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Students chill out after winter break

Irene Brizuela
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It’s a new year, with a fresh start and a brand new opportunity to start over. Yes, the cliche is very true, “A New year, a new me!”

LBCC students return from Winter vacation with a bang. Students no longer have headaches over what to buy grandma for Christmas and most importantly, no more having insane crisis over class finals. Many of the students look forward to the beginning of a new year and new remedies are created to control the immense amount of stress that students normally face when trying to adjust themselves to improve and upgrade.

Degni Luna, 20, a communications major and Big Brother representative for the club Teens N Twenties (TNT), said the morning of February 6, 2018 of their TNT meeting, “Returning to school my stress level wasn’t nearly as bad as it was during the holidays and week of finals, because I had club events, my work schedule was loaded with hours and taking 12 units wasn’t so fun. My stress pimples were at an all time high. Now, I am ready to return to school and start fresh.”

Edgar Botello, 20, a business marketing major, said, “My stress is at its worst during the holidays. Returning now, I am stress-free and ready to start the brand new year and focus on school. I will be hanging out with my friends a lot and going to Disneyland or to the movie theaters to help relieve stress this new year.”

Amairani Suarez, 21, a biology major, said, “I feel like at the beginning of the semester it’s less stressful because you gain inspiration and have an optimistic attitude, because you’re excited to have this chance to be successful once again.”

According to Brandon Gaille, marketing podcaster, he states “The average college student gets less than 7 hours of sleep per night. In turn, this affects the mood of the student, their health, and ultimately their grades. The bottom line? Sleep does matter.”

Susan Bartell, Contributor of U.S News, shares how the transition from stressing over finals, wrapping up the holidays, then to return to school after the break as, “The most profound change occurs because going away to college promotes healthy and necessary feelings of independence, and this strong desire to feel independent continues when a child comes home for a break.” The returning of students for the new year are far more prepared than they were the year before.

Jose Gonzalez, 23, an art major, said, “When people go through new experiences, they tend to change us little by little and eventually, we become better as people because of the things we have gone through. We arrive with a stronger confidence, inspiring attitude and are just physically and emotionally capable to face any new stress or obstacles we might face during the new year.” 

Clinic offers variety of services for Vets

Gabby Castro
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Unforeseen circumstances can happen to all of us, even Veterans. A free mental health legal clinic held by Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS), will occur every Wednesday from 10 AM, to 2 PM. in the Veterans center in the E Building At LAC. Students can show up to attend this clinic Headed by Vanessa Lim.

This program can assist students who are low income veterans with Disabilities. NO students were available for interviews. The two that participated had left. This clinic focuses on equal justice work and according to Lim, also exists “To provide free legal services for veterans.” They can assist disabled veterans with a variety of concerns from a traffic or parking ticket, finding Employment, or assistance in applying for benefits such as SSI, SSDI, to evictions, housing acomodations, and expunging criminal convictions. Lim claims that her goal is, “to have a place where I can have a continuous presence in the community, and that’s been a little bit of a challenge for me working so far, because of our location in a downtown urban area, where there is no parking.” This is an attempt by her to serve more veterans. Lim claims that,  “I’m doing a lot of outreach. We are based in Korea Town in Los Angeles, which is not an area that’s not really accessible to veterans and so I know that there’s a big community out in Long Beach, and I am trying to be able to do some work on the ground,some fieldwork, to meet these people where they are.” She understands the trouble of Veterans that come to her and utilizes her services. Lim states, “for people who are in transition, when it rains, it pours. So, you don’t see just one issue you see all the stuff happening at once.”

MHAS, the organization Lim works for, according to Lim, “has overarching goals of access to justice and further economic justice and provide advocacy for people with disabilities.” MHAS has had experiences with Parking and Traffic tickets. According to lim, it is important because “in California a lot of people have unpaid traffic or parking tickets and as a result are not able to drive. So They’ll have a hold on either their licence or their registration, which has consequences for employment or school and other opportunities.” They have experiences also with something as serious as “people who are facing eviction or have issues with reasonable accommodations like service animals,” according to Lim. They also provide trainings to educate the public on what they are entitled to in terms of housing. According to Lim, “We have a housing grant from the US Department Of Housing And Urban Development to educate the public on fair housing rights. So, what to do when you get a eviction notice. What rights you have?What fair housing laws are?What they protect and what they don’t protect.”

For more information about the the the Free Mental Health Legal clinics held by MHAS contact Vanessa Lim at (213) 3892077.

Highlighting New Student Concerns: Safety and Security

Maila Bringas
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One of the most pressing concerns for any incoming student and their parents is the issue of safety and security at both campuses of LBCC. An impromptu inquiry was made to several students and these ideas appeared more than once. Stephanie Gomez, 18, a freshman at LBCC was quick to make the point when asked what her biggest concern was at LBCC. “Safety,” she replied, “Last semester I had a class that got out after 9 p.m. and I would be a little worried when I would be leaving campus and I couldn’t see an officer around.”

While not exceedingly prevalent on either the PCC or LAC, thoughts about possible crime is a legitimate concern for anyone not familiar with LBCC. The statistics provided in the LBCC annual security report represent campuses with a low crime rate regarding violent crime and they represent moderate numbers of burglary and automotive theft.

At both campuses over the period from 2014-2016, 10 robberies, three  aggravated assaults and one case of sexual assault was reported. During the same span, 26 vehicle thefts were reported as well as 24 reported burglaries.  The Long Beach Police assigned to the college suggest: To prevent burglaries and theft, it’s important to remember to keep your belongings with you while in class or while moving about campus. It is also important to lock your vehicle and move any important or valuable items out of sight, or not in the vehicle at all.

When moving around campus, especially at night, it’s important to keep your wits about you. Don’t walk while looking at your phone as a bright screen is distracting and makes it harder to see in the dark around you.

It’s also a good idea to remove your earbuds to help you detect any potential safety issues. It may not always possible to walk directly from class to a car or ride after session, so it’s a good idea to choose well lit paths through campus and to know where the blue emergency phones are located.

In addition to the points listed above, it’s important to remember that just because you can’t see a campus police officer, doesn’t mean that they aren’t around. The safety report indicates that police are stationed at both campuses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In fact, if it’s needed, an officer can be requested by any student or employees to escort them to their vehicle, particularly during the dark hour at (562) 938-4910 or (562) 435-6711.

Roueche Awards commends educator excellence

Gabby Castro
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Professors are a large part of Long Beach City College, and good professors help the student experience along. The John And Suanne Roueche Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding teachers. These professors create an excellent learning environment and are great leaders in their community. A few teachers such as Professor Nicole Glick, Professor Michelle Grimes-Hillman, Professor Jennifer Holmgren, and Professor Margie Padron has been nominated this year to receive this award. This award serves to recognize the excellent work of these professors and to honor their commitment to their communities. John and Suanne Roueche believe teachers play a major role in the students success in education.

When asked about the Roueche Excellence Awards, students reacted positively. Carlos Correa 21 Business Management Major responded “I love it when teachers put in that extra effort to build a community.” Correa elaborated further by claiming that excellent teachers do impact students because there is “one thing for getting grades and passing a class, but there one thing and understanding what you just learnt.” The students proceeded to discuss why being an excellent professor, who has a role in their student’s success, is important to them. Elmer Acevedo 22 a Business Major states that “the Teacher’s attitude definitely goes against your grade. If the teacher has a bad attitude you most likely going to have a bad grade. If the teacher has a good attitude, is there pushing you and making you, feel better about class you are going to have a positive attitude, every day of class.” Correa feels that excellent professors helps with your performance as well. According to Correa, the good qualities of the professor makes you “be more active, be more inclined, and to having a conversation with the lectures and keeping up with homework.”

The Nominees are thankful and humbled by their nomination. Professor Nicole Glick a Professor and The Composition Program Faculty Coordinator was surprised and pleased by her nomination. Professor Glick stated, “The nomination was quite a surprise. I’m humbled by the honor and really appreciate the recognition and support from my colleagues. We all devote a lot of time and energy into improving the college experience, so it is gratifying to hear that they believe in my intentions.” Professor Margie Padron A Professor of LBCC responded by stating, “I believe that there are so many employees at LBCC that work tirelessly and passionately and that is what makes this such a wonderful institution for our students.  For me, it is a privilege to work here and it is my desire to make a positive impact to the student experience.” Another nominee Professor Jennifer Holmgren A professor of LBCC expresses some thoughts on the awards themselves by saying, “I believe this is a very prestigious and well-recognized award in the community college system and I am very flattered that the classified staff felt that my contributions to LBCC are worthy of such a nomination.” Professor Glick expressed her gratitude for the awards and stated, “It recognizes why I chose this profession, particularly at a community college (and even more at my alma mater, LBCC.”

Vikings hot shooting in the second half propels them over El Camino

vikingnews
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Vikings hot shooting in the second half propels them over El Camino
William English gets ready to drive to the basket. English led the team with 33 points.

Sophomore guard William English’s 33 points helped lead the vikings to a 99-87 win over El Camino Friday night, which improves their record to 16-11 overall and 5-3 in their division.

The Warriors kept the score close in the first half, in part due to the Vikings poor shooting. The Vikings struggled from the free-throw line, where they shot only 56%, and were 1 for 7 from 3. Vikings head coach Barry Barnes had a simple message for his team at halftime.

“I just told them we have to settle down and we have to make shots,” Barnes said.

Barnes’ message at halftime struck a chord with the team. Freshman guard Jordan Heard came out firing. He hit three three-pointers in the opening minutes of the second half. Heard finished the game with 16 points, 6 assists, and shot 4 for 5 from three.

“I felt good at halftime. I got some shots up and I came out with a fire mentality. I just let ‘em fly with confidence,” Heard said.

This burst of scoring gave the Vikings all the momentum. They led by as many as 25 in the half, with the Warriors never quite able to catch them.

The Viking attack for the whole game was led by William English, who scored 23 points in the second half and finished the game with 33 points on 12 of 19 shooting.

“I’m just glad we got the win, honestly. The points, they matter, but at the end of the day its just a W and it’s just the way we come out and play. We’ve got to get ready for the next game. This game’s over with, so were just getting ready for the next game and the next team,” English said.

The Vikings, who were tied for second South Coast Conference, South Division were able to gain sole possession of second place with this win. The Vikings wrap up their regular season this week with games against LA Southwest on February 14 and division leader Cerritos on February 16 at the Hall of Champions Gymnasium at 7:00 pm.

Big second inning leads Long Beach over Barstow in the battle of Vikings

vikingnews
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Big second inning leads Long Beach over Barstow in the battle of Vikings
Val Stammler (center) celebrates with his teammates as he reaches home after hitting a two run home run in the second inning.

A nine run second inning ignited by freshman catcher David  Balboa’s two-run home run led  the LBCC  Vikings against the Barstow Community College Vikings in a dominating victory by the final score of 14-3 at Joe Hicks Memorial Field.

The Vikings flexed their muscles early on as Sophomore outfielder Val Stammler hit a two run homer in the first inning which opened up the offense. Stammler credits their success on the preparation on they put in.

“We worked hard at practice yesterday, we were loose and comfortable today. We were ready to play, had good at bats, and good pitching in the beginning,” said Stammler.

Sophomore pitcher Jacob Alcorn has consistently proved his skill as a talented pitcher this season. Alcorn had an impressive game  on the mound only giving up two hits and 5 strikeouts in his 6 innings of work.

“Our starting pitcher has been pitching well all year, he has a great curveball,” said head coach Casey Crook.

The Vikings were able to rebound after their loss to Orange Coast College and continue their hot start to the season and improve to 5-2.

“After coming off a loss, we didn’t hang our heads down, we lifted our chins up and we gave a strong performance out there today.” Stammler said.

The Vikings have a series of road games leading up to them starting conference play against Chaffey on March 1 at 3 pm at Joe Hicks Memorial Field.

 

To Protect and To Soft Serve.

Maila Bringas
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To Protect and To Soft Serve.

Popscicles and ice cream sandwiches were being handed out to everybody on Feb. 14 at the LAC.

State of the College Address Photos

Karen Ramirez
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State of the College Address Photos

Superintendent-President Romali on her first State of the College Address.

Maila Bringas
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Superintendent-President Romali on her first State of the College Address.
Superintendent-President Reagan Romali starting her first State of the College Address.

Superintended-President Reagan Romali had her first State of the College Address speech on Friday, Feb. 2 at the LAC Hall of Champions gymnasium.

In 2017, LBCC also celebrated its 90th anniversary, having been established since the fall of 1927.

Among the attendees included, President board of trustees Jeff Kellogg and many sponsors that have helped the college.

Attending his second state of the college address, journalism major Antonio Ruiz, 70, thought that there’s many challenges with community college since they are not given attention to as much as statewide colleges.

“The vision becomes reality,” said Ruiz. “I get to see it everyday when Im in class. [We] are not as well funded as big colleges and the uniqueness about LBCC that I’ve discovered is that there is an interesting age range, with different needs.”

Romali reviews projects from the previous year, stating the incredible impact LBCC has been involved with in the community.

The recent openings of new buildings and programs in the PCC were reviewed, giving a place for the senior studies center and electrical programs.

Adding to recreational matters, renovations of buildings in the LAC are also said to be on the right track to be finished soon, improvements from 2002 bonds showing how much the campus have changed.

It is assumed that by 2041, the campus will be fully transformed with better learning facilities in preparation of the new generations of tomorrow.

Technology was a big topic of the speech, the superintended-president encouraging the audience to ‘live-tweet’ the event with #LBCCSOC to encourage wide participation even on the web.

Due to the new solar panels, recycled water systems and other sustainable energy technology added, the campus was recognized by the Green Education Inc. to name LBCC as the Green School of the year in Long Beach for 2017 as a result of being the first community college to be wise about environmental foot print.

In addition, increased security has also been added for the safety of students and faculty.

“I think it’s exciting,” said Executive Vice President Ann-Marie Gabel over the recent changes. “I’ve been here 10 and a half years and it has changed drastically over the years, but it’s also for the better.”

Romali also assures that bond money being received is being invested for the future of the college, paying off with a stronger economy and educated work force along with the impact that it had made for small businesses in the town, helping more than 325 local businesses and creating over 1000 local jobs.

Achievements from the previous year included Viking Athletics’ achievements, astronomy department’s Planetarium Nights event, robotics competition, a Telly Award for LBCC’s counselors and awards achieved by the journalism students of Viking News.

Foster Youth coordinator counselor Candace Meehan, 36, thought that President Romali had done a lot to ensure focus on a student-driven campus.

“For staff, its kinda like a fresh air knowing that she supports students the way we support students and that helps us do our job better.”

A strategic plan for the college was introduced, outlining the goals for the college through 2022 included boosting recruitment efforts of enrollment rates, moving registration dates earlier, supporting and expanding accelerated learning, better management of call center, and improving registration and admissions processes for the students.

“I love it, I’ve been listening to people to see know what they want to see out of this college” said Romali about speaking on her first state of the college address. “It’s not about my ideas, it’s my ability to bring those ideas to the forefront and make them happen. It’s about faculty, it’s about staff, it’s about administrators, it’s about students, it’s about community. It’s not about me, I’m merely the person that brings it all together, so to be able to show the community what we have done in the last year, to show how we brought it all together and deliver it for the students? Essentially benefiting for the community? It’s exhilarating.”

 

 

 

 

Jenni Rivera, “Diva of Banda” empowers women 5 years after tragic plane crash

The Viking News
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Jenni Rivera, “Diva of Banda” empowers women 5 years after tragic plane crash
DECORATIONS:Portraits and paintings created by Jenni Rivera fans are displayed throughout the Rivera family living room.

With the 5-year anniversary of the tragic airplane crash and death of LBCC graduate Jenni Rivera approaching, students remember what an impact she made for them.

Michelle Ruiz, 21, a communications major, said Wednesday, Dec. 6, “If she can do it, I can do it too. I see her as a role model. She wasn’t a model, but she was real.”

Dolores Janney “Jenni” Rivera (July 2, 1969-Dec. 9, 2012), better know as “La Diva de la Banda,” was a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and spokeswoman.

She began her career in 1992 and became the best-selling regional Mexican artist of all time in a music genre dominated by men, being nominated for four Latin Grammy nominations and 21 Latin Billboard Music Awards, among many other honors. She died in a plane crash in Iturbide, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on her way home from a tour.

Although she was born at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, Rivera’s roots are in Long Beach.

FANS: The 5-year anniversary of Rivera’s death is approaching Saturday, Dec. 9. Fans are adding decorations.

She attended Garfield Elementary School, Stephens Middle School and Long Beach Poly High School until she got pregnant her sophomore year and attended Reid Senior High School, from which she graduated valedictorian of her class with eight scholarships. She later attended LBCC originally for the nursing program. She later opted for business and obtained an associates of arts. Her family recently found her diploma.

She was a single mom while attending LBCC from 1987-1989. She lived in a garage and had her car stolen so she had to ride her bike to commute. Rivera’s sister, Rosie Rivera, said Jenni was about eight months pregnant with her second child when she would bike from her house to the daycare where she took her daughter, Janney “Chiquis” Rivera, and then she would bike to LBCC and later to work at Bank of America.

Rosa Amelia “Rosie” Rivera, 36, Rivera’s younger sister, chief executive officer of Jenni Rivera Enterprises and television personality, on Monday, Dec. 4, shared her sister’s experience as a student and some personal memories of the impact she had in the community. “She always recommended the nursing program at LBCC more than Cal State Long Beach. She always believed in it.”

REMEMBERING: Samantha Flores, Jenni’s niece, plays near decorated tree while fans add ornaments and lights to it.

Rosie recalled during an interview  at her mother’s home in Lakewood, that Jenni took her to LBCC when she was about 7 years old to show off the bunnies. “I just fell in love. Every college student was amazing and I think she purposefully did that to say this is what you can do. And at that age I vowed I’m going to LBCC. And I did.” Knowing her inspiration to be a college student started at LBCC, Rosie decided to attend LBCC her senior year of high school before attending U.C. Irvine.

Jenni had a passion for real estate and became a singer at the same time. “She really loved real estate. She fell in love with business while doing nursing,” Rosie said, “but she really loved real estate. She became a singer by accident. She said, ‘I’ll do whatever pays the bills and feeds my kids.’”

Jenni wanted to convert her first dream home in Corona into a refuge for battered women. After her death, the family wanted to pursue that dream. They staged a concert on July 2, 2015, in her name, Jenni Vive, and everything collected was invested back into Long Beach, more specifically into Jenni’s dream the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation. “We are like Walt Disney’s brother. Walt Disney came up with all the dreams and the brother just executed them.”

Rosie recalls her having a special place in her heart for Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. She would visit the hospital to see the children and cancer patients. Rosie said Jenni left Poly in shame because she was a straight A student and became pregnant.

With all the awards she had won in her music career, one of Jenni’s proudest awards was the star she was awarded at Long Beach Poly because, at the time, not many Latinos, especially women,  received the award.

“She genuinely loved the city of Long Beach. Now, we serve Long Beach because they gave back to her,” Rosie said.

Jenni rests at All Souls Cemetery in  “Mommas Garden” in Long Beach. “We had never talked about it, but we knew she would want to be buried in Long Beach,” Rosie said.

The family is developing an inspirational center. Relatives want to give back to the Long Beach community. The center will be a museum displaying her clothes, artifacts and dresses, offering free music classes for children, counseling for women, parenting classes and either free or low-cost child care services.

The City of Long Beach is leasing a building to the family at a low cost. “The more children we help, it can be rent-free if we do it correctly. If we could alleviate child care, the things mothers could do.” The goal would be to help struggling women in the community so they can afford to pay for school and other necessities for their families. They plan to have it open by July 2018 for Jenni’s birthday.

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