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Opinion: Community colleges deserve the same resources as universities

Marissa Lopez
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Opinion: Community colleges deserve the same resources as universities

Senate Bill 24, allows Cal States and UC health service offices to make abortion pills accessible to students on campus, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom at the begining of Oct., unfortunately this bill excludes community colleges.

The main issue with this exclusion is that it seems to be doing the opposite of it’s intention, which is supposed to be making safe abortions more accessible.

The bill was initially introduced in early 2017, as SB-320, which advocated for the same issue, that medical abortions be provided by university health service offices but it was vetoed in September of 2018. 

The bills are relatively the same, the only major changes made were dates, amounts of money/funding due to inflation and some portions of the bill are worded differently to appear more clear. 

An issue with SB-24 is one of the sections barely scratches the surface of costs, which is roughly $200,000 for training, equipment and the distribution of the funding per university.

It is stated that the cost of it all will require at least $10,290,000, so $200,000 is not that much money regarding all the equipment and training that will come out of these funds. 

There are 146 public universities in California, 114 of those being community colleges. If community colleges make up the majority of institutions in the state, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be included in this bill. 

Many students see community colleges as a place to save money and speed through their general education classes, but just because those reasons, those students still should not miss out on the opportunities that those at higher institutions benefit from.  

According to three New York Times articles focusing on family incomes in the California college system, the median family income for community college students is $34,900.

The median family income for a Cal State is roughly $60,000, and for a UC is about $100,000. 

This just goes to show that those in community colleges may face more financial hardships which results in a limit of resources, opposed to those at higher universities. 

The goal of this bill is to make abortions safe and accessible for students who need it. 

When California State Senator Connie M. Leyva wrote the bill, she should have taken into account the people attending lower institutions who could benefit from the SB-24.

Community colleges being excluded from this is marginalizing disadvantaged groups who the bill would help more than other students who may have an easier time accessing these tools. 

There is already a stigma surrounding community colleges, so by congress not including community colleges in the bill further creates the divide between higher institutions.

Often times, it is assumed that community colleges are a last resort for students who didn’t have the grades or money for a CSU or UC, but depriving them from resources that should be universally accessible only makes the divide of higher education worse.

This exclusive senate bill is marginalizing community college students more than they already are, LBCC Vikings are just as important as Cal State Fullerton Titans or UC Irvine Anteaters, we should be given the same opportunities as everyone else.

“It was something that I did not allow to distract me,” Trump U. judge speaks Trump’s accusatory attacks

abel reyes
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“It was something that I did not allow to distract me,” Trump U. judge speaks Trump’s accusatory attacks

Clarification: Details have been added in beginning of the article to clarify where and when Gonzalo Curiel spoke.

In a speech today at Long Beach City College, Federal judge Gonzalo Curiel addressed President Donald Trump’s accusatory attacks over his Mexican heritage being a conflict of interest, presiding over the class-action lawsuit brought against Trump from students claiming Trump University had frauded them.

Curiel expressed how surreal it was for him to see his name mentioned in The New York Times, the Washington Post, and being discussed on CNN after Trump’s comments raised concerns of racism. 

“To understand what was behind it, one appreciates that the person who made those comments had reasons to do that. He was concerned about what that litigation was doing in terms of impacting his campaign so I understood why he said what he did even if it wasn’t true,” Curiel said.

“It was something that I did not allow to distract me, because I know that probably would have been one of the reasons it was put out there – to distract me, to make me angry, and have me react in a way.”

Remaining firm on his decision in disregarding Trump’s comments; Curiel said that part of his job is learning not to take it personally when people don’t agree with his decisions.

Curiel discussed how stressed times have been because of the polarization taking place within politics today and how in recent years the Judiciary has been enacting and deciding on issues that are of great consequence to people who are interested in justice, our environment, and our economy. 

“With the Judiciary being more front in center I expect that there is an additional level of stress that may arise in those cases for a judge. They have to learn that they can’t be distracted outside noise, they can’t be pulled by things like incivility and they have to do their best to apply the law,” Curiel said.

Curiel said he came to LBCC for the opportunity to reach out to members of the community, particularly younger people to encourage and inspire them away from being distracted by the polarization that currently exists. 

Curiel was invited to speak at LBCC as part of a student equity event following the end of Latinx Heritage month, with the event at LAC.

Former President of the Latino Faculty Staff Association, Carlos Ramos, introduced Curiel to the audience and announced that audience members would have the opportunity to ask questions they may have for Curiel. 

Curiel began by speaking about his parents beginnings in Mascota, Jalisco, a small Mexican town before moving to the U.S. where his father worked for the steels mills of East Chicago, Indiana, and later had four children, him being the youngest.

Curiel related the experiences that many children of immigrant families share with one another despite racial or ethnic background. 

“It made for a great upbringing because I made friends with Puerto Ricans, Blacks, Whites, Indians, and we realized back then even as kids that there was very little that separated us from each other,” Curiel said.

“We all had one similar thread running through our lives; our parents who came to the United States to work and obtain a fair wage so that they could raise a family, and that’s what my parents did.”

Curiel’s mother began emphasizing the importance of education being the key for success at a very early stage in his life, sending Curiel and his siblings to Catholic schools and ensuring they attend mass every Sunday.

“We developed an appreciation for religion, family, and for our community,” Curiel said.

Speaking on the influence his parents immigrant background has had on his career, Curiel emphasized how his parents made sure that all their children understood the great opportunities that existed by being educationally prepared to take them.

“In my job today, I am often reminded of the sacrifices that my parents made, in many of the cases that I handle from my docket involve individuals who have arrived without papers and the court is required to consider what is the appropriate punishment,” Curiel continued.

“For those people who were lured to the United States for the same reasons that my parents were, the American dream, so you come to understand that there was no intent in coming here to engage in criminality but to raise a family and make contributions to this great nation.” 

As a federal judge, Curiel recounts the negative comments that have been said about him and the decisions he has made in his job, saying “I don’t take it personal and I realize that people have very strong passionate views on things that they believe in and people they support but my mission is to move forward and not to get distracted by messages of hate.” 

Curiel addressed an audience question on the mass incarceration of black and brown bodies within the U.S. criminal system. 

“As a judge, I explain to juries all the time that when you’re a juror you are the judges of the facts and as judges of the facts you are to apply the law as I give it to you. Keep in mind that the law that I give to you isn’t necessarily a law that I, If I had been legislature, would have enacted for or voted for,” Curiel explained. 

“The legislature has enacted laws which have produced mass incarceration, that’s something that I can’t get into because then I’d be pretending that I’m not only in the Judiciary but that somehow or another I have now expanded my powers to the executive to decide who gets prosecuted or the legislature and interpreting the law in a way that it was not intended.”

Curiel then continued to speak about the importance of communication for first-generation students towards their success in college, “It’s up to the individual student to reach out and not be afraid, sometimes first-generation students are afraid.” 

“We are afraid to have our voices heard or afraid to ask because we don’t want to be seem as dumb but there’s nothing wrong in asking questions. In fact the only thing that would be wrong is in failing to ask when you don’t know the answer.”

Curiel declined to discuss the 2017 DACA lawsuit case saying, “I would never ever ever discuss a case that has been to the Supreme Court”. 

With the event coming to a close, Curiel reminded the audience of why diversity is so important in ensuring the changes and progression that has happened in only fifty years continues on; without letting notions of differences from keeping us separated.

Opinion: Don’t let family influence your career decision

Tyana Sallis
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Opinion: Don’t let family influence your career decision

As children, we are convinced that we are able to become anything we set our minds to; but as we transition into young adults, the pressures of financial success funnel us into a prototype, designed by expectations, that our parents or grandparents have envisioned for us. 

Before we are able to recognize who it is we want to be, we are guided into academics and the focus turns towards becoming a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or anything that would look impressive on paper. 

Of course, those careers maybe true callings for some people, but are often not the ideal career for others. 

Some of us never grow out of the “unrealistic” job phase, and there’s nothing wrong with that! In fact, what qualifies a job as being “unrealistic”? 

Our parents and even grandparents place this idea in our heads that it is foolish to follow your passions, making it seem like going after your dreams is impractical.

In reality, there is no such thing as an “unrealistic” job, it’s just a made up concept that stems from the negative influences of our elders and the fear to go against them.

We are always taught to reach for the stars, but once we come of age, it almost seems impossible to create a living out of a dream. 

To enhance my argument, I’ve self-conducted a survey where I questioned a random sample of 50 students at LBCC.

The following students were told to fill out a simple questionnaire, using their biased beliefs on how they view the effects on career choices made today. 

Of the 50 students, 39 students believe that specifics aspects in society play a substantial role in how career choices are determined. 

Similarly, 36 of the 50 believe that this is why students have distanced themselves from a career in the arts. 

Conducting the survey further intensified how many students are afraid to go after their passion due to the pressures presented by the people closest to us. 

People should be able to be fearless in this world, not afraid to follow their dreams. Failure is something that no one likes to experience and therefore, becomes a threat. 

Influence from your elders are what tends to get people to switch directions in their career choice, and to be fair, the choice is reasonable.

 However, some might say that they would much rather take the risk of doing what they loved  just to be able to say they gave it their all. 

I’m sure that some students would say that they would much rather prefer a lower-paying job with a higher amount of happiness instead of a higher-paying job with a lower amount of happiness. 

The hard work and ambition that comes along with doing something one loves should motivate them to go above and beyond in whatever they choose to do.

Making a living showcasing your strongest talents should not seem impossible but with the constant voices of others telling you what you should be, becomes a lot to deal with.

This is probably a common worry dealt with by college students today, which is why it is important to expose yourself to new things that will help enable your success. Stop being scared of the unknown and go for it.

Always keep your mind open to new opinions other than just the ones of the people you value the most, such as your parents, because it will give you the potential to expand your knowledge and help create a happier future.

Joe Biden talks about free community college at LA Trade Tech College

abel reyes
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Joe Biden talks about free community college at LA Trade Tech College

Former Vice President Joe Biden made a stop at Los Angeles Trade Technical College for his presidential campaign this past Thursday.

Biden addressed the audience his plan to make community college free if elected president. 

“You are at a community college, and it should be free, it would cost $6 billion a year to make sure that everyone qualifies for community college, if you eliminate one tax loophole called stepped-up basis, every single solitary person who qualifies for community college can attend community college for free,” Biden said. 

Biden initially started by acknowledging the Saugus High School shooting in Santa Clarita that killed two students and left three wounded earlier that Thursday.

Biden promised to take on the NRA if elected president in November of 2020.

Former Vice president Joe Biden speaks to the crowd what he’ll do as president during his rally at LATTC on November 14, 2019. Former Vice President Biden told to a supporter that he does pay his taxes and he’s the only candidate that releases his tax returns in the last 21 years. Photo by Jorge Hernandez.

“I’m so tired of people talking about your prayers, dammit we have to protect these kids, we have to do it now,” Biden said.

The former Vice President spoke on issues concerning immigration, DACA recipients and Temporary Protective Status (TPS).

“These millions of DACA kids they’re already Americans,” Biden said.

Biden urged the people to vote in the upcoming presidential election saying, “Politics becomes personal, ugly, and dirty and the American people are sick of it but we can change that.”

“I think I am best prepared to deal with what needs to be done at the first shot.”

Los Angeles Community College District Trustee President Andra Hoffman welcomed the crowd and supporters during Joe Biden rally at LATTC on November 14, 2019. Hoffman was elected Trustee on March of 2015, and elected president in July 10, 2019 serving students from 40 cities. Photo by Jorge Hernandez.

Volunteer for the Biden 2020 campaign Robina Hudson expressed her support saying, “He’s definitely my first choice because of the Obama era, He has the most experience.”

LATTC student Maritza Nunez attended the event in hopes of finding a candidate that she would like to support for the 2020 election. 

“I heard he was coming to campus and I  really want to see what he has to say, I’m not that into politics but I know I’m going to vote in 2020,” Nunez said.

According to Nia Smith, president of student services at LATTC, there will be polling centers at all nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District during next November’s election to empower students to participate in the democratic process and to make sure that the issues that they care about are heard.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Souis speaks to the crowd before Former Vice President Joe Biden comes to the podium during his rally at LATTC on November 14, 2019. Souis was the former United States Secretary of Labor in 2008 during the Obama administration. Photo by Jorge Hernandez.

Jace Bass drops 27 as Vikings beat Riverside Tigers

Syan Haghiri
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Jace Bass drops 27 as Vikings beat Riverside Tigers

Guard Jace Bass lead Long Beach City College’s men’s basketball team with 27 points as they defeated the Riverside Tigers Thursday night 79-70 at LBCC’s Hall of Champions.

Improving their record to 3-1, the Vikings are finding what does, and doesn’t work for them on either end of the floor. 

“They followed the game plan, we took it out of practice and executed in the game. We knew what they were gonna run through scouting reports and we exploited how they play a pseudo zone-defense that’s really a loose man-on-man defense,” head coach Barry Barnes said.

Setting the pace in the first period, the Vikings repeatedly pushed the ball up the floor on their offensive transitions creating countless opportunities for Bass and his teammates. 

“We knew what we were coming into, for the game, I feel great about our performance, as a team, and we ultimately got the win,” Bass said.

Bass ended with six rebounds, three assists and two steals to go along with his 27 points.

Though the effort was stout on the offensive end, the same can’t be said for the defensive end. 

More specifically, a good number of transitions on defense seemed to be lacking and ultimately ended up in the Tigers scoring a basket. 

“They kicked our behind on transition defense because they were getting outscored, they were fighting to catch-up,” Barnes said. 

The Vikings secured a lead going into the half with a score of 38-42.

With the Vikings’ lead growing to as much as 24 points in the second period, victory seemed to be a lock for LBCC. 

“We usually play tough. We came out and we were really killing them, but we got comfortable and started settling back and as we started sagging off [of them on defense], they came back and started to make a strong push,” sophomore guard Kester Ofoegbu said.

The defensive woes continued for the Vikings as they settled, and got comfortable in their lead.

Ofoegbu finished the game with 15 points, six rebounds and four steals.

The Tigers couldn’t gain the lead, and the Vikings were able to hold on and come out with a win.

Vikings will take on Golden West College on Friday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.

Continue

Opinion: Study abroad deserves its wings

Marissa Lopez
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Opinion: Study abroad deserves its wings

The study abroad program provides multiple opportunities for students to gain educational exposure outside of LBCC, for this reason, the program needs to get the necessary support it deserves in order to expand its reach to students

The Study Abroad program has continued to go unnoticed and dealt with budget cuts over the years, leaving the program helpless.

It is unfortunate because studying abroad can be a life changing experience for students who may not have the opportunity to explore otherwise.

Long Beach City College should want to assist the program financially to support students who decide to go abroad.

Studying abroad gives students a greater sense of educational opportunities, which is the whole point of college.

The program at LBCC had been cancelled in 2010 in part to budget cuts and there being no set limit on how many students can participate.

After finally being funded again this summer, LBCC has taken about 28 students on a trip to Paris, France, which as of now is the only place they can travel to.

With many different foreign language departments, it is disheartening that Paris is the only place that students are able to study..

Other community colleges such as, Santa Monica and Fullerton college are dedicated in being consistent with their study abroad program.

For example, Santa Monica currently offers 4 trips per year,  taking students on their first trip to South Africa in 2007 and then a first trip to Latin America in the summer of 2008.

Along with Santa Monica, Fullerton College has no limits on what the program can spend as they are taking their students to different trips next year such as Cape Town, London, Kyoto, and Rome.

Students at other colleges are offered  a variety of places to travel, unlimited supply of funds and they don’t lose student interest towards the program.

Yet, why when it comes to LBCC, it’s like no one even knows that the program exist and if they do, they worry about the financial aspect.

When it comes to Long Beach City College’s study abroad program, they need to take notes from the other colleges to get ideas on how to improve our program and make it more appealing.

It is understandable that the school struggles in financial situations, but now that the LBCC abroad program has started up again, they should focus on expanding their financial help for the program.

In the meantime the program can brainstorm amongst themselves on how to expand that reach for awareness and financial help.

One way to raise money is a fundraiser and since the holidays are coming, hosting a hot chocolate bar at school would be a great way to raise money. 

People also love food, so the program could get a booth in the quad and sell food from different countries to make people more interested in finding out more about the culture.

Doing fundraising events will help students gain interest and spread awareness for the program

Financial support and awareness is needed in order for students to expand their knowledge in studying abroad and experience the rich culture and language of different countries. 

The Young American Foundation returns to campus

Sebastian Angulo
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The Young American Foundation returns to campus

The Young American Foundation (YAF) have reclaimed their spot at Long Beach City College by bringing back their club, which is a representation of political conservative viewpoints. 

Around two years ago YAF was already an existing club  but due to the lack of members and graduating leadership it was unable to withstand. 

Now, YAF is back on campus and giving students the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals on topics like politics. 

Long Beach City College can be looked at as more of a liberal campus, but with YAF, they are able to share a different viewpoint without judgement.

According to the Foundations website, “Young America’s Foundation is a conservative youth organization, founded in 1969, whose stated mission is “ensuring that increasing numbers of young Americans understand and are inspired by the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values.”

President of YAF Taylor-Ryan Hotchkiss explained the benefits of the club’s appearance on campus.

“We want to share conservative principles with the students here on campus and kind of just give conservative students a voice here.” Hotchkiss said.

The club had their first meeting Nov. 3 at 1:00pm located in building T1309, although the meeting was brief, as they were only able to show a short clip on conservatism.

Next semester, they hope that the club will gain more activity so they are able to have deeper discussions on pressing issues and current events.

To get more members to join, Mason Dees, Vice President, listed a few things as a club that they can start doing to spread the word  

“Well so obviously the meeting was short notice but I know people that are apart of the club that we see outside of this event so just trying to get them to come, reach out to them personally not just via the YAF organization email and then also maybe advertise by having a stand to talk to people passing by not just on club day but just other events to attract more people.” Dees said.

Dees mentioned that just because a student doesn’t share the same ideologies as YAF, they can still join because although it may be conservative based, it still allows an open place where all ideas and opinions are welcome to be debated about.

Moving forward, Donald Douglas, advisor of YAF shares his hope for the future of the maintenance and direction of the cub.

“As far as the future, it’s up to the students to recruit and make sure there’s a critical mass of about 10 to 20 students that will be here in 2020 and 2021 that are going to be the nucleus of this club, so that all Taylor’s hard work wouldn’t go to waste like previous years. Also, maybe in the future we will have more interclub dialogues or panels with not just students but professors as well to break down those barriers. There are a lot of educated people on campus, there is no need to always have a speaker,” said Douglas

For now, the club will only be meeting once a month.

The next meeting will be held on Dec 6 in the same room, T1309 at 1:00pm. The club leaders are working to make sure that the time fits everyone’s busy schedules.

If interested in joining the club, or even just to sit in to hear an opinion opposite to yours, you can contact Professor Donald Douglas at ddouglas@lbcc.edu.

Free food and housing resources will expand at LBCC

Sebastian Angulo
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Free food and housing resources will expand at LBCC

During the State of the College event in July Superintendent-President Reagan Romali announced the expansion of the Office of Basic Needs which will serve as a support system for homeless and food insecure students. 

“How we are going to expand the program is with different food programs that we’re working with that will be delivering food by the way of food donations, like the LA Regional Food Bank,” said Dianka Lohay the manager of basic needs.

While partnerships with the LA Regional Foodbank and others is not final, they hope to expand the Viking Vaults by way of private donations, according to Long Beach City College Director of Student Health and Student Services, Deborah Miller-Calvert. 

“So much of our donations right now are community partners, small clubs and organizations, as well as Long Beach City faculty and staff,” Miller-Calvert said.

The current Viking Vault is the size of a closet but with the new renovations, it will be bigger and provide extended services to students, which can be crucial to a student’s success.

“Step one of the Healthy Viking Initiative is security, right, and if our students don’t have food, they don’t have shelter, research shows that they are not going to be strong academically and they’re not going to be as successful as their peers that do have consistent access to food,” said Deborah Miller-Calvert, Director of Student Health and Student Services.

Lohay also mentioned that community college students are at a greater risk of being food insecure than students attending CSUs and UCs. 

“A recent study found that about fifty two percent of community college students in Los Angeles County are food insecure,” Lohay said.

Even though the office of Basic needs was supposed to be open this Fall, it will be delayed due to a roof leak, according to Vice President of Student support services Mike Muñoz.

Even though the Offices are not completed the administration wants students to be aware that they are still able to receive help. 

“We’re doing the work, so we don’t want anyone to think that they can’t come and talk. We don’t have the expanded services but we’re doing the work now. We don’t want anyone to think that they can’t receive the resources and support,”  said Miller-Calvert.

Both the LAC and PCC Office of Basic Needs will see a grand opening which is set to be held in the Spring 2020.

Domestic violence is affecting couples and families around us

Anyssa Staine
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Domestic violence is affecting couples and families around us

“Why Don’t Domestic Violence Victims Just Leave?” allowed those that attended the meeting to share their thoughts and experiences with domestic violence.

Long Beach City College hosted a public meeting to inform attendees about sexual violence prevention and education on Thursday, November 14th.

This was the second TED Talk meeting of the 2019 fall semester.

“These are events for students, so we want students to be involved, we want students to kind of be the guiding force here,” said Sylvia Garcia, a student events coordinator at Long Beach City College.

This group wants to spread awareness of sexual violence in our society and push people to stand up and stop it once and for all.

“We’re not going to be a club, we’re just going to be a special interest group so I will work with whatever students sign up,” Garcia said.

“It’s a very difficult topic to talk about, but it needs to be talked about,” Garcia said.

After the TED Talk video was shown to those who attended, the room opened up for discussion based on what causes victims to stay with their abusers and how people can combat related issues.

The topic of religion was the most related and understood among attendees.

“Religion itself says that you have to stay with your partner because it’s the godly thing to do,” said LBCC student Noshin Razzaghi.

One attendee was particularly passionate on the topic of religion. They said that the community around a religion decides how relationships should work.

“Women are afraid to leave their men because, in my community, they want them to stick through the pain and work out as much as they can, and once they’re really broken they can leave,” expressed LBCC student Fatima Said.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Education will be hosting their last TED Talk on Wednesday, December 3rd at the Liberal Arts Campus in the Valhalla Room.

Non-profit for those affected by blood diamonds in Sierra Leone

Sebastian Angulo
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Non-profit for those affected by blood diamonds in Sierra Leone

The Sierra Leone Civil War lasted from 1991 until 2002, killing around 70,000 people and displacing approximately 2.6 million according to the United Nations Development Programme.

Hands for Africa is a non-profit organization that is raising money in order to help Sierra Leone and the refugees displaced by the war today.

“Over 80,00 people had their arms and legs amputated as a form of punishment, or to stop people voting a certain way,” said Shyanne Riberal-Norton, a community outreach specialist for Hands for Africa.

The main objective of Hands for Africa is to boost Sierra Leone’s economy by donating prosthetic limbs to amputees in order to get them back into the workforce.

“We provide prosthetics for the farmers and rehabilitation to help them get back on track,” said Kevin Graham, the third community outreach specialist for Hands for Africa.

The policy of Hand for Africa is to give those affected a “hand-up” instead of a “handout” in order to give them the ability to support themselves and their families.

“We’re just out here spreading awareness and asking people to donate to help us,” said Riberal-Norton.

Hands for Africa is not only about raising money for prosthetic limbs, but about providing education to Sierra Leone’s youth. 

“We have over 40 scholarships for their children to go to school because a lot of them are orphans,” said Riberal-Norton.

Only 2.8% of Sierra Leone’s state economy is budgeted on education, resulting in a 48.1% illiteracy rate among citizens 15 and up, according to the Hands for Africa website.

There are many other non-profit organizations assisting Sierra Leone with issues such as disease and famine, but none with the same objective as Hands for Africa.

“We are the only non-profit right now that does this, for this specific reason,” said Riberaal-Norton.

Hands for Africa is based in Southern California and travels around from campus to campus in order to raise awareness among students and receive whatever aide they possibly can.

“The non-profit portion of it and what it all goes towards got me into the program,” said Genove Ortega, another community outreach specialist for Hands for Africa.

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