May 3, 2018 - El Vaquero Newspaper

EL VAQUERO

Online @ www.elvaq.com

G L E N D A L E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R Wednesday, May 2, 2018

GCCElVaquero

G CC _ E l V a q

el.vaquero.gcc

gccelvaquero

Volume 111 | Issue 4

Thousands of Armenians March for Justice Los Angeles rallies together in hopes of genocide recognition on 103rd anniversary

By Belinda Oldrati Production Editor For the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian genocide, thousands marched in the streets of Los Angeles on April 24 to demand official recognition by the United States and justice from Turkey.

Just one day before the commemoration, the people of Armenia overthrew their totalitarian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan following a 10-day peaceful protest.

The day of victory was followed by a day of remembrance that marks the darkest day in Armenian history.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti welcomed a large crowd of Armenians and supporters who waved Armenian tricolor flags in Pan Pacific Park. “We are here today as one city. We are here today as one nation, to remember first and foremost, 1.5 million souls,” said Garcetti.

He continued to talk about the Armenian genocide that took place in 1915, which was the cruel slaughter of Armenians by the Turks of the Ottoman Empire.

The next person to take the stage was Marc Toureille, also known as Marc 2Ray. He performed “1915,” a song he wrote addressing the Turkish government’s 103year long denial campaign to cover a crime against humanity.

“This song tells the story of my family’s escape and the Armenian genocide, but also connects the dots to the other genocides of the past century that used the Armenian genocide as a template,” said Toureille.

He initially wrote the song to be used as a tool for educational purposes. Since then, it’s been used in multiple high school and college curricula to teach the next generation about this important part of history.

He has also performed it at the White House Vigil in both 2016 and 2018, as well as at the Times Square commemoration in 2017, but said it felt amazing to perform at the March for Justice in front of the biggest population of Armenians outside Armenia itself.

Toureille was honored to perform and said it was a great experience that he will

Belinda Oldrati / Staff Photographer

YOUNG AND OLD: David Serobyan, 13-years-old, looks toward the crowd of protesters at the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

never forget. “I’m humbled by the amount of support my song received.”

As thousands of people left the park for a 1.5 mile march to the Turkish Consulate, loud chants echoed throughout the streets.

“What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” Raya Saffold and her two children, Myla and Sevan, are all descendants of survivors of the Armenian genocide. The family flew in all the way from Phoenix on the morning of the rally. “We’re here to support,” said Saffold.

The yearly march is important for the Armenian community, especially since Los Angeles has about 200,000 people of Armenian descent.

The focus lies on spreading awareness to receive recognition at some point in the

near future.

Not only has the United States not yet recognized the Armenian genocide, but Turkey still argues that it never happened.

David Serobyan, 13, was one of the many young people in the crowd. He said that he came to the rally with his family to recognize the genocide. “It happened during 1915,” Serobyan said.

With his face painted in the colors of the Armenian flag - red, blue, and orange, he stood out in the big masses. “I don’t think many people would’ve done it. It’s just unique.”

He spoke to El Vaquero and other media, including the Los Angeles Times, which featured him in their coverage of the event.

Decades of painful history and stories

of survival united Armenians and supporters in the streets of Los Angeles to make sure that history never repeats itself, and that the story lives on despite denial.

[See March for Justice, page 2]

IN THIS ISSUE News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16 Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19 Entertainment.. . . . . . 20-22

New GCC Initiative Focuses On Rehabilitating Former Inmates A new push at the college seeks to help a group of students most never knew existed

By Hayk Rostomyan Production Editor

Alex Sampson / Staff Photographer

NEW INITIATIVE: Ziza Delgado, adjunct faculty, poses with Travis Leach (center) and Jonah Moon.

Mistakes have their consequences.

When someone breaks the law, they face a chance of serving time in jail or prison.

However, nobody expects to lose their humanity when they get sentenced.

Travis Leach, a social work major, and Jonah Moon, a computer science major, have created the System Impacted Intellectuals (SII) to help these students at Glendale Community College.

They are a two-man club and they are looking for more members, despite being unable to identify other students in a similar situation. Yet there are many other students who have been in trouble with the law and seek a better future, they said.

With help from Ziza Delgado, an adjunct instructor of ethnic studies, Leach has organized a restorative program that helps to assists formerly incarcerated people get readjusted back into the education system.

They are following similar programs from schools like Cal State Poly Pomona and UC Berkeley, to get help.

The purpose, Leach explained, is “to create a safe place for people like us to discuss our issues, the obstacles we face in education because of our past.”

Leach and Moon are working on setting up an event with formerly incarcerated celebrities, like actor Danny Trejo, in order to get these students motivated to come forward.

[See New Initiative, page 2]

2

NEWS

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

elvaq

www.elvaq.com

Thousands of Armenians March for Justice [From March for Justice, page 1]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Allard MANAGING EDITOR Marian Sahakyan PRODUCTION EDITORS Belinda Oldrati Hayk Rostomyan WEB EDITOR Carolina Diaz ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Adriana Garcia STAFF WRITERS Jasmine Amabile Allison Ayala Hasmik Bezirdzhyan Katrina Bulay Christopher Daniels Rudy Guijarro Catalina Juarez Chieko Kubo Kevin Perez James Ojano-Simonsson

1915: Marc Toureille performs his song.

MAKE TURKEY ARMENIA AGAIN: People demand genocide recognition outside of the Turkish Consulate .

Photography by Belinda Oldrati, Production Editor Belinda Oldrati can be reached at belinda.oldrati@hotmail.com.

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Carmen Fernandez Elena Jacobson Vendela Lindblom Alexander Sampson CONTRIBUTORS Nare Garibyan Joanna Flamenco STAFF ILLUSTRATOR Matthew Spencer FACULTY ADVISER Rory Cohen rcohen@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000 ext. 5214

Letters to the Editor El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public.

Send an idea or article to the editor at elvaquero@glendale.edu or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3211.

Member of the Journalism Asssociation of Community Colleges Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Association

Letters may be reproduced in full or in part and represent only the point of view of the writer, not the opinion of El Vaquero or Glendale Community College and its district.

All letters must include the full name, address and phone number of the writer. You will be contacted before publication. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.

EL VAQUERO

1500 N. Verdugo Road Glendale, CA 91208 (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349

First copy free Additional copies $.25

MARCH: Myla and Sevan marched with their mother Raya Saffold.

SING: Armenians sing the national anthem.

SMILE: Kids also joined the march.

New GCC Initiative Focuses On Rehabilitating Former Inmates [From New Initiative, page 1] Leach grew up dealing with the divorce of his parents around the same time his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

At age 14, he started using meth. His addiction to drugs and narcotics led to him getting caught up with the wrong crowd.

Leach would steal and break into cars to support a habit. From age 14 to 27 Leach was either homeless or incarcerated in a county jail.

When he turned 27, Leach felt sick, and with little recourse available to him he reached out to his father. His father took him in. Later, after a visit to a doctor, Leach was diagnosed with a lifethreatening disease that he did not specify. This was a wake-up call for him.

Four years after his diagnosis, he took his father’s advice and returned to school at Glendale Community College.

Glendale College has been very supportive to Leach and Moon. Faculty members, like student services technician Nane Kakosian as well as Hoover Zariani, the senior student services program manager at the Multicultural & Community Engagement Center, “have our back” said Leach.

Having faculty in SII’s corner helps to give the members the confidence to reach out and find more people who are in the same shoes.

Moon has even come out about his controversial past with two of his instructors. Kim FoongChong, a calculus professor, wrote him a letter of recommendation despite his past, because, as he explained, the instructor understood he’s a changed man.

Moon has been accepted to UC Berkeley.

Moon was facing a life sentence for attempted murder. He was hanging out with members of his gang and members from another gang they were friendly with. They were waiting to “jump,” or give a surprise beating, to members of a rival gang.

When Moon had a rival member pinned on the floor, a fellow gang member beat the man with a rod and another man stabbed him with a knife. He wasn’t aware that his friends in the gang had brought weapons, he said.

There isn’t much that jails or prisons do to rehabilitate inmates, according to The Marshall Project, a non-profit dedicated to awareness about the U.S. criminal justice system. “They have AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and they have church. That’s about that,” Leach said, “Most people actually end up coming out worse than they came in.”

Moon agreed with Leach’s opinion, but added that they had libraries in the jail he was in.

Moon remembered reading “The Time Detective,” a book by Mark Carnaly, in his cell.

“It’s amazing how good you

get at reading,” Leach said. “I was able to read one of the new ‘Harry Potter’ books in just a few hours.”

Becoming readjusted to the world after getting out of county jail was difficult. When you’re in jail, you’re expected to take care of issues by getting into fights, said Leach. Even bumping into another person would usually lead to a brawl. “I still have difficulties debating with people without getting frustrated,” admitted Leach.

“You can’t daydream,” added Moon. “If you are working out, your buddy better be keeping an eye out for you.” Due to the racial division in jail it becomes difficult to be with people who are different than you when you get out, he said.

The SII hopes to help others in their position get accustomed to life outside. They want to encourage those who have family or friends who have been in the system to join their meetings.

“The program is for students by students because they understand each other,” said Zariani. There seems to be a stronger trust between students compared to faculty about these matters and it makes opening up much easier.

Moon has served time in the infamous Folsom State Prison, the same one that Johnny Cash had sang about. It turns out it’s actually a very bad place to be in. Folsom’s cells are so tiny that Moon had no room to do pushups.

Leach and Moon hope to aide the college with expanding the program before they both transfer to a university. They would love to expand the program to reach children in alternative high schools like Allan F. Daily High School.

“We want to give them a chance at the American dream,” said Robert Hill, the Dean of Student Services. “They deserve it.

They’ve paid their debts.” Hill and his colleagues are in touch with the LA County of Education and LA Probation Department in order to recruit more members to their restorative justice program.

“We seek to create a partnership with LA County in order to give current inmates an easy transition from incarceration to school,” said Krys Gonzalez, Student Services Technician and Adjunct Sociology Instructor.

Currently faculty and staff volunteers their spare time for this project, but. At the moment the administration team volunteers their spare time to this project, but they wish to tap into funding in order to hire more staff and student workers.

Meeting are held bimonthly on Thursdays at the Multicultural Center from 12:20 pm to 1:20 pm. You can reach Delgado at zdelgado@glendale.edu for help and information.

Hayk Rostomyan can be reached at hayk.rostomyan@gmail.com.

NEWS

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

3

Compton Just Got Trendy As the cost of living continues to rise in L.A. County, some look towards part of region that they wouldn’t have considered before

By Tracy Mejia Contributing Writer A recent broadcast report on CBS Los Angeles reported on how Compton is one of the last places where homes are affordable, calling it “trendy.”

That’s because homes go for less than $400,000 in the neighborhood, compared to similar communities, like Van Nuys and East Pasadena where prices have even tapped into the one million mark.

Gentrification is a problem for most lower income communities, as well as in inner cities.

From the 1920s to the 1970s, the city was home for many Caucasians, Compton played the role of a middle-class suburb, according to Census Bureau. Now, Compton is predominantly full of Hispanics and African Americans, with little to no whites in the picture. Yet the city is starting to see it’s demographic shift, no

surprise with the media covering how Compton is “a trendy place to buy a home.”

Compton’s mayor, Aja Brown, suggested there’s much to be optimistic about when it comes to Compton’s economic progress.

“We have a funded infrastructure plan for the city of Compton, not only for today but for new generations,” Brown said in an interview. “We’re going to be able to pay for new roads, parks, streetlights. We’ve had a surge in economic investment, from national stores moving in to the city to small businesses launching here.

And our city is safer; homicides are at an all-time low.” It’s no wonder, then, that people from different backgrounds are starting to consider buying a home in a city once considered to be an eyesore.

Figures from the United States Census Bureau from 2012-2016 show that the maximum household income in Compton is

$45,406. Most of the community has households where the average family income is $30,000 to $40,000, which shows that those in Compton don’t come from money.

“The average rent for an apartment in Compton is $1,038, a two percent increase compared to the previous year, when the average rent was $1,021,” according to RentCafe. The phenomenon causes those who come from lower income communities to be forced to pay for higher living costs and until they slowly get pushed out of the community they originally come from.

Gentrification can be seen as “progress,” but for those losing their homes in these communities, it can easily be seen as a nightmare.

The Gonzales family is being kicked out of their house in order for the city to sell it. They’ve been living there for about 15 years and paying $1,000 per

month. The reason the city wants to sell the house instead of letting people rent it is because they are raising the property taxes around their area.

“I think it’s upsetting that I’ve been living here for over 15 years and the city feels like they can kick me and my family out of our home,” said Maribel Gonzales, 44-years-old, who works as a Durham School bus driver.

Gonzales’ yearly income is roughly $40,000 yearly. Her family includes seven people and that income doesn’t stretch far enough for everyone, especially after her husband was deported.

Her son, Cesar Gonzales, 19-years-old, works as a college tutor for Compton Unified School District, “It’s unfair that we just need to pack all our stuff and go because the city wants to sell our house without our input.”

Although to some it may look that Compton’s community is changing for the better, it is un-

fair to current residents who are forced from their homes to make way for the suburban middle class. This will eventually lead to property rates to go up and those lower income denizens to be pushed out from their homes because they can’t afford to pay fees that will come with living in the gentrified city.

At the moment, the Gonzales family is looking for a better and affordable place to call home.

They aren’t going to move far, but it will add some distance to commutes. The matriarch of the Gonzales family found a home in the city of Paramount. “If we have to move, we might as well move somewhere close for my son. I’ll still be able to work in Compton.”

But it begs the question. Will Paramount see gentrification next? It’s only a matter of time.

Tracey Mejia can be reached at tmejia163@student.glendale.edu.

GCC Theater Arts Department Presents Eurydice Greek myth with a 1950’s twist

Glendale College CA / Courtesy Photo

LONELY: Orphuse, Hayden Busby, reads a letter he wrote to his ded wife, Eurydice, and is joined by all the stones.

By Hayk Rostomyan Production Editor

Glendale College CA / Courtesy Photo

LOVE IS A KILLER: Poster of GCC Theater Arts Department’s production of Eurydice.

Hundreds attended the Glendale Community College Theater Arts Department production of “Eurydice,” based on Greek Mythology. Eurydice played by Gassia Herbian, is set to marry Orpheus, Hayden Busby. But on the day of her wedding, she falls to her death, a heartbroken Orpheus journeys to the Underworld to get his wife back.

The time period was changed from ancient Greece to 1950’s London.

As the curtains went up on the charmingly decorative GCC stage, the Stones voiced by various actors, placed on the corners of the stage set still. Herobian and Busby stepped on to center stage with the sound of birds, sand and waves of water greeting their arrival. The romance was in the air but not between the two lovers, which was closer to a casual friendship or a brother and sister relationship.

Although the romance was lackluster, the relationship between Eurydice and her late father, Manny Armas Noriega, was much more convincing. Noriega’s performances was spectacu-

lar beginning to end. The frustration trying to communicate with his daughter to the grief they both feel by the end of the play. Noriega channeled his life experience into the roll of the father, he said.

Quijano stole the show with his performance as the Lord of the Underworld. He brought great manice and laughter while staying convincing as a being of great power and authority. It’s hard to believe that this was his first time in a production. Quijano added a Spanish flavor to his character has he went in and out of speaking in English and Spanish.

A lot of the exposition came from the stones who also doubled as the comic relief. Any laughs from the audience were almost always a relost of their delivery.

Anyela Damas, Nikko Haller, Katerina Khramva, Melanie Ochoa, Robert Romero, Harrison Smythe and Tess Theophilus did a specalural job playing the living statues. Weather they had to stand still or change into things like a fountain or the three-headed dog, Cerberus, the stones pulled it off fantastically.

Melissa Randel, director, is proud of her faculty and students.

“They are dedicated to try new and weird stuff and are also able

to take it and make it their own,” she added.

The set was built by Guido Girardi, the production manager, and the students in theater arts design classes. The stage had an incredible three dimensional look to it while keeping a abstract style. It was almost like a pop up book coming out towards the audience.

Arnold Bueso, a new addition the theater arts department faculty, was the Projections designer on Eurydice. He came to GCC after working in Broadway in New York. He had a dream in working in all the entertainment capitals of the world, New York, Calif and Chicago. Now that he’s in LA his dream has come true Bueso and his 171 and 180 students lighted up the stage and shifted the mood with projections or color palette changes.

Eurydice is a tragedy done well. The production ran from April 5th to April 14th, for those who missed out you can catch these performers in the upcoming production of Marco Millions at Glendale Community College.

Hayk Rostomyan can be reached at hayk.rostomyan@gmail.com.

4

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

FEATURES

www.elvaq.com

Earth Day Comes to GCC

One Oceanography class marked the occasion with learning opportunities around campus

By Carolina Diaz Staff Writer Do you remember your reaction to the Disney/Pixar film “WALL-E”?

In the first three minutes of the opening scene, it showed Earth covered in trash with a robot named WALL-E roaming around attempting to pick up the waste, while still surrounded by an apparently insurmountable amount of it.

That is how college students felt on April 22, 1970. They were protesting against the deterioration of the environment, fighting against oil spills, objecting to polluting factories and power plants, and addressing raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness and animal extinction, according to earthday.org.

Just like that scene in “WALL-E” where he suddenly found hope of life in that little plant among the trash, is how the protesters felt when Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson convinced both Republicans and Democrats that the environment needed help.

By the end of that year, the first Earth Day had led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. “It was a gamble,” Gaylord recalled, “but it worked.”

On April 25, at Plaza Vaquero, students from Oceanography 115 gave out information on the different issues to show crisis the environment faces.

Rachel Ridgway, geology and oceanography professor at GCC, had her oceanography class be part of a campus learning fair as a service learning project. This was to help her students raise civic engagement and build a community of environmental

Matthew Spencer / Staff Illustrator

CELEBRATING EARTH: GCC student and El Vaquero illustrator Matthew Spencer celebrates Earth Day in his latest watercolor.

protection at GCC and beyond.

“We had students present on topics ranging from plastics in the ocean, waste reduction strategies, whaling practices, water management, the palm oil crisis that is destroying rainforest habitat across Indonesia, and many others,” said Ridgway.

Ridgway’s also commented on how GCC has sustain their usage of water and energy throughout the campus. According to the school’s website, all bathrooms incorporate waterless urinals, and 90 percent of the campus landscape as well as most of the toilets in the buildings use reclaimed water.

“The Earth is our life support

Lending a Helping Hand Food Pantry seeks to help students

By Carolina Diaz Staff Writer College students worry about passing their classes, getting to work on time, finding a good parking spot at peak campus hours. Some students struggle because they don’t have access to a good breakfast, some can’t afford eating.

Indeed, more than a third of college students don’t always have enough to eat or don’t have a stable place to live at, according to a study published

by Temple University and the Wisconsin’s in HOPE lab.

To fight this ongoing problem, Glendale Community College found a small and simple solution to help its students receive some food supplies and other necessary items. In the summer of 2016, a task force of seven

members spent time researching ways to distribute the food to the students. They considered Garfield’s campus, as well as GCC campus. While researching, Ellen Oppenberg, professor and learning specialist, found an organization called College and University Food Bank Alliance (CUFBA).

Oppenberg discovered that CUFBA had 550 pantries all around the country. That is when she realized that there is a great need not only at Glendale, but internationally, she said in an interview. “I started looking at Cal State Northridge, UCLA’s program, and other campuses with a food pantry, and from there we just kinda built our own brick by brick,” Oppenberg said.

September 2016, the food pantry was inaugurated at GCC and ready to help its students.

system. Many students are already doing a lot to live in an environmentally-sustainable way by walking, biking or taking public transit to school,” Ridgway said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do to meet that goal, but we can get there. The number one thing that I would encourage students to do is to communicate their concerns about the environment with their elected officials. We vote with our dollars and at the polls.”

Yesenia Thompson, a communications major, presented about the palm oil crisis that is happening in Indonesia.

The forests in Indonesia are being burned down so they can

have more land to plant palm trees, since palm oil is one of the most versatile vegetable oils that are out there. They need to be processed to form a wide range of different melting points, consistencies, and characteristics, explained Thompson.

“When it comes to Earth Day everyone gets together,” said Thompson. “I think it is nice how everyone just gets together to discuss solutions.”

We’ve come a long way since that first Earth Day. Sen. Nelson talked about toxic waste and dense black clouds that spewed into the air; that used to be legal.

Today, our ports have gotten a lot cleaner, which helps people by

preventing illness. We still have a long way to go.

As humans, we’re wasteful, our plants pollute, and our energy isn’t as clean as it could be, GCC students showed.

The last scene in “WALL-E” where the captain looks at a video of Earth being polluted is starting to seem shockingly real.

We should help the environment, so we don’t have to ask questions like, “Wait, that doesn’t look like Earth or does it? Where’s the blue sky? Where’s the green grass?” said AUTO.

Some of their produce comes from the Los Angeles Food Bank that the school purchases at a discounted price.

The Trader Joe’s in Montrose, Calif., donates fresh produce weekly. Also the Kiwanis Club in Glendale donates money, so they can use it as food vouchers for the students. These vouchers are distributed by Oppenberg to any student she is referred to and they have $50 dollars which can only be used at GCC cafeterias.

Associated Students of GCC has also given contributions of $75 dollars gift card to buy grocery products from Ralph’s.

The food pantry spends about $1,800 a month to make sure the pantry is fully stocked. Besides the food contributions from different organizations, staff and faculty allow part of their paycheck to go to the food pantry every month.

There is no criteria for students to receive help. They only ask to be active student and

then the student fills out a small paper with just their name and school ID. “We hope the people in line truly need this, but we don’t question them,” said Oppenberg.

Oppenberg has gotten feedback from so many students, but the one that stood out the most was a letter she received by Sara Brock, graduated GCC in 2017, writing how grateful she was about the food pantry.

“First of all, I want to say that being a part of the food pantry and receiving that recommendation is very humbling, but also honoring. I didn’t expect I’d ever rely on such generosity, but the food pantry has really helped me very much,” said Brock. “Near the beginning I was shy and slightly embarrassed that I got food from the food pantry[...] and I’m not embarrassed because it’s not really in my control.”

Brock discussed how she came to the realization that there was

nothing to be embarassed about.

“I am going to school and I am working, but even with my job, most of my earnings goes to my own insurance, gas, and other bills. Until then, I’m going to continue to work hard both in school and at work, and thank God for the generosity of my college to supply me with food.”

The committee is trying to expand their services to help students who need to utilize the food pantry and expand to other financial arenas of help.

“The food pantry is only a bandaid to me, it’s not enough, I wish we can extended our services to the students,” said Oppenberg.

The food pantry is located in the San Rafael building, room 134 next to the health center.

For more information you can email Ellen Oppenberg at elleno@glendale.edu.

Carolina Diaz can be reached at itscarodiaz@gmail.com.

Carolina Diaz can be reached at itscarodiaz@gmail.com.

FEATURES

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

5

Earth’s Fate is in Our Hands To give up on everything we’ve ever known, or to fight for it?

By Belinda Oldrati Production Editor and James Ojano-Simonsson Staff Writer The biggest threat to planet Earth is not humanity, but our ignorance and denial. While we’re stressing in our daily lives, we forget to reflect about our responsibility to the massive sphere we call home.

While some are aware of how our ways of living affects the planet, many of us take the environment for granted. There are simply too many people who are not motivated to change their habits. Then there are people who either don’t have the knowledge, or are simply narrow-minded, who don’t believe in climate change.

However, the evidence for climate change is as clear as it can be. Climate scientists reached consensus on global warming a long time ago, and 97 percent of them says there’s no doubt that humans are contributing to it.

Our planet is suffering because of us.

A person might have multiple excuses to not worry or do anything about environmental problems, but since we share this planet with not only fellow humans, but billions of other living organisms, it’s not right that we are the main felons for global warming.

In today’s political climate, the health of the environment is unfortunately far from being prioritized, which is why we all need to come together and make a change by ourselves. President Donald Trump has made some serious damage to the belief of climate change in this country ever since he started his election campaigns.

“It’s supposed to be 70 degrees today, it’s freezing here.

Speaking of global warming… we need some global warming,” said Trump at one of his campaign rallies. Unfortunately, many people follow the direction of a leader, and the percentage of people in the United States who believe in climate change is getting lower and lower.

In contrast to President Trump, we have Al Gore, former vice

president of the United States, who’s actively addressing climate change. As chairman of The Climate Reality Project, Gore is committed to solve the climate crisis. America is in need of more politicians like Gore: one who believes we have a mission to save the planet.

Except from individuals, groups, and some politicians, there are many environmental organizations around the world that take a standpoint against global warming. One of the most wellknown groups is Greenpeace.

They have changed the world for forty years, one mission at a time.

With their devoted volunteers and supporters around the globe, they have successfully convinced many of the world’s leaders to stop nuclear testing, ban commercial whaling, and keep Antarctica safe from oil drilling.

All of these accomplishments have kept them motivated to do more, and throughout the years, their mission has remained the same. With Greenpeace’s wide support of approximately three million members worldwide, they keep striving for their goals of saving our planet.

There are also celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, who is mostly known for his acting, but has in fact fought for environmental issues for many years. Together with National Geographic, he made the documentary film “Before the Flood.” During a threeyear period, DiCaprio met up with a variety of people around the world talking about climate change, and collecting more evidence about this controversy.

This documentary is a must see.

Aside from his work in the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which keeps calling on world leaders to address the global climate crisis, he’s also the United Nations Messenger of Peace.

That titled is bestowed upon “distinguished individuals, carefully selected from the fields of art, music, literature and sports, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations,” according to the United Nations website.

“As an actor, I pretend for a living,” said DiCaprio during the

opening ceremony for the Paris Climate Agreement in April of 2016. “I play fictitious characters, often solving fictitious problems. I believe that mankind has looked at climate change in that same way, as if it were fiction, as if pretending the climate change wasn’t real would somehow make it go away. But I think we all know better than that… Now must be our moment for action.”

Since billions of people around the world use social media, realtime events and issues can be spread to large masses in a short amount of time. Some scientists and environmentalists take advantage of those outlets to spread awareness on climate change.

When the news gets out, more will follow. However, it is not enough; the long-term solution is not through our technical devices – but with physical action.

Individuals can get better at recycling plastic, glass, batteries, and cardboard. In order to do that, cities have to provide recycling stations and encourage residents to do what they can for the environment. If possible, walk instead of taking the car to go grocery shopping, and if one feels more motivated to make a change, stop buying disposable plastic such as plastic tableware, and beverage cups and straws. Instead, invest in reusable picnic tableware and coffee mugs.

Since plastic pollution is getting worse around the world, some nations have already started to make changes. France was the first country to ban disposable single-use plastic plates and cups, which is a huge step to a healthier planet. In the United States, California is following the positive trend by banning single-use plastic bags and changing to recycled paper bags.

An organization that has really put up a fight against plastic pollution in our oceans is 4Ocean.

Even though it is a relatively new organization, they have managed to pull out close to 570,000 pounds of trash from oceans and coastlines in just two years.

The focus lies on ocean sustainability, recycling awareness, creating global economies, and earth preservation. It’s estimated

Belinda Oldrati / Staff Photographer

BRACELETS FOR A CAUSE: 4Ocean’s bracelets raise funding to focus specifically on our plastic problem.

Belinda Oldrati / Staff Photographer

ADDICTION TO PLASTIC: At the rate we’ve been going, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish by 2050.

that by 2050, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish. This is what really pushes 4Ocean to make a difference.

They get donations through people purchasing a bracelet that is 100 percent made by recycled materials. The bracelet ultimately helps protect the earth, represents one pound of trash pulled from the oceans, and symbolizes a commitment to cleaner oceans.

For every month, the color of the 4Ocean bracelets changes as they partner up with different organizations that focuses on specific problems within plastic pollution. By getting 4Ocean’s bracelets and joining their beach clean-ups, it is safe to say that it’s a fun and easy way to contribute to a healthier planet.

On to another, albeit larger, company that does a lot for the environment, that more corporations around the world should follow, is American automaker Tesla. They invest in eco-friendly production using natural resources and sustainable energy such as wind, water, and solar power.

Tesla, which is the youngest auto manufacturer in the United States, is famous for their futuristic cars that are fully electric.

The great thing about Tesla is that they make their vehicles in their so-called “Gigafactory,” a gigantic factory located outside of Sparks, Nevada, run by solar power alone.

In “Before the Flood”, DiCaprio talked to Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla. Musk mentioned that it would take just one hundred Gigafactories to provide the whole world with renewable energy, and calls for other large companies in countries like China and Europe to do the same.

Several European countries

are now planning to follow the footsteps of Tesla and build their own Gigafactories. This is crucial for companies to understand because in a dying planet, a thriving company will not be worth much anyways.

There are many inspiring individuals, organizations, and corporations across the globe that are encouraging others to change their mindsets, become active, and care about our planet. One cannot do everything on its own, but by working together towards the same goal will make a tremendous difference.

When in doubt, remember what inspired you to change your habits. It might be for those affected by climate change right now, or to provide a better planet for future generations. It could be for the creatures we share this planet with, or because being human is to be humane. Whatever the reason; everything that will put a stop to global warming is vital.

Here’s a way of thinking about one of the greatest problems humans will ever have to respond to. If global warming is a hoax, we will either save time and money by not acting, or waste time trying.

However, since most of us know for a fact that global warming is true, we either continue doing nothing, or save ourselves and the planet. What we stand to lose if the threat is made up: time and money. What we stand to lose if it’s real: everything.

What would you rather risk; your time and money, or everything you’ve ever known?

Belinda Oldrati can be reached at belinda.oldrati@hotmail.com.

James Ojano-Simonsson can be reached at james_centauri@hotmail.com.

6

FEATURES

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

www.elvaq.com

Daily Joins in on the GCC Carnival ASGCC throws another successful event

By Hayk Rostomyan Production Editor ASGCC held their Spring 2018 “Carnival” in the campus quad on Tuesday, April 10. Students who arrived an hour before noon would have seen the ASGCC members setting up their booths and games.

The “Carnival” is held every

semester by the Associated Student of GCC and they told El Vaquero that they are happy to give students such a great college experience. This time, ASGCC reached out to Allan F. Daily High School and invited their students to join in on the event.

The high school gives a second chance for graduation to students who have a history of disciplinary

ASGCC / Courtesy Photo

COTTON CANDY: Colleen Gabrimassihi and Nare Andriyacyan happily make sweet snakcs for GCC and Daily high school students.

ASGCC / Courtesy Photo

THUMBS UP: Henri Gurgenyan enjoys being soked in water on a hot day.

action against them, such fighting or failing their classes. They hold classes from the 9th grade to the 12th grade.

About a hundred of the participants were students from Daily, said Colleen Gabrimassihi, President of ASGCC and Economics major. Hagop Eulmessekian, the Principal of Daily High, joined his students in Glendale Community College’s Carnival.

The event was open to all students and they hosted a variety of carnival games where the winners would get a chance to enter raffle giveaways for Amazon gift-cards.

To win an entry ticket, students participated in one of more of these events.

Dunk Tank, where students and facility grabbed a softball and aimed for a bullseye in order to dunk a member of ASGCC into a tank of cold water. A welcome dip considering the 96-degree temperature in Glendale.

Basketball Free throws, where students would shoot for with the hopes of scoring in through the hoop to win.

Football tosses, where the goal was to get the football to go

ASGCC / Courtesy Photo

JOIN THE FUN: Melanie Kasparian and Joshua McCall prepare to shoot hoops in one of the activities planned for the day.

through one of the rings on the board in order to win.

Fish Bowl, a game where you try to make 3 ping-pong balls into a fish bowl to win.

ASGCC / Courtesy Photo

WINNERS: Two brothers win Amazon gift cards and young woman wins a jar of Starburst.

Hundreds of GCC students participated in the event and were treated to free cotton candy as well.

Hayk Rostomyan can be reached at hayk.rostomyan@gmail.com.

ASGCC / Courtesy Photo

FUN TIMES: John Habib enjoys feeding cotton candy to student.

Estudiantes Unidos

GCC program helps Latino students become advocates for change

By Carolina Diaz Staff Writer “I’ve learned about the different opportunities and scholarships offered at GCC for Latino students. Working together and listening to ideas different than your own can be challenging; planning our program’s events taught me to communicate clearly and to keep an open mind. The things I’ve learned in this program will help me in all my future endeavors,” said Zuleyka Silver, philosophy major, has been in the program since Fall 2017.

Estudiantes Unidos is a program at Glendale Community College that works to help Latino students of all stripes and backgrounds become advocates for change. It’s a program with no small potential footprint either, with close to a third of the

campus population at GCC being Latino.

The program was born just a few years ago in Spring of 2016 and created by Nane Kakosian, student services technician, and Hoover Zariani, manager.

“We want to empower our Latino students to become advocates for future incoming students,” Kakosian said. She explained that she “hopes to encourage them to be more active in campus.”

Since it is a year-long program, students must register during the fall and complete the program by the end of the spring semester. However, while attending this program the students get a stipend that helps them work with their campus project. In the fall the students can get up to $250 and in the spring it can be up to as much as $350. It all depends on the level of participation, the organizers

said.

Like most programs at GCC, there is a process to be accepted and steps the student has to follow to complete the program.

For Estudiantes Unidos, it is a three-part process to get through it. The student must meet with college administrators every Thursday, once they have their groups ready the students brainstorm and choose a project they would apply by the end of the fall semester. The final step is to implement the project in the Spring semester.

Arlina Locke, a psychology major, has been involved in the program since Fall of 2017.

Locke has received a handful of invaluable benefits from the program like learning leadership skills, the feeling of belonging to a nurturing community, and the satisfaction of being productive and helping Latinos at GCC. “This program has given

me a deep appreciation of our differences and, more importantly, the similarities that bind us as a leadership program,” Locke said.

With Estudiantes Unidos, these students don’t just feel like they are making a change on the campus. They feel that the program empowers them to do the things they want to do, equips them with communication skills, and builds strong team-working

abilities, which are all things that lead to success, not just while at college, but in life beyond it.

“I have learned it is important to get involved in your school community, to be an advocate in the things you strongly believe in and to work along with others, even if we all have different points of views,” Locke said.

Carolina Diaz can be reached at itscarodiaz@gmail.com.

Zuleyka Silver / Courtesy Photo

WELCOME: Estudiantes Unidos is located next to GCC’s upper cafeteria.

FEATURES

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

7

V.O.I.C.E.S Organizes Fundraiser AB-540 students, also known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, enjoys food and activities

Contact:

voicesgcc@gmail.com Instagram:

v.o.i.c.e.s_gcc Meeting Dates:

Tuesdays Meeting Location:

CR225 Meeting Time:

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Kevin Perez / Staff Photographer

SERVING ASSISTANCE: A V.O.I.C.E.S member works on serving tacos as part of the fundraising initiative.

Kevin Perez / Staff Photographer

WORKING HARD: Students raise funding for DACA recipients.

Kevin Perez / Staff Photographer

SQUAD GOALS: Members of V.O.I.C.E.S. get together for a photo.

GCC Celebrated with Filipino Fiesta A new tradition shares history and culture of the Philippines

By James Ojano-Simonsson Staff Writer One week before spring break, approximately 500 GCC students, faculty, staff, and guests got to enjoy a touch of Filipino cuisine and culture on campus.

Arranged by Filipino-American staff, faculty and administrators, and cabinet members of the Filipino Club “Phamilya,” this was the second year that a Filipino Fiesta was held on campus. “It was an absolute success,” says professor Hazel Ramos.

Ramos is a former GCC student herself, and now works fulltime at the college. She is also the faculty advisor for “Phamilya,” and the lead organizer for the Filipino Fiesta Planning Committee. “The Filipino Fiesta was an incredible demonstration of community bonding and a profound experience as a FilipinoAmerican to see so many people interested in our native culture.”

People got to enjoy typical Filipino food. Lechon, which is roasted pig, pancit (Filipino noodles), and egg rolls, called

James Ojano-Simonsson / Staff Photographer

JEEPNEY: GCC gets a glimpse of a typical Filipino commute vehicle.

lumpia were only a few of the many dishes. There was also a variety of desserts and snacks, such as; pichi pichi (grated cassava and sugar topped with grated coconut), a rice cake with taro called puto ube in Tagalog, and of course the world famous Filipino dessert “halohalo,” which is shaved ice with evaporated milk, with a mix of toppings.

Despite the two long lines to the entrees and dessert, people were not bored, as they got to enjoy exhibits made and brought by faculty members, to showcase the diverse culture and history of the Philippines. Guests could also listen to Filipino-American jazz singer, Charmaine Clamor, who performed at the fiesta. It was a wonderful addition to our event, says Ramos.

“Phamilya” cabinet members, who helped serving their peers and professors, had a surprise for the event. Thanks to them, and the Pilipino Workers Center, a jeepney, a typical Filipino public transportation, was showcased right outside of the Sierra Vista building. The bright colors and

James Ojano-Simonsson / Staff Photographer

VARIETY OF TREATS: Students enjoy Filipino food and dessert.

the unique style got the attention from passing students.

The goal of the Filipino Fiesta was to share Filipino-American culture and history. “It is part of our larger effort to empower GCC’s Filipino-American students,” says Ramos.

Ramos continues to explain that she is honored to work with

a group of talented and dedicated students who want to enrich their academic experience through their involvement with the Filipino-American community.

“It is very exciting to know so many motivated students who are driven to help others.”

James Ojano-Simonsson can be reached at james_centauri@hotmail.com.

8

FEATURES

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

www.elvaq.com

THE ARMENIAN PROBLEM Peaceful protests lead to the resignation of an authoritarian leader

By Marian Sahakyan Managing Editor When Armenia gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the people had no idea what was to come and what the country was going to fall into.

The close-knit, landlocked nation of 2.9 million current residents, has suffered from poor leadership and overpowering corruption.

Being relatively new to the concept of democracy, Armenians didn’t make the best choice for its incoming leadership by voting a president into office who took the first step in leading a totalitarian government. With only three presidents in its history, the Armenian National Congress, never really had a president from a political party other than that of the Republican Party of Armenia.

The two most recent presidents each led a presidency of two terms, five years each.

Many protests and uprisings took place during the time of the previous two administrations.

In that time, the protests on the streets never led to a solution for the never-ending problems in Armenia. There was simply too much corruption taking place in the country. During these years, the Armenian economy also took a deep dive, leaving about 29.8 percent of the population in poverty, according to statistics from the Asian Development Bank.

The cost of living has risen each year, while, at the same time, an average person earns no more than $400 per month in the country. Many Armenians have made their way to the U.S. and Europe as a result of the poor economic conditions.

It is also noteworthy to say that the Armenian economy has become heavily dependent on tourism, mainly from Armenians living abroad, Europeans and Asians.

In 2015, Serzh Sargsyan, the most recent president of the country, altered the constitution. He was nearing the end of his second term and wanted to grant the

Hasmik Bezirdzhyan/Staff Photographer

TOGETHER: Yeghishe Charents, an Armenian poet once said, “O, Armenian people, your only hope for salvation is in your unity.” Armenian communities have taken these words into consideration, realizing just how true they can be.

prime minister the ultimate power of the country by taking that away from future presidents. Formerly, he was defense minister and then went on to become president. He served for two terms of five years each and then became prime minister. He practically appointed himself.

The only logical reasoning behind his bold move was to simply keep himself and the RPA in power indefinitely.

This bold step caused quite the stir within residents of Armenia and the those abroad, raising a concern of authoritarian rule descending on the country. To refrain from any kind of conflict, Sargsyan publicly announced that he had no interest in obtaining the position of prime minister upon the completion of his second term as president.

On April 13, sensing the upcoming letdown of the people, opposition leaders called this a “power grab,” and invited Armenians to join the movement.

Thousands and thousands did.

That day peaceful protests took a big step as large crowds joined hand-in-hand with each other to fight for a country free of corruption and dictatorship. The protests took their peak, when an estimated 120,000 Armenians took to the streets of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

Opposition leader, Nikol Pashinyan, took the lead of the movement and showed his dedication to the people, when he completed a 14-day walking strike around the country. He hoped to deliver the plan and news to remote regions, and encourage the people from these cities to join as well.

And they did.

As the days went by, tens of thousands of people gathered all over the country, engaging in acts of civil disobedience. Some of the biggest moves that the protesters made included blocking major roads and highways connecting Armenia to neighboring countries, such as Iran and Georgia.

The streets of Yerevan became filled with hope as dissidents

Hasmik Bezirdzhyan/Staff Photographer

YOUNG AT HEART: Activists come in all ages and forms, a prove of which is an enthusiastic attendee of the rallies in Glendale.

waved their tricolor flag more proud than ever. A change was coming. As the peaceful demonstrations continued, it became evident that the prime minister of the people would be the one and only, Pashinyan.

To help raise awareness about the Armenian problem, and support their brothers and sisters in Armenia, the Diaspora, too, joined the movement. Thousands of people gathered in the streets of major cities worldwide, holding some of the most inspiring and hopeful community rallies.

Armenians residing in cities such as Paris, Moscow, Bielefeld, Sydney and Los Angeles organized rallies. The point was one – to support.

Being home to the biggest Armenian population outside of Armenia, Los Angeles showed its full support when the ethnic group came together to rally in support of their countrymen.

Stairs of the Glendale City Hall became all too comfortable for the young activists who organized the event, as they concurrently, with their counterparts in Armenia, gathered to express their concerns against the Armenian government.

Meanwhile in Armenia, activists, young and old, continued to fight for their constitutional rights.

On April 23, people woke up teary eyed, congratulating one another. Sargsyan had resigned, claiming that he no longer wanted to continue the fight with the people.

“Nikol Pashinyan was right. I was wrong,” he said. “The situation has several solutions, but I will not take any of them. The street movement is against my tenure, I am fulfilling your demand.”

Just 10 days before Sargsyan’s resignation, Pashinyan declared “Velvet Revolution,” claiming that this was going to be just the

beginning of the new Armenia.

The term “Velvet Revolution” first came about in 1989, describing the smooth, non-violent and bloodless transition of power of then Czechoslovakia from Communist rule. Same thing happened in Armenia.

Many Armenians abroad have already started to return to the fatherland, taking their businesses to invest in a future at home.

Though in Armenia, the police and armed forces used tear gas and physical beating techniques to disperse the crowds, there was absolutely no violence coming from the people.

After the resignation of the 63-year-old autocrat, many politicians, police officers and government workers, left their jobs to join the people. And though it seems that the main part of the issue has been resolved, one can agree that it is just the beginning of the big Armenian revolution.

Unity, resiliency and faith brought Armenians to a point of success, becoming the first of its kind in the Caucasus region to lead a peaceful revolution.

After a day of debate in parliament Tuesday, the Armenian National Assembly voted 45 to 57, to reject Pashinyan’s election as prime minister. It is noteworthy to mention that the opposition leader was the only candidate running for the position.

As the Armenian constitution states, a new election will be organized in a week. In the case of failure to elect a new prime minister next week, public elections will be held, where citizens of the country will get to vote.

Knowing that he is the people’s choice of Prime Minister, Pashinyan encouraged the demonstrators to continue to march and rally, whether they’re in their homeland or abroad.

Marian Sahakyan can be reached at manehsahakyan@gmail.com.

FEATURES

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

9

More Research Needed To Understand Marijuana’s Effects There’s scarcity of information on how pot affects the brain in the long term

Mary Crandall / Creative Commons REEFER MADNESS: A woman holds a marijuana joint in Nathan Philips Square, in Toronto, Canada on April 20, 2018.

By Joanna Flamenco Contributing Writer “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.”

– Marie Curie

Why is that? A look at the Prohibition Era provides some answers to this attitude.

The Prohibition Era was influenced by Protestant ideologies that Martin Luther established with the “95 Theses,” after the revolt against the Catholic Church in 1517.

He wrote about how the indulgence in pleasures of sinful behavior would ultimately be the individual’s shame to carry.

With this framework, in 1906, the Anti-Saloon League (ASL) was created in Ohio. They had literature that reflected the disapproval of alcohol consumption,

After the legalization of marijuana in California, there hasn’t been much backlash or debate on the negative effects of this drug from millennials.

Is it as trivial and commonplace now as coffee? What studies help clarify recreational vs. long-term effects on the brain? Is there stigma and misperceptions on the use of this drug?

My investigation began by understanding why marijuana is illegal, modern student attitudes towards marijuana, and research that still needs to be done on the brain.

After taking a Comparative Religious Studies class with Dr. Wendy Fonarow, I recalled the importance of altered states of consciousness in ritual of a group.

In the Navajo Tribe, for example, peyote is a drug that cleanses an individual of the evil Did the change in presence in their life. legality affect your In South America, the opinion of marijuana?

Yanomami shamans consume yopo seeds (a saying, “alcohol is the cause for hallucinogen) to communicate insanity,” as one author Emma with spirits in a “mirror realTranseau wrote. ity” to treat ailments or extract They claimed the ban of information about community alcohol would rid America of disharmony. poverty, social issues, immoral These cultures embrace behaviors, and violence. the use of drugs in their ritual The ASL also collaborated practices or, what is known in with the Woman’s Christian anthropological terms, as a “saTemperance Union to spread the cred” attitude. The United States word nationally through churchhowever has a history of “devies leading up to the campaign. ant” perceptions towards drug Their ideas gained traction, consumption. ultimately swaying Republican

votes in Congress and overriding President Woodrow Wilson’s veto for the 18th amendment.

The Prohibition Era was thus in effect for 13 years beginning Jan. 17, 1920. Could these ideologies trickle into modern attitudes towards drug consumption of drugs like alcohol and marijuana?

This sparked a curiosity to start a conversation with students at Glendale Community College to express their thoughts and attitudes towards marijuana consumption. The data below is based on the opinions of over 45 GCC students.

to alcohol, it is not as socially accepted, but also not viewed as dangerous. Overall, individuals seemed to think moderate conscious consumption of marijuana is okay or even beneficial when used medically.

The connection between Protestant ideologies and drug consumption appears to affect legality and public perception of drug consumption. Marijuana is still a Schedule I drug in the United States, illegal at a federal level, and only legal in 29 states.

According to the DEA, “Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs

vs. long-term abuse?

In 2008, there was a study conducted by Yücel M. et al, to evaluate long-term use of marijuana on individuals with a consumption of cannabis with a mean average of 19.7 years and approximately five joints a day.

These individuals underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test the volumetric measures of the hippocampus and the amygdala combined with measures of cannabis use.

The results were atrophy (shrinkage) of the hippocampus by 12 percent as well as the amygdala by 7 percent.

The atrophy of the hippocampus affects an individual’s ability to retain new information or “working-memory.”

The amygdala is involved in emotion, particularly the fear response, and risk analysis. This is one of many studies that need to be conducted for clear data.

The debate of consumption of marijuana is not one of right and wrong, but of safe limitations and accurate information. To consume marijuana for recreational or relaxing purposes, more research Is marijuana as socially is necessary to clarify the acceptable as alcohol? long-term consequences of abusing this drug.

This only scrapes the with no currently accepted medi- surface of a complex modern cal use and a high potential for issue that needs to be addressed abuse.” and researched further. Shaming Some examples of Schedule individuals or avoiding the topic I drugs are heroin, LSD, marialtogether is not the solution for juana, ecstasy, methaqualone, scientific progress. and peyote.

When we take time to underFor this reason, it is very stand why we got here, only then difficult to conduct definitive can we begin to take steps in research that evaluates the full advancements for research. extent of marijuana on the brain.

What studies are there currently Joanna Flamenco can be reached at that can compare recreational use jflamen496@student.glendale.edu.

Sampling of opinions regarding marijuana among students at Glendale Community College:

Is marijuana taboo?

Based on the data, in 2018, it appears that the college student demographic is mostly accepting of the consumption of marijuana.

Those that were reluctant towards marijuana were more accepting after the legalization in California and recognized it would take time for individuals to feel comfortable having open conversations.

Many said that marijuana is a drug like any other, and it can be addictive and abused. Compared

10

FEATURES

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

www.elvaq.com

Taking Flight

GCC program prepares students for a travel and service career

By Ken Allard Editor-In-Chief Could you imagine being paid to travel the world for a living? Going from destination to destination across the globe at an altitude of nearly 30,000 feet and 550 miles per hour, all while learning practical skills and earning a decent living?

There’s no need to imagine, the opportunity is closer than you think. The chance to experience a life of travel and excitement is offered right here at Glendale Community College, through the Flight Attendant and Travel Career program.

This highly coveted program falls under the umbrella of Glendale’s nationally-renowned Aviation Department, which has some of the best professors and access to resources of all colleges in southern California.

“I have international students that come from as far as Japan,” said flight attendant professor Sharon Lencki, who is the head of the program at GCC. About 150 students per year come through the program to get a feel for what the flight attendant profession is like.

The 30-unit certificate program is a series of classes

that offers the students in-class instruction, as well as realworld experience in the realm of everything flight attendantrelated. This ranges from communication skills, to first-aid techniques, airline reservation systems, and much more.

What makes a program great is typically decided by who is piloting it. The Flight Attendant program at GCC is in the guiding hands of Lencki, a veteran flight attendant who knows exactly what it takes to break into the competitive profession. Lencki is good at what she does, too, earning the Delta Airlines Flight Attendant of the Year award once before.

The former Delta Airlines flight attendant has logged tens of thousands of miles with the company across her career, seeing more of the world during her time with Delta than some people would see across multiple lifetimes. She’s polished, too, adding that a big emphasis of the program is learning about presentation.

All of the classes offered lead up to the internship program portion of the certificate, which is the prized jewel of the department and what ultimately gets Glendale students out of the classroom and into the flight

Ken Allard / Staff Photographer

SHAPING SUCCESS: Sharon Lencki holds up a poster from a student thanking her for success in her flight attendant career.

attendant job market.

“Having first-hand knowledge gives you an edge,” said Lencki.

“It’s what [airlines] are looking for.”

There are about 120,000 flight attendants currently employed in the United States. The limitless perks and experience gained through the position means that

the market sees tens of thousands of applicants per year.

According to Delta Airlines, about 150,000 people applied to be a Delta flight attendant in 2016 alone. Only one percent of those applicants made it through.

“It’s a good living,” Lencki explained, adding that a flight attendant can choose

the hours and routes he or she flies. The students in the program, moveover, are “getting internships and jobs,” which makes the Flight Attendant program a great success.

Ken Allard can be reached at kallard438@student.glendale.edu.

But First, Let Me Take a Selfie There’s a different kind of museum in town, and before you mock it, you may want to read this piece technology.

While learning the history and culture of the selfie, you take your own selfies with props within 15 different exhibits.

Weaving through this museum, you will find the most popular recreated selfie spaces like the gym selfie, the dramatized car selfie, and of course the typical bathroom selfie. Besides taking the most basic selfies, you will get to experience the selfie view from a skyscraper in Los Angeles. But wait, there’s more!

You can also enjoy your very own edible selfie printed cookie.

This space is not huge, so you would think the experience would fly by, but honestly, how many photo attempts does it take to get that perfect selfie?

And just when you think you

have come to the end, they give you the best photo opportunity with the world’s longest selfie stick, measuring at 90 feet and 6 inches, extending through the entire museum.

If you still think you are too shy to take a million goofy selfies in front of a bunch of strangers, they do have a GIF photo booth, and a couple of bright colorful walls for more private contrast selfies.

This begs the question, do selfies need their very own museum? Based on the popularity of The Museum of Selfies, the answer, apparently, is a resounding yes!

Jasmine Amabile can be reached at jasmineamabile@gmail.com.

Jasmine Amabile / Staff Photographer

MIRROR IMAGE: The author, left, poses for a “bathroom selfie.”

By Jasmine Amabile Staff Writer Glendale is now home to The Museum of Selfies for a limited time.

Somewhere around a million selfies are uploaded to social media daily, according to

AdWeek. So, whether you love or hate the selfie craze, social media provides a document to show they’re here to stay. Now there’s a museum, too.

Every part of this museum is interactive, and upon arrival you are given a selfie stick to use during your visit. They also utilize hashtags (#) throughout

the museum. The tour begins with their #statement, in which you answer the question, “Why do people take selfies?”

You will walk into the history of selfies dating back to Renaissance-era and Impressionist period selfportraits, and how they have evolved through both art and

The Museum of Selfies When: Runs through May 31 and opens at noon. Closed on Mondays.

Where: 211 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale 91203 Timed tickets: $25

FEATURES

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

11

From GCC to the Peace Corps Former staff member in Mozambique, where he teaches English

Courtesy Photo / Nick Martinez

SILLY FACES: Nicholas Martinez enjoys some quality time with his students and neighbors.

By Catalina Juarez Staff Writer Nicholas Martinez is driven, so much, in fact, that after graduating from UC Santa Cruz, he came back to Glendale Community College in order to pick up new skills. At only 24 years old, his drive to give back to his community made him embark on a journey that he never once thought he would make -- one across the ocean.

Martinez has always had a passion to educate. Specifically, he wanted to help those without opportunities. That was what made him join the Peace Corps. He is now stationed in Mozambique, Africa where he teaches English to eighth grade students.

He explained his drive and his

current mission to El Vaquero in a recent interview.

What made you decide to join the Peace Corps?

I wanted to join because I studied abroad in Africa while I was a student in Santa Cruz.

While studying abroad in a foreign country, I felt like an outsider. I was an American living in a whole different country, and not able to integrate with them or anything. I was simply visiting, while at the same time finishing up my school term.

With the Peace Corps, however, it’s different. One of the principal requirements is that you integrate with your community,

such as learning the language, the culture, meet new people, and their social customs. In other words, engage. That was something that made me want to join and explore, as well as the idea of serving my country.

Obviously I didn’t want to join the army, but I realized that I could serve my country in a whole different way, and it was through Peace Corps. Not only do I get to give back through my service, but I also get to demonstrate how much culture America has.

What did you major in?

I graduated from UC Santa Cruz in Anthropology. I enrolled at GCC shortly after returning home, and got my AA in journalism. I went back for journalism because I fell in love with journaling during my fourth year at Santa Cruz.

I had joined a press collective club called TWANAS (Third World and Native American Student Press Collective), which talked about social economics, race, and politics.

I fell in love with the asking questions and finding out the “why” and I realized that journalism was something I was interested in. It came naturally to me.

What have you accomplished so far?

Courtesy Photo / Nick Martinez

THUMBS UP: Martinez’ neighbor completes a puzzle of Africa.

I’m really proud of my students. They are learning slowly but surely. In the beginning they were a little scared of me, given that over here I’m this tall “white” man. I was this large strange man whom they’ve never seen before and was there to teach them English, so it was a bit difficult to interact with them at first.

Obviously I’d never done

anything like this before so you don’t know what to expect. Now they’re participating, and wanting to learn, and I can feel them thinking, as I’m teaching.

I feel them trying to learn what I’m thinking, and that’s what is important here, because as a peace corps member, I’m here to teach them something new and slowly we’re getting there.

What motivates you?

My students motivate me. I’ve had a lot of issues with staff and neighbors. What keeps me going is these kids and making sure they see that I want them to learn, and that I’m not giving up on them.

I want to show them that I’m here to stay whether they like it or not. Seeing them learn something new and how proud they feel, inspires me.

What has been your hardest challenge so far?

I think my hardest challenge has been finding a community here. Integration is a slow process, it’s not something you can just jump into or rush.

It’s happening, I know they want me to be well, but the language barrier is a bit complicated at times. It’s all a matter of them getting used to me and warming up to the idea of having someone new around. The hardest challenge is being able to find happiness in the little things. I have to remind myself of that every day, to be kind to myself, and simply celebrate the little victories in life and not be too hard on myself.

The rest comes in time.

What advice would you give to those afraid of venturing out of their comfort zone?

Honestly, I say just do it. I don’t have any grandiose wisdom. That’s what motivated me to apply. I told myself “you just have to do it” and I did. It’s easier said than done but before anything, definitely do your research and understand that you’re going to be pushed to every limit possible but it’ll be fine.

If you really want to understand a different country, a different a culture, or find something about yourself that you probably didn’t know, then the Peace Corps is probably an option for you.

I will say though that there’s no better feeling than giving back and knowing that your service is making a difference in someone else’s life. That feeling is always rewarding.

Martinez is currently entering his seventh month of his Peace Corps service in April. He is scheduled to be in Africa for another year and a half before completing his mission.

As far as for what the future holds, he’s in between applying for grad school or continuing to teach in other areas of the world.

He’s interested in teaching primarily in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, or Israel.

“I don’t have any regrets at all.

This isn’t a vacation or traveling or wondering around,” he mused.

“I have a job and I have responsibilities to not only the community but to myself and to the school. It’s not easy. Some people come into this thinking its easy but its not. It’s so much hard work but worth it in the end.”

Catalina Juarez can be reached at cjuarez734@student.glendale.edu.

12

FEATURES

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

www.elvaq.com

25th Annual Cesar Chaves March Draws Hundreds From farm workers’ rights to contemporary issues like school shootings, rally covers multiple controversies

By Adriana Garcia Staff Writer The 25th Annual Cesar Chavez March took place Sunday, April 8 at Brand Park in San Fernando.

The event consisted of musical performances, Aztec dancing, speeches by several cause representatives and the literal two mile walk from Brand Park to Ritchie Valens Park in Pacoima.

The event drew out roughly 300 people.

Music performances started around 10:30 a.m. and crowds gathered, soon after. The guest speakers proceeded.

Among the few that went up were Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education member Kelly Gonez and migrant LGBTQ+ advocate Ronnie Veliz.

Both Gonez and Veliz touched on the importance of school safety and voter turnout.

“We’re living in a time when there are more efforts to arm teachers rather than providing us the support and the resources we really need to educate our students,” said Gonez. “You are the leaders of today,” she said, addressing the youth present. “We need you to engage, organize, speak up, knock on doors, make calls and most especially to vote.

Your values and your voices will make us a better community and a better country.”

The leading band continued to play commemorative songs about the 1965 Delano grape strike that earned the United Farm Workers movement national attention and power.

March organizers manned voter registration booths and asked attendees for petition signatures regarding tax reform and school funding. Participating musicians encouraged teens to register to vote between songs.

The crowd consisted mostly of teens, young men and women.

Several local high school students attended in groups and held banners displaying their school’s name and colors. The Arleta High School marching band was present in full uniform and played intermittently during the march with drums thundering, especially beneath freeway overpasses and tunnels.

Other organized groups present, such as LAUSD teacher union United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), and Veliz’s LGBTQ+ and immigrant advocacy group Somos Familia Valle were assigned numbers for their banners and position in the march.

The Aztec dancers present, roughly 50, were also assigned

Adriana Garcia / Staff Photographer

MARCHING FOR FAIRNESS: The 25th annual Cesar Chavez March is organized by multiple groups, including the LAUSD teacher union, the United Teachers Los Angeles, and others.

a set position toward the front of the crowd and danced sporadically to their members’ drumming.

Though the sun glared down on participants along Laurel Canyon Boulevard they received supportive honks and cheers from passing cars. A female fast-food employee with her drive-through headset in place emerged from her post at Taco Bell to take pictures and record the demonstrators.

Participants arrived at Ritchie Valens Park around 1 p.m. Fruit, juice and food vendors were already set up. A bigger stage featuring a giant red and black United Farm Workers flag awaited participating bands.

The Aztec dancers present formed a circle and began their performance. Once it concluded, the crowd slowly dissipated.

Arleta High School sophomore Stephanie Miranda considered the experience worthwhile.

“I’ll definitely come back next year,” said the daughter of Mexican immigrants, smiling. “I never thought someone like me could have this big of a voice, but this is very empowering for all students and young people.”

Though the march was initially created to advocate for farm workers’ rights, it evolved and accommodated to contemporary issues. This year’s recurring theme was no doubt school shootings,

but activist and LAUSD teacher Jorge Boche believes the march serves as an educational experience on expansive, life-long activism.

“Since the beginning of our country, everything has been given to us through a struggle – by us unifying, boycotting, protesting, striking,” said the 41-year-old.

“It’s important we continue to show our children that this fight isn’t in the past. We have to prepare them now to fight not just for themselves but for others,” said Boche. “We have to be the voice for the voiceless.”

Adriana Garcia can be reached at agarcia5422@student.glendale.edu.

From GCC to Cornell Alumna Maria Akopyan is making a splash in biology

By Nare Garibyan Contributing Writer As an academic counselor, I am always on the lookout for ways to encourage students to find their passions and stay the course as they work to accomplish goals. I was presented with such an opportunity on February 27, when Maria Akopyan, a PhD student at Cornell University, in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and a GCC alumna was invited to speak about her research on the Evolution of Color Diversity in Red-Eyed Treefrogs. Akopyan sat down with El Vaquero for a more personal look at her success and what GCC had to offer her.

Describe your academic experience at GCC? I was very strategic when it came to my education at GCC. I knew I wanted to transfer to UCLA and major in biology. I was an EOPS student and saw my counselor, Greg Perkins, regularly who helped devise my academic plan. I was admitted to all but one of the schools I applied to, including my dream school (UCLA). I received a lot of attention and support from my professors at GCC. I didn’t realize how special that was until I moved on to other institutions and had to vie for the attention of faculty.

Did you participate in research opportunities at GCC? After transferring to UCLA, it was difficult to find research opportunities outside of a lab.

In 2012, I contacted Dr. Javier Gago at GCC and asked if I could conduct an independent research project at the Baja California Field Station on the local population of the spotted sand bass in the Gulf of California.

What was your major at UCLA? Describe your academic experience at UCLA. [My major] was biology, in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

Although I was prepared academically, I did not know how to manage my time on the quarter system, or how to take advantage of the resources at a large research institution. It took me a while to assimilate, which is why I took two extra quarters to finish my bachelors. Although my experience at UCLA was challenging, it taught me how to seek opportunities on my own.

How did you prepare for graduate school?

After UCLA, I worked as an intern at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Dauphin Island, Alabama working under Dr. Ken Heck in

the marine ecology lab. Working closely with Dr. Heck, his lab technicians and graduate students, I acquired skills and techniques both in the lab and field.

Pursuing a graduate career was always an intimidating thought for me, but after working in Dr. Heck’s lab, I felt prepared to begin my graduate studies.

Describe your graduate school experience at California State University, Northridge.

I received training in nearly all aspects of the scientific process at CSUN – asking compelling questions, applying for grants, designing experiments, collecting data, conducting analyses, preparing manuscripts, and presenting findings both within and outside of the scientific community. The holistic approach of my graduate training at CSUN is reflected in my accomplishments in research, teaching, and service.

Why red-eyed tree frogs?

The red-eyed tree frog is the world’s most charismatic amphibian and a symbol of biodiversity.

Populations of the red-eyed treefrog exhibit substantial regional variation, including differences in color pattern, body size, and male advertisement calls. This unique pattern of diversity provides an

exciting opportunity to explore the underlying evolutionary processes.

What did you learn about the red-eyed tree frogs?

I discovered population-level differences in both male and female courtship behaviors of redeyed tree frogs, and that females preferred to mate with local males. My results demonstrate that female mating displays and the role of males as signal receivers may be widely overlooked, challenging the paradigm of unidirectional courtship signaling in frogs. I also found that hybrid red-eyed tree frogs exhibit coloration that is distinct from either parental populations, and that the majority of individuals sampled within a contact zone are hybrids.

These findings contribute to our knowledge of how new species evolve even amidst genetic exchange between populations.

What are your research goals at Cornell and what are your future academic goals?

I am conducting research in the field of evolutionary genomics. My research goal is to understand the genetic mechanisms that allow species to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Specifically, I am exploring the genetic

basis of local adaptation in the Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia), an estuarine fish distributed along the world’s steepest thermal cline in the western Atlantic.

My ultimate goal is to become a biology professor because I am passionate about both research and teaching. I am committed to collaborate with colleagues and mentor emerging scientists as we share the responsibility of not only acquiring, but also spreading knowledge about the natural world to support the health and sustainability of our planet.

What is your message to potential biology students?

Studying biology can be quite challenging because life is complex and dynamic – don’t let that frustrate or discourage you.

Rather, see it as an inspiration, an exciting challenge that requires YOUR unique expertise and creativity. Being a good student doesn’t mean studying all day and neglecting all other aspects of your life. This may work in the short term when you need to cram for a test, but it is a very difficult and miserable lifestyle that is rarely sustainable. My advice is to remember that education is a life-long journey, so pace yourself and enjoy the ride.

Nare Garibyan can be reached at ngarbiya@glendale.edu.

FEATURES

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

13

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kyoto The Japanese city filled with culture, history and beauty

By Chieko Kubo Staff Writer One of the oldest cities of Japan allows people to experience authentic culture. Japan is

one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history of more than a thousand years. Tokyo is a well-known city in the country, visited by many tourists. However, for native Japanese, Tokyo

is a new capital with 400 years of history as a major city. Before the year 1600, the capital of Japan was located in the west district, Nara, Osaka and Kyoto.

Kyoto holds various temples and

Enjoy Japanese Food Kyoto is a city in which streets are designed as a grid. Therefore, every road is straight but there are also many paths. Nishiki market is a narrow street with a lot of stands and restaurants and it’s crowded with tourists and local people where you can enjoy many kinds of Japanese food and sweets. An abundance of food stands sell food at a reasonable price and some Japanese food such as Washoku is a World Cultural Heritage. Kyoto has many famous and delicious restaurants, but some of them are very expensive. Enjoying Nishiki market would cut the cost for you. There are dashimaki (Japanese omelet), tsukemono (Japanese pickles) and yakitori (grilled chicken).

Also, you can taste sushi and sashimi (raw fishes). Nishiki market is located at Nishikikoji, Teramachi-Takakura, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto.

shrines including the Imperial Palace, where the emperor lived for many years. The city offers a one of a kind experience to its visitors. Kyoto is also a popular sightseeing spot for native Japa-

nese because there’s only a few places where they can experience traditions. So if you would like to experience something old and authentic in Japan, visit Kyoto.

Taste New Sweets In Kawaramachi district in Kyoto, there are many appealing and tasty sweets. In addition, Kyoto is famous for match green tea, and you can enjoy many matcha sweets there. In Maccha House, they serve matcha tiramisu in a wooden box.

The tiramisu includes custard and soft sponge cake. It is not too sweet, and not too heavy. Also, an authentic matcha is recommended. This is real matcha, so it’s rather bitter, but has an authentic taste. It is worthwhile trying it. Maccha house is located at 382-2 Komeyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto.

Walk Around Historical Lanes Kyoto is one of the most historical cities in Japan. The city’s government tries to protect the views and sights.

Therefore, people can still enjoy the historical atmosphere, and there are many wooden houses and temples to see. In Hanamikoji-dori Street, you can find maiko or geiko. Maiko literally means “dancing girl.” Maiko and geiko perform traditional dancing and singing with shamisen which is an instrument in some restaurants, called ochaya-san.

Unfortunately, first-time customers are not allowed to enter ochaya-san.

However, in Hanamikoji-dori, people can see maiko and geiko. They have a 300-year history in training, practicing, dancing and playing instruments.

Hanamikoji-dori is located at Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto.

Wear a Traditional Japanese Kimono Many scholars says the Kimono appeared in the Heian era during 794-1192. Until the Meiji era (1868-1912), which is when the Japanese government tried to take other foreign cultures in, the Kimono was common for everyone. Even now, native Japanese people wear it during weddings, graduation ceremonies, and formal occasions. Kimonos are very difficult to put on and many people can’t – not even the natives. However, in Kyoto, you can try it on for only $20 to $40. At first, you choose your favorite colors and designs. Then, a dresser puts the Kimono on you. If you pay more, the dresser will also do your hair in Japanese style.

These kinds of shops are open in the morning, and if you go there first, you can take many memorable pictures.

Visit Historical Structures There are some interesting places in Kyoto such as the golden temple Kinkaku-ji, the tremendous number of red torii (Japanese arches) and the beautiful bamboo forests. However, if you want to experience Zen spirit, you should go to Kenninji. This is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, which was built in 1202. There are gardens that are very organized with the traditional zig-zag pattern on the ground. These waves are traced on the sand of the ground in a geometric splendor. During autumn, the leaves turn red and yellow. The view is very beautiful and clearing to the mind.

The admission fee is 500-yen (about $5). If you want to experience Zazen, which is the meditation in Zen Buddhism, it is held on every second Sunday starting at 8 a.m. There’s no fee. Kenninji is located at 584 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.

You can reach the temple at (075) 561-5777. Be aware that it’s a local number, so include international codes to call.

Cheiko Kubo can be reached at ckubo195@student.glendale.edu.

14

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

SPORTS

www.elvaq.com

L . A . K i n g s R a l ly F a n s Despite an early exit from 2018 NHL playoffs, diehard supporters look to next season

The Los Angeles Kings weren’t able to persevere against the Vegas Golden Nights, but fans know that next season will present many opportunities.

The Kings lost 1-2 on April 13.

The following photo essay shows just how much Kings fans care about their city and team.

Photography by Avetis Oganyan, Contributing Photographer

HOCKEY ENTHUSIASTS: Young fans compete ahead of the April 13 game between the Kings and Vegas Golden Nights.

CENTER STAGE: From left to right: Frieza, Android 18, Android 17, Krillin, Goku, Vegata, Roshi, Gohan, Piccolo, and Tien.

DIEHARD FANS: Fans cheer for the Kings during the playoffs.

NOT ENOUGH: The Kings’ defense wasn’t a match for the Vegas Golden Nights, and the team placed fourth in the Pacific Division.

SPORTS

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Vaquero Dynasty

Photography by Belinda Oldrati Production Editor

By Ken Allard Editor-in-Chief The dynasty lives on.

The Vaquero baseball team, led by head coach Chris Cicuto, has earned itself the 2018 Western State Conference championship – adding another memento to an already tightly packed trophy case.

It’s now GCC’s sixth conference title since 2011, which was secured on the heels of three straight wins over Citrus College to end the season.

The highlight game came on Thursday, April 26 at home against Citrus College in a 5-4 win. With one out in the bottom of the 11th inning, Tom Tabak made contact and ended the game with a walk-off single.

That victory gave GCC a share of the WSC East division title, and the very next day Glendale won it outright with another 5-4 victory against Citrus College.

With the sweep, Glendale’s record improved to 28-12 overall. The Vaqueros now look ahead to the postseason, where fifth-seeded Glendale matches up against twelfthseed Pasadena City College on Friday, May 4 at Stengel Field in a best-of-three series.

Despite dominating the conference, Glendale hasn’t advanced to the second round of the playoffs since 2015.

Ken Allard can be reached at kallard438@student.glendale.edu.

2018 GCC All-Western State Conference East Selections Coach of the Year: Chris Cicuto Pitchers: 1st team - Chris Davidson, sophomore.

2nd team - Jason Whaley, sophomore.

Relief Pitchers: 1st team - Felix Rubi, sophomore.

2nd team - Kevin Holcomb, freshman.

Catchers: 1st team - Konner Piotto, sophomore.

Infielders: 1st team Troy Viola, sophomore.

2nd team Lucas Sakay, freshman.

First Base: 2nd team -

Jake Selco, sophomore.

Designated Hitter: 2nd team Thaddeus Wilson, sophmore.

Outfielders: 1st team Jacob Gribbin, sophomore; Tom Tabak, freshman.

15

16

SPORTS

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

www.elvaq.com

Back-to-Back Champs

Glendale men’s track and field secures its second consecutive Western State Conference championship

By Ken Allard Editor-in-Chief Glendale Community College men’s track and field are champions once more.

With the Western State Conference championship on the line, the men’s team amassed just enough points across a wide range of events to narrowly skirt

by West Los Angeles College on Friday, April 27.

Glendale finished with 125 points total, while West LA ended with 118. The bulk of Glendale’s scoring came on the back of the team’s vaunted middle- and longdistance runners, who seemingly dominated the competition all season long.

“We were there to compete and they did,” said head coach Eddie Lopez. “The guys went one-two-three-four in the 1,500, so we started really good.”

A wave of Glendale cardinal and gold jerseys washed over the men’s 1,500-meter run early in the day. Glendale runners Paulo Vazquez, Marcelo Ramirez, Carlos Rivera, and Raymond Lopez nabbed the top four spots, respectively, earning the team 29 points.

Twenty-three additional points came from the men’s 5,000-meter run late in the meet. Lopez and Ramirez again finished strong, grabbing the top two spots. Akol Malong and Antonio Arroyo finished sixth and seventh, respectively.

“We knew we were in good hands at this point,” said head coach Eddie Lopez. “As long as [javelin thrower Jack Berman] did his best.”

Rivera finished in third in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:57.

Vaquero superstar distance runner Raymond Lopez had himself a banner performance, earning the team 25 points alone.

Ten of those points came a week

Ken Allard / Staff Photographer

GLENDALE WAVE: Glendale distance runners Raymond Lopez (far right), Marcelo Ramirez (middle right), Antonio Arroyo (middle left), and Akol Malong all scored points in the men’s 5,000-meter run.

prior in the 10,000-meter run; one where Lopez nearly lapped the entirety of the competition during the 25-lap race.

Oscar Ulloa finished fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 10:14.73.

Freshman phenom Nikolas Clater hurdled his way to 14 points. He placed third in the 110-meter hurdles and missed out on first place in the 400-meter hurdles by two-tenths of a second.

In the final race of the day, the men’s 4x400 meter team finished fourth with a time of 3:23.86, earning five much-needed points to stave off a rallying West Los Angeles squad.

Thrower Adam Theard earned the Vaqs four points in the hammer throw. Reaching a mark of 41.08 meters, which was good enough for fifth place.

With all eyes upon him at the very end of the meet, javelin thrower Jack Berman scored his team a championship-sealing six

points after attaining a mark of 46.05 meters – a personal record.

This title makes it two-in-arow for the Vaqueros and three conference championships in five years. A tough feat at the community college level where athletes only have two years of eligibility before they have to hang up the spikes.

“You have to develop them and find other guys to step up,” said Lopez. “That’s why we train year-round, we gotta develop them.”

Women’s Results The Lady Vaqueros finished seventh overall at the Western State Conference championships, scoring 61 total points.

Distance runner Jennifer Cazares led the way with 18 points.

She ran the 5,000-meter race in 18:36.11, good enough for second place and eight points. Cazares scored first place in the 10,000-meter run with a time of 40:21.71.

In the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Genesis Siam-Alvarez came in second, with a time of 12:11.70, and Ramina Padashi Fard came in fifth with a time of 12:51.95.

Jazmin Negro came in sixth place during the 800-meter dash with a time of 2:21.35.

Val-larriee Brantley scored 16 total points; 10 points in the hammer throw with a mark of

40.95 meter and six points in shot put with a throw of 10.25 meters.

Fellow shot-putter Deja Marsh came in fifth with a throw of 9.92 meters.

High-jumper Makeda Kirui notched second place with a jump of 1.49 meters.

Up next for the Vaqueros is the Southern California preliminary meet on Saturday, May 5 in San Diego.

“We have about 10 athletes that can qualify for state,” said Lopez. “It’s going to be up to them now. They’ve got to be ready to compete.”

Ken Allard can be reached at kallard438@student.glendale.edu.

FOUR-PEAT

Women’s tennis wins fourth consecutive WSC championship

Sam Lee / Contributing Photographer

DYNASTY: The Lady Vaquero tennis team, led by head coach Deo Sy, has transformed into a Western State Conference juggernaut in recent seasons, winning four straight titles.

By Ken Allard Editor-in-Chief

Ken Allard / Staff Photographer

READY TO LAUNCH: Assistant coach David Renteria looks on as Jack Berman lines up for his final throw of the WSC championship meet.

Glendale Community College women’s tennis team won its fourth straight Western State Conference championship after deafeating Santa Barbara college on Thursday, March 29.

The Lady Vaqueros rolled

through SBCC, posting a 9-0 victory on their homecourt.

GCC finished undefeated in conference, achieving a record of 14-0, and 18-2 overall.

GCC scored a huge victory in mid-April in the Southern California Regional semifinals.

Fourth-seeded Glendale defeated second-seeded Orange Coast College on Tuesday, April 27.

Orange Coast (17-2 overall) was the defending state champion.

The Lady Vaquero season ended on Saturday, April 21 at the hands of top-seeded Cerritos College in the California Regional championship.

Ken Allard can be reached at kallard438@student.glendale.edu.

OPINION

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

17

The Lost Meaning Fighting for justice, neglecting other issues

By Marian Sahakyan Managing Editor Back then.

I always picked white carnations to take with me to Tsitsernakaberd. My choice of flowers somewhat gave me hope that one day the innocent souls will receive their justice, that my country will obtain its peace, and that the story will live on. I believed that for as long as we continue to commemorate, respect and remember what happened to the 1.5 million Armenians, the story will never die, never repeat and will never be taken for what it isn’t.

As we walked through the long passageway stretching through three hills leading up to the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, opera music played on the loudspeakers in the background, giving the whole experience a little more of an emotional, melancholy tone. Everyone brought along their kids, friends and families. It had become an unspoken tradition, everyone attended.

Upon reaching the top of the hill, there it is; an architectural masterpiece which has brought millions of people together, to carry on the message, to remember. The eternal flame is in the center, surrounded with 12 slabs of concrete, each one representing a region of Western Armenia that was lost to current day Turkey. Now imagine being in the center of it all. The large slabs lean in towards you, as if they’re calling your name to return home.

The feeling is unimaginable, the experience is out of this world.

Belinda Oldrati / Staff Photographer

WAVE YOUR FLAG: As they chant through the streets of Hollywood, Los Angeles Armenians continue to fight for a cause that never dies.

Everyone brought flowers.

There was something different about the way the mourners held them. They held them facing down. That meant something.

Perhaps it was the humbleness and resiliency of the Armenian people throughout the years. The willingness to remember and tell the story of the lost, without changing the purpose of the day.

Just a small thing, with so much power and a big message behind it.

As I stood in the midst of it all and observed everything, I thought of the people, the events, the future. Chills covered my body and tears ran down my cheeks. And that very moment,

Belinda Oldrati / Staff Photographer

JOINING THE MOVEMENT: Los Angeles City Mayor, Eric Garcetti shows his support to the big Armenian Community in the city.

I realized why I was there, what my purpose was.

I was put on this earth to tell a story of the people, who didn’t get a chance to do it for themselves.

That was eight years ago.

Now is different, second chances.

For the past eight years, I’ve boycotted the genocide commemoration events here in Los Angeles. All for a reason I wasn’t able to fully comprehend up until this year. Just last week, I gave it another go, almost wishing I hadn’t.

The first time I attended was exactly 19 days after our big move to the United States from Armenia. I remember my first impression of it all. Dumbfounded.

I was dumbfounded. At first I felt proud to have so many Armenians and foreigners gathered in an adopted land, for one cause and that was to gain recognition.

The pride was followed by excitement to see and meet people so eager in the new country.

Then came confusion. People were happy, and singing and dancing, as if they were celebrating something. A light atmosphere during such an event, created specifically to remember and respect the dead, was so strange for me. It was beyond everything I ever imagined back at home.

“Turkey run, Turkey hide, Turkey’s guilty of genocide,” everyone chanted. I didn’t know what that meant back then, I didn’t speak English too well, but that’s another story.

Instead of holding down flowers, people held up signs and posters, demanding Turkey to admit the guilt of the Armenian Genocide, and for the United States to recognize it. I couldn’t help but wonder how ‘recognition’ was going to change the 1915 events.

I also wondered if this was going to affect current day Armenia or Armenians.

As Armenia goes through a huge political change; a revolution, I continue to wonder why I am not seeing as many people at rallies to support their people currently fighting for their lives, for

their freedom, but I was seeing so many of them clinging onto past events.

I think that genocide recognition is a wonderful mission to have on the agenda of Armenian communities worldwide, and I will continue to do that for the rest of my life, but when one does that at the cost of being ignorant to similar events taking place at the time being, it discredits the person fighting for whatever happened 100 years ago.

This year, though, my dislike and embarrassment became stronger as I chanted and marched along with the people to the same destination as eight years ago, repeating the same chants as eight years ago. Asking for the same things as eight years ago.

As we completed the mile and a half walk to the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles, we were welcomed by a huge crowd, a large stage and lots and lots of people dancing. Yes, dancing. Moving their bodies along with the tunes of Armenian patriotic songs. I was happy to see this, I joined.

It wasn’t too long until I remembered that I was not there to party, but to commemorate. I also remembered that April 24 is one day out of the year, where people need to just take and mourn, to really remember.

It’s strange to say, but I was there to be sad. I was there to qui-

etly remember and mourn the lost lives, the lost lands, the side of my country I will never get to see.

On my drive home, I couldn’t help but think about all the things we had failed at.

Somewhere between the lines, the true message of this day was lost, and the day turned into a social event of dancing and driving around, obnoxiously blasting music in cars, honking the entire drive, making it seem like a wedding rather than what it really is.

Allowing politicians to take the stage to show their ‘support,’ in order to receive the support of the attendees.

The thing is, genocide is a complicated, sensitive topic for us Armenians, and nobody really talks about it. All the things we have done wrong, and all the things we are good at, make us who we are. All I know is that we have failed at showcasing our history to the world by covering the tragedy with abhorrent acts. We have done it so much, to the point where non-Armenians ask questions like, “When are you celebrating the Armenian Genocide?”

My message to those of us who ‘celebrate’ is one: “If you’ve ever been to Tsitsernakaberd, you’d never celebrate genocide.”

Marian Sahakyan can be reached at manehsahakyan@gmail.com.

Belinda Oldrati / Staff Photographer

AMBITIOUS: Armenian text reads “Strife until the end,” enouraging the youth to always fight for the future.

18

OPINION

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

www.elvaq.com

Renewable Energy Scores a Victory in Glendale One battle over Grayson ends, but the war against fossil fuels continues

By Ken Allard Editor-in-chief The tug-of-war battle between clean-energy proponents on one side and the pro-fossil fuel Glendale Water & Power and their associated allies over the Grayson Power Plant has been decided.

After a months-long debate, Glendale City Council voted 4-1 during their April 10 meeting to temporarily hold off on the Grayson Repowering Project, and instead take a closer look at potential ways to meet Glendale’s energy needs through the use of clean-energy sources.

A hard-fought victory for residents who are concerned about the city’s use of fossil fuels assuredly. But while the vote by City Council signals an end to one battle, the war for a “clean and green” Glendale still rages on.

During the Council meeting on April 10, up for a vote was the certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which went over the potential environmental effects of the Grayson Repowering Plan. For those unaware, the Repowering Plan is a plan put together by Glendale Water & Power that seeks to replace aging gas-fired generators at the Grayson Plant with ones that are newer and more efficient.

The total cost of the renova-

tions would hover around the $500-million mark. That’s a questionable long-term investment, considering the rapidly decreasing price of solar and battery technology as well as what looks to be an eventual complete phase out of fossil fuel-generated electricity, at least in California.

If the outrageous price tag on what would eventually become a “stranded asset” did nothing to deter, consider the fact that local greenhouse gas emissions would increase by roughly 415,000 metric tons. Furthermore, additional toxic particulate matter (e.g., lead and carbon monoxide) would cloud the surrounding area – an area flanked by thousands of residences and multiple elementary and high schools. Not to mention the moral and ethical obligations that we all have in the fight against the disastrous effects of anthropogenic climate change.

Rather than outright accepting or denying certification on the EIR, Glendale City Council decided to take no action on it and instead commissioned a Request for Information (RFI). The RFI opens up a 90-day window where outside firms can be consulted for plans regarding renewable-energy alternatives to power Glendale.

While this is no doubt a victory, it’s a small and short-lived one. City Council did not vote on

Ken Allard/ Staff Photographer

STOP THE EXPANSION: Protestors gather in front of Glendale City Hall during City Council’s Jan. 23 meeting.

the EIR, which means the fossil fuel-exclusive Grayson Repowering Plan is very much still on the table.

The fight now moves on to ensuring that the RFI is done transparently and with a thorough look at all available energy options.

Responsibility for conducting the RFI has been handed to GWP, who has always been a bit partial to the current natural-gas option, to say the least.

It will be up to local residents to apply consistent pressure on Glendale City Council and GWP.

The councilmembers who voted in favor of the RFI – Paula Devine, Zareh Sinanyan, Vrej Agajanian and Vartan Gharpetian – deserve praise for their leadership on a tough issue, but without further pushback by their constituents, GWP could easily sleepwalk through the process and end up right back at their desired repowering plan.

Solar, battery, and other renewable technologies are currently economical and will unquestionably be the future of energy.

Fossil fuels are a dying energy-

generating source and should have no dominant place in Glendale’s electricity portfolio.

Spread the news about the Grayson Power Plant and contact your City Council members.

Demand accountability and transparency. Let your elected officials know that their actions in these crucial moments will affect yours when it comes time to hit the ballot box.

Ken Allard can be reached at kallard438@student.glendale.edu.

Podcast: Values of Diversity At Work Student newspaper staff represent colleges goals, and decide to talk about them

Christopher Daniels / Staff Photographer

HARD AT WORK: Newspaper staff produce the fourth issue of the spring semester.

By Christopher Daniels Staff Writer Naturally, people tend to move away from the unknown, and more often than not we choose to stick to what we know.

There’s no secret that individuals show bias based on social backgrounds such as income, education, religion, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. The list goes on and on.

A bias that’s to blame for the social uniformity across the nation, but millenials are reaching for change, people are taking opportunity to stand up for the free-

dom of differences.

In regards to the El Vaquero newsroom at Glendale Community College, Reut “Rory” Cohen, journalism professor and advisor, has taken the task of shading her students toward the open-minded direction.

Cohen has provided a safe haven to individuality and creativity, in what she’s called the “judgement-free zone.”

Upon entering the newsroom, our instilled biases wouldn’t leave you to imagine that writers such as James a Swedish-Filipino dancer/journalist, or Belinda, a bright-pink haired action photog-

rapher, to Marian an Armenian political journalist and activist who provide overtime hours to El Vaquero, editing and designing just as many others.

The class almost gives off the feeling that we were picked at random, from the assortment of international students and minorities, to talented athletes, dancers, photographers, musicians and artists.

This beatnik group is quite unconventional, but that is what makes the team so unique. We fight the ‘norm’ and use our individuality to become more than dreamers, but doers.

The difference in our upbringings makes for interesting conversation topics, detailed debates, and variety in news articles. As we all continue to learn about the broad spectrum of journalism, this group is changing from a class to a family, building relationships that will last even after we leave GCC. Cohen has helped take our skills and used them to develop dreams, both in and beyond the journalism class.

To better understand the values of diversity, from our point of view, check out our podcast by scanning the code on this page.

You can also visit the GCC Mountain Cloud Radio site at mountaincloudradio.com.

Christopher Daniels can be reached at christopherdaniels00@gmail.com.

OPINION

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

19

Puff Pass or Don’t Pass?

Like it or not, marijuana is legal. But how did that come to pass? And what may happen next? Two columnists weigh in

By Allison Ayala Staff Writer It’s legal! Marijuana can be a benefit for us after all, such as supplying us with tax revenue and a wealth of potential health benefits to states. Including Washington, Oregon and Colorado. Not only have there been studies to suggest it helps treating the side effects of cancer, helps with depression, and potentially protects the brain after a stroke, concussion or trauma, but it can do so much more.

How will marijuana contribute in the next couple of years? Other states can give us an idea.

Tax revenues for recreational marijuana have helped fund roads, schools, and much more in states that have legalized. Moreover owners contribute with special license and application fees. Medical marijuana also has a three percent sales tax in Colorado.

In total Colorado alone made $200 million last year, Aaron Smith wrote an article published on CNNMoney last year based on Colorado’s cannabis revenue.

Smith also wrote that when Washington opened marijuana dispensaries in 2014, they brought $256

million in revenue and, last year they collected $319 million the fees of applications, according to Duane A. Davidson the Washington state treasurer in the article Washington Marijuana, and Health.

Depression has been an illness that has affected those who naturally have a chemical imbalance, or have suffered from a traumatic experience.

“Using compounds derived from cannabis— marijuana—to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression,” said Samir Haj-Dahmane, the senior researcher in the department on addictions at Buffalo University.

Endocannabinoids are naturally produced in the brain, and these chemicals affect motor control, behaviors, cognition and emotions.

This is found in cannabis sativa and has the active ingredient delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol also known as THC. Using cannabis can help rebuild the endocannabinoids functions can help stable the mood and help relax depression itself.

Depression can be treated now with marijuana.

Moreover, crime rates have lowered in states that legalized marijuana.

Many say that this plant is one that people would do anything to get their hands on it.

A study is shown called “Is Legal Pot Crippling Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations? The Effect of Medical Marijuana Laws on U.S. Crime” showed that between the borders of Mexico and the U.S, crime has lowered by 13 percent.

Marijuana is mostly grown in Mexico where seven of the cartels in control trade.“These laws allow local farmers to grow marijuana that can then be sold to dispensaries where it is sold legally,” by Evelina Gavrilova a economist who was a part of the study’s authors, Wrote cartels not only trade marijuana, they also smuggled in cocaine, heroin and meth, according to The Guardian. The legalization of marijuana could actually solve our crime problems and children wouldn’t be afraid to walk to school in Mexico due to drug wars on the street.

Allison Ayala can be reached at aayala909@student.glendale.edu.

By Alexander Sampson Production Assistant The year 2016 marked a major change for medicinal marijuana in California.

Proposition 64 was added to the ballot, and subsequently passed, which allowed adults aged 21 years or older to possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes. The measure created two new taxes, one for the cultivation of the plant, the other for retail and distribution. Prop.

64 was designed to use its tax benefits on drug research, treatment and enforcement, health and safety grants addressing marijuana, youth programs, and preventing damage to the environment from illegal marijuana production.

This very same illegal marijuana production may be the main opposition hidden within the proposition. “Illegal marijuana production” is more of a definition than something set in stone used only to deter those using the business opportunity outside of the government. Implementing a registration method, the process of cultivation to distribution has been thoroughly regulated.

The U.S. has shown, however, that the fight for legalization of marijuana has not been a smooth one. There is an estimated $50 million spent annually on the war on drugs. With so much funding and a percentage return on incarceration, why would a previously schedule one labeled product be legalized now, especially in California, which was the first state to prohibit its usage in 1907.

The constant fight of citizens vs. government on this issue is a long and arduous one.

Since the Poison Act of 1907 that prohibited all marijuana use, there have been battles fought year after year for the passing of bills that slowly but surely lead to legalization. The main issue is that this fight has been fought on the terms of those originally against the plants legalization leading to legalization terms in Prop. 64 that uses the people’s wishes against them to further fund tax revenue and governmental control.

Many thought that the legalization of marijuana would lead to release of inmates previously incarcerated, but in 2016, there were 653,249 arrests

made in relation to marijuana laws and 574,641 charged for possesion.

Many charged on state and local levels have seen reduced sentencing with very few being released although that number is growing through the appellate process.

Prop. 64 does not apply to the federal level and has left many behind bars for the distribution and sale of marijuana at higher quantities. Information on how many in California are serving time over this issue is not available but nationwide there were more than 3,500 charged cases in 2016.

Those facing federal time over these quantities were not pushing nearly as much of the plant into communities as legalization has to date. Last year, marijuana tax revenue totaled $256 million in Washington and $60 million in Oregon in the same year that Colorado brought in $200 million, according to VS Strategies.

With that being the total of tax alone, state businesses pocketed much more.

Alexander Sampson can be reached at asampson323@gmail.com.

Denim Day

L.A. wears jeans with a purpose to advocate for sexual consent

By Jasmine Amabile Staff Writer “Because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex,” an Italian judge said in the 1990s.

Outraged by this verdict, women in the Italian Parliament launched into action and protested by wearing jeans to work.

This was before social media, but it had immediate impact.

It encouraged the California Senate to do the same. Denim Day began in Los Angeles with non-profit organization Peace Over Violence and anti-sexual and domestic violence advocate Patricia Giggans in 1999.

Last Wednesday, dozens of women and men gathered at City Hall in Los Angeles to mark the occasion. “Los Angeles is the flagship city for Denim Day,” L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said on Twitter. “Inspired by the case in Italy, Denim Day was started right here in our city 19 years ago. Today we continue that

legacy.” Garcetti and Giggans were present on April 25.

Giggans was so struck by the story of an 18-year-old girl who was raped by her married 45-year-old driving instructor in Italy. He took her to an isolated road, wrestled her out of her jeans, raped her and threatened her with death if she ever told anyone. The offender was later prosecuted, convicted of rape, and sentenced to jail. His rape conviction was then overturned, because the Italian Supreme Court attested that the survivor had to have helped her rapist remove her jeans, implying consent. Understandably, many women were livid. Giggans took action.

The Denim Day campaign has now been around for 19 years, and is a national educational campaign. Wearing jeans on this day is a symbol of protesting against destructive attitudes and misconceptions about sexual assault. The Peace Over Violence mission is to build healthy relationships, families, and communities free

from sexual, domestic, and interpersonal violence, and so Denim Day is held every April, on a Wednesday, in recognition of Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

In the past year, the topic of sexual violence has become widespread, especially through the media where survivors have spoken out about their experiences. We’ve grown so much since the 1990s in how we communicate about rape and violence. Unfortunately, the issue of sexual violence still plagues us years after the case in Italy, as made evident in our daily news cycle. We need action to end sexual assault. Violence is preventable through knowledge.

The organization Peace Over Violence is one component of education for the public, through initiatives like Denim Day. “We have seen the incredible work of survivors and allies in the past years,” Giggans wrote in a statement, in which she acknowledges music, including Lady Gaga’s “Til It Happens To You” and her performance at the

Jasmine Amabile / Staff Photographer

UNDERSTANDING CONSENT: A piece from Denim Day.

Oscars. In the same statement, Giggans also cites the survivor statement of Emily Doe, a young woman who attended a 2015 Stanford University frat party and was horribly assaulted by a wealthy student with connections that helped him get away with

his crime.

I, too, am a survivor of sexual violence and I stand with Denim Day, and the helping hand that Peace Over Violence gives. Rape culture ends with us. All of us.

Jasmine Amabile can be reached at jasmineamabile@gmail.com.

20

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

www.elvaq.com

Super Star Avicii May Have Committed Suicide Swedish celebrity’s family say he wasn’t made for the business

By El Vaquero Staff Swedish EDM superstar Avicii, also known as Tim Bergling, may have died as a result of suicide, according to a widely circulated letter written by the celebrity’s family.

In the letter, which is in Swedish, Avicii’s family called him “a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions” and “an overachieving perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress.”

The letter continued with the implication that the star simply couldn’t cope.

“When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most — music,” the family wrote. “He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace.”

Avicii, who was 28, was found dead on April 20 in his hotel room while visiting Muscat, Oman.

Two days later, officials ruled out foul play.

Bergling was considered a pioneer of EDM, electronic dance music. He was one of the first who brought it into the pop realm. In 2011, he released a track that sampled Etta James’ classic “Something’s Got a Hold On Me,” which topped international music charts. He went on to mix EDM and country in his “Wake Me Up” tune that featured singer Aloe Blacc. That song also peaked at number four on the “Hot 100” list.

In an August 2013 Rolling Stone interview, Bergling explained his love of merging genres. “I wanted to collaborate with songwriters who weren’t used to electronic music, which was interesting from the start,” he said. “I wanted to make real music, in a sense. And I wanted every track to be a single.”

Avicii.com / Courtesy Photo

FALLEN STAR: EDM DJ Tim Bergling passes away at 28.

Avicii worked with artists that included Daft Punk, Coldplay, and Madonna. His schedule was “relentless,” according to the Rolling Stone, but led him to hit number three on Forbes’ list of highest paid DJs. The EDM superstar is thought to have struggled with excessive drinking. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in 2016, a con-

dition that has been linked to his extreme alcohol consumption.

“Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight,” the family’s statement reads. “Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed. The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive. We

love you, Your family.”

The National Suicide Prevention hotline provides 24/7 support to anyone who feels distressed or unable to cope. For information, visit suicidepreventionlifeline. org or call (800) 273-8255. Glendale Community College also has multiple resources available.

Go to bit.ly/GCCHELP to learn more.

Joaquin Phoenix Dazzles in “You Were Never Really Here” Entertainment editor has some thoughts behind the suspense in Lynne Ramsay’s latest film offering

Ruth Kingsbury / Courtesy Photo

UNSETTLING STARE: As discomforting as it is you just can’t seem to look away.

By Adriana Garcia Entertainment Editor Scottish writer and director Lynne Ramsay’s newest film “You Were Never Really Here” had big shoes to fill following its 2011 spectacular precursor “We Need to Talk About Kevin.”

The “bleak and unsettling do-

mestic horror film,” as Los Angeles Times movie critic Justin Chang described, garnered critical attention in the independent sphere and attached a significant weight to Ramsay’s name.

Announcements for her latest release therefore generated excitement amongst her cult following. “You Were Never Really Here,” however, does

not manage to create the lasting impression “Kevin” did.

Its derivative plot, based on the 2013 novel by Jonathan Ames, is deliberately slow and heavily visually stylized, perhaps in an attempt to set the film apart from similar works.

Martin Scorsese’s 1976 “Taxi Driver” and Luc Besson’s 1994 “Léon: The Professional” also

involve a tormented, violent protagonist saving a young girl from a less than desirable situation.

But instead of Travis and Léon, “You Were Never Really Here” provides a shattered and broken Joe, played superbly by veteran actor Joaquin Phoenix.

The unstable Gulf War veteran makes ends meet by quietly and efficiently rescuing missing children from sex slavery for private clients. Joe’s newest customer is a New York politician whose teenage daughter Nina, played by Ekaterina Samsonov, has been abducted and forced to work in an underage private brothel.

What initially seems to be an easy job becomes a much more complex and dangerous situation for Joe and anyone close to him.

He soon learns Nina will not be given up without a struggle, and he’ll have to fight both tangible and inner demons to finish the job.

The film’s most efficient factor is doubtlessly Phoenix’s performance, followed promptly

by Ramsay’s undeniable ability to build tension and discomfort.

Phoenix turns in a subdued but arresting portrayal of desperation and crippling post-traumatic stress disorder. That, combined with Ramsay’s habitual use of effectively placed, disturbing flashbacks provide the most intense moments in the film.

Phoenix and Ramsay’s methods worked well together, but the director’s highly stylized and slow-moving narrative technique did not match the plot or genre.

But in an interview with Rolling Stone, she admits she planned it that way.

Phoenix joined her early in the filming process and contributed to script changes that transformed the film into something less traditional. “It was like having another filmmaker or a DP (director of photography) there,” said Ramsay.

Phoenix claimed he was approached with a more standard action script that was changed before production. “[We had] this really strong script and this great foundation and this clear trajectory and a really wellwritten character – and there was something in that, I think, that instinctually repelled us,” said the actor. “All those things that worked made us uneasy, and we were like, ‘How can we make this not work?’”

“You Were Never Really Here,” therefore, seems slightly off-kilter, though not necessarily in a good way. The film was also shot on a limited eight-week schedule due to overlapping projects for Phoenix, which might have hindered from a more thorough and effective process.

“You Were Never Really Here” serves more as a slowmoving, noir-type character study than a thriller. Those familiar with Ramsay’s work will find admirable qualities within the film, but it won’t satisfy those looking for a traditional fastpaced flick.

Adriana Garcia can be reached at agarcia5422@student.glendale.edu.

www.elvaq.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

21

The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling New documentary sheds some light on comedian’s life

By Rudy Guijarro Staff Writer Judd Apatow’s new two-part HBO documentary series “The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling” is rich with Shandling’s home movies and unseen footage, but interviews with friends and family of the late Jewish comedian depict him as the tortured, neurotic, and anxious workaholic we all hoped he’d be.

At 24, Shandling moved to Los Angeles from Tucson, Arizona in 1973, where he quickly got his break writing on the NBC’s hit shows “Sanford and Son” and “Welcome Back, Kotter.”

“I got lucky quickly, those were the days when they were looking for young writers,” Shandling says in an interview with Apatow.

Shandling rose to fame in 1981 after his hysterically witty debut on “Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” At the time, Shandling had only been doing stand up for three years regularly at The Comedy Store in Hollywood.

By 1985, Shandling was a famed stand-up comedian and was ambitiously developing the lampoon of 80’s sitcoms “It’s The Garry Shandling Show” with writing partner Alan Zweibel.

The show’s premise was a spoof of sitcoms he had written for in his early years of script writing. Shandling broke every rule of formulaic scripted television including breaking the fourth wall where the lead talks directly to the audience.

“The Garry Shandling Show” aired on Showtime in 1986 and was a commercial and critical success with an immense cult following.

The show ran for four seasons with a handsome 72 episodes.

Shandling also guest hosted the “Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”

Late night host Jay Leno was competing with Shandling to carry the torch of the “Tonight Show” after Carson announced his retirement.

Although Shandling was performing very well, he dropped out of the race and quit his own show out of exhaustion.

“I enjoy the work, I really do.

But I don’t want to work this hard,” Shandling told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “There is no chance to enjoy the success, I’d like to cut back.”

In 1992, Shandling came back to television with an HBO comedy series “The Larry Sanders Show,” a raunchy workplace comedy that took place in a fictional late night show studio. The show ran for seven seasons.

“The only thing worse than working on television every night is wanting to be on television every night,” Shandling told Apatow.

Apatow’s documentary goes indepth into the dark and personal life of Shandling.

“No one ever knew Garry,” Garry’s cousin, Mike shandling, says in an interview with Apatow.

Garry Shandling was born on November 29, 1949 in Chicago, Ill., but quickly moved to Tucson with his family after his older brother Barry, 13, had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Barry Shandling had been getting treatment for his disease but died in 1959 at the age of 13.

“They were really close,” Mike Shandling said. “And we never really talked about him (Barry) after that, he was just gone.”

Garry Shandling never talked about his departed older brother on television or in his act.

“All he told me was, ‘I had an older brother and he died,’” comedian Kevin Nealon said in an interview with Apatow.

On March 24, 2016, Shandling died in his home in Los Angeles, California from a pulmonary embolism. He was 66.

Shandling was never married or had children.

“Garry was a great comic, because you knew he was more screwed up than anyone in the crowd,” Jim Carrey said in an interview with Apatow. “That was the brilliance of Garry Shandling.”

“The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling” is now available on HBO and HBO GO. Rudy Guijarro can be reached at rudyguijarro11@gmail.com.

HBO / Courtesy Photo

USA / Courtesy Photo

Schumer’s New Film Not ‘Pretty’ Movie doesn’t achieve what it sets out to do, feels cartoonish

By Rudy Guijarro Staff Writer Marc Silverstein and Abby Kohn’s “I Feel Pretty” would have been a more effective five-minute “Inside Amy Schumer” sketch about body image, but its lengthy two hours makes this fairytale feature film a dreadful throw away for Schumer.

Amy Schumer plays an insecure and image-obsessed Rene Bennett, a digital grunt working in a dingy satellite office in Chinatown for major beauty brand Lily LeClaire in New York.

Rene dreams of working as a receptionist in the Lily LeClaire headquarters but feels her lack of beauty is holding her back.

Schumer’s character attends a spin class to get fit, where she meets Malory, a gorgeous woman played by model and actress Emily Ratajkowski. The first class, Rene falls and hits her private part, a typical slapstick stunt that Schumer is famous for.

Embarrassed and discouraged, she goes home and indulges in ice cream while watching the famous Tom Hanks 80’s classic “Big” where a young boy wishes he was an adult. That night

Rene does the same, only she wishes she was beautiful.

The next morning, she goes to her spin class again only to fall on her head and be knocked unconscious.

When Rene wakes up, she looks in the mirror and sees an undeniably beautiful woman.

The film immediately goes into the pretty Rene montage. She goes to all her favorite boutiques and starts wearing the clothes she always wanted to wear, then walks into the LeClaire headquarters and gets her dream job. She gets a handsome, humble boyfriend played by comedian Rory Scovel. She achieves everything she wanted with false confidence, but conflicts soon arise.

“I feel Pretty” relies on prolonged cartoonish montages that pander to plus size women’s everyday problems like trying to get a date online, getting drinks at bars and struggling to find their size at upper class boutiques.

The simplicity of the film and lack of solid punchy jokes is what drags on.

Rene’s two best friends, although played by comedic actresses Aidy Bryant and Busy Phillips, offer no memorable gags in the film.

Michelle Williams, who plays fictional beauty brand celebrity Avery LeClaire, seems to be the most distinctively comedic of all the cast with her squeaky voice and ridiculous body language.

Rene’s love interest Ethan is the most organic character in the film. His neurotic and sensitive personality make his attraction to Rene seem authentic.

“I Feel Pretty” is noticeably preachy, but should have focused more on the comedy. The plot is transparent, it didn’t need to be verbally spoonfed to the audience.

The film’s development with Schumer’s character didn’t correlate. She began as a witty and conventional self-aware woman, but “beautiful” Rene was completely delusional and dumbed down, which was contradictory to the message of the film.

“I Feel Pretty” had good intentions but bad execution.

Schumer’s character was obnoxious and self-indulgent.

What could have been a light-hearted romantic comedy became a tale of materialism and the need to be accepted.

Rudy Guijarro can be reached at rudyguijarro11@gmail.com.

22

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

www.elvaq.com

Coachella Weekend II Music festival includes broad genres, draws thousands

By Hayk Rostomyan Production Editor

Day 1: started with a visit to the “Outdoor Theater” to see Skip Marley. Ironic how the organization that used police canines to strip attendees of their weed also decided to start 4/20 off with a performer named Marley. When he asked his fans to ‘smoke up,’ most of them could not celebrate on 4/20 with the new-age artist. The crowd was really in the mood during his cover of “Jammin’” and his performance of “Lion,” which will forever be known as the Pepsi commercial song.

Kali Uchis came on stage after Marley’s show where she performed in a pink leather outfit and brought the fire to her fans. After a strong anti-Trump message she jumped into singing “Your Teeth on My Neck” from her “Isolation” album. The hypest moment however was when Tyler, the Creator joined her on stage for “After the Storm” and the crowd collectively roared in cheer.

St. Vincent put on a settler rock show. Dressed in a red-leather BDSM outfit, she played some tasty jams like “Los Angeles” from her “MASSEDUCTION” album. Her performance was matched with expert live editing that could be seen on the two screens to either side of the stage. She gave a shout-out to her friend, who was high on acid, and told her not to worry everything’s a dream, then proceeded to give the most energetic guitar solo of the night.

Day 2: was the one that you could not miss. The best artists and the best shows were on. If you slept on this then you’re a sucker.

Flatbush Zombies took the “Mojave” stage at 5 p.m. to a packed crowd. Flatbush teased their fans at Coachella by saying they had to make more noise than Weekend One. Erick Arc Elliott brought the mic to a female “fan” who did not know the lyrics of their songs. He quickly move the mic to a guy next to her, but he did not know the words, either. The group joked about this incident close to the end of their set. Before they left, Meechy Darko, asked the crowd to give him to the mosh pits. The fans delivered.

Brockhampton, the 14-man boyband followed Flatbush at the “Mojave.” They had a helicopter on stage and an orchestra of violins on their side. Each member wore a bulletproof vest with slogans like ‘Fiend,’ ‘F****t,’ ‘N****r,’ ‘Diplomat’ and ‘Nothing’ written on them to represent that these words hold no power over them. A true bulletproof vest. If you have never heard of Brockhampton you will be surprised by how they start with a soft One Direction-style song (“Summer”) then go straight into hardcore rap while dropping 60 n-bombs a minute (“Boogie”) to some J-Pop inspired act (“Bleach”). While every member performed throughout the concert, Bearface, who had opened the show, sat inside the helicopter doing nothing, replicating the word that was written on his vest. He got up towards end of the show to open for their song “Bleach.” The boyband ended the show by moving like zombie ragdolls and exited to a roar of satisfaction.

Before Jorja Smith even took a step on the “Gobi” stage her fans from around the world were talking about how cool and amazing she was. The vibe she started felt like being back home at a friend’s backyard party as fans partnered up to dance to songs like “Teenage Fantasy.” At the same time Smith was able to rock the crowd with upbeat songs like “Where Did I Go” a cover of TLC’s “Scrubs.” She was elegant and confident throughout her performance even to the point where she sat down for over two minutes and watched her band jam out.

Shortly after Smith’s performance started alt-J took the stage at the “Outdoor Theater.” Although the power of their music could not be felt in the back of the crowd, the light show and accompanying videos on the sides of the stage were “far out.” If somebody on LSD had happened to watch the show, they would have been hypnotized by the visuals.

“Queen Bee” Beyonce ended the night with fireworks. As she stepped onto the main “Coachella Stage” you could see a lake of about 200,000 people turning their phones on. Then bang, the first set of fireworks go off as Beyonce starts the show with “Check On It” from her 2006 “B’day” Album. The cheering sent a soundwave that people from outside of the state could probably hear. Throughout her show, Beyonce, with help from her “Bugaboos,” or backup performers, performed skits such as the one minutes of saying “suck on my balls.” The Bugaboos were used to buy time for the “Queen Bee” to go through costume changes as she had four different outfits to wear by the end of the show.

Beyonce spoke words of encouragement to women and girls in her audience. She complemented each message with a song. Whether it was “Run the World” or “Single Ladies,” the women in the crowd were inspired and each time Beyonce spoke to them she raised their energy. When her husband Jay-Z came to sing with her the crowd went wild. Clearly girl power won out because the fan cheers reached supersonic when Destiny’s Child reunited on stage like “Say My Name.”

Day 3: started and ended out with Aurora. The Norwegian singer came on and with a soft and cute voice spoke to the crowd, which was noticeably small due to Cardi B performing at the same time as her and because she is not well known in the U.S. Between her songs she stopped to say “I love you” to the people who were dancing.

Aurora joked like an adorable little child about how happy she was that her set was played in the shade instead of the sun or she would have burned out because of her very pale skin. She thanked her band and they all bowed to their fans as the exited the stage.

Coachella 2018 was fun and if you can afford to make it to at least one event before you die than go for it. Just come prepared with food and water. Bring a spare $100-$200 would not hurt either since everything is overpriced but it’s not like you can get the items anywhere close either.

Hayk Rostomyan / Staff Photographer

ROWDY CROWDS: Excited fans get ready for Brockhampton to show why they’re the worlds newest boyband

Page design by Alexander Sampson (asampson323@gmail.com).

www.elvaq.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

SHAPING POLICY: A CONVERSATION WITH MMA FIGHTER MARCUS KOWAL Come hear Kowal talk about the loss of his son, Liam, and why he thinks California needs to do better with alcohol limits.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 SIERRA VISTA 130 12:30–1:30 P.M. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED FLEX IS ALSO AVAILABLE

SPONSORED BY THE JOURNALISM CLUB, GCC ADDICTION STUDIES CLUB, AND LIAM’S LIFE

23

24

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

ADVERTISEMENTS

www.elvaq.com

or

Got an opinion?

We want to hear it!

Send us your letters (with your full name and year, or name and discipline) and you might see them here in print.

Send a letter to the editor at: elvaquero@glendale.edu

SHAPING POLICY: A CONVERSATION WITH MMA FIGHTER MARCUS KOWAL Come hear Kowal talk about the loss of his son, Liam, and why he thinks California needs to do better with alcohol limits.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 SIERRA VISTA 130 12:30–1:30 P.M. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED FLEX IS ALSO AVAILABLE

SPONSORED BY THE JOURNALISM CLUB, GCC ADDICTION STUDIES CLUB, AND LIAM’S LIFE