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A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION @roundupnews

Vol. 145, Issue 5

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026

Academic Senate discusses tests proctoring concerns

Abraham Elizalde/ Roundup News Pierce College Academic Senate president Margarita Pillado speaks to the attendees during the Academic Senate in Building 600 on Oct. 12, 2026

By Abraham Elizalde Online Editor

ierce College Academic Senators discussed plans leading to the school’s 80th anniversary, an increase in dual enrollment and a resolvement of cheating issues that occurred in the testing center during the Academic Senate meeting held in Building 600 on Monday, Oct. 12. Pierce President Ara Aguiar revealed that the nursing program has been approved, along with a three million dollar grant given by the Strengthening

Institutions Program. There has also been a 45% increase in dual enrollment numbers increasing from around 3500 to 6500. Pierce faculty have been dealing with issues with the sudden rise in students in dual enrollment, such as names not showing up on their roster. Issues of cheating, such as unallowed cellphone and workbook use have risen due to poor proctoring and oversight. Specifically, these issues stem from the cameras in the testing center not being functional and students being aware of it. As a result, Aguiar said that she has a full-time employee to

NEWS

Pierce is also approaching its 80th anniversary and the school is planning to come up with a new logo. Currently, there is a work-in–progress draft that was created by artificial intelligence which Aguiar does not support. ASO President Ardavan Abbaszadeh revealed plans on student engagement involving hosting Latin Heritage Month later in the week and partnering with AFT 1521. “We are going to be promoting March in March which is annual for AFT,” Abbaszadeh said. “March in March is an event where students gather and advocate for student rights.”

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Page 6-7 Valeria Eztevez / Roundup News

Pumpkin Patch

Clay Gediman gave updates to Low Textbook Costs (LTC) that reminds the Pierce faculty to have their students pay less than $30 to qualify for LTC, but questions arise from the previous amount being less than $50. The state would also want the campus to reach 70% of classes to be Zero Textbook Cost (ZTE) by 2030, meaning the campus would have to involve more than 500 courses to be ZTE. “Our campus has a $50 low cost definition and we can keep that but the state is not interested.” Gediman said.

SPORTS

PHOTO STORY

Page 4

Board of Trustees discusses labor issue

ensure the cameras are working, but with a questionable caveat. “We have a full-time person who’s sole job is to ensure that those cameras are working,” Aguiar said. “I found out he is remote. I told my team today I said ‘You guys are killing me today.’” Aguiar believed that the lack of resources is not the issue when it comes to the problems happening at the testing center. “I sign off hundreds of thousands of dollars in proctoring every year,” Aguiar said. “So there is no excuse of having a timely oversight over the testing center.”

Akarai Jackson/ Roundup News

Women’s Soccer won againtsCuesta

Taryn Robinson/ 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

Editor-in-Chief.........Zamourad Iqbal Managing Editor..............Calvin Henry Opinion Editor............James Mondares News Editor...............Natalie Baharian Copy Editor.....................Emily Garcia Photo Editor....................Josue Aguilar Campus Life Editor.........Gisele Donan Campus Life Assistant Editor......Cesar Baneulos Soto Entertainment Editor..Viviana Morales Sports Editor................Lesa Greenfield Social Media Editor......Natallia Padilla Newsletter Editor...................Elizabeth Santana-Zavala Reporters Abraham Elizalde Valeria Estevez Mizel Hernandez Isaiah Johnson Mac Kupka wLuis Garzon 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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Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup

Pierce should recognize the benefits of music

hile music is often viewed as a form of distraction, it might be the exact opposite. Instead, professors at Pierce College should encourage students to listen to music while studying because it may help block out distractions, maintain concentration and increase motivation. According to the University System of Maryland, “Listening to music can trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that is associated with motivation and reward. Dopamine can also enhance attention and working memory, which can

help you study more effectively.” Although some professors may view headphones as a distraction, listening to music could help students remain motivated while reviewing notes and preparing for exams. College students often face demanding workloads, overlapping deadlines, and the pressure to perform well academically. As assignments, projects, and exams continue to pile up, finding effective ways to manage stress becomes increasingly difficult and important. Music may be able to offer students another way to create a more comfortable and focused studying environment. “Music is found to help

people perform better in highpressure situations, such as the bi-annual high-pressure event that is finals week,” according to Florida National University. “Studies have shown that music can help students transform from coal to diamonds, shining under pressure.” If students like studying in public places, listening to music may also help them limit distractions. At Pierce, students who use the campus library may encounter conversations and other background noises that might make it more difficult to concentrate. According to Grand Canyon University, “Listening to music on your headphones while

studying or working on class assignments can be a good solution to the problem. This way, you’ll only have to listen to the sounds that inspire and motivate you, rather than the sound of other people talking, sneezing, or doing any number of activities.” Instead of thinking of listening to music as a distraction, Pierce professors should recognise that music can be a helpful study tool for students who concentrate in busy environments. By encouraging students to listen to music, professors could give them another way to handle their stress, stay motivated and focus on their academic goals.

School spirit weeks promote campus connections

ith Halloween fast approaching, those who celebrate are now considering and planning their costumes for the big night. At times, this excitement and festivity can translate to their workplaces and schools. Pierce College should adopt “school spirit weeks” where students and faculty can dress up or do certain things on campus to celebrate Halloween and other holidays, or they could commemorate important school events.

For example, Halloween could have a school spirit week where people on campus can dress up as their favorite movie character, in black and orange, or in our school colors of scarlet and white. This would not only create opportunities to promote Pierce on social media, but it could be a way to cultivate an avid school culture. An article for Deca Direct showcases the upsides of these spirit weeks. “Spirit Week is more than just themed outfits and pep rallies. It is a real-life look at how connection, motivation

and emotion drive people to take action!... Something about Spirit Week makes school feel like a community.” Christmas is another major holiday that people love to celebrate and would be a great time for a school spirit week. Even beyond the possibility of dressing up as Christmas figures like elves and reindeer, school activities could be put in place instead of for participants to create and decorate Christmas trees or snowflakes. Additionally, NYFF Events

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File Photo by Damian Celedon / Roundup Dean of Academic Affairs Mary Anne Gavarra-Oh wears a witch hat while working in the Administration Building at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., Octobeer 27, 2025.

elaborates on why these weeks work: “It [spirit weeks] creates a shared experience that brings students, faculty, and the broader community together. When executed with intention, it can boost morale, increase participation, and strengthen school identity.” School spirit can also be brought in by doing a spirit week near the beginning of each semester. After the first week of school, doing a spirit week is a great way to get students and faculty more comfortable with each other. Themes that can be done include dressing up as a professor, coming to classes in their pajamas and creating a vision board. These events can enrich the school experience even more because spirit weeks are relatively more unpopular among universities and colleges. Elevate, the Honor Society Magazine writes about the relationship between college students and their universities after these events: “School spirit fosters a sense of community that extends beyond the college years. Alumni who have experienced a vibrant campus culture and strong school spirit are more likely to maintain a lifelong connection with their alma mater. This connection can lead to valuable networking opportunities, mentorship relationships, and a continued commitment to the institution’s success.” By bringing in school spirit weeks to Pierce, student engagement could be boosted and the overall school experience would be more enjoyable.

Opinion 3

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026

Should fraternities and sororities be abolished? PRO: Sororities minimize the harm of rape culture, racism and elitism

CON: Sororities inspire personal growth, friendship and network opportunities

CONTENT WARNING: This Pro/Con contains references to sexual assault and violence. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, Visit RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline for help. 800.656.HOPE(4637) | Rainn.org/hotline | Text “HOPE” to 64673

By Valeria Estevez Reporter

hat do Brett Kavanaugh, Eric Swalwell and Bob Packwood have in common? Being accused of rape, sexual misconduct and being part of fraternities. Fraternities and sororities should be abolished. These cult-like organizations disguise themselves as philanthropic student associations but are rooted in racism, misogyny, substance abuse, elitism and systemic safety risks. According to a study conducted in 2007 by College of William and Mary researcher John Foubert, men who join fraternities are three times more likely to commit acts of sexual violence. Fraternities and sororities entice students by promoting Greek life as a way to build brotherhood and sisterhood, gain a support system, build a network and gain career advantages in college. WNYCSTUDIOS reports that 44% of U.S. Presidents, 76% of all Congressmen and 85% of all the Supreme Court Justices have belonged to a fraternity. Christine Blasey Ford’s rape accusation placed Kavanaugh;s past under a microscope. It came to light that the Yale Delta Kappa Epsilon alumnus put his penis on a woman’s face at a college freshman party. Despite the allegation, the Senate still voted to appoint Kavanaugh a Supreme Court Justice. California Rep. Eric Swalwell was accused of sexual misconduct by a former employee. Jane Doe alleges Swalwell sexually assaulted her when she was too intoxicated to consent. The Maryland University Alpha Sigma Phi alumnus remained a representative until April

2026. Swalwell resigned following the sexual assault allegations and an ethics committee investigation. Republican Sen. Bob Packwood was accused by 29 women of sexual misconduct. Almost all women claimed the Willamette University Beta Theta Pi alumnus made unwanted advances. Fraternities and sororities create an environment where their members are not reprimanded for their misconduct, if anything, they are rewarded. This environment manifests in the current day with modern political figures. Despite these sexual assault and misconduct allegations, these men have remained in higher-position jobs. What may have originally started as philanthropic organizations creating opportunities for men has now turned into a system that often enables and protects rapists, sexual violence. . Racism and elitism are essential pillars of Greek life. Students are placed in environments where they are told that simply being part of Greek life makes them better than those who cannot afford to be a part of a fraternity or sorority. These graduates then go on to become our lawyers, doctors and presidents. How can we trust these individuals to take care of patients or clients when beliefs like classism, racism and nonconsent are deeply ingrained in their mentality? Fraternities and sororities bring no real value to our community. Universities and student organizations can partner up with local mutual aids in their community to create real networking and long-lasting changes in their community.

By Mizel Hernandez Reporter

raternities and sororities are great for opportunities such as building friendships, personal growth with leadership skills and connecting with professionals. Fraternities and sororities have very highstatistical rates of alcohol misuse, drug use, and sexual assault compared to non-Greek students. In a Time Magazine article, critics and investigative reports argue that college fraternities and sororities should be abolished due to systemic issues regarding safety, social exclusion, and campus power. University of North Carolina research link fraternities to higher rates of sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact. But, not all fraternities and sororities should be abolished because they have a positive impact on students and communities. We need to focus on enforcing more rules and holding these members accountable for their actions. Colleges can be challenging for some; these Greek organizations give students a community to receive help and feel connected to the new friendships they have made. The friendships being made in the frats and sororities have become an important part of their college experiences where they can rely on each other for many things. Through alumni connections, mentorship programs and job opportunities, it helps students prepare for their futures and establish professional relationships. In an article by The New York Times supporting Greek life,proponents argue that chapters can

provide peer mentorship, study groups, alumni connections, and professional pipelines that help members transition into careers. Eliminating fraternities and sororities could take away from many opportunities that help build professional futures for these students. Although these communities have faced much criticism for hurtful traditions and hazing discrimination, abolishing all fraternities and sororities may not be the best solution. Instead, colleges should strengthen anti-hazing policies, enforce safety regulations and ensure that students participate in these organizations safely so that students know they can face serious consequences. In all, fraternities and sororities should not all be abolished simply because of the backlash they receive. Rather eliminating these organizations completely, they should work to preserve their positive contributions while addressing the problems that have damaged their reputation. The goal should not be to abolish all Greek life, but to make it safer, more beneficial and more inclusive for everyone so colleges can continue benefiting their students while maintaining a safe and respectful environment. Instead of deciding whether to abolish these fraternities and sororities, we should be thinking about how to make them safer and what precautions to take to ensure a lower risk of racism, alcohol misuse and sexual assault.

Are fraternities and sororities beneficial to college life, why or why not?

“I think the experience, getting to meet new people can be pretty good on your mental health. But then being around that many people can also have a bad influence on your schoolwork.” Katy Lagos — Nursing Major

“I’m not tapped into that. But from what I’ve seen, I feel like at least some of them actually try to do good or bring some benefits. But, they have a pretty bad reputation now.” Issac Saucedo — Civil Engineering

“I think it could be beneficial to some people because it’s a social thing. But I wouldn’t join a sorority or anything like that because I just don’t feel comfortable.” Khamela Jackson — Biology

Interviews by Lesa Greenfield Photos by Ali Bigdeli

“Personally, I never had an experience with fraternities, but from everything else that I heard of from news. I do see some benefits, but I also see some negative sides. Giane Chiverri— Criminal Justice

4 News

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Board of Trustees discusses labor issues, honors custodians By Valeria Estevez Reporter

oard of Trustees elevates National Custodian Day, addresses equitable compensation, AI usage, and housing update The Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees voted to formally recognize National Custodian Day on Oct. 7 in the Educational Services Center. A moment of silence was held for Orhan Ayuse, Ricky Benjamin, William Christian and Sherry Knighton Harper, who passed away. Benjamin was one of ten custodians recognized with a certificate for their dedication to their LACCD campus. Being a Los Angeles Harbor College alumnus, the college honored their fellow Seahawk by recognizing and continuing to honor the Ricky K. Benjamin Scholarship. Serving the LACCD campus for over two decades, he established the award for students to receive support in order to continue their educational journey. Benjamin was also a union steward and a devoted member of the Service

Employees International Union Local 99. Christzann Ozan, LACCD Custodian and SEIU 99 member, was also a certificate recipient for her advocacy and dedication to SEIU 99. “Custodial work has been historically overlooked and undervalued in public education,” Ozan said. “By recognizing one custodian from each college, you are recognizing hundreds of workers who show up every day with integrity and care. You are acknowledging that student success does not happen on its own.” LACCD Chapter President of SEIU Local 721 Bruce Hicks brought to the board the issue of fair and equitable compensation, benefits and a safe working environment. According to Hicks, there is a public record of boardapproved action on Aug. 5, 2026. The district’s top executive received a nine percent contract enrichment over two years while simultaneously telling the workforce there are no funds available. Hicks states there is a pattern of assigning supervisory work that belongs to administrators

and other employees. “There’s not enough planning in advance, the people left behind you see absorbing multiple roles is not equitable,” Hicks said. Hicks suggested more district planning as a solution. Hicks said that having a Supplemental Retirement Plan to then lay off people results in more work being put on custodians, supervisors and faculty, something that he finds no equity in. “We ask to partner with the district about these concerns. We come and talk about this, but these actions are still happening,” Hicks said. “We don’t have any problem with doing the labor, but something has to change.” District Academic Senate President Angela Echeverri expressed concerns over AI in education. “AI should support education, not replace teachers or general learning. While it can be a useful tool, it should help students learn, not replace their work,” Echeverri said. “The question isn’t whether AI belongs in education, it’s whether we can teach students to use it thoughtfully, ethically and critically.” Echeverri also shed light on an I.C.E. arrest that occurred in

Valeria Estevez / Roundup News Screenshot of the Board of Trustees honoring custodian and Los Angeles Harbor College alumnus Ricky Benjamin during a meeting on Oct.7, 2026. Hancock College. According to make housing accessible to Echeverri, a student’s father was students. According to the board, arrested while dropping off his students will pay as little as $200 daughter. Echeverri stated the monthly for their living space. importance of the district’s Know The inaugural cohort consists of Your Rights webpage, resources forty-one students. The president and support available to students said their end goal was to partner up with the other Cal State and faculty. The board provided an update universities. The next board of trustees on the ongoing housing situation. Trustees stated East Los Angeles meeting will be held on Nov. 4, College and Cal State Los 2026, in the Educational Services Angeles will be partnering to Center.

Students come out for Coming Out Day, celebrate queer pride By Calvin Henry Managing Editor

decided to “head in a different direction” for Pride History Month due to logistical issues and having to align with the o kick off Pride History Facilities Department’s schedule Month, Pierce students to raise the flag. came out to Melkumyan also said that she celebrate National was unsure how people found Coming Out Day out about the event, and the LGBTQ+ because it was only Pride flag in front discussed internally of the Student and was not posted Services Building on on social media nor Thursday. were flyers created. The raising “We didn’t of the flag was really cancel coordinated by the [the ceremony],” Multicultural Center Melkumyan said. “It to make students feel was more like, ‘Do welcomed and to we want to do this present the campus or do we want to do as a safe space something else?’” for the LGBTQ+ Psychology major community, James Phan said according to Student that they came to Photo illustration by Enzo Kato / Bull Magazine Services Specialist see the ceremony Tatevik Melkumyan. because they thought it would be Film major Steven Quintero saying, ‘We’re a safe space,’ but a gathering of people who have said that Pierce’s inclusivity we actually are.” gone through the experience of and seeing the Pride Flag raised Around a half-dozen students coming out with their sexuality made them feel accepted. showed up to participate in a or gender. “I like the fact that we’re in Coming Out Day ceremony to “I wanted to talk with other a campus where we’ve evolved watch the Pride Flag get lifted, people who may have gone at such an age, where we’re all but the flag had already been through the same experience open-minded and we don’t want raised and no event was being of coming out as LGBTQ, and to show any demonstrations of held. According to Melkumyan, then I didn’t see [the ceremony] discrimination or prejudice,” the Coming Out Day ceremony and I’m like, ‘Oh wow, what Quintero said. “Over here it’s was not officially confirmed. happened?’” Phan said. like you’re accepted just as you Melkumyan said that she Although the ceremony was are.” had brainstormed a flag-raising not confirmed, the students who Melkumyan said that as the ceremony for Coming Out Day showed up were happy to see coordinator of the Multicultural before the Fall semester but LGBTQ+ representation on

Center it’s important that diverse groups in the student population feel represented. “We want everyone to feel welcomed, and sometimes having a visible sign shows students that we’re not just

campus. “It’s a very good feeling to know that you’re not alone in this world,” Phan said. “It’s not like you’re isolated in this place where heteronormative relationships and ideas are the

norm here.” The Multicultural Center will host a screening of “AIDS DIVA: The Legend of Connie Norman” as part of Pride History Month on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m in LLC 5110.

m Brah Crime Log

Blotter

Compiled by Calvin Henry

No crimes were reported between the dates of Oct. 5 and Oct. 11 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

Arts & Entertainment 5

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026

Review: “Other Mommy” doesn’t deliver on ambitions By Gisele Donan Campus Editor “Other Mommy,” directed by Rob Savage and released in theaters on Friday, Oct 9, navigates the loss of identity, the importance of truth and the chaos family secrets can unleash. At its core is an evil doppelganger who intrudes on a family’s home and preys on a daughter’s blissful innocence. Despite the wealth of themes, its excess of jumpscares quickly sacrifices the film’s central threat and compelling questions about motherhood. There are more interesting conflicts to explore

than two maternal figures whose complexities remain frustratingly underdeveloped. Starring Jessica Chastain as both Ursula and her sinister lookalike, the film benefits from the twisted performance she gives as each character. With a devilish smile and repeated, off-hand attempts to play the role of a good mother, Chastain shifts between the sinister Other Mommy and Ursula, her passive and workcentered counterpart. While it makes the bold choice of having the entity’s presence a known threat and source of terror, the scares significantly lose their impact before even the halfway point as one scare leads to another only moments after.

The most interesting abilities the Other Mommy has are quickly left unexplored, favoring shock factor moments meant to scare the audience, but not exactly the world she lives in. By using a mother as a force of intrusion, it unsettles what we know of the maternal figure trope and becomes an enigmatic force that should have more leverage in its ability to replicate Ursula. But aside from Bela, played by Arabella Olivia Clark, who is apprehensive of her mother at first, every person aware of Other Mommy holds no caution or sense of urgency. The film’s use of “liminalspaces” such as the neverending indoor playplace or Other

Mommy and Bela’s other world sequences make for a compelling dream-like visual. But paired with the characters inability to seem astonished or frightened by a force that can appear as anyone, create anything, and trap someone in her own world, it’s hard to connect with any sense of threat of danger. It establishes an unsettling atmosphere but doesn’t capitalize on different characters’ reactions to it. A large part of the plot is based on motherhood, and the possibility that it’s an unsolicited force in Ursula’s life. While this has the potential to create a poignant undertone for the characters and their connections to each other, it is simultaneously

too obscure and underdeveloped. The importance of Bela’s innocence remains one of the weakest plot points to the story. The narrative consistently challenges her with horrors beyond a child’s comprehension and yet it strangely went without concern or acknowledgment. What could’ve been the film’s own undoing by repeatedly tainting Bela’s heart and mind with violence, is voided because the movie prioritizes the family’s issues as the only source of distress. “Other Mommy” spends too much of its time introducing ideas and not enough developing them throughout the story.

Review: Experience “Pan’s Labyrinth” through a new lens By Gisele Donan Campus Editor

udiences of all age groups were able to experience Guillermo Del Toro’s most critically acclaimed film “Pan’s Labyrinth” at AMC on Tuesday, Oct. 12. Originally released in 2006, Pan’s Labyrinth returned to theaters remastered and in 4K, inviting a fresh look into one of Del Toro’s most celebrated worlds, as well as an insightful look into how the movie has held up 3 decades, and the new conversations it brings to current viewers. Del Toro has been a household

name in the film industry for two decades, working between genres like gothic romance to science fiction. His latest release, featured a star studded cast for an award winning movie adaption of Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein.” While Del Toro continued to find success in many projects since Pan’s Labyrinth, the mystifying quality born from arduous work had captured audiences then and continues to now. Following the end of the Spanish War and during the height of the Francoist Regime, the brutish fairytale follows a girl who meets a faun that tells her that she is a lost princess who must complete a set of tasks before joining her long

lost kingdom referred to as The The rich jewel greens, yellows Underworld. and browns illuminated from Following themes of the big toad she encounters is escapism, life under occupation, impressive.The heavy reliance and morality, Pan’s labyrinth on puppeteering and practical illustrates a beautiful landscape effects that went into the scenes imagination through its use in has allowed the film breathing combining CGI and prioritizing room to standalone as a one of practical effects and makeup, one a kind movie among the many of the most impressive characters blockbuster movies that has to watch on the big screen was pushed CGI’s capabilities to its the Faun played by Doug Jones. limit. The craftsmanship and Impressive especially in size time put into the film still holds and stature, the dream comes to up as one of its most impressive life in the big picture. Seeing it features. in clear 4K has emphasized the Watching it in high definition characters and setting, one of my had highlighted the many shifts favorite sequences being when Ofelia’s world takes as she protagonist Ofelia, played by leaves her cold and dreary home, Ivana Baqero is crawling around to these spaces that can be gross in the roots of an ancient tree to or terrifying, but beautiful and complete her first task at proving rich in color and substance, the to be a princess. remastered film only emphasizes

this. The high contrasts of warmth and darkness, imagination and stagnance, or morality and corruption that unfold as the story progresses comes alive as a movie, but masterfully tells like a book. The film is especially keen on showing many examples of resistance among these black and white evils. Whether you’re a millennial, a nostalgic Del Toro fan, or someone born after the age of DVD players, this is a chance to watch the film while it’s in theaters in all its intended glory and soak in the world that was crafted from passion and a fantasy that remains as fresh and invigorating as two decades ago.

Clarinetist and pianist put on a show at ASO Concert

Photos by Daniel Shamash / Roundup News Michelle Do playing the Piano during an ASO Concert in the Performing Arts Center of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 6, 2026.

(L-R) Michelle Do (piano) and Ryan Espionosa (clarinet) playing a duet during an ASO Concert in the Performing Arts Center of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 6, 2026.

6 Arts & Entertainment

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Families come for the pumpkin patch stay for the rides By Josue Aguilar and Akarai Jackson

easonal Aventures Incorparated kicked off the halloween season with its annual pumpkin patch at Pierce College in Woodland hills, Calif., near the Farm Center on October 1, 2026. The pumpkin patch offers students and residents activities ranging from bouncy houses and carnival rides to a petting zoo and corn maze. Food stands are also available to patrons A pumpkin patch isn’t complete without being able to pick pumpkins to take home. Visitors can buy any pumpkin on the grounds and can use a wheel barrow to transport as many as they want. Aside from pumpkins, attendees can also pick from gourds and squash to take home. The pumpkin patch also offer fallthemed decorations such as scarecrows, cornstalks, Indian corn and straw bales. The Seasonal Adventure Pumpkin Patch is open everyday through Oct. 31, Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo by Josue Aguilar (Left to right) Woodland Hills residents Angel, Beverly and Celeste Huerta feed a goat in petting zoo at the Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch near the Farm Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., On Oc.t. 12, 2026. Photo by Josue Aguilar.

Photo by Akarai Jackson A goat stands on a hay bale stack in the petting zoo at the Pierce College pumpkin patch in Woodland Hills, Calif. on October 8th, 2026.

Photo by Josue Aguilar The entrance to the Seasonal Adventures corn maze at the Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch near the Farm Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., On Oc.t. 12, 2026. Photo by Josue Aguilar.

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026

Top: Pierce College Student Ariel Hanina, a Child Development major, drives the train for families visiting the Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch near the Farm Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., On Oc.t. 12, 2026. Photo by Josue Aguilar.

Right: A miniature scarecrow sits atop a hay bale at the Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on October 8th, 2026. Photo by Akarai Jackson.

Bottom: Families bring their children to the bouncy haunted house at the Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch near the Farm Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., On Oc.t. 12, 2026. Photo by Josue Aguilar.

Photo Essay 7

e e ,

8 Sports

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Women’s soccer wins three-straight following win against Cuesta By Luis Garzon Reporter

he Pierce College women’s soccer team left Cuesta College Cougars scoreless as they marched to victory, 1-0, on Oct. 9 at Shepard Stadium. The Brahmas (7-4-2) started off going pass for pass with the Cougars (6-4-1) as they were both trying to make their way through the opposition’s side of the field. The Cougars seemed to have more control in the tempo of the game but even with all that time of possession they weren’t able to get a clear shot off of the Brahmas goalkeeper Chloe Der Avanessian. After a back-and-forth first half, Pierce forward Amber Flores capitalized on a defensive error to give the Brahmas a 1-0 lead. Cuesta took back the reins of the game givingthem with a solid amount of possession upfield. Forward Rian Solano was just inches away from scoring the second goal for the Brahmas, continuing to pressure the Cougars’ back line. Shortly after, forward Angeline Mazariegos took a shot that appeared headed into

the goal, but a Cougars defender stopped the ball at the goal line. As defender Ella Delgado shot from outside the box, the Cougar goalkeeper lost the ball and midfielder Vanessa Cuellar finished the ball and it is was 2-0 for Pierce, but the referees disallowed the goal as it seemed liked the ball did not cross the goal line so the game continued 1-0 the Brahmas still on top. Head coach Adolfo Perez told the team not to rely on the refs in regards to the disallowed goal. “After our 3-0 win against our nemesis Ventura College I knew there would be a let down because that’s just how sports are.” Perez said. Cuesta responded by connecting several passes before sending a cross into the box. A header narrowly missed the goal, keeping Pierce ahead 1-0. After Cuesta went side to side, they were not able to get a concrete look for their first goal while Pierce handled the offense and defense well going up at halftime 1-0 with a disallowed goal under their belt. “I think we should have been up by a lot more, we didn’t play like we should’ve.” Flores said. As the game was just the two teams kicking the ball from side to side the first clear shot came

from outside the box by Delgado who took a free kick that made the goalie make a move. Close call for the Brahmas as they were thirsty for a second goal. The second half was evenly split in possession, with both teams moving the ball up and down the field. However, neither team could get a clear shot on goal. “We need to keep on working hard no matter what we think about a team,” Delgado said. “We also need to go into every game thinking the other team is really good no matter what the outcome is.” The Brahmas return to Shepard Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 20, when they host Allan Hancock

Pierce College player Vanessa Cuellar (18) going against Cuesta College player Payton Giubbini (10) to get the ball at their matchup in Shepard Stadium in Pierce College at Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 09, 2026.

Taryn Robinson / Roundup News

Brahmas add to their losing column after loss against Eagles By Mac Kupka Reporter

he Pierce College men’s soccer team suffered their second straight loss in their game against Los Angeles Mission College on Friday, Oct. 9. The Brahmas men’s soccer team are now 1-9. During the first half of the game, the Brahmas (1-9) and Eagles (5-2-3) were staying relatively even. Both teams were either being blocked or miss, and control of the ball was switching often between them. Brahmas midfielder Matthew Loo Alcarazo believes this was one of the most difficult parts of the entire game. “Just trying to go up and down the field and stay fit was getting me,” Loo-Alcarazo said. “You know, it’s hard to play a 90-minute soccer game without getting tired.” Eagles goalie Ethan Murillo was playing particularly strong throughout the game. Around 28 minutes in, he made three up-close saves in a row when it looked like the Brahmas were going to score. Brahmas center back Elad Gabay said that this was one of the challenges the

Brahmas were having in the game. “I think our biggest weakness was not finishing chances when we had them,” Gabay said. “We could’ve ended the game early had we just kept it strong throughout.” After halftime, the game started to become dominated by the Eagles. A kick by the Brahmas went out of bounds at the goal line, allowing the Eagles to take a corner kick. The kick allowed them to score from up close to the goal, bringing the score to 1-0. After this goal, the possession of the ball started going back and forth between the teams. During this time, there were several shots from both sides, all of which were either misses or saves by goalies. In the last few moments of the game, the Eagles managed to win possession, then make a long pass which brought the ball from midfield to the near the goal, allowing them to make a pass to shoot technique that allowed them to score, finishing the game with a 2-0 score. Despite the loss, Brahmas assistant coach Eric Villando said that he still believes that the Eagles played very well in the midfield, which allowed them

Moises Rodriguez / Roundup News

Pierce College player Alan Sepulveda (#4) tries to get the ball from Los Angeles Mission College Player Miguel Aguirre (#2) at Shepard Stadium located at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct 9, 2026. their chances to get the ball from the Brahmas. However, he also said that the Brahmas were doing a good job of recovery from these moments in the midfield.

“Mission did a better job than us of overloading,” Villando said, “But we were able to contain them as much as possible to give ourselves new chances.”

The Brahmas will next face Oxnard College in a home game at Shepard Stadium on Tuesday, Oct.13 at 6 p.m.