
Woodland Hills, California Volume 142 - Issue 8

Woodland Hills, California Volume 142 - Issue 8
By Zamourad Iqbal Reporter
The Multicultural Center and Armenian Student Association hosted a commemoration of the Armenian Genocide to pay homage to the lives lost and share their history with the students and faculty on Thursday, April 17, in the Multicultural Center.
Music Professor Garineh Avakian provided a tribute through her music.
“When you sing, you sing with your heart,” Avakian said. “I was praying and trying to reminisce and pay homage to the victims and to bring justice to pass down this God-given voice that I have been given to share it with those that can appreciate and respect it.”
Psychology major Justin Grigyan played violin at the commemoration and said he was grateful to be a part of the ceremony.
“I have been able to come here with all my Armenian brothers in peace,” Grigyan said. “I was grateful today to be able to play it in this wonderful setting where people who are not even Armenian are coming to take part in our culture, which is very beautiful to me.”
The genocide is a significant event in Armenian history. The Armenian Genocide was carried out by the Ottoman Empire and roughly lasted between 1915 and 1917. One hundred ten flags were placed to represent that it has been 110 years since it occurred.
President of the Armenian Student Association Kriste Migroyan shared her family story from the Armenian Genocide.
“I have a strong connection to the genocide because both of my grandparents from my mother’s and father’s side were displaced
from it,” Migroyan said. “It is always an emotional thing to talk about, and my drive to show the world what happened during that time.”
Public Health major Cassie Austin spoke about the importance of Genocide awareness and shared what this event meant to her personally.
“The commemoration stirred something deep in me,” Austin said. “We do not hear a lot about the Armenian genocide, and there should be more awareness of this event. To see anybody suffer just because of who they are, to lose their lives, is not right. It’s an injustice and it needs not to be done.”
Student Health Center Director Houry Tanashian said despite not living through the genocide, Tanashian holds the experience that her ancestors went through close to herself.
“I am a post-genocide generation, and I grew up with grandparents who talked about this,” Tanashian said. “I do hold this very dear to my heart. I have never lived through it, but because my ancestors lived through it, I feel their pain and it’s a little difficult to describe.”
Avakian said it is important to pass traditions and history to the next Armenian generations.
“History does repeat itself, but it can change,” Avakian said. “It is important for our future generations and younger Armenians to have self-pride in knowing where they come from, who they are, what their people have gone through.”
According to Tatevik Melkumyan, another goal of this event was to create awareness of not only genocide but all types of injustices in the world.
“I think my main goal for this event was just for everyone to learn about the genocide,”
Melkumyan said. “But it also, in the prevention of other types of genocide, not just against Armenians, but everybody in the world.”
Cohen contributed to this story.
April 23, 2025 Free Copy
Psychology student Justin
the
during the Armenian Genocide commemoration event in the Multicultural Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 17, 2025.
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There is no oragami club.
Since the first creation of a cigarette machine by James Albert Bonsack in 1880, methods of nicotine consumption have advanced to include water pipes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
In the present day, teenagers have become a major target group for Big Tobacco companies to keep them addicted. These companies provide an alternative that they claim is much safer and tastes better than a regular cigarette.
While the use of normal cigarettes has gone down to 12.5% between 2020 and 2021, vaping has taken the spotlight to become the new form of addiction to nicotine.
According to an article by UNDO.org, corporations use social media ads, fun flavors and products to grab young people’s attention. Companies are dependent on young people to keep the cycle going, to make money and keep their businesses
profitable.
Teens who vape are more likely to become daily cigarette smokers, according to UNDO. org, making them inhale higher doses of nicotine, which can be absorbed easily than in any other product.
College students are no exception when it comes to vaping.
The percentage of college students inhaling this substance has increased from 6.1% in 2017 to 22% in 2019, according to CFAH.
Often, they start vaping due to enjoyment, pleasure, or peer pressure from friends and family.
At times, these same students may use this strategy to cope with their difficulty in school instead of talking to a professional who can help.
Both vaping and smoking have become a debate over whether one is less dangerous than the other, but they both contain nicotine, which can have negative
effects on a person’s well-being.
According to an article by Medical News Today, the longterm effects of smoking and vaping are an increased risk of cataracts, impairment of immune system function, cancer, damage to the lungs and delayed development in teenagers.
There are many ways that campuses can motivate students to stop smoking and vaping.
A key to making sure people are less likely to smoke is by setting an example among staff and faculty. Making sure that adults on campuses are taking part in reducing the need to smoke around the campus can lead to others doing the same.
Incorporating lessons and classes aimed at spreading awareness of these harmful toxins, such as the CATCH My Breath vaping prevention program in Houston, can be beneficial. Its focus is on giving free resources such as lesson plans and presentations to help
curb the rise in vaping and addiction.
Pierce has taken an important step by becoming a smoke-free campus. To go further, Pierce can provide counseling, support groups, educational resources and healthcare for people who experience addiction.
If students and staff want Pierce to fully become smokefree the campus needs to try to advocate more openly about how to deal with these addictions. At times, people do not reach out for help when there are not enough resources. Having professionals who deal with these addictions on campus can encourage students to quit.
Smoking and vaping cost more than 480,000 lives in the United States annually, so let’s not wait for these dangerous substances to cause more deaths when they can be prevented now.
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On April 23, 1986, the Roundup News published Volume 64, Number 12. The paper reported 37 instructors calling out sick on the day of a large ASO-sponsored boycott. The Roundup reported the boycott taking place in front of the library between the times of 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with between 175 and 200 people attending.
The boycott was intended to “show the L.A. Community College District that
students care about their education.” A petition with a list of demands was signed and hand-delivered to the Board of Trustees. The demands included the rescission of faculty layoffs, the decentralization of financial aid and a reinstatement of health care on campuses.
The Roundup reported that one professor agreed with the boycott and said, “It’s a cop-out to call in sick. If they’re going to support the boycott, they should do it with integrity.”
Copy by Jonathan Wheelock
By Elizabeth Tirheimer Reporter
Marijuana has become a recreational drug at state levels over the course of the past decade. What was once a criminal offense, is now something that people use for either medicinal purposes or recreationally, and should be destigmatized.
A misconception people may have about marijuana is that the only way to consume it is through smoking it, but there are many other ways for it to be consumed if smoking isn’t the ideal option. These methods include edibles, vaporizers, tinctures and topicals.
All of these methods have different factors as far as reaction time and how much of an effect a person can feel. For example, edibles may take longer for someone to feel the effects because they need to clear the digestive system before getting into the bloodstream, versus smoking which someone will feel those effects immediately.
plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, pain, appetite and sleep.” Marijuana is also known for being an alternative treatment for people who are experiencing pains ranging from conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and many more. People with these conditions are often prescribed opioids to tolerate the pain but opioids are very addictive and people who use them once for a condition typically tend to heavily rely on them after.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Cannabis can be an effective treatment for pain, greatly reduces the chance
treat patients with the symptoms they experience suffering from anxiety and depression. One of these is mood regulation, and consuming marijuana can give its users a euphoric effect, which may help a depressed patient feel more optimistic. Another symptom marijuana can help with is sleep improvement. People who experience anxiety and depression typically experience sleep problems and some cannabis compounds help achieve better sleep.
According to Texas Cannabis Clinic, “The cannabis plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids but the most effective for medical purposes are THC and cannbidol CBD which have the ability to interact with body’s ECS. The ECS
appetite symptoms.
According to Scientific American, “The receptor CB1 found in cells throughout the body. When activated by antinausea drug dronabinol – which is also a component of marijuana – CB1 prompts the release of hunger-promoting hormones.”
Marijuana is still overcoming its stigmas from over the years of it being illegal. Over time more is better understood about the drug and its benefits. These benefits are life altering to some and should be looked at more for the benefits the user gains than just the high they feel.
By Melanie Somoza Reporter
California leads the nation in marijuana dispensaries, with Los Angeles alone topping the charts at 1,481 operating storefronts, more than any city or state.
As daily cannabis use becomes more common. It’s easy to overlook the consequences that trail behind every high.
The cost of casual use may be larger than most realize.
According to a study published on Jama Psychiatry, frequent cannabis use raised dopamine levels in the brain resulting in a higher risk of developing psychotic episodes in individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD).
In a 2019 study, researchers reported high levels of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, increased the chances of a psychotic disorder by 10% in adults and doubled in adults who started consuming cannabis in their teen years.
Since the 1970s, THC levels have skyrocketed.
and estimated one in 10 adults who use marijuana will develop the disorder.
For those with a family history of addiction and mental illness, the chance of developing the disorder is far higher.
But the impact of cannabis use goes beyond mental health, it also carries a financial toll.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) daily users reported spending an average of $129.20 per week, totaling over $500 a month.
Additional costs quickly add up when considering expenses like food, gas and the quality of the product.
In the same study, users reported driving to further locations for cheaper prices despite having locations closer to home.
What is your favorite Easter tradition?
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Today, products can contain up to 90% THC, compared to 3% found in products from two decades ago, according to NBC News.
While many believe that marijuana isn’t addictive, medical professionals recognize cannabis use disorder (CUD) as a real and growing issue.
Daily users may begin to show signs such as increased tolerance, failed attempts to quit, and using more than they intended.
The American Addiction Center reported in 2020 that approximately 14.2 million people age 12 or older met the criteria for cannabis use disorder,
Those with higher tolerances may pay more for stronger, higher-grade cannabis, further raising monthly spending.
Vapes have also gained popularity in recent years. A single cartridge can range from $40-$50 per gram. For individuals who use both flower and vapes, the total monthly cost can easily approach $1,000
What may have started as a casual expense can quickly become a major part of someone’s budget and eventually, their routine.
As spending rises and dependency grows, the consequences surge through mental health, stability, and daily life.
Consuming marijuana isn’t just a habit, but it’s a high with a price that too many people underestimate. Just because something is common, it doesn’t make it harmless.
“Easter
Landscape Design and Management Major Emma Fontana harvests strawberries at the campus greenhouse at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 16, 2025.
by Gelareh Behdad
- Psychology Major
“I would say putting on a pretty dress and attending Mass then egg hunting with cousins.”
Dana Astraquillo- Political Science/ History Major
By Joseph Acuña Reporter
Pierce College participated in the district-wide Financial Aid Awareness Day by turning the Student Services Courtyard into a carnival on Wednesday, April 16.
Games, popcorn, a petting zoo and financial aid information were available to anyone in attendance. Participants were encouraged to learn, play and enter a raffle for prizes ranging from gift cards to flip flops.
Financial Aid Director Jennifer Lopez wanted to create an experience to lure participants in and save them money
“First, let them have some fun, then if they haven’t finished an application or even started, we have all hands on deck,” Lopez said. “We have a lab here in the Welcome Center with staff and student workers to help.”
One focus for Lopez was informing students of changes to the payment system that will result in disenrollment, taking effect at the beginning of the Summer 2025 session. Students who have fees that aren’t paid or have no payment plans set in place will be dropped by the published “due date” listed under the Account Services tab in the Student Portal.
Pierce College’s farm provided
animals for the petting zoo, bringing sheep, goats and a rooster in collaboration with this event to draw in students. The idea was initiated by Financial Aid Supervisor Magdalena Mejia, who wanted to help both departments and make it memorable.
“We weren’t sure this event was even going to happen with the whole deficit going on,” Mejia said. “It’s a team effort. If more of us come together, the more we can bring to the students.”
Saving money for students is the long-term goal, but the raffles allowed students to win prizes for participating in the event festivities. Raffle winner and Business Administration major Angelica Nuñez Figueroa joined in and reaped the rewards.
“Originally, I came here because I had an appointment with my EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) Counselor,” Figueroa said. “I saw the games and thought it looked fun. I don’t usually win raffles, it’s just for fun, you know, but it doesn’t hurt to try.”
The Financial Aid office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For virtual assistance and live chats, people can visit www.lapc.edu/financial-aid.
Gelareh Behdad/ Roundup News
English Major Doodle Whitcomb reaches over the bars to pet a goat at the petting zoo during the Financial Aid Awareness Day at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 16, 2025.
By Myraneli Fabian Reporter
Student visas being revoked across the district and new AI tools were discussed at the Pierce College Academic Senate meeting on Monday, April 21, in Building 600.
Vice President Rolf Schleicher announced during the meeting that in the district, seven students have had their visas revoked. The district is working on a districtwide response to how to deal with international students.
“In the international space that we have right now, we want to make aware of what could happen,” Schleicher said. “The district is not going to talk specifically, we don’t want any further problems.”
ASO President Jasmine Minchez notified faculty and staff that the ASO scholarship closed on April 18, 2025, and is under review. She asked faculty and staff if they were familiar with the ASO scholarship and if they had informed their students about the opportunity. The response was limited, with only a few hands raised.
“I’ve seen over my entire term, publicity about events on campus is a little disjointed,” Minchez said. “We don’t have the centralized power of publicity that a lot of bigger colleges have, especially four years.”
Reference librarian Melissa Cober gave a demonstration of a new tool named “OneSearch” that is available on the Pierce College library website for students and faculty. This AI tool is designed to assist with research, providing a couple of paragraphs that meet legitimate formatting expectations, and is a safer tool for students to use.
“This tool has some really great benefits,” Cober said. “All resources are real sources. With other AI tools, they sometimes make up fake sources.”
According to Cober, students are seeking clear guidance from instructors on what they can use. When instructors only say, ‘Don’t use AI,’ students are left with unanswered questions. Therefore, students are asking for more detailed information on the ‘dos and don’ts’ of using AI
A workshop that will take place in the Library on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
called “A.I. for Better Research.”
“I’ve used the OneSearch tool before. I think the library website
is really helpful,” Minchez said. “You can use AI as an aid, but not as a replacement for your work.”
May 21, 2025.
By Alyssa Lupercio Reporter
The women’s softball season was cut short after needing to forfeit.
Athletic director Deborah Hefter said the sport needed to forfeit due to a number of reasons. With the athlete’s health and safety considered, the field was not in the best playing condition.
Efforts to have the field repaired to be playable, however because of different factors such as weather delays, made it difficult for this to be done in a timely manner. The program also had a lack of student athletes wanting to participate this season which made it difficult to have enough people to sustain the team.
“The coaches worked tremendously to recruit as many players as they could,” Hefter said. “The student athletes worked tirelessly, worked so hard in the gym and in every opportunity that we gave them, every facility that we gave them to help them prepare but I think just without having that field and that really designated safe place for them to practice it just really wasn’t gonna necessarily come to fruition.”
Hefter said the team could see what was happening throughout the season and that the athletics department explained to them that the team was not at fault.
“We tried to really explain to them that it wasn’t on them the reason why these things didn’t happen,” Hefter said. “There were so many reasons and so many layers and so many levels to why it just couldn’t happen
this year and one thing we want to do is take it offline this year so that we could grow it bigger and badder and better for upcoming seasons.”
Sophomore outfielder Elizabeth Dominguez was upset over the news of the season having to forfeit.
“We had all seen this outcome being possible but we didn’t really think it would happen because things were looking better for the team,” Dominguez said. “I put a lot of my own personal time, effort, money even, to try to get the team to have a season, this is also my sophomore year so this would be like my last year playing, and after that it was honestly just like disappointment after disappointment.”
Having a sports season cancelled can affect the program as a whole. Hefter said it impacts the environment and culture of the program. “I think other coaches and other athletes then sometimes think, ‘Well could that same type of thing happen to me?’” While this can cause doubt to other sports teams, Hefter said it also creates opportunity to grow in the upcoming years.
Hefter shared that the program is working toward creating a better season for next year.
“We’re working on recruitment efforts so that again we can start getting bigger and badder for next year,” Hefter said. “We are in the process of also trying to coordinate a new facility for baseball and softball so we’re hoping that over the next five years of that coming into fruition, that helps both of those programs grow into what we know they have the potential to be.”
By Nathalie Herrera Campus Life Editor
Pierce College hosted a forum in the Multicultural Center on Monday, April 21, on the upcoming student government elections for the Associated Student Organization and Student Trustee to the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees.
Ivana Barlow from West Los Angeles College was the first to introduce herself and share her interest in running for Student Trustee. Barlow, the President of ASO at her college, shared how she wants to ensure that students’ voices are heard.
Barlow prioritizes hearing students’ concerns, including them in decision-making processes and creating unity among each college’s student governments.
“I know that many students are not receiving the services they need, and some don’t even know that they exist. This needs to change,” Barlow said. “I will apply for inclusive policies that support students with learning, communication or even physical challenges. No one should fall through the cracks.”
Engineering major Lorenzo Valdez, who is also running for Student Trustee, said that he would hope to provide accessible programs to students, such as low textbook costs and aid for students who struggle with food
insecurity, as well as getting inperson school attendance up to 50%.
“When I was a peer mentor, I was meeting with students, and I would explain things, and whenever I would give them feedback, they would always say ‘Thank you, Lorenzo,’ with a big smile on their face,” Valdez said. “It’s always what keeps me motivated is seeing that the students know we’re there for them, for them to know that they feel safe.”
Pre-veterinary major Khalil Robinson said that he is motivated by a passion to represent students and build a community. Despite currently taking 18 units and being a parent, Robinson said that he is determined to give his all if he were elected and to
find a balance and support for on-campus and online students. Robinson added that he has also had support in aid from the campus while running for student trustee.
“I’ve taken on all of these roles so that way anything I do in the future, especially as student trustee, would not impede my ability to be a great student trustee. I’ve taken on 18 units now, so that way I don’t need to take them on later,” Robinson said. “ On top of that, in terms of development, for my childcare that also is being worked with, not only with the LA Pierce childcare center, but other aspects outside of school, that’s helping me find the balance.”
The meeting ended with final questions for Student Trustee
candidates. There were also ASO executive board runners for President, Treasurer, and Senate, with each candidate sharing their goals to provide more access and funds for clubs on campuses and to raise participation. Students can vote for Student Trustee and ASO executive members via their student portals. There will be announcements and emails sent out to each student with instructions on how to vote.
By Emily Garcia Reporter
At first glance Legos look like child’s play with colorful plastic bricks scattered across desks with students huddled over colorful builds. But at Pierce College’s LEGO club, it’s enhancing social connection, community and creativity within this stress-free environment.
The LEGO club began in the fall semester of 2023 sociology major and now club president Jenna Rodriguez, who said she attended her first Club Rush and mentioned to her friends how interesting a LEGO club could be. Her ex-vice president and friend created the club for her and encouraged her to run it.
Child Development Department Chair Alma Cortes is the adviser for the club, which assisted with the growth of members.
Sociology major and President of the LEGO Rodriguez shares the club’s goals for members who attend.
“We just blossomed into this club that people like to come to relax and de-stress from thinking about school or whatever they have going on in their personal lives,” Rodriguez said, “to kind
of just leave that at the door for an hour and a half, just relax and just not think about it, and go back to their inner child and just be able to play.”
The club meets Mondays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. At meetings, members are given an hour and a half to build according to the theme. When time is up, members present their pieces and then everyone votes anonymously for a winner to choose next week’s theme. The club hosts friendly competitions among members, which allows them to socialize and create memories with new friends
Pre-veterinary medicine major and club member Leah Silva expressed the friendship opportunities the club has given her.
“Through this club, it helped me get through my first semester [of college]. And this club had definitely been a de-stressor, and it’s nice, because there’s no pressure to actually make something,” Silva said, “and even if you’re just here to sit and relax and just talk with friends I think the Lego club is important for the connections I’ve made and the friends I’ve brought with me.”
Vice president of the LEGO
By Delilah Brumer Managing Editor
It’snot a quick or straightforward feat to make it to a T.V. writers’ room. But as comedy producers Michael Feldman and Bryan Behar shared with Pierce College students on Monday, the years of scraping by, working odd jobs and pitching scripts can prove worth it.
Feldman, known for T.V. shows including “That’s So Raven” and “Sonny with a Chance,” and Behar, known for “Fuller House” and “Last Man Standing,” spoke to dozens of Pierce’s aspiring screenwriters and film enthusiasts in the Business building on April 21. During the event, which was part of the Media Arts Department’s speaker series, the two longtime T.V. writers discussed their creative processes, as well as the importance of persistence and authenticity in the entertainment industry.
“It’s a hard business and there’s not a ton of stability,” Behar said. “But if deep down in your soul, you’re like ‘I have stories to tell and I’m a writer,’ then there’s your answer. You have to try.”
Feldman emphasized the value of bringing life experience and honesty to T.V. writing. He said he built these qualities while working as a writer in the
A close-up of pre-vetinary major Rebecca
hand working on her
Child Development Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 21, 2025.
club Sina Fotouhi shares a similar experience about the club enhancing his social skills.
advertising industry, and even while working at a job selling pretzels.
“Even if it’s taking you a while to break into the industry, that’s not wasted time,” Feldman said.
“That’s more fodder for stories.
The more you have lived and seen, the more you can draw on.”
Cinema professor Ken Windrum, who organized the event, said that bringing industry experts to speak to Pierce students is a priority. Both Feldman and Behar have previously spoken to Windrum’s students multiple times, although not together.
“The idea is that you can never give people enough information about the media world that they’re going into,” Windrum said. “I love doing events like this, because students get a sense of what it’s actually like to have a job in the media industry.”
Behar shared how he was always a shy kid, but he found his calling through writing. He first showed his comedy skills when he emceed an event as a senior in high school, but didn’t get his first T.V. writing job until more than a decade later. He said it’s crucial to keep putting yourself out there.
“You never know when you’re going to find your voice or find the urgency to use your voice,” Behar said. “But if that voice is there, you’ll know it.”
“It was really just like my interest in Legos that kind of pushed me to join the club and because of that, sharing an interest with other people helped me,” Fotouhi said, “Legos is one of those interests that I don’t really get to talk to a lot of people about, seeing that a particular niche that I was interested in was represented here on a full club scale, really made me happy. Meeting the people here, seeing how friendly they were to me, and how safe this environment felt for me, was just something I really appreciated.”
Nathalie Herrera contributed to this story.