A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION @roundupnews
Vol. 145, Issue 7
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
Drumming, altars honor Day of the Dead celebration ‘George Lopez’ show actress speaks about her ancestors
Calvin Henry / Roundup News (Left to Right) Sisters of the One Drum members Soledad Gaez, Sewa Valencia and Yolanda Sandoval drum and sing at the Dia De Los Muertos Student Alter Showcase inside Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 22, 2026.
By Calvin Henry Managing Editor
T
he rhythmic slams of a drum layered with booming vocals resonated across the stage and
into the ears of the crowded student audience. To celebrate the upcoming Day of the Dead holiday, the Chicano/a Studies department hosted the 12th Annual Día de los Muertos Student Altar Showcase in Building 600 on Thursday, Oct. 22.
ARTS
Actress Constance Marie, who starred on the show “George Lopez,” was invited as a guest speaker, along with special guests the Sisters of the One Drum, a nonprofit organization. Social behavioral science major Nena Gutierrez, who created one of the altars, said
that she loved the ceremonial drumming from the Sisters of the One Drum. “When you see people go to church for the first time and they start crying, that’s the experience I had right now,” Gutierrez said. “It was really beautiful. It makes me definitely more proud of
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‘Obsession’ movie panel Daniel Shamash/ Roundup News
‘Dracula’ performance
See ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ on page 5.
SPORTS
PHOTO ESSAY
Page 6
being a Mexicana.”
Women’s soccer Gerardo Escobar / Roundup
Akarai Jackson / Roundup News
2 Opinion
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Column: From the desk of the Roundup 6201 Winnetka Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91371 Room: Pierce College Village 8211 Website: www.theroundupnews.com Email: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail. com
Editor-in-Chief.........Zamourad Iqbal Managing Editor..............Calvin Henry Opinion Editor............James Mondares News Editor...............Natalie Baharian Copy Editor.....................Emily Garcia Photo Editor....................Josue Aguilar Campus Life Editor.........Gisele Donan Campus Life Assistant Editor......Cesar Baneulos Soto Entertainment Editor..Viviana Morales Sports Editor................Lesa Greenfield Social Media Editor......Natallia Padilla Newsletter Editor...................Elizabeth Santana-Zavala Reporters Abraham Elizalde Valeria Estevez Mizel Hernandez Isaiah Johnson Mac Kupka Photographers Ali Bigdeli Sebastian Berrospid Gutierrez Nateli Bush Gerardo Escobar Kameron Fricks Grace Furman Akarai Jackson Tyler Miller Danial Mohamed Taryn Robinson Moises Rodriguez Daniel Shamash Advisers Jill Connelly Jeff Favre Tracie Savage Morgan Keith
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Growing up Filipino in the United States
M
y mother misclassified made it hard for Lia rarely the first people that come immigrated to the [an interviewee] to identify as to mind. This seems baffling United States from Asian. ‘It’s hard because we’re considering the size of the the Philippines on Oct. 15, the only Asian country that has Filipino population in America 2002. That Tuesday afternoon, been colonized by Spain for three … In California, the nation’s leading destination state for I do not think she foresaw the hundred years,’ Lia said.” Today, it’s hard not to feel the immigrants, Filipinos outnumber nights her son would wish to be white with straight, black hair, ramifications of such a heavy every other Asian American nor the microaggressions her history. From our surnames, group.” Yet, Western culture has family would face and never to our foods, all the way to the stringent Catholicism, Spanish diminished most of Asian acknowledge. October is National Filipino colonialism has made it difficult American identity to East Asian American History Month. for Filipinos to embrace their countries. This oversimplification of an entire continent, paired Despite Tagalog being the place as Asian Americans. Ocampo adds, “Most would with the 20th and 21st century most spoken language in California other than English also agree that when people hear standards of beauty, has made and Spanish, Filipinos are still the word Asian, Filipinos are growing up Filipino extremely largely underrepresented in mainstream media. Only now is society uplifting Filipino culture with big releases like DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island,” a love letter to Filipino folklore. Even then, society does not treat Filipinos as they are, but what they’re thought of to be. While I was growing up, my family and I would get mistaken for Hispanic multiple times. This was not insulting– but it felt as if our Asian identity would get erased whenever workers would talk to us in Spanish before they would English. As a result, I’ve spent a good chunk of my life not really fitting into my Asian identity. This phenomenon is not new. Writer and sociologist Anthony (Photo courtesy of the Agrusa family) / Roundup News Christian Ocampo writes in his (Right to Left) Pierce College Roundup opinion editor James Mondbook, “The Latinos of Asia: How Filipinos Break the Rules ares and his mother Rowena Agrusa visiting the Statue of Liberty on a of Race,” “This consistent trip to New York City in 2012 on Ellis Island in New York, NY experience of being racially
difficult. I was in middle school when I first remembered being conscious and insecure of my skin and my specific features. I’d always want to straighten my curly hair that I got from my mother. There would be times when I stared at my tan skin, imagined it to be pale and got emotional. I’d hear stories of families not teaching their kids Tagalog to protect them in today’s society. Even after this time when I was at my most vulnerable, the waves of colorism were still rampant. I watched a little niece I had in Manila cry when she got a Moana doll because of her dark skin. A Filipino I was close to called me a “negro” after tanning at the beach in the summer. I would constantly hear and see stories of Filipinos using whitening cream and worship pale skin across social media. Filipino American History Month is important to contextualize the ways in which Filipinos still face adversity– and how we push past it. When I first watched “Forgotten Island,” I cried within the first 10 minutes. Seeing yourself finally represented at such a large scale is important and helps so many others feel seen. This month should be taken to commemorate all the bright and sunny Filipinos throughout America and the Philippines.
A look into the archives: 70+ years of the Roundup
O
n Oct. 28, 1998, the Pierce College Roundup reported on a protest that was happening in order to save the college farm. Many community members rallied on the campus landmark, shouting their opposition to the development proposals and calling for the preservation of the land, having signs such as “Geese not golf.” This issue highlighted the communities ambitions to keep and protect the Farm’s future, including making fundraisers in order to support its continuation and its ability to be available for the agricultural students’ education.
Copy by Viviana Morales
A photo of archived Volume 89, Issue 8 of The Roundup News.
Opinion 3
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
The fate of Proposition 4 goes to the ballot box PRO: Prop 4 gives small donors a stronger political voice
CON: Prop 4 forces taxpayers to pay for political campaigns
By Calvin Henry Managing Editor
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egistered voters should vote “YES” on Proposition 4 because it reduces corporate and billionaire funding of election campaigns, inspirits small donor interest and encourages candidates with less financial support to participate in elections. Proposition 4 reverses the ban on public funding of election campaigns in California’s state and local governments. It is the only prohibition of its kind among the 49 other states in the U.S., according to the Proposition 4 Official Voter Information Guide. Only five California cities, including Los Angeles, are exempt from this ban and offer public financing programs. Wealthy and corporate donors alienate everyday voters due to their influence over political advertisements and state governments. Google, AT&T, Amazon and other companies reported a total cost of “roughly $540 million in lobbying expenses to push their point of view to California officials, including legislators, on hundreds of bills between January and December” of 2024, according to CalMatters. Public funding programs can also bring in first-time small donors into the participation pool for election cycles. A 2022 study from the University of Washington revealed that in each of the four election cycles in Seattle since 2017, the Democracy Voucher program has steadily introduced new participants. In 2023, first-time participants made up more than half of voucher users who
participated in previous election cycles, according to the study. The overwhelming presence of big donors also contributes to racial and wealth disparities such as in the city of Oakland, Calif. According to an analysis from the City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission, 42% of donations to Oakland candidates came from three ZIP codes where the white population is over 50% and the median household income for residents is at the highest in the city. Proposition 4 could mitigate this issue by allowing California to introduce public financing programs like the previously mentioned Democracy Voucher, which gave people of color and lowincome residents in Seattle a method of contributing to campaigns without direct cash donations. Programs like Democracy Vouchers can also support candidates with less financial backing. In a YouTube video from CampaignLegalCenter which looked into the Seattle program, Teresa Mosqueda was able to run for City Council despite having student loans and rent to pay because of the Democracy Voucher program and won. Voting “YES” on Proposition 4 opens the door for more candidates and voters to participate in California’s wealth dominated elections. Allowing more public financing programs to exist in California gives everyday voters a stronger political voice and makes them more appealing to candidates over special interest donors.
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By Mizel Hernandez Reporter
vote ‘No’ on Prop. 4 would mean the state and most local governments would remain unable to establish public campaign financing programs for candidates running for office. This raises many questions about what role the government has to play in the election funding if taxpayers support political campaigns. Some argue that funds should go towards essential services rather than political candidates, while others think that publicly financed campaigns control how the government is involved in fundraising. In an article for Calmatters, Prop. 4 would lift a ban that prohibits state and most local candidates from using public funding for their political campaigns. This prevents unnecessary costs and questions that people may have on how public funds are spent. This money allows the government to help candidates pay for expenses such as campaign events and advertising which people do not want. Taxpayers should not be able to pay for political campaigns. Another article by The Mercury News recommends voting ‘no’ on Proposition 4, stating that our tax dollars should not be spent on election campaigns. A major concern is whether public financing creates a fair election system. When candidates accept public funds, they benefit from unnecessary spending and political committees. This can cause an uneven playing field if candidates or others have access to that money.
In the General Election information guide, the argument for Prop. 4 allows politicians to use your taxpayer money to fund their negative campaigns. Prop. 4 has no limit on the number of candidates who can get taxpayer money and how much taxpayer money they can get. Worse yet, Prop 4 allows special interest money in politics. Critics argue that taxpayer money should be only used for public services rather than political campaigns. Taxpayers should not have to help finance candidates they do not support. Proposition 4 should limit how money is spent for campaigns and the government needs to carefully consider the costs before establishing many systems. Supporters of Prop. 4 continue that public financing could reduce candidates’ dependence on private donors and give more opportunities for office. This raises questions if the government’s involvement in campaign funding is the most effective way to talk about concerns on how money is being spent in politics.
Who are you voting for Los Angeles Mayor?
“I might vote for Nithya. I feel like she might bring something new to LA. Karen Bass has had the last few years to improve LA, and there’s not much that we can see, at least in the Valley” Jeffrey Martinez — Political Science Major
“I do plan to vote for Karen Bass just for the fact that I wasn’t fully aware of my vote until recently this morning. she is trying her hardest to clean up the homelessness in LA. We should give her a couple more years to see if she’s improved” Brissia Figuerao — Nursing Major
“I’d probably say Raman. I’ve just heard she’s doing better for the community overall and that she’s trying to do what’s helping society.” Violette Montero — Sociology Major
Interviews by Calvin Henry Photos by Ali Bigdeli
“I wouldn’t go for Karen Bass. My only other would be Nithya. I feel like Bass hasn’t done a lot of what she said for LA, such as homelessness, cleaning up the streets or anything to help LA.” Erin Carter — Veterinary Medicine Major
4 News
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Football hiatus extension discussed at Academic Senate without trainers. Brown said the second By Lesa Greenfield replacement trainer started Sports Editor Monday, Oct. 26. Aguiar also mentioned that Pierce is not the only community ierce College’s extended college to suspend its football football hiatus, a new UC program, pointing to Orange Merced transfer pathway Coast College as another and historically Black colleges’ example. participation in an upcoming Brown said faculty, staff, transfer fair were discussed at students and the athletic the Academic Senate meeting on department support bringing Monday, Oct. 26, in The Great football back. Hall. Transfer Center Director and Pierce will not have a football Articulation Officer Sunday team in fall 2027. The earliest Salter also reported on UC the program Merced’s new could return Associate is fall 2028. Degree for College Tr a n s f e r “The biggest obstacle to football returning is President pathway, which Aracely getting a coach early enough and one who is offers eligible A g u i a r California committed to and has connections to discussed the community need to hire recruit locally.” college students a head coach guaranteed and what Tamera Brown admission to the college the university. Kinesiology and Athletics Facilities Assistant needs to Students do before who meet the football can pathway’s return. requirements Aguiar said she did not want to She also said Pierce plans to may also qualify for scholarships hire a coach and give that person form a group to discuss bringing and housing benefits. only six months to recruit players football back, with faculty having Salter also said the transfer and prepare a team. The college a say in the process. She didn’t fair on Wednesday, Oct. 28, will has not yet posted the head give a timeline or say who would include a table representing 30 coaching position. be part of the group. historically Black colleges and “We would have to hire a coach Brown said the athletic universities (HBCUs), in addition by January 2027 to have a team in department has been filling to representatives from 45 other September of 2027,” Kinesiology positions left vacant by colleges and universities. and Athletics Facilities Assistant retirements. All three athletic The next Academic Senate Tamera Brown said. trainers retired around the same meeting will be held Monday, Brown said finding a coach time, and replacing them became Nov. 9, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 with connections to local schools a priority because the college p.m. in Building 600. would be important in rebuilding cannot run athletic programs
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the program. “The biggest obstacle to football returning is getting a coach early enough and one who is committed to and has connections to recruit locally,” Brown said. Pierce originally put its football program on hold because it didn’t have enough players to meet the roster requirements. There were also concerns about player safety. Aguiar said the roster requirements could change, and she wants to wait until there’s more information before deciding when football can return.
Lesa Greenfield / Roundup News Pierce College President Aracely Aguiar speaking at the Academic Sentae meeting in The Great Hall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.
ma Blotter
Brah Crime Log
Compiled by Calvin Henry
ID Theft reported on Oct. 26, 2026 at the Child Development Center. The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office.
Raymundo Arellano / Mission College
Pierce College Sheriff’s Office General Information 818-719-6450 — Emergency 818-710-4311
Photo by Calvin Henry
Campus Life 5
Wednesday, Oct., 28, 2026
Continued: Dia De Los Muertos Student Altar Showcase When the drumming concluded, Marie gave a speech honoring her grandmother in the spirit of Day of the Dead. She spoke about how the Spanish language was lost in the family lineage to avoid discrimination in the 1950s, how she was pushed into certain acting roles due to her Latino heritage, how she found her way into the “George Lopez” show and why she reintroduced Spanish in her family.
Marie shared that she learned about Dia de los Muertos from the movie “Coco” and has since celebrated the holiday to bond and teach herself and her daughter about the family’s history. Gutierrez said that Marie’s speech resonated with her as a parent who did not teach her son the Spanish language. “As an immigrant coming here, you grow up with a lot of different ideologies, and you
Calvin Henry / Roundup News Sisters of the One Drum members Soledad Gaez, Sewa Valencia and Yolanda Sandoval raise their fists and pray with the audience at the Dia De Los Muertos Student Alter Showcase inside Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 22, 2026.
have to assimilate,” Gutierrez said. “The experience of being Chicano is different than the migrant. The idea for a migrant, of someone that’s been here for generations, is not that bright, so to hear somebody say, ‘Hey, you know what? I hold myself accountable for my disconnection, and I’m breaking that cycle now,’ is inspiring.” Psychology major Arshia Shakeri said that hearing Marie speak about the advice she was
given when she wanted to give up several times in her career was a highlight for him as an aspiring actor. After Marie’s speech, a video showcase of student-made “ofrendas” was presented to the audience. According to Chicano Studies professor Angelita Rovero, who played a role in coordinating the event, the showcase of Day of the Dead altars came from students
Gracelynn Furman / Roundup News Actress Constance Marie speaks at the Dia De Los Muertos Student Altar Showcase event in the Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 22, 2026.
Review: Horror classic arrives for Halloween By Valeria Estevez Reporter
I
t’s London, 1897. Fog glides through the air, the soft pitter-patter of rain can be heard. That’s the setting for one of horror’s most famous tales. Halloween is a few days away, and director Esoras Tousaint’s “Dracula” is in time to offer terror in this spine-chilling spin on Steven Dietz’s adaptation of the classic novel, written in 1897 by Braham Stoker. The two-act play, which opened Oct. 23, on Pierce’s Main Stage, runs through Nov. 1. The gothic story follows Mina’s (Hayley Anglin) betrothed, Jonathan Harker (Sam Davey), who travels to Transylvania and encounters Dracula (Amir Azadan), who is deemed mysterious but soon becomes feared. Harker, along with Dr. Seward (Shane Chung) and Abraham Van Helsing (Jonica Patella), a superstitious professor, uncovers the occult occurrences happening after Dracula arrives in London. With an ensemble of 13 performers and a runtime of about two and a half hours, this delivers a frightening experience that may leave audiences cowering in their seats.
The play is introduced by Renfield (Elissa Rosenhaus), an erudite man who slowly unveils his madness. From the costume design and set design, Rosenhaus’ strong debut as Renfield delivers lunatic monologues and jump scares that enclose the audience in the cold, isolated cell with her. Act 1 introduces Mina and Lucy (Eliot Le Jour), lifelong friends who are doing what every pair of girlfriends do, whether it’s 1897 or 2026-debrief about their caller. They mention Harker and Mina’s engagement, and Lucy reveals she has three suitors, including Dr. Seward, who she eventually rejects. As Mina, Anglin delivers a heartfelt monologue worrying about her betrothed’s journey to Transylvania and his lack of correspondence. “Dracula” is Anglin’s fourth play, and she displays a strong range of emotions from yearning to caring throughout both acts. Mina cares for her dear friend Lucy, whose behavior is increasingly erratic, while she also tenderly cares for her fiancé’s well-being. Le Jour adds a soft side to Lucy that stands out while she is screaming in agony from confusion. Lucy’s unexplainable erratic behavior is gradually
shown through Le Jour’s standout performance. In a call for help, Mina enlists Dr. Seward and Professor Van
Helsing to help uncover the string of eerie occurrences. Surprised her betrothed is back in London, Mina notices he does
Gerardo Escobar / Roundup News Amir Azadan (left) as the titular Dracula and Eliot Le Jour as Lucy in a scene of “Dracula” at the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2026.
in the Mexican-American Arts in American Culture class as part of their midterm. As the founder of the Mi Gente Graduation Celebration, Rovero invited Marie to be a keynote speaker in 2021 and recognized her “love of community, activism and connection.” “She always makes herself available, she goes above and beyond,” Rovero said. “She stood and let every student ask her questions. She’s just so studentfriendly, community connected, and she’s just badass.” Rovero said that it’s not everyday that Pierce brings in “high caliber” figures to campus, and she wants students to have that “once-in-a-lifetime experience” to directly meet celebrities, artists and singers. Although Marie didn’t go to college, she said that she feels a tremendous amount of pride to be invited to an event such as this, and as long as she can continue inspiring people, she will continue to show up for the students. Marie said the biggest takeaway from her speech for students is to “embrace all of who they are” even if their family history is complicated. “It makes more facets on our diamond that is the gem of our lives,” Marie said.
not seem the same after meeting with Dracula. Act 2 highlights the strong performances of Chung, Patella and Davey. The three encapsulate what it feels like to go on a ghost-busting adventure with your friends. There’s bickering, miscommunication and a macabre sensation when talking about Dracula. Azadan’s uncanny portrayal of Dracula brings the undead character to life. Azadan’s startling performance, along with the set design and stagework, worked cunningly, creating an eerie, unsettling atmosphere around Dracula. A strobe light effect adds to the startling moment, leaving the audience wondering whether they are watching Dracula or signing up for a haunted maze. The two-and-a-half-hour bloodcurdling production creates a chilling atmosphere that is ideal for viewers for a night of fright. “Dracula” runs until Sunday, Nov. 1, in the Performing Arts Mainstage Theater. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at LAPCtheatre. org or over the phone at 818-7196488.
6 Arts/Entertainment
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Film and Psych clubs collaborate for panel on ‘Obsession’ By Mac Kupka Reporter
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he Film and Psych clubs discussed the film “Obsession” Oct. 22 in the Behavioral Science Building, in a panel hosted by the media arts in cinema professor Ken Windrum and psychology professor. Chadwick J. Snow. “Obsession” is a 2025 film directed by Curry Baker, which focuses on supernatural elements, and involves many themes of what happens regarding mental illness. The participants discussed borderline personality disorder and the results it can have. The two professors also told
the audience that while having many symptoms regarding this disorder, the movie shows a lot more intense behavior than someone would experience compared to someone in real life. “The symptoms can be really intense,” Snow said. “But you essentially get to a certain point, and then you’re stuck, unlike the movie, where it keeps pushing further.” It was also noted that while it’s possible to have borderline personality disorder as well as other types of disorders, such as schizophrenia or obsessivecompulsive disorder, you can’t have more than one type of true personality disorder at any given time. “It is essentially a paradigm,” Windrum said, “You cannot be consistently high, or consistently
low in the same dimension.” Student Faith Cypres said it’s possible to compare the movie itself to actual borderline personality disorder. “It’s an emotionless display regarding paranormal behavior that still involves elements that someone with the disorder would experience,” Cypres said. Panelists talked about how love can affect many emotional disorders, which can impact and increase the symptoms, causing these feelings to be exacerbated even further. “Love can make a person do all kinds of things, especially regarding obsessive behavior,” Windrum said. “But depending on the choices which these people make, it’s possible to have really positive or really negative results.”
Daniel Shamash / Roundup News Professor Chad Snow discussing the psychology of a character from the film during the Obsession Movie discussion in room 1305 of the Behavioral Science Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 22, 2026.
Review: Veteran YouTubers go on a chilling hunt for the haunt By Viviana Morales Entertainment Editor
D
o you believe in the afterlife? For many, life continuing beyond death is a matter of faith. For others, the question remains unanswered, fueled by stories of unexplained paranormal encounters and places rumored to hold something beyond the living world. For YouTube duo Sam Golbach and Colby Brock, it is a question they have spent years exploring. Their hour-long videos have a way of making the unfamiliar feel disturbingly close, turning abandoned buildings, dark hallways and unexpected
occurrences into videos that leave viewers turning their heads to check if there is someone behind them. Their annual Hell Week series takes that nail-biting atmosphere to another level, and the 2026 installment, “Hell Week 666,” is no exception. Across six episodes, Sam and Colby take viewers through various locations surrounded by dark histories and alleged paranormal activity, such as St. Brigid’s Psychiatric Hospital and the Appalachian Mountains, building suspense through their eerie environments, historical research, photographs, investigations and collaborations with other content creators. The series offers more than a collection of frightening
encounters. It taps into a fascination with the unknown that forces audiences to become hypnotized by the screen, even when they would rather look away. One of the series’ strongest and best-known elements is the Estes method, in which one participant wears noisecanceling headphones and listens to a spirit box while others ask questions that the participant won’t be able to hear. The participant then relays the words that come through the spirit box, leaving everyone else to consider whether the responses have any kind of connection. Although this method is not the only one conducted, these experiments give the opportunity to follow along and have viewers
form their interpretations. The Estes method is particularly compelling as it introduces another layer of uncertainty: Are the words meaningful responses, coincidences or the result of the paranormal? The season’s finale, “Proving the Paranormal: The Conjuring Ritual,” takes this questioning a step further. Instead of just relying on fear, Sam and Colby created a 90-minute-long film solely dedicated to proving and acknowledging that their techniques are reliable. From being far away from their participants when asking questions for the Estes method and still getting scarily accurate replies, to testing their equipment in a random park in Las Vegas where nothing turned on, the
finale is a love letter to the more skeptical side of the audience. Ultimately, “Hell Week 666” showcases how Sam and Colby have turned paranormal investigations into a riveting form of online entertainment. Their bone-chilling locations draw their viewers in, their investigative methods encourage curiosity, and their guests introduce different perspectives of the paranormal. The series does not settle the question of what happens after death, nor do the experiments provide an absolute answer. It lies in encouraging the viewers to continue asking questions and to keep investigating.
Students learn to Crack the Code on their research skills
Student Wen Chen looks at a computer screen during the “Crack the Code: Read Academic Articles Like a Pro” workshop at the Pierce College Library on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.
Sebastian Berrospid / Roundup News Student Theodore Baihao participates in the “Crack the Code: Read Academic Articles Like a Pro” workshop at the Pierce College Library on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.
Photo Essay 7
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
Top: Eliot Le Jour (left) and Jonica Patella (right) during a scene of “Dracula” at the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2026.
Actors sinks their fangs into ‘Dracula’ adaptation Photos by Gerardo Escobar (Left to right): Eliot Le Jour, Jonica Patella and Shane Chung rehearse a blood transfusion during “Dracula” at the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2026. Bottom: Haley Anglin (left) and Eliot Le Jour (right) rehearse a scene of “Dracula” at the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2026.
Right: Elissa Rosenhaus as Renfield rehearsing a scene of “Dracula” at the Performing Arts Mainstage at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2026.
8 Sports
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Women’s soccer scores three second-half goals to beat Bulldogs By Lesa Greenfield Sports Editor
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mber Flores and Angelinne Mazariegos have spent years playing soccer together, from club teams to high school. On Tuesday, the two helped Pierce overcome a frustrating first half to beat Allan Hancock Bulldogs. Mazariegos scored one goal and assisted on two others, including Flores’ second-half goal, as Pierce defeated Allan Hancock College 3-1 on Oct. 20 at Shepard Stadium. The win improved the Brahmas’ record to 8-5-2 overall and 5-2 in conference play. Pierce outshot Hancock 14-4 in the first half but struggled to finish its scoring opportunities. Flores hit the crossbar in the 30th minute, and Daniela McNamara had another shot hit the crossbar just before halftime. Flores said the team grew frustrated after missing several chances to score. “Looking back at the shots that we all took in the first half, I think we all just got frustrated seeing that in the beginning, a lot of them weren’t going in,” Flores said. Pierce coach Adolfo Perez said Hancock was well organized on defense, making it difficult for the Brahmas to score. With several players injured, Pierce also had to adjust to a different formation. “We kept telling them, you
have to play your position,” Perez said. “You gotta get the ball wide. And we were able to do that.” The Brahmas broke through in the 61st minute when Mazariegos scored off an assist from Rian Solan. Seven minutes later, Flores extended Pierce’s lead to 2-0 after receiving a pass from Mazariegos. Flores said playing with Mazariegos in high school helped them connect on the goal. “I looked at her, and I just started running,” Flores said. “I knew I was just gonna trust the ball was gonna get there.” Perez said the two players’ familiarity with each other has been an advantage for the team. “They played together in club. They played together in high school. Now they’re together in college,” Perez said. “Their timing is impeccable.” Hancock responded in the 72nd minute when Natalya Ando-Pineda scored off an assist from Cara Mia Shalhoob, cutting Pierce’s lead to 2-1. The Brahmas had another opportunity to score in the 83rd minute, but Hancock goalkeeper Alexia Medina saved a penalty kick by Hannah Ginnever. Pierce added its third goal in the 85th minute when Leah Aragon scored off another assist from Mazariegos. The Brahmas’ next home game is Friday, Oct. 40 at 4 p.m. against Ventura College.
Akarai Jackson / Roundup News Angelinne Mazariegos dribbles past several Allan Hancock players in Pierce College’s 3-1 win over Allan Hancock College at Shepherd Stadium in Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct., 20, 2026.
Women’s volleyball loses to Santa Monica in three sets By Valeria Estevez Reporter
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he Pierce College women’s volleyball team lost to Santa
Monica College in three sets Oct. 21 at Ken Stanley Court. The Corsairs swept the Brahmas 25-9, 25-15 and 25-16. The Brahmas struggled against Santa Monica’s strong blocking and attacks but continued fighting
through several long rallies. Despite the loss, the Brahmas remained upbeat throughout the match. “Most of us are all freshmen and new to the team, seeing how far we’ve come since the
Gerardo Escobar / Roundup News Pierce Outside Hitter/Opposite Hitter Sam Sikorski (#7) atempts to drive the ball over the net while being blocked by players from Santa Monica College during a match in Ken Stanley Court at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2026. Santa Monica College defeated Pierce 3-0.
beginning of the season to right now is magnificent, we’ve grown so much,” captain Samantha Sikorski said. “We didn’t start off the best but we finished the way we normally play together, our chemistry is great and something we are always working on.” Throughout the match, the Brahmas communicated with their teammates, attempted to block the Corsairs’ attacks and dove to keep the ball in play. Santa Monica responded with strong attacks and blocking to take the first set 25-9. Despite the point difference, libero Sofia Galvez remained focused on the Brahmas’ defense. “I am a defense player, it relies on me, I may tell people where to go or if I see a spot we have to cover I yell it out,” Galvez said. “We make sure that everybody is doing their job so we have a strong defense.” The Corsairs continued applying pressure in the second set, building a 10-point lead and winning 25-15. The Brahmas attempted to overcome Santa Monica’s blocking but struggled to close
the gap. Pierce entered the third set with renewed energy, finding opportunities to get past the Corsairs’ defense. Santa Monica responded with digs and strong returns to win the final set 25-16. Pierce coach CJ Suarez said the team would continue working on improving its performance. “We’re constantly trying to find solutions and that’s what we talked about as a team, I believe in our team,” Suarez said. “As long as we are confident and work on what is needed, we can keep pushing forward.” The Brahmas next face College of the Canyons on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. in the South Gym.