‘Blue Beetle’ scribe leaves students buzzing over Latinx cinema

Share: From the pages of comic books to the silver screen, “Blue Beetle” made its way to theaters in August of last year. It deeply resonated with audiences through its family-focused narrative that parallels writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer’s own story.  On Thursday, May 30, students filled the auditorium in room 101 of the Center for the Arts building. Aspiring filmmakers and writers alike were eager to expand their knowledge of filmmaking and the intricacies of screenwriting from Dunnet-Alcocer’s experience.  “So what I really appreciated and what …

PCC Songwriter Showcase: ‘The show behind the show’

Share: On what seemed like a casual Wednesday night, the campus outside the recital hall was drifting with students anxious to go home, but inside everyone was brimming with anticipation as the lights began to dim in unison with all the chatter. The sound crew, event organizers, and songwriters all came together that night to give meaning to a community of students that communicates through art.  “The reason I am standing here,” said music department chairman Zac Matthews, “is because I want you to look …

Wi-Fi Lounge looks radiant as ASPCC hosts ‘Valorant’ tournament

Share: The student lounge was transformed on Monday. The normally bright lights were dim, accompanied by a pulsing RGB glow. The furniture was completely rearranged, with tables clustered in the center surrounded by ten students, staring intensely at laptops, barking brief, cryptic messages at each other. Another dozen students sit in chairs in front of a projector screen, laughing in excitement as the screen cycles through the action from each laptop, watching as digital avatars duck in and out of smoke clouds and dodge virtual …

Faculty and students allege censorship in photography competition

Share: After only one year, a photography competition along with a scholarship opportunity was taken away from PCC students due to the allegations of censorship of students’ creative freedom within the competition as well as the complete exclusion of the photography department faculty on how the competition would be run.  After the success of The William G. Ericson Photography Competition and Scholarship in 2023, the PCC Foundation and The Ericson Foundation decided they wanted to solely run the show this year.  It came as a …

Swim team’s newest member makes waves in state competition

Share: First-year PCC student Michael Petersen has dedicated his life to swimming, often spending many early mornings and late nights doing breaststrokes and backstrokes, regardless of rain or shine. His ten years of hard work and perseverance finally culminated on May 2, when Petersen competed at the 3C2A State Swimming and Diving Championships in Costa Mesa. Petersen competed for PCC in the statewide swimming competition, placing 12th in breaststroke, as well as breaking older records as he completed the second fastest time for a male …

Dynamic Duo: Two players, one unstoppable force!!

Share: In a season defined by being undefeated, the 2024 badminton team will be remembered for working relentlessly and playing hard in every match. Two players in particular sustained their victories through outstanding performances in their triumphs that led them to their state championship on May 10.  In her final year of high school, No. 1 player Rhea Zou took up badminton after being introduced to the game by a friend who played on the varsity team. Inspired by competitive games, she started learning from …

PCC alum Reyna Grande writes her way through imposter syndrome

Share: Students and faculty members quickly piled into the Writing Success Center (WSC) in support of PCC alum turned published author Reyna Grande’s panel. They were handed a box of catered food from Stonefire Grill, a notecard to jot down questions to ask the guest speaker and were given the opportunity to purchase one of Grande’s books for $15.  The WSC was a packed house as PCC’s Puente club spotlighted Grande in a discussion-based event on May 7. Grande shared stories reflecting on her journey …

Culture week cookin’: Try an Italian professor’s veggie meatballs

Share: As part of International Week at PCC, Italian professor Laura Godio prepared two different recipes for her students, a classic Italian meatball dish and a zucchini-based “meatball” inspired by her vegetarian students. International Week aims to expand students’ knowledge of foreign cultures and to celebrate the arts of different nations. “I enjoy doing this for my students,” Godio said, referencing the meatball dishes she crafts for her students, “It helps them better understand vocabulary when they’re participating in something physical like cooking. My students …

No coach, no problem! PCC’s track throwers prove that ‘Pasadena is it’

Share: For the 2024 Track and Field season, the throwers on the track team didn’t have an official coach. This certainly presented some obstacles, but the resilient Lancers still excelled this season. Three throwers, in particular, performed extremely well all season, all of whom managed to perform well enough in their events at the South Coast Conference on May 7 to move on to the State Championships. Before the season officially began, the throwers were informed that they would likely not have a permanent coach …

‘A winner never quits and a quitter never wins’

Share: Growing up as an athlete that aspires to compete in a sport at the highest level possible isn’t an easy feat. It takes time, dedication, hard work and so much more to keep yourself motivated and to keep improving. PCC freshman track and field runner Jaylin Morgan, has first hand experience with the competitiveness of running and the dedication that comes with achieving the opportunity to be racing at the collegiate level.  Morgan has been involved in the track and field world ever since …