appealing? Answer. His empathy and his complete embrace and love of humanity. And his secret love of Christian Science. Q. What is the difference between Twain and the Twain on stage? A. Twain is a character Samuel Clemens invented, a sort of alter-ego that could and did say ANYTHING to get a laugh or recognition, perhaps his pride gone wild, and Samuel Clemens is a deeply moral and righteous seeker of truth. Q. What was the process like to start this production? A. Lots of blood and guts. Blood, sweat and tears. But mainly blood. Q. What is the difference between working with an ensemble and working on your own? A. Happiness. Q. What is your ultimate goal with the “Cinema Twain” and what do you hope the audience gets out of the show? A. Some brotherhood. Twain is going for “one consciousness” with his audience, which to me means proof right in the moment that our souls and minds are beyond the physical, we are truly, one. That’s that unspeakable thrill that washes over us that’s beyond physical ecstasy. Sometimes I get it from prayer, or rock and roll or theater or film, art. Music. .. loved ones. Q. As the “First American,” how do you think Twain would respond during the
current political climate in the U.S.? A. He would love it because there are now jokes for decades and because we are forced to test the sincerity of our convictions, and to LEARN or relearn the genius of our democracy, and truth will trump lies. Every time. It just takes time sometimes. Q. Of all your memorable characters in film, which one is the most like Twain? A. None have his intellect or bandwidth but Doc Holiday was pretty damn witty. Q. How did you come up with the title, “Cinema Twain?” A. The play is a shameless likening of myself to Orson Welles, but also a legitimate title from the time, CITIZEN TWAIN. Orson because I wrote, directed , produced and starred in a play about a genius and have in fact taken over the brand of his mighty presence as a humorist and story-teller. I say this not because it’s my opinion of my achievement, but because I have interviewed thousands of people. Now they question-and-answer sessions after the play and film. And when almost all the people all the time give you a standing ovation, it’s an achievement that’s impossible to deny. I think I can do better though for Broadway. And someone else should direct it. I mean, really? Q. Has playing Twain been your favorite role, so far? A. Yes. Twain and Hamlet. Q. Why was LBCC chosen? A. My dear friend from Juilliard runs it and invited me and I’d do anything for the mighty Gregory Mortensen who is as righteous, dedicated and talented man as I know. And who doesn’t want to stomp all over Long Beach? C’mon!
February 23, 2017
CITYSTYLE
Comic Expo unites fanboys, girls Story by Lloyd Bravo and Denny Han Staff Writers @dennyh_ @lloydbravo Though it may seem like a vast shell from the studio-powered extravaganza of the Summers convention in San Diego, which had a soaring high attendance of 150,000 pop culture enthusiasts, The Long Beach Comic Expo may not have the same panache of the bigger and more acclaimed conventions. However, the heart and soul of each cosplayer, geek and nerd in Long Beach on Saturday, Feb. 18, and Sunday, Feb. 19, was in full force as its infections enjoyment can turn the most cynical fans into a beloved fangirl or fanboy. This is the case for the assistant manager of the box office at the Long Beach Convention Center. Matt Dickey, 31, an LBCC student with an associate of arts degree in film, is host of the heavy metal music and talk show “Triple M Radio” on KLBC and KCTY FM. Dickey gave his observations about the expo: “There is quite literally something for everybody at this expo.” The Long Beach Comic Expo has grown in popularity. As part of management, Dickey see the changes in attendance. “The Expo use to be in our smaller hall and now it has blown into two halls and activities outside,” Dickey said. The popularity of pop culture and comic book conventions continues to expand. Dickey as a fan explained a type of fatigue in similar-themed shows and would be in-
terested in more simple and unique Long Beach convention. Dickey said, “I think that this expo would benefit more if it had its own niche or audience.” The excitement from fans was palpable. It could be seen in the meticulous costume designs created by cosplayers. They enriched the Expo by throwing participants into the fantasies and universes of their favorite movies, comics and cartoons, but also in the form of discussion. During the Expo beneath the exhibitor hall, vendors were selling rare and out-ofprint merchandise. The ballrooms hosted moderated panel discussions about the world of pop culture. One panel was entitled, “Exploring the science and technology behind “Back to the Future.” The panel moderated by Warner Brothers producer Daniel Glenn talked about the technology in “Back to the Future” including the Delorean time machine and Hoverboard. Glenn discussed how science is close to achieving the cinematic future and its technology seen in the fabricated future of 2015 portrayed by the film made in 1985. Regarding the concept of the panel, Glenn said, “Learning how (fake tech) is made helps inspire people.” One of the panelist, Michael Dennin, professor of physics and astronomy at U.C. Irvine and author of the book, “Divine Science: Finding Reason at the Art of Faith,” explained his fascination with discussing science fiction as science fact. “It is a great excuse to teach science to the public,” Dennin said during an after-panel interview. “All science fiction I
5
COMIC RELIEF: Hex 11 comic writer Kelly Sue and Artists Lisa Weber host a booth at the L.B. Comic Expo.
have interacted with has some science fact in it.” When talking about his favorite piece of tech in “Back to the Future,” Dennin said, “My favorite is the Delorean time machine.” Another program was titled “Nerd Event Madness: Club Comic Con, Nerds Like Us and More!,” an introspective talk about how to set up and produce comic or entertainment convention. The panel talked about conventions at a convention. Panelist Joseph Deckelmeier, executive producer and host of the YouTube show “That Hashtag Show,” discussed his thoughts on whether bigger conventions are damaging smaller expos like the one in Long Beach. “I don’t think that it is necessarily hurting the convention circuit. It is just bring in a lot of mainstream fans,” Deckelmeier
said. Deckelmeier said he believes smaller and unique conventions have their own merits. “A lot of these niche cons are the kinds you are going to have the most fun.” The convention creates atmosphere like no other. Fans engage and interact with other fans at the conventions one gets a sense of friendship and community. Pop culture has transcended into the mainstream. “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” are no longer enemies. The stigma of liking comic books and cartoons as a negative is now a positive. No longer is a person is harassed for keeping a 20-sided die in her or his pocket. Conventions and expos explore the love affair with art and culture. To quote Dr. Spock’ Leanard Nimoy: “Live long and Prosper.”
PCC hosts Black History Month display Story and photo by Isabelle Cheam Sports Editor @bellybelle
Black History Month might be a typical February to some people, but to the individuals where it is a culture, it means a lot to them. Arieaun Travis, 22, a human resources major, said Tuesday, Feb. 21, “It just celebrates our culture. I want people to know more about it. I want people to know that our culture is deeper than what media portrays it to be.” Travis said, “I hope people learn that African-Americans are not just criminals, athletes or rappers, but come from a deep historical background.” David and Sharon McLucas began collecting historical pieces in 1976. Currently, they have over 20,000 pieces. It all started with a salt and pepper shaker. Sharon said, “Since David and I got married, we have
been collecting the historical pieces.” She added they have pictures of many African-American leaders who made a difference on their wall. When her daughter’s friends came over, she would quiz them. “I would give them two more chances. If they didn’t know who they were and the third time they couldn’t hang out with my daughter. You can’t be associated with my daughter, because she knows who all of these people are,” Sharon said. The McLucases travel throughout the year and wherever they go, they try to buy antique pieces. Their collection is supported with close family and friends. This is the fifth year LBCC has hosted the exhibit. The exhibit consists of movie posters, quilts, cotton, famous activist leader pictures, books, antique sport awards, first-hand stories, pots, pans and anything from the civil rights movement until present time. The exhibit will move to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Monday, Feb. 27.
HISTORY EXHIBIT: A cutout of Harriet Tubman stands alongside of quilts and her image is on a giant U.S. $20 dollar bill.
OPINION
6
February 23, 2017
EDITORIAL
Women’s rights deleted We the women of the editorial, are disgusted by our president, Donald Trump. A man who objectifies women, has referred to women as “Fat, dogs, slobs and disgusting animals,” among other derogatory names, a man who has made sexual comments about his own daughter’s body, we are disgusted by our president. We are not only disgusted to know that this is how our president acts, but that people in our country support the actions of an individual who believes making lewd comments about women is permissible. We are disgusted by a man who in an interview with MSNBC’s Chris Matthews in 2016 said he was “prolife” and said he believed “there has to be some form of punishment” for
women who have an abortion, we are disgusted by our president. We are disgusted by a man who has notoriously made sexist comments about
women, consistently makes verbal attacks and bullies women. We are disgusted by our president. We are disappointed by the 42 percent of women who voted for Trump, even after his infamous “grab her by the pussy” video where he bragged about groping and having sex with women. We the men of the editorial are tired of Trump scapegoating everybody for his own individual and political gain and are amazed Trump is getting away with saying what he’s saying and think it’s fascinating that someone could get away with such a divisive campaign. We the men and women of the editorial are disappointed that a man of such vile hate is the representation of our country.
Illustration by Katie Jackson/Viking/@therealbuiscuit
CITY VIEWS
VIKING NEWS Co-Editors in Chief
Lissette Mendoza @chingonapicosa Carlos Ochoa @carlosochoala
Images Editor
Amanda Rodriguez @arod_mandy
News Editors
Bruce Graves @realbrucegraves Sienna Thomas @sienna_thomas
Calendar Editor
Katie Jackson @therealbuiscuit
Citystyle Editor
Erin Asis @erin_asis
Opinion Editor
Hayley Hart @hayleylhart
Sports Editors
Fantacie Jackson @_fantaciejm Isabelle Cheam @bellybelle_
Chief Copy Editor
Susan Usas @suzyq_445
Staff
Adrian Aruizu Josh Avendano Lloyd Bravo Denny Han Darlene Maes Brigid McLaughlin Patty Miramontes Danny Rivera Presley Swearingen
Adviser
“Are you for or against DACA?”
Patrick McKean
By Patty Miramontes, Denny Han and Carlos Ochoa at the LAC on Wednesday, Feb. 15, Thursday, Feb. 16 and Wednesday, Feb. 22..
Photo and Online Adviser Chris Viola
Retired Photo Adviser Jim Truitt
Advertising Manager Hayley Hart
Julian Morales, 18, nursing major “As an immigrant who did not ask to come here illegally, it is the only piece of justice some have. ”
Norma Ramirez, 18, English major “It is an opportunity people should not take for granted.”
Genesys Hernández, 18, sociology major “It’s going to be a bad thing if Trump takes it away. It’s a good thing for people who are trying to better themselves.”
Sacheen Brown, 43, human services “DACA is fine to be yourself, but the country should have a better way to assimilate to be an American.”
The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication. The Viking will be published on March 9, 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 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. The Viking is funded by the Associated Student Body Delivered with the help of the PCC Student Life Staff.
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.
Elizabeth Naro, 22, English literature major “DACA students come here for a reason to find new opportunities like my parents who came here to get a job, I support DACA students.”
Michael rice 20 kinesiology major
“DACA students come here for a better life and if they are bettering themselves and not hurting anyone in the process, I don’t see why not.”
Dominique Iraci, 20, Student Council representative of legislative affairs
“Student Council is very much in support of students who are affected by DACA policy.”
Nadia Chuela, 18, political science major “I don’t think you should take rights away from people who want an education.”
SPORTS
February 23, 2017
Vikes crowned league champs Story by Isabelle Cheam Staff writer @bellybelle_ After winning eight straight South Coast Conference games, the LBCC women’s basketball team has captured a share of the league title with El Camino. The Vikings defeated Compton, 62-49, on Friday night, Feb. 17. Vikings were scheduled to host their first playoff game Wednesday, Feb. 22, against Antelope Valley. During the Spring semester, the team was getting ready for part two of the conference schedule. Each team plays five home and five games on the road. Before the last two victories, Viking coach Mike Anderson said, “We are on a 6-game winning streak. Last week we were struggling like we were on life support. We’ve made it to playoffs for the past five years. It’s something we strive to do.” Earlier in the season, the team headed to Mt. San Antonio where they played their first tournament against several Community Colleges. Starting Nov. 4, the team had been practicing hard to get ready for the the conference games. Miranda Martinez, a sophomore center, said, “I am hoping that it doesn’t end until the end of March, when we we are playing for the state championship.”
Presley Swearingen/Viking/@pres711 IN THE ZONE: Sophomore guard Vivana Hernandez looks for an open player Friday, Feb. 10, in win over L.A. Southwest.
The Vikings have been practicing since June for two hours every day, Monday-Thursday. Miranda said, “When the Fall semester started, we practiced six days a week for two hours, then an hour of weight room after.
Men’s volleyball team gets served By Presley Swearingen Staff Writer @pres711 With a conference standing of fourth, the Viking men’s volleyball team went up against the second place Orange Coast Pirates on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The Vikings lost in three sets, 25-17, 25-16 and 25-18. According to the LBCC Vikings website, “Despite the outcome, there were numerous bright spots in the contest.” Freshman outside hitter Cyrus Fa’alogo landed in double-digit kills for the sixthstraight game by hammering home 13. Sophomore outside hitter Travis O’Gorman and freshman opposite Steven Rotter combined for eight kills.” O’Gorman said, “My favorite thing about playing volleyball is the team and their energy. My goals are to win another championship.” Steven Rotter, freshman, opposite hitter, said, “My favorite thing about playing volleyball at LBCC is the culture of it. Also LBCC is the home of champions and that’s where greatness starts off.”
7
LBCC has won more state championships than any other California Community College. According the LBCC Vikings website, “Since capturing its first state title in 1928, the LBCC athletic program continues to make a name for itself both locally and nationally. To date, LBCC has won 16 national titles, seven runner-up national titles, 89 state titles and 50 state runner-up titles.” Jonathan Charette, men’s volleyball coach, said, “My favorite thing about coaching is the randomness of the sport and every year I get kids with different needs and help them grow.” According to the LBCC Vikings website, “The LBCC men’s volleyball team continues to make a name for itself in 2017 as the Vikings have been tabbed the top squad in the state according to the first California Community College Men’s Volleyball Coaches Association State Poll of the season.” The Vikings were scheduled to host the Moorpark College Raiders at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. See photo on page 8.
“On Saturday mornings, we would be in the gym as early as 6:30 a.m. practicing.” The one thing she will miss about the team is the unity. She said her team is close on and off the court. She said she feels like they are her second family; “I love no matter
how down we are, we always find a way to fight and not give up.” Nae Jeanmard, 19, a freshman point guard, said one of her strengths is being able to see the court really well. She hopes it takes them all the way to playoffs.
SPORTS
8
February 23, 2017
Presley Swearingen/Viking/@pres711 BREAKING ANKLES: Sophmore guard William English crosses over Los Angeles Southwest player Friday, Feb. 10. The Vikes won in the annual Coaches vs. Cancer.
Squads, crowd help battle cancer
Story by Adrian Arvizu and Presley Swearingen Staff Writers @adrian7192 and @pres711 The Hall of Champions gym was flooded with students, athletes and employees to stand and support the fight against cancer Friday night, Feb. 10. Student clubs filled the gym to raise money. The Order of Thor placed its booth in front of the door. The table was filled with treats of all kinds, contributing the for the fight against cancer. Thor’s president, Enrique Escobedo, a communications major, said, “When I first heard about this event, the whole group wanted to help participate because it was for a great opportunity for us to show a commitment to the school.”
Escobedo said Thor represents the idea of community and the belief of helping others in any way possible. He said the club emphasizes having fun in what they do and that was clear throughout the event. A pop-a-shot game allowed students tp compete in a free-throw contest to win a prize. Among the people enjoying the event was Miss Long Beach 2017, Kristina Galias, who wanted to offer her support in the event. Galias is a former nursing student at LBCC and was collecting donations for the cause. After her time at LBCC, she transferred to Long Beach State and studied elementary education and child development. Galias said, “You can feel the energy that the students have brought and you get a great sense of community. It was a great
SPIKING
Presley Swearingen/Viking/@pres711 Freshmen outside hitter Steven Rotter and sophomore middle blocker Elai Mama of the Vikings, both with hands raised, are ready to block a Orange Coast Pirate on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The Vikings lost in three sets, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18. See story on page 7.
way to bring student athletics and school clubs together for a night. Everyone who joined was enthusiastic about getting together to stand for a great cause.” Doug Otto, a member of the Board of Trustees for LBCC, spoke about his experience of what it was like to be a cancer survivor. Otto said, “It takes a winning attitude to beat cancer.” During the game, collection jars were passed around for people to donate. Associated Student Body Cabinet Adviser Camille Bolton was going around buying treats and seeing ASB students participate. She called the event unifying, especially on a night when everyone does not want to be at school. All the money made that night will be donated for cancer research to find a cure for the disease.
The Vikings men’s basketball team did not disappoint family and fans who attended and defeated Los Angeles Southwest, 9280. LBCC’s women Viking also won, 67-36, also over Southwest. Matt Arrivas, a freshman guard, said, “My favorite part about playing for LBCC is that I love the energy of the crowd, my teammates and my coach. I like to support coaches vs. cancer because it raises awareness.” To make a donation and to learn more about cancer’s causes, detection, treatments and research efforts, people may visit American Cancer Society’s website at cancer.org
Tug-o-war pulls students togther
Story by Denny Han Staff writer @denny_h The Spring Intramural season began Thursday, Feb. 16, in the LAC central Quad with a co-ed game of tug-o-war. The intramural event coincided with the festivities of the Associated Student Body’s Join-a-Club Day. The Fall Intramural season ended with Athena at the top of the women’s division at 285 points, while Tong topped the men’s division at 335.5 points. Both PNK’s women’s and men’s teams topped the co-ed division at 35 and 30 points. The second Intramural event of the sea-
son will be men’s cage ball today, Thursday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. on the Northwest soccer field. The softball league for men starts Thursday, March 2, at 2 p.m. on the northwest soccer field. Cageball for women is planned Thursday, March 2, at 2 p.m. also on the northwest soccer field. Women’s volleyball starts Wednesday, March 8, at 6 p.m. in the Small Gym. Mens volleyball starts Wednesday, March 15, at 6 p.m. in the Small Gym. Co-ed flag football will begin Thurday, March 16, at 2 p.m. on the northwest soccer field.