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A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION @roundupnews

Vol. 145, Issue 2

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

Women’s soccer shuts out longtime rival at home Pierce goalie blocks four shots from Corsairs to keep Brahmas on top By Lesa Greenfield Sports Editor

he Pierce College Brahmas shut out the Santa Monica College Corsairs, 2-0, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at John Shepard Stadium. What looked like a relatively calm match at halftime with the score tied 0-0 turned into a heated battle in the second half between the longtime rivals. Early on, the Corsairs (1-22) looked strong with several scoring opportunities, forcing Brahmas (2-2-2) goalkeeper Chloe Der Avanessia (1) to make four saves. Der Avanessia said being on the same page with the Brahmas defense contributed to her four saves. “I think just communicating a lot. Since this is our sixth game, we have built our chemistry, so I think we trust each other. I think that’s why,” Der Avanessia said. “Communicating just helps a lot.” The Brahmas began to find their rhythm as the first half wound down, with midfielder Amber Flores (3) attempting a header that was saved by Corsairs goalkeeper Jasmine Navarro. Pierce carried that momentum into the second half and started putting pressure on Santa Monica. Things quickly grew intense between the teams, and within a 10-minute span, coaches from both sides were shown a yellow card. The Brahmas’ continued

Akarai Jackson / Roundup News Daniela McNamara prepares a long pass against Santa Monica College at the Shepard Stadium in Pierce College in Woodland Hills area, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept.15, 2026. pressure finally paid off when midfielder Amber Flores (3) scored Pierce’s first goal with an assist from midfielder Angelinne Mazariegos (11) at 59:03, making it 1-0. Mazariegos created another scoring opportunity, nearly extending Pierce’s lead when her shot hit the goalpost. Undeterred, she kept up the attack and went on to score

CAMPUS

NEWS LIFE Page 4

Health Center open house

an unassisted goal at 82:10, making it 2-0. Mazariegos said scoring against Santa Monica made that goal more meaningful. “Honestly, it feels good because I don’t really like that school,” Mazariegos said. “So it felt amazing.” For head coach Adolfo Perez, the shutout win against longtime rival Santa Monica had extra significance because

the two schools compete for recruits. He said both Flores and Mazariegos considered playing for the Corsairs before eventually choosing Pierce. “It means a lot because it’s a school that we compete to recruit,” Perez said. “We have lost to them the last two years. We play them once a year. We lost to them 1-0 last year at their place, and the

PHOTO ESSAY

SPORTS LIFE

SMAL annual potluck

Umoja kickoff event

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Daniel Shamash / Roundup News

year before that, 1-0 here. We beat them the year before. It’s always like this, so it means a lot.” The rivalry also has a personal connection for Perez. Santa Monica head coach Aaron Benditson used to play for Perez when he coached the Valley United Soccer Club under-18 development squad. “He’s an intense guy. He’s a

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Josue Aguilar / Roundup News

Ali Bigdeli / Roundup News

2 Opinion 6201 Winnetka Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91371 Room: Pierce College Village 8211 Website: www.theroundupnews.com Email: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail. com

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Corrections

Volume 145, Issue 1: Page 5 News Section: Wendy Bass’ name was misspelled in the Academic Senate meeting story.

Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup

Why Pierce should host a regular garden walk Editor-in-Chief.........Zamourad Iqbal Managing Editor..............Calvin Henry Opinion Editor............James Mondares News Editor...............Natalie Baharian Copy Editor.....................Emily Garcia Photo Editor....................Josue Aguilar Campus Life Editor.........Gisele Donan Campus Life Assistant Editor......Cesar Baneulos Soto Entertainment Editor..Viviana Morales Sports Editor................Lesa Greenfield Social Media Editor......Natallia Padilla Online Editor............Abraham Elizalde Newsletter Editor...................Elizabeth Santana-Zavala Reporters Valeria Estevez Mizel Hernandez Isaiah Johnson Mac Kupka Photographers Ali Bigdeli Sebastian Berrospid Gutierrez Nateli Bush Gerardo Escobar Kameron Fricks Grace Furman Akarai Jackson Tyler Miller Danial Mohamed Taryn Robinson Moises Rodriguez Daniel Shamash Advisers Jill Connelly Jeff Favre Tracie Savage Morgan Keith

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ierce College sits on more than 400 acres, covered in greenery and home to a wide range of wildlife. Students walk past the S. Mark Taper Botanical Garden every day, often without noticing the nature around them as they hurry from class to class. Pierce should take advantage of the campus’s natural landscape and regularly host nature walks to de-stress students. Gallup found that 66% of students feel stressed daily. Schools across the country are turning to nature-based programs to reduce stress and improve student well-

being. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 20 minutes of nature can reduce stress. The University of California, Irvine invites students to partake in Wednesday Wellness Walks. Part of the Student Wellness & Health Program, students are guided through campus parks, combining meditation, ecological education and light exercise. Pierce once had a multi-sensory arboretum called the Braille Trail. Open to the public, Pierce’s botanical garden features an “Evolution Walk” embedded into the walkway. Informational brochures are available at the garden entrance for a self-

guided tour. Campus Nature Rx (CNRx) started in 2019 by universities collaborating to find solutions to stress and mental health in nature. Today, more than 100 colleges participate, each adapting the program to fit its landscape and student needs. Cornell University, a founding member, incorporates CNRx through health programs, campus clubs and events. Students are encouraged to visit Cornell’s Botanic Gardens, Beebe Lake and Libe Slope as part of their wellness routine. The University of Pennsylvania uses Nature Rx to remind students, staff and faculty that it’s acceptable and beneficial

to take a moment, breathe and reconnect with the world around them. The university provides a campus nature map and hosts guided walks and nature-based activities, featuring its urban arboretum. Pierce has the resources to implement similar programs. Guided nature walks could introduce students to the botanical garden’s plants and wildlife that inhabit the area. Some walks could include bird-watching, while others could focus on mindfulness and breathing exercises. Faculty and staff could participate alongside students, reinforcing a culture of wellness and modeling healthy habits.

Pierce should provide hydration stations for wildlife

ith increasingly intense weather conditions, Pierce College should provide safe hydration stations for wildlife living on campus. Providing accessible and clean water for squirrels and other wildlife could help them cope with the extreme heat and reduce the risk of heatrelated deaths. Wildlife has suffered on campus during the heatwaves. Veterinary science major Nicole Peterson said she was

headed to a music class when she spotted a squirrel on the cement that had recently died. away, locked in a “sploot position.” Splooting is the term used when animals are in a position where they lay down on their stomachs, legs and arms spread far apart to cool down, as reported by NPR. According to the AAAC Wildlife Removal, when animals get overheated, they often get dehydrated and weak. The squirrels that are most vulnerable to the heat are the young, sick and the elderly.

The Nurture Native Nature blog proposes several ways that not only students, but the public in general can help squirrels battle the heat. Offering water to wildlife can be simple, with just adding metal pet food dishes or a wildlife container pond that resembles a naturally made pond. As reported in the blog, “Water sources that are low-to-the-ground seem to be the most accessible for wildlife.”Students in clubs such as the Veterinary Science and LAPC Wildlife

Society could host events that allow participants to have designated water bowls in areas where squirrels are most active. Squirrels would be able to drink clean water without having to look through plumbing that produces possibly bacteria-filled water. If Pierce implements water accessibility for the vulnerable animals it can assure the humans on campus that the wildlife is protected.

Corrections? Email us at newsroom. roundupnews@gmail.com

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Josue Aguilar / Roundup News Squirrel lays on tree branch near South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 21,2026.

Opinion 3

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

Are Flock cameras ethical in practice? PRO: Cameras helps solve crimes and keep society safer

CON: Technology should not invade a person’s Constitutional rights

By Calvin Henry Managing Editor

lock Safety cameras, which use automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR), are effective tools for criminal investigations that are ethical to use due to implemented safeguards and extensive monitoring of access. Using visual data from machine learning models, Flock cameras can identify a vehicle’s description and license plate. A big concern about Flock cameras is that they can be misused by officers to invade personal privacy, but the systems to access ANPRs have evolved to detect abnormal behavior. The Flock Safety company website states that they have implemented “Audit Assistance” to their technology, which detects potential system abuse and flags it for an administrator review. Police departments such as Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) and Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) have set strict standards on Flock cameras. Along with the “Audit Assistance” provided by Flock Safety, SRPD has taken a step further by making their ANPR search history or usage statistics publicly available, according to a Flock camera community meeting held on Thursday, Sep 19, 2026. To simplify the process of accessing information, several police departments have also launched “transparency portals” to show users’ summary data on Flock cameras, clarifying what information is collected and the policies on how ANPRs are used. LCPD’s transparency portal has information on what Flock cameras

“detect and what they don’t detect,” and policies on acceptable and prohibited use of ANPRs, according to KTSM. Both SRPD and LCPD also state that they don’t retain Flock camera data after 30 days unless it is saved for evidence. So, data that may have been collected on your vehicle won’t be permanent unless it is connected to a criminal investigation. But, who owns the data and how they get to share it is something that still rings in people’s minds . As Flock Safety put it, “customers own the data, decide who can access it, and choose who they share it with.” SRPD has echoed this core principle in their community meeting. “Flock cannot use our data, share our data, sell our data, buy our contracts,” SRPD Chief John Cregan said. During the community meeting, the SRPD presented several solved crimes that used evidence from the ANPR cameras, such as a kidnapping in 2024, an attempted murder case in 2025, and a homicide back in June. Scott Marcus, a criminal justice professor from University of South Carolina, said in an NPR interview that “motor vehicle theft fell about 11% in areas that use Flock cameras, and locating suspects for vehicle thefts rose about 16%,” based on his research on crime rates before and after Flock cameras were implemented across jurisdictions. Flock cameras are ethical in practice. The technology is still evolving, but the safeguards needed to ensure data privacy and proper use have been strongly reinforced.

By Isaiah Johnson Reporter

riving down a public street shouldn’t automatically put you in an electronic lineup. Flock isn’t just taking photos of red-light runners, it’s building an unconstitutional, ambient dragnet that treats every commuter, student and resident like a suspect waiting to be caught. It’s a violation to everyday citizens’ freedom and risks extreme abuse of power. Under the Fourth Amendment, cops can’t legally stick a GPS tracker on your car without a judge signing a warrant, but privatized camera grids bypass that protection completely. The reality is, when over 99% of scanned plates belong to innocent drivers who haven’t committed a single crime, collecting and archiving daily routines where you work, worship, hang out, and sleep is an example of mass surveillance. According to an investigation by the ACLU, automated license plate readers operate with virtually no legal oversight, storing millions of records on innocent drivers without requiring a warrant. There is an abuse of power and lack of regulation at play. Mass surveillance is only as trustworthy as the humans operating it. Handing police departments, a private, dragnet surveillance network without binding regulations or judicial warrants creates a blank check for overreach. The problem is that software companies promise that internal logs keep officers honest, but an audit log is useless if nobody is auditing it in real time. When officers face no independent oversight, tracking

Do you think Meta glasses are an invasion of privacy?

“ I personally think they are. I don’t like being filmed without my consent; if consent is given, it’s fine; if not, it’s just inappropriate.” Alicia Loera — Peer-to-Peer Mentor

“No, the recording light lets you know the glasses are going to be recording.” Branden Chapchin — Accounting and Finance Major

“Yes, between Meta AI glasses and Flock cameras, there is no real privacy.” Oza Betad — Radiology Technician Major

whoever they want isn’t a technical glitch, it’s inevitable human behavior under unchecked power. Whether it’s individuals running unauthorized searches on people they know or systems misreading plates, giving unchecked power to those holding the screen will always lead to overreach. The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s findings into Flock Safety revealed a system designed to enable mass surveillance and is susceptible to grave abuses. To earn the public’s trust, proponents claim that “if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear,” but public safety built on sacrificing constitutional rights isn’t safety, it’s control and invasion of privacy. True public safety requires community trust and transparent oversight. Until there are strict warrant requirements, immediate data-deletion rules, and independent accountability, Flock cameras remain fundamentally unethical in practice. According to the State of Surveillance, more than 30 cities have canceled Flock Safety contracts since late 2024. These cancellations prove that communities are finally recognizing the danger of unchecked corporate surveillance masquerading as modern policing. Without strict judicial warrants and real accountability, treating everyday drivers as perpetual suspects isn’t legitimate crime prevention; it is an unacceptable breach of privacy that no free society should accept.

Interviews by Valeria Estevez Photos by Gerardo Escobar

“Yes, people can hide the fact that they are recording and edit the footage to a specific clip.” David Figueroa — Electrical Engineering

4 Campus Life

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Health Center hosts tours to raise awareness about resources By Gisele Donan, Daniel Shamash Campus Life Editor, Photographer

o spread awareness to students of the Student Health Center, staff partnered with Extended Opportunity Programs and Services to prepare tours of the health and mental wellness services they have to offer at the 2nd floor of the Student Services Building on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The center was hushed as students came in and out, making appointments and signing up for the tour of the program. For some students, this was an introduction to a utility they otherwise might not have known about, but for staff and volunteers, this was usual practice and another day to educate newcomers that they are open to aid in student needs. Open Monday through Thursday, The Student Health and Wellness Center has aided students for decades at Pierce, offering resources such as confidential mental and medical care, reproductive resources, and fentanyl test strips. Director of the Health Center Houry Tanashian expressed that the tours are to show students what they have to offer and serve as a reminder that medical care is more accessible than they might think. “The purpose of these tours is so students can come to the Health Center to see where the location is and to be aware of the services we provide,” Tanashian said. “So in case they need services or resources on campus, they know where they can find it.” As the event progressed and refreshments were offered, students and staff mingled. A mix of Russian, Farsiand Spanish speaking students were connected with employees who spoke their language in order to connect and communicate with the inquiries they had. Student worker and resource navigator Yvette Sanchez said that as a student, she understands the day to day life of balancing school and mental health and that there are people in the center who are available to guide you through it. “I know things can get a little tough, if we’re not feeling well throughout the day, or we just have a lot in our mind going on, but we have great benefits for students,” Sanchez said.

Daniel Shamash / Roundup Health center worker Lusine Hovsepyan (left) and Health Center Resource Navigator Yvette Sanchez (middle) and Pre-nursing student Zahra Ahmadi (right) discuss an appointment for a tour at the Student Health Center of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Sept. 16, 2026.

m Brah Crime Log

Daniel Shamash / Roundup Student worker Hamisha Majeedi (right) engages with merchandise while Health Center Resource Navigator Yvette Sanchez and Second year student Oleksandr Makaruk (left) discuss medical practices at the Student Health Center of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Sept. 16, 2026. “Having the Health Center here, we can come see a doctor for any physical needs or a therapist just to talk some stuff out. Afterwards, we can get on with our studies with a peaceful mindset. Computer science major Jayson Chevez had visited the Student Health Center to communicate with one of the mental health providers about a crisis he was having. Chevez said that it seemed like a place where he could get the help he wanted. “I am suffering from a lot

of anxiety, paranoia, and just having a lot of hard time adjusting to life.” Chevez said. “I’m just kind of rebuilding myself again, so, I saw this here, and I thought it was maybe good to talk to somebody because sometimes I feel like you can get in your own head.” The Student Health Center recommends appointments, but welcomes walk-ins during clinic hours. In on campus emergency situations they recommend dialing 4311, and for 911 when off campus.

Blotter

Compiled by Calvin Henry

No crimes were reported between the dates of Sept. 11 and Sept. 22. The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office. Pierce College Sheriff’s Office General Information 818-719-6450 — Emergency 818-710-4311

Photo by Calvin Henry

Campus Life 5

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

Culture and community: Umoja reconvenes for fall semester By Valeria Estevez Reporter

reeted with R&B music, familiar faces and Kalynda McLean, students trickled into Building 600, ready to kick off Umoja for the fall semester on Sep. 17 at Pierce College. Umoja encourages Pierce students to succeed through hosting workshops, attending conferences and taking students on university visits. Beyond academic aid, students can find Umoja as a social hub and a safe space to meet new people and make friends. “People think community college is a stop-by; it can be hard to find community,”

Chizitelue Meremneu said. “Umoja creates that safe space for students, which is very necessary.” Umoja prioritizes students’ culture just as much as success. Often, students are welcomed with African Diaspora greetings to honor ancestors and keep a cultural connection. Agoo (Ah-go) is a call for attention, meaning “are you listening?” The response to Agoo is Ammee (Ah-may), meaning “you have my attention.” Umoja meetings are planned with detail, from food inspired by African cuisine, meeting content that includes history, and introductory music with prominent Black musicians. “The students that are engaged and can attend the

Ali Bigdeli / Roundup News (Left) Dean of student engagement Juan Carlos Astorga guides attendees to grab lunch at a Umoja welcome event in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 17, 2026.

events definitely feel at ease in their classes,” McLean said. “Students feel more connected to the campus community, and they also seem to do better in class. “ At the kickoff, McLean reminded attendees of upcoming college visits to Sacramento State University, University of California, Davis, and several Historically Black Universities and Colleges. McLean and the Umoja team pour into students’ academic success and offer tutoring services for Umoja participants in math and English. “The mission of Umoja is to provide a support system for students through a program that provides not only social support but academic support and financial support as well,” McLean said. Several students at the kickoff expressed their enthusiasm for Umoja’s fall session. “I think it’s important to join groups like Umoja. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Some organizations or groups make you feel bad for needing that extra help. Umoja doesn’t.” Cheyenne Brown said. “I think it’s important to support Umoja because Black students don’t have an accessible community in college or university, or groups made by us for us.”

Ali Bigdeli / Roundup News Umoja coordinator and counselor Kalynda McLean speaks at the Umoja welcome event in Building 600 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 17, 2026.

Constitution Day event focuses on student rights, civic engagement By Lesa Greenfield Sports Editor

ierce students put their knowledge of the Constitution to the test at a Constitution Day event on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Student Services Building. The Associated Students Organization (ASO) hosted an interactive Constitution Day event to teach students about their rights and civic engagement. The event featured Constitution trivia, voter registration forms, pocket-sized Constitution booklets and giveaways. ASO President Ardavan Abbaszadeh discussed why the organization held the event and why he thinks it’s important for students. “I think it’s important to know the Constitution, to know your history of it, to know why certain things have been put into place and know your rights,” Abbaszadeh said. “I think that you don’t have to carry a Constitution to know

it.” Abbaszadeh also said college students should be more engaged in local and national politics. “I don’t necessarily think that it is to the level we want it to be. Not saying that there isn’t, but it could definitely be better. I feel like colleges, we could do more to be able to get more civic engagement going, such as Constitution Day,” Abbaszadeh said. ASO Club Council President Ariana Aceves-Sevilla, an aerospace engineering major, also stressed the importance of civic engagement and students understanding their rights. “Apart from ASO bringing in the civic engagement, I hope they learn more about their rights within the Constitution and just learn a little bit more,”Aceves-Sevilla said. “I think voting [is] very important that students know their rights and the ability that they have within voting.” Aceves-Sevilla emphasized the importance of making the event welcoming to all students, regardless of

different political views. “You make it inviting by making it unbiased as well as understanding that both sides have a conflict. But don’t bring it up in the sense of we’re not here to bring up any conflict. We’re just here to show people the Constitution, which is, no matter what side you’re on, the most important thing,” Aceves-Sevilla said. Sociology major Hector Torres shared his perspective on the importance of onstitutional rights applying to everyone. “The Constitution’s supposed to be for everyone, regardless of what political agenda you might have. Even people who are left or right, they all follow the Constitution one way or another,” Torres said. Torres also said students should use their voices and recognize they matter. “I think everyone’s voice matters, regardless of what age group you fall in or anything like that,” Torres said.

Moises Rodriguez / Roundup News

Lara Conrady-Wong and Ariana helping out students and showing them all the different things available at ASO’s tent in front of the Student Services Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2026.

6 Arts & Entertainment

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Latin Heritage Month celebrated through colorful folk art By Viviana Morales Entertainment Editor Pierce College students celebrated the Papel Picado event on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Multicultural Center to honor the cultures, traditions, history and sacrifices of the ancestors of those who came from Hispanic countries. Colored papers were located on the main table, with a rose made entirely out of paper and instructions on how to make different designs. The event allowed students to get to know about the significance behind the colorful paper decorations seen in movies such as Disney’s “Coco” and in local restaurants and murals. Tatevik Melkumyan, coordinator of the Multicultural Center, hosted the event and invited students to learn how to make papel picado and acknowledge the significance behind the vibrantly patterned designs. “I feel like if you grew up in Los Angeles, there’s no way you haven’t seen it,” Melkumyan said. “It’s everywhere, even in the supermarkets and stores.” Papel picado can hold several different meanings and forms of symbolism.

Mostly used on Nov. 1 and 2, the cut paper represented the wind, and therefore a passageway between the land of the living and the spirit world, allowing spirits to visit their family members. The different colors, such as the bright orange and the bright red, represent different traditional meanings, such as orange for a mourning period and purple for grief. Aimed at the Hispanic community, students from different backgrounds were still encouraged to attend the event, allowing others to learn more about Hispanic culture and building unity. Accounting major Chanta Lobin-Thomas said the event was important to showcase diversity. “Without exposure, it kind of limits knowledge on diversity,” Lobin-Thomas said. “Ultimately, down the line, that leads to problems.” Growing up in such a diverse city as Los Angeles, Melkumyan has come to understand the importance of diversity that surrounded her as she grew up. Being able to learn about her friends’ cultures allowed her to understand the need for everyone to be exposed to diversity in order to build

and strengthen each other’s communities. “The more you learn, the more you understand fun, and everyone’s aware of it,” Melkumyan said. “ I think it’s important for everyone to understand the cultural context behind it too.” As the first event of the month, the Papel Picado event returns as a fan favorite, with many students eager to design and be creative with their papel picado. “Being able to come explore and learn about different things, getting more handson instead of someone just talking to you, I feel like that’s definitely beneficial and helpful to understand,” said Lobin-Thomas. ASO Club Council President and aerospace major Ariana Aceves said the event is important for the Hispanic community. “Not a lot of students off campus have the opportunity to celebrate within their own families because of issues going on,” Aceves said. “So if they have the safe space on campus, they can do it in a community where it’s safe and the students have their friends with them.” More festive events will follow to commemorate the

Sebastian Berrospid / Roundup Yasmin Al-Farsi (center) hands a piece of paper to Valentina Martinez (right) while Coordinator Tatevik Melkumyan (far right), Rosa Garcia (left) and others participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month event at the Multicultural Center at Pierce College on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. independence of various countries along North, Central, and South America, the Caribbean, and more. “ It’s very important to learn about others and experience each other’s culture,” Melkumyan said. “ I feel like

the more we connect, the more we realize we’re actually not really that different.”

Calvin Henry contributed to this story

ASO Concert shines a light on alumnus trombone musician By Natallia Padilla Social Media Editor As students and staff gathered inside the Performing Arts Center, quiet conversations filled the room while they awaited for the Associated Student Organization (ASO) concert on Sept. 15. For the last 17 years, ASO has hosted weekly live music concerts for students, faculty and the general public to attend. This year, ASO is focused on Pierce affiliated performers including students and alumni. ASO concert director Kevin Good took to the stage to introduce the music alumnist Jose Espinosa musical work. “Today should be a really good concert, you’ll hear trombone and piano as well as trombone quartet music at the end by our alumnist Jose Espinosa, who is a current student at CSUN,” Good said. The audience fell silent as Jose stepped on stage and began to perform. Some attendees had swayed and nodded as the sound of his trombone filled the room with each song he played.

As the concert came to a stop, the audience went into a roar of applause. Following the performance, Espinosa talked about inspiration and the importance of an alumni like himself returning to Pierce to perform for students. “It’s important for the sole reason that when an alumni like me comes back, it can be an inspiration for students in the audience to think ‘maybe I can be in his place one day.’” Espinosa said. Biology major David Amaya said that it was his second time

attending the ASO concert and Espinosa’s performance was not only entertainment, but an inspiration to reconnect with music. “I really liked this week’s performance, I’ll definitely be coming back next week,” Amaya said. “I used to play the clarinet, so seeing an alumni perform inspired me to get back into it.” ASO hosts these concerts every Tuesday, the next performance will be on Sept. 22 in the Performing Arts Building.

Nateli Bush / Roundup Bass and Tenor Trombonists Jaime Rodriguez and Wilfrido Cruz perform for the Alumni spotlight ASO Concert at Pierce College in the Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sep. 15, 2026.

Nateli Bush / Roundup Pierce College alumni Jose Espinoza-Pineda returns to Brahma Performing Arts center for ASO’s Fall Concert series, at Pierce College in the Woodland Hills Area of Los Angeles, Calif., on Sep. 15, 2026.

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

Photo Essay 7

SMAL builds community with food and conversation By Josue Aguilar Photo Editor

arot card readings, food sharing and lively discussions were some of the activities club members of the Students for Mutual Aid and Liberation (SMAL) engaged in at the Pierce College cafeteria on Sept. 16. SMAL held its annual potluck to welcome students to meet club members. According to a SMAL social media post, the potluck gives students an oppurtunity to browse the club materials and converse with club members, with the goal of building and serving a community of shared politics. The club typically meets every Friday at noon in the Pierce College cafeteria.

Top: (Left to right) Undecided major Ronnie Enos reads Urban Studies major Lee Scheff’s fortune using tarot cards at the Students for Mutaul Aid and Liberation potluck held at the Pierce College cafeteria in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2026. Left: The Pierce College Students for Mutual Aid and Liberation (SMAL) held a potluck at the Pierce College cafeteria, bringing an assortment of snacks and foods for students interested in the club, on Sept. 16, 2026. Right:(Right to left) Blue Espinoza, a history major, speaks to Mary Jane Malki, a history major, at the Los Angeles Pierce College Students for Mutual Aid and Liberation potluck on Sept. 16, 2026. SMAL holds the potluck to inform strudents of the club and meet other members to help build a community.. Bottom: (Left to right) Mary Jane Malki, a history major, speaks with Blue Espinoza, a history major, surrounded by students from the Pierce College Students for Mutual Aid and Liberation (SMAL) at their potluck at Pierce College cafeteria in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2026.

8 Sports

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Women’s volleyball winning streak sunk by Ventura Pirates By Valeria Estevez Reporter

espite the loss, the Brahmas remained upbeat during their game against Ventura College. With the Pirates taking all three sets, the game ended in 17-25 in favor of the Pirates. The first set started off strong, with the Brahmas creating a defensive wall, challenging the Pirates to get through. The Brahmas’ wall created a direct path for libero Sofia Galvez to return the ball. “I have to do my job if I want everyone else to succeed,” Galvez said. “If I can get the ball up then we have a chance of scoring.” With the assist of middle blocker Keba Campbell’s killer spike, the Brahmas and the Pirates went toe-to-toe in the first set. “This is my first year playing, I had doubts I wouldn’t be able to play as strongly as I did in highschool,” Campbell said. “I told myself the only thing that has changed is the vicinity I am in, I kept my same energy and wanted to share that energy with my teammates.” The Pirates countered the

Brahmas’ hits with strong blocking, challenging the Brahmas’ persistency, setting the tone for the match and ending the set 16 v 25. “You have to move on from the first mistake you make, you have to snap out of it,” said Galvez. Starting the second set with an offensive approach,

“You have to move on from the first mistake you make, you have to snap out of it.” Sofia Galvez Volleyball Player

the Brahmas’ set up an attack but were stopped and failed to take the second set. Despite their loss, this did not discourage the Brahmas from communicating with each other continue to work

together to come up with an offense play. “We have the chance to communicate,” Libero Stephanie Terriquez said. “We talk then we reset and go back in the game with the right energy.” Going into the third set with strong blocking, the Pirates applied pressure and created an eight point gap and ended the game 17-25. Brahmas head coach CJ Suarez looks forward to creating a trusting environment for the players. “Regardless if we win or lose, we have to build that trust,” Suarez said. “If the girls trust me to get them to where they need to go, they trust in each other.” Despite losing in straight sets, the South gym was filled with cheers and roars. The energy vibrated throughout the gym and added exhilaration to the rallies. “The energy was great, I thought the girls fought really hard and we did whatever we could,” Suarez said. The Brahmas next face off the Cougars of Cuesta College on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. in the South Gym.

Ali Bigdeli / Roundup News Pierce College Setter Zahra Numa (#1) watches as defensive specialist Sofia Galvez (#8) spikes the ball towards Ventura College defenders Alana Shields (#2) and Addison Olson (#21) at Pierce College South Gym in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2026.

Ali Bigdeli / Roundup News

Pierce College player Zahra Numa(1) and Keba Campbell (14) jump to defend the ball during a Women’s Volleyball match against Ventura College in the South Gym at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2026.