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How much does Long Beach City College cost?

abel reyes
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How much does Long Beach City College cost?

Community colleges have always been a crucial part for Americans interested in continuing or restarting an education.

This year’s figures from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) show that there are approximately 8.7 million students in the United States enrolled in community colleges.

Over several decades, the cost of earning a college diploma has increased dramatically and Long Beach City College was not immune. According to the College Board’s 2018 Trends in College Pricing Report, prices at public two-year institutions are more than twice as high in 2019 as they were in 1989.

The Viking News broke down the cost of Long Beach City College and neighboring community colleges.

What does LBCC cost now?

Depending on whether you live at home or not, or if you are a California resident or not, these figures vary.

According to LBCC, the total cost of attending as a California resident is $15,072.

These costs include tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation, housing and food, and personal expenses.

Full price for students living at home detailed in chart below.

Graphic by Abel Reyes

Going to college is now the second-largest expense an individual is likely to make in their lifetime, right after purchasing a home. According to the College Board, tuition and fees for in-state public colleges was $10,230. And that’s not including room and board or other expenses.

Between 2009-10 and 2019-20, average tuition and fee prices rose by $670 at public two-year colleges, according to College Board.

However, for those currently living away from home, or planning on moving, cost in housing and personal expenses do rise substantially. 

To see the full price for students living away from home, check the chart below.

Graphic by Abel Reyes

Now with the Long Beach Promise, Long Beach Unified School District students are eligible for two-year free tuition at Long Beach City College.

Along with that, added resources from LBCC and LBUSD can potentially lower some of the cost.

Available resources 

Of the 24,704 LBCC students, 16,289 (66%) students receive some type of grant or scholarship. The average amount of aid given to students is $3,247.

Of these students, 8,484, or 34% receive Pell Grants, and 517 students or 2% receive a federal student loan. 

75% of LBCC freshmen are reported to be receiving some sort of financial assistance.

Long Beach City College curated a program for first time college students named the Viking Advantage.

To be eligible for the Viking Advantage, students must be enrolled in 12 units or more per semester, apply to FAFSA or CA Dream Act, and be a California resident.

Benefits of the Viking Advantage:

  • First year tuition free at LBCC
  • Priority registration for Fall and Spring semester
  • Participation in a free two-week summer bridge program
  • Enrollment in a first year college success course
  • Assistance during your second year at LBCC that will be focused on career development and mentoring
  • Receive a $500 LBCC Book Voucher ($250 Fall & $250 Spring)
  • Free bus pass

The Viking Advantage is exclusive to Long Beach City College and not other colleges.

The Long Beach Promise however, is a partnership with Long Beach Unified School District Schools. To be eligible, students must immediately enroll at LBCC after graduating from their LBUSD school. 

List of eligible LBUSD schools:

  • Avalon
  • Beach
  • Browning
  • Cabrillo
  • California Academy of Mathematics & Science (CAMS)
  • Educational Partnership High School (EPHS)
  • Jordan
  • Lakewood
  • Long Beach Adult School
  • McBride
  • Millikan
  • Poly Academy of Achievers & Leaders (PAAL)
  • Poly
  • Reid
  • Renaissance
  • Sato Academy of Mathematics & Science
  • Wilson

As of the beginning of the fall semester of this year, those eligible for the Long Beach Promise are now eligible to fall under the new Long Beach Promise 2.0.

With the new Long Beach Promise 2.0, LBCC students also receive:

  • Priority registration for the Fall and Spring semesters
  • Transfer admissions pathways to specific majors at Cal State Long Beach:
    • Business administration
    • Communication studies
    • Criminal justice
    • Computer engineering and computer science 
    • English
    • History
    • Liberal studies, education
    • Mechanical and aerospace engineering
    • Psychology
    • Studio art
  • Dual advisement & future student benefits w/ CSULB

With these programs in place, substantial tuition costs and fees may be alleviated for students.

Along with the programs in place that can resolve a lot of tuition cost issues, LBCC has adopted in using Open Education Resources (OER).

OER are teaching, learning, and research resources that some professors use at LBCC. This includes Zero Textbook Cost, Textbook Free, and Low Textbook Cost courses.

With a Zero Textbook Cost course, students will not have to pay for a traditional textbook. A Textbook Free course has never had a traditional textbook or student materials. And a Low Textbook Cost course uses textbooks and materials under $40.

Along with the Long Beach Promise programs, these particular courses can possibly reduce another layer of costs.

LBCC has also begun giving out free Long Beach Transit bus passes this semester. It is still unconfirmed whether the “Strong Beach” pilot program will be returning for Spring 2020.

The “Strong Beach” pilot program started in fall 2019 and it was made to hopefully relieve a barrier of transportation by providing free bus passes to students.

Students who are in the College Promise, disabled, disproportionately impacted, in EOPS, foster youth, or a veteran are eligible for a bus pass.

Based on the amount of resources that LBCC offers it is very probable that most students may end up paying less than the estimated amount. 

Compared to other colleges

Looking at California community colleges in general, LBCC’s in-state tuition cost of $1,182 is less than the state average of $1,636, a price that has risen 9% in four years.

In comparison with neighboring community colleges, Long Beach City College falls directly in the middle, between Cerritos College and Cypress College.

The same type of expenses are applied to Cerritos and Cypress, and prices vary depending on your California residency, same as LBCC.

According to Cerritos College, the annual cost of attending as a California resident is $14,802.

To see the full price for students living at home, check the chart below.

Graphic by Abel Reyes

For Cypress College, the annual cost of attending as a California resident is $16,035.

To see the full price for students living at home, check the chart below.

Graphic by Abel Reyes

Both Cerritos and Cypress are not drastically cheaper or more costly than LBCC, however when it comes down to resources, all colleges differ.

The Long Beach Promise or Promise 2.0 does not include Cerritos College or Cypress College.

Cypress has the Anaheim Union Educational Pledge Program, where students can get their first-year of tuition free and priority registration for Fall and Spring semesters.

Cerritos College has a similar program to the Long Beach Promise: the Cerritos Complete Promise Program. 

The Complete Promise Program is only available to students from ABC Unified School District (USD), Bellflower USD, Downey USD, Lynwood, Norwalk-La Mirada USD, and Paramount USD.

With the Complete Program, students who attend Cerritos College will receive two years of free tuition and two years of priority registration. 

Both Cerritos and Cypress have Open Education Resources (OER), which means expenses on textbook can be reduced.

Cypress College offers a discounted Orange County bus pass for $46. A student must be enrolled in nine credits to be eligible. 

Cerritos College does not offer a free or discounted bus passes. 

Why has the cost of college risen?

Several factors must be examined in order to answer the question of why the cost of a degree has risen to the point of unaffordability.

Historically, public colleges and universities have received a substantial amount of public funding, an amount that has decreased over the years. The Center of Budget and Policy reported that the overall state funding for public two- and -four-year colleges in 2017 was $9 billion than in 2008. And a result of the 2008 recession, unemployment rates and a decrease in housing values led to less income and sales tax revenue for states, the main monetary source for funding education.

Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce indicated that there were 20 million college students in 2014, versus 2.4 million in 1949.

Damon Skinner, Welding and Metal Fabrication Assistant Professor at LBCC discussed the deregulation of companies that give students loans, and the increase of for-profit colleges as contributing factors towards both increased enrollment and in turn, the increased debt crisis. 

“Allowing people to borrow what they can never pay back is never a good idea,” said Skinner. “For-profit colleges are a business. They’re rewarded by selling school.”

The total amount of grant aid supporting post-secondary students increased by 81% (after adjusting for inflation) between 1998-99 and 2008-09 and by another 56% between 2008-09 and 2018-19, reaching a total of $135.6 billion, according to research by College Board.

Is it possible?

Sara Blasetti, LBCC Counseling Faculty, says yes. 

“As a counselor, one of my specialties is helping students successfully navigate school and life. One of the main conversations I have with students is how to have a good balance of both. I always discuss financial aid with students and encourage them to apply. I personally recommend to try to wait to take out loans once the student transfers to a four year institution.”

Breaking down the time commitment that academic success requires, students should factor in two hours of homework a week per unit they are in, Blasetti says. For example, a student taking 12 units should expect roughly 24 hours of homework per week.

For a student taking 12 units, they should estimate at least 24 hours of homework a week. This, plus actual class time can be 36 hours a week, which almost equals a full time job. Add on another full-time job, and “the question then becomes, is this realistic? For most students, the answer is no,” said Blasetti.

She recommends first-semester students use the following information when planning their courses:

If you are working:

40 hours per week. Take 6 units

30 hours per week. Take 9 units

20 hours per week. Take 12 units

Less than 20. Take 15 units

“If they get really good grades and find that it is not too challenging, add more units the next semester,” Blasetti said.  

For many students, especially for those not living with their families, the only plausible solution to fund school is to work throughout. The U.S. Department of Education reported that 78% of undergraduate students work, and 25% of full-time students (a student enrolled in 12 or more credits a semester) are also working full-time, generally at least 32 hours a week. Of all undergraduate students, 40% work at least 30 hours a week. 

For students employed throughout college and/or afterwards, addressing minimum wage in comparison to the cost of education is crucial. 

Pew Research Center reported that since 2013, the average worker’s wages grow between 2% and 3% per year, compared to 7%, 8%, or 9% in the 1980s and early 1980s.

With a cost of a college education steadily rising, and a minimum wage that has more or less remained stagnant, how are students supposed to combat this?

Is it worth it?

As the prices of a college education has steadily risen over the years, the value of a degree is called into question. 

Lee Douglas, now Dean of Language Arts and Communication, was a former professor of the LEARN 11 course, a course that teaches students learning strategies, time management, etc… To ultimately prepare or help students in their academic career.

“Education is more than getting a degree,” Douglas said. “Personal growth and learning more about yourself are huge factors while in college.”

Finding mentorship at the college level is another path towards success for students, Douglas mentioned.

Having a role model, not just for future career choices, but for decision making for fiscal and academic choices, can help a student’s success dramatically.

Skinner offered his perspective, disputing the popular claim that a four-year-degree is integral to success. 

“I encourage all students to complete a two-year degree,” Skinner said. “I always encourage the degree, then get a job, then finish the degree.” He acknowledged this may not be as applicable to those in more academic majors. 

A LBCC alumni, Skinner paid for his schooling as he went, and went on to acquire an apprenticeship program where he did not accrue any debt. He was then able to enter the workforce, without obtaining a bachelor’s.

Students struggling with finances are able to explore options such as entering a trade that perhaps requires only an associate’s and an apprenticeship, allowing students to also enter the workforce quicker.

“There are absolutely other viable educational options for students besides obtaining a 4-year degree. In fact, many of these educational options pay very well. Our society thrives on diversity, this is true for careers/jobs as well. Our society would collapse if we didn’t have skilled contractors, skilled welders, skilled electricians, vocational nurses or computer technicians, none of which require a four year degree,” Blasetti said.

Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce reported that, 35% of available job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree, 30% of the job openings will require some college or an associate’s degree and 36% of the job openings will not require education beyond high school. 

“High schools are selling four-year degrees as a golden pathway to all opportunities,” he said, sharing his observations over the years. When comparing his high school experience towards the one he has witnessed through his children, earning a four-year-degree is far more emphasized in today’s classrooms. 

Contributing to this shift, “High schools are taking their vocational classes out,” said Skinner.

For an increasing amount of bachelor degree recipients, there is a decreasing amount of jobs available. Amid the rising pressure to attend college and the increased accessibility towards achieving a degree has created a consequence of increased competition for jobs, leaving more blue-collar positions left unfilled. 

2020 resolutions by the signs

Anyssa Staine
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2020 resolutions by the signs

Aries | Ram (March 21 – April 19)

“Gossip less! Like way less.”

As a cardinal sign, you have an innate ability to lead and are always coming up with ideas, which is why you easily motivate those around you. It’s important that you speak highly of your friends and peers, in front of and behind their backs. Imagine what you could accomplish if you inspired without belittling others. Have you heard the phrase ‘if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all’ ? In 2020, take three seconds to think about what value your words are adding to a conversation before speaking. 

Taurus | Bull (April 20 – May 20)

“Be open to new ideas, places, people and things.”

Represented by the bull, Taurus can be known to be stubborn. As you approach 2020, open your eyes to new perspectives and different ways of approaching challenges. In doing so, you’ll find more balance and clarity in your decision making. Start by trying one small thing every day outside of your typical pattern, like ordering a different drink or driving the scenic route to work.

Gemini | Twins (May 21 – June 21)

“Accept your past and move on.”

You may have found yourself cringing from embarrassment one too many times this year because you just couldn’t forgive yourself for that awful thing you said that one time to your one friend. Chances are, they’ve moved on from it, and it’s time you do too. Once you begin to accept the things you consider mistakes, you’ll see them as lessons learned, which will help you judge yourself (and others) a lot less! Filled with symbolism, your dreams will be a very useful tool to you in 2020, so keep a journal by your bed to help you navigate your subconscious. 

Cancer | Crab (Jun 22-July 22)

“Pick a goal and stick to it.”

Even if it’s as small as drinking more water everyday or as big as opening up your new business, it’s time to follow through on at least ONE of your many goals of 2019. Write out a list of all unfinished business from this year and choose just one to stick to for 2020. Once you’ve accomplished it, no matter when it is, check that goal off and move on to the next one. 

Leo | Lion (July 23 – August 22)

“Practice gratitude.”

You’ve accomplished so many great things this year, Lion! But you’re never satisfied. Always wanting more. Bigger. Badder. Better. If you can appreciate all of your successes for what they are, you’ll be able to manifest even greater things into your life. Start by listing three things you are grateful for each day, even if you just say them into the mirror while you are getting ready or to yourself in the car while driving. Remember to be grateful for yourself. You couldn’t have gotten to where you are now without you!

Virgo | The Virgin (August 23 – September 22)

“Get a grip on your anxiety.”

Virgos love perfection. And to get to perfection, one must be patient. However, when a Virgo’s patience runs out, anxiety can come flooding in. If this year you found yourself getting so anxious about certain situations you weren’t able to adapt to or fix them, then it’s time to find the root source of your anxiety. Keep a log of when your anxiety gets triggered, or even seek professional help through a therapist. With more and more people owning up to their anxiety, there are plenty of resources available to you to begin to conquer your own! 

Libra | Scale (September 23 – October 23)

“Get in touch with nature.”

Libras are represented by a scale, a man made object. In fact, they are the only non-living object represented in the zodiac. Libra, sometimes you forget to enjoy the simple pleasures in life just by watching a sunset or going for a quick walk in the morning before you start your day. If you’ve been struggling with what goals to set for 2020, try to pick those that involve more outdoor activity. Sign up with a personal trainer who does outdoor sessions, make it a goal to walk your dog 5k every weekend or even choose the patio during your meals out. Whatever you decide, once you involve more fresh air (after all, you ARE an air sign) into your lifestyle you’ll be able to breathe clearly which will lead to more clarity. 

Scorpio | Scorpion (October 24 – November 21)

“Start a savings plan.”

You have so many goals! But they all involve that cash money, baby! You have the determination it takes to achieve your goals. Why not spend a little less on dope outfits or nights out, and put that cash in a stash? Start a savings with your credit union, or meet with a financial expert. 2020 is also the perfect time to start cleaning up your credit score. Make a goal for how much you want to save and be intentional about what you are saving for. So get specific! Then let them haters hate while you pile that money up! 

Sagittarius | The Archer (November 22 – December 21)

“Set your goals high.”

You have the gift of aim, Archer. For 2020, you’ll have to set your goals higher than you ever have before and not settle. Plan for the best but expect the worst. The road to the top is rocky so make sure you are ready to be adaptable. You’ll need to be in order to get to where you are going. 

Capricorn | Sea-Goat/Mountain-Goat (December 22 – January 19)

“Take on less responsibility.” 

Learn to let things flow. You shouldn’t have to force anything. You are a master delegator, use that skill to your advantage during group projects or work-related tasks. Allowing space for rest and relaxation will also make room for everything you’ve been working for leading into 2020.

Aquarius | Water Bearer (January 20 – February 18)

“Listen to your emotions.”

Use your emotions to help you, not hurt you. Be honest with yourself so you can tell others what you need. If a romantic relationship is on the horizon, let them know how you feel! A beautiful partnership filled with synergy may be just around the corner. 

Pisces | Fish (February 19 – March 20)

“Just keep swimming!”

Chances are you are smack dab in the middle of a goal you have for yourself. If that’s the case, keep it up! No matter how far along you are, you’re on your way there. Keep enjoying the journey to get to your goal, because this part is the most fun! This is where the lessons and growth are. Make sure to celebrate small successes and milestones along the way, but remain focused. 

Journalistic opportunity in the U.S. Army

Anyssa Staine
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Journalistic opportunity in the U.S. Army

The United States Army has over 150 careers available for those who want a career path serving our country, with the minimum requirements of a high school diploma and a green card between the ages of 18-34 for new recruits. 

Among the multitude of careers offered in the army is their journalistic opportunity, also known as the Public Affairs Mass Communications Specialist. They participate and assist in Army Public Affairs programs and activities that provide information to the public through community engagement.

The Armed Forces Network (AFN) is the current broadcast channel for the armed forces which incorporates other warfare services, as well as the Marines and Navy.

“Every battalion has a Facebook, Twitter, any social media you can imagine is in the Army, so they write news just like any other journalist for the Army and any Army events,” Staff Sergeant Rivera said.

Staff Sergeant Recruiter Rivera is a recruiter for the U. S. Army who serves our country as an engineer where he prepares terrain for construction. 

Before an Army recruit is eligible for their chosen career, they undergo nine weeks of mandatory training which encompasses three different phases known as Red, White, and Blue.

The red is the most physically demanding and is the first phase recruits will go through at the start of their military career. Then they will later move on to the next phase within a span of three weeks per phase.

“You learn your basic combat skills and soldier tactics,” said Staff Sergeant Recruiter Looney.

 Looney serves as a Joint Fire Support Specialist and calls in any artillery, air, or mortar strikes. 

“Everybody has to go through basic training. It’s mandatory, but then you advance in your training for your specific job,” SSG Rivera said.

As a Public Affairs Mass Communications Specialist with the United States Army, soldiers who hold this title have responsibilities regarding their job while on deployment and are able to go on patrol with other soldiers.

SSG Recruiter Looney has had experience working with journalists in the U.S.

“This last deployment in 2018, I came back exactly a year ago today and we did a few patrols with them,” Looney explained about a time he was deployed.

“His title was combat cameraman and he went out there with us and took pictures of the local area and of us interacting with the local population.”

Journalists in the U.S. Army are still issued weapons for protection along with learning basic marksmanship during the initial mandatory training. However, any execution of a weapon is typically left for those specifically assigned to that duty. 

SSG Recruiter Looney explained, “ For example, my first deployment of 2008, while we would come under contact, which is small arms fire, the journalists would continue recording or writing down stuff so he wouldn’t really shoot back; he would leave that to the people who were supposed to do it.”

Deployment for everyone in the U.S. Army is generally nine months unless you are part of the Special Operations Unit, then its four to six months.

“Civil Affairs, which is what the journalist falls under normally do four to six months but sometimes they do nine months as well.” SSG Recruiter Looney said.

“Deployment also depends on the unit a soldier is with,” SSG Recruiter Rivera said.

Journalists have no limitations under deployment with the U.S. Army and will sometimes need to go beyond their designated roles as observers to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.

“A few times on our deployment, the cameramen would actually put down the camera. We hit an IED (improvised explosive device) one time and it destroyed the vehicle in front of us so we started pulling bodies out and the cameraman just put down the stuff and just started helping us bring people off the vehicle in front of us,” SSG Recruiter Looney said.

Along with the mandatory basic training that all new military recruits go through, training for a journalist under the title of Public Affairs Mass Communications Specialist lasts five months.

For more information on joining the U.S. Army and their job opportunities, stop by a local recruiters booth who may be at your campus or community.

Audience Reacts to “Trump U” Judge Curiel’s Speech

Sebastian Angulo
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Audience Reacts to “Trump U” Judge Curiel’s Speech

Roughly 46 student and faculty members gathered in the T building at LAC on Thursday to listen and interact with Federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who was notoriously involved in the “Trump University” case in 2018, in which then-candidate Trump claimed that Curiel could not remain unbiased due to his Mexican heritage.

Curiel addressed this infamous moment during a question and answer portion from the audience. “It certainly was surreal, because one doesn’t expect to see their face or their name in the New York Times or the Post, or discussed on CNN.” 

When warned of the impending publicity following the incident, Curiel’s response was “that’s cool, that’s neat” he said to a chuckle from the audience. 

“And then to understand what was behind it… I understood why he said what he did. It was something that I did not allow to distract me, to make me angry, to have me react in a way that showed I was biased. In my career as a judge, I’ve encountered any number of disagreeable parties. You learn, you can’t take it personal, you’re here to be a judge, you have to [know] that people will agree with your decisions. As far as my take on it, I’m just doing my job as best I can.”

“I realize that people with very strong passionate views about things they believe in, people they support, and my mission is to move forward, not to be distracted by messages of hate,” Curiel said.

Claude Kananack, a faculty intern in the history department, said he was interested in hearing Curiel speak due to his notoriety following the Trump University case. 

“I wanted to hear if he was going to talk more about executive privilege and [if that] is that above the law or not. That wasn’t expressed, but I thought it was excellent with all the students’ questions. There was a lot of engagement today. These events are very important to attend if you can because it’s just a learning experience. These opportunities aren’t always there, with an open forum, to speak to someone so knowledgeable with so many experiences in this field. So I came here to learn, what I took away was the understanding that as a judge, or even anyone who defends the law, you have to remove bias from their opinions.”

Continued Kananack, “I thought it was quite interesting that he expressed that you really can’t show much emotion or sympathy and I think that’s very difficult to do, in any profession. As a historian, we do the same, and it is sometimes very hard to separate emotion from judgment. Luckily as a historian, we don’t have to judge. We let history speak for itself, but as a judge, Judge Curiel has to make these very important decisions, and I think it’s admirable that he or anyone in his position can remove those biases that many of us always have.”

Ashley Hill, a student attending the event was also interested due to the Trump controversy.

“It’s nice actually meeting him, since he’s popular because of the Trump thing.  So it’s cool to see him in person. That’s why I really wanted to come, even though it was extra credit, we got to interact with him kind of, and it’s cool seeing that perspective,” Hill said.

William Vega, who works in student support services and was one of the event coordinators, said, “I really appreciated the message of positivity and unity, but also it’s always critically important to bring in role models that our students are going to look up to. If any of the students that came here and heard him speak walked away with a little bit more confidence in themselves, maybe a little bit higher aspirations, then that’s what we want. We want our students to reach as high as they can, and go as far as they can. I definitely got something out of today… just not letting the noise distract you from what you’re trying to accomplish. What inspires me is how Judge Curiel was able to really maintain his integrity and professionalism and poise in that situation where he was thrust into the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons.”

Other messages Curiel discussed was his experience being a first-generation college student, and how he pursued his educational goals. 

Sociology professor Carlos Ramos said he hoped there were messages his students would be able to take from the judge. 

“He’s obviously had a successful educational and professional experience. A lot of my students are first-generation as well, a majority of our students are of a Latinx background, so they’d be able to connect. But I think in general, I think any student could relate to his story, and for students who are interested in going into law and the legal field could benefit from this kind of talk. In my sociology 1 courses we’re just starting the chapter on education, so it was a good way to relate his particular experience to their chapter,” Ramos said.

Various questions from the audience included asking about his experience having immigrant parents, as well as his thoughts on the importance of having Latinas in the judiciary. 

“We’ve come so far. We shouldn’t lose sight of that, ” said Curiel. 

“At the end of the day, there’s so little that distinguishes us. We are so similar. We have too long subscribed to the notion that there are these things that separate us, but at the end of the day we’re so alike, and ultimately we’ll be a better world once we appreciate that.”

Opinion: College students deserve an extended Thanksgiving break

Tyana Sallis
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Opinion: College students deserve an extended Thanksgiving break

Thanksgiving week is hectic enough as it is with your visiting family floating in and out of your homes and the added stress of trying to meet the transfer deadlines, Long Beach City College should extend Thanksgiving break to the whole week instead of the two days already given.

LBCC giving students a week off would give students a sense of relief, whether they need to watch younger siblings, work, or focus all their energy on meeting the transfer deadline.

Most college students are in the process of finishing up their transfer applications for fall semester at universities which can take a lot of time gathering information. 

If we had the whole week to complete our transfer applications, it would ensure that they are done correctly and on time, opposed to being rushed and incorrect.

As a student who is transferring myself, the process is not easy because obstacles such as needing to get financial statuses from my parents, getting my high school transcript, and past test scores.

Having that week off would be something very beneficial for me and I’m sure other students.

LBCC should be considerate of students who come from out of town or even out of state. There is no logic in catching a flight the day before Thanksgiving, which is one of the busiest flying times, just to come back 3 days later.

People have to pay for their travel fare, work around their job schedule and talk to their professors about missing class and making up missed work. 

Missing classes to leave for a holiday can affect student grades if assignments are being done or tests are given that cannot be taken at a separate time. 

College students range from late teens to elderly who all have certain responsibilities to uphold while getting ready for the holiday.

To add to the stress, the challenges of helping prepare a whole meal in one day and entertaining guests doesn’t lighten the load when students have class in the days leading up to the holiday.

In contrast to college students, high school students do not have to worry about finals as they are still in their first semester of school and take midterms at the end of January. 

High school students have three weeks to rest and another whole six months before they receive their final grade. College students should be allowed to have the privilege of having all five weekdays to calmly get ready for the holiday and do their studies in peace.

Thanksgiving is a time to relax and spend time with your family, it is only right that us college students get the week off we deserve.

L.A. visual artist John Sonsini motivates art students

Jordan Parks
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L.A. visual artist John Sonsini motivates art students

LA based visual artist John Sonsini talked about his experience and journey in the art world and what it means to be an artist today.

Sonsini talked about how he came to find his artistic muse, hispanic laborers and how his pieces are now showcased in many museums and art galleries all throughout California and other states.

Students, professors and aspiring artists attended the lecture to learn about what is needed to be a successful artist.

The visual artist talked about the tough times before he was showcased anywhere. 

Attendees of John Sonsini’s art lecture in room K137 as part of a visiting artist lecture series. Photo by Karla Altuzar.

“I couldn’t hold a job, I did everything, sleep in my car, anything but get a job,” Sonsini said.

“When you find your muse, you’ll know and you’ll never get tired of it, it’s like digging around a pebble and finding a pyramid, you’ll never stop digging.”

Art major and Long Beach City College student Ashely Greene asked Sonsini, “How much time do you spend in your studio and how much time do you spend painting?”

Sonsini responded, “Before I could paint everyday for hours a day, but today I can’t do that to myself now, I’ll only work a couple days a week.”

Sonsini told the audience how different it is today to be an artist today compared to 30 years ago.

“Before there were only a few galleries and you knew the artists, now there’s just so many galleries in LA,” the artist shared.

Visual artist John Sonsini at his lecture for a visiting artist lecture series put together by the visual arts department. photo by Karla Altuzar

Cal State Los Angeles art student Andy Lopez attended the event with LBCC student and english major Elizabeth Barraza.

“It’s nice to hear artists encourage young student artists and not try to scare them away from creating their own art,” Lopez expressed. 

“When I heard him talk about art, I applied it to my writing and how some will like it and some won’t, but that shouldn’t stop me,” Barraza shared. 

“We paint today, we paint in our time, but we don’t paint for our time,” Sonsini reminded the artists in the audience.

The LA visual artist finished the lecture with words of encouragement. 

“If you can control your ego you can do this, just stick with it and you’ll have a blast,” Sonsini said.

John Sonsini’s lecture is a part of a series where visiting artists give lectures to students on campus. The event was hosted and organized by the LBCC’s visual and media arts department.

Black community comes together for awareness

Anyssa Staine
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Black community comes together for awareness

Cerritos college hosted a social awareness forum that covered talking to the police, social issues such as voting and civil rights to give information on the justice system and how it affects students’ lives. 

A group spent their Saturday morning and afternoon to gain social and political information and talk about what goes on in their community.

“The good thing I like the most is that there is a lot of youth here. So starting the conversation of political awareness as social justice and action, things that they can do. I was in one of the workshops, it was the juvenile justice jeopardy, it was so eye opening, it was a lot of things that I didn’t even know myself. So just allowing them to have that conversation about black youth, I think it’s really important,” said Tahnea Carter, a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

The forum was sponsored by a collective of groups that included the Alpha Kappa Alphas, the Delta Sigma Thetas and Umoja from both Cerritos and Long Beach.  

There was a voting booth set up where people could walk up and register to vote. 

Delta Sigma Theta oversaw the booth during the entire event and informed people about their voting rights and how to start voting and registration process.

“We are here tabling about getting the word about registering to vote, so if anyone isn’t registered, we have place cards here where they can register and we just take them down to the post office for them,” Tahnea Carter said.

Long Beach City College’s Umoja club joined in on the planning along with club president Elijah Harris and club member Sierra Kerr.

Umoja president Elijah Harris (left) and Umoja club member Sierra Kerr (right), listening in on Pastor Lloyd Scott. Photo by Arlene Hawkins.

“I came in support of one of the teachers that I mentor for. I’m mentoring her middle school students as well as showing up for Umoja,” Sierra Kerr said.

Umoja mentored the youth to help them learn about reaching for bigger opportunities as well as providing reassurance to make sure there is no pressure about pursuing academic related goals. 

“Umoja’s part is mainly mentoring as well as helping with the children, we’re basically here to show kids that their future is so much brighter than what they would normally see on the streets. We do have a large population of homeless people in LA as well as a large population of unemployed African Americans. We really want to show students that you can be successful although it may look like you can’t. We’re here to showcase that community colleges is fine, universities are fine, Cal States are fine. Whichever route you choose to take, which is best for you is perfectly fine for you and that’s what you should strive for. As well as your community,” Sierra Kerr said. 

The event discussed topics from voting rights, changes in the political system, knowing what your voting rights are and how to be aware of surroundings in the black community.

Pastor Lloyd Scott from New Life LA Church talks about violence in the Black community and his experiences with it. Photo by Arlene Hawkins.

Chair of the coalition committee Ronic Tatum emceed the event. The event was an idea she thought of back in March, during her time in Washington D.C. for a political awareness event. 

“I hope that people will be empowered. I feel that they gain knowledge and knowledge brings forth power so I hope that they will be empowered to take what they learn back into their communities, their churches, into their homes, jobs and get the word out. We learn about information about the 2020 census. The changes with the voting process, how to interact with police. So just take the information back and get it back to your family and friends who couldn’t be here and continue to spread the word and education to others,” Ronic Tatum explained.

Over a 100 people attended the event who with a mixture of both adults and teenagers who went to learn more about political and social awareness in the African American community. 

Storm causes LBCC power outage

Sebastian Angulo
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Storm causes LBCC power outage

Long Beach City College’s Liberal Arts Campus had their power go out today due to a storm that affected several parts of the city.

According to Southern California Edison, the power went out in parts of Lakewood and Long Beach at 10:56 AM. 

The street light between Clark Ave. and Faculty was out and Long Beach Police Department was on campus. Officers arrived to notify students to take the bridge over Carson or use the crosswalk on Clark avenue to move across the LAC campus.

The power was restored throughout campus at 12:30 the following afternoon.

The LBCC Vikings add more gold to their trophy cabinet

Isaiah Zuniga
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The LBCC Vikings add more gold to their trophy cabinet

Freshman quarterback Derrach West totaled 125 passing yards as the Vikings defeated visiting team Southwestern Jaguars with a score of 20-16 for the Southern California Bowl game on Saturday.

West was also given the Player of the Game Award as he led in passing yards, and defensive linemen Divine Obichere was awarded Most Valuable Player award as he led the team with seven tackles for the 2019 bowl Game.

The Jaguars led in the first quarter with a field goal and a touchdown putting the score at 10-0.

Before suffering a knee injury in the early second quarter of the game, LBCC wide receiver Julian Woodard managed to score a touchdown with a three yard pass from quarterback West putting up the first points for the Vikings.

The Vikings went for the two-point conversion and did not get it, leaving the Jaguars with a 10-6 lead. 

Defensive linebacker D’Anthony Jones had an interception with a 15 yard return. 

West followed with a 42 yard pass complete to wide receiver Zion Bowens as he scored the second touchdown leaving the score at 10-13.

Photo by Isaiah Zuniga/Viking Staff. Talaun Patton had a game high 139 yards, with his largest gain being 28 yards in LBCC”s victory.

Bowens ended with one touchdown and 69 total yards.

“I had one touchdown, I feel like I could’ve done better but it still feels good to put points on the board,” said Bowens.

Coming into the second quarter of the game Jaguars made their final touchdown 16-13.

Defensive back Alex Brown brought the final points for LBCC after recovering a fumble in the endzone leaving the final score of 20-16. 

The defense on both teams came out strong, leaving both teams unable to score for the third and final quarter.

“We came out strong, I started pretty strong but we just had to finish fast at the end and finish how we started” said West “Overall I’m happy with the outcome of the game,” Peabody said. 

Head coach Brett Peabody celebrated his fifth bowl game win at LBCC. 

“It has been an honor coaching this group of young and talented men.” said Peabody. “Coming into this season I didn’t know what to expect but I was very impressed with each and every individual.” 

This game marks the final win of the season for the LBCC football team, they ended their overall record with 7-3 and 4-1 in the conference. 

New PCC parking structure will be 100% self-sustainable

Sebastian Angulo
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New PCC parking structure will be 100% self-sustainable

The new multi-level parking structure at PCC is currently undergoing construction, with an estimated $21.5 million projection cost. 

PCC’s new parking structure is almost identical of the parking structure at LAC, the structure will also be outfitted with solar panels on top, similar to LAC’s parking structure, making it 100% self sustainable.

Walter Johnson, Senior Director of facilities planning spoke on the new parking structure.

“The new parking structure is now two weeks into construction, we put fences up and started the civil parts of it. We are also currently working on the ground utilities before the rainy season hits.” 

LBCC is now pushing for a more sustainable environment, as all of our buildings have met the net zero energy goal. A zero net energy building utilizes renewable energy, consuming no more energy than it produces.

“We are aware of the impact of global warming, we’re currently attempting to reduce our carbon footprint by designing efficient buildings, and implementing sustainability measures,” Johnson said. 

The structure will be four stories, consisting of five hundred parking stalls, 33 charging stations for electric vehicles, and 45 clean air vehicle spaces. 

According to LBCC’s 2041 Master Plan, the new parking structure shall address the long term student and staff parking needs associated with the construction of a number of new instructional buildings at PCC.

Although, student, Dewayne Armestead Jr. had differing views on the parking issue.

“The parking lot is generally empty, it’s relatively easy to find parking.” 

Student, Jessica Tang also had the same views, “Parking is fairly moderate at PCC, it’s not too hard to find parking.” 

LBCC is holding a ground-breaking ceremony for the new structure on December 8 to celebrate the first day of construction for the parking structure.

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