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LBCC confronts sexual harassment in wake of #metoo

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The #MeToo movement has produced worldwide attention after a spotlight has been brought to executives and world leaders under fire after accusations of sexual harassment and assault.

Johnny Smith, 20, an aerospace engineering major, said Tuesday, Nov. 28, of people who sexually harass, “They think they’re better than the people they’re harassing. It’s all power.”

Noemi Rodriguez, 20, a nursing major, said Wednesday, Dec. 6, she hasn’t witnessed sexual harassment on campus, but she doesn’t believe LBCC “pays much attention to it.”

An anonymous source who works at the LAC Writing and Reading Success Center revealed Tuesday, Nov. 28, that a male harasser frequently comes into the center: “I’ve seen predatory behavior, but not direct sexual harassment. He goes out of his way to ask harassing questions and (attempt) physical contact.” The source said if they see the harasser come into the center, they have orders to take him to their supervisor.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission wrote on its website, “It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include ‘sexual harassment’ or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.”

Trustee Ginny Baxter said on November 29, “More than 35 years ago this may have been a problem but I know of nothing recently.”

Psychology professor Katie Heaton-Smith said Wednesday, Dec. 6, the estimates are 70 percent of women and 20 percent of men in professional industries experience sexual harassment, but only about 15 percent of people come forward because “a lot of people think, ‘it’s just what I have to deal with.’”

Heaton-Smith explained she has never witnessed sexual harassment at LBCC, but she has seen it at other schools in which students would act inappropriately toward their professors, both male and female. “My co-worker was followed home by a student who ‘needed help’ with homework.”

Heaton-Smith added she discussed sexual harassment with her students Monday, Dec. 4.

On Friday, Dec. 1, LBCC’s Associate Director of Office of Communications and Community Engagement Stacey Toda said, “LBCC provides all managers with sexual harassment training upon hiring and again every two years as required by California law.”

Departments can also request a professional conduct training that includes a section about sexual harassment from the Human Resources Department.

Students are required to complete an online orientation upon admission to LBCC that covers information about sexual harassment and Title IX, which “prohibits discrimination based on sex in education and activities in federally funded schools, colleges and universities,” according to LBCC’s website.

In a response to a request for any recent reports of sexual harassment, Toda said, “In respect of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we keep these reports private and do not aggregate the number of claims.”

LBCC President Reagan Romali said Thursday, Nov. 30, “The safety and well-being of our LBCC students and employees is our top priority and we do not condone any form of sexual harassment on our campus.

“We train our managers on how to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and take every opportunity to educate our employees on this issue. Our Office of Student Life organizes an education campaign every April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month to conduct workshops and events to better inform our campus community.

“We take every sexual harassment complaint seriously. Each report is investigated thoroughly and confidentially to protect all parties involved.”

Students can report sexual harassment to the Office of Student Affairs at (562) 938-4552. People needing mental-health services can go to the Student Health Services office in GG117 at the PCC and A1010 at the LAC.

L.B. promise expands statewide

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L.B. promise expands statewide

 

A bill that approves a California Promise for all 114 Community Colleges has been signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown.
The program modeled after the LBCC Promise started about 10 years ago makes the first year of Community College free for California residents and new full-time students.
The bill will only cover the cost of tuition. It will not waive any fees regarding housing, books or other living expenses.
Currently, students pay $46 per unit.
The California Promise Program is a California Act that enables California residents to pledge to either a Community College or University program to complete a degree in the time frame the student plans.
According to the Cal State University website, the program allows for students who pledge to be given priority-registration appointments and they must take a minimum amount of units per semester.
The website says, ‘To remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan and complete 30 semester units.”
Many students see the program as an opportunity to finish their schooling in a timely manner. Stephany Raygoza, 24, an animal-science major, said she believes the program is beneficial for students: “This program sounds great because I actually procrastinate registering for classes and my work schedule is all over the place. Having a pledge allows for students like myself to finish faster.”
However, not everyone said they believe the program allows for students to succeed. Collin McAuley, 21, an architecture and communications major, said The Promise is not possible: “This program is cool if you actually have time to finish it.
“There are people who have to work in order to pay for their schooling and to help their parents out and work schedules change from time to time. The program almost seems impossible to complete given that everyone has a different schedule.”
Celeste Zambrano, 19, a psychology major, said, “It’s a good way to guarantee an education in a timely manner and it helps students stay on track and get out sooner especially from a Community College.”
New CSU applicants who are interested in receiving information about the California Promise Program may do so on their admission application for the Spring 2018 semester. The initial filing period was Aug. 1-30​.
The Promise has been supported by Community College Chancellor Eloy Oakley, LBCC’s former president.

Fall dance ensemble returns with flare and style

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Fall dance ensemble returns with flare and style
CON SABOR (WITH FLAVOR): With choreography by Martha Pamintuan, dancers perform with music by D.L.G.’s Mi Amor.

Even though the dance ensemble was presented in Downey, the performance included a variety of dances and audience members arriving with flowers for the dancers Thursday, Nov. 30, and Friday, Dec. 1.

The dance show was presented at the Downey Theater due to the renovation of the Auditorium at the LAC.

Jennifer Schmidt, 21, a marketing major, brought a bouquet of flowers and had come to see her best friend Melissa Hernandez who performed in  “Con Sabor,” “Fly High” and “Pop, Squish and Sizzle”.

“I am probably going to cry” with joy, Schmidt said. “She has been dancing since she was 3 years old.”

The LBCC Performing Arts Department and the Associated Student Body presented the Fall dance ensemble directed by assistant professor Martha Pamintuan.

FLY HIGH: A lyrical dance choreographed by Fionna LiHuei Sung is performed.

Zoe Silva, 19, an undecided major, said, “I’m pretty excited about  the show. I’ve seen a couple of rehearsals and it looks like it’s going to be a good show.”

The program featured nine performances. Each dance was about three to four minutes long and choreography by students and teachers.

“Xtra Xtra,” a choreography by Jeffrey Hendrix, was the opening piece followed by “At the Edge” by student choreographer Tailor Marshall. Other dance pieces included “Who is He?,” “A Lo Hecho Pecho” and “Con Sabor,” a salsa remix of the song “Quimbara.”

Pamintuan, who also teaches hip-hop, said the dancers were able to successfully present the dances: “There are lots of different styles. They were able to adjust to new dances. We have a great house and the audience enjoys it.”

During the intermission, an opportunity raffle was conducted. Donors such as Ashley’s Furniture, Clay (Clay on First) and many other donated gift cards and products were given away.

EDITORIAL : Wrapping up presents & finals

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EDITORIAL : Wrapping up presents & finals
Art by Liliana Piedra

With students juggling between the holidays that began with Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s and finals at the end of the Fall semester, it becomes difficult for them to stay stress-free and positive. Trying to manage our time can be one of the biggest challenges for students across the PCC and LAC campuses.

This time can be more stressful because everyone is wrapping up the end of the year with finals, transfer applications, buying gifts and dealing with distant relatives who we are not used to seeing throughout the year. Many of us have to deal with the family drama year after year. We do not look forward to the gatherings that adds to the pile of stress.

On top of family and school worries, this time of year might be particularly more stressful for students because of the tragedies that have occurred during this year. And the concern for students now becomes how are we going to stay upbeat and positive with so many reasons for us to feel down.

The unity our community has, the leaders who encourage us to stand up and face our problems head on with little to no fear is what keeps our sanity during stressful times.

Physical and emotional health is important, but we just feel like sometimes we only have time for a slice of pizza and Gatorade as we head from class to work. A big key to help relieve stress and lift our moods is exercise.

We understand emotional problems are part of life and they can cause stress, sadness and anxiety. But the key is to remain focused, flexible and creative in bad times as well as in good times.

Using breathing techniques can also be a huge help.

Enjoying a fresh nature walk, playing video games, going out with friends, watching our favorite movie or TV shows while drinking hot cocoa in our pajamas, spending time on our favorite social media apps or on our phones are all great ways that allow us to feel less stressed and even relaxed at times.

As the new year approaches, we are looking forward to our new experiences and goals to achieve in 2018.

Eight Vikings earn highest college award

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Eight Students have been named the best of the best at LBCC and earned the Viking Award on Monday, Dec. 4.The college is honoring the students as the highest honor a student can receive at the college.
Khristina Mae Aganon, Karlie M. Beamon-Ware, Kimberly Helen Cabana, Darlene Duong, Anny Ley, Felicia R. McCormick, Vanessa Mendoza, and Clara Ure were selected and are true role models for others in leadership and service for the community.
Student Affairs Dean Ramon Knox gave the awards to the students for their work and contribution to the college:
“When you look at what the hard work of the students did, I think it’s important for them to be recognized.” Knox said during a brief ceremony in the LAC Valhalla Room. “It’s a huge celebratory moment for the students to recognize what they did.”
PCC Student Council Treasurer Ley said she is glad the work she contributed to the college is being recognized.
“I don’t know how to feel,” Ley said. “To be recognized for my hard work for the school and the community, it’s honoring.”
Along with the honorees were more student leaders and employees attended, including LAC Club Senate Vice President Celene Reyes Aparicio, PCC Cultural Affairs secretary Anthony Moguel Jr. and librarian Shamika Simpson.

Bakersfield bowled over by Vikings, 37-10

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A convincing 37-10 victory over Bakersfield in the Patriotic Bowl played Saturday, Nov. 18, allowed the Vikings’ football team to end their season with eight wins and three losses.

LBCC bested Bakersfield College, which finished the season at 7-4, in their bowl game for the second year in a row.

In the game at LBCC’s Veterans Stadium, the Viking defense played one of their most complete games. They held the Renegade offense to only 10 points, which was their lowest scoring game of the year, and 150 total yards of offense.

Viking sophomore defensive lineman Gilbert “Bubba” Valera led the way on defense and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Valera finished with seven tackles, three sacks and a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown and put LBCC up by 21 at that point.

“It feels good winning MVP but to be honest, this one is for the whole D-line. We just balled out this game like we knew we should,” Valera said.

Viking coach Brett Peabody said about Valera’s time in the program: “There’s not a harder working guy on our program. The kid benches over 400 pounds. He’s exactly what we’re looking for in a Viking.”

Both teams got off to slow offensive starts, but then LBCC opened the scoring when sophomore quarterback Grant Lowary found sophomore wide receiver Cedric Byrd in the end zone. Lowary and Byrd connected again, this time for 43 yards, and extended the Vikes’ lead to 14-0.

Lowary was named the game’s offensive MVP as he finished the game with three touchdowns and 335 yards passing: “The season didn’t go the way that we wanted to, but a bowl win is always cool and playing at home made it even better,” Lowary said.

Despite not meeting expectations of getting into the state playoffs, the Vikings won their third consecutive conference title and fourth straight bowl game under Peabody.

“We’re a really young squad and we’re going to look back and learn from all the mistakes we made this year. We plan to have a great offseason. We’re going to make a lot of changes in the program so we can be a little stronger,” Peabody said.

Valera also said he sees the direction LBCC football is heading and is excited for the future:“With a coach like Peabody anything is possible. Especially with all the young guys around they’re going to be more than fine next year.”

Deaf club provides students with resources

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Deaf club provides students with resources

CANDIDATE: Brian Pineda, 23, next to current treasurer Erika Alonso, 42, gives a speech on why he should be the next club treasurer.

The Deaf Club has relaunched with a mission to gain additional services and support at LBCC.

The club was founded in 2011, but did not survive one year. This Fall, the club, one of over 50 at the LAC, was restarted again with members’ goal to open discussion to the administration about not receiving equal access on information and services on campus.

Services included lack of accuracy in video captioning provided from teachers and videos posted on the LBCC website, restriction of hours allotted for sign-language interpreters to work per week and maximized hours and switching back and forth with interpreters.

Noelle Tully, 21, a history major and Club Senate representative for the Deaf Club, said, “What I do really like about this club is the deaf students’ equal partnership and interaction that we foster. I know that we struggle with our experience and frustration that comes up and also how to confront these adverse situations and try to advocate ourselves and each other. That’s important and I am really interested in this club because we all have different goals and objectives.”

Tep Thoeurb, a disable students counselor, said, “I love it. They’re a really good group of students and when they have that town hall meeting I was really proud of them that they were able to advocate themselves and to let them know what are their challenges and issues that they have in school. That’s really important for their academic success were planning to continue it in the Spring.”

Issues with the sign-language community has been ongoing with the LBCC administration in the past, but after the club’s rebirth, the students have been more outspoken and open about their issues and what needs to be done for the campus to provides services for the deaf community.

Daniel Cho, 26, an American Sign Language major and vice president of the club, said, “I don’t regret joining. … Now I finally got the opportunity to see. So I get to learn so much and it made a huge impact on me with all of their situations. I get it and I understand where they’re coming from and hearing out other people’s opinions are really fantastic.”

The club consists of 13 members, two interprets and two advisers. They meet every Friday from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Pajama Jam helps the homeless

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Pajama Jam helps the homeless
MUSICAL CHAIRS: Lee Brey, KLBC Radio Club president, gets students together for the Pajama Jam on Wednesday, Nov.15, at the LAC’s Fishbowl.

KLBC Radio Station and KLBC Radio Club hosted a Pajama Jam fundraiser for homeless students on campus, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the LAC Fishbowl.

Organizers sold tickets for an opportunity drawing for gift baskets made by the radio students. A blues band, Mighty Mojo, donated a basket with signed vinyls and CD’s, as well as a hat and a T-shirt of the band. Another student, who sells Avon, donated candles, bases and decorations.

Erika Navarro, 25, a communications major and KLBC member, said, “I feel the Pajama Jam is a fun experience and the people are into it. Besides, it’s for a great cause and they can use the help.”

Lee Brey, KLBC Radio Club president, said, “This is the third time this fundraiser takes place. There is a high number of homeless students on campus and people don’t do anything for them. With what we raise we are going to donate to the organizations helping out homeless students.”

Athena Wiseman, 52, a film and radio major and KLBC Club member, said, “I’m glad we’re doing a fundraiser for the homeless to give back. Anything God blesses you with, you should give back no matter how small it is. You have to help people along the way.”

Ken Borgers, KLBC and KCTY adviser and radio program teacher said, “Homeless students blend in with other students. They shower in the gym or clean up in the restrooms. If the students aren’t homeless, they are either living in their cars or living on a friend’s couch.”

Guest DJ, Travon “DJ Spinn” Young, 26, DJ producer for Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, said, “I came to help support my friend (Lee Brey). I think what they’re doing here is for a good cause. It’s my second time coming to this event and I enjoy coming to LBCC to entertain the students.”

Career fair exclusively caters to culinary arts

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Future culinary associates and students gathered Thursday, Nov. 6 for the Culinary Arts Career Fair in LAC.

The event was to provide information to instructors and students alike who want to pursue the culinary field and learn more about what they can do about their future in the industry.

Jennifer Marquez, 19, was one of the students who attended and majoring in Baking and Pastry Arts.

“I’m hoping to find potential jobs and new career options.” Marquez said. “It’s interesting and I also get to see what I could do with more experience in the field.”

Among the participants were the LBCC Culinary Arts department chefs and their students, taking time to let them know about what they could do now about their experiences.

Chef Instructor Colleen Wong said she also hoped that the event gave exposure not only to their programs, but for the students as well on the means of professionalism.

“I hope exposure for our campus since (culinary arts) isn’t too known around here.” Wong said. “It’s also good for the students since they get exposures in different fields, exposures to on-spot interviews and all things accumulated from professionalism.”

Big name companies such as Hilton Hotels, Stone-fire Grill Inc., Panda Restaurant Group, Inc, Disney Parks and Resorts and Porto’s Bakery & Café were in attendance to provide the event with information about their companies.

Included to the fair were information about jobs available for the current year and expanded work territories such as assistant chef, food preps and even food marketing possibilities.

Jay Khoon, 63, is a culinary major and  said that people who get to experience this today are lucky since they would be able to find resources quickly.

“We didn’t have this growing up.” Khoon said. “Even though I am only doing this for personal satisfaction, it’s great to see new job markets and how it’s different from institutional cooking since you could use (the job resource) to help yourself.”

Other than Culinary Arts, the program includes Baking and Pastry Arts in its associate or certification opportunities for intensive professional and practical experience.

For more information about the department, students may speak to a counselor in building A or email general questions for the department head Haley Nguyen in h3nguyen@lbcc.edu

Bookstore hosts College Con

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The love for comics brings people together. It allows people to debate about various comics and gush about their love for the many different characters.
Barnes and Noble Bookstore sponsored its first LBCC College Con on Tuesday, Oct. 31, where students gathered and shared their love of comics and anime.
Oscar Raigoza, 24, a nursing major, attended the event after coming into the store to buy some supplies.
Raigoza said, “I haven’t heard about this and I love this stuff. It’s fun to meet other people who have similar interest in comics.”
The event was to celebrate the joys of graphic novels, manga and everything heroic. For the day, activities included coloring, a photo booth, games, trivia and giveaways.
Dana Heathcott, general manager of the student stores at both the LAC and PCC created the event as a way to bring students together.
Heathcott said, “We want to celebrate all things comic related and give students a chance to see the comic side of things.”
For their love for comics, students planned ahead for College Con.
Jose Nava, 22, an art major, said, “I just wanted to take a quick look and I ended up staying for a majority of the time and playing trivia and doing some coloring.”
Best friends Christina Alejo, 26, a culinary arts major, and Virginia Granados, 26, an administrative assistant major attended College Con as their mutual love for comics brought them closer.
Granados said, “We actually planned to come together because of our mutual love for magnas. They were always an interest of mine.”
Alejo added, “I wanted to come with Virginia. I also like coloring and magnas. That’s why we became friends.”
College Con was a success for the student store as students filtered throughout the day playing games and doing trivia as well as getting to know one another to share their mutual love of comics and mangas.

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