Campus News Fall 2018 Issue 5

Volume 76, Issue 5 | elaccampusnews.com | Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

Campaign focuses on food certificate program ANDREW AYALA Staff Writer East Los Angeles College’s Transforming Lives Campaign’s latest focus is the food certificate program, which provides students in urgent need of meals.

The TLC was founded by the ELAC Foundation and its main purpose is to assist students who encounter sudden emergency situations, such as hunger.

“Our Foundation board discussed creating a program to support our students around hunger, homelessness, transportation and clothes; we declared those were the four areas that we were going to create a campaign around,” said Paul De La Cerda, the executive director of the ELAC Foundation.

The students’ situation is what determines the type of aid the campaign will provide for them.

“The students are referred to me by faculty or staff and I meet with them to discuss what is going on. The program is intended for students who have a more urgent need,” said Cecilia Cruz, Student Health Center coordinator. “We have a large student population and alot of our students are struggling with food insecurity and shelter issues.”

A report from the Associated Student Union last year said that

70 percent of students at ELAC have experienced hunger or food insecurity, about 43 percent of students feel their success is affected due to food insecurity and about 68 percent of students feel that ELAC must work on programs to tackle hunger issues.

“We have a large student population and a lot of our students are struggling with food insecurity and shelter issues.”

CECILIA CRUZ

Student Health Center Coordinator

Food certificates are one solution the TLC has come up with to tackle food insecurities.

“Based on their situation, they may receive a number of vouchers to help them get through the days when they are really hungry,” said Cruz. “These vouchers are valid at the cafeteria on campus. The idea is to provide a hot meal, rather than just snacks.”

Although made to help students, the point is to get them back on their feet and isn’t something that will continue throughout their entire community college career.

Students are able to reach out to any faculty or staff member to explain their situation to try and get a referral, but must understand that not everyone is eligible.

If the TLC is unable to accommodate certain needs other than food insecurity, Cruz said she is able to refer them to services or resources to help them in those other areas.

The funds for the campaign come from donors, including faculty.

The TLC asks staff to donate what they can from their paycheck on a monthly basis to help support the needs of students, said ELAC President Marvin Martinez.

Every cent that is donated is given to the students and nothing is taken off the top, he said.

The donors are people who have been in very similar situations or are concerned for the well-being of the students said De La Cerda.

A survey from the Los Angeles Community College District’s board of trustees said “One in five students in LA community colleges is homeless,” but Martinez said on this campus, the number may be two or three out of five.

The TLC was founded last November during an event that was held on Giving Tuesday in the multi-purpose room.

“KCAL interviewed us that day and it was good recognition that we were doing something unique and

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

different here at ELAC. Leading the charge in the state of California around the challenges of these basic needs that students have,” said De La Cerda.

Giving Tuesday is a day in which people all over the world are encouraged to give a donation of time, funds and other talents to help with local issues.

In this case, the ELAC Foundation was encouraging donors to do their best to give back to students.

Those involved include 20 ELAC Foundation board members, a committee made up of faculty and students, a development team, Student Services and three fulltime staff members at the corporate center, said De La Cerda.

A $10,000 donation was given

by a board member last year to kick-off the campaign and another significant donation of $25,000 was made by Viken Kiledjian, the chair of the Physics department.

The campaign was able to get started with the combined help and influence of President Martinez, the Foundation, the community and the Speaker of the California State Assembly Anthony Rendon, who served as the keynote speaker during last November’s event.

“The Foundation realizes that we must look at a student holistically.

We want to have an impact on the student so they can complete their education without having to worry about where they are going to sleep, or if they are going to eat a meal and go to class prepared,” said De

La Cerda.

In the last week alone, the TLC has helped two single mothers and two homeless students and Cruz said she has met with 21 students as of now.

“The long-term goal is for this to be around 10 years from today. I’m not much into doing a program that is going to just last a year because not much will be resolved. It will be here to help the next generation of students coming to this campus,” said Martinez.

This campaign may take three to five years to begin moving in the right direction and he is hoping it can give out between $40,000 to $50,000 in donations to assist students with housing and food vouchers.

Grievances expressed to IT committee GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO Staff Writer

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

EYES ON THE PRIZE—Kevin Camargo (left), Julie Santiago, Melody Ortiz and Andrew Ayala reap the benefits of hard work and dedication at this year’s regional Journalism Association of Community Colleges competition.

Elans succeed at journalism conference GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO Staff Writer East Los Angeles College Campus News won four awards at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges’ SoCal Conference on Sept. 29 at California State University, Fullerton.

The awards won were for the On the Spot competition, which is when community college journalists compete in competitions at the conference.

The winners were Andrew Ayala, Kevin Camargo, Melody Ortiz and Julie Santiago.

Santiago won first place in News Photo. This was Santiago’s fourth JACC and the first time she won first place.

News Briefs

She said that her winning first came as a surprise.

Santiago said that she felt pride because taking photos is something she likes doing.

Santiago also said she showed the award to her mom. “ She would look at the frame then look at me, then look at the frame. She was happy,” Santiago said.

She also said her brother made fun of her, saying, “ Award-winning journalist walking here.”

Melody Ortiz won fourth place for Editorial Cartoon. This was Ortiz second time competing in a JACC competition and she said she was caught off guard but not at all surprised.

There were a total of 17 Southern California community colleges with 159 delegates who competed.

Ortiz says she was still excited for winning but would’ve have been more excited if she won at a State Conference.

She said that she showed it to her family and posted it on Facebook and that her grandma thought Ortiz had graduated.

“She put a graduation cap in her reply so I don’t think she knew what it was,” Ortiz said.

Andrew Ayala won an honorable mention for Critical Review. Ayala received his award differently than the other winners.

The person who was announcing the winners had forgotten to say Ayala’s name with the rest of the winners in that category.

“I was shocked when he called my name but I didn’t have as much enthusiasm,” Ayala said.

Unhealthy vs. Healthy Relationships

The Student Health Center is hosting a workshop today from 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in F5-211 on educating students about unhealthy cycles, relationships, and understanding boundaries.

Kevin Camargo won third place for News Writing.

“It was my first time competing in something I felt comfortable writing in. I was proud of myself as I turned in the On-The-Spot story but I wasn’t too confident,” Camargo said.

He says as the announcer was saying the placements that he didn’t think his name would be called.

When his name was called, he said he was caught off guard.

“It didn’t hit me until I came back to my fellow staff mates and took a closer look at my certificate,” Camargo said.

He said that he was very proud of himself.

SoCal JACC was organized by ELAC journalism professor Sylvia Rico-Sanchez.

Financial Aid Awareness Day

Faculty, staff and students had a chance to air their grievances with the Los Angeles Community College District Wednesday during the Ad Hoc Committee on information technology meeting at East Los Angeles College.

IT becoming a stabilized resource will serve as a launching point to address other issues and will take up to seven years to complete.

“We need to provide services in our campuses before you reach that seven year goal you have for 2025,” said Fernando Oleas, a Pierce College modern language professor.

That was the sentiment shared by everyone who decided to speak up in the microphone. Oleas said that faculty, staff, and students cannot wait for the plan to be ready.

The Ad Hoc Committee meeting was meant to let the faculty, staff and students of the LACCD colleges know about the Strategic Planning Process as well as go over the information technology assessment and how to move forward with it.

The plan is to revamp existing IT services and make IT more reliable by filling vacancies and determining district-wide funding.

Randall Adsit, a geology professor at ELAC, said that the student information system is also something that the district needs to look into because it is causing problems for not only students but also professors as well.

Ben Borowitz, a senior programmer at the district office, asked how the board will approve faculty, staff and students to give

Financial Aid awareness day happening today from noon - 2 p.m. in front of the E3 building and in the South Gate Campus at the Foyer. Pizza will be served and students can win prizes for attending.

feedback to the planning process.

Yung Kim, an IT supervisor at Los Angeles Trade Tech College, said that the district was planning on centralizing the network for IT but asked if they have a plan if it breaks.

Many of the concerns that were brought up by the committee were acknowledged by the board, but were not answered.

Robert Miller, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Resource department, said that what he got from the meeting was that the district must be proactive and address issues that each college is dealing with and to also be more transparent in the proceedings involving the campuses.

Gabriel Buelna, member of the Board of Trustees, said that they will give out surveys so the board can understand what each college needs. Buelna said that people need to be patient so that a plan of action can take place. The sentiment shared by the faculty and staff was that they have been patient, yet nothing has been done.

Scott J. Svonkin, Board of Trustee member, said that the board was told that everything was working well and that they didn’t know the full scope of problems the colleges were facing. He said that this committee brought attention to that, making it a productive meeting.

Bryan Walsh, a history professor at LA Pierce College, said the meeting was only partially productive.

“They (the board) did not provide answers. I don’t feel good looking down the road when they have not addressed any issues that the campuses have,” said Walsh.

Voter Registration deadline October 22 The deadline to register to vote by mail or online is on Oct. 22. The deadline to register to vote in person is Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 6.

OPINION Prop. 12 helps caged animals 2

BY MIGUEL DOMINGUEZ Staff Writer California voters should vote yes on Proposition 12, which will require specific farm animals to be cage free.

These animals include egg-laying hens, pregnant pigs, and calves used for veal.

These animals spend most of their lives in the same small cage every day.

While in these cages, they eat, sleep, and defecate. Hens also lay their eggs in the same cage.

No animal should be in the same cage every day for its entire life, at least not until their cage is cleaned before being put back in.

This is just cruel to animals. No animal should go through this type of pain and fear.

In 2008, Proposition 2 was passed to end animal cruelty for caged animals.

Prop. 2 allowed farmed caged animals to have enough space to stretch their limbs and move around.

However, it did not state or specify how much space the animals

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

are required to have in their cages.

According to the Humane Society, “Much of the pork sold statewide still comes from factory farms that confine sows in cruel gestation crates where the animals are unable to even turn around.”

Some of these pigs are pregnant and are being forced to fit in crates that they can barely walk or even sit in.

Eggs contaminated with salmonella sicken 79,000 Americans every year, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Scientific studies have found that salmonella is more common in caged facilities than in cage-free farms.

By changing to cage-free facilities, the amount of people in California getting sick from salmonella will be reduced.

Prop. 12 can be seen as an upgrade from 2008’s Prop. 2.

If Prop. 12 is passed, it will require farm owners to make adjustments to their farm system.

According to Prop. 12, calves will be required to have 43 square feet of floor to roam in by 2020, while each pig will be given 24 square feet of

floor space by 2022.

Egg-laying hens will be given one square foot of floor space each and have to be cage free by 2022.

All eggs that don’t come from cage free farms will not be sold in stores.

McDonalds has already been buying products that come from farms that are cage-free.

Other retailers, like Costco and Wal-Mart, have also made changes that require their products to come from cage-free farm systems.

Prop. 12 will also ban sales from other states that do not follow California’s standards.

The Association of California Egg Farmers opposes the proposition saying that the timeline could lead to prices increasing and loss of egg sales.

Prop. 12 is supported by the United Farm Workers and National Women’s Farming Association.

They agree that animals should not suffer and we should help prevent California voters from getting sick.

Voters should vote yes on Prop.12 on Nov. 6 to protect animals and food safety.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Steven Adamo MANAGING EDITOR Gustavo Buenrostro ART DIRECTOR Giselle Palomera ONLINE EDITORS Kevin Camargo Joe Dargan Noe Ortega FRONT EDITORS Andrew Ayala Maria Marroquin OPINION EDITOR Miguel Barragan

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

Clean energy moves forward

BY MIGUEL BARRAGAN Staff Writer

Prop. 10 threatens property owners people to afford the rental.

On the other hand, opponents Staff Writer of the proposal argue that it will Vo t e r s s h o u l d v o t e n o o n reduce home values for middle Proposition 10 in the California class families at a time when many homeowners are counting on it to general election on Nov. 6.

The new proposition, supported help finance their retirement .

“The average California by the Democratic party, seeks to homeowner could lose $60,000 repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental in the value of his or her home if Act, which has been active since this initiative passes,” according to 1995. noprop10.org.

“The Costa-Hawkins Rental Act It will be hard for landowners is a statute that limits the rent control to maintain their property when in California and establishes that government regulates the rent cities cannot enact rent control on prices because the pay from the rent housing occupied after February won’t be enough 1, 1995,” income for living according to expenses or for ballotpedia.

“Tenants, however, maintenance of the org. property. will not want to live in a Despite If there is not this, the act damaged property that enough money for establishes can’t get fi xed due to property owners, t h a t how will they repair landowners the landowner’s lack of the property when it have the right funds.” gets damaged? to increase The answer is rent prices to simple; they won’t market rates be able to do it when a tenant moves out. because rent prices are low and Supporters of the proposition they don’t have enough revenue claim that it will help tenants because the government will regulate the rent to keep investing in the property.

At the end of the day, if the prices so that families can afford it measure is passed, tenants will be and keep them in their homes. happy with low rent prices.

If the measure passes, landowners Tenants, however, will not want will not be able to increase the rent to live in a damaged property price of their property when new that can’t get fixed due to the tenants want to rent. landowner’s lack of funds.

This new proposal will make a They won’t feel comfortable in change to society, but it will be hard a place like that, but there will be because cities like Santa Monica, nothing they can do.

San Jose, and San Francisco already Owners won’t have the money have this law and haven’t shown any to invest in repairs or renovations. changes. Instead, these cities are Tenants will pay for what they known to have the most expensive want/deserve. housing markets and it’s hard for

BY JERRY FLORES

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Much-needed clean energy initiatives were signed into law following Governor Jerry Brown’s Executive Order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.

Brown signed SB-100 on Sept.

10, the same day he signed the EO. Like the EO, the bill establishes that 100 percent of all electricity in California by the end of 2045 must be achieved through renewable and zero-carbon energy resources.

The end goal of the bill is to have 60 percent of electricity on the California grid be provided through renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.

The other 40 percent will be provided through a combination of zero-carbon sources and renewables, like energy storage.

This should set a precedent for other states to implement similar policies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve a cleaner environment.

Brown also signed SB-1477, which will allocate $50 million a year until 2023 to two programs that incentivize the market to use clean energy, with the goal of reducing emissions from buildings.

One of the programs, Building Initiatives for Low Emissions, will be responsible for employing

clean energy technologies including high-efficiency heat pumps, solar thermal, and energy storage.

According to the National Resource Defense Council, a nonprofit international environmental advocacy group, modern electric heat pumps are three to five times more efficient than standard natural gas water heaters and furnaces.

An investment to implement clean energy technology, like electric heat pumps, will lower the cost of technologies in the future so clean energy will be able to reach low-income housing, a sector that should be treated with more respect in terms of living quality.

“This is imperative to see how the state will move forward with clean energy in the future.”

AB-3232, also signed by Brown, will require the California Energy Commission to assess how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s building sector by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. A report must be presented to show what policies will enable the building

sector to align itself with the clean energy goals on Jan. 1, 2021.

This is imperative to see how the state will move forward with clean energy in the future.

Pedro Pizarro, CEO and president of Edison International said on Insider Edison, “We believe there are ways to achieve clean air and greenhouse gas reduction goals while maintaining reliability that would have lower cost impacts to utility customers.”

Pizarro’s statements show that the old industry is ready to change.

One bill, AB-813, was not signed

by Brown, which created controversy.

The bill would have required California to work with energy sources in neighboring states for a more convenient way of running energy in the state.

Despite its ambitions, many people who supported SB-100 didn’t support AB-813. They thought it would have made it harder for California to sustain clean energy if there’s too much trade with coal-burning states involved.

Supporters of AB-813 say its great when states work together to achieve a cleaner environment.

However, California’s current push for clean energy is good for establishing regulations that combat climate change and doesn’t require help from other states.

Legalization finally comes to street vendors

BY MIGUEL BARRAGAN Staff Writer Governor Jerry Brown’s approval of Senate Bill 946 on Sept. 17 is a step in the right direction for street vendors in California.

The bill will change the law to legalize street vending in California, something that should have been done long ago.

The law will allow for those with previous street vending convictions and pending citations to petition for dismissal.

Under the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act, cities and counties will be required to enact licensing systems that follow guidelines established in the bill.

The guidelines will limit a local government’s authority to determine where street vendors could operate when not directly related to health, safety, or welfare concerns.

The law will not require street

vendors to ask permission to operate from any nongovernmental entities or individuals, such as brick and mortar businesses. This will help street vendors that are continually harassed by police due to businesses complaining about their location of operation.

SB-946 will also prohibit local authorities from totally banning street vending at parks.

Street vendors are still not entirely free at parks.

The text of the bill says “… the local authority may prohibit stationary sidewalk vendors from vending in the park only if the operator of the park has signed an agreement for concessions that exclusively permits the sale of food or merchandise by the concessionaire.”

The bill leaves room for parks owned or operated by local authorities to prohibit street vending if deemed “necessary to ensure the public’s use and enjoyment of

natural resources and recreational opportunities” or “necessary to prevent an undue concentration of commercial activity that unreasonably interferes with the scenic and natural character of the park.”

Despite parks having some authority over street vendors, SB-946 is progress for street vendors in California, many of whom are undocumented and work to feed their families and fear repercussions that could lead to deportation.

Martha Placido, a street vendor who sets up in the streets of Silver Lake, said in Spanish, “We do this because we have families and bills to pay.” Placido says that the street vendor community has also wanted a permit program that allows for vendors to operate more freely.

Californians should be proud street vendors will have the freedom to operate without being charged with a crime.

The law goes into effect on Jan. 1.

NEWS EDITORS Kaleen Luu Alex Avila FEATURE EDITORS Melody Ortiz Julie Santiago ARTS EDITORS Juan Calvillo Luis Castilla SPORTS EDITOR Stephanie Guevara COPY EDITORS Gustavo Buenrostro Anastasia Landeros Diego Linares STAFF WRITERS Anthony Aguilar Jerry Flores Miguel Dominguez ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Anastasia Landeros Gustavo Buenrostro ADVISERS Jean Stapleton Sylvia Rico-Sanchez

Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues.

Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the property of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 250 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content.

Anonymous letters will not be printed. Writers must sign submissions and print their names and a phone number where they can be reached.

Letters should be addressed to the editor of Campus News. Submissions can be made at the mailroom in building E1 or the Journalism department office in the Technology Center in E7-303.

East Los Angeles College Campus News 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez E7-303 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 265-8819, Ads (323) 265-8821 Fax (323) 415-4910 The East Los Angeles College Campus News is published as a learning experience, offered under the East Los Angeles College Journalism program. The editorial and advertising materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The opinions expressed are exclusively those of the writer.

Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, East Los Angeles College, or any officer or employee thereof.

PRINTING BY NEWS PUBLISHERS PRESS

News 3 Football coach receives reduced punishment EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

BY JOE DARGAN Staff Writer An ejection from Saturday’s game would’ve normally earned head football coach Bobby Godinez a suspension from next week’s match-up, but his punishment has been modified.

After being tossed with almost six minutes left to go in the third quarter against Southwestern College, Godinez was informed that, per Southern California Football Association rules, he would not be allowed to have contact with his team in preparation for the Oct. 13 game against conference rival Long Beach City College.

He would also be banned from Weingart Stadium while the game took place.

Due to a reduction in the severity of the discipline that was handed down, Godinez will

CN/DIEGO LINARES

PLEADING CASE—Football team head coach Bobby Godinez pleads his case after being ejected from ELAC’s loss on Sept. 6

not only be allowed to attend and participate in practices with his team leading up to the event, he will also be able to call plays for the Huskies during next week’s game.

The only caveat is that he will have to do it from the stands as he is not permitted to join the team on the field.

Godinez was initially flagged for vehemently arguing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

According to the coach, during the debate with a referee, he used the phrase, “you have got to be kidding me,” which the official took offense to.

“They claimed that the word ‘you’ was a personal attack on them and for any official or referee, that’s their prerogative.

But in football sometimes you have to have thicker skin than that,” Godinez said.

Upon hearing this explanation,

“They claimed that the word ‘you’ was a personal attack on them and for any official or referee, that’s their prerogative.

But in football sometimes you have to have thicker skin than that.”

BOBBY GODINEZ

Head football coach

in an act of anger and impulse, the coach responded with profanity, causing the referee to throw him out of the game.

Godinez appealed to the commissioner of the SCFA, and after a review of all available video and audio evidence, he was

able to clarify that the incident was not as egregious as first thought to be on the field.

“In our case to the commissioner, we kind of said, ‘I think they jumped the gun a little bit too fast.’ It was unfortunate that I was even put in that position during the game, but we were able to kind of justify it afterwards.”

The last time Godinez had been ejected from a game was in 2012 when he was the head coach of the Victor Valley College basketball team.

Before this incident, no record could be found of an East Los Angeles College football coach being ejected.

He will be allowed to return to the sideline in normal coaching fashion against College of the Canyons, who are also members of the South Coast Conference, on Oct. 20.

ELAC Health Center holds anger management sessions

BY JOE DARGAN Staff Writer

Events stir domestic violence awareness

BY KALEEN LUU Staff Writer The East Los Angeles Women’s Center is holding a series of workshops in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is celebrated in October.

The upcoming events for this month include a variety of discussions and sessions to bring awareness to domestic violence and understanding the impact it has on families.

“Unhealthy vs Healthy Relationships” is being held today and on Oct. 17 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in F5-211.

It will focus on educating youth to identify the warning signs in unhealthy relationships and the dangers of these cycles.

The importance of establishing boundaries will be outlined as well as the significance of consent.

This will be facilitated by Boyle Heights Project coordinator Hilda Franco and youth organizer Karla Ortiz.

“Domestic Violence 101” will be held on Oct. 16 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in F5-211.

This workshop will help attendees understand domestic violence and its effects on family dynamic.

Therapists Michelle Perez and Alice Ovando-Lopez will be present to demonstrate ways to seek support and find help. “ H I V: P r e v e n t i o n , R i s k Reduction, Navigation and Tools for Safer Sex” will be held Oct. 17 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in F5-209.

It will be an interactive workshop about HIV prevention.

Lead health educator and HIV counselor Alejandra Aguilar will facilitate. The session will include information on PEP and PrEP, the newest methods to prevent HIV. “Engaging Boys and Men to End Domestic Violence” will be on Oct. 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in E3-173.

It will be facilitated by prevention specialist Ozzie Cruz and outreach advocate Luis Mendoza.

The workshop will discuss how men and boys are a crucial part of the solution to end domestic violence.

“Introduction to Empowerment Self-Defense” will be held on Oct. 22 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in F5-209.

Attendees can learn verbal, mental and physical skills for violence prevention and methods for de-escalation.

These workshops will provide attendees with information on domestic violence and empower youth to cultivate healthy relationships.

Facilitators Brittany Martinez, therapist, and youth organizer Karla Ortiz will help people build assertiveness, set boundaries and learn to rely on instincts for interpersonal safety.

“Human Trafficking: Connecting to Domestic Violence” will be held on Oct. 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in F5-209.

It will focus on exploration of the different types of abuse: mental, physical and emotional.

Human trafficking specialist Lisa Vargas will discuss how h u m a n t r a ff i c k i n g , s e x u a l exploitation and survival sex is connected with violence and the significance of economic abuse.

“Trauma and Interpersonal Vi o l e n c e i n t h e L G B T Community” will be held on Oct. 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in F5-201.

It will be presented by APLA Health guest speakers Lydia S z a m r a j , L . M . F. T. , i n t e r n program coordinator and Pedro Mendez, L.C.S.W., behavioral health specialist.

Attendees can expect to learn about interpersonal violence in the LGBT community.

These workshops will provide attendees with information on domestic violence and empower youth to cultivate healthy relationships.

They are open to all and walkins are welcome but contact and RSVP to Arlene Torres at (323) 780-6754 or atorres@elawc.org.

Anger management group therapy sessions are being held every Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the health center until Nov. 1.

All students who have paid ELAC’s health fees, are invited to take part in the workshop.

The program is designed to help students manage anger, stop engaging in violence or the threat of violence, and develop control over their thoughts and actions, while receiving support and feedback from their peers.

Qualified students can call the health center to make an appointment or walk in on a first come first serve basis.

Once a 10-person limit is reached, no one else will be allowed to enter the meeting. A participant can come one time or join every class throughout the duration of the program.

Sessions are led by licensed clinical social worker and Los Angeles Community College psychotherapist Joselyn GeagaRosenthal, who began the program almost eight years ago.

“Anger is part of life, but people confuse anger with aggression,” Geaga-Rosenthal said. “Anger is an emotion that can become irritation or annoyance. Behavior is different.

Aggression, violence or even verbal threats are behaviors that we can control.”

Over a decade ago. GeagaRosenthal said that she was approached to start the anger management group by ELAC’s retired physical education professor, Marilyn Ladd.

“You can’t control emotions.

We have emotions because we are human beings. You can’t judge your emotions, but you can judge your behaviors,” GeagaRosenthal said. “You can also control your thoughts, because thoughts and hostile attitudes can reinforce aggressive behavior. The course is centered around learning assertiveness and how to address the issue that’s making you upset, in a respectful and effective way.”

Ladd is the creator of the Sexual Assault Awareness Violence Education team (S.A.A.V.E.), formerly known as The Violence Intervention Team, an on campus organization dedicated to shedding a light on domestic violence and those affected by it.

Ladd saw the connection between violence and anger management and thought that Geaga-Rosenthal would be the perfect person to help students address their anger issues.

“She said why don’t you run a workshop on anger management, and I said ‘okay’,” Geaga-Rosenthal said.

The anger management group therapy sessions coincide with the recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed during October.

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

#FIGHTFOR15—Fast-food workers and allies march Thursday in demand for a living wage ($15 an hour) and unions for all.

The march began at Belvedere Park and ended at the McDonald’s located across the street from East Los Angeles College. www.ELACCampusNews.com

4

ARTS

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018

Sony Pictures’ villain saves the day

BY ANDREW AYALA Staff Writer “Venom” is Sony Pictures’ action-packed and gripping take on one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic villains. The movie is an unorthodox Marvel movie in that it doesn’t follow the structure of the Marvel Studios films.

Viewers should go in with an open mind and realize that this is the beginning of “Sony’s Universe of Marvel Characters” and not a part of the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” which has been around since the first ”Iron Man.” Tom Hardy stars as Eddie Brock and also voices the character Venom, which is a space-sludge looking symbiote who chooses Brock as its new host.

From the movie’s beginning, viewers are hit with action and a brief explanation as to how and why symbiotes are coming to earth.

The audience is then introduced to the Brock who is a successful investigative reporter in San Francisco.

Brock seems to have the world at his fingertips due to his success in both his career and his relationship.

In the film, his boss Jack, played

by Ron Cephas Jones, tells him to interview billionaire philanthropist Carlton Drake, played by Riz Ahmed, about all of the innovative scientific discoveries that are occurring in his lab.

Before Brock has a chance to conduct the interview, information comes to light that change his views on his upcoming piece. This change sets into motion a series of events that ruin Brocks current status quo.

At first, it seems as if he is stuck with this parasite who is hurting him internally, but viewers soon realize that Venom is possibly the savior Brock needed.

After a confrontation with Drake’s goons, Venom has a conversation with Brock where he states his purpose and ultimate goal. This is eye-opening for Brock and the moment where they begin working in unison and understand the huge task they have ahead.

The story is very cliche and works well enough but might make it work for a general audience but not movie critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 30 percent while the audience average is at an 89 percent.

Audiences don’t have to wait long for the story to pick up the pace and bring the action. The computergenerated imagery and effects are done wonderfully and make Venom look like an intimidating and scary creature.

Tom Hardy does an awesome job as both Brock and the alien voice, which dwells inside of his head. The dialogue between the two seems very natural and straight out of an ‘80s comic book, which is what makes this interpretation so original.

It was interesting to see the bond grow between two beings, who at first seemed to be complete opposites.

The rest of the cast also does a great job at making the film flow smoothly, but it would have been nice to see more development of the villain in the film. The love interest is there and has a lot to do with the film but never overpowers the main issue that is presented.

All proper explanations of the

symbiotes origins and their ultimate goal leaves no room for unanswered questions. It is interesting to see Venom in a new light especially when he is infamous for being one of Spider-Man’s archenemies.

Although the screen-writing could have been done better, it seems to work and brings this character onto the big screen in a proper adaptation.

The films’ genre is unclear because it has elements of horror and comedy but works well as an unusual hybrid. One positive of the film is that viewers need no prior knowledge to understand what is going on throughout the film.

From the onset, the rating of the the film was contentious between fans and those involved in the production. Had they made the film rated R, instead of its PG-13 rating, more gore and violence could have showed the true nature of these evil creatures.

There is not one moment of down-time from beginning to end, which makes the hour and 50 minute running time seem shorter.

Overall, “Venom” is a film for those who love Marvel in general, or are interested in this villain and the rest of the symbiotes, specifically because it isn’t a Marvel/Disney blockbuster at all.

Nonetheless, the film packs a villainous punch and almost does this character the justice he deserves. There are two post-credit scenes viewers should stick around to watch, especially if they enjoy the film. “Venom” was released on Oct. 5 and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for language.

Surprise reunion takes over Cal Jam entire history and discography with Grohl saying, “Tonight we’re going through the years. Going way back.”

Among their many hard-hitting songs, was a stripped back, more emotional rendition of “My Hero.”

The crowd erupted as soon as Grohl played the opening riff to “Everlong,” one of Foo Fighters’ most popular songs.

After playing the first song from their first album, “This Is A Call,”

Grohl then walked out onto the stage once again, this time, sitting Staff Writer behind a drum set, as he used to as Nirvana’s drummer, along with the rest of the surviving members Foo Fighters-curated Cal Jam 18 of the band. culminated with a Nirvana reunion This was the second time Nirvana and an appearance by Joan Jett in had reunited since the death of Kurt San Bernardino Saturday.

Cobain, Nirvana frontman, in 1994.

The music festival was a two-day Nirvana played a six-song set celebration of rock ’n’ roll, featuring with John McCauley, of Deer both long-established rock legends Trick, taking over as vocalist. They and a new generation looking played “Serve The to take their place Servants,” “Scentless among them.

Apprentice” and “In The legendary Bloom.” grunge band, Halfway through the Nirvana, reunited set, McCauley was at Cal Jam 18 after replaced with Grohl’s rumors of a reunion special guest, Joan Jett at the music festival of Joan Jett and the began circulating on Blackhearts and The social media.

Runaways.

The rumor began To g e t h e r , t h e y after the Foo Fighters played “Breed,” o ff i c i a l Tw i t t e r “Smells Like Teen account tweeted Spirit” and ended cryptic messages the festival with “All like, “What else Apologies.” could we have up Other notable acts our sleeves?? Stay performed at the Tuned….” festival as well.

Another tweet Billy Idol headlined by the Foo Fighters the festival on Friday. reading, “This is Actor Jack Black’s a jam” was later band, Tenacious D retweeted by performed on one of Nirvana’s official the festival’s three Twitter account, stages on Saturday adding fuel to the along with Garbage, fire.

Greta Van Fleet, Black The rumor of a Mountain, The Front Nirvana reunion Bottoms and many deepened as three others. former members of Another highlight the band were set to of Cal Jam 18 was appear at the festival COURTESY OF FOO FIGHTERS INSTAGRAM Iggy Pop with Post on Saturday.

Pop Depression, a Dave Grohl, Foo supergroup consisting Fighters frontman, CAL JAM SET LIST—Foo Fighters Instagram photo a n d P a t S m e a r, of Saturday nights set list, reveals songs directly from o f J o s h H o m m e , frontman of Queens F o o F i g h t e r s Nirvana discography. of the Stone Age, guitarist, are both former members of Nirvana. Krist and an hour of stage time left, Grohl Matt Helders, drummer for Arctic Novoselic, former Nirvana bassist, had gone as far back as he could Monkeys, Matt Sweeney and Iggy was set to appear with his band, with the Foo Fighters. They put Pop himself. their instruments down and walked They performed on the festival’s Giants in the Trees. main stage before Foo Fighters’ T h r o u g h o u t F o o F i g h t e r s ’ offstage.

Through the stage screens, Grohl headlining set. headlining set, Grohl teased the At the end of the festival, Grohl crowd with comments like, “You was seen backstage with former Nirvana members, Smear and assured the crowd that the Foo guys like treats?”

Fighters would be back next year.

The Foo Fighters chronicled their Novoselic.

BY LUIS CASTILLA

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Comic Con to invade DTLA

BY JUAN CALVILLO Staff Writer The Los Angeles Comic Con will celebrate eight years of bringing fans and beloved fandoms closer together on Oct. 26 - 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

This year marks what the LA Comic Con has called its, #octoversary.

And to celebrate the conventions eighth year, it will have something special for everyone from the hardcore comic fan, to the horror fans and almost everyone in between.

Starting Oct. 26, fans have the chance to meet the people who write, illustrate and develop the comic book properties they love.

Some of the creators include Scottie Young, who has adapted the “Oz” books, which brought him various Eisner Awards and who has drawn many of the Marvel heroes and villains people love.

Ryan Ottley, who is famous for his run on the Image Comic, “Invincible,” and Tim Seeley, who revitalized the character of Dick Grayson for DC Comics in “Grayson” and “Nightwing,” will also be in attendance, along with dozens of other creators and artists.

For fans of the live action medium,

there will be many media guests that fans love at the convention as well.

Stars of both the big and small screen will be in attendance, such as Danny Trejo, who’s credits range from smaller budget movies to the huge “Machete” series of films.

Katie Cassidy, from the TV show “Arrow,” will be on hand representing the DC comics TV universe. Ariela Barer, Angel Parker and Brittany Ishibashi, which make up a large portion of the cast from the Hulu/Marvel show “Runaways,” will also be in attendance. Another huge draw this year will be the recent addition of Tenacious D on the main stage.

Tenacious D is comprised of Jack Black and Kyle Gass. The duo will be on hand for a Q&A session along with moderator Colin Hanks, star of “Life in Pieces.” They are scheduled to talk about their upcoming animated YouTube series.

Out of the many conventions across the country, this event has always seemed much more intimate and fan-centric.

The convention has fostered a sense of community over the years by having big fan inclusive events, and this year is no exception.

The Los Angeles Comic Con has partnered with Legion M, a fanowned entertainment company, and

the company has some interesting plans for the event.

Legion M will be setting up what is being labeled as a “fan oasis” that will have interactive experiences that range from learning how to create cosplay, where a fan dresses up as their favorite hero, to trivia challenges.

In addition to this, the horror magazine “Fangoria” will also be present, having a booth and putting on a production on the main stage.

One the biggest parts of the convention is the annual Kids Halloween Costume Contest set for the last day of the show.

This event is a huge draw for families and has always shown how early on kids become fans of all types of fandoms.

This year’s event will be for all children under 12 years of age and will start with registration on Sunday at 11 a.m.

The event will then take place on the main stage at 12:15 p.m.

The contest is always one of the highlights of the convention.

Tickets can be purchased through www.comicconla.com or on www. showclix.com and range from $25 to $35 depending on the day. Tickets for kids 12 and under are free. For times and schedule check www. comicconla.com.