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Undocumented students feel safer on campus than off

Kay Pham-Nguyen
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Undocumented students feel safer on campus than off

Students, both documented and undocumented, have spoken about their fears of safety following the crackdowns of immigration raids in their communities. Long Beach City College has provided resources, including transportation, the addition of limited zones, and scholarships for the undocumented community, and students have received them well. 

Long Beach, California has been directly impacted by ICE raids, with the most recent one being at the Bixby Knolls Car Wash, where seven workers were detained and taken from their workplace. 

“ICE really targets certain parts of town, like by Cherry (Avenue), and I know they’re always around,” student Juan Pablo Rodriguez Villegas said.

Rodriguez Villegas is currently in the process of gaining citizenship and shared that taking day-to-day public transportation is a nerve-racking experience. 

Community members hold hands at the LA City Hall Park as they listen to a speaker on Sept. 1. LBCC has currently added limited zones and resources for undocumented students on campus, in response to immigration crackdowns. (Isaiah Ryan)

“I still don’t have a car and so I take the bus, and I kid you not, I’m always so terrified every time I get on the bus. I always think to myself, even if it’s in the back of my mind, ‘this may be the last time I ever get on the bus,” Rodriguez Villegas said. 

On Sept. 8, the Supreme Court stated that the Immigration and Nationality Act allowed immigration officers to “interrogate any alien or person believed to be an alien as to his right to be or to remain in the United States.” Immigration officers may briefly detain an individual “for questioning” if they have “a reasonable suspicion, based on specific articulable facts, that the person being questioned . . . is an alien illegally in the United States.”

Reasonable suspicion was listed as presence in certain areas such as bus stops, car washes and day laborer pickup sites like Home Depot, Spanish speaking or speaking English with an accent and apparent race. 

“Last time I checked, I’m brown, I’m Mexican and have an accent, so I don’t think he (President Donald Trump) would like me very much, and I definitely wouldn’t be his best friend,” Rodriguez Villegas said. 

LBCC implemented limited zones on both campuses and has made it clear to students that these zones are restricted areas that need administrative approval to be accessed. 

“(Being a public institution) you don’t have a lot of options in terms of who you allow on your campus, or you don’t allow on your campus. … what we try to do is we wanted to make sure that we created a space where, not just undocumented students, but any student, for that matter, because that’s really important to acknowledge that the the protocols that we’re putting in place support all students, but should undocumented students want to go and use a computer lab in a limited access space they’re allowed to do so, and that is a space that’s only reserved for students and employees,” LBCC President Mike Munoz said. 

Student safety for undocumented students has been emphasized by the school, whether it be through emails or flyers on campus. 

LBCC student Asael Carranza spoke about safety and what it’s like to have an undocumented father in the process of gaining citizenship. 

“For me, I have no problem, but I know that the school is more safe and secure, because I think last year, around October, if I’m not wrong, I heard the school was offering security around on campus or off-campus. I heard this new security is offering transportation from 6 p.m. through 10 p.m. … I know that’s really helpful for this school because it’s more protection for the safety and safety of getting home,” Carranza said. 

The school currently offers a campus escort safety program, which allows students to have a chaperone with them to walk from building to building or back to their cars.

Although Carranza feels safer at school, he still faces the reality of the life he would have to take on in the case of his father possibly being deported.

Carranza’s father is the sole financial provider and is struggling to find work in construction due to his lack of citizenship. 

Before the Trump administration, Carranza shared that his father went out a lot more than he does now and won’t go outside for long periods of time. 

Carranza’s father has been in the citizenship process for the last two to three years, but his parents may need to go to the city of Juarez in Mexico just south of Texas for a portion of the process.

“I have siblings and I’m the oldest, so if my parents do go to Ciudad de Juarez, I’m worried about who would take care of them, but also I have my own priorities and responsibilities. So I’m worried about who would take care of my siblings, taking them to school, and x,y, z. I can’t be doing everything on my own,” Carranza said. 

He plans to graduate and transfer within the year and worries about what life would be like in the case of something going awry in the citizenship process.

The DREAM Services program has a designated counselor, Rob Olmos, who works with students directly and has seen the mental and emotional weight of immigration raids on students. 

“Our outside environment has made, in our political climate, I’ll say the word ‘thick.’ and it makes it tough to really focus on what students are really here to do, which is to educate themselves and meet their educational goals. … We have students that worry about housing, we have students that worry about food insecurities, but now we have added an extra layer of students needing to feel safe, so that’s a huge thing our administration … feels for students,” Olmos said. 

Olmos shared that he feels that the school has provided a safe space and sense of belonging for students, in hopes of allowing students to worry about school and not about immigration. 

Another LBCC student, Tlalpiani Olguin, told their story as someone whose mother was detained while walking back to her car while their family consists of immigrants who recently gained U.S. citizenship.

The reflection of protesters gathering in the street and waving flags on Sept. 1. outside of Los Angeles City Hall. LBCC has currently added limited zones and resources for undocumented students on campus, in response to immigration crackdowns. (Isaiah Ryan)

“My mom was actually doing a peaceful protest in Los Angeles and then she got detained because she was trying to get back to her car, and there was an altercation that didn’t let her get to her car, and they detained her to make it look like ‘Oh, we’re serious about taking action’,” Olguin said. 

Olguin saw a video of their mother getting detained on social media and shared what the effects of seeing a close family member being directly affected feels like.

“It’s just so scary because if it could happen to her, she’s already a citizen, she’s already been a citizen, she was born in the United States, it could happen to anyone. Especially with Trump’s new law that he’s trying to pass that discriminates against people with the color of their skin, it’s very scary to see that it’s our reality and what we’re having to deal with,” Olguin said. 

Olguin’s grandmother and uncle both moved to the U.S. after wanting better lives for themselves and their families. 

Their uncle started a non-profit organization for immigration services after he immigrated to the United States. Olguin’s uncle is a lawyer who assists in the citizenship process and has been in business for around 20 years. 

Although Olguin grew up in an activist climate, they still see effects in the lives of their family members. 

The reflection of protesters gathering in the street and waving flags on Sept. 1. LBCC has currently added limited zones and resources for undocumented students on campus, in response to immigration crackdowns. (Isaiah Ryan)

“(Immigration raids have affected my family by) putting fear into their daily routine, or going to work, especially in Long Beach, because there are a lot of ICE raids happening randomly. It’s very unsettling to see on the news, like loved ones, and even people who are getting attacked because they’re exercising their democratic right to preach,” Olguin said.

Students Olguin, Rodriguez Villegas and Carranza all echoed the same feeling that school should be safe for all students, no matter their citizenship status. 

“Within the (legal) framework that we have, we’re doing our best, and I do feel like we are trying to do our best. But, as you know, we all know there are things that happen that are outside of our control,” Munoz said.

A taste of terror: Silent Hill takes over Little Tokyo

Rafael Gomez
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A taste of terror: Silent Hill takes over Little Tokyo

A video game horror series has taken over Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza, with multiple stores selling in-game themed food and drinks for its latest installment until Oct. Sunday. 

The takeover, based on Silent Hill f which was released Sept. 25, is called “A Taste of Ebisugaoka,” and offers another way to experience the fictional 1960s rural town the game takes place in. 

Those arriving through the Little Tokyo Metro Station heard a message welcoming them to Ebisugaoka, with the plaza decorated in crimson flower arrangements that resembled the spider lilies featured in the game. 

The Little Tokyo Metro Station’s entryway is covered with a Silent Hill f advertisement on Oct. 3. Visitors who arrive through the Metro A line will hear a limited time message welcoming them to the fictional town of Ebisugaoka. (Rafael Gomez)

Participating storefront windows and the Metro station entryway were also covered with advertisements for the game.

Visitors line up outside of Mitsuru Cafe in Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza on Friday, Oct. 3. Red bean cakes and skewers of dango were sold as part of the “Taste of Ebisugaoka” takeover for the release of Silent Hill f. (Rafael Gomez)

Most freebies were given out on Sept. 27 for the takeover’s kick-off where participants had to fill out a stamp card. Upon completing the stamp rally by visiting Cafe Dulce, Mitsuru Cafe, Far Bar and clothing store Hypland, fans received a steelbook cover for the game.

The stamp card showed the surrounding area of the Japanese Village Plaza, styled like the map used in Silent Hill f and participants collected freebies like posters, stickers, and tote bags at each stop.

Notably, free limited edition Metro cards featuring the game’s protagonist Hinako Shimizu and the game’s title were restocked on Oct. 4.

Some lucky fans were able to get freebies on Oct. 4, like Jonathon Bermeo, a fan of the series since 2001, who cosplayed as Pyramid Head from Silent Hill 2 at the takeover.

Jonathan Bermeo poses while cosplaying as Pyramid Head from Silent Hill 2 in Little Tokyo, LA during the “Taste of Ebisugaoka” takeover on Oct. 4. Bermeo has been a fan of the series since 2001, and bought a European version of Silent Hill f to get a steelbook edition sooner than the American release. (Rafael Gomez)

“This is the first day I’ve come for the event, I couldn’t make it any other day or last week … unfortunately a lot of stuff was gone at this point, they’re not restocking. I got the second to last tote bag from Hypland, so I mean, I had to walk away with something,” said Bermeo.

Food and drinks like a branded strawberry red bean cake called Yokan at Mitsuru Cafe and a cocktail called Divine Water from Far Bar represented healing items found throughout Silent Hill f, and will consistently be sold for the rest of the takeover.

Mitsuru Cafe’s skewer of dango and branded red bean cake that is being sold during the Silent Hill f “Taste of Ebisugaoka” takeover at Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza. The red bean cake represents the yokan item that can be used to heal in-game, and the dango visually resembles an unnamed enemy known as the birthing monster that has similarly white, bulbous features. (Rafael Gomez)

Original items like the are-abare, a strawberry marmalade filled bread named after a round, fleshy enemy in the game, and spider lily latte from Cafe Dulce were adorned with rose petals, and were enjoyed by fans like Lucy Brackney.

“The are-abare, I believe I’m pronouncing that right, was probably the best dessert I had from all the three that we had, that one was like a concha,” Brackney said. 

LBCC alumni Za’Karra Martin visited the plaza with friends on Oct. 4, and thought that more could’ve been done in terms of decor, but thought it was looked “nice” nonetheless.

Visitors cross the street to enter Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza on Oct. 4. The Yagura Fire Tower was wrapped in a banner for Silent Hill f’s release, and decorated with fake red flowers that mimicked the spider lilies found in the game. (Rafael Gomez)

“I was scrolling through Instagram and I saw a promo for (the takeover) and I sent it to my friend’s boyfriend since we were helping him solve some puzzles in the game,” Martin said.

Women’s water polo wipes out Pasadena 13-0

Regi Melchor
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Women’s water polo wipes out Pasadena 13-0

Sofia Cruz scored seven goals to help the Vikings win 13-0 against Pasadena Community College on Wednesday. 

At the start of the game, the Vikings scored a quick point within the first two minutes. 

Bella Perez, an attacker, was sidelined and spoke on being an audience member for this game. 

“I always want to play. Definitely though, more high pace games are what I tend to enjoy. Yeah instead you just cheer for your team. It’s exciting because you watch your teammate, but it’s also nice because you can see what you would have done differently,” said Perez. 

Devon Fletcher, freshman attacker, had five assists in Wednesday’s game. 

Fletcher was asked about her confidence entering the game and the attitude players should have when going into a round. 

“I think we were really confident going in. We all have strong relationships on our team. We really trust each other,” said Fletcher. 

LBCC defender Sofia Cruz passes the ball to a teammates as Pasadena’s utility Alondra Vazquez tries to block the shot in a water polo game against Pasadena City College on Sept. 25, 2025 at the  Monte Nitzkowski Aquatic Center at Long Beach City College. The Vikings won 13-0. (Jose Calix)

Fletcher also commented on the fact that she was referred to as a star player by Head Coach Chris Oeding and shared how the team improves. 

“We try to put in effort whenever we are around the pool or playing a game. Just touching a ball. Even in practice we put in effort,” said Fletcher

Ahmaja Rodgers, an attacker, who scored three goals and an assist was also mentioned by Odeing. 

Rodgers had a short but excited response when being referred to as a star player.

”I feel very good, yeah… it’s so shocking,”Rodgers said.

Women’s water polo will have their next game on Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. at Mt. San Antonio College.

DJ Mustard performs surprise halftime show at high school rivalry game

Paloma Maciel
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DJ Mustard performs surprise halftime show at high school rivalry game

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misspelled Millikan High School.

Fans screamed while the bass boomed during DJ Mustard’s surprise halftime show at the Poly vs. Millikan rivalry football game after a 20-minute delay at LBCC’s Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday.

Right as halftime began, students gathered around Mustard’s stage, ecstatically waiting for his performance, but went through a range of emotions when they realized that Mustard did not come out immediately. 

An ambulance and firetruck arrived on field to help Poly’s injured kicker, but fans at the stage were so hyperfocused on Mustard’s arrival that they did not notice. 

As fans waited blindly, they went from excited to confused, disappointed, and hopeful when they heard the announcer on the speakers say, “Let’s give it up for him.”

Students cheered, but the statement wasn’t introducing Mustard’s arrival, it was meant as a word of encouragement for the player who after 15 minutes with paramedics got sent away to the hospital.

During Mustard’s performance, the bass was so loud that one could feel it in their chest. He performed older songs like “Rack City” and “I Don’t F— With You,” as well as newer songs like “tv off” and “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. 

DJ Mustard performing at the Poly vs. Millikan high schools football game on Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach, California. (Paloma Maciel)

DJ Mustard performing at the Poly vs. Millikan high schools football game on Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach, California. (Paloma Maciel)

DJ Mustard performing at the Poly vs. Millikan high schools football game on Friday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach, California. (Paloma Maciel)

The crowd joined Mustard in shouting “It’s probably A minor” during “Not Like Us,” a nod to Kendrick’s 2024 beef with Drake, which Mustard was also involved with.

Maliyah Bunn, a student from Woodrow Wilson High School who was at the game shared her thoughts on Mustard’s performance. 

“I thought it was very fun, I liked the songs he chose, his song choice, because I feel like everybody knows them and they’re really popular songs. But since I’m a Drake fan, I have to say the Kendrick Lamar song, like I don’t know, not really good. But overall it was good, I like that he came out and supported the football game,” Bunn said. 

Alaina Castillo, a cheerleader from Poly, also enjoyed the performance beyond the music. 

“I thought the performance was really fun and energetic and I liked how it brought both Poly and Millikan students together, and there was just that sense of community,” said Alaina Castillo. 

Amira Inui, a student from Long Beach Poly High School, recalled the moment when students found out that Mustard was going to be performing at their game.  

“My school’s leader counselor person was on the rally stage today, and he was like we have a special guest and it’s DJ Mustard, everybody went crazy and cheered”, said Inui. “I’m really excited that he came for our school, like that’s crazy, it’s like thank you so much because he’s probably busy.”

At the end of his performance, Mustard hurried onto the golf cart that he arrived in, while photographers and fans chased him. 

DJ Mustard leaves on a golf cart as a kid chases him, after having performed at the Poly vs. Millikan high schools football game in Long Beach, California at the Veterans Memorial Stadium. (Paloma Maciel)

Drag queen Torta Jugosa hosts Loteria night at LBCC

Jessica Rodriguez
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Drag queen Torta Jugosa hosts Loteria night at LBCC

Drag queen Torta Jugosa hosted an evening of Loteria, where students were provided food and a show at LBCC’s P-Building courtyard on September 26.

Players listen to Torta Jugosa call out cards to fill their sheets using beans at the Joteria Mexican Bingo event held at LBCC’s P-Building courtyard on Sept. 25 in Long Beach, California. (Emma Rojas)

The event, called Joteria Mexican Bingo, was part of LBCC’s Latino/a/x Heritage Month celebration and Pride Series, providing students with an active ID quesadillas or hardshell potato tacos served with rice and beans, Mexican candy, jamaica and horchata.

Similar to bingo, Loteria is a game of chance, using a deck of 54 cards with colorful images instead of numbered balls, where a player has to fill up a sheet of various patterns for prizes. 

A Loteria winner raises her prize at the Joteria Mexican Bingo event held at LBCC P-Building courtyard on Sept. 25 in Long Beach, California. (Emma Rojas)

Special guest and host Torta Jugosa would call out the pictures drawn, and forced players who incorrectly or deceitfully filled out their card to dance for the audience. 

During intermissions and throughout games, Torta Jugosa would also dance, sing and perform stand-up comedy.

The event’s fusion between the Latina/o/x community and individuals who identify with the LGBTQA+ was felt throughout the entire event. 

“Instead of just holding Pride in June, we want to celebrate all school year long, ” said Phoenix Scholars Director Jose Ibarra, “We get to celebrate all our intersectional identities.”

“When the world is in the state that it is right now, you can only rely on your local community to save you,” said Cyrus Fernandez, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), Human Resources Analyst.

DEIA Analyst and player Cyrus Fernandez cheers while wearing a drag queen Loteria shirt at the Joteria Mexican Bingo event held at LBCC’s P-Building courtyard on Sept. 25 in Long Beach, California. (Emma Rojas)

Fernandez, alongside other staff members like Department Head of History Vanessa Crispin-Peralta showed up to “rep hard for Long Beach” for a night of free expression and community. 

The event welcomed all students, staff and community members regardless of whether or not they identified with either group.

Drag queen Torta Jugosa takes a group selfie with participants of the LBCC Pride Series and Latina/o/x Heritage Month Joteria Mexican Bingo event on September 25 at the LAC P-Building courtyard. This event was hosted by LBCC Pride to celebrate and bring awareness to the needs of LGBTQIA+ while also celebrating Latina/o/x traditions. (Jessica Rodriguez)

Towards the end of the night, Torta Jugosa paid tribute to the late Mexican-American artist Selena, and the attendees danced and sang along. 

Drag queen and emcee for the Joteria Mexican Bingo event, Torta Jugosa, holds up the Loteria card el gallo on September 25 in the P-Building courtyard at LAC. This event was part of a two-month-long Latino/a/x Heritage celebration hosted by LBCC Pride to celebrate and bring awareness to the needs of LGBTQIA+. (Jessica Rodriguez)

 “I think [LBCC’s Pride Series] brings a sense of joy and respect to the communities. It helps show so much diversity that people need to see, and know it’s okay to be who you are, for yourself. And I feel like this is a really good thing for our campus community to see and have,” said Angelica Lara Gutierrez, who volunteered for the event.

 LBCC dedicates Aquatic center to an Olympic swimmer

Liam Hollon
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 LBCC dedicates Aquatic center to an Olympic swimmer

Long Beach City College dedicated their aquatics center to swim olympian and winningest coach in Vikings water polo history Monte Nitzkowski. 

In his 34 years of coaching the Vikings swim and water polo teams, Nitzkowski led the Vikings to 32 conference water polo championships and 12 swim titles. 

Prior to coaching at the college level, he coached the U.S. men’s Olympic water polo team at three Olympic Games, winning the bronze medal in 1972 and a silver medal in 1984. 

“He was a very difficult coach, but he was hard with a purpose, not just to be hard. He cared deeply about their growth, success, and development,” said LBCC dean of kinesiology, public health and athletics Randy Totorp. 

His effect on the LBCC water polo and swim teams can be felt to this day, with current day coaches still maintaining the culture that he left behind. 

Nitzkowski also traveled to colleges with his wife, Barbara, to try to establish women’s water polo in universities nationwide.

“The thing he is least known for is the women’s game. To be honest with you, that was more important to him than all the medals because he was really able to make an impact and establish women’s water polo,” Monte’s son, Jim Nitzkowski, said.

Jim Nitzkowski, son of Monte, speaks in honor of his father at the ceremonial dedication to the newly named Monte Nitzkowski Aquatic Center on Wednesday Oct. 1, 2025 at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California. (Jessica Rodriguez)

The success that Monte found in coaching in his life could not have been achieved had it not been for his rigorous coaching style and obsession with the sport. 

“He set a standard that we followed, even myself as an athlete a long time ago, and we’re trying to carry that as coaches,” Vikings men’s water polo head coach Djoko Radunovic said. 

Beyond his career in aquatics, he was also incredibly invested in the success of his students beyond college and into their adult lives. 

“With him, it’s about education. It’s about learning how to be a young leader and how to grow in your life,” Totorp said.

His impact in the sport will never be forgotten and the naming of the aquatics center only further cemented his legacy in LBCC aquatics. 

Barbara Nitzkowski, wife of late Monte Nitzkowski smiles in front of the newly renamed Aquatic Center during a ceremony Wednesday Oct. 1, 2025 for the dedication of the Monte Nitzkowski Aquatic Center at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California. (Jessica Rodriguez)

Gallery: Cardi B fans bring the drama to Long Beach with memorabilia

Isaiah Ryan
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Gallery: Cardi B fans bring the drama to Long Beach with memorabilia

Cardi B came to Fingerprints, a record store in Long Beach, to promote her newest album “Am I the Drama?” on Sept. 25.

Fans gathered in a line that wrapped three blocks to meet the artist.

People showed up and showed off their signed merchandise and outfits while waiting in line and leaving the meet-and-greet.

Cardi B fans dress in capes that say her album title “Am I the Drama?” and tha name of three songs on it, while waiting in line outside Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California on Sept. 25. The store hosted a meet-and-greet with Cardi B for those who bought her new album. (Isaiah Ryan)

Cardi B fans rush through the alleyway leading to the back of Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, hoping to catch a first glimpse of the artist. (Isaiah Ryan)

Cardi B fans climb a fence behind Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, as they wait to catch a first glimpse of the artist on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

A baby cries from the noise of cheering fans as Cardi B arrives at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California on Sept. 25. Fans lined up behind a fence to catch a first glimpse of the artist during a meet-and-greet for those who purchased an album. (Isaiah Ryan)

Mr. Bougé poses for a portrait while waiting in line at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. Fans gathered for a Cardi B meet-and-greet held for those who purchased an album. (Isaiah Ryan)

Cardi B fans gather in front of Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California as they wait to catch a first glimpse of the artist on Sept. 25. The store hosted a meet-and-greet for fans who purchased an album. (Isaiah Ryan)

Fans line up at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California on Sept. 25 for a chance to take a photo with Cardi B, while a food vendor waits for customers nearby. The store hosted a meet-and-greet for fans who purchased an album. (Isaiah Ryan)

Fans wait a block away from Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California for a chance to see Cardi B on Sept. 25. The meet-and-greet was held for fans who purchased an album. (Isaiah Ryan)

Chloe Fernandez, a Long Beach City College student poses with an umbrella and dog purse while waiting in line at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

Cardi B fan Ronda Nelson poses while waiting in line outside of Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

A Cardi B fan kisses the glass while waiting in line outside of Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

Cardi B fans pose outside in line at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

A handmade children’s book created by a Cardi B fan is displayed on a wall outside Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California on Sept. 25. Fans who purchased a record at the store were given the chance to meet the artist. (Isaiah Ryan)

A Cardi B fan laughs while in line outside of Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

A Cardi B fan points to the artist’s signature on their right thigh at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

A Cardi B fan and local entrepreneur selling beverages pauses for a portrait at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

Cardi B fans hug each other goodbye after seeing the artist at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

A Cardi B fan poses with two middle fingers while wearing a shirt of the artist at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

Fans line up at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25 for a chance to take a photo with Cardi B. (Isaiah Ryan)

Fans line up at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25 for a chance to take a photo with Cardi B, Esteban Contreras is seen twerking in line. (Isaiah Ryan)

A Cardi B fan holds two custom skateboard decks of the artist at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

Cardi B fans pose while holding three vinyl records from the artist at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

Cardi B fans react to the scuffle that just took place amongst themselves at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

A Cardi B fan poses with beverages she’s selling at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

Cardi B fans review footage of the fight that just took place outside of Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, California, on Sept. 25. (Isaiah Ryan)

Turn up the volume through Karaoke Night for Latinx month

Hailey Hildreth
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Turn up the volume through Karaoke Night for Latinx month

Students sang and celebrated culture under the disco lights at Long Beach City College karaoke night on Tuesday, highlighting Latinx heritage month for a community of music and community.

This event was held by the Social Justice Intercultural Center (SJIC) in B-206. It drew students who were ready to sing classics and connect.

Karaoke night is a monthly event that is sponsored to celebrate different cultural and ethnic groups. 

“ I want students to feel engaged and welcomed, I want them to have fun on campus after a long day,” outreach specialist James Ceja said.

The SJIC room’s atmosphere was illuminated by disco lights, enhanced with speakers, and accompanied by food and soft drinks. 

Community members react to Nicholas Beckford performance of Thriller by Micheal Jackson during karaoke night at Long Beach City College’s Social Justice Intercultural Center on Tuesday, Sept. 30. (Isaiah Ryan)

Students were encouraged to perform a variety of different songs while they socialized amongst each other and had a great time. 

“I usually sing around my family, but this was a new experience singing in front of others, especially being the first one was nerve-racking,” said student Julianna Chirinos after she sang “Rata De Dos Patas” by Paquita La Del Barrio.

The second singer of the night, student Nicholas Beckford, sang “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and said, “I picked this song to match the season of Halloween, and it’s iconic, so why not?”

The event was aimed to create a space where students could express themselves and connect with culture through music. 

“Music is one of those universal languages where it kind of resonates with everybody, no matter what culture you come from,” Alejandro Flores, a SJIC staff member, said.

Without much dancing, the crowd maintained energy, and cheered on each performer and even joined in on a few songs together.

When asked about the challenges of hosting events like this, organizers said the biggest hurdle turnout is when events are held after regular class hours.

“The biggest battle is getting students to show up, especially after hours and people go home or work, but we are grateful for everybody who does show up, ” SJIC staff member Alejandro Flores said.

When asked if LBCC should host more events like this, several students said yes. “I think there should be events like this more often, it gets people more connected and involved with student life,” said student Nash Neyra. 

The night ended with plenty of smiles and laughter as students thanked the organizers while walking out.

The next karaoke night will be on Oct. 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at SJIC in B-206 for Filipino heritage month.

LBCC hosts club leadership finance training

Tien Nguyen
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LBCC hosts club leadership finance training

Long Beach City College’s Inter-Club Council (ICC) and Student Life hosted their third Fall 2025 leadership training session on Sept. 16, focusing on finances, with special guest Andrea Reid, Senior Accounting Specialist, who serves as the Associated Student Body (ASB) Banker.

The goal of this session was to ensure that club leaders will use their funds appropriately and follow school and district regulations.

After introducing the ASB Bank and its functions, Reid elaborated on how a club would open a bank account and withdraw funds, stressing the significance of club meeting minutes, approved votes, and necessary signatures to get funds.

“We always need minutes. Deposit tickets will need those when they’re making deposits in your account,” Reid said.

Every financial transaction requires a purchase order (PO) and a Business Services Support (BSS) checklist that ensures expenses comply with district rules.

“This [BSS] checklist goes with your PO book and your minutes. Do not separate them,” Student Affairs Program Coordinator Telia Robertson said.

Reid and Robertson repeatedly instructed students to follow procedures carefully, as these procedures would ensure every workflow ran smoothly for the clubs’ benefit and protection. 

Robertson encouraged clubs to plan expenses at meetings and if possible, should plan multiple events in one meeting to save time and allocate funds more efficiently.

“Find a way to get them into the meetings so that you can get their vote… Everyone in your club needs to have a voice. You need to make sure everyone has an opinion,” Robertson emphasized that member participation and opinions in meetings are a significant factor in keeping the clubs alive. 

Reid instructed students on writing checks to vendors for items and services rendered and to individuals for reimbursements or advance payment. 

The session concluded with Reid advising on fundraising, including processes for different types of donations, payment collection, and plans for items sold and prices.

“They teach you about how to fundraise. You can do vendors. You can collab with business owners. If you want to use your own items, your own stuff, you have to document it so you can, like, no one can get scammed out of it. It’s a very key part they talk about, do not get scammed,” President of Cru Club Josh Sarreal said.

Union members strike against Frontier Communications

Kay Pham-Nguyen
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Union members strike against Frontier Communications

Union members of Communications Workers of America (CWA) went on a grievance strike against Frontier Communications on Sept. 24 in solidarity with another union, due to an unfair labor practice that happened in Menifee, California. 

The strike was in response to interference by management of members picketing for their negotiations while they were off the clock.

“We were picketing before working hours and a manager tried to set up a training exercise in the area that the teammates were picketing at, to try and disrupt what they were doing, even though we weren’t on the clock … It was more like a retaliation thing that the manager did,” Ramiro Pimentel, a CWA member, said.

CWA Local 9586 members held signs outside of the Verizon building, next to Long Beach City College.

Frontier worker Ramiro Pimentel on strike outside of the Frontier building near LBCC with a sign asking Frontier to stop the grievance strike on Sep. 24. The union went on a grievance strike against Frontier Communications in solidarity with another union, due to an unfair labor practice. (Liam Hollon)

The strike had union board representative Vince Torres and union steward Jose Manjarrez participating in the strike. 

“Right now as we are in between contracts, we’re allowed to do certain types of strikes. This is an unfair labor practice grievance strike because they’re not doing what they’re supposed to. With that, we’re showing them that we are all together, so you got to treat us all the same, give everyone the same rights,” Majarrez said. 

Union members and Frontier Communications are currently in contract negotiations for labor increase, no contract workers, no layoffs, better insurance and higher pay.

The strike was approved on Sept. 16 through a strike vote, but members of the union had been working without contract since Sept. 7. 

Although some of the members did not know the specifics of what the incident in Menifee was, they continued to show up and strike without pay until Frontier proposed a resolution.

Frontier worker’s Lucia Ciuffetelli and Adriana Torres strike outside near LBCC on Sep. 24. The union went on a grievance strike against Frontier Communications in solidarity with another union, due to an unfair labor practice. (Liam Hollon)

“Whenever one area declares an unfair practice labor strike, then we all participate in solidarity,” Torres said.

A resolution was given on Sept. 24, but CWA continued picketing during negotiations as they had done for previous strikes.

“The company wasn’t willing to negotiate with our medical expenses,” Pimento said, regarding the last strike against Frontier in 2023.

“We’re not under a contract because they’re negotiating the contract, so we’re still going by the rules, but there’s certain things we can do. This is protected activity that we can do, a grievance strike,” Manjarrez said.

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