This month’s Sip N’ Paint didn’t have much of an emphasis on Women’s History Month, however is still allowed for students to enjoy a creative stress free space to express their artistic abilities on March 20.
The event did not entirely focus on the celebration of the month in comparison to the past Sip N’ Paint events, with a focus more so on the art rather than reflecting on Women’s History Month.
Event coordination was handled by Brianna Pinkerton, who serves as administrative staff assistant and Sip N’ Paint coordinator.
The event provided food and sparkling cider, which allowed for students to socialize before painting began.
Pinkerton started off the event by introducing herself and providing students with a reference drawing of a woman’s face next to a wine glass.
“This drawing can be used for inspiration, or you can use your own ideas and creativity to complete the painting,” Pinkerton said.
Students tried to carefully follow along with the reference drawing.
Many students attending the event were new to painting and wanted a new experience or were simply trying to advance their artistic skills.
“I haven’t painted in a while and I have been wanting to get back into it,” said student Brittany Stuart.
Students were given 40 minutes to sketch out their painting before the actual painting process began.
Students were then provided with different art materials such as paintbrushes, pens and pencils.
After completing their sketches, students were able to pick from different paints and colors to begin painting.
Once students were done, they were able to see their peers’ finished artwork and attendees were able to take a group photo that concluded the event.
“This event was a spontaneous thing for me, I would definitely go to another Sip N’ Paint event again,” said student Kadeja S.
Touring Front of House sound engineer JJ Moser joined for a podcast only episode of Small Sounds to talk about how he broke into the touring industry, his biggest highlights and horror stories of actualities of what it’s like to work in the industry while a global pandemic broke out.
Moser originally started as a drum tech for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and slowly moved up to being able to mix audio for crowds in both venue and festival settings.
He now tours primarily with rock and metal bands including Poison the Well, Softcult, and Teenage Wrist.
Small Sounds is a live performance video series for artists to showcase their music in a scaled-down setting, often accompanied by a podcast interview.
LBCC alumna Stephanie Guzman has just made a significant step forward in her film career, working as a second camera assistant on the five time Academy Award winning film “Anora.”
At the 97th Academy Awards, the film directed by Sean Baker won Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Film Editing, as well as winning the 77th Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or.
The Palme d’Or is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival, given to the best film in competition.
For Guzman, the opportunity to work on “Anora” was a career-defining moment full of challenges, particularly shooting with 35mm film which sets the movie apart from most contemporary films.
The 35mm film format presents numerous difficulties; it must be manually guided through a camera or projector, avoiding any light because of light sensitivity, it is expensive, and there is no instant playback to watch what you have filmed since it requires developing.
“Independent films all come with their own sense of hardships. It’s not easy to make a film when your shooting location exteriors, outside, in New York, in January. It’s freezing and you’re working with film, which adds another level of challenges,” Guzman said. “It was one of the hardest projects I’ve worked on just by the nature of it being 35mm film but it was the most rewarding project I’ve ever worked on.”
Guzman’s journey into the film industry began at LBCC, where she studied film production before transferring to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Her time at LBCC provided her with hands-on experience in cinematography, setting the foundation for her success in the field.
LBCC film professor and working filmmaker Eli Daughdrill emphasized the significance of Guzman’s accomplishment.
“She is the first student that I know of that worked on a film that won Best Picture,” Daughdrill said, “She’s smart and hardworking. The fact that she worked with 35mm is impressive because it is hectic and takes a lot of skill.”
Daughdrill, who has been teaching at LBCC for over a decade, also runs a film work experience class that helps students gain real-world experience before they graduate.
“I try to use my connections in the film industry to find people willing to take students as interns,” Daughdrill said, “Offering the opportunity to learn new skills, broaden their network, and work outside of the film student setting to help them understand what it’s like working in a professional environment.”
The LBCC Film program offers a comprehensive curriculum in both film studies and production, equipping students with the skills necessary to pursue careers in the entertainment industry.
“I try to emphasize real practical skills, I’m big on them using the gear hands on, I don’t want the students to be intimidated by the tools or technology,” Daughdrill said.
LBCC alumna Vivian Serrano, who currently attends Cal State Northridge, credits the college’s film program for preparing her for more advanced studies.
“The class I took with Eli Daughdrill was a lot of hands-on work that prepared me for my upper-division classes,” Serrano said, “I learned a lot of skills with the camera, audio, and lighting.”
The success of LBCC’s alumni highlights the program’s dedication to preparing students for competitive careers in film and television.
Many students from the program transfer to top film schools like NYU, USC, and UCLA, while others enter the workforce directly, taking on key roles in production, cinematography, and editing.
Guzman’s work on “Anora” is just one example of how LBCC alumni are making an impact in Hollywood.
Her growing portfolio demonstrates the real-world opportunities available to students who start their film education at LBCC.
Stephanie Guzman, an LBCC alumna and NYU graduate, holding a camera for a headshot. Guzman worked as a second camera assistant on the Oscar-winning film Anora, a milestone in her growing film career. (Photo by Samuel Kretchmar)
Guzman, who has worked in the film industry for a decade, sees “Anora” as a turning point in her career.
“After 10 years in this industry, this experience makes me feel like I’m just getting started,” Guzman said.
She recalls a phrase Daughdrill repeatedly tells his students which is, “Patient persistence.”
She elaborated on just how much the phrase meant to her.
“That stuck with me so hard, I even thought I was going to get it tattooed at one point,” Guzman said, “That’s how near and dear that phrase stuck with me, because working in film is hard. It is not for the faint of heart, and it is a line of work that is always changing—especially being a freelancer. There are so many things you have to juggle, and it requires so much of you.”
As “Anora” continues to gain recognition, Guzman’s role in its production serves as a reminder of the importance of emerging talent in the film industry.
Her story is a testament to the impact of accessible film education and the power of persistence in a highly competitive field.
In The Footnotes welcomes professor Angeli Francois, black literature professor at LBCC, who is the starter of the Intro to African American Literature class on campus, as well as the professor of English 3 for UMOJA students.
In the episode subjects such as black authors, critical thinking, African American Vernacular English, school literature, the importance of black literature, and recommendations for those who are interested in black books are discussed.
Professor Francois recommended many books for those just starting to step out of traditional literature authors.
In The Footnotes is a LBCC Viking News podcast surrounding literary trends and community.
Long Beach held an early Mardi Gras celebration at Shoreline Village from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.
The event’s parade began near Gladstone’s, a seafood restaurant at Rainbow Harbor, and made its way to Shoreline Village.
Many of the costumes for the parade were provided by Bianca’s Historic Costumes, a local historical costume business run by Bianca and Peter Sovich.
Bianca Sovich, a former LBCC student, stated that her business has been part of Shoreline Village’s Mardi Gras event for nearly 15 years.
Her booth was set up just outside the Queen Mary Couture gift shop and featured two performers with mermaid fins.
“They were helping me so I could walk in the parade this year,” said Bianca Sovich about the mermaids.
Leading the parade was a drum line called LEGACY Syncopated Thunder, composed of former members of the Long Beach Junior Concert Band.
The event featured four DJs, character performers, and local restaurants such as Louisiana Charlie’s and the Funnel House.
At the Off-Boardwalk Theatre stage, Indigo Goddess Flow, a female hoop dancing troupe, and the Zydeco Mudbugs, a local zydeco band, entertained attendees.
Nirvana (left) and Tiny of Indigo Goddess Flow (right) present a hula hoop show at the Mardi Gras Festival in Shoreline Village. (Katherine Jackson)
One of the Zydeco Mudbugs’ members, Troy Guillory, played a unique instrument called a square board, a wearable washboard-like instrument.
“It’s a little bit bigger than a washboard, and the suit was custom made in a steel shop,” said Sanborn.
“They gave it to me to wear this time cause I’m the rhythm expert,” said Guillory, later revealing that it was not fitted for him, but for the band’s accordion player, David Sousa.
Most activities for the event ended by 5 p.m., with the exception of DJ Impeccable Styles, who was scheduled until 9 p.m.
Outside hitter Alden Jacobs scored the last point for the Vikings men’s volleyball team after a dramatic comeback to win the match 3-2 against Moorpark College at the LBCC Gymnasium on Friday.
With this victory, the Vikings extended their win streak to seven games in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) making them first place in the Northern Division-Central Conference.
The scores of the five sets were 25-17, 14-25, 21-25,25-21 and 15-12.
“I’m more concerned about our style of play, most of my team is young and we play against top teams. We lost some games at the start of the season but after finding our footing we managed to play better,” said LBCC coach Joshua Nells.
Setter Willy Wang has reached some great numbers this season with a total of 11 matches played, 33 sets, and has assisted his teammates 289 times reaching an 8.76 assist per set for the Viking so far this season.
“I think we were lacking confidence at the beginning of the year, but we are doing better now.” LBCC setter Willy Wang said.
Libero Kody Castellon has been a fundamental player for the Vikings to keep the winning streak going, with 11 matches and 36 sets played he totals 71 digs making 1.97 digs per set.
“Without my teammates killing the balls I throw I would not be able to make a single assist,” LBCC setter Willy Wang said.
At this point of the season, LBCC outside hitters Bryce Bowsher and Alden Jacobs have scored 105 kills each and reached a 3.28 and 2.44 kill per set.
Moorepark outside hitter Taylor Phillips demonstrated a great performance by hitting a respectable 16 kills with 29 total attempts totaling a kill percentage of .483.
“I did my job, and hope I can help the team more,” said LBCC outside hitter Nathan Kramer just after his second game back after recovering from a six week ankle injury.
The Vikings have proven to be in amazing form averaging 9.69 kills per set overall in the current season.
LBCC’s next home game will be against Pierce College at the LBCC Gymnasium on March 26 at 6:00 p.m.
The Vikings next away game will face Antelope Valley College at the Newton Chalette Court in Lancaster on March 28 at 6:00 p.m.
LBCC Superintendent-President Mike Munoz will give the State of the College address on Thursday at a free event hosted by LBCC’s Board of Trustees which will feature performances, dinner, conversations on campus development and acknowledgment on the achievements of both the college and students themselves.
The event will take place at the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium at LAC, starting at 4 p.m. with online RSVPs being highly encouraged for attendance.
Attendees will be given further insight into both physical and educational campus developments, including student housing and Dreamscape, a learning tool that combines visual, audio, and hands-on learning in a virtual reality experience.
Attendees can also expect a performance of a selection from “In the Heights”, a recent musical that superseded an 18-year musical production drought from LBCC, an achievement in its own right.
The event will open with words from Student Trustee G Gonzalez and ASB President Shamonique Harris.
Gonzalez believes that although there is still more to do as student leaders, celebrating the accomplishments of the school is important to move forward.
“It’s my first State of the College so I’m nervous about it, but also really excited to participate in it, and I’ve heard it gets really packed in the auditorium. It’s going to be really cool to see the college come together, from faculty to students,” said Gonzalez.
Representative of evening and online students Calvin Lewis said the event will be a great opportunity for guests to network and create connections among each other.
“I’m always excited for the state of the college event… It’s where I met a lot of my other cabinet members, as well as other faculty who have helped me make events happen now as a full member of ASB… and just enjoy my experience here at LBCC,” said Lewis.
After introductions, Superintendent-President Mike Munoz will discuss student accomplishments, goals for the future, and upcoming events happening on campus.
“We’re going to acknowledge and thank the community for their support… as well as celebrate some of our milestones around student success. We’ll talk about looking forward and what it means to be a college of the future, so we’re going to cover the initiatives that we’re hoping will help advance Long Beach City College,“ said Munoz.
LBCC’s baseball team won 15-7 against Cypress College on Monday, with first baseman Max Ghiglieri hitting the only home run of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning.
“It felt good to get that home run, it’s my second this season,” said Ghiglieri.
The Vikings took the lead early in the game, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning.
However, the Cypress College Chargers followed this up in the second inning by quickly racking up three runs, and getting a quick three outs before the Vikings could score any of their own.
With Rodriguez and Ghiglieri on second and first base, designated hitter Aaron Mingo described how anxious he was to get a hit to help his teammates.
“I was trying to be able to battle and help the team. I’m glad I was able to turn it around,” said Mingo.
The Vikings maintained their lead for the rest of the game, continuing to earn five runs that were made in the fourth inning alone.
Second baseman Jackson Pohl, shortstop Alex De Leon, and Ghiglieri showed incredible teamwork in tagging two of the Chargers out with a double play.
The fifth inning was the most competitive, with the Chargers earning two more runs.
However, the Vikings were able to score three runs with the help of Ghiglieri’s home run.
The fifth inning ended with the Vikings leading 12-5.
The Chargers earned two more runs in the following three innings, although this did little to affect the Vikings’ lead.
Third baseman Logan Thurman hit a single during the bottom of the eighth inning, bringing home Mingo.
Catcher Gavin Murphy hit a single to center field which allowed De Leon and pinch runner Eshua Desai to make the final two runs of the eighth inning.
The Chargers made no runs in the ninth inning, ending the game with a score of 15-7.
Coach Casey Crook expressed that there is always room for improvement with his team.
“We’re working to get our pitchers to throw strikes consistently, and trying to better our defense,” said Crook.
This win improves the Vikings’ overall record to 14-9 and their conference record to 8-4.
Pitcher Hailey Harris pitched all seven innings and only allowed seven hits to help the Vikings softball team win 6-3 against Cerritos College on Friday.
With this win, LBCC improves to 19-2 and is top of the South Coast Conference.
Previously when the Vikings had played against the Falcons they had lost 4-1, which gave the players motivation.
First baseman Anaya Togia hit a home run in the last inning, this being the seventh she has hit in the entire season.
“I am so proud, especially going through the season. Our team’s growth looks so good. We are so proud of each other,” Togia said.
First baseman Anaya Togia celebrates on the way to home plate after hitting a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning vs. Cerritos. The Vikings won the game 6-3 on Friday. (Isabel Murty)
After speaking to Harris about her role as pitcher she confidently spoke about being focused on her game plan.
”I was ready for my revenge after the last game. I just really tried to stay focused and trust my pitches,” says Harris.
Harris was pitching the entire game and in her words, redeemed herself with this win against Cerritos.
“I know we’re the best team in the state, I believe that,” said Harris.
Infielder Jaela Ruiz spoke on her highlight of this game as being a trustful process.
“Us having each other’s backs and trusting our coaches,” says Ruiz.
Players were asked if there was any doubt about winning, but there seemed to have never been any.
“No doubt. We really wanted to win. We were going to get our lick back,” said Ruiz.
The softball team’s next home game is on March 21 where they will take on El Camino at 1 p.m.
LBCC’s women’s beach volleyball team lost 3-2 for the first time in the program’s history last Friday against longtime rival Cerritos College, leaving them with a 3-1 conference record.
LBCC played back-to-back games against LA Harbor and Cerritos College.
Both opposing colleges played each other first, giving the Vikings time to mentally prepare for their rounds against the other teams.
The Vikings easily swept LA Harbor, with only one court going beyond three sets.
Head coach Tyler Jackson took the time to clarify that while proud of her team’s performance, LA Harbor was inexperienced, as they’ve only had their women’s beach volleyball program for a year.
“I think it comes down to experience. Our program knows that the Cerritos match is going to be the bigger one,” said Jackson.
The Vikings found themselves having to put out their best, as three of the courts went into a fifth set, two of which resulted in wins.
Lauren Villar (Left) watches Jadyn Dew (Right) go for a kill against LA Harbor. The Vikings won 5-0 against LA Harbor, and lost 2-3 to Cerritos on Friday March 14, 2025. (Rafael Gomez)
A crowd made by both teams had formed around Alexandra Rosquin and teammate Kaylani Moncada during their fifth set which resulted in a 25-23 win, ending the final match of the day.
“It’s actually my first time playing with Kaylani, she’s such an amazing player, so I feel like [our win against LA Harbor] carried into the next game with Cerritos,” said Rosquin.
LBCC’s team had a few changes to their roster due to injuries and other incidents leading up to the rounds that both extended and ended their win streak.
Enaya Vaielua, a player unable to play the matches of the day, appeared at the courts to show support for her team.
“They did the best they could with the lineup today. I think that the support that we all have for each other is outstanding,” said Vaielua.
“We don’t have everyone in right now, we have some injuries and some people out, so I’m really proud of the girls that stepped up and played a role they were probably not used to,” said Jackson.
LBCC’s women’s beach volleyball team is set to go against Feather River on March 20.
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