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Vikings soccer finishes strong with a 4-1 victory against Pasadena

Liam Hollon
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Vikings soccer finishes strong with a 4-1 victory against Pasadena

Long Beach City College midfielder Joshua Grado scored after dribbling through four defenders to help bring the Vikings to their 4-1 victory against Pasadena Community College on Tuesday.

The impressive solo play from Grado got the scoring started early for Long Beach and set the tone for the rest of the match. 

“We’re finally getting to the final phase and getting guys in the right spot, guys are listening a little bit more as well,” Viking head coach Jorge Reyes said. 

After the quick start, the team’s offense slowed down, allowing Pasadena to get the game tied at the half. 

Going into the second half, it was clear that this team was going to need a change of pace and aggression to keep up with this Pasadena team whose confidence was only continuing to grow as the game went on. 

“I think we were able to click after halftime, our coach was talking to us and we had a serious conversation, he knew we had to step up in the field so we followed his plan and were able to execute it,” LBCC midfielder Aaron Hernandez said. 

Long Beach City College Viking midfielder Julian Zarate winds up a kick that went past Pasadena City College’s goalie to score the fourth goal of the game. LBCC soccer field. Long Beach City College beat Pasadena 4-1 on Tuesday at the LBCC soccer field. (Jacyn King)

The Vikings seemed to come out as a whole new squad in the second half, putting up two goals early, the first of which being a set piece that was headed in by Andrew Zavallos. 

“We work on set pieces all the time, the fact that they don’t go in is one thing, but at least twice a week at practice we are heavy on set pieces,” Reyes said.

The second and third goals of the half solidified what was a dominant win for the team, bringing their overall record to 8-5-3. 

“I think it was just the energy coming into the second half compared to the first half, we needed some sort of pep talk that our coach put in our head,” defender Andrew Zevallos said. 

With the playoffs rapidly approaching, wins like this against solid teams are crucial for building confidence in the squad. 

“I feel extremely confident, we have a great group of guys, everybody is a hard worker, and without them I don’t think the team is where it is today,” Hernandez said. 

The Vikings most recent game was against Mt. San Antonio where the game ended tied at two and their regular season will end on Tuesday at Rio Hondo. 

 

Transfer fair helps prospective students

Asa Liberty
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Transfer fair helps prospective students

LBCC’s transfer fair hosted all nine undergraduate UCs, 10 of the CSUs, Pepperdine, GCU and private universities to help students move along their transfer decision process by providing crucial information about their campuses and programs on Tuesday in the A-quad.

Pepperdine University’s recruitment advisor Desiree Williams elaborated on the importance of the Transfer Fair.

“(The fair is important) to help your career for the future, I’ve met students who stayed too long at city college and I was a transfer student myself at Cerritos community college right after 60 units or an AA degree. It’s best that you move on and earn your bachelor’s, it gives you more job opportunities,” Williams said.

LBCC student Julian Sanchez talked about how this transfer fair has helped him out as a transfer student.

“It has helped me by exploring different programs I want to transfer to and just the community in general is just very warm and everybody’s really friendly. The experience here is really fun and making new connections with everybody else,” Sanchez said.

Grand Canyon University (GCU) admissions counselor Briana Carlos expressed the school’s ability to prepare students for hands-on practice.

“We do set you up for hands-on learning, you’re not just sitting in a classroom. You’re very much getting experience at the University which sets you up for job opportunities and internship opportunities when you graduate,” Carlos said.

Biola University’s student admissions ambassador Anna Roth explained what sets Biola’s programs apart from other universities’ programs.

Biola University booth host Anna Roth, left, informs LBCC student Ebube O, right, at LBCC’s Transfer Fair Oct 28, 2025 at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California. The event was held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for LBCC students looking to transfer to universities next semester. (Asa Liberty)

“We actually are the No. 1 Christian school in North America. … We are in the top 27 film schools in the U.S. One of our bigger programs is our film schools offered, but having that Christian rooted film school is something that’s very unique to Biola,” Roth said.

UC Davis assistant director, southern university recruitment, Iona Nee explained UC Davis importance.

“What makes us unique is we are a California college now. So what that means is you have a city that focuses on student experience. We make up more than half of the city of Davis. Davis is a 

little under 70,000 people and you’ll find that when you’re in the city which is right next to the campus, you can walk there and bike there from the transfer housing from your classes. Everything you need is within convenience of reach,” Nee said.

LBCC has a transfer center available for students and provides workshops, resources and counseling on both campuses. 

The center is located in A-1097 on LAC and EE-105 on the TTC campus.

Weekly financial aid workshops available

Jessica Rodriguez
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Weekly financial aid workshops available

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Enrique Martinez’s job title.

Long Beach City College is hosting financial aid workshops every Wednesday until Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in M-217 at LAC and every Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m., at TTC in the Financial Aid Office Lobby, in building GG.

The FAFSA application season typically begins in October. However, for the 2026-27 academic year, it launched early on Sept. 24, a week before its traditional target date. 

The workshop is intended to help students learn and obtain assistance in submitting financial aid applications, as well as answer any filing questions. 

“(The Financial Aid office) assists students in filing their application and also filing it correctly. Most students do it on their own or in high school, and they don’t do it correctly, often running the risk of delayed disbursement,” said Bianca Urzua-Parker, financial aid specialist. 

Urzua-Parker emphasized the importance of submitting correctly and attending the workshops for clarification questions.  

Many students face similar confusions when applying for aid, even those already attending four year universities. Maria Rodriguez, a CSULB student enrolled at LBCC over the fall semester, prefers to pay out of pocket rather than risk making a mistake with her financial aid application. 

“I don’t know much about how the financial aid system works, so I would rather not risk not getting any aid in my last year at Cal State Long Beach, which is way more expensive than community college,” Rodriguez said. 

The financial aid office encourages students to file their applications regardless of qualifications. 

“Once we receive it, we can look at their personal information and see what they qualify for, and if they don’t qualify, we can see why they don’t and what we can do to fix that or see what other resources we have,” said Urzua-Parker. 

In addition to federal aid, the workshop also provides guidance for undocumented students who don’t qualify for FAFSA but may qualify for the California Dream Act. 

“We’re talking about federal funds, and then we need somebody like Victoria (Cooper), a person who’s strategically trained on how state funds work, which aren’t necessarily for that population. So for our DREAMers, we do have specialized staff that are in that space to be able to help the students through the CalGrant processes,” said financial aid specialist Trelton Spencer. 

Victoria Cooper is a part of the financial aid administration but works directly with CalGrant programs, specifically the Dream Act Services Initiative Grant (DSIG).

“Its our kind of work-study program that DREAM Act students get the opportunity to participate in. So it’s a form of work-study where students get to work on campus,” Spencer said.

Financial aid staff urge students to take advantage of the weekly workshops and submit applications as soon as possible, as FAFSA are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Students manage end-of-semester stress

Aira Tabao
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Students manage end-of-semester stress

Students are finding balance in the calm before the storm of the semester’s final season, but still juggle coursework, jobs and personal responsibilities while finding ways to manage the stress of the end of the fall semester through community, counseling services and wellness workshops.

Although the  pressure hasn’t quite set in, the anticipation can weigh heavily. 

Balancing multiple responsibilities often takes a toll on students’ mental health, even before the most intense parts of the semester begin. 

Stress and anxiety can reside in the simple awareness of what’s ahead, regardless of the current academic standing, but many students are finding ways to stay grounded and proactive. 

They are turning to hobbies, self-care and community support to navigate the semester’s buildup.

Josh Sarreal, a student at LBCC, shares some of his advice for resolution and coping throughout hard times. 

“The best place to improve with mental health is finding a sense of community that gives you perfect peace. To say we’re all here together, to give life, give truth and give love. I think that’s one of the biggest elements on how to navigate some things,” said Josh Sarreal, President of the CRU Club at LBCC.

Others find comfort in communication and openness with professors.

“It’s just like learning how to communicate with your professors. If you have something you’re struggling with, just let them know. In high school, people say they’re not gonna let this slide in college. Yes, they are. Professors are more understanding than high school teachers,” Nailah Burgess, dancer and student at LBCC, said.

Student Nailah Burges shields herself from the sun while sitting by LAC’s Connecton Cafe on Oct. 2. Burges shared how she balances work, school and dance, and mentioned that dance is her coping outlet. (Hailey Hildreth)

As the semester continues, students across campus are learning that mental wellness doesn’t depend only on surviving finals. 

It starts with the small, daily efforts to manage stress, reach out for support and build community along the way.

As students continue to balance academics and personal challenges, many are realizing that mental wellness begins with self-awareness.

“I think that you just have to be honest with yourself. That alone can fuel your motivation towards how you’re going to move forward. If you know you’re not doing so well, ask for help,” said Sylvia Ramos, a student at LBCC. 

Talking about stress and wellness culture shifts can shift campus culture when openness and honesty take place. 

At LBCC, students are redefining what it means to be strong by being open about what they need help with.

Therapists agree that this kind of reflection is key to preventing burnout before it begins.

“What’s powerful here is that students are checking in with themselves before burnout happens. That kind of self-awareness is exactly what we try to teach in therapy,” Sierra Williams, a therapist from Carter Care Therapeutic Services, said. 

As students become more aware of their mental and emotional needs, many also turn to the mental health resources available right on campus.

Long Beach City College offers several services designed to support students’ well-being, from counseling to wellness workshops. 

The Student Health Services at both the Liberal Arts Campus (LAC) and the Pacific Coast Campus (PCC) provide confidential mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals for ongoing care.

Students can make appointments to speak with licensed therapists, join support groups, or access self-care materials through the LBCC Student Health Services website. 

Walk-in hours are also available for those who need immediate help or just want to talk.

LBCC serves free pancakes for hungry students 

Diosa Hippolyta
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LBCC serves free pancakes for hungry students 

Hungry students waited in long lines for free hot pancakes, topped with fresh strawberries and bananas, and beverages while Cardi B blasted through the speakers at LBCC’s pancake breakfast hosted by Student Life and Basic Needs program on Oct. 22.

“We want to do this for students because we know some students may not have resources to prepare a hot meal for themselves in the morning,” Samuel Perez, ICC President and head pancake chef for the day, said.

ICC President Samuel Perez was the chef serving hungry students in front of Student Union Wednesday at LAC. Hot pancakes with toppings and hot drinks were a few of the options available for hungry students. (Diosa Hippolyta)

A busy college student may not have the ability to afford a hot breakfast or have time in the morning to prepare a hot meal.

“I needed it. I didn’t have breakfast because I was nervous for the first day,” said Miguel Gonzalez, Bridge Program student.

Bridge Nursing Program students, Rosalva Nape, left, and Miguel Gonzalez, right, enjoy their hot pancakes with toppings on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at LAC in Long Beach, California. Student Life and Basic Needs hosted a pancake breakfast with hot drinks for students in need. (Diosa Hippolyta)

A hot beverage table bar stocked with creamers, syrups and other add-ins for coffee, hot chocolate, and tea drew growing lines as the morning went on.

“Having a healthy hot meal is important, but the majority of us do not have the time to eat breakfast in the morning,” Stephanie Delgado-Campos, LBCC Vocational Nursing Program student, said.

Students on their way to class, the Viking Vault or passing by were greeted with a surprise on their morning.

“I was walking by and I would have come early had I known,” said Jannah Mohamed, a Public Health student who grabbed her hotcakes.

“I have been here for a few years and not remembering services like this breakfast.  This is such a nice gesture,” Mohamed said.

The Vocational Nursing Program building is across from the Student Union and students came to the service during a small break from their lecture and lab class. 

“It’s really good and it is my first time.  They are really fluffy and have a nice texture,” said Natalie Gonzalez. 

Student Life and Basic Needs continue to collaborate and create solutions for students and their individual situations and journeys towards health and wellness.

The next scheduled pancake breakfasts are Nov. 19 and Dec. 10 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at LAC Student Union.  

Off season full of action for the softball team 

Jose Calix
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Off season full of action for the softball team 

The Vikings softball team, who made it to the second round of the super regionals this past season, are currently in the off season and they have not taken time off. 

During the summer and fall the team has done a lot to prepare for their upcoming season which begins in spring 2026.

The team has gone through specific weight training during the summer to get everybody up to the physical demands of preseason and eventually the regular season.

“ I joined when the training started in June and at the beginning we were just working out at the gym,” LBCC’s pitcher Lauren Cervantes said. 

LBCC Softball team huddles mid-game as they play against CSULB. The Vikings won the game 7-5 on Sept. 26 at CSULB softball field. (Jessica Rodriguez)

While the softball team is in preseason, they get to play against ten different teams like division one schools like CSULB and other athletic collegiate associations Westcliff University, teams that they do not play during the regular season.

“While we play these games, this is how we look at  how competitive we are, the level of our players and basically is a way to determine our team for the spring,” Head Coach Megan Martinez said. 

The softball team won the South Conference Championships (SCC) last season and this is a feat coach Martinez expressed that she would like for her team to repeat.

“We definitely have a winning culture within the team, it’s something that we have been working for the past ten years” Head coach Martinez said.

LBCC’s infielder Natania Leomiti,right, reaches third base in game against CSULB on Sept. 26. The Vikings won 7-5 at CSULB softball field. (Jessica Rodriguez)

During the game against Westcliff University, pitcher Lauren Cervantes allowed only three hits while LBCC Alliana Calderon and Brooklyn Coppin were the two players who scored to help the Vikings win 2-0.

The coaches make workout routines targeted towards the new recruits, where they build more specific training sessions for the team and individually.

“Coach Damian helped me get stronger, my legs are stronger now I’m able to play all the way up to the sixth inning now before my legs were not good around the fourth inning,” LBCC’s Adelise Valenzuela said.

The latest game for the Viking was an intersquad game, where they play one another as team Red and team Black, Team Black resulted victorious 7-5 on Friday.

The next game for the Vikings will be away  on Tuesday Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. against CSUSB.

Israel and Hamas ceasefire draws mixed reactions

Rafael Gomez
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Israel and Hamas ceasefire draws mixed reactions

A U.S-led ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect on Oct. 10, but the ceasefire’s state of uncertainty brings anticipated worries to those with ties to it.

The ceasefire negotiated the exchange of both dead and living hostages, but was paused by Israel following the delayed return of a deceased hostage and the death of an Israeli Defense Force soldier that Hamas denied involvement in. 

The ceasefire declared to be resumed by Israel late Tuesday following an Israeli attack that killed at least 109 Palestinians according to Al Jareeza.

Palestinian students like political science major Usama Habash, who is also the Liberal Arts Campus’ Inter Club Council vice president, spoke about Tuesday’s attack .

“I look at all the stuff that has happened in the past, how there have been previous ceasefire agreements. … It’s always a harassment campaign and always a barbaric campaign from the Israeli Defense Force. When I saw the ceasefire, I knew that it wasn’t going to last because it never has lasted. I wanted it to. I really did, but here we are, where now they are blaming Hamas again, and they’re going straight back to bombing the Gaza Strip, it almost never meant anything. What’s the point of having these meetings? We’re talking out the ceasefire when it’s just going to be gone in a couple weeks. That’s not a ceasefire, that’s just occupation continued,” Habash said.

Habash also felt as if Palestinian voices have gone unheard on campus.

“What I have done on campus is advocating during board meetings, where I talk about myself being Palestinian, and feeling like I’m not respected as a Palestinian based on the actions of the board. … They’re so invested in diversity, yet when it comes to the Palestinians, they just completely ignore them, and it makes me feel left out, and not just me. Many other Palestinians people here on campus. There are many of them, I’ve met many of them. There’s staff members even who feel left out,” Habash said. 

Regardless, Habash believed that everything boils down to the war being a humanitarian crisis. 

“My main concern is human rights. And that’s something that I feel like has just been bombarded and buried under bureaucratic B.S. honestly. We keep on forgetting the fact that there are actual human beings that are constantly living under fear, living under famine, living under unhygienic conditions. And they are faced with brutality every single day. I think if we can just understand there’s a humanitarian crisis, then we could pave the path to a better tomorrow,” Habash said.

At LBCC, groups of Pro-Palestine students have protested on campus or attended Board of Trustee meetings since March 2024 in response to statements made by the school or to demand divestments from multinational investment company BlackRock, specifically regarding the company’s involvement in arms dealing.

At these Board of Trustee meetings, a self proclaimed Jewish zionist has appeared to “counter”  statements made by pro-Palestenian protestors since Dec. 2024.

Al Barlevy believes that the Jewish people have a right to self-determination in their ancestral home according to the Bible and equated anti-Zionism to anti-Semitism.


“Prior to the war breaking out on October 7, 2023, I never called myself out as Zionist or anything. I’ve been a Zionist, but there was no need to talk about it. The reason I bring it out there is because all these anti-Semites who claim to be anti-Zionist, I want to be a Zionist in their face… I’ve gone to multiple other governmental bodies in which (protestors) might show up. Basically I can only go when I’m aware and LBCC is the only ones where they still show up. Every other city council meeting that I’ve gone to, they stopped showing up. So it’s all because of the persistence on the other side,” Barlevy said.

Regarding the ceasefire, Barlevy expressed relief and credited President Donald Trump for his intervention.

“I think it’s wonderful. I think it’s overdue and I’m glad Trump basically managed to get Netanyahu off his high horse, he got Egypt and Qatar to get off, Hamas off their high horse because both Israel and Hamas wanted the war to go on for perpetuity, which is ridiculous. So I’m glad Trump was able to get the two sides to stop,” Barlevy said. 

Megumi Nakazawa, a social justice major and activist who has protested at UCLA’s campus, the Consulate General of Israel in LA, in front of Fox News, in front of LA City Hall, and at a Long Beach City Council meeting in front of mayor Rex Richardson, refuses to call the war a conflict, but rather a genocide.

“A conflict has an implication that it’s two equal powers in a conflict. This is definitely not the case. It’s a genocide where one side has funding and military weapons supplied from the West, and the other has pretty much nothing and is trapped in a small strip that only stretches five miles wide. That is what it has been declared as by the UN report and by many other genocide experts, so it’s not my words. And it never was personal to me. I never really knew much about Palestine until I guess I started seeing the reports from Palestinian journalists and seeing the truth from first-hand witnesses and Palestinians in Gaza when that finally kind of broke social media. And I saw the images, I saw the stories, and you know, learned more about it. That’s when I became very involved, not because of any specific reason other than feeling like as a human being, I ought to care. I was taught my whole life that we should never repeat history of genocide. We learned about the Holocaust, we learned about different genocides, like I remember studying the Rwandan genocide and Armenian genocide and all these things that I grew up being taught that we should never repeat,” Nakazawa said.

Nakazawa spoke about how the ceasefire has failed to keep Palestinians safe, mentioning the recent attack on Tuesday and the blockage of aid.

“Even if on paper it is called a ceasefire, unfortunately, in the past we have seen that Israel does not keep these agreements or even fulfill the demands of the ceasefire… Over 104 people were killed (Tuesday) night in a bombing that just happened, and that includes 35 children.

Nothing about what is happening reflects a ceasefire. A ceasefire would mean that they would let in the aid that was agreed upon, but they’ve only let in a fraction of the aid… it’s honestly very disheartening to see Israel getting away with all these war crimes and no political leaders are stopping them. Unfortunately though, we are not surprised because Israel has proven to get away over and over again with war crimes with no accountability,” Nakazawa said.

Despite feeling disheartened about the ceasefire, Nakazawa plans to continue her activism for Palestine and other countries under similar circumstances.

“It takes generations for these systems to crumble, and everything we’re seeing right now is the offspring of imperialist ideologies that we saw in the past, with the colonization of the Americas and Africa and Asia and all those things we learned in our history books about the West colonizing and extracting resources and committing massacres and erasing culture, we know that those are not just eradicated overnight. So that tells me that as an activist, I need to be able to sustain myself for the long haul, and that means showing up, being part of community for doing things that help me maintain my humanity and my emotional, physical health so that I can continue to show up because we can’t afford to burn out or to give up. The oppressor wants for us to tap out, but that’s not an option until liberation is achieved, not just for Palestinians, but for all people in the world who are under an occupation or ethnic cleansing in Sudan and Congo, all over the world in Latin America, we’re seeing in Venezuela, I believe that our administration is killing people who were fishermen under the claim that they are drug dealers with no evidence to back that up. This happens all over the world where our administration just targets people and kills people without even investigating the real evidence just out of these racist supremacist ideologies,” Nakazawa said.

Fright Fest brings booze and costumes to Downtown Long Beach

Dom Maddan
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Fright Fest brings booze and costumes to Downtown Long Beach

Long Beach transformed 3rd Street into a haunting landscape for community members to show off frightening costumes, vend spooky art and headbang to a performance by musical guest “Pimp Bizkit” at the Long Beach Fright Fest on Oct. 25.

A large crowd enjoys the performance by “Pimp Bizkit”, a Limp Bizkit tribute band, during their set on 3rd Street in Long Beach, California on Oct. 25, 2025. The event was held to cater to all ages and was notable for one of the first that allowed public drinking on the streets, contrary to the usual practice in Long Beach. (Dom Maddan)

The Halloween event was tailored for people to celebrate “Halloweekend,” from families with children to bar crawlers drinking until last call to costumed adults looking to dance to the blaring music. 

Bassist Curt Remmington, left, and vocalist Sean Giebetz, right, of Limp Bizkit tribute band “Pimp Bizkit” perform during their set at the Fright Fest on 3rd Street in Long Beach, California on Oct. 25, 2025. The event was held to cater to all ages and was notable for one of the first that allowed public drinking on the streets, contrary to the usual practice in Long Beach. (Dom Maddan)

People wearing costumes filled the street with iconic horror and pop culture characters such as Spongebob, Beetlejuice and most of the Teen Titans, plus Batman. 

An anonymous Art the Clown snuck up on unsuspecting attendees throughout the day with prop weapons.

Alongside the spooky costumes were the art pieces and merchandise sold by various small pop-up businesses in the area.

The event was put on by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance as one of the first “EZ Sip Zone” events, a new initiative of events put on by the city that allows drinking in public places. 

In this case, there were various “Spookeasys” that encouraged those 21 and over to enjoy a drink while enjoying the festivities alongside other nearby bars like BabyBros Pizza that sponsored the event.

This is the second in what is promised to be a long line of these community events for Long Beach that encourage drinking but with an atmosphere for all.

A performer clad in a skeleton bodysuit from the “Aerial Butterflies”, a local aerial arts school in Long Beach performs acrobatic feats in front of a crowd on 3rd Street in Long Beach, California on Oct. 25, 2025. The event was held to cater to all ages and was notable for one of the first that allowed public drinking on the streets, contrary to the usual practice in Long Beach. (Dom Maddan)

There was something for everyone in the booths lining the street, from t-shirts and sweaters with iconic horror characters on them sold all around to one-of-a-kind terrifying zombie-themed handmade “La-Boo-Boos” sold by horror specialists Spoopy Ghouls.

Leather and Linoleum, a candle business based in Long Beach, were one of the many pop-up stands at the event. 

Jenna Konovalov, the owner, makes all her candles homemade and specializes in fall scents such as Pumpkin Chai.

“We want to support the community, we live in Long Beach so we want to support small businesses, including ours,” Konovalov said, on her business being represented at the event.

Though costumes and art were at the center of the event, performances were also an aspect that were appreciated by attendees.

A masked costumer on stilts frightens other attendees at the Fright Fest on 3rd Street in Long Beach, California on Oct. 25, 2025. The event was held to cater to all ages and was notable for one of the first that allowed public drinking on the streets, contrary to the usual practice in Long Beach. (Dom Maddan)

Throughout the night, members of the aerial arts academy Aerial Butterflies, who were dressed in skeleton bodysuits, performed showcases of acrobatics to excited onlookers using silk blankets as their only harnesses in the air.

On the other end of the street, self proclaimed “premier Limp Bizkit tribute band,” “Pimp Bizkit” performed covers of the iconic rock group’s most famous hits such as “Break Stuff,” “Fast Lane” and “Take a Look Around” with the same amount of gusto and performance as the eponymous band.

Vendors from the pop-up jewelry stand DarxDecor proclaimed that the event was a success and enjoyed the event both for business and for leisure.

“This was absolutely the coolest,” said Rosie Henriquez, one of the vendors from DarxDecor.

“Spookiest event I’ve ever been to! The costumes are great,” Stephanie Aguirre, another vendor from DarxDecor, said

LBCC’s planetarium draws in attendees with free show on black holes

Jose Calix
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LBCC’s planetarium draws in attendees with free show on black holes

The bright lights of the LBCC planetarium shined for a crowd of students and guests who attended the “Supermassive Black Holes: Uncovering the Invisible” show on Oct. 17.

LBCC hosts free shows at the planetarium at the LAC campus in room D-326, and covers other topics related to astronomy once a month.

The shows are hosted by LBCC astronomy professors Loredana Vetere, who has five years of experience working at NASA, and Amy Fredericks, who was a data analyst for NASA’s flagship X-ray observatory the Chandra.

“Before the pandemic, we were doing a show once a month, but since we came back to campus we have tried to go back to doing it monthly, and this year we are getting better about slowly coming back to doing it once a month,” Professor Fredericks said.

The event is open to all public on a first come, first serve basis with a limited capacity for 84 people.

“I’m happy about the turnout, we even have a baby astronomer with us here” Vetere said.

This show’s main topic was about understanding black holes, their formation, and the effects they have on the universe.

“I did not know about the subject. I thought it was gonna be generally about stars, I didn’t know it was gonna be so specific about black holes, but it was unique, it was cool,” attendee David Mitchell said.

The LBCC planetarium is one of the only two planetariums in Long Beach, the second one being a non-permanent mobile planetarium at CSULB.

The videos displayed at the planetarium can vary on cost to the school. Some companies make them for free, but often they can be very expensive ranging in the hundreds to sometimes thousands of dollars.

“Whenever we advertise the monthly shows correctly, it usually fills out and sometimes some people have to miss it,“ Fredericks said.

There is still no set date for the next presentation in the planetarium, but Fredericks mentioned that a show in November is likely to happen.

Black Student Success Center hosts first talent show

Hailey Hildreth
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Black Student Success Center hosts first talent show

From soulful songs to stand-up comedy, LBCC’s Black Student Success Center (BSSC) hosted its first-ever talent show on Oct. 14, spotlighting creativity and community. 

Tiffany Johnson, a blind poet, took the stage twice to share her spoken word poetry, “The call of Sankofa sage,” which was read through braille. 

“I felt inspired to go up. I am working on getting my poetry published,” Johnson said.

The room was filled with excitement as students packed the room for the midday showcase. Performers of all backgrounds brought something unique and the audience responded with shouts and standing ovations, creating an atmosphere that made their first annual talent show feel like a true celebration. 

Student Bryan Crafton, who goes by MC Beezy, kept the crowd engaged in between performances with energetic commentary and jokes. 

Crafton encouraged performers to do their best and for the audience to stay involved.

“It was just rewarding to see people enjoy themselves. Honestly, it was more rewarding for me. I was given a green light to come here and be myself,” said Crafton.

The first performer, Julia Brooks, a music major, opened the talent show with an expressive performance of “Diamonds” by Rihanna. 

Student Julia Brooks, sings “Diamonds” by Rihanna at LBCC’s Black Success Center Talent Show in Long Beach, California on Oct. 14, 2025. Brooks was the first to perform at the event. (Aira Tabao)

She admitted that nerves were running high, especially with being the first act of the day. 

“I was very nervous, I haven’t sung a solo in a while,” Brooks said.

Brooks chose “Diamonds” because she “heard it in the car this morning and I couldn’t get it out of (her) head.” 

Student attendee Omvai Littleton felt that the event “provides a space for everyone to showcase their talents… it’s like an extra space on campus for people to come together.”

The event was organized by Angela Fowlkes, who aims to create welcoming spaces where students can ask for help, feel supported, and build a sense of community. 

“I always try to make sure everyone is good. I love creating spaces to bring everyone together,” Fowlkes said. 

The Black Student Success Center will also be a part of the upcoming HBCU Caravan, where Black students can talk with representatives from historically Black colleges and universities about the transfer and application process on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the A-quad at LAC.

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