President Oakley’s extended contract prompts concerns over transparency.

By Sylvana UribeStaff Writer

A violation of the Brown Act is in question after a local resident filed claims against the LBCC Board of Trustees with the Los Angeles County District At-torney’s office over the extension of President Eloy Oakley’s con-tract.

The claims were filed by Chris Pre-vatt. He addressed non-agendized pay raises made to Oakley since 2013 and the Board’s alleged violation of the Brown Act with the LBCC president’s contract extension because the contract was not available for public dis-cussion or review prior to the vot-ing, which occurred at the March 10 meeting.

Pre vatt is the for-mer pub-lisher of the news blog The Liberal OC and has an extensive background in the Brown Act, a law meant to promote transparency by protect-ing the public’s right to participate and attend meetings of local legis-lative bodies.

Two years before Oakley’s contract ending, the Board voted to extend his term until February 2019. The extension passed in a 4-1 vote, with Area 3 Trustee Sun-ny Zia voting against it.

The extension followed weeks of uncertainties if Oakley would remain with the college or take a position as chancellor of the Coast Community College Dis-trict in Orange County. Oakley later said he could not see himself leaving Long Beach and would continue at LBCC.

Student Trustee Gus Orozco said, “I have total confidence in

the Board and the Board presi-dent. If there was an unintention-al Brown Act violation, I am sure the Board will do everything in its power to take the appropriate action.”

During the March 10 meet-ing, lawyer Spencer Covert was present to address the legality of the extension and said the Board was not in violation of the Brown Act. When asked by Zia if the public had an opportunity to re-view the document and offer in-

put before voting on it, Covert said the Board is responsible for reviewing and amending contracts, which the public can then comment on once it has become public re-cord.

Area 4 Trustee Doug-las Otto said, “The gen-eral public is not a party to those negotiations and

once the contract is completed and adopted, then there are plen-ty of opportunities to comment.”

Oakley’s new contract, valued at $320,568, included redistribu-tion of mileage and retirement

funds into his base salary. Un-der his 2013 con-tract, Oak-ley’s base salary was $ 2 6 4 , 3 4 8 and includ-ed annual 4 percent raises. He

received a 2 percent raise in Jan-uary 2015.

In an interview March 27, Area 5 Trustee Virginia Baxter said, “There was no increase in salary, it was just a different way of accounting for his contract.”

The district attorney’s office has confirmed it has received Prevatt’s claims and placed them under review. If the district attor-ney’s office were to investigate and find violations of the Brown Act, then Oakley’s extension could be voided and the Board would have to restart the process publicly.

At the end of the Board meet-ing Tuesday, April 28, Prevatt spoke to the Board directly and said, “You indeed violated the Brown Act.”

By Kelly MahaffeyStaff Writer

Colleges around the nation are launching programs and brainstorming ways to support the growing number of homeless students on campus.

According to the Free Appli-cation for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.com), about 58,000 stu-dents declared homelessness on their financial aid application this year. The is a 75 percent increase from 2013 and expected to rise.

According to FAFSA, the ac-tual number has tripled, factoring in students who keep their situ-ation a secret to avoid the stigma commonly associated with homeless people.

“I think most people think that homeless people are lazy, dirty and crazy,” said Kevin Saunders, 21, an elec-trical engineer major. “I am none of those things.”

A music major, 27, who wish-es to remain anonymous, said, “None of my classmates know I am homeless.”

According to the 1994 Stew-art B. McKinney Act, a person is considered homeless who “lacks a fixed, regular, adequate night-time residence and ... has a pri-mary night time residency that is a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to pro-vide temporary living accom-modations, an institution that

provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized or a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleep-ing accommodation for human beings.”

An article on thoughtcatalog.com explains that homelessness as a student is harmful in every kind of way, from academic suc-cess to health stability and social development. The extreme pres-sure of not knowing where they are going to sleep at night, how to get homework done and a lack of structure challenge academic suc-cess and make it difficult to finish

their education, the article said.The unique challenges of stu-

dents who are homeless were ex-pressed in a workshop on LBCC’s Flex Day, March 10, at the Diver-sity, Equity and Inclusion Confer-ence at the PCC.

Corrinne Magdaleno, dean of counseling and student sup-port services, arranged a panel addressing student homelessness. The panel consisted of one stu-dent currently homeless, a for-merly homeless alumnus and two representatives from shelters and community support.

Panelist Elsa Ramos, Long Beach’s Multi-Service Center co-ordinator, provided insight into the process required to confirm the eligibility of individuals be-fore services can be offered. The process often deters people from coming back for help.

Ramos explained that al-though homeless shelters offer many people a safe, temporary dwelling, shelters also have strict curfews that conflict with the class schedules of students who would otherwise stay at the shelter.

After the workshop, Magdale-no was approached by several em-ployees who had no idea so many

students were homeless. She said, “We did good. A lot of good information was ex-changed today.”

It was unanimous that a uniform plan be made for employees so they can assist

students who identify as homeless in the future.

At the March 24 Board of Trustees meeting, Trustee Sunny Zia opened her door to students who are homeless. Zia said, “Call me or email me. I will return your call and we’ll figure it out.”

Students seeking help may contact Zia at (562) 270-5017 or by email to sunny.zia@gmail.com. For more information about the Multi-Service Center, people may contact Ramos at (562) 570-4588.

April 30, 2015 Volume 88, Issue 14 Published Since 1927

lbccviking.com • facebook.com/lbccvikingnews • @lbccvikingnews/twitter • @lbccvikingnews/instagram

Dancers taketo the stagefor the Spring Dance Ensemble.Page 9

“Call me or email me. I will return your call and we’ll figure it out.”

-Sunny ZiaArea 3 Trustee

AZTLAN DOMINATION CONTINUES

Homeless student numbers rising

Board accused of violating the Brown Act

“The general public is not a party to those negotiations and once the contract is completed and adopted, then there are plenty of opportunities to com-ment.”

-Douglas OttoArea 4 trustee

Brandon richardson/Viking

Aztlan Blue, front, and Aztlan Gold go head-to-head during LBCC’s 40th annual Mini Grand Prix on Thursday, April 16, at the PCC. See more photos and story on pages 6 and 7.

Douglas Otto

Brandon richardson/ Viking Students enjoy the new Central Quad at the LAC when fences came down Monday, April 20. The improvements to the Quad were funded by Bond Measure E, which passed in the 2002 and 2008 elections.

NEWS2 April 30, 2015

Part-time profs gain 5 percent salary increase

Vandalism count risesA QUIET MOMENT By Darel James

Staff Writer

Reports of vandalism have ris-en since the beginning of the 2015 year at both LBCC campuses.

Five reports of vandalism were reported to the March 2015.

LBCC monthly police report, with three at the LAC and two at the PCC.

Before the March statistics, one report in February and no re-port for January were filed.

Petty theft decreased from three reports at the PCC since last February to one report each at both Campuses.

There were no reports at the LAC for Petty in February.

Grand theft is down to zero after one incident was reported in February at the LAC.

Motor vehicle theft is up by one report with an incident in the LAC parking structure.

Burglary is down to zero after

two reports filed at the PCC in February.

Auto burglary is up two re-ports due to incidents happen-ing during the Veterans Stadium swap meet in March.

One report of auto burglary was filed last February which took place at the LAC in Lot K.

No reports were recorded of lost or stolen property in March, though three reports last month at the LAC were recorded.

Found property is up one re-port at the LAC after last month’s two reports, both at the LAC. Drivers filed one report each of vehicle accidents for March, one each at the PCC and the other at the LAC, no reports were made in that category last month.

The total number of reports taken for March were 29 com-pared to 21 in February.

Total parking citations issued for March 2015 reached 1,131, compared to 780 the prior month.

Board also told LBCC will hire 27 new full-time teachers for Fall.By Elizabeth CherutoContributing Editor

After years of heated debate, the part-time teachers of LBCC were granted a 5 percent pay raise Tuesday, April 28, by the Board of Trustees.

The 5-0 vote by the Board in T1100 at the LAC followed pay cuts, layoffs, furloughs, pay freez-es and stalled and controversial negotiations between the union of about 700 employees.

The settlement coincides with the announcement Monday by LBCC President Eloy Oakley that 44 positions were extended from 10 months to 12 months and three new positions added.

Also, Oakley announced Monday and at the Board meeting that the college will hire 27 full-time teachers to start this Fall. The increased staffing costs will total about $3.6 million, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Board also approved awarding dual associate degrees retroactive to Fall 2014, which means students may ac-quire an additional degree if they meet the requirements.

Also, John Pope, LBCC com-munications director, togeth-er with Tim McLarney of True North Research and Scott Sum-merfield of SAE Communica-tions, presented to the board an LBCC assessment survey that said almost 36 percent of people have a “very favorable” view of the col-lege. The random survey of about 1,800 people also revealed that nearly 61 percent listed LBCC first when asked to name a college or university.

The figure was more than double those who listed Cal State

Long Beach first. The survey in-cluded about 25,000 phone calls, focus groups and 1-on-1 inter-views and online results. McLar-ney called the positive results “phenomenally high.”

Summerville said the students in the focus group were “brutally honest” and listed challenged in addition to positive parts of the college.

The survery cost about $65,000.

Area 3 Trustee Sunny Zia had concerns about some results from the survey and asked for clarifica-tions. She wanted to know if the survey is able to track the success rate of students whop graduate and especially those who try to enter the work force.

Oakley responded to her question, saying the college has no complete method to track stu-dents into employment.

Later in the meeting, Paul Creason, Dean of health, kinesiol-ogy, science and math, Ken Stark-man, dean of career and technical education, and Jennifer Rodden, Dean of language arts, provided the Board a comprehensive report on credit-based career and tech-nical education, which include 37 programs, 54 areas of emphasis and 180 degrees and certificates at the college.

David Lehman from the His-tory and Political Science De-partment thanked the Board for approving his sabbatical leave. He informed the board, that it was a good opportunity for him to carry out intensive research.

Finally, Human Resources Vice resident Rose DelGaudio, support staff union president Thomas Hamilton and Academ-ic Senate President Karen Kane presented to the board The LEAD Academy program. The project for employees is designed to in-crease professional and personal development, starting in August.

Paramedics assist studentBy Elizabeth CherutoContributing Editor

The paramedics walked from the T Building with an unidenti-fied woman in a gurney, who they did not disclose any information about her situation or condition stating it is their policy.

Most of the eyewitnesses at the LAC said they did not know what was happening. Brittney Abajian, 20, a business major, said, “The situation seemed calm, I don’t know what was happening, but I overheard the paramedics on a radio call conversation say-ing that the lady is 23, 90 pounds, with dizziness.”

Another eye witness Zaira Funes, 22, political science ma-jor said, I just arrived when the paramedics were entering build-ing T2352. A few minutes later, they were out with the lady on the gunny, I could hear them describ-ing her condition to someone on the radio call as 23, female, 90 pounds, who is very tired.”

It is not uncommon in emer-gency situation for eyewitnesses

to give different account of what they saw or heard.

Cindi Shaheen, a registered nurse at the PCC health services, said, “There have been a lot of emergencies on campus, most of them are diabetic conditions, car-diac, asthma attack, injuries, cuts and psychiatric conditions such as bipolar. Some students walk to the health center but others are walked over by a student or staff if the situation is serious, I call 911.”

Shaheen said that in times of emergency, most students are not able to differentiate what is ur-gent and what is emergent so they end up taking the students to the health center instead of calling for 911.

A patient at the PCC health services Sam Yarbro, 46, a human services major, said he had gone to see the nurse because he had an allergy attack.

Police Lt. Julie Prior said sev-eral types of emergencies might challenge students and employ-ees, such as fires, earthquakes, airplane crashes, shooting, bomb threats and car accidents.

Prior said, “The college has had a few incidents over the years. We had a bomb threat this year at LAC and last year we had the shooting at PCC. But in case of an actual shooting on campus, ev-eryone should run and hide, fight is the new strategy being followed.

“There is a video that covers this and I recommend every-one should watch it at fbi.gov/run-hide-fight-video, and in case of an emergency, the officers and special security Officers are trained to handle variety of situa-tions, as they are first-responders. There are two officers per campus during the peak times of instruc-tion and activities.”

The manager at the PCC Child Development Center, Stacy Smith, said they are mandated to do emergency drills once a month to evacuate 106 children and 24 staff.

She added that all the teachers and staff are CPR certified and in-case of an emergency they will be able to do what they need to do, then call 911.

SILENT TIME TO RELAX

Tyisha ali/ Viking A health class participates in the Spring into Health event hosted by health service in the A Building Courtyard Wednesday, April 22

FOOD DRIVE 3April 30, 2015

“I hope our next event is even bigger with more support.”

-Cynthia VeopseuthLBCC Automotive Club President

Story and Photos By Darel JamesStaff Writer

Members of the LBCC Automotive Club hosted a can food drive at the PCC on Sunday, April 26.

The event from 12:30-4:30 p.m. includ-ed students, alumni and residents learning more about the Automotive Department. People attending the event also had the chance to win raf-fled prizes and were served concessions.

Fine arts and au-tomotive technology major Vincent Parti-da, 21, said, “We’re just here to have fun, better the community and let people know that even through the hard times, the LBCC Auto Club is still trying to strive.”

Taking place in Lot 10 near the JJ building, the drive was the club’s first of-ficial event that focused on helping the community. The event also was directed to bringing in new members and students who are looking to study auto mechanics or be part of the club.

After the removal of some courses pre-viously offered in the auto department, the club membership declined. The event also

reminded students of the college that the Automotive Club is still functioning.

Club president and general auto major Cynthia Veopseuth, 22, said, “Supporting a cause for the Long Beach area, collecting food and showing our community that we care about our automotive program were some of the goals we aimed for during this event.

“I really appreci-ated the support from my club members, since it’s our first event as a club. I hope our next event is even

bigger with more support.”Visitors were able to speak with club

members and teachers to get more infor-mation on upcoming events, automotive courses and anything new happening with the organization.

Visitors also were able to view a show-case of a few vehicles in Lot 10 owned by club members and alumni, plus a few in-teresting tools such as a complete open di-agram of a Hyundai Sonata. The diagram, which was donated by the Hyundai Car Company, has been used to help students taking automotive courses understand how a car works.

Auto Club delivers with first food drive

LBCC Automotive Club adviser Danny Tan speaks with FM Wheels company owner Abraham San-doval during the club’s canned food drive at the PCC Sunday, April 26.

Cans of food pile up at the Automotive club food drive at PCC.

LBCC Automotive Club adviser Danny Tan, right, talks with in-terested visitors Chris, left, and Sora about the functions of the “Zebra” transportation vehicle. The miniature car was on display during the clubs canned food drive which also included club alumni, students and locals.

Some of the donations, raffle prizes and concessions were on dis-play at the first Automotive Club food drive.

The open diagram of a Hyundai Sonata sits in the auto mechanics garage at the PCC. The learning tool was openly displayed during the canned food drive.

LOTERIA4 April 30, 2015

Spanish Club plays a game of chanceBy Cindy MaciasStaff Writer

Noche de loteria bonds the Latin community

Pan dulce, fresh churros, Abuelita, a Mexican-style hot chocolate and the sound of Mexi-can pop rock band Maná playing in the background filled the at-mosphere in P110 on Thursday, April 23 as the Spanish Club pre-pared to start its annual Noche de Loteria.

Loteria is a Mexican game of chance much like bingo, but in-stead uses images on a deck of cards rather than numbers on Ping-Pong balls. Traditionally, lo-teria is played using pinto beans as markers on the individual play-ers card.

Games were 50 cents per card per round and were being pur-chased from accounting major Melissa Navas-Antillon, 21. The night consisted of over 15 rounds with various ways of winning every game; four corners, line, blackout, four in the center and borders.

“I love it, it’s really fun. These separate hangouts,” Liz Moreno, 28, a psychology major said on the idea of having loteria nights at LBCC.

When someone won a round, the winner received a ticket they could place in a jar in front of de-sired item. If preferred, raffle tick-ets were purchased at $5 for seven tickets from Alejandra Reyna, 30, a business administration major.

Items being raffled were gift baskets, tickets, gift cards, other items including a 2015 Loteria calendar and a small floral Bet-sey Johnson purse. Gift baskets

included school supplies, Tup-perware, beauty products, baking ingredients or crafting supplies. Theater tickets and tickets to Aquarium of the Pacific were part of the raffle as well as gift cards to Yogurtland, Starbucks, In-N-Out Burger, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Chipotle, and the Rock Bottom restaurant.

Denise Espinoza, 22, a culi-nary arts major, won a gift basket

that contained the baking ingre-dients which in her opinion, was the perfect item for her because she is part of a baking program for her culinary arts major.

Erica Quintero, sister of club advisor Dr. Cynthia Quintero, gave up a raffle prize to someone because she had already won two other raffles before the third one.

Toward the end of the night, Quintero offered a couple of games on the house with a chance to instantly win a gift card to Star-bucks.

The Spanish Club is a diverse group with about 13 active mem-bers from Latin countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru. 

Juan-David Pazmiño, 22, an accounting major, said, “I enjoy the fact that I can socialize with other ambitious Latin Ameri-cans, speaking our own dialects of Spanish and taking part in so-cialize activities. I was looking for leadership opportunities to meet other Hispanics, so the Spanish Club was it.”

Club President Angelina Cas-tillo, 27, a Spanish major, has been president for two semesters and a member of the club for four.

“My main goal is to get more members to grow and inspire, to learn more about their roots and culture. We actually have a voice, it’s up to us. I’ve grown a lot by ac-tually being involved.”

Club meetings are Thursdays in the Valhalla Room on the sec-ond floor of the LAC E Building College Center from noon to 1 p.m. If interested in joining the club, students must attend a meet-ing or show interest by being part of their newsletter by emailing the club to spanishclub.lbcc@gmail.com.

People keep updated on their events and activities by adding them on Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008296212339&-fref=ts or following them on Ins-tagram @Spanish_Club_LBCC.

For more information, people may send the Spanish Club an email.

Cindy MaCias/Viking Loteria players get ready for a new round and members of the club do a raffle while participants wait in P110 on Thursday, April 23. Over 30 people showed up to the Spanish Club's annual Noche de Loteria.

Cindy MaCias/Viking Bryant Ontiveros, 22, celebrates after winning a game. Ontiveros is a member of the club.

Cindy MaCias/Viking Denise Espinoza, 22, a culinary arts major, receives a gift basket she won from a raffle. Espinoza said this item was ideal because she is part of a baking program in culinary arts.

Cindy MaCias/Viking Pinto beans are used as markers. Traditionally, Mexican people also use small rocks or crown corks.

CITYSTYLE 5April 30, 2015

Professionals recite poetry and sign books

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Film informs students on the consequences of ocean pollution.By Hunter KingCityStyle Editor

Plastic soup was the top-ic of discussion during the film screening of “Addicted to Plas-tic” in celebration of Earth Day on Wednesday April 22. The film was presented to students at both campuses to increase awareness about where plastic trash ends up. Eco Club President Marianne Aguilar, 18, chose the topic due to LBCC’s location and the commu-nity’s connection to the ocean.

Guest speaker, Katie Allen, a marine researcher and repre-sentative from Algalita Marine Research and Education Founda-tion, engaged students after the 6 p.m. presentation at the LAC.

The film addressed the in-creasing pollution of the ocean due to misplaced plastic. It in-formed students that approxi-mately 80% of ocean pollution originates on land and is dumped into the ocean due to a lack of space available in landfills.

Once dispersed into the wa-ter, waves and sunrays breakup

the plastic into smaller pieces, but these pieces do not break down, the film explained.

Cleanup efforts are being taken to collect plastic out of the ocean, but the degree of pollution runs deep. Allen compared the plastic soup of the ocean to a bowl of cereal where the water is milk

and the plastic pieces are Fruit Loops. Once the Fruit Loops are introduced into the milk, they be-gin to soften and their colors run, turning the milk into a rainbow of Fruit Loop residue. Cleanup efforts are represented by a spoon and filter. The spoon removes the larger chunks of cereal, while the

filter removes the color from the milk. Afterwards, the milk may appear to be in its original state, but the taste of the Fruit Loops will still remain. The metaphor communicated to students the severity of pollution the ocean is experiencing.

Here at LBCC, the Eco Club

is doing its part by educating stu-dents, collecting recycling and heading cleanup efforts around the community, but it’s not an easy task, explained PCC Presi-dent Ben White, 30. “Students are not as involved as I’d like to see,” he said.

Aguilar explained that it’s difficult to simply distribute re-cycling bins around the campus. LBCC currently hires an outside group to sort trash and pick out the recycling. The Eco Club and many students alike said funds could better be spent on recycling bins, so students could throw away recyclables and trash into the designated containers, elimi-nating the need for trash sorting later.

“Recycling bins have not been approved,” Aguilar said. White hopes to see more cooperation between the student government and the Eco Club in the future.

For now, the Eco Club con-tinues to assist the community in local cleanup. On Saturday May 16, they will sponsor a cleanup on Seal Beach from 9 a.m.–noon. For more information, people may contact Aguilar at marianne.agu-ilar1122@gmail.com.

The Eco Club meets at the PCC every Monday at 5 p.m. and at the LAC every Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Eco Club educates students on plastic

Hunter King/ViKing PLASTIC’S PERSPECTIVE: Marianne Aguilar, 18, a kinesiology major and president of the Communi-ty Eco Club, speaks to the audience of over 100 who attended the event in celebration of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22. The event included a film screening of "Addicted to Plastic" and a representative from the Algalita Marine Research Foundation and guest speaker regarding ocean plastic pollution.

tyisHa ali/ViKing

Frank Gasper signs copies of his book and greets fans in the Mari-an Sims Baughn Center for Literay Arts on Thursday April 23.

By Tyisha AliStaff Writer

As part of National Poetry Month, LBCC professors present-ed afternoons of poetry in The Marian Sims Baughn Center for Literary Arts.

On Thursday, April 23, former LBCC professor and award-win-ning poet Frank Gaspar returned to the center at the LAC in P104 once more for a reading and book signing along with Charla Howard, Jeff Epley, Jason Casem, Kathryn McMurray, Denis Du-mars and Christina Guillen, who shared their poetry and what in-

spired them.Gaspar is a former 30-year

LBCC professor who has written five poetry books and two novels. Gaspar has won many awards, among them are the 2008 Por-tuguese American Leadership Council Literary Achievement Award and the 2000 California Book Award for First Novel for his 1999 novel “Leaving Pico.”

Gaspar read a few of poems out of his poetry books such as “Can You Hear the Wind Howl” from his 2004 poetry book “Night of a thousand Blossoms” and “Forget the Lemons.”

Maria Duarte, 29, a commu-

nications major and a former student of Gaspar, said, “When I came to LBCC, after I left high school, I had Professor Gaspar as my teacher for creative writing. Now that I am taking more class-es here after getting my bachelor’s degree from CSULB and taking a 2-year break and I want to see him again.”

The book reading packed the room as Gaspar recited his new poem called “One of Us.”

Gaspar said, “When I do these events, I always want to read a new poem, just to show I’m still alive and still writing, I guess.” Then he talked about what it takes

to be a writer, how he writes and he deals with writing poetry over time.

Jonathn Ribas, 24, an admin-istration of justice major, said, “I’m not familiar with poetry, I write a lot, but I wasn’t sure if it was poetry and now I feel good, like I now have a sense of what I am doing. I really enjoyed what he said about writing poetry. It takes time. ”

Ribas said, “I would like to see more creative writing events like this. I think hearing more speak-ers like Gaspar and all the other professors would encourage many people.”

On Friday, April 17, award-winning poet Sholeh Wolpe visited a small crowd in the English Department for a reading and book signing of her latest books at the LAC in P104.

Wolpe is an Iranian born poet, author and literary translator who has traveled to many places before settling down in the U.S. She has written books of translation such as “Sin” and “Breaking the Jaws of Silence.” She has edited three anthologies and has three col-lections of poetry books. Wolpe is the recipient of the 2014 PEN/Heim Award.

MINI GRAND PRIX6 April 30, 2015

Brandon richardson/Viking

A PNK women’s team practices before the 40th annual LBCC Mini Grand Prix begins.

Aztlan’s winning streak continues

Brittany LieBerman/contriButor

Members of the social-service club Men of Aztlan cross the finish line. A close semi-final race against the order of TONG, Aztlan went on to win the Mini Grand Prix at the PCC, on Thursday, April, 16.

Brittany LieBerman/contriButor

David Quezada, 20, a philosophy major, is carried on the shoulders of his club members after his team, Men of Aztlan Blue, win the race and complete the fastest lap time during the race at the PCC.

Men of Aztlan wins 40th annual Mini Grand Prix, bringing their streak to nine years.By Sylvana UribeStaff Writer

For the ninth year in a row, the Az-tlan men’s social-service club won first place for the fastest relay at the Mini Grand Prix at the PCC on Thursday, April 16.

Aztlan Blue crossed the finish line at 29.04 seconds and club members rushed to the winning team and carried racer David Quezada up in the air. The club then huddled together as members loudly chanted their club’s name and posed for group photos to commemo-rate the victory.

Quezada, 20, a philosophy major,

said, “I was focused on the race and nine straight wins, that’s crazy.”

Aztlan alumnus David Navarro, 20, a psychology major, said he remained cautious rather than afraid the club would lose its long-standing title.

“ O t h e r groups here did really well, better than I expected,” Na-varro said. “We helped build the track and we had some time off the track to practice and we did a lot of running and conditioning. It was a lot more physical and psychologi-cal practice that we did.”

PNK, known as the Ladies of Isis, and Tong Little Sisters made it to the finals and club members considered it a rematch as they had raced against

each other in the finals at the 2014 Mini Grand Prix.

This year, Tong Little Sisters won first place for the fastest relay at 35 sec-onds.

Tong Little Sisters’ Ashley Batts, 20, a biology major said, “We worked so hard for it and it shows that our hard work pays off and how well we can come together as a club and win some-thing like this.”

During the race, the Ladies of Akna

and TNT crashed into each other with-in seconds of leaving the starting line and were forced to re-run their match.

TNT racer Madeline Perez, 18, a bi-ology major, said, “We were surprised. I saw them creeping up, but I didn’t know the cart was going crash into us. It was a

very big impact.”Other recognition included PNK’s

tie-dye ensemble that earned them the award for most spirited. The award for best cart design went to the Metal Fab-rication Club for its aluminum cart.

Student Life coordinator Teila Rob-ertson said, “Our students who come and go, they need to know what tradi-tions we held here so we got to keep our Mini Grand Prix.”

The race was livestreamed on Peri-scope by the Viking newspaper’s editor in chief, Brandon Richardson. The app was created by Twitter and allows a per-son to broadcast in real time and fol-lowers can replay videos livestreamed within the last 24 hours.

Richardson said, ““It’s really great. Being able to livestream anything, any-where, anytime, it’s a scary thought be-cause, let’s face it, people are weird, but it also opens up a whole new level of media with a simple, easy to use, app.”

MINI GRAND PRIX 7April 30, 2015

“We worked so hard for it and it shows that our hard work pays off and how well we can come together as a club and win some-thing like this.”

-Ashley BattsTong Little Sisters

Aztlan’s winning streak continues

Brandon richardson/Viking

A sign shows support for PNK.Brittany LieBerman/contriButor

Members of the social-service club Men of Aztlan cross the finish line. A close semi-final race against the order of TONG, Aztlan went on to win the Mini Grand Prix at the PCC, on Thursday, April, 16.

Brittany LieBerman/contriButor

David Quezada, 20, a philosophy major, is carried on the shoulders of his club members after his team, Men of Aztlan Blue, win the race and complete the fastest lap time during the race at the PCC.

tyisha aLi/Viking

Aztlan Gold pulls off a flawless switch during one of their races.

SPORTS8 April 30, 2015

DIVING IN

CITY SPORTSBy Will RanosSports Editor

TRACK AND FIELD: Heading into the SoCal Championship preliminaries Saturday, May 2, the Vikings will have 24 track and field members representing LBCC at Cerritos College.

In their last meet in the South Coast Conference Championship finals on Saturday, April 25, the Vikings had the men’s side finish fourth and the women’s finish fifth among seven schools.

For the men’s side, sophomore Jose Ochoa finished second of 14 in the javelin with 47.9 meters and freshman Jared Jones placed sec-ond of 13 in the 3,000-meter stee-plechase with a time of 9:53.63. Freshman Damond Burns had a third place finish out of nine in the 200-meter dash scoring a time of 21.85.

On the women’s side, soph-omore Danasia Richard came

in third out of nine runners in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.43 and tied with two oth-er jumpers for third in the high jump out of 10 with a height of 1.46 meter. Richard also contrib-uted to a third place finish in the 4-by-100-meter relay along with freshman Chantel Dunson, soph-omore Deborahnay Love and freshman Sharone Nora. They had a time of 48.92.

For the SoCal preliminar-ies, the Vikings will be sending 15 men and nine women. Burns will be competing in the 100-me-ter and 200-meter dash and also in the 4-by-100-meter relay and 4x400-m relay. Richard will be competing in the 100- and 200-m, the high jump, the 4x100-m relay and the 4x400-m relay.

If any track and field members qualify, the SoCal Championship Finals at Cerritos will be Saturday, May 9.BASEBALL: The Vikings had a to-

tal of 10 All-South Coast Confer-ence postseason honors awarded to them including SCC Coach of the Year for coach Casey Crook and SCC Pitcher of the Year for sophomore pitcher Julian Griego during Monday’s postseason coaches meeting.

Griego was 6-1 in SCC play with a 1.89 earned run average.

This year’s award for Crook makes it his fourth SCC Coach of the Year with his previous three coming in 1996, 2006 and 2009.

He has led the Vikings to their second consecutive conference championship this year and also has LBCC going into the playoffs for the fourth time over the past eight seasons.

Crook is also closing in on Joe Hicks’ school record for career wins of 513. The current LBCC coach is at 509 wins prior to their playoff match up with Orange Coast on Friday, May 1.

Vikings lose to Orange Coast, 3-1, in playoffs.By Will RanosSports Editor

Despite being competitive in every set, the No. 3 seed LBCC men’s volleyball team lost to No. 2 seed Orange Coast, 3-1, by match scores of 25-19, 25-18, 25-22, 25-16 in the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship quarterfinals.

The Vikings played in their 10th straight postseason appear-ance on Friday, April 17, in the Peterson Gym.

LBCC freshman opposite hit-

ter Charles Belvin led the team with 11 kills and freshman out-side hitter Makoa Tandal record-ed 10 kills. Sophomore setter Rupert Scott had 43 assists and 11 digs. Sophomore libero Adam Wadley and freshman libero Aus-tin Amian each had14 digs.

The Vikes’ loss in the third set appeared to be especially crush-ing to them and killed the mo-mentum they had built up. A few calls went against the Vikings at the end of the set.

Viking coach Jonathan Cha-rette said, “We were struggling to set up passes and sets. (Orange Coast) played a good game. Our goal was to win a state champi-onship, but we overcame a lot of obstacles this year.”

LBCC had four representatives on the All-Western State Conference postseason honors. Sophomore setter Rupert Scott and freshman libero Austin Amian earned first-team with sophomore outside hitter Alfonso Mata and fresh-man outside hitter Jeffrey Utupo landing second-team. Scott led the WSC and the state with 10.76 assists per set. Amian was third in the WSC with 118 digs at 3.37 digs per set.

Sophomores Scott, Wadley and Alfonso Mata, have played their last game for LBCC, but with potentially 13 freshman returning from this year’s team, the Vikings should have a lot of experiencing heading into next year.

Volleyball team falls

By Jon PeacockStaff Writer

The tennis season was not quite over for sophomores Nikki Tigas and Judith Aguilar. Both qualified for a spot at the Ojai Tennis Tournament from April 23-26.

Tigas qualified to play singles at the tournament, as well as dou-bles with her teammate Aguilar. Tigas earned the honors after de-feating a member of El Camino at the conference tournament. The doubles team of Tigas and Aguilar earned their spot after defeating a doubles team at Rio Hondo.

Tigas started her tournament on Thursday with a win against Claudia Plascencia Astudillo of American River. Tigas and Agui-lar later that day took on a dou-bles team from Diablo Valley. Tigas was defeated by sixth seed Hali Dickson from Orange Coast. The doubles team was then de-feated by Teresa de Anda and Bet-tina Olah from Palomar.

The tournament marked the end of the season for Tigas and Aguilar.

Vikings Lose

Darel James/Viking

KILLING IT: LBCC freshman libero Travis Hoodye trains during men’s volleyball practice Tuesday, March 24, at the LAC. The Vi-kings were eliminated from the playoffs by Orange Coast, 3-1.

CinDy maCias/Viking

High school junior Melissa Urueta, 17, dives into LAC’s swimming pool during practice with St. Josephs swim team on Wednesday, April 29. The coach of the team, Matthew Collins, 23, not pictured is a public relations major attending LBCC. Over a dozen students were practicing.

SPORTS 9April 30, 2015

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With 1,025,108 other words in the English language, what are the odds? One in 1,025,109, actually. Learn even more earning a bachelor’s degree at National University. Online. On campus. Non-profit.

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Los Angeles Campus5245 Pacific Concourse Drive(310) 662-2000

Dreamt is the only word that ends in a-m-t.

Vikes season ends with win; 2 honoredSoftball team earns pair of All- Conference spots.By Jon PeacockStaff Writer

A 6-1 win on Tuesday, April 21, over East Los Angeles marked the end of the 2015 softball sea-son for the Vikings.

East Los Angeles struck first in the top of the first with one run.

Both teams held each oth-er off until the fifth inning came around, when the Vikes scored six runs.

Freshman Vanessa Valdez had two RBIs and freshman first base-man Andrea Barb and freshman second baseman Erika Balboa had one RBI. Sophomore pitcher Mary Gonzales held the Huskies to only four hits and struck out seven in the seven innings.

The Vikings ended the season with a record of 14 wins, 25 losses and one tie.

Jon Peacock/Viking

PITCHING STRONG: Sophomore pitcher Mary Gonzalez was one of two Vikings to be given All-South Coast Conference honors. Gonzalez was 6-9 on the season with a 4.10 earned run average.

Standout players for the Vikes include Gonzales, Barb, and freshman Vanessa Valdez. Gon-zales ended her season with 93 strikeouts, two home runs and 19 RBIs. Barb totaled two home runs and 21 RBIs. Valdez ended the season with a .290 batting average and 24 RBIs.

Two of the Vikings were named All-South Coast Confer-ence. Freshman Brianna Alvarez and Gonzales were chosen, the second consecutive season for Gonzales.

Jon Peacock/Viking

WINNING FINALE: LBCC’s softball team leaves the field after winning its last game of the season Tuesday, April 21. The Vikes defeated East Los Angeles 6-1.

Baseball squad enters playoffsVikes win conference as coach nears all-time mark.By Will RanosSports Editor

Scoring seven of its eight runs in the first three innings, the LBCC baseball team held on for an 8-6 win over the El Camino College-Compton Center Tartars and captured their second con-secutive South Coast Conference championship Friday, April 24, at the MLB Urban Youth Academy.

With the bases loaded in the top of the third, freshman center fielder Tai Tiedemann hit a single that brought in two runs. Through a couple errors by ECC Compton, the Vikings totaled five runs in the third and increased the lead to six with the score being 7-1.

LBCC sophomore pitcher Julian Griego was having a good game up until the fifth inning when he gave up three runs. Griego also gave up a run in the sixth inning, which allowed ECC Compton to reduce the lead to 7-5.

With the Tartars climbing their way back into the game, Vikings Aaron Fawcett scored a crucial run by hitting a solo home run in the top of the seventh.

ECC Compton scored one

more run in the eighth, but the early advantage built up by the Vikings proved to be too much to overcome for the Tartars.

Griego picked up the win for the Vikings, improving to 8-2 on the season. Freshman pitcher Schuyler Hill picked up the save, pitching the last two innings and allowing no runs.

LBCC sophomore first base-man Tanner Levine said, “We had a lot of faith in Julian today. We just had to get runs for him. If we hit like today, there is no stopping us.”

With the win, the Vikes fin-ished 20-16 overall on the season and 15-6 in conference play.

Heading into the SoCal Re-gionals, the Vikings will be the No. 7 seed and host No. 10 seed Orange Coast, which went 21-15 on the season and beat the Vi-kings in two of their three meet-ings. The two teams will play a best of three series with game 1 scheduled for Friday, May 1, at 2 p.m. and game 2 scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. If need-ed, a game 3 will be scheduled soon after game 2.

Ticket prices for the post-season tournament are $10 for general admission and $7 for college students, employees with IDs as well as seniors ages 60 and over and children, according the LBCC athletic website.

Lifetime learning center for brain fitness A computer program to help maximize memory and im-prove five other vital brain functions in PCC FF108. No previous computer experience is required for the class.Class offered to adults 50 and over every Monday and Wednesday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Cost is $45 a person to be paid by May 8 or $35 per person if someone brings a friend or relative. Registration fee may be mailed to lifetime learning center, senior studiesNo class on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.bnorberg@lbcc.edu orcall Beverly Norberg at (562) 938-3047 or Rosemary Lewallen, at (562) 400-3724 or email her at rsmrywrrn@hotmail.com

CALENDAR April 30, 201510

AWARDS

SUMMER REGISTRATION

May 7 Student success awardStudents may nominate teachers who have positively impacted them or assisted with degree applications or any help that goes above and beyond job duties For any questions about the student success awards or the nomination pro-cess: to surveygizmo.com/s3/2114737/2015-Stu-dent-Success-Award-Nomina-tions. For any questions, Students may contact student-success@lbcc.edu.

HEAT SHIELD

BRAIN FITNESS SYMPOSIUM

Friday, May 1Baseball Orange Coast at 2.p.m

Saturday, May 2Baseball Orange Coast at 11 a.m.

May 14 LBCC Foundation Athletics Associates golf tournament32nd annual golf tournament at Recreation Park Golf Course in Long Beach. All proceeds from the event benefit the LBCC department of athletics.Registration cost is $200 per person or $750 for a team of four. Registrations done by May 1 will be entered into an ear-ly-bird drawing for dinner for eight and a duffy electric boat ride. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.Check-in begins at 11 a.m. at the course followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. A shotgun start is scheduled for 1 p.m. Long-time supporters of LBCC athletics Suzie Atwood and August “Augie” Luuga will be honored at the tournament dinner. People may visitlbccvikings.com/golf. for more information.

SPRING SING

HOME SPORTS

Jon Peacock/Viking

Ashley Martinez-Munoz and Gabriel Islas shield their faces from the scorching sun while walking by the A Building at LAC on Wednesday, April 29. Temperatures reached 94 degrees and are expect-ed to cool off by the weekend into the 70s.

LBCC phones, dial 4910cell phones, (562) 435-6711or 911police emergency from campus phone, 9-911Long Beach Police Department(562) 938- 4807 or(562) 510- 4807

FINANCIAL AID

Students may submit FAF-SA application or California Dream Act application for 2015-2016. Counselors appointments are available at both campuses. LAC(562) 938-4485A1075Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.Friday: 8 a.m.-noon

PCC(562) 938-4485MD146

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.Friday: 8 a.m.-noonThe offices will be closed for training Friday, May 15

May 4-June 7Information for Summer classes Monday, May 4- Sun-day, June 14, registration by 11 p.m.Tuesday, June 16, payment deadline by 4 p.m. in person or 10 p.m. onlineClasses begin June 22.Graduation certificate applica-tion deadline is June 30 at 6 p.m.Enrollment services office will be closed Friday, May 15, no in-person registration.

June 16Last day to pay for Summer classes will be June 16 at 5 p.m. in person or 10 p.m. online.

LAC(562) 938-4485A1075Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.Friday: 8 a.m.-noon

PCC(562) 938-4485MD135Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.Friday: 8 a.m.-noon

ASBPLACEMENT SERVICE

May 12, Orientation will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. in LAC129 for career placement services. Students may update their skills, earn recognized credential and re-ceive career placement in eight different tracks of entry and middle-level in supply chain management with integrated career placement opportuni-ties.Auxiliary aids and services will be available upon request to individuals with disabilities.(562) 938-3248 orwfdev@lbcc.edu

April 30ASB applications available for student government positions For Fall 2015The deadline has been extend-ed until Thursday, April 30 by 6 p.m. Applications may be turned in to LAC E118 or PCC EE102FElections will be Tuesday-Thurs-day, May 12-14 Positions available are pres-ident, secretary, LAC vice president, president, PCC vice president, student trustee and treasurerlbcc.edu/StudentLife/ASB/

ASB

May 2 Screening and Pastry Party “Let Them Eat Cake” is a movie that will screen in LAC T1200 on Saturday at 7 p.m. featur-ing a pastry tasting party and KCRW radio host Evan Kleiman. Local bakeries plus LBCC chef Pierre Jues will be featured. Tickets range from $7 to $20 and can be purchased at VikingFilmEvents.org

WITHDRAWAL

May 4Students who wish to with-draw from classes have untill Monday.

ARTS

May 14 -24 “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime” A British comedy murder mys-tery performed by the students of Performing Arts Department. For tickets and more infor-mation, visit lbcc.edu/tdf

SOUNDWAVE

VETERANS CLUB

May 16

Memorial Day freedom fair The Veterans Club will host its annual memorial fair in LAC Veterans Stadium. Admission is free and open to the public. The event organizers hope to bring the students, employees and the community together.

The fair will showcase Army fitness test graded by Army drill sergeants, Marine Corps combat fitness tests, eating contests, inflatable obstacle course, carnival games and other activities.

For more information emaillbccvetsclub@gmail.com

The members of DAAP (Devel-opment of Afro American Pro-fessionals) present Profession-al Shades of B.L.A.C.K (Black Leaders Accolades Culture and Knowledge) at LAC on Friday, May 15, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in T1200,

May 22Music and danceLBCC and ASB presents the 64th annual night of music and dance in the LAC Auditorium on Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5 pre-sale and $7 at the door. Proceeds benefit LBCC Founda-tion scholarships. lbcc.orgsync.com/News or lbcc.edu/studentlifeTeila Robertson to trobert-son@lbcc.edu or call (562) 938-4978

CAMPUS POLICE

LBCC offers a text-based emer-gency notification service for mobile phones.In the event of an emergency, subscribers will be alerted in real-time on important campus safety and security informationParticipation must be made by the account holder.

For support, text HELP to 55155 (ALERTU) or email support@alertu.org

TEXT ALERT

VIKING VOYAGER

Free campus-to-campus shuttles for students and employeesRuns every 30 minutes. Arrival and departure times are esti-mated.Monday-Thursday7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday: No servicePassengers must present an ID with ASB sticker or em-ployee ID card upon board-ing the shuttle.

May 14KCTY and KLBC present live music at LAC on Thursday from 10 a.m- 4 p.m.Featuring Justine Abigail, Apparition Railway, LBCC Jazz Big Band among others. Sound Wave live on KCTY.org and KLBC.org and youtube

In honor of Earth Day, what are you doing to help the planet? If recycling, what are you recycling?

Traemar SimpSon, 21, BuSineSS managemenT major

“I recycle cans and bottles and positive energy. I want more people to live and be happy.”

Tiffany mejia, 18, poliTical Science major

“I always save my water bottle then take them to be recycled and I donate.”

cierra comforT, 19, Biology major

“I recycle bottles and box-es and we clean up the beaches in our neighbor-hood.”

Sarai Henrique, 21, BuSineSS adminiSTraTion major

“I’m trying to convince my mom to invest in more can-teen bottles instead of the plastic bottles.”

jameS moyer, 20, Biology Science major

“I ride my bike. Unless I have to go pick up my sisters from school, I ride my bike and I live in Gardena so it’s a nice ride.”

malacHi curry, 18, inTernaTional BuSineSS major

“I pick up trash on cam-pus and I recycle bottles.”

By Tyisha Ali and Irina Nizovtseva on Monday, April 27, at the LAC

EDITORIAL

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

CITY VIEWSOPINION 11April 30, 2015

VIKING STAFF

Editor in chief: Brandon RichardsonManaging editor : Arieel AlcarazCitystyle editor: Hunter KingSports editor: Will RanosAdvertising manager: Michal Olszewski

Staff:Tyisha AliDarel JamesCindy MaciasKelly Mahaffey

The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication.The Viking will be published May 14, 28 and July 30. The Viking is published by Journalism 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87 and 88 students of the LBCC English Department, with funding from the Associated Student Body.The Viking newsroom is located at LBCC, 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, Calif., 90808, Room P125, Mail Code Y-16, Tele-phone (562) 938-4285 or contact us by email to vikingnews@lbcc.edu.The Viking is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges, the California Newspaper Publishers Associ-ation, Unity Journalists of Color and the California First Amendment Coalition.Printed by Beach Community Publishing. Delivery staff: PCC Student Life staff and Viking staff.The views expressed in the Viking do not reflect the views of the advisers, adminis-tration or the ASB. First copy free, each additional $1.

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 will be published with the letter.

lbccviking.comFacebook.com/lbccvikingnews

Twitter.com/lbccvikingnewsInstagram/lbccvikingnews

vikingnews@lbcc.edu

Kelly MahaffeyIrina NizovtsevaJon Peacock Sylvana Uribe

Adviser: Patrick McKeanPhoto and Online adviser: Chris ViolaRetired photo adviser: Jim TruittStudent assistant: Charles Hall

They call us student leaders, but really the only thing we’re leading is the voice of the stu-dents. People like to think that Associated Student Body folks are in charge and have some kind of authority,  but in every decision we make, we have the benefits of the students helping us guide our choices. Our individual voice is really the voice for the people.

So when student body elec-tions comes around, this is why it is important to come out and vote. It is up to the individual to choose the right candidate to not only share their voice, but have faith in them that the elected will show integrity and stick to what is right for the students.

At the election polls, you won’t just find someone giving you a sheet to vote. You’ll be able to get the opportunity to speak to ASB officials about any concerns you have.

Not only will the students receive the chance to make a dif-ference at the polls this term, but

they will get a chance to even be-come part of the ASB Cabinet. And we highly encourage it. We notice that students always are trying to make a change, but nev-er know how to approach the situ-ation. Here’s your chance.

We do a lot that goes unno-ticed, but that’s OK, we’re not in it for the glory. But if you’d like to see the ASB Cabinet in action, come by one of our meetings at 8 a.m. on Fridays. Just email Maya Cardenas, Student Life coordina-tor and ASB adviser, at mcarde-nas@lbcc.edu and we’ll let you know which campus our meeting is on that week.

LBCC is one of the top Com-munity Colleges, and most di-verse, in the country. Be active to hold up our reputation. Get involved to gain experience and make connections to help guide your future. Come out and vote during elections. Your voice is what keeps us motivated.

Samwell Favela, 24,ASB secretary

The automobile is an Amer-ican symbol of independence, but on campus, it has become the symbol of inconvenience. “Look-ing for parking” has become one of the most popular excuses to be late to class. Students who drive to the college have few options when it comes to parking, as both cam-puses pose unique obstacles.

At the LAC, designated park-ing exists in the five-level parking structure or on the lot behind Veterans Stadium. The parking structure “fills up early,” Arely Co-rona, 18, a biology major, said, “If I get there around 7:30, I can park

on level 3 or 4, but after 8, I can only park on the top level.”

Unlike the structure, Vet-erans Stadium lot has plenty of room, but it’s a walk, students say. According to Google Maps, the A Building is located about 0.7 miles from the lot. Students must decide between searching for a spot in the structure and getting a sure spot at Veterans Stadium, making for a sure walk to class.

It’s a known fact that exercise relieves stress, and as many stu-dents have found out, parking creates it. By simply parking at Veterans Stadium, students could

rid themselves of the daily battle over spots in the structure and allow for a healthy release of do-pamine by walking. Who wants to sit all day anyway, between cars seats and desk chairs? The stroll from Veterans Stadium to class could actually be enjoyable.

Chasen Landry, 20, a commu-nications major, found his own solution to parking. “Last semes-ter I bought a parking pass and parked at Veterans Stadium. This semester, I realized I can park on Centralia Street, which is outside the ticket zoning area. Either way I’d have to walk a half mile to

class. Now I save $30.”By finding creative solutions

to everlasting issues, Landry and other students parking outside the no-parking zones are getting exercise and saving money.

Parking is also tight at the PCC due to the extensive con-struction obstructing the lots. Also, 109 parking spots are sched-uled to open upon completion of the construction projects, which should provide relief to student drivers.

Parking is not the only prob-lem. Some drivers who drop off students do not use the designat-

ed drop-off zones. At the LAC, students are commonly dropped curbside on Faculty Avenue, which is not a designated zone, or even at the bus inlets, which is completely illegal. The LAC des-ignated drop-off zone is located off Clark Avenue in front of the parking structure. The PCC has a designated drop-off on PCH be-tween buildings CC and LL.

The parking struggle is real. Some student drivers will show up early, some will walk, and some will go beyond ticket zones. Still, some will be ever-late.

Drivers find creative solutions to old problems

ASB urges voter turnout

carloS lopez, 19,undeclared major

“I recycle bottles and cans mostly when I can.”

marcella alvarado, 19,undeclared major

“When I was in high school, we went on community walks and pick up trash and we recycle at my house.”

Artistic director Lauren Hall gathers the dancers after warming up for the show Friday, April 24, in the Auditorium.

DANCE April 30, 2015 12

Movement of passionStory By Hunter KingCityStyle EditorPhotos By Cindy MaciasStaff Photographer

Dances whirled back and forth across the stage in ecstatic anxiousness as they warmed up an hour before the start of the Spring Dance Ensemble in Con-cert in LAC’s Auditorium on Fri-day April 24.

The ensemble ran for a total of three days from April 24–26 featuring a variety of dances in-cluding contemporary Chinese, modern and jazz.

Choreographer and teacher Lauren Hall thanked the dancers for their kindness, respect and passion before the ensemble be-gan and said, “the show is now in your hands.”

The doors opened at 8 p.m. and the auditorium was moder-ately filled.

The ensemble opened with “Heartstring,” a contemporary

Chinese dance in which dances performed with red strings rep-resenting the connection to the heart.

“Can’t Buy Me Love” was cho-reographed by Jeff Hendrix and played music by Michael Buble.

“It takes two” was well re-ceived by the audience, featuring a total of 19 dancers and music including The Fresh Prince, Janet Jackson and DJ EZ Rock. “Shack-led and Forgotten” featured music by Delta Rae.

“Siri Says” made the audience laugh as Siri’s voice commanded the dancers to perform a variety of different dances.

After the intermission, a vid-eo by Arlene Brackett and Dorian Warmsley paid tribute to Sheree King, who is retiring from the college and dance program after 30 years of service.

The dancing picked up again with “Evolve,” where lizard-like creatures collaborated with danc-ers mimicking flies.

“Suspicion” was a suspense-ful piece that ended more like a WWE smack-down where all but one dancer were knocked to the ground in a rhythmic battle with chairs.

Dancers in full camouflaged fatigues perform in “Onomato-poeia” honoring women in the military.

The night finished with “Table for Two,” telling a love story over a lifetime, leaving the audience warmhearted.

After the performance, dance major Brandy Factory, 20, said, “I enjoy performing for LBCC very much. It’s given me a chance to grow both academically and physically, and has pushed me to work harder as both a performer and in my dance technique class-es.”

The audience was overall pleased with the wide variety of dance styles and music.

The Fall Dance Ensemble is scheduled Nov. 20–22.

A nursing major, Brittney Murphy, 19, performs “Shackled and Forgotten,” a dance piece choreographed by Shaquan Ferguson. “Thank you Shaquan for such a won-derful piece to perform,” Murphy said.

Candace Salud, 19, a biology major, jumps during her perfor-mance of “Can’t Buy My Love.” The dance piece was choreo-graphed by Jeff Hendrix.

Brandy Factory, 20, a dance major, performs “Siri Says” during the Dance Ensemble on Friday, April 24. The show ran from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26.