by M.Smith
The performing arts department and ASB sold out tickets within the first week. The actors have been working on the project for six weeks.
Vikings back to winning, breaking records
After struggling in recent weeks, losing four games in a row, the LBCC Vikings’ men’s baseball team have found their rhythm, breaking school records on their way to a five-game winning streak secured by their 9-2 walk-off victory over the Santa Ana College Dons on Tuesday, March 27.
The Dons jumped to 2-0 lead early in top the first inning but were unable to score again for the rest of the game, overwhelmed by the Vikings’ strong hitting and pitching throughout the last eight innings.
The Vikings showed great pitching from freshman Bryan Sandoval and sophomore Giovanni Ceballos, who held the Dons to seven hits, finishing with three strikeouts.
Viking’s pitching coach Rylie Ogle credits strong pitching for the bulk of their recent success: “When we hold teams down to less than 5 runs we have a really good shot, and that’s what we’ve been doing,” Ogle said.
Freshman catcher David Balboa thinks the improved pitching from the Vikings has allowed their offense to prosper: “Our pitching has definitely improved,” Balboa said, “Its keeping us in the ball game and giving us a chance for our hitters to put together some good at-bats and make adjustments when have to and score some runs”
LBCC also proved to be unstoppable offensively for the remainder of the game, scoring nine runs in five innings, including two solo home runs by sophomore third baseman Reese Berberet and sophomore first baseman Bobby Funk in the bottom of the fifth.
Berberet added to his LBCC records for single season and career home runs, which were both broken in a double-header sweep of Compton College.
Berberet seemed very happy with his accomplishments: “It feels pretty good because I was really good friends with the guy that beat it last year, Vincent Byrd, and this year just got a lot easier for me and it feels nice to do it,” Berberet said.
After the 9-2 win over Santa Ana, the Vikings’ record improves to 15-12 overall and they are currently 6-5 in the CCCAA South Coast Conference, where they are in third place. They face the Dons again at Santa Ana College on Thursday, March 29.
Protesters gather in Long Beach for March for Our Lives
An estimate of 1,000 protesters showed up at Bixby Park in Long Beach at 10 a.m. for the March for Our Lives in a support to end gun violence, on Saturday, March 24.
Cady Stringer, 18, a senior at Wilson High School said, “This protest is important to us and it is time for change right now. Students cannot spend another day at school feeling unsafe. I am about to go to college, my friend is spending three more years in high school, my mom is a high school teacher, and my dad works at a university, so school shootings will affect me for the rest of my life. This will not end when she graduates and it is the same for other people. She said they have loved ones in schools and whether or not a person is in school. I believe assault rifles are weapons of war and not for the general public. I cannot buy a beer, but I can buy a gun.”
Stringer added, “Background checks is the first step and the government needs to ban these weapons for the general public. The legislator needs to take action. Mental illness is a conversation that needs to be had regardless of guns or not. School shootings cannot be just addressed by mental health and needs to be addressed in multiple angles. She said we need address safety and security at schools. I wants citizens to be at least 21 to purchase a firearm with intense background checks. A person at the age 21, their mind is still developing.”
Emma Stringer, 15, a freshman at Wilson High School said, “It is amazing how many kids came out here today and more of my friends are on the way. It is really fun and exciting to come and try to make a change. I am really proud of my fellow students and teachers who came out today. It is important that we start screaming and yelling to make a change. It’s scary students heard stories of teachers taking bullets to save their students and it is terrifying.”
Stringer said, “The shooting at Parkland had shook us at our core and it affects us to want change and make things better. I wants to go to school and wants to learn. I do not want to do lock down drills and I do not want to fear someone coming into the classroom, and putting me in danger. It should not be easy to get a a semi automatic or fully automatic rifle. I understands some people want to protect the 2nd amendment and respects that, but their have been many casualties from firearms.”
Veronica Gonzales, 24, a human development major, attends Cal State of Long Beach said, “I have nieces and nephews, and I want them to be safe at school.”
Gonzales also said she is a student and still has a lot of schooling to go through. “I feel like I should not have to put my life at risk to better my future. It should be a lot harder to get a gun and there needs to be more precautions to get a firearm. I do not think guns are the right way to protect yourself and your voice is a lot stronger. I wants a full on ban on firearms. At the age of 21 should be the minimum to purchase a firearm and a person needs to train if they want their gun. A person needs more than 6 weeks of training with a firearm and background checks as well.”
Vanessa Gonzales, 24, a communications major, attends Cal State Long Beach said, “I think that when it comes to gun control, I think it is important to have more regulation. Some politicians are supported by the National Rifle Association and politicians do not have the American people’s interest in their heart and they only care about the money. The fact that a 18 year old can purchase a firearm at a Walmart or any sporting goods store, it should not be that easy to get a firearm. The 2nd amendment has not been ratified and the firearms in 18th century were a lot different than ones today. Their needs to be some reform because our weapons have changed.”
Gonzales added, “In a perfect society, having no weapons is ideal, but it will take a lot of time for gun policies to change. For right now, we need more regulation, in order to get to a point where we have no weapons at all. The next step needs to be firmer regulations on guns, raising the age limit, and there has to be some sort of training. A person needs to have a reason to get a gun and not any person should be able to get a gun. The core of the issue is not mental illness, but the ability to get a gun readily.”
15 in a row for Top Ranked Vikings
The Vikings continued their historic season and won their 15th game in a row and stayed undefeated on the year by beating Santa Monica College, 25-15, 22-25, 25-20 and 25-22 at LAC’s small gym on March 23, 2018.
Long Beach found themselves in an unfamiliar situation as they dropped the second set to the Corsairs, it was only the second time the Vikings found themselves tied or behind their opponent the other time being their season opener against Irvine Valley.
When adversity hit, Sophomore middle and outside hitter Andrew Pearson said the team’s trust is key to helping them, “When things aren’t working out at times we must trust to help pull us back together as a team to get the win.”
Freshman outside hitter Miller Davis describes his motivation he has for the team as he said, “It feels great adding to the streak! Knowing that the work we have put in so far is paying off is really rewarding and motivating for the future matches. My favorite moment from tonight’s game would have to be when one of our players came off the bench and made some really clutch serves in the fourth set and it sealed the victory.”
Sophomore outside hitter Steven Rotter is excited about the Vikings perfect start but also knows there is still work to be done, “It feels great to be in this position of 15-0 and I just can’t believe all that we have done so far. It doesn’t stop here though. We have 4 games before playoffs and 3 more to be crowned champions. Being 15-0 won’t mean anything if we don’t take it all the way home.”
Rotter also credits the teams veterans and coaching staff for the teams success, “I feel like we have a lot of experienced players on the team, some who have been playing for years, and they are a huge help by coaching us younger players that have less experience. They show us how to perform in bigger games such as tonight’s. If we stay humble and just keep having fun on the court, I think we will be able to keep this streak up.”
The Vikings will search for their 16th consecutive victory on Friday, March 30 against El Camino Warriors at El Camino and their next home game will be Friday, April 6, at 6 p.m against L.A Trade Tech at the LAC Small Gym.
Teens: Enough is Enough
For 17 minutes on the morning of Wednesday, March 14, schools across the nation participated in the National School Walkout to support the 17 victims of the Parkland, Florida, shooting and demand STRONGER better gun laws. Hundreds of students and staff employees and parents marched to give attention to legislators about gun-control issues, on how the number of lives have been because of gun violence.
The fear of the occurrence of gun violence across America has been often that the point of asking for gun control is no longer about focusing on the guns themselves. Innocent lives who perished in the violence BECAUSE of them is the main voice as to why we need to be a better law to protect lives from GUNS it. It has gotten to the point that schools have to organize a march to give the lawmakers a wake-up call about what really is happening.
Though the option is for any school levels, certain schools have chosen to not to participate loudly. Not all schools have participated in the movement. High schools participated the most in Long Beach, being the most frequent to be heard about. LBCC has not been vocal about the protest, and universities such as UCLA and Dartmouth have given support to any future or current students that they will not be penalized if they have chosen to demonstrate and have voices heard.
Schools may have policies about the right of students to have the freedom of speech or expression. The event was voluntary though some schools have even taken measure to give consequences if students participated. One can only assume many things that could include the campus’ reputation in line if any students became disruptive while participating. In an extreme case, police can even arrest students if necessary. Safety could also be another reason as to why some chose not to participate. Everyone has the right to believe causes they want to support and the walkout happens to be a tricky one because it involves more than one chain of people. It can have a domino effect on how everyone shares their thoughts and opinions, but it seems that the closer you are to the higher law power, the less people care. The Amendments are the main reason we cannot move forward easily because of the mention of the right to keep and bear arms of the second amendment shall not be infringed. We have eyes on the consequences of supporting natural rights of self-defense, resistance to oppression and defense of our state, and it’s is the death of innocent people nowhere near the line of war and violence.
If someone we know comes close to the call of death, we feel deeply affected because that person could’ve meant so much. It could be a sibling, a parent, a best friend or even a neighbor. Gun-violence victims were once one of those titles to someone close to them. Families devastated about the loss of a friend, a son, a daughter, a cousin or even a niece hits close to home. The murders catch the attention of the media everywhere and the cycle begins. We hear a shooting, we hear the names of the victims, the lawmakers give condolences and suggest what to do and unfortunately, another shooting happens. It has been a repetitive situation that children as young as the ones in kindergarten are worrying about how to respond to those violent situations instead of being carefree and in the playground making friends. A single city is not a strong enough voice for what needs to be done.
If we strip away the titles of the protesters and supporters for the walkout, then we can see that they are kids and adults who at the end of the day, have a home to go back to. The violence across the nation has resulted in them not being able to go back to a home that was once meaningful to them after the loss of someone they have held dear in their hearts. Looming fear of instantly losing someone in a place that we thought was once safe is now evident. Enough is enough, but for those who have marched in support for what had to be dealt with in the loss and grief of others, the fight had just begun.
When Mother Nature calls
When Mother Nature calls with her monthly gift, women unfortunately don’t have the option to send it straight to voicemail.
Thankfully, there are aisles of products that are easily accessible for us women to purchase when that uncomfortable times come. But what about those moments when Mother Nature calls a little too early and you’re in the middle of class with no preparation? Run to the restroom? Go home? Skip class? The options become a little narrow when you know you have little time between now and full-on embarrassment.
During my time at LBCC, I’ve noticed the lack of female-hygienic products on campus and have heard my fair share of stories and loaned out my fair share of tampons from my own stash to my fellow female classmates. So how educated and accommodating is LBCC to their female students?
The PCC has no women’s restrooms with hygienic vending machines. Though a bit old school, those machines were put there as a last resort for desperate women needing a quick tampon. Having them in each restroom makes it so that if an emergency arises, women can get their care easily and without embarrassment and quickly make it back to class. Not having the machines leads to spending more time in the restroom figuring out what the next move is rather than in class. I can even point out a time where I was embarrassed in front of my peers for taking “too long” in the restroom because of a desperate flee and call to my friend in the next class over. That’s two women out of class using that time to exchange a tampon that the school could not supply.
However, there are alternative ways to grab a tampon on campus. The health service center has its own supply of feminine products for you to use free of charge. However, the Health Center is not central to campus and could be a walk for outskirting buildings. Also, how many tampons and pads could the health center give to a woman who can’t afford the heavy priced hygiene products? Not only are the regular 25 pack of tampons $7 to 12 and pads $6 to 8 (and that’s a monthly or bi-monthly purchase), but those feminine products are taxed heavily with the “pink tax.” The pink tax is placed on feminine-hygiene products because, ridiculously, they are considered a luxury item. I don’t know about you, but cramps, ruined panties and constant discomfort is not my definition of luxury and I’m not down to pay 13 percent more than men because of a womanly condition I’m completely out of my control.
Ladies, we are at a time where our femininity is being challenged. How can our needs be pushed aside and even made even more inconvenient with taxes and increasing prices. To charge us for our periods, to not stock women’s restroom with feminine products and to tax us heavily should be a crime against our womanhood. Thankfully, with oppression comes progression. Many up and coming tampon companies online such as This Is L. and Athena Club rids the pink tax and sends tampons to your door for less than $5. Ditching your popular brand for a women- empowerment brand challenges to pink tax and shows that our periods are our womanhood and women are strong.
LBCC Justice Scholars lift up students who need it most
The LBCC Justice Scholars aimed to change perceptions and break social barriers with their “Art Exhibit Fundraiser” gallery Monday, March 18 in room GG238 at the PCC, showcasing art by formerly incarcerated and systems-impacted students.
Psychology major Darla David said, “I can finally be in my kid’s life and I want her to know, even with everything we’ve been through, the sky’s still the limit and she can take her talent and do something with it. I think it’s important to let people know that when people mess up in life it doesn’t mean that they’re a waste.”
Among the pieces displayed were paintings by David’s 12-year-old daughter, Shayna. David was formerly incarcerated for 27 months and recently graduated from rehab. She hopes that this event can inspire those with similar experiences to her.
“People deserve a second chance. There’s still something beautiful that you can create and something beautiful inside you,” David said.
The LBCC Justice Scholars is a club on campus that represents formerly incarcerated and systems-impacted students, seeking to increase their visibility and break stigmas associated with them.
Club advisor Professor Annahita Mahdavi elaborated why she feels these stigmas are invalid. “A lot of the injustices in our criminal justice system make people to be incarcerated,” Mahdavi said, “they are brilliant, talented and smart students, and this is an exhibition to show their talents and brilliance.”
Although the art at the event was for sale to raise money for t-shirts, it was clear the event meant much more to those involved.
Linus Lianalem, 43, a drug and alcohol studies major and the club’s president wants formerly incarcerated students to feel like they belong amongst other students.
Lianalem said, “Everybody that goes to jail is not a bad person. Everybody deserves a second chance. We need to be integrated back into mainstream society without ‘felony’ dragging us down and making us prone to commit more crimes or to give up on ourselves.”
Lianalem says that at LBCC, one of the biggest challenges faced by formerly incarcerated students is their inability to apply for the Federal Work Study program that allows students to work on campus.
“It used to be financial aid, but we got that straightened out,” Lianalem said.
The LBCC Justice Scholars meet Mondays from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. in room QQ 105 at the PCC.
Seniors enjoy Tai Chi at the PCC
The Seniors Studies Lifetime Learning Center at the PCC in Building QQ offers numerous opportunities for seniors by creating programs each Spring and Fall semester serving them in ways that can improve their daily life living, including teaching seniors Tai Chi.
A Tai Chi class in the program runs for six weeks each Spring and Fall semester. Registration is on campus, but not directly with the college, according to the Lifetime Learning Center.
Seniors or non-seniors interested in signing up pay $30 for enrollment with the director of the center, Theresa Brunella. Anyone can join.
Tai Chi student Louis, who did not provide her last name, 74, said, “Well, I’ve been coming for a couple years now, ever since the program began actually. Of course, it’s not as much as it sounds since it is an on and off program that only is once a week for six weeks in either Spring or Fall, but I love that it relaxes me so much. I have a 2-year-old granddaughter and it has helped with my movements and balance.”
Certified instructor David Chen, 76, explained the meaning the class has on him: “Tai Chi is to prevent seniors from falling over, gain muscle control and create better balance. It was once researched by a man, who made two groups of seniors, one that was taught Tai Chi for 13 weeks, and the other did not. The group of seniors who were taught Tai Chi reduced falls by 55 percent and that was when the CDC and the state of health department adapted this method in the country. You have to be authorized to teach Tai Chi and I am a certified trainer and have been doing this for years to relax and improve my movements. Tai Chi is about moving to the left, right, forwards and backwards using muscle memory to calm the mind.”
Chen’s partner and student, Vivian Chen, 75, said, “I heard about this class through David and that was when I decided to try it out. For the past several years it has always made me feel healthier and more balanced with my body and thoughts. It is very relaxing and makes me happy.”
The class meets Fridays in Building QQ109 at the PCC from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
More Chickens Reside at the PCC Horticulture
The PCC campus has a horticulture garden where a Horticulture program is offered to students so they can get hands-on experience of working in this type of industry.
Living inside of this garden are 5 female chickens.The enclosure for the chickens is pretty spacious so the chickens have lots of room to run around. Jorge Ochoa, Associate Professor of the Horticulture Department, says 15 chickens would be the perfect amount for the space they have, but they have had up to 35, which has gotten a little cramped.
For now though there are only 5 chickens living there and it would be hard to bring in new ones since the others wouldn’t deal well with new chicks. For the most part the chickens all hatch on campus, or they get them from a hatchery, which they have done for a couple of the chickens. Ochoa goes into to feed them grain once a day and when he goes into the enclosure the chickens all follow him because they know that he feeds them. The chickens get grain once a day, but throughout the day Ochoa goes in to give them different types of greens and fruits, which are all grown in the horticulture garden.
Jorge Ochoa, Associate Professor of the Horticulture Department says, “My favorite part about working with the chickens is that it’s relaxing, I look forward to going into feed and take care of them”.
The chickens favorite fruits are pomegranates and they also love leafy greens such as kale, cabbage and lettuce. For the most part everything in their enclosure is edible, so the chickens are free to eat whatever they find. Sometimes if Ochoa finds a grasshopper in the gardens he brings it to the chickens because it is one of their favorite treats.
After the chickens finish eating, they go lay underneath the trees for shade and to rest. They need the shade, especially when it’s hot, because they have lots of feathers so their bodies get very warm when it’s hot outside so it’s nice for them to be able to cool off.
At night the chickens sleep in a coop and the door to that coop closes every evening so that the chickens are kept safe from predators. One of the biggest predators they face are raccoons. During the summer and winter, when the campus is more empty that’s when the raccoons strike and they have lost a few chickens due to this.
These chickens are past their prime of laying eggs, but they do lay an egg once or twice a month, according to Ochoa, and he saves the eggs to give to students or volunteers who help in the garden.
Slow Start Buries Vikings
Trailing from early on in the game and unable to mount an offensive effort to close the gap in scoring, the LBCC Vikings’ Men’s Baseball team left the field disappointed with their performance Thursday, March 15 after their 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners.
The Roadrunners started the game strong, scoring 6 runs in the first inning and another run in the second to jump to an early 7-0 lead.
Neither team was able to score again until the bottom of the sixth, when sophomore third baseman Reese Berberet and freshman outfielder Danny Gill both scored runs off a double by freshman outfielder Salvador Delgado Avila, cutting the Roadrunner’s lead to 7-2.
Despite having runners on base in every one of the last few innings, the Vikings were unable to score, falling to the Roadrunners 7-2 after nine innings.
The Vikings have been struggling as of late, losing 7 of their last 10 games. They hold a record of 10-12 overall, and are in third place in South Coast-South Conference, where their record is 2-5.
The Vikings were visibly disappointed after the loss, and head coach Casey Crook held nothing back when expressing his displeasure with his team’s performance.
“We are playing very poorly right now. We have been for the last few weeks and we can’t seem to get out of it,” Crook said, “we’ve got a lot of things to work on. It has nothing to do with Rio Hondo. We’re just not playing good baseball.”
The Vikings have a chance to a avenge the loss when they face the Roadrunners again on Saturday, March 17 at Rio Hondo College. Freshman catcher David Balboa thinks his team needs to work on a lot over the next two days.
“It was a rough loss, I think we’re gonna come back to tomorrow and try to get better as a ball club and get back on a winning streak. If we take better at-bats, we should be good for Saturday,” Balboa said.
Sophomore outfielder Aaron Fawcett was disappointed with the loss, but kept his focus on the next game, clearly summing up his team’s shortcomings and where they need to improve.
“We need to make an adjustment for Saturday,” Fawcett said, “I think we need to have a different approach at the plate as well as keeping balls down in the zone on pitching.”