CURRENT LONG BEACH
LONG BEACH STATE’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1949
Vol. XCVIII, Issue 1
lbcurrent.com
Monday, August 24, 2026
STILL SHOVELING SAND AT
LA PLAYA PAGE 2
Long1250BBellflower each Current Blvd., LA4-203
Long Beach, CA, 90804 Editorial Office Angela Osorio Phone (562) 985-8000 Editor-in-Chief eic@lbcurrent.com Skylar Stock Multimedia Managing Editor multimedia@lbcurrent.com
Leyla Crail Managing Editor managing@lbcurrent.com
Valentina Villarreal Community Engagement Editor community@lbcurrent.com
Monica Boerger Business Manager business@gobeach.media
Editors
News Editor
Josephine Robinson news@lbcurrent.com Arts & Life Editor Joseph Lee arts@lbcurrent.com Opinions Editor Christian Robledo opinions@lbcurrent.com Sports Editor Brianna Apodaca sports@lbcurrent.com Design Editor Gabrielle Lashley design@lbcurrent.com Chief Copy Editor Sasha Marantz copy@lbcurrent.com Photo Editor Rehansa Kulatilleke photo@lbcurrent.com Social Media Editor Bella Beltran socials@lbcurrent.com Video Editor Mikaela Perez video@lbcurrent.com Podcast Editor Bryan Viteri podcast@lbcurrent.com Assistants News Reporters Jayden Sandstrom Claire Morris Karen Virgen Alexa Partida Josephine Kim Arts & Life Reporters Ni Baliness Dominic Maddan Mason Mangus Nataly Valencia Lila Mukasa Opinions Writers Tyler Kols Nicholas Nieto Simone Godse Sports Reporters Dupree De La Pena Veronica Minogue John-Wyatt Ervin Alan Ibarra Gabriel Duarte Design Assistant Ellie Nakamura Copy Assistants Ayah El Reda Annabelle Qi Isaac Cordon Maizi Merklein Staff Photographers Eddy Cermeno Diego Perez Charlotte LoCicero James Tinoco Jamie Garcia Social Media Assistants Eva LeBlanc Alexis Munoz Jana Truong Video Reporters Arianna Jackson Eli Vice Podcast Assistants Monica Garcia Victor Alcocer Alejandra Guerra
Business Advertising Manager Jocelyn Piz advertising@gobeach.media Creative Director Alicia Taylor creative@gobeach.media Web & Technology Director Melanie Cativo web@gobeach.media PR & Marketing Manager Mikayla Hubbard pr@gobeach.media Distribution Manager Seiana Spencer-Kendrick distribution@gobeach.media Advisers Design Adviser Gary Metzker Content Adviser Barbara Kingsley-Wilson Advertising & Business Adviser Jennifer Newton
ON THE COVER
REHANSA KULATILLEKE/Long Beach Current The La Playa dorms located near Hillside, have yet to be opened for students after being scheduled complete construction by Aug. 23. Construction workers have been working overtime throughout the summer to ensure that construction will be completed on time.
NEWS
For story concerns email: news@lbcurrent.com
La Playa construction hits delays ahead of fall BY CLAIRE MORRIS News Reporter
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ust days before students were set to move in, La Playa Residence Hall construction remained unfinished. The $115-million dormitory project broke ground in March 2024 with construction following that summer, projected to be completed before fall 2026. Students were expected to move in Aug. 20–21, but that date was pushed back to Aug. 23 due to “some remaining finishing touches” that needed to be made, according to a university official. Long Beach Current reporters who visited the site on Aug. 17 found workers installing interior lights, adding concrete around the building’s entrance, and unwrapping plastic tarps covering windows. A large portion of the structure also remained unpainted, including the outside staircases and walkways. Construction workers on site told the Current they were working overtime and on weekends to complete the dorm’s construction before Aug. 23. In a virtual Beach Connections session, Rollerson said campus officials are prepared to move students to a temporary location should construction continue past Aug. 23. For some incoming students, the uncertainty surrounding their living conditions has caused additional stress as they transition to university. “Moving away from home is already a huge adjustment for me, and I had found comfort in knowing I’d have a few days to settle in beforehand,” said Lailla Girum, a freshman and pre-business
CHARLOTTE LOCICERO/ Long Beach Current The La Playa dorms were scheduled to open by the start of the fall semester, but the building remained unfinished as of last week. Construction workers have been working overtime throughout the summer to ensure the building will be completed on time. marketing major who reached out to the Current on Instagram. “Now I’m worried that I won’t have enough time to explore campus, adjust to my new environment, or get to know my roommates and other people in my dorm before classes start.” The project has already cost $126.4 million, $11.4 million more than projected, according to Beach Building Services. La Playa is partly funded by the State of California’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program through Senate Bill 183, providing public universities one-time funding to increase affordable housing options for low-income students living on campus. Read the full story on the Long Beach Current website.
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 Acjachemen/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 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.
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Monday, August 24, 2026
NEWS
George Allen Field was the 2026 commencement venue in early May, making it the first time commencement has been hosted on campus in over five years. CHARLOTTE LOCICERO/ Long Beach Current
More tickets, better production prompt commencement switch to Angel Stadium BY JAYDEN SANDSTROM News Reporter
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ommencement will return to Angel Stadium next year, its longtime venue since 2021. This year’s ceremony was held on campus for the first time in over five years. CSULB has traditionally hosted commencement at Angel Stadium since 2021. But last fall, the university announced it would host its 2026 ceremony on campus at the George Allen Field due to scheduling conflicts with Major League Baseball. The venue switch has sparked conversation online, as many students, parents and alumni said they enjoyed the smaller crowds on campus and seeing loved ones from the stage, expressing disappointment at the return to Angel Stadium. CSULB officials said the stadium allows the university to support the full scope of its ceremonies. “Angel Stadium just has a better
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relative experience all around guest experience for families,” said Chris Reese, associate vice president of University Relations. “We can offer more tickets and better overall space for families and for students.” Reese and his team evaluated 35 campus venues last year, researching what it takes to host commencement on campus. Reese said the George Allen Field was the only available venue option last year because of the late notice that Angel Stadium would not be available. “Venues book out fast,” Reese said. “We really have to be thinking at least a year ahead, if not further.” He said the team considered facility availability, number of available tickets, ADA-friendly parking and accessibility, and the logistics of hosting ceremonies at different times. “This past year’s experience helped us understand the value of what Angel Stadium provides graduates and guests,” Reese said. Reese said financial conversations are always in the mix, but experience
was the primary factor as the university cannot replicate the lighting, sound and video infrastructure available at a professional baseball stadium. Reese did not disclose the revenue the university would receive from either venue, nor the amount CSULB would have to pay Angel Stadium. “You’re going to get better photos; you’re going to see your students better,” Reese said. “What we built on-site was nice, but it wasn’t a Jumbotron.” Reese said he did not believe families experienced significant challenges during this year’s commencement ceremonies; however, he said the university encountered logistical challenges in providing convenient access to shade, restrooms, food and water. He added that managing how guests entered and exited the venue also presented challenges. Security and accessibility were additional concerns, as organizers determined how to move large crowds across fire lanes to avoid blocking emergency access. Students, parents and alumni
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criticized the decision to move commencement back to Angel Stadium. One user called for greater transparency over the costs of each venue. “I think the university needs to be more transparent and show the exact cost for both graduations ... show the financial analysis,” they said. “I loved the smaller crowds at the graduation this summer. It was more intimate, I was closer to the stage, my daughter and her friends spotted us right away and waved to us,” they added. Reese said Angel Stadium also goes out of its way to accommodate the university’s commencement dates, working with Major League Baseball. “They really value us being there,” Reese said. “It’s one of the favorite events every single year for their staff to host, so they really try to make it a welcoming home experience.” Reese declined to comment on whether commencement ceremonies could return to campus in the future.
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NEWS
Union members reject proposal to expand statewide union control BY JOSEPHINE ROBINSON News Editor
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al State University Employees Union members turned back statewide leadership attempts to replace chapter-based governing by voting no on a proposed set of bylaws. The bylaws would have given statewide officers more control and implemented trusteeship to 10 union chapters, including Long Beach State. This means the statewide union could temporarily take control of a local chapter “to correct malfeasance, address financial malfeasance, or restore democratic principles and procedures,” according to the CSUEU Truth website. “It was a desperation move, and it was an illegal vote,” said Bethany Price, Long Beach chapter treasurer and College of the Arts communications and outreach coordinator. “Everything about it screamed that this was a power grab for people who had an agenda that was not serving the student assistants, our new members through auxiliaries, and was certainly not serving the staff members.” Union members voted to maintain their current set of bylaws this summer, maintaining chapter-based representation. The vote also came amid ongoing contract negotiations between the CSU and student workers, who are bargaining for better working conditions, higher wages and paid sick leave. The proposed bylaws were released a day after the CSUEU Board of Directors issued a Letter of No Confidence, demanding the resignation of statewide President Catherine Hutchinson and Vice President of Finance Terry Wilson. “They’re not working for the benefit or the mission of the union,” said CSUEU Long Beach chapter President Pedro Castro.“The board of directors haven’t had confidence in these two individuals for many years already, because their actions show that they have a personal agenda that has nothing to do with the benefit of union members.” Of the 35 CSUEU board members,
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REHANSA KULATILLEKE/ Long Beach Current CSUEU members join Teamsters Union in solidarity outside Long Beach State’s campus during their strike against CSU’s refusal to honor salary raises outlined in worker’s contract in February Student workers unionized with the CSUEU continue contract negotiations with the CSU for better working conditions. 24 signed the letter, and union members suspect the proposed bylaws were a retaliatory response from statewide leadership, as the chapters set to be placed under trusteeship include leaders who signed the letter. Maria Lara, a grad student at CSULB and a member of the student assistants’ bargaining team, said Hutchinson’s team asked student assistants before the vote to use their names to promote the proposed bylaws, and after Lara asked to remove her name, Hutchinson reached out to her personally to maintain that the bylaws would benefit the union. “Due to that we decided to work further and more connected as a union
and it ended up bringing us together,” Lara said. Lara said she asked Hutchinson how ongoing contract negotiations for student assistants would be impacted should trusteeship be implemented. Hutchinson assured Lara they wouldn’t, and that student assistants would continue to receive representation and support from the union. “Despite the current CSU leadership tactics, we have already achieved strong momentum at the bargaining table,” members of the bargaining team said in a joint statement to union members before the vote, which renounced their previous support for the proposed
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bylaws. “Now is not the time to restructure our democratic baseline; it is the time to build solidarity as an unstoppable 36,000-strong workforce.” Lara said that the union at large has only strengthened, despite leadership restructuring attempts. “[Hutchinson] and [Wilson] are little fish to fry because they are not the ones that are holding back on our benefits, they are not the ones pushing back on our wages,” Lara said. “The CSU has continued not to meet any of our demands. Yes, this is an internal issue, but there is a much bigger issue with the CSU.”
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NEWS
CSULB recently announced a partnership with Ming Chuan University based in Taiwan, which will launch dual-degree programs by 2027. The partnership will offer students the opportunity for short-term study, language immersion, professional experiences and cultural learning in Taiwan. REHANSA KULATILLEKE/ Long Beach Current
CSULB introduces new methods of learning through global partnership BY JOSEPHINE KIM News Reporter
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ong Beach State announced their partnership with Taiwan’s Ming Chuan University, making CSULB the only CSU with a permanent international university on its campus. The partnership will offer two dualdegree programs for graduate students and is set to launch fall of 2027. CSULB will offer an MBA program to students from both universities, which will pair MCU’s International Business and Trade through the College of Business Administration, while the Asian and Asian American Studies program will pair Asian Studies with Teaching Chinese as a foreign language through the College of Liberal Arts. “What we envision for our dual degree programs [is to] hopefully
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have local students and international [students,]” said Dr. Pei-Fan Hung, Vice Provost of Academic Programs. “So the students in that cohort will have the opportunity to work together, and learn from each other, and then also strengthen their language skills and grow their global competencies.” The program will also allow enrolled students to study abroad through MCU’s campuses and present international internship opportunities funded by the Taiwanese government. “[Students from both universities] will have two MA degrees from two different universities,” said Dr. Barbara Kim, department chair of Asian and Asian American Studies. “I think it will grab people’s attention. In a way, it’s a really innovative program.” Learning in an environment composed of students all over the world
provides local CSULB students with a unique global education experience. Study abroad programs allow cultural exchange through collaborative projects where students can share different perspectives and experiences. “The angle is to support students,” Hung said. “We want to bring this global competency to as many students as possible, especially students who do not have that kind of resource to travel overseas. They can still have a similar experience here on campus.” Hung said there are discussions underway between the two universities to leverage MCU’s expertise in specialized fields, including semiconductors and AI with the College of Engineering and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. MCU was initially located at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan;
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however, the university moved to CSULB’s campus as MCU alumni and families of attending students were more familiar with California. “[This part of California has] a very large population of Ming Chuan alumni, and they have been quite supportive of their alma mater,” said LeAnn Eyerman, the director of MCU’s U.S. location. “When they heard that we were even considering coming to California, they said, ‘Yes, we’ll support.’” While CSULB has partnered with MCU in an exchange agreement with study abroad programs every summer and winter for the past 20 years, this program adds a new layer, strengthening the bond between the two universities.
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ARTS & LIFE
Best places to eat near campus within a 10-minute walk
BY NATALY VALENCIA Arts & Life Reporter
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he start of fall semester means long and busy days that leave students wondering where they can get a convenient meal that satisfies their cravings. Although our campus hosts a weekly farmers market, rotating food trucks and features gourmet vending machines, the limited hours lead to restricted food options that either may not appeal to all students, or fit students’ schedules. Fortunately, Long Beach State is surrounded by various nearby restaurants available within a 10-minute walk and open late into the evening. The following five restaurants offer a variety of dining cuisines including but not limited to Mexican, American and Southeast Asian meals. Blue Burro Just across the street from campus is Blue Burro, a Mexican restaurant offering a wide menu of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads, bowls and other Mexican dishes. Served alongside these meals are beverages such as aguas frescas, coffee and shakes. Founded by entrepreneur Ivan Flores, the restaurant is the first of four locations built in California. Its walkable distance from campus, evening hours and affordable dishes make it a convenient choice for students. Distance: 10-minute walk from CSULB’s W. Campus Road entrance Address: 5726 E. 7th St., Long Beach, CA 90803
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Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Price range (entree): $4.50 to $16.80 The Melt Whether you’re looking for a casual afternoon hangout spot or a late-night meal, The Melt is an American restaurant serving burgers, chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese, fries, shakes, and plenty more American classics. This restaurant is best known for their MeltBurgers, which contain patties made with an angus and wagyu beef blend, oozy cheese, and a pickle-jalapeno mix. Vegetarian-friendly options are also available, including the Impossible MeltBurger made with a plant-based patty, as well as grilled cheese, soups and salads. Distance: 10-minute walk from CSULB’s W. Campus Road entrance Address: 650 N Bellflower Blvd., Ste 106, Long Beach, CA 90803 Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Price range (entree): $10 to $17.49 Uncle Fung Borneo Eatery Just a short distance from campus, Uncle Fung Borneo Eatery serves multiple cuisines including Indonesian, Malaysian and Singaporean meals. The menu features dishes such as laksa, chicken satay, roti prata and various rice plates. Owner Peter Then opened Uncle Fung after a decade of running Borneo Kalimantan Cuisine in Alhambra. The family-owned restaurant on Long Beach’s Bixby Village Plaza has been open for nearly a decade.
JAMIE GARCIA/ Long Beach Current The front entrance of Great Mex Grill, located on Atherton Street, a Mexican restaurant offering student deals, and indoor-outdoor seating. Originally founded in Newport Beach in 2002, Long Beach is one of two locations just by campus. One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, the Borneo rice plate, is a filling dish that consists of white rice served with char siu pork, Chinese sausage, fried chicken and a marinated hardboiled egg. Several vegetarian dishes are served as well, including Gado Gado, Vegetarian Curry Rice and Vegetarian Mie. Distance: 10-minute walk from CSULB’s W. Campus Road entrance Address: 5716 E Seventh St., Ste A, Long Beach, CA 90803 Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday: Closed Price range (entree): $5.85 to $17 Price range (drinks): $5.50 to $7 Great Mex Grill Another Mexican restaurant to try is Great Mex Grill, which offers burritos, tacos and specialty meals like fajitas, carnitas and carne asada plates. The restaurant serves breakfast dishes, and lighter options under their Mex Lite menu, featuring veggie burritos and bowls which give customers flexibility with their choices. Additionally, ev-
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ery Tuesday and Friday, street tacos are served at the reduced price of $2.30 each. Distance: 10-minute walk from CSULB’s Merriam Way entrance Address: 5530 E. Atherton St., Long Beach 90815 Hours: Monday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Price range (entree): $4 to $20 Pizzamania Satisfy your greasy cravings at Pizzamania, an Italian restaurant right outside of campus that serves pizza, sandwiches, salads and wings. Individual pizzas start at $7.90 – perfect for a solo meal. Distance: 10-minute walk from CSULB’s Merriam Way entrance Address: 1785 Palo Verde Ave., Unit J, Long Beach, CA 90815 Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Price range (entree): $7.00 to $29.90
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ARTS & LIFE
JORGE VILLA/Long Beach Current The Long Beach Transit includes many buses that goes to and from campus. Students can use the BeachGo app to find adequate routes to navigate throughout Long Beach.
No car, no problem: A guide to Long Beach Transit
BY DOMINIC MADDAN Arts & Life Reporter
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hough beginning a new school year without a car may seem like a hassle, there are some benefits that can arise out of it, especially not having to pay for the parking pass. However, there are also some great locations throughout the city to see from the many bus lines that run around and through campus. CSULB offers any student-driver a free bus pass who delays a purchase of a parking permit by 4 weeks to be used for 30 days, otherwise bus passes can be purchased on a fixed payment of either $40 for 30 days or $100 dollars for 120 days. Bixby Village Plaza A short walk south from upper campus near the student housing areas, Bixby Village Plaza has a variety of dining options, with many bus stops in the area. One of these being the eastbound line for the 91 bus, which goes directly to many spots for entertainment. Taking this roughly 25-minute bus ride through Seventh Street leads
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directly to the iconic Museum of Latin American Arts featuring constantly rotating exhibits featuring art from Latinx artists. In September, MOLAA will be celebrating Latin American Heritage Month and will host a special 3-day event from Sept. 25-27 all about the art of lucha libre featuring a book launch, film screening and even a wrestling match. Retro Row Taking the 91 bus back toward CSULB and walking a block south to Fourth Street after stopping on Cherry Ave. will present you with the eclectic shopping and arts district of Retro Row. The street is lined with a variety of specialty stores alongside Long Beach’s resource center for its LGBTQIA+ community. Also located in Retro Row is the historical Art Theatre, a single screen theatre regularly holding events and film screenings such as a screening of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” with a live shadowcast on the last Saturday of every month. Long Beach City College For students who are dually enrolled or are thinking of pursuing an associates degree offered at Long Beach City
College, routes to both LBCC campuses are available from CSULB and are recurring so there are no worries about running late to class due to a long bus wait. For the school’s Trades, Technology and Community campus located on east Pacific Coast Highway, take the northbound 171 line from the terminals on either lower or upper campus. These buses arrive around every 15 minutes and the bus ride to and from the TTC campus is roughly 25 minutes. To get to the Liberal Arts Campus on Carson Street, take the northbound 93 line that leaves about every 25 to 30 minutes on average from CSULB, this ride is around 20 minutes. However, this line is only available on weekdays and you will have to reroute if trying to get to the area on weekends. Various beaches of Long Beach Students who want to see the ocean can easily do so by taking the southbound 121 line; these buses come around every 20 minutes, however the ride to get to the beaches themselves are roughly 3040 minutes.
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This line crosses through most of the iconic coastal places of the city such as Marina, Belmont Shore, Second Street and the Naples area, while also going through the long stretch of public beaches that are great for taking long sunset walks, biking, kite flying and other activities. Getting off at near the end of this line past the beaches on Long Beach Blvd. will also allow you to get on the southbound Passport, a shuttle that will take you to the iconic Queen Mary, a permanently docked ship that moonlights as a hotel, museum and even haunted house in October. This line goes through the Pike and Shoreline Village for dining, shopping and a taste of the Long Beach culture with live music, ocean views and delicious treat stands. It should be noted that the Passport is the only way going to and from the Queen Mary by public transport and is only available Friday-Sunday. The BeachGo mobile app is a resource that allows you to devise bus routes around the city and also carpool to more faraway locations.
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ARTS & LIFE
Best study spots on campus to get ahead of the semester
JAMIE GARCIA/ Long Beach Current The Shakarian Student Success Center, located near the Hall of Science, offers multiple indoor and outdoor spots on campus for students. The facility houses The University Express Lab, which provides quick access to desktop computers and printers.
BY MASON MANGUS Arts & Life Reporter
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s fall semester kicks off, Long Beach State students will settle into their academic routines and study habits, making it essential to know where you can find a study spot that fits your individual needs and preferences. From wireless printing to writing help, study spots on campus include a variety of resources for students to take advantage of. Here’s your guide to the best study spots at CSULB, including a breakdown of the resources that can be found at each. Horn Center The Horn Center is home to a variety of study spots and student resources. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, the Horn Center has a study spot to fit everyone’s study habits and needs. The indoor study lounge includes tables and booths, individual and group study stations and wireless printing access.
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University Library While the University Library might seem like an obvious choice for having a range of study spots, it earns additional praise for its variety of student resources. Those who are looking for designated quiet, distraction-free study areas can find them on the fourth floor. Group study areas can be found throughout the lower level and floors one, two, three and five. For those who may need access to a variety of materials for research, CSULB’s library includes its Online Remote Collections Access and ISPACE. ORCA is home to several kinds of physical media that are available to students upon request through OneSearch. Students can acquire DVDs, journals, maps, music scores and more. ISPACE gives students the opportunity to experiment with 3D technologies such as printing and scanning, as well as offering spaces like the 360 Degree Theater, the XR Lab and 2 separate podcast studios.
Shakarian Student Success Center Located between the Hall of Science and Peterson Hall 1, the Shakarian Student Success Center is home to some of the more well known student resources and programs. Offering indoor and outdoor seating areas, many students use these areas as study spots in between classes because of its convenient location near the divide between upper and lower campus. Here, students can find resources such as the University Writing Center, the Education Opportunity Program and the Dream Success Center. The EOP and Dream Success Center both focus on providing academic and financial counseling alongside other resources for students, including studying areas. The University Writing Center allows students to access tutoring sessions for all kinds of writing, both in-person and online.
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Outdoor study areas Studying outdoors can offer students a change of scenery, provide fresh air and can overall help break up the time spent indoors that is made up of class time and study time. A small, shaded study area tucked between buildings Liberal Arts 4 and Liberal Arts 5 features shaded outdoor seating with a large, double-sided whiteboard free for students to use, making it perfect for students who need a group study space. Toward lower campus, the psychology building offers both shaded and sunny seating in its courtyard. Just ahead, the University Bookstore offers shaded outdoor seating just across from its main entrance. On lower campus, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers outdoor seating in its plaza. Inside the SRWC, Shake Smart offers lots of indoor tables with seating, perfect for studying solo or in a group while grabbing a bite to eat.
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OPINIONS
Are we losing our autonomy to AI?
Graphic by GABRIELLE LASHLEY/ Long Beach Current BY TYLER KOLS Opinions Writer
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n April 2026, the CSU released findings on student and faculty use of AI. Not long after, the Long Beach Current did our own research into how students are using AI. In short, these findings prove that AI usage is no longer a question of if, but how artificial intelligence will be used. As conversations continue to surround AI, concerns are rising over the loss of human autonomy that holds the most risk in the long term. Discussion around this issue came not long after acclaimed social media creator Hank Green, known for his educational YouTube videos that most likely played in your high school science classes, admitted to becoming overreliant on AI. Following his statement, he went on to say that he will be toning down his usage of AI. Green’s recent controversy is one of many that forces us to question how much of our autonomy is at risk of being lost to AI.
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As we dissect the question of AI vs. us, it’s worth noting the difference between human thought and results prompted by AI. Human thought is built on our own cognitive ability and creativity, while AI is mostly trained on large amounts of pre-existing data. On face value, AI — especially common large language models like ChatGPT — seems akin to a fancy, more concise search browser. However, although AI results are informed by human-created data, output will often be prone to mistakes, inconsistencies and other errors. As society increasingly relies on the technology, AI itself will also rely on other models that are vulnerable to the same issues, creating a cycle of misinformation. The longer society depends on AI without restrictions on its ability, the longer human thought will be at risk of deterioration. Although these fears remain, influential companies such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon have increasingly embraced the technology. Global reliance on AI suggests that the
problem is not the technology itself, but how we as a society use it. The human ability to think critically and arrive at original, unique ideas is something that AI currently does not possess, nor one that should be granted to it. Regardless, tech companies continue to push for it, leaving incoming generations with a difficult choice to make over AI usage. As college students, we are likely going to be in positions of power concerning the use of technology in our future workforces. When that time comes, our generation must make the decision of whether to continue being reliant or establishing limitations on not just the technology, but our own use of it as well. If our society’s cognitive thought were to become dependent on algorithms and unoriginal patterns of behavior and data, how long will it take before our ability to move forward comes to a halt? If we continue to hand machines our ability to think, I struggle to see a society in 100 years that is smarter or more
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advanced than the one we live in now. Is efficiency and cost-cutting really worth the loss of critical thinking and original ideas? If businesses become obsessed with making the production of goods and services faster and cheaper, there will be little room left for innovation and creativity. Though concern remains over AI usage, I’ve found myself hopeful about its resolution. Naturally, a society with dangerous overreliance on artificial thought will lead to harmful consequences. In a worst-case scenario, the harmful effects of AI reliance will leave users with no other choice but to resort back to the critical thinking skills that have shaped civilizations for centuries. All we can do now is to let ourselves become smarter as opposed to letting algorithms replace our thinking. So long as users are aware, there is a slight hope in the ongoing storm of artificial thought.
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OPINION
Dear CSULB, don’t leave students in the dark BY LONG BEACH CURRENT EDITORIAL BOARD
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ust days before students were scheduled to move in, La Playa Residence Hall remained largely unfinished – a large portion of the building was a dismal gray, unpainted; plastic tarp hung along railings and windows, and mounds of dirt surrounded the building. Construction crews told the Long Beach Current they were working around the clock to prepare a building that was supposed to welcome hundreds of anxious, first-time college students just later that week. One construction worker said he didn’t think it would be ready in time for students to move in. And yet, despite the approaching move-in date, information surrounding the delays and potential relocation options for students have remained scarce. University officials maintain that the college has informed students and parents with construction updates via email, but the university has not publicly provided an explanation for the delay nor an updated project timeline. No information is available on the university’s website and no campuswide emails have been delivered. La Playa’s construction delay and another missed completion date shouldn’t come as a surprise – it has become a recurring pattern, a disappointment our campus faces every year after another construction project is announced and subsequently delayed. So has the practice of not thoroughly informing the campus community, and a lack of transparency surrounding project setbacks. It is the same struggle students faced in the 1970s, when the University Student Union took over five years to complete. And it remains our struggle today, as incoming students prepare to move into an incomplete dorm – putting one of life’s most important events in jeopardy for hundreds of first-time college students. This isn’t the only construction delay our campus has faced this year.
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CLAIRE MORRIS/Long Beach Current The La Playa dorms were set to be completed by the beginning of fall semester, but have faced setbacks due to construction delays. In April of 2025, CSULB announced it would demolish the Friendship Walk Stairs, a high-traffic walkway that connects lower campus to upper campus. This was part of the Future U project, a $315-million undertaking that would transform the University Student Union into a modern, innovative hub. Campus leaders announced the stairs would be completed by Aug. 31, 2025. But when fall rolled around, the stairs were nowhere near finished, leaving students frustrated with having to take alternative routes.. By the end of the fall semester, it still wasn’t completed – it would take another five months until the stairs reopened,
and with much less shade due to the lack of trees. A university official told the Current the primary reason for the delay was due to outdated information regarding the location of a city waterline. Yet, the university did not publicly provide this information to the campus community. We understand the university cannot control unexpected setbacks, and that delays are a common issue with construction projects. However, we urge CSULB to be fully transparent when setbacks occur. We ask the university to communicate clearly, providing detailed explanations and updates when projects are delayed,
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and outlining potential impacts to the campus community. We should not be finding out about construction delays through Facebook or Reddit posts. It is unfair to the student uncertain about their new home; it is unfair to the parent sending off their child to an unfinished building; and it is unfair to those waiting, wondering, and left in limbo about campus projects.
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OPINIONS
Why fashion lovers opt for simplicity
BY SIMONE GODSE Opinions Writer
M
ost people might assume someone who has a passion for fashion would wear bold prints, statement pieces and eye-catching outfits. Yet, there seems to be a rise in popularity for fashion enthusiasts to adorn themselves in a staple pair of jeans, solid T-shirts and simple accessories. In terms of large-scale fashion, we can look at runways. Despite whatever bells and whistles were on display on the catwalk, designers seem to revel in the simplistic. At the end of Dior’s highly anticipated spring-summer 2026 show, their brand-new creative director, Jonathan Anderson, walked out in jeans, a sweater and sneakers. The deeper one is into fashion, it seems they are more likely to appreciate the basics over the bold; but what happens when style gets involved? Fashion typically refers to the current products and clothing that designers and fashion houses are creating. These items then trickle their way down to the masses through retailers or online shops.
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AURELIEN MORISSARD/Associated Press
Designer Jonathan Anderson accepts applause after the Dior Homme Spring Summer 2027 collection presented in Paris, France, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Style, on the other hand, refers to the way one expresses their identity through clothes. While bold pieces, colors and prints may be seen on the runway, it often doesn’t always translate to personal style. When it comes to curating a fashionsavvy wardrobe, I suggest keeping in mind what draws fashion lovers to opt for the simplistic. Understanding your closet Those who truly know fashion can identify and appreciate a good piece. A trained eye can pick good construction, materials and quality with ease. Important aspects like fabric, tailoring and stitching become essential to creating the perfect personal style. These aspects eventually outweigh the importance of labels, loudness and lavishness. Quality over quantity True lovers of clothes learn to appreciate longevity. In the world of
fast fashion, everyone is trying to jump on the next trend. While the sense of being in some sort of inside club full of the trendiest icons may feel rewarding, it comes at the expense of not only the environment, but also personal style. By picking pieces that will stand the test of time–or at least stand past the typical two-week lifespan of a trend–the chances that your wardrobe remains stylish increase. Practicing restraint Understanding restraint and versatility is necessary to create a timeless wardrobe. Knowing when your outfit has reached its capacity in color, layers or accessories is a skill that can only be learned through practice. The simpler the closet, the more interchangeable the pieces are leading to nearly infinite outfit opportunities. Don’t let these rules control you too strictly. People new to fashion or those beginning to craft their distinct
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style tend to dress louder. Maybe they overdo it with the jewelry or combine some colors that perhaps were better off separate. However, this is all part of the learning curve. You’ll never figure out what you love if you don’t find some things you hate. In fashion, there are truly no rules. While some find a minimalist style to be comforting and what works for them, it is definitely not the pinnacle of “good fashion.” The art of both style and fashion is experimentation; no two personal styles are ever the same, and that’s a good thing! Fashion does not tell you to dress louder or quieter. It tells you to dress with intention. Being able to pare down your closet into only pieces you love is a skill and often results in a simplistic approach to style. Minimalism doesn’t always have to be boring. In fact, it may be the most eye-catching thing on the runway!
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SPORTS
New era begins for LBSU women’s basketball program
BY VERONICA MINOGUE Sports Reporter
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ew women’s basketball head coach Minyon Moore looks to establish a new era centered on building the foundation of a program she hopes can return to its previous success with a new roster and coaching staff. LBSU announced its search for a new women’s basketball coach in April after former head coach Amy Wright departed from the program for Alabama. The Beach filled the position in May with Moore, who previously served as an assistant coach at Sacramento State from 2021 to 2023, and subsequently at Texas Christian University. “When this opportunity came about, it was obvious that I had to take a chance and go for it,” Moore said. “The people here make the place even better than it already is.” As an assistant coach at Sacramento State, Moore helped the Hornets win their first Big Sky Tournament championship and make their first NCAA Tournament appearance. She later helped Texas
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Christian University reach the NCAA Elite Eight while overseeing the Horned Frogs’ guards and defensive strategy. Moore will enter her first season at The Beach with just one returning player, sophomore forward Rosie Akot. Moore believes Akot will play a key role in establishing the team’s identity. “It’s really hard to go from having a staff and a team that you were recruited by and you played with to have a complete wipeout of everybody and to be the only person essentially returning from the team,” Moore said. “She is going to be the backbone of our program.” The coaching staff is also undergoing a transition. Jeff Harada was named assistant head coach in April after spending eight seasons at Cal State Fullerton. Lexi Petersen, who previously coached at Saint Mary’s, and Kaylin Randhawa, who coached at Cal State Monterey Bay, were also named assistant coaches this summer. Akot has been part of the LBSU women’s basketball program since 2025. When faced with the decision to leave The Beach or remain with the program, she chose to stay.
Photo courtesy of LBSU ATHLETICS Minyon Moore, former assistant coach at Texas Christian University and Sacramento State, recently joined LBSU as women’s basketball head coach after Amy Wright ended her journey at The Beach last semester. “I’m excited,” Akot said. “I get to play with new people, it’s a new environment, it’s definitely much more positive than last year. Just like having new people to play with, making new friends, building connections, so I’m really excited about that.” For Moore, having a completely new roster presents an opportunity to establish the identity she wants for the program. Last season, The Beach finished with a 5-25 overall record and went 4-16 in Big West play. LBSU finished the season with five wins, including four conference victories.
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Now, Moore sees the upcoming season as an opportunity to set high expectations and build a foundation for the program in the years ahead. “This is brand new for every single player and staff member, and to do that is hard … when everyone’s coming from different backgrounds.” Moore said. “That is something that I will know I’ll be proud of, and I know this team will accomplish is to play for one another and to play for the Long Beach State right across their chest.”
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SPORTS
LBSU unfazed as new opponents enter Big West
Graphic by GABRIELLE LASHLEY/ Long Beach Current BY ALAN IBARRA Sports Reporter
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ong Beach State will now face three opponents on its path to a Big West title: California Baptist University, Sacramento State and Utah Valley University. The three schools joined The Big West conference on July 1, bringing the conference to 12 members. CBU and UVU previously competed in the Western Athletic Conference, while Sacramento State competed in the Big Sky Conference. In July, University of Hawai‘i and UC Davis exited the conference, with both joining the Mountain West. Hawai‘i’s departure is notable given its long history in the Big West, but its impact on LBSU’s fall sports may be less pronounced. The Rainbow Wahine has historically been a strong opponent for men’s sports, while their women’s volleyball team finished just 8-10 in conference play last season. For some LBSU players and coaches, the change in opponents is just another part of the season as they maintain their focus on the same goal: winning a Big West title.
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“We want to win the conference, we want to win the Big West tournament, and you know, the opponents are the only people in our way,” senior women’s soccer forward Cherrie Cox said. With the new additions, the women’s volleyball and women’s soccer teams will face CBU, UVU and Sacramento State this fall. “The number of teams in the conference for me isn’t really a factor when it comes to that pressure,” women’s volleyball head coach Natalie Reagan said. The three teams bring varying levels of success from their previous conferences. Last year, CBU finished its final Western Athletic Conference women’s volleyball season with a 3-9 conference record, while UVU finished 10-2 and went on to win the WAC Championship before advancing to the NCAA Tournament. Sacramento State finished its women’s volleyball season 12-4 in the Big Sky play and reached the conference semifinals. “Traditionally, with schools that have been in the conference for a while, you start to get an idea of coaching styles and systems and players, and you’re able
to scout those teams in advance,” Reagan said. “With new conference opponents, that becomes a challenge. But it goes both ways.” Junior setter Madi Maxwell said The Beach is prepared to face any opponent. “We’re excited for every challenge. I don’t think there’s any team where we’re scared,” Maxwell said. “I think we’re ready; we’re preparing ourselves to be able to play anybody.” The women’s soccer team will face the same three new opponents as they begin their first season in the Big West. “I think pressure doesn’t really exist,” women’s soccer coach Mauricio Ingrassia said. “We have not done a thing for conference yet. We are only focused on our next opponent.” UVU finished its final WAC women’s soccer season in first place with a 9-0-1 conference record, while CBU finished second at 6-3-1. Sacramento State finished 2-5-1 and did not qualify for the conference tournament. UVU and CBU met in the WAC Tournament championship, where UVU won on penalty kicks. UVU then advanced to the NCAA Tournament before losing in the first round.
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For senior defender Kylie Perez, having familiarity with some opponents can help, but LBSU’s ability to adapt will remain important. “It’s kind of nice to be able to have somebody you’ve played with again, so you kind of know what you’re expecting,” Perez said. “But at the same time, I think our team does a good job at dealing with adversity and being able to adapt with whatever’s going on … we’re just doing a good job at working together and getting over things.” Regardless of the new opponents, the players remain confident in their teammates and their goals for this season. “We have a lot of returners and a decent amount of seniors, so I feel like we all really want it,” junior forward Kailey Supa said. “Whether it’s like new competitors or anything like that, I feel like we have the same goal, and that’s just wanting to win.” LBSU women’s volleyball begins Big West play Sept. 25 at UC Irvine. Women’s soccer opens conference play Sept. 26 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
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SPORTS
Women’s soccer beats Colgate 1-0 for first win
LBSU senior forward Radisson Banks kicks the ball towards the goal on Sunday, Aug. 16, at George Allen Field. CHARLOTTE LOCICERO/ Long Beach Current
BY ALAN IBARRA Sports Reporter
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ong Beach State women’s soccer defeated Colgate 1-0 Sunday at George Allen Field, earning its first win of the season in the first match between the two programs. The Beach controlled much of the game, outshooting the Raiders 19-10 while consistently keeping possession in Colgate’s half of the field. After a scoreless draw against Saint Mary’s, LBSU continued its attacking approach and created several opportunities before finally finding the back of the net. LBSU applied pressure from the opening minutes, recording three shots within the first eight minutes. Sophomore forward/midfielder Cassidy Drago accounted for two of those attempts, both of which were on target, but Colgate senior goalkeeper Ella Poppinga made the saves. The Raiders recorded their first shot shortly after capitalizing on a passing error by senior forward Cherrie Cox.
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Junior forward Josie Tunney put the attempt on goal, but LBSU goalkeeper Aurora Schuck was there to make the save. The Beach continued to pressure Colgate and earned its first corner kick in the 14th minute. Poppinga made three consecutive saves during the ensuing pressure to keep the match scoreless. LBSU finally broke through in the 22nd minute. After a throw-in led to an opportunity inside the Colgate box, senior forward Radisson Banks created space and sent a shot toward the goal that was blocked. Cox was in position to finish the attack, tapping the ball into the bottom-right corner of the net to give the Beach a 1-0 lead. “I think that was a great team goal,” Cox said. “We ended up winning it up high and then Raddi [Radisson Banks], amazing work to turn the dribble and a couple players and then get in line and then cut it back … I was just lucky enough to be the one to score there.” LBSU nearly doubled its advantage in the 43rd minute when freshman forward
Olivia Yu got past Poppinga in a oneon-one opportunity. Yu's shot appeared to be headed toward goal but struck the post, keeping the Raiders within one heading into halftime. “Liv had an almost goal that hit the post, should have gone in,” Banks said. The Beach continued to search for an insurance goal in the second half, but Colgate's defense and Poppinga kept the deficit at one. Banks recorded another shot on goal in the 73rd minute, accounting for half of LBSU's shots on goal and more than a quarter of its total shots before being substituted shortly after. “To be quite honest, [I’m] very disappointed in myself, [I’m] extremely proud of the team,” Banks said. “I just have to find a way to find the net, and I will for sure.” LBSU had another opportunity in the 80th minute when sophomore forward Natasha Zuvic took advantage of Poppinga coming off her line. Zuvic attempted a chip shot toward the goal, but the ball sailed over the net.
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Colgate made its strongest push in the final six minutes, recording the final three shots of the match. LBSU's defense prevented the Raiders from finding an equalizer, preserving the shutout and securing the 1-0 victory. The Beach committed 15 fouls and was called offside five times throughout the match, but its defensive effort kept Colgate from capitalizing on its opportunities. “We don’t want to foul, but it just shows that we’re willing to compete and we’re going to go for 50-50 balls,” Cox said. “I think our biggest thing is our team winning our individual battles.” Head coach Mauricio Ingrassia said LBSU created enough chances to score more than once but needed to capitalize on its opportunities. “We created a lot of chances and we just needed the finishing touch,” Ingrassia said. LBSU will travel to Fresno State for its first road game of the season Thursday at 7 p.m. at Bulldog Soccer Stadium.
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SPORTS
Former LBSU tennis coach sues university over departure BY BRIANNA APODACA Sports Editor A former Long Beach State women’s tennis coach has sued the CSU Board of Trustees and athletic director, alleging gender and age discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Jenny Hilt-Costello joined LBSU as an assistant coach in 1995, later becoming head coach in 1998, leading The Beach to 22 Big West championships during her tenure. Hilt-Costello announced her retirement in 2025, after 30 years of leading the program. In the lawsuit, Hilt-Costello claims she was repeatedly questioned about Photo courtesy of LBSU ATHLETICS retirement, subjected to comments Long Beach State tennis head coach Jen- regarding her age and coaching style,
ny Hilt-Costello holds the LBSU record for most single-season wins in the program.
and ultimately forced out of her position after 28 seasons as head coach for the program. Hilt-Costello filed the complaint on May 14, seeking $2.5 million in damages. “The university denies the allegations in the lawsuit and intends to vigorously defend the claims through the court process,” chief communications and brand officer Jeff Cook said in a statement to the Long Beach Current. The lawsuit alleges concerns arose after Smitheran became athletic director for the university in August 2023. HiltCostello claims Smitheran repeatedly asked about her retirement plans and later questioned her motivation “given your age and how long you have been here,” according to the complaint. The filing further alleges Smitheran
suggested assistant coach Gertjan De Wilder, who was 25 at the time, may be better equipped to communicate with student athletes. The complaint also states that Hilt-Costello was encouraged to participate in training focused on communicating with Gen Z athletes after concerns surfaced in student-athlete exit interviews. According to the lawsuit, HiltCostello was later informed that concerns raised by student-athletes regarding her coaching style and interactions with players were found to be unsupported. After leaving LBSU following the 2024-25 season, Hilt-Costello was hired as the head girls’ tennis coach at Wilson High School in June 2026. Hilt-Costello and her attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
Crossword ACROSS
DOWN
3. Where to see live sharks on campus. 6. Organization that represents the student body. 7. Construction on this building will finish Summer 2028.
1. The name of the school mascot. 2. The stairs from lower to upper campus. 4. The landmark CSULB is known for. 5. A garden to see Koi fish on campus.
Comic by ELLIE NAKAMURA/ Long Beach Current lbcurrent.com | @lbcurrent
Monday, August 24, 2026
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REHANSA KULATILLEKE/Long Beach Current La Playa is still under construction while students from others dorms have started their move in process. Lights along with window installments are still in the process of being completed.