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Loved ones reflect on Daisy Johnson’s life with music and memories at memorial service

Kay Pham-Nguyen
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Loved ones reflect on Daisy Johnson’s life with music and memories at memorial service

Friends and family remembered Daisy Johnson as a talented singer and fearless performer, with an outgoing, bubbly energy that lit up every room at her memorial service in Torrance on Monday.

The 19 year old LBCC student and “In The Heights” star died on April 21. 

Pastor Mike Dsane gives the closing remarks ensuring that the Johnson family be cared for in their time of grief at the memorial for Daisy Johnson at King’s Harbor Church on Monday. (Ryan Hixson)

The entrance of King’s Harbor Church was adorned with a cross on the floor, covered in candles and surrounded by small daisies under a photo of Daisy and her father, Andy.

Attendees dressed in white to symbolize daisy flowers and purity, according to Andy. 

“You know, the most common thing we hear is that there are no words. And it’s true. There are no words. It’s a nightmare,” Candi Johnson, Daisy’s grandmother, said.

Andy wore Daisy’s Pittsburgh hat to show his affection for his daughter. 

Andy Johnson, the father of Daisy speaks at her memorial while wearing her baseball cap on Monday at King’s Harbor Church. (Nick Eismann)

“She started singing around age three. We took her to ‘America’s Got Talent,’ she didn’t make it, but we knew she was going places,” Andy said.

Andy continued about Daisy’s singing as a child, adding, “She was the National Anthem queen. When she was in fourth or fifth grade, she sang it at the local high school when we lived in Pennsylvania.”

As seats started to fill in, many of the attendees exchanged stories about Daisy.

“When I heard she had passed, I literally had to sit down at my desk. I was gonna pass out. I work at a high school, and we hear about lots of kids dying. But this one hit differently,” Jackie Lopez, an office assistant from the Humanities and Arts Academy, a school Daisy attended, said.

The service opened with Pastor Mike Dsane introducing the song “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart, one of Daisy’s favorite songs. 

“Pastor Mike has been our rock. He was great about helping us organize and you know, he reached out,” Wayne Johnson, Daisy’s grandfather, said.

Dsane then led the attendees in a prayer before passing the mic off to Wayne.

Wayne started to tear up as he read Psalm 23 from the Bible.

Four of Daisy’s closest friends mentioned some of their favorite memories when they would get together, referring to these as “Daisy dates.” 

Nicolas Morales, a high school friend of Daisy Johnson weeps as friends recount stories and memories of Daisy during the memorial at King’s Harbor Church on Monday. (Nick Eismann)

Tyler Johnson, Daisy’s brother, was the next to speak.

“I’m happy I’m the last person Daisy talked to. I haven’t been born in a world that doesn’t have Daisy. If there’s one thing I regret, it’s not telling her that I love her enough,” Tyler said.

After an anecdote, Daisy’s sister, Fanny Johnson ended her speech beautifully, “The first time I saw her, she had her eyes closed. The last time I saw her, she had her eyes closed.” 

Before returning to her seat, Fanny came back to the microphone to add one more message she felt was important.

“All of you are loved,” Fanny said.

After Fanny closed out her speech, Candi took the stage and shared her memories of Daisy.

“The last WhatsApp message I have from Daisy was ‘I love you so much’ followed by three heart emojis,” Candi said. 

Candi continued with her stories, mentioning their shared love of journals and the nickname she gave Daisy.

“Daisy Candace Johnson was Daisy May to me,” Candi said. 

Andy spoke next, calling back to a line in the song “Forever Young.”

“‘And when you finally fly away, I’ll be hoping that I served you well,’ My Daisy flew away too early,” Andy said.

Andy included a scene from Ted Lasso where he tells his team to believe and have hope.

Andy then played a video of Daisy and Tyler dancing to “Last Christmas” by Wham! while cleaning the kitchen.

Tyler Johnson, Daisy’s brother, is comforted by his father as a video recording plays of Daisy Johnson performing in a musical during her memorial service on Monday. (Nick Eismann)

After Andy finished speaking, Dsane returned to the stage and played “My Redeemer Lives” by Crystal Lewis, followed by a poem from “The Book of Lamentations” and a second poem by A.M. Overton. 

“If you’ve ever heard Daisy sing, you know how talented she really was. Here’s one last clip of her,” Dsane said.

Before the end of the service, a video was played of Daisy dressed as Ariel, singing “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid.” 

Dsane closed out the ceremony with a prayer and reminded everyone to be kind and to love like Daisy loved. 

Pastor Mike Dsane speaks to the large crowd that had arrived to King’s Harbor Church for Daisy Johnson’s memorial on Monday. (Ryan Hixson)

Vikings baseball loses final conference game against Mt. San Antonio, 11-3

Isabel Murty
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Vikings baseball loses final conference game against Mt. San Antonio, 11-3

Despite two RBIs hit by pitcher Max Ghiglieri in the first inning, the Vikings closed their 2025 South Coast Conference baseball season with an 11-3 at home loss against Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) on Friday, finishing with a 12-12 conference record.

According to available records, the current loss streak of eight is the longest the program has seen since 2007.

Six pitchers took the mound, beginning with Ghiglieri, followed by Cesar Corrales, Logan Carr, Benjamin Dorantes, Niko Riera, and ending with Johann Gibbs. 

Head coach Casey Crook would encourage pitchers to capitalize on fastballs, but pitchers would begin losing their rhythm once balls started adding up, leaving the bases loaded on six occasions.

“We haven’t been playing very well, and that’s the best team we’ve played all year, so it wasn’t a very good matchup. Pitching has been a little thin lately, but a couple of guys pitched some good innings. We just couldn’t string it together,” Crook said.

Ghiglieri was substituted during the top of the second inning after two HBPs in the first, followed by two wild balls that catcher Eduardo Diaz couldn’t anticipate, which set up two runs for Mt. SAC.

Later during the fourth inning, Ghiglieri had hit the ball deep into center field but skipped over first base during his run. 

Pitcher Max Ghiglieri approaching home while being informed that his run is ruled out due to him skipping first base during his run. (Rafael Gomez)

Despite making it to third, Ghiglieri’s run was ruled out, and was sent back to the dugout.

“It’s been tough for me, especially to go out there having the defense behind me consistently for every pitch of the game… I ended up on third base but I did miss first base, which was a mental mistake. I should’ve went back and touched it but instead I just played it through,” said Ghiglieri.

First baseman Aaron Mingo had missed a ball thrown too high by Ghiglieri during the second inning that gave Mt. SAC four runs. 

Mingo appeared frustrated until the bottom of the sixth inning after he missed another catch, but made up for it by securing a double play, with assistant coach Josh Frye having said, “Big leaders make mistakes, it’s gonna happen.” 

“I try my best to be a leader, be a good example for my teammates. I just gotta remember that I’m human. I’m gonna make mistakes, it just matters how I move on for the future. Our defense is gonna be shaky sometimes here and there, but we’ll figure it out,” said Mingo. 

After the game, Crook’s conversation with the team was quick and to the point.

“There’s still a chance we get into the playoffs, so we’ll meet on Monday and figure out if we’re gonna keep practicing and playing, or if we’re going to wrap up the season,” said Crook.

As of Monday the Vikings were confirmed to have made playoffs, and are set to play against Glendale Community College on May 2 and 3.

Vikings softball secures win with two home runs against San Diego Mesa, 6-2

Isabel Murty
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Vikings softball secures win with two home runs against San Diego Mesa, 6-2

A home run by catcher Zara Mineo granted a 6-2 win for the 2025 SCC champs against San Diego Mesa (SDM) on Wednesday and capped off the Vikings’ last home game of the season on a high note.

SDM found initial success against the Vikings and made their first run in the first inning, and a second in the following inning. 

Despite the starting troubles, coach Megan Martinez took a moment to convene with the team and advised that their play style should be more offensive.

“We got off to a slow start. Offensively, we didn’t make adjustments at the plate… I thought we needed to drive the ball,” said Martinez.

Sophomore Anaya Togia wears leis while holding a bouquet of flowers and balloons with her family as they walk the diamond to celebrate her and the other sophomores on sophomore night. (Bella Schultz)

The switch to an active playstyle culminated into an in the park home run by outfielder Sienna Rievley, who went for both pitches thrown her way.

“The moment when Sienna hit that first run, I just knew, either way, that I was running home. When I saw that ball get to the fence,  I knew she was coming around the bases, and when she moves, she really moves,” said Mineo.

Left fielder Sienna Rievley, on third base in the game against San Diego Mesa, where the Vikings won 6-2. Rieveley hit a three-run inside-the-park home run to gain the lead after being down 2-0. (Bella Schultz)

The Vikings held onto the small lead of one run until the sixth inning, led by pitcher Hailey Harris with a first pitch swing, who switched out with Leila Rodriguez upon making it to first base. 

Right fielder May Ramirez followed suit with another immediate swing, moved to first, and allowed Rodriguez to land on third base without interruption.

Mineo made the most of the occupied bases, and swung on the first pitch as her teammates did and succeeded with an out of the park left field home run.

“Zara was due. I love Zara, she works her butt off, so it was really cool to see her get her moment,” said Harris. 

The game ended during the top of the seventh inning, and the Vikings wrapped the day up with a ceremony to spotlight the sophomore players of the team.

Regarding playoffs, the sentiment was clear, as the team exerted confidence for their next challenge.

“We’re ready, we’re ready. We went in, we won conference champs, that’s a small victory. That’s one thing under our belt, but we want the ring, and we’re ready to win state,” said Mineo.

LBCC’s softball team were at a 35-4 overall record after the win against SDM, and managed to bump up their record to 36-4 on Thursday after a win against Orange Coast College.

“We’re coming home with the state championship,” said Martinez. 

Behind the scenes of the Grand Prix: Flaggers and race management

Isabel Murty
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Behind the scenes of the Grand Prix: Flaggers and race management

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrated its golden anniversary this year with the help of volunteer flag marshals and race management crew. 

“It’s one of the neatest secrets in pro racing. Anyone can do it if you get tapped in with your local Sports Car of America Club and you can get trained to volunteer on a professional level,” Trevor Hermance, race control communicator, said.

Race control communicators are members of each turn team that talk to main race control, marshals, safety cars and medical staff via radio as races happen.

Paul Marygold has been a flagger for the Grand Prix for every year it has taken place, and has been in the field for over 50 years. 

Over the years, Marygold has seen the transition of race car types change from Formula 5000 style cars to Formula One, leading to the indefinite switch to the IndyCar in 1984. 

This year, Marygold took the role of being a race control communicator for turn beta, which was the part of the track right before turn one, with the help of Kyle O’Grady, turn captain, and Matthew Marin, flagger.

O’Grady described the importance of the trackside job, as they are the eyes and nose of the race control. 

“Race control has cameras to see everything, but they don’t have the up close vision or sense of smell that we do. These different perspectives really help out when they’re handing out penalties or they crossed over a line they weren’t supposed to, like a pit exit or something like that, ” O’Grady said. 

  • Race communicator Trevor Hermance climbs the race barricade to fix the fencing at his turn hole. Hermance hurried between races to fix the fencing. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Turn captain Kyle O’Grady looks out the flag hole at turn beta as races begin to communicate with others in the race in case of emergency. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Chief flag marshall Bob, left, and crew flagger, right, pose for a photo in front a the racetrack during a break. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Flagger Estefania Toro, center, looks out of the flag hole as races begin, while Timothy Flannery, left, and Brianna Acosta, right, have a conversation. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Race communicator Trevor Hermance climbs the race barricade to fix the fencing at his turn hole. Hermance hurried between races to fix the fencing. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)

Marygold shared that the flag language and meanings are universal and have stayed the same over the 50 years he’s been in the field

In many races, Marygold has had to raise a red flag to stop the race due to a car crash. 

“Having done this a very long time, crashes in racing are just something that happens and part of the idea of the flaggers is to communicate that to drivers. What tends to happen the most here at the Long Beach race is that a car hits the concrete wall and breaks a wheel or something to where that car cannot continue. We have to raise a red flag to clear the track of racers before a tow truck can get on to clear the damages, ” Marygold said. 

All of the flag marshals work on a volunteer basis, starting at a local/regional club level, then moving into professional races. 

People involved in the club can get educated and work in the field within two weekends of training, and it can be enough to take the reins on a club race. 

“You see the same things at club races as you do here at pro races, just at higher stakes because there are very, very, very, very wealthy people driving these cars,” O’Grady said.

Flag marshals are not the only people involved on a voluntary basis as race management plays a role in keeping the tracks safe. 

Race management crew member Kurt Kiel shared that their responsibilities included making sure that the press had the correct credentials and communicating track safety with the correct people, as well as perks to the job.

“Doing this job for seven years, the most common altercation we have is that people tend to get really intoxicated and try to climb the fences and get through,” Kiel said. 

Kiel also shared that being a part of race management has the perk of being an up-close spectator, as the action is only a foot away from you.

Many members in both positions shared that racing was not their job, and that what they do in racing is their hobby.

Marygold is originally from the San Fernando Valley, but now lives in South Carolina. 

“As I’ve made various job moves around the country, I’ve continued to stay involved in racing, coming back to Long Beach was part of seeing old friends and making new ones. That was the part that always brings me back the most, coming to the races,” Marygold said. 

O’Grady studied mechanical engineering at California State University, Long Beach and made the switch from being an attendee with his family in grandstand 36 every year at the event to volunteering and being a part of the race in 2013. 

He shared that he began to get involved while on a camping trip in Laguna Beach with his wife and neighbors, realizing that his neighbor was a flag marshal, which led him to get involved on a deeper level. 

“It’s extremely exciting and very fun. For me, it’s been very rewarding because it feels like you’re part of the race. It’s one thing being a spectator and you’re there to see it, but when you’re flagging, you’re talking with race control and impacting decisions that happen and seeing it all up close,” O’Grady said. 

Locals and travelers unravel fan experiences at Long Beach Grand Prix

Bella Schultz
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Locals and travelers unravel fan experiences at Long Beach Grand Prix

Although the Long Beach Grand Prix is often categorized as a racing event, there is so much more that happens throughout the span of four days that encapsulates the fan experience which was seen April 10-13 in downtown Long Beach

“It’s just kind of an annual trip just to get away and come down and have a good time. You got race cars, you got music, you got beer and nightlife. We’re just having a good time,” Erik Schmidt, a frequent attendee of the Long Beach Grand Prix said. 

Schmidt is one of the many people who have attended the Grand Prix for years with his buddies, driving down from Sacramento to enjoy what Long Beach has to offer throughout the four days. 

The fan experience differs in excitement between locals, who seem to find out about the event last minute, and fans who travel every year to make it. 

Many locals said that it was their first time attending the Grand Prix, often convinced to participate after discovering the variety of events that could be enjoyed without having to pay for additional tickets and packages. 

  • Dog superfan Corn-pop opens his mouth wide during the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach wearing goggles, ear protection and medallions. Corn-pop attended the even all three days, taken on Saturday, April 12. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Kelly Hansen, lead singer of British-American rock band Foreigner, plays the tambourine during the band’s performance at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The band performed for the 50th year or “golden anniversary” of the Grand Prix on Saturday, April 12. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Crowd members raise their hands as Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performs a set at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The performance took place on April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Caleb Nzila sits in the display Indycar while his friend Christian Delaney, right, videos him in the Lifestyle Expo. The two were attending the Acura Grand Prix for the first time on Friday, April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Super drift Challenge fans react with excitement as driver introductions take place before challenge race. The Super drift challenge took place at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Crowd members raise their hands as Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performs a set at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The performance took place on April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Crowd members raise their hands as Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performs a set at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The performance took place on April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • British-American rock band members Kelly Hansen, left, and Bruce Watson, right, share a close moment on stage during their performance. The performance took place at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for the golden anniversary on Saturday, April 12. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Rudy Cardenas smiles in reaction to receiving his lottery tickets, despite losing the spin wheel. The CA lottery booth was interactive and set up outside of the Lifestyle Expo at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday, April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Crowd member Todd Kovessy, right and another attendee dance and pose for the camera during Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performance. The performance took place at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Friday, April 11. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)
  • Julio Ruiz videos him and his son Harrison Ruiz, 2, on his shoulders while dancing during Canadian DJ duo DVBBS performance. The performance was on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. (Kay Pham-Nguyen)

Long Beach local, Veronica Bermeo, was attending the Grand Prix for the first time with her children after living in the area for over 30 years. 

“They posted it on our page and I’m sure they’ve posted it before, but that’s even more enticing. When you have kids and especially nowadays, everything’s expensive,” Bermeo said in regards to the free tickets that were available. 

The Grand Prix kicked off with Thunder Thursday, a free event that  included family-friendly activities filled with freestyle motorcycles, live music and a variety of foods. 

The main attraction of Thursday’s events was the free entrance, which drew in a lot of locals who had never attended previously. 

“Honestly, I don’t even know what to expect, you know, whatever comes our way. I’m just here to see what’s to offer and enjoy it all,” attendee Christian Delaney said. 

The Grand Prix holds various entertainment events, not only in terms of cars and racing, but the live music as well. 

Canadian DJ duo DVBBS took the stage Friday night  at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center Terrace Plaza at 6:30 p.m. where friends and families came together.

This year’s main act was the British-American rock band, “Foreigner” who took the stage on the evening of April 12 and gathered a large crowd. 

Everyone sang along to some of their most popular songs such as “Cold as Ice,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Hot Blooded.” 

Schmidt attended the show and expressed just how much he enjoyed attending Saturday’s events because he’s a big Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA) fan.

The Grand Prix fan experience brings people of all interest groups together and has so much to offer in the vast world of entertainment. 

Daisy Johnson, star of LBCC’s ‘In the Heights,’ dies at 19

Sofia Hopkins
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Daisy Johnson, star of LBCC’s ‘In the Heights,’ dies at 19

Daisy flowers, friends dressed in black clothing, and sounds of Broadway musicals filled the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium yesterday to pay respect to Daisy Johnson, 19, who died on Monday. 

“She was known as ‘my heart,’ we would always call her that and she hit you back with ‘What’s up, my heart,’” mused Juztin Shan, who attended the memorial for Johnson yesterday. 

Johnson was a loved member of the theatre community and recently played Nina in LBCC’s recent musical rendition of “In the Heights,” which she also performed at the State of the College event in March.  

Friends and former cast members gathered in groups wearing daisy flowers in the auditorium foyer, some in tears, as people entered and offered their condolences.

“She had this joy to her, everyone was always so happy when she was around,” Juliana Medina, a high school peer of Johnson’s, began crying as she explained her love for her friend.

The memorial was both a celebration of Johnson’s life and a display of mourning.

The auditorium foyer included a table adorned with flowers and a box where loved ones could write a final message to Johnson. 

Many of the students in attendance were part of “In the Heights” or involved with theatre in some way and the majority were dressed in black.

“(During auditions) I knew as soon as she started singing, within the first couple seconds, I said ‘Oh she’s in the show. She’s Nina,” Mark Anthony Vallejo, musical director of “In the Heights,” said.

Not only was Johnson involved with acting, but she was an avid singer as well. 

“She was always singing, and I was always like ‘She should not be here, she should be on Broadway,’” said Jaylen Ferrera, a friend of Johnson’s. 

Daisy Johnson performing the role of Nina in “In the Heights.” Johnson’s friends and castmates gathered to remember her in the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium yesterday. (Sam Villa)

Johnson’s impact on her friends, family and castmates was immense, with many in attendance excited to talk about her and her accomplishments.

Johnson was clearly on the cusp of being a household name. 

“The rest of the world won’t be able to see how bright she was to us and how much she showed us,” said Vanmanyrith “David” Chhom, a friend of Johnson’s. 

Outside of LBCC, Johnson was a part of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute (LSTFI) in Los Angeles.

LSTFI is a highly regarded theatre and film institute, with alumni such as Marilyn Monroe, Lady Gaga, Alec Baldwin, and Chris Evans. 

Johnson’s love for acting and theatre was a large part of her life, as seen by her numerous projects over the years. 

Johnson was also an alumnus of the Humanities and Arts Academy (HARTS), which recently posted to its Instagram account regarding her passing. 

“HARTS Academy is devastated by the passing of Daisy Johnson, a beloved alumna of our school. Daisy was more than a student-she was a bright light, a kind soul, and a passionate performer. Her compassion, determination, and joyful spirit left a lasting impact on our community,” the post read. 

She also worked on a film project called “Bloodstreet,” a horror short film that came out on Halloween in 2024. 

Johnson’s lasting impression on those who loved her will clearly never be dismissed, forgotten or taken for granted. 

“She knew how to sing, she knew Shakespeare, she knew how to act. That girl was talented,” Ferrera said. 

Johnson was planning on applying to the University of Southern California, continuing her work in the arts and spreading her love for theatre.

“She had an amazing voice, she was so talented. It was the gift of an angel,” Medina said. 

LBCC excels at South Coast Conference Track & Field Prelims

Isabel Murty
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LBCC excels at South Coast Conference Track & Field Prelims

LBCC excelled at the 2025 Track & Field South Coast Conference Prelims meet on Tuesday April 22, with many runners qualifying to advance to the finals. 

The meet also included participants from Cerritos College, El Camino College, Compton College, Pasadena City College, East Los Angeles College, and Mt. San Antonio College.

Cerritos College Elijah Jones; MT. SAC Joshua Cervantez and Spencer Schuler race in the 400-meter hurdle race for the 2025 South Coast Conference Prelims. (Jose Calix)

LBCC runner Marques Guzman placed first overall in the men’s 200-meter dash, with a final time of 21.72 in the first heat. 

Guzman also placed second overall in the men’s 100-meter dash after placing first in the second heat of the 100-meter dash, which he completed in 10.82 seconds.

Cerritos College runner Sebastian Lopez came in first place after only completing in the first heat due to an injury. 

Cerritos College Sebastian Lopez lays on the ground after getting injured in middle of the 100-meter race for the 2025 South Coast Conference Prelims. (Jose Calix)

“Today was just a prelim. For the 100 I ran 10.8, I know I’m better than that, so coming on Saturday, I’ll be the champion for the 100,” Guzman said.

With these placements, Guzman qualifies to advance to the finals for both the men’s 200-meter and 100-meter dashes.

LBCC Track & field athlete Marques Guzman races in the 200-meter race at the South Coast Conference Prelims. Guzman won first place on the 200-meter race. (Jose Calix)

Inversely, runner Nevaeh Lane placed first in the women’s 100-meter dash with a 12.29 second time, and placed second in the 200-meter dash prelim with a 25.4 second time.

Similarly, Lane will advance to the finals for both women’s 100-meter and 200-meter dashes where she will be joined by fellow qualifier, runner Naomi Coffee.

Coffee placed sixth overall in the women’s 100-meter dash, and placed ninth in the women’s 200-meter dash. 

LBCC also performed well in both the men’s and women’s 400-meter dash.

Runner Malaki Alexander-Fonfora placed fifth overall despite finishing his dash in 49.79 seconds, which was the third quickest time for the men’s 400-meter dash.

This is due to the rule where the top runners of each heat will automatically advance, and the remaining qualifiers are based on next best times.

Alexander-Fonfora ran in the second heat where he placed second, and will advance to the men’s 400-meter dash finals with runner Justin Auston, who placed eighth overall in the men’s 400-meter. 

“It feels good, and I’m glad that I could get second in that. I’m trying to get faster, I used to be slower, I kinda just got better, a little bit,” said Alexander-Fonfora.

Rylee Montez placed fourth overall for the women’s 400-meter dash, though placed third in the second heat where she completed the dash in 61.21 seconds. 

“Considering it was my first time running it, I think I did good. At the beginning of the season I didn’t want to do anything with the 400, but now that I’ve been doing the 4×4, I think it’s progression,” said Montez.

Montez will advance to the women’s 400-meter dash finals alongside runner Sa’mir Braccey, who placed seventh overall.

Runners Danika Hunter, who placed seventh overall in the women’s 800-meter run, and Riki Moscoso, who placed third overall in the men’s 1500-meter run, will also advance to the finals in their respective categories.

Moscoso also competed in the men’s 10,000-meter run final, where he placed fourth, and runner Jennifer Martinez placed sixth for the women’s 10,000-meter run final. 

SCC athletes run in women’s the 10,000-meter race or the 2025 South Coast Conference Prelims. (Jose Calix)

Regarding field sports, shot putter Saryah Harris-Davis, who placed third in women’s shot put, was the only LBCC field athlete of the day who was able to advance to the finals for women’s shot put.

The meet for the 2025 South Coast Conference Track & Field finals will also be held at LBCC on Saturday April 26 at 1 p.m.

Vikings baseball continues their losing streak as the season comes to end 

Isabel Murty
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Vikings baseball continues their losing streak as the season comes to end 

The Vikings suffered a tough loss against Mt. San Antonio College 18-1 with only scoring one run in the bottom of the eighth inning on Tuesday.

Many players from LBCC were able to reach bases in multiple different innings but couldn’t bring any runs in to get them on the board early on.

The only run that was scored to put the Vikings on the board was an RBI which outfielder Ryan Lopetugi singled to left field bringing in left fielder Myles Fendrick to give the team the only run of the game. 

Mt. San Antonio scored their first run in the top of the second inning and continued to score a total of nine runs in the seventh inning alone. 

Closing pitcher Sean Lovett gave up five hits and had some close calls like having the bases loaded but was able to keep Mt. San Antonio from scoring more runs.

“Just going pitch by pitch trying to get everyone out, doesn’t have to be a strikeout every time,” Lovett said. 

Closing pitcher Sean Lovett high fives his teammates after getting out of an inning. (Brianna Apodaca)

This is the sixth consecutive game that the Vikings have lost, putting them on an end of season losing streak. 

Despite the tough losses the team has faced, they still have a fighting chance for a spot in the playoffs, and head coach Casey Crook is hopeful that this is motivation for the team as they try and rally out these last games.

“We’re just gonna have to talk about pulling it together and playing a couple more good baseball games before the season’s over,” Crook said. 

The Vikings are searching for a win to hopefully keep their season alive as they have a chance to secure a playoff spot.

“We got playoffs on the line right we’re coming through. We have two more games playing one of the top teams in the state, I think if we can get them rallied behind and get some motivation going into playoffs,” pitching coach Josh Frye said.

The Vikings will face Mt. San Antonio College for their final game of the regular season on April 25. 

Cumbias Tacos and Sports Jam event invites students to join in friendly competition

Jose Rivera
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Cumbias Tacos and Sports Jam event invites students to join in friendly competition

Students, staff and faculty came together to engage and compete with one another at LBCC’s Cumbias Tacos and Sports Jam at the Liberal Arts Campus from 5-9 p.m. on April 15. 

The event was filled with sporting games, food such as tacos, hamburgers, pizza and wings, and extra entertainment in the form of music from Vilma Diaz y La Sonora and DJ Stillfye.

The team sporting events included sand volleyball, dodgeball and pickleball, where matches were bracket-style with prizes for the top three finalists in each sport.

The prizes for first place winners included a LBCC branded cooler bag, an LBCC hat for each member of the team and a trophy for the team as a whole. 

Second place winners earned Stanley Cups, an LBCC hat and rally towels while third place took home a pickleball set, rally towels and an LBCC visor.

The sports activities, prizes, and teamwork brought people together, something that Teila Robertson, an organizer for the event, wanted to emphasize . 

“I want to teach students how they can still respect and work together and be on the same court with each other and then that their differences don’t mean anything,” Robertson said.

LBCC Mascot Ole dancing, cheering, and directing students to the auditorium for the Dodgeball matches April 15, 2025. (Enrique Martinez)

The event peaked at around a couple hundred people, most attendees being club members showing up to support and participate in the games. 

The event was all about community, which was seen from the number of attendees and the overall energy from the crowd. 

“Students want to feel like they belong. They want to feel comfortable in their space. They want to come to events that they culturally identify with, and so we just really want to create those opportunities for them. I think that if we create opportunities, students will come,” said Sylvia Garcia, director of student life and conduct and an organizer for this event. 

Students were given the opportunity to create connections and find a place where they belong.

“Right now I see people smiling, I see people happy, because right now they’re connecting with their community. They’re connecting with their leaders, they’re connecting with themselves, they’re connecting with their friends. And I don’t see anything more beautiful than stuff like this,” said Brian Hall, a current LBCC student. 

‘Chop it like it’s hot’: LBCC’s interactive cooking experience

Jose Rivera
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‘Chop it like it’s hot’: LBCC’s interactive cooking experience

Long Beach City College Basic Needs and The Community Advancing Student Achievement  (CASA) Programs are hosting their third interactive cooking experience that will continue to educate and encourage students in meal preparation with their own CASA Success Coaches on April 25 from 2:30-4:00 p.m.    

Participants will have opportunities to explore and learn about how to play with their food palates with multicultural dishes from around the world using resources from the Viking Vault. 

Students will receive a limited edition tote bag cooking tool kit filled with the basic ingredients for the recipes being presented.  

Meals are designed to feed multiple people at affordable prices as well as encouraging the building of community with these recipes.

The March 28 “Chop it Like it’s Hot” event featured step by step recipes on Tostadas de Picadillo and Mexican Champurrado.  

“Students can benefit from not only learning the recipe, but actually have the present moment of tasting it and figuring out how to make their own version,” said LBCC student Norma Nava.

Thelma Vallente, another participating LBCC student, explained the cost effectiveness of cooking at home. 

“It’s cheaper to cook at home than to go and buy it.  I try to find something that’s easy to make. I don’t like eating out because I’ve had so many food poisonings I’ve given up,” said Vallente.

According to CASA Success Coach Luz Diaz, “This program is mainly designed to inspire students to create their own meals…We are trying to choose recipes that are affordable.” 

After the event, all media recordings and recipes will be available to all students on LBCC’s Basic Needs Canvas page. 

There are only two more opportunities remaining to heat up the kitchen at “Chop It Like It’s Hot” on April 25 and May 23 with the menus to be announced. 

LBCC’s Basic Needs and CASA Programs are both supported by the Healthy Viking Initiative that addresses student needs and concerns by providing increased access to food, housing support and transportation resources.  

The CASA Program takes a collaborative approach that intends to provide holistic basic needs and mental health support to over one thousand Hispanic and low-income students annually. 

CASA Students are offered Spanish language workshops and culturally responsive professional development that includes individualized completion and transfer support that provides reserved spaces on university tours, career support, work based learning and job placement. 

Hosting these events for students will continue to educate and support their independence for their futures by teaching them how to cook for themselves for life.

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