Woodland Hills, California Volume 142 - Issue 9 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Free Copy
Celebrating diversity on Multicultural Day
By Elizabeth Tirheimer Reporter
Pierce’s diversity committee hosted Multicultural Day on Wednesday, April 23, at the Great Hall to showcase the cultural, gender and social diversity of the campus community to encourage a more inclusive and equitable campus climate.
Multicultural Day has been a recurring event on campus, originating in the Spring of 2019.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event took place via Zoom until 2023, where it now takes place every April. The event contains faculty presentations on subjects ranging from kinesiology, Chicano studies, drama and live performances.
Vice President of the Muslim
Student Association (MSA) Noor Kalla shared what stands out to him about the event and what he hopes students gain from it.
“Pierce College is such a diverse campus, there are all kinds of cultures. That’s what stands out to me,” Kalla said.
“I really enjoy the diversity and seeing all the different types of traditions people have. It’s something we want people to
learn from, grow from and be excited about.”
Sisters of the One Drum, an inter-tribal drum circle whose goal is to amplify the voices and roles of inter-tribal women, offer a platform for self-expression and spiritual growth.
Sisters of the One Drum member Sewa Valencia shared why she comes out to events such as this one to share her culture.
“I show up for things like this because any time that I get to be a part of and learn something and share our traditions, our ceremonies, our prayers, I leave with more understanding, more respect,” Valencia said.
Continued on page 5.
John Cordova / Roundup News
Emily Garcia / Roundup News
Janet Harper / Roundup News
Gelareh Behdad / Roundup News
Sisters of the One Drum invite audience members to share in playing their instrument in the Great Hall for Multicultural Day at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 23, 2025.
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Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup
Menstrual products should be more acccessible
Pierce College offers free menstrual products through its Health Center, which is a valuable resource. But this doesn’t fully meet the needs of students who may experience an unexpected period or menstrual accident on campus.
To better support student health and well-being, Pierce should promote this service more widely and take steps to provide free menstrual products in campus restrooms.
In 2021, California passed the Menstrual Equity for All Act (AB 367), requiring public schools and colleges to provide free menstrual products in at least one designated restroom
per campus building. The law aims to reduce barriers to education by ensuring students have access to essential hygiene products.
The campus restrooms have been inconsistent when it comes to supplying free menstrual products. This can negatively affect students who menstruate, leading to missed class time, discomfort or leaving early from campus. A 2024 report from Safe Supportive Learning found that one in 10 college students have missed class due to a lack of access to menstrual products. Period poverty, which is when students cannot afford or obtain what they need, can have a direct impact on academic success and
student well-being.
In those moments, students may not have time or feel comfortable walking across campus. Having access to products directly in restrooms is not only more practical, but it also helps preserve dignity and reduce disruptions to a student’s day.
Other California colleges have already responded to this issue.
California State University, Northridge implemented the “Go With the Flow” program, which provides free pads and tampons in select restrooms and educates students on menstrual equity. This approach serves as a model that shows it is both feasible and effective to create
support systems on campus. Pierce can take similar steps by identifying buildings that are lacking free menstrual product dispensers. The college should attempt to keep products stocked and clearly communicate to students where products are available free at cost. A more consistent and visible effort can help show that student health is being supported and validated. Providing free menstrual products is not only a matter of policy compliance, it’s about meeting student needs. By better following through on AB 367, Pierce can help create an inclusive and comfortable learning environment on campus.
Arts education is still important for student success
Apaintbrush swiping on a blank canvas, chalk on a sidewalk, playing the clarinet, performing musical theater. These are all examples of creativity being expressed through art.
Pierce College has been a home to the arts, whether it’s art showcases or performances.
Pierce’s Theatre department hosts plays each semester, each with different stories and different messages, and they are open to students, friends and families to view.
While the arts are important to the growth of students,
they are among the first courses that get cut or lose funding.
Having a space for the arts is extremely important to helping students engage and succeed in school and allow self-expression.
While the arts are important in encouraging success in school, art classes tend to lack funding, despite having great benefits on students.
According to Calmatters, most art departments in California are underfunded. Only one in five public schools in California has a teacher for traditional art classes, such as dance or theater.
There are many studies showing that students who participate in theater arts are
more likely to have higher test scores than students who do not participate. While many may not notice the effect the arts can have on school participation, they are a gateway to better grades and test scores.
According to the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, students involved in drama performances scored an average of 65.5 points higher on the verbal components of the SAT.
The arts promote physical participation and provide a space for students to express themselves. Whether it’s finger painting or making clay sculptures, it is a stimulating
activity that allows for students to think creatively and give their brains a break.
The Arts Education Parternship reports that art education helps make learning matter to students because it gives them a space to participate and express themselves. Students are more likely to participate in art activities and classes that have the arts have higher attendance rates, while absences are higher in classes that do not integrate the arts. With more arts classes, attendance will rise and success will increase.
A look into the archives: 70+ years of the Roundup
Roughly 40 years ago on April 30, 1986, The Roundup News published Volume 64, Number 13 of the Roundup. This issue contained a photo essay about the Pierce College Rodeo Team. The Roundup reported on Pierce student Clayton Price, who had come to Pierce only to be a part of the rodeo team. With little motivation to learn anything at first, Price said, “the teachers here
really helped me.”
At the time the article was written, Price was leading the West Coast Region in Saddle Bronc Riding while also maintaining a B-plus average.
The Roundup reported that there were no Pac-10 type scholarships for rodeo riders. Students were financially responsible for themselves, their horses and equipment, although Pierce’s ASO would help cover travel expenses.
Copy by Jonathan Wheelock
Sould contreversial speakers be allowed on campus? Free speech should not compromise student safety
All discourses should be protected
By Matthew Stewart News Editor
Pierce College is no stranger to having controversial figures demonstrate on campus. From infamous internet celebrities to random people with signs and a megaphone, Pierce’s ‘free speech zones’ can attract attention, whether it be positive or negative. Despite the mayhem these figures often bring, guaranteeing their right to speak is important, as the college should not run the risk of censoring speech selectively.
The Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees has legislated that
on their campus to debate and discuss politics with students. A large number of students were not happy with his appearance at the college and protested.
While the Anti-Defamation League has referred to Kirk’s organization as a “vast platform for extremists and far-right conspiracy theorists,” their ability to demonstrate on public college campuses must be protected to ensure equality of speech.
The First Amendment has been an anchor of American political discourse since its ratification in 1791. With it, people are free to speak their minds without fear of repercussions. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in many countries around the world, criticism of the government can land a person in prison. Without non-selective protections on free speech, it is never certain what speech is protected and what is not. An opinion could be safe to speak one day, and could be punished
the district alleging that a school administrator had told him to stop distributing political material outside of the designated free speech zones, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
Since then, there have been multiple incidents of speakers coming to campus to make political statements. It’s not just Pierce either, as California State University, Northridge recently had a well-known online figure, Charlie Kirk, set up a booth
What must not be forgotten in this discourse is that students still maintain the right to protest controversial figures. The balance of freedom of speech and freedom to protest is what allows our system of political discussion to function freely.
Frederick Douglass once said, “To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.”
Douglass’s quote shows that even the most ardent political activists for social justice know that freedom of speech goes two ways, and even the speech someone could hate the most must be protected.
By Myraneli Fabian Reporter
While free speech is crucial, other democratic values are equally important. Although it is difficult to envision a democratic community that does not recognize and value freedom of expression, it is similarly misguided to assume that free speech alone embodies the democratic values that higher education institutions practice and cultivate.
One such principle that colleges and universities rely on is physical safety. Many alleged campus free-speech incidents are responses to the perceived threat of far right groups, whose presence appears to have increased dramatically in recent years.
The First Amendment’s application is limited to government institutions, including public universities. However, private universities should also adhere to these principles, which are crucial for academic freedom and form the basis of a university’s mission.
According to Vox, while speakers are entitled to express hateful messages on campus,
campus officials have a responsibility to respond to such speech. It is imperative that campus officials clearly denounce hate when it occurs and explain how it conflicts with the values of the community we seek to create.
According to College Pulse, the majority of college students agree that hate speech, characterized as attacks on people based on their race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation, ought to be shielded by the First Amendment.
Nearly six in 10 college students believe such speech should be protected, while 41 percent disagree.
Hateful or discriminatory can have a profoundly traumatic impact on individuals and groups with a history of being targeted, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
What speaker would you like to see on campus?
Freedom of speech is essential, but it should not compromise safety and inclusivity.
Universities and community colleges must protect their students, faculty, and staff from harm by thoughtfully considering the potential impact of hosting controversial speakers.
“Charlie Kirk. If he comes, we’ll have a lot of intellectual debates on campus, and he’s really good at arguing and backing up his claims.”
Natalie Mekjian- Political Science Major
“I would like to hear someone talk about sustainability, especially with how much waste we use in plastic. It would be really important, not just for our health, but for our future generations.”
Ashley Margona - Career and Transfer Center Intern
“I want to see Baxate, a Tiktoker/ YouTuber. He should discuss how to balance college life, school, and professional opportunities.”
Joseph Edwards - Business Major
Interviews by Zamourad Iqbal
Photos by John Cordova
“Umar Johnson would be cool if he could speak for the Umoja program. He knows a lot about Africano studies and topics like how we got here in the past, how we got to where we are now, and how we can improve.”
Yusuf Fuller - Journalism Major
File Photo - May 10, 2016/Travis Welsey / Roundup News
Firefighters from Los Angeles Fire Department Station 93 run a drill at Pierce College near Parking Lot 8 in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 27, 2025.
Photo by Gerardo Escobar Stop, drop and roll
Networking expo: Careers in the fast lane
Automotive students prepare to enter the workforce
By Emily Garcia Reporter
Engines were not the only thing revving at the Pierce College Automotive Job Fair Career Expo on Tuesday, April, 22.
The event was organized by Professors Kimhou Chhith, Thomas Fortune and Michael Van Dyke. Many of Pierce’s automotive students networked their resumes to Valley dealerships hiring managers, allowing students the opportunity to explore areas such as Snapon’s tool industry, Tesla’s engineering and Northridge Toyota’s technician openings.
The Automotive Department’s fair featured dealers such as Tesla, Toyota, Ferrari and Porsche.
Chhith has worked in the automotive industry for 16 years, from mom and pop shops to BMW. Chhith now works as a professor and is the department chair for the Industrial Technology Department at Pierce. He encouraged students
to dress nicely and come with a prepared resume to connect with potential employers.
Chhith guides his students to try different areas of work to see where they truly shine.
“There’s pros and cons to everything. And if you’re comfortable with independent shops, you go there. You’re comfortable with dealers, you go there. They both have their benefits,” Chhith said. “I encourage all my students to try both, don’t just stick to one thing. The industry is pretty broad, and you can take the skill anywhere. This right here is the pathway for them to move forward into the auto industry, into the real world.”
Tesla showcased at the event with free tote bags and test drives. Depending on the degree, Tesla has positions available in engineering, design and sales, and students can apply for seasonal or full-time apprenticeships based on their schedule flexibility with their college courses.
Tesla Advisor Richard Estrada detailed Tesla’s value for the
education of their employees.
“Once you’re hired with Tesla, there’s an incentive that we have for employees where we actually pay for some of your education,” Estrada said. “We always
“The industry is pretty broad, and you can take the skill anywhere. This right here is the pathway for them to move forward into the auto industry, into the real world.”
Kimhou Chhith Chair of Industrial Technology
promote higher education with students.”
Automotive student, Saam Cheshmaghil explained his strategy for networking his skills.
Earth Day seed bombs
“Just showing that I’m another human being. I’m not showing them that they are superior. I’m showing them that we’re both humans,” Cheshmaghil said. “I go in with a positive mindset and show them that I’m confident. I’m learning new things. I would love to have any internships if they were available. I’m looking currently for more areas to learn.”
Porsche also made an appearance to find future employees at the job fair. General Manager Scott Stanley shared his advice for the automotive students looking for work in the industry.
“For the students, a lot of times we’re interviewing people, or when people first get on the job if something goes wrong, own up to your part of it,” Stanley said. “But just make sure you’re that dependable person. On time means a lot, and just being a team player. No matter how long you’re in this industry, there’s still things to learn.”
The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office. Reporting by
An updated crime long was not provided for the dates between April 23 and April 30. Pierce College Sheriff’s Office General Information 818-719-6450 Emergency 818-710-4311
Biology student Maria Roman and nursing student Stephanie Roman partake in a seed bomb workshop during the Earth Day celebration at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 23, 2025. Photo by Gelareh Behdad.
Gelareh Behdad / Roundup News
Pierce’s ‘Cabaret’ explores ‘not so far away’ struggles
By Melanie Somoza Reporter
When the lights dim and the Kit Kat Club comes to life, audiences might expect a dazzling night of high kicks, glitter, and jazz hands. But “Cabaret” is more than just a flashy musical.
It tells a powerful story about denial, danger and the consequences of ignoring what’s happening around us.
Set in 1930s Berlin during the rise of the Nazi regime, “Cabaret”, originally directed by Harold Prince with music by John Kander and Fred Ebb, follows performers and citizens clinging to the illusion of safety on stage as the world outside grows darker.
The theater department chose “Cabaret” for this season, Director Shaheen Vaaz feels it was an artistic match for the students and a timely reflection of the world today.
“It has turned out to be uncannily in sync with what our community is experiencing right now”, Vaaz said. “The horrors and tumult of World War II are also constantly with us, the fears
that our actors, creatives and crew are struggling with are not so far away either”.
Ali Suliman, who plays Emcee, describes the emotional extremes the show carries.
“It feels like I’m at the top of Goliath and also at the top of Superman”, Suliman said. “I’m sinking into despair but also reaching into madness. Those extremes make it very challenging, but it’s fun to flex between those two modes of humanity”.
The cast aimed to approach the show’s intense themes with sensitivity and purpose.
“It’s a heavy story but we can say it’s dark and sad, so I’m not going to look at it”, cast member Donna Accardo said. “Theater allows us to tell stories, even sad ones, and honor the people who went through it”.
Despite the intense narrative, the show is filled with vibrant dance numbers influenced by the stylized work of Bob Fosse.
“With the choreography, you’ll see a kind of clown-like, but also very sexy, circus-style 1930s club dancing”, cast member Tori Swick said. “A lot of energy, very fast movements, high kicks, rolling on
the floor”.
While the choreography delivers high energy and bold expressions, the cast says “Cabaret” also dives deep into the emotional complexities of its characters.
“I think people will be surprised by how much range this show has”, Suliman said. “It’s funny and there are silly songs, but it’s also heartbreaking. I hope the audience feels the whole range and remembers they are allowed to feel all of it”.
More than anything, the cast hopes audiences walk away feeling more connected to each other.
“We felt something deeply while working on this play”, Suliman said. “I hope that comes through in our performance, so people are reminded that society only exists because we band together with a unified vision”.
Cabaret opens Friday, May 9, and runs through Sunday, May 18, with a special sign-interpreted performance on May 17.
Showtimes for Fridays and Saturdays are at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for students and seniors and $25 for general admission.
Multicultural Day
(Continued from page 1)
Valencia also expressed how events such as this help people understand who they are as a part of the human race.
“Diversity makes the fabric so strong when we weave in all the cultures, colors, and differences, that’s what makes us rich and strong,” Valencia said.
The Sisters of the One Drum invited attendees to participate in their drum ceremony. ASL Interpreter DeOnzell Green was one of the volunteers to join in and explained what drove her to join in.
“The beat drove me up there. I love music and
anything that has to do with the culture, I am all about and that totally drew me in. I had to be a part of it. It wasn’t even my choice,” Green said.
Green reflected on the performance given by The Sisters of the Drum and the message she thinks students gained from it.
“It was beautiful, it was wonderful to see a drum circle that was authentic, it really called me,” Green said. “It proves we are all one being. I like the way Valencia put it, we are all one pulse and everything we do affects everyone else so we have to be cognizant of that.”
Actors practice a dance with choreographer Brian Moe during rehearsals of “Cabaret” in the Dow Arena Theatre at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 25, 2025. Photo by Janet Harper.
Janet Harper / Roundup News
Janet Harper / Roundup News
Actor Ali Suliman rehearsing a scene from “Cabaret” in the Dow Arena Theatre at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 25, 2025.
Pierce baseball is back in the playoffs
By Joseph Acuña Reporter
The dugout cleared and the field erupted in celebration for Pierce College after securing their position in the playoffs after their win against the Oxnard College Condors.
The Brahmas went against the Condors at 2 p.m. on April 24, at Joe Kelly Field at Pierce. This win gave the Brahmas a seat in the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
The Brahmas started the game off strong with pitcher Patrick Fernandez grounding out the Condors’ before closing the inning with two looking strikeouts. Oxnard began with no hits or runs.
The Brahmas start their bats strong with a triple from Wyatt La Marsna and being brought in by JJ Torrente, ending the bottom with one run, three hits with two left on base.
The Brahmas were able to continue their offense in the third and fourth innings, bringing in a run each while keeping Oxnard’s Condors scoreless.
Fernandez used this as a second wind for the team and himself.
“I was getting tired in the fifth,” Fernandez said. “I knew I had to bring myself together and focus so we could make it to the playoffs for the first time in a while.”
Bottom of the seventh was the most aggressive offensively for the Brahmas, scoring two, while
both teams held each other off for the next two innings, ending the game in the ninth 6-1.
“It feels amazing. I’m glad I could show up for the team, putting runs together and minimizing Oxnard’s,” Fernandez said.
Brahma pitcher Brayden Briscoe has confidence this team would go far from the very beginning.
“I honestly thought our chances were pretty good. We brought in a lot of good talent in this freshman class and a lot of great returners,” Briscoe said.
“We’re an energetic team with great chemistry. Going into the playoffs I think that’s going to carry us far and shock some people.”
Head coach Bill Picketts sees similarities with this year’s team and the 2018 team who last went to the playoffs.
“They’re guys who like to play baseball and really like each other. Sometimes as a coach it’s impossible to figure out why or how that happens, but they did it early on,” said Picketts. “They play hard and that’s all I ask of them. I love having them and I’m happy for them.”
With their regular season wrapped up on a high note, the Brahmas now turn their focus to making a deep playoff run. Their first playoff game will be an away game against the Grossmont College Griffins in El Cajon. At 2 p.m.
Brahma batters finish strong
By Melanie Somoza Reporter
TheBrahmas kept their momentum, edging out Santa Barbara City College 4-3 in a suspenseful home game on April 25.
The team had already secured a spot in the 2025 Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) playoffs after defeating Oxnard College 6-1 the day before. Still, the Brahmas showed no signs of slowing down as they wrapped up their regular season play.
“It felt like there was a little bit of a playoff atmosphere and I love the way our guys responded”, Head Coach Bill Pickett said. “We made some great plays on defense. We had some really clutched bats. So it’s a good way to win a game at the end of the year to go into the playoffs”.
The game opened to a slow start in the first inning, with both teams struggling to get on the board.
However, the game quickly gained intensity in the second inning, with right fielder Jeremiah Jones scoring the first run of the game.
Santa Barbara responded by putting up two runs in the third and fourth innings to seize a 2-1 lead, adding tension on the field as the Brahmas found themselves trailing.
Third baseman Ethan Granillo expressed concern over Santa Barbara’s jump in the game but didn’t lose faith in his team’s ability.
“Baseball can go anywhere, anyone’s way, any day and
John Cordova / Roundup News
Pierce Pitcher Brayden Briscoe pitches during a game against Santa Barbara City College at Joe Kelly Field in Pierce College in Woodland Hills Calif., on April 25, 2025.
today we came out on top”, Granillo said. “I thought there could be a comeback but our pitching and defense did a great job of holding them still.”
The Brahmas advanced late in the sixth inning. Jones delivered again, singling to right field and driving outfielder JJ Torrente home to tie the game at 2-2.
With a winning streak on their side, the team surged ahead in the eighth inning. Granillo came up smashing a double that sent outfielder Carlos Macias sprinting across home plate, giving the Brahmas a 3-2 lead.
Granillo later scored on a wild pitch, crossing the plate himself to push the lead to 4-2.
Santa Barbara threatened in the ninth inning, scoring a run to close the gap 4-3, but the Brahmas’ defense held firm to seal the victory.
Right handed pitcher Brayden Briscoe remained optimistic about the team’s chances as they head into postseason competition.
“We just got to keep doing the same thing, we gotta keep going out there and competing to the best of our ability,” Briscoe said. “If we keep going out, we can hang out with anyone and we can win against any team.”
Zamourad Iqbal contributed to this story.
Zumba workshop brings the energy on the Mall
(Left to Right)Administrative services employees Raquel Matosic, Grace Ochoa, and Elnaz Bahrani dance during the Zumba workshop event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 23,
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Karla Delgado / Roundup News Kinesiology instructor Susan Armenta dances at the Zumba workshop at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 23, 2025.
Long before the performers take the stage for a production, many hours were spent behind the scenes preparing for opening night. Many skilled craftspeople attend the details that bring realism and beauty to the set. Pierce College technical stage production students show their dedication and labor to help create a successful production.
Copy by Brian Khoury
Ready, “Set,” Action
Theatre Arts major Cassidy LaDou paints part of the set for
on April 15,
MIDDLE: A pair of mannequin heads with wigs used in the upcoming production of “Cabaret” in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 17, 2025. Photo by Brian Khoury.
BOTTOM: A rack of clothes hanging in the Theatre department for “Cabaret” at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 16, 2025.
RIGHT:
“Cabaret” at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.,
2025 Photo by Brian Khoury.
Photo by Brian Khoury.
TOP: Student of Technical Stage Production David Henschel paints part of the set for “Cabaret” in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 16, 2025. Photo by Brian Khoury
LEFT: Alumnus and costume assistant Melaney Garcia takes pins from a costume at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 16, 2025. Photo by Brian Khoury.
