Small Sounds is a live performance video series for artists to showcase their music in a scaled-down setting, often accompanied by a podcast interview.
This episode features Abby Kenna, a Los Angeles based alternative indie pop artist, originally from New Jersey.
In this episode, Kenna explains the stories behind her debut EP “Spit!”, her education at Berklee College of Music, and contributions as a queer woman in alternative indie pop music.
LBCC’s Associated Student Body hosted their semi-annual Join A Club day on the LAC campus from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, where they promoted the clubs offered on campus by creating an open atmosphere for prospective students.
While the event may have been confined to a small area, the energy ASB brought was big as they rallied and pumped students up by playing music, selling food, and decorating the space with balloons and banners.
The area of focus ranges with each club, from ceramics to honors society, there is a club for students of all interests and backgrounds.
LBCC students spoke positively about their experiences with clubs in previous years, such as Julissa Lopez said, “I was previously in the film club here and what I remember most is that it was very welcoming and fun.”
Her sister, Melody Lopez, who is also a student at LBCC said, “When I was in the anthropology club, I remember it being very social, we did a lot of collaborative research to help each other with assignments from our classes and we informed each other of career opportunities in the field of anthropology.”
During Join A Club day, the Lopez sisters signed up for various clubs such as crochet club, biology club, as well as signing up for a return to the anthropology club and film club.
While each club revolves around a different mission, the underlying purpose is mainly the same between each organization, which is to bring students together to share common interests and achieve personal and academic goals.
Each club booth had its own unique incentive to grab students’ attention in order to inform them about what their club offers.
The International Student Club had various games and prizes at their booth, some of these included a prize wheel and a game of Mak kep, which is a traditional Thai playground game similar to jacks.
“We offer a space for international students to engage in a cultural and language exchange immersed in fun social activities like karaoke or hiking as well as opportunities to participate in events such as a beach cleanup where they can earn volunteer hours,” said Club Vice President, Gift Landgraf.
In addition, the Tong Social Club was giving away free handmade friendship bracelets, which was symbolic of their club’s mission in promoting social activities that allow students to make friends.
There were also outside organizations with contributing booths, such as the UCLA Center for Community College Partnerships, with program coordinator Nate Hoffman advocating for the club.
“We are here to offer aid to students in the UC transfer process and highlight the resources available while also getting them excited about higher education,” Hoffman said.
A variety of clubs were given an opportunity to reach out to a large number of students on campus, serving as a great resource for participation in the LBCC community.
The Culinary Arts program and Umoja Scholars club at Long Beach City College held a Sip N Paint event in honor of Black History Month on Feb. 20 where participants of the event were provided art supplies as well as food and refreshments.
Students from many different backgrounds came to participate in the Sip N Paint event, with the staff making sure all participants felt welcome.
“I know it’s about unity right now. It’s not just about painting and food, it’s about people communicating and getting to know each other,” said the organizer of the event, Bri Pinkerton.
The Sip N Paint is just one of the many club events that have been held on the LAC campus.
Events like these help bring a much needed sense of community to students who participate in them, helping students get to know each other outside of the classroom.
Not only did the event allow for participants to gather and get to know one another but it also gave the opportunity for members of the African-American community to embrace who they are, giving participants the chance to express their creativity in a way that honors their culture.
“I wanted to come down to the Sip N Paint specifically for Black History Month. Especially in a non academic setting. I feel it’s crucial for us to build community,” said Kyshia Hearns, the president of Umoja Scholars.
Many of the participants stated that they wished more events like this were held on campus.
“I came down to paint because my best friend and I love extra curricular activities. I know this event will uplift a lot of Black scholars. I think there should be more funding for these events. I love these events because history is important,” said Umoja member Oscar Jammett.
“You need events. We should ask students at large, what are some events you’d like to see held on campus. I’m a firm believer that when students get involved they wanna stay,” said Umoja Staff Member Z Neblett.
Whether it be between staff members or student participants, events such as the Sip N Paint allow for connections to be made.
“I think they are very important, and build a sense of community. I think the inclusivity is really good,” said Drew Pruitt, a participant of the event.
The Sip N Paint proved to be a well enjoyed event, allowing individuals to get to know those in their community, as well as giving students a safe space to cherish and celebrate Black History Month.
JCPenney department store partnered up with LBCC and Cal State University Long Beach (CSULB) to throw its annual Suit-Up event, offering 30% discounts for students, staff, alumni, friends and family at the Lakewood Center Mall on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
LBCC career center and the workforce development center joined the annual event this year for the first time, teaming up with CSULB to support students who may need professional dress apparel for job interviews, graduations, or any other matters.
LBCC culinary arts student Kaleb Brown said, “It’s cool seeing people you know and this was right on time because I have a job interview coming up next week, so the timing is perfect.”
Students signed in along with their guests at the front of the department store and were given gift bags with snacks, water, and coupons for discounts.
“I have suits, but I am shopping with my father too and it’s good to get something new,” Brown said.
Brown’s father wasn’t the only person who came to the event to support their family member, Jason Munoz came to support his wife and LBCC medical student, Ana Barrera.
“I believe they invited my wife and we are here to support her so she could look presentable and have professional clothing not always having to wear a t-shirt and tennis shoes,” Munoz said.
JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch passed out coupons during the event and offered discounts for high resolution, professional headshots for those who want to enhance their professional photos for their portfolios, or even social media profiles like LinkedIn.
Crystal Armenta, studio portraits manager for Lifetouch said, “This is a chance to get a free full digital album, you will be recognized more on your business profiles and you will receive more views for your networking.”
The regular rates for one digital image to a digital album cost $60 to $170, but with the coupon the prices drop to $30 to $70.
According to Linkedin, headshots can help boost your networking efforts while making your profile stand out.
JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch claims that the recognition with business profiles will get you 21% more views from recruiters, and 36 times more messages, and nine times more requests to connect.
“It’s always good to have a pro headshot for business purposes and any type of media,” Armenta said.
Professional headshots weren’t the only promotional discount that JCPenney had to offer, they also offered discounted haircuts, beauty supplies, and free hair product samples like Curlbond from Devacurl.
Thomas Hawelka, master stylist for JCPenney styling salon said, “This event is to help young college kids get prepared for the business world, their looks could make a big difference on how they feel about themselves and do better in an interview.”
The event happens twice a year, once in the spring semester as well as the fall semester, giving students an opportunity to see what JCPenney has to offer.
Nike stopped its contracts with over five retailers according to Forbes website, JCPenney being one of them.
JCPenney assistant manager, Lauren Malone said, “We don’t carry Nike anymore, but an event like this gives a chance to capture that young audience.”
LBCC career center made its presence known by greeting students and guests at the door, showing support and allowing students to enter raffles to win prizes.
Jorge Rios, LBCC career co-coordinator said, “The goal here is to support our students and raise awareness on the importance of professional career clothing because access to clothing is expensive and we are in a bad economy, so any little detail is very much needed.”
These promotional discounts weren’t available to the general public and were a great opportunity for students to learn about career services that LBCC has to offer.
Stephanie Jimenez-Castillo, a success coach for the LBCC career center and CSULB second- year master student said, “I’m in the student development in higher education program and this will start to be an annual thing for us at LBCC, it’s our first time doing it, but we will continue this partnership.”
The career center also informed students about the career workshops that take place at LBCC, and Lucy Vu, LBCC counselor for student support services said, “We wanted access for our students to have professional quality clothing for interviews and we have the Viking Vault but they can’t always find that kind of stuff.”
LBCC always has special events like this one and they have many programs to help its students succeed.
The next JCPenney suit up event will be in the Fall semester, check the LBCC calendar for upcoming events at https://www.lbcc.edu/calendar.
LBCC hosted an AI seminar named ‘Hack The Future: Long Beach” on Feb. 22 in partnership with the non-profit organization, SeedAI that encouraged participants to be involved with AI as it develops and becomes increasingly common in the real world.
The event featured an introduction presentation to AI, a red-teaming group activity that allowed students to simulate hacking an AI chatbot and several opportunities for students to connect with and learn from professionals who use AI in their workplaces.
Students were allowed to meet with professionals one-on-one, take part in a question and answer segment that contained pre-determined questions about AI that were supplied by the moderator and learn from professionals in two lightning talks.
Spencer Nielsen, a participant in the event who drove eleven hours from Utah just to take part in it, works with AI as a “pentester” which he describes as being “hacking for good.”
“I’m the person that can find mistakes to make a company good,” said Nielsen.
Nielsen decided to attend the event because he had previously seen a presentation by Denzel Wilson, the Grass Roots Program Manager for SeedAI and wanted to meet him at the seminar.
AI enthusiast from Utah, Spencer Nielsen, using his laptop to learn new ways to use AI during SeedAI’s Hack the Future event on Feb. 22. (Jose Calix)
Alecia Jensen, a student at LBCC, attended the event because she saw the importance of AI in relation to her major of ecosystem management.
“There’s millions and millions of seeds you need to keep track of, so you can use AI to track seed populations and use AI for data management,” said Jensen, in regards to seed conservation.
John Sicklick, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity at LBCC, explained the purpose behind the AI conference in an interview.
“People are focusing on how to use AI to improve AI. But we also want people to learn the ethics of using AI properly and want others to understand that AI can be hacked like any software product. It can potentially release information that people don’t want released,” said Sicklick.
In the red-teaming workshop students talked to an AI chatbot and were tasked to make it misbehave.
One of the tasks the participants had to complete was to make the AI chatbot say a curse word.
In another task, the AI chatbot belonged to a hotel and the participants had to make the chatbot reveal the name of a famous guest that had checked in.
“With red-teaming you are testing your own system and the only way to do that is by pretending you are your own enemy,” said Technical Project Manager and Instructional Designer for SeedAI, Michelle Hoang.
In a student’s conversation with David Beck, the Branch Chief of Space Access Mobility and Logistics of the U.S. Space Force, he warned surrounding participants about another danger of AI.
“AI can dumb you down, if AI does everything for you, you lose what you are to yourself and you can’t make decisions,” said Beck.
One example Beck used to show how he’s careful about using AI is that he uses Google Maps to get a sense of where a new location is at, but he doesn’t turn on the actual directions which want to lead him to the location step by step.
Director of AI and Emerging Technology for the Los Angeles Clippers, Cory Root, also attended the event.
“The LA Clippers are using AI in service and support to help answer the questions of customers. And in the voice of customers, how can I understand feedback at a scale,” said Root.
“Where we are not using it, that I’d love for is with content generation. How we can make things more fun for people,” said Root.
Director Of Emerging Technology for the Los Angeles Clippers, Cory Root, discusses AI and its usefulness with an AI enthusiast during SeedAi’s Hack The Future event on Feb. 22. (Jose Calix)
Sicklick also told of the relationship that LBCC has with SeedAI.
“SeedAI has been a big proponent in our development of AI education at this school. Last year they provided the LBCC Cybersecurity Club with $2,500 to further develop our training and also make training resources available to our students,” said Sicklick.
On Feb. 25, a Black History month pride event was held at the LAC campus hosted for students to learn about the significance of Marsha P. Johnson and the obstacles she faced being a gay liberation activist.
Food was served and students were able to make bracelets, interact with one another, and talk about their experiences in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The event was coordinated by Professor Jerome Hunt, who highlighted the impact and importance of Marsha P. Johnson and the impact she had on the advocacy for gay rights.
“Marsha P. Johnson was a courageous outspoken woman who paved a way for many people in the gay community,” said Hunt.
Hunt spoke about the accomplishments of Marsha P. Johnson and how she was a significant activist in the Stonewall Uprising.
“Her legacy and involvement in the community will forever live on,” said Hunt.
Hunt urged students with motivation to reach out to elected officials to discuss issues about the LGBTQIA+ community in order to seek change.
The event provided a safe space for students to communicate their concerns within the community and how things could be different.
Student activity advisor Kim Hamon set up the event to create a welcoming space for all students.
“Students deserve to feel welcome and comfortable, and that is the purpose of this event,” said Hamon.
Hamon mentioned pride events are held every month on campus, highlighting different topics each event.
The center piece at an LGBTQIA+ and BHM event that honored Marsha P. Johnson. Students and staffed listened to a speech by Professor Jerome Hunt, ate food and made bracelets. (Bella Schultz)
Student Carrots Pelayo, who is in the LGBTQIA+ club attended the event and talked about the importance of the club they are in.
“These events feel like a safe place for me to be myself, and learn more about the community I’m a part of,” said Pelayo.
Overall the event was a great way for students to learn and collaborate on different perspectives.
Vikings Men’s Volleyball defeated the Irvine Valley College Lasers 3-0 at the Feb. 21 evening home game.
The first set began with Willy Wang making the first serve for Long Beach with a kill from Alden Jacobs, giving the first point immediately to the Vikings.
In total, Jacobs made six out of 14 of Long Beach’s kills from the first set, and made four more throughout the rest of the game for a total of ten.
The first set ended with a close winning score of 25-23, with the final kill being made by Sebastian Kim, who made four other kills in the first set.
The second set saw one less kill but ended with the widest score gap of the three sets at 25-17.
The third and final set ended with a score of 25-18, ending the game.
Five kills in this set were scored by newcomers, two by Jared Preciado and three by Josiah Dawson.
Freshman and transfers make up the majority of this season’s team, with Coach Joshua Nehls and outside hitter Sergio Garcia mentioning that the current roster features only two returning players.
Garcia also expressed that the team felt “blessed” to have both Jared and Josiah on the team.
Only one returning player, Willy Wang, was part of this game’s lineup.
The win from this game improves Men’s Volleyball’s overall record to an even 4-4.
Jacobs referred to the IVC Lasers as a “key opponent,” and hopes to carry the success of this game forward into the season.
“We need some momentum going into league,” Jacobs said in an interview.
Garcia hopes games will help build the team’s confidence for later on in the season.
“We’re slowly putting our pieces together,” Garcia said about the improvement.
In an interview, Coach Nehls said that there are a handful of personal improvements to be made, but that he believes the team is well on track to improving.
Vikings were defeated by the ASU Sun Devils 2-0 in a heated game of Valorant Saturday afternoon at the home Esports facility, ultimately eliminating LBCC from the CVAL West.
The Vikings Valorant Esport squad played for their ticket to the playoffs of the (College Valorant West) CVAL West and managed to keep hope alive all the way until the end, but fell short against the ASU Sun Devils.
Valorant is a team based tactical shooter game and the objective is either to arm or disarm an explosive or eliminate the entire opposing squad before the time runs out.
The game consists of two sets and each set is won by defeating your opponents the most out of twenty five rounds.
“The opponent team has beaten some teams that we haven’t beat, and we have beaten some team that they haven’t. I am stressed but I think they can get it done,” said Coach Gabe Giangualano.
“If we follow the plan and play as a team we have a good chance,” said Valorant player Brandon Walker, also known by his username, Thermo.
The game started with the Vikings losing 1-4 during the first set of the fifth round, however, everything changed after Giangualano stepped in with a new strategy during the first time out.
“They are playing slow and far apart, if we take advantage of the spaces they leave open, we can turn this around,” said Coach Giangualono to his players.
The game was tied just three short rounds after making it 4-4.
Shortly after the Vikings turned things around during the first set, finishing the 10th round ahead 6-4.
Things were not going to be as easy as the Sun Devils again took the lead just four rounds after, giving them a small advantage of 6-8.
During the 15th round, LBCC Valorant player Isaac Estrada whose username is Green did a spectacular round and took an “ace” meaning he eliminated the entirety of the opposite ASU team making it 7-8 ASU.
The first set finished with Vikings trailing 8-13, as they lost their first set all the players and their coach got everyone together to strategize a new plan.
The second set started really strong for LBCC, five rounds later LBCC took the lead and made the score 3-2.
By the end of the 14th round, things were even for both teams making the score 7-7 and the players strategized new plans together during a time out.
“We keep falling for their same strategy, they are playing nearby each other waiting for us, we are not playing as a unit,” said player Sean Torres.
At the end of the 20th round the Vikings managed to keep the game alive by staying tied 10-10.
The outcome of the game was never clear due to the Vikings ability to keep up with the Sun Devils all the way to the 25th round with an electrifying 12-12 score for the second set.
ASU took the 25th round and the Match Point round, cutting the run short for the Vikings this season with a final score of 14-12 ASU for the second set and the all around score 2-0 ASU.
With frustration on their face the rest of LBCC players had no comments to add.
When asked about their performance Coach Giangualano said, “We did not follow the plan, we took too long adjusting to them and this is what happened.”
High school students protested on The Pike Outlets bridge in Long Beach, California, where they danced and chanted, continuing the days of protesting against the recent Trump Administration attacks on immigrants on Feb. 10.
Campuses were closed as they observed President Lincoln’s birthday, but students proceeded with an organized protest.
Students from multiple Long Beach high schools such as Lakewood, Browning, and Jordan, gathered together in protest of the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
“I come from undocumented parents and my friends as well, so I’m just out here for my people because illegal deportation is not ok,” said student protestor, Isaick Rodriguez.
Recent actions from the Trump Administration have encouraged ICE raids at “safe havens” such as schools, hospitals and churches, in response, communities have been fearful.
The students started at The Pike Outlets and were led to Long Beach City Hall before coming back to the bridge and continuing their protest.
“I’m from Mexico City and I came to the USA four years ago. I came to Long Beach, I have so much friends with immigrants and they don’t say nothing today, they work and they pay taxes for everybody,” said student protest organizer Kevin Munoz.
LBUSD student Kevin Munoz leads a group dance on the bridge at The Pike, in Long Beach, California. Student protestors gather with flags and signs during the anti-ICE student walkout on Feb. 10. (Sam Villa)
Students approached the bridge with flags while holding signs, encouraging phrases like, “No human is illegal.”
“So I’m here outside to support my people and support my friends,” said Rodriguez.
Protests in Los Angeles County have ranged in sizes as small as five to hundreds of students filling the streets, Long Beach’s reaching to about 20.
Students lined the bridge in their flags and signs, eventually dancing across the bridge to line dance music.
“I wish more people kind of showed up, so we could protest this thing, especially in Long Beach, but I love to see the support and I love seeing my people,” said protestor Yvie Jett.
Students, while fearful, have protested continuously for family and friends in their communities since Feb. 3, which was referred to as “A Day Without Immigrants.”
The original “Day Without Immigrants” was a boycott and protest event meant to communicate the significance of immigration that took place on Feb. 16, 2017.
On Monday, LBCC students gathered for the Black History Month event, Sip N Science which offered food, beverages, and a space for students interested in science to interact with one another.
“I have been running these events for 2 years so far and I have really enjoyed it, ” event Coordinator, Erika Calle-Poppe said.
At the event students had the chance to listen to guest speaker Latesha Taylor.
Taylor, director at Northrop Grumman spoke with the class on her career and academic journey; she shared how she got into engineering and the trials and tribulations that came her way.
Taylor shared with students that she has always had an interest in engineering, and has been an engineer for over 20 years.
From a young age she was determined to accomplish her goals; she had a passion to be an engineer.
“I can accomplish anything I set my mind to,” Taylor said.
Taylor discussed the obstacles she faced in college and how she managed to push through classes while figuring out what specific field she wanted to pursue.
Taylor ended up getting her Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering and her Masters degree in Systems Engineering.
Over the course of her career Taylor moved around due to new job opportunities, landing her first job at Northrop Grumman in 1999. This gave her the chance to work in Colorado in the space operation center.
Taylor shared her love for space operation and how it was a transformative experience.
“Space operation is everything that is happening in the world, you are in the midst of everything,” said Taylor.
Taylor is now a Global Corporate Responsibility Director for Northrop Gruman which focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Her job is centered around corporate philanthropy activity, “I build those strategies that help give us a diverse workplace to keep us having a positive work environment,” Taylor said.
Towards the end of the event Taylor answered student’s questions about science and discoveries as well as managing college life.
Taylor offered students encouragement and motivation to persevere through their educational journey, by insisting to participate in study groups and to prioritize school resources.
“This event was a way for students to come out and get involved with science,” MESA Director Amy Lee said.
Once the event ended Taylor was able to stick around for any questions students had regarding engineering and her ability to accomplish her aspirations.
