Volume 139 Fall 2023 Roundup News Issue 12

A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION Woodland Hills, California

Volume 139 - Issue 12

Wednesday, November 29 2023

One Copy Free

Last show of the year

Netflix vs. theaters?

3

Review: “Steel Magnolias”

4

Men’s basketball

5

2 Opinions 6201 Winnetka Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91371 Room: Pierce College Village 8211 Phone: (818) 710-4115 Phone: (818) 710-4117 Website: www.theroundupnews.com E-mail: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

Editor-in-Chief.....Benjamin Hanson

Managing Editor.........Rachael Rosenberg Design Editor.................Fabiola Carrizosa Photo Editor...................Ashley Shellmire Photo Editor............................Owen Meza Copy Editor......................Olivia Espinoza Opinions Editor........Christian Castellanos News Editor...........................Sophia Cano Campus Life Editor............Clemente Pasillas Sports Editor............Nusaybah Al Mansur Sports Editor......................Reuben Santos Social Media...............Daniela Raymundo

Reporters:

Raquel Frohlich Maxine Chaykovskiy Dialaysia Whittaker Gerardo Escobar John Ormeno Jacob Macofsky Tyler Hale Brian Khoury Alexis Brown Isabella Marino

Advisers:

Jill Connelly Jeff Favre Tracie Savage

Photographers:

Hunter Hammerot Myraneli Fabian Linda Zimmerling Felipe Gamino Sonya Miller Luis Quintana Devon Thompson Jr. Joe Alvarado Aidan Nary Madison Cheramie Icy Smith Emil Rizkalla Daniel Decamp Ellie James Dannie Carreon Diego Cardenas

theroundupnews.com

Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup

B

Pierce should help students find love

etween classes, homework, parent duties and work, single parents barely have any time to themselves, let alone have time for dating.

We all hope and dream to find our significant other, a partner to complement your great qualities and love you through and help you outgrow your flaws.

Due to heavily packed schedules, these thoughts almost seem unrealistic and intangible. Does that mean it’s just not in the cards for single parents?

If Pierce College hosts a single parents’ speed dating event, it could open doors for single parents.

By bringing hope and light to the subject of love for single parents it could create a more fulfilling life.

Loneliness has long been a problem, but COVID has greatly increased these numbers.

According to bioedge.org, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called loneliness an epidemic. “From 2003 to 2020, objective measures of social exposure (in minutes per day) obtained from the American Time Use Survey revealed progressive declines in social connection and increases in

social isolation in the U.S. population that began well before the pandemic and worsened during it. And the pandemic’s potential longer-term effects on SIL (social isolation and loneliness) and health are not yet known. Getting ‘back to normal’ is not enough.”

If Pierce College hosts a single parents’ speed dating event, it could open doors for single parents.

A study suggests loneliness is the new silent killer. According to bioedge.org, “Countless studies have shown that people experiencing SIL have an increased risk of anxiety and depression, dementia, infectious disease, low functional status, and death from overdose or suicide.”

Another source, globalnews.ca, states, “The surgeon general is calling on workplaces, schools, technology

companies, community organizations, parents and other people to make changes that will boost the country’s connectedness.”

Pierce can host the event twice a semester in the Multicultural Center, one during the day and one in the evening to include those who have a day job. Students can be informed through an email blast and on-campus advertising. The speed dating event would have everyone rotating from one table to another. From there, the participants can exchange information if they would like to take it a step further.

One of the biggest benefits from speed dating, according to verywellmind.com, is “if you don’t have a lot of time to date or meet people, speed dating can offer a way for you to meet potential partners. It can be particularly helpful if you prefer meeting people face-to-face rather than using dating apps and chatting with them online.”

With companies, communities, schools and workplaces doing their best to find a way to gain people’s engagement and interaction with one another. Pierce can help eliminate this silent killer.

STREET BEAT What movies are you excited to see?

*For advertising, call: (818) 710-2960

Correction: Email Newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

Front: Ouiser Boudreaux (Donna Arcado) screams during a rehersal of “Steel Magnolias” at Pierce College Dow Arena theatre in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 18, 2023. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.

“Probably ‘Napoleon.’ From what I’ve seen, the trailers look amazing and very beautiful.”

- Luka Mena, Computer Science major

“The ‘Scott Pilgrim’ show, that’s pretty much it.”

- Emise Gonzalez, Undecided major

“I think ‘Aquaman’ is coming out next month. I’m excited to see Jason Mamoa and what he does in the new movie.”

- Naomi Gonzalez, Nursing major

“I haven’t seen the new ‘Hunger Games’ movie yet, it sounds very appealing. I like the book, so I wanted to watch that movie.”

- Daniel Bolton, Biology major

“It is probably the next ‘Spider-Man’ movie after the most recent one. There was a big cliffhanger, and I’m excited, and they said they’re already working on it.”- Daniel Barna, Architectural major

Quotes gathered by Isabella Marino Photos by Emil Rizkalla

Opinions 3

Wednesday, November 28, 2023

Photo Illustration/Roundup News/JOE ALVARADO

What is the better viewing experience?

Customizable entertainment at home

Come for the popcorn, stay for the movie

By Raquel Frohlich Reporter

By Brian Khoury Reporter

A

cozy couch, homemade snacks, subtitles and your preferred volume and brightness. That’s a movie-watching environment some may prefer over a one-size-fits-all theater setup.

“Movies are being consumed in an entirely different way than ever before,” wrote Caelan Corkery in The Dartmouth.

“The traditional pastime of taking the family to see a movie at the theater has swiftly transformed to sitting at home, with the choice of any movie at the consumer’s fingertips.”

The Netflix app or website can be opened on different devices at any moment and can also be mirrored onto larger platforms, a good match for those who either want to watch a movie at the last minute or plan out a time to connect the film to a larger screen.

In a June 2020 study, 14 percent of adults indicated their strong preference for watching a movie for the first time in a theater and 36 percent said they would rather be at home streaming the film than visit a cinema, according to the Statista Research Department. It was

noted that COVID-19 impacted consumer confidence.

Watching movies on Netflix is also conducive to language learners, who can filter for movies in their target language and choose from subtitles in multiple languages. Even in theaters outside the U.S., movies are sometimes shown in Original Voice (typically English) with subtitles matching the local language, so in the U.S.— other than limitedtime film festivals or specific theaters—it is often not easy to enjoy a movie in a language other than English.

In the time period of 2003 to 2017, 1,728 non-English language movies were released (18.8 percent of all movies released), according to Stephen Follows Film Data and Education.

A n o t h e r consideration in favor of streaming is cost. The permonth price of Netflix ranges from $6.99 to $22.99 and an adult ticket for one movie at a local AMC Theatre is $24.99.

“Netflix got us hooked on paying for our entertainment à la carte on a monthly basis and this is what younger generations are now used to,” wrote Dana Feldman in Forbes. “Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and the soon-to-be streaming services from Apple and Disney, in addition to the fact home setups are becoming more affordable, is forcing theater chains to update the way in which they do business.

“The traditional pastime of taking the family to see a movie at the theater has swiftly transformed to sitting at home,” -Caelan Corkery, The Dartmouth

T

he lobby is filled with excitement as the moviegoers await their turn in the concession lines. The smell of popcorn saturates the air and patrons scramble to find their ideal seats.

The sound of conversations starts to settle as the lights begin to dim. The projector lights up the screen and the audience is mesmerized by the pictures on the screen. The crunch of the popcorn and candy wrappers are also heard.

Watching a movie in a theater elicits such reactions as laughter, gasps, tears and many more.

During the pandemic, these sounds were silenced due to the closure of many theaters and people needing to isolate themselves.

Many experts recognize the advantages of going out to the theater.

According to The Medium, “When you’re watching a movie in a theater, you’re not just watching a film — you’re experiencing it.”

Many directors make their movies specifically to be viewed on cinematic big screens.

Tom Cruise told an audience at the Cannes Film Festival, “I make movies for the big screen... I love this experience and I want other filmmakers to have that experience.”

Watching a big-hit movie designed for the big screen on TV at home does not remotely compare to watching it at a movie theater surrounded by die-hard fans.

According to The Register, “Filmmakers spend years honing their craft and manipulating the light and color of the images of their films to create the intended effect and evoke certain emotions in the audience. The beauty of cinema lies in the specificity of the image and how the finer details create a visual experience.”

Watching a streaming service movie at home can be frustrating. Wifi interruptions that cause the screen to freeze is one major drawback to staying home.

This year’s major hit-movies such as Barbie, Oppenheimer and The Eras Tour Movie showed the popularity of going back out to the theaters (Total Gross of $1.6 billion, according to Box Office Mojo).

Millions of people opted to escape their homes and opted to attend movie theaters for a good reason.

According to Jacey Mok from The Science Survey, “Having a movie night with friends and family and going outside can benefit your mental health, but bingewatching Netflix definitely has negative effects.”

The benefits of going out make an evening feel special and provide a change from the normal routine.

Admittedly, going to the movies may be costly. However, there are ways to reduce the costs.

Movie theaters offer senior, student and other discounts such as off-peak hours and certain days (amctheaters.com).

In today’s hectic climate, we are constantly moving from one thing to the next doing chores around the house.

So sometimes it’s nice to just get out and away from daily responsibilities to sit down and relax for a while.

According to Penn Live, “Watching a movie uninterrupted allows you to be more fully transported into its world. That’s what movies are all about - escaping from reality for two hours.”

Being at a movie theater in unfamiliar surroundings sets us apart from the constant reminders of our usual routines and allows us to escape.

Now that we have the choice to be able to go out and mingle with others, there is little reason to continue with a selfimposed isolation and deny ourselves a dose of happiness.

4 News

By Gerardo Escobar Reporter

A

n emotional comedy that will resonate with audiences while having a holiday kick is set to premiere.

Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” will open at the Pierce Dow Arena Theater on Friday, Dec. 1 and will run until Sunday, Dec. 10.

Based on a true story, the play takes place in the beauty salon of Truvy Jones in Chinquapin, La. over the course of a few years in the 1980s. It is directed by Shaheen Vaaz and features an all-female cast including faculty and students such as Donna Accardo as Ouiser Boudreaux and Emelysse Paez as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie.

Vaaz shared why she thinks

Spitfires take the stage

people should come see the play.

“We keep searching for the answers, community, a place to feel comfortable and together.

‘Steel Magnolias’ does a lot of that,” Vaaz said. “It touches our heartstrings, but it is also funny.

The women in this play are spitfires, they are compassionate and loving and hilarious.”

Understudy for characters Annelle Dupuy-Desoto and Shelby, Amelia Miller expressed why people should come see the play.

“It is a space where these women come to vent and tell stories about the issues that are going on in their day to day lives,” Miller said. “It is something we can all resonate with. We all have a friend group we feel so close to that whatever you say, stays in that space.”

Miller added there will be a

Christmas aspect that will be in line with the holiday season.

According to Vaaz, “it is great for the season,” and believes “audiences will really respond to that.”

Paez elaborated what a major theme of the show is and the sentiments audiences can expect.

“It is a show about women empowering women, as well as the typical tropes of being in a beauty shop,” Paez said. “It is heartwarming, heart wrenching and tear-jerking.”

Paez shared what her experience has been like working with the all-women cast.

“I love working with these women,” Paez said. “There is a wide range of ages in the cast and I think that allows us to open up to each other in different ways because of [our] different life experiences.”

Accardo, who teaches English and literature at Pierce revealed that she has a theater background, and working on the play is a “great opportunity” to be on stage and do something different from teaching classes.

Accardo elaborated on what it has been like working with Vaaz in a setting beyond schoolrelated matters.

“I have known Shaheen through faculty stuff, but this is the first time I have been able to work with her as a director,” Accardo said. “She is amazing.

She puts heart into it. We are all supported, we are working hard and it has been lovely.”

Vaaz expressed that “Steel Magnolias” is a piece she has loved for a long time in both its theatrical and cinematic adaptations.

“There are a lot of recognizable

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relationships in this play that drew me to it and had me propose it for our season,” Vaaz said. “I am very lucky that I get to direct it now with this amazing cast.”

“Steel Magnolias” will open at the Dow Arena Theatre on Friday, Dec. 1, and run until Sunday, Dec. 10. Showtimes for Fridays and Saturdays are at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students, $18 for seniors and $23 for general admission.

Free parking is located at Parking Lot #6, next to the Performing Arts Building.

LAPC Theatre’s venues are accessible to those with mobile disabilities and hearing impairments.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, call (818) 719-6488, or visit lapctheatre.org to purchase tickets online.

Roundup News/MYRANELI FABIAN (L-R) Truvy Jones (Meagan Truxal), Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie (Emelysse Paez) and Annelle Dupuy-Desoto (Laura Crane) during a rehersal of Steel Magnolias at Pierce College Dow Arena theatre in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 18, 2023. Photo by Myraneli Fabian.

Sports 5

Wednesday, November 28, 2023

Eagles soar over Brahmas, Pierce fall to 1-6

By Alexis Brown Reporter

T

he Brahmas took on Mt. San Jacinto this Saturday.

After an intense game, the Eagles earned the victory with the final score standing at 10082.

As the season is still fresh, the players are in the process of adapting to one another’s playing styles and discovering effective strategies that work for them.

Small forward Jule Sims, who totaled six rebounds explains how the dynamic of the team is starting to get stronger.

“We need to start working more as a team, we are slowly starting to get more comfortable with each other,” Sims said.

“I’m really looking forward to strengthening our bond as a team, as we dive further into the season, our team has so much potential we are just getting started. We don’t give up on each other, at the end of the day we always have each other’s back.”

Free throws and rebounds proved to be fatal for the Brahmas as the team averaged 22 turnovers and 44 free throw attempts.

Roundup News/HUNTER HAMMEROT Keshawn Christian dunks the ball during a game against the Mt. San Jacinto Eagles in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Nov. 25, 2023.

Head Coach Charles White highlights the changes that have to be made in order to advance their record.

“We have to figure out how to take care of the ball and score at the same time,” White said.

“Sending the other team to the line 44 times just won’t work

if we want to win this season. I think all of the games have really been a learning experience for our players, I have really seen some good signs out of the guys and it makes me hopeful for the season.”

The Brahmas knew this game would prove to be fiercely

competitive. Small forward Dominic Williams who averaged nine points with two rebounds, explained the approach the team took entering the game.

“Our strategy going into tonight’s game was to guard the driving lanes and watch for kickouts, we knew this team was

a shooting team,” Williams said. “ My personal assignment was to focus on player #2 since he usually shoots three pointers. We have one win under our belt and I really believe in our team and our cause. We are getting better every game, this was actually our highest scoring game and it was against a really good team.”

The Brahmas fought hard to get the ball back and totaled 39 rebounds.

Guard Nima Mansouri, who totaled nine points, explains how the team can be stronger offensively and how excited he is for the rest of the season.

“Our biggest strength right now is attacking the hole and getting to the basket, we are trying to focus on our defense right now,” Mansouri said. “We need to be more confident in ourselves when taking shots, I feel like sometimes we hesitate too much on offense. I’m hoping we can advance our record and I know our team has what it takes to make it.”

The Brahmas will look to enhance their 1-6 season record when they play against the El Camino Warriors on Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.

Women’s soccer season review

By Nusaybah Al-Mansur Editor Intern

T

he 2023 season for the Pierce women’s soccer team was a year of adapting for both the sophomore and freshman players.

As a team coming together with players coming from many different high schools and clubs, the players had to learn to adapt to Peirce’s style of play instituted by head coach Adolfo Perez.

The team finished with a record of 10-7-5 and won a first round playoff game, but were knocked out in the following round.

Perez said that his biggest challenge of the season was to unite his team mentally.

“We’ve got players from all different high schools and they have to work together as a unit,” he said. “Getting everybody to be on the same page with the many different challenges we’ve been through has been one of my challenges this season.”

Perez expressed that one reason why this happened is

File photo/Roundup News/MYRANELI FABIAN The Brahmas women’s soccer team huddles before the game starts against Oxnard College at Pierce College Shepard Stadium in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2023. because his players came from diverse high school and club backgrounds with coaches that didn’t express enough necessary aspects of soccer.

“In high school, a lot of the coaches, unfortunately, are very limited in experience; they just want to win and kick the ball, but they don’t really have a

plan,” Perez expressed. “The mythology that we use is very different from what they’re used to in high school and club.”

Sophomore captain Nalani Casarez said that adaptation to Pierce’s style of play was a tremendous accomplishment this season.

“Here at Pierce we try to play a very clean game. We want to get as many on-the-ground passes as possible, get as close as we can to the goal by making combination plays and breaking teams apart,” she said. “I think it was very hard for us, especially in the beginning with such limited time, to try to break people away from their old habits from high school and get them to adjust to the style of play at Pierce.”

Casarez also expressed that with the team’s many freshman players, learning how to be a team was both a teaching moment and a learning moment for all the players, and even the captains, too.

“With the other two captains being freshmen, they did have

a lot to learn as far as rules and basic necessities that we need at practice like picking up equipment and organizing stuff,” she expressed. “I think they took a step back and let me lead the way in that, and that was nice because while they were still leading the rest of the team, they were learning from me so that when they become sophomores they get to teach the new freshmen.”

Going into the off-season, Perez shared that he has some goals for his team that he wants to work on, including game understanding and mental training.

“I want my team to be consistent in showing up [mentally] and be able to understand the game quicker than we did,” he said.

“We have a structure for the way we play offense and the way we play defense, and we are going to definitely take advantage of the spring, which is our off-season, and try to work on this.”

“We need to work harder than we did last season to get a head start,” he said.