Volume 139 Fall 2023 Roundup Issue 6

A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION Woodland Hills, California

Volume 139 - Issue 6

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Back to our roots

Canoga Park High students visit

4

Photo essay:

farm cleanup day

6

Play preview: Murder on the Orient Express

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One Copy Free

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 Alexis Martinez

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Jill Connelly Jeff Favre Tracie Savage

Photographers:

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

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Correction: Issue 2 - Front Cover The student’s name is Kevin Alcaraz Issue 5 - Page 5 The Transfer Fair will be held Nov. 1 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Editorials: From the desk of the Roundup

T

Pierce should have its own museum

he history of the San Fernando Valley and its origins is incomplete without the history of Pierce College. It is a chapter of the San Fernando Valley’s legacy that should be honored and remembered.

Pierce needs a museum to show history buffs the school throughout its 76 years and events going forward.

A museum can teach visitors about the past, present and future of the historic Brahma territory where San Fernando Valley students have been getting an education and enriching their lives.

Many universities have museums, and at least one nearby community college has one as well.

East Los Angeles College has The Vincent Price Museum. According to its website, “the purpose is to serve as a unique educational resource for the diverse audiences of the college and the community through the exhibition, interpretation, collection and

Photo illustration/Roundup News/RACHAEL ROSENBERG preservation of works in all media of the visual arts.”

While The Vincent Price Museum is a large-scale entity with rotating exhibits, Pierce’s museum can start off as a small venture in a spare room or underutilized space and focus on a Pierce-themed curated collection with help from the Pierce Library.

Perhaps, after time passes, the museum may host exhibits from student artists.

Artifacts and photographs from the early agriculture days, to the most recent

STREET BEAT Should there be an age limit on elected officials?

“I feel like they should be because people like it all day, and they kind of keep the same opinion less of the time; they don’t want to change the input on things newer generations have a chance to make different changes.”

- Anthony Gonzalez - Undecided major “I feel like there should be a specific age limit in how you can stay in the office as elected officials. In my opinion, I feel like it’s not a good idea to have these old people in office.”

- Dominic Buluran - Computer Science major

Front:

Brandon Molina and Bailey Dillon rake up hay during the Farm Cleanup volunteer event at Pierce in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 14, 2023.

“I prefer younger people. I think they have the right mindset as the younger generation.”

- Mario Farias Jr. - Kinesiology major

Back:

The cast of “Murder on the Orient Express” is shocked by the murder of Mary Debenham played by Fiona Morris on the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2023. Photo by Christian Castellanos.

COVID-19 era can be put on display.

A Pierce museum might be the only place where visitors and Valley kids can learn about Pierce’s Dairy Farm, the dorms, the ice cream, the pit and the original agriculture program.

The museum can be put together by accepting donations from collectors who have held on to pieces of Pierce memorabilia and photographs throughout the last century.

From milk cartons from our dairy farm, to horse saddles,

to athletic uniforms, there are many objects that all generations can enjoy.

There can be multimedia elements to the museum, such as projections of any Pierce commercials, appearances on the news and shows and student-made films.

Admission should be free, but it could ask for donations for those who desire to fund the museum.

The museum can be run by student employees or volunteers, so that they can obtain work experience to put on their resume. It would be a great opportunity for any student, but especially for the history and media arts majors studying at Pierce to apply their passions and efforts and to work toward their careers.

Pierce has changed so much since the day it opened. The same way that people flock to see ruins and artwork in Europe, people can get a taste of hyper-local history right in their backyard.

Quotes by Isabella Marino Photos by Felipe Gamino

“I mean, there are some old people at an age who forget stuff, or you lose some of your senses when you’re younger, affecting you later on.”

- Gisela Lopez - Nursing major

Opinions 3

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

PRO: Out with the old, in with the new

By Gerardo Escobar Reporter

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reezing while speaking in public is a possible reaction for many people who fear public speaking, however it is alarming when it happens to an elected official during a press conference. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky) recent instance of becoming almost unresponsive in public has brought up the question: Should there be an age limit on elected officials?

According to a CBS News and YouGov poll, 77 percent of people surveyed think there should be an age limit on elected officials. The feeling extended to both parties with 76 percent of Democrats surveyed felt there should be an age limit on elected officials and 79 percent of Republicans surveyed felt there should be an age limit on elected officials.

At 81 years old, like McConnell, senior citizens in several states are no longer allowed to mail in driver’s license renewals, must undergo vision tests, have to renew their licenses at more frequent intervals and in some instances, they have to retake their behind-the-wheel exam.

If there are restrictions on seniors for operating a motor vehicle that could be potentially dangerous to others, then there should be restrictions on seniors who operate a country that could impact the lives of around 300 million people.

According to the Pew Research Center, in the 118th Congress (2023-2025), the majority of the voting members are from the Baby Boomer generation (1946-1964) in both the Senate and House of Representatives, but overall 54 percent of members from Congress are over 59 years old. Meanwhile, 16.8 percent of the U.S. population is over 65 years old, according to the 2020 census. This may indicate a disparity in the representation of younger generations.

As people age, mental dexterity and physical health can start to decline.

Making decisions that affect millions of people requires that the decision makers and leaders be of the most sound mind.

Dementia is one of the most common issues that appear with old age and it only progresses as time goes on. According to the National Institute On Aging, some signs of dementia include memory loss, poor judgment, confusion and not caring about other people’s feelings.

Even if an older official does not have dementia, they may be more susceptible to other diseases or infections that can have them and out of a hospital which can interrupt their work frequently which may impede measures being passed or prevent time-sensitive issues to be addressed

accordingly.

In 2017, Mike Kim from Grubb’s Pharmacy told Stat News that a large number of prescriptions he fills for Congress are for serious health conditions such as diabet e s and

Should there be an age restriction on elected officials?

Photo illustration/Roundup News/LINDA ZIMMERLING

CON: Elder officials offer wisdom and experience

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Alzhiemer’s disease. He admitted to having concerns over that reality.

“It makes you sit back and say, ‘Wow, they’re making the highest laws of the land and they might not remember what happened yesterday’.”

Apart from elderly officials’ decline in mental and physical faculties, a new outlook on political issues is needed to fully represent all citizens, and that is hard to obtain when someone grew up in and spent a better part of their life in a society that differs from the one they are currently in.

While elders can offer wisdom on issues from their experiences, fresh perspectives are needed as society changes.

What may have been acceptable or the standard in one generation may no longer be the norm. Having age limits on elected officials encourages new perspectives to be introduced to effectively legislate on changes in society or the political landscape as they develop.

This is not to say the elderly are incompetent because many are not, but to acknowledge the need for change to make sure everyone is effectively represented.

There are minimum age limits to hold office so naturally there should be maximum age limits.

ince the beginning of time, elders participating in communal discussions and councils has been an esteemed concept due to the invaluable experiences and dom they

wishold.

Their experiences and wisdom have been used as guide maps for the many inexperienced youth of today who lack the life lessons learned from trial and error.

According to an article by the National Library of Medicine, there are multitudinous “benefits of intergenerational wisdom sharing.” Of these benefits “is that older people benefit from opportunities to express generativity—making the world a better place for further generations,” while youth hold a special role which “includes the importance of receiving wisdom.”

The unique work experiences, perspectives, and diverse backgrounds elders hold equip them with problem-solving skills and empathy that simply vouch for why there shouldn’t be an age limit on elected officials.

National elected officials should be chosen based on their abilities, ideas, and merit rather than their age. This not only helps to promote an inclusive environment, wherever it may be, but also fosters

By Nusaybah Al Mansor Reporter the active participation of young minds and aids their learning.

But elders aren’t the only recipients of this concept, youth are too.

According to an article by Youth First Inc, when youth acquire jobs of any kind “they learn how capable they are, which in turn builds confidence and self-reliance.” This, in turn, can help them feel more “independent and have the confidence to further their development with a sense of responsibility.”

By not placing an age limit on national electoral candidates, this opens the door for young people to take positions, promoting civil participation through active representation.

This can also help shape the experience of many young people in the United States and better curate their living experience for this generation.

By not placing an age limit on the national electoral candidates, this establishes an equal opportunity for people of all ages and stands firmly against ageism, something that is important for the grounds of a successful Congress, senate, and more.

According to an article by Study.com, equality of opportunity means “ensuring that all interested individuals have the same ability to access,” and achieve, “without discrimination based on irrelevant factors such as age, race, religion, or gender.”

By not placing an age limit on the national electoral candidates, the United States stands with the just thought of equality of opportunity.

Electing electoral candidates based on their skills and ideas ensures that the best candidates are chosen for the job. Ultimately, this will foster richer amalgams of thoughtful and qualified individuals, regardless of their age.

4 News

theroundupnews.com

Pierce College offers alternative with trades

By Gerardo Escobar Reporter

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or those uncertain if a four-year university is the right path for them, Pierce College offers an alternative.

The students of Canoga Park High School toured the campus on Thursday to learn about the school’s industrial technology department led

by Department Chair of Industrial Technology Alex Villalta.

“These events are highly imperative because I feel they create a pathway for the incoming students,” Villalta said. “One of our jobs is to make them feel comfortable and that this college is also their home.

The unknown is always intimidating.”

For Villalta, the tour

offered an opportunity for the high schoolers to meet the professors and make them aware of what Pierce has to offer.

“By creating these relationships and engaging with their teachers, they are able to see that we are here for them, and make sure they know of these resources,” Villalta said.

Pierce offers two-year programs in disciplines such as welding, automotive technology, computer numerical control (CNC), architecture and electronics, where students can earn a certificate and join the workforce. They can also get an associate’s degree and transfer to a four-year institution.

The students started their tour in the automotive building, which housed several car engines, the

front end of a Toyota Corolla with an engine bay and drivetrain and operational vehicles. There was also a Tesla Model 3 so students can learn how to maintain an electric vehicle.

Many Pierce students who have gone through the automotive program have ended up with jobs in places such as Galpin Ford or Northridge Toyota.

Pierce also has the FAST Club, which assists students in the automotive program with studying or gaining more practice with working on a vehicle. For Vice President of the FAST Club Kevin Alcaraz, the club is a community on top of the automotive program.

Read the rest of the story at theroundupnews.com

Roundup News/EMIL RIZKALLA

Alex Villalta shows Canoga Park High students parts that were made in metal machinery at Pierce in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2023.

Not cool: Automotive deals with faulty air conditioners

By Alexis Brown Reporter

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uring his summer teaching sessions, automotive professor Michael Van Dyke observed problems with the air conditioning system in his classroom.

The AC unit initially provided a cool environment but would periodically shut off, causing discomfort to his students. Van Dyke took the initiative to mitigate the heat by bringing fans in his classrooms.

Students and faculty at Pierce College continue to suffer the relentless discomfort of a broken air conditioning system. The persistent issues with the HVAC system not only

hampers the learning and working environment for the students but also poses health and safety concerns.

The fans provided a temporary solution, allowing students to experience some relief from the heat. The fan noise proved to be a significant distraction, making it challenging for many students to concentrate on the lecture.

Van Dyke had to make the decision to relocate to a different classroom. As a result, students had to attend the first two hours of the lecture in one building and then walk across campus to participate in the two-hour lab session.

“I really can sympathize with my students, they need

a comfortable learning environment and they are being deprived of that,” Van Dyke said. “My main concern is my students, I have had so many students come up to me and tell me these conditions are taking away their ability to absorb any information I am teaching them.”

Throughout the summer, Van Dyke and his instructional aids put in multiple work orders for the air conditioning unit.

Each time a technician would come out to fix the problem, they said they would have to come back again to follow up on the issue.

But no one would return.

Van Dyke and his students were not the only ones who

experienced the broken AC unit.

During a PCC meeting on Sept. 28, Autotech professor Alex Villalta raised concerns about the ongoing issue. Villalta stated that the buildings retain a lot of heat, and that he had to cancel his class a couple times due to unbearable heat, stating, “This issue has affected my students’ performances and my morale. I really don’t know much longer my students and I can work under these conditions.”

Read the rest of the story at theroundupnews.com

Roundup News/JOSEPH ALVARADO Andrew Abonales writes a repair order for the shop management class in the Advanced Automotive Technology Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 16, 2023.

News 5 Pierce College considered Health Center features for student housing project services during open house event Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Roundup News/FELIPE GAMINO

James McKeever, president of AFT 1521 Faculty Guild, comments during the student housing town hall in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 16, 2023.

By Brian Khoury Reporter

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ierce College is being considered for a student housing site that could help address the student affordable housing shortage.

This was the main topic of the Town Hall held on campus at Building 600 Monday.

The main presenters were Rod Hamilton of Build LACCD and Mat Bohanon of Brailsford and Dunlavey construction.

Also present were Vice Chancellor and Chief Facilities Executive Rueben C. Smith, Board of Trustees member Sara Hernandez and Interim President Ara Aguiar.

Approximately 25 students attended and expressed their concerns.

Hernandez welcomed the participation of Pierce students.

“In order for us to be a successful housing project here at Pierce, it really has to be student-centered,” Hernandez said.

Hamilton and Bohanon discussed the urgent need for on campus student

housing at LACCD colleges, and specifically Pierce.

Bohanon stated that they are looking for sites with access to public transportation and enough space to accommodate 300400 beds.

Per LACCD surveys, 14 percent of LACCD students are considered housing insecure or houseless.

Additionally, 92 percent of LACCD students’ academics are severely or moderately impacted due to the lack of housing.

This housing problem is due to the lack of affordable accommodations, security deposits and high moving in costs.

Bond Measure LA was approved by voters in 2022 and allocates $500 million for housing on LACCD campuses or properties owned by the district.

In California, there are currently 13 community colleges with on campus housing.

Pierce is one of three campuses in the LACCD system being considered as a Pilot Program for student housing. West LA College and LA City College were

also included.

Bohanon and Hamilton stated that they understand the difficulties facing student parents and plan to address the problem.

Student Parent Reimagining CalWorks (SPARC) ambassador Dia James said that her questions were answered, but she is still looking for more.

“We need to actually have statistics and data for the schools, from the peers and from the district,” said James, who is a parent and a student. “There is no data that supports anything.”

James is an advocate for single and student parent individuals.

The panel discussed the requirements for housing eligibility.

In order to qualify, students would be required to maintain a 2.0 GPA as well as full time status.

Students would also be required to adhere to conduct policies.

Read the rest of the story at theroundupnews.com

Roundup News/ELLIE JAMES

Health Center staff welcomed students during the Health Center Open House event at Pierce College, Woodland Hills Calif., on Oct. 11, 2023.

By John Ormeno Reporter

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virtually. The only thing you need to pay for is a blood test, which is only $4.”

To get a blood test, STD test or therapy session, students need to make an appointment. It is also open for staff and faculty, and students who struggle with finance or insurance. There is no age limit.

Doctors and psychologists are available on campus all week.

Insurance and fees are not required, and everything is confidential. The Health Center is located at the Student Services building on the 2nd floor. It is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ierce College’s Health Center hosted an open house at the Student Services Building on Oct. 11., to inform people about the services.

The Health Center has what you would see in a clinic. It has a doctor on campus.

Dr. Mitch Nishimoto, who’s been working for the Health Center since 2003, said they try to manage things for students for potential risk for future health issues.

“The great thing about having a clinic on campus is that it’s free,” Nishimoto said. “They will give you the best help they need.”

Nishimoto also said they even have therapy for private or group sessions.

“You don’t have to pay for therapy. All 12 sessions are free,” Nishimoto said.

“They have 24/7 year- Read the rest of the story at round access that includes theroundupnews.com holidays and weekends

6 Photo Essay

theroundupnews.com

Cleaning up the farm

Copy by Benjamin Hanson

Photos by Myraneli Fabian.

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arly Saturday morning, four Pierce students volunteered to help Farm Club Manager Jordan Stivers clean. stables at the Equestrian Center, remove manure from the goat pens and sweep across the farm.

Stivers said the club hosts these volunteer cleanups to show appreciation for farm staff helping the club and for students to get free experience with animals.

“We work with the farm staff to organize these cleanups as a way to give back and help keep the farm extra clean and beautiful,” Stivers said.

The four students are enrolled in different programs and had different reasons for volunteering.

For psychology Major Bailey Dillon, she decided to join because she loves animals.

“I’m very passionate about helping out my own community,” Dillon said. “It’s a great way to get volunteer work in.”

Brandon Molina, who is enrolled in the GED program, said he recognized the importance of volunteering.

“We need to make sure the animals are taken care of and well fed,” Molina said.

While Pierce offers a wide variety of programs of study for students–such as automotive tech, biochemistry, performance arts, communication and marine biology, it began as a crop cultivation and animal husbandry school in 1947.

Stivers said it’s important for Pierce to remain tethered to its roots.

“We don’t have a lot of local options, especially community colleges who make it affordable for everybody, to learn about these kinds of things,” Stivers said.

Automotive tech student Marcus Haro and undecided major Joshua Gallegos also volunteered.

Myraneli Fabian contributed to this story.

Brandon Molina pets Goose the goat.

From left, Bailey Dillon, Marcos Haro, Brandon Molina and Joshua Gallegos rake hay at a stable at the Equestrian Center.

Photo Essay 7

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

From left, Brandon Molina, Bailey Dillon and Joshua Gallegos help clean goat pen #1.

Brandon Molina (l) and Joshua Gallegos (r) dump hay and soil onto a truck.

Jordan Stivers drives back to the farm from the Equestrian Center.

Bailey Dillon dumps goat manure into a bin.

Jordan Stivers unloads hay from a truck.

8 Campus Life

theroundupnews.com

At last, they see the light

Professor Dale Fields (left) and their wife Aniko Fields look at the sun through protective glasses at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 14, 2023.

Copy and photos by Madison Cheramie

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hysics and Planetary Sciences Department Chair Dale Fields hosted a solar eclipse viewing party Saturday on the Pierce College Mall.

Students and faculty wore special glasses and used a telescope to take photos of the moon covering the sun.

Fields said once the moon covered enough of the sun, people could see a bit of the eclipse in the shadows of the trees.

The light of the sun shined through the

leaves of the trees and the crescent shape of the sun was visible.

“When the light hits, it comes down through trees and acts like little mini cameras,” Fields said. “With the little tiny bits filtering through, you’re gonna see little mini eclipses on the ground.”

According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024.

However, people should go out of their way to see it as the one after that won’t occur until 2044.

Elizabeth Perser attempts to take photos of the eclipse through a telescope at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 14, 2023. Perser is a member of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society.

Carlos, Ely, Joshua and Carla Becerra take turns looking through the telescope at Professor Dale Fields adjusts their telescope to get a clearer image of the sun for the eclipse at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 14, 2023. the solar eclipse at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 14, 2023.

Campus Life 9

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Mirror of her-story

For National Coming Out Day, New Chicano/a Studies Professor aims to Multicultural Center bridge identity, empowerment and social justice provides safe space

Roundup News/LINDA ZIMMERLING

Malcolm Lovelace (l) and Nati Jatana make sand funnels at the National Coming Out Day event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 10, 2023.

By Alexis Brown Reporter

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realize.”

The goal of the event is to ensure that students feel a sense of belonging on campus and create a tightknit community.

The Multicultural Center is a safe space where all students are welcomed and they wanted to make sure they honor National Coming Out Day. Melkumyan explains this month is also Armenian Cultural Month so they will be hosting another event and in November they will celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

“We put together events that are inclusive and that they cater to all of our students,” Melkumyan said.

“We have a very diverse student population and we like to offer a variety of events. Students should feel proud of their background, culture and their sexuality.”

he Multicultural Center welcomed students for National Coming Out Day, providing a space for them to openly express themselves. This center is dedicated to fostering intercultural education and celebrating a rich tapestry of diversity.

Multicultural Center Coordinator Tatevik Melkumyan highlights the importance of celebrating National Coming Out Day. She explains the event brings visibility to the LGBTQ+ community, which she feels is often overlooked.

“Accessibility is huge.

Some students who have not fully opened up about their sexuality feel that they are not able to be their true selves and this can become extremely tiring for our students,” Melkumyan said. “Providing them a space where they can be 100 percent authentically Read the rest of the story at themselves is more theroundupnews.com important than people

Roundup News/SONYA MILLER

Lucila Chavez stands at her desk at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 16, 2023. Chavez is the new Chicano Studies professor.

By Alexis Brown Reporter

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rowing up, Lucila Chavez had never seen a reflection of herself in what she was learning at school.

“I wanted to empower students to learn more about our community and I became deeply engaged with Chicano studies,” Chavez said.

Chavez is the new Chicano Studies professor at Pierce College. She is the daughter of immigrants from Jalisco, Mexico, who immigrated to Boyle Heights in the 1960s. She has been greatly shaped by her experience being raised in a predominantly immigrant community and diverse history of Boyle Heights.

As an undergraduate student she attended UCLA. She explains that her start at UCLA was bumpy, she struggled academically but benefited from recruitment and retention programs

for students of color/first generation students such as MECHA Calmecac and the Academic Advancement program. In addition to these programs, she took Chicano Studies for the first time.

“For the first time in my life I was able to see myself, my family and my community in the mirror of history and having that connection was so empowering,” Chavez said. “I was able to explore my identity, embrace my customs and traditions, and make sense of the world around me.”

Chavez double majored in History and Chicana/o Studies at UCLA. She emphasized the importance of ethnic studies and stated that she learned she had the power to change and transform the world around her.

Chavez earned her bachelor’s degree from UCLA and pursued her master’s degrees in Chicana/o Studies and

History at Cal State LA. There she orchestrated a lecture series centered on Chicanas in Academia and established the inaugural Gender, Sexuality, & Power Student Research Conference.

Her areas of specialization encompass Mexicana/Chicana history, Chicana feminisms and the comparative study of ethnicity, gender and sexuality. She came to Pierce with a mission to contribute to the development of curricula that promote an intersectional approach, inspiring students to delve into matters of identity, empowerment and social justice.

Chavez explained how much she has enjoyed the process of being integrated in Chicano Studies at Pierce.

Read the rest of the story at theroundupnews.com

10 Campus Life

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A murder! On the train!?

Adaptation of Agatha Christie novel is set to make its debut

By Christian Castellanos Opinions Editor

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tale of drama, mystery and a smoking gun, with a comedic twist.

All aboard the Orient Express, where a crime has been committed and it’s up to passengers to solve the murder.

Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” is set to feature at the Pierce College Performing Arts Building Friday, Oct. 27.

The play is based on an adaptation by comic playwright Ken Ludwig.

It is directed by Esdras Toussaint and features an ensemble cast which includes Jack Bernaz as Hercule Poirot, Dale van Slyke as Monsieur Bouc, and Olia Medkova as Countess Andrenyi.

According to Toussaint, the audience are getting “a rollercoaster of a ride.”

“In one night–in one play–you can come out and see a murder mystery play that is funny and touches your heart,” Toussaint said.

“It speaks to something deeper. It speaks to something about justice.”

Bernaz, a professional actor who is performing at Pierce for the first time, was thrilled to be working with the theater students.

“They are uniformly professional, enthusiastic, talented and hardworking,” said Bernaz, who has worked in the theater industry for 43 years. “It’s just a joy to be part of this ensemble.”

For Toussaint, it is a “wonderful thing” to have

Roundup News/CHRISTIAN CASTELLANOS

From left, Monsieur Bouc (Dale Van Slyke), Hercule Poirot (Jack Bernaz) and Countess Andrenyi (Olia Medkova) examine an item on the set of “Murder on the Orient Express” on the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2023.

professional actors work alongside the student actors.

“On one level, the students are seeing the professionalism that happens in the room,” said Toussaint, who has worked with the theater department for nearly six years. “On the other side, the professional actor is seeing our program and how we collaborate.

There’s always something to learn for both sides.”

Van Slyke, who is a theater major, said audiences should “expect a good time.”

“It’s a funny cast who

take a lot of chances and aren’t afraid to have fun on stage,” said van Slyke, who compared the character of Bouc as “a Watson to Poirot’s Sherlock Holmes.

“Especially led by Jack, who is just taking the whole thing full force and just helping us all move forward with how big we can go, how funny we can make it and how serious we treat it.”

According to Toussaint, working with actors of Bernaz’s caliber forces student actors to “raise their game.”

“Imagine yourself in any

field–let’s say basketball–if you’re playing with the best, you’re going to get better.”

Toussaint said. “I think the students learn something from that and they see the amount of work that it takes to get to that level.

“Murder on the Orient Express” will premiere at the Performing Arts Building on Friday, Oct. 27, and continues through Sunday, Oct. 29.

Performance times start at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $15 for students, $18 for seniors and $23 for general admission. Free parking is

located in Parking Lot #6, adjacent to the Performing Arts Center.

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

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (818) 719-6488. Tickets may also be purchased online at lapiercecollegestore.com or lapctheatre.org.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

W Volley

Sports 11

Brahmas Scoreboard

L v Moorpark 3-0

W Soccer

T v Moorpark 0-0

Football

L v Glendale 34-13

Men’s soccer drops the ball yet again “We made a lot of errors in the first half,” Martinez said.

“Three goals in and it wasn’t our best performance.”

Castillo said it’s devastating to witness losses like this.

“They’re a good group of kids,” Castillo said. “I don’t know if it’s ‘one of those days’ but today was just us turning the ball over too much.”

Pedro Perez Jr. said he places the blame on himself for the loss.

“It is what it is,” Perez Jr. said. “Every game is different, so we deal with it and do better on the next one.”

Roundup News/BENJAMIN HANSON Perez Jr. said that while Pablo Cardenas (l) steals the ball from Alexander Mazariegos (r) everything didn’t go to plan during a game against the Bakersfield Renegades in Woodland Hills, against Bakersfield, he and the Calif., on Oct. 13, 2023. rest of the team will continue to prepare for the last stretch of the season.

by Joshua Bryant and Joshua

By Benjamin Hanson “I’m going to be more disciPimentel each scoring a goal to Editor-in-Chief plined,” Perez Jr. said. “We got bring it to 3-0. to put our hearts into it because Head Coach Julio Castillo said he men’s soccer team’s Bakersfield had way more heart season record fell to 2-7-2 his team gave the game away than us today.” as they lost 4-0 to Bakers- with turnovers.

Castillo said the team has to “We’re so much better than field College on Friday. go back to basics to get players The Brahmas were in too deep this,” Castillo said. in the right mindset for the next Renegade Jesus Cortez scored as the Bakersfield Renegades game. jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the the final goal midway through “Review and review and rethe second half. first half of the game. view,” Castillo said. “So I don’t Adrian Martinez said the secBakersfield’s Jordee Magana force them to understand that scored the first goal nine min- ond half went a little better but it ‘they’re so much better than this. utes into the first half, followed wasn’t enough to come back.

T

Roundup News/BENJAMIN HANSON Gilberto Chavez (l) heads the ball away from Hugo Viramontes (r) during a game against the Bakersfield Renegades in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 13, 2023. The Brahmas lost 4-0.

Leave the nervous butterflies at home. Come and have fun. For-

get about mistakes. That type of mentality.”

Brahmas lose to former coach

By Tyler Hale Reporter

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he Associated Student Organization (ASO) hosted a pregame tailgate on Wednesday, providing food and refreshments to both Mission and Pierce College women’s volleyball teams and guests outside the Brahmadome.

The Tailgate is a tradition established for many home games since spring 2016. Student Engagement Coordinator Lara Conrady Wong has been alternating the tailgate with both men and women sports throughout the semester to support each team.

Wednesday’ tailgate game saw a familiar face with the coach of

the Mission College Eagles, Nabil Mardini who led the Brahmas in their glory days for 17 years before being let go in 2017. Under his leadership, the Pierce women’s volleyball team received 15 conference titles and three state titles.

Despite the controversy surrounding the end of his tenure, Coach Mardini held no grudges and was happy to return to his home campus.

“It’s always good to come back and look at the pictures on the wall and talk to people I know who I’ve built relationships with,” Mardini said before the game.

While the coach looked forward to a challenging match from the Brahmas, the team was never able to pick up enough

ground game to outmatch the Eagles. The first set remained tight between the two teams though both of them made many long shots out-of-bounds. The star player for the Eagles was outside hitter Jaya Davison who scored the most kills for the game with a seasonal 4.13 K/S ratio.

Davison scored the last hit of the set 18-25.

Things did not improve for the Brahmas for the remaining sets, both resulting 14-25. The team was plagued by many calls from the referees over double violations.

The game ended 0-3 going to Mission College.

The top scoring player of the Brahmas was outside hitter Lilly Gulley who maintains a 2.41

Roundup News/LUIS QUINTANA LA Mission’s Jocelyn Lopez (l) attempts to block Lamiya Sorhaindo’s (r) hit during a game against the Mission College Eagles in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 11, 2023. The Pierce Brahmas lost 3-0 in straight sets (25-18, 25-14, 25-14).

K/S ratio and said there is much to work on.

“I think our defense definitely has room for improvement especially with our blocking. We need to work on reading the sets,”

Gulley said post-game.

The Brahmas are scheduled to face off against the Moorpark College Raiders in their next away game on Oct. 13 at 6 pm.