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THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC Volume LV
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Issue 2
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September 18, 2026
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pepperdine-graphic.com
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follow us @peppgraphic
‘Residents are concerned, and there is a lot to be concerned about.’ Story by Amanda Monahan | Managing Editor Design by Christine Park | Lead Designer Photos by Griffin Pilcher | Photo Editor
Matt Myerhoff See NEWS | A3
Pepperdine Admin removes ‘A Chorus Line’ from Theater
Change to Malibu Farmers Market sparks tension
Jillian Medvecky heads back to the net
The Seaver Dean’s Office removed the 1975 musical “A Chorus Line” from the upcoming theater season. With little time to pick a replacement, Pepperdine’s Theatre program settled on the 1943 play “Oklahoma!”
The Malibu Farmers Market settled into a new spot Aug. 23. Despite uncertainty surrounding the temporary move, vendors remain committed to serving the Malibu community each Sunday.
Jillian Medvecky, Women’s Soccer junior goalkeeper, continues to make her mark on the program. After an injury caused a setback, she returned back to the net with a greater appreciation, picking up right where she left off.
See NEWS | A5
See LIFE & ARTS | B3
See SPORTS | B5
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September 18, 2026 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Sept. 22 UniteLA From 7 p.m to 10 p.m., Firestone Fieldhouse will be home to UniteLA, a nationwide revival movement of youth seeking and finding the power of the Holy Spirit. RSVP required.
Sept. 25-26 Human-Centered AI The conference explores artificial intelligence’s role in building a better future for humanity. The event will be held at Elkins Auditorium. RSVP required.
Oct. 7 Student Music Showcase The Surfboard Room is hosting their concert series with performances from students and faculty. RSVP not required.
Oct. 9-11
MISSION STATEMENT
Waves Weekend 2026 Pepperdine’s Malibu Campus is hosting their annual weekend of celebration for alumni, families and friends. RSVP required.
Marcos Lizarraga News Editor If you had asked me during my first year at Pepperdine what my future looked like, I wouldn’t have been able to give you a clear answer. Like a lot of first-year students, adjusting to college life was rough for me. I enrolled as an Economics major, not because I enjoyed it, but honestly because that’s what Brad Pitt’s character in “Moneyball“ studied — and I thought Brad Pitt was cool. I constantly wrestled with what I was truly passionate about. That was until the trajectory of my life was changed over a game of ping-pong. I remember playing a game of ping-pong with a few of the freshmen Pepperdine Baseball pitchers. Between rallies, we talked about our favorite MLB players and teams. When I mentioned my deep love for the game, one of the pitchers asked me if I’d ever thought about applying to work for the University’s baseball team. Up until that night, I had no idea an opportunity to work in sports even existed on campus. The next day, I sent a long Instagram DM to the head student manager. Joining the Baseball analytics staff was a humbling experience. Day to day, I interacted with data that I
Photo by Marcos Lizarraga | News Editor A view of the baseball field at Angels Stadium on May. 19. News Editor Marcos Lizarraga was invited by a member of the Angels R&D Department to discuss potential career paths post-grad.
didn’t understand and baseball jargon that I had trouble deciphering. I spent the summer after my first year interning for the Santa Barbara Foresters, a collegiate summer-ball team ran by New York Yankees scout Bill Pintard. From there, I consumed baseball like there was no tomorrow. Through a fellow student manager’s hiring process, I learned the truth about the hyper-competitive world of professional baseball. Major league organizations run on a seasonal calendar, and the vast majority of entry-level front office, analytics and player development roles are filled starting in January, right as teams ramp up for spring training. I could wrap up my Eco-
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Good News: The big leagues are calling
nomics degree a full semester early, putting myself on par with MLB hiring season. Since then, I’ve spoken with MLB teams, primarily the Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros, about potential employment. Breaking into professional baseball is extremely difficult, and there are no promises in a field where thousands and thousands of talented people compete for a handful of spots in only 30 organizations. But I’m stepping into the market ready to go after the career I want. This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel.
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September 18, 2026 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Tide, weather and El Niño impact Malibu coast Amanda Monahan Managing Editor On July 27, high tides crept over the shoreline of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and onto the burn scars left from the 2025 Palisades Fire. With waves crashing into these empty burn lots, the foundations eroded, carving so much of some properties away that the asphalt began to collapse. This marked only the beginning of a series of weather, tide, swell and El Niño-related events across Malibu over the course of two months. “The whole coast of Southern California has a larger regional climate impact story,” said Matt Myerhoff, Public Information Officer for the City of Malibu. The late July erosion of Palisades burn lots quickly became a safety issue for residents and the 40,000 people who use PCH daily, Myerhoff said. “That was definitely a very serious public safety issue because cars and people could go off the edge,” Myerhoff said. “And because it’s potential damage to a major public highway.” The City of Malibu quickly began working on repairs with Caltrans, the state’s government agency for managing California’s highway and transportation systems, but just days later, another issue arose — one of Malibu’s favorite beaches began to face its own erosion. “And at the same time, the same high waves and high tides that did that damage severely eroded the beach at Point Dume State Beach,” Myerhoff said. As the high waves and tides wore the sand away, all the way up to the edge of the road that leads into the parking lot, the cliffs “just eroded and just fell and collapsed into the sand,” Myerhoff said. As Hurricane Marie was
Photo by Alexa McGlathery | Life & Arts Editor A sinkhole opens under a driveway on Broad Beach Road in Malibu on the morning of Sept. 8. The last recorded sinkhole in Malibu was in 1998.
passing up the Pacific coast, though it didn’t come too close to the coast of California, it came “close enough,” resulting in a storm surge and rising sea levels in Malibu, Myerhoff said. It was during this period that Malibu saw a catastrophe that hadn’t happened in 28 years. Around 7 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 8, a private home driveway collapsed, leaving a giant sinkhole at a property on Broad Beach Road. The sinkhole extended beneath the property toward the ocean, allowing bystanders to see the tide beneath where cars once drove and parked. “Underneath the house, the waves had come all the way up over there and eroded that whole thing. So the driveway just collapsed and was gone,” Myerhoff said. “Septic system, septic tank gone, you know, into the ocean, and about three quarters of the small two-lane roadway there just gone, collapsed into the hole.” Myerhoff said nobody was inside the home when the driveway collapsed, but the incident resulted in 31 homes being red tagged, meaning every-
one, including homeowners, were prohibited from entering the homes. Mandatory evacuations began in the neighborhood that morning. While only five out of the 31 tagged homes were actually damaged, Myerhoff said the sinkhole created an inaccessible roadway for residents and emergency personnel. As Malibu continues to see an influx of weather and El Niño-related events, residents began to vocalize their worries. “Residents are concerned, understandably so, and there is a lot to be concerned about,” Myerhoff said. While Malibu has already suffered large amounts of damage caused by weather and waves, Myerhoff said this winter is forecasted to have stronger than usual storms and stronger and more intense rains. “We think it’s anticipated there will be a lot of rain, and that also means erosion down the hillsides, into the ocean and also away from the ocean, just regular erosion,” Myerhoff said. “You know we have a very large recent burn scar from the Palisades Fire, so there’s always
the danger of mudslides and debris flows because the vegetation is all burned away.” Myerhoff said the city does not have the resources to individually inspect the over-100
Anybody that lives in a beachfront home needs to be thinking about and taking action to prepare their property.
prepare for these conditions is to visit LA County sandbag distribution stations, which can be located on the LA County Public Works website, Myerhoff said. “Anybody that lives in a beachfront home needs to be thinking about and taking action to prepare their property,” Myerhoff said. Myerhoff said the city has a meteorologist on contract who provides them with specialized weather forecasts that are more accurate and detailed than the National Weather Service. Myerhoff emphasized that with Malibu’s unique geography, this type of forecasting makes a huge difference. Further than its unique terrain, Myerhoff said the weather conditions also impact driving in Malibu — something which is already dangerous, but with more amplified conditions in events like this. “It’s pretty dangerous when the traffic signals are out in Malibu, especially along PCH, you know, because people then just drive straight through the dark traffic signals,” Myerhoff said. Myerhoff said residents in the burn scar areas of the Eaton and Palisades fires can get up to 25 filled sandbags for their properties at one of two locations in Altadena and Malibu. There are also always sandbags available at the entrance of Zuma Beach. This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel.
Matt Myerhoff Public Information Officer for the City of Malibu beachfront homes in Malibu, however he encourages residents to prepare their homes for these severe weather conditions as early as possible. A good way for residents to
amanda.monahan@pepperdine.edu
Infographic by Christine Park | Lead Designer
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September 18, 2026 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Health Sciences introduces Nursing IP Natalie Amoroso News Staff Writer The College of Health Sciences is providing its students with the new opportunity to study abroad. Beginning summer 2027, nursing students will be able to visit any of the campus-based programs. The Pepperdine College of Health Sciences (PCHS) is embarking on a new journey across the seas. For the first time, PCHS is offering nursing students the opportunity to travel abroad for the summer semester. Beginning summer 2027, first-year and sophomore nursing students can travel to any of the seven campus-based international programs. Charlie Engelmann, associate dean of operations for International Programs, outlined the expectations for interested students. “All programs help satisfy core requirements,” Engelmann said. “No single program is specifically better for nursing students.” Engelmann encouraged students to choose their program based on their interest level and their individual course requirements and needs.
Dr. Angel Coaston, dean of the College of Health Sciences, shared additional advice on program choice. “I think in any of the southern countries that are listed, the student would have the opportunity to learn about themselves, learn about the country’s health systems and how this health system functions,” Coaston said. “Then also about the nursing education that happens in those countries.” Coaston said that studying abroad could help nursing students grow in new ways. “We do have Culture Competency in Healthcare courses, and all the nursing students are going to learn about different cultures,” Coaston said. “Going abroad would really just enhance what they’re going to learn in those courses about cultural competency, cultural humility, cultural awareness as students in hospitals — especially in California, a melting pot.” Coaston said that nursing students should embrace the challenges that come with studying abroad. “Traveling abroad can really stretch you in different ways,”
Graphic file photo Pepperdine’s Moore Haus in Heidelberg stands among green trees. Heidelberg is one of the locations open to Nursing students starting summer 2027.
Coaston said. “There are just personal challenges that you get, and also you’re working with people you’ve not worked with, and working in a group.” Coaston said the Kyoto program is one she’s excited to visit. “I’ve not been to Japan, and I’m curious about their own system. I’m curious about their
education also, nursing education,” Coaston said. “So it would be a new experience for me. But any of them would be great.” The priority deadline to apply for International Programs is Sept. 28. After this, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with Feb. 1 as the final deadline to apply. Admissions
decisions are typically sent out two to four weeks after the application is complete, according to the Pepperdine International Programs webpage. This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel. natalie.amoroso@pepperdine.edu
Exploring the Design Major: A Deep Dive Oliver Evans News Staff Writer The Fine Arts Division launched its new design major at the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester. Kate Parsons, an associate professor of Digital Art, said there had been conversations about a Design major before she arrived at Pepperdine in 2018. It wasn’t actively pursued until two years ago, and it wasn‘t approved until last year. “It‘s necessary to let students know more about what kind of skills you could get from this kind of major,” Senior Liangyu Sun, an Art major who also goes by Jinx, said. “It could just be your chance to become Doctor Strange.” Parsons said the approval process for the major involved a lot of curriculum development and whether students were pursuing graphic design or creative technology. “We’re hoping to cover both of those things in detail enough so that they get the skill sets that they that they need,” Parsons said. The degree in Design has two emphases: Graphic Design, which bridges traditional fine arts with modern digital media, and Computer Graphics, which merges technical programming with high-end digital artistry to prepare students for the “frontier” of interactive media, according to Seaver College.
whether they want to pursue technical design or creative design. Parsons said a Studio Art degree can mean anything from photography to more design-like work. The design major aims to provide graduates with skills like 3D modeling. “One thing we’re also looking at doing is working with the entrepreneurship and business folks,” Parsons said. “Because again, this is essentially art in business.”
Desired Learning Outcomes
What Does a Class Look Like?
Parsons said one desired outcome for design students is to give them foundational skills to better decide
Adjunct Professor Eli Joteva said Houdini is a powerful procedural 3D modeling tool. Joteva, who also runs
Photo by Oliver Evans | News Staff Writer Posters for the new design major inside the display case on the first floor of the Cultural Arts Center. The display introduces students to the new major.
her own studio practice, said procedural 3D modeling allows artists to create a system for generating multiple versions of an art piece. “It’s also powerful for visual effects software,” Joteva said. “It’s the industry standard tool for visual special effects.” Joteva said students may also be familiar with tools like ZBrush functioning similarly to sculpting clay. With procedural 3D modeling, you can make a system that produces an infinite number of chairs of varying heights and depths. Joteva said students start off by learning how to model static geometry with Houdini. Then the course will move into making animations,
looking at various types of simulations like Vellum, which is used for cloth animations. “By the end students will have the ability to render,” Joteva said. “They’ll be making an actual feature short animation that they completely produce.” Joteva said the course will also teach students how to procedurally generate environments. Depending on whether someone wants a desert or a forest — it will create digital trees to populate that environment. “We’re also running simulations over the terrain,” Joteva said. “It actually runs a simulation of what the environment would look like if it eroded over time.” Joteva said another project students complete is a poster about a nonhuman subject, which is then turned into a target for an augmented reality experience. What Design Students Might Do Sun said “I think that would be more fun to let the student know this is not just making a picture in Photoshop, Sun said. “It gives you an opportunity to work with your computer or with a screen or with a code machine.” Sun said TouchDesigner is a program that lets people communicate with the computer through the camera. She learned the basics with Parsons, but learned the rest on her own. This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel. oliver.evans@pepperdine.edu
September 18, 2026 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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‘Chorus Line’ out, ‘Oklahoma!’ in Marcos Lizarraga News Editor On the morning of July 30, the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts had the 1975 production “A Chorus Line” on its website. By the end of the day, the website was quietly updated to reflect a new change — the 1943 musical “Oklahoma!” was replacing “A Chorus Line.” The decision, which came from the Seaver Dean’s O!ce, was one that left Kelly Todd, assistant instructor of Teaching of Theatre and former director of “A Chorus Line,” baffled. “It was really disappointing to me. I was really looking forward to directing ‘A Chorus Line,’” Todd said. “The messages and themes are at least about dedicating yourself to a purpose, and that’s what we talk about a lot here at Pepperdine anyway. So it felt like it would fit in so well here, for me.” In an email sent to Lee Kats, dean of Seaver College, regarding the decision to remove “A Chorus Line” from the upcoming theater season, Kats referred the Graphic to the Fine Arts Division, writing that he had “nothing to add beyond what they conveyed.” Paul Begin, senior associate dean of Seaver College, did not respond to the Graphic’s request for comment on the story. “A Chorus Line” “A Chorus Line” is an award-winning musical that premiered on Broadway in 1975. Based on real-life broadway performers, the production follows 17 dancers auditioning for the final eight spots in an upcoming Broadway musical. Throughout the play, the director asks each dancer to share personal stories about their lives, revealing their deepest vulnerabilities but also their greatest ambitions. Directed by Michael Bennett with music by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban, the show is considered revolutionary by the theater community. Unlike many shows at the time, “A Chorus Line” had no large scenery, intermission or leading role according to Signature Theatre, an Award-winning regional theater. “A Chorus Line” was one of the first major Broadway musicals to address homosexuality through its characters. The character of “Paul” delivers a monologue about coming to terms with his identity as a gay man through the arts. A Timeline of Events The deadline to submit shows to the Center for the Arts was set for Wednesday, April 15. When choosing titles, Prof. Lincoln Hanks, Fine Arts divisional dean, said several
different factors went into the selection process. “There’s considerations of not only the education value of a show, but also is it the right show for the season,” Hanks said. “In terms of balancing themes and of course in terms of our campus and community, all those kinds of things are part of that conversation.” Hanks said he got involved in those faculty conversations late, but eventually signed off on their season selection. From there, Hanks sent the production titles over to the Dean’s O!ce. After receiving no response, the Fine Arts Division moved forward under the assumption of approval from the Dean’s O!ce. The process then moved to the Center for the Arts and Integrated Marketing Communications, the University’s central team for creative marketing, communication and design. Carson confirmed that the Theatre program met all the appropriate deadlines. The Center for the Arts took around one month to design and produce 30,000 brochures for the upcoming theater season. It cost the Center for the Arts $20,000 to print the brochures, plus an additional $10,000 for postage. On Tuesday, June 9, the Center for the Arts sent out emails through its mailing list — which contains subscribers, donors and other VIP members — confirming the show titles for the upcoming 2026-27 theater season. Hanks said the Dean’s Office brought up concerns regarding the themes of “A Chorus Line” shortly after the announcement. Hanks brought in Bradley Gri!n, professor of Theatre and Theatre Program Coordinator, into meetings with administration. Hanks said he and Gri!n advocated to keep “A Chorus Line” during these meetings. “We went over and advocated for ‘A Chorus Line’ to the Dean’s O!ce, just to talk it through and see if we can get an understanding of what we could do to keep it on the season,” Hanks said. “And it came down to one, maybe two whole songs in the show that were ofconcern, thematically.” The main song of concern that Hanks referenced is “Dance Ten, Looks Three” by Hamlisch and Kleban. The song follows a female dancer named Val who repeatedly loses out on Broadway roles due to her physical appearance, despite having all the technical ability, and she only begins to get hired for roles once she gets plastic surgery done on her body. Throughout the song, Val repeatedly sings the words “tits” and “ass,” with the last line talking about how getting new “tits” and “ass” changed her life, according to Genius. Yet, even with the bold lan-
Photo courtesy of Pepperdine University The exterior of Smothers Theatre on the Malibu campus. The performing arts theater has held various productions since 1980.
guage, Gri!n said this is still a story worth telling. “She uses profanity, but she’s also talking, telling a sort of a truth there,” Gri!n said. “She’s owning the fact that if this is the way that she has to play the game, then she’s going to play the game, and she’s going to get the role.” On Wednesday, June 29, while Carson was on vacation, she received an email notification from the Fine Arts Division that “A Chorus Line” would no longer be in production. Carson said the Center for the Arts had to work quickly in deciding how to best communicate with ticket buyers. “We quickly worked to determine what musical we were going to replace it with because we felt like it was best to let our patrons know what we were going to do instead,” Carson said. Then, on Wednesday, July 29, the Center for the Arts sent an email to patrons and ticket buyers for “A Chorus Line,” notifying them that the show was replaced by “Oklahoma!” Carson also communicated to patrons that they would be eligible for refunds if they preferred. The Center for the Arts sold 76 tickets for “A Chorus Line,” and 20 patrons asked for a refund after being informed of the switch. A day later, on July 30, the website was updated to reflect the change. Buying Rights For Pepperdine’s Theatre program to host a show in Smothers Theatre, they must undergo a lengthy process that can last about six to eight weeks. First, the Theatre program determines which play publishing house has the rights to the show title that the University wishes to produce. Gri!n said Todd was mainly in charge of finding titles to direct, but enlisted his help in finding potential productions. For “A Chorus Line,” the publishing and licensing rights are handled by Concord
Theatricals on behalf of the Tams-Whitmark Collection and Music Library, according to Concord Theatricals’ website. Coincidentally, Concord Theatricals also holds the same rights for “Oklahoma!” Todd, who is now in charge of directing “Oklahoma!,” formally submitted three potential titles to Concord Theatricals. The publishing house quickly responded to the Theatre program’s inquiries stating that one title was denied, while one title was accepted — “Oklahoma!” was the one that was approved. Shortly after, the Theatre program received a quote for the royalty fee from Concord Theatricals. However, because the theatre program had rented the rights to “A Chorus Line” from the same publishing house, they were able to transfer the rights from “A Chorus Line” to “Oklahoma!” While the rights process took less time than expected, Todd said the Dean’s O!ce gave no guidance. “Oklahoma!” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that first premiered on Broadway in 1943. Written by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, the story follows two love triangles between white settlers in the 20th-century Oklahoma territory. Based on an earlier play by Cherokee playwright Lynn Riggs called “Green Grow the Lilacs,” “Oklahoma!” stripped many elements from the original play. “Oklahoma!” removed the original play’s concern over Indian sovereignty as well as homosexual undertones, according to New York Magazine. Riggs, who is gay, wrote “Green Glow the Lilacs” as a way to deal with his experience of being an outsider, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
in the fall 2025 semester and the last-minute removal of “A Chorus Line” from the season. In October 2025, Pepperdine administrators shut down a Weisman exhibition after censoring two pieces of artwork that they deemed “political in nature,” according to previous Graphic reporting. “I think that the exhibition in the Weisman Museum of Art was an outside artist collective, and you know, this situation is Pepperdine students and faculty,” Carson said. “But I think the similarity is it feels like there’s a disconnect between what we are trying to do and what the University thinks we should be doing.” For Todd, the censorship at the Weisman was painful. “That experience eroded relationships — not permanently, but it did,” Todd said. “To have this decision come down in that environment made it even more hurtful for us,” Todd said. Todd said solving this removal issue between administration and faculty is complex. “I think some of the challenges of this discussion is that we, as professors, see this as our academic work. We see our shows as the lab in which our students grow and develop,” Todd said. “This feels like an academic freedom issue to me. I have been hired as the person on campus who has the most experience in musical theater. That show would’ve pushed our students.” In a Sept. 16 email to the Graphic, Todd said she’s made progress. “Progress on ‘Oklahoma!’ is great,” Todd wrote. “It is going to be a wonderful show.” This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel.
Pepp’s Artistic Future Carson said it is hard to ignore the comparisons between the art censorship that took place at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art
marcos.lizarraga@pepperdine.edu
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September 18, 2026 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Photo by Amanda Monahan | Managing Editor Fraser Michael Bohm (far right) enters the Van Nuys Courthouse with his family and defense attorney Evan Wolk on Sept. 15. Bohm’s defense attorney Alan Jackson was also present at the hearing but did not speak.
Motions to dismiss key evidence in Bohm case dismissed by Judge Rubinson Amanda Monahan Managing Editor Editor’s Note: This reporting is part of the Graphic’s ongoing coverage of the Oct. 2023 PCH crash that killed four Pepperdine seniors: Asha Weir, Deslyn Williams, Niamh Rolston and Peyton Stewart. For more information on the crash and the events that followed and a better understanding of ‘Our Girls,’ please see the following: From 2023: Couch Time and Sunshine: Reminiscing on Moments of Friendship and Sisterhood From 2024: A Year Later: How Best Friends Honor and Remember their Sisters From 2025: Two Years Later: Malibu Honors ‘Our Four Girls’ Judge Thomas Rubinson denied two motions filed by Fraser Michael Bohm’s defense team at the Van Nuys Courthouse on Sept. 15. The first 402 motion was regarding which of Bohm’s statements from the night of
the crash should be admissible based on when officers read Bohm his Miranda Rights. The second motion argued that officers coerced Bohm into making certain incriminating statements the night of the crash. Defense attorney Jacqueline Sparagna argued that the statements Bohm made pre-Miranda should be excluded from trial evidence. Sparagna cited data that states the average traffic stop takes around three minutes, to which Rubinson replied “You’re not seriously contending that this is a normal traffic stop are you?” Sparagna continued her argument by pointing to the “enormous police presence” around Bohm the night of Oct. 17, 2023 which did not make him feel free to leave the scene. Further, the defense argued the responding deputies, mainly Deputy Telles, were aggressive, confrontational and accusatory, coercing Bohm to respond in a particular manner. Rubinson and the prosecution argued there was never a moment where all the responding deputies were around
Bohm at once; even when there were several officers in Bohm’s vicinity, there was never a moment when all six deputies interacted with Bohm at the same time. Sparagna went on to call the Oct. 17, 2023 crash “the biggest car crash in PCH history in Malibu.” The prosecution argued that Bohm was not so distraught that he didn’t know where he was, where was going or where he was coming from — further, in the body camera footage, Bohm knew where his house was relative to the crash scene. New 402 Motions Filed After taking a mid-day break, the defense discussed the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) statistics, which Rubinson granted for general statistical use, not the individual cases within the 129-page crash report. Rubinson also granted the general statistical use of CHP Malibu Reports from 2024-25 and five years of crash reports
from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department. Rubinson denied the introduction of evidence related to the City of Malibu’s speed cameras installed on PCH, stating he did not feel as though it bore relevance to Bohm’s actions. The defense then requested for the stretch of PCH where the crash took place to not be referred to as “Dead Man’s Curve” in the trial, stating the name has only come up after Bohm’s incident. Significant time was spent discussing Bohm’s friends’ fatal collision in 2020. Rubinson argued this event should have sensitized Bohm to the dangers of reckless driving, even sharing that ever since he took on this case, he thinks about it every time he gets in the car. Rubinson agreed to exclude the speed of Bohm’s friends’ crash. The court discussed Bohm’s doctor’s appointments in relation to his mental health both before and after the Oct. 17, 2023 crash. The defense brought in information about two therapy sessions Bohm had in 2019, which he had
right after getting into an accident with concern over another driver being upset with him — something Bohm had described to his therapist as a road rage incident. Rubinson said this doctor should be brought in as a witness. Bohm also saw a doctor on Oct. 20, 2023 — three days after the PCH crash — and the doctor reported Bohm as feeling triggered and still suffering from a concussion. Rubinson said Bohm’s doctors that will be brought in as witnesses can discuss their examinations of the defendant and his symptoms, however they cannot testify what Bohm told them after the accident. By the end of the Sept. 15 pre-trial hearing, there were still several pages of motions to discuss. Rubinson set another pre-trial hearing date for Sept. 29 at 9:30 a.m. at the Van Nuys Courthouse. This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel. amanda.monahan@pepperdine.edu
PCH Crash Trial Updates
April 9 Both the prosecution and defense say they are hoping for a mid-summer start of the trial.
July 1 Judge Thomas Rubinson sets a Sept. 8 trial start date.
Sept. 2
Sept. 9
The trial is delayed from starting The defense introduces Sept. 8 to Dec. 1. The prosecution motions to dismiss crash introduces a new theory regarding scene evidence. a nitrous oxide tank. Photos & Design by Amanda Monahan | Managing Editor
September 18 , 2026
The Graphic
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THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC SENIOR LEADERS Managing Editor Currents Editor-in-Chief Special Edition Editor News Editor Perspectives Editor Life & Arts Editor Sports Editor Lead Designer Photo Editor Art Editor Copy Chief Social Media Manager Digital Editor Pixel Editor Advertising Director
Art by Cara Tang | Art Editor
Staff Editorial: Malibu weathers challenges Graphic Staff Editor’s Note: PGM staff members decide on the topic of a staff editorial together. The staff as a whole provides opinions and content included in this staff editorial to provide thoughts about and shed light on solutions for happenings at Pepperdine.
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eing a Pepperdine student comes with the privilege of living in the picturesque city of Malibu. It can be easy to overlook the environmental concerns Malibu is facing with the recent destruction the weather has caused. It’s important to remember that all the beaches, mountains and roads we enjoy are not immune to the climate. Thus, we implore Pepperdine students to be a bit more intentional and mindful of how the city we see right now might undergo harsh changes in the upcoming decades. It’s been a difficult moment to live on this coastline — one that is easy to love. Last week, El Niño-driven waves crashed onto oncoming traffic on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), causing a disruption; the energy was driven by Tropical Storm Marie. Wave heights were off the charts as they averaged from 6 to 10 feet, with the National Weather Service reporting a maximum peak of a 15-foot wave, according to AFP. As rain pelted down, the Malibu Chili Cook-Off closed its festivities for the day Sept. 6. The mountains were shrouded
in mist and fog. The surf pounded away the shoreline as Malibu’s own beachfront driveways collapsed into a sinkhole, forcing an evacuation of 31 neighboring homes. The homes were left entirely without gas and water lines. Point Dume State Beach and adjacent Westward Beach lost 10 feet of sand and faced structural damage, amplifying the ever increasing coastal erosion issue to the forefront of our minds. Our steps were heavy as temperatures reached a high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit on Sept. 9. August was the hottest month in California’s history. The heat advisory intensity drew concerns of potential wildfires, according to the Daily News. The past couple weeks have been a real-time reflection of what living on the edge of a volatile climate looked like on our streets, our beaches and right up to people’s front porches. Yet, Malibu is resilient, and even more so, its residents. The community comes together to keep its spirit alive. The Graphic hopes to come across as intentional in providing resources for the growing climate anxiety we have toward the place we call home. The Bay Foundation restores the dune habitat at Zuma and Point Dume. The nonprofit Sea of Clouds blends environmental conservation with honoring Malibu heritage. The Surfrider Foundation, started in Malibu back in 1984, has now grown into a leading non-profit grassroots organization, dedicated to advocacy for
the coast and oceans, organizing beach cleanups and working on policy to protect local surf breaks. While bordered by the ocean, Malibu’s mountains make up the terrain around us, a constant reminder of the natural beauty we must strive to protect. Through the ever changing fire and erosion season, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy maintains land preservation and habitat protection across the hillsides above Malibu. We also keep in mind the other wildlife that inhabit the diverse ecosystems Malibu has. The California Wildlife Center rehabilitates injured and orphaned native wildlife, often displaced by the fires or storms. Here at the Graphic, our utmost priority is to continue reporting on all that goes on in Malibu. As members of the Pepperdine community, we believe it’s important to build a bridge with the Malibu community. We hope the Malibu community understands the Graphic creates a space that points toward action, community and trust. With care for this community, The Graphic Staff
THE PGM STAFF News Team News Staff Writers
Natalie Amoroso Oliver Evans
Life & Arts Team Assistant Life & Arts Editor Life & Arts Staff Writers
Jordan Isabel Baquiran Alyssa Avelar Lang Cooper Triniti Gregg Dalainey Moore Sydnie Nuss Aurelia Sebastian
Perspectives Team Assistant Perspectives Editor Perspectives Staff Writers
Karina Guzman Riley McGeehon Abby Samuel
Sports Team Assistant Sports Editor Sports Staff Writers
Genevieve Cantu Grace Boktor Lang Cooper Melodi Mendez Dalainey Moore Aliana Olmos Rivers Pope
Copy Team Life & Arts Copy Editor Perspectives Copy Editor Sports Copy Editor
Haylie Ross Caitlin Murray Olivia Schlossin
Photo Team Assistant Photo Editor Staff Photographers
Olivia Schneider Guinevere Hesse Louisa McQuilling Amelie Sears Alayna Yared
Design Team Design Assistants
Lang Cooper Ming Hsu
Art Team Assistant Art Editor Staff Artists
Sofia Cifuentes Rebecca Horowitz Mariah Mapa Ava Miller
Podcast Team Podcast Producers
peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com
Amanda Monahan Haylie Ross Nina Fife Marcos Lizarraga Ashley Burton Alexa McGlathery Madison Chavez Christine Park Griffin Pilcher Cara Tang Lila Rendel Bella Mikha Karla Suzuki Shalom Montgomery Jonathan Jimenez
Ellya Asatryan Nicolle Assumpcao Gretchen Langholz
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September 18, 2026 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Malibu has an anti-homelessness problem Riley McGeehon Perspectives Staff Writer Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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alibu City Council unanimously approved an emergency declaration Aug. 10, allowing the city to clear homeless encampments without multiple days’ notice. The severity of the fire risk Malibu faces cannot be understated. The December 2024 Franklin Fire resulted in a devastating toll of 4,086 acres burned and 20 structures destroyed, according to Cal Fire. The far more destructive Palisades Fire in January 2025 destroyed 6,845 buildings and claimed 12 civilian fatalities. While fire risk prevention is deeply serious to the Malibu community, it should not sour our judgment on the unhoused. The declaration will remain in effect until three criteria are met: The city of Malibu receives two inches of rain, live fuel moisture (LFM) is at least 80% and a red flag warning has not been issued for two weeks. This set of criteria will keep the declaration in place for the foreseeable future, with conditions potentially not permitting encampments until
wintertime. Malibu surely faces a fire risk problem, but it also has a serious anti-homelessness problem. Open flames in homeless encampments have likely caused approximately 40 fires in Malibu since 2021. Although this number seems daunting, half of these incidents occurred in 2021 when the unhoused population of Malibu sat at 157 individuals, according to the LA Times. The number of annual encampment fires has steadily declined along with Malibu’s unhoused population, which currently rests at 27 individuals across 16 dwellings, according to the LA Times. Mayor Bruce Silverstein defends the declaration as “an important preventative measure to reduce wildfire risk and protect lives and homes in Malibu,” according to Canyon News. However, the numbers don’t add up. Unhoused citizens are simply not chief offenders of fire-related events. Though two small fires have been noted, a significant wildfire has not been credited to homelessness in 2026, according to the LA Times. With the unhoused population and fire-related incidents in steady decline over the past few years, the severity of this measure is excessive. The City of Malibu claims to take a “proactive, service-driven approach,” according to their website. Nevertheless, sweeping deconstruction
Art by Ava Miller | Staff Artist could render unhoused individuals more vulnerable. Sheriff’s deputies oversee the removal of encampments. Those who refuse to vacate face risk of arrest, according to the LA Times. At the present moment, Malibu’s stance on homelessness is anything but transparent. County leaders have recently affirmed their stance against the criminalization of homelessness, according to Spectrum News. Uncertainty emerges as deputies retain the right to arrest noncompliers. Due to encampment closures, many people have lost important items such as identification or vital documents — losses that can hinder a person’s chances of finding employment or housing. Others have reported incidents of losing electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, baby formula, loved one’s ashes and seizure medication, according to ProPublica. Malibu’s unhoused are at heightened risk of suffering similar consequences given the declaration’s inclusion of both same-day notice and same-day deconstruction.
It would be irresponsible not to acknowledge Malibu’s extensive history with wildfire and the rampant damage it has caused, but that does not open the door for the humanity of the unhoused to be cast to the wayside. The City of Malibu Council Agenda Report sets “improving public safety” as a goal, yet this declaration can result in the conditions of the unhoused being severely diminished. The championing of fire risk reduction has allowed anti-homeless sentiment to take hold. Meal vouchers are a potential policy alternative to no-notice encampment removal. This would disincentivize the use of open flame for cooking, bringing the already meager fire reports even lower. We must not neglect the needs of some of the community’s most vulnerable. We must pursue egalitarian solutions that leave no one behind.
This story was copy edited by Caitlin Murray. riley.mcgeehon@pepperdine.edu
Malibu should support walkability Karina Guzman Assistant Perspectives Editor Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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or college students, living on campus often means walking downtown, barhopping or finding a restaurant that’s open 24/7. In comparison to nearby cities, such as Santa Monica or Los Angeles, living in Malibu can feel like getting dropped in the middle of nowhere, especially for students without a reliable mode of transportation. Popular European countries and American cities such as Denmark, the Netherlands, San Francisco and New York City tend to design their roads around bikes and pedestrians as opposed to car-centric architecture, according to Green City Times. This reduces health risks by encouraging walking as a part of daily routine and decreasing car crashes, according to a study by the Malaysian Institute of Planners. Walkable cities are beneficial for both students on campus and the local economy as a whole. Lancaster, Calif., spent $11.2 million in 2008 to recenter the city around businesses and pedestrians. The results yielded a successful “total estimated economic impact of about 280 million dollars” from increased downtown revenue, property values and new jobs that came with over 57 new businesses and cut pedestrian crashes by 75%, according to Emory Economics Review. That being said, Malibu’s population has been declining since 2018, mainly due to destructive fires, and has decreased by over 10% since the last census in 2020, according to World Population Review. Along with devastating natural disasters, the additional changes could be due to shifting demographics within Malibu, as up-and-coming residents from the nation as a whole are currently
dealing with the financial effects of an oncoming recession, according to The World Now. The income of younger residents who are less experienced in the workforce and dealing with elevated risk of a recession, as according to Economic Lens, may not be able to keep up with the high cost of living Malibu requires. This can price groups such as college students out of local housing, transportation, gas, food, shops and events. Not only are those in Malibu priced out of everyday life, but the idea of navigating through the city can often bring caution and fear onto the local community. As seen in cases such as the deaths of Our Girls, including Asha Weir, Deslyn Williams, Niamh Rolston and Peyton Stewart, Malibu’s focus on Pacific Coast Highway instead of the members of its community can lead to devastating situations. Focusing on walkability is to focus on the safety of current and future Malibu residents in ways Malibu has failed to do before. Even upon graduation, Pepperdine alumni, among other newly graduated college students, will make about $56,153 on average, according to CNBC. Considering Malibu’s average per capita income is $101,932, many may choose not to remain in Malibu due to the costs and lack of pedestrian-focused characteristics that can create an unsafe living environment. Along with this, many cities will not shape their budgets around projects that would help improve walkability, in part due to economic risk. “Their [commercial lenders’] most ideal project is building the same project that already exists on the same block, because those conditions have been proven to succeed,” according to Yale Climate Connections. Fear surrounds restructuring because the immediate costs may not generate a worthy profit, even if the profit is simply fewer car crashes or more people taking walks. Despite these concerns, realtors have noticed
Art by Mariah Mapa | Staff Artist an increase in demand for housing within walkable cities, according to Yale Climate Connections. In cases similar to Lancaster, the overall profit, safety and mental benefits far outweigh any initial costs. Despite the opportunity to benefit from city restructuring in various facets of Malibu life, it’s unrealistic to expect any changes or to expect older constituents to desire any changes. Malibu’s City Council Planning Commission mostly focuses on the further development of PCH and housing alongside it, according to its Agenda Center, with very little focus on pedestrian life or accessibility to basic necessities without a car. Even when driving along PCH, many projects in development are office spaces, housing or roads, as opposed to catering to younger potential residents by providing easier, safer ways to get around or more options for recreational activities. Pepperdine students and incoming residents who are hoping for a more accessible city structure should contact Malibu City Council members using the city staff directory or attend an open city council meeting. This story was copy edited by Caitlin Murray. karina.guzman@pepperdine.edu
September 18, 2026 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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Don’t use social media for political info Abby Samuel Perspectives Staff Writer Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
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any college students are exposed to national politics through TikTok, Instagram, Fizz, memes and group chats — even more so than traditional news outlets. An April study found that 57% of teens get their news from social media daily, according to the Media Insight Project. For decades, youth political participation has been on a continuous decline, but digital platforms have lowered the barriers to political participation, allowing younger generations to participate through online petitions and other forms of online activism, according to “Generational Gaps in Political Media Use and Civic Engagement.” At the same time, there comes the question of whether students are truly well-informed or just well-exposed. In spite of the recent surge in political engagement, there is still very little political literacy, according to Our National Conversation. Provocative social media posts promote overly radical ideals, which are increasingly pushed out by algorithms as a method to generate greater profit margins. The goal of these algorithms is to maximize engagement by showing viewers content similar to what they have previously interacted with, regardless of its validity, to keep viewers hooked, according to PBS. Unfortunately, this layout has attracted a growing number of people hoping to get more upvotes and likes through radical false claims on platforms like Fizz, according to Rice University. Since the genesis of Fizz, students have used the platform to freely post everything that may pop into their mind, ranging from opinions about their professors to all kinds of online abuse, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. As a result, universities in Florida and North Carolina have banned Fizz, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Although there is little organized and collected data on Fizz’s contribution to political issues, there is data regarding similar anonymous commenting platforms. Anonymous accounts on X have been spreading misinformation regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, including one account sharing a post that falsely claimed to show a Palestinian crisis actor pretending to be seriously injured, according to the LA Times. Other anonymous influencers instigate public unrest, falsely claiming that Democrats are encouraging illegal immigrants to replace white people and to commit voter fraud, according to the LA Times. This shift toward increased political exposure doesn’t necessarily mean youth have increased levels of political participation and engagement. Research indicates otherwise. There was an observed decline in conventional and unconventional civic/ political participation among youth over the span of a 30-year period, according to “Thirty-Year Trends in
Art by Sofia Cifuentes | Assistant Art Editor U.S. Adolescents’ Civic Engagement: A Story of Changing Participation and Educational Differences.” Another study shows that Boomers have the highest level of participation, with the following generations trailing behind, according to “Generational Gaps in Political Media Use and Civic Engagement.” While legacy news corporations may also present misinformation, bias or censorship, they are subject to strict editorial standards — meanwhile, memes and media posts have no such obligation and thus are more susceptible to error. While TikTok may be blowing up over Congress passing a new controversial law, very few will learn about the specific language, context, when the law takes effect and all it may affect. During the 2024 presidential election, President Donald Trump’s online campaign material quickly gained traction. Studies show a decline in the information quality and validity of not just Trump’s material, but the overall Republican Party’s material as well, according to an article published by PNAS Nexus. Online engagement with political content, especially in relation to election material, is often won through toxic, polarizing content, with an observed 1.3% increase in engagement, according to the Harvard Kennedy School’s Misinformation Review. Unfortunately, during events around the 2024 election, including Trump’s conviction, the first presidential debate, the assassination attempt, the Republican National Convention and later debates, different toxic content began to circulate, according to Misinformation Review. Politicians are also notorious for sharing untrustworthy information through their campaign accounts, especially those in the U.S. Congress, according to PNAS Nexus.
A group chat may circulate a 30-second clip and debate its meaning in minutes, maybe with little to no context, utilizing only their worldviews and political tribalism. Different people’s political affiliations and environmental biases lead to increased engagement with similar videos, making them more likely to send such types of videos to their friends and colleagues in group chats. Without the original speech, date, surrounding context and impartial explanation, people might be arguing over an incomplete version of the truth. That’s the problem with the group chat: Media is rarely consumed in its original form. A news article becomes a screenshot, which gets a catchy caption added and becomes a meme. Political literacy isn’t about knowing who is in office and the newest White House controversy. It is understanding how political institutions function, where information comes from and how each policy affects its constituents.
Political literacy isn’t about knowing who is in office and the newest White House controversy. Abby Samuel Perspectives Staff Writer Still, there is some merit to political social media use. A student who would have never turned on CNN, NBC or Fox News will still be somewhat aware of what is happening in their city, state, country and world on Instagram. A student who was unaware of the Israel-Gaza conflict could
be informed by a creator giving a minute-long summary. Social media can reduce ignorance by introducing people to issues they may have never encountered otherwise. It can spark curiosity, generosity and perhaps empathy. Either way, a decline in ignorance still doesn’t entail an informed populace. Misinformation spreads through half-truths and incomplete stories. Acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie describes the dangers of the “single story” — when a person, place or culture gets reduced to one repeated narrative until that becomes all they are known for, according to her TED Talk. The same can occur within politics. A politician can be reduced to a single viral speech. A president can become known for one misstep. A policy can be reduced to one negative story or statistic. When one fragment is repeatedly shown, it can start to feel like the whole story. Students should instead take the initiative to do their own research, read more about the world around them, watch the rest of that speech and factcheck using verified news sources. Getting into arguments about shortform political videos or memes without the entire context is ineffective and impractical. Instead of propagating online toxicity, take a minute to evaluate the content and be beacons of truth. This story was copy edited by Caitlin Murray.
abby.samuel@pepperdine.edu
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September 18 , 2026
The Graphic
pepperdin e - graphic .com
LIFE & ARTS
More than a flip-flop: Rainbows take over campus Photos by Louisa McQuilling | Staff Photographer A display of Rainbow Sandals hangs inside a display case at Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost in the Malibu Country Mart on Sept. 1. The shoe displayed, the “Flirty Braidy” model, is one of the store’s bestsellers, sales associate Justin Carlat said.
Alexa McGlathery Life & Arts Editor From the beach to the classroom, flip-flops are a California staple and Pepperdine students are no exception to the trend. Flip-flops are a familiar sight around Pepperdine’s Seaver campus, where warm weather keeps the shoes in rotation throughout most of the year. Students tend to gravitate toward one pair of sandals in particular: Rainbow Sandals, or more commonly known as “Rainbows.” “There has been a huge increase on campus of people wearing Rainbows,” senior Kaylee Snyder said. “Everyone is wearing Rainbows.” Rainbows Around Malibu Many retailers throughout Malibu carry Rainbow Sandals. At the Malibu Country Mart, shoppers can find Rainbows at Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost. “The main reason we carry [Rainbows] is because they are so popular among surfers,” said Justin Carlat, sales associate at Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost. “We try to keep them in stock as much as possible.” For surfers, the appeal of Rainbows goes beyond their connection to Southern California style.
Their simple design makes them an easy shoe to slip on after getting out of the water or heading to and from the beach, said sophomore Zoe Herishen, co-president of the Pepperdine Surf and Recreation Club.
My biggest life hack is to just thug it out for those weeks. Kaylee Snyder Senior
“I feel like they’re the perfect beach shoe,” Herishen said. The sandals are not limited to the shops around Malibu’s Civic Center. Farther west along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Sea N’ Soul and Drill Surf and Skate in Trancas Country Mart in Point Dume also carry Rainbows. Breaking Them In Rainbow Sandals require a “break-in” period, giving the leather time to soften and gradually mold to the wearer’s feet, according to their website. For some Rainbow wearers, getting that comfortable fit can come with a few uncomfortable weeks. “It’s a little rough for the first weeks,” Herishen said. “You get those blisters but then
after those weeks, it’s the best thing I could ever wear.” The initial discomfort often comes from the sandal’s leather straps. The strap can rub against the foot, according to Rainbow’s website. To speed up the process, Rainbow wearers have developed their own tricks for breaking in a new pair. “My biggest life hack is to just thug it out for those weeks,” Snyder said. “I know it’s gonna hurt, but I promise you it’s worth it.” For those less willing to “thug it out,” other methods can make the process more gradual. A commonly suggested method is getting the sandals wet and wearing them as they dry, according to Flip Flop Shop. “Getting them wet definitely helps,” Herishen said. “It’s all part of the experience.” Why Do People Love Them? Rainbow wearers said the main appeal for the popular flip-flops are their comfort and adaptability. “They’re very versatile,” Snyder said. “I was abroad in Switzerland for the full year — it didn’t matter if it was August, January or March — I was always rocking my Rainbows.” Rainbows also appeal to those wanting to stay connected and grounded with the outdoors. “I’m not big on sneakers ever. I like having my feet out,” Herishen said. But it’s not just students rocking the Rainbows. “My first [class] at Pepperdine was an 8 a.m. physics class. I walked into the classroom and the professor was
A fully stocked shelf of Rainbows sits inside Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost on Sept. 1. Sales associate Justin Carlat said he tends to notice everyone in Malibu wearing Rainbows.
wearing Rainbows,” Herishen said. “That’s when I knew this was the place I’m meant to be.” Rainbows also offer a “lifetime warranty on the sole for classic leather style,” according to their website. “I wear the hell out of mine,” Carlat said. “I’ve probably worn them 90 days straight.”
This story was copy edited by Haylie Ross.
alexa.mcglathery@pepperdine.edu
September 18, 2026 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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Album Review: Steve Lacy returns to pop R&B Riley McGeehon Perspectives Staff Writer Transparency item: A review provides an informed and opinionated critique. These informed critiques are published to make a recommendation to readers. This review is the opinion of the writer. On July 17, Steve Lacy released his third studio album “Oh yeah?” Lacy’s new release is the first full-length installation in the artist’s discography since the smash hit “Gemini Rights.” The 2022 album launched Lacy to the forefront of pop music, boasting chart toppers like “Bad Habit” and “Static.” Four years removed from “Gemini Rights,” Lacy introduces the audience to a changing, evolving Lacy. The smooth vocals, guitar chords and diverse influences that underpin Lacy’s style are present, but the tongue-in-cheek lyricism and stripped-back aesthetics are turned up. Lacy’s evolution is greatly evidenced by the lead single “the feeling.” Lyrics such as “The devil’s working hard to keep me alone / I know we’re down to the wire” convey a growing pessimism and desperation toward love.
Moreover, the lyricism on “the feeling” reads as an intoxicated stream of consciousness delivered over a drum loop, culminating in the pleading refrain “am I your baby?” The hopeful melancholy on “Gemini Rights” is hardly a feature of “Oh yeah?” Instead, this new album displays a more introspective and heartbreaking tone, revealed by the lyrics: “When you start writing songs just to stop thinking ‘bout him / Oh then you start writing songs and you make ‘em about him.” Lacy’s persona on “Oh yeah?” is one of the more alluring aspects of the album.
He’s not portrayed as a flawless hero, but a lovable infidel whom the audience is able to find themselves rooting for. Riley McGeehon
Perspectives Staff Writer
The second track “is it cool?” featuring SZA has Lacy grappling with his vices, shown in the lines: “Tatay died when I was like 10 / I turned out to be just fine / I just cheat every now and again / That was hard for me to admit.” Lacy’s actions aren’t meant to be endorsed, perhaps not even fully understood. He’s not portrayed as a flawless hero, but a lovable infidel whom the audience is able to find themselves rooting for. “Nothing” and “show you me” are pockets where Lacy accents the depths of his vulnerability. The minimalistic “show you me” spotlights crooning vocals over strumming guitar. The meditative “nothing,” two songs down the track list, further exposes the artist, saying “I think we could have been something / Maybe it’s just timing / When we don’t speak for a while I get feral.” This animalistic description within Lacy’s confession is a strong mark of self-awareness that furthers to his character. The opening track, which was featured in “Spider Man: Brand New Day,” opens the album on a high note. The energetic, call-to-action vibe does not spare it from hosting one of the project’s most crushing lyrics: “I don’t want
Photo courtesy of Radio Corporation of America to lose again / Please I beg / Could my hope be of value?” The album’s final song, “bebe,” can only be described as dark and sinister, as seen in the line “You put me under your spell tonight.” Rounding out the album’s moody sonic palette, Lacy laments his romantic entanglements: “I’m hexed, goddamn it.” A four-year hiatus after the modern classic “Gemini Rights” set the bar high for a follow-up. Luckily, the new album is full of ear worms that get better with every listen.
“Oh yeah?” is the perfectly executed evolution of Lacy’s artistry. Even “pure color,” a song comparatively eventless, still broadens and reinforces the soundscape. A tight 10 tracks and 40 minutes, “Oh yeah?” culminates into Lacy’s best album to date. This story was copy edited by Haylie Ross.
riley.mcgeehon@pepperdine.edu
Spiritual Life Advisors lead Bible studies Jordan Baquiran Life & Arts Assistant Editor Spiritual Life Advisors (SLAs) are student leaders intended to be pastoral guides for their student residents, according to Pepperdine Housing and Residence Life (HRL). Pepperdine strives for academic excellence while also maintaining their Christian values, said Zachary Luben, director of Student Convocation. The Chapel program is intended to promote Pepperdine’s religious core. “We invite students to think of love, truth, goodness and beauty from a distinctly Christian perspective,” Luben said. “To nurture their faith, to invite people to explore what a good and beautiful life looks like.” Optional Residential Bible Studies In recent years, SLAs led Connection Chapel, and it counted toward students’ Chapel credit, Luben said. However, this semester, SLAs are no longer partnered with the Chapel program and thus do not lead Bible studies tied to Chapel courses credit. “Part of the program’s revision was to shift Chapel from being a letter grade, based solely on attendance, to being a credit-no-credit program based upon 80% completion of the chapel,” Luben said. “The other big shift we made is that it is now a graduation requirement.” In addition, faculty and staff now lead Chapel in order to assess
“80% completion” rather than student leaders, Luben said. This change only affects SLAs in first-year and sophomore housing, said Spencer Slater, associate director of Housing and Residence Life. SLAs in junior and senior housing are already accustomed to leading weekly small groups, which have never been obligatory for their residents. “Residence-specific small groups offer a space where, ideally, students who live with one another get to engage in a specific topic they are interested in and go deeper with their neighbors in community,” said Daniel Ramli, Rockwell Towers Resident Director (RD). Ramli said optional attendance at the Bible studies allows students to participate by choice, letting SLAs dive deeper into biblical topics they are passionate about. “Before SLAs came back to campus for our training, I asked them to be praying and thinking, ‘What is something God has placed on your heart that not only a resident would be excited to learn about, but that you would want to be excited to share about?’” Ramli said. “For these small groups, it really matters that the SLAs are fully excited about what they’re teaching because residents see that.” Building a Spiritually Focused Community Senior Elayna McClure, an SLA for Rockwell Towers, said this change puts more responsibility on her to encourage students to participate.
Photo by Jordan Baquiran | Life & Arts Assistant Editor Senior Elayna McClure (third from left) hosts her weekly Bible study in Rockwell Towers on Sept. 1. McClure said her small group usually reads verses from Philippians and discusses their thoughts.
McClure said she was worried students would not come to her meetings by choice, but since going door-to-door to residents, posting flyers in the halls and texting in the Towers GroupMe to promote her Bible studies, she is happy with the turnout thus far. “I was concerned people wouldn’t be attending just because it is voluntary,” McClure said. “However, I have found that not only are people attending my Bible study, but they’re also engaging.” Students who attend Bible studies willingly are able to enrich the discussions, Ramli said. When students
are disinterested, it can diminish the experience for the group. “This year, my attendance is down because I do not have 15 students forced to come to my Bible study, but it’s seven girls who want to engage,” McClure said. This story was copy edited by Haylie Ross.
jordanisabel.baquiran@pepperdine.edu
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September 18, 2026 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Change to Malibu Farmers Market sparks tension Alexa McGlathery Life & Arts Editor The Malibu Farmers Market has long given local farmers, food vendors and small businesses a place to sell their products and connect with the Malibu community every Sunday. But on Aug. 23, those vendors found themselves temporarily packing up for a new home. The market, which operates Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., relocated from its longtime location near Civic Center Way to the parking lot outside of Malibu City Hall. One week later, on Aug. 30, the market moved again, this time setting up by the Malibu Library parking lot and leaving its temporary City Hall location behind. “I was not notified of the move and neither were some other people,” said Matthew DeYoung of the initial move. DeYoung is the founder and owner of Clean Fix Juice Company. For some of the businesses that return week after week, the initial move came with little warning and brought uncertainty about how the new location could affect their sales and connection to the community. “I will not be going to the new location of the Malibu Farmers Market. It upsets me,” said Pepperdine senior Nick Bauer. Market Vendors For vendors like DeYoung,
Photo by Griffin Pilcher | Photo Editor One of the different Malibu Farmers Market locations outside of Malibu City Hall on Aug. 23. Abdul Akazah, owner of Brothers Products, said he’s unsure if the move is permanent and hopes to return to the old location.
the Malibu Farmers Market serves as more than just a place to set up shop each Sunday. The market has given small businesses the opportunity to build a consistent customer base and become familiar faces within the Malibu community. Brothers Products, a pita and dip vendor that has operated at the market since 2008, is one of those longtime businesses, said owner Abdul Akazah. What began with pita and dips has since grown into a selection of nearly 80 products, including pickles and chips, Akazah said. “We make everything fresh and we use no preservatives,” Akazah said. For other vendors, the businesses they bring to the
market grew out of personal experiences. DeYoung founded Clean Fix Juice Company, an organic cold-pressed juice business, after moving to Malibu during his recovery journey. “I am over 30 months sober,” DeYoung said. “I came to Malibu for recovery and I couldn’t find a green juice I liked, so I made one.” DeYoung said he began incorporating ingredients such as ginger and turmeric into juices during his journey to sobriety. After receiving positive feedback from friends, he turned his homemade juices into a business that has since expanded beyond Malibu into other parts of Los Angeles and San Diego. But the market is not just home to food vendors, it is also
Photo by Alexa McGlathery | Life & Arts Editor Fresh produce glistens in the sun at the Malibu Farmers Market. Vendors displayed various assortments of fruit and fresh produce.
home to animal rescue services. Callies Canine Rescue, owned and operated by Kevin Callies, is one of the rescues that attends the Malibu Farmers Market monthly. “We are a foster-based rescue that mostly saves dogs that are hours away from getting euthanized,” Callies said. “A lot of the dogs we have here today were abandoned or left behind by their families on the street or in vacant homes.” Callies said the market is a great way of finding forever homes for the pups. “We love coming here,” Callies said. “This isn’t a numbers thing for us. It’s about matchmaking and finding the perfect dog to adopt.”
“I’m bummed because that was a beautiful location,” Callies said. “This location is hot and hot for the dogs.”
Responses to the Change
The City Hall location also experienced limited foot traffic, with many booths experiencing little to no customers. “It’s very slow and it’s also too hot,” Akazah said. “Many of our regulars are not here today.” But even with the new location, vendors said they remain optimistic and plan to continue attending the Malibu Farmers Market weekly. “We’re gonna ride it out until the market finds its permanent spot,” Callies said. The uncertainty has not changed the vendors’ commitment to the customers and community they have built at the market. “I love the Malibu Farmers Market. I will always come here,” DeYoung said.
While shoppers may experience the relocation simply as a change of scenery, vendors have had to adjust to a new space, new foot traffic and a new routine. “[City officials] said they shut down the [original location of the] farmers market because it’s not safe over there,” Akazah said. City of Malibu Public Information Officer Matt Myerhoff said the market’s vendors and booths occupy about 40% of public street parking in the Civic Center area. Children playing near the street have also raised safety concerns, according to the Los Angeles Times. “I wish I would’ve been notified when somebody knew about the move because I wouldn’t have brought as much juice,” DeYoung said. “This is kind of a new area, so it’s like starting new until customers find us.” The previous location on Civic Center Way was positioned under shaded trees. The sun-exposed location by City Hall posed heat issues for vendors.
I will not be going to the new location of the Malibu Farmers Market. Nick Bauer Senior
This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel.
alexa.mcglathery@pepperdine.edu
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September 18, 2026 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
Sullivan reflects on life in the water Madison Chavez Sports Editor Maile Sullivan, Pepperdine Women’s Swim and Dive sophomore swimmer, has spent most of her life making a splash — but not always in the pool. After growing up surrounded by bodies of water in Singapore, Hawaii and the East Coast, Sullivan spent years of her childhood in and around the water, from competitive swimming to lifeguarding. “Maile is a gamer,” said Dan Marella, Pepperdine Women’s Swim and Dive head coach. “She loves to anchor relays, she loves to be in the middle of the pool in the big final and she loves to perform for her teammates. She has the quiet confidence that is required to be an elite sprinter in our sport.” From the Beginning Sullivan’s relationship with water dates back longer than she can remember. Born in Hong Kong, Sullivan moved to Singapore at 1 year old. With family spread across the East Coast and Hawaii, she was raised around oceans, beaches and pools. Sullivan began competitive swimming at age 6, but it was not the only sport she dedicated herself to. For 12 years, Sullivan participated in ballet and carried many of her learned skills into swimming. “One correlation is definitely the dedication it takes to do both,” Sullivan said. “I would say the dedication and then the team aspects — like, although both are very independent and individual, but you’re training for both ballet and swimming with a team and with a group. So, the environment that you are in and the people you’re around play a large impact in both.”
As swimming became more competitive, it eventually became Sullivan’s main priority with her sights set on competing at the collegiate level. Attending high school in Singapore, Sullivan said she attended as many swim camps as she could throughout the summers because it was harder to make connections with U.S. colleges from thousands of miles away. “I ended up at a swim camp at Pepperdine and I really loved it,” Sullivan said. “I loved the location, I got to meet the coaches and they were great. And then ever since that camp, I kind of just stayed in contact with them.” Going with the Flow Unsure of her standing on the team, Sullivan said she redirected her focus on improving each day, trusting the team and coaching staff alongside her. “I really think that’s when trusting the process really played a big impact and trusting my coaches, trusting the people around me,” Sullivan said. “I just wanted to get better.” This was an approach that quickly paid off as Sullivan marked her name in the Pepperdine record books. She set a program record in the 100 freestyle with a time of 50.88 and helped set program records in the 200 freestyle, 400 freestyle and 400 medley relays, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Sullivan also became the program’s third fastest performer in the 50 freestyle and earned MPSF Female Athlete of the Week honors Jan. 21, according to Pepperdine Athletics. “I worked hard and even when those records happened — the individual one, I had no idea that it had happened,” Sullivan said. “I remember
Photo courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics Sullivan holds in backstroke start position in her swim lane during a 2025 match at Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool. Prior to swimming at Pepperdine, Sullivan said she had never swum in short-course yards.
Photo courtesy of Maile Sullivan Sophomore swimmer Maile Sullivan poses with lifeguard equipment on Seaside Park Beach in New Jersey this summer. Sullivan said she officially became a certified lifeguard at 16 years old.
touching the wall and I looked over and my coach, he was going crazy on the side. I had no idea until after I got out of the pool.” For Sullivan, taking the pressure off allowed her to pour more of herself into the journey ahead rather than focusing on the end result. “Taking the pressure off of myself helped a lot because growing up I put a lot of pressure on myself of getting this certain time or doing this certain thing,” Sullivan said. “Just the training has been really beneficial because it is very personalized to each individual person.” More Than a Swimmer Sophomore swimmer Ava Taylor first met Sullivan during her campus visit to Pepperdine and the interaction influenced Taylor’s decision to attend. “When I was thinking about choosing Pepperdine, obviously the people were a really important part of my decision,” Taylor said. “I always think about the quote, ‘the people make the place,’ and that is something that’s definitely Maile.” Since then, Taylor said Sullivan has become one of the most supportive people in her life. “Maile has just made me step up as a person a lot this year,” Taylor said. “She’s a very confident person and she really spreads that, whether that’s at meets or anything in school or outside of swimming.” When Sullivan is not racing, she puts her own competitive spirit aside and makes an effort to be her teammates’ biggest cheerleader. “She always shows up at meets, not only for herself but also for her teammates,” Taylor said. “Most importantly, she’s always on the deck cheering and she’s just that teammate that you can go to when you need advice on something — whether that’s in the pool or outside.”
Photo courtesy of Maile Sullivan Sullivan (right) sits with a fellow lifeguard atop a lifeguard tower at Seaside Park Beach in New Jersey this summer. Sullivan said partnering with other lifeguards taught her to trust her beach patrol, something she also practices in the pool as a Wave.
Lifeguard on Duty Sullivan has spent the past four summers working as a beach lifeguard at Seaside Park on the Jersey Shore, a location that has been a part of her summers since she was a child. Sullivan’s mother grew up spending summers there and the family tradition continued on to Sullivan. At around 7 years old, she joined a junior lifeguard program. “I was the youngest age you could possibly do it, or maybe even a little younger, because swimming helped a lot with that,” Sullivan said. “Because I was so confident in the water, I was able to join junior lifeguards a little bit early.” Sullivan said she continued the program until she was around 14, before becoming a certified lifeguard at 16. Sullivan’s experiences as a swimmer have helped her in lifeguarding, but she said the two go hand in hand. In both, she has learned to trust the people beside her. “Relying or having confidence in people around you is also really important because lifeguarding, it’s two people on a stand usually, so you have to really trust the person that you’re with and also your whole
beach patrol as well,” Sullivan said. “Similar to swimming as well, you’re trusting your team — you’re relying on them to help you become better as well.” The Next Lap As Sullivan enters her second season as a Wave, she said she wants to continue using the resources around her to create the best support system for her teammates and become the best version of herself. “Trying to succeed in every aspect when it comes to swimming, when it comes to academics and then when it comes to just every area in between, whether that’s socially or the work field,” Sullivan said. “Just trying to see what Pepperdine has to offer because it can offer so much and using those resources around me to try and see what I can do with my life.” This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel.
madison.chavez@pepperdine.edu
September 18, 2026 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
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Jillian Medvecky heads back to the net Madison Chavez Sports Editor Jillian Medvecky, Pepperdine Women’s Soccer junior goalkeeper, has spent her first two seasons in Malibu establishing herself as one of the Waves’ most reliable defenders. After an injury took her away from the field last spring, Medvecky found her way back on the pitch with a greater appreciation for the game. “It made me realize how much I love the game and how much I love just being with the team,” Medvecky said. Before becoming one of the program’s top defensive assets, Medvecky said she spent much of her early soccer years feeling like an underdog. She started her journey around third grade, but it was not until high school that she began to find her stride. “I grew up as always the underdog, always like a little bit behind,” Medvecky said. “Then in high school I kind of sprouted and became one of the hardest workers on the team, and that allowed me to get the opportunity to come here to Pepp.” But the path to Pepperdine did not go exactly as Medvecky had planned. She had originally committed to another school before circumstances changed, and she found Pepperdine around the same time. Growing up in Ohio, this new opportunity in Malibu meant leaving home, starting over across the country and having to prove herself once again. “She comes from Ohio and for her to leave Ohio and come out here, I think people underestimate how hard that is,” said Tim Ward, Women’s Soccer head coach. While soccer gave Medvecky a sense of familiarity in a new state, living away from home posed a different challenge. Her teammates became her pillar of strength, helping her grow more comfortable living alone. “There’s definitely a maturing factor in just coming to college in general, and obviously living on my own has been a little bit of a challenge, but I’ve kind of grown into it,” Medvecky said. “My teammates have been super helpful with making that transition into adulthood, and playing soccer and being part of that has also made the transition super easy.” A New Beginning in Malibu When
Medvecky
arrived
at Pepperdine, the team had already featured a star goalkeeper, Taylor Rath, now a professional goalkeeper for the Chicago Stars Football Club in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Rather than allowing competition to discourage her, Medvecky worked to prove herself and earn the trust of the coaching staff. “Jill battled in a really respectful, positive way,” Ward said. “As the season went on her freshman year, she sort of got her nod as the number one.” In Medvecky’s freshmen season, she earned the starting role and quickly became a major contributor to the Waves’ success. She made 18 starts in her 19 appearances, logged 48 saves and four shutouts with a 1.1 goals-against average, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Medvecky’s elite performance earned her West Coast Conference (WCC) Defensive Player of the Week honors twice, a spot on the All-WCC Freshman Team and a No. 14 spot on Top Drawer Soccer’s Midseason Top 100 freshman list, according to Pepperdine Athletics. For Medvecky, the success was never something she wanted to claim for herself. “The success is definitely not about me, it’s about the team,” Medvecky said. “As a team, we work to build each other up and get each other better every day. My teammates are definitely the main part in my personal success because I definitely couldn’t do it without them.” Medvecky followed up with an even larger role her sophomore season, starting in all 20 matches, recording 80 saves with a career-high nine saves in a single match and recording six solo shutouts, according to Pepperdine Athletics. “We went on to win the WCC championships, and obviously back to back — we don’t do that without Jill Medvecky,” Ward said. Playing Through the Pain Behind the career-high numbers Medvecky was putting up, she was battling an injury that eventually pulled her away from soccer. “It [goalkeeping] hasn’t been easy in terms of injuries and health,” Ward said. “It’s a hard enough position when you’re healthy. But then to have to do it knowing that you’re doing it in pain — it’s actually remarkable that she was able to do what she did last year.” Ward said Medvecky played
Photo by Guinevere Hesse | Staff Photographer Jillian Medvecky, Women’s Soccer junior goalkeeper, launches the ball during the Waves’ match against the University of California, Berkeley on Aug. 20 at Tari Frahm Rokus Field. Medvecky recorded two saves in her 90 minutes of play time, according to Pepperdine Athletics.
through a fracture in her back during the 2025 season before the coaching staff shut her down in the spring to allow her time to heal. For a player who had spent the previous two seasons establishing herself in goal, suddenly being unable to play posed a new challenge and perspective. “So, part of the mentality is that you have to sort of rediscover yourself,” Ward said. “When soccer was taken away from her, it can mess with anybody. You’re wondering, ‘Am I ever going to get back to the level that I was before?’” Being away from the game did not force Medvecky to lose sight of her identity as a goalkeeper, but instead reminded her why she wanted to be one. “A huge part of our identity, and most of these women, to be fair, when they come in, is about as a soccer player,” Ward said. Although watching her teammates was not where she wanted to be, the time off gave Medvecky an outlook she did not know she needed. “Obviously, standing on the sidelines is not ideal,” Medvecky said. “But getting to watch, it’s like you see all the connections and all the fun moments on the field and it makes you realize how much you love being in the moments yourself.” Back in Goal For a position like goalkeeper, the attitude can make the difference between dwelling on a mistake and being ready for vthe next play. “I’ve always been told to just take it one moment at a time and just worry about making the next save,” Medvecky said. “Whether or not you made the last save or not, focus on the
next one,” Medvecky said. Ward says Medvecky’s mentality and work ethic has been evident throughout her time at Pepperdine, especially to her team. Her impact is not only reflected on the stat sheet, but in the way her teammates see her. “Her mentality does show up everyday for the team, and for her goalkeepers’ union, and for the team it’s exceptional,” Ward said. Ariana Salvador, junior midfielder and forward, said Medvecky brings a competitive edge to the field while still being someone who cares deeply about the people surrounding her. “She truly cares for her teammates and makes sure everyone is okay, that the energy is high and she’s a fun, goofy presence to be around,” Salvador said. This combination of competitiveness and compassion is part of what makes Medvecky someone her teammates trust when she steps into goal. “She brings so much confidence and she has an inner dog in her,” Salvador said. “We just know that when she steps on the field, it’s game time. She’s going to bring 100% effort and commitment. We just trust her, we know what we’re going to get out of her.” To Salvador, Medvecky’s consistency doesn’t stop on the soccer field. The way she carries herself on a daily basis has taught Salvador the importance of discipline and commitment. “Just in her daily life, whether it’s reading a devotional in the morning or meal prepping, she’s always consistent,” Salvador said. “That’s inspiring for me and it’s helped me incorporate it into my daily life.” Even the smallest habits
have become examples of the kind of teammate Medvecky is. Salvador said she will make sweet treats for her teammates out of the kindness of her heart, a small gesture to remind her team how much she cares for them. “She’ll make cinnamon rolls and Rice Krispies treats for our teammates without even having to say anything,” Salvador said. “That’s just so wholesome and she really is a true character. She touches people in ways that they might not know they needed.” On the field, Salvador said Medvecky is always checking in on her teammates, being a reliable friend in tough situations and letting her sense of humor shine through to lift those around her up. “She is such a positive and bright light without knowing it,” Salvador said. Despite Medvecky’s setback, her decorated resume speaks for itself. She is back competing at highest level, with an even greater appreciation for every game, every save and every moment on the pitch. Medvecky has continued to deliver, putting up impressive numbers and showing why she remains one of the program’s top defensive anchors. For her, her accolades mean more when they fuel the overall success of the team. “She is an extraordinary young woman of character,” Ward said. “She sometimes is not the loudest player, but she’s really thoughtful, really intelligent, really articulate. She’s loved and respected by the entire team.” This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel. madison.chavez@pepperdine.edu
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September 18, 2026 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media
JoJo Billings skates into the LA Kings Genevieve Cantu
Assistant Sports Editor Josephine Billings, a senior Sport Administration student, commonly known around campus by faculty and friends as “JoJo,” has made a great accomplishment by bringing Pepperdine’s sports culture into the professional world. Earning a spot on the Los Angeles (LA) Kings Ice Crew, Billings’ story extends beyond the blades and bright lights of the rink, tying every experience and accomplishment back to the place she calls home. “Pepperdine has brought me so much that I just want to stay here forever,” Billings said. “I’m so sad to leave because this has truly felt like my home.” Stepping Onto the Ice When Billings was 15, she met private trainer Deborah Pitsos, who continues to coach her today. Pitsos worked at the Detroit Skating Club in Michigan, Billings’ home state, but when the two began training together in July 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to take an unconventional approach. At a time when the pandemic caused many athletes to give up and step away from their sport, Billings leaned further into figure skating. Rather than allowing the circumstances to hinder her progress, she revealed a level of commitment Pitsos said is a defining quality of the best athletes. “There are always three D’s when looking for a good athlete,” Pitsos said. “Discipline, determination and dedication. JoJo had all three, and given her age, that was very unique to find.” Under Pistsos’ guidance, Billings has since become a two-time U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist and six-time U.S. Figure Skating National Championship Series competitor. She has also earned recognition as a state champion and sectional competitor, according to her LinkedIn and Instagram profiles. “I always knew ever since I got put in those private lessons that I wanted to go to the Olympics,” Billings said. “That was my overall goal, and that’s what it was until my freshman year of college, when it finally changed.” Billings said she no longer performs competitively, but she still returns home during the holidays to take part in small shows and sometimes to simply skate for fun. Early Mornings and Long Nights Billings said figure skating deeply shaped her childhood. Throughout middle school and high school, she flew
from Michigan to Carlsbad and Lakewood, Calif., once a month to train alongside some of the sport’s top skaters. “I had to grow up at a very young age because I started to do the training that I did,” Billings said. “It was unbelievable hours.” At such a young age, Billings never thought much of the demanding routine. She said it was normal to her — a mindset she carried throughout high school. “Once high school started, I didn’t really get any FOMO from missing out on different things because I always grew up in that environment and loved it so much,” Billings said. “It was my full-on passion and I wanted to make it my entire life, so I would train before school and then only go to school for two hours just to go right back to the rink until really late hours at night.” When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her routine, Billings said she reached a turning point. She sat down with her parents and coaches to determine what came next, especially since the years of frequent travel had required a significant amount of time and energy. Billings said she was given two options. “I was told I could either do ice skating full time and not go to college,” Billings said. “Or I could go to college out in California and do training on top of it.” Billings said she had a hard time choosing because the Olympics had always been her goal. “That was the entire plan,” Billings said. “It was my entire life and all that I was working towards.” Billings said she was considering taking online community college courses to focus on her dream, but her mom insisted that she attend a four-year university and earn a degree as a fallback plan. “That’s how I ended up coming to Pepperdine,” Billings said. “I only applied to schools in California because I needed to be near my rink, but it was a really hard decision for me to be able to come out here because it’s hard balancing school and sports while competing at the level I did.” From Michigan Snow to Malibu Sand Although Billings had a hard time deciding to move from Michigan to California, she said she quickly realized that the change was for the best. “I never thought figure skating affected my childhood until I came here,” Billings said. “Being at Pepperdine, I realized that there was so much more to life than figure skating and this realization was a huge, amazing change for me.”
Photo courtesy of Josephine Billings Senior Josephine Billings poses outside of Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Kings in downtown Los Angeles. Billings was recently selected as a rookie member of the Kings Ice Crew for the 2026 season.
Entering her first year at Pepperdine, Billings said she was still balancing the heavy schedule she had known for much of her life, consisting of training, competing at national events, keeping up with schoolwork and finding time for a social life. But it did not take long for her to realize that skating did not have to define everything she pursued. At Pepperdine, Billings said she was able to explore new interests without giving up the part of herself that had spent years on the ice. One of her first major steps outside of that familiar world came through Pepperdine’s International Programs. Billings traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina alongside Pepperdine faculty and fellow students — an experience that broadened her perspective on life and the way she viewed the sport she had loved since childhood. “During my time abroad, I decided that I wanted to focus more on life outside of figure skating,” Billings said. “So when I came back to campus, I signed up for everything, and now I’m involved in all these fun, different things that make me so happy.” Since arriving at Pepperdine, Billings has immersed herself in nearly every corner of campus life. Her roles have ranged from serving as a social media coordinator and resident advisor while abroad in Argentina to working with Pepperdine Business Services, Athletic Facilities and Events and Student Affairs Marketing and Engagement. It is no surprise that Billings has also carried that same willingness to get involved beyond Pepperdine. Most recently, she has expanded her experience into the professional sports world, working as a news intern with Angel City Football Club through a newsletter organization called Goalside Gossip and in VIP Event Hospitality at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A New Stage on the Ice Billings continues to shine across a variety of opportunities in the sports world, but no matter how far she ventured beyond the rink, she said a part of her always missed the ice. “I retired from figure skating competitively at the national level,” Billings said. “But I have always missed it.” When Billings returned from studying abroad, she began performing in small shows for organizations that reached out to her. While those opportunities brought her back to the ice, she said she still missed the feeling of performing at a higher level. “Performing was my absolute favorite part of skating,” Billings said. “The jumps and spins were cool but I just love bringing smiles to people’s faces.” Billings said that when the LA Kings Ice Crew tryouts just happened to pop up on her Instagram feed, she knew she had to go for it. “God gave me that sign that I should just take it,” Billings said. Over the course of the threeday tryout, Billings found herself stepping into unfamiliar territory. She had never experienced a tryout quite like it, and with hundreds of contestants competing for just 22 spots, she said the nerves quickly set in. Billings said many of the other contestants arrived with cheerleading backgrounds, while she came in relying on her experience in dance and figure skating. The difference only added to her nerves, but it also meant she brought something uniquely her own to showcase. “I was super nervous,” Billings said. “But then I just told myself to go out there and dance and pretend like I’m on the ice, and I’ll be just fine.” Billings said much of the tryout required her to perform in front of a panel of judges — a
setting that felt all too familiar. After years of performing, she was accustomed to the pressure of an audience and judges and found herself surprisingly at ease. After three days of tryouts, all that was left to do was wait for the call, and when it finally came, Billings learned she had earned a spot on the LA Kings Ice Crew for the 2026 season. Billings said there was one person she wanted to tell first: her mom. “I was so excited and really grateful,” Billings said. “I called my mom right away and told her I wasn’t sure how I was going to balance this with school, but I’m going to go through my schedule and make it work.” With the season not beginning until the end of September, Billings said the Ice Crew is using the weeks leading up to it to build chemistry through team-bonding activities before they take the ice together. “I’ve been getting to know the girls and having fun with the team,” Billings said. “I think that’s super cool because I haven’t had a team before because I competed solos all my life for figure skating.” After years of taking the ice as an individual skater performing solos, Billings now finds herself in a new environment surrounded by a team. She said she is excited to see what the season has in store and is grateful for the opportunity to spend this time building relationships with her new teammates. “I realized that performing is something that I don’t think I’m ready to give up,” Billings said. “I don’t think I’m ready to stop doing something that I love, and this [the LA Kings Ice Crew] is the perfect balance to perform and make people happy.” This story was copy edited by Lila Rendel.
genevieve.cantu@pepperdine.edu
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September 18 , 2026
The Graphic
pepperdin e - graphic .com
SPORTS
Ginevra Merlini earns national title Lang Cooper Sports Staff Writer After years of training with one goal in mind, Ginevra Merlini, sophomore Beach Volleyball player, won the Italian U20 National Juniors Championship Final on Aug. 27. Facing numerous teams through six matches, Merlini and her partner Nicole Scantamburlo earned the victory. After winning a national title for her region in 2023, Merlini trained to end her time in the junior league with two titles under her belt. “I really wanted to close my junior’s career with a national title,” Merlini said. “The whole summer, I made a lot of sacrifices. I had to give up a lot of things and put all my energy into getting better and winning the tournament.” The two-day tournament consisted of pool play, where Merlini and her partner faced two teams, winning their first game and losing their second. These results moved them to the next round where another win secured their spot in the quarter finals on day two. Winning the quarter final match, the pair faced the team to whom they had lost during pool play next. “We were stressing out too much because we really wanted to get to finals. That was our goal for the season,” Merlini said. “But we didn’t let the loss in pool play effect how we played the semifinal. We really believed in the work we put in, and in our culture as well. We were just very confident.” After winning 2-0 in the semifinals, Merlini and Scantamburlo secured their spots as national champions, winning the final 2-0. “It was a really good game,” Merlini said. “They were probably the favorites to win the championship because they were really good. But I feel like we played very well together as a team and we just did our best.” Spending the majority of her summer away from her family to train for the tournament, Merlini said she was grateful for the opportunity to practice with one of the best clubs in Italy. However, she recognizes what she had to sacrifice in order to reach her goals. “I had to live in Milan and only go back home for weekends,” Merlini said. “So it was hard to be far from home during the year and this summer.” Merlini began playing indoor volleyball at the age of 5 in Italy before moving to London and playing there for two
years. When she committed to Pepperdine, she fully transitioned to beach volleyball. Moving to the United States to start her journey with beach volleyball at Pepperdine in 2025, Merlini said she is proud of how much she has learned in such a short time. “As an incoming freshman, especially from another country, you just don’t really know anything,” Merlini said. “Learning how practice works, the recovery time, the coaches, was definitely one of my highlights because I feel I learned a lot about myself.” Merlini said she aspires to continue
Photos courtesy of Ginevra Merlini Ginevra Merlini, Women’s Beach Volleyball sophomore, dives for the ball at the Italian U20 National Juniors tournament in August 2026. Merlini recently won the tournament and secured a national title. Merlini said she used her skill and determination to win the tournament.
representing Italy on the national scale. “In the sport in general, I would like to be on the international setting board in tournaments representing my country,” Merlini said. “And then my final goal would be the Olympics, so just getting better every year.” Having to miss a few days of school for the tournament, Merlini said she is grateful for the support she felt from her Pepperdine team while competing. “They would text me and ask how the games went,” Merlini said. “They were very active and supportive. I’m definitely a different athlete since last year from the work that I put in here at Pepperdine.” Sophomore Sonia Mancuso, another member of the beach volleyball team, admires Merlini’s love of the game. “She is one of the most driven and motivated people I Ginevra Merlini, Women’s Beach Volleyball sophomore, (second from the right) poses with her teammate and coaches after winning the Italian U20 National Juniors Final. Merlini closed out her junior league career with a national title.
know,” Mancuso said. “She always bringing the competitive energy to practice, but also has a good balance of being competitive and wanting to compete but also having fun and bringing up the energy. She’s just so fun to play with.” Mancuso said the team is proud of Merlini’s success at the tournament. She admires Merlini’s skillful ball control, technical shots and fiery attitude on the court. “I love seeing how confident she’s become in volleyball,” Mancuso said. “Having her level of competitiveness and skill on the team is obviously going to bring everyone’s level up. It’s a confidence boost for the team.” Marcio Sicoli, Women’s Beach Volleyball head coach, said he agreed that Merlini is a focal part of the program. “We’re lucky to have her,” Sicoli said. “She’s relentless. Every ball that goes in the air, Ginevra’s there. Her IQ for the game is fantastic.” Sicoli describes Merlini’s growth throughout her last year at Pepperdine as a nightand-day difference. “Freshman year, she was really lost and overwhelmed with all the resources of our school,” Sicoli said. “And this year, her sophomore year, she’s really comfortable with all the resources, with all the expectations and throughout our faithbased mission.” Sicoli said Merlini’s recent victory means so much both to Merlini herself and the Pepperdine community as a whole. “The most important thing in all of this is for her confidence and all the hard work that she has been putting in all these years to summit her junior career in Italy,” Sicoli said. “And then for our community to have an athlete that can show her faith and her grit is creating that diversity of people from different countries that hold on to a Christian mission.” Sicoli is grateful to have Merlini on the team both on and off the court. “Ginevra is not just only a volleyball player,” Sicoli said. “She is an all-around great person.” This story was copy edited by Olivia Schlossin.
lang.cooper@pepperdine.edu