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Letter to the editor: CDC offers many resources to student parents

steven matthews
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I’m Stacey Smith-Clark, the Center Manager at the PCC Child Development at Long Beach City College Child Development Center & Learning Labs.. and I want to clear up a few bits of misinformation:

1) Our CDC’s have zero restrictions regarding children who are not yet potty trained. We believe toilet learning is a developmental phase and children in diapers can and should be enrolled.

2) Our CDC’s are currently fully enrolled with 5 classrooms at each CDC, serving approximately 300 children. LBCC students ALWAYS receive priority enrollment and priority for funding from our subsidized program which provides free and sliding scale tuition for income-qualifying families.

It is true that we have a waiting list and we welcome people to be added to it, as we enroll year-round, space permitting.

When I was interviewed for this article I was asked if we could add additional classrooms to the Centers and I said that at this time, all of classroom spaces and buildings are being utilized.

That is very different than “we do not have enough space.”

3) We have a preschool license which allows us to enroll children ages 2-5 years old.

Community Care Licensing tells us how many children we can enroll in each classroom and we would be in violation, should we exceed that.

If a family inquires about care for their infants, toddlers or school-age children, we offer resources on where to find such care.

Long Beach has a plethora of resources and we are happy to help connect everyone to them.

LBCC Child Development Centers have over $700,000 in grants to provide free and reduced-fee, year-round, child care to income qualifying families and we always serve LBCC students first.

The CDC’s are getting ready to open enrollment for the next school year and will soon be contacting parents and families currently on our waiting list.

If anyone is interested in being added to the waiting list, taking a tour of the CDC’s and/or obtaining resources for any type of child care services, I’m happy to help.

Feel free to call me at PCC at 562/938-3079 or email me at s2smith@lbcc.edu. If you are interested in any of the above at LAC, call Amy Bigelow at 562/938-4703 or email get at abigelow@lbcc.edu.

2018-2019 ASB President gets ready to leave his term

shani crooks
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2018-2019 ASB President gets ready to leave his term

Long Beach City college’s ASB President Jan Paolo Canteras moved to Long Beach from the Philippines in 2015 to pursue a better education and reconnect with his mother who he hadn’t seen in 10 years.

Canteras’ mother petitioned to bring him out of the poverty he was living in and closer to her in Long Beach.

After seeing LBCC in a local newspaper, Paolo decided to enroll for the Fall 2016 semester.

The 24-year-old said that the hardest part about moving was that he struggled with English.

“The English we learn in the Philippines is fourth grade level,” Canteras said.

After beginning school, the psychology and sociology major quickly decided that he needed to do something to help him adapt to the new culture surrounding him.

Cantera’s decided he wanted to join student life and found himself signing up to join The Order of Tong social club.

After getting a feel for student life at LBCC, Paolo decided to join the ASB cabinet as secretary for the 2017-2018 school year.

After completing his first year in the ASB cabinet Canteras was motivated to run for ASB President for the 2018-2019 school year.

As his term comes to an end now, Canteras says that his biggest accomplishment as ASB President was uniting the cabinet members from the Liberal Arts Campus and the Pacific Coast Campus.

There are representatives from different departments and Canteras had the idea to elevate their positions so they are in charge of the same department on both campuses.

Canteras also explained that he wanted to raise awareness for events on and around campus to increase the turnout.

“I feel like the event awareness and participation has been better around campus and I think that definitely goes hand in hand with the work our ASB President is doing,” LBCC student Manaia McCabe said.

In speaking about Canteras, Dr. Alisia Kirkwood Interim Dean of Student Affairs said, “He is a phenomenal student leader who takes feedback well because he recognizes that as an advocate for others he has a responsibility to learn and grow. ”

Canteras explains as ASB President he is often faced with questions from the student body.

“A lot of the previous presidents were really hesitant of talking to the Viking Newspaper, but I feel like it’s supposed to be a partnership… I have nothing to hide,” Canteras said.

Advice Canteras has for incoming students is, “Trust the process. It’s okay if you don’t know a lot when coming here, or if you have that sense of fear.”

In the fall, Canteras will be transferring to UC Riverside on a full scholarship to continue his studies.

LBCC students prepare for summer break

shani crooks
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LBCC students prepare for summer break

Just like that, the spring 2019 semester nears to a close with only about week left of classes for most students at Long Beach City College.

Students are excited for the summer and the warmer weather after a particularly wet and rainy spring and winter season.

Many students fully intend to not waste any time putting their plans into motion.

LBCC student Israel Mendez has a multitude of travel plans he hopes to experience over the break.

As of right now Mendez and his family are torn between Sequoia National Park or the Grand Canyon for which they should visit first during the summer months.

“I plan on enjoying the summer break, and just waiting for classes to start up for the fall semester,” Mendez said.

The idea of just laying back and enjoying summer break seems to be a running trend with students as this spring semester draws to a close.

LBCC student Ralph Tangen said that he has plans to enjoy his time off and relax.

He brings up that his idea of enjoying a summer vacation consists of just staying at home and doing pretty much nothing.

As far as academics are concerned, the EOPS student assistant wishes to enroll in communications classes during summer session to further his chances of graduating at an earlier date.

Some students do share the same mindset as Tangen and want to use the summer as a means of getting required classes out of the way so that they may take interesting and fun classes during the fall semester.

Others are taking up summer jobs and internships as way to pass the time during their summer vacation.

Music major Matthiew Begay plans to pick up a summer job at Guitar Center where he will teach music classes with different instruments to aspiring musicians.

“ I want to be able to make money teaching people piano and other instruments I know,” Begay said.


There are many more adventures LBCC students will experience this summer and even if they plan to keep themselves busy with summer classes, many will be grateful for the warmer weather and longer days to come.  

Opinion: With the right of abortion at stake, LBCC can create open dialogue to break the stigma around abortion

fernando pacheco
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Opinion: With the right of abortion at stake, LBCC can create open dialogue to break the stigma around abortion

The shame and stigma surrounding abortion can be destructive to people around the world, specifically women, Long Beach City College can use this pivotal time to open dialogue around abortion.

Abortions are a constitutional right that were fought for in 1973 during Roe v. Wade when the Supreme Court decided that a woman’s reproductive rights would be protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.

Women’s reproductive rights in Alabama are at stake while state legislators are working to reverse this decision and limit women’s reproductive rights, resulting up to 99 years in prison.

Where Alabama is moving to restrict women’s rights, California has made it accessible for when and where a woman can choose to have an abortion.

The American Civil Liberties Union, also known as ACLU is prepared to take states who are trying to make abortion a crime to court.

Californians may not be aware of the privilege that they have living in a state that is known to provide a social and legal environment to provide abortions to its citizens.

According to Student Health Services at Long Beach City College, if a woman comes in asking for resources regarding an abortion, they will meet with a nurse practitioner and be referred to an organization dedicated to performing abortions safely and legally.

The health services office offers pamphlets that provide insight on women’s health and abortion resources.

According to the front desk assistant at the Student Health Services Office, LBCC is required to refer students to proper health care facilities but there are extra steps LBCC can take to contribute to breaking down social biases.

Abortions have become so stigmatized it may be shocking when abortion becomes a part of normal conversation, if LBCC can play a role in ending this stigma and creating a safe space for abortions to be talked about freely, without judgement.

After the false shooter alarm on PCC, Long Beach City College held a group circle which was successful despite the gun being a prop, people still felt the need to have a dialogue about their feelings.

LBCC and the Health Services Office can work together and organize things such as panels and community talking circles dedicated to educating individuals about abortion and women’s health, LBCC can help more people understand why abortions are a constitutional right.

Long Beach City College can invite an individual who is open to sharing their abortion experience and make it a learning experience for others.

There are many factors that play into unsafe, self-induced abortions, such as lack of healthcare, financial restrictions, or even fear, fear of speaking out and asking for help.

Opinion: LBCC’s policy for out of state students is holding them back from graduating on time

fernando pacheco
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Opinion: LBCC’s policy for out of state students is holding them back from graduating on time

Long Beach City College has now decided to change their policy regarding the transcript evaluation process of out of state students. Even though it is a step in the right direction to remove this policy, the school should have never made it a policy in the first place.

Until currently, LBCC had a policy set in place where school counselors didn’t evaluate transcripts until a student from out of state completed 12 academic units at the school.

Now, for most students who transfer within the county or state, the process does not have too much of an affect on them as the curriculum is similar state wide.

But for those who have come from schools outside the state, this policy is another contributing factor to student’s stay longer than originally anticipated at LBCC.

According to Admissions & Records, the policy is in place due to a history of out-of-state students transferred into LBCC and got their transcript evaluated, yet did not graduate.

The same department also mentioned that the process of evaluating transcripts is time consuming and they don’t want to commit that time to someone who does not complete two years at the school.

However, students transferring into a school, especially at the community college level, show more promise and dedication than the typical stigma of a first year student at a community college attempting to collect a financial aid refund.

Because of this policy, students will have to blindly select a whole years worth of classes, possibly not knowing if they were the right classes to take, and hope they haven’t wasted money and time.

Facing to possibility of having to retake classes similar, if not the same to those previously taken in a different state in order to fit the California state curriculum.

If they do not evaluate your transcript until you hit 12 credit units at the school, there is no sure way of knowing if the student indeed graduated from high school, which according to California Community College Apply website is a requirement to attend a community college.

Not only will an out of state student be held back, but other students face wasting time and money as well from a secondary effect.

For example, a student who hasn’t had their transcript evaluated could be blindly selecting classes they might not need, taking up space for a student that could needs that same class and in result multiple students at LBCC would take longer to graduate.

That means that a person, who is in this situation, is using up resources that can be used for other students who know what classes they need to take.

College is not mandatory and people have a lot of issues to deal within school and outside of it, no matter what school a student decides to enroll into or what major they decide to declare, students not finishing is inevitable.

LBCC needs to provide due diligence for all students and erase this policy so more students can possibly transfer out faster and continue their educational paths with a clear understanding of how to advance within the college.

Band comprised of LBCC students blend their individual styles to make one sound

shani crooks
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Band comprised of LBCC students blend their individual styles to make one sound

When they are not studying for their classes, the Sphinx band can often be found strengthening their melodious bond through collaboration and practice in hopes of taking their musical act to larger audiences and more prominent venues.

The Sphinx jazz band, made up of Long Beach City College students, makes sure they are available for events, like a fundraiser led by the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society club on April 23 in the quad.

The bands drummer Dylan Cutler gave insight on what type of songs they play as a band.

“Funky R&B is definitely where we gravitate more to. It is a style where we can really groove with one another and even the people hearing our music approve of that style,” said Cutler.

Guitarist Anthony Lopez described how the band found harmony in the music when they played together.

“The three of us started playing together about four years ago. We weren’t always playing together. We honestly started out separated and not a full band just yet. It was more of a mixture of everybody plays with one another. Here and there we would have some jam sessions but we never thought that we would ever become a full band,” said Lopez.

The band found common ground between members who previously played together.

“Me and Kate, the bassist, played together all the time. We’re actually part of our church’s band and that’s where we met up,” said Cutler.

The majority of the band are self taught musicians; each of them had their own unique way of learning their instruments.

“For me, 100 percent I was taught on my own. I would pull up YouTube videos to look up tabs and to me it was more being proactive in improving my craft,” said Miguel Orozco.

Though they have chemistry playing as a full band, the members of Sphinx desire to be exposed to a greater audience so that even more people can hear their music.

“We do play for the school, but I feel like it’s not often enough that we are seen by people. In order for us to build our confidence, we need to play in front of people even more. This is so we can have a feel for each other and ultimately to build our chemistry as a band,” said Lopez.

The main goal that the band wants is to be exposed to more audiences in order to take their craft to the next stage; they dream of traveling and performing more gigs together so their confidence in themselves and each other will grow.

Students play musical chairs and sing karaoke to help homeless students on campus

shani crooks
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Students play musical chairs and sing karaoke to help homeless students on campus

Long Beach City College’s Radio Club hosted live karaoke and musical chairs during this years Pajama Jam, where funds were raised to help homeless students on campus.

The event was held in the Nordic Lounge located in the E-building on May 15 from noon to 3 p.m. and was also broadcasted live on the LBCC radio station, KLBC.

The winners of musical chairs were awarded with prizes such as gift cards and candy bags, while karaoke participants received applause and support  from the crowd.

Students in the radio program sold snacks and drinks to raise money for their cause.

The event was put together by students in the program and club, including club president and student, Joe Ramirez.

“Everything is all student ran. Everything from the directing to the stage manager and audio is all students. We’ve been doing the Pajama Jam for the past three or four years and it’s been pretty successful,” said Ramirez.

“Something else I am trying to do as president is stay up to date with the campus and merge programs together.”

Kamron Rhodes, the master of ceremonies, is also a student at LBCC and orchestrated the games and karaoke.

Rhodes also has a show on KLBC radio, “Mornings with Kamron” from 10 to 11 a.m.

“My job as the emcee is to get everyone on stage and set up a game of musical chairs.” said Rhodes.

“I don’t wanna hear any dirty rapping or anything like that because if I do, you will be asked to leave the stage.”

Professor for the radio program Ken Borgers, was present to help coordinate the event and spread awareness about the program’s goals.

The Pajama Jam has been an event at LBCC for the past four years and some of the activities have been alternated through the semesters.

“Musical Chairs has been incredibly popular. We used to have a variety of games, but this is what the people want, so we kept it,” said Borgers.

“This year we have also added a new element that we haven’t done in the past few years, and that is karaoke. It is like a hot air balloon, people are just attracted to it.”

The college radio has been awarded the Spirit of College Radio award four of the last five years by the College Radio Foundation and is hoping for the same in the future.

“The program is at its height and has never been stronger. That is because of all the active people in this program,”  said Borgers.

Geology students ditch the classroom and head for the Mojave desert

steven matthews
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Geology students ditch the classroom and head for the Mojave desert

As the sun set, the only option for a group of students on a geology field trip to catch a glimpse of one of the most well-known sunset views in the National Preserve, was to run to the top of the Kelso Dunes, tucked away in the Mojave Desert.

This is just one of the many experiences students had during this semester in Geology 17; a course designed to take students out of the classroom and into the wilderness with a geological perspective.

This trip featured a crash course into the depths of the Mojave Desert including stops and views at Mitchell’s cavern, the Rings of Fire, Amboy Crater, Hole in the Wall, and Lava Tube.

A group of students taking a break for a photo opportunity at the Mojave National Preserve. (Fern Pacheco)

Geology 17 is meant to give students living in urban environment an introduction to nature with professionals who will help answer questions about what they’re seeing

In charge of planning the activities, getting permits, leading the lectures, and ensuring the students safety, Doug Britton and Otto Figueroa are the educators behind this geological field work.

“Intellectually it’s very rewarding, you’re looking at problems trying to understand… the rewards comes when you figure it out,” Britton said. “Geologists always get the opportunity of being out in nature.”

Students roam around trying to get a closer look at the details in the rock formations. (Fern Pacheco)

Figueroa, also a senator on the Academic Senate, believes it’s important for his students to see how the lessons learned in the classroom can have real life applications.

“You have to understand how our planet works to do something about it,” Figueroa said.

The trip not only educated students on learning about the environment, but it also brought to light problems on a national level.

Students gather around to listen to Professor Otto Figueroa during a lecture. ‘(Fern Pacheco)

Lands that belong to the people are facing issues as people are becoming less involved in the well being of National Parks.

According the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), National Parks have been facing difficult times from various factors such as effects of a changing climate, preserving and protecting landscape, and threats of losing public land to mining.

On the trip, experienced geologists lead students through a guided nature-enthusiastic course, while visiting the entire National Preserve with an emphasis on not leaving any plastic footprint behind.

Students also did light exploring within a safe distance alone or in smaller groups, which prompted them to enjoy nature in solitude.

Students at the top of the sand dunes enjoying the sunset. (Fern Pacheco)

Philosophy major Thomas Pool took his time deciding what he enjoyed most out from the entire experience.

“Definitely meeting everyone there. Meeting new people is the best, and learning about their perspectives is enlightening,” Pool said.

After the spring, the course Geology 17 gets renamed Geology 4 just in time for fall.

With each trip there’s a different destination, but there is one thing certain; with every environmental change there is a lesson to be learned and students in the class just might learn it.

  • As students make their way up to the Lava Tube they come encounter with visitors leaving the site. (Fern Pacheco)
  • Dr. Doug Britton having a conversation with a stranger before entering the lava tubes. (Fern Pacheco)
  • The view during a sunset at the top of the sand dunes. (Fern Pacheco)
  • A student takes a moment of solitude with a view of the sand dunes. (Fern Pacheco)
  • The first couple of students to reach the top of the sand dunes, pause to enjoy the view. (Fern Pacheco)
  • (Fern Pacheco)

LBCC Veterans club hold a Walk of Remembrance on Memorial Day

dylan keith
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LBCC Veterans club hold a Walk of Remembrance on Memorial Day

The LBCC Veterans club commemorated the military personnel who are on active duty, who are veterans, or those who were killed in action, by having a Walk of Remembrance and by also setting up 22 boots in symbolism of the 22 veteran lives lost from suicide every day.

According to that statistic from the Veteran Affairs, that equals one veteran committing suicide every 65 minutes.

An M16 military rifle and helmet memorial was also there to signify and remember all those who died in the line of action while serving.

The event took place on the Thursday before Memorial day, which was the intention of the Veterans club.

Veterans Club Clerk Jonathan Lopez went into detail about the mission statement for the club on Memorial Day and the meaning for the photos that were put up.  

“We are setting up for Memorial Day with all these flags and the photos are people who come to this school. The club sent out emails to Veterans telling them we are doing this event and if they have any photos of fallen vets, to send them to us so we can commemorate them as well,” Lopez said.

During the event, there were students who did not agree with the gesture that the Veterans club was doing. When they stepped forward to have a discussion with the clerks, the conversation got out of hand with the clerks arguing and getting louder and louder.

Veterans Club Vice President Ashley Smith expressed her frustrations towards the students and was offended at what they were saying about the whole commemoration.

“The club put up a memorial for fallen soldiers of all branches and those who are alive today. We had a young man who felt that this was not the correct way to memorialize these people and that we should take it all down and fight the issue directly. He was saying that we should end war and that’s the best way to handle things,” Smith said. “But what we were trying to get across is that this is not a political stand and it is for everyone who lost somebody and he just wasn’t understanding that this wasn’t the place to have this type of discussion.”

“It’s just really rough… unless you put on a uniform and done what you’ve done seeing your friend’s and comrades bodies laying around then you don’t understand the repercussions that it has when you stand in front of us and say the things that student said,” Smith said.

Though this incident caused some inconvenience for the club, there were students who still supported remembering those giving their lives so America can be as it is today.

“A lot of people think of Memorial Day as Veteran’s Day and that they are synonymous, but today is to remember those who have died,” LBCC student and veteran Chase Holzhauer said.

LBCC Student Philip Madrazo gave his appreciation for the United States Armed Forces and recognized the bloodshed it took for America to be free.

“It is never easy to decide giving your life for the freedom that America has. These military men and women are putting themselves in danger so that we can stand proud in the liberty we received. We owe it to the active duties, the veterans, and those part of the armed forces. I am thankful for what they have given up for the people,” Madrazo said.

Veterans of the armed services utilize the Veterans Club to help them get back into school on the right path in their education journey.

Student Jaime Limas also uses the club to connect with others that have been through same experiences.

“They (LBCC) opened a lot of resources to me and opened up what I should be doing,” Limas said.

“I felt the comradery. I don’t feel it unless I am around other veterans and while we all share unique experiences, we all come back together.”

CTE department shows what career training options it has to offer

dylan keith
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CTE department shows what career training options it has to offer

Cars, robots, and dresses were displayed as staff and students introduced attendees to the many different areas of Long Beach City College’s Career Technical Education department.

Students were showcasing the work they had done throughout the semester and offered attendees  insight on what their career path looks like, and the similarities between what they do at work and in class.

“It reminded me of catering events at my old job, but a lot easier cause there’s so many people behind the counter,” said culinary arts major Andrew Kadrlik-Petrarca.

Drinks and snacks were offered to attendees as they filtered into the event by the nutrition and dietetics program.

There were also cream puffs, California rolls, and other dishes showcased by the culinary department.

This event provided an opportunity for students to explore the variety of programs and clubs at LBCC, while advocating for students to pursue their career through higher education.

“We’re here to help students reach that next step but if we’re to help you, you need to talk to us,” said job development coordinator Sean Foley.

Faculty members were available to meet with students to remind students them of the resources available to help develop their professional, educational, and financial future.

A variety of clubs involved in computer science and robotics were on display, with students describing what their club does and how they got involved.

“I literally opened orgsync and said I need to join a club, then I looked one up and went to a meeting,” said computer science major Nicole Pavolovich.

School clubs help develop genuine interests that can motivate students like Pavlovich to pick a club like “Women In Technology” last semester, and become club president this semester.

As the spring semester comes to an end and students look to fill their class schedules, counseling and registration events will be available at PCC on June 3 and 5 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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