Long Beach Current; September 9, 2024

CURRENT LONG BEACH

LONG BEACH STATE’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1949

Vol. XCVI, Issue 3

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Monday, September 9, 2024

HEAT OF THE MOMENT

Long Beach Current 1250 Bellflower Blvd., LA4-203 Long Beach, CA, 90804

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Acsah Lemma Editor in Chief eic@lbcurrent.com

El Nicklin Multimedia Managing Editor multimedia@lbcurrent.com

Linsey Towles Managing Editor managing@lbcurrent.com

Sam Farfán Community Engagement Editor community@lbcurrent.com

Kristina Agresta Director of Business Operations business@gobeach.media

Editors News Editor Juan Calvillo news@lbcurrent.com Arts & Life Editor Julia Goldman arts@lbcurrent.com Opinions Editor Joannah Clemente opinions@lbcurrent.com Sports Editor Davis Ramage sports@lbcurrent.com Solutions Editor Jaylyn Preslicka solutions@lbcurrent.com Design Editor Mary Catipay design@lbcurrent.com Copy Editor Khoury Williams copy@lbcurrent.com Photo Editor Samuel Chacko photo@lbcurrent.com Social Media Editor Stephanie Morales socials@lbcurrent.com Video Editor Dante Estrada video@lbcurrent.com Podcast Editor Aidan Swanepoel podcast@lbcurrent.com Assistants News Assistants Ethan Cohen Annette Quijada Mayra Salazar Arts & Life Assistants Delfino Camacho Grace Lawson Diego Renteria Opinions Assistants Lizbeth Cortes-Gutierrez Romi Mathews Christine Nader Sports Assistants Matthew Coleman Alyssa De La Cruz Matthew Gomez Jack Haslett Design Assistants Soleil Cardenas Luis Castilla Copy Assistants Timothy Hessen Bella Garcia Madison Yang Photo Assistants Lauren Benson Justin Enriquez Devin Malast Mark Siquig Social Media Assistants Matthew Gregory Andrew Miller Video Assistants Eduardo Contreras Jr. Kimberly Perez Podcast Assistants Gianna Echeverria Alexandra Gryciuk Community Engagement Assistant Jazmyn De Jesus Business Advertising Manager Andrea Contreras advertising@gobeach.media Creative Director Jennix Bien creative@gobeach.media Web & Technology Director Leila Nuñez web@gobeach.media PR & Marketing Manager Nicollette Combre beach.pr@gobeach.media Distribution Manager Joseph Vargas distribution@gobeach.media

Advisers Design Adviser Gary Metzker Content Adviser Barbara Kinglsey-Wilson Advertising & Business Adviser Jennifer Newton

ON THE COVER

MARK SIQUIG / Long Beach Current Senior outside hitter Natalie Glenn finished the game with 11 kills, three aces and four blocks leading the Beach to a victory over Northwestern at the Walter Pyramid on Thursday night.

NEWS Heating up: Long Beach anticipates high temperatures over the weekend

BY LINSEY TOWLES Managing Editor

T

he hot start to Week of Welcome is expected to continue throughout the weekend with temperatures in Long Beach reaching the mid to upper 90

degrees.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for Thursday and Friday, prompting a schoolwide email from Long Beach State’s Director of Environmental Health and Safety George Alfaro.

In the email, Alfaro lists tips for students to keep in mind as the heatwave continues, including staying hydrated, keeping to shaded areas, dressing appropriately and being alert for heat illnesses.

“Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to reach out to your college Safety Coordinator if you have any specific needs for ice, coolers, water or shade,” the email said.

Water and cool refreshments were in good supply during Week of Welcome, the annual two-day event on campus hosted by clubs and organizations. Volunteers braved the heat to welcome new students.

“We noticed a lot of the students really loved coming to get a drink and having something to refresh themselves,” Angelica Lopez said. Her organization’s booth became popular due to the variety of

free refreshments.

Volunteers stayed cool under their canopies and by drinking water. Gabriella Lopez, a third year criminal justice major, used her portable fan when tabling for the traditional Mexican dance group, Grupo Folklorico Mexica.

“I think there’s less people showing up than expected because of the heat,” Lopez said. A Tustin native, Lopez now lives in Long Beach and recommends taking advantage of being near the beach.

“Stay hydrated and stay in places with AC,” Lopez said.

The City of Long Beach released an advisory for the heat on Tuesday with a list of cooling centers where residents can seek relief from high temperatures over the weekend.

“All City Parks, Recreation and Marine Community Centers and Long Beach Public Library locations are available as designated cooling centers during their normal business hours,” the press release said.

Gyanna Mien, a senior linguistics major, used an umbrella to escape the heat.

“The heat was hitting us about an hour ago. I noticed some people, including myself, have little sun shade umbrellas which I like. I’m Cambodian so we use them for traditional dancing,” Mien said.

Temperatures are expected to cool down by Monday of next week.

Land Acknowledgment Here at the Long Beach Current we acknowledge that the school we report on is located on the sacred site of Puvungna, “the gathering place”. We are on the land of the Tongva/Gabrieleño and the Acjachemen/Juaneño Nations who have lived and continue to live here.

We also acknowledge the Gabrieleño/Tongva (pronounced: GABRIEL-EN-YO/TONG – VAH) and Acjachamen/Juaneño (pronounced: AH-HACH-AH-MEN/JUAN-EN-YO) as the traditional custodians of the Los Angeles region along with the Chumash (pronounced: CHOO-MOSH) to the north and west, and the Tataviam (pronounced: TAH-TAH-VEE-YUM) and Cahuilla (pronounced: KAH-WEE-YAH) Nations to the east.

We respect and value the many ways the Tongva/Acjachemen cultural heritage and beliefs continue to have significance to the living people and remind us about the sacred and spiritual relationship that has always existed here at what we now call California State University Long Beach.

Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and

Letter Policy: All letters and emails

Monday, September 9, 2024

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cartoons in the issue are those of the writers or artists. The opinons of the Long Beach Current are expressed only in unsigned editorials and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism department or the views of all staff members. All such editorials are written by the editorial board of the Long Beach Current.

must bear the phone number of the writer and must be no more than 300 words. The Long Beach Current reserves the right to edit letters for publication in regard to space.

NEWS

JUAN CALVILLO / Long Beach Current The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California helps defend constitutional rights, among them the right to freedom of speech. A letter from the ACLU was sent to Cal State Long Beach Faculty Affairs focused on the constitutionality of sections that are part of the “Time, Place and Manner” policy.

American Civil Liberties Union calls protest policy ‘unconstitutional’ Amid sweeping changes to protest rules across California universities, Long Beach State’s updated policy faces scrutiny over its impact on free speech rights.

BY ETHAN COHEN News Assistant

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he American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU) challenged Long Beach State over its enforcement of the updated protest policy against two professors, claiming it violates the First Amendment.

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According to a letter addressed to Patricia Perez, associate vice president for faculty affairs, on behalf of professors Sabrina and Jake Alimahomed-Wilson, the ACLU urged the college to “cease” enforcement of the amplified sound policy and to “excise” it from the university’s protest guidelines.

The letter, signed by ACLU Southern California Executive Director Hector Villagra, stated the university’s policy is “Unconstitutional On Its Face.”

This dispute comes after the California State University system updated its Time, Place and Manner policy, limiting the scope of demonstrations across all 23 college campuses.

Villagra said in the letter he is concerned the college may have issued warnings to professors Alimahomed-Wilson, in response to their “outspoken defense of Palestinian rights in the past.”

When asked about the letter, Jeffrey Cook, CSULB‘s chief communications

Monday, September 9, 2024

officer, said in an emailed statement “We respect the perspectives expressed in the letter from the ACLU but disagree with several of the characterizations made.”

“As our review of the letter continues, we also reaffirm that campus policies related to ‘Time, Place and Manner’ are viewpoint-neutral,” Cook said. “Beyond that, we are unable to comment on specific personnel matters.”

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NEWS

UPD hosts swearing-in, promotional badgepinning ceremony Six University Police Department officers were honored in a ceremony recognizing new hires, promotions and their dedication to the campus community.

Photos by

BY LINSEY TOWLES Managing Editor

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he University Police Department (UPD) swore in two officers, one corporal and promoted three others in a ceremony held Thursday evening attended by family, friends and President Jane Close Conoley.

Hosted in the Barrett Athletic Administration building, University Police Chief John Brockie led the ceremony which involved the swearing-in of Corporal Gino Rodriguez, Officer Garrett Evans and Officer Mikayla Afusia.

During the swearing-in process, the officer chooses someone to pin their badge onto their uniform before raising their right hand and taking the oath of office led by Brockie.

According to Brockie, the corporal and officers took the oath of office on their first day back in April, with the ceremony serving as a symbolic reminder of that oath.

Rodriguez was among the new arrivals to be sworn-in Thursday. Rodriguez worked with the Sheriff’s Department for 31 years and as a K-9 handler for 5 years before retiring and coming to the UPD. “I’m not the kind of guy who retires and goes to play golf or go to the bar, that’s not me,” Rodriguez said. “I retired from one job and now I’m back doing the same thing.”

Rodriguez explained he worked primarily with apprehending cartel members and activities,stopping the

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active movement of narcotics on freeways. Working with UPD has been a big change.

“It’s a whole different style of police work,” Rodriguez said. “Dealing with the students has been a real good experience for me because I used to deal with pretty bad individuals. It’s a whole different world.”

While some were sworn-in with years of experience under their belts, others such as Officer Evans are looking forward to getting their feet wet.

“I didn’t know what to expect to be honest,” Evans said about the ceremony.

“We had to change out real quick and get into our Class A uniforms. I still have a lot of stuff I want to learn.”

The ceremony also celebrated the promotions of Captain Carol Almaguer, Sergeant Marissa Vancil and Corporal Michael Faxon.

In attendance to witness her promotion was Vancil’s family, including her 20 month old son.

“I made a jump from South East L.A. to work here and a big part of that decision to move was because of my son,” Vancil said. “To still be able to climb that ladder even with my son is extra empowering.”

Vancil worked in Huntington Park as a sex crimes and domestic violence detective. She described the change to UPD as fulfilling and rewarding.

“Most of the time when people call the police it’s at a real low point. In Huntington Park it was very low,” Vancil said.

“Here I’m able to be more proactive in a community-oriented way where I can actually introduce myself and it doesn’t have to be because there’s a problem.”

Monday, September 9, 2024

LINSEY TOWLES Long Beach Current Top to bottom: Officer Mikayla Afusia, a CSULB graduate, is sworn-in by Chief John Brockie; Police Chief John Brockie pins Officer Garrett Evan’s badge to his shirt before being sworn in; Sergeant Marissa Vancil and her husband and son pose for photos after her promotional badge pinning. She has been promoted to Sergeant after 17 years as an officer.

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NEWS

Long Beach clears homeless encampments; What’s next for the unhoused?

BY GRACE LAWSON Arts & Life Assistant

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he city of Long Beach has officially begun clearing homeless encampments in the downtown area as the Supreme Court’s overturning of legal protections for unhoused people makes it possible to fine and arrest people sleeping in public places.

Based on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in late June, California and other western states were granted the right to begin clearing homeless encampments from public places.

According to a report from the Department of U.S. Housing and Urban Development, there are a little over 71,131 available beds in all of California for transitional or emergency housing needs, and a total of 3,716 in Long Beach.

That total includes both transitional and permanent beds.

“Moving people is not a solution; what we’re trying to do is balance places that can be a priority focus area. There are people that are not happy in both directions,” Paul Duncan, homeless services bureau manager, said in an interview on Tuesday.

According to the annual Long Beach homeless count done in January, there were 3,376 unhoused people. This is a 2.1% decrease from the previous year, and also the first account of a decrease since 2017.

In a press release on Aug. 23, the city received around $5.3 million in state funding to begin clearing encampments and conducting outreach to the unhoused.

NBC Los Angeles reported that California Gov. Gavin Newsom has threatened cities that don’t begin moving forward with clearing the encampments by withholding state funds.

The target areas include downtown Long Beach, where efforts will be focused on areas such as around Billie Jean King Main Library and Lincoln Park.

Others listed were the metro platforms, Harvey Milk Promenade Park and parts of the downtown entertainment district.

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JUSTIN ENRIQUEZ / Long Beach Current Tents have been removed in Long Beach after the Supreme Court’s ruling on Grants Pass v. Johnson and following millions in Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF).

Parks like Gumbiner Park in downtown Long Beach have already been cleared and fenced up by the city during a clearing initiative done on Aug. 19.

“Gumbiner was a restoration project, but that will not be the case at each of the locations. When we select a priority focus area, that initial initiative is intensive outreach,” Duncan said.

In a photo from a report done by KTLA 5, signs were placed in the park and surrounding areas 48 hours before the clearing to warn individuals. This was done to give unhoused people in the area a chance to find shelter at centers in the area offering beds, such as the Multi-Service Center, or non-profits like Long Beach Rescue Mission.

Despite the city’s attempts for outreach as they cleared encampments in the priority areas, residents had a very

split reaction.

People are worried about longterm housing and accommodation for unhoused individuals who are being pushed into different areas of the city.

However, others are viewing it as a chance to reclaim public spaces to make available for safe public use, Duncan explained in the interview.

In a press release from the city of Long Beach from May of this year, the city addressed the leading causes for homelessness, including: unemployment, leading at 38%, family issues at 29%, eviction at 17%, mental health at 17%, disability at 13%, and substance use at 12%.

According to a different press release by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from August, as clearing continues, the city plans on building

Monday, September 9, 2024

60 congregate shelter units that will be available for unhoused individuals for up to one year.

The city also has plans to find rental assistance to hopefully lead to permanent housing for up to 125 unhoused individuals who had been living in these encampments.

On-campus resources for unhoused students include the Basic Needs Program and Lauren Chalmers ‘83 Beach Pantry, both located at the University Student Union. Off-campus are the Multi-Service Center and Long Beach Rescue Mission.

Non-government affiliated resources off-campus for unhoused individuals include Ashlee’s Homeless Fund, a nonprofit that helps unhoused individuals find emergency shelter, long-term support and traditional housing.

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NEWS

NASAI RIVAS / Long Beach Current Philanthropist Regena Cole’s attorneys and the CSULB Foundation’s met for trial on Nov. 20, 2023 at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse in downtown Long Beach. Cole and her attorneys allege the Foundation committed elder abuse, fraud and misrepresentation to obtain a $25 million donation from Cole in 2020.

Lawsuit accusing CSULB of fraud reaches tentative settlement

BY NASAI RIVAS Contributor

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2022 lawsuit that alleges Long Beach State and the 49er Foundation had committed elder abuse, fraud and negligent misrepresentation against a 96-year-old woman has reached a tentative settlement.

Regena Cole, a CSULB philanthropist, alleged the foundation coerced her into donating $25 million to the college.

The lawsuit demanded $50,000 in damages and a court order removing the donation to CSULB. However, according to an email to the Long Beach Current from Jeffrey Cook, CSULB’s strategic communications associate vice president, the settlement is not yet finalized.

“The University, nor the Foundation, would…comment on the pending litigation at this stage,” Cook said.

According to a report by the

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Press-Telegram, the tentative settlement was outlined on June 7 and is part of the Regena Cole v. California State University, Long Beach, et al. case.

The Los Angeles County Superior Court case stretches back to Nov. 21, 2022, when Cole and her attorneys filed the lawsuit against the university and the foundation.

According to the lawsuit, the foundation’s former Chief Executive Officer Michele Cesca obtained private information between Cole and her attorney about the donation.

The 49er Foundation then gave Cole an agreement in which she would donate $25 million to the foundation to help build the Robert Bersi University Music Village. She signed the agreement for $25 million on Aug. 19, 2020.

According to court documents, “[The] gift of [$25 million] that must be paid in Mrs. Cole’s life or operate as a debt collector after her death.”

The lawsuit further alleges the agreement ‘placed’ the university and

the foundation as ‘sole creditors of her estate.’

According to the lawsuit, the 49er Foundation and Cesca used Cole’s memory issues and age to coerce her into donating the money.

The lawsuit further alleges the foundation isolated Cole from her attorneys in order for her to sign the agreement.

“Mrs. Cole is effectively being held hostage and this fraudulently obtained contract is the ransom,” Cole’s attorney’s wrote in the lawsuit.

Gregory Woods, a CSULB public representative, responded to the lawsuit filed by Cole and her attorneys in a written statement in 2022, according to a report by the Current.

“We are deeply disappointed and saddened that attorneys have filed this ill-considered and unsupportable complaint in the donor’s name,” the statement said.

According to court documents, defense attorneys filed a countersuit stating Cole breached her agreement from

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2020 in June 2023.

Alexandra Anfuso, an attorney representing the foundation and CSULB, said she could not comment on the case while on a call with the Current.

The other attorneys representing CSULB, Hayward Kaiser and Andrew Spitser Culp, were not available for comment.

The Current attempted to reach out to Cole’s attorneys for comment, but neither responded.

Despite the legal fight between Cole and the University, before the case, Cole was a longtime benefactor to CSULB. Both Cole and her deceased husband Bob, worked together in the past to support charities including the foundation.

She had previously donated to the 49er Foundation and in 2008 she donated $16.4 million towards musician scholarships in honor of her husband.

This donation was the largest individual gift in the university’s history and helped create the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music.

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ARTS & LIFE Parking woes and crowded spaces: Student perspectives

BY JUSTIN ENRIQUEZ Photo Assistant

T

he fall 2024 semester brought a record 41,000 students to Long Beach State, each with different perspectives on the campus environment.

The influx of students is a notable difference to Vincent Ya, a second-year aerospace engineering student, as he said this change made getting to classes more difficult. On his first day, Ya said it took him an hour to find a parking spot.

“Even last year, it was pretty packed, but now, it’s getting a little crazy,” Ya said. “Maybe they should stop handing out admissions – they should be more considerate of the people who are already here.”

However, the campus crowds that Ya commented on are a positive development in the eyes of third-year transfer student and cinematic arts major Bryan Viteri, as he said, “I don’t mind the crowding, it tells me it’s a good thing.”

Viteri said that the crowds symbolize the institution is a place where people want to be, and the struggle to park is a Californian reality that can never be solved.

Viteri’s perspective on the increase of students being a positive difference is mirrored in second-year technical theatre and film major Saul Perez’s perspective.

Perez said that he wanted to be in a place where he could practice music surrounded by people his age.

Perez, however, noted that this year’s 3.5% increase in parking fees to $259 a semester was a detriment. Since Perez has to bring his guitar and equipment to practice on campus, he said that it is important that he has his own transportation to avoid being on the bus with his guitar.

“I would say there are more students outside right now, but with them putting the parking permit up, I guess they don’t want people being here too,” Perez said.

Beyond having a direct impact on just students, second-year biochemistry major and psychology minor Catherine Palm said that the influx has affected professors.

Within her STEM classes, Palm said her professors have complained that they’ve been under more stress for grading due to having too many students.

“They physically can’t handle it when [class sizes] keep on increasing every single year,” Palm said. “If you’re going to have more students, you need to have more teachers instead of just piling on more work for the teachers.”

Despite the record number of students admitted this 2024-2025 academic year, CSULB had a lower number of 34 onboarded faculty in comparison to the 55 newly hired faculty in the previous 2023-2024 academic year.

”

Maybe they should stop handing out admissions - they should be more considerate of the people who are already here.

Vincent Ya Aerospace engineering student lbcurrent.com | @lbcurrent

Photos by JUSTIN ENRIQUEZ / Long Beach Current Top to bottom: Saul Perez (he/him), sophomore, B.A. in Theatre Arts/Technical Theatre, gives his opinions on campus issues as Long Beach State reaches new enrollment records; Vincent Ya (He/him), sophmore,Aerospace Engineer speaks about his perspective on campus incuding its environment, traffic and parking on campus on Aug. 28,

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ARTS & LIFE Campus coming alive: Week of Welcome ignites student life Socialites and students alike embrace the clubs, departments, club sports and student-run groups offered at Long Beach State at Week of Welcome.

BY GRACE LAWSON Arts & Life Assistant

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mid bustling booths and crowded corridors, Long Beach State students who crossed the Central Quad this past week may have had Surf Club flyers thrust upon them or found themselves pulled into a conversation about an interest they never knew they had.

While the intense heatwave tried its best to act as a deterrent, it was not enough to stop students from touring the plethora of clubs, departments and student-run organization options showcased during the official Week of Welcome event on Sept. 4 and 5.

The quad had its walkways uncommonly crowded throughout the two-day event, leading to single-file lines of students walking side by side in groups of more than two.

Students both meek and eager gathered around booths to hear members give their best pitches for their organizations.

Finding a place to fit on campus during Week of Welcome is not an insurmountable feat, as dozens of clubs and organizations were in attendance in hopes of attracting new and interested students.

“We’re just about building a community and sharing our perspective as a woman in the film industry,” Daphne Longenbach, a second-year communications major, said.

Longenbach was tabling for the Women in Film Club.

“We do some activity-based club meetings where we just have crafts and stuff, to get to know each other and

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Students browse rows of booths and navigate what Week of Welcome has to offer. build connections within the major, and also have more opportunities to get to learn things you may not get to learn in class,” she said.

What Week of Welcome has to offer goes beyond expanding a resume or furthering one’s academic status. Like many other clubs, Long Beach Lunabotics encourages peer connections that foster community and common interests.

“Here at Long Beach Lunabotics, we compete in a NASA competition to help them with the development of rovers for lunar and martian exploration,” aeronautical engineering major and engineering physicist Caleb Carr said.

As Carr is completing his last year at CSULB, he said the goal for Lunabotics is to give students a space of belonging and support for career development.

“Our motivation is to provide an area

GRACE LAWSON / Long Beach Current

for freshmen, but also anyone in their academic career to come and gain skills, gain network, we do a lot of outreach events,” he said.

At other booths, surfboards and snowboards leaned against easy-up poles, the sound of music blasted throughout the Associated Students Inc. sections, mannequins styled with clothing stood next to the Students in Fashion Club and the Comparative World Literature Club’s table was nearly invisible under the stacks of books displayed on it.

Returning club members walked between crowds, serving as sirens to get students to stop by their tables.

Among them was Leslie Banos, the President of the Child Development Club and a third-year student majoring in child development and family Studies.

The event helped Banos extend the

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presence of her club on campus, as she said she had the chance to meet a lot of people from different majors.

“It’s such a big campus, so all the interactions we’ve been having are super nice,” Banos said. “A lot of people are really curious because this club hasn’t really been active in about two years, so a lot of people are like, ‘Oh tell me about it.’”

Most of the Greek row, consisting of sorority and fraternity booths, tackled the event without tables, instead leaning into their laid-back reputations and talking to interested students as they passed through the crowd.

Although an outdated tradition to some, the CSULB Week of Welcome offers Long Beach students a variety of ways they can get involved within their major, clubs of interest or sorority and fraternity life.

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ARTS & LIFE A vibrant celebration of Greek culture in Long Beach Clockwise from right: During the Labor Day weekend, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrated the unique blend of Greek and American culture at the festival they hosted; A fan favorite for many visiting the Greek Festival were traditional gyros served with french fries; In addition to traditional vending such as food and artwork, the church hosting the festival sold religious artwork and jewelry at a bookstore; Throughout the festival, live traditional music was played by various bands and singers. Most commonly, oboes, lutes and guitars could be heard by those attending.

Photos by ALEX GRYCIUK Long Beach Current

BY ALEX GRYCIUK Podcast Assistant

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ively music, fragrant food, exuberant dancing and a vivid celebration of Greek culture filled the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church for the Long Beach community this Labor Day weekend from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

For $5 admission, attendees could spend their day from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. immersing themselves in the Greek-American community of Long Beach.

Upon entry to the festival, visitors were enticed by rows and rows of colorful artwork and glistening jewelry from diverse vendors.

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In addition to traditional vending such as food and artwork, the church hosting the festival sold religious artwork and jewelry at a bookstore.

Among these vendors were artists Athoula Medinas and Athanasia Medinas, who were at the festival to showcase their small businesses that offer products celebrating their Greek culture.

Athoula’s business, known as Waste Hazard, presents a collection of hand-crafted art pieces and fine jewelry while Athanasia’s business, A Peace of Greece, offers hand-harvested virgin olive oil, honey and oregano from the mountains of Greece.

“Guests coming to this festival are very interested in learning more about Greek culture,” Athanasia said. “For myself, and Athoula as a Greek artist, their

interest in learning more about our history and our inspiration from our brand and what inspires us for our products is really nice to talk about.”

Athanasia Medinas (left) and Athoula Medinas (right) proudly show off their products, including printed artwork, crystals and jewelry.

Having collaborated on product and logo design, Athoula and Athanasia said that they feel their stand represents their spirituality and life experiences as Greek women.

In addition to culturally inspired artwork, vendors also sold a myriad of traditional Greek foods to eager attendees.

Among the most popular dishes were souvlaki, tzatziki, gyros, baklava and galaktoboureko.

Throughout the day, students from

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local Greek dancing studios showcased their skills during performances. Accompanied by oboes, lutes and harmonic singing, dancers of all age levels were encouraged to participate in dances with the performers too.

The immersive cultural experiences through music and food continue to draw in guests every year. For attendee Micheal Duckhorn, the festival was a great way to spend the Labor Day weekend with friends and family.

“We’ve been here on a yearly basis for a few years, since we’ve been in the neighborhood,” Duckhorn said. “It is really an amazing festival. A lot of fun, a lot of food, a lot of music.”

The Long Beach Greek festival is an annual celebration, with this year marking its 75th anniversary.

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ARTS & LIFE

Feeling independent: Five indie arthouse theaters worth the drive

BY DELFINO CAMACHO Arts & Life Assistant 1. The Art Theatre of Long Beach 2025 E. 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814 Distance from CSULB campus – 3.2 miles or a 12-minute drive Located on Fourth Street on Retro Row, the Art’s single-screen cinema offers patrons access to an eclectic range of films in its 340-seat theatre room.

Long Beach Art Theatre Head Programmer, Kennedy Ghaill, said the theatre likes to provide an “alternative curriculum” to what’s usually shown in Film 101.

While still featuring first-run films, the Art is primarily a revival of arthouse cinema with curated screenings spanning genres and decades.

The theater is commemorating its centennial celebration by hosting a year-long film series showcasing films that are 100 years old including “The Thief of Bagdad,” “Michael” and “He Who Gets Slapped.”

The Art recently participated in the Long Beach Q Film Festival from Sept. 5-8.

This is the second year that Kennedy Ghaill, a trans-filmmaker, programmed some of the trans-themed films to be screened.

“I’m really lucky as a person with the identity that I have to get to do this job at all,” Ghaill said. “I want to do good with it, and I hope I have because I do want this to be a center for community and conversation.”

2. Milagro Cinemas 13917 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650 Distance from CSULB campus – 12 miles or a 15-minute drive With eight screens, 4K digital projectors and modern, two-motor reclining seats, Milagro Cinemas is the newest and largest independent theater on this list.

The Milagro’s owner, Moctesuma Esparza, designed the theater with an emphasis on Chicano culture with concessions like tacos, burritos, nachos, Mexican beer and wine.

The theater shows primarily first-run modern films, but smaller independent movies, including “DiDi” and Spanish-language film “El Candidato Honesto” are also hosted.

To learn more about the history, features and future of the Milagro, read the full profile here.

3. The Frida Cinema 305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Distance from CSULB campus – 17 miles or a 20-minute drive Located in historic downtown Santa Ana, The Frida Cinema is Orange County’s only non-profit art house theater.

Frida’s film programmer, Trevor Dillon, and his team of 12 employees and 70 volunteers make the most out of their two-screen space; he estimates they play “50 to 60 movies a month.”

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Dillon, who describes his programming style as an “unpretentious arthouse,” said that the space will regularly play movies like the 100-yearold “Phantom Carriage” right next to a screening of “Twilight.”

The space hosts monthly Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings featuring KAOS, a troupe of actors that recreate the movie live during screenings.

“We love to ‘event-ize’ screening because nowadays movie theaters are kind of going away and it’s nice to build a community around our programming,” Dillon said.

4. Gardena Cinema 14948 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249 Distance from CSULB campus – 18 miles or a 27-minute drive South Bay’s last independent theater has gone through many different eras since it was first built in 1946.

The Crenshaw Boulevard one-room theater is almost impossible to

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miss with its classic marquee and screen room features a whopping “We’re small, but big,” theate with a laugh.

Owned by the Kim Family became a Spanish-language cine during the ‘80s and parts of the ‘ Following financial hardships Nancy Kim, Judy worked to desig profit revival theater.

Now, with a team of voluntee serves to show older classics an work with local filmmakers to ho On Nov. 30, Nancy Kim’s bir screening of the John Woo actio movie.

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ARTS & LIFE

d front facade. The impressive, singleg 800 seats and a large screen. er owner and manager Judy Kim said

since 1975, the theater temporarily ema serving the Hispanic community ‘90s. and the death of the family matriarch gnate The Gardena Cinema as a non-

ers and increasing sales, The Gardena nd lesser-known indie projects. They ost community film festivals. rthday, the theater will host a special on classic “Face/Off,” Nancy’s favorite

5. New Beverly Cinema 7165 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 Distance from CSULB campus – 33 miles or a 50-minute drive The farthest and perhaps most well-known independent theater on this list is steeped in movie and Hollywood history.

First built in 1929, the location served as a storefront for different businesses before being refurbished into a one-room theater in 1949. The space features a small lobby, concession stand and a snug, single-screen room with 228 available seats.

The theater offers double features almost daily. On weekends, the New Beverly Cinema hosts “kiddie” matinees at 2 p.m. and midnight movies.

Clockwise from above: Constructed in 1924, the Art Theatre has survived fires, earthquakes and remodelings to remain the oldest operating theater in Long Beach. Its front facade was re-built using original 1933 blueprints; The front of the Beverly Cinema on the evening of Sept. 4. 2007. Director Quentin Tarantino, known for films like “Django Unchained” and “Pulp Fiction,” bought the theater and vowed that “as long as he was alive and rich” the theater would continue to play movies on 35 and 16 millimeters, always; Judy Kim, owner and operator of the Gardena Cinema, said she sees the theater as her and her family’s legacy. The Gardena Cinema is doing a two day Monster-Thon screening event and begins at 2 p.m. on Oct. 26 through Oct. 27.

Photos by DELFINO CAMACHO Long Beach Current

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Monday, September 9, 2024

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ARTS & LIFE

Treat yourself to fresh food at Long Beach State’s weekly farmers market

BY JAMIE AUSTRIA Contributor

E

very Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Long Beach State students are invited to lighten their workload with a variety of freshly cooked food and chilling drinks at the Friendship Walk Farmers Market.

The market, hosted by Associated Students Inc., makes its weekly returns to campus to showcase healthier food options to students while supporting the community’s local businesses and farmers.

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, the brick pavement of Friendship Square was filled with friends and classmates lined up for items including fresh fruits, pupusas, loaded quesadillas and agua frescas of all flavors.

For some students, the market is a new experience on campus, including fourth-year mechanical engineering major Keaton Safu.

While interested in exploring all that the market has to offer, Safu was ultimately drawn to the Loaded Potatoes Vendor to satisfy his love for tacos and Mexican food.

“I’m excited, I love stuff like this. Just little things to add to campus life and campus culture,” Safu said. “Just stuff to spice up a day in the life of a Long Beach student.”

Pupusas Salvadorenas, another stall at the market, had a line of students waiting to try their various types of pupusas including their vegan option. The booth strives to share an authentic taste of Salvadorian food with its customers.

“We do multiple markets, so that’s what brings us in, to serve the students our traditional food from El Salvador,” owner Yeni Gonzalez said. “We have a lot of support from the students and they

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JAMIE AUSTRIA / Long Beach Current Students wait in line at the Loaded Potatoes stall on the morning of Sept. 3 during ASI’s Farmers Market.

love our food, which is great.”

While their stall has been a part of the campus farmers market for years, their experience dates back to 1996.

Gonzalez said they worked at a variety of venues, markets and festivals, including Coachella and Stagecoach.

On the opposite end of the walk-

way, students looking for lighter options could find organic fresh fruits and hummus. Freshly-grown fruits including strawberries, blueberries and raspberries could be found from HB Family Farm, a newer vendor to the university with the slogan “We grow what we sell.”

Beside HB Family Farm was Brothers

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Products, returning to the Beach campus to offer a variety of items including hummus, chips and dips.

The ASI Farmers Market is open to students, faculty and the general public every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is set to be held all school year, excluding both fall

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ARTS & LIFE

Indie-pop band Sheppard takes the stage at the Moroccan Lounge With no breaks between songs, Sheppard made sure to play as many songs during their set for fans.

BY ALEX GRYCIUK Podcast Assistant

B

right aesthetics and exciting energy filled the floors of the Moroccan Lounge on the evening of Aug. 30 as indie-pop band, Sheppard, performed in celebration of the 10th anniversary of their hit single, “Geronimo.”

The lounge, centered in the heart of Los Angeles, hosted the second leg of the Australian indie-pop trio’s “Say Geronimo” tour.

Throughout the set, attendees were encouraged to sing along with harmonies and clap to the upbeat drums, fostering an engaging show experience for all fans.

Accompanying Sheppard on tour, opener Garrett Adair said he felt connected with the group since their first meeting in Tennessee before the tour.

“They’re just such kind people.

They’re super genuine and very nice to everyone they meet, myself included,” Adair said.

Sheppard’s positive attitude to everyday life gave an uplifting concert experience for all ages. Throughout the show,

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children with their families and fans of 10-plus years alike danced along to electrifying tempos and happy lyrics.

In addition to upbeat songs, many of the band’s lyrics promote a confident lifestyle for their listeners. For example, Sheppard’s song “Kiss My Fat A**” rejects the beauty standards for women and advocates for self-love.

“They have incredible uplifting, positive…great beat music,” Nick Guyer, a fan of over 10 years, said.

Matching the band’s vibrant personality, the instruments that Sheppard used throughout the set were a tie-dye patterned guitar, a sparkly electric guitar and a gradient drum set. Adding to Sheppard colorful persona, two of the band members had blue and pink hair.

Photo Credit: Alex Gryciuk Most recognizable, the trio performed their hit song “Geronimo” — a certified gold tune that remained Number #1 on ARIA Charts for over three weeks.

The band also played many songs showing off their new discography and fan favorites from years past.

While finding success in the southern hemisphere, Sheppard tapped into an enthusiastic American fanbase with

Photos by ALEX GRYCIUK/ Long Beach Current

On their “Say Geronimo” tour, Sheppard sold merchandise for their new album “Zora” so fans could show off their support for the band. Stickers, hats, tote bags, posters and t-shirts were among the most popular items sold. their debut album “Bombs Away”.

“In 2015, I was in my ‘indie era’,” long-term Sheppard fan Wesley Lee said.

“I think somehow they just popped up on either YouTube or the radio…I just fell in love with them because they were just what I was feeling at the time”.

Now, based in Nashville, the band continues to blow away audiences with new releases. Sheppard released their fourth studio album “Zora” on July 21.

Monday, September 9, 2024

Following positive feedback from fans, the band will continue their American tour in Columbus, Ohio on Sept. 9; Chicago, Illinois on Sept. 11; Indianapolis, Indiana on Sept. 13; and Franklin, Tennessee on Sept. 14.

To stay up-to-date on music releases and tour vlogs follow @wearesheppard on Instagram. The band’s music can also be found on all major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

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OPINION

California’s struggle with online sports betting legalization

BY ISABELA ZUNIGA Staff Writer

C

alifornia’s Proposition 27 aims to legalize online sports betting while funding homelessness, but it may also increase gambling pressures on college athletes and students.

The proposition, involving three gaming operators, seeks to boost economic markets and grant these operators control over the timing of market launches.

If passed, companies are required to pay a one-time fee and partner with Native American tribes, which would use their tribal names for sports betting platforms.

Although Prop 27 did not pass in 2022, the focus on its impact on Native American tribes and the gaming industry has diverted attention from concerns about how betting could affect college sports programs.

In February 2024, during the NCAA Women’s Final Four, President Charlie Baker expressed concern that athlete Caitlin Clark’s overall performance was receiving more attention than the tournament itself.

According to the Associated Press, Baker raised concerns about the threats athletes might face from dissatisfied bettors. He then urged states to ban sports betting, specifically on individual players.

If Prop 27 were enacted, it could determine the integrity of college athletics.

Following the objections from Baker and the NCAA, states have gradually begun to eliminate prop betting.

Sports betting is not only a challenge for athletes; it has also led to increased bankruptcy rates in states due to the rise in sports wagering.

Findings from UCLA and USC show that states with sports betting have a 0.3% drop in credit scores, while those with legalized online betting see a decline three times greater.

Additionally, the study emphasized that adolescents and individuals from

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Photo illustration by STEPHANIE MORALES / Long Beach Current California Proposition 27 would have legalized online sports betting in California with a portion of the revenues going into a Homelessness Prevention Fund. The proposition was defeated at the ballots on Nov. 8, 2022 at the U.S. midterm elections. low-income families are at the highest risk of being exposed to sports betting.

Normalizing gambling can lead to significant issues, including substantial debt. This amount of wagering is detrimental to states, as it often results in financial problems for residents.

SPUR’s voter guide recommended voting against Prop. 27, citing the lack of established fundamental rules for online betting in California and noting concerns about the potential for gambling addictions.

Although mental health issues have risen for various reasons in recent years, gambling is often overlooked as a contributing factor.

Students appear to be unaware of the potential effects of gambling and prop bets, particularly on mental health.

A 2023 NCAA study, covered by ESPN, found that 58% of young adults have participated in sports betting and 70% believe that it enhances their chance of winning. This belief could harm students rather than benefit them.

When asked about potential consequences for students placing bets, ESPN said only “21 of the 24 schools contacted

by ESPN declined to comment or did not respond to multiple emails asking about their educational efforts around gambling.”

Although California’s Prop 27 failed

Monday, September 9, 2024

to pass before 2022 and is not on the ballot this election, there is no guarantee that it cannot resurface in the future.

It is every Californian’s responsibility to prevent Prop 27 from being legalized in the future. Sports betting compromises the credibility of games and adversely affects the portrayal of athletes.

Given the dedication athletes put into their work, they do not deserve to be reduced to mere bets based on their performances.

College sports programs should be properly respected and colleges should continue to impose restrictions on sports betting.

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SPORTS

‘That one thing’: LaTanya Sheffield’s 2024 Paris Olympics experience

BY DAVIS RAMAGE Sports Editor

“T

hat one thing” is what Long Beach State’s track and field head coach LaTanya Sheffield said she learned that separates the Olympic athletes from all other athletes.

In the case of Olympians, that one thing is their craft, the sport they compete in.

She said that Olympians put a larger percentage of effort into that one thing than the average athlete does. Sleeping, dieting and training are just some of the facets of their lives that all revolve around that one thing.

Sheffield was given the honor of being the USA women’s track & field head coach at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“It’s the ultimate respect from your peers, and that I do not take lightly at all.

I’m so humbled by that,” Sheffield said.

Sheffield, who doubles as a motivational speaker, set the tone for the Games with a powerful speech to the entire USA track & field team where she delivered the simple message of “it’s personal.”

“I wanna say it’s personal, oh it’s definitely personal. You are an Owlympian.

You are that impossible, that invincible, you are the victor, so stand on that podium just as proud and just as loud as possible,” Sheffield said.

She and her highly driven women’s track & field team returned from the 2024 Paris Olympics with seven gold, five silver and five bronze medals, contribut-

Courtesy of Long Beach State Athletics LBSU track and field head coach LaTanya Sheffield was selected as the head coach for the women’s track and field team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her team brought home seven gold medals, five silver medals and five bronze medals. ing to the USA’s total medal count, which surpassed that of all other nations.

In an interview with the Long Beach Current (formerly Daily Forty-Niner) in March 2024 before the Olympics, Sheffield said “We can’t fail.”

After returning from Paris, Sheffield said there are always things that can be improved upon and that nothing is per-

fect, but overall the Games were a success.

She competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics placing eighth in the 400m hurdles and said the main difference from those Games is the attire.

“These current Olympians have swag like no other,” Sheffield said providing an unexpected answer which speaks to

”

the kind of person she is, someone who can motivate an entire barrage of Olympic athletes but can also joke around and appreciate the finer details.

As much as those athletes are focused on honing in all their energy to have the best performance possible, after spending time with them in Paris, Sheffield said that they are just “your average folk” with some boasting large personalities and others being more reserved.

Sheffield was an assistant coach in charge of the sprint and hurdle teams in the 2020 Tokoyo Olympics where there were no fans in the stands and said the difference was “night and day” compared to the Paris Games.

One of those athletes who elated the crowd on multiple occasions and took Paris by storm after winning two gold medals was Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who Sheffield described as a “gazelle” who looks like she “does it effortlessly.”

Sheffield joked and said “How dare you,” when asked if she had time to go shopping in Paris because she would rather eat and rejuvenate with the time she had to stay focused on “that one thing.”

On the Sept. 4 episode of Long Beach Current’s sports podcast, “Teed Up,” Sheffield said one of the best pieces of advice she’s been given was to “Make ‘em say your name.”

“The women’s track & field, we dominated, we dominated... make ‘em say your name, yeah we did [make ‘em say our name,]” Sheffield said.

It’s the ultimate respect from your peers, and that I do not take lightly at all. I’m so humbled by that.

LaTanya Sheffield on being selected as Team USA’s women’s track and field head coach lbcurrent.com | @lbcurrent

Monday, September 9, 2024

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SPORTS

LBSU enters the win column with 3-1 victory over Northwestern

Photos by MARK SIQUIG / Long Beach Current The Long Beach State women’s volleyball team celebrates after winning the first set of the match against Northwestern at the Walter Pyramid on Thursday night.

BY MATTHEW COLEMAN Sports Assistant

L

ong Beach State and Northwestern entered Thursday’s contest with identical records, both searching for their first wins of the year after 0-2 starts.

The Beach rallied behind the energetic home crowd of over 1,600 that filled the Walter Pyramid for its home opener to secure a 3-1 victory.

After dropping the first two matches of the season in Oregon without winning a set, LBSU looked to regroup in a building they dominated in a season ago.

Familiar contributors along with the help of newcomers lead The Beach and interim head coach Natalie Reagan to her first career win as a head coach.

The first set looked as expected from two winless teams as there was an evident sense of urgency on both sides.

The Beach’s rotation included several underclassmen including redshirt freshman libero Sarah Vellucci who got the start. “[The upperclassmen’s] leadership is really impressive to see them empowering the younger girls to be their own

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Redshirt junior Jaylen Jordan skies for the game-winning kill for Long Beach State sealing a 3-1 victory over Northwestern at the Walter Pyramid. leaders and lead in their own way,” Reagan said.

The first set featured nine ties and three lead changes but The Beach ultimately prevailed and stole the set by a score of 25-23 which was sealed by one of redshirt senior Abby Karich’s game-high 11 kills.

“My mindset going into this year is just I’m so grateful that my body is allow-

ing me to finish my career strong and be back on the court with my teammates,” Karich said.

Northwestern responded in a marathon second set fighting off a resilient Beach team that forced the Wildcats to play for the set point repeatedly. It took 16 ties before Northwestern was able to finally cap off a 29-27 set win after an attack error from senior outside hitter

Monday, September 9, 2024

Natalie Glenn.

Even at 16 apiece midway through the third set, a prolonged rally ended with a thunderous spike by Glenn to give The Beach a one-point advantage and ignite the LBSU crowd. From that point on, Long Beach State would outscore the Wildcats 8-1 to take hold of the lead and the momentum, winning set three 25-17.

“We want our athletes to feel unlocked like that, so having those big points and being able to play the point all the way through is something that we talk about all week long,” Reagan said.

Repositioned from her traditional spot as libero, senior defensive specialist Savana Chacon displayed her value in the back row as the server for the final four points of the game-altering run.

The momentum shift carried into the fourth set with The Beach jumping out to a 3-0 lead. LBSU led from start to finish with their largest lead spiking to 11 in the set.

Senior setter Zayna Meyer served as the offense’s premier facilitator, something Beach fans are used to seeing, tallying a season-high 31 assists en route to winning the set 25-15 and the match 3-1.

The Beach beat Northwestern on Saturday, 3-2.

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SPORTS Women’s soccer shut out 2-0 on home turf by Washington

BY JUNIOR CONTRERAS Staff Writer

T

he Beach fell short of claiming their first home victory of the 2024 season against a tough University of Washington (UW) team in women’s soccer at George Allen Field yesterday.

In a 2-0 win against The Beach, the experienced Washington team returned their entire starting 11 from last year, the only team in the Big Ten to do so.

The Huskies started the game off strong, winning a free kick at midfield which led to a header from junior midfielder Tatum Thomason, forcing a first-minute save from redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Aurora Schuck.

LBSU’s early defensive stops fired up the Long Beach home crowd as “Let’s Go Long Beach!” chants began to spread throughout the stands.

The Beach fired back on the Huskies with offensive strikes of their own as junior forward Liz Worden took on Washington’s defense and fired a shot that hit off the crossbar in the fifth minute.

A Schuck yellow card in the 13th minute had LBSU fans holding their breath as she collided with a Husky attacker just outside the box, narrowly avoiding a red card and a penalty while sparking controversy on the Husky sideline.

Husky senior forward Ioanna Papatheodorou found the back of the net late in the first half off a rebound from a deflection by The Beach but was ruled offsides, leaving the score at 0-0.

A great first half of offensive soccer seemed to be coming to a scoreless close until a late 44th minute foul on freshman midfielder Grace Caldwell gave UW a free kick just outside of LBSU’s 18-yard box.

Junior defender Kolo Suliafu took charge of the free kick and fired the ball into the middle of the box where 6-foot junior forward Kalea Eichenberger headed the ball over Schuck’s head into the back of the net, putting the Huskies up 1-0 with seven seconds left in the first half.

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Photos by DEVIN MALAST / Long Beach Current Junior Liz Worden looks for the cross as The Beach made its first breakaway against Washington at George Allen Field on Thursday night. Worden attempted two shots and LBSU suffered a 2-0 loss.

“I thought we played well enough and had enough in the first half to really get something going,” LBSU head coach Mauricio Ingrassia said.

Washington came out fast and aggressive in the second half with the momentum of their late first-half goal score on their side.

Washington inserted fresh players off the bench at the half, which resulted in an instant impact as sophomore forward Radisson Banks scored off a crossfield pass from freshman defender Alex Buck to make it 2-0.

Worden and junior midfielder Julia Moore led both teams in shots with two each but were unsuccessful in getting any past Washington’s junior goalkeeper Mia Hamant, giving the California native her third clean sheet of the season.

“We’re gonna regroup tomorrow and look at the film and turn the page and we’ll be ready for Sunday,” Ingrassia said.

The Beach will travel to Austin, Texas to play No. 16 Texas in another tough, non-conference challenge on Sept. 8.

Freshman forward Grace Caldwell showcased her high work rate in a valiant defensive effort on Thursday night at George Alen Field in a 2-0 loss to Washington.

Monday, September 9, 2024

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