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Opinion: Campus safety

Sabrina Picou
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Opinion: Campus safety

Long Beach City College students should brief themselves on campus safety statistics to become more aware of campus crime. Both campuses have the resources to inform students, and that benefits the school and students as a whole.

According to the LBCC annual security report both the LAC and the PCC still have occurrences when it comes to robbery, vehicle thefts, and burglaries.

As more incidents occur that have to deal with on campus danger, security needs to be prepared with dealing with over 108 incidents that happened in the past four years. Safety awareness, such as reading the annual security reports can potentially lower those numbers because of how helpful it can be.

Just recently both the LAC and the PCC added a combined of 600 cameras. With 600 cameras now installed LBCC can ensure the crimes that happen on campus will be recorded and be available to police for investigation.

Additionally, according to Lubert Iglesia the Interim Manager for EHS & Parking Services, an approximately of $2.9 million are for the police services and the maintenance of existing safety resources.

A topic that is still a concern for many people is the possibility of gun violence on campus.

The 2014 police involved shooting that happened at PCC is an avid reminder that it can happen anywhere and at anytime, in the same vein if you see something, even if it’s not on or near a college campus, say something.

In addition to gun violence, according to the California Megan’s Law website there are at least 33 sex offenders in a 2 mile radius from the LAC campus and at least 64 sex offenders in a 2 mile radius from the PCC campus.

Additionally,  PCC is oddly located in a crime filled area with 213 crime reports in the past 6 months according to the CrimeReports website.

LBCC has emergency phones scattered on both campuses which you can find out where they are on either campus maps. Students, faculty, and staff can arrange to meet a safety escort to your car or class which you find on the LBCC website under resources.

Being aware of your surroundings is a step in the right direction, not having your earphones on when walking on campus especially at night is something that can apply to everyone on campus. A safety escort may make you feel more secure if you feel unsafe.

Preview: Theater department presents ‘Rumors’

Alyssa Vega
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Preview: Theater department presents ‘Rumors’

Crime, mystery, and a story that gets more scandalous by the minute, “Rumors” is a fun-for-all comedy production ready to entertain all who step through the doors on opening night.

“Rumors” by Neil Simon first ran at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, Calif. on Sept. 22, 1988. It was Simon’s first farce play and will be a first for many of those participating in the adaptation of the play presented by the LBCC theater company.

Actress Cassey Howard who double majors in theater and psychology, and who also plays the role of “Chris Gorman” says she can’t wait to “wow” the audiences with her performance, which she says kicked her back into the spotlight after almost a semester off of performing.

She also tells folks to “watch out” because her character is a show stopper and one feisty woman.  

Another actor who is eager to impress the audience with a talent for theater is Emmanuel Aguilar, who says his love of farce style plays fuels his excitement even more for “Rumors.”

Aguilar is also adding his love and respect for both creator Neil Simon and director Jeff Paul into his performance.

He mentions that “he’s heard good things about Jeff” and that he’s an awesome guy to work with which makes him all the more excited to work on this play.

Diving into more questions about the company itself, Paul revealed that the theme for this season is going to be “Crime and Punishment” at which point he wholeheartedly decided that “Rumors” had to be on the roster.

Paul’s short verbal synopsis of the play, without revealing too much, is that the characters are all trying to cover up what they “think” is a crime. That way the police do not find out, but no one really knows what the whole story is.

When asked about the behind the scenes magic it takes to pull off a play like this, Paul says much of the work goes into “making it look like not much work at all” which makes for much more believable acting.

Many of the actors agree it is like “performing gymnastics” on stage as Paul states, but that it is a labor of love and what fuels their passions for the performing arts.

Cassey humorously added “if you aren’t sweating by the end, you didn’t do your job,” which displays what the mindset of many of these actors and actresses who go above and beyond to entertain college level patrons.

They end off rehearsal by saying they are confident in an amazing turn out for opening night, and for the whole week they are performing.

“Rumors” is playing Oct.11-21 in Building H at the LBCC studio theater.

Fashion merchandising students side with banning fur products

Alyssa Vega
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Fashion merchandising students side with banning fur products

Since Los Angeles is taking steps to ban fur, LBCC students think Long Beach should do it as well.

Los Angeles would be the first major city to ban businesses from selling fur products but it is not the first city in California to do so.

Cities like San Francisco, West Hollywood, and Berkeley already have made an effort to stop businesses from selling fur products.

Stephanie Estrada, a fashion design major and also part of the fashion network club said, “It’s great that they are doing that. More people will notice. I think Long Beach City should to do it as well.”

Los Angeles is planning to ban businesses from selling fur products like clothes or hats or trendy keychains for your purses unless they were selling used goods.

Carissa DaCosta, a LBCC student who is planning on changing her major to fashion design said, “I feel like even getting those materials to make the outfits are not worth it like the profits may be very expensive because they are high in demand, it’s so easy to duplicate especially with this wave of like consciousness with college students or whatever and becoming vegan and vegetarian and becoming more aware. I feel like it’ll be harder to sell those and not worth the profit.”

Los Angeles is one of the major fashion capitals of the world and students believe that if they officially ban fur products then that might encourage small cities like Long Beach to do the same.

“I feel like it’s definitely good because to skin one animal or five animals for one fur coat is definitely not worth it no matter how much you price it,” DaCosta said.

If Long Beach decided to follow behind Los Angeles footsteps it might make a difference to students here studying in the fashion department at LBCC

If students wanted to make a business here in Long Beach or in Los Angeles, using fur or any animal products would be prohibited for clothing.

Rebecca Haerrington, a fashion major and a member of the fashion network club said, “ I have always been for industries banning cruelty. I’m all for it but I think it is not possible for this industry, especially in L.A. because it’s the No.1 fashion industry.”

Some students support it but they also think it is not possible because fur and animal products have been a big part of the fashion industry for such a long time.

“It depends how specific you want to get. Specifically leather and suede is the leftover of what we are already eating. It’s not really cruelty because it is already dead. It was not killed for suede and leather, it was killed for food.” Estrada said.

Leather and suede are known to be long lasting and also a big part of fashion nowadays but they do count as animal products.

Some high-end fashion designers already have made a stand of not using fur in their products any more like Versace, Gucci, Tom Ford, Givenchy, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, and Ralph Lauren.

Opinion: Confused students need a campus tour

Sabrina Picou
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Opinion: Confused students need a campus tour

LBCC needs to familiarize their first year students with both LAC and PCC to make the transition easier from high school to a city college.

The college  has a mandatory online orientation for first year students applying to LBCC in which they also take an assessment test and a planned workshop where they meet with a counselor and plan their academic schedule.

What LBCC lacks is an attempt to get the students familiar with the campuses and how to locate the various resources that can make their college experience less intimidating..

All across America various universities require a first year student to attend a mandatory orientation.

During this orientation the students get a detailed tour of the campus that shows the students  where all the departments are at, however, for a community college this idea of an orientation might be a bit different.

A lot of first year college students might be overwhelmed with the idea that they’re attending college for the first time and might be intimidated on the first day of school with trying to find their classes.

LBCC has an enrollment of approximately 26,000 students with most of them being at LAC. The first few weeks of school are always a hassle with so many students on campus at the same time.

I’ve had a few classes at PCC my last couple semesters and I’m still not sure where everything is located.

Former newspaper advisor Pat Mckean scheduled a tour of PCC  for the intro to reporting class.

While I was there I found out that PCC had a game center with various video games and a horticulture garden and program..

Some first year students might know the basics including where the counseling building is, where the financial aid office is, and where the cafeteria is located, however, the numerous services the college provides needs to come to the forefront.

When I started my first year at LBCC I was confused at where the buildings were at and only knew the main buildings that were labeled.

There should be an orientation where students are able  to pay for a parking permit and take care of any other fees, as well as get their id picture taken, and maybe ask some questions to any alumni students of the school who may be volunteering for the orientation.

The school should provide a mandatory campus tour for both LAC and PCC during orientation.

If you were to want a tour of the school beforehand you can contact Sean Cully via email s2cully@lbcc.edu

Giving the students a detailed tour of the campus can help them assimilate to campus culture and experience.

Hundreds rally against sexual injustice at SlutWalk in DTLA (Photo gallery)

sydney fredericks-selby
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Hundreds rally against sexual injustice at SlutWalk in DTLA (Photo gallery)

The Amber Rose’s 4th Annual SlutWalk makes it appearance in Downtown Los Angeles at the Pershing Square on Saturday.

Amber Rose is known as an activist, entrepreneur, author, and social media personality.

Rose created the SlutWalk in Downtown Los Angeles to raise awareness about sexual injustice, gender equality, victim blaming, body shaming, and other social injustice issues.

Rose believed this SlutWalk was an important time for people to speak out.

According to their organization, their press kit received a quote from Amber Rose.

“It is a crucial time right now – especially with midterm elections being a month out – that we use our voices to speak out about social injustices that are affecting me, you, and our children because we can do better.” Rose said.

This was a nonprofit event.

The Amber Rose’s SlutWalk was a day festival for everyone. The day festival includes activities, vendors, sign making, and performances.

In the morning at 10 a.m., the day festival had a march from 1st and Hill Street to 5th and Hill Street to Pershing Square.

People that attended the march were making signs, dancing, and taking photos.

The ASB LAC club president, Heidi Alsangak, felt uncomfortable walking to the event because people were staring. Alsangak remember the reason why she was there and held her head high and walked confidently.

“I was taking back my power and realized I was not what others may believe, may clothes do not define me, and that world slut has no meaning.” Alsangak said.

Protestors at the march that were against the SlutWalk yelled, “Everyone here is going to die,” at the crowds.

Lifestyle blogger, Catherine Harris, experienced her first time at the Amber Rose SlutWalk on Saturday.

“It is a community for all us. There is no bullying and becoming one. It is becoming one like a family and loving one another.“ Harris said.

At noon people were allowed to come into the event if they registered at the entrance beforehand.

Artist of media and photography, Asia Dunn experienced her first time at the event.

Dunn believed there was great energy at the event. “It is a movement for victims of sexual assault or rape. I really appreciate what Amber is doing for us.” Dunn said.

The event offered food trucks, vendors, pole classes, and performances of different acts.

There was a live DJ, DJ Carimsa, that curated the performances. The performances included musical performances from the artists, Saweetie, Toni Romiti, and other celebrity guest appearances. Also, there was dance performances from volunteers at the event.

Opinion: Voting is not enough

Sabrina Picou
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The 50-48 vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh as an associate justice of the Supreme Court on Saturday has left some people discouraged, excited, and even energized.

To those who do feel disappointed about Kavanaugh’s confirmation, this is not a time to feel like your voice will not be heard but rather a time to step up and do more than vote.

For those that are having feelings of discouragement and a loss of faith in our system there is more to be done than voting in the upcoming November election.

Being active in your community and reaching out to reluctant voters is a proactive way to do more than going to the polls.

A way to reach out to your community is to join a 1-800 Hotline to help inform voters on sample ballot booklets, poll locations, and ensuring accessibility of information to voters and those who are interested.

Attending city council meetings are an important way to be active in your city’s current issues and to hear what is the latest topic of conversation. By attending a city council meeting, you have the opportunity to have your voice heard by those who have authority in the decision making process.

Consider joining a non-partisan political organization like The League of Women Voters who host candidate forums and debates for the public to be a part of as well as supporting women’s rights and voting.

There are other organizations available that support a variety of issues that may align to more than one political value.

One political organization that is dedicated to push for more choice for voters and better representation to every citizen is the National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers. According to their website, the nonpartisan organization “established an association of nonpartisan, reformerd-oriented organizations and individuals that can facilitate shared resources, and establish common objectives.”

Regardless of party affiliation or beliefs this is a time where voting is only the first step in getting active in politics.

Calling the elected officials is one way to get in touch with issues taking place in your district and having the official hear the constituents voice. The most simple way to contact or find an elected official is to visit usa.gov/elected-officials.

Voting is one way to be active in your community and the political process, but there is always more to be done. Voting is just one way out of many to get your voice heard, for example participating in a 1-800 Hotline, attending city council meetings, and joining a nonpartisan organization are just a few ways that can make a difference in your community.

Despite the many views on the confirmation of Kavanaugh in the Supreme Court there must still be participation on all sides. Especially to those who were left with a somber feeling after Saturday’s vote, participating in the community and being active by doing more than voting is the way to ensure voices are not silenced.

The percussion ensemble class is tailored for old and new musicians

Alyssa Vega
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The percussion ensemble class is tailored for old and new musicians

Student musicians gathered at the G building at LAC on Sept. 28, to rehearse for their percussion ensemble class.

The rehearsal lasted three hours and included several students performing various musical movements, all on percussion instruments.

Professor Gary Heaton-Smith led the ensemble by using a Doumbek to help the students keep the rhythm.

“The class is for beginners and new musicians,” said professor Hewton-Smith. “We tailor our class to each student’s skill level.”

Throughout the rehearsal, the professor would guide the students with quick instructions as the performance went on.

Despite being more of an elective, the class allows fellow student musicians to hone their skills and bond with one another.

Student musician Khalil Kweli, who usually plays solo instruments like the drums or piano, explained that it “helps balance my sound and work with others.”

Despite fatigue setting in late in the rehearsal, the student musicians pulled through with their performance.

With every rehearsal being three hours, the students are given the time to be ready for the final.

“This is like a percussion class with a recital at the end,” said student Kirk Wilson.

According to professor Heaton-Smith, the final will take place on November 30 in the classroom. The final will feature three musical pieces of varying difficulty.

Second-year professor at LBCC has high praises from his students. “He’s very chill and understanding,” student Khalil Kweli said.

The sense of unity was proudly on display, with students using percussion instruments like the marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, mark tree, and even a suspended cymbal.

 

    

     

Vikings ground the Falcons to win Crosstown Cup

steven matthews
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Vikings ground the Falcons to win Crosstown Cup

Running back Pierre Robinson rushed for 90 yards and scored a total of two touchdowns to lead Long Beach City College over host Cerritos College Falcons 46-32 on Saturday night at Falcon Stadium for the Crosstown Cup.

The Viking’s offense showed up against the Falcons with a touchdown completed by running back Raphael Jones by the end of the first quarter keeping the Vikings with a 7-0 lead.

Sophomore kicker Augustine Delgadillo made a 22 yard field goal in the second quarter bringing the Vikings to a 10-6 lead.

Augustine Delgadillo completes first field goal.

The Falcons briefly spoiled the Vikings lead with a 70 yard run by running back Rhamondre Stevenson bringing Cerritos to a 10-13 lead.

The Vikings came back strong with two more touchdowns by the beginning of the third quarter, bringing them up to a 24-13 lead.

Drake Peabody on Saturday night against Cerritos College Falcons.

In the fourth quarter Drake Peabody completed an 11 yd pass to Milshon Lathan while Jonathan bonds completed a 2 point conversion pass bringing the Vikings to a 39-25 lead against the Falcons.

Quarterback coach Sean Flynn spoke on the teams overall improvement from last weeks game, “I thought we made huge improvements from last weeks game, we really cleaned up and were able to pay more attention to detail which we didn’t do last week and it paid off in this game.”

Freshman running back Pierre Robinson and Sophomore quarterback Drake Peabody played big games Saturday night against the Falcons, with Robinson rushing for 90 yds with two touchdowns and Peabody throwing for 249 yards, including a touchdown through the air and rushing for 9 yards and another touchdown.

Quarterback Drake Peabody rushes for another Viking touchdown.

Coach Flynn has kept his confidence with the team going into conference, “I never lost confidence in the team, we went back and watched the game against Riverside and there were just a lot of things there we didn’t execute.”

Coach Peabody said “We definitely need to keep improving our field goals, we’ve only hit 3 out of 7 of our field goals this season. We also need to tackle better, I don’t think we’ve tackled very well these past two games.”

“I thought overall we played quite well, it was nice to see that when the going got tough and Cerritos started coming back we responded, we got stops in the defense and we continued to score,” said coach Peabody.

The Vikings will be traveling to East Los Angeles to play against the Huskies on Saturday Oct. 13.

 

LBCC cheerleader competes for Miss Teen Long Beach

Alyssa Vega
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LBCC cheerleader competes for Miss Teen Long Beach

After leaving the pageant world for some time, an LBCC biological science major is here to take back her crown.

At the age of four, Blanca Castaneda participated in her first pageant and continued doing so for the next two to three years.

Deciding to focus on other activities, Castaneda took a long break from the glitz and glamour.

During her 8th grade year, she discovered her love for cheerleading which is something she continues to do.

“I started cheerleading in the 8th grade and continued on until 11th grade. I danced my 11th and 12th grade year and resumed cheerleading as a college freshman,” said Castaneda.

She’s currently a member of the LBCC Viking Cheer team with this being her second year on the team.

Now, 18-year-old Castaneda chose this year to resume competing in pageants. Just recently she competed in the Miss Teen California pageant. She advanced to the top ten but did not win. She is set to compete in Miss Teen Long Beach on Nov. 18.

The actual competing process might be harder than most people initially assume. Unlike pageants broadcast on TV, the teen pageants do not have a talent portion. Instead, contestants are asked about their hobbies.

During the competition, the contestants compete in a casual and formal wear event. Following a question and answer event.

Competitors also participate in a series of interviews and training periods before the actual competition.

“The first interview is to determine if you are able to compete and the other is a getting to know you type interview,” Castaneda said. “It’s a lot of driving back and forth.”

According to Castaneda, the best part about being in pageants is being up on the stage. “On stage, it’s my time to shine,” Castaneda said. “All of the attention is on me.”

Castaneda’s teammates from the cheer squad all share similar attitudes about her.

“You won’t be sad around her,” said LBCC cheerleader Marriah Linares.

Linares met Castaneda five months ago when she joined the cheer team.

LBCC cheerleader Mauricio Cerecer has known Castaneda for two years and described her as being “a try hard, she gets serious when she tries.”

Astronomy professor hosts annual planetarium night

Alyssa Vega
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Astronomy professor hosts annual planetarium night

Planetarium Night returns at LBCC as “Pluto and the Kuiper Belt,” on Sept. 28 in the D building room 326 at the LAC.

The event was free and open to LBCC students and faculty and allowed the audience to explore the night sky and virtually travel through the solar system with a 35 foot diameter hemispherical dome.

Astronomy professor Amy Fredericks hosted the first of the four science nights of the fall 2018 semester, as there are a variety of science topics that are covered once a month for every semester.

Fredericks has previously covered multiple events such as science and planetarium night. Fredericks also hosted an event on the exploration of Mars last semester.

“It’s such a beautiful event to host and be apart of; getting people interested in astronomy, space, getting them to want to take an astronomy course and maybe even giving them the idea of majoring in it,” Fredericks said.

The audience was introduced to a new, unlabeled object that the New Horizons Mission Team observed, “Ultima Thule” which passed in front of a star and blocked its light.

Fredericks spoke upon Pluto being demoted from the rest of the planets, and its similarities on Eris, Makemake and Haumea.

Room D326 was filled with a selection of many different students with different interests while being talking about distances in AU’s from the sun and objects in the solar system.

“It’s something that not all people find interesting, but being a biology major, I find anything having to do with science interesting, and I mean who doesn’t like to see the beautiful stars” biology major Ashley Zinoga said

Although a few of the Astronomy professors offer extra credit, a few of the students also wanted to travel through the solar system for curiosity.

“I chose to come not just for the extra credit, but to also see that is beyond our planet and the night sky, I always wondered what it’s like,” student Jonathan Castillo said.

The next night of the Planetarium will be held on Oct. 26 by Douglas McElroy at 7 p.m. where the doors will be open to the public at 6:30 p.m.

Being the first-come-first-serve event, early arrival is encouraged as seats tend to fill up quickly.

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