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Low turnout at LBCC Club Day due to last minute changes

Kiona Jones
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Low turnout at LBCC Club Day due to last minute changes

At 9:51 am on Feb. 18, 2026, Kim Hamon from Student Life sent out a campus-wide email notification that “Join us for the LAC Join a Club Day today, February 18th from 10-2pm in the updated location on the 2nd floor of the B Building!” due to concerns about strong winds.

Many student organizers were left scrambling to decorate their tables, set up their outreach materials, and start connecting with potential club members. 

“It’s definitely been a little kind of chaotic. Everyone’s running around trying to set up. We’re just figuring out a space to sit that’s not too cold and not too hot.” Male Success Initiative representative Lorenzo Palavecino said. 

Palavecino went on to speak about accessibility concerns around being on the 2nd floor instead of at ground level, “[Students] really have to go out of their way. I just think accessibility-wise, too, like, if we have people on campus that are on wheelchairs or walkers this isn’t… they’re not going to take the elevator to come up. So, we’ll definitely have low turnout.”

Some clubs had gained enough engagement the day before to make up for challenges brought about by the last-minute changes. 

Esports Rep Kuresa Tauanuu, for example, happily cited that “more than 200 students signed up for the class”.

Students attend Join A Club Day on Feb. 18. Potential club members speak with student organizers for information about the club they represent. (Kiona Jones)

In addition to sharing a table, UMOJA Vice President Ariel Hodges shared Palavecino’s concerns about accessibility as well as the fact that they didn’t find out about the relocation until Hamon’s morning alert.

Film Club President Daniella Steedle said of the situation, “We’ve had issues. . . It’s such a tight hallway space. We haven’t had to minimize our booth space. . . It’s just a little bit frustrating. I’m sure everyone here’s a little bit frustrated to see the last-minute change of plans. I know ASB is doing everything they can,”

Still, the student organizers of LBCC are no stranger to adapting to challenging situations. They set up tables, talked to potential members, and kept up positive attitudes all-around. Like Steedle said, “It’s been difficult but we’re here.”

The Viking News reached out to interview with ASB and received no response.

Mana program celebrates Lunar New Year, uniting different cultures

Alejandro Diaz Lopez
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Mana program celebrates Lunar New Year, uniting different cultures

The MANA Program celebrated Lunar New Year, where they had different Asian cultures come together with food and drinks, along with a stand full of “Words of Affirmation” letters for goals in life, welcoming people to the event on Feb. 17.

This event was organized by MANA Program counselor Mai-Thi Pham, who shared that by giving out these red cards typically filled with money, “You are wishing good fortune and good energy for the new year,” Pham said.

This event wasn’t just meant for the Asian community, but instead for all people and various clubs.

At a table close to the stage, Asian Pacific Islander Desi (APID) club president Raeven Ramos and social media rep. Sara Valdez-Salazar were there to encourage those close to join or take a flyer if any student took interest in joining the club. 

Salazar, while not of Asian descent, has found the club welcoming and a good learning experience.

“There is so much to learn from the Asian community. The LBCC population is very diverse. The club cares so much about inclusivity and welcoming other people,” Salazar said. 

MANA Program counselor Mai-Thi Pham, left, plays Bau Cua Ca Cop, a Vietnamese gambling dice game, with a group of students at the MANA Program Lunar New Year Celebration on Feb. 17 at the LAC campus. (Tien Nguyen)

Many were present during the event, many of different cultural backgrounds, like LBCC student Crystal Rios.

“I get to see other cultures, I love reading about other cultures, and what they do, so that’s why Lunar Year is significant to me,” Rios said.

One of the club members of MANA, Tristan Nguyen, expressed appreciation for LBCC allowing their students to culturally express themselves through events.

“I think it’s super important, I think it’s really awesome that LBCC has the space to do this. So in the end of the day, as the MANA program, we made sure to be seen, heard, and have the space on campus to do these events, like look around the room, we have outside organizations, we have the program itself,” Nguyen said. 

Nguyen also shared that the event brought everyone together.  

“We have our family and friends show up, even the student wards are enjoying themselves, so we’re just kind of seeing ourselves come together,” said Nguyen.

LBCC students and faculty show up to attend the TTC’s new MM building ribbon-cutting ceremony

Keith Lewis
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LBCC students and faculty show up to attend the TTC’s new MM building ribbon-cutting ceremony

LBCC students, faculty, local city and community members were in attendance on Feb. 25 with superintendent-president Mike Munoz and members of the LBCC board of trustees to celebrate the MM building ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Trade Technology and Community Learning campus.

The MM building is a project that was conceptualized in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. It features state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for students in LBCC’s automotive, horticulture, architecture, and carpentry programs.

Munoz was front and center at the podium and shared his gratitude for all those involved with the phases of the MM building project. 

Those in attendance included the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Utilities, and Harbor Freight, who all played an essential part in the MM buildings’ formation.

LBCC board of trustees, as well as students and faculty, can all be seen waiting for the MM building ribbing cutting ceremony to begin, which took place at the TTC campus on Feb 25. (Keith Lewis)

The building opened with help from a $50 million dollar investment from the city of Long Beach and through Measure E (2008) and Measure LB (2016). Measure E was approved by voters to work on campus improvements, and Measure LB is a local tax measure that funds programs and courses.

LBCC Board of Trustees president Uduak- Joe Ntuk conveyed the importance of the MM building for both current and future students to be educated with state-of-the-art classrooms and equipment.

Construction on the building originally built in the 1950s was done in two phases. The first phase was during the height of the pandemic, and the second phase was completed in 2025. 

Touring the building, students got a sense of openness as they entered the courtyard’s east entrance. There are various areas to study in throughout the newly renovated area, as well as state-of-the-art equipment.

“It’s a beautiful space for our accredited and non-accredited students to be able to learn hands-on,” said Sherrina Barnes, LBCC assistant adult education. 

With the most up-to-date classrooms, equipment, and technology, the MM building offers a place for students involved in trade courses to get first-hand experience in their courses. There is an area big enough for those studying carpentry where students can actually frame a small structure.

LBCC students enrolled in the carpentry program are seen building a framed portion of a small structure. The area is available specifically for this hands-on style of learning (Keith Lewis)

Automotive vocational technician Jose Espinoza was picking out the ideal succulent that the horticulture exhibit area was giving away.

“It’s a cool setup, there is such a big change compared to the old buildings. Definitely a lot more space here in the big open courtyard,” said Espinoza.

LBCC president ambassador Olivia McCary was seen passing out cookies to those touring the courtyard area.

McCary is responsible for conducting campus tours for students considering LBCC for their school of choice.

“I love it. I get to do campus tours to elementary students and anyone who may be considering LBCC in the future. They get to see things in real life,” said McCary.

Alongside the MM building available for students, the GG building, which will be named in honor of the late Jenni Rivera, will also have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Mar. 26.

Shots fired at opening for Marathon Burger’s new location in downtown Long Beach 

Keith Lewis
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Shots fired at opening for Marathon Burger’s new location in downtown Long Beach 

What began as a highly anticipated grand opening for a new restaurant in Long Beach to honor the legacy of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, turned into chaos on Sunday afternoon when gunshots rang out shortly after 3 p.m. near Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach, leaving one person dead and two others injured. 

Independent recording artist Jonathan Alberto was at the local 7/11 convenience store across the street right before the disruption.

“I just grabbed something to drink at the 7/11 and heard people arguing in the distance, but really didn’t think anything of it. About ten minutes later I heard the shots, but I was already heading to my car so I didn’t see it,” said Alberto.

Hundreds gathered in downtown Long Beach for the opening of Marathon Burger, including current and former Long Beach City College students. Some fans arrived as early as 4 a.m. to secure a place in line for the restaurant’s smash-style burgers when the event started at noon for a chance to be among the first 100 guests to receive free meals.

Hundreds of people gather around the new restuarant Marathon Burger in Long Beach, California on it’s grand opening on March 1. The restaurant is dedicated to honor rapper Nipsey Hussle and continue his Marathon brand. (Keith Lewis)

Participant Marcus Ricard and his sister Alexis Ricard, who travelled from Anaheim, California, were one of the first in line to receive the free burger promotion.

“We ended up getting our food and finishing it around 2:45 p.m., it was fire! Our car was parked on Broadway so we got to our car right before things went left. As we were driving off, we saw a bunch of cops driving by the area where we parked,” said Marcus.

Aside from getting a free burger they wanted to show their love for the Marathon brand as a whole.

“Nipsey Hussle motivated me after high school to be better and do better in life. Right now I have my own fashion line I’m working on, I do music and I trade online,” said Marcus.

The event featured appearances by owner Blacc Sam, Hussle’s brother, rapper Snoop Dogg and his son Cordell Broadus, who are both investors in Marathon Burger’s Long Beach location, and rapper YG. 

Power 106 radio host Big Boy and Long Beach mayor Rex Richardson were also at the opening. 

Power 106 FM radio host Big Boy arrives at the grand opening of Marathon Burger in downtown Long Beach, California on March 1. Big boy has been Power 106’s radio host personality for close to two decades. (Keith Lewis)

Music from Power 106’s DJ Wavy provided a plethora of Nipsey Hussle’s music catalog and filled the street as attendees enjoyed an ice cream from Dr. Bombay and airbrush tattoos from Karen’s Facepainting. 

Karen Nagy, the owner of Karen’s Facepainting provided attendees with airbrushed tattoos during the event. 

“We are here to keep the marathon going. Nipsey was big on community involvement and coming out here today we are doing our part to keep the Hussle legacy alive in Long Beach,” said Nagy.

After brief remarks from event speakers, a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the restaurant to a packed crowd.

Long Beach Polytechnic High School cheerleaders and band perform at the grand opening for Marathon Burger’s new location in downtown Long Beach on March 1. (Keith Lewis)

Brian Burton, an LBCC student who was among the first 100 people in line, said the excitement throughout the morning felt like a community celebration. 

“I ended up getting through the VIP section. I woke up and went out exercising. I started to see people popping up, so I ended up staying around,” Burten said.

Burton also works at LBCC’s Justice Scholars reentry program assisting those seeking higher education after being freed from incarceration.

About 2 and a half hours after the ribbon was cut, gunshots were heard on the corner of Broadway Street and Pine Avenue. Attendees began running and ducking for cover as confusion spread throughout Pine Avenue.

Preliminary reports indicate that one person died and two others were injured according to Los Angeles news KTLA 5. The incident remains under investigation.

For many LBCC students in attendance, the event was meant to celebrate entrepreneurship and community ownership associated with Nipsey Hussle’s Marathon brand. Instead, the afternoon ended in a state of panic. 

Despite the disruption, the restaurant later resumed operation serving their version of a smash-style burger. 

Women’s basketball team wins round one of the postseason

Asa Liberty
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Women’s basketball team wins round one of the postseason

The LBCC women’s basketball team won round one of the SoCal regionals against Ventura 68-50 on Wednesday, with  Mya Barnes leading the way with 15 points and six rebounds.

The game started off even, with each team trading blows, but in the second half, the Vikings started to push ahead.

The Vikings added 20 points in the third to get a  37- 29 lead with the help of  Devoni Ray’s six points to make it 57-40.

“The same thing we were doing in the first half, attacking the paint, attacking the rim, not settling for jumpshots. We only shot four threes in the first half, second we shot a little more threes but we are being more consistent at having second half starts,” Vikings’ head coach Dominic Freeman said.

Freeman thinks the Vikings did most of their dirty work in the paint, which was their point of emphasis for the game.

“We want to be greedy at the rim and we don’t want to settle, we knew they didn’t have a lot of interior so we wanted to keep attacking that and put pressure on them and know that they were short on numbers so we want to get them in foul trouble,”  Vikings’ head coach Freeman said.

Barnes, who was the game’s leading point scorer, gave her mindset before the game.

“I was pretty nervous, not gonna lie but I was focusing on one thing at a time, defense, offense, rebounding, whatever it was,” Barnes said.

Vikings’ player Kyla Sawall did not get a lot of points but worked hard to get three rebounds and two assists, doing all the dirty work that does not show up on the stat sheet.

“Just be great on defense, defense is my game so just do what I do best and being productive on defense to help my team out on offense,” said Sawall.

Vikings’ player Amy Rubio had seven points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal, but she was shining more on defense, helping the Vikings in their full-court press.

“Defense is like extra points, if you get a stop you get an extra point, if you get rebounds it’s an extra point. I feel like defense really sets the tone,” Rubio said. 

The Vikings went on to round two against Cypress and lost 51-42 on Saturday, ending their season with a 20-10 record. 

Vikings basketball team has another devastating loss extending their losing streak.

Heaven Herrera
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Vikings basketball team has another devastating loss extending their losing streak.

The Long Beach City College Vikings men’s basketball team lost to El Camino College 82-77 despite freshman Point guard Jorge Mota scoring 23 points on Feb 11.

The Vikings couldn’t snap their 10-game losing streak, as the Warriors outscored them 42–31 in the second half. 

“We definitely dominated in the first half, but it was not enough to beat ECC in the second half,” Mota said.

Mota also pointed to defense and communication as key issues, especially against El Camino’s bigger lineup as they had a height advantage on defense and scoring in the paint.

LBCC’s Jorge Mota, right, jumps for a layup against El Camino’s Linken Tate, left, on Feb 11 in a game at the Hall of Champions. (Asa Liberty)

LBCC point guard Branden Ellis chipped in 9 points, shooting for 3-7 in 3-point attempts.

“We could’ve had better rotation with the ball, but it was not fast enough,” Ellis said.

Freshman point guard Nathaniel Parris had 15 points for the Vikings, while freshman shooting guard L.J. Brown finished with 12.

Brown said he and small forward Kamron Fontenot started slowly, but found ways to contribute as the game went on.

Still, he added the Vikings needed better execution, defensive rotations, and stronger play in the paint.

“We need better execution and be able to play better down the stretch, we’ve been struggling to do that,” head coach Barry Barnes said.

The Vikings ended their 2025-26 season with a record of 5-23 overall, and 0-10 in conference. 

Rapper Baby Keem, second cousin of Kendrick Lamar, holds album signing at Fingerprints 

Liam Hollon
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Rapper Baby Keem, second cousin of Kendrick Lamar, holds album signing at Fingerprints 

Las Vegas raised rapper Baby Keem, who happens to be the second cousin of Kendrick Lamar, made a visit to Long Beach’s Fingerprints Music store for an album signing and photo op on Thursday to promote the release of his latest album, “Ca$ino.” 

Fans of Keem lined up around the block for a chance to take a photo with the rapper and get a signed vinyl, or CD, many of whom waited upwards of two hours.

Fans of rapper Baby Keem stand in line down the alley way behind Fingerprints Music, a record store in Long Beach, California in anticpation to meet him on Thursday. The album signing and photo op event served to promote his latest album “Ca$ino.” (Bella Schultz)

Some of Keem’s most dedicated fans made sure that, despite any prior engagements they had, they would be at the event to meet him. 

“I was in school today and I was already in Long Beach, so I was like why not skip the class I’m already failing and come see the G.O.A.T.,” Jonathan Salcedo, a fan of Baby Keem said.

Another fan, waited in line despite just having ACL surgery.

Arkle Whitaker, a fan of rapper Baby Keem sits in line to meet the rapper after having ACL surgery. Keem was at Fingerprints Music, a record store in Long Beach, California on Thursday to promote his newest album “Ca$ino.” (Bella Schultz)

The rappers’ music has connected to millions of fans worldwide, with many fans at the event noting how Keem’s music has brought them closer to people in their lives. 

“His music has provided me and my brother a lot of good unique experiences together. It’s really helped our relationship progress as we move into different phases of our lives. I think his music was kind of a stepping stone that led to other kinds of music for us,” fan Jack Eckhart said. 

A pair of the artists’ biggest fans at the event, a mother and son, also noted how they’ve connected over his music. 

“I think that Keem’s music has definitely made us closer over the years. I just surprised him in the car on the way here and told him we were gonna meet Baby Keem today,” Margarita Patino said. 

Fans at the event raved about Keem’s latest album, many of which noted his growth from his breakout album “The Melodic Blue.” They noted that his new album takes a more serious and mature tone at times. 

Fan shows off two brand-new vinyls of Baby Keem’s newest album “Ca$ino” which have just been signed by Keem after his meet-and-greet at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California. (Heaven Herrera)

“I think this is the most cohesive project he’s had so far and has the most for longevity out of all the projects he’s had so far,” fan Alec Wyngfield said.

Keem opening up on his latest project has allowed his music to reach a new audience that appreciates his introspective lyrics.

“I think stepping out of your comfort zone and getting vulnerable is something that I appreciate Baby Keem did on this project. That’s the main thing I really like about Baby Keem,” fan Martin Vu said. 

Many fans at the event are looking forward to his upcoming tour in April, excited to see Keem perform his new material live. This tour will be his first tour since 2022. 

Free weekly yoga sessions offered to combat stress

Alyssa Redrup
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Free weekly yoga sessions offered to combat stress

As March looms around the corner, and the spring semester fully kicks into gear, students may find themselves looking for ways to relieve the stress and anxiety that typically come with the return to class.

Richard Anderson, LBCC’s yoga instructor, seems to have found one possible solution, offering free weekly sessions of Yoga, every Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the small gym, Q-117. 

Every final Wednesday of each month the session is moved outside on the lawn. 

“It helps stress reduction, helps you figure out who you are as a person, and moves you away from technology, AI, your smartphone. That can distract us in life and bring us more to the here and now,” Anderson said. 

The sessions aren’t strictly limited to LBCC students and staff as the doors are open to any and all who are looking for a way to unwind.

Claire Kim, a community member, uses her time at Yoga On The Lawn to “come back to center.”

“A lot of us go through the day and forget to do that, when in reality, everyone should make time to do it,” Kim said. 

Kim added further to her experience, elaborating on what drives her to continue her attendance. 

“Coming to yoga on the lawn is great, you get to meet people and participating in the group activity is like a promise to show up for yourself that day,” Kim said. 

A group of LBCC students and attendees practice yoga in unison during a free yoga session in the small gym on Feb. 11. (Keith Lewis)

In Long Beach, yoga classes aren’t the most accessible for everyone as they usually come with a cost. 

“Accessibility in yoga is vital for not only LBCC students, but everybody,” Anderson stated. 

He added that yoga has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and chronic pain, as well as increases strength, flexibility and balance. 

By having Yoga on the Lawn, LBCC is providing a free and accessible way for members to unwind from the stressors of everyday life.

A yoga session on Feb. 11 consisted of a mix of LBCC students, student teachers of the Yoga Teacher Training Program offered on campus, as well as members of the Long Beach community.

At the half-hour mark for the class, the student teachers were given a chance to demonstrate their teaching abilities by leading the class in a few stretches.

“Yoga is a great resource for students to calm their nervous system and get a break in their day,” said Ashley Andrade, a student teacher part of LBCC’s Yoga Teacher Training Program. 

Another student teacher, Lawrence Cordova, mentioned his lifelong history of athleticism, and the lingering pain that comes with that lifestyle. 

Cordova never initially thought of yoga as a remedy for his ailments.

“I always looked at yoga as something I couldn’t do. I can’t do headstands, I’m not as skinny as everybody else. I just took the chance one day, and I fell in love with it the first time I tried it,” Cordova said. 

In an era of consumption and intense productivity, especially for students, LBCC’s yoga sessions can provide an outlet of stress relief and provide an overall break in a student’s day.

LBCC yoga instructor Richard Anderson demonstrates proper yoga techniques at a free yoga session on Feb. 11. (Keith Lewis)

Vikings’ Women basketball team closes out undefeated conference season with a 71-49 victory over Cerritos

Sydney Lowe
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Vikings’ Women basketball team closes out undefeated conference season with a 71-49 victory over Cerritos

The Vikings women’s basketball team capped off an outstanding season with an undefeated run in conference play, closing their final game with a 71–49 victory over Cerritos.

They took a big lead to begin the first quarter, with sophomore Zoie Lamkin leading the Vikings in points. 

“I just felt confident tonight, and I think that allowed my shots to go in for the most part,” said Lamkin. 

Going into the second quarter, they held the Falcons to only four points for the entire quarter leaving the score at 40-11 at half. 

With this also being the women’s Sophomore Night, the team honored their four sophomores—Zoie Lamkin, Yesenia Garcia, Jasmine Hecht, and Kyla Sawall. The ceremony was heartfelt, featuring videos from family members, and it clearly highlighted the strong bond shared across the team. 

“It’s about family here, so creating more memories. So regardless of our record these are the memories that are going to last forever and its gonna outlast the winning.” head coach Dominic Freeman said. 

When asked one word to describe the team this year, sophomore Yesenia Garcia said the team felt different. 

“Different, there are so many different personalities. We’ve been through a lot this year and at the end we all came together,” Garcia said.  

This marks the sixth consecutive year that the Vikings have claimed the conference title. Their sustained success reflects not only talent on the court but also strong coaching and team chemistry year after year. 

“We want to keep a high standard, with being a true student athlete and that creates discipline and we’ve been consistent in that so far,” Freeman said. 

As they head into the playoffs, the Vikings are determined to carry their winning momentum forward and focus on improving consistency, particularly in their second-quarter performance.

“Our goal is just to keep playing hard, give everything we have because we only have one definite game going forward,” Lamkin said. 

The Vikings advanced to round two of the playoffs and will play Cypress on Saturday. 

Vikings win first conference game of the season 6 to 1 vs Rio Hondo

Alex Pina
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Vikings win first conference game of the season 6 to 1 vs Rio Hondo

LBCC men’s baseball team won 6 to 1 after center fielder Myles Fendrick, who went 2-4 and had an RBI triple, in Saturday’s game against Rio Hondo at home.

This game felt like a must win for the Vikings as in their previous game they lost 9-1 against Cypress, so this victory helped them bounce back. 

Vikings infielder Garret Rodriguez, spoke on getting himself and his teammates ready for conference play as this was the first conference game of the season for the Vikings.

“ It’s very important to get the guys going for conference play because this is the first game in conference, these games matter more then the other ones so it’s nice to get the first one out the way and it makes things a lot easier,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez went 2-4 in with an impactful RBI allowing his teammate to bring in a run. 

The game started off slow for both teams, but the Vikings scored back-to-back runs in the third that helped their momentum and there was no looking back for the Vikings. 

Center fielder Myles Fendrick hit a two-run triple to center field in the bottom of the third inning to bring the Vikings’ first runs and take the lead of the game.

The Vikings never gave up the lead as they executed well on offense and defense.

“It felt good. It felt really good. I got a good pitch to hit, and it really paid off our rally,”  said Fendrick.

The Vikings’ bullpen pitched well, with starting pitcher Will LeBlanc struck out four batters while allowing one run.

Everything seemed to mesh perfectly for the Vikings, creating momentum to finish off strong.

“I think what we need to focus on is staying in the moment. Dugout presence and energy has been great, especially today,” said head coach Philip Visico. 

The Vikings’ record improved to 4-8 after this win, and they will play their next game on Saturday at El Camino. 

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