Sept 28 2016

Page 1

EL VAQUERO 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

Visit us@www.elvaq.com

El Vaquero Newspaper

@ G CC_El V aq

@ G CC_El V aq

September 28, 2016

Volume 108 | Number 2

Photo by Tina Fernestam

JUMP UP AND VOTE: The ASGCC celebrated Constitution Day on Thursday in Plaza Vaquero with tables set up for students to register to vote. The Activities Committee organizes a booth for Constitution Day every year. This year the new ASGCC President Emin Azarian was

dressed as George Washington. They prepared questions regarding the Constitution to educate the students on what it is about. If a student answered correctly, they got a free cupcake or a cookie. The deadline to register for the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 24.

Living Green Goes Mainstream at LA Convention Center Inside the L.A. Green Expo Festival By Morgan Stephens

S

ustainable farmers, animal rights activists, yoga instructors and morticians were among the vendors gathered at the Convention Center for Green Expo Festival on Sept. 16 to 18 celebrating all that is vegan and ecofriendly. “If you want to make a difference, you have to embrace the companies and brands because they will go with the demand,” said Dr. Corinna Basler, president of The Green Festivals, Inc. “The

more people ask and care about green products, the more they will produce.” In response to 2015 market cues, companies are now seizing the consumer’s interest of green products. M.A.C. makeup boasts itself on cruelty-free manufacturing. Target and Trader Joe’s both offer a multitude of vegan and vegetarian foods in their grocery section as well as green household essentials. A green lifestyle, once geared toward a clichéd granola-crunching, Birkenstock-wearing sub-

culture is a thing of the past. Eco-friendly merchandise has officially entered the mainstream public, for those who seek healthier, cleaner products. Big Green Opportunity Report saw a 75 percent increase in businesses who sold green products during the down economy, from 2008-2011. The same survey found 49 percent of customers supported the businesses due to their environmentally beneficial practices. “When I first started there were only two meat alternatives and they weren’t very good.” said Hal Weiss, Southern California organizer for People for The Ethi-

cal Treatment of Animals, commonly known as PETA. “Back then, if you were vegan, you were going to a health food store and now that’s not really true. . .You can also get them at Vons and Ralphs.” Today, green commodities cover a broad range of food, cleaning products, farming methods, holistic medical approaches, cars, home energy options, animal rehabilitation and even burials. Eternal Meadows, a cemetery located in Santa Monica, even offers environmentally sound plots for the departed by placing the body in an organic shroud or wicker basket with no metals or

other materials. The intent is to repurpose the body back into the earth. Veganism, abstaining from all animal foods and products is gaining popularity. This includes refraining from meat, dairy, eggs and honey as well as leather or anything tested on animals. “People believe veganism is just a trend and I disagree. It’s definitely growing and hopefully will continue that path but it’s a healthy growth, it’s not fluctuating,” Basler, a-10-year vegan said. “There are more [vegan] products than ever before.” In addition, Google revealed [See Green page 3]

Aspiring Musician Brings Indian Classics to Campus By Diane Roxas

M

SOUNDS OF INDIA: Evan Hatfield performs on the sitar.

Photo by Sal Polcino

any students may have passed by a musician playing a strange instrument in front of the San Gabriel building this semester. Evan Hatfield, a 23-year-old music major, lugs his sitar around campus, playing regularly in front of the student body. A sitar is a stringed instrument that has a very distinct sound that evokes feelings of a different place. Much like the bagpipes of Scotland or the shamisen of Japan are identified with specific countries, the sitar is uniquely Indian. A sitar looks similar to a banjo but with a wider, longer neck and a rounder body. Its bridge holds 18-21 strings, of which only six or seven are played, and the rest

serves to resonate the sound. Some sitars also have a second resonating chamber attached at the top of its neck, in addition to its main body. Hatfield often practices outside, whether on campus or at Verdugo Park, which is located across the college. “I met him the same way everyone else did. I saw him playing sitar his first semester, I just sat down next to him and I was like ‘we’re going to be friends’,” Jafet Vallejos, 25, talks about how he met Hatfield. “We both like music and we can relate on certain levels. We’re always showing each other music and going to shows. He’s the dude who is always dancing at a show.” [See Sitar, page 3]


2

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016

EL V EDITOR IN CHIEF Melody Shahsavarani STAFF Steven Montoya Diane Roxas Sheron Page Morgan Stephens Breanna Hamilton Elena Jacobson Stalin Ruiz Tina Fernestam PRODUCTION TEAM Sal Polcino Jayne Pojawa STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chandler Cadet

www.elvaq.com

NEWS

Campus Mourns Loss of Leonard R. DeGrassi By Steven Montoya

A

rt History Emeritus Professor Leonard R. DeGrassi passed away Sept. 2 at the age of 88. He had suffered from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. DeGrassi was born March 2, 1928 in East Orange, N.J., and in 1937 his family moved to California. He earned a full scholarship to USC and attained a bachelor’s degree of fine arts in 1951 and a master’s of arts in 1956. After his time at USC he studied at Harvard, the University of Rome and UCLA. In 1961 he married Dolores Marie Welgoss, who predeceased him, and had a son and daughter, Paul and Maria. DeGrassi joined the art history department in September of 1954 and retired in 1992. In 1987 he earned the Distinguished Faculty Award, the first such award given to a staff member. Recipients of the award must be an outstanding contributor to the faculty and must perform at a high standard in their area of expertise. “He was one of our best -- witty, erudite and impeccably dressed,” said English Professor Dennis Doyle, a lifelong friend.

“Leonard [DeGrassi] was the type of teacher Jerusalem and a Cross Holy Sepulcher. we all wished we could become.” “I’ve known Leonard since I was a kid. DeGrassi was praised My dad taught here in by everyone who knew the ’50s and he was a big him: family, friends and presence in my family students. Family and life,” Doyle said. “When friends have mentioned I began in the ’80s, he his unforgettable passion was one of the shining for teaching, faith in the stars of this place.” Catholic church and his DeGrassi kept up a love for art. steady schedule of church “When I first began lectures in Glendale, here 10 years ago I had no which he continued until idea what I was doing,” he could no longer keep Richard Coleman, art up his accustomed pace. history professor said. “It Doyle and DeGrassi gave was Leonard who took a series of lectures in the me under his wing, often greater Los Angeles area showed me the ropes about Irish art, music and or, at minimum, made culture. me feel better for not “When Leonard was Photo by Greg Parks knowing the ropes.” asked what art was about, Professor Emeritus Leonard DeGrassi His love for teaching he would say, ‘art is there never stopped, and even after his retirement to show us who we are.’” Doyle said. in 1992, he continued to teach as a professor emeritus until 2015. DeGrassi was a man of faith and became a Knight Order of Merit of Steven Montoya be reached at the Republic of Italy, Knight of St. John of s.montoya.sm62@gmail.com

Tina Fernestam faculty adviser Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214 advertising Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 5493 Send 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 melody.elvaq@gmail.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

Member of the Journalism Asssociation of Community Colleges

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

IN THIS ISSUE

News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lifestyles.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Presidential Debate: Highlights and Lowlights By Sal Polcino

W

hen Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton took the stage at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Tuesday night for the first of three scheduled debates, they both appeared amiable and cordial. They shook hands, smiled and headed for their respective podiums, much like boxers knocking gloves and taking separate corners in the ring — ready for the fight of their lives. Moderator Lester Holt of NBC Nightly News set the ground rules and explained the format of the debate. There would be three main topics: America’s Direction, Achieving Prosperity and Securing America. Holt asked each candidate for an opening statement on what they would do to improve the job situation in the nation. Secretary Clinton’s response was matter-of-fact, yet replete with commonsense plans. Raise the minimum wage, create work in infrastructure, equality for women’s wages and debt-free college. Trump replied in a soft and muted voice, speaking of how jobs are moving to foreign nations, how immigrants are taking our jobs and how big manufacturers like Ford Motor Co. are moving to Mexico and China, a country that is devaluing the dollar. NPR Fact Check - In fact, over the past two years, Beijing has been selling off some of its roughly $4 trillion in foreign exchange reserves to prop up the value of its currency, the Renminbi (RMB) or Yuan. This has contributed to a lower U.S. trade deficit with China. Beijing allowed the RMB to appreciate

Photo Illustration by Sal Polcino

against the dollar for about a decade until 2014, leading the International Monetary Fund to judge the RMB as fairly valued in May of last year. -- Anthony Kuhn, International Correspondent NPR Fact Check - Ford CEO Mark Fields says zero jobs will be lost in Michigan because Ford will build two new vehicles at that plant. Trump, off topic, spoke of his plan to lower taxes, especially on corporations, citing how well that worked during the Reagan era. Clinton quickly interjected that Reagan’s “trickle down economics” failed and did not help the middle class and, in fact, may have caused a recession. In her first zinger of the evening, Clinton called her opponent’s plan, “Trumped up.” In that conversation exchange Trump failed to say exactly how he would keep American business from leaving the country. “We just won’t let them leave,” Trump said.

At this point, Trump began to sidestep every question and attempted to introduce his own familiar campaign talking points. This continued for the rest of the 90-minute debate. Clinton was well-prepared, confident and knowledgeable. Trump became more aggressive and stammering. Just 20 minutes in, the Republican candidate began shouting when Clinton called him out on his climate change denial. Trump shouted emphatically that he never said that. NPR Fact Check - Actually, Trump has called climate change a “hoax” on several occasions. He said on “Meet the Press” that he was joking about China’s role. Politifact said,”On Dec. 30, 2015, Trump told the crowd at a rally in Hilton Head, S.C., ‘Obama’s talking about all of this with the global warming and … a lot of it’s a hoax. It’s a hoax. I mean, it’s a moneymaking industry, OK? It’s a hoax, a lot of it.’ “

Clinton continued to answer Holt’s questions succinctly. On taxes, she had the chance to chastise Trump over on not releasing his tax information like every presidential candidate has done for more than 40 years. Trump gave his patented “When my audit is done, I will release my taxes” response, then steered the conversation to the alleged 30,000 emails Clinton deleted. Trump said he would release his taxes if she would show the remaining emails. Clinton laughed and accused him of hiding something from the American people. This topic brought about Trump’s biggest gaffe of the night. Clinton accused him of paying zero taxes in the last 15 years. Trump interrupted saying, “That makes me smart.” This also gave Clinton the opportunity to mention Trump’s [See Debate, page 3]


www.elvaq.com

FEATURES

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016

3

Applied Music Program Features Northern Indian Instruments [from Sitar , page 1] “It’s fun and you always see the people who are inherently curious of life,” Hatfield said. This second-year student grew up in Visalia, an agricultural town in central California. His mother is a teacher and guitar player, who paid her way through college as a guitar instructor. Hatfield grew up listening to classical music and learning about musicians’ lives. “I remember going on road trips with my parents and they would have these cassette tapes of life stories of famous composers, like Tchaikovsky and Beethoven,” Hatfield said. He learned to play instruments at a young age. At around 6 years old, his mom made him take piano lessons and he hated it. But he discovered a penchant for the saxophone and at 10 he played in the school band. Eventually, his mother found him a saxophone teacher, but then he did not like it as much anymore. He also picked up a guitar at the age of 12, when he thought it would look “cool.” “I always remember liking music,” he said, as he recalled how he got into playing all these instruments. “But I got more into improvising because it was so contradicting to the lessons I’d had when I was younger, where I would come in and have a sheet of music and I’d have to play it exactly like it’s written and there’s just so many rules.” He was a high school student when his grandparents gifted him with a sitar from one of their

travels to India. He took his guitar knowledge and tried to translate it into sitar. A year or two out of high school and indecisive about what he wanted to do with his life, he met his guru, Paul Livingstone. He was living in Ojai, playing gigs for a living, when a musician friend urged him to watch one of Livingstone’s shows. Hatfield saw him play and realized that his knowledge of sitar playing was virtually non-existent. A couple of weeks after that, he found himself in Livingstone’s house having his first lesson. “It was very intense. He would have me play something very simple over and over again until I could do it without thinking about it,” Hatfield said. The lessons continued for about a year, most of which were done through Skype, when his mentor offered him a place in a RV parked in the driveway of his Altadena home. In January 2015, Hatfield’s four-month training began with his teacher knocking on the door at 7 a.m. for their two-hour morning lessons. He also had extensive two-hour lessons at night with practices in between. “It is only by studying within the traditional context that you’ll get the proper sound on sitar,” Livingstone said. “It’s a very difficult instrument. It takes many years of discipline, training, and practice.” Hatfield describes the experience as grueling, recalling the first few days when his fingers were so numb and tired from playing.

Photo by Ekaterina Nikitina

NORTH INDIAN ENSEMBLE: Michael McDaniel plays the flute along with group members Alma Cielo on tanpura and Paul Livingston on sitar. Neel Agarwal on tabla, not pictured.

It wasn’t until the very end that I started to realize, I just learned three years worth of Indian music in four months, and I’m healthier and happier than I’ve ever been,” Hatfield said. “It was just such an enlightening experience.” When his training ended, his mentor’s wife encouraged him to go back to school. He decided to look around GCC where his mentor’s wife takes arts classes and he fell in love with the campus. He approached the music department and asked if sitar could be his primary instrument for the applied music program. At that time, sitar is not part of the school’s program. “He’s [Hatfield] very driven about doing what he wants to do, and very intense about it. And he’s always looking around for opportunities to grow,” said Beth Pflueger, music instructor and organizer of GCC’s applied music program. “Partly due to him, we

started offering sitar as part of our applied music program. We hadn’t done any Indian music instruments until now.” Dr. Paul Sherman, one of the school’s music instructor who specializes in world music, decided to take on the project of starting a North Indian music program. He invited Paul Livingstone to teach Indian music in the school, and he agreed. The college currently offers introductory and advanced classes for an Indian music ensemble. The language of Indian music class is the introductory performance ensemble that teaches the fundamentals of how to understand the music and sing in the system of music, which is based on raga and tala. The Indian music ensemble is an advanced class that tackles traditionally arranged ragas and some crossover with chamber music and jazz. It is an Indian

ensemble with east to west instrumentation that includes the guitar, flute, sitar, tabla, tanpura and sarangi. Hatfield plans to transfer to Cal Arts after he finishes his associate’s degree. Eventually, he wants to work in music production. He loves improvising and creating his own music, a mix of traditional Indian music and electronica. He confided the purpose behind his passion: Music is something that can take you really deep inside yourself or bring you out of yourself and look at life in a different way,” he said. “There are people who are in their own bubble and they’re very comfortable there and I just want people to get out of their minds.”

Diane Roxas can be reached at droxas817@student.glendale.edu

Living Green

Hillary Clinton Trips Trump in First Debate

[from Green, page 1]

[from Debate, page 2]

searches with the term “vegan” grew 32 percent from 2014-2015. California ranked as the number one state for vegan inquiries. Los Angeles, the host city of the Green Festival, ranked third of U.S. cities for vegan interest. Ellie Laks, founder of The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita and vegan for 17 years, said that veganism has benefitted her and her family in many ways. “Waking up in the morning was way easier. I was happy to be alive, to jump out of bed and be productive and the long term effects are we just don’t do sick, we have three kids and they’ve been raised vegan and you know, it’s not fair because all their friends go to school and miss all these days and my kids have 100 percent attendance rate,” Laks said. The Gentle Barn, a rehabilitation center for animals ranging from dogs and goats to peacocks and llamas, also works with at risk, inner-city and special needs children. “Once [the animals] are healed and happy and safe, they help us heal people with the same stories of abuse and neglect as well as teach tolerance and kindness,”

Laks said. “It’s kind of a circle of healing, we heal the animals, the animals heal people and people turn around to be kinder to animals.” A possible hurdle to get more people on board for going green could be budget restraints. According to Consumer Reports in 2015, organic products were 46 percent more expensive than their regular counterpart. For more people to embrace a green lifestyle Basler said, “It needs to be tasty, it needs to be affordable, it needs to be fun and not just ‘okay that’s just another granola bar.’ Sustainability shouldn’t only be for a different class. It needs to be affordable and it needs to be for everyone.” Morgan Stephens can be reached at morganstephens6@gmail.com

www. elvaq. com

record of not paying some of the contractors he hired in his building projects, to which he replied, “Maybe they didn’t do good work.” On race relations, Clinton said we must face the challenge of improving schooling equality, training police officers and changing the justice system to fight systemic racism and doing something about the gun epidemic by changing the laws. Trump’s idea was to make stop-and-frisk a federal law because, as he said, it worked so well in New York. Holt interrupted saying that stop-and-frisk was found to be unconstitutional because it promoted racial profiling. Trump vehemently disagreed saying that ruling came from a very “against police” judge. NPR Fact Check - Lester Holt is correct. Stop-and-frisk was ruled unconstitutional by a federal district judge. The city appealed, and after a change of mayor the case was settled before the appeal. Scott Horsely - White House Correspondent Trump repeated his claim of

a few weeks ago that Clinton started the “birther” rumor against President Obama. Trump said he personally ended the rumor. Holt was quick to steer the candidates away from this side track. Trump managed to insult African-Americans and Hispanics by saying that they are living in hell. “You walk down the street and you get shot.” Clinton brought up a lawsuit against Trump in the ’70s, in which he was censured for not renting to people of color. Trump admitted he lost the suit, but “without admission of guilt.” The last topic discussed was national security. Holt asked the candidates what they would do about cyber crime. Again shifting the subject off topic, Trump talked about his disapproval of NATO, then when returning to the topic of security he said, “America has fallen down on cyber. We need to get better at cyber.” The audience, which who had been warned not to applaud or comment, broke into laughter when Trump said that Clinton did not have the temperament to be president. “I have the temperament

to win. Temperament is probably my greatest asset,” he said. Trump’s comments set Clinton up for a few snappy comebacks during the evening. Arguably the most tweeted and shared moment on social media was when he basically derided her for being ready for the debate. “I think Donald just criticized me for preparing for this debate. And yes, I did,” Clinton said. “And you know what else I prepared for? I prepared to be president. And I think that’s a good thing.” Polls taken immediately following the debate declared Clinton the clear winner at 76 percent. Whether or not this will have any affect on the election is yet to be seen. The candidates will clash in their second debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. on Oct. 9. The single vice presidential debate between Republican Mike Spence and Democrat Tim Kaine will be Oct. 4.

Sal Polcino can be reached at elvaqed@gmail.com


4

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016

International Film Festival Returns to Glendale By Sheron Page

M

any of Glendale’s and surrounding cities’ finest creative visionaries — filmmakers, screenwriters and actors, will unite for a viewing of their works on the

big screens as Glendale presents its third annual International Film Festival. The event will be held at two different locations: The MGN Five Star Cinema and Pacific Theatres from Sept. 28 through Oct. 5. GCC students are encouraged to

volunteer. All volunteers will meet the filmmakers and individuals that help put together this event. They will receive a certificate, which enables them to stay and watch the films. The jobs consist of checking in filmmakers, screenwriters and guests, distributing passes to

WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT: The Glendale International Film Festival attracts talented film makers from around the world. Like cat videos? One of this year’s themes is “All Creatures Great and Small.”

the film festival and answering questions. “It’s an honor to have GCC alumni and current students work beside us for this event,” said Velvet Rhodes, a director and filmmaker who organized the film festival. “We estimate an attendance of 10,000 throghout the event.” For the eight-day event a set schedule movie and featured themes will be posted. For example, the first day will be based on today’s social economics and politics. Day two will focus on international films of merit, many made in the city of Glendale, with multiple themes of interest and depth will be featured. There will be Armenian films featured as well. All volunteers will have access to meet and greet many of the nominees and actors. An award ceremony will proceed on October 5 at Gauchos Village Brazilian Steakhouse. Alexandria Hidalgo is nominated for Best Documentary and Best Female Filmmaker for her film “Vanishing Borders.” Levon

Sharafyan has been nominated for best actor for his performance in “ARAM, ARAM.” There will also be a few opening night festivities with a screening of the film “Sugar” and a live performance by the band Mostly Kosher at the MGN Five Star Cinema on Sept 28 at 7 p.m. “They [the filmmakers and screenwriters] are fabulous and talented visionaries and I am excited to be a part of this event this year,” Rhodes said. If you are interested in volunteering for this event contact Sharis Davoodi at student employment services/job placement on the third floor of the San Gabriel building (818) 2401000, ext. 5403. Passes to the festival and award show can be purchased online for $50 each. Visit http://www. glendaleinternationalfilmfestival. com

Sheron Page be reached at Sheronepage@gmail.com

Forest Lawn Hosts Exhibition of Disney Artist Eyvind Earle By Elena Jacobson

M

ost people think Forest Lawn is only a place for the dead, but the cemetery actually strives to make it a place for the living. One of the largest collections of stained glass in the world is housed in the museum, and there are artworks displayed throughout

the grounds. In the museum’s most recent exhibit, the art derives from Eyvind Earle, a background painter for the Walt Disney Co. “It is an honor to inherit a legacy of an organization that is so involved with the community,” Ann Pescalor, the museum’s director said. “Our aim is to enrich, inspire, and educate.” Coupled with each painting

are poems written by Earle, which illustrate a glimpse into his mind when creating his artwork. Earle wrote alongside the bronze statue of a horse he sculpted, “Art is… to pick one detail out of infinitude of infinities and make it clear.” Ava Nguyen, an aspiring illustrator and attendee of the exhibit, is benefiting from all three of the museum’s goals.

“It is great chance to see some of the artwork up close,” Nguyen said. “The poetry works with the concepts of the paintings” It was only last year that Earle was awarded the title of a Disney Legend. The Disney Legend award is a of hall of fame that celebrates great contributions to the Disney company over the years. It is because of this award that the museum showcased an exhibit of his art. His work on the castle featured in the film “Sleeping Beauty” is how he achieved his award. While

he is known best for his work with Disney, Earle has done many other oil paintings and sketches, many of which have not been seen outside the exhibit. He has done so many paintings that the museum rotates out some of the pieces, so the exhibit is different each time. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. The exhibit runs until Jan. 1 and is free to the public. Elena Jacobsoncan be reached at laneyjacobson520@gmail.com

Photo by Elena Jacobsoncan

MUSEUMS AND MAUSOLEUMS: “Sleeping Beauty” artist Eyvind Earle is the featured artist at Forest Lawn’s hilltop museum.


www.elvaq.com

5

LA Writers Reading Series Welcomes Renowned Author

Photo by Errol L. Colandro

HARLEY AND ME: Author Bernadette Murphy poses on her Harley Davidson motorcycle. She learned to ride at age 48 and found the experience empowering.

By Morgan Stephens

T

he Los Angeles Writers Reading Series featured author and Glendale Community College alumni Bernadette Murphy on Monday at the JW Student Center. Murphy, a former book critic for the Los Angeles Times and associate professor of creative writing at Antioch University in Culver City, read to students and faculty from her recent memoir, “Harley and Me.” “Harley and Me” focuses on Murphy’s experience learning to ride a motorcycle at age 48. Themes of the book center around risk-taking, conquering fear, the role of women in modern society and family loss. “I love the feeling of fear that thrums in my ribcage,” Murphy read to the audience, “too much of my life has been eaten up by fear, too many opportunities missed, worried about how it might look or whose feelings I might hurt or how difficult something might be. I am at that place in my life when that standoff looms. Me or the fear, one of us is going to win out and the other will be vanquished.” She discovered her passion for writing at GCC, which she attended in the ‘80s, majoring in dance and marine biology. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in english literature at CalState Northridge and a master’s in fine arts creative writing at Antioch, Los

Angeles. She even taught freshman composition for one term here at GCC. In “Harley and Me,” Murphy doesn’t shy away from challenging the status quo. She embraces herself as the unanticipated heroine of her own story, defying stereotypes against women. “We’re starting to see a culture that accepts women going out and having adventures. But, I think culturally we’re discouraged from doing so,” said Murphy, when discussing why she believes there are too few heroines written about in pop culture. “When we think of the hero’s journey, we think of the male form of [it]. The heroine story is often different; it involves seeking inside the self.” Students and faculty filled the student center to listen to Murphy speak. Many had questions for her. Students asked advice on ways to approach essay writing, some wondered what her next adventure would be or the craziest adventure she ever took. Claire Phillips, founder and director of the LA Writers Reading Series, created the event to celebrate the diversity of Los Angeles writing. Past attendees have included worldrenowned authors such as Janet Fitch “White Oleander,” and James Ellroy “L.A. Confidential.” With the recent decrease in bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders, “We need programs where authors can

connect with readers,”Phillips said, “Students become better literary citizens through these events. They are able to engage in discussions with authors on a variety of topics: creative nonfiction, fantastic writing, noir and so forth.” Phillips remarked that some students even felt compelled to major in English after sitting in on the event. “I have come to see students love writing that is challenging, bold, forthright and evocative,” she said. Kate Martin Rowe, an adjunct English professor at GCC, who has helped with the writer’s series the past three years, said that by being able to engage with the authors in person, students get to “see the writing come alive.” “I know in my classes I always want to talk about things that are really relevant to everybody’s lives and help them see even if they don’t like writing themselves,” Rowe said. “Ideas, arguments and the world around us is very rich and interesting and writing is one way of engaging with that.” Next in line to speak is Bruce Bauman, author and professor in the CalArts master of fine arts creative writing program. He will be reading excerpts from his recent novel, “Broken Sleep.” The event will be held Oct. 28. Morgan Stephens be reached at morganstephens6@gmail.com


6 Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016

www.elvaq.com

S P O R TS Football

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Soccer Volleyball

Sept. 24 @ L.A. Valley L 0-13

Sept. 23 vs. Pasadena City College L 2-0

Sept. 23 vs. Bakersfield L 3-1

Women’s Soccer Loses at Home

Sept. 23 vs. Cuyamaca W 3-0

Vaqueros Need a Win Soon By Steven Montoya

S

Photo by Chandler Cadet

TOUGH LOSS: Lady Vaqs forward Alexa Acosta gets ahead of her Bakersfield opponents in Friday night’s game at Sartoris Field. Acosta scored Glendale’s only goal in a 3-1 loss to the Renegades. The Lady Vaqs are now 0-4 with 2 ties. The Vaqs face Cerro Coso in an away game on Oct. 4.

Lady Vaqs Trap Cuyamaca Coyotes

aturday turned out to be a very long day for the Vaqueros. With the offense totalling 114 yards and the defense allowing only 244 total yards against LA Valley, it was a hard fought loss for Glendale. Turnovers were the key element in the game as the Vaqs threw four interceptions. After 60 minutes the final outcome was 13-0. In the previous week, Glendale battled Mt. San Jacinto in a nail-biter at home, but just like in the previous two weeks, the game ended in an agonizing defeat. “That loss was devastating for us. Nothing is worse than being a play away from a victory,” said middle linebacker Cody Shoemaker. “Coach Rome was as frustrated as all of us were in the end zone after the game.” It’s been an extremely rough start to this short 11-week season. The Vaqs are now 0-4 approaching the halfway point. So far the Vaqueros are fifth in the division, only two games behind their first place rivals, Pasadena City College. The last time Glendale made it to the playoffs was in 2014 with a 9-2 record. “The ironic thing is our team truly came together as one,” Shoemaker said. “Our ultimate goal is to win our conference but we have to take it one week at a time and take care of business every Saturday.” As the season continues the team improves. The offense is putting points on the board and the defense is stopping the opposing team. The defense has allowed less and less going from 33 to only 13 in the last game. The improvement is evident. “We rallied together in the final minutes and shared the loss together rather than individuals,”

Shoemaker said.“ Our unity as a team is the foundation of what is going to bounce us back next week and the rest of the season.” In the second game the Vaqueros decided to go with a familiar backup quarterback, sophomore David Arriaga. Arriaga started the game and threw for two touchdowns and with the game coming to a close, Madrid came in for the final snaps. Against the Eagles, Arriaga played the entire game. He went 9-29 for 86 yards, one touchdown and one interception. “Our defense is going to work on improving our communication and rallying to the ball on every down,” Shoemaker said. “Offense is going to work on executing our plays and minimize the amount of missed assignments.” In two out of the four games played, the Vaqueros have rushed for over 100 yards. Darius Jones and Devin Mangrum are Glendale’s one-two punch, as both averaged a little over seven yards, a carry in the matchup against Mt. San Jacinto. Glendale had one last chance to win the game within the final minute. The score was 21-19 with the Eagles ahead. There were only 46 seconds left in the game and the Vaqs were backed up in their own 16-yard line. Eighty four yards never seemed so far, but with no timeouts and little time left on the clock the Vaqueros chose the only option they had, move forward by throwing the ball downfield. “One reminder I can take away from this season so far is: you are going to make mistakes on the field just as in life. One play, one opportunity can change everything.” Shoemaker said. Glendale will face West LA at 6 p.m on Saturday at Sartoris Field.

?

Steven Montoya be reached at s.montoya.sm62@gmail.com

What do you think Photo by Chandler Cadet

SPIKIN’ IT: Josselinne Lima comes off the ground in Friday’s game at the Verdugo gym. The Lady Vaqs beat the Cuyamaca Coyotes 3-0 improving their record to 3-10 overall. The Lady Vaqs face L.A. Mission College at home at 6 p.m. tonight.

Send a letter to the editor at: melody.elvaq@gmail.com


www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016

7

SPOTLIGHT ART Gallery — The Art Gallery presents Sandeep Mukherjee with “Reentanglement” and Stas Orlovski’s “Phantasmagoria,” Oct. 11-Nov. 17. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. The gallery is in the Library Building. www. glendale.edu/artgallery. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663.

LECTURES Artist/Curator Lecture — Michelle Papillion will appear at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in CS177. A presentation of the Studio Arts department. Participants are encouraged to bring dinners.

Filipino Month Lecture — “Why Filipinos Love President Duterte” is a lecture to be given at on Monday, Oct. 3 at 12:30 p.m. in Santa Barbara Building, room 243. It is free and open to the public. The speaker is history instructor Hazel Ramos. She will explore the dynamics of Philippine culture and history and examine why many Filipinos look to Duterte as their only hope for change.

on campus MUSIC GCC Concert Series — The 2016-2017 Concert Series continues with “Music of the Contemplation of Outer Space,” with harpsichordist Arthur Omura.” At 8 p.m. Saturday. The event is free and open to the public. Limited seating. For reservations, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5622.

HEALTH

PLANETARIUM

Flu Shots Available — Credit Students $15, faculty and staff $20, while supplies last. The Health Center is on the first floor of the San Rafael Building. For more information, call (818) 5515189.

Afternoon with the Stars — Students and staff can attend a free lunchtime program highlighting the planetarium’s features in CS 257 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. This week’s feature is “Mercury.”

WICKED LIT: Inspector Theobald (Richard Large) grills Dr. Howard Phillips (Eric Keitel) about a recent disappearance and potential murder in “From Beyond.” Photo by John Thvedt.

Astro Fim Festival — Students and staff can attend a free lunchtime movie in the planetarium CS 257 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. “Dark (Dark Matter.)” will screen Friday. Other ongoing planetarium events for the campus community include “Astro Q & A” on Mondays and “Starlit Rest and Recharge” on Tuesdays.

MISCELLANEOUS The GCC Food Pantry — now open in SR 133. Hours are noon to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday and Tuesday; and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday. The Food Pantry is open to any currently enrolled GCC student who

completes a short Food Pantry application. Donations are welcome. More info at www.glendale.edu/

PROGRAMS Media Arts Brown Bag Lunch — Find out about the Media Arts Department. Pizza will be served. Join Media Arts students and staff in SG 334 (TV studio). Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Verdugo Fire Academy — A meeting to provide information about the academy and the application process will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in Kreider Hall.

RACY, NOT RACIST: GCC alumni and comedian Graig Agop tries to make sense of baffling social norms. Photo by Jane Pojawa.

around town COMEDY Stand up — GCC alumnus and comedian Graig Agop performs during an evening of stand up in the Main Room of The Comedy Store on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. $10 off tickets available for a limited time. The Comedy Store is at 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. Use code GRAIG for discount. http://www.laughstub. com/events/461685 Ice House — Marc Maron will perform at the Ice House Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. For over twenty years, Marc Maron has been writing and performing raw, honest and thought-provoking comedy for print, stage, radio, online and television. A legend in the standup community, Maron has appeared on many television talk shows, including David Letter-

man, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel. Two drink minimum, 18 & over. Tickets are $25 - $32. The Ice House is located at 24 N. Mentor Ave, Pasadena.

MUSEUMS Pasadena Museum of California Art — Two shows, “In the Land of Sunshine: Imaging the California Coast Culture,” and “Lloyd Hamrol/Joan Perlman: “A Sky in the Palm of a Hand” run through Feb. 19. The museum is at 490 E. Union St. in Pasadena. Tickets are $7 or $5 for students. Open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays and noon to 8 p.m. every third Wednesday. For information visit www.pmcaonline.org. LACMA College Night — Free evening for college students on Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m. Lim-

List your event on

ited capacity. First-come, firstserved; college ID required. Featured exhibit is “Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters.” Participate in a gallery discussion, create art inspired the exhibit and a free reception for college students — all after public hours. Parking is free at all LACMA lots after 7 p.m. The museum is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. Visit http:// bit.ly/2cMOJ62 for more details.

EVENTS Glendale Film Festival — Eight days of movies screening at the Pacific Theatres Glendale, the Americana, and the MGN Five Star Cinema. This year the festival is dedicated to All Creatures Great and Small in the Animal Kingdom and ally cats and women filmmakers and screenwriters. The festival runs from Sept. 28

spotlight • •

through Oct. 5. For more information visit https://filmfreeway.com/ festival/GlendaleInternationalFilmFestival.

be waiting to transport visitors to the next destination. Oct. 21 from 6 to10 p.m. http://www.artnightpasadena.org/

Japanese Garden Festival — Descanso Gardens hosts a 50th anniversary celebration of its Japanese garden on Oct. 15 and 16. The garden is located at 1418 Descanso Drive in La Cañada Flintridge. Tickets are $9 or $6 for students. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.descansogardens.org.

THEATER

ART Pasadena Art Night — Enjoy a free evening of art, music and entertainment as Pasadena’s most prominent arts and cultural institutions swing open their doors. Begin the journey at any one of the 18 participating cultural institutions, where free shuttles will

Horror in the Cemetery — Unbound Productions and Wicked Lit present three plays to be performed in Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena weekends through October and November. Horror classics “From Beyond,” “Anansi and the Demons” and “The Shadowy Third” comprise the immersive theatrical event. Tickets range from $40-75, Backstage Experience passes will be available for an additional $25. Wicked Lit is a walking show – Performances will begin promptly 7:30 p.m. For more information go to wickedlit.org or call (323) 332-2065. The cemetery is at 2300 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena. Compiled by Jane Pojawa

Email us the details at Elvaqed@gmail.com. We’ll reply ASAP. Call us at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349. Deadline for Mar. 2 is Feb. 27.


8

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016

www.elvaq.com

LIFESTYLE

Campus Comments: Who Won the First Presidential Debate? GCC Students Voice Their Opinions By Diane Roxas Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton faced off in the first presidential debate of 2016, which aired live at 6 p.m. on Monday from Hofstra University in New York with NBC news anchor, Lester Holt, standing as moderator. The debate tackled issues of economic growth and prosperity that

raised questions on jobs, taxes, and trade. It also pushed for their opinions on racial division and national security, specifically cyber warfare. Trump’s failure to file taxes was thrust back in the limelight along with Clinton’s email controversy. Diane Roxas can be reached at droxas817@student.glendale.edu

[See Related Story page 3]

David Villegas, 19: Who won the debate: “Hillary.” Why: “She kept calm and stayed on topic while Trump lost his cool quickly and kept on interrupting her.”

Isaac Gutierrez, 18: Who won the debate: “Clinton.” Why: “She seemed more prepared and she handled it maturely compared to Trump’s childish comments.”

Julia Nercessian, 18: Who won the debate: “I don’t like either of them but I think Hillary won.” Why: “Hillary is more diplomatic and more appropriate. I don’t agree with what she’s saying but she answered questions without straying.”

Manuel Armas, 35: Who won the debate: “Clinton.” Why: “She was more poised and in control. Clinton knows what she’s talking about and she knows the policies in and out. Trump doesn’t have the temperament and is unprofessional. He is easily taken out of control.”

Matt Calso, 19: Who won the debate: “I didn’t watch the debate but I am going to vote for Hillary because I don’t like Trump’s stand on immigration policy.”

Zully Portillo, 24:: Who won the debate: “Hillary.” Why: “Clinton knew what she was talking about and Trump just attacked her.”

Photos by Diane Roxas


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.