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Legal defense program supporters fill city council meeting

Isaiah Ryan
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Legal defense program supporters fill city council meeting

Supporters for a legal defense program sat in on a Long Beach City Council meeting to hear the outcome of the council’s vote for their 2026 fiscal year budget on Sept. 9.

The Long Beach Justice Fund is a legal defense program that offers assistance to low-income immigrants in Long Beach who are at risk of deportation. 

Supporters of the fund voiced their opinions before the announcement of the budget, asking for $2.2 million.

Long Beach Residents Empowered (LiBRE), an organization of Long Beach residents advocating for affordable housing and renter protections to prevent displacement and homelessness in Long Beach, were in attendance in support of the Tenant Right to Counsel Program, settlement funds, and the Justice Fund.

Long Beach has donated money in the past, but supporters of the fund asked for 2.2 million dollars to be contributed in light of recent immigration raids. 

“What do we do in the face of this world turned upside-down, what can Long Beach do?” veteran teacher of over 25 years Ann Burdette said. 

Ann Burdette vouches for the Justice Fund to the Long Beach City Council at Long Beach City Hall on Sept. 9. Burdette is a veteran teacher concerned about recent unlawful ICE arrests, and felt them to be unconstitutional. (Jacyn King)

Burdette urged the council to look at the fourth and sixth amendments while holding a small copy of the U.S. Constitution and to allocate $2.2 million for the Justice Fund.

The Long Beach Justice Fund was eventually financed at $1.9 million, $300,000 less than community members were asking for.

Although the funding was lower than what supporters had sought, the decision drew praise from advocates.

Brandie Davidson, a community organizer with LiBRE and third generation Long Beach resident, said it marked a step forward.

“It’s not exactly what we asked for, but it’s something. It does show good faith from the council. It’s a barter, we got something and I’m happy with it,” Davison said.

The Long Beach Justice Fund’s services are provided by the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, who identify Long Beach residents in need of legal assistance regarding deportation and unlawful convictions.

Opinion: LBCC’s one-car rule makes student lives harder

Tien Nguyen
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Opinion: LBCC’s one-car rule makes student lives harder

LBCC’s rigid one-vehicle-per-permit policy is troublesome for students who share cars with their family members or switch vehicles on certain days. 

Since the parking permit strictly allows only one vehicle, if a student wants to park another car on campus, they must purchase a separate permit, which costs $2 a day or $30 for the entire semester.

This forces students to pay extra money for a minor, sometimes necessary, change in their transportation.

If LBCC really wants to simplify parking management and cares about student well-being, it should allow students to register two or more vehicles per permit to reduce frustration and align with how students actually commute to campus.

Cal State Long Beach announced that starting Fall 2025, they would limit student parking permits to one vehicle, which caused frustration among students. 

In contrast, several other colleges embrace flexibility very well by allowing students to add two or more vehicles to one permit, but only one vehicle can be parked on campus at a time.

Under LBCC’s old system, splitting up the cost with a fellow student by adding two different cars to the same permit was possible as long as they didn’t park simultaneously.

Therefore, LBCC’s rigid rule doesn’t reflect regular student behavior, especially when students help out their families or friends. 

For some people, $2 a day may not be a big deal; however, what happens when a student switches to another car and has to pay double for the rest of the semester?

The fee doesn’t relate to actual parking demand because students pay for a second permit when they can only ever use one space at a time.

In case a student needs to update a temporary license plate to a permanent one or change their vehicle permanently, they must contact the LBCC Parking Services Department, which may be a lengthy process. 

This policy unnecessarily increases the financial burden and needless administrative headaches, contradicting the mission of affordable community college education.

EDITORIAL: LBCC’s muddled statement on the flag at half-staff causes confusion for students

The Viking News
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EDITORIAL: LBCC’s muddled statement on the flag at half-staff causes confusion for students

LBCC’s American flag was flown at half-staff after Thursday, Sept. 11, from Friday to Sunday, and the college claimed the reason was an error by facilities. The Viking News is convinced the college doesn’t want their students to know the real reason. 

The official statement, per Superintendent President Mike Munoz, was that the flag was lowered for Patriot Day, commonly known as 9/11 remembrance. 

The Viking News spent nearly a week trying to get a clear answer from the school on if the flag was flown at half-staff to honor controversial conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on Sept. 10, while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.

LBCC’s flag stayed at half-staff over the weekend, during the same time President Donald Trump issued an order for all federal and public buildings flags to be flown at half-staff from Sept. 10 to sunset on Sunday, in remembrance of Kirk. 

Superintendent President Mike Munoz, Executive Director of PR Carl Kemp and Head of PR Stacey Toda failed to provide a direct response of why the flag was down over the weekend after five days of The Viking trying to get a clear statement. 

Students deserve to know where LBCC stands on honoring a controversial and divisive political person with ideals that targeted over 50% of the school’s population, especially in the current political climate. 

Kirk believed in the great replacement theory, a white nationalist conspiracy theory that the white population is intentionally being replaced by non-white immigrants.

LBCC claims to be a Hispanic serving institution, with “56% of its student body identifying as Latinx,” according to the official school website. 

Kirk also targeted LGBTQ+ communities, stating “We need to have a Nuremberg-style trial for every gender-affirming clinic doctor. We need it immediately,” on the Charlie Kirk show on April 1, 2024. The Nuremberg Trials were used to convict and punish leaders of Nazi Germany for war crimes committed during World War II.

LBCC prides itself in supporting LGBTQ+ students with its designated program called “Pride Scholars,” which provides support for students in the LGBTQ+ community. The school also hosts “monthly events where Queerness is embraced & celebrated,” according to the LBCC’s website.

The website also states, “At LBCC, we are proud to celebrate and uplift our diverse LGBTQIA+ communities. Our mission is to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive in both their academic and personal lives.”

Turning Point USA, Kirk’s organization, created a watchlist for liberal professors. The watchlist served as an online witch-hunt, which promoted harassment towards liberal professors, in regards to what professors did and did not feel safe discussing in class.

If executive leaders refuse to directly acknowledge if they are honoring a person who targeted over 50% of the school, students within the demographic that Kirk spoke negatively about will not truly believe that LBCC thinks these communities belong. 

On Thursday, Sept. 11, The Viking spoke with Toda and directly asked if the flag was flown at half-staff for Charlie Kirk. 

“To my understanding, it’s down for 9/11,” Toda said. 

She pointed The Viking to Kemp, who later sent an email, on Thursday, with a statement on behalf of Mike Munoz, who was out sick, and the Long Beach City College District. 

The statement read, “As we have done for the past 24 years, Long Beach City College flew the U.S. flag at half-staff today as part of Patriot Day, where we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the first responders who acted so heroically. We also acknowledge the horrific acts that occurred at Utah Valley University and Evergreen High School in Colorado, and decry all acts of gun violence.”

The flag remained at half-staff on Friday and a reporter spoke with Kemp, in-person, regarding the direct question if the flag was at half-staff due to the order issued by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. 

Kemp requested more time to formulate a response after he said, “I want to find the right words.”

Kemp mistyped the reporter’s phone number into his phone, and sent a message to an incorrect number. The message said, “Per Dr. Munoz, the statement that was emailed yesterday is the District’s official statement in response to your flag inquiry.” 

At around 11 p.m. on Friday, The Viking spoke with Kemp over the phone to resolve the issue of not receiving a statement, but Kemp, once again, declined to state if the flag was being flown at half-staff in remembrance of Kirk, and deferred to the statement made on Thursday.

The flag remained at half-staff over the weekend and Superintendent President Mike Munoz responded, “To be honest, I don’t know. I was out sick,” on Monday, when he was asked about what went into the decision of having the flag lowered, during the Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off event.

“I am aware that you were sent a statement that acknowledged all the tragedies that happened last week, so the flag was lowered for all those reasons,” Munoz said. 

The Viking continued to ask the question of “was the flag lowered for Charlie Kirk?,” and provided Munoz with the demographics of the student population. 

“I don’t want to slight one community over another because that feels not good,” Munoz said.

Munoz was also asked if he understood the rhetoric of Charlie Kirk and that Kirk targeted a large population of the school and responded, “Yes, of course,” which led the Viking to ask what message that sends to students, if students are under the impression that the flag was flown at half-staff to honor Kirk.

“I’m at an event (an on-campus Latinx Heritage Month event) for my students and that’s where my effort and energy need to be right now,” Munoz said. 

Munoz seemed to use the event as a moment to escape the conversation around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, but made a point to express interest in continuing the conversation, if The Viking followed the protocol of a scheduled meeting through Toda. 

Kemp called The Viking shortly after speaking to Munoz, and asked for the remaining questions through email, so they could “formulate a response.” The Viking refused email communication and Kemp scheduled a meeting for 4 p.m. on Monday. 

In the scheduled meeting, The Viking asked Munoz to clarify what the sensitivities were when it came to addressing the flag being flown at half-staff and he said, “The flag lowering was in response to Patriot Day (9/11 remembrance). For the last 24 years, the college has lowered the flag, in honor of those who lost their lives during 9/11. As you know, more than one thing can be true at the same time, given the events that had occurred the day before, in Colorado and in Utah, I thought it was important to also acknowledge those situations, but for clarity, the flag was lowered for Patriot Day.”

Munoz, again, failed to directly answer what the sensitivities were when asked about the flag being lowered, while also refusing to name Kirk.

Munoz continued to be persistent on the flag being lowered for 9/11 and said that he believed the flag was supposed to be back at full-staff on Friday, but didn’t happen due to operational oversight. 

“I do believe two things can be true at the same time. I did feel it was important to acknowledge the events that occurred, because I think wherever you’re sitting on the spectrum of things, I felt it was important for students and the campus community to just acknowledge that. It would feel a little tone deaf to me to not,” Munoz said. 

Munoz should have stated who and what events were being honored specifically. The refusal to state names implied he was aware of the backlash or controversy it could have caused. 

Munoz then reiterated that the LBCC’s final response was that the flag was lowered in response to Patriot Day. 

The Viking brought up Kemp’s response made on Friday of, “I want to find the right words,” and asked what he was referring to, if he wasn’t addressing that the flag was lowered for Kirk. 

“The president is the spokesman for this college and he was able to offer guidance. So as someone who works for the president, I wanted to make sure whatever was said was in alignment with what his directions were,” Kemp said.

Kemp’s explanation did not seem to line up with his original response made on Friday and implied he was attempting to cover up what he really meant, or he was leaving room for students to misunderstand what words he was finding on Friday, over the weekend. 

The Viking then made a statement that Patriot Day felt overshadowed by the president’s order to lower the flags, and that many students attending were born after 2001.

Munoz then requested to go off-the-record for a “clarifying moment” and The Viking refused to do so, and Munoz ended the meeting.

Munoz was willing to respond off the record, but not for the college to know. 

“It was for 9/11, in response to Patriot Day. At the same time, two things can be true at the same time, and we also acknowledge the events that took place in Utah and Colorado, and the flag being lowered over the weekend was an operational oversight,” Munoz said. 

If the school truly wanted to acknowledge the events that occurred, it is disrespectful to not state their name or clearly state the event that happened. 

Associate Vice President of Facilities Jeff Connell made a statement today that had very similar wording to Munoz’s official statement for the school.

“There was an operational error in communication to the people (responsible) for lowering the flag. There was no message,” Connell said.

Students deserve to know the real reason for why the flag was kept lowered, who the school chooses to honor and what decisions lead up to it to understand if they truly belong as the school claims.

If Patriot Day was a reason the flag was lowered, The Viking’s refusal to go off the record should not have been an issue if the school was not embarrassed by their actions, nor should it have taken five days to explain it was lowered for Patriot Day.

“We are adamant. This is important to us, and we lowered the flag to honor the people who lost their lives on Patriot Day. We’ve lowered the flag for the last 24 years, and that’s what was most important to us. That this is not new this year,” Connell said. 

LBCC’s president and PR department need to be transparent in their responses. Their request to go off the record implied they were not being honest with what the reason was.

The school taking five days to respond to a yes or no question is very concerning, and feels like they were intentionally avoidant of the real reason, making it clear they did not stand by their decision, whatever the real reason was.

According to Transparent California’s 2023, Kemp’s salary was $184,588, and Munoz’s salary was $332,133.

As spokespeople for the school, who make such high salaries funded by taxpayers, they should be more than capable of answering a direct yes or no question, when it comes to their students’ understanding, regardless of the consequences. 

If you were wondering the real reason why the flag was at half-staff, we wish we could tell you. 

LBCC’s official statement, as of Monday, is that the flag was at half-staff on Thursday in response to Patriot Day, and remained down Friday to Sunday due to an operational oversight.

LBCC temporarily closed the library due to bed bugs 

Dom Maddan
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LBCC temporarily closed the library due to bed bugs 

A bed bug infestation caused the LAC library to be closed from Aug. 27 to Sept.1 and the school did not make an official statement to students.

“It can be confirmed to be bedbugs,” Lawrence Maminta, a librarian who was present during the initial sighting, said.

Associate Vice President of Facilities Jeff Connell confirmed there were two separate incidents within the first week of the semester, which started on Aug. 25.

The library closed around 5 p.m. on Aug. 27, but students were initially ushered out due to an alleged technical issue in the library.

“The staff just told me it was due to the library computer system not working. I thought it was an overreaction at first,” Fidelle Martinez, a student who was in the library on Wednesday, said. 

No reports of the library’s computer system were confirmed by other staff and Connell noted that this statement was out of the Facilities Management’s control.

“As far as I know, there were no technical issues, but there were bed bugs found around the computers, so they cleared it and made room for them (Dewey Pest Control) to do treatment,” Connell said.

All contaminated areas were treated immediately and the objects that had evidence of infestation were thrown out and went through multiple custodial deep cleanings for all incidents. 

The incidents were considered isolated and facilities contracted Dewey Pest Control to treat the issue as soon as the school found out. 

After the first incident, Connell realized that the library did need to be closed for a deeper extermination procedure.

An official synopsis provided by Connell, from a contractor who works for LBCC, confirmed that there were at least three incidents of bed bugs in the library, as early as June 27.

It is unknown if any student or faculty member’s health were impacted by the incidents.

LBCC offers student club leadership trainings

Diosa Hippolyta
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LBCC offers student club leadership trainings

Long Beach City College’s Inter-Club Council (ICC) and Student Life hosted their second Fall 2025 leadership training session on Sept. 9 in a five-part series, offered until the end of September.

ICC and Student Life addressed the student need of learning how to successfully charter a club through a more efficiently designed and effective process in this leadership training series.

For the second year in a row, there are over 75 clubs and organizations wanting to register and charter their groups for one year by the Oct. 7 deadline.

The vice president of LAC’s ICC, Usama Habash, shared the agenda for the second meeting. 

“Today, we focused on how to charter a club/organization, how to charter a club through the system, how to recruit members to their club, and how to get an advisor,” Habash said.

LBCC students were able to explore various clubs and organizations with their peers based on similar interests like academics, arts, culture and social causes.

There are many clubs and organizations that may not be aware of all the opportunities available to them and that is why the training sessions are designed to assist with all the required documentation, financial opportunities and processing timelines.  

A requirement to complete the charter process is to have an advisor who must be either a staff or faculty member willing to dedicate their time and expertise.

Clubs and organizations in need of an advisor were able to obtain key information and ideas on how to reach out for one during both training sessions. 

“It is good for students to come to all the training sessions, but they can enter at any point because it’s important for them to learn how to set up their club and it looks great on their transcripts,” said Medarda Garcia, TCC’s ICC Vice president. 

Opportunities for students to engage in both appointed and elected positions were presented by both the Associated Student Body (ASB) and the Viking Activities Council (VAC). 

ASB, the student voice for all students at LBCC, supports the intellectual, physical, social and cultural goals for students through its sponsorship of educational and co-curricular programs. 

VAC is the official student programming and coordinating group of the Associated Student Body and offers more leadership roles and responsibilities for interested students.

ICC and Student Life provided examples, models and guidance on how to access online resources through the Viking Engagement section of their Viking Portal. 

The first training session of the series, which was on Sept. 2, provided an orientation and overview of ICC and Student Life on campus.  

“We want to increase the amount of student engagement this year and we are here to help, guide, and ensure the success of any club or organization that wants to be successful, but you have to get involved,” said ICC President Samuel Perez, in regards to the meetings.  

The main focus during the first session was an overview of the chartering process, recruitment and important dates for the clubs.  

Clubs and organizations may not raise funds or host events until their official chartering process is completed by Oct. 7.

Clubs may meet with advisors and conduct recruiting activities during the processing period.

The next training will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. at LAC’s T-1200 with ASB Banker Andrea Reid, focusing on club finances, banking, fundraising, Treasurer duties and other funding resources.  

“I received some very important information that I had questions about how to set up a club. We just didn’t know all the procedures, but now we are more informed,” said Josh Shetland, Music Club president.

All of the training sessions  are helping clubs and organizations prepare for a very successful recruiting event at the Join a Club Day being held on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 from 10 to 2 p.m. at LAC in the A-Quad and Oct. 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the quad at TTC.

Join a Club Day is an opportunity to meet, learn about, and sign up for over 75 clubs and organizations. Free food, games and merchandise giveaways will be offered.

“I am very excited to see all the clubs and organizations participate in Join-A-Club Day and to see them recruit on campus and invite other students to their clubs,” said ICC Secretary Joenel Tenepere.

The last two training sessions will be on Sept. 23 at LAC B-202 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and from 12-1 p.m. on Sept. 30 at LAC T-1200.

LBCC’s Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off will feature live music and free food

Rafael Gomez
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LBCC’s Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off will feature live music and free food

LBCC’s Latinx Heritage Kick-Off event will feature free food, live Mexican regional music, and an open mic where Latinx students can speak about their experiences at the LAC E quad in front of the auditorium on Tuesday from 12 to 2 p.m.

Guests will be able to sample a variety of Latin American based dishes such as Cali burritos, a dish that modifies the traditional style of burritos by replacing the rice with french fries, carne asada quesadillas and taquitos de papa. 

The kick-off marks the beginning of a month-long series of events held at LBCC celebrating Latinx heritage from Monday to October 15. 

The purpose of the kick-off according to Alejandro Flores, one of the event coordinators, “is to highlight student voices and their talent”.

Local band Los Conejos, who play regional Mexican music and are frequently seen playing in front of the LAC library, was scouted for the event by the coordinators. 

The band has prepared a setlist that includes songs about heartbreak and romance along with cumbias and corridos for Tuesday.

Joining them in their performance is singer Mariangel Alvarez, who was the winner of an on-campus karaoke competition that was held for AAPI Heritage Month in May. 

In addition, the event will feature cumbia music performed by a band called Carybel.

Event leaders James Cejo and Robert Robles explained that during the open mic portion of the event, individuals of Latin descent are encouraged to come forward and express their perspectives as members of the Latinx community. 

Robles mentioned that he wants to create a multicultural environment at LBCC through the kick-off and other events.

“We have a mission to represent ourselves and represent our voices. I hope they feel empowered in this institution and wherever they go,” said Robles. 

Robles emphasized the event’s inclusive spirit and encouraged different cultures to engage in the event.

“Though this is a Latinx kick-off, we want to invite the whole community to come, we want to welcome everybody.”

Vikings women’s soccer defeats Mt. San Jacinto 6-1

Liam Hollon
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Vikings women’s soccer defeats Mt. San Jacinto 6-1

The Vikings women’s soccer team had a dominant 6-1 victory in their second home game of the season against the Mt. San Jacinto Eagles on Sept. 5.

Forward Lorena Moreno led the Vikings with four goals in the win, as she took charge in this game as a strong captain.

“It feels so good. I haven’t been playing too good the past few games, but our game on Tuesday was kind of a wake up call for me,” said Moreno, when asked about the win. 

A previous obstacle for the Vikings was their lack of energy to open the game, seen during their home opener on Sept. 2.

“We knew that if we could focus on the first 10, 15 minutes and come out the right way and have the right approach, that we would give ourselves a chance in the game, and that’s exactly what we did,” said head coach Tino Nunez. 

Within the first 15 minutes of the match, the Vikings took a 2-0 lead, taking away any fears of another slow start.

The second half was where the Vikings’ offense solidified their win.

During the second half, Moreno scored all four of her goals, which guaranteed a landslide victory for the squad and a great individual performance.

The Vikings didn’t just see improvements on offense in this game, but also on defense where they only allowed one shot on goal throughout the entire game. 

“I think the defense was very important. We went out there, we won every ball, and if we didn’t win it, we would fight to get it right back,” said Viking goalkeeper Mary Valenzuela.

“I think it built everyone’s confidence. We all played together, which is something we haven’t really been doing, which makes me so excited for the rest of the season,” said Moreno about the victory. 

The Vikings hold a 4-1 record and hope to continue their success at their next away game against Norco College on Tuesday.

Gallery: DHS and ICE officers engage protesters at anti-ICE protest in LA

Isaiah Ryan
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Gallery: DHS and ICE officers engage protesters at anti-ICE protest in LA

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers fired less-lethal weapons into crowds of both protesters and journalists during a protest held outside the Los Angeles Federal Building for immigration reform on Labor Day.

A DHS officer fires pepper spray into a crowd of protesters in front of the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. Protesters were met with tear gas and pepper-spray bullets by DHS officers. (Isaiah Ryan)

An unlawful assembly was declared by the Los Angeles Police department after sunset.

ICE and LAPD officers targeted vocal individuals among protesters, tackling some to the ground.

ICE agents tackle a protester to the ground in the middle of Alameda Street next to the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)

At least one demonstrator was released without charges, while several organizers and other protesters were also taken into custody.

ICE agents seize a protester on East Commercial Street while a DHS officer fires their non-lethal pepper-spray gun at protesters in downtown LA on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)

The protest began with a sit-in, where people occupied Los Angeles City Hall Park. 

Three protesters stand side by side as they listen to a community speaker on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)

Activists played cultural songs honoring ancestors, held speeches regarding ICE’s deployment in LA, and called for solidarity while burning palo santo, a holy wood known for its spiritual properties.

A protester waves a Palestinian flag as they march with other protesters holding flags and signs down First Street on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)

Demonstrators marched through Little Tokyo as they waved flags, chanted “Whose streets? Our streets,” and played instruments as they moved down First Street towards the Los Angeles Federal Building.

  • A group of anti-ICE protesters march in front of the Los Angeles Police Department building while holding signs and an American flag on Sept. 1. Protesters were met with tear gas and pepper-spray bullets after their arrival to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • Protester wave a flag of an upside down American and Mexican flag on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • An anti-ICE community speaker sings a song honoring their ancestors in their native language as community members listen on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • Three protesters stand side by side as they listen to a community speaker on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • Community members hold hands as they listen to a speaker on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A flag with text written on it hangs off the back of a community member as they listen to a community speaker. At the Anti-Ice protest at the Los Angeles City Hall and Los Angeles Federal building on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. The Anti-Ice Protest was held on Sept. 1. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester holds a Donald Trump mask and book, while wearing a red tie, red hat, and an upside down American flag shirt on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A child plays with a Mexican flag on the floor, next to markers snacks and a pack of cigarettes on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A community speaker shares words on a microphone with a red and white keffieya over their shoulders on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • The reflection of protesters gathering in the street and waving flags on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester burns palo santo for spiritual cleansing as other protesters begin marching on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A child protester holds a Mexican flag as they march with other protesters on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester waves a Palestinian flag as they march with other protesters holding flags and signs down First Street on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • Protesters hold flags as they march down First Street in Little Tokyo while onlookers watch from the sidewalk on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A DHS officer closes the entryway of a fence in front of the Los Angeles Federal Building while holding a non-lethal pepper-spray bullet gun. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester wearing a red “HATE WILL NOT MAKE US GREAT” shirt helps to close the fence in front of the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester removes their respirator as fellow protesters come to their aid after being sprayed with tear gas outside of the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. Protesters were met with tear gas and pepper-spray bullets by DHS officers. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • Two protesters have a conversation on Alameda Street in LA on Sept. 1. Protesters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall Park before walking to the Los Angeles Federal Building. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A masked protester with a Mexican flag as a cape throws a water bottle at DHS officers inside the fenced perimeter outside the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. Protesters were met with tear gas and pepper-spray bullets by DHS officers. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A DHS officer sprays tear gas into a crowd of protesters in front of the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. Protesters were met with tear gas and pepper-spray bullets by DHS officers. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester runs for supplies at a medical station on the opposite side of Alameda Street in front of the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. Other protesters sought help after being sprayed with tear gas from DHS officers. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester receives medical help after being sprayed by tear gas in front of the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. Protesters were met with tear gas and pepper-spray bullets by DHS officers. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • ICE agents tackle a protester to the ground in the middle of Alameda Street next to the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • ICE agents tackle a protester to the ground in the middle of Alameda Street next to the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • ICE agents pick up a protester off the ground in the middle of Alameda Street as a DHS officer stands guard next to the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • An ICE agent signals a protester with an American flag to stand back at the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1.The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • ICE agents pick up a part of a fence to reconstruct a part of the barrier in front of the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • An ICE agent approaches a crowd of protesters holding a non-lethal pepper-spray gun at East Commercial Street, across from the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • ICE agents seize a protester on East Commercial Street while a DHS officer fires their non-lethal pepper-spray gun at protesters in downtown LA on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • An ICE agents points a non-lethal pepper-spray gun at journalists and protesters to clear the way for a detained protester to the Los Angeles Federal Building on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A photojournalist receives help from protesters who set up a medical outpost on East Commercial Street after being hit with pepper spray bullets from ICE and DHS Police agents on Sept 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester holds their child as both hold their fist up towards LAPD officers at Alameda Street in downtown LA on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester is detained by LAPD officers in front of the Little Tokyo Metro Station on Alameda and First Street on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester shouts while being detained by LAPD officers in front of the Little Tokyo Metro Station on Alameda and First Street on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)
  • A protester shouts while being detained by LAPD officers in front of the Little Tokyo Metro Station on Alameda and First Street on Sept. 1. The protest was declared an unlawful assembly by LAPD after sunset. (Isaiah Ryan)

Free USC football tickets are available for LBCC students and faculty

Ryenne Jolliff
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Free USC football tickets are available for LBCC students and faculty

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story provided an incorrect date of Nov. 2.

A free pair of USC football tickets is being offered to all Long Beach City College students, faculty and staff members for the upcoming home game against Michigan State on Saturday and Nov. 7, against Northwestern.

Students and staff can use the code “COLISEUM” on the website FEVO to redeem their tickets, but ticket fees will still apply. 

The offer is the result of a new partnership between LBCC and Reach Capacity, a company that provides exclusive access for free and discounted events to large organizations.

“To my knowledge, there hasn’t been any partnership as high level as this,” said Kal Stewart, LBCC’s director of athletics. 

The partnership with Reach Capacity helps to fund LBCC’s athletic department, giving students access to programs like AD All Star Night, which Stewart created in 2021. 

AD All Star Night gives LBCC’s student athletes the opportunity to talk to former collegiate athletes who have now gone pro. 

“They (the students) get to tour the stadiums, and get advice on how to break into the industry directly from someone working at the job they love,” Stewart said. 

During a tour of the LA Galaxy stadium, Stewart met Reach Capacity’s founder, Evan Flagg, which ultimately led to the current partnership. 

Stewart says the school’s connection to Reach Capacity benefits everyone on campus, not just those who like football. 

“Partnerships like this raise the profile of our athletic department and our school as a whole. It’s a competitive advantage coming to LBCC,” Stewart said. 

The first full year of the partnership has been successful, according to Brendan Cotti, Reach Capacity’s client success manager. 

“We’ve seen around 300 tickets unlocked,” said Cotti. “We offer discounts you wouldn’t be able to gain from a third party site like Ticketmaster.”

Flagg’s goal with the USC ticket offer is to bring the full joy of college football to as many people as possible. 

“No sport has more pageantry than college football, from tailgating to sponsorship events. I know people who only come to the pregame activities and never make it into the stadium because it’s so much fun,” said Flagg. 

Flagg hopes that students will be inspired to achieve their own goals by seeing athletes compete in person. 

“We want this offering to facilitate imagination at LBCC. We’re trying to give students a launching point for their own journey,” said Flagg. 

Whether attendees are football fans or not, Flagg says the overall experience is the most important aspect. 

“You’re gonna eat something you love, you’re gonna hear the excitement of the crowd. You’re gonna go with your son or your best friend, and remember going to that event with them,” said Flagg. 

Stewart echoed this sentiment, adding that events like these boost morale on campus.  

“It benefits the students, faculty, and staff. Going to an event with friends or colleagues creates a sense of belonging and a positive environment,” Stewart said.

Vikings start their season 0-2

Jose Calix
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Vikings start their season 0-2

LBCC’s football team lost 52-20 against Mt. San Jacinto at their home game opener on Sept. 6.

Although the Vikings started the game with a touchdown and a field goal, they were unable to close the gap after the score reached 30-20 in the third quarter.

Wide receiver Owen Tomich scored three touchdowns, making a majority of points for the Vikings. 

“We had a lot of trust in the QB, the guys ground me, just doing my best to provide for the team,” Tomich said.  

Quarterback Wyatt McCauley fumbled the ball late in the first, leading to a recovery that gave Mt. San Jacinto their first points.

McCauley believes that the loss was a sign that the team needs to intensify their training. 

“I have high expectations from the team, I feel like we’re going to get way better, we just have to step it up at practice, you step it up to get better,” McCauley said.

Vikings defense prepares for a snap on Mt. San Jacinto offense. Linebacker Cordell Montgomery signaling the next play. (Dezaray Jimenez)

Head coach Marques Cooper felt like the game was a way to further test the waters with the team, as this is the first year the team is under his management as head coach.

“We were in the same position last year. We started 0-2 last year and we still ended up getting into a bowl game. We’re 0-2 this year , but we’re a young team, it’s a lot of freshmen, my whole line is basically freshmen. We just have to learn how to close out games,” Marques said.

Viking defensive lineman Levar Talley extends arm to fellow player in between plays at Veteran’s Stadium on Sept. 6. The Vikings lost 52-20. (Dom Maddan)

Tomich shared that he believed he could’ve done more, but decided that being realistic was better for his mindset moving forward.

“I tell myself that, but honestly it’s a really big team game so it kind of takes everyone. It doesn’t just take a couple of guys but it’s 11 on 11, so you can’t really rely on one person as it showed tonight.” Tomich said.

The Vikings are set to play today at 1 p.m. against Southwestern at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

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