A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION @roundupnews
Vol. 145, Issue 6
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026
Angelenos take to the streets for No Kings protests
Attendees emphasize the importance of voting ahead of midterms
Josue Aguilar / Roundup News Protesters march through Hill Street for No Kings in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct., 17, 2026.
By Lesa Greenfield Reporter
H
undreds of protesters gathered in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 17,
for a No Kings rally protesting President Donald Trump’s administration. The rally was one of many held across the country ahead of the November midterm elections. Protesters gathered at Gloria Molina Grand Park near City Hall, where speakers addressed
CAMPUS LIFE
Page 4
‘AIDS Diva’ screening
Sebastian Berrospid Gutierrez / Roundup News
the crowd before organizers began the march through Downtown Los Angeles. Some remained at the park while others took to the streets. The march began on Spring Street and continued along First, Hill and Temple streets before returning to City Hall.
A truck carrying live musicians playing upbeat Mexican music accompanied the march as protesters waved signs and cheered. Organizers directed the march as cars waited for protesters to pass. Diane Treviso Ceja, who attended with her husband,
Adolfo, said protecting voting rights and encouraging younger people to vote were among her biggest concerns.
Read ‘No Kings Protest’ on page 5.
SPORTS
ARTS
Page 7
Page 6
Dracula preview Taryn Robinson / Roundup News
Women’s volleyball secures 3-1 victory
Daniel Shamash / Roundup News
2 Opinion
theroundupnews.com
Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup 6201 Winnetka Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91371 Room: Pierce College Village 8211 Website: www.theroundupnews.com Email: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail. com
Editor-in-Chief.........Zamourad Iqbal Managing Editor..............Calvin Henry Opinion Editor............James Mondares News Editor...............Natalie Baharian Copy Editor.....................Emily Garcia Photo Editor....................Josue Aguilar Campus Life Editor.........Gisele Donan Campus Life Assistant Editor......Cesar Baneulos Soto Entertainment Editor..Viviana Morales Sports Editor................Lesa Greenfield Social Media Editor......Natallia Padilla Newsletter Editor...................Elizabeth Santana-Zavala Reporters Abraham Elizalde Valeria Estevez Mizel Hernandez Isaiah Johnson Mac Kupka Gregory Brown Photographers Ali Bigdeli Sebastian Berrospid Gutierrez Nateli Bush Gerardo Escobar Kameron Fricks Grace Furman Akarai Jackson Tyler Miller Danial Mohamed Taryn Robinson Moises Rodriguez Daniel Shamash Advisers Jill Connelly Jeff Favre Tracie Savage Morgan Keith
Social media could get more students to campus
I
t is no secret that social media has run the culture for some time. Recently, a popular Instagram account has gained hundreds of followers by showcasing the outfits of Pierce College students and faculty, with lots of comments hyping the people. Although there has been an uptick on official social media content representing Pierce, there should be more consistency to develop a robust social culture on campus. Following social media trends on TikTok and Instagram, as well as interviewing students, are a few things that Pierce accounts could do. Hiring student workers for these positions can also boost student engagement, while also ensuring that posts made on Pierce accounts are up to date and still trending.
Social media influence should not be underestimated: posts from student councils and clubs pop up on Reels and TikTok algorithms regularly, each of them having thousands of likes. This brings press and attention, attention that can be used to attract possible students. The Brand Education concurs: “Social media platforms offer universities a powerful means to reach prospective students. By sharing engaging content, including campus tours, student testimonials, and academic highlights, universities can showcase their unique offerings and attract potential applicants. Social media also enables targeted advertising, allowing universities to reach specific demographics and engage with individuals who may not have been aware of their institution otherwise — locally and internationally.”
Along with attracting prospective students, consistently posting and having an active social media account is great for the image of the college and would help boost its reputation. An article for UniRank states, “A consistent social presence shapes public perception, highlights academic honors, and maintains transparency. Direct social engagement allows university communications teams to address student feedback and manage potential public relations issues promptly.” Additionally, if students are posted regularly and are shown that they are paid attention to, lots of people would love to have a chance to be featured on their college’s social media page. This is a win-win scenario. Students get to participate in an uplifting culture while the college gets to promote itself and the life on
campus. Using social media as a means to promote the campus is affordable and cost-friendly, only needing a phone to shoot and a social media account to post. Editing equipment can be done online, and microphones are only needed to ensure good audio quality. Pitch Pine Media agrees: “Social Media Marketing for Schools is a more reasonably priced and quantifiable choice than conventional marketing techniques such as print ads and billboards. Paid advertising allows schools to guarantee the best return on investment by reaching a certain target.” Posting students on social media regularly would help promote the school, boost in person attendance and participation in extracurriculars.
Public arts projects can liven up campus scenery
S
tanding proudly at the heart of Pierce College is the beloved rustic red Brahma Bull, created by artist Richard Berliner. By including students and more local artists as collaborators in public arts projects, Pierce can amplify the campus community and build creative opportunities for their students. According to The Art Of Education University, Murals act as powerful tools for art advocacy and student empowerment. By making a mural, students are actively changing a space they have
grown familiar with, which can bring in a stronger sense of connection to campus life, as well as elevate students’ proximity to hands-on projects and art by making it accessible for both the artist and the viewer. Pitzer College in Claremont has displayed more than 150 student-led murals since the 1970s. What originally started as an independent endeavor for self expression on campus became a staple for the college’s history. Students still express themselves on the changing mural wall through proposals that even have a chance at becoming permanent art.
Pierce could adopt a similar submission process, allowing students to present ideas and gather together to produce a piece of art. Pierce also has the resources to turn this from concept to reality. With 37 professors at the Art & Architecture department at Pierce College and hundreds of local artists and artisans, Pierce has the opportunity to cultivate a network of strong mentors. Pierce could organize workshops, host meetings and invite local artists and faculty to guide students through large scale projects or exhibitions. Beyond artistic expression,
For advertising, call: (818)710-2960 Corrections? Email us at newsroom. roundupnews@gmail.com
Scan the QR code below to subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Illustration by Gisele Donan / Roundup News
public art displays can positively impact students’ well-being. The National Library of Medicine conducted a study where 63.63% of participants were students visiting an art installation during the high stress period of finals week. The study concluded it had the potential to be an effective intervention that promotes emotional wellbeing and eases anxiety on highstress environments like college campuses. Research from Frontiers In Science found that exposure to art has been shown to improve long-term emotional states. Additionally, within the study Cotter and Pawelski (2022) found that engagement with art museums was associated with elevated levels of happiness. ‘If Pierce used frequent rotations of art exhibitions, students would be able to showcase their work while benefiting from the effects of engaging in art, forming a cycle of creativity. The University of Hawai’i at Manoa had done a graduate study on the impact of school beautification projects, specifically through students making murals. Preliminary findings had suggested that student-made murals garnered a greater sense of community among their peers and fostered pride in belonging to a space and group effort in making something together. Pierce has a meaningful history of public art displays and architecture, but students deserve an opportunity to put their majors to use and help evolve the campus with their skills.
Opinion 3
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026
Should choosing a major be mandatory for school? PRO: Picking a major saves students time and money
CON: Undeclared option gives students freedom of choice
By Mizel Hernandez Reporter
S
tudents have an important decision to make that can shape their future academic experience: a major. Entering college is a new chapter that every student is excited for when they start to plan out their lives. Choosing a major can give students a clear pathway as they begin their college experience. While some students have already chosen what major to pick, others struggle to figure out what really interests them. A major being required to enter college can help set up goals and prepare students to stay focused on their future. Having a major chosen can help students better understand the classes required to graduate and to have a plan on how to complete their degree. It also helps avoiding taking unnecessary classes that will waste time and cost them more. Choosing a major early can also create many opportunities to gain experience before graduating. College is all about the timing and how available you are to work on getting it done on time. Choosing your major early also helps you plan and look for internships and gain knowledge. In these classes, you will make connections where most of you share the major or interest. Giving opportunities to build professional relationships and studying or helping each other. Early decisions about academic programs help encourage students to research other careers before they move forward with their plans. In an article by The Honor Society magazine, requiring students to declare
a major before entering college helps streamline academic pathways, lower tuition costs, and align institutional resources. This way, students won’t waste time and money and get their own pathways sorted right away. The advantages of this are in saving money such as in college tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. In an article by Indeed having a declared focus gives students immediate structure for setting academic goals and connecting with peers who share similar career ambitions. This runs in having a clearer educational direction which is a concern for some students because students tend to change their minds after taking new classes or gaining more knowledge in different subjects. In another article by Indeed, early commitment allows faster access to discipline-specific internships, faculty mentorships, and specialized networking groups. Academic advisers could help students explore career options and show them many opportunities to encourage them to pursue goals for their major. So yes, choosing a major should be required because it encourages responsibility, provides direction, and helps so many people make informed decisions about their education. With the right tools and support, students can begin their college experience feeling greatly confident while having so many opportunities to explore.
C
By Mac Kupka Reporter
ollege has always had students with no major. In fact, you are allowed to first start as undeclared, then decide what you want to continue in. The primary point of a major is to declare what students want to finish college with, rather than what they start with. By not being required to choose a major, a student is automatically offered a larger freedom of choice. Though they are required to have a major to graduate, a student can get started in one area of education and won’t be set back by changing their mind afterward. According to Mt. St. Joseph University, 20%-50% of their students start with no major, and 75% of their students change their major at least once, if not several times, before successfully graduating. Being able to have this freedom allows students a more efficient way of starting college, as it’s possible to find different areas of study that require similar skills a student has, while being able to find one that a student has more passion in. A lot of times, a student will change their major based on what they think about the monetary possibilities that come post-graduation. Not having to choose a major will make it more possible for a student to find something they truly enjoy doing while still satisfying their monetary desires. According to Edvisors, it’s easy to feel like one thinks they need to choose between passion and paycheck, but that a student will be able to find the balance between both with their own creativity.
What’s your dream job, and why?
“My dream job is probably to to get my board certification in child development with behavioral therapy and just help kids with special needs.” Yuliana Sanchez — Child Development
“My dream job is medicine, specifically allergies, immunology. The reason is because I’m personally severely allergic to dairy products. and I want to get into the field of allergy immunology to help kids.” Ardavan Abbaszadeh — Biology/Pre-med
“My dream job is to be a psych MP one day and do psych nursing, I’ve always liked wondering why people do what they do and what they’re thinking and what kind of spawns something” Brandon Dykes — Nursing
College can be very expensive, even more so with classes regarding certain majors. Being able to change their major to something they know they can utilize their skills in and that they have more of a passion for will allow a student to end up spending less, rather than having to completely start over. Having to completely finish college in a subject you weren’t completely set on would often cause a lot of stress in a student. It’s possible to finish college despite doing something that isn’t as emotionally rewarding as one thought it would be when originally selected. Being able to choose would remove some of this stress, since a student would not be penalized for changing their major to find this reward for themself. The school assistance website BestColleges notes that 61% of college graduates would go back and change their major if they could. Delaying a major doesn’t specifically mean the student is not going to be able to perform well in what they choose to graduate with. All it would do is increase the amount of time a student would go to school.
Interviews by Lesa Greenfield Photos by Akarai Jackson
“My dream job is to be a makeup artist backstage for the theater. I want to do that because I really like doing intense makeup looks under a time crunch” Ronnie Enos — Undecided
4 News
theroundupnews.com
Feature documentary shines a light on trans AIDS activist By Calvin Henry Managing Editor
W
hat was normally a standard television screen became a window into the past for the dozens of Pierce College students experiencing the 1980’s AIDS public health crisis, as well as the life of a trailblazing activist and her legacy in the queer community. As part of Pride History Month, a screening of the documentary film “AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman” was held Thursday, Oct. 15, in the Multicultural Center. Around 20 people attended the event, including the film’s director Dante Alencastre and producer John Johnston, who have spent the last five years screening the film to audiences around the world. Alencastre said that the documentary can serve as a “blueprint” on how to continue fighting for progressive change. He added that he hopes viewers will realize these movements will continue to exist as long as there is resource inequality among minorities, women and immigrants. “We can just not sit and say, ‘Oh, but I’m fine here. We have
gay marriage now,’” Alencastre said. “I have a lot of friends who have felt that way, and who do not take on the next movement or the next call to action because they’re fine, but a lot of us are not.” The documentary follows the life of Connie Norman, an HIVpositive trans woman, starting from the “Gay Cancer” scare of the 1980s to her activism against the government’s oppression of trans people and handling of the AIDS crisis. It also explores her gender identity during her final moments before dying due to “complications with AIDS,” according to a Los Angeles Times obituary. Through archival footage, photos and interviews of Norman’s friends and colleagues, the documentary presents different parts of her life, such as her activism at several protests she attended, guest appearences on TV shows and recorded getaway trips with her closest friends. Alencastre said that the transgender identity isn’t a new phenomenon. “I want people to be aware of the power of knowing your own history, especially if you’re part of the [LGBT] community,” Alencastre said. “Even if you’re not part of the community, I think with the film we try to humanize
the trans experience.” Gender studies major Carla Barreto said that she came to the screening because the topic was interesting to her, and after viewing the film, she said she was inspired to share what she learned. “As an immigrant coming from a Latino culture, I think having more information about the transgender community and knowing the story of Connie filled me with good information that I can bring awareness to my friends, family and community in general,” Barreto said. Student Services Specialist and Multicultural Center Coordinator Melkumyan said that a takeaway from the post-screening Q&A was that knowing different parts of a person’s identity beyond their gender or sexual orientation builds empathy and connection. “When someone says they’re part of the LGBTQ community, they could also be an immigrant or a refugee or an undocumented student,” Melkumyan said. “I think it’s very important to recognize that.” Alencastre said that he chose to screen this film across colleges and universities instead of making it available for streaming because students are typically the most eager to watch the documentary.. “I wish when I was at
Sebastian Berrospid Gutierrez / Roundup News Audience members watch “AIDS Diva: The Legend of Connie Norman” in the Multicultural Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 15, 2026. Columbia University in the 80s, that we would have films like this, that we would have panels talking about people from the 60s and 70s who are gay and lesbian and trans,” Alencastre said. “I didn’t have any of that, and that’s one of the reasons I didn’t go to my graduation at Columbia. I didn’t think anybody was going to talk about me or represent me as an immigrant queer person of color.” Alencastre said that in the five years since releasing the
documentary the world has reached a low point, but being a part of the queer community gives him hope and resilience. “Just listening to Connie once again, a woman living and dying with HIV during the worst of times back then, it just gives me something to wake up to and say, ‘At least today I’m gonna be at Pierce College meeting a whole bunch of students and staff and faculty who are gonna get this message,” Alencastre said.
Bodega recognized as Good Food Champion by LACCD eligibility requirement so we can continue to provide resources in any way we can.” Student worker and prenursing major Cassy Nguyen said that visiting Brahma Bodega daily inspired her to want to work there. “Before I had the chance to become a student worker, I loved the resources they gave out,” Nguyen said. “I would come here every day, that’s why I wanted a student worker position here.” Nguyen said that before she
By Lesa Greenfield Sports Editor
T
he Brahma Bodega received a formal resolution of commendation from the City of Los Angeles at City Hall’s John Ferraro Council Chamber on Friday, Oct. 16. The Los Angeles Food Policy Council recognized Brahma Bodega as its annual Good Food Champion for making positive changes in the community and working to improve access to healthy, culturally relevant food. Geremy Mason, coordinator of Pierce College’s Basic Needs Program, and Juan Carlos Astorga, dean of student engagement, were presented with the resolution by Councilmember Nithya Raman. Mason said that he believes the program’s work and the number of students it serves led to the recognition. “It’s very encouraging, obviously we don’t do this work to get awards,” Mason said. “However, it means a lot to know the amount of impact that we’ve had and the work that we’ve been doing is being noticed and honored.”
Lesa Greenfield / Roundup News Councilmember Nithya Raman presenting a commendation from the City of Los Angeles to Brahma Bodega coordinator Geremy Mason and his staff for their work addressing student food insecurity along with Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga at City Hall in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 16, 2026. Brahma Bodega provides students with groceries, daily snacks and evening meals, along with twice-monthly food distributions that include fresh produce and shelf stable items. Astorga said that he believes in giving flowers to people when they deserve it, and to him Mason walks on water. “He is such a genuine caring soul who goes out of his way to be supportive of all people,” Astorga said. “He tries to ensure
that the work that he does is always committed to ensuring that people feel seen, validated, and supported.” Astorga said that providing food, housing assistance and other resources can help ease the worries students face. “These are pieces that can alleviate a little bit of stress and can create a sense of comfort and support,” Astorga said. “We make sure people understand and know there is no income or
was part of the program, she was hesitant to connect with the campus and its resources. “The Bodega isn’t simply just a snack. It makes me connect and feel more open to other resources Pierce offers,” Nguyen said. “For me it’s very meaningful when you have to study and you just need a friend to give you a snack.”
Natallia Padilla contributed this story.
a Blotter
m Brah Crime Log Petty theft (stolen equipment in Sheriff Station women’s locker room) reported on Oct. 19, 2026. The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office.
Compiled by Calvin Henry Pierce College Sheriff’s Office General Information 818-719-6450 — Emergency 818-710-4311
Photo by Calvin Henry
News 5
Wednesday, Oct., 21, 2026
Cntd.: Residents rally from Woodland Hills to Downtown LA Continued from Page 1. “First and foremost, to make sure that people know they got to get out to vote,” Ceja said. Ceja said she has been attending protests since before Trump was elected and is especially concerned about deportations. “The first administration was bad, but what’s going on in this administration with the deportations, ICE taking people, our neighbors, our community, it’s like we’ve lost control,” Ceja said. Protesters carried signs reading “No Kings,” “Due Process! It’s the Law!” and “Power to the People.” Others held signs against Trump and ICE. One man carried an upside-down American flag, a symbol of distress. The rally also brought out young people who are not yet eligible to vote. Charlotte Brown, 17, a high school student from Santa Clarita, came to Los Angeles because she wanted to be part of a larger protest than those held in her hometown. Brown said she will miss being eligible to vote in the November election by just two weeks, but that hasn’t stopped her from getting involved. She has been canvassing and talking to voters. She said the overturning of Roe v. Wade was one of the first things that pushed her to become politically active. “I think the most dangerous thing to young people in trying to get involved in politics is apathy
and feeling so stuck and like, there’s nothing that you can do,” Brown said. Casey Katz, a journalism major at the University of Southern California, attended the rally to hear people’s opinions about the mayoral election and the midterms. Katz said he has noticed more division in the country and wanted to hear what people had to say. For others, the rally was about bringing people together. Abby Bochelen said she wanted people in Los Angeles to come together and speak up. “We’re Los Angeles, and we haven’t come together as a community like we should have a long time ago,” Bochelen said. After the march returned to City Hall, speakers addressed protesters from the steps of the building. The crowd continued to gather as some people left and others arrived. Brown said attending the rally was only the beginning and encouraged people to continue getting involved in their communities. “I think from this protest specifically, the action does not stop here,” Brown said. “This is a great place for visibility, to hear different people speak, to listen to these messages. But you have to figure out what you can do. Stay involved, especially locally.”
Woodland Hills unites for ‘No Kings: Vote Early’ Hundreds gathered on the corner of Topanga Canyon and
Victory Boulevard in Woodland Hills, Calif. On Saturday as part of a series of nationwide “No Kings” protests. Protesters lined the sidewalk with signs while some sang in honor of those who have died during immigration enforcement operations and others performed protest songs from the 1960s and 1970s and was also attended by Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA-32). The “No Kings: Vote Early” rally in Woodland Hills was hosted by Stand Up For Your Rights Woodland Hills Indivisible, CA Chapter, centered around early voting, particularly encouraging people to vote early and show enthusiasm for doing so, according to Fields. “We can’t get out of this mess unless people vote,” Woodland Hills Indivisible Leadership Team member Andrea Fields Fields said. “It’s the most important thing we can do. It’s our right. Every adult has the right to vote.” The rally comes before midterm elections where Republicans hold a majority in Congress and face a 55.8% unfavorability rating according to YouGov. “We’re hoping that more people come out and join because we got to get rid of this regime’” Fields said. “We’re going to do it because there are more of us than there are of them.”
Gerardo Escobar contributed to this story.
Gerardo Escobar / Roundup News Protestors walk down Victory Boulevard during a “No Kings” protest in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 17, 2026.
Josue Aguilar / Roundup News Musical artist Izzy T sings in front of Los Angeles City Hall for the No Kings protest in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 17, 2026.
Lesa Greenfield / Roundup News (L to R) Actress Paris Warner and business consultant Abby Bochelen holding protest signs and marching at the “No Kings” rally in Downtown Los Angeles Calif., on Oct. 17, 2026 .
6 Arts & Entertainment
theroundupnews.com
Review: Georgia Oakley reimagines Jane Austen classic By Gisele Donan Campus Life Editor
P
eriod pieces from the 1800’s often like to tighten the corset strings. But a new version of a classic drapes the audiences with a tale of sisterhood and love that comes as slow as seasons. Jane Austen’s “Sense & Sensibility,” which premiered on Friday, Oct. 16, with direction by Georgia Oakley and screenplay by Diana Reeds, comes alive in this plush and heartfelt adaptation The film is tender from the moment it starts. The Dashwoods are at the mercy of their wealthy father’s will, which writes that his son from his first marriage is his sole heir. Accompanied by his hostile wife, Fanny (Stacy Martin), the first family takes over the estate and the girls are forced to move to a modest cottage in Devonshire, England. Here, among the chaos, we are introduced to the protagonists. There’s the eldest and most sensible, Elinor, starring Daisy Edgar Jones and free spirited Marianne, played by Esme Creed-Miles alongside their mother (Caitriona Baife) and youngest sister Margaret
(Bodhi Rae Breathnach). Devastated by the news, the two eldest sisters together must quickly find eligible prospects to build back family wealth and certainty from ruin. This not only leads to winding love stories filled with “will they-won’t they” tropes that we’ve come to expect from period dramas, but a deeply tender story on authenticity and what it means to love in spite of society’s restrictions. Troubled with love Elinor finds herself fancying Fanny’s honorable and respectful eldest brother, Edward (George Mackay) who cannot be bound to the low status she holds, While Marianne is between two choices: The aloof but fervent observer Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum) and the charming but reckless Willoughby (Frank Dillane) both of which have their own secrets that make the journey to love harder than what was thought. The pairs between suitor and sister were more than just love stories to fawn over — it had grown to be one of the greatest devices the film used to display the different roads that are taken in pursuit of sincerity without refrain and love. Edgar-Jones and Dillane stand
Gisele Donan / Roundup News A costume display of the movie ‘Sense & Sensibilty’ at AMC Theater in Los Angeles, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026. out in their brilliant performance together. Through their range of emotions and withdrawal, they both hide from themselves and their families. The artificial poise Elinor gathers before Edward stumbles into the room captures that feeling of breathlessness, of pause. Oakley’s adaptation has taken
the core experience of girlhood and the frantic nature of love and turns it into a cozy visual story. From the delicate piano medleys to the beautifully crafted monologues about the consequences of withholding love, it urges audiences to surrender to experiences that leave us both completely
vulnerable yet entirely new. “Sense & Sensibility” (2026) is more than a new take on one of Jane Austen’s most beloved writings. It works in tandem with the original and through the Dashwood sisters to remind modern audiences that they are not alone in the journey to love or community.
Preview: Theater department prepares for the ‘Dracula’ By Natalie Baharian News Editor
C
oncerning gothic horror, fear is a major component in the overall experience. And Pierce’s production of “Dracula” hopes to offer audiences a taste of frightening moments, highlighting Bram Stoker’s classic novel timely for Halloween. After initially considering other plays to adapt, the director, Esdras Toussaint, ultimately decided on “Dracula.” Despite not necessarily loving horror, the vision , history and significance
of the play made it worthy to perform, according to Toussaint. “I don’t think I would have ever really touched it because I’m not one for the horror genre,” said play director Esdras Toussaint. “I don’t get scared about stuff like that. But, I loved the idea that a person a hundred and thirty years ago had a vision and wrote about it and wrote all of the characters, and to this day, all of these characters are present in our lives. I mean, that person created the genre we know as horror.” His appreciation for a piece written over 100 years ago is the motivation that helped bring the atmosphere of the gothic century
Taryn Robinson / Roundup News Hex Nahas, set and prop designer, working on building a prop that will be used as a weapon in Dracula in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 15, 2026.
and fascinating characters to life in a unique way. Encouraging the cast to provide their interpretation of the characters and share their ideas reflected a very giving environment where actors collaborated and bounced thoughts off of one another. This approach allows the audience to develop their own thoughts and conclusions about the play. You aren’t meant to think anything; the audience is meant to decide. “I don’t want a specific idea to pop up in their head. What I hope is that the audience starts breathing together, that their heartbeat syncs up together,” said Toussaint. “I want people to experience a side of the human experience that, you know, like fear, fright, horror, from a place of safety.” As the story explores the struggle between good and evil, the main cast discovers who their characters are, what they want out of life, and what charges them throughout the story. Beginning with a young doctor stricken by ambition and the search of love, the interaction between that and forces of the supernatural shift the dynamics of the characters and their relationships with each other. “I want to know what Seward is after, what’s important to Seward, and where I can find those pieces in myself that I can
Taryn Robinson / Roundup News Dracula cast coming together to discuss the outline of rehearsal in the Performing Arts Building at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif., on Oct. 15, 2026. make a reality on stage”, said Shane Chung. “In the research that I did, it was very important to me to understand his physicality and how people in that time would stand specifically. He is very young, but he is also in a culture where how you present yourself is very important, especially since he is the head of such a large organization.” Being set in the 1890s, the production also follows Mina, as Dracula pursues her. Portraying a woman at the time required attention to both the physical and psychological elements of that time to truly capture the experience of a woman in that
time period. Despite the restrictions of Victorian society, Mina explores perseverance and feminism. “I want other women who see this to think, ‘Oh, she’s the one who tests everyone. She challenges norms and brings something new. She’s running the show, basically,’” Haley Anglin, the female lead said. “But it’s Mina’s mind that carries everything.” Leaving something to be unexpected, “Dracula” runs from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Sports 7
Wednesday, Oct., 21, 2026
Pierce College women’s volleyball team celebrates 3-1 victory By Natalie Baharian News Editor
A
n opening-set loss quickly turned into a four-set victory over Antelope Valley College on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Ken Stanley Court. With set scores of 24-26, 2520, 25-11 and 25-19, the Brahmas were able to secure a 3-1 victory against Antelope Valley. After having a contentious first set, being almost neck and neck, the Brahmas quickly regrouped and
successfully won the next three sets, achieving a substantial point gap. Using aggressive attacks and back-to-back defensive efforts, they were able to dominate any opposition and position themselves in the lead for the majority of the match. One of the most prominent contributors, captain Samantha Sikorski fiercely led her team with a match-high 20 kills along with 20 digs “We started downhill, and then we just went uphill,” Sikorski said, reflecting on the match. “I feel like in the beginning, you
Daniel Shamash / Roundup News (Left to right) Pierce players Aliah Richards (3) Francine Baltazar (15) and Mariana Aguilar (13) celebrating after a Girls Volleyball game against Antelope Valley at the South Gym of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 14, 2026.
could tell we lost our energy, it just wasn’t there. But then we definitely picked it up in the second, third, and fourth set.” Accompanying Sikorski, with her large abundance of kills, was freshman middle blocker Keba Campbell who added another 10 kills and several service aces during the first two sets. With Pierce’s collective effort, the team recorded 22 total aces. As the match progressed, the group listened to one another s to gain an advantage. Despite the opening set being largely competitive,
with both teams trading points consecutively between one another, the Brahmas found their rhythm in the second set. Winning 25-20 through combative attacks and clean coordination, making it challenging for Valley to dig their attacks and for them to return the serves in their direction. “I kept reminding them of having a growth mindset,” head coach CJ Suarez said. “The girls really battled through a lot, but after the first set, we kept winning, and there was a really good feeling from then on. I always keep telling them to push, even if it’s tough, I know they
Daniel Shamash / Roundup News (Left to right) Pierce players Stephanie Terriquez (10) Aliah Richards (3) Sam Sikorski (7) and Keba Campbell reacting to the ball entering their side of the court during a Girls Volleyball game against Antelope Valley at the South Gym of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 14, 2026.
Daniel Shamash / Roundup News (Left to Right) Pierce players Sofia Galvez (8) and Aliah Richards (3) defending the ball during a Girls Volleyball game against Antelope Valley at the South Gym of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 14, 2026.
can do it.” Another freshman, Stephanie Terriquez, accompanied Sikorski by adding another four aces and 17 digs. This strong momentum was carried on to the third set, making it much easier for them to establish dominance and limiting Antelope’s opportunity to close the gap in points. The team’s defense being the advantageous block they needed, they won that set 25-11. “My goal for playing today, and honestly every match I go into, is to play my best and get 1% better than I was yesterday,” Campbell said. “I knew the team needed to be more hyped so anytime I saw it go near someone, I made sure to cheer and encourage them to go for it.” The importance of the team’s collective energy was apparent with the consistent encouragement from teammates to one another and the vocal communication on what the next move should be while in play. Along with the head coach’s reminders and reassurance, the team was able to maintain their successful streak and pull through. “We knew it wasn’t going to be pretty,” setter France Baltazar said. “We were really just going to work our tails off every single day, every single minute, including this match, and let the byproduct of the win be the end of it.” Following this 3-1 victory, with a total of 38 kills and 70 digs by the fourth set, the Brahmas next home game will be against Santa Monica on Oct. 21 at Ken Stanley Court.
Daniel Shamash / Roundup News (Left to Right) Antelope Valley player Bree Doty (14) reacts to Pierce player Sam Sikorski (7) spiking the ball back during a Girls Volleyball game against Antelope Valley at the South Gym of Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Oct. 14, 2026.