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Opinion: More LBCC professors should have free class textbooks 

Regi Melchor
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Opinion: More LBCC professors should have free class textbooks 

CORRECTION: The previous headline of this story did not clarify the story was an opinion piece.

LBCC’s Open Educational Resources (OER) systems should be utilized by more professors to guarantee free and personalized courses for students.

Since the fall of 2015, LBCC has allowed professors to make free OER textbooks that utilize peer reviewed resources for their classes, but many professors still ask students to spend on textbooks.

Textbooks in college have been an expected expense for any college student.

According to EducationData.org using data from the National Center for Educational Data Center, community college students pay over $200 more on average than a four-year institution student from 2022-2023.

Money that can go into necessities are instead used for textbooks that often aren’t required to be read completely, creating excess costs that are net negatives.

In the class enrollment period before any semester, students often fill rosters for professors that have their class labeled with “Zero-Textbook Cost”, which means they use OER materials rather than standard textbooks.

The same exact classes with textbook costs tend to have less enrolled students when registrations begin, which can be seen before enrolling in any class on the LBCC registration page of the Viking Student System.

Therefore, it can be argued that a course with OER materials rather than textbooks attracts more students.

The process of receiving paid textbooks, which can have low availability both on and off campus, is another annoyance that can be avoided with a free online OER textbook.

Arguably the second best aspect of OER materials for both students is the possibility of improvement.

After working on their OER textbook to a suitable level, professors can ask for feedback from students who take their class for suggestions and edits.

This allows for a much more personal learning experience that comes at no expense for students, unlike most paid course readings.  

LBCC offers a free canvas course on creating a OER textbook for interested instructors and grants that support “high-impact, culturally relevant/inclusive, collaborative projects.”

Although some classes at LBCC are already textbook cost free, it would benefit students if more professors had their own OER textbook. 

Vikings women’s volleyball ends their winning streak

Alex Pina
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Vikings women’s volleyball ends their winning streak

The Vikings women’s volleyball team was defeated by Moorpark 3-1, which ended their two game win streak, making their record fall to 2-7 on Sept. 10. 

“I still think we are still trying to figure out our identity as a team, we have a brand new squad. We see a bunch of positive good glimpses and then we see some bonehead errors, where we’re still trying to figure it out. I think as a team we rely on certain people to step up and we need to figure it out as a whole collective group and not rely on one or two players all the time,” Head Coach Tyler Jackson said.

Closing out games has been an issue for the Vikings so far this season.

“I would say being aggressive overall, there’s been key moments where we have an opportunity to score, especially with game point, where we’re hitting out, we’re not being smart. I think just taking advantage of opportunities where we can earn a point or end the rally or end the set I think is smart. End of the third set was 25-23. We were up in that set and we should have closed it out,” said Jackson. 

Sophomore middle blocker Ryleeh Tuaolo led the team offensively with 10 kills.

 “Keeping the energy up a little bit more, being smarter with my shots and everything but overall, I feel like I’m good where I’m at but I can always improve” Tualo said.

Vikings defensive specialist Jovie Navarro spoke about the loss and how she can help her team get back into the win column.

Vikings player Ryleeh Tuaolo attempts to hit the ball into opposing area over two Moorpark players. The Vikings lost to Moorpark 3-1, 25-20, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18 on Sept 10, 2025 at the Hall of Champions. (Alex Pina)

“I think in this point in the season to help my team win, I need to always come in with the presence of energy. I feel like sometimes when we’re down the energy is just dead and I feel like somebody needs to step up and I feel like I can be the person to step up and help them,” said Navarro. 

The energy was down in the beginning for the Vikings, later in the game, they began to increase the intensity with their play. Navarro can become a contributing factor to help her team that way. 

Coach Jackson believed that the team can still make adjustments and have plenty of opportunities to do so. There are still 15 games left in the season, so the Vikings can gain more wins as the season progresses. 

“We have one of the hardest pre-season schedules ever. We played a bunch of top 10 , top 5 schools in the state so our record kinda reflects that right now. Which I think is good for our team, they’re seeing the best of the best early on and we’re not really our strongest right now so I’m still really excited for the future and there’s still a lot of room for opportunity.” Jackson said.

The Vikings’ next home game will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday against Mt. San Antonio College.

LBCC women’s volleyball team huddles after they earn a point. The Vikings lost to Moorpark 3-1, 25-20, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18 on Sept 10, 2025 at the Hall of Champions. (Bella Schultz)

Opinion: LBCC’s honors program should offer more career development activities 

Ryenne Jolliff
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Long Beach City College’s Honors Program should introduce experience-based activities to its current point system, including guest lectures, Q-and-A sessions with industry professionals and mock job interviews to benefit students’ futures.

Students enrolled in LBCC’s Honors Program are expected to earn 50 points each semester to remain in good standing with the program. 

Program participants can earn 30 points once a semester by meeting with an honors program counselor, 10 points for attending a transfer workshop, 15 points for serving as a success center tutor, 20 points for being an honors club officer and 5 points for being a registered member of an honors club. 

Although many of these activities encourage participants to engage with the program and develop leadership skills, some are inefficient and not unique to the program.

Requiring participants to meet with an honors program counselor each semester is helpful, but this is something that all LBCC students are expected to do for all programs. 

Additionally, most transfer events held on campus are available to all LBCC students, and are not specific to the honors program. 

If honors program students are expected to participate in these events every semester, they should be exclusive and worthwhile for the individual and their time. 

A great example to follow is Orange Coast College’s Honors Program, where students have the opportunity to attend guest lectures. 

Adding this to LBCC’s honors point system would be a great way for students to communicate with like minded scholars and leaders, and create networking opportunities.

Another enhancement to the program would be adding Q-and-A sessions with industry professionals, which would give LBCC’s Honors students personalized insight into their chosen field of study.

Lastly, offering mock job interviews would give honors students the chance to sharpen their interview skills and prepare for a job in their desired field. 

This would allow honors students to learn the most desirable traits in their career field, and gain valuable feedback that could help them in the future. 

The honors program’s commitment to helping students achieve their transfer goals is commendable; however, it is time for this dedication to go above and beyond four year universities. 

If LBCC prides itself on standing out from other community colleges, these same philosophies, practices, and procedures need to be extended to the honors program as well. 

Students identify healthy and abusive relationships at workshop

Aira Tabao
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Students identify healthy and abusive relationships at workshop

Students gathered at LBCC’s “Don’t Crash Out” Wellness Workshop and discussed the differences between healthy and abusive relationships with the assistance of student resources.  

The event opened with an introduction of the types of relationships in their day-to-day lives, such as the ones at home with family, work, friendships and romantic partners. 

Insight was shared into what these everyday interactions looked, sounded and felt like and what is healthy or harmful about them. 

Students then filled out a chart together to identify traits of abuse and ways of fulfilling needs and wants of partners, family members or friends while discussing the significance of being able to distinguish them, as they are vital to navigating community and avoiding abusive cycles. 

After separating them, students were advised on strategies for managing conflict that emphasized resolution and reflection.

These are significant in building healthy relationship strategies because they allow each person to acknowledge how they feel while still cooperating with the needs of their partner, friend or family member. 

Most participants from the event shared that they struggle putting up boundaries in their relationships and in advocating for themselves. 

Students were taught that using “I” statements during a conflict can be a way to take ownership of emotions and help remove shame and guilt from the interaction because it encourages others to take accountability for the things they feel and give others the same attention. 

According to event leader and medical clinician Daisy Cook, disagreements are a normal part of a relationship, and it’s important to leave room for compromise in the process of peacemaking.

“It takes awareness, effort, and insight to be responsible,” Cook said. 

With Cook’s help, students learned about personal boundaries and how they are especially important when maintaining healthy habits in relationships, as they bring awareness to what people are comfortable and uncomfortable with. 

“I think we all struggle with that, how to establish the boundaries and just keep them and knowing that it’s not you being dismissive or rude to somebody because you, in that moment, can’t do something or can’t be present for them,” student Salina Rivera said. 

The cycle of abuse is commonly understood as a four-stage process beginning with the building of tension, an abusive incident, a honeymoon phase where an abuser shows remorse and a period of calm where abuse slows or stops while the abuser’s sincerity decreases over time. 

“I watch out for a good friend, he got divorced. I know now, if I do go through unhealthy relationships, I’ll know the signs,” student Nathane Tubin said. 

Students attending Long Beach City College are able to access resources if they or someone they know is in need of help, guidance and support regarding abuse, such as mental health services, legal services and more. 

Assistance can be found at LAC’s A building and GG Building at TTC, with online assistance being offered through “TimelyCare” where students can speak to a mental health professional 24/7 with 12 visits per year. 

Vikings women’s soccer extends winning streak in 5-0 shutout

Emma Rojas
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Vikings women’s soccer extends winning streak in 5-0 shutout

The Vikings women’s soccer team had a shut out 5-0 victory against Norco College on Thursday, extending their winning streak to four games.

The Vikings were not shy to set the tone early into the game, scoring big within the first half and creating a dominant start.

Within the first 10 minutes of the first half, the Vikings took on a 2-0 lead, giving themselves a strong start.

“I think we learned from the defeat we had in the home opener game. We had to learn from that, and it had to be us to be the ones to start strong, and we’ve been able to do that in the last three games, go up early in the game, which kind of sets the tone.” said head coach Tino Nunez.

One of those goals, assisted by freshman midfielder Jocelyn Aquino, in which she shared how the team’s recent growth in bond has become a big factor to their confidence on the field.

“Our team’s chemistry has definitely gotten better, we do a lot of team bonding outside of our practices, which has made us closer and connect better on the field.”

The Vikings women’s soccer team celebrates as they score another goal against Norco College. Natalia Delgado-Gomez scored the second goal of the game at the LBCC soccer field. (Dezaray Jimenez)

Prior to the Viking’s winning streak, their biggest circumstance was a lack of communication and connection on the field. 

Coach Tino Nunez added on his team’s strengthened bonds, highlighting the importance not just of winning, but also growth.

“Little by little, one game at a time, I think that there’s a little bit more trust within them. Just spending more time together helped us a lot to get to know each other. Obviously from the start to now, I feel like we’re in a better place.”

In the second half, the Vikings extended their lead 5-0, guaranteeing a victory for the team.

Freshman midfielder Maya Sanda created a major impact in this game, carrying one goal and two assists. 

Sanda not only credited her own success in the game, but her entire team’s spirit and growth.

“I think it’s such a privilege to help this great group of players. I’m not the only great one on the field, so I think it feels a little bit better to assist rather than have that one goal. Our overall hype as a team, our confidence, and building bonds off the field has been important for us in these past games” said Sanda.

The Vikings now hold a 6-1 record and look forward to keeping their win streak alive against Saddleback College on Tuesday.

Defender from Norco College ,left, defends Vikings foward Brisa Medina ,right, dribbling the ball . The game took place on LBCC’s veterans memorial stadium soccer field. (Dezaray Jimenez)

Vikings football continues losing streak

Asa Liberty
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Vikings football continues losing streak

The Vikings football team continued their losing streak with a final score of 38-14 on Saturday, after a tough matchup against the Southwestern College Jaguars. 

At halftime, the Vikings were down 0-14 due to two touchdowns and field goals made by Southwestern.

Vikings quarterback Allen Fernett admitted the team lost its will and desire for the game in the first half.

“I don’t think the effort was completely there for all four quarters. We started pretty lazy in the first half, but tried to get the momentum back up during the second half,” Fernett said.

The Vikings ended up trying to make a comeback during the third and fourth quarters, but their relentless effort just wasn’t enough.

The two touchdowns for the Vikings were scored by running back Devin Samples and wide receiver Owen Tomich.

Despite the loss, coach Marques Cooper acknowledged that he still has faith in his boys, and he knows what needs to be worked on in the next game.

“We ran the ball really well this week, but it was those turnovers that were momentum killers for the game. At our next practice, we will be focusing on ball control,” Cooper said.

Wide receiver Owen Tomich shared that there were ups and downs in this match, but he understood and saw that there were opportunities that he and his teammates couldn’t capitalize on.

“We all need to take this sh*t seriously, not just me, but the whole team in general,” said Tomich.

Tomich also shared that although they are off to a rough start this season, they are still setting the same goals and expectations from when they first started, and will work harder on executing their assignments.

Although they faced setbacks, the Vikings still powered through the game and fought hard until the end.

“Like I said, this next game will have a bigger opportunity to learn from and practice,” Cooper said.

The Vikings are set to play their next game at Santa Barbara City College at 6 p.m. on Saturday, with hopes of getting their first win and making a comeback for the season.

  • Catron Hargrove, defensive back, covering a Southwestern receiver, in game on Sept. 13. The Vikings lost their third straight game 38-14. (Bella Schultz)
  • Owen Tomich, wide receiver, lines up for the next play against Southwestern at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Vikings lost their third straight game 38-14. (Bella Schultz)
  • Allen Fernett, quarterback, deeks around Southwestern defenders. The Vikings played at Veterans Memorial Stadium and lost 38-14 moving their record to 0-3. (Bella Schultz)
  • Ethan Smithlin kicks off against Southwestern on Sept 13. The Vikings lost 38-14 getting their third loss on the season. (Bella Schultz)
  • Allen Fernett, quarterback, who had a completed 24 of 38 passes, running around Southwestern defenders. The Vikings lost 38-14. (Bella Schultz)

Free clothing and household items available for students

Diosa Hippolyta
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Free clothing and household items available for students

The TTC Viking Vault offers more than just food and transportation resources, as they now provide students with free items such as clothes, shoes and blankets in the Viking Closet.

The Viking Closet relies on donations, meaning that most days have different items. 

“Just like the Viking Vault, students are allowed to select up to three items per visit for free, if needed,” said Basic Needs Assistant Efrain Lopez.

Signs and posters help self-guide students on how many of each item they are allowed to take per visit. 

The TTC Viking Vault and Closet are located in building GG-Cafeteria and open weekly Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This year’s focus will be on collecting even more items for the TTC Viking Closet to expand the collection of both casual and professional clothing. 

High heels that were available at TTC’s Viking Closet on Sept. 3. The TTC Viking Closet offers students both casual and professional clothing. (Diosa Hippolyta)

“I know that the simplicity of clothing is becoming more scarce because of rising prices. Students getting a variety of clothes to change in and out of gives students an opportunity to feel comfortable and feel wanted on the campus knowing that they are taken care of as a student.  When you look good, you feel good and you’ll perform good,” said student Peter Pena.

According to the TTC Viking Vault management, they have seen an increase of over 250 students utilizing services daily for their basic needs. 

Basic Needs assistant Robert Huff packs student Martin Martinez’s groceries at TTC’s Viking Vault on Sept. 3. Martinez has been enrolled for six months at LBCC and utilizes the program daily. When students visit The Viking Vault at both campuses, they can receive free groceries and clothing. (Diosa Hippolyta)

“Unfortunately, there are a lot of students that are unhoused. I was very surprised at the actual amount we have at LBCC and it is usually the student you least expect. Fortunately, many know of the program and take advantage of the opportunities to have access to free clothing and food,” Lopez said.

Students are allowed to access these services at unlimited visits throughout the day, if needed.

All donations may be dropped off at any of the Viking Vault locations at both TTC and LAC.

The LAC Viking Vault and Closet are located in the B-building (B-103) Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

LBCC men’s soccer defeated 5-0 in home opener

Liam Hollon
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LBCC men’s soccer defeated 5-0 in home opener

The Vikings men’s soccer team were defeated in their home opener, 5-0, where they played against Norco College on Tuesday.

Despite the lopsided score, LBCC started off the game with solid passing and a majority of the possession. 

“Honestly, what we did really good was start off strong, we just gotta carry that on to the rest of the game,” LBCC defender Roberto Orozco said. 

Despite this impressive start, Norco managed to start the scoring halfway through the first half by breaking down the Vikings defense with a well placed through ball and shot by forward Juan Zaragoza.

After this goal, LBCC was unable to answer throughout the remaining time in the first half, leaving them down 1-0 at the half. 

“We played good as a team, building up in the back, going forward, but we just gotta finish,” goalkeeper Fabio Ardizzoia said.  

The second half started off similar to the first, as the Vikings maintained a majority of possession, but were unable to find the back of the net. 

When a counter attack formed for Norco 10 minutes into the second half, they seized the opportunity and took a 2-0 lead. 

Energy seemed depleted on the LBCC side following this goal, eventually leading to three more goals for Norco in the half. 

“We got humbled. Last year, we were undefeated at home, so we need to get back to that,” added Ardizzoia.

Head coach Jorge Reyes said that, “A lot of guys are comfortable with what we did last year, but this year’s team is not last year’s, so we gotta show up and work.”

As of Tuesday, the Vikings held a record of 2-3-1 and faced San Bernardino Valley today at home.

Free breakfast boxes given to students at TTC

Asa Liberty
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Free breakfast boxes given to students at TTC

Over 100 LBCC students were given free breakfast items like burritos, fruit bowls, orange juice and hot coffee at the TCC campus on Sept. 3. 

The Better Breakfast event was held by The Basic Needs Program for LBCC students with registered ID’s.

Due to the high volume of students that attended, the event lasted around an hour despite being planned to run for three.

Efrain Lopez, an LBCC alum, now a Basic Needs assistant, felt that the Better Breakfast event allowed students who didn’t have time for breakfast to eat.

“I was a LBCC student and these were real life scenarios man, it’s not even that we wanna wake up late or that we don’t have time right, we’re really focused on our studies too man… (students) can wake up late, pull up here, and get a breakfast,” Lopez said.

LAC Basic Needs assistant Vanessa Morales mentioned that word of mouth contributes to the popularity of the free breakfast events at both campuses.

Morales spoke about the popularity of the first breakfast event of the semester at LAC, which happened on August 26. 

“Last month you know it was crazy that we kinda finished in under an hour, so students were coming by and they’re like, ‘Hey, what happened like you know you’re supposed to be set up and I don’t see a set up’ and we have to tell them we just ran out already,” Morales said.

Richard Tawri, a current LBCC student, attended the Better Breakfast event for the first time and praised the convenience provided by the program. 

“This is so important because students can come here and eat… this is my first time doing that, so for me I appreciate that,” Tawri said.

Free breakfasts will be given out for the semester on both campuses.

Better Breakfast will occur every first Tuesday of the month at LAC and every first Wednesday at the TTC campus.

All events will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  

French wide receiver chases football dreams at LBCC

Heaven Herrera
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French wide receiver chases football dreams at LBCC

A 5’10 French playmaking wide receiver that hails from Grenoble, France, now plays for LBCC after playing for the French national team.

Steewell Leboucher said that ever since he discovered football during a family vacation to Florida, it’s been one of his biggest aspirations.

“Since that one trip to Florida, that changed my mindset on everything and got me into football. As soon as I made it back home, I started watching videos and practicing,” said Leboucher.

Leboucher believed that France’s football scene wasn’t massive, but he discovered that over 200 club teams were nearby.

“I went to the national academy in France, even traveled to different parts of Europe for camps to work on my skills,” Leboucher said.

In 2022, Leboucher was part of the French national team, where he began to take a deeper interest in the game of football.

When he had the opportunity to come to America and play football, Loucher said he couldn’t turn it down.

“Playing football in the U.S. is my dream, and I don’t mind being 10,000 kilometers away from home if it means I’m able to be seen,” Leboucher said.

The first time he had ever played football was when he went on a trip to Florida with his family, and ever since, he has grown to love the game.

LBCC wide receiver Steewell Leboucher laughs on Sept. 2. He’s starting his second year on the Vikings football team. (Jacyn King)

For Leboucher, the opportunity to experience a different approach to discipline in America was inspiring.

This is Leboucher’s second year on the team, and he has played multiple positions for LBCC, ranging from special teams to offense.

Head coach Marques Cooper noted the big difference in Leboucher’s performance and how much he has improved since he first got there.

“He’s taken leaps and bounds from last year until now, from playing a little on offense to playing a lot more on offense, he’s worked his behind off to get to the position,” Cooper said..

Beyond his initial improvements, Cooper says that whenever he sees Leboucher, he’s always training. 

“Stewie stays at practice late, he’s in the weight room when I’m getting there, and when I leave, he’s in the weight room or on the field throwing a ball,” Cooper said.

Teammates praised Leboucher for his work ethic and the energy he brings to the team.

“Stewie is a phenomenal character, when it comes to training and even pursuing my dreams, he inspires me to keep going and reaching for the things I want,” wide receiver Owen Tomich said. 

Leboucher and LBCC’s football team will play on Saturday at 6 p.m. against Santa Barbara. 

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