Volume 78, Issue 12 | www.elaccampusnews.com | Wednesday, December 9, 2020 | Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents
Down to five finalists for ELAC’s new president BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer The five finalists being considered for the position of East Los Angeles College president introduced themselves to the ELAC community via Zoom on Friday and shared their thoughts on how they would handle the transition to in person classes when the time comes. Cynthia Azari, Ph.D., has worked in public education for more than 30 years. She led Oxnard College, Fresno City College and Butler County Community College in Butler, Philadelphia as president. She’s also had other leadership roles including that of Vice C h a n c e l l o r f o r Wo r k f o r c e Development and Education Services at State Center Community College District in Fresno. “For most of my career, almost 30 years, I’ve worked in community colleges because I understand the value of community college,” Azari said. “I know what a difference we make in the lives of people every day. We give people a second chance, we give people with limited resources the opportunity to pursue a college education and we provide valuable support services that our students need in order to be successful.” Azari said she was impressed by ELAC’s commitment to its mission statement which emphasizes student success. She said her experience as president of other colleges qualifies her to lead ELAC, and that her upbringing lets her relate to its students on a personal level. Azari and her parents were migrant
Dr. Juan Avalos farm workers in Central California where she spent her childhood, and she’s a first generation college graduate. Azari said she would seek to work closely with city officials to ensure safety guidelines are followed when the time to transition to in person classes comes. “We will want to work closely with city officials so that our students can have access to a vaccine when that’s available, we’ll have to continue to provide testing.” Robert Frost, Ph.D., focuses on college-community partnerships. He’s worked in California, Oregon and Midwestern states as a tenured community college and university professor, dean, vice president of both academic and student services as well as college president. Frost has served on national and international nonprofit education boards to improve social and educational equity for community college students.
Dr. Cynthia Azari He led intercultural programs for four years in South America and Mexico as a Spanish and Humanities professor. “I see ELAC as having great potential as both a national and international leader with the programs started by Marvin Martinez and other past presidents,” Frost said. “ELAC is poised to lead at a national level in arts in education, but also in how we transform our ideas about equity into practical activities that promote student success.” Frost said he hopes to be able to improve and expand on ELAC’s relationship with the community it serves, which he says is already strong. He also said he shares similar personnel experiences with a large number of ELAC students who have to work to pay for their education.
Dr. Robert Frost “I threw papers as a boy, and I even worked in a steel refinery much like Shultz here on the Eastside to pay for my education, so I understand what community college students go through,” Frost said. He said he would not only take into consideration the opinions of medical experts when the time comes to transition to in person classes, but also consult with the college community about the best approach for the transition. Alberto Roman, PH.D is ELAC’s current etirm president and has 19 years of experience in the publicschool system as a classified employee, faculty member and administrator. He’s also worked as director of human resources and an assistant superintendent. Roman is a first-generation
Dr. Alberto J. Román college graduate who immigrated to the U.S. at a young age. “I think my personal experience as a student, as an educator and administrator gives a unique perspective that will promote collaborative work,” Roman said. He said ELAC has stepped up during the pandemic to ensure its students continue to thrive despite the challenges and hopes to continue leading the college as its next president. Juan Avalos, Ph.D., currently works as Vice President of Student Services at Saddleback College and has 27 years of cumulative experience. He also serves on the board of directors of the California Community College Athletics Association. Avalos is a
Dr. Christopher Villa South Los Angeles native and was raised in a low-income, immigrant family household where he said he “learned about the importance of education, hard work, pursuing your dreams and being of service to the community.” Christopher Villa, Ph.D., is a native of East Los Angeles. He served as campus president at Portland Community College-Rock Creek where he focused on creating partnerships with community representatives from business, community-based organizations, k-12 schools and universities. For more information please visit http://elaccampusnews.com.
Campus raises concerns after police cut ties BY BRENDA DE LA CRUZ Staff Writer
COURTESY OF LOS ANGELES TIMES
Chicano Moratorium, Salazar highlight LA civil rights fight BY BRENDA DE LA CRUZ Staff Writer Over the weekend, the California Chicano News Media Association held the Zoom event “#2020Salazar” that focused on the life and legacy of Chicano Activist and Journalist Ruben Salazar. When the civil rights movement is mentioned, most people think of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X, and Rosa Parks. However, they were not the only people of color fighting for their rights. During the ‘60s, many Chicanos were protesting against police brutality, poor treatment in schools (sometimes being disciplined for simply speaking Spanish), and much more. Eventually, on Aug.29, 1970, a new protest took place with Chicanos on the front line against the Vietnam War after numbers in deaths among brown folks
News Briefs
revealed Chicanos were dying at two times the rate of other ethnicities. This protest became known as the Chicano Moratorium, and what was meant to be a peaceful event, left many injured and a dedicated journalist dead. During the moratorium, Sheriff’s were called and began dispersing the crowds with batons and force. As the crowds ran off, attempting to escape any violence from law enforcement, Salazar was there to cover the event for the L.A. Times. Witnesses from the event have recalled seeing Salazar resting inside the Silver Dollar Bar once the protest became violent. Salazar was killed after a teargas projectile was shot into the bar by a deputy who was going after a crowd who went into the bar. The tear-gas projectile hit Salazar in the head and he is said to have died instantly. The #2020Salazar event not only spoke about the late journalist but also about the Chicano Moratorium project the L.A. Times published
Family Webinar
in August for its 50th anniversary. Editors, writers and designers all discussed how they came up with ideas on the layouts and the direction they decided to go in in creating the piece. Many of the panelists described meeting many people who had never heard of the Chicano Moratorium while in school. In fact, many who wish to learn this side of history must do so by enrolling in Chicano Studies courses offered at community colleges or universities. Designers also went over how art was chosen, as well as how one can self-print their own posters from the many art pieces displayed in the project. To view the Chicano Moratorium project, go to https://www.latimes. com/projects/chicano-moratorium/. Other panelists who were invited to the Zoom event were Cecilia Vega, senior White House correspondent for ABC News, and recently named "Latina Journalist of the Year" by CCNMA, Jennifer Medina with the New York Times,
Parent and Community Engagement Unit and Family and Community Engagement Services will host a webinar to learn how to start early to ensure acceptance and obtain two free tuition years. It is on Dec.11 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information visit ELAC FACES’ instagram page.
Both women spoke about their experiences as Latinas working the 2020 presidential campaign. Vega went over how it felt being mocked by President Trump during a press conference in 2018, as well as why she felt she needed to be out there as a voice for Latinos. Medina discussed how much she learned regarding how diverse Latino voters could be, including how many Latino groups are in favor of Trump despite how many are not. Overall, the event focused on empowering the Latino community and reminding folks of how far we have come, but also how much more work is needed. The event culminated with the Ruben Salazar Awards, which awards journalists who contribute to a better understanding of Latinos through their journalism work. Categories include print, digital, and TV/Radio. Former Editor In Chief for Campus News, Dorany Pineda, was a finalist.
Reminder for Graduation
Recent break-ins and vandalism at East Los Angeles College leave many worried about campus safety now that the Los Angeles Community College District and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be cutting ties. On Nov. 13, it was announced that the long-standing contract between LACCD and LASD would come to an end on Dec. 31. According to the press release by LACCD, a new temporary safety and security service contract for all nine college campuses is being sought, however, many are wondering when that will take place and through who. “At some point in time soon, there will need to be a new contract, short-term, for District public safety needs that the Board will have to approve. Something will need to happen between now and Dec. 31,” said William H. Boyer, Director of Communications & External Relations for LACCD. The recent break-ins were first reported by Vice President of Administrative Services, Myeshia Armstrong. Campus News reached out to her for comment on the vandalism but no response. Although the suspect was caught and arrested, what will happen once there is no police presence on campus? Another major inquiry surrounds the cadets who help patrol the college campuses. Cadets are students with hopes of one day joining law enforcement. The cadets work part-time as student workers on campuses. Their duties include safety services, escort services, law enforcement police desk operations, public relations,
Fall graduation petition deadline is on Dec. 11. In order to file a Fall 2020 graduation petition, make an appointment with an academic counselor. Appointments are open every Friday at 8 a.m.
Holidays with Vets
parking enforcement, and much more. A big concern is that cadets will no longer be able to continue with this role once LASD is no longer in contract with LACCD. Tension between the public and law enforcement has been higher recently after a massive wave of protests occurred across the country. The protests demanded change over police brutality against minorities, specifically AfricanAmerican men. The death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd on May 25 of this year sparked a huge uproar. Floyd, an African-American man, died at the hands of a white police officer. Protests led to many Americans asking for police to be defunded. It's unknown how much of a factor these events played on the inability for both LACCD and LASD to come to an agreement on a new contract. Interim President Dr. Alberto Roman said employees and students, beginning in January, a new temporary security company will take over once LASD is no longer working with LACCD. A Request For Proposal will be the manner in which LACCD will seek a new contract for security on all nine campuses. R F P ’s a l l o w m u l t i p l e companies to place bids for the contract, leaving the LACCD to decide which route they wish to take. This means even LASD can put in their own bid for the same contract that is coming to an end soon. As far as campus cadets, Roman said cadets are employees of the LACCD and there is no interest in getting rid of their services. “Our number one priority is the security of our employees, our students, and securing our buildings,” Roman said.
East Los Angeles College Veterans Resource Center is inviting students to Holidays with the VRC on December 18 at 5 p.m. Christmas sweater contest, games, and prizes open to all current and former military connected Huskies. Zoom ID: 962 0602 9648