Volume 78, Issue 1 | www.elaccampusnews.com | Wednesday, September 15, 2021 | Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

Dismissed ELAC dean hired at Cabrillo College BY JUAN CALVILLO Staff Writer Paul De La Cerda, former East Los Angeles College Foundation Dean who is being investigated by the Los Angeles Sheriff Department, has been hired as a Vice President of Instruction at Cabrillo College. De La Cerda took his position at Cabrillo College after his dismissal from ELAC and the Los Angeles Community College District. His position includes being Assistant Superintendent of the Hispanic Serving Institution task force steering committee. “The HSI Task Force is part of Cabrillo College’s overarching commitment to becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution,” Cabrillo College’s website said. LASD Sheriff Detective Mark Manskar, of the Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau, said no additional information could be given regarding the case. Manskar said any further information could be obtained from the District Attorney’s office after the case is filed. “This case is ongoing and the release of any information could compromise this investigation,” Manskar said. William Boyer, director of communications and external relations for the LACCD, said

generally speaking personnel circumstances of Paul’s departure issues cannot be discussed when from East Los Angeles College it comes to the release of De La were known to me and our board of trustees. Paul resigned from the Cerda. Boyer said he could not discuss LACCD in June in order to take his the ongoing investigation into new position here,” Wetstein said. The position De La Cerda alleged wrongdoings or De La Cerda being conducted by the previously held at the ELAC LASD Fraud and Cyber Crimes Foundation was that of Dean. Roman said the Bureau. position would “The college be changed, [ELAC] does not “This case is ongoing and it is now get involved with the position these matters, and the release of o f D i r e c t o r. therefore, I cannot provide any information could “ A r m o n d Aghakhanian you with an compromise this is the new update,” Alberto permanent Roman said investigation.” Director of of the current the ELAC investigation, Foundation,” and that he has Kristen M. Van no comment on MARK MANSKAR LASD Sheriff Detective Hala, executive De La Cerda’s assistant for new position at t h e o ff i c e o f Cabrillo College. the president of Matt Wetstein, president and superintendent at ELAC, said. The LACCD’s website said the Cabrillo College, said the decision to hire De La Cerda was made class specifications for a Director using the college’s normal hiring of Foundation include the abilities to plan, organize, implement and practices. Input on hiring De La Cerda came direct fundraising. It also involves from Cabrillo colleges community. managing the business affairs of the He said the college was happy to Foundation. The LACCD Board of Trustees have De La Cerda as part of that voted to no longer employ De La community. “I cannot comment on our Cerda as of March 3. personnel decisions, but the

BEFORE

CN/JONATHAN BERMUDEZ

BROWIN IN RAINBOW—Luis Alfaro, fellow genius award winner, talks to students at Mi Centro for an off site course for Chicano Studies 27 LGBTQ+ in literature.

$10 million dollars to go to colleges for LGBTQ+ programs BY JONATHAN BERMUDEZ Staff Writer A state fund of $10 million will be disturbuted amoung community colleges for LGBTQ+ programs by the Los Angeles Community College District on Wednesday, September 1st. $500,000 will go to any community college that applies. The money will go to bettering the programs on campuses that are strictly for LBTQ+. The fund will not only be for academic purposes, but also counseling and housing for those of the LGBTQ+ community. LACCD Trustee David Vela has been trying to get this approved since 2018. Vela said that a higher proportion of students who need help are LGBTQ+. Some of them are kicked out of their houses and have nowhere to go. “ We wanted LGBT students to be specifically

News Briefs

safe on campus and feel welcomed,” Vela said. Vela said the fund is at a pilot stage, but he is hoping this will become permanent. “Our goal is to ultimately grow the fund as the state expands and build LGBT centers at every college and have them fully staffed and fully funded.” “We really have to understand that LGBT rights and issues are all of our issues. This is to help a community that has been under served, discriminated and legislative against,” said Vela. As for LGBTQIA advisory, Felipe Agredano, wants to use the money to enhance programs already here at ELAC, provide counseling and have more courses that address LGBTQ+ studies. Agredano states there are only four courses at ELAC that provide LGBTQ+ studies and you need to take six in order to get a degree for a major. “It’s a new day,” Agredano said.

Fall 2021 Club Rush

East Los Angeles College ASU will hold club rush on September 29 and September 30 at E3/E7 quad from 11a.m. to noon.

He remembers being in the shoes of students today back when he came to ELAC, in the early ’90s. He felt that he wasn’t necessarily hiding that he was gay, but he didn’t feel comfortable or safe at the campus As he got older he kept asking himself what he should do to not let students go through the experience he went through. Just like trustee Vela, Agredano wants this to be a safe and welcoming campus for LGBTQ+ students. “It’s important to have an advocate who supports mental health, housing as well as the academics of the LGBTQ+ community,” Agredano says. He said it’s groundbreaking because it’s signaling all colleges that LGBTQ+ is getting the support needed. Agredano said he is hoping to have a flag raised on campus that shows community college campuses are a welcoming place for all members of LGBTQ+.

CN/PAUL MEDINA

AFTER—A bulletin board had not been updated since students were last on campus in March of 2020. The COVID-19 precaution signs that are around campus for safety.

ELAC frozen in time BY PAUL MEDINA Staff Writer During its 75 years in operation East Los Angeles College has never had to suspend in-person classes like the pandemic forced it to in 2020. Last year as the ‘coronavirus’ was beginning to sweep through the nation, the U.S. federal government would declare it a national emergency. ELAC, on orders from the district, ceased to offer in person instruction around

El Centro del Sur Latinx Theatre Festival

ELAC’s theater department will perform “From the works of John Leguizamo East Coast to East Los,” on Friday at 7p.m. along with six theater companies. This is a virtual event, join at https://elcentrodelsur.eventbrite.com/.

the third week of March. The semester was brought to a halt until further notice. Ultimately instruction resumed under a modified online method of instruction. All classes went online with the exception of a few district sanctioned courses such as Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and Emergency Medical Technician, which were allowed to remain in person under strict social distancing guidelines. As months passed, the campus looked like somewhat of a ghost

town. Prior to its limited reopening of very few courses during the summer session, only Sheriffs personal and custodians would be seen occasionally strolling through campus. It was a surreal feeling to see the campus empty on a weekday during normal operating hours. These are a collection of pictures showing what the lively ELAC looked like during the pandemic, taken during the Spring Semester, one year after the pandemic began. Showing at times an ELAC frozen in time. It is a view few were able to see.

Tending to Wounds of Racial Trauma Workshop

The Dream Resource Center will host a zoom with Dr. Farima PourKhorshid on September 30 from noon-2p.m. to help students heal from racial trauma and social toxicity at https://bit.ly/Fall21SpeakerSeries.

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Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Texas’ heartbeat bill kills abortion rights BY CYNTHIA SOLIS Staff Writer Texas passed the “Heartbeat Bill”, banning all abortions after six weeks, making it a controversial and unconstitutional bill that does more harm than good. The law explicitly bans all abortions after six weeks, when a fetal heartbeat is usually detected. The bill also allows all citizens to sue any healthcare provider or woman who administered an abortion or sought to have an abortion, respectively. This law has no exceptions for rape or incest. The bill goes against Roe v. Wade, which was decided on January 22, 1973. In the landmark case, the United States Supreme Court said the Constitution protects all pregnant women’s liberty to have an abortion. The Heartbeat Bill is exceptionally harmful to women who seek an abortion because it threatens their health and rights. This bill interferes with a providers’ ability to give pregnant women the proper care since health care providers in Texas will be forced to choose between providing adequate healthcare to their patients or being sued and face possible imprisonment. Banning abortions puts women at risk. Just because abortions become illegal, does not mean they become obsolete. So, as a result, women will seek harmful and dangerous versions of the procedure. Furthermore, the bill disproportionately impacts women of color. According to a July research brief conducted by the University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Policy Evaluation Project, it was determined that the law “would particularly affect Black patients and those living on low incomes or who live far from a facility that provides abortion because they often experience delays obtaining care.”

CN/MAX MIRANDA

Some of these delays include not having enough money to pay for their healthcare visits since abortion isn’t covered by Medicaid or most private insurance plans in Texas. Not only that, they may have more difficulty finding time to go to an appointment because of school, work, and possible child care scheduling conflicts. The Biden Administration has already filed a lawsuit against Texas over the “clearly unconstitutional” abortion ban. Vice President Kamala Harris, in an address, said that women

The Heartbeat Bill is exceptionally harmful to women who seek an abortion because it threatens their health and rights.

have the right to make their own reproductive choices, and decisions about “their bodies” were “not negotiable.” I firmly believe, as a pro-choice activist, that this ban goes against everything women in this country have fought so hard to have and needs to be made illegal. According to the Texas Tribune, Governor Greg Abbott said during the bill signing ceremony, “Our creator endowed us with the right to life and yet millions of children lose their right to life every year because of abortion… [The legislature]

worked together on a bipartisan basis to pass a bill that I’m about to sign that ensures that the life of every unborn child who has a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion.” Pro-life Republicans are only prolifers when it comes to embryos in the womb. This is the same party that harms women and families with their regressive policies. This can be seen when they support the imprisonment of women who want access to abortion when they tore babies away from parents and locked their children in cages, when immigrants begain entering the United States illegally with absolutely no plan to reunite them. Or when they cut programs that feed hungry kids, and among half a dozen other reasons. While these situations are mostly things that happened recently they still remain relevant because people are falling victim to the abuse the pro-life and conservative communities rampantly commit. The present hypocrisy that is prevalent in the pro-life community makes me wonder how a person can be so firm in believing that they are “saving” these unborn children from the “ravages of abortion.” Yet these same people do not acknowledge the way that they ravage, abuse, and assault women and families, due to this ban and with past actions. How can pro-life supporters be so firm in their beliefs yet not extend that same “rights” to the kids, teenagers, and parents that are being ravaged by society daily without so much as an inkling of support? If a pro-lifer put as much energy into fixing the foster care system or world hunger, the world would be a much safer and more compassionate place. If Texas can put this bill into effect, other states will try the same tactic, to the point that it doesn’t just affect the women in Texas. It could just as quickly affect all women.

Coast such as Florida have come out with various refusals to wear masks. Governor Ron DeSantis said, “No surprise here, the 1st DCA has restored the right of parents to make the best decisions for their children. I will continue to fight for parents’ rights.” People, especially parents, will keep refusing to be labeled as sheep. As I start to take courses at ELAC, I will not use my vaccination status to stop me from wearing a mask.

The use of a mask is not barrier to student’s learning.

CN/MAX MIRANDA

Masks promote safe learning for ELAC BY NATALIA ANGELES Staff Writer

With East Los Angeles College students returning to on-campus lectures, one can not help but question whether this decision will put students at risk against COVID-19. Having a mask on campus is a great idea. Not only does it help prevent the spread of the virus, but it protects the community we live in. The Los Angeles Health Department has seen a decline in COVID-19 cases but the Delta Va r i a n t h a s a l a m a r e d m a n y Angelenos. Governor Gavin Newsom is aware of the struggle that students go through when learning remotely. “Those kids are falling through the cracks, and we have all the support in the world,” Newsom said. www.ELACCampusNews.com

Newsome is entirely right, as Regardless of vaccination status, a first generation college student a mask mandate should not impede it has been tough to navigate this the way students should approach chapter in my life remotely. their learning. ELAC and all Of those who of Los Angeles decide not to wear Community a mask on school College District grounds some campuses are may believe that Masks not only taking safety it will be hard for precautions very protect students from face identification seriously. and verbal contacting COVID-19, o r n o n v e r b a l The use of a mask is not a but also demonstrates communication. barrier to student’s That is quite learning. Students care for the community foolish. Simply should be grateful because masks of East Los Angeles that some classes do not prevent College. are in person in students from order to seek engaging in guidance in a conversations and course. furthering their Masks not only protect students communication skills. from contracting COVID-19, but Referring back to the online also demonstrates care for the school, many younger students community of East Los Angeles have suffered to learn through College. a computer. Thankfully, with a mask mandate it has allowed not

only younger students but students overall to focus on their education at the comfort of their campus. Those who refuse to get vaccinated and wear masks on campus are stalling a return to in-person and the success of students. The school board meetings have gotten out of control. Leigh-Allyn Baker, former Disney Star stated at Williamson County School Board meeting, “I would never put them in a mask because their brains need oxygen to grow, which the neurologists can confirm.” Parents like her or the general anti maskers keep harming the learning environment for their children. Their ignorance to wear a mask to protect others from a deadly virus showcases their selfishness. The CDC has come out with various statements saying that they, “recommend universal indoor masking, for all students, teachers, staff, and visitors to K-12 schools regardless of vaccination status.” While other schools in the East

Even if I have been vaccinated for the past 4 months, I take the safety of my fellow peers very seriously. I know that being in close contact with many people due to my job can put me at a high risk of giving COVID-19 to those who are not vaccinated yet. As much as we would like others to look out for our community, there is so much we can do to alert them of this virus. There has been no encounter with those that refuse to wear masks. The learning community that I am surrounded by talk about how masks helps them feel comfortable. As ELAC students continue in person classes it is important for students to remember to keep their masks on at all times. In order for students to succeed, all ELAC students need to take the safety precautions to secure more courses open in person. Mask mandates in schools will only increase opportunities for students to learn in person. The more awareness that is centered on the use of masks on campus, the more people will be encouraged to wear one. For more information on the mask rules for ELAC visit: http://laccd.edu/About/News/ Documents/Safety-Advisories/ Safety%20Advisory%20 -%20Use%20of%20Face%20 Coverings%20in%20Public%20 to%20Reduce%20Exposure%20 to%20COVID-19%20 Exposures%20-%20Revised%20 031821%20Final.pdf

EDITORS IN CHIEF Daniella Molina Zasha Hayes MANAGING EDITOR Erica Cortes FRONT EDITOR Annette Qiujada OPINION EDITORS Teresa Acosta Cynthia Solis NEWS EDITORS Jonathan Bermudez Alma Lizarraga FEATURE EDITORS Jonathan Bermudez Alma Lizarraga ARTS EDITORS Breanna Fierro Erica Cortes Ivana Amaral Gabriela Gutierrez SPORTS EDITOR Miguel Dominguez ONLINE EDITORS Grace Rodriguez Raymond Nava COPY EDITORS Juan Calvillo Luis Castillas Ivan Cazarez STAFF WRITERS Leonardo Cervantes Melisa Valenzuela PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Medina Natalia Angeles ART DIRECTOR Steven Adamo CARTOONISTS Max Miranda Ivana Amaral ADVERTISING Stefanie De la Torre ADVISER Jean Stapleton

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 300 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. A n o ny m o u s l et te r s w i l l n ot 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

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, September 15, 2021

NCAA changes policies to pay student athletes of California Gavin Newsom says “the only people that sign away their Staff Writer rights are (student) athletes”. In a room of college athletes that achieved high levels of stardom like; The National Collegiate Athletic Katelyn Ohashi, Diana Taurasi, and Association (NCAA), is facing a Ed O’Bannon where they discuss shift in power and has made changes how their success and likeness to their rules in order to control generated lots of money for these which students are eligible for pay schools and sports departments, but during this academic sports season how none of it ever went toward them. in 2021. When Governor Gavin Newsom The NCAA is a member-led organization dedicated to the well- signed the bill on September 30th being and lifelong success of college of 2019 he hoped the bill would “initiate dozens of other states to athletes. Today the NCAA finds itself introduce similar acts of legislation often criticized and challenged and change college sports for the by its policies, which often inflict better by finally having the interests hardships on the people they are of the athletes on par with the interest of the supposed to institutions.” represent; the This bill is student athletes scheduled go themselves. “The only people that into effectto on According sign away their rights January 1, 2023. to the NCAA’s student website, their are [student] athletes.” a tNow hletes are goal is to allow finally getting students to be paid, whether successful both GAVIN NEWSOM they are being in the classroom Governor of California endorsed or and in their receiving competitions, individual while also sponsorships giving them a aside from team voice on the decisions they have to make on sponsorships. An extreme example is Alabama a daily basis, as well as ensuring all student athletes mentally and University quarterback Bryce Young who is receiving a seven physically strong. However in reality student athletes -figure offer on NIL deals after are often the most compromised in an impressive performance his comparison to any other student that freshman year of college. Young is having his life changed goes to college. According to an excerpt video to an extreme but there are also from “The Shop” by Maverick college athletes that will benefit Carter and Lebron James, Governor with getting their basic needs met.

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BY RICARDO MARTIR

CN/ TERESA ACOSTA

BE S.M.A.R.T.— Magaly Rojas-Gonzalez breaks down manageable steps for making financial goals offering virtual workshops

to students.

Financial aid office offers virtual workshops BY TERESA ACOSTA Staff Writer The financial aid office is offering virtual financial workshops throughout the month of September. The workshops focus on helping students understand and improve their personal finances. Each workshop in the series encourages financial literacy by explaining how money is spent and saved. Students can use the practical tools and advice and apply it to how they manage their money. This can lead to a better understanding of money as well as a healthy relationship with money. The introductory workshop breaks down many aspects of personal finance starting with how

to identify and set financial goals. December. Beginning with placing the goals Over the next few months into short, medium and long-term the workshops will add to these categories. foundational tools, eventually Knowing the helping students d i ff e r e n c e o f to understand high and low certain attitudes The workshops focus about money, priority when it comes to these the difference on helping students goals can help between good create a more understand and imrpove debt and bad debt efficient budget their personal finances. and how to plan to be able to for retirement. reach goals Students are easily. encouraged A f t e r to join at any identifying how time during the students want to spend their money, series, as each topic will have the workshop shows students how to multiple dates and times that they create a budget, a savings plan and are presented. an emergency fund. “It is significant for students to The workshops are Wednesdays be aware of budgeting, if they don’t and Thursdays every week until have the tools, or they are not used

Features

Poets perform alongside alumn Luis J. Rodriguez at open mic BY GRACE RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer

East Los Angeles college alum Luis J. Rodriguez came face to face with writers he inspired with his autobiographical book titled “Always Running.” Rodriguez listened to authors from all around East Los Angeles who gathered for an open mic in his honor dubbed “Grito De Boyle Heights.” The event was hosted by Sammy Quetzalli with Rodriguez as the featured act of the event Wednesday. Themes of poetry ranged from gentrification to struggling with identity. The event consisted of an hour of poetry recitals and 30 minutes of music. Fittingly, the event took place in a tiny literature center on Cesar Chavez Avenue called “RE/ARTE: CENTRO LITERARIO.” The center opened its doors to any writer or musician who wished to speak. Rodriguez advertised the event on Instagram the week before. About 100 people gathered in and outside of the tiny literature store. The small crowd drew in passersby who were curious to see what all the commotion was about. While the poets and musicians seemed to serve as Rodriguez’s opening acts, they were far from inexperienced. Photographers, musicians, poets and writers had the chance to share their experiences and networked in the audience. Some were visibly nervous before performing, and for others it seemed to be second nature. A highlight of the event, aside from the well-received author, was Matt Sedillo with the recital of his poem, “Pilgrim.” The poem served as an homage to the natives that lived here before colonisation. Matt Sedillo recited his poem with passion and grace. The change of pace in his words took listeners on the journey across the peaks and valleys of his story. He had listeners at the edge of their seats. Sedillo landed the delivery of every line, particularly when he said “We didn’t cross the borders. The borders crossed us.” In true slam poetry fashion, he delivered punchline after punchline.

Poetry appreciation snaps could be heard from the crowd throughout his performance. Another notable poem came from a woman by the name of Sandy Shakes. It was called “The OG.” She talked about the changes she observed in her neighborhood growing up. She helped listeners reminisce about a time when Cesar Chavez Avenue was still just Brooklyn. Being a first generation college student she struggled immensely with feelings of not belonging in higher education because she did not look like everyone else. This was when she discovered Rodriguez’s book “Always Running.” She said the book helped her to know others like her have done it before. She decided to perform Wednesday night she said because “I felt beyond honored to have been able to perform a poem in front of one of my favorite storytellers [Luis J. Rodriguez]…[my story]…and in doing so I feel like I have come full circle as a poet.” She, like many others, drew inspiration from the book at a

time when she was struggling with fitting in. Rodriguez’s presence drew in the crowd but the poets that spoke made the wait to see Rodriguez worth it. The event was not only about Luis J. Rodriguez and his book, but an appreciation for the writer’s movement he awakened in East Los Angeles in the ‘90s. By 8:30pm Rodriguez was reciting poems he had previously performed at many jails and prisons around the world including South America and Europe. He touched on many topics including: addiction, prison time and a love for the place he grew up in. After Rodriguez finished speaking, he sat at the front of the literature store behind a small table for book signings. About 10 copies of his autobiographical book titled “Always Running” were displayed on the wall and sold by the end of the night. “RE/ARTE CENTRO LITERARIO” will be hosting another open mic event on Sept. 22.

CN/GRACE RODRIGUEZ

POETRY SLAM—Luis Javier Rodriguez recites poems at RE/ ARTE Centro Literario.

to managing money, they might spend it as soon as they get it,” said workshop host Magaly RojasGonzalez. This can be a factor when it comes to creating debt, living paycheck to paycheck or not having the funds for unexpected costs. There are a few short optional activities for attendees to complete in private using their own financial information. Questions are always welcome during and after the presentation. Students can reach out to the financial aid office at financialwellness@elac. edu. You can also follow @ elacdreamresourcecenter or @ elacfinancialwellness on Instagram for a list of the workshop dates and times.

COURTESY OF RUEBEN ROQUE

TIME OF PEACE AND WAR—Rueben Roque deployed in Kosovo the day of 9/11 terrorist attacks

Psychology professor recalls war after 9/11 BY BREANNA FIERRO Staff Writer The conflict kick started as a response to the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001 was finally ended after 20 years, last month. Overall, the stance that America took when resolving action in Afghanistan was not a strong one, said Roque. “The stance that the U.S.took hurts as an American, to know that there are still Americans stuck there, and to include two dozen Californian high schoolers,” he said. The 20-year war between America and Afghanistan has come to an end, but not without trial, error and major consequences, such as leaving behind innocent American citizens. “I believe we (Afghanistan and combat) veterans leave a piece of ourselves with each deployment, but Afghanistan was different. We went there because our home was attacked. This had a different impetus from other combat deployments. But this deployment was also different because we (Americans) were not the only ones affected by Al Qaeda and the Taliban. We went in to help Afghanistan and its people live their lives free of the extreme views and violence of the Taliban. We (war fighters) did the best we could, with the guidance that was given to us,” said Roque.

Reuben Roque is the adjunct director of psychology and program coordinator for STEM veterans at East Los Angeles college, was on active duty with the United States Army when the attacks of 9/11 took place. What first started as an opportunity for him to give back to his country for the opportunity bestowed upon his parents, became more personal after Afghan terrorists attacked the twin towers and the pentagon. With parents who migrated from the Philippines, Roque made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Army for active duty in 1997, first landing the position of military police officer in Kosovo. During this time there was no major combat so he was sent to a larger army base to continue law enforcement work with the army unit: 101st airborne division, also known as the screaming eagles. “September 10th, 2001 was the last day of Army innocence, and when September 11th happened, a whole new army and focus switched from where we were at, to the point where even operations of military police officers there went straight into combat mission, and tasked out to other units.” Roques said. Roque’s unit was tasked out to help special forces during the month of September in a city named Gillian, that stationed multiple NYPD officers. The tragedy of 9/11 struck during Roque’s shift, leaving soldiers with no radio communication upon

realizing the pentagon had also been attacked, before switching to the other frequency for communication. The attack toward the pentagon is what caused radio transmitters to be cut off completely. The tragedy of 9/11 caused grief and chaos to everyone around or involved. Military responses as well as orders were becoming more harsh and forceful. What happened during 9/11 hit home for Roque, as it did for many U.S. citizens. “We were attacked here, and seeing it unfold while in combat doing something else, and this happens was shocking, so the main questions were: Who did it? Did we know? When are we going? Where are we going?” he said. A shift in focus, tactics, and location took place from focusing on Balkans and Europe to Afghanistan. It was different moving forward, “Everything that happened after 9/11 was a huge shift,” Roque said. The tactics the army became proficient at would work in the forest or mountains of Europe are not going to help one in the desert. This did not come without difficulty that Roque faced the cultural challenges in Afghanistan, making it challenging because of how tribal it was there. “As a combat veteran, I feel that many of us experienced Afghanistan in ways that civilians could never understand. Not in a combat aspect, but in other ways, like how we interacted with the people of Afghanistan,” he said. www.ELACCampusNews.com

Arts 7 Marvel Cinematic Universe film leaves fans emotional EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

BY ANNETTE QUIJADA Staff Writer “Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings” opens a new perspective for what the Marvel Cinematic Universe could become as they continue to develop more films starring people of color. Simu Liu stars as Shaun/ShangChi who ran away from home to San Francisco, where he works as a valet with his best friend Katy played by Awkwafina. Shang-Chi was 14 when he escaped his father WenWu played by Tony Leung and the secret organization known as the Ten Rings. Over the years the Ten Rings became massive, destroying kingdoms from the middle ages to present time. WenWu fell in love with Shang-Chi’s mother Jiang Li played by Fala Chen and gave up the ten rings for her. When she

died, an angry WenWu went back to his old ways and trained his son to be an assassin. This led Shang-Chi to leave his fathers side while also leaving behind his sister Xialing played by Meng’er Zhang. Hong Kong star Tony Leung carries a lot of the film on his back. He manages to create a strong villain who leaves the audience with conflicted feelings when they see that his pain for the loss of his wife is what causes him to create such destruction. Even though the destruction hurts to his children and others. WenWu is lethal, hard headed, vengeful and romantic. This makes him one of Marvel’s most intriguing antagonists. One would expect a lot of superhero action scenes from a Marvel film, Shang-Chi surpasses expectations. It’s safe to say that this is definitely not just another Kung-Fu movie like the ones we’ve

seen over the years. The Kung Fu demonstrated throughout the film is authentic and graceful. Martial arts is not just some form of fighting, there’s a heartfelt story behind the learnings of the martial arts they practice this. Makes the practice even that more important to how it was brought to life in the film. Director Destin Daniel Cretton does a fantastic job in demonstrating the beauty of Asian culture. Asian representation has started to increase in the last few years with films like Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and Parasite (2019). These movies, now including Shang-Chi, fight back the typical stereotypes and embrace the Asian culture while also relating to their audience when it comes to family and tradition. The release of Black Panther in 2018 broke major box office records due to Black people feeling and

Romantic scandal continues in ‘Trophy Wife’ sequel BY CYNTHIA SOLIS Staff Writer

Trophy Wife surpasses all expectations and more. In the second installment written by Bethany Lopez. The story follows Summer, who was married to a man that was 20 years her senior. Her ex-husband had a wife that Summer did not know about when they began their relationship. Once he confessed his infidelity to Summer, he promised to leave his first wife. He kept his promise and later married Summer. His friends jokingly referred to Summer as a “trophy wife.” throughout their marriage, Summer was indeed in love with her husband and thought that he felt the same way, so the joke didn’t bother her. Unfortunately, her husband cheated on Summer with a woman who resembled his first wife. After Summer and her husband divorced, she decided to join a counseling group for recently divorced women. There she met Margo and Whitney.

This is where they form the Jilted Wives Club. Some of the common themes found in the novel include love, friendship, and family. Summers’ love story begins at a restaurant where she meets with Margo and Whitney. Summer shows them the dating profile of a man named Noah. He is an educated, good-looking man. She gets their opinion of him, but then she accidentally swipes left, losing all hope in seeing him again. Like any good love story, Summer and Margo go to a bar, and across the room, Summer spots Noah. She immediately recognizes him, and luckily for her, Margo goes up to him to give him Summer’s number Noah doesn’t call because he thinks that Summer is out of his league. However, Summer runs into him at the grocery store, where he musters up the courage to ask her out. They go to a country dance hall on a perfect date. This scene alone will have the reader wishing to have a date that is exactly like it. As their love story progresses, you can see the two truly fall in love and learn how to trust one

another. Noah does anything to make Summer happy. Readers can see how supportive, loving, and caring couple are with one another whenever they are together. Lopez doesn’t shy away from showing how imperfect Summer’s family is. It shows how abusive her mom is. This shows that not everyone comes from perfect, loving families like Noah’s. Although dark, it is refreshing to read because it takes away the unattainable aspect often found in romance novels. The novel also touches on the value of confidence and knowing a person’s self-worth. This can be seen when Summer is too shy to show off her clothing designs. Against everything she believes, she shows her friends and motherfigure reaping the benefits of being confident in her work. This is due to Noah’s influence. This ties into Summer and Noah’s relationship since the steps to have a healthy relationship are supporting one another’s endeavors. Bethany Lopez is truly a great writer, producing novels that are refreshing and interesting to read.

COURTSEY OF IMDB

SUPERHERO MOMENT—Shang-Chi prepares to fight in a bus during a moment of suspense.

immense connection to a superhero that looks and shares the same values as them. Shang-Chi could be, just as powerful for Asians.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings” could be the best character introduction film Marvel has created.

The only disappointing thing about Shang-Chi is that it won’t reach its true potential in the box office due to the pandemic.

Suspense continues in ‘Candyman’ horror sequel BY BRENDA DE LA CRUZ Staff Writer Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld and Nia DaCosta’s 2021 rendition of “Candyman” brings a mix of past references and new scares, all rolled into one. The suspense is enough to satisfy a horror fan. The film is a sequel to the 1992 original with the same name, and takes on a more current approach. The movie follows an artist whom by researching the famous “Candyman” story, falls into a rabbit hole of theories about the so-called killer. The story goes, if a person looks into a mirror or reflection and a person says his name five times, the Candyman appears, and kills the person. It’s all fun and games! Or is it? Anthony, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, wishes to use this supernatural folklore to advance his own art career, but soon learns the dangers of dabbling with a secret many wished they never came across in the first place. The film is witty and suspenseful,

“‘Candyman’ with its diverse and fresh cast, brings tangible horror and suspense to new veiwers, while maintaining the eerie, spooky feeling of the original.”

and it delves into topics like gentrification. The film takes place in a gentrified location related to the original. This sends a message to its viewers about the barriers that structural racial discrimination plays in the lives of minorities --in particular those of color-- in this country. “Candyman” with its diverse and fresh cast, brings tangible horror and suspense to new viewers, while maintaining the eerie, spooky feeling of the original. One major nostalgic piece that carries on in this film is the original theme music that is attached to the villain himself. Just listening to this melody is enough to send chills down the spine and throws viewers back to the original film. The acting is superb and realistic, with audience able to sense the fear the characters are experiencing, while forming a worrisome attachment to the main character as his story develops. Overall, this 91-minute film does its job at keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, with their fingers in their ears out of fear.

9/11 documentary highlights heroism over tragedy BY JUAN CALVILLO Staff Writer “9/11: One Day in America” i s a s t ri king and s o mber documentary series that uses survivor interviews and footage

from ground zero of the terrorist attack. The events of Sept. 11 2001 can trigger harsh memories, so this documentary should be viewed with caution. 72 Films and the National

September 11 Memorial & Museum produced the sixepisode limited series that aired on National Geographic. This documentary chronicles the hours before, during and after the terrorist attack in New York,

from the various perspectives of those that were there. Each episode is filled to the brim with the sounds, sights and thoughts of ordinary people and first responders who experienced a life changing event.

Each minute of footage is filled with life and death moments. People who didn’t experience this moment in history first hand might think that the docu-series is fiction, but the frantic screams and rumbling destruction depicted will change their minds. The sounds of firefighters and emergency workers trying to save people from what is happening is deafening. Wa t c h i n g a g r o u p o f firefighters turn their heads as the roar of a jet engine blasts past them is heartbreaking, because the viewer knows that in the next moment these firefighters’ lives will change forever. The most impactful parts of this docu-series are focused on the triumph and tragedy of the New York Fire Department. While the film does justice to as many of the firefighters as possible, it does a fantastic job of telling the story of Battalion Chief of the First Battalion Joseph Pfeifer. His calm and soft voice does a chilling job of narrating the change from a normal day into hell on earth. Pfeifer brings viewers along with him as he retells how his group of firefighters went into the lobby of the World Trade Center after the first plane hit. He describes the uncertainty,

fear and courage the firefighters had, as the decision was made to go up the towers. All the while, the docuseries tells the story from the perspective of office workers, food servers and the average passer-by on the street. The series also covers the events at the Pentagon and how the efforts of passengers stopped United Flight 93 from causing further damage in Washington DC. The show uses first responders, media covering the event and individuals who worked at the towers to tell the sequence of events of Sept 11. “9/11: One Day in America” is both a saddening and inspiring series. It shows the United States of America on a day that slowly devolved into a hellscape. The series also shows the strength of the human spirit and the love people have for their fellow person. Despite all the trauma a docuseries like this might drum up, there is a sense of community that is a part of it as well. A community feeling of hope for the next steps this country will take and the good coming from the journey. “9/11: One Day in America” is six episodes, now available to stream on Hulu and is rated TV-MA. www.ELACCampusNews.com

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

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Sad truth behind Bob Ross’ happy persona BY GABRIELA GUTIERREZ Staff Writer On a mission to set the record straight, Bob Ross’s son, Steve Ross plays a key role in Netflix's documentary “Bob Ross: Happiness Betrayal and Greed.” The documentary dives into the hidden parts of Ross’ life successfully, but not without twists and turns. The most pleasant parts of Ross’ life were when he was painting. However, the film exposes the sad truth behind his happy-go-lucky persona. Film director Joshua Rofe creates in “Bob Ross: Happiness Betrayal and Greed” a more traditional documentary. He strips the film of any overly exaggerated gestures and sticks to allowing the interviewees to tell the story from their perspectives. The only downfall of the film is its inability to be interesting in accordance with the times. Although the film is a slow burn, for those who learned to love Ross through his art and persona, the documentary is a must-watch. The film is scattered with recreated scenes in the forms of impressionist paintings and uses eerie, fairy-talelike music to really set the mood. A fine choice for a film about a beloved artist. To kick off the documentary Steve Ross said, “I’ve wanted to get this story out for all these years...It’s

going to be difficult to get people to do interviews for this film.” Many of the people who had agreed to do interviews ended up backing out due to fear of being sued by Ross’ old business partners, Annette Kowalski and Walter Kowalski.

While on his deathbed, Annette and Walter Kowalski pressured Ross to sign over his name to them, but that was never his plan. Ross’ relationship with the Kowalskis is revealed to be shaky to this day. The Kowalskis deny any allegations against them and refuse to make a statement. Annette Kowalski, who was a flower artist, met Bob Ross as Bill Alexander’s protégé. Alexander, being an accomplished artist himself, became Ross’ endorsement into the art world. Kowalski was overcoming the death of her son at the time when she met Ross and quickly grew fond of him and his magical art. Steve Ross said that for five years the relationship between Ross, his wife Jane Zanardelli and the

Kowalskis was a good relationship. The four worked together to make the best decisions for Ross’ brand, which was growing rapidly in popularity due to his show in the U.S. Public Broadcasting Service called “The Joy of Painting.” Ross’ dedication to art went beyond fame for him. When his partnership with the Kowalskis led to a contract with paint supplier, Martin/ F. Weber Company, Ross insisted on quality over profits. Although the partnership worked for some time, it did not last long after Zanardelli died of cancer. Ross was left without a vote in his favor, leaving the Kowalskis to do their bidding with his brand. Steve Ross said that three weeks after Zanardelli passed, Ross found out he had non-Hodgkins lymphoma. While on his deathbed, the Kowalskis pressured Ross to sign over his name to them, but that was never his plan. Rofe does a great job in giving the documentary an honest take. Nothing about the film feels overdone. The film, which takes its audience through a roller coaster of mood swings, ends on a lighter note. It honors Ross in the best way possible by allowing his son, Steve Ross, to have a voice and to be his late father’s advocate. “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal and Greed” is streaming on Netflix.

DARK FRIENDSHIP —Bob Ross (left) with business partner Annette Kowalski.

Love of crime brings strangers together BY ERICA CORTES Staff Writer

BILLIE IN L.A.—An animated Billie Eilish in her new concert film, “Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles.”

“Only Murders Live in the Building” is every true crimelover's dream in a show. This mystery-comedy is about three complete strangers who are neighbors in New York City and who come together when they find out they are all obsessed with a true crime podcast called “All Is Not OK In Oklahoma, Cinda Canning.” The voice behind Cinda Canning, the podcast, is voiced by the talented Tina Fey. Although rarely seen, you hear her voice in each episode. Each episode foreshadows what is going on with the three neighbors. They later investigate and start a podcast focused on a neighbor who is found dead in their apartment. The building is called Arconia. Although ruled a suicide, the three strangers believe it is a homicide and take it upon themselves to find evidence and the killer to prove it. They suspect someone that is living in the building and investigate as many tenants as possible. Their lavish building has many distinctive individuals living within its walls. Each episode introduces a new character.All three neighbors live alone in separate apartments keeping secrets of their own struggles.

Charles-Haden Savage is played by the funny Steve Martin. Martin shows his funny, yet quirky personality playing an old actor who wants to be known again. He struggles accepting the fact that he is no longer as popular as he once was when he was on the show “Brazos” where he played Brazos himself.

The show is full of drama, laughter and a bit of thrill. True crime fans receive a glimpse of what can happen if they investigate their own mysteries. Oliver Putnam, played by Martin Short, is an ex-director who is having a hard financial time. In trying to keep a luxurious life, he sours many relationships, including his relationship with his son. By producing this podcast, he believes it will help him pay back all the loans and bills he owes before he gets evicted. Due to working on numerous projects together, including “Father

of The Bride'' and “Three Amigos,” Martin and Short have substantial chemistry on this series. Their unique personalities complement each other with their youngest co-star bringing something different to the table as well. The last and most mysterious neighbor of the three is Maybel Mora, played by Selena Gomez. Each episode gives a glimpse into her past life and how she might not be the person she seems to be with her detective partners. Gomez starts off as a young adult who doesn’t have interest in socializing with her fellow neighbors. However, when the building is evacuated Martin, Short and Gomez’s characters end up at the same restaurant. While there, they discover their common love for the true crime podcast show. Each episode reveals secrets from the other tenants in their building. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger. The show is full of drama, laughter and a bit of thrill. True crime fans receive a glimpse of what can happen if they investigate their own mysteries. “Only Murders Live in the Building'' airs every Tuesday on Hulu and is rated TVMA.

New concert film shows Billie Eilish in her creative element BY ERICA CORTES Staff Writer “Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles,” gives Billie Eilish fans, viewers and listeners a heartwarming concert that will have them falling in love with her. The concert film is set at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California, with no audience. She sings alongside her brother Finneas O’ Connell who accompanies with guitar, cords and background singing. In this film she performs songs from her new album, “Happier than Ever.” Eilish said this is the first time that she does a concert of her whole album front to back. “Welcome to the Hollywood Bowl…I am very excited for this and I couldn’t be any more happier.” The new album was released on July 30. The album showcases various genres from rock, pop to electropop.

Eilish does a fantastic job combining upbeat songs with angelic ballads in songs like “my future” and “Getting Older.” She also throws a little rock-and-roll with soul in songs like “Happier Than Ever,” and “NDA.”

Eilish does a fantastic job combining upbeat songs with angelic ballads in songs like “my future” and “getting older.” This new mix gives fans a new great album. The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra, conducted by Gustavo Duhame, is also featured in the concert film on some of the songs with Eilish, such as “Billie Bossa Nova” and “Halley’s Comet.”

They bring a contemporary sound to her new album, along with a beautiful set-up with dim lights to bring out the ambiance. The film also has special guests such as Romero Lubamo who plays acoustic guitar. Lubamo was part of a choir that Eilish was in when she was younger. Throughout the film viewers see Eilish as an animated character cruising around the streets of Los Angeles between songs. She is the only animated character in the film. The background and car she drives are live action mixed with her animation. She chose Disney as her platform to bring out her love for that platform. Billie Eilish first debuted back in 2015 when she released her very first single “Ocean Eyes.” Six years later she is on album number four with six grammys under her belt within the last two years. “Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles” is streaming now on Disney Plus.

STRANGERS IN AN ODD ALIANCE—Selena Gomez (left) with colleagues Martin Short and Steve Martin in Hulu’s crime show, “Only Murders Live in the Building.” www.ELACCampusNews.com

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Sports

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, September 15 2021

Coach Eddie Flores aims to finish in the top four By Miguel Dominguez Staff Writer East Los Angeles College Soccer coach Eddie Flores’ goal this year is for the team to stay healthy. The other goal for the team is to “finish in the top four” this year, Flores said. In 2019 the ELAC Huskies finished the season with four wins, 12 losses and five draws. All ELAC sports were cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. This year the team started conditioning in April without equipment, as part of the protocols the district gave out this year. Full practices with equipment started in July, giving the Huskies soccer team a month to prepare for their first match, which resulted in a draw with Santa Ana College Dons. ELAC soccer team currently have a record of zero wins, four draws and one loss in this season which began on

August 27th. Huskies defense has been great for the team, allowing only four goals in five games. Offensively “we need to improve” said coach Flores. The Huskies have only scored 3 goals in their five games. The Huskies had a tough game against Rio Hondo, which resulted in their first loss with a final score of 1-0. The following game Huskies versus Orange coast college resulted with no goals. final score 0-0. Most of the team players are freshmen this year around said coach Flores. Only six of the players from last season in 2019, have returned to the team. 23 are freshmen for the huskies. Of the 23, four are international students. Three Argentinian soccer players and a French goalkeeper. Fans should keep an eye on freshmen Argentinian midfielder Ramiro Hermida and French goalkeeper Santiago Pagnutti.

CN/ TERESA ACOSTA

PREP TALK—Coach Eddie Flores and Assistant Coach Ramon Rivas prepping their players before they face off against the

Santiago Canyon College Hawks. They come with a different mindset and the experience they bring from the academies; it shows on the field, said Flores. They both come from great soccer academies in their countries.

Hermida was from the academy of Boca Juniors in Argentina. said Flores. Boca Juniors is a well-known team in Argentina where the soccer legend Diego Maradona played for before moving to Europe.

All the players and coaching staff from the soccer team are vaccinated. The team still needs to get tested once a week for COVID-19. Only a few players returned this year because of the pan-

demic. Most of the players had to drop out of school and work to provide for their families. Others just focused on school and left the soccer team, Flores said.

Sports Briefs Football Another dominate win for East Los Angeles College football team against the Chaffey Panthers, 42-7. The Huskies are 2-0 in the season with a total of 114 points scored while only allowing 15 points in their first two games. The Huskies will try to remain unbeaten when they visit San Diego Mesa College on Saturday at 6pm. Next game at San Diego Mesa

Mens Womens Volleyball soccer soccer

East Los Angeles College Volleyball team won on Saturday against College of the Desert. The Huskies won the first, then losing two straight sets. The fourth set was a close one, but the Huskies managed to win the set 26-24, forcing a fifth set. The Huskies would win the fifth set, 15-9, and remain unbeaten at home. The Huskies have a record of 3 wins and 2 losses. Next game Wednesday. The Huskies will be receiving Long Beach City College. Game starts at 6.

Men’s soccer lost yesterday against Bakersfield 4-0. Giving them a record of zero wins, four draws, and two losses for the season. Huskies are looking for their first win in the season. This is the first time the defense has allowed more than one goal on the season. Offensively, the huskies are still struggling to score goals. They have only scored three goals on the season. The Huskies will be receiving Cypress College at 6pm. Huskies Vs Bakersfield Tuesday Men’s Soccer lost on Tuesday 4-0 against Bakersfield College. Next game Cypress College at 3pm

The East Los Angeles College women’s soccer team lost on Friday 7-0 against Santiago Canyon College. The huskies have lost their third straight game of the season. The huskies have been held scoreless in all three games, allowing a total of 30 goals. The Huskies allowed 17 goals on their first game against Chaffey College, allowed 7 goals against Los Angeles Pierce College, and allowed 6 goals against Santiago Canyon College. Next game on Tuesday at Taft Community College at 2pm.

Wrestling East Los Angeles College wrestling team will have its first game this Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College.

New Coach Miguel Soto will be leading the wrestling team. Time TBD

After that game they will be receiving Los Angeles City College on Friday at 4pm.

Men’s soccer ties against Santiago Canyon College BY TERESA ACOSTA Staff Writer The East Los Angeles College Men’s soccer team tied 1-1 against the Santiago Canyon College Hawks, during the second home game of the season. Both goals were scored in the first period of the game. There were about 100 people in attendance cheering on the Huskies. They brought a level of excitement only felt by a live audience. The Hawks were the first to score at around the 34-minute mark, during a penalty kick made by Luis Sanchez-Diaz. ELAC freshman and center-midfield Ramiro Hermida scored the one and only goal for the Huskies. Hermida intercepted a pass from the opposing team and drove the ball into the goal. He said when he saw the ball enter the goal all he could think of was that there was one additional goal needed to get the win. He said it was unfortunate that the game ended in a tie. Hermida is an international player from Argentina. This season he hopes for him and his teammates to do their best to fight for a championship. He says he has felt very well received by ELAC and is looking forward to seeing as much of Los Angeles as he can. Despite multiple opportunities for both teams neither were able to score in the second period and the score remained tied. Both Stephan Rivera and Nathan Romo from the Hawks received yellow cards during the second period. Next, the Huskies will travel to face the CN/ TERESA ACOSTA Norco Mustangs on Friday, September 17th OFFENSIVE CHANCE— Center back Maximo Dominguez receives ball from midfielder Johnathan Toscano, trying to get through the Hawks defense. at 4:00 p.m. www.ELACCampusNews.com