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Justice Scholars advocate for the formerly incarcerated

Anyssa Staine
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Justice Scholars advocate for the formerly incarcerated

Correction: The Justice Scholars recently became an institutionalized program, not an official department at Long Beach City College.

For three years now, the Justice Scholars at Long Beach City College have supported formerly incarcerated students to transition back into college as smoothly as possible.

Once a club at the college, the Justice Scholars recently became an institutionalized program at LBCC.

For Justice Scholars Advisor Annahita Mahdavi, the student association is all about giving opportunities and opening doors to an underserved population.

Having been a refugee from a very young age and then working within the adult and juvenile justice systems, Mahdavi’s life experiences with the fight for freedom, social justice, and equity served as the catalyst that would begin the Justice Scholars.

Services available include assistance navigating the college system, including financial aid service, academic advisory and registration. 

Additional services include job skills and assistance with legal matters such as expungement, which is to set aside one’s criminal convictions, which may help with finding employment.

“I don’t want to take credit for this. This wouldn’t happen without the students,” Mahdavi said.

“It’s the students that started wanting to make changes.”

Since the club’s start in 2016, the Justice Scholars have been leaders in not only enrollment for the club but also in its retention.

Many sources of inspiration around Professor Annahita Mahdavi’s office demonstrate social justice themes. Photo by Tess Kazenoff.

According to club senate member Denise Walker, the Justice Scholar club needs special attention because of how much the club offers for formerly incarcerated students.

Much of the retention at the Justice Scholars has to do with the club’s president, Anthony Yracheta.

This semester will be Yracheta’s second semester in the president position as he looks to keep the success he has formerly had with the club.

“We welcome anyone who wants to join with open arms and let them know that they are apart of our family here on campus,” Yracheta said.

“I always put myself out there and let people know that I’m here and happy to help them out in anyway I can.”

In an effort to replicate the club’s efforts on a larger scale, Justice Scholars is looking forward to a grand opening of the Justice Scholars Center this semester.

“We are here to support them, they can feel safe here, and their identities will be confidential. They will find a home here with us,” Mahdavi said.

Video: Mindful Vikings – Join a Club day

abel reyes
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Video: Mindful Vikings – Join a Club day

This is the Pilot episode to Mindful Vikings, a bi-weekly video podcast meant to spread awareness and relieve stigma about mental health for college students.

In this episode, Viking News talks to students at Join a Club Day, asking about their personal experiences with mental health and why it is an important issue to talk about on campus.

The Bakery and Bistro is back in business

Jordan Parks
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The Bakery and Bistro is back in business

As the semester starts again, horchata, lemonade, espressos and sandwiches are only a few things students or faculty can enjoy at the bakery and bistro at Long Beach City College. 

The bakery and bistro is open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday at the V Building at LAC.

The bakery is almost entirely student run and produces everything in-house made by advanced level culinary students. 

The culinary arts department provides hands on experience for its students which allows them to become more accustomed to a professional culinary environment.

Photo by : Savannah Gomez/Viking staff. One of the many desserts that are offered at the bakery and bistro that are made fresh by students.

“We are trying to work on some morning buns, which is a little different than other semesters or cruffins. They’re a laminated dough and we’ll fill them with lemon curd and top them with a little meringue. So, that’s kind of like a sweet treat with coffee, so that’s a new one,” Taylor Narz said, lead of the viennoiserie team.

Chef instructor Chris Young is beginning her first year as head of department for the bakery, which was previously under the management of Chef Pierre Jues.

“We’ve tried to do some specialty items for different holidays. So, maybe during the fall you’ll see a pumpkin cupcake or muffin or something like that,” Young said.

Young teaches advance bakery operations and practicum, which are the final courses required before a culinary student can graduate.

Each culinary classroom kitchen is equipped with top of the line cooking equipment for students to familiarize themselves with industry grade equipment.

“Depends on the time of the day. If it’s in the morning, of course little bread bites and some coffee,”culinary student Eduardo Cruz said.

And towards the middle of the day, some sweets maybe or some deserts and I guess just tailor to the time of day.”

Reservations can be made through the bistros phone at (562) 938-4757 and email at bistro@lbcc.edu.

Family legacy continues within Puente program

Anyssa Staine
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Family legacy continues within Puente program

Long Beach City College Freshman Carlos Acha is a fifth-generation college student continuing a sibling legacy as a member of the Puente program, where underrepresented students receive the academic guidance and contact they need to succeed.

Acha, the only boy of six children, enjoys programming games as a hobby and is currently majoring in business.

Beginning with his oldest sister Juana Acha, the Puente program became a central part of the Acha sibling’s college experiences.

“She told us about it, which it then helped influence us that we should also join Puente because it’s a great community and it will also help us with our college applications,” Acha said.

Puente offers various resources to its members such as university tours, transfer workshops, a mentor match and academic counseling sessions free from appointment scheduling.

Puente English instructor Darya Myers and Puente counselor Vidal Vargas both lead the program.

The program also hosts events for members to participate in like Noche de Familia, where Puente members bring their families, friends, and educational supporters to connect and learn of upcoming events being held for members.

“This year we’re doing it as a potluck and we are offering students an opportunity to bring their favorite foods to share with the familia and they get to tell us why that is their favorite food,” said Myers.

In keeping with tradition, the Acha siblings have always brought birria, a Mexican dish from Jalisco.

“It’s always finished by the end of the night,” Acha said.

Acha also talked about his family’s relationship with one of LBCC’s English instructors Margaret Shannon, who had been the Puente professor for his older sisters.

Puente student Carlos Acha at the LAC library. Photo by Savannah Gomez.

Acha said, “If my older sister can’t help me at a certain time with my homework like I need someone to proofread it, I know that I can always go to Dr. Shannon so that she can help me.”

Among Acha’s supporters is his sister Dyana Acha, 19, who has already completed the Puente program.

“I honestly recommend anybody to join Puente, it’s such a great help and it helps you get into universities like my older sister who came from LBCC and transferred to UCLA. Puente is one of the things that helped her a lot,” said Acha’s sister.

Acha’s sister Dyana believes in her brother‘s abilities.

“Even though he is the fifth generation, he will have his own impact on the Puente community. He has his own thing and he’s just a great guy”.

“He’s very straightforward and he knows what he wants in life and he’ll get there,” Dyana said.

The Puente program has been part of the Acha family’s life for five of the siblings and will hopefully continue on with Acha’s youngest sister, a middle school student.

LBCC education profession workshop

Anyssa Staine
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LBCC education profession workshop

The Long Beach City College reading department is hosting a series of education teaching workshops for students interested in becoming educators.

During the September 4 workshop students were led in room L-175 by teacher preparation Coordinator Megan Kaplinsky, who emphasized the importance of field-work experience.

“What we have found is that students that have early field-work experience are better able to choose a pathway and stay on that pathway,” said Kaplinsky.

A student that is hands-on in the classroom will better understand the profession and able to make connections between concepts and practice.

Second-year student Ellice Armstrong was among those in the workshop and is working to become a special education teacher.

“This program offers a lot more than I could have ever expected. I like that there’s a lot of opportunity,” said Armstrong.

The reading department offers an associate in arts degree in elementary teacher education for transfer.

Students who may be unsure or are curious about the field of education would benefit greatly from these workshops.

“I would encourage them to go to an orientation like this one to be inspired and to see what this program has to offer,” said Armstrong.

This program offers students the opportunity to be assigned to an elementary school where they can experience what it is like to work in a classroom environment.

LBCC student Emily Huerta is interested in teaching elementary said, “I am excited to go and actually get involved with the students in the elementary school”.

Huerta was not convinced on becoming an educator until she met Kaplinsky, who influenced her to believe in the power of collaboration making her excited to become an educator.

“Your peers and mentors encourage you and give you words of wisdom,” said Huerta.

Students interested in the education program are encouraged to attend the workshop on October 1 at LAC, Quad E at 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and October 2 at PCC from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m..

Viking fall semester 2019 Horoscopes

Anyssa Staine
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Viking fall semester 2019 Horoscopes

Correction: Incorrect dates on each horoscope have been corrected to their proper dates.

Aries | Ram (March 21 – April 19)

You began your semester with sights set on the horizon. Charge ahead and fiery rams may forget that work must be done in order to get to their desired goals. At some point you must realize you have to let go of old patterns in order to create a new future. Take the time to create a game plan and don’t be afraid to let go of anything that causes you stress. It takes 21 days to create a habit. Ready, Set, Go!

Taurus | Bull (April 20 – May 20)

You spent a lot of time soaking up the sun and sand this summer so it’s no wonder you were bummed to be stuck between four drab walls by the end of August. In true bull style, you’ve managed to make the most of it by spicing up your wardrobe, arranging coffee shop study sessions, and getting all of your supplies early with Amazon Prime. Keep up the positive thinking and take any and every opportunity to use your voice. Not only are people watching, but they’re listening!

Gemini | Twins (May 21 – June 21) 

An expectation falling through severely messed up your mojo before the start of the semester. Get back in the groove by enjoying everything the campus and your surrounding neighborhood has to offer. Go see that play and attend that game. Get the tutoring you need and maybe even find a kindred spirit to connect with. It may help to begin each day by listing three things you are grateful for. Once you begin to appreciate where you are now, you’ll be able to open yourself up to a world of new possibilities and partnerships. Your desires of happiness and fulfillment are easier to reach than you think.

Cancer | Crab (Jun 22-July 22)

You overcame a lot of fear in order to see your goals from a new perspective. A water sign, Crabs emotions play a big role in decision making. Instead of drowning in obligations and anxiety, take a mental health day to step back a re-prioritize where needed. Make it a habit to celebrate the highs and lows of this semester with equal regard so you can appreciate the span of your emotional range and take control of your path.

Leo | Lion (July 23 – August 22)

You’re like a cat chasing their tail! With so many possibilities in front of you, you are starting to lose sight of why you began this journey in the first place. You have a nurturing disposition and people naturally look to you to be a leader. But you don’t need to roar to get their attention, Lion! Leading by example can easily do the trick with minimal effort. Continue to be yourself and by the end of the semester you’ll have a clearer understanding of your purpose.

Virgo | The Virgin (August 23 – September 22)

You’ve learned to trust your intuition and let it guide you to make choices that are best for you. Congratulations! In doing so you’ve begun to reap the rewards of all your hard work. Dean’s List, anyone?! With so many achievements you’ve become swept up in a whirlwind of fabulous celebrations and new opportunities. Before diving headfirst into a new position, use that practicality to ask the right questions and get all the facts of a situation before passing judgement. You’re one of the most detail-oriented signs in the zodiac, use it to your advantage.

Libra | Scale (September 23 – October 23)

You built such a solid foundation for yourself coming into this semester that you may begin to get frustrated when things don’t go according to plan. Patience is the only virtue you are lacking and when you lose patience, you lose your cool! Trust the process and remember this isn’t a time for any negative self-talk. The moment you begin to doubt yourself your momentum will slow down. Take the time to check in with financial aid or attend an upcoming financial workshop to make sure your money is in order as you prepare for this new phase of your life.

Scorpio | Scorpion (October 24 – November 21)

A deep and intense sign, you are never one to back down from a challenge as you understand this is where you grow the most. You endured a lot to achieve a school-work-life balance and are beginning to see how all aspects of your life can work in harmony together. Now that you’ve gotten that out of the way, it is time to move into your personal power. You have the determination to be victorious in your pursuits, the only question is: will you be disciplined? It would fare you well to remember that you have support within you and around you to achieve your desired goals.

Sagittarius | The Archer (November 22 – December 21)

Half human, half horse, you know that it takes trust to create a committed connection or partnership. This can also mean learning to trust yourself. Your beliefs or actions may be questioned by your own tribe and that’s okay. Stand your ground where needed but be open to new strategies if you get stuck. Take any opportunity to find resources available to you on campus like speaking with your counselor or grabbing a snack at the Viking Vault to refuel. You are naturally courageous and know how to master your innate abilities. Stay focused on your goal and you will reach it with ease a grace. 

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

Goal oriented goats prepared for the semester by facing problems with an air of calm instead of getting bogged down by the changes to their schedule. It’s as if you’ve learned to adapt to opposing forces overnight, and good thing because it’s allowing you to see your next steps as if they were drawn in the stars just for you. If you feel a wave of adrenaline to pull an all-nighter and still make it to your lunch shift, then do so with enthusiasm. Your peers will be drawn to your infectious energy and may even lend a helping hand along the way. Not that you need it, Cap, but we do get by with a little help from our friends!

Aquarius | Water Bearer (January 20 – February 18)

You spent the summer being comfortable in your skin and it shows, Aqua! You’ve learned to turn your nurturing nature inward and have achieved a new level of confidence that has propelled you forward into the semester with great power. Use this creative force to find a newfound passion. It’s time to start planning for your goals long term, instead of hopping from one idea to the next. It might be time to reconsider your major or dream school. A huge change is coming your way. Take the time to reap the benefits of your rewards and know that you have the solution to any problem.

Pisces | Fish (February 19 – March 20)

You’ve come at a crossroads. It’s as if you can’t decide which path to take, but you are enjoying this period of calm as you contemplate your next move. It’s important that you continue to glide through these waters at a pace that feels right to you. You already possess the skills needed to achieve your goals now it’s time to align yourself with like minded people and situations. Take any opportunity to meet new people or plan an outing with your classmates. A conversation with them may just spark your next idea. 

Board Editorial: Student Trustee needs to do his job

Tyana Sallis
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During a very crucial decision that the Board of Trustees had to make this year in Aug., Student Trustee Donnell Jones purposely went to the restroom to avoid a vote that would censure a fellow trustee.

At a summer board meeting President Vivian Malauulu and Trustee Sunny Zia had a public dispute, leading to comments about Malauulu’s Christain faith from Zia. 

The dispute has led to Zia being censured, a formal statement which expresses a severe disapproval.

The censure may not have any immediate impact on students, but has the potential to cause further issue with the board.

The student trustee is the only paid position a student can carry on the board of trustees, and represents the voice of students at Long Beach City College.

It is imperative that Jones be present and vocal during important discussions and meetings.

Though Jones was not present during the meeting in July where Zia and Malauulu had their dispute, board meetings are posted to YouTube shortly after each meeting and remain there for anyone to view.

According to the Community College League of California, the primary responsibility for all trustees is to attend all open board meetings and to prepare, study issues and ask questions.

Before the board voted to censure Zia, a motion was passed that would allow Jones to have his advisory vote go before the board’s vote for the rest of the semester, in order to have a better representation of student voices.

Since Jones now has the opportunity to influence the vote of the trustees, Jones must use his new advisory vote whenever it could make an impact.

Issues such as the censure are prime opportunities for the student trustee to take a stance on whether a censure is too excessive or not.

As the student trustee, Jones must be vocal and ask questions that he believes the students would want or need to be answered on our behalf and be present for all votes where our voice is meant to be heard. 

New life for Queer Space?

abel reyes
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New life for Queer Space?

Former Queer Space club member Shoup Shoup scouted signatures at LAC’s join a club day to jumpstart the revival of Queer Space.

Shoup is currently president of the geology club, vice president of club senate and a geology Major. She was a member of Queer Space before it disbanded early 2019.

“I haven’t been involved in Queer Space in a few semesters. But I think the last couple of semesters people transferred and it didn’t really get picked up. I didn’t see them tabling or doing anything so I just assumed the club had disbanded,” Shoup said.

“I saw that they didn’t have Queer Space this semester, I think it’s an important resource to have on campus. Even if it’s not like a super active club, I think it’s important to have it as a resource where people can message each other or find out things on campus going on.”

Former vice president of Queer Space, LBCC alumni, and safe sex advocator Benjamin Lomeli was at join a club day, answering questions and debunking common misconceptions students may have had about sex.

“I graduated in 2017 so when I was here we had Queer Space, which was the only LGBT club on campus. We invited Bienestar to come and do a presentation on safe sex and now I’m working for that same organization hoping to build relationships at Long Beach City College again and hopefully support students here who want to bring back Queer Space,” Lomeli said. 

Lomeli mentioned  how past members who transferred from LBCC, went on to pursue other opportunities.

“I think a large part of it falls on the school itself. The school should be responsible for creating spaces that are stable for LGBT students. I don’t think Long Beach City College has made the effort to create infrastructure for that. I mean, we were pretty well supported but there’s only so much that students can do. At some point, the school has to step in and support us as well,” Lomeli continued.

The Bienestar advocator went on to explain the process of starting a club, the number of signatures required and the average number of members needed to attend club meetings to keep it alive.

“There was a time where we had about twenty plus students coming to our meetings, we would organize rallies, we would organize campus events like open mics, we were well connected with the mayor of Long Beach, the center. Yeah, we were pretty active when we were here,” Lomemi said.

Shoup’s responsibilities with the geology club and club Senate took up most of their time so there was no time to participate in any of Queer Space’s activities or meetings.

Shoup has been interested in starting up an instagram page or an email that will notify people who are interested about resources or LGBT related events.

 I probably can’t do all that by myself so maybe next semester we’ll have like a big, good group of people that want to be involved in building it,” said Shoup.

Political science major Audrey Ridenour gave her opinion on the possible return of Queer Space.

“I’ve heard about it. I never really got to connect with the Queer Space group. It was pretty short lived, everybody graduated is what I heard. So I was looking forward to it when I heard that they are gonna have it, I’m really excited,” Ridenour said.

If Queer Space returns to LBCC, the club will have the find an advisor and a president to represent the club.

Romali calls Miami Herald article ‘racist’

abel reyes
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Romali calls Miami Herald article ‘racist’

Clarification: Wording in the caption of the photo was edited to better reflect the situation.

Superintendent-President Reagan Romali called a Miami Herald article racist that raised questions on her credibility for supposedly having a meeting with three gang leaders at her previous college.

“I felt it was inherently racist,” Romali said in an interview on Tuesday.

“To assume that three young gentlemen of color couldn’t sit in the office of the president … everybody deserves to sit in the office of the president.”

The article was published in July, after Romali’s video interview for the Miami Dade College presidency was released to the public.

In the video, Romali responds to a question about safety and talks about how she had a meeting with three gang leaders when she was president of Harry S. Truman College in Chicago.

The Miami Herald did not find any credible information that proves Romali had a meeting with three gang leaders.

Romali also did not give the names of the gang leaders, citing FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

“If the Miami Herald didn’t find that credible, I’m sorry,” Romali said.

Colleen Wright, who wrote the article for the Miami Herald, stands by her reporting and said she was only trying to fact check what Romali claimed. 

“I don’t agree with that comment, it wasn’t a story about gang leaders, it was only fact checking what she said,” Wright said. 

Miami Dade College board of trustees eventually scrapped the process of a presidential search and started over, which led Romali out of contention for the job.

Vikings fall short on home opener

Isaiah Zuniga
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Vikings fall short on home opener

The Long Beach City College football team fell short against Mt. San Antonio College with a score of 36-20 for their home opener on Saturday night at the Veterans Stadium.

Before kickoff, the team took a moment of silence to remember Brent Le Roux, a former teammate who passed away due to an accidental overdose this summer.

Coming off a win in the season opener, the Vikings came out struggling and couldn’t get the offense going, ultimately coming away with a loss, and now hold an overall record of 1-1.

Linebacker DeAnthony Jones was disappointed with the loss vs Mt. San Antonio but will push stronger for next game.

“One of our biggest goals as a team this season is to not lose at our home, we unfortunately lost but we have the rest of the season ahead of us,” Jones said.

Jones ended the game with a total of five tackles.


Photo by Arlene Guerrero/Viking Staff. Long Beach City College offense goes for run against Mt. San Antonio at the Veterans Stadium on Sept 4th for their first home game of the season.

The Vikings struggled on offense, trying to make a play and not getting on the scoreboard for the first half.

Mt. San Antonio scored two touchdowns in the first half, and then followed with a safety.

The Mounties did not give the Vikings a chance to score and forced them into halftime with a score of 22-0.

“Mt. San Antonio just came out to play we dug a huge hole for ourselves, and as much as we tried to come out we fell short,” head coach Bret Peabody said.


Coming into the second half, Mounties scored another touchdown leaving the score at 29-0.

Freshman wide receiver for the Vikings, Julian Woodard, followed with a 32 yard pass from Derrah West, giving the Viking first touchdown  of the game.

Vikings scored another touchdown from the 38 yard line from freshmen Saeed Galooway leaving the score at 29-14.

Mounties scored their final touchdown in the fourth quarter, and the Vikings had a 42 yard pass complete from Dominic Wingfield leaving the final score at 36-20.

Although the Vikings fell short on their home game opener, defensive back Derrick Williams ensured they will come back stronger.

“We can’t put our head downs yet, we have the whole season left,” Williams said.

“This loss will only make us stronger for the next games ahead of us.”

The Vikings will come back out to the field on Sept 21 at 6pm at LA Valley College.

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