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KULATILLEKE/Long Beach Current Couples watch an array of fish swim by after walking out of Tropical Tunnel during the Valentine’s Day-themed Night Dive on Feb. 13 at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
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CSULB announces commencement schedule
BY ANGELA OSORIO Copy Editor
Long Beach State released its commencement schedule Thursday morning, with various ceremonies taking place May 17–21 at the George Allen Field.
The venue was changed from the Angel Stadium for the first time since 2021 due to scheduling conflicts with Major League Baseball.
The number of tickets per graduate is yet to be announced, based on “the anticipated graduate headcount and seating capacity of the venue,” according to the university.
Here is the list of ceremonies for each college. College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: May 17 at 8 a.m.
Gates open at 6:30 a.m.
Includes all majors within this college College of Education: May 17 at 1:30 p.m.
Gates open at noon
Includes all majors within this college College of Business I: May 18 at 8 a.m.
Gates open at 6:30 a.m.
College of Business II: May 18 at 1:30 p.m
Gates open at noon
College of the Arts: May 18 at 7 p.m.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Includes all majors within this college
College of Health and Human Services I: May 19 at 8 a.m.
Gates open at 6:30 a.m.
College of Health and Human Services II: May 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Gates open at noon
College of Health and Human Services III: May 19 at 7 p.m.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
College of Liberal Arts I: May 20 at 8 a.m.
Gates open at 6:30 a.m.
College of Liberal Arts II: May 20 at 1:30 p.m.
Gates open at noon
College of Liberal Arts III: May 20 at 7 p.m.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
College of Engineering I: May 21 at 8 a.m.
Gates open at 6:30 a.m.
College of Engineering II: May 21 at 1:30 p.m.
Gates open at noon
Click here for the full list with included majors.
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:
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.
lEttEr Policy
lEttEr Policy: All letters and emails 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.
Rep. Robert Garcia presents $2.1 million check to CSULB library
BY ANNETTE QUIJADA News Editor
U.S. Congressman Robert Garcia presented Long Beach State with a $2.1 million check to fund the library’s new Long Beach Research Center and Special Collections Archives.
In an on-campus press conference Friday afternoon, Garcia announced the additional funding and an update on the Epstein files.
“The new Long Beach Research Center will allow us to, among other things, apply new technologies and ensure that the story of our university and our city is preserved, promoted and shared with the largest possible audience,” Interim President Andrew Jones said.
Special Collections and University Archives collects, organizes and preserves CSULB’s rare books and collections for researchers and students to access.
Library Dean Elizabeth Dill said the current facilities limit their ability to preserve, digitize and make the collections widely accessible.
“This funding changes that. With an improved reading room and classroom experience for our students and expanded facility to process these wonderful collections and dedicated exhibition areas that not only better engage our visiting patrons, but create staffing efficiencies,” Dill said.
The Special Collections and University Archives was established in 1977, initiated by former CSULB President Stephen Horn.
Currently, the collection comprises approximately 30,000 catalog books, 200 collected manuscripts and over 800 high-quality prints or original lithographs.
Vice Provost for Academic Programs Pei-Fang Hung also expressed her gratitude to Congressman Garcia and said the special collections archives are an investment in opportunity for students, the community and the future of Long Beach.
Garcia, a CSULB alumnus, said he’s grateful to the university and is excited
for the center to help collect the history of the community and the region.
“The $2.1 million will establish the center in a very important way and I’m grateful that we’re able to advocate for it directly and get it into budget,” Garcia said. “It’s rare to get funding projects through the Congress, and it’s tough, but sometimes there’s a positive outcome, and we’re happy to see them.”
Garcia said he’s excited for students to review historical documents in the library and emphasized the importance of students having access to records and learning what they mean.
After the funding announcement, Garcia held another conference to provide updates on the Epstein files and the Department of Homeland Security.
Epstein files update:
Garcia is currently the lead in the Epstein investigation for the Democrats in the House of Representatives.
“It’s a complete disgrace that the Attorney General Pam Bondi is now, we now know, has been essentially spying on members of Congress as we are looking through the Epstein files,” Garcia said.
During a House Judiciary Committee hearing this past Wednesday, Bondi was seen holding a document with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal’s Epstein file searches.
“I looked at the Epstein files this last week and had no idea that my searches were being tracked by our own government in secret,” Garcia said.
Garcia said Bondi should either resign, be fired or held in contempt by Congress.
According to Garcia, the Democrats in the House of Representatives will hold the first major hearing in Palm Beach, where survivors and numerous witnesses will present their case to the American public about what’s actually happening.
Department of Homeland Security update:
Garcia said he’s been asked by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, leader of the House Democratic Caucus, to be one of three democrats to lead the impeachment of Kristi Noem, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
“What’s happening right now with ICE and border patrol and DHS is not acceptable,” Garcia said. “And we’re
Vice Provost for academic programs Pei-Fang Hung, interim President Andrew Jones, Congressman Robert Garcia, ASI president Sonny Ciampa and Library Dean Elizabeth Dill joyfully present a $2.1 million check for improving the Long Beach Research Center & Special Collection Archives on Feb. 13 held outside the University Library.
DIEGO PEREZ/Long Beach
Current
murdering United States citizens on our streets, and nobody should just stand here and think this is OK.”
Garcia said the proceedings will begin in the coming weeks, and the Oversight Committee will hold hearings.
“There’s evidence that there’s deep corruption in DHS and that folks are profiting from these detention centers,” Garcia said. “That’s also incredibly important at this time is that we have got to not give ICE a penny more.”
Garcia said he’s not willing to give DHS a penny more, and if that leads to a partial shutdown, he supports it.
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire on Saturday after the bill fell in the Senate in a 52-47 vote.
“We have to use every tool that we have to stop ICE and DHS from terrorizing communities, and as far as I’m concerned, that means holding that funding,” Garcia said.
New off-campus overflow parking lot sees positive reactions
BY CHLOE NGUYEN Contributor
This semester, the off-campus overflow parking permit has offered students a closer parking lot, lower prices and a shorter time commitment, resulting in off-campus permits being sold out for the first time due to high demand.
This option is a big change from the off-campus permit offered last fall semester. The discounted price was $180 and the lot was five miles from campus at Cottonwood Church. The time commitment to this parking lot was also longer— eight weeks.
Students were given the option to purchase off-campus parking this semester at a new, discounted rate of $120, compared with the general parking permit at $259.
The overflow lot is also closer to campus—only one mile away—located at Gaslamp Music Bar & Grill on Pacific Coast Highway. After five weeks, the students’ reduced-permit status will revert to a
regular permit, allowing them to park in the general lots on campus.
“I think because the general parking is so expensive, I feel like the overflow option is the best economic choice for me, especially because tuition is so high right now,” first-year business marketing major Vanessa Martinez said. “It’s been working pretty well for me. I don’t struggle to find parking.”
Overflow permits include free shuttle service to and from campus, operating every 15 minutes. The shuttle service operates Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., as the lot is closed on Fridays.
When the overflow lot is closed, students are allowed to park in the general lots on campus. The last shuttle departing from campus is at 5:15 p.m. at the South Turnaround, otherwise known as D9.
“I feel more calm, especially because you enter and just automatically get a parking spot. It’s pretty much empty,” Martinez said.
Chad Keller, the spokesperson for
Parking and Operations at Long Beach State, said he’s only received positive feedback about the overflow parking lot. Keller even received an email from a student requesting for the time commitment to be extended.
According to Keller in the email, the student said, “I often leave my house an hour and a half before my class just to find parking, but this has made it a lot easier to find parking, and the shuttles are very quick.”
The new discounted parking option sold out before the semester started, prompting students to contact Keller to request a purchase. Unfortunately, it was no longer available once the capacity was met. According to Keller, the parking lot has 180 spaces and 220 permits were sold.
Keller acknowledged the limitations of off-campus parking hours due to the restaurant’s contract with the business owners.
“It’s a low-stress option if it works with your class schedule,” Keller said. “It’s very targeted to get cars off campus during the times that we see the most
parking demand between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., so if it works with your schedule, I say it’s a great option.”
However, some students who purchased the reduced permit felt this option was insufficient. Ella Shapiro, a social work graduate student, purchased the pass because she was on campus only on Mondays and Fridays.
“I think the overflow lot is much better this semester than last. [However] since 2017, the parking passes and options for student transportation have become more expensive and more limited,” Shapiro said. “I think that we are charged a ridiculous amount for all of the options and I feel like there just has to be more options for people.”
Currently, Parking & Operations is unsure where the next overflow parking location will be.
“This location has been our most successful location, and we’d love to continue, but I’m not sure what the business owners have in mind … [or] if they were going to want to continue that contract,” Keller said.
JORGE HERNANDEZ/Long Beach Current
A sign placed by CSULB informs students of available parking at the Gaslamp Restaurant and Bar on Feb. 10. The available overflow parking is available Monday through Thursday with a mile distance from campus at reduced fare price.
Communication Studies ends ‘COMMencement,’ plans new event
BY RILEY MURRAY AND NELSON GODFREY Contributors
After Long Beach State moved its commencement ceremony to Angel Stadium in 2021, the Communication Studies Department introduced its own “COMMencement,” but students are now learning the event occurred for the last time in 2025.
The annual event will not be returning to CSULB this year, according to Communication Studies Department Chair Jennifer Asenas.
Instead, the department plans to announce a new photos-with-faculty event in light of the CSULB commencement ceremony returning to campus grounds at George Allen Field.
The photos-with-faculty event aims to replicate the personalized experience once offered by the department’s “COMMencement,” which used to take place during finals every spring semester.
The communication department’s “COMMencement” offered a more personalized graduation experience held directly in front of the McIntosh Humanities Building.
The celebration allowed graduates to have their names read aloud, spend time with classmates and faculty and invite an unlimited number of guests—elements that were not part of the Angel Stadium ceremonies.
Graduating communication studies students can expect multiple decorative backdrops where they can take photos in their caps, gown and respective memorabilia alongside prominent faculty members.
Asenas said “COMMencement” is being replaced to avoid duplicating CSULB’s official ceremony now that it has returned to campus and will feature individual name calling.
“What they were doing at Angels Stadium just seemed to be missing out on some of the essential parts that I think are very important,” Asenas said, speaking about the motivation to introduce “COMMencement” in 2021.
According to communication studies professor and department adviser Chel-
sea Jones, the combination of the official CSULB ceremony moving back to campus and the addition of The Habit Grill Truck, where the “COMMencement” audience previously sat, contributed to the event’s discontinuation.
As word spread of the ceremony’s cancellation, faculty and students reacted to the end of an event that had become a departmental tradition over the past few years.
Pamela Kreiser, professor and director of the Mediation Certificate Program, said “COMMencement” was a positive experience for students because of how “personal and accessible” it was compared to the Angel Stadium ceremony.
When referring to the “COMMencement” ceremony, Kreiser said the main focus was community and connection.
“We’re celebrating our relationship with each other,” she said.
She added that the small size of “COMMencement” made it easy for graduates to find their friends and families, something that was very difficult at Angel Stadium but that she expects will improve somewhat at the George Allen Field.
Senior communication studies major
Pilar Renteria expressed her disappointment.
“This is my first time hearing about the cancellation of the ‘COMMencement’ ceremony,” Renteria said. “It’s quite surprising, especially considering how large and strong the Communication Studies Department is.”
She added that while the department’s new photos-with-faculty event offers an opportunity to connect with professors and faculty, it does not carry the same significance as the original ceremony.
Renteria said the delay in releasing the dates and times for commencement at George Allen Field has made it difficult for students to prepare.
“It would be nice to know the specifics sooner rather than later, especially for graduates who have family coming from out of state or out of the country,” she said.
Jones agreed that there were benefits to “COMMencement,” but providing an adequate ceremony for graduates is ultimately not the department’s responsibility.
She said the advising office has received many emails from students re-
The Long Beach State Communication Studies Department will no longer have its own commencement ceremony this year after it was canceled. The last ceremony hosted by the department was in 2025 outside of the McIntosh Humanities Building at the East Quad Lawn. On the third floor of the Academic Services Building, the department has a shadow box display with pictures of the 2025 commencement ceremony.
EDDY CERMENO/Long Beach Current
questing specific details about the official commencement, which was released on Feb. 12.
“That information is typically not released until way later than it should be,” Jones said, regarding the lack of announcements from the commencement office about dates and times for specific ceremonies.
Asenas is excited for the photos-with-faculty event to continue the department’s tradition of providing time for graduating students and faculty to celebrate.
Instead of duplicating the CSULB commencement ceremony, the goal is to “do something different that still would be meaningful,” Asenas said.
CSULB Brown Issues push campus, city-wide engagement
BY JOSEPHINE ROBINSON News Assistant
For their first semester at Long Beach State, CSULB Brown Issues hit the ground running to cultivate community and civic engagement within educational spaces in the city of Long Beach.
The chapter is a branch of the larger Brown Issues Organization, which was established at Sacramento City College to encourage young Latino students in pursuing higher education.
The nonprofit now operates across multiple high schools and universities in California.
The CSULB chapter meets biweekly and is led by executive co-chairs Breanna Solis, a fourth-year health management major, and Victoria Hernandez, a thirdyear political science and history major.
“We want to continue to inspire the younger generation to go onto higher education and to push them further to make sure they know there’s other opportunities and possibilities than just work right after high school,” Solis said.
Through public education workshops, historical pop-ups, and fundraisers, the chapter aims to open the floor to conversation and foster a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds.
“We plan on having those discussions because I feel like there’s not really a lot of spaces where people can discuss how they feel,” Hernandez said.
Recently, the CSULB Brown Issues chapter partnered with the larger Brown Issues organization to host a pop-up event, educating attendees about their rights and the nonprofit’s history.
The event was also intended to cultivate a broader community, particularly in the Los Angeles area, as CSULB is the first Southern California chapter of Brown Issues.
The club intends to work with several student-led clubs and organizations, including the Iranian Student Association, La FUERZA Student Association and Student Justice for Palestine.
As for future events, the chapter will focus on representation in recent pop culture, like this year’s Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl.
“We want to demonstrate that we’re in spaces where people don’t think we’re in and also the diversity that exists among the community,” Public Education Chair Mariana Cortes, a third-year political science student, said.
However, CSULB Brown Issues focuses primarily on those affected by the heightened presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
“One of the biggest reasons why I think we wanted to start this chapter was because of the increased ICE raids in the community,” Solis said.
Throughout their meetings, workshops and community service opportunities, CSULB Brown Issues wants students to feel they’re making a difference in their community and to find solace in knowing they’re not alone in feeling scared.
“If we create this community, create this healthy social support, people are gonna realize this is something they can go to, this is something they can refer to when they’re stressed, when they’re under pressure. We’re here to talk,” said Camerina Aguilar, a third-year psychology student and point of contact for the chapter.
CSULB Brown Issues recognizes the fear and helplessness many students may feel—especially those who are afraid to protest or attend public meetings—and notes that its members share those same concerns.
“That’s why we’re here. We’re here to advocate for a community to feel like a community,” Solis said.
EDDY CERMENO/Long Beach Current
Victoria Hernandez, left, and Breanna Solis, right, executive co-chairs of the Brown Issues Club at Long Beach State, display new shirts members of the organization can get at the first general meeting of the semester on Feb. 11.
EDDY CERMENO/Long Beach Current
Long Beach State students and Brown Issues Club at CSULB board members play loteria, a Mexican version of bingo, to introduce themselves and know more about each other at the club’s first meeting of the semester on Feb. 11.
Copious collectibles will be on display at Long Beach Expo
BY SKYLAR STOCK Video Editor
Whether window shopping or ready to buy, the Long Beach Expo has something for everybody at its collectibles show.
Since 1964, the Long Beach Expo has hosted the largest rare coin collectible show on the West Coast. After a oneyear hiatus, the convention is back and under new ownership, still with the same community support that fostered it.
The expo will take place from Feb. 18–20 in Hall C of the Long Beach Convention Center. General admission tickets are currently $15 and available online. Three-day passes are available for $25.
Coin collection, often described as the “hobby of kings,” has been practiced for centuries. With gold and silver markets rising, the hobby maintains a strong presence in the community.
The show, originally put on by Collectors Universe, was acquired by Stack’s Bowers Galleries last year. While this year’s events may be smaller than past ones, Brian Kendrella, the president of Stack’s Bowers Galleries, said they are reviving the show and will offset its smaller size with a higher quality.
Roughly 125 individual dealers nationwide are expected to attend. In addition to vendors, there will be raffles, onsite appraisals by experts and featured speakers.
“People will be able to see things that they otherwise would never be able to
see in person,” Kendrella said.
All things related to coin collecting, banknotes, gold and silver, antique jewelry, stamps and more will be on display for anyone interested in rarities.
David Talk, Stack’s Bowers Galleries client services manager, said the hobby has become a growing trend among young people. Originally booming
during the pandemic, the hobby has become a community activity for many, especially in online spaces.
Kendrella added that the convention is where online interactions, such as buying, selling and discussing collectibles, occur offline.
“It’s that community that the Long Beach Expo has fostered over the last 60-plus years,” he said.
YOUR GRADUATE CONGRATULATE
GRAM GRAD GRAM
Photo courtesy of DAVID TALK
A view of vendors and attendees during a past Long Beach Expo Collectibles Show.
ARTS & LIFE
Night at the Aquarium: Waves of Love
Dive into the evening with um of the Pacific’s annual Day-themed Night Dive event.
STORY AND PHOTOS
BY REHANSA KULATILLEKE
Photo Assistant
Cupid’s heart-shaped arrows were shot at the Aquarium of the Pacific, leaving couples captivated by the sights of marine life and sounds of the booming music emanating from the inside of the Aquarium during its annual Night Dive.
The Night Dive itself occurs eight times a year with its own assigned theme; the most recent theme was dedicated to Valentine’s Day. Night Dives have been going on for 10 years, according to the Aquarium’s Special Events Manager, Erin Keim.
“It’s [the Night Dive] really grown since those early days–both in the talent that we have and the experiences that we have. You never know what you’re going to get at night dive,” said Keim. “Everyone has different, unique experiences. So you never know what kind of surprises are going to show up.”
Apart from the evening’s events, the real stars of the show were the animals.
One of the exhibit’s featured animals was the moon jellyfish. Juliet Allup was one of the many education volunteers who
guided guests providing facts importance of
“When I think animals every save us because our lives that said Allup. “The I’m an accountant here every week, to me when I’m
One of the dance were Los Wong and Bami together for and have been past. The couple Night Dive through bought the tickets.
“I travel a types of experiences. L.A. and not knowing he found it, I to do it!’” said
The next March 13 from $49.95 for general for members site.
Clockwise from the left: Couples watch the live performance Honda Blue Cavern during the Valentine’s Day themed Night Dive the Pacific. | Joshy Soul was the main performer who performed many the Honda Blue Cavern at the Aquarium of the Pacific on Feb. 13. sang at the Night Dive was “Valerie.” | By the end of the night, the guests got to hang up on the wall near the Honda Blue Cavern at Feb. 13.| Couples danced to the live performer, Joshy Soul during the the Honda Blue Cavern during the Valentine’s Day themed Night Dive of the Pacific.
guests to touch the jellyfish while facts about the animal and the of caring for the environment. think about it, we help save day, but in reality, they help because they add such beauty to that words couldn’t explain it,”
“The aquarium has saved me. accountant by trade, but I volunteer week, and it always makes sense I’m here.”
the many couples in attenLos Angeles residents Brendan Bami Fajinmi, who have been almost two and a half years been trying to get tickets in the couple had first heard about the through Instagram before they tickets.
lot, so I love doing these experiences. Having grown up in knowing this is a thing when was like, ‘absolutely, so down said Fajinmi.
Night Dive will occur on from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. for general admission and $44.95 through the Aquarium’s web-
performance below them in front of the Dive on Feb. 13 at the Aquarium of many upbeat songs in front of the 13. One of the many songs they the wall was filled with hearts that the Aquarium of the Pacific on the end of the evening in front of Dive on Feb. 13 at the Aquarium
ARTS & LIFE
Cupid’s arrow hit
BY MONICA GARCIA Arts & Life Assistant
The crinkling of flower bouquet sleeves tied together with ribbons chimed over a playlist of viral classics by Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and The Cranberries.
Glittered foam hearts, letter-shaped stickers, colored markers and dozens of students filled Peterson Hall for the Women & Gender Equity Center’s annual Galentine’s Day event on Feb. 11.
The WGEC’s peer mentor program, Women Inspiring Strength and Empowerment, hosted the event where attendees could arrange bouquets with fresh flowers, make candy grams and craft letters at a Galentine’s day celebration.
“One of the things I cherish most about girlhood is the warmth and closeness that girls naturally radiate regardless of if they have been friends for years or just met for the very first time,” Lauryn Fernandez, Women Inspiring Strength and Empowerment peer mentor said in an email statement.
Attendees lined up throughout the event to take Polaroid pictures in front of a decorated wall. They could also write on a shared affirmations board provided by the WGEC.
Two psychology majors who met while studying at CSULB arrived together to participate in the craftsmanship and spend quality time together.
“Valentine’s Day isn’t just about having a partner, it’s just about celebrating love,” Third-year psychology major Gwen Buteau said. “It’s not just about romance. It can be like [a] friend romance.”
Buteau said she was arranging a card for her roommate, who will spend Valentine’s Day with her wine-tasting this year.
“It doesn’t have to be something that you spend with someone else; it could be how much you love and appreciate yourself, too,” Buteau’s friend and thirdyear student Riley Pine said. “It could be about self-care, like having a little spa day, bubble bath and a glass of wine.”
Upon arrival and check-in, students received a ticket to enter a raffle for a bag filled with some campus merchandise. Valentine’s day-themed bingo cards
CSULB students gathered from 2 to 4 p.m. Closer to the end, there was a raffle for a large tote bag from the Women’s & Gender Equity Center with goodies inside, located in Peterson Hall on Feb. 11.
CHARLOTTE LOCICERO/ Long Beach Current
were dispersed around the tables for an opportunity to receive an extra ticket if students checked off a full row, column or diagonal.
In order to cross off slots in the bingo cards, participants had to ask each other questions and find people whose answers matched the card entries, such as “Has Valentine’s Day plans” and “Said I love you to someone today.”
The WGEC hosts the annual Galentine’s Day events on campus every year with different activities to participate in.
The center also promoted the upcoming Womxn of Color Leadership Conference on March 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Pointe.
“W.I.S.E. wanted our Galentine’s to feel reminiscent of elementary school days, with fun, hands-on arts and crafts and the simple joy of sharing love with others,” Denise Grissom, W.I.S.E. peer mentor said in an email statement.
Friendships flourish at plant pot painting event
BY DANTE ESTRADA Multimedia Managing Editor
Digging through soil and “glowing” up plant pots.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, several Long Beach State students gathered at the Grow Beach Garden to participate in “Glow Garden,” an interactive plant pot-painting activity hosted by Sustain U.
The event aimed to help students connect nature with creativity while learning how solar energy works, according to Mack Andersen, USU Sustainability Lead.
“Our focus today is just creativity, because we feel that students, they don’t always have a space to come and be creative, and especially bringing the plants in is like a nature aspect,” Andersen said.
Students decorated their pots with glow-in-the-dark paint as the sun began to set. They installed a solar stake that would light their plants at night after charging during the day.
Andersen said Wednesday’s event was the first of three garden events in their “Grow Beach Garden” series this semester. The next two events are planned for March and April, teaching students the health benefits of having a plant at home and how to plant from seeds.
The event was located between the Health and Human Services buildings and the College of Professional and Continuing Education.
Sitting at the end of the farthest table were Kathryn Contreras, a first-year undeclared major, and Rosemary Okosisi, a first-year business administration graduate student.
They met after attending Wednesday’s Galentine’s Day event on campus, where Contreras told Okosisi about the Grow Beach event happening later that day. The two met up and painted a plant pot together.
“I’m taking inspiration from Mexican
DANTE ESTRADA/Long Beach
Current
Shae Faulkner, first-year criminology and criminal justice major, said she chose a succulent because she once owned a similar plant years ago. Faulkner put together her plant pot on her own during the “Glow Up Garden” event, hosted by Sustain U at Grow Beach Garden on Feb. 11.
potting plants, because I love my culture, and I love their colors, and I love their designs,” Contreras said on the inspiration behind her pot’s painting.
Okosisi said the flower clouds were what inspired her SpongeBob SquarePants paintings.
Leslie Ricardo, a fourth-year kinesiology major studying exercise science, was recommended to attend the event by her friend, who sent her the post on social media.
Ricardo said she was glad to have found the event, as it allowed her to pass the time before her 7 p.m. class.
“I love doing all the free events and everything. It’s just like one way to pass the time and everything,” Ricardo said.
Click here for full story.
‘Rural nouns and simple adjectives’ in the post-satire era
BY DELFINO CAMACHO Arts & Life Editor
Confession.
Before the Feb. 8 Super Bowl Halftime Show, I had only heard two Bad Bunny songs in full. Not out of protest—I just hadn’t been exposed.
But I liked the show: the theatrical staging, the narrative flair and yes, the music. I’m still not a super fan, but it did get me to check out his catalog on streaming.
Before Feb. 8, I had also never heard of Lee Brice.
Brice was one of four performers at the Turning Point USA Halftime Show, and lately I’ve been thinking about the second song in his setlist, the currently unreleased “Country Nowadays.”
The country star made headlines, in part, for a humorous reaction to his earnest permanence, meant as an ode to the loss of simple American freedoms due to hyper-left-wing partisanship.
The moment that caught the internet’s collective funny bone is Brice listing the things he “just wants to do” but can’t—because in the song’s reality, a shadowy and trans-deep state is stopping him.
“I just want to catch my fish, drive my truck, drink my beer, not wake up to all this stuff I don’t wanna hear … I just want to cut my grass, feed my dogs, wear my boots,” sings Brice.
The first time I heard it, I burst out laughing.
It’s a perfectly meme-worthy song: along with the exaggerated level of importance the song bestows on everyday actions and the gruff earnestness in which Brice belts out lyrics, the song is a perfect parody of itself.
And that’s the problem.
There was a time when the most effective public response to absurd behavior, from celebrities, artists or politicians, was satire.
Satire relies on identifying the hypocrisy or silliness in something and exaggerating it just enough to reveal the flaw.
But Brice’s song, and the response to it, keep reinforcing a theory I’ve had for years: we’re living in the post-satire era.
His track is essentially a sincere remake of Bo Burnham’s “Country Song,” a deliberate critique of “pandering country artists” like millionaire performers listing the same rural nouns and simple adjectives to score cheap cheers.
What began as parody has become earnest branding.
The internet’s jokes about Brice’s “kiss my fish” line did make me laugh, but there’s something unsettling about the way once-satirical ideas keep becoming real.
The funniest, saddest punchline of all may be that the world increasingly out-satirizes anything we throw at it.
We haven’t quite killed satire—but just like Bad Bunny did to Brice, reality is outperforming it.
Graphic by DANTE ESTRADA/ Long Beach Current
ARTS & LIFE
Building bikes and rebuilding futures at Dirtbags California
BY JOSEPH LEE Arts & Life Assistant
Upon stepping through the golden-decaled doors and frosted glass windows of Dirtbags California, the Long Beach motorcycle custom shop immediately makes its presence known.
The space is meticulously designed to impress, with a custom floor tie-dyed in black, grey and burnt orange, mirroring the bold yet elegant nature of the bikes surrounding the showroom.
Overhead, three projector screens loop footage of shop owner Mikey Loco riding some of the shop’s most iconic builds. Below them, gold racks display branded T-shirts and sweatshirts. In one corner, blue street signs reading Long Beach Boulevard and 31st Street hang overhead.
At a front desk facing the shop entrance sits Diana Rodriguez, a 2025 CSULB alumnus. From this position, Rodriguez oversees both sides of the operation: the polished storefront and the dirty work that happens behind it.
From the clanging of metal on metal to the intermittent whirring of drills, Dirtbags California is every bit as much a function as it is flash.
The shop has been located on the corner of Artesia Boulevard and Cerritos Avenue since 2021, following a land buyout at its original site at Long Beach Boulevard and 31st Street.
As a memento of its roots, the city gifted Loco the original street signs, which now hang in the showroom.
At this location, however, the workshop comfortably accommodates multiple bike builds in progress, all visible from the showroom. Alongside the workshop are an auto body painting room, a parts assembly room and a 3D printing room.
Most visitors are unaware that many staff members are part of a nonprofit re-entry program.
Over the past six months, the shop has invited formerly incarcerated young adults to work alongside staff for a minimum of one year, training them in motorcycle maintenance and detailing. These lessons teach the discipline required to sustain a career and, in some cases, start a business of their own.
Rodriguez spearheaded the program while serving as chief operating officer alongside Dirtbags California founder Loco.
While Rodriguez was still in her final semester at CSULB, they began laying the foundation for routine, camaraderie and long-term commitment—elements often missing among young people navigating re-entry after incarceration.
Having been personally impacted by the justice system in her youth, Rodriguez transformed those experiences to inform how she approaches her work.
“I do get to relate to our students when they say they have a dysfunctional relationship with a family member who went to prison,” Rodriguez said.
That relatability, she stressed, was intentional.
According to Rodriguez, the program has grown into a tight-knit community.
“When you get here, you come and you meet your employer, your co-worker and … you meet a family member,” Rodriguez said.
For these young adults, the work is less about motorcycles and more about structure. Participants like 20-year-old Jesus Moreno, the first of seven youth who joined the program, explained that the lessons extended far beyond the shop floor.
“You don’t just learn how to work on motorcycles,” Moreno said. “You’re getting disciplined to do the smaller things … so it’s a lot of work that you don’t want to do, but it’s that discipline that helps you strive.”
Since joining the program six months ago, Moreno has made a great enough impression to be brought on staff as a print and design manager.
“I think like a month in, I was like, ‘Alright, we’re gonna keep him,’” Loco said. “I broke it to him like a week ago, but we already knew months before that we were gonna keep him on because I wanted him to stay focused.”
After the success of the initial cohort, Rodriguez and Loco are now seeking to expand Dirtbags Academy into a 12-
week pre-apprenticeship program. The proposed expansion would bring 20 participants into the shop to learn multiple trade skills from industry professionals, including welding, maintenance and detailing.
The behind-the-scenes process has not come easily, Rodriguez admitted.
“There’s been several nights where there [were] definitely tears just because the work was so hard,” she said. “But Mikey has been such a big supporter, and he’s always saying, ‘Chin up, chest out.’ … At the time, that’s when I needed it the most.”
Even still, through several tear-filled nights, Rodriguez believes that with the support of her family, both biological and chosen, she will prevail.
“I already feel successful because of the type of family that I have,” she said. “My mom would always pray that these two hands would create something far bigger than myself … I always say, ‘My mom is your mom too, Mikey.’ We share family here.”
CHARLOTTE LOCICERO/Long Beach Current
Owner Mikey Loco (left) and the Chief Operations Officer, Diana Rodriguez at Dirthbags Academy, a small business that sells custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles located on 1133 E Artesia Blvd.
Love in Long Beach: 3 couples, 3 stages
Couples comune right before Valentine’s Day, Colorado Lagoon on Feb. 13.
BY ALEXIS MUÑOZ Contributer
Love is...
Happiness, unconditional, crazy, lasting, tingly and annoying – all descriptions from Long Beach couples.
While platonic and familial love is a treasure, how is romantic love different?
The Current spoke with three Long Beach city couples – all at different relationship stages – and asked them to share their stories on how love takes shape in their relationships.
Dating: Victoria Keo and Justin Hodge
Victoria Keo, 20, and Justin Hodge, 23, first met when Keo was 9 years old, and he was 11.
Keo and Hodge lived in the same neighborhood but never crossed paths, until a mutual neighborhood friend introduced Keo to Hodge. Knocking at her door, Hodge asked if she wanted to play outside, and a friendship soon began.
“I noticed his braces since they filled his whole mouth,” Keo said. “I thought he was very nerdy.”
For Hodge, the first thing he noticed was “her very prominent side part.”
It wasn’t until Keo was 14, and Hodge was 16, that their relationship turned from platonic to romantic.
“She’s a good listener, who is extremely understanding and very supportive of my goals,” Hodge said.
Through honest communication and meeting each other’s needs physically and mentally, Keo and Hodge will celebrate their sixth year anniversary this April.
“We are very opposite, but that has given us a chance to learn things about how we process things differently such as pain and hurt, and how pleasure can stem from many unique ways,” Keo shared. “This has taught us both to be patient and good students of each of our brains.”
Engaged: Cynthia Jimenez and David Conrado
Cynthia Jimenez, 41, and David Conrado, 37, first met on the dating app Plenty of Fish.
At 35, Jimenez was swiping through profiles when she stumbled upon and connected with Conrado (31 at the time), through their shared interest in Electronic Dance Music.
“I first noticed his smile,” Jimenez said.
CHARLOTTE LOCICERO/Long Beach Current
Conrado said it was Jimenez’s eyes that caught his attention.
Around six years later, Jimenez, her family and Conrado would attend the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, where he proposed.
“I wanted to propose to her with the song, ‘Next to Me’ by Rufus Du Sol, which created the perfect moment, but since her family was not around, I did not ask until later in the night,” Conrado said.
Once her family was there, Conrado asked her to marry him and Jimenez said yes.
“I was happy and surprised, but I thought it was about time he popped the question,” Jimenez added.
Initially, Jimenez and Conrado planned to elope with just themselves, but those plans have changed.
Jimenez’s mom was diagnosed with dementia, and her memory is slowly fading. Wanting to incorporate her parents, the elopement was changed to a destination wedding in Mexico to take place May 21, 2027.
Married: Erica Quijada-Barrera and Gerardo Barrera
Erica Quijada-Barrera, 52, and Gerardo Barrera, 51, first met when she was
21, and he was 20.
Quijada-Barrera and Barrera knew of each other through church but did not start talking until a philosophy class discussion brought them together at Long Beach State.
“I noticed how tall and handsome he was,” Quijada-Barrera said.
Barrera said her red hair caught his eye.
When they first met, both mutually noticed how dedicated they were to their studies and Catholicism.
Dating for three years, it was not until after dinner at Redondo Beach where Barrera would get on one knee and ask Quijada-Barrera to be his wife.
“I was teary eyed and could not speak clearly, but I said yes,” Quijada-Barrera said.
Engaged for a year, Quijada-Barrera and Barrera have been married for 25 years. Over the course of their marriage, they have started a family, with two boys and one girl.
“From him, I’ve learned perseverance and patience when it comes to my marriage and family,” Quijada-Barrera said.
“I’ve learned that compromising is also key,” Barrera said.
Top 4 best and worst Valentine’s Day gifts
BY NATALY VALENCIA Contributer
Valentine’s Day may be over, but the post-holiday gift analysis is just beginning. As couples reflect on what was unwrapped— and what perhaps should have stayed on the shelf—here’s a breakdown of the best and worst Valentine’s Day gifts to give or receive.
Top Best Gifts:
1. DIY Keepsakes
If you ever want good gift ideas, Pinterest is the best search engine. There are countless DIY gift ideas to take inspiration from such as origami flowers, curated baskets or beautifully decorated cards. A standout gift was a picture collage of a couple in a photo frame. I think pretty much anyone would adore this gift, especially if you personalize it to the decor of their room. It’s a nice, simple and heartfelt gift that’ll tug on your partner’s heart strings. A great place near campus to get your supplies is Fabric Barn Inc. at 3111 E Anaheim St.
2. Handwritten Letter
As someone who has kept every letter and trinket that I have ever been given, a handwritten letter is a perfect gift for this day. It’s a sincere and affordable way to express the feelings you may be too shy to say out loud to your significant other. Not only that, you’re also capturing your love on paper, which your partner can look back on fondly.
3.
Romantic Dinner Date
When I picture a classic Valentine’s date, the scene from “Lady and the Tramp” (1955) where the dogs share a plate of spaghetti comes to mind. Long Beach has plenty of restaurants that range from Italian, American, Mexican, Chinese, Mediterranean, whatever your partner and you prefer. I would recommend Sapporo Sushi at 5735 E Pacific Coast Highway, or Lola’s Mexican Cuisine at 2030 E Fourth St. If your partner prefers a cozier vibe, you could opt to make dinner together at home and set the vibe with good music or a movie instead.
4. Concert Tickets
If you and your partner have a special song, a thoughtful gift would be tickets to see the artist play it live, enjoying drinks and good music together. Some of my best memories include enjoying a concert with my friends and loved ones. While this gift may be a pricier option, when you’re with someone you love, you may find it to be worth it.
Top Worst Gifts:
1. Regifted Gift
Regifting something you already owned is generally considered poor manners. This happened to fourth-year psychology major Wendy Morales when she was in middle school, who described the experience as “traumatizing.”
“I made a whole basket of all the things he liked and it cost me like $100 which was a lot for middle-school-me,” Morales wrote. “He gave me a little mug and some candy but then I looked at the mug and I remembered I saw it a couple months ago when I went to his house. That’s when I knew…”
2. Nothing
The worst gift other than a regifted one has to be nothing at all. If you don’t give your significant other anything on Valentine’s Day or choose to not acknowledge it because you’re too lazy, consider yourself lucky if they keep you. I would advise you to invest in a calendar, as it will save a lot of stress in the future of whether or not you will be keeping your partner.
3. Anything Made with AI
AI is a popular tool that an increasing amount of people are using as an assistant for daily tasks. That being said, Valentine’s Day is not a good day to use AI! If you give your significant other a love letter written by AI, trust that they will be very disappointed to find out they’re being romanced by ChatGPT instead of you. It’ll make your partner feel like they weren’t worth your time and energy to come up with a couple words. A heartfelt paragraph written by you, no matter the spelling mistakes, is a much more valuable gift. Click here for full story.
Has Valentine’s Day become more than just romantic love?
BY ALEXIS MUÑOZ Contributer
In the United States alone, consumers are expected to spend around $29.1 billion on Valentine’s Day this year. As reported by Forbes, this gives rise to a new customer segment that has turned Valentine’s Day into a more inclusive celebration of love.
In this customer segment, individuals are indulging in much more than just chocolates and stuffed bears, but board games, skin care and more.
Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, students are choosing to celebrate through various activities without the constraints of work and school.
How are students celebrating themselves, their friends, partners or all three for Valentine’s Day?
For some students, the day will be like any other. Second-year student Joseph Barrera said he has no plans, due to a heavy kinesiology workload. Others, like second-year communication major
Waves of Wisdom: How do I cope with anxious feelings?
BY LEYNA VU Opinions Editor
Q: I’ve been waking up nervous these days, and I don’t know how to navigate these feelings. Any advice?
- Scared Speechless
A: I’m sorry that you’re experiencing these emotions, as they can truly come up on you without apparent cause. According to UC Davis Health, anxiety comes in various forms, with social anxiety disorder being one of the most common variants. 1 in 3 adults will experience anxiety during their lifetime.
Graphic by GABRIELLE LASHLEY/Long Beach Current
Adrian Cruz, are enjoying the single life by going out to eat and spending time with friends.
Second-year psychology major Miranda Cassidy said they are celebrating Galentine’s Day on Feb. 14, instead of the traditional Feb. 13, where they will spend an afternoon drinking tea and eating crumpets with friends. While many students are celebrating
Valentine’s Day through self-care and friendship, others continue with traditional celebrations of romance.
Some couples have decided to stick close to Long Beach, like third-year accounting major Laura Som and thirdyear business administration major Justin Sudjatmiko, who plan to explore Los Angeles and end the night with a fancy dinner.
Branching out into the desert, firstyear liberal arts major Madeline Ramos and third-year mechanical engineering major Andrew Moreno are spending the weekend in Joshua Tree underneath the stars to not only appreciate nature but each other.
Whether students are studying for upcoming exams, hosting tea parties with friends or planning a romantic getaway, how students celebrate Valentine’s Day is different for everyone.
But how do we celebrate Valentine’s Day in an age where the day has become about more than romantic relationships?
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated by creating or going to a space that allows you to focus on your friends, family or romantic partners. This could be your own home, or the heart of a city. There are no limitations to where you can go.
However, before we can fully contribute time to others, we must set aside time for ourselves.
Click here for full story.
As the research shows, anxiety and nervousness are extremely common, so you are not alone!
For comfort, maybe it would be helpful to know that I, too, struggle with anxiety from time to time. To illustrate an example, the anxiety I experience traps me in my own mind. Too much thinking can prevent me from taking the steps I need to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
I am a firm believer that action quells anxiety. Whenever I wake up anxious, I aim to do something I know will lift my mood. For me, that is completing a task. I can direct the energy these feelings bring to complete something that I normally wouldn’t have the willpower to do otherwise.
To supplement a sudden burst of productivity, I recommend taking a moment to rest before doing anything. There might be times when you are inclined to do something, but you might not have the energy to execute.
Whenever I’m feeling anxious, I always ask myself if I am thirsty, hungry,
have used the restroom or had sufficient sleep. These small fixes can lift your mood in a healthy way and help you stay productive later on.
Another solution may be talking it out. I am not a social person in any capacity, but surprisingly, I find that talking to people helps alleviate my anxiety greatly.
Whenever you’re feeling anxious, the best thing to do is not to shut yourself in but to find something to pour your time and effort into. For me, that something is people, despite my friends telling me I’m the most introverted person they know.
As someone who also deals with social anxiety, I find that small, consistent efforts toward exposure enhance my tolerance for socialization significantly.
More often than not, social interactions tend to come off as neutral to the other party, never as bad as we might think. And plus, if you’ve made any “mistakes,” you can try again by correcting them in a future conversation.
Training yourself to do this expo-
sure method takes a bit of time, but it’s important to look at a situation in terms of hard facts rather than your assessment of those facts.
For example, if you’re reflecting on why you’re feeling anxious and realize that it might be due to something that happened the day prior, it’s important to look at the events of the day prior from a kind, objective view.
Something that can feel overwhelming, such as messing up a social interaction or tripping over your words in class, might not appear that way to others.
Anxiety has a multitude of causes, and I cannot stress enough that you are not alone. Often, preventive care is the best kind, and using resources such as CAPS to have a professional assess your situation is the most potent remedy.
In fact, CSULB has a comprehensive list of resources available on its website, showcasing every hotline, service and enterprise available to us students!
OPINIONS
Defining the ideal partner and date
BY CHRISTIAN ROBLEDO Opinions Assistant
Sometimes, I have to confront the harsh realization that perfection is not real. No matter what I do to create a flawless partner in my head, I realize that what every mom on the planet says is true: no one is perfect.
Still, I believe the exercise of envisioning what you look for in a partner can save you from the utterly tragic failed dinner date.
To take this a step further, I ask myself: why is it always dinner? Is dinner automatically the best place for a date to take place, or do early 2000s rom-coms just make it seem that way?
To put these burning questions to rest, The Long Beach Current’s staff surveyed 132 students, asking them what the best place for a date is and what traits they look for in a partner.
When asked about traits, 14% of the surveyed students agreed that they would want their date to be funny. It really is as simple as that. According to CSULB students, as long as you’ve got humor, you’ve got a chance at romance.
Graphic by GABRIELLE
LASHLEY/Long
Beach Current Is the perfect date really achievable? In theory, it’s as easy as choosing the right pathway to make anybody swoon.
The second most sought-after trait among students is kindness. At least for CSULB, nice guys and girls don’t have to finish last. 10% of those questioned are looking for someone kind.
Contrary to stereotypes that prioritize attractiveness, our survey found that more students look for someone kind and respectful than someone who is drop-dead gorgeous.
While perhaps not statistically popular, some responses to the ideal trait question were quite noteworthy in today’s dating culture.
Marketing major Miguel Arreola Padilla had one such response. “Someone who’s willing to grow old with you,” Arreola Padilla said. Proving that while some people look for hookups, there are still those out there looking to make a serious commitment.
Another notable response came from biomedical engineering major Leona Cochico, who said she would ensure her date is respectful and of good character before agreeing to a second date.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, 22% of the surveyed students agreed that the beach is the best place to go on a date.
With sand, sunshine and good views, this date screams California in all the best ways. It seems that the way into most hearts here at The Beach is really just taking them to the beach.
While it is less easy to make college-related puns about, the second most popular answer to where the ideal date spot is is equally as unsurprising, knowing our student body.
11% of respondents collectively envision their ideal first date occurring at a coffee shop.
That’s right! Caffeine-addicted college students just want someone willing to pay for their coffee. Jokes aside, it does seem that many agree that the coffee date is an easy, low-stakes, yet highly aesthetic option for a first date.
Additionally, among the submissions for the perfect place for a date, I found one student’s response that stood out from the more expected responses I received.
Health care administration major Angelia Tavera’s answer was probably the most considerate of answers, as she thought more of the partner than her own feelings. “It has to be made personal
to the person you are planning the date for,” Tavera said, “I always love a good homemade snack and bring[ing] them to a picnic or a cute hike.”
Now having these questions answered by students, I ask myself: Do I now understand how to plan the perfect date? Well, yes and no. Because the phrase used to begin our research is still relevant by the end: perfection is not real.
Try as you may, the funniest person and the perfect walk on the beach may still lead to a dud of a relationship. That isn’t to say, however, that you shouldn’t try.
With a healthy understanding that there is no equation for romance—trust me, I’ve already looked into that—just about anyone can make a date successful.
For those seeking guidance, perhaps some of your peers’ suggestions can serve as a useful reference for what a CSULB date should look like. It might just be as simple as a walk on the beach with a joke book in hand.
‘We’re tired of losing’: The Beach drops sixth straight game
JUNIOR CONTRERAS
Sports Assistant
Long Beach State men’s basketball team fell short of its first win in 26 days, resulting in an 86-82 loss against Cal State Fullerton on Thursday night at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid in the 15-mile rivalry.
Trailing by two with 16 seconds left for LBSU (8-17) to defeat its cross-town rival, freshman guard Gavin Sykes drove around the Titan (13-13) defenders before losing control of the ball as it bounced off his leg out of bounds for a turnover, sending The Beach into their sixth-straight loss.
“I know everybody agrees in the locker room, we’re tired of losing, we want to win,” LBSU sophomore forward Petar Majstorovic said. “We’re gonna regroup tomorrow, get back to work on it and be ready for next game because we need absolutely to win these games so we can go to the tournament.”
CSUF began the game cold, shooting 0-for-5 from the field with two turnovers as LBSU’s star freshman Sykes made his return after a three-game absence with a top-of-the-key three, contributing to a Beach 7-0 start.
“[Sykes is] a warrior, he’s been working his tail off in practice every day, trying to get himself in rhythm,” LBSU head coach Chris Acker said. “I was just happy to see him on the floor; it gave us a little bit more confidence.”
The Beach played team basketball, as they had four different scorers in seven minutes, as they went on a 5-0 run with an and-one jumper from junior guard Cole Farrell to put LBSU ahead 10, 26-16.
A rare turnover from LBSU junior guard Rob Diaz, who leads the Big West in assist/turnover ratio at 3.1, led to a three-pointer from CSUF senior guard Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro to cut the LBSU lead to 26-21.
LBSU was shooting 60% with seven minutes to play as Majstorovic caught fire, taking advantage of a seven-inch height differential on CSUF senior guard defender Joshua Ward to score eight straight for The Beach, as they led 41-31.
A Majstorovic turnover led to a halftime buzzer-beating layup by CSUF graduate student guard Jaden Henderson as LBSU finished the half ahead 48-41, led by 17 points from Majstorovic.
After beginning the game cold, CSUF came out of the break hot with a 10-3 run, five coming from Monegro as the Titans trailed by just two, 53-51.
REHANSA KULATILLEKE/Long Beach Current
LBSU freshman forward Leopold Levillain finishes through contact at the rim in The Beach’s 86-82 home loss to the Titans on Feb. 12.
“I just felt like we didn’t do a great job of getting easier baskets in transition in the second half, and [Fullerton] played their game the entire game, in terms of how they played in transition,” Acker said.
Three turnovers in 1:27 from The Beach gave the Titans their first lead of the game, 54-53, after a pair of free throws with 15 minutes to play in the second half.
Coming off an 18-point performance in their previous game, Diaz had found his first points at the 12-minute mark, giving LBSU back the lead after five points, 64-61.
Trailing by four, the freshman Titans took absolute control of the game, going on a 12-0 run with six points coming from CSUF freshman guard Bryce Cofield and a steal and three from CSUF freshman Christian Williams.
Acker told his team to execute after a tough driving layup through contact from Diaz led to a deep midrange jumper from Sykes to put The Beach back ahead 79-78 after a 7-0 run.
Tied at 82 with 45 seconds remaining, Ward drove inside the paint as he rose for a layup before a whistle blew on LBSU senior forward Shay Johnson Jr for a shooting foul, as Ward gave CSUF an 84-82 lead off free throws while the Pyramid rained down boos from the home crowd.
Falling short of their first win in 26 days, Sykes turned the ball over with just four seconds remaining as The Beach lost 86-82 in the “15-Mile Rivalry.”
“Hats off to Fullerton, their guys were much more scrappier, they played harder in stretches, we traded baskets, we weren’t very good in transition D tonight,” Acker said. “All the things that we constantly work on and harp on, but it just comes down to us understanding that those are the most important things that leads to winning and losing basketball games.”
Sitting in at ninth in conference play, LBSU needs to flip the page fast as they travel to take on UC Davis (15-10) on Feb. 14, with seven games remaining in the season.
No. 2 Long Beach State blanks Vanguard behind dominant serving
MONICA BADOLIAN Sports Assistant
In a Valentine’s Day matchup at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid, Long Beach State men’s volleyball swept Vanguard University three sets to none, 25-21, 25-16, 26-24, on Saturday.
The Beach (9-1) started off strong in the first set.
After trading points to open play, The Beach found a rhythm behind kills from senior opposite Skylar Varga and sophomore outside hitter Alex Kandev. Vanguard (3-8) kept the set tight with timely swings from junior outside hitter Grant Veldman and sophomore opposite Logan Freemon. Yet, The Beach continued to use their blocking to their advantage.
Kandev, senior middle blocker Ben Braun and freshman opposite Wojciech Gajek combined for multiple key block assists midway through the frame, dis-
rupting the Lions’ offensive flow.
Gajek added a well-placed tip kill off an assist from redshirt freshman setter Jake Pazanti, while Varga delivered a powerful swing that Vanguard could not recover.
With steady serves down the stretch, The Beach closed the opening set 25-21 to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
LBSU elevated its level in the second set.
Freshman middle blocker Jackson Cryst gave The Beach a boost by serving two consecutive aces, making it difficult for the Lions to return the ball. Soon after, Kandev continued the serving barrage with several consecutive aces, extending The Beach’s lead to double digits.
The Beach’s defense stayed disciplined at the net, forming a consistent block that limited the Lions’ options.
LBSU won the second set 25-16, taking a 2-0 lead in the match.
Refusing to go quietly, Vanguard
REHANSA KULATILLEKE/Long Beach Current LBSU freshman opposite Wojciech Gajek finished the night with eight kills against the match against Vanguard. LBSU defeated Vanguard with a final score of 3-0 on Feb. 14 at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.
pushed back in the third set. In a backand-forth battle with multiple ties that threatened to extend the match, Long Beach stayed composed in critical moments.
“I’d credit our whole gym this week. The level of competition was so high in practice that it allows us to stay composed in the match. The guys pushing us in practice make it easier to handle tough situations in games,” Cryst said.
Leading 24-23, Kandev delivered a clutch kill to give The Beach a 25-24
edge. On the next point, a service error by the Lions sealed the sweep for The Beach.
“It’s hard to maintain composure, but [head coach] Nick always says we should be freed up and just hit our serves. On the serving line, it’s just about being myself and not caring if I miss,” Kandev said.
With the dominant victory, LBSU now turns its attention to a highly anticipated rematch against No. 1 UCLA on Feb. 20 in Los Angeles.
Catching the Wave: LBSU gets chance at redemption against No. 1-ranked UCLA
BY TIMOTHY HESSEN Sports Editor
After suffering a heartbreaking reverse sweep loss to the Bruins in front of a sold-out crowd at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid, No. 2 Long Beach State men’s volleyball will get a chance to correct course against No. 1 UCLA at Pauley Pavilion on Friday, Feb. 20. In the first matchup this season of the teams who battled in the last two NCAA Championship games, the Bruins’ power made its presence felt at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.
UCLA’s two stars to make the AVCA National Player of the Year Watch List, senior outside hitter Zach Rama and senior setter Andrew Rowan, dominated LBSU on Feb. 6, as Rama racked up 21 kills while Rowan orchestrated the Bruin offense with 45 assists.
The Phoenix native in Rama has had an otherworldly start to the season, leading the nation in kills per set at 4.60 while also ranking fifth in hitting percentage at .437.
Setting up the nation’s top attacker with opportunities is Rowan, who’s looking to add to an already impressive resume in the sport.
The two-time NCAA champion has been an AVCA first-team All-American every year of his collegiate career, and currently leads the nation in assists per set at 11.94.
In The Beach’s five-set loss to the Bruins a week ago, their own AVCA National Player of the Year Watch List selection made a major impact as well.
LBSU senior opposite hitter Skyler Varga recorded 12 kills in the match and is currently first in the country in aces per set while also averaging 3.03 kills per set.
Beyond individual talent, the strengths of both powerhouse pro-
grams make for a stylistic clash of elite blocking and hitting.
The Beach are the far superior serving and blocking team, ranking first in the NCAA for aces per set and fifth in blocks per set, while The Bruins are the undisputed best hitting team in the nation, ranking first in kills per set and hitting percentage.
As LBSU and UCLA continue to add chapters to their storied rivalry, this second regular-season matchup will be another great indicator of what is to come in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
Dirtbags junior infielder Smith Chandler walks back to the mound against San Jose State on Feb. 13 during opening night at Blair Field. The Dirtbags were shut out against the Spartans 8-0, starting the 2026 baseball season on the wrong foot.
JORGE HERNANDEZ/Long Beach Current
Dirtbags suffer crushing Opening Day defeat against San Jose State Spartans
BY XAVIER CONSTANTINO Sports Assistant
The Long Beach State Dirtbags kicked off the 2026 season just as they ended their last, with a crushing defeat.
The San Jose State Spartans (1-0) dominated both sides of the ball, shutting out the Dirtbags 8-0 in front of 2,055 fans at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field on Friday, Feb. 13.
Head coach TJ Bruce and the Dirtbags’ team members declined to speak to the media following the loss.
The Dirtbags lineup managed just two hits and seven walks in the loss; meanwhile, the Spartans lineup, which scored eight runs on 12 hits, took ad-
vantage of nine walks and two errors to build an insurmountable lead.
LBSU freshman starting pitcher Jason Gerfers was on the bump to open the season against SJSU, and struggled early, giving up a run on two hits and an error.
Gerfers recovered to shut down the Spartans in both the second and third innings, yet the Spartans returned in the fourth and fifth innings with two more runs, including a leadoff solo shot over the left field wall by senior left fielder Jake McCoy to put SJSU up 3-0, effectively chasing Gerfers out of the game.
The Dirtbags bullpen fared no better against the Spartans. Senior reliever Van Larson surrendered three runs through the sixth and seventh innings, graduate reliever Caleb Anderson yielded another run in the eighth, and freshman Mason
Tymick closed out the ninth, allowing one more.
The Spartans managed to find gaps throughout the night, with multiple extra-base hits extending innings and putting runs across the plate. The Spartans’ leadoff hitter, senior right fielder Alex Fernandes, was unstoppable, going 5-for-5 on the night with one run and two RBI’s.
It was the opposite story for the Dirtbags’ lineup. They struggled to make contact against the Spartan’s starter, senior Kyle Calzadiaz, who struck out five through five innings of work and allowed five walks.
Calzadiaz could have stayed in longer if not for a 91 pitch count that brought in the senior reliever EJ McGrew in the sixth inning. McGrew closed out the next
four innings to earn the save.
LBSU did not record its first hit until the bottom of the seventh when freshman centerfielder Trevor Goldenetz lined a bunt that rolled just long enough for him to beat the throw to first. Their next and final hit of the game came in the eighth when sophomore shortstop Trotter Enright roped a double down the left field line.
The Dirtbags left seven runners on base and were unable to capitalize in spots during the game that could have shifted the momentum in their favor.
The Dirtbags achieved their first win of the season, 12-3, against the Spartans on the following day, but lost 2-3 on Sunday.
LBSU will now take on the University of San Diego at home on Feb. 17.