March 23, 2017 • Volume 90 • Issue 10 • Published since 1927
Photo by Lissette Mendoza/Viking/@Chingonapicosa Counselor Sofia Beas, English teacher Jeff Wheeler and Janét Hund, president of the full-time teachers union, from left, attend the Board of Trustees open session Wednesday, March 22, to oppose Melinda Nish as one of 5 presidential candidates for LBCC.
4 SPEAKERS OPPOSE PRESIDENTIAL FINALIST AT TRUSTEES’ MEETING —See story on page 2
NEWS
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March 23, 2017
Presidential finalist criticized Union members oppose Nish before closed Board session. Story by Danny Rivera News editor @DannyRiveraLBCC Four speakers addressed LBCC’s Board of Trustees Wednesday evening, March 22, over their concerns about presidential candidate Melinda Nish while the two other speakers urged the Board to make the right decision. The Board moved into a closed session just before 6 p.m. after President Ginny Baxter announced that trustees would not make a decision that night. Full-time teachers’ union president Janet Hund told the Board, “Our objections are based on publicly available facts. And it’s this easily accessible information and the impact of her past actions that should cause concern for this board.” Nish could not be reached for comment. In an interview after the brief meeting, support staff union President Thomas Hamilton said, “The classified employees found Melinda Nish’s (Feb. 27) description of our group as ‘the help’ as degrading to the union that she did not take the time to
Tod Burnett
Otto Lee
learn the names of our organizations.” Tod Burnett, Otto Lee, Marvin Martinez, Nish, Reagan Romali are the five candidates being considered and discussed. Currently, unions are opposed at the potential hiring of Nish, former president of Southwestern College in Chula Vista, who resigned in June 2016 amid scandals regarding racial tensions, campus police and the college’s possible loss of state accreditation. Regarding the union’s decision to oppose her potential hiring, Hund said Tuesday, March 21, Nish has “a pretty checkered past. We want to remind the Board they’re entrusted by the public to make a good decision for a leader on this campus.” Area 2 Trustee Vivian Malauulu agrees with the stance of the union, citing her time as a journalism teacher as reason to express
Marvin Martinez
Melinda Nish
Reagan Romali
concern about Nish’s candidacy. having “worked with her in different capacMalauulu said, “I cannot ignore the ities” during Nish’s tenure as vice president concerns, especially since they are so pub- of instruction from 2001 to 2011. licly documented and easily accessible.” “She really brought the chairs of difBaxter has received “a lot of emails” ferent boards together,” Carroll said. “We from concerned employees and residents, would have 20, 30 of us in a room, all with but in her interactions with Nish, she sees our own desires and our own wants. “a very intelligent woman who appears to If there was something controversial be a nice person. on the table, a decision a committee had to “The Board will make a conscientious make, she would let everybody talk, let evdecision after a lot of soul searching,” Bax- erybody have a voice, and then she would ter said. go in a collaborative mode.” Some have lingering questions as to Carroll believes in Nish’s abilities so how Nish made it into the final pool of five much, she has made phone calls to three candidates. Student Trustee Alejandro Lo- Trustees to discuss her experiences workmeli, who served on a 22-person screening ing with the former VPI. committee, said he would have given the She said she spoke directly with Trustselection a second thought had he known ees Malauulu and Baxter, and left a voiceabout Nish’s past. mail with Area 3 Trustee Sunny Zia about Citing “confidentiality reasons” as to the matter. Carroll did not reach out to why he cannot discuss Trustee Otto and conversations during “The board will make Area 1 Trustee Jeff the committee meetings, a conscientious deci- Kellogg because Lomeli said, “The first I “I still have a lot heard about those specific sion after a lot of soul of friends and colthings in her past were af- searching.” leagues at (LBCC) ter the announcement of -Ginny Baxter and I had heard that Board president and Area 5 trustee two trustees were in the finalists.” When asked about the opposition to Dr. situation, Area 4 TrustNish and out of a ee Douglas Otto confirmed background courtesy I reached out to Dr. Baxter to let checks were not conducted until the five her know I had done that.” finalists had been selected by the hiring “The people who complained about her committee. are a very vocal minority at Orange Coast “Conducting background checks on College, but a strong majority think very (32) candidates would be too expensive,” highly of her,” Carroll said. Otto said. Without citing specific people at OrOtto also said he believes the fervor ange Coast College who expressed support against Nish is “clearly an effort by some of Nish, Carroll mentioned her reasoning group” to persuade the Board into disquali- for Nish’s reputation among former teachfying her from contention, citing that many ers. of the emails he received “had much of the “She has a very adult style,” Carroll same language.” said. “She’s assertive, she’s direct, she’s honWith regard to the efforts, Otto para- est, she’s transparent and some people can’t phrased philosopher Herbert Spencer by handle that from a woman.” saying “contempt without investigation is While the Board has no official timethe height of ignorance.” frame for the president position to be filled, While the employees’ unions are ada- speculation has been abundant around mantly opposed to Nish’s potential hiring, campus when a decision will be made. at least one educator believes that the cov- Should the trustees choose Nish over the erage of Nish’s past has been unfair, and not other four candidates, Hund remains opindicative of her character. timistic about the union’s efforts to make Kat Carroll, professor of Communica- their voices heard. tion Studies at Orange Coast College and “Well, they are elected Board memwife of former LBCC Vice President Rich- bers,” she said. ard Carroll, said she believes Nish is a perTrustees Zia and Kellogg did not refect candidate for the president position, spond to requests for comment.
March 23, 2017
NEWS
Congressman visits to talk politics
Story and photo by Melissa Ibarra Staff @ibarra_mm
Alan Lowenthal, California’s 47th district Congressman, discussed healthcare, immigration and other topics along with three panelists and a full LAC Auditorium at a town hall meeting Monday, March 13. Erick Mazariegos, Associated Student Body president, introduced Lowenthal and listed his history as a politician and an educator said, “We are most proud of his leadership in education.” Lowenthal came out to applause and some jeering. He thanked everyone for coming out to take part in the democratic process. “Now is the time to come together,” Lowenthal said, “I really hope we listen to each other.” Regarding the Affordable Care Act, Lowenthal said a small percentage of people remained currently uninsured, but instead of trying to help a small percentage, the whole program may be eliminated and it will leave 25 million people without health-care coverage. Angela Madsen, a veteran, said the conversation between Republicans and Demo-
PEACEFUL PROTEST: President Trump supporters and others peacefully holding signs while Democratic congressman Alan Lowenthal speaks.
crats about affordable health care overlooks veterans. She said she wishes both parties would stop obstructing the attempts to fix the problem. Elisa Nicholas, the executive director of the Child’s Health Care Clinic and panelist, said when it comes to the cost of medication, “We have to challenge the pharmacy companies.” She explained how children lose insurance and senior citizens have higher pay-
ments to keep their insurance. “We have a very complex system and it’s going to take a long time to convince people it can work.” Madsen also brought up the deportation of Veterans. She said undocumented veterans took the same oaths as the veterans who are citizens and while undocumented veterans are away, their families are being deported and broken up. Lowenthal talked about the vet’s father, Jose Alvarez, who was deported, and said, “No one should have to worry about hav-
P Building renovations begin
Story and photo By Brigid McLaughlin Staff @brig_mc
College ramps up to repair historical building
The LBCC P building groundbreaking ceremony kicked off on Wednesday, March 8 at noon at the LAC. Trustees and Acting Superintendent Ann-Marie Gabel gave their farewells to the building which was the first to adorn the college back in 1936. At the ceremony, Brian You, 25, administration of justice major and representative of student life said, “It was a historical building.(But) I think it’s great that they’re modernizing.” Building P, originally designed by Kirtland Cutter, features a terracotta roof, wooden doors and ornamental iron fixtures that adorn the outside, which set the tone for the rest of the architecture on campus. The renovations will cost 8.7 million, just a fraction of the 616 million dollar Measure E Bond allotted to LBCC for renovations at both the PCC and LAC. The building will keep the same 16,016 square footage but will include brand-new projectors, motorized screens, and updated lighting and air conditioning. While the outside of the building will look the same, the inside will be completely renovated, aside from two historical rooms, P104, a nearly all wooden classroom and
DIG IN: Trustees prepare for P Building renovation ceremony at the LAC.
P110 the buildings old theater room which will only receive a small face-lift. According to the LBCC website, the renovated building will provide students and faculty with five new classrooms, one computer lab, a multi-purpose room, a digital newsroom for the Viking Newspaper, two meeting rooms and 12 offices. It will be upgraded to meet current building codes, including accessibility to disabled students, seismic structural, and fire alarm upgrades. Building P also will receive upgrades to the audio-visual and information technology systems, including motorized screens and projectors that easily link to various devices. The courtyard will be reconfigured, with a new stage built for outdoor events.
“It’s been in the works for a long time,” said Jeff Wheeler, an English professor whose office once sat in the old building. Wheeler, an expert on the building, mentioned that the renovation is minor compared to other projects at LBCC. Trustee Sunny Zia commented on Wednesday, “It’s exciting for our students to have a newly renovated building with better technology.” Building P home to the English Department’s composition, creative writing, journalism and literature programs is set to reopen Fall 2018.
HISTORY
For a history on the building and more go to pbuilding.wordpress.com/
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ing their families separated and especially veterans.” “We are an inclusionary city and we will stand behind it,” Lowenthal said. In regards to families and deportations, Nicholas said when children do not feel safe at school or home, it has lifelong health effects. Jonathan Solorzano, who works with immigration coalitions, wanted to know what the Congressman is doing and what we can do to support Dreamer students. Lowenthal said he has a personal view about the DACA and Dreamers and said, “I will fight for this on the floor,” but that he is out-numbered but 2018 Congressional elections are where the audience can make a big impact. Director of the LBCC President’s Office, Miles Nevin, said LBCC and Lowenthal have been working together for some time to arrange the town hall meeting. Nevin said he believes the town hall was intended to allow conversation with the community about current issues. It was a success for Lowenthal and LBCC. One comment made by an audience member was in regards to reports of Lowenthal not running for another term and Lowenthal responded with, “We are all in this together. I am not walking away.”
Shooter drill set for April 6 Story By Amanda Rodriguez Photo editor @arod_mandy
”The Long Beach Police and Fire Department will host an active-shooter and rescue task force drill at the PCC on Thursday, April 6. The exercise is scheduled inside and outside buildings with students and employees from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Volunteers will be asked to play roles ranging from concerned residents, students, teachers and injured victims. To simulate injuries during an active-shooter incident, some role players will be asked to wear makeup as well. The role players will not be used as “suspects,” officials said. “It’s a full-scale exercise the police department and fire department simulate, a collaborative effort in getting victims the proper aid in a mass casualty event,” Police Lt. Liberman said. “We are still looking for volunteers.” The police department has about 50 volunteers and are encouraging more students and employees to sign up for the event. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers. To register, people may email LBPDVolunteer@longbeach.gov with their name, contact number and the agency or group they represent
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CITYSTYLE
March 23, 2017
Artist showcase brings ‘unity’ Story by Darlene Maes and lissette Mendoza Staff /Co-Editor in Chief @Dawrlean @chingonapicosa
The Shrine Auditorium was filled with over 2,000 listeners on Saturday, March 11, for the seventh annual Skanking Reggae Festival. Guests ranging in age from 16 to 35 filled the auditorium in Los Angeles in the late afternoon. College students were among the crowd attending the festival. The room was filled with the Latino culture of fashion with modern twists. Men were wearing greased back hair, newsboy caps, lucha libre masks and women wore floral pieces in their pachuca-style pompadoured hair, crop tops and eyeliner makeup. The opening band called Blanco y Negro filled the hall on stage one with the sounds of the SoCal ska and personal modern twists. According to dictionary. com, ska music is defined as “a modern style of vocalized Jamaican popular music, which emerged in the 1950s as a blend of African-Jamaican folk music, American
Photo by Lissette Mendoza/Viking/@chingonapicosa/ VIBES: Reggae artist Dread Mar I performs at the seventh annual Skanking Reggae Fest at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday, March 11.
rhythm and blues, and jazz-like horn riffs on the offbeat.” During her time at the festival, Nicole Merito, 21, a former LBCC student discussed what the importance of music and sharing it at LBCC: “I think that LBCC supporting local bands and artists would be beneficial to students and music listen-
ers as a form of stress release and encouraging students to socialize with their peers at rather than just keeping to themselves.” Merito details the significance of having cultures showcased more on campus. She said, “I think it’s very important to have Latino culture and all type of cultures showcased throughout LBCC to form a
Hidden Asian artifacts on display in empty room
Story by Denny Han Staff @Dennyh_
Photo by Lissette Mendoza/Viking/@chingonapicosa/ SHIELDED: A Japanese samurai helmet and a Chinese antique jewelry box are on display at LBCC’S Foundation office, located at Building O-2.
Photo by Lissette Mendoza/Viking/@Chingonapicosa/ CONCEALED: The boardroom housing the majority of the Ware Art Collection inside Building O-2.
sense of unity, community and inclusivity to show that regardless of your culture or religion everyone will be welcoming and not discriminate against others because of where they come from.” Mani Dominguez, 22, a music education major and enrolled in the applied music program at LBCC, discussed the benefits of showcasing music. He said, “I think it would be cool for us and for the school to just get some random entertainment for the student body. Some students are too busy to go out to any shows, this could be something nice, like a band showcase.” As an active musician, Dominguez perceives opportunities for his band at LAC. “I really want to bring my band to campus, I still have contacts with the music program that put on performances like with the jazz groups, sometimes there were open mic performances and stuff too.” Dominguez added, “An ideal place for potential performances would be in the Viking Food Court. We wanna play a set during the lunch hour, inside the cafeteria would be cool where the little stage is.” Genres all throughout the music scene would be showcased at the desire of who wishes to perform and gain exposure. ”
Hidden from the eyes of students at the southernmost point of the LAC, inside the offices and boardrooms of Building O-2, is a collection of millennia-old Chinese and Japanese artifacts donated by sisters Beulah, Pauline and Helen Ware. Pauline Ware had purchased the majority of the collection during the sisters’ teaching tenure in Beijing, China in the 1930s amid the Great Depression when such artifacts were readily affordable. Because of its obscure location, students and employees remain largely unaware of the collection’s existence. “I didn’t even know this existed,” Jonathan Lucro, 19, an art major, said, “It’s a shame that it’s a 15-20 minute walk from the main campus because I’ve got a tight schedule so I don’t have many chances to explore the school. Most of the art I get to see is just here in the K Building.” LBCC Board of Trustees President Virginia Baxter, oversaw the Ware sisters’ donation during her time as the executive director of the LBCC Foundation. She said that the collection was once proudly featured in the LAC’s Library until a remodeling process, after which the Dean overseeing the library at the time decided not to redisplay. “I brought the collection over to Building O because I didn’t think this was some-
thing you could just put in a warehouse. This is something you display,” Baxter said. Art history professor Wendy Koenig specializes in East Asian art. She was recruited by Baxter to analyze and research the artifacts. Koenig said, “The collection could be vulnerable against the natural lighting coming in from the windows, given the way they’re set up in that boardroom. And we don’t know the insurance value of these artifacts either due to the cost of getting them appraised.” Koenig showed an interest in bringing the collection back to the campus library. “There were times where I would send students over there to take a look, only to be turned back around because there was a meeting going on in there. So I think having the collection in the library would certainly be a great idea,” she said. Jeiremiah Berryman, 19, an architecture major, also supported moving the collection to the LAC Library, “I would love to be able to see these artifacts here on the main campus. I like to incorporate designs from other cultures into my own work so I find that stuff inspirational.” Baxter said she does not believe there are plans to move the Ware collection back in the foreseeable future. In the meantime, several pieces of the collection such as a Japanese kimono, remain in the Foundation office’s storeroom. Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth McCann said that the remaining pieces will be displayed starting this fall after a remodeling project.
March 23, 2017
LIFELONG LEARNING
Cyber-nana, 89, defies age limits
“A” STUDENT: Mildred Henderson works on an assignment in her computer office competency class.
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Story by Adrian Arvizu Staff @adrian7192 Mildred Henderson was getting bored of retirement so at the age of 89, decided she was not done learning and enrolled into three classes at LBCC. Before the Minden, Louisiana native retired, Henderson, fostered children for 11 years, but ended up moving from Texas to California to be closer to her children. Mildred said on Tuesday, March 14, “I was getting restless at home and to learn more about technology.” She is taking computer and office studies 1, Political Science 1 and Humanity 1. The Minden, La., native said the computer is fascinating and is amazed with the advances in technology. After going through segregation and integration, Henderson said, “I am impressed how the younger generation has become accepting of more diversity.” Mildred said she feels she is helping the younger generation by going back to school and proving it does not matter what age . When it came time to take her first political science test, she said, “I was so nervous because people were leaving early, but it turns out I was the only one who got an A.”
‘Happy hooker’ enjoys Holocaust survivor and veteran speaks on life world affairs course
Story and photo by Darlene maes Staff @dawrlene
Throughout her life, Fran Mulligan, 92, always held a position of being beneficial for society, but now enjoys spending time savoring the world around her. About her education, Mulligan said, “I like learning about what is going on now and in history.” Mulligan is enrolled in the World Affairs and Current Events class taught at the PCC Lifelong Learning Center instructed by Mary Thoits. Born in Miami, Mulligan later moved to St. Louis, Lomita and now resides in Long Beach. Mulligan wanted to become a dietician during her years in school, but did not finish college at the time. However, at age 19, did a service to her country by becoming a telephone operator during World War 2 in Lomita. Her career was then directed to working for the Department of Public Social Services in Long Beach and remained there for 20 years. During her marriage of 41 years, she had five children, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The hardship of being a single mother after her husband left her never stopped Mulligan from providing for them. She said, “It was a difficult time. I had to take the job in order to work while my children were young.” Despite her age, Mulligan has remained interested in her education and extracurriculars. During her high school senior
year, Mulligan described what she had to do to attend her own prom, “I performed in the orchestra playing violin in high school. I pawned it to buy myself a prom dress. I never did get it back. It was during the Great Depression and my parents couldn’t afford to give me lessons.” In addition to the world affairs class, Mulligan enjoys music and is enrolled in Music Appreciation for Concert and Musical Theater Lovers taught by Lucy Daggett and Sidney Hopson. In her time outside a classroom, Mulligan describes herself as a “happy hooker” meaning she enjoys crocheting and has made Christmas scarfs and hygiene kits for the homeless. She also enjoys watching old game shows and is a part of the Senior Citizens Program at El Dorado Park and is a volunteer. Mulligan has goals set for herself. She said, “I am very thankful I can still drive. But my goals are to live a long life, still be able to drive and have good health.”
Fran Mulligan, 92
Story and photo by Lissette Mendoza Co-Editor-in-Chief @chingonapicosa
With his American flag shirt on, Navy veteran and retired LBCC teacher Eric David, 89, was one of the first to arrive to his World Affairs and Current Events class. David was born in Germany, but came to the U.S. in 1939, fleeing from the Nazis: “We escaped from Germany and sailed to New York. I was 11 years old at the time.” Five years later in 1944, he became a citizen a day after his parents. Growing up, he had an interest in science and electricity. At age 8, he began experimenting with magnets and researching electromagnetism and he became “hooked.” He also enjoyed writing and was influenced by Jack Lemmon. After graduating from high school at age 18, he decided to go into the Navy, where ironically, he was stationed back near Germany as an electrician in a submarine . In 1949, he married his wife, whom he met on a blind date in New York at age 21. He first came to Long Beach in 1950 with the Navy and he ended up returning to the city with his wife after the Navy career. He continued his work as an electrician, and in 1963 opened his own business. In 1980, he sold his business and began teaching electrical technology at LBCC and working part-time in forensics. He retired from teaching in 2000 from
working with forensics in 2010 and was married for 64 years until his wife dies in 2013. He and his wife raised three daughters and one son, who went on to study child development, environmental science, biology and journalism. Currently, two of
Eric David, 89 them reside in San Diego while one lives in Signal Hill and another in Belmont Shore. His eyes lit up as he gushed about one of his more recent accomplishments, becoming a great-great grandfather. David enjoyed traveling all over the world, but said he would “always appreciate coming back here to Long Beach.”
OPINION
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March 23, 2017
EDITORIAL
Free to speak, walk away A woman approaches a student at the LAC on her way to class. Woman: Hi, what do you know about conflict diamonds? Student: Sorry, I’m on my way to class. Woman: Can I walk and talk with you on your way to class? It’s as if they have an answer for any situation they encounter. She proceeds to fill student in on children who have lost limbs due to accidents while mining for diamonds in Africa in conclusion asking the student what amount she felt comfortable with donating to her today. This is an example of what seems like a weekly encounter between students and a solicitor on campus. We believe in free speech, not harassment. While we embrace the idea of a college campus being an open and active community where one can speak her or his mind, we wonder where the line gets crossed when it comes to sensitive topics such as religion, politics and donations on campus and if a college is the proper place for solicitors to conduct their meetings. Collectively, we’ve encountered awk-
ward run-ins with various religious groups, petitioners, fund solicitors, military recruiters, anti-abortion groups and flier distributors. The problem doesn’t necessarily involve the solicitors themselves, but the way they convey their message. Free speech does not entitle brash behavior toward people on campus and may create a barrier for future communication between the students and people who visit our campuses asking us to partake in their cause. We do not appreciate being followed, or forced to hear speeches we decline to hear. They aren’t here to express themselves, but just to use the public campus in hopes to fill those last few spots on their petition ballot. They don’t seem to have time to thoroughly explain the significance to those who they ask for signatures. They are here to get the attention they seek and then they are off to the next campus. Because everyone is entitled to free speech, solicitors are not breaking the law by expressing themselves on campus in designated areas.
The LAC college map displays a “free speech area” in front of the J Building, but a quick search in the current college handbook, no description was found regarding the free speech area. The outside influencers are taking opportunities away from students at the college and in return making students unapproachable or uninterested in the topic at hand. It would be nice to have on-campus student involvement regarding the issues instead of solicitors because then it would create more of a communicative atmosphere. Clubs relating to the issues can gain involvement with the school and students may feel obligated to answer questionnaires or stop and talk. It’s not that we don’t care about your messages, but sometimes we really do have a class that we need to attend. As journalists, we practice a code of ethics in our endeavours and ask the same of people who use our campuses as their platform.
CITY VIEWS
“What is your sense of community at LBCC? What can be done to improve it?” By Katie Jackson and Denny Han at the LAC on Monday, March 20, and Wednesday, March 22.
VIKING NEWS Co-Editors in Chief
Lissette Mendoza @chingonapicosa Carlos Ochoa @carlosochoaLA
Images Editor
Amanda Rodriguez @arod_mandy
News Editors
Sienna Thomas @sienna__thomas Danny Rivera @dannyriveralbcc
Calendar Editor
Katie Jackson @therealbuiscuit
Citystyle Editor
Erin Asis @erin_asis
Opinion Editor
Hayley Hart @hayleylhart
Sports Editors
Fantacie Jackson @_fantaciejm Isabelle Cheam @bellybelle_
General Copy Editor
Susan Usas @suzyq_445
Staff
Adrian Arvizu Lloyd Bravo Melissa Ibarra Darlene Maes Brigid McLaughlin Presley Swearingen
Josh Avendano Denny Han Anaiah Jones Jaycob Martinez Patty Miramontes Mark Trejo
Adviser
Patrick McKean
Photo and Online Adviser Chris Viola
Retired Photo Adviser Jim Truitt
Advertising Manager Hayley Hart
Jerry Wright 67, works with UMOJA and at the student ID booth “Collectively it’s a great environment, but it’s like a rose garden. There are a few weeds. ... We’re in some very difficult times and all the selfishness needs to go.”
Jacqueline Samson 19, nursing major “As a pre-nursing student, even though the major is competitive, there is a strong sense of community. From the professors and tutors, to fellow peers, you can tell that they have your best interest in mind.”
Justyn-Angel Scott 19, dance major “Acceptance. People in specific communities like dance are very accepting and loving and friendly. Overall people at LBCC are nice and friendly. You can start a conversation with anyone here.”
Heidi Alsangak 24, mass communications major “The whole LBCC is my community. I try to involve myself in everything. I don’t feel like it’s too clique-y here. I feel like LBCC is a family in its own.”
The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication. The Viking will be published April 13, April 27, May 11 and May 25. The Viking is published by Journalism 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87 and 88 students of the LBCC English Department. The Viking newsroom is located at LBCC, LAC, 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, Calif., 90808, Room N108, mail code Y-16, Telephone (562) 938-4285 or contact the staff by email to vikingnews@lbcc.edu or on social media. The views expressed in the Viking do not reflect the views of the advisers, administration or the ASB. First copy free, each additional $1. The Viking is funded by the Associated Student Body Delivered with the help of the PCC Student Life Staff.
Have an opinion?
The Viking welcomes letters to the editor. Writers must identify themselves by showing their ASB card, driver’s license or ID card and email. Only names and major will be published with the letter.
Thomas Medina 20, history major “LBCC is a community. We try to help each other as much as possible because this is the steppingstone to the universities.”
Danny Naosusunga Jonathan Wylie 18, criminal justice major 19, undeclared major “It’s just me and my two “Bro you are asking the wrong friends. We don’t really talk to guy. I’m the most unsocial anyone else, just each other.” person at this school. I have no sense of community.”
Iridian Pelido 20, liberal studies major “I’m very shy, but the people I’ve interacted with are very good. Hasn’t been many, I need someone to initiate first.”
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March 23, 2017
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SPORTS
March 23, 2017
Runners, throwers aim to San Diego
FAST PACE: Viking athletes prepare for San Diego State’s 39th annual invitational Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25.
Story and photo by Presley Swearingen Staff @pres711 With the 39th annual Aztec Invitational at San Diego State Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, the LBCC women’s track and field team has been practicing, and team members are trying to improve their times and distances. Freshman thrower Nicole Ramirez, said, “My favorite thing about track and field is getting to be with my teammates. It’s also an outlet where I can let off steam and the coach influences me to be the best I can be.” Ramirez throws the hammer, shot put, discus and javelin. Coach Karen Vigilant said, “I am looking for them to finish well this season. They’re starting off slowly, but I want them to go out and compete.” Freshman sprinter Seayanna Crawford said, “My favorite thing about track and field is getting to run my hardest and winning.” Crawford runs the 4-by-100-meter relay, the open 400, 400 hurdles and long jumps. The Vikings traveled to Los Angeles to compete in the Occidental Distance Carnival Spring Break Classic on March 11. Long Beach competed well by stringing together some quality finishes in the meet, according to the athletics website.
Vikings splash past Rio Hondo, Pasadena Story and photo by Sienna Thomas News editor @sienna__thomas The Viking men’s swimming and diving team defeated Rio Hondo, 225-44, on Friday, March 17. LBCC also outscored Pasadena, 134.5124.5, during the same meet at the LAC Viking aquatic center. Freshmen Carl Matthews talked about the importance of encouragement during the meets when a teammate falls behind: “It’s important to support each other and to have that energy there. At least one teammate was behind in each round, so seeing or hearing the cheers and energy from your team helps.” Sophomore Mark Denison earned a trio of first-place finishes. He started by touching the wall first in the 200-meterfreestyle with a time of 1:48.01. That was backed by a 50 freestyle with a mark of 21.66. He finished his solo racing by finishing first in the 100 freestyle with a time of 48.37. Coach Chris Oeding said he was pleased with how the men responded to outlast Pasadena in the last event. “It was tied up and came up to the last leg of the relay. They swam well and finished strong,” Oeding said.
WINNER: Ian Dretzka swims in the 400 free relay race at the LAC, on Friday March 17. The Vikings beat both opponents.
The 400 free relay sealed the victory as freshmen Ian Dretzka, Timothy Nilan, Shaun Spaulding and Ryan Sar completed with a time of 3:23.9, which was four seconds better than the second-place finishing Pasadena, earning the Vikings first place.
Nilan hauled in a first-place showing in the 500 freestyle by earning a solid mark of 5:13.75. Sophomore Aaron Mowl earned two second places with the first one coming in the 100 backstroke at a time of 55.01.
He finished by placing second in the 200 backstroke with a mark of 2:05.37 The next conference meet will be in Torrance on Friday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m. against Los Angeles Trade Tech and El Camino.