Spring 2013 Issue 12

Beautiful art, music brought to life.

See page 5

Volume 70, Issue 12

Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

www.elaccampusnews.com

MISSION BOND LOSSES 2003

Nick Quintanilla works at Los Angeles Mission College for Gateway Science and Engineering Inc.

2004

Quintanilla files KAY Management, a fictitious business.

Rudy’s General Construction

KAY Management

submits proposals for estimation and 2005 Quintanilla scheduling services in May. GSE sends invoices to KAY Management and Quintanilla signs all of them in June.

Moreno takes over as interim president of 2006 Ernest LAMC in June.

GSE terminates KAY Management in November.

$623,462

$46,400 Blue Fields Electric

$267,856

remains project management firm after 2011 GSE settlement withe Los Angeles Community College District.

Money paid

by LACCD for work that was not done or substandard

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC BY LINDSEY MAEDA INFORMATION COMPILED BY BRIAN VILLALBA

LACCD terminates Mission College project manager Brian Villalba Staff Writer Accusations of billing fraud and violations of California Law led to the termination of Los Angeles Mission College Project Manager Nick Quintanilla.

More than $600,000, in one instance, was awarded to fictitious businesses owned by Quintanilla.

Los Angeles Community College District took steps to mitigate the loss of taxpayer bond funds that included voiding of contracts, termination of Quintanilla and the suggestion of submit evidence to the Los Angeles District Attorney

for further investigation.

That instance was resolved with the termination of Quintanilla, according to the LACCD and the Office of the Inspector General of the LACCD. The LACCD created the OIG to provide oversight and a whistleblower program. The OIG reports to the LACCD Chancellor.

The OIG recommended that the LACCD report the evidence to the Los Angeles District Attorney for further investigation.

Quintanilla owned at least five businesses, which were all paid by the LACCD. His business interests varied from plumbing and electrical

Online Scoop

construction to trucking.

He was an employee at project management firm Gateway Science & Engineering, Inc. A 2011 press release from the LACCD detailed Gateway’s substandard work, Division of State Architect violations and billing for work that was not done.

The LACCD took action to void project management contracts with Gateway in response to the offenses in October 2011.

In March 2012, The Office of Inspector General released a report detailing Quintanilla’s continued relationship with LAMC, in spite of his previous employment with Gateway.

For this complete story visit elaccampusnews.com

The OIG found Quintanilla to be awarding his own fictitious corporations with contracts.

Kay Management was one of the project management firms for LAMC that Quintanilla owned.

A college project manager works with the president of the college in making recommendations to the chancellor concerning construction.

The President of LAMC during Quintanilla’s time was Adriana Barrera.

Ernest Moreno, former President of East Los Angeles College was named interim President in June of 2006. see QUINTANILLA, page 4

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

LACCD approves permanent ELAC president Before working in the LACCD system, Martinez was vice president for Planning and Development for the Santa Monica Community College District as The Los Angeles Community well as provost for Santa Monica College District Board of Trustees College. Prior to that Martinez was dean of business and industry approved the seventh at Cerritos College. president of East Los Martinez was chosen Angeles College, from a two-year Marvin Martinez, on “They have nationwide search, Jan. 31. hired a which was conducted Martinez has been person with twice. the president of Los During this time, Angeles Harbor a great deal the president’s job College since August, of skill and was filled by interims, 2010. expertise who currently with Farley He transfers to Herzek who is popular his new position at is passionate among students.

ELAC on July 1. about “Mr. Herzek is a A memo from education.” visible face on campus LACCD Chancellor and supports students. I Daniel J. LaVista am sorry to see him go,” said, “He brings a Farley Herzek said sophomore student wealth of leadership Interim President Juan Rodriguez, experience to his new kinesiology major. post. I am confident Herzek’s position that ELAC students, ends June 30. staff, faculty and administrators “They have hired a person with will appreciate his insight, a great deal of skill and expertise collaborative leadership style and who is passionate about education. commitment to student success in I’m sure he will do a great job,” the months and years to come. I am Herzek said. very glad that he will remain with Martinez earned a bachelor of the District, though I suspect that arts degree in English and a master the Los Angeles Harbor College of arts degree in urban planning community will miss him.” from UCLA. He graduated from Martinez was previously Long Beach Wilson High School. the LACCD vice chancellor “He can do great things here. of Economic and Workforce I hope he also gives back to the Development. The LACCD raised community,” said Rodriguez. more than $20 million in economic Martinez did not return calls for and workforce development grants, comment to Campus News. with Martinez heading this area.

Tadzio Garcia Staff Writer

Free shuttle service returns to campus Lindsey Maeda Staff Writer

CN/TADZIO GARCIA

After an outstanding two-year career with the East Los Angeles Huskies football program star, quarterback Aaron Cantu has moved on and enrolled at Southern Utah University.

News Briefs

Choose and win for graduation theme

East Los Angeles Students can choose the graduation theme and win $100. More information can be found at G8-119.

After many requests from students, staff and faculty members, the shuttle that runs between the main campus and the South Gate campus resumed free services Tuesday.

The free shuttle service was originally cancelled to sustain class offerings last fall, but seeing as various members of the ELAC and South Gate communities relied on it, administrators decided to bring it back.

“The shuttle’s going to benefit the students, since it gives them the opportunity to take classes at both campuses,” said Oscar Valeriano, Vice President of Student Services.

“It also helps implement diversity, which is pretty exciting, since South Gate has been primarily a Hispanic community,” Vice President of Student Services.

It will cost the school $60,000 to maintain the shuttle for one semester. Al Rios, ELAC South

ELAC Foundation Scholarship deadline

Scholarship applications are due on March 15. One online application may be used to apply to multiple scholarships.

CN/MEGAN PERRY

Back To Business— After months of missing the free

shuttle between the South Gate and main campus, Richard Espinoza and Kathlyn Dubon are among a number of students waiting for the bus to show up.

Gate Campus dean of academic affairs, said that the school is trying to set up a contract that will lock in the shuttle service for three years.

They are waiting to get the contract approved by the Board of Trustees.

“The shuttle is something that a lot of people have been requesting. It’s really going to save students some

Campus Closed The campus will be closed this Friday and Monday due to Presidents Day.

time and money,” Rios said.

The shuttle will make nine daily trips between both campuses from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. It will pick up passengers from ELAC on Avenida Cesar Chavez and from South Gate on Calden Street.

Passengers must show an ELAC school ID or schedule print-out to board the shuttle.

Campus News will not print next week

Campus News will publish stories next week only on elaccampusnews.com. For updates, ‘Like’ Campus News on Facebook and follow @ELACCampusNews on Twitter and Instagram.

2

Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Should there be tougher gun laws?

Guns are bad news In the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre, a lot of controversy surrounds the issue of gun control.

Americans are asking themselves: should assault rifles be banned?

Should hand guns and ammo magazines be regulated? Will President Obama succeed or will the plan simply falter? Is it constitutional or is Obama being a tyrant?

The question America should be concerned with is: What about the children? How do we keep them safe?

In a world where people are being exposed to more violent content, like video games and movies, it is almost safe to say that we are becoming a society that is slowly becoming less sensitive to blood, guts and gore.

The era of Hot Wheels and Barbie is slowly being drowned out by Call of Duty and drama-filled TV shows like The Walking Dead.

So, how can we keep our children safe?

No matter how much we protect our children, there is always a chance that some lunatic will come into their school with a barrage of assault weapons and excessive amounts of ammunition with the purpose of ending someone’s life.

President Obama’s gun control policies make perfect sense.

Something should be done to protect not only the children, but the country in general. “While we may not be able to stop every senseless

act of violence in this country, if there is even one thing we can do, if we can save even one life, we have the obligation to try,” said President Obama in “Your Weekly Address”, a White House video blog.

After the Sandy Hook shooting, how can anyone oppose a regulation on assault rifles? Anyone who opposes gun control is only thinking about themselves. Many who oppose tend to say that they need guns for their protection.

Why not leave the protecting to the professionals, the men and women who lay their lives on the line for the safety of the community?

The National Rifle Association (NRA) thinks that gun control will only attract would-be terrorists and murderers to commit more crimes.

Executive Vice President of the NRA, Wayne Lapierre, had this to say after the Sandy Hook incident, “Politicians pass laws for gun-free school zones. They issue press releases bragging about them. They post signs advertising them and, in doing so, they tell every insane killer in America that schools are the safest place to inflict maximum mayhem with minimum risk.”

This remark is offensive to both politicians who strive to keep our children safe and to the people who have lost loved ones at the end of a gun barrel.

Gun control will not stop the killings and it may not be popular by any means, but it is a step forward in our advancement as a civilized nation. Besides, President Obama was elected for a reason. It is time for change.

a psychological evaluation, or screening, proficiency testing, general knowledge and safety knowledge and testing.

If the argument is made that gun violence is driven by illegal guns and not law-abiding citizens, then it should be pointed out that the enforcement of illegal guns does nothing to justify an assault rifle ban.

If enforcement is to be actually taken to a higher standard, then the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is going to need more agents to enforce gun laws across the entire country.

A person can not honestly say that they care for the enforcement of gun laws and regulations without the empowerment and funding of the ATF to new elevated standards.

Targeting illegal gun consumers and not the black markets from which the guns come from feeds

the type of fear mongering that has led to absurd rhetoric on both sides of this issue.

If Second Amendment issues are ever to be resolved, then there must be genuine enforcement and sensible regulation that is similar to a driver license and a focus on the actual problems we are faced with.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) does not help its cause in the long term by fear mongering that President Obama is going to take their guns.

It is not a solution to arm a teacher with a gun if they don’t know how to use it.

It may sell more guns and ammunition, but it will not make us safe.

The assault rifle ban is an exploitation of public anger and fear, which are used for political gain. Those public emotions should be used to move towards real solutions.

Joseph Recinos Staff Writer

Assault rifles are not villains in ongoing gun debate Brian Villalba Staff Writer Any ban of assault rifles is wrong.

A ban would take legislative energy away from solving the real problems with firearms.

The real problems stem from lack of enforcement and lack of regulation. The gun culture in this country can coexist with regulation because most gun owners are lawabiding citizens.

The actual assault is on the Bill of Rights. The Second Amendment is one of the few that has been vigorously defended.

We have allowed the First Amendment, due process and habeas corpus to be eroded.

This is not a partisan issue either since both parties have violated the Bill of Rights.

The assault rifle ban is as close

to a direct violation of the Second Amendment as you can have.

The second amendment clearly says that, “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

A well regulated militia in 1789 consisted of trained musket riflemen. Today, a well regulated militia would use a reliable and modern rifle like the AR 15.

The right to bear arms has expanded beyond that of the Second Amendment.

Hunters vigorously defend their sport, but there is not much sport in killing an animal with a rifle. Killing any living thing with a firearm is more like murder than sport.

At least a bow and arrow provides some sporting challenge.

The problem with the hunter rhetoric is that bolt action rifles, not assault rifles, are used for hunting.

The assault rifle ban has nothing to do with hunting.

In spite of the massive appeals to emotion, the Sandy Hook killings were not the fault of the assault rifle, but the system that allowed any firearm to be in the hands of a person unqualified to own one.

The villain is not the assault rifle.

The Columbine massacre didn’t entail a single assault rifle. The villains are the murderers and the people who exploit emotional issues for personal and political gain.

There must be a minimum acceptable standard for owning a firearm.

A gun license should be comparable in regulation to a driving license.

This will not punish the lawabiding citizen for their guns.

This will allow them to own their guns while demonstrating the merits of ownership.

The gun license should include

Recent, recurring violence is a sign of current times William Hernandez Staff Writer

Watching news is not what it used to be. There are still anchors wearing suits, but it is the news itself that is different.

Gut-wrenching news about how a distraught 20-year old man entered Sandy Hook Elementary school and took the lives of 20 innocent kids and even the life of his mother, devastated the nation.

About five months before the Sandy Hook shooting, a lunatic named James Holmes, walked into a packed movie theater and opened fire, killing 12 people and wounding 58.

Chris Dorner, who happened to be a trained U.S. military soldier and ex-Los Angeles police officer, is suspected of murdering four people.

April 20 marks the 14 year anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre.

The website, thinkprogress.org, says that since then there has been a total of 28 mass shootings in America.

Thinkprogress.org also says that gun related fatalities are 19.5 times higher in America than in other

countries with similar a economic standing.

Violence and its brutalities have increased in recent years, so has the number of innocent victims who have lost their lives.

The finger can be pointed in many directions.

Movies such as Die Hard and Skyfall are filled with thrilling shoot outs and explosions.

Video games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty virtually allow consumers to break every law while playing behind a screen.

Ferocious video games will continue to influence the easily manipulated minds of kids.

There are many other factors to this enigma than the corrupted media.

People suffer from distress. It could be from being bullied, an impromptu break-up from a lengthy relationship, or getting laid-off.

Then there are cases of people who are just too mentally unstable to cope with the rest of society.

This discussion could go on forever because there are all types of reasons that cause people to lose control of their psyche that eventually leads them to take their own life or the lives of others.

War will always headline politics,

so the idea of eliminating it is inevitable.

Gun control will make America safer and campus security is quickly amplifying.

Gun control is not going to rid the streets of gang violence or drug trafficking because there is always a way for people to get government banned objects.

The President should receive credit for pushing the gun control policy, but just like many other things in life, this is something that can not be turned around overnight.

It probably never will, but maybe if we find a better understanding and patience for each other, some improvements can be made.

For example, if we take the time to hear someone out by giving them the time to have an honest and friendly conversation or maybe even maintaining loving relationships with our parents, siblings, etc.

It is underrated how much of an impact an eye-to-eye conversation can have, even compliments or a simple hello.

Violence is not going to be quickly filtered by a bunch of good deeds, but there is always a chance that a simple “hi” or smile can enlighten one who is on the verge of taking their grief out on innocent civilians. www.ELACCampusNews.com

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Features

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

3

Former bully victim follows dreams ALEJANDRA CARRILLO Staff Writer Overcoming bullying caused by a speech impediment, East Los Angeles College student Ruben Perez now finds himself interviewing up-and-coming artists from the United States and Mexico.

Perez suffers from a communication disorder known as stuttering.

It is a disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions, prolongations or abnormal stoppages of sounds and syllables.

“The speech side of my brain, which I believe is the left side, did not develop properly,” Perez said.

As a young child, Perez was made fun of by classmates and friends.

“I did not have many friends growing up. Other than a few friends, I only had one friend who also stuttered, not as bad as me, but we eventually grew apart,” Perez said.

He said bullies were everywhere and times were tough up until he graduated high school.

“After high school, people were more understanding about my condition, even at job interviews,” Perez said.

He says that people would frequently tell him that he will never

be able to accomplish anything in life.

“People would always tell me how will I get a job or how will I be able to communicate with others,” Perez said.

Perez has been a student at ELAC for four years.

He began his career at ELAC as a Nursing major, but decided that he would much rather pursue a career in journalism.

“I love to write. Writing is how I express what I want to say,” Perez said.

He jokingly said, “I am better at writing than at speaking anyway.”

About a year ago, Perez was introduced to a friend who ran a website called entertainmentrocks.com.

He became partners with his friend and together work in the site updating fans on their favorite artists.

The website has 1600 Facebook followers and averaging around 200 Twitter followers.

Entertainment Rocks is a website that works with a lot of Latin American Pop artists such as Belinda, Belanova and Reik.

Perez’s most recent interview was with DJs 3Ball MTY, who originated in Monterrey, Mexico, but have become a big hit in America.

The website also covered and

informed fans about this year’s 55th Annual Grammy Awards.

With a smile on his face, Perez said “I talk to top-notch people in the entertainment industry sometimes.”

“We email publicists and set up

interviews via emails or in person with artists. We also get invited to a lot of movie premiers,” he said.

Other than the website, Perez has made a YouTube video talking about his disorder and how it should not

dance contests.

She enjoyed being part of anything that involved the performing arts.

Padilla joined a community hiphop dance ensemble in her late teen years, which performed twice a month in Isla Vista, near University of California, Santa Barbara.

Before graduating from SBHS, Padilla wrote articles for her school newspaper of the new Chicano studies and African American studies which were implemented in the local high schools in Santa Barbara.

When she attended CSUN, she looked back at her accomplishments in high school, “I am proud to say that two of my greatest experiences are helping establish a Chicana/o studies program at my

local high school and continuing to teach, document and perform Mexican folklorico as a Chicana,” said Padilla.

After graduating she worked as a magazine freelance writer for Latin Heat Magazine.

However, after a period of time, she left the magazine business to pursue her graduate studies in Chicana/o Studies.

“I feel that was one of the hardest, but one of the best decisions I had made. I am grateful that I made that choice because it led me to continue to direct and teach folklorico and, ultimately, being hired to teach at ELAC,” said Padilla.

Padilla has found the passion to educate others in the history of the Mexican Culture.

Padilla looks forward to educating her students in the art of Folklorico dancing and its history.

“As a folklorico dancer, this truly was a grand opportunity for me to teach at a wonderful community college such as ELAC, that has a wonderful dance facility and staff,” said Padilla.

Padilla welcomes all dancers to take part in her course, which will allow students to learn Mexican folklorico footwork, skirt work, p o s t u r e , c h o r e o g r a p h y, a n d historical context of the dances and its regional attire.

“In dance, there are no obstacles.

You only need the passion, willingness and heart to learn any footwork and movement,” said Padilla.

CN/DANNY VASQUEZ

In the zone—Ruben Perez updates fans and followers of his website, Entertainmentrocks.com, with the latest celebrity, bands and artists news. stop anyone from pursuing goals.

He plans to make more videos in the future.

“I like communicating with people. I used to be so shy about my stuttering but the website has

helped me a lot to keep coming out of my shell,” Perez said.

When asked if he has had any people who stutter be his inspiration, Perez’s face lit up and he said “There is this contestant on the new season of American Idol, named Lazaro Arbos, who has inspired me a lot.”

“He shows how no one should let a disability stop you,” Perez said.

Perez explains how he also wants to be an inspiration to others.

He wants to one day inspire people who stutter that stuttering should not hold them back.

“One of my goals is to write a book about my struggles in life with stuttering and how one can overcome them,” Perez said.

The now journalism major works at Academy Huntington Park College Ready High School in an after school program.

He helps students improve their writing skills.

“I have actually had a couple of students come up to me and tell me how courageous I am for interacting and trying to communicate with people,” Perez said.

Ironically, now working with high school students, Perez would like to tell his old high school bullies, “I would rather not waste my time with everything I would like to say them, but I will say ‘Your bullying did not stop me from pursuing my goals.’ ”

Chicana teacher keeps Mexican culture alive at ELAC OLIVER BLANCO Staff Writer

Proud to be a Chicana, Cindy Padilla pursued an education in the Mexican Culture and traditional folklorico dance at East Los Angeles College.

Padilla graduated with an MA in Chicana/o Studies and a BA in Journalism at Cal State University, Northridge.

As a child, Padilla’s family exposed her to Mexican weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras, and parties.

She enjoyed seeing the mariachis perform. They made her smile and feel at peace.

While attending Santa Barbara High School, she participated in school plays, productions and many

www.ELACCampusNews.com

CN/OLIVER BLANCO

STRETCHING—The folklorico dance teacher at ELAC Cindy Padilla, left, warms up with students before class begins.

4

News

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Football players receive scholarships Erik Machuca Staff Writer

Seven football players from East Los Angeles College signed their letters of intent on National Signing Day last Wednesday at the foyer room of ELAC’s auditorium.

Family, friends, coaches, and alumni gathered in the foyer room to witness the event. The ELAC student-athletes will be continuing their education and athletics on football scholarships at various four-year universities.

Football Head Coach Steve Mojarro said that ELAC studentathletes are making their dreams come true.

“After our kids have sacrificed for us, they are going to get an opportunity to get a four-year scholarship no matter where they’re at or their talent level,” Mojarro said.

Receiving the biggest fanfare at signing day was sophomore offensive lineman Albert Perez, who signed his letter to transfer to the University of Wyoming.

Mojarro credits all Perez’s success to his own desire, “It’s all him, it’s all his hard work and dedication that he puts in the weight room that has made him the number one recruited center in the country,” Mojarro said.

Sophomore wide receiver Bryan Munoz-Alvarez and sophomore punter Julio Segura signed letters to transfer to Lincoln University in Missouri.

“My dad’s always been my biggest fan and I wish I could share

CN/WILLIAM HERNANDEZ

Signed and delivered—East Los Angeles College football team’s Head Coach Steve

Mojarro, left, offensive lineman Albert Perez, and Perez’s high school coach, Marco Ramirez before Perez signed his letter of intent to play for the University of Wyoming last Wednesday at the foyer room of ELAC’s auditorium. the moment with him,” MunozAlvarez said.

Faced with the adversity of his father being deported back to Colombia, Munoz-Alvarez persevered over the past year and was a major contributor last season.

Munoz-Alvarez finished the

season with nine touchdowns and 732 yards on 50 receptions. “Brian was our offensive MVP (Most Valuable Player). He took a year off and came back with a vengeance,” Mojarro said.

Segura punted 37 times, averaging 37.43 yards per punt for 1385 total

yards on the season.

Sophomore linebacker Donyae Olton and sophomore defensive lineman Brad Sanchez will be transferring to Morgan State University in Maryland.

Sanchez was a key player on ELAC’s 2011 Conference

Championship Team. He returned “Anything is possible through for the 2012 season as the anchor Jesus Christ. I want to thank these on the defensive line. coaches who worked very hard Sanchez finished the season with to put us in the position we are in 1.5 sacks, 10 tackles, and 21 assists today. East Los Angeles gave me on tackles. “ (Sanchez is) by far the opportunity and I want to thank one of the kids that has got a lot them,” Olton said. of upside for the next level at the In making his decision to sign division one level,” Mojarro said. with Morgan State, Olton said he Olton, who comes from a military chose the program not only because family background, forced the of the years of experience they had coaches to change their defensive on their coaching staff, but also schemes throughout the season because he has faith in what they t o a c c o m m o d a t e h i s u n i q u e are trying to accomplish. playmaking “I feel firmly ability. and strongly Olton finished “After our kids have b e l i e v e t h a t the season with change is going to five sacks, 22 sacrificed for us, they come and we’re are going to get an tackles, and 24 going to succeed assists on tackles. opportunity to get a within maybe a “We wanted year or two while to make sure he four-year scholarship I’m there,” Olton no matter where was on the field said. to put pressure on Sophomore they’re at or their the quarterback offensive lineman talent level.” and was able Marc Gonzalez to stop the run. signed his letter He was also to transfer to Steve Mojarro very effective Henderson State Football Head Coach in stopping the University in pass. Donyae was Arkansas. “I am not a player who going to miss the should be off the field,” Mojarro camaraderie and family at ELAC. said.

We joked around but got down to Beyond football, the two future business at the right time,” Gonzalez Morgan State Bears also shared said. a common bond through finding Sophomore linebacker Jesus religion as a powerful drive for their Vargas will be transferring to play on the field.

Belhaven University in Mississippi.

“I found God and he lead the way The Huskies finished the 2012 for me,” Sanchez said. season with an overall record of 6-4, During his time at ELAC Olton and 3-4 in conference play coming learned how to be faithful, loyal, off their conference championship and disciplined. a year before.

Quintanilla: LACCD terminates LAMC project manager Continued from page 1

CN/JC CASAREZ

ONE CALL AWAY—Dean Al Rios who is in charge of the South Educational Center, takes one phone call before departing to the main campus.

Rios sets example for ELAC students JC Casarez Staff Writer Over the years, Al Rios has always been in the business of helping others first. Known to many as the Dean of the South Gate Educational Center, Rios also has a background in politics and working for nonprofit organizations throughout the community.

Rios, like many of the students

he helps now, was once a student at East Los Angeles College. While growing up in Boyle Heights, he earned an associate’s degree in sociology before transferring to the University of Southern California where he earned his bachelors degree in public administration.

Rios, who still teaches a class every semester, recalls how he started his career at ELAC. “I came to work at ELAC was

because I started off as adjunct in the political science department.

I’m still teaching, I haven’t let that go,” said Rios.

Being involved in public affairs was something that always drew his interest. Even as a student at ELAC, Rios was involved in student government, wanting to make a difference in the decisions that affected other students.

These experiences are the reason that Rios is able to relate to not only the students he oversees at the South Gate campus, but also those that take his political science classes.

He also was once a student and understands the challenges faced by students trying to advance in educational careers.

For more on this story, visit www.elaccampusnews.com

In November of 2006, KAY Management’s services were terminated for failure to provide insurance requirements of the LACCD. On March 21, The OIG published a report concerning a conflict of interest at LAMC. Government Section Code 1090 reads in part “...employees shall not be financially interested in any contract...”

The OIG specifically points out that the scope of the law includes “preliminary discussions” on bids.

The Inspector General collected evidence that Quintanilla used multiple fictitious business names and a bankrupt business name to procure contracts from the district.

The OIG suspects that Quintanilla may have involved other Mission College employees.

Bob Hermann, a project manager at LAMC and Kathryn York Quintanilla (Quintanilla’s wife), billed LAMC and LACCD through KAY Management $16,000.

Quintanilla’s wife was listed as the sole owner of KAY Management as of a few months before the billing of LAMC and LACCD started.

Quintanilla approved more than $600,000 in informal contracts to a fictitious business and a subcontractor, which he also owned.

Nick and Kathryn Quintanilla could not be reached for comment.

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Math Lab cancels book rental program Edward Singleton Staff Writer The Math Lab closed its doors to the book rental program, which rented books and calculators, “in an effort to centralize the location of books (to the bookstore) for students,” Dean Ryan Cornner said.

As a result, Associated Student Union (ASU) and the bookstore became the last places for students to rent books.

“We were told by administration that we would no longer rent books, so that’s what we did,” said instructor Gabriel Castro, Director of Math Lab. According to a student services worker, one of the problems students complained about was the distance from the Math Lab to the fiscal office, located on opposite sides of the campus, where book rental fees are paid.

Castro said that an added benefit to the shift in location is that tutors and staff at the math department will be able to better focus on providing quality help.

Staff will have more time for one on one interaction rather than spending time maintaining,

organizing and cataloging books.

The Math Lab, located in building K5, will continue to loan books for inside use only.

The lab is open for lab hours and tutoring Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students interested in renting books of any subject may do so either with ASU or the bookstore.

ASU and the bookstore work independently from each other, on a first come first serve basis. If one location sells out of a certain book, it is possible to find the title at the other location. ASU book rentals are for members only. Membership can be purchased at fiscal for $7.

“The bookstore has more titles than we do. We offer different titles like math and psychology, which are our most popular books,” said student services worker, Gloria Lamas.

Book rental fees vary depending on subject with the average price ranging from $15-$20.

“We tried working with the bookstore when we first started renting books 10 years ago, but there were too many logistical problems, so now we operate independently from them,” Lamas said.

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

5

Guest Curator Pomonis opens ‘Sanctified’ with walkthrough Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer Guest curator Mary Anna Pomonis lead a special tour of “Sanctified: Spirituality in Contemporary Art” at the Vincent Price Art Museum on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Before the opening reception, scheduled for 5 p.m., Pomonis took the crowd through the exhibit located in the VPAM’s large gallery.

Karen Rapp presented the guest curator to the audience outside the exhibit.

“Mary Anna approached me maybe about the time we were moving into this building, maybe a bit before, about doing this group exhibition that she had wanted to do for a number of years. She told me about the artist and the concept of the show. Then she went out and got everything organized, did the research, did the studio visits and made the ago happen,” Rapp said.

Pomonis introduced Paul Guillemette, Ron Laboray, and some of the artist in attendance who shared some of the stories

behind their art work.

“Most of the artists we know have these ritualistic practice in their studio that they hid from other people. You know, burning incense before they paint or draw or perhaps sageing a space in order to get rid of all the yucky mojo energy, things like that. But all of the artist that did that kept the practices to themselves and alot of the artist we know, including myself, collect rocks and energy stones and believe, as I do, that cultivating a positive space is very important,” Pomonis said.

With 20 artists on display in the exhibit, there are paintings, sculptures and installments that capture different spiritual beliefs.

“The purpose of Sanctified was to focus on artists that made work that create that sort of energetic action,” Pomonis said.

One such painting is that of hands held in prayer. The hands are yellow with real bugs embedded into the oil paints.

Linda Stark made this painting and another on display specifically for this exhibit.

The painting catches the eyes

CN/Jesus Figueroa

FASCINATION—Guest Curator Mary Anna Pomonis and the crowd examining the artwork on display at the Vincent Price Art Museum’s “Sanctified” exhibit on the opening day walkthrough on Saturday. because of the yellow hands. The bugs are not noticed until a closer examination is done.

“She (Stark) calls them potion paintings. She actually cast magic spells and little bits of the spells into the materials she used for the paintings. She made these specially for the show,” Pomonis said.

An installment in the middle

of the floor is that of pyramids arranged in different orders.

The titles of some are “Balance,” which is a single white pyramid, and “More Balance,” which is a white pyramid balancing an upside down black pyramid on its tip. The set seems to stand out since it is on the floor in the center of the exhibit.

Paul Guillemette does work with

found material and although his work is all over the place, Pomonis is glad to have this focused work on display.

Ross Rudel has a darker installation that is of a crow’s talon. Displayed in graphite on a black display, the talon is about the size of a human finger and sits underneath a second artwork of a

moon shinning through a dark dish.

Depending on the place a person stands while looking at the moon, it is either profoundly made clear or fades and is dim.

The talon was found by Rudel as he jogged down the river bed.

Fascinated by the energy this bird must have had once, he picked it up and took it to his shared studio space. Upon bringing it in, he made the bird’s presence known.

Pomonis said the bird was allowed to stay inside the studio after being cleansed of negative.

A video installation is on display showing some nudity. The nudity is not distasteful but may offend some who attend the exhibit.

A piece by Carole Caroompas carries images of horror movies and supernatural stuff, such as the movie Carrie. The images are inside a Navajo dream weaving blanket base.

Each sections of the exhibit filled with people as Pomonis walked through the exhibit sharing why she chose certain pieces of art and artist.

“Sanctified” exhibition is on display until April 26.

‘Beautiful Creatures’ enchants viewers Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer

CN/Danny Vasquez

THREE DRIFTERS—Music Department Chair Bob Dawson (trombone), left, Greg Swiller (bass)

and Justo Almario (tenor sax), three of the five members of the East LA Quintet, play an upbeat take of “Moon River” at the First Friday Jazz Series, last Friday night in the S2 Recital Hall.

Jazz Quintet delivers great music stopper for his performance giving a cheerful sound with Swiller and Penland following suit.

The spring season of ELAC’s The quintet went into a classic First Friday Jazz Series kicked off jazz standard from Breakfast at with the East L.A. Jazz Quintet Tiffany’s, ‘Moon River,’ playing coming into their own to provide Curtis Fuller’s arrangement taking jazz at its finest. the slow-paced song and turning it After a fifteen minute late start, into thrilling quick tempo. the quintet played a freeform Dawson and Almario put a spin jazz improv to start off with the on the classic melody with their Music Department and ELAC own unique twists with Penland professor Bob Dawson performing delivering a plethora of fills galore. a masterful performance on the Torres delivers another trombone. wonderful performance on the Justo Almario, a music professor piano bringing back the charm of at UCLA, came in full force the original alongside Swiller’s on tenor sax following suit of bass thumping along with grace.

Dawson’s playing.

The group performs the sleeper Dave Torres tune for the evening by presented his piano Billy Strayhorn, ‘My skills alongside the Little Brown Book,’ manic complex drum “It is wonderful which Dawson lets fills of Ralph Penland that this all Almario lead for the and thumping bass came together to quartet number. notes of George Swiller Almario plays in a let the students soft tempo with Swiller in a strong introduction to the evening. have a chance giving a laidback The second tune performance on bass, to listen to of the evening was allowing Torres and this wonderful an arrangement for a Penland to take a friend of Almario titled music.” backseat to provide the ‘We Are One with the backdrop of the quiet Justo Spirits’ starting with a and calm.

Almario melancholic bass solo Professor At the halfway point,

by George Swiller.

Justo Almario gives his thanks As the solo comes to a close, the to Bob Dawson for putting this quintet steps in to provide a light- series of concerts together. “It is hearted and smooth melody with wonderful that this has all came Almario taking the forefront with a together to let the students have a soft sax performance. chance to listen to this wonderful The next tune, ‘Coup De Grace’ music,” said Almario, “It also in tribute to saxophonist Bob gives us a chance to inspire others ‘Coop’ Cooper, features Dawson to continue their passion”. back in the lead with a light After giving his gratitude, performance as Almario chimes Dawson introduces the next in with a drastic performance that piece, ‘Southern Fried Slide,’ oozes with quick pace throughout. with Dawson giving a booming Justo Almario switches from performance sliding his trombone tenor sax to clarinet for the without missing a beat. melody of ‘Theme From Picnic/ Almario returns to sax, Moonglow’ to provide a more continuing his scene-stealing simplistic change of pace while performances, to accompany still being in the jazz spirit.

Dawson and Torres in a number The melody is smooth and worthy of its ‘southern fried’ title. relaxing with Torres on piano Dave Torres provides background providing the nightlife coming on his own arrangement called into fruition with his melodic solo. ‘Monk’s Thumb,’ an homage to Dawson performs with a rubber Thelonius Monk, notorious for Sergio Berrueta Staff Writer

playing two notes at a time with his thumb.

While delivering a solo, Torres does indeed follow in Monk’s footsteps by playing two notes with one thumb at the same time as Ralph Penland plays frantically to match in time that is loud as bombs.

Swiller comes with a soft yet bombastic bass playing to come to a thrilling conclusion.

The next number, ‘Colombia’, features Dawson switching from trombone to euphonium as Almario switches back to clarinet for a tribute anthem with Latin-infused sounds. Dawson leads in like the leader of a band with Penland providing the marching parade rhythm with his stellar drumwork.

Almario shines brightly in this number with a Disney-esque style solo that is both heartwarming and joyful leading to a wonderful close alongside Dawson’s euphonium playing.

The concert comes to a close with the classic jazz arrangement of ‘Lady Is a Tramp’ by Bob Brookmeyer & Al Cohn that provides the frantic playing from the beginning of the concert and the beauty of the soft tempo tunes.

Dawson and Almario perform in a duo nearing duet-like qualities, bouncing off one another from note to note with Dawson taking the reigns with fast pace trombone.

Swiller comes back to the forefront with his bass coming loud and clear against Penland’s drums delivering insane and stylistic fills once again.

Torres gives a brilliantly manic solo that leads into a climactic finish to end the entire concert.

The East L.A. Jazz Quintet gave a taste of what is to come by playing pure jazz, plain and simple. From the light tunes to the near chaotic yet wonderful arrangements, the quintet gave the audience what they came for and winded up delivering in full force.

The First Friday Jazz Series is held the first Friday of every month at the ELAC Performing Arts Center’s S2 Recital Hall at 8 p.m.

Although being called the new “Twilight” for having many similarities, “Beautiful Creatures” has its own identity and tells a dramatic coming-of-age story.

The plot is complete with supernatural elements, but still keeps a very human feel. Bringing together a comical approach to a complex romantic storyline, the film progresses with a steady pace keeping audiences interested in the story.

Screenplay writer and director Richard LaGravenese said the visual effects are beautiful, but he personally believes that doing as much of what can be done on an actual set gives the audience a stronger feel of the world the movie creates. He personally wanted to take the audience as deep as he could into the “Beautiful Creatures” world so they could feel as much as possible.

Although this is a supernatural story with “casters,” or witches, the director made a choice to not use many visual effects. “About

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ten percent of the movie is visual effects,” Lagravenese said.

Small town 16-year-old Ethan White, played by newcomer Alden Erenreich, yearns for something bigger than a small town life as he dreams about a mysterious girl he doesn’t know since her face is covered by her flowing hair.

Ethan’s life gets thrown in a whole different direction when new girl Lena Duchannes, played by another relatively new actor Alice Englert, transfers into his class.

Lena is a forbidden fruit ridiculed by the town people for being different. She scares people for being from Ravenwood Manor, where her uncle Macon Ravenwood has kept to himself away from the town. The town’s people believe Ravenwood is a devil worshipper.

A story involving “casters” with a love aspect and some well-placed comedy keep the feel light-hearted and riveting.

Despite the super power element, the storyline feels quite human and relatable. It sheds light into teenage insecurities and inner battles of finding true identity.

Lena is 15 years old and close

to her 16th birthday. On their 16th birthdays, female “casters” have their fates decided by their true nature having their abilities claimed for either the light or the dark.

Both Erenreich and Englert carry the movie forward in a steady pace making the viewing experience not drag out.

“To me this film has its own very distinct identity, voice and signature. It has such an incredible cast,” Erenreich said.

“What made the supernatural quality of this film stand out to me was that it was still based in a human world that felt real to me.

The magic seemed to not just be there for spectacle. It seemed to be an extension of these people and their lives and who they were and it just made sense to me,” Englert said.

Many of the young talent includes Rebecca Brosnahan, who plays Genevive Duchannes, and Zoey Deutch and Tiffany Boone, who play the popular and mean small town Christian girls.

For pictures and more of this story, visit elaccampusnews.com.

SPORTS

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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Women’s basketball moves toward playoffs Tadzio Garcia Staff Writer The women’s basketball team game against Los Angeles Trade Technical College last Friday was cancelled. Only four Beavers were set to play.

A forfeit win wouldn’t help the Huskies earn a playoff berth. Two LATT team members had deaths in their families; another was a no show.

Both teams waited for the no show for 40 minutes with the Huskies post-season hopes fading.

Afterwards, both coaches consented to postpone the game for a 2 p.m.

Saturday matchup. In the spirit of collegiality, the game went on.

Playing the entire bench, East Los Angeles College overcame nine first

half turnovers and won 76-33 to The Huskies never looked back. keep their playoff hopes alive.

“We were more focused in the The Huskies face Cerritos College second half. I just took the open today at 6 p.m. in the most important shots. It was a good night,” Valles game of their season. The loser will said. be out of the playoffs.

Both teams overcame the After beginning adversity of the South Coast postponement.

“We did what we Conference play The Huskies had had to do and at 4-0, ELAC team members out lost to Cerritos played together as with the flu, which in overtime last gave the bench time a team.” month. “We have on the floor. LATT to get this one played only five back. We will be women with their Dioslene Lopez ready for them,” La missing teamates Tasha Brown said. on their minds.

Brown blocked three shots.

“We played to win, but the game Against LATT, the Huskies began didn’t turn out the way we wanted the second half with swishes by it,” Marlon Taylor, 2-year LATT Karina Ortiz, DeLaura Castanada head coach said. and a three-point shot by Alexis Both teams played stingy defense.

Valles for a 38-15 lead.

The difference in the game was

ELAC’s offense and that they controlled the boards.

Castanada, Brown, Karina Ortiz and Alexis Valles grabbed seven rebounds each. “We did what we had to do and played together as a team,” said Dioselene Lopez, who scored 16 points for the Huskies with five steals and eight assists.

Ortiz also scored 16 points with two blocked shots and three steals.

Castanada nabbed five steals and had 10 assists.

Elizabeth Marquez added two second half three-point shots.

Alejandra Gomez led LATT with 11 points with Janay Wilson adding ten.

“With everything going on for us, we stayed positive and fought to the end,” said Wilson.

The postponed game drew 50 vocal fans.

HITTING THE BOARDS—Forward

DeLaura Castanada, right, attempts a shot for the Huskies off a fast break.

Los Angeles Trade Technical College’s guard Janay Wilson fights for position as Castanada grabs the rebound in the Huskies 76-33 victory over the Beavers last Saturday in the Laurel Gymnasium in Los Angeles.

CN/TADZIO GARCIA

Men cagers skid to third upset road loss Diego Linares Staff Writer

The men’s basketball team came up short Friday night in a 80-74 loss against an upstart El Camino College Compton Center squad, a team they had defeated on Jan. 9.

Sophomore center Jaree Crawford quietly scored 20 points for the Huskies with most of them coming on putbacks.

East Los Angeles College had its struggles on both ends of the court.

Tartars Head Coach Keith Higgins had his team ready to face the length of the Huskies with a full court press defensive scheme that disrupted the Husky offense and changed the pace of the game.

Husky guards struggled to find their rhythm against the Tartars full

court press.

When asked about the turnovers in the first half, Husky Head Coach John Mosley said, “We just didn’t do a good job of executing and doing what we needed to do to secure the ball.

“We just need to readjust and make sure when we’re in that situation again, we move the ball and share the ball to be successful,” Mosley said.

ELAC’s turnovers resulted in easy fast break points for Compton. After the Huskies committed turnovers, the Tartars sprinted on offense attacking the basket, resulting on drawing fouls or uncontested layups.

Crawford and Cheatum showed determination and hustle to get back, but their efforts did not prove to be enough.

Forward Christopher Miller

proved to be a problem for the Huskies. He scored 30 points for the Tartars. He scored in multiple ways coming off of screens, knocking down three-point shots or making space in the post to score.

Mosley was also asked about switching to a zone defense in consideration of slowing down the game.

“No, we try to play man-to-man and guard the whole time, so it broke down today. That’s been our success all year, is guarding manto-man strong. (It’s) something we need to make sure we fix,” Mosley said.

When asked what he preached for the win, Higgins said, “Pressure, yeah pressure. They have 22 (Crawford) and 20 (Cheatum) who are very good basketball players. So we had to double team them every time they got the ball.

A smarter phone deserves a smarter plan.

“Yeah, we lost by six there and we felt we gave one away. At home, we knew we had to do it,” Higgins said.

With adjustments being made by both coaches throughout the game, mental lapses would occur and players on both sides proved to be out of position defensively.

The results were a game of layups and putbacks.

The determining factor being three-point shots by Tartar ’s forward, Miller, who scored again and again.

A game where the Huskies offense would have seemingly been more effective slowing down the pace by feeding the ball to Crawford or Foster in the post, the offense just did not retain their composure.

The Huskies will look to bounce back today in a road game as they face LA Trade Tech College in the Laurel Gym campus at 6 p.m.

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ELAC at Grossmont (5-1) Friday at 2 p.m.

Men’s Basketball The Huskies (17-7) at LA Trade Tech (4-18), today at 6 p.m.

Swimming & Diving Team The Huskies host their first relays meet in a dozen years.

The SCC Pentathlon/Relays at ELAC, noon on Friday

Women’s Basketball ELAC (14-9) hosts Cerritos (13-11) today at 6 p.m. \ ELAC at Pasadena City (186), Friday at 5 p.m.

Softball The Huskies beat Pasadena (6-6) 7-6 on Coronado’s walkoff base hit to right center.

The Huskies (1-4) host Antelope Valley (5-3), today at 3 p.m.

ELAC at Long Beach City (5-3), Thursday at 3 p.m.

Track and field scores top 10 results statewide place died out and dropped back.

“I had a lot of energy on my kick, which was the last lap and finished fourth in my heat, fifth overall,” The freshman-laden Huskies Jasso said.

The men’s 4 x 100 relay has the began the 2013 track and field campaign bolting to seven top-10 fifth fastest time in the state.

Wi t h a d d e d f o o t b a l l t e a m rankings statewide at the Mt. San Antonio College Season Opener members to the track team, this event will add crucial points at the last Friday.

The Huskies are a young team South Coast Conference finals this with 36 freshmen out of 40 members. year.

The Huskies competed in their They will return four veterans when they compete next at the season opener against a field of mostly South Pasadena City College Coast Conference Relays on Friday, Feb. rivals: Cerritos, 22.

Reyes won Pasadena, El At Mt. SAC, 10 Camino and Huskies results the women’s Long Beach City landed them ranked 3,000-meter colleges, as well individually statewide steeplechase by as host Mt. SAC. in the top 10.

East Los Sophomore Olivia running under Angeles College Reyes returns to the 12 minutes for also competed team after a year off to the first time against university focus on studies. competition from Reyes won the in her Husky Japan. women’s 3,000-meter career.

The Huskies steeplechase by running compete in one under 12 minutes for the of the toughest first time in her Husky conferences in the state. Mt. career.

It is also her first win and as SAC and Cerritos took second a result is ranked No. 1 with the place respectively, in the men and women’s track and field state team fastest time in the state.

Other top 10 statewide rankings finals last year.

In addition, four SCC teams include Gonzalo Ceja, who is ranked No. 3 in the steeplechase and finished in the state’s top 20 in both the men and women’s finals.

Lee Pee, No. 3 in the triple jump.

Others include Aaron Jasso with The ELAC women’s team placed the 5th longest long jump statewide 19th edging Moorpark and Butte and Salador Ascencio-Aguilar in Colleges by one point.

Other veterans returning who will the men’s steeplechase (No. 6) as well as Andrew Torres in the add crucial points are Johana Ceja in steeplechase (No. 8) and Kattie long distance running, Armendariz Padilla in the 400-meter hurdles Avanti and Aaron Williams.

Ceja lead the 2010 cross country (No. 8).

Jasso said he was nervous in his team to a 15th place finish at the 2012 state finals, upsetting several first college meet ever.

“I normally ran sprints in high ranked teams in the process.

Avanti was ranked in the top 10 school. Competing in long distance statewide in the long and triple events is much different.

“I focused on speed workouts, jumps early season last year.

Williams was named to the Allweights and runs that included hills South Coast Conference team as a for endurance. It paid off.

“I ran hard the first lap in first, freshman in the discus.

Tadzio Garcia Staff Writer

The Next Big Thing is at MetroPCS.

Baseball No. 12-ranked ELAC (2-3) lost at Glendale (3-3), 5-2, yesterday.

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A huge addition to the women’s team is long distance runner Megan Magdaleno, who finished AllAmerican last semester at the cross country state finals, the first Husky to do so in several years.

Jasso, as well as Oscar Jasso and Gonzalo Ceja, debuted for the track and field team fresh off a 15th place at the cross country state finals last semester.

Oscar Jasso took ninth place out of 33 runners in the 1,500-meter run.

Gonzalo Ceja stunned his competitors by taking third in the men’s steeplechase.

The bulk of the men’s team finished in the bottom half of each event in the sprints, hurdles and throws.

The addition of freshman Kris Chacon in the 5,000 and 10,000meter runs as well as Oscar Jasson in the 10,000, will provide points for the men’s team in long distance running.

Chacon was the No. 2 finisher for the Huskies in the 2012 cross country state finals.

The women’s team did the same in all events, except for Lee Pee and Kattie Padilla’s events.

Padilla took sixth out of 16 sprinters in the 400-meter dash.

Pee began her Husky track and field career taking over where fourtime All-American Shawnta Barnes left off, competing in multiple events.

Pee took fifth in the 100-meter dash, eighth in the long jump and third in the triple jump.

She will compete in the sprints and jumps during the season.

Barnes won All-American honors at East Los Angeles College in four events, the 200-meter dash, the long jump as well as two in the heptathlon one each in the last two seasons.

Barnes broke four ELAC records in the heptathlon, javelin, 100 and 200 dashes.

She competes for California State University, Northridge in the multi events.