Volume 125 Fall 2016 Roundup Issue 10

no classes on nov. 24 & nov.25 for thanksgiving break

Help needed for IT

IT not prioritized in funding list

JOSHUA MANES Reporter @tweeporting

Vital improvements to Information Technology (IT) on campus are in question after the Board of Trustees rejected recommendations from Pierce officials to bring in outside help.

After a no confidence vote and assessments that industrial IT on campus was not at an adequate level, school officials wanted to hire an outside firm to assist. However, according to Vice President of Administrative Services Rolf Schleicher, the Board of Trustees rejected the request to bring in the Burwood Group due to an alleged contract violation.

“We really do need their expertise to help with some of the unique things we’re doing which would not be supplanting our classified union members,” Schleicher said. “There was an assumption that there was some supplanting of work, so when I went and talked to the board I articulated all the things that we wanted to have done and why we were doing it. IT needs some fixers and high-ticket level expertise that we may not have in-house, and they’d like us to use in-house labor.”

The developments were discussed at the Academic Senate meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. IT manager Mark Henderson told the senate members that current IT employees are ‘here to maintain, not create and design,’ as many of the projects require.

According to Schleicher, regardless of the board’s decision, other IT improvements are in the works. Schleicher told the senate that there are plans to double IT staff, an area ‘that was neglected.’

“We want to get them more professional development,” Schleicher said. “And we’re inverting how we do the work as well. We approach it from a whole different frame of reference, where we’re actually having a help desk up, helping to qualify the work orders.”

According to Schleicher, Pierce has been working on a five to 10year plan for fixing the IT issues on campus. Unfortunately, time only creates new problems with technology.

The Wi-Fi system on campus is seven to eight years old, according to Henderson, and was designed with different needs in mind. Classrooms in the Center for Sciences were not originally designed to have Wi-Fi inside of them and are being retrofitted to alleviate the problem.

At the Academic Senate meeting, instructor of physics Ryan Eagle said he has seen no improvements to the classrooms in the CFS over the last three semesters.

“Maybe they have, I’m not in every classroom,” Eagle said. “But I feel like they should have been able to get to more rooms by now.”

Protest at Pierce, City Hall

#PierceNews

Men's basketball outreach

On Thanksgiving morning, the men’s basketball team will be giving food to the elderly. This is the first time it will happen in the program’s history.

Coach Charles White wants to send a message to his players that it is not only about playing the sport it is about contributing to the community.

“I just want the guys to understand that it is about giving back,” White said. “Also to make them understand it is not only about basketball, it is about life experiences.”

The team is also going to be involved with Lawrence Middle School. They will host a clinic on Dec. 3.

White also plans on having the Special Olympics adult group play during halftime of their game on Jan. 11.

Soccer eliminated from playoffs

The Brahmas soccer season came to an end as they lost to the Ventura Pirates, 3-1. Pirates’ Josselyne Pereda, Melissa Cardenas and Janelle Garcia all scored to end Pierce’s season as Ventura advance to the next round.

With the loss, the team’s overall record was 14-4-3.

ASO president steps down

Interim president is interested in the position

MONICA VILLACORTA Reporter @Slesterphoto

Barbara Lombrano, an advocate for student leadership, announced her resignation from her position as ASO President after a year and half due to health issues.

According to the Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga, Lombrano did not want to be contacted and wished to have her privacy respected.

“She submitted a resignation as of last week, and I really want to be able to respect her privacy and support her decisions,” Astorga said.

Barbara was not available for comment.

According to ASO CoAdvisor Lara ConradyWong, they will have the executive board meetings divided between Vice President Amir Haghi, Treasurer Mkrtchian Mher and Club Council President Andre

Necochea Barnett.

According to Barnett, the ASO constitution states that the vice president has to fill in the vacancy until further notice.

"The problem is that, for me personally, the role is a little bit too much, when you have to go from meetings to meeting,” Barnett said. “In the light of that, because it's a hard position to have. We are trying to divide the work. It takes a lot."

Haghi is making sure the role of presidency is compatible with his schedule, however he is looking forward to stepping up.

her goal to have these benefits for them.”

Haghi believes he has the skills and ability to take on the position.

“I think I have a good connection with the students and good relationships with the senators,” Haghi said. “I think

that’s a good trait to have, to be able to communicate with people.”

According to Barnett, being a part of ASO committee gives them the opportunity to help Pierce College and the student body.

"We were missing Barbara,” Barnett said. “She was doing her part. Again, without her, we are supposed to fill in her part. We weren't prepared for this."

According to Wong, the senators have been really productive the past few weeks and is proud of the members for learning how to work together without Barbara.

“We have a really great group of senators who are eager to step up and shine at this time and represent students the best way they can,” Wong said. “We wish her all the best. She did such a great job. She worked so hard for ASO. We’ll continue to do so and thankful for her service.”

The solo goal for the Brahmas was scored by Destiny Brandstetter.

The last time these teams met was Sept. 27 at Pierce College at the Pit, which also resulted in a win for the Pirates, 4-2.

Volleyball to play first playoff game

The women's volleyball team plays Mt. San Antonio College in the first round of playoffs on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.

The Brahmas come into this game with a 26-3 overall record and were undefeated in conference. Their last game resulted in a win over Glendale College by three sets, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20.

Open mic night

The English Department is organizing an open mic night on Wednesday, Nov. 30 in the Great Hall at Pierce College.

The event is open to the community. Participants can recite or perform their original works or material that was created by others. There will be a wait list at the event to sign up for a performance slot.

“I’m still trying to figure out my schedule, but I am interested in that position,” Haghi said. “It’s a big responsibility, but I’m ready for the challenge.”

According to Barnett, the president also has to attend the LACCD region meetings and represent Pierce College.

"She [Barbara] did everything she had to. She was on top of her game,” Barnett said. “She was working on the Metro discounted pass for all students and that was

Calvin Alagot / Roundup

File photo/ Erick Ceron Barbara Lombrano, former ASO president, smiles to the camera at Pierce College in Woodland Hills Calif. on Sept. 18, 2014. Lombrano helped to lower public transportation rates for students while she was ASO president. She has since stepped down due to health related reasons.

“She submitted a resignation as of last week, and I really want to be able to respect her privacy and support her decisions ”

-Juan Carlos Astorga Dean of Student Engagement

jmanes.roundupnews@gmail.com

“My grandma makes this cranberry relish sauce from Minnesota thatʼs super good. It has apples and oranges in it so I always look forward to eating that.”

-DeShawn

Cavanaugh, 19, Film/ TV Production

“My grandmotherʼs string beans, theyʼre from Italy. They are just authentic style and everything. It is so good! By far the string beans.”

- Michael Daggi, 22, Biology

It’s time to stop ignoring, or worse shutting down, opinions that differ from our own.

In the past few weeks since the United States elected its 45th president, it seems like about half of our country went through the five proverbial stages of grief. It started out with a general denial of Trump’s victory; the hashtag #notmypresident trended widely on Twitter and it seemed everyone was posting Facebook posts the length of short novels expressing their shock and disbelief. Then they moved on to anger as people across the country took to the streets to protest, which sometimes resulted in violent rioting. Next they tried bargaining, arguing the importance of the popular vote over that of the electoral vote. Now, though many are still scared and saddened by the result, our nation is slowly but surely arriving at that last stage of acceptance.

Acceptance doesn’t necessarily mean favorable reception, but it does require us to be open to reception overall. Beyond our reception of the elections’ results, we have to accept (and take responsibility for) the conditions we created that allowed this result to happen in the first place.

According to election results provided by AP.org, Trump won three states with a significant number of electoral votes (16-29) by a margin of just one percent. This means that the states voted so close that the difference between Clinton or Trump winning that state over was determined by 120,000 votes or less. Even beyond the electoral vote, Clinton only won the

“Whatever is leftover, I pile it on with deviled eggs. Itʼs the family tradition since i was young. We never really did turkey because everybody would pass out and we did not want that. We would give them ham so they can get the heck out. Plus I just love deviled eggs.”

-Ivan

Haley, 28, Education

“The wall of shame that happens. When someone falls asleep you take a picture of them, print it as fast as possible and put it up on the wall. You just try to not get caught sleeping. My grandma also canʼt cook turkey for the life of her so I enjoy eating the tamales she makes when theyʼre not dry.”

-Alondra

Sandoval, 18, Undecided

“My favorite part is when youʼre gathered around your friends and family and start eating.”

-Jessa Samson, 19, Accounting

popular vote by a 395,050 gain. In light of how incredibly close the race for presidency was, there are probably far more people you know who in all likelihood supported the candidate that you didn’t. They might even be sitting right next to you. However, this election had a polarizing effect and people tended to cling onto their personal beliefs, quick to try to silence anyone who disagreed with them. We have got to start talking to people we disagree with. Isn’t that what healthy communication is all about? A discussion absolutely has to be

between two parties. If you’re the only one spouting your own opinion and you’re not even willing to acknowledge the other side, what are you achieving? Offensive content shouldn’t be ignored; it should be challenged!

To quote Tom Walker’s fictitious political character, Jonathan Pie, “When will we learn that the key is discussion? When has anyone ever been persuaded by being insulted or labeled? Being offended doesn’t work anymore. Throwing insults doesn’t work anymore. The only thing that works is bothering, doing something, and all you

Should Thanksgiving be celebrated?

BRIAN CALDERA Reporter @BTVCaldera

Thanksgiving is one of America’s biggest and most widely celebrated holidays. It is a time to give thanks for the year’s good fortune, even if there is a surprising lack of good fortune to be found in the year. Even so, every fourth Thursday of November, millions of Americans gather around their dinner tables with family, friends and loved ones to celebrate the holiday.

In recent years, the tradition has received criticism about its origins and the United States’ treatment of Native Americans, along with many other cultures throughout history. Now, younger people are wondering if we should continue to recognize Thanksgiving or if we should reform the holiday to recognize other various cultures living in America.

The holiday should remain the same as it always has, not for routine or nostalgia, but rather for what it represents.

Although there are many similar holidays all around the world, Thanksgiving is distinctly and undeniably American, and should remain so. America is a country of immigrants; it always has been and will continue to be. But for decades these immigrants were proud to call themselves American. However, this is no longer the case.

In contemporary times ‘American’ is said almost as a dirty word.

Photographers:

Individuals no longer want to label themselves as such or assimilate with the rest of the country, and instead stick closer to their own cultures. They are no longer MexicanAmericans, African-Americans or Indian-Americans, but rather Mexicans, Africans and Indians living in America. The idea of a cultural melting pot becomes more of a cultural stew.

All the different ethnicities are next to one another, but don’t mix. This causes the system to fail as communities become less integrated and more tribalistic and competitive with one another. As President Lincoln once said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” This is more true now than ever before, especially in these turbulent times.

Now is the time to unify as a nation and treat one another as our own, instead of competing against your neighbors. Will the nation change based on whether or not we celebrate Thanksgiving? No, of course not, but it’s a start.

A holiday is a solid foundation, which we all can relate to as Americans. We may not be able to choose our families, where we were born or what ethnicity we are born into, but we can choose who we decide to break bread with.

bcaldera.roundupnews@gmail.com

Cartoonists:

In America there are two tales of Thanksgiving. There’s the story told to children around the country about how the Pilgrims shared a meal with the Native Americans, and then there’s the one told by actual Native Americans about the first Thanksgiving celebration in 1637, that followed the massacre of 700 Native Americans by English and Dutch mercenaries.

The second story is far more staining on the conscience of Americans and so we prefer to paint an image of the “Pilgrims and Indians” peacefully sharing a bountiful meal, and consequently instilling a sense of false pride.

Present-day Thanksgiving has evolved into a consumerist holiday that gives more attention to football and Black Friday deals than to the values of thankfulness or giving.

It is a holiday diluted with literal “white lies”, that continues to celebrate the violence perpetrated against Native Americans.

It is important to remember that the native Wampanoag welcomed and assisted the European settlers with their first harvest, only to be nearly wiped out by the warfare and disease.

Modern Americans are now starting to acknowledge the long history of brutalization suffered by indigenous tribes. Many cities have

have to do is engage in the debate. Stop thinking that everyone who disagrees with you is evil, or racist, or sexist, or stupid, and talk to them!”

When we categorize, group, and label all who disagree with us we create a dangerous mentality. We should be encouraging people to generate thoughtful, respectful discussion with others who might think differently than them. When we open up our minds and engage in intelligent conversation we’re taking the right steps towards change and progress.

begun to recognize Columbus Day as Indigenous People’s Day. This has helped generate a conversation about the treatment of Native Americans in the United States. It is time to also use the holiday to accurately represent Native American history in mainstream America.

Though Thanksgiving is beloved by many Americans and represents a long-held tradition, it is important to remember that just because people have been doing something for a long time, doesn’t mean that they should continue to do so.

Let us not continue to perpetuate the spread of misinformation. It is time to instead use this holiday to educate others and tell the entire story.

The recent election already has families talking about politics around the dinner table, so why not use this Thanksgiving to bring up a conversation about the true history behind the holiday?

To those arguing that a discussion would put a damper on the celebration, please keep in mind what Spanish philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

slester.roundupnews@gmail.com

Advisers:

the editorials. Cartoons and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup. The college newspaper is

published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.

Foster youth #notastatistic

Guardian Scholarship Program students exhibit their resilience

JOSE HERRERA

Campus Lifestyle Editor

@jose_herrera012

Soccer cleats, a soft teddy bear, and other emotional evoking images lured people into the Foster Youth Exhibit, where students wearing black T-shirts with #notastastic shared their stories about the obstacles they’ve overcome.

On Monday, Nov. 21 members of the Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) and the Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support (CAFYES) organized the Foster Youth Exhibit from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Associated Students Organization building.

According to Anafe Robinson, director of financial aid, scholarships, veterans and foster youth, the exhibit’s purpose was to highlight the stories of foster youth and bring awareness to the programs they have available on campus.

“This exhibit was an opportunity to express what their [the GSP and CAFYES] concerns were,” said Nancy Pearlman, Board of Trustees member. “As a trustee, I want to continue to provide all the services for the foster youth who don’t have the support of family in order to be successful.”

For the event, GSP students shared their stories through single images and written accounts of their journies through the foster system or as youth on probation. A few students took to the mic and verbally told attendees about the struggles they’ve overcome.

“You kind of feel nervous and you think that others might not understand this,” said psychology major Kristie Hawes, member of the GSP. “You start doubting yourself, but then you think of the greater good. You think to yourself, ‘You got to get past the anxiety and hopefully this story will affect someone in a positive way.’”

Robinson said that there are approximately 300 self-identified foster youth on campus, but only 116

of them are confirmed and are part of the GSP. The number of foster youth fluctuates each semester.

Marisol Ramirez, a financial aid technician and foster youth coordinator, had the idea of organizing the exhibit after attending a conference in February in Oakland, California.

“I heard there was a foster youth exhibit in Oakland and I just couldn’t find it,” Ramirez said. “I had the idea of having my own foster youth exhibit on campus. First it was an idea, then I shared it with vice presidents and deans, and all of them seemed really supportive of my idea. Having that support really pushed me to get to

this point.”

According to Ramirez, the foster youth she works with creates a sense of belonging, and they are resilient and have the drive to accomplish their goals.

“Once they are here at college it’s because they have the resiliency to keep on going, to keep on moving.

I’m really proud of all of them,” Ramirez said. “Once they come here, I just help them navigate the system.” GSP and the CAFYES provide students a variety of services which include a food pantry and meal tickets so foster youth can buy food on campus from any of the food vendors. They also receive book vouchers

Possible changes to the area of the graduation ceremony is in disccussion

MARIA TRINIDAD Reporter @mariat_roundup

Hands shaking, stomach quivering with excitement, and then your name is called. Walking on stage is the moment every student is waiting for, to celebrate all the struggles and sleepless nights to get where they are now.

However, last year’s ceremony at Rocky Young Park was overcrowded to the point that families and friends were on their feet watching their graduate walk. There have been discussions between the Academic Senate, Student Services and President Kathleen Burke about the possibility of moving it to the Shepard Stadium for the spring 2017 graduation ceremony.

According to Vice President of Student Services Earic Dixon Peters, for the past few years the number of students participating in the graduation ceremony has increased.

stadium would create some changes. For example, shading would be a problem because the stadium is very exposed. However, it has not been decided and the decision will be made by spring semester.

“We want to create an environment and have a beautiful ceremony where it’s going to be comfortable, not only for our guest, but our students,” Marmolejo said.

to help pay for textbooks, and they receive student grants to help them with other necessities, according to Dean of Student Success Kalynda McLean. The hashtag “not a statistic” that members of the GSP were wearing was created in 2014, to unite the students in the program.

“The idea behind #notastatistic is one that grew out of the Guardian Scholars Population because the students recognized that they are much more than a statistic,” McLean said.

“When I first got here, we were only having 300 students graduate,” Peters said. “People are getting through the system. They are graduating and participating in the ceremony which is great. I honestly didn’t expect these many students in the system,” Peters said.

According to Peters, the last day the students are on campus is for the commencement ceremony, and that day is the most important because it’s the last time they can connect with their fellow classmates.

Dean of Student Services William Marmolejo said that moving the ceremony to the

According to Peters, students will be asked if they will participate in the graduation ceremony to have an accurate account and to provide enough chairs. In addition, for next year’s ceremony there will be more restrictions about students leaving in the middle of the commencement ceremony. Other changes include a graduation petition. Students who want to attend graduation have to meet with a counselor first to do a preliminary evaluation of the student’s academic history along with the graduation petition, said Astorga.

Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga thinks that having the commencement ceremony at Rocky Young Park would be a potential benefit because individuals who are hungry or thirsty will be able to go to the food court.

“It was my first commencement last year and I really liked it. I wish there could’ve been more seating for guest, but overall I think it was nice and it wasn’t too hot,” Astorga said.

Reza Rastegarrazi/ Roundup

Paula Paggi, Pierce Librarian, looks at an informaitonal board at the Foster Youth Exhibit, hosted by the Guardian Scholars Program and CAFYES, on Nov. 21, 2016 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Chicana with a mighty need to protest Chicana con ganas a protestar

Achieving a sense of safety among those who feel threatened has become a widespread cause.

Protests, walkouts, and campaigns have sprouted throughout the country following the recent election, and one woman stands at the center of it all.

Student activist Melissa Robles is passionate when it comes to representing the Latino community.

Robles, chair of the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) club at Pierce, has been studying at Pierce for two years. As a 21-year-old Hispanic female, Robles feels it is her duty to voice her concerns on the current President-elect and unity within the people.

Robles joined MEChA last spring semester and became further involved in student activism. MEChA in English translates to Student Movement of Chicanos of Aztlan. Aztlan is the land of the Chicanos that they call home. Robles explained how this land includes California, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and every part of the United States that used to be Mexico.

Robles was interested in joining the MEChA Club because she was a member at the MEChA Club in her high school. She explains how the MEChA club helped her grasp a better understanding of the Latino community and their everyday struggles.

“I actually was in the advisor’s Chicano’s study class which is how I got involved and even found out there was a MEChA club on campus,” Robles said. “Last year things turned around for me because one of our biggest concerns and main goals last semester was to add more Chicano studies classes here on campus, given that 43% of the population is Latino or Hispanic identifying. So we just felt like we were being under represented especially in our studies and within staffing. So our goal was

not only to get classes but also have those classes be taught by Chicano professors.”

Robles has also participated in various protests including the walkout that occurred on campus last week. She spoke to the crowd of students and faculty.

Robles’s main concern with Donald Trump’s presidency is not completely focused on illegal immigration, but more towards his platform in reaching an entire nation.

She believes if Trump continues to speak out with hatred, the division between all races will increase instead of unifying each other.

Robles has many friends, family

IT’s new ‘it’ girl New tech teacher on deck

Engineer where she worked for more than 12 years. In summer 2012, she taught at ITT Technical Institute where she taught different courses in electronics and computer programming.

members and acquaintances that have been affected by the words of Trump.

“I do have a lot of undocumented folks in my family and in my circle of friends, and some of them were completely terrified,” Robles said. “They were breaking down crying not knowing what to do or what’s going to happen. Just being really uncertain of their future. Though others just took it like I did and were like, ‘ok well you know what there is nothing we can do about it right now except for maybe fight that fact and see if there is anything around our current situation.’ If it means that you might have to go back to Mexico to finish your schooling or finding the

way to stay in the United States to finish your education then that’s what it was.”

Valerie Garcia, secretary for MEChA, who is also a close friend with Robles admires her dedication and strength in representing Hispanic women.

Garcia shows her support in the events Robles participates in by also attending and lending a helping hand. Garcia attended a protest with Robles on Victory and Van Nuys Blvd. where police escorted 15 to 20 members in the crowd to make sure everything ran smoothly. This protest dealt with people voicing their concerns on the newly elected president.

“I feel like much more people should be involved especially if it has to do with moving forward as an individual, group, or community,”

Garcia said.

Christian Diaz, co-chair of the MEChA club, believes it is really important for this generation to be involved with politics and become more educated in affairs that affect society. He supports Robles exercising her first amendment rights.

“Throughout any movement, throughout all of history it’s been activism that’s changed everything,”

Diaz said. “With the French and the storming of the bastille and

the peasants, if it weren’t for that they wouldn’t have taken over the government. If it wasn’t for Martin Luther King Jr. standing up, boycotting the buses and marching we wouldn’t have our civil rights and equal rights. Activism just does so much for this world.”

Robles, Garcia, and Diaz all agree that the MEChA club has impacted their lives positively educating them on the history of the Chicano heritage. Garcia feels the club has helped her gain a sense of identity and cultural unity with students from the same background as her. Diaz also feels that the club is a great support system to him academically.

“I hated school, I was never good at it,” Diaz said. “I was just academically unsuccessful since joining MEChA and also studying Chicano studies I’m a 3.4 gpa student, honor roll. I want to pursue a career in academics and affect others in a positive way just as I was,” Diaz said. Robles hopes to subside all the fear that has been created amongst immigrants and others affected by our President-elect.

“For most people it has to do with feeling safe and not having to fear coming home to I.C.E. or police being at your doorstep, or even coming home and not seeing your parents,” Robles said.

Despite the obstacles that women may encounter in life, Farahnaz Nezhad did not let anything get in her way of achieving her dream job in the electronics world.

Nezhad attended Kharazmi University in Iran, where she played badminton for two years and was studying mathematics. However, all that changed when she came to the United States and decided to make a change in her life.

“Now is the opportunity that I can change my major to something that I really like and computer was something that I really enjoyed,” Nezhad said.

In the year 2000, Nezhad came to the United States where she attended CSUN to continue her education. She received her Bachelor’s in computer engineering and Master’s in electrical engineering.

According to Nezhad, being the only girl in most of her CSUN classes was a challenge. She constantly had to prove herself that she was both talented and reliable just like anybody else. During her study at CSUN, she joined clubs such as Society of Women Engineer (SWE) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineer (IEEE).

Every year, large companies would go to CSUN to interview students. In 2004, Haas Automation Inc. hired Nezhad as a Software

“At my job I was the only girl in the whole department, so sometimes it’s not easy because sometimes men look at you like you are not serious. The good thing is that you get a chance to work with men. You don’t really see the gender of the person. You just have the same goal, have the same study and work in the same company,” Nezhad said. Her philosophy and strong willed personality are reasons why her colleagues believe she is a good fit for Pierce.

“I think that she’s a great role model, especially for our female students that are entering the electronic program because she has made a successful career out of electronics and engineering, as well as become an instructor here at Pierce College, so we’re really glad to have her. She’s well-versed in her field,” industrial technology department chair Michael Van Dyke said.

Aside from her interest in electronics, she wanted to also pursue teaching.

According to Nezhad, teaching has always been her passion, which is why she began teaching at different places for part-time since she had her full time job. However, it wasn’t until three years ago that she began teaching part time at CSUN in the electrical engineer department.

“I really like teaching and I decided that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I enjoy teaching electronics to students.

One of the things that I would really like to make happen is bringing more women to this field because I really believe that women are good engineers. They are smart, reliable and can do a lot of things,” Nezhad said.

Her positive attitude has been noted by colleagues around the

department.

“She seems like a pretty nice person. She’s real personable, she comes in happy,” said electronic lab technician Jim O’Donnell.

She is now a full-time electronics instructor at Pierce College and part-time instructor at CSUN. Nezhad believes that teaching is not

limited to working on a professional level, but also benefits student’s critical thinking and problem solving ability.

“I cannot put an end to my learning. I like to have an interactive class and I want students to know that they can do things. I want to make them professional for the

future,” Nezhad said. “I want to serve better to the community.”

Abdolreza Rastegarrazi/ Roundup Farahnaz Nezhad is a new instructor at Pierce College. Nezhad is an instructor of electronics. She also teaches part time at CSUN, and taught at ITT Tech for several years. Nezhad worked as a Software Engineer for 12 years at Haas Automation Inc., Tuesday, Nov 15 2016, On room 8110, Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif.

Taylor Arthur/ Roundup

Melissa Robles, Chair of the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA), stands by the bull on the mall and speaks to students, faculty and staff during a walkout and protest on Nov. 16. 2016 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

“Throughout any movement, throughout all of history it’s been activism that’s changed everything,”

- Christian Diaz

Co-chair of the MEChA club

Wed. 11/23

Reminder: Wednesday, Nov. 30 is the last day to submit CSU/UC applications

Plight of the sea

Vegan Society parnters up to protect marine life

LONDY SAGATUME Reporter @lsagatume93

The ocean covers 71 percent of the Earth's surface, and to protect the serenity of marine life, the Vegan Society is taking a stand with the help of others.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, established in 1977, is a non-profit marine wildlife conservation organization with the mission to end the destruction of habitats, slaughter of wildlife and to protect the ocean, according to their mission statement.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society of Los Angeles presented their film, “Why Just One?,” to Pierce College students on Nov. 19 from 5 - 7 p.m. in the Great Hall. This film focuses on sea turtles and their species coming to an end due to various reasons, including poaching.

The Vegan Society and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society collaborated on this event to bring awareness of the dangers against sea turtles. The Vegan Society has been focusing on marine life this semester and Winnard thought the film would have great impact on the students.

“Our outreach is to spread awareness of the problem of bycatch caused by the fishing industry,” Winnard said. “We also endorse Prop. 67 as a club and did an outreach about that, which deals with the plastic bag ban. In the film, the plastic pollution is a huge problem for marine wildlife and marine wildlife actually die as a result of plastic pollution.”

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Winnard have worked together last year’s Earth Day. They thought that the new film presented gave an outlook to attendees about the threats the sea turtles are facing.

Sea turtles are facing the most danger in coastal areas such as Costa Rica, Honduras and Florida. Of 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings, only one will survive maturity, according to the documentary.

Winnard enjoyed watching the film and believed that the important message was to educate children about the plight of sea turtles.

“One reason why I’m so passionate is because of future generations,” Winnard said. “I want there to be life left on the ocean for future generations to enjoy. It always starts with awareness. It is always the first step to create positive action or any positive change. Hopefully by spreading awareness and bringing this to people’s attention it will bring inspiration to find out more about what they can do.”

[For the full story visit theroundupnews.com]

Journey across the universe

Planetarium event offers colorful sights and expands horizons on a multitude of levels

JOSHUA MANES Reporter @tweeporting

Aglimpse into the night sky hides treasures of beautiful sights, expanding galaxies and pulsating stars, however in two-hours the riches of the universe were uncovered.

Professor of Astronomy, Dale Fields piloted the trip at the Pierce College Planetarium across the universe Monday, Nov. 21 from 5-7 p.m in the Center for Sciences.

“Astronomy is something that connects everybody,” Fields said.

“It’s the one science that I think more people find a connection to than anything else. It’s not just something that can connect us, but actually has to.”

Students, parents with young children filled the seats of the planetarium, awaiting the show.

First they gazed up at the night sky from Earth, exploring the constellations that reside above.

Once the journey began, Fields took the audience on a tour of the Solar System, exploring the orbits of the planets. After a brief stop on Mars to see the sky from a different perspective, it was on to exploring the Asteroid Belt.

In the Asteroid Belt, Fields explained real-life asteroid protection methods such as, heating one side of the asteroid, releasing gases and sending it off like a rocket. Another method is using a “space lasso” to rope the asteroid and alter its trajectory.

The future business of asteroid mining was also discussed, highlighting the abundance of raw materials within asteroids.

Fields moved the trip out into other nebuli, showing pictures from the Hubble Telescope. Inside the Crab Nebula, the audience could see the image of a dying star and

supernova.

11-year-olds Evan and Preston Kevorkian liked the dying star and supernova, while their mother, Melissa Kevorkian, came away from the show with a new perspective on humanity's significance in the universe.

“I liked the experience of going through time and seeing the many galaxies and stars that exist beyond our view,” Melissa Kevorkian said. “Realizing how fortunate we are to be here given the mass of this universe.”

Fields took the audience to the farthest reaches of the known universe, displaying the countless galaxies that exist, and to the outermost microwaves that are the aftermath of the Big Bang.

Fields sees the benefits of a planetarium show for everyone, including his students who may already know some of the information.

“There’s something to be said about just a couple hours worth of just being immersed and seeing all the stuff fly around,” Fields said. “Some of it I talk about in the classes, but there’s also extra things that don’t really connect to any one class, but are just some cool stuff about space in general.”

David Burnson enjoyed the experience.

“It was really nice,” Burnson said. “I hope they have more shows in the future.

jmanes.roundupnews@gmail.com

Flip, twirl, until ya can't anymore

Dance Day unites community and invigorates students from the soles of their feet

MONICA VILLACORTA Reporter @MVillacorta48

Stretchy pants and comfy sneakers filled the North Gym in the morning Sunday, Nov. 20 as new and seasoned dancers picked up some new moves.

Pierce students had to pay $5 per class of their dance style preference.

“It’s all these affordable classes and everybody can take them. I definitely think there should be more of it,” said Ivy Moncada, dancer in the Pierce College Dance Crew (PCDC). “You’re being creative while you’re also moving your body in a very artistic way, and I think that’s a really good thing for everyone to try.“

Dance Day featured four styles of dance taught by professional dancers and choreographers.

Contemporary was taught by Luis Trujillo, jazz by Brian Moe, salsa by Jose Valencia and hip-hop by Corey Turner.

“A lot of people that have different abilities came together. I had some really great guest artists come in and share their knowledge and their spirit,” said full-time

faculty member Brian Moe. “It was just a really fun experience for everyone.”

Jenny Ghiglia, the cheer and dance coach for the Pierce College Dance Crew, organized of the event. Ghiglia said the Associated Students Organization were financially responsible for the event.

“I wasn’t sure who was going to come,” Ghiglia said. “I started with the process about two weeks ago putting flyers up. The concept started before that, but I had to get it approved from the school.”

According to Ghiglia, this is the first Dance Day on campus. She borrowed the idea from a district dance meeting she attended in which other colleges shared their success about hosting this particular event.

“I was really inspired by what they said about how they set it up. So I set it up the same exact way, except I have different styles of dance,” Ghiglia said. “I asked the dance club members what they felt the students would want or the community, and we picked these four styles.”

Some students came to learn new moves, others came to release

stress and some to step out of their comfort zone.

“I just want to expand my knowledge and get as much teaching as I can get,” sign language major Wyatt Corbin said. “If you

have never tried dancing before, I’d recommend coming to these classes, and that they keep bringing them back. I had so much fun. It was a great experience.”

Taylor Arthur/ Roundup

Pierce alumni Melissa Kevorkian, and her two sons Preston Kevorkian and Evan Kevorkian look up at the ceiling of the planetarium at the Center For Sciences building on Nov. 21, 2016 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Jordan Nathan/ Roundup

The ceiling of the planetarium showing a galaxy to attenees of the Planetarium Event at the Center For Sciences building on Nov. 21, 2016 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Sonia Gurrola/ Roundup

Hargun Singh and Taylor Sacks take up a salsa dance class at Pierce College on Nov, 20, 2016 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Pierce Mobilizes with Protests

Students, faculty and staff gathered on the Mall at Pierce College in a walkout on Wednesday, Nov. 16, to protest of some statements made by President-elect Donald Trump. Their chants echoed, “No Trump! No KKK! No Fascist USA!”

Fliers circulated through social media, providing details for the planned walkout at Pierce College, “We Make America Great.” Students, staff and faculty rallied at the bull statue on campus at 11 a.m. and then went to meet with other

schools in the San Fernando Valley at Van Nuys City Hall at 2 p.m.

Pierce College Modern Languages Department Chair and AFT Chapter President Fernando Oleas sent out an email to faculty and staff regarding the walkout to Van Nuys City Hall to encourage faculty and staff to protest with the students.

Oleas asked for collective participation because he said the importance of this social movement is to demonstrate solidarity and fight against racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and to protect and stand with other vulnerable groups.

“We want to make sure that you guys know, that you are not alone in this,” Oleas said. “There’s a huge support, making sure that education is not disturbed. We are here as important members of our society to improve our lives and our conditions. We are looking for a change that is positive.”

Jack Kearns, a first-year student at Pierce and a member of the Students Organizing for Success (SOS) Club, said that he and 10 other students in the club organized the walkout on Monday, Nov. 14 and began handing out fliers for the event on Tuesday.

“We are trying to show not just, Pierce, but also the country, that college students, among many others, are against the rhetoric and the violence that is happening from the Trump election and we are going to fight against it together,” Kearns said. Sheriff’s Deputy Alfred Guerrero said that he was first informed about the walkout by fliers handed out on campus. He said his primary concern was the safety of the Pierce community.

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Left: A student protester who did not wish to be named holds up a sign on the steps of Van Nuys City Hall on Nov. 16, 2016 to protest the results of the election as well as racism, xenophobia and hate speech on the steps of Van Nuys City Hall on Nov. 16, 2016 in Van Nuys, Calif.

Center: Julio Tsuha, professor of sociology, speaks to a crowd of students and faculty during a walkout on Nov. 16, 2016 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Far Right: Allegra Edelnant, 19, speaks at a walkout and protest at Pierce College following the results of the 2016 election. The protesters rallied against racism, xenophobia, hate speech, and general fear caused by the 2016 election.

Left: A pierce student who did not wish to be identified (center) speaks to a crowd of students, faculty and staff during a walkout and protest at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif on Nov. 16, 2016 while Ruben Garcia (Right) sits on the steps of the bull.

Above Right: Students from Valley College and Pierce College who did not want to be identified, sit in front of Van Nuys City Hall and have pizza during a protest following the results of the 2016 election on Nov. 16, 2016 in Van Nuys, Calif.

Right: Students and faculty from Valley College and Pierce College gather in a circle at the end of their protest of the election as well as racism, xenophobia and hate speech on the steps of Van Nuys City Hall on Nov. 16, 2016 in Van Nuys, Calif.

Left: Pierce student Jack Kearns chants and holds a sign at a protest at Van Nuys City Hall on Nov. 16, 2016 with students and faculty from Valley College following the results of the 2016 election. The protesters rallied against racism, xenophobia and hate speech.

Photos by: Taylor Arthur

Copy by: Samantha Bravo, Vanessa Arredondo, Jose Herrera and Brian Caldera

Right: Ruben Garcia, graduate of the University of California Los Angeles and former ASO President, speaks with deputies about maintaining a safe and peaceful protest on the Mall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Nov. 16, 2016.

Above: A Pierce student who did not want to be identified, speaks to a crowd of students, faculty, and staff on the Mall about why he voted for President-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 16, 2016 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Below: bystander who did not wish to be identified stopped to photograph and video a protest held by Students and Faculty of Valley College and Pierce College in front of the Van Nuys City Hall on Nov. 16, 2016 in Van Nuys, Calif.

Brahma of the Week

Volleyball

Anika Lewis in the game against Glendale had 11 kills to help the her team get the win as they prepare for the playoffs.

Who inspired you to play volleyball?

“My father. He would push me to play sports. It took time for me to be passionate about the sport.”

What player do you look up to the most?

“I will always look up to my old teammate from my old college. She will always push and inspire me to go further with volleyball.”

How do you prepare for games?

“Eating right. I also rest and hydrate. I think about the good things I’ve done in the past to get me motivated and all of the accomplishments that I did. It helps me prepare for games.”

What would you like to improve on?

“Having a better mentality. Not letting the little things come to me. Just shake my mistakes off and not letting it take over me.”

Outside of volleyball, what other athletes do you admire?

“Usain Bolt. I admire him a lot. I like his energy and his cockiness. In fact, that he knows he is the best and that he always displays it.”

Interview by : Felipe Gamino

Photo by : Taylor Arthur SCHEDULE

Nov. 23 to Nov. 30

Womenʼs Basketball Tournament

Friday, Nov. 25 vs. Skagit Valley 7 p.m.

Staton' like my teammates Football star Isaiah Staton follows iends to John Shepard Stadium

Philadelphia natives seem to flock to the Pierce College football team.

Joshua Mathis, Jaelen Strong and Martin “Nico” Henry have all moved on to the university level and the next one in line is Isaiah Staton. These four athletes grew up in the same neighborhood, and the three preceding Staton suggested he follow in their footsteps on the path to Brahmas football.

Although Staton misses home, the opportunities for new beginnings here have encouraged him to stay on the pursuit. Mathis and Strong are offensive players, while Henry and Staton are defensive.

“Life is hard growing up in Philadelphia. Everything was a fight. You were either tough or you weren’t,” Staton said. “I grew up in the hood and everything was depressing.”

Although the only player to move on to the National Football League was Strong, Staton does not let that discourage him. He played as a child and it has stuck with him. His passion for football is stronger than his love for the food from home, which is one thing he truly misses.

“It is something I am really good at. In high school, I became first team all city,” Staton said. “I played running back, quarterback and defensive end.

Staton didn’t go to school in Philadelphia, because he had friends from his hometown that were successful at Pierce and he wanted to see if the Brahma spirit could lift him up as well.

Staton’s plans are to attend Arizona State or Bella University after the completion of his sophomore year at Pierce.

Coach Jason Sabolic said that, because he is older than most of the other players on the team, he is more mature.

“Isaiah is such an eccentric kid who is outgoing and very passionate–that has an outward love for football,” Sabolic said. “He has gone through quite a bit in his life and has gotten to

Pierce athletes made of glass?

More than 12 players had seasonending injuries during the semester

said. “One of the ideals, and it's probably a fact, that women have a different tilt to their pelvic because of possible child birth and that changes the angle on the ligaments. These girls jump and come down then blow their ligaments out. It’s happened for years and we have three starters out because of that this year.”

where he is now.”

Sabolic said Staton has a good chance at being linebacker at the university level on a four-year scholarship.

“If he stays healthy, and on track and does what they ask him to go at the next level, the sky's the limit,” Sabolic said. ”There is a possible chance to play football on Sundays.”

Linebacker coach Adam Khosroabadi agrees that Staton has the potential to play in the NFL.

“Isaiah’s work ethics are pretty unmatched. He demands a lot of himself as well as from his teammates. The kid loves the game so much,” Khosroabadi said. “He is a student of the game who takes notes and watches films, who finds ways, not only to succeed for himself, but for his team.”

Bob Bognet is the special teams coordinator as well as the kicking coach. He recently helped coach running backs as well. Bognet said

Saturday, Nov.26 TBA

Sunday, Nov. 27 TBA

Saturday, Nov. 26 @ East LA

Women's Volleyball

Second Round Regional Playoffs

Saturday, Nov. 26 TBA

Third round

Tuesday, Nov.29 TBA

Mitch’s Pitches

that Staton is growing both as a person and as a player.

“He has been outstanding this year. He has been a leader for the younger guys,” Bognet said. “He has good study habits when he watches films and he teaches other players what to look for in films.”

rjespinoza.roundupnews@gmail.com

Let me pitch you something: hazing may be a part of sports teams’ culture, but it’s time a line is drawn. Coaches have to prevent it from happening. These acts of bullying continue to paint an ugly picture of the locker room and are an indicator of why Donald Trump referred to his explicit language as “locker room talk.”

On November 21, eight Texas Rangers prospects were questioned for sexually assaulting their underaged teammates after a video posted on snapchat showed some of the players holding down the victim and masturbating him, according to Yahoo Sports.

This is a disgusting act. And it is proof that these athletes believe that they can get away with anything because of their status.

It is all part of this “hazing culture” among athletes that feel it’s necessary to bully the younger players; it is a repulsive attempt for players trying to assert their “superiority.”

Because of the culture that has been passed down, players feel that it is expected for them to be the victims. Often times they will be objective to it for fear of making a bad impression from their teammates.

Participating in the hazing is basically showing them a sign of respect. It’s time players and coaches eliminate this hazing culture.

Research shows that there are at least seven common injuries among athletes, which could be minor or even end a career.

The most common sports injuries are knee injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, tennis elbow, shin splints, groin pulls, and sciatica and hamstring pulls, according to impactphysicalthearpy.com, unitypoint.org and nmortho.com

Athletic Director Bob Lofrano said that many of our athletes this semester have been injured, mostly with knee injuries. Lofrano said that the industry of women’s volleyball points out the fact that a woman’s body is built differently.

“Our women's volleyball team is currently ranked at number two in the state and has three girls that are unable to play because they have torn ligaments in their knees,” Lofrano

Women’s volleyball coach Nabil Mardini agreed that knee injuries are most common among his players.

“I would say ankle sprains is number one, although that’s not what my team has been hit with. I would say second would be the knee. ACL or knee sprain, it's usually in the legs and feet. The third one would be the shoulder, from just overuse.”

Mardini adds that ACL injuries and shoulder injuries are also common in basketball. He said that any athlete can receive a shoulder injury.

“If you don’t take care of your shoulder, you’re going to have issues,” Mardini said.

Athlete trainer Robert Horowitz has been at Pierce for four years and was at Los Angeles City College prior. He said that football usually has the most injuries and is usually followed by soccer.

“We noticed that, with the addition of turf, it’s made our treatment of wound care a little different,” Horowitz said. “It’s more of a burn. It’s not so much a cut or a scrape. It’s a turf burn where you slide across it and it’ll tear you up.”

Without having to check the records, Horowitz noted that there have been at least six to eight seasonending injuries in football. The most common injury among the football players is a concussion, according to football coach Jason Sabolic.

“Second, I would say would be a knee injury such as a ACL, [posterior cruciate ligament] PCL, and an [medial collateral ligament] MCL type of tear,” Sabolic said. “We started off the season with 70 players on the rooster and we are down to 30 to 35 players suited up due to

injuries.”

Athlete trainer Leonard Ramirez, who has been at Pierce for 27 years, said that there were many athletes in each sport that were injured this year.

“Volleyball lost two and soccer lost two. That’s just knee injuries that put players out for the season,” Ramirez said. “Soccer lost four [total], two overall for volleyball and football, at least six with knee and there’s even more.”

Although basketball has just begun, there are a few nagging injuries for both men and women.

“We haven’t had anyone where we’ve had to say, ‘You’re going to be gone for the season,’ just the normal stuff,” Ramirez said.

Horowitz said that on average players that don’t have seasonending injuries can be out for three

to four weeks. Soccer and women’s volleyball are in the playoffs, but soccer didn’t make it past their first round. No one has attributed injuries as a possible reason to losing the game on Saturday, Nov. 19. Women’s volleyball played their first regional game and Mardini said he’s not too worried even with injuries.

“I lost one player for meniscus and I lost her sister for ACL. These are the two injuries [for the whole season],” Mardini said. “We don’t have a very deep roster right now because we lost them, but we are trying to be healthy. Making sure the girls are icing and stretching, and I think they are doing a good job with that.”

Trash-talking is one thing, but if these players are inflicting physical harm, or sexually abusing their own teammates, it becomes a disgrace to the players, coaches, and organization.

Whether it’s the NCAA, NFL or MLB, there should be stricter policies enforced on rookie hazing that could see these players getting fined -- or jailed for their indecent acts.

Coaches need to spread a message of a hazing free locker room and take proper disciplinary actions against their players who violate their code of conduct.

Look, rookie hazing will always be apart of sports, but instead of physically harming the younger players, do what the Dodgers did this year and make the players dress up as cheerleaders.

Taylor Arthur / Roundup

Isaiah Staton stands in John Shepard Stadium for a portrait on Monday, November 21. Staton moved from Philadelphia to pursue his football dreams of moving on to a Division I university and ultimately to the NFL.

Anika LewisFreshman

RICHARD ESPINOZA Reporter @Richard65157819

Graphic by Randi Love College sports across the United States show athletes are more likely to be injured during practice than in actual game play. This graphic shows the number of atheletes injured in various sports across the United Sates.

RICHARD ESPINOZA Reporter @Richard65157819 and RANDI LOVE Sports Editor @randi_love29