ELAC Campus News Fall 2021 Issue 10

Volume 78, Issue 10 | www.elaccampusnews.com | Wednesday, November 24, 2021 | Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

Former astronaut recounts underrepresentation in STEM

BY EDUARDO SANCHEZ Staff Writer The first Hispanic woman to travel to space, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, joined the East Los Angeles College Town Hall Series to discuss racial and gender biases in the science field. Dr. Ochoa shared some of her college experiences including being discriminated against by professors and feeling unrepresented in the science field.

Not only did she share advice for students, but for faculty regarding what they can do to help their students pursue more science, technology, engineering and mathematic based careers.

“It’s pretty hard to choose to major in something when you can’t really picture what that leads to after school,” Ochoa said.

She recalled taking a calculus series and wanting to know how that type of math could be used in a real job. This led her to reach out to a few professors from STEMrelated courses. The engineering professor she spoke with told her the course’s work of study was too hard for women.

“When he thought of what an engineer looks like, it wasn’t somebody who looked anything like me,” she said. He was not interested in helping her and she did not feel welcome to try a career in science or math.

It wasn’t until she spoke with her physics professor that she was told about the many different careers that could come through studying physics. Being made to

feel welcomed by her professor that they’re looking at in faculty and leadership doesn’t look like them impacted her to try it out.

Before college, she had never at all… A lot of higher education thought about going into a science- institutions struggle to understand related field. She did not grow up why they’re not able to get more with anyone to look up to that came people in STEM, but when you look from a similar background as her in around at their own faculty and their department chairs and deans and the science field.

“When I was growing up, I’d presidents, you know it’s not really heard of Marie Curie, but I mean, that big of a mystery. It just doesn’t she has two Nobel prizes. One match up,” she said regarding in physics and one in chemistry. how unrepresented Mexicans were in STEM and in the That’s a pretty high faculty positions of bar if that’s the only those courses. kind of woman you Receiving ever hear about in “People who support from science,” she said. discourage you professors was her Mario Molina biggest motivation to was a Mexican are generally pursue her career in chemist and it wasn’t people who don’t research and science. until later that she became aware of know you and so H e r e n g i n e e r i n g professor at Stanford other Mexicans in really, you should and her associate the science field. of Philosophy “It wasn’t until I not pay attention Doctor adviser were her was probably out to them.” biggest mentors of graduate school throughout her when I heard about studies. “He never people like Mario seemed to question Molina, who was DR. ELLEN OCHOA that I should be really the one that Former astronaut and there… Never gave determined the Director of Johnson Space me the impression harmful effects of Center that I wasn’t capable, chlorofluorocarbons or was wondering or CFCs that were what I was doing in refrigerants and what it was doing to our atmosphere. there,” she said regarding her Which was actually the subject of engineering professor.

Some of the advice Ochoa my first two shuttle flights and he received the Nobel Prize for that hopes professors take from her journey is to realize just how much work,” she said.

“It’s hard for people to get their words can impact students. She the message that someone like me suggests they ensure office hours can learn about these subjects and are offered throughout the day to go into these subjects if everybody give students accessible options

in case they have work. Sharing information about resources is also very important so that students know if there is tutoring available.

Most important is to show students what kind of careers they can have through those fields so that they can envision themselves in them.

Even with the support from some professors, Ochoa struggled to feel like she belonged in the science field. During her Ph.D entrance test at Stanford, she overheard from a friend that one of the professors who would be evaluating her had never passed a woman because he believed they didn’t belong in the field. It was because of a supportive professor who spoke with the others that she was able to pass.

Ochoa struggled with some concepts in her courses, but took advantage of office hours to get a better understanding. She made sure to take advantage of the resources that she had available and seeked for the help of tutors.

For a time, she felt as though she was the only one who needed help, but found that professors enjoy when students come to their office hours and show an interest in their class. Ochoa says it is worse to be a student who seems confident because they might feel like they know everything and won’t be asking questions or putting in more work.

With the few professors who tried to discourage her from entering STEM, Ochoa shared some advice for students who might be in a similar situation.

“Realize that people who discourage you are generally people

COURTESY OF DR. ELLEN OCHOA

CONDUCTING EXPERIMENTS IN SPACE - Footage of Dr. Ochoa’s first mission into space to research the effects of the Earth’s atmosphere. who don’t know you at all, and so really, you should really not pay attention to them,” Ochoa said.

Ochoa was able to work for NASA’s research program and eventually was able to go into space. The support of her professors in college introduced her to the careers in STEM. Even when she struggled and felt out of place, she continued her perseverance and sought help. She assures students who are struggling that there is nothing wrong with them as looking back, she realized everyone feels that way sometimes.

She became the first Hispanic woman to go into

space and advocates for more underrepresented ethnicities to join STEM fields. Ochoa’s first mission in space revolved around science and technology experiments to study the atmosphere of the Earth. She received her Bachelor of Science and Physics from San Diego State University and a Masters of Science and a Ph.D in Electric Engineering from Stanford.

Her achievements have earned her inclusion into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, the California Hall of Fame and the International Air and Space Hall of Fame.

LACCD to provide free two-year tuition

BY JENNIFER ALEJANDRE Staff Writer

THANKSGIVING PANTRY AT ELAC - Students partake in ASU’s food and clothing drive.

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GENTLY USED - An Associated Student Union member rolls out a rack of clothing for students to rummage through and take what they need.

News Briefs

Town Hall Series

The Racial Equity & Social Justice series continues with The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness from Father Greg Boyle on Dec. 1 at 1 p.m.

Enrollment Fair

The Townhall with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Los Angeles Community College District leadership focused on community college student enrollment and financial support.

California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez held a conference to discuss Community College student enrollment and financial support on Monday.

Rendon talked about the Los Angeles Community College District and the educational programs offered at the East Los Angeles College’s South Gate Campus.

Changes have been made to ensure students attending the South Gate campus have a college experience. The South Gate campus has improved these past years to guarantee a much better educational plan.

The campus is offering classes of Administration of Justice, Child Family Education Studies and Forensics. Along with Pharmacy Tech, Medical Assistant, Medical Transporter and much more. The campus has opportunities for students interested in Teacher pathways, Family Child Care Provider, Associate Teacher Certificate, Children with Special Needs Certificate and much more.

The Los Angeles College Promise is a Program made for new or first time college students.

This program provides students with two-years tuition-free for up to 30 units. Priority registration is offered as well as success coaching, free LA city DOT and Metro passes to have transportation to work or school. Students will receive a free Chromebook when joining.

Main campus on Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. and at the South Gate Campus on Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

BAC meeting

In order to qualify, students must apply for Financial Aid (FASFA/Dream/BOG) and be enrolled as a full-time student.

Students must participate in a transitional program, enroll in required English/Math per educational plan. Lastly, students in the LA College Promise Program must participate in success Activities including major/ career exploration.

The ELAC campus will have an LA health facility. It’s a project that the LACCD leadership along with assembly speaker Rendon are working on to ensure a safer college campus. They will also be working on a new student service building to give students a better learning and helpful experience.

ELAC offers a variety of programs especially now because of COVID-19. Classes have become even more flexible online offered morning, afternoon, and evening. ELAC’s priority is to ensure students have options that best work for them.

Online classes will continue to be taught and students will have more class options to choose from.

Beginning of winter semester 2022, the campus will be 50% in-person and 50% online.

Both in-person and online will have the same options. For the in-person students, there will be activities and workshops that can help with the transitioning of online to in-person.

For online students the resources that have been offered throughout this year will not change in fact more resources will be offered.

Rendon, alongside Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez and other LACCD Leadership staff, will work together to ensure that Los Angeles Community College District gives students educational programs that help with their education.

ASU will hold a budget meeting today in building F5-219 and on Zoom http://laccd.zoom.us/j/91247278744 at 3 p.m.

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Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

ELAC should provide additional online classes

BY PEDRO CAMARENA Staff Writer

East Los Angeles College should have more options for how students want to pursue their education.

Communities are trying to go back to life before the pandemic.

Many were affected, including students and staff here at East Los Angeles College.

Not only have people had to deal the current pandemic, but the pandemic also led to many struggles and tremendous shifts in many lives.

Unfortunately, students had a setback in their education and could no longer attend in-person learning.

Not only was this challenging to students and staff, but their personal

life had taken a toll.

ELAC students were given a choice to continue online education or in-person education.

As everyday life begins to carry on, there is a possibility of online education ending.

Questions and worries occur within student communities because many students and families adapted to online learning.

Another tremendous shift is occurring as schools transition back. Many wonder if in-person learning is suitable for them and their personal life.

Online learning has made it easier for those who struggle with jobs, mental health and family matters.

Some of the students at ELAC chose to continue the online education for personal reasons.

More online classes should be provided, more resources and more in-depth training for professors who would also like to teach online.

More online classes should be provided, more resources and more in-depth training for professors who would also like to teach online.

Widening these options would ease worries it will also be beneficial.

People with other responsibilities can have a higher education due to

how easy it can be to attend classes, work and care for their families.

Older students may feel more comfortable rather than having to juggle all their responsibilities.

Transportation may be an issue for the younger students who may not have the accessibility to drive or have a ride to school.

Some students will feel uncomfortable going back to classes having to readjust to in-person learning, or may deal with some social anxiety or other mental health factors.

The pandemic indeed opened up new fears about sicknesses and made them more aware and cautious.

Certain situations and close confinement might make people uncomfortable and might even cause setbacks in peoples lives.

I agree with eliminating online learning, as some students may prefer that option.

The worst case scenario would be that some students couldn’t handle it and would have to leave school for a while or indefinitely.

Due to a drastic change in their life, many students could be overwhelmed with stress and of new mental health issues.

As our school moves back to everyday life, students should have more of a say in whether they should continue online classes.

Students and staff should be able to feel comfortable in their learning, teaching and working environment.

No one should have to feel overwhelmed or overworked when it comes to themselves and their future.

SafePassLA attempts to protect vaccinated population

BY EDUARDO SANCHEZ Staff Writer The battle to fight the spread of COVID-19 is far from over, but SafePassLA is a step in the right direction.

The new ordinance in Los Angeles, SafePassLA, requires citizens to show proof of vaccination when entering establishments.

The most patriotic thing a person can do during a pandemic is taking care of each other by getting vaccinated.

Concert venues and other large arenas where events are held have required proof of immunization or a negative test result to enter since September.

It was due time for the rest of the state to follow to ensure that people remain safe.

The new ordinance in Los Angeles, SafePassLA, requires citizens to show proof of vaccination when entering establishments.

The ordinance was launched on November 8 and will be enforced starting on the 29.

Unlike concert venues, proof of a completed Covid-19 vaccination will be required to enter establishments.

These include gyms, restaurants, entertainment locations, personal care locations and outdoor event venues.

According to ABC7, failure to comply by establishments will result in administrative citations, with fines for repeated violations ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

Not even a week later, the city made alterations to the ordinance, loosening the strict rules.

Malls and shopping centers were removed from the list and no longer require proof of vaccination to enter.

The original law required children of five years old to require proof,but the revision changed to 12.

“The LA City Council just

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removed malls & shopping centers from the list of indoor public spaces that require proof of vaccination,” Amoeba Hollywood’s Instagram said.

The famous record store had announced that proof of vaccination would be required when entering only days before the update.

Although masks are still needed, establishments have been taking precautions.

Some,like Amoeba, have an

The ordinance was launched on November 8 and will be enforced starting on the 29.

employee at the entrance to make sure patrons are wearing their masks and can access hand sanitizer before entering the store.

Sadly, not all businesses can or want to provide precautions. It is up to the patrons to wear their masks, which many refuse to, making it unsafe for many.

If businesses are refusing to create a safe space then the responsibility is up to the patrons to make sure they are taking precautions to keep

those around them safe.

May 2 was the first time there were no deaths due to COVID-19 in Los Angeles, and since the vaccine has become more easily obtainable, cases have continued to decrease.

However, the battle with the virus is far from over yet.

“Increased transmission among those not vaccinated will affect vaccinated people,” Barbara Ferrer, the Los Angeles County Public Health Director, said.

“Unvaccinated people are seven times more likely to become infected with COVID than their vaccinated counterparts, and 44 times more likely to be hospitalized.

The risk of death is 60 times higher among the unvaccinated,” Ferrer said. Hospitalizations in Los Angeles County have started to increase once more this past week.

SafePassLA allows those vaccinated to go about their day safely without the risk of coming in contact with someone unvaccinated who might have the virus.

With the effects being less in those vaccinated, it keeps those who are unvaccinated safe as well.

Food establishments where patrons can dine-in especially put the workers at risk.

In restaurants, waiters come to the table, only meters away from patrons who are eating without their masks.

The ordinance will ensure that the workers stay safe as they won’t have to worry about the patron not being vaccinated.

With most current positive tested cases coming from unvaccinated people, those who are vaccinated can stay safe.

The ordinance allows people to be exempt if it goes against their religious beliefs or if they cannot get the vaccine due to medical reasons.

It is up to the establishments to decide to allow them entry.

Getting vaccinated not only will allow Angelenos access to locations freely but will help stop the increase of positive tested cases.

The ordinance was made to keep the citizens safe, and it is selfish to put anyone else’s health beneath a need to go out.

Drive-thrus and other options for locations allow access to anyone who feels unsafe going out. This is an alternative for those who are unvaccinated.

It is time to take the virus more seriously and do your part to keep yourself and your community safe.

Prevent the spread, rescue your community—get vaccinated

BY PERLA PATRICIO Staff Writer COVID-19 has been one of the worst things to have occurred in the United States, and the globe, vaccines can stop that.

Many lives were lost, people still in hospitals, and so many also lost their jobs or homes.

In Los Angeles, businesses ask customers for proof of their COVID vaccination in order to enter a facility. This makes it safer for those going into their shops or restaurants.

There are mixed opinions about this mandate. Some people saying that it is a good idea to make it safer for themselves and anyone around them, and some think that it is a www.ELACCampusNews.com

violation of their privacy.

From the start of COVID, many people started to get depressed due to the number of deaths announced in the news on a daily basis.

People lost family members, friends, and important people in their lives due to COVID-19.

This mandate and proof of vaccination to enter places creates a safer feeling to go out.

Having had COVID myself due to work and it spread among my family was the worst experience that I could’ve had.

I had to deal with the pain of COVID, having the worst fever and feeling so weak that I could not even get out of bed.

My mother got the worst of it, getting pneumonia with COVID. Pneumonia is easy to catch along

with COVID for those with higher risks.

I had to deal with the pain of COVID, havig the worst fever and feeling so weak that I could not even get out of bed.

A student named Melissa told me about her concerns with the mandates check to see if someone is vaccinated or not.

“I do feel like it’s a violation of my privacy and my rights,” Melissa said.

She said people can be forgetful and forget their proof of being vaccinated everywhere. She said even if people are vaccinated they are still able to catch the virus.

Other students feel the exact opposite, like Jennifer Valenzuela and Gustavo Villarreal.

Valenzuela said how much safer she feels going out knowing that the risk of getting COVID is lower due to everyone being vaccinated.

“I don’t think it’s a violation of privacy. I feel like it is necessary to have proof. If we need vaccination to go to school, I don’t see it any different than the vaccine for chickenpox,” Valenzuela said.

She does not see the difference

between vaccines. She said why do people who have taken the vaccine for chickenpox feel hesitant on the one for COVID-19.

Villarreal, like Valenzuela, about the mandate and how he feels safer going out in public due to this mandate.

“Yes, I believe it’s a pretty good idea. It should encourage others to get vaccinated and show just how serious this pandemic is,” Villarreal said There are still people who think that COVID is a hoax and do not want to take the vaccine, thinking that it is a violation of their bodies.

The deaths from COVID continue to rise and we together as a community can come together to stop the spread.

EDITORS IN CHIEF Daniella Molina Zasha Hayes PUP EDITORS IN CHIEF Brenda De La Cruz Annette Quijada FRONT EDITOR Eduardo Sanchez OPINION EDITORS Jennifer Valenzuela Zasha Hayes FEATURE EDITOR Jennifer Alejandre ARTS EDITOR Janice De La Lira SPORTS EDITOR Jesus Hernandez ONLINE/ SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Adonia Burciaga PHOTOGRAPHER Albert Abad CARTOONIST Andres Lopez STAFF WRITERS Perla Patricio Pedro Camarena 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.

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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.

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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.

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Opinion ELAC fails to accurately focus on online, on-campus clubs 3

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, November 24, 2021

JENNIFER VALENZUELA Staff Writer

East Los Angeles College does not advertise clubs enough throughout the school year.

The majority of students took courses online and had no idea that campus clubs integrate online meetings throughout the year.

Due to COVID-19, most students accessed social media, Canvas and the school website to view announcements.

“I wish they would use social media more. Not just for events and announcements, but also interacting with others in the community,” Gustavo Villarreal said.

He hardly heard a word about any club unless another student brought it up. He noticed that when he walked on campus, the board by the entrance had little information on currently active clubs.

“It’s not enough to just walk around when many of us are doing online,” Villarreal said.

Some clubs may not be entirely focused on careers, but they benefit students’ futures. Being exposed to a diverse group leads to the development of leadership and communication skills.

Opportunities can be shared as positions in leadership and implemented activities allow students to explore themselves.

A list of officially chartered clubs showed 20 clubs that were never brought to attention. It was challenging to find this list.

ELAC freshman Perla Patricio said the school site confused her.

She tried to look up clubs that were of interest to her. She had to dig deep to find any information about clubs current meeting time.

“I think it would be helpful if there was a page dedicated to the clubs,” Patricio said.

The missing information also contributed to new students feeling discouraged.

“The lack in movement in clubs is what’s stopping me. I found some that I would like to join, but they are not active, so it discourages me” Patricio said.

ELAC student Armenia K. Ward belives that online classes have only furthered this lack of attention to clubs. Because of the increased use of Zoom, not every club that is on campus is correctly advertised.

“They need to do more, as some departments have been destroyed by this Zoom University, especially visual and performing arts,” Ward said.

The visual and performing arts continue to suffer a lack of attention thanks to the school focusing on other activities.

There are experiences that students are being robbed of because of the school’s failure to promote these clubs and their activities.

Students should have every opportunity to gain important skills that will positively affect them in their future careers. Some campus clubs provide that chance and that knowledge.

It’d be helpful if the school website were to organize clubs differently by having a page dedicated to them.

It’s more organized and easy to read if there was a list of recently updated info that explains the club’s mission statements and meetup times.

It’s frustrating and confusing manually clicking on every department tab to view clubs. Most students are disappointed how poorly the school treats clubs.

Jared Buckhorn, a student who recently transferred from ELAC, said, “You can’t tell what clubs there are unless you walk into the department they hold the meetings in.”

During his time at ELAC, he majored in Psychology and joined the club after the club adviser Randy Ludwig mentioned it throughout his classes.

Ludwig welcomed everyone, even those who were not majoring in psychology.

“The Psychology Club really helped me out with presentations and participating in activities I would never do,” Buckhorn said.

He said one of the games played at the club meeting was charades.

He was reluctant at first but decided to try despite feeling slightly embarrassed.

“I wouldn’t have done it at first,

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“The lack of movement in clubs is what’s stopping me. I found some (clubs) that I would like to join, but they are not active, so it discourages me.”

Perla Patricio

ELAC Student

Children 5-12 years old can receive COVID-19 vaccine

BY ADONIA BURCIAGA Staff Writer Children 5 to 12 years old have been approved by the Center of Disease and Prevention to now receive the COVID-19 vaccines, this is what positive progress looks like.

The CDC recommends that children between the age of five to 12 receive their second dose 21 days after their first dose.

The vaccine helps protect against COVID-19, yet many people have still gotten COVID19 and its side effects, therefore it’s important for children to be protected especially knowing that their immune system is not as developed as an adult.

According to the CDC there have been about 500 pediatric related deaths. Over 40 deaths due to immune system complications that came from having COVID-19.

Also, having younger children vaccinated is a plus for them because they’re able to return to school safely, play sports and participate in other activities.

Unfortunately, children under the age of 5 are still unable to get vaccinated.

The CDC is also only offering the Pfizer vaccine for this age group. Whereas adults over 18 would be able to take any of the three vaccines Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson.

The CDC is also recommending that children 2 to 5 years old, wear masks in public areas until their ability to get vaccinated has changed.

According to the CDC, some cases of myocarditis have been reported in the 5 to 12 age group and that these reactions are rare.

Having children protected from COVID-19 is important, mainly because there are different strains of COVID-19 that children may contract.

As we head into the winter season it’s important for children to get vaccinated as the delta variant is still very much alive and is powerful. The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are very minimal.

Though the side effects may affect the children’s ability to participate in daily activities, they only last about two days. www.ELACCampusNews.com

but when I tried it, it was really fun.

The people I met made it fun and easy to talk in,” he said.

“I wish flyers were posted in different departments or even in some classrooms.”

Buckhorn said clubs helped him break out of his shell. He said he made friends in the club.

He wished other students could achieve the same, but he was disappointed that clubs were being neglected.

If students log onto Canvas every

Emergency orders for COVID-19 extension sensible the ones stopping the progress?

It’s essential to spread awareness Staff Writer about doing what’s best and following the mandates in place.

Some places have required masks It’s good that Governor Gavin since March 2020, but now many Newsom extended the emergency are requiring vaccinations. People should follow these rules. By doing order. so, things will slowly return to as He’s not wrong.

Newsom extended the emergency close to normalcy as possible.

The truth is, we don’t know when order from November 10 until March 2022. The reason behind this is that or if COVID-19 will ever cease to COVID-19 is still affecting people exist because of the enormous impact every day, and it doesn’t seem to be it had all around the world. This is why, for now, the best that can be going away any time soon.

This appears to be a very done is follow state mandates.

The state has been in an emergency conflicting decision as a few people think California should be fully open order for over a year now, so it doesn’t hurt anyone for it to continue already.

People continue getting COVID- a bit longer. California is one of the 19 every day, and many die or have most populated states in the United someone they know die. It’s not States; therefore, we’re always safe to reopen California and risk an at risk of suffering from a rise of COVID-19 cases. increase of more Newsom’s cases. spokesperson, Currently Erin Mellon, said there are over “This virus and last week: 70,000 cases its variants are “The state in the state of emergency and Governor unpredictable. The ensures the state Newsom has state of emergency will can continue to mentioned the respond quickly numbers can end once conditions to evolving skyrocket at any no longer warrant an conditions as the time.

M a n y emergency response.” pandemic persists.

As we have complain that seen, this virus being in a state ERIN MELLON and variants are of emergency Gavin Newsom’s Spokesperson unpredictable. The gives Newsom state of emergency complete control will be ended over state laws once conditions and funding. no longer warrant an emergency Still, it doesn’t make much difference considering the state legislature is response.”

I’ve always encouraged the people already run by the Democratic party.

Most people complaining are I surround myself with to be as the same people who refuse to get safe as possible. It’s important to vaccinated and don’t wear their remind loved ones and the people we associate ourselves with that they masks.

It’s a bit ironic that they want the need to be safe for us to be safe.

Thise that complain about the laws state to reopen, yet they’re some of the most significant contributors to Newsom has set in place should be reminded what they are for. keeping it in a state of emergency.

If people complain about reopening It takes a group effort to get the state, they should asked if they through this pandemic, and there are so many people being uncooperative. even follow the state mandates that By not wearing masks and not would contribute to getting rid of the getting the vaccine, these people emergency order set in place.

If they complain about the state are putting themselves and others at mandates, it’s probably best to risk as well.

It’s not fair that the people who remind them that this is to help are going against these mandates lower the chances of more COVIDcomplain the most. How do they 19 cases. expect things to get better if they’re

JANICE DIAZ

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Having younger children vaccinated will reduce the worry of spreading COVID-19 to adults and the elderly who have underlying medical conditions.

These conditions include pregnancy, cancer, diabetes, heart conditions.

Anti-vaxxers have been the cause of many people not

wanting to get vaccinated.

They’ve spread false information about COVID-19 vaccines on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Anti-Vaxxers have claimed that having side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is not normal. Antivaxxers have refused to believe

science and consider COVID-19 to be a hoax.

The CDC shared on its website that side effects like pain, swelling, redness, fatigue and chills are very normal.

The CDC also said the ways to reduce side effects include taking tylenol, wearing light clothing, and staying hydrated.

day, there is no reason not to not mention what clubs there are. Dong do csn help push students to form connections.

Online learning caused many students to become introverted and struggle to communicate outside of their homes.

Even if clubs only meet via Zoom, they would still gain the skills as they are encouraged to get out of their comfort bubbles and become active in the same area of interest as their peers.

4

Features

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

New bill aims to help with food insecurity food insecurity.”

To combat this problem, the Staff Writer ELAC associated student union has a food pantry for students to G o v e r n o r G a v i n N e w s o n go to discreetly on campus, in is pushing efforts regarding the addition to helping students fill out ongoing food insecurities college applications to qualify for CalFresh students face. or receive food vouchers.

Currently, East Los Angeles The CalFresh Program issues College focuses on identifying monthly electronic ways to provide benefits that can be meals and resources used to buy most to students in need foods at grocery of nutritional meals stores.

To combat this and has aligned with During the problem, the outside partnerships pandemic the ELAC to continue said ELAC associated school campus had to efforts. go online and close student union Newsom plans the instrumental to push bill AB 396 has a food pantry resources on campus. to help end college Students had to for students to student hunger and find outside sources stop any existing go to discreetly or other community roadblocks that food banks to obtain on campus, continue to surface food for the day. for students when This bill aims to in addition they apply for meal help college students benefits. to helping who currently fall ELAC has kept its under a category that students fill out focus in providing the prevents them from best approachable applications receiving nutritional solutions and program benefits to to qualify for keeping track of be able to qualify strategies in place.

CalFresh or by eliminating the It took a poll to current criteria. receive food understand what they The bill was were up against. written by a local vouchers.

The East Los assembly member, Angeles Foundation Jesse Gabriel. said that “According Also providing to a recent ELAC their support is Cal ASU poll of ELAC State University students, 70% of students at East Los Chancellor Joseph Castro who Angeles college have experienced seems hopeful that the bill will hunger or food insecurity on campus. streamline how the academic Furthermore, 42.6% of students at programs will be certified. the college believe that their success Newsom’s recent developments as students is affected because of to help end college student hunger, their hunger/food insecurity, and by pushing for the assembly bill AB 67.7% of ELAC students feel that 396, is a step in the right direction.

ELAC needs to work on providing This bill will require public programs to tackle student hunger/ colleges such as ELAC to assist

BY EDUARDO SANCHEZ

AB 396

GRAPHIC BY ERICA CORTES

qualifying students who are in jobs and training programs to have access to CalFresh programs.

The bill is to combat the high prevalence of hunger and food

insecurity found on all college and university campuses all over California.

The California Student Aid Commission stated that one-in-

three California college students is affected by food and housing insecurities.

The bill will include the criteria the school’s need to meet to obtain

the approval for each program.

The schools will have to report annually starting Sep. 1, 2023, with various committees.

ELAC theater gets ready for show-biz, looks forward to annual spring production “We always welcome everyone that would like to be a part of the various events.

We welcome those who have a need to be more social. We welcome those who want to explore the area of acting, or, you know, the arts.”

BY ANDRES LOPEZ Staff Writer

East Los Angeles College’s theater club The Performance East Club proved they live by the phrase the show must go on.

Even with the COVID-19 outbreak shutting down campus last year, the club found a way to continue holding meetings by going virtual.

They have continued to adapt to the new normal as state restrictions are slowly lifted.

The club strives to be as inclusive as always for their upcoming Spring productions. They are also preparing for their annual theater competition in Washington.

“This is something we do annually and this year is not going to be an exception,” said club secretary Jorge Riva.

Club members who reach the finals are eligible to travel and compete in Washington for first place.

With the upcoming auditions for the Spring performances, students that show promise will be chosen to compete in several competitions.

Those who audition will be selected for one of the various productions being worked on.

“All teachers work together to solidify a good group of actors and from there they select where each one is going to go. At the same time the production is being put together,” Riva said.

Not only are there these productions, but there is a course outside of the club that is part of the theater department that is a traveling show.

Students not only gain credit for their requirements but they get to gain acting experience and travel to public schools to perform.

“Because of covid there’s not a lot of [theater productions] like there usually is in the theater department.

But for sure there’s going to be two,” Rivas said.

COVID-19 impacted the club greatly despite virtual meetings. www.ELACCampusNews.com

JORGE RIVA

The Performance East Club Club Seretary

CN/ JENNIFER ALEJANDRE

THE SHOW MUST GO ON—Theater arts students. From left, Maribel Chavez, John Kevin Buan, Kit De Zolt, Andres Ortega, Lauren Parra, Nyree Rodriguez, Gerardo Ruiz and Sam Vargas.

Professors created virtual programming for students to see and learn from; however Riva says that it “Doesn’t match to the quality, to the intensity of being in person and feeling the actor’s pain, happiness, and struggles.”

Now that the club is able to have in person meetings, they make sure to include those that can’t make it

by offering Zoom options.

Meetings last for an hour unless more time is needed for agenda items to be discussed.

There is always time for the students to socialize and get to know each other.

“Theater would be the least of the activities that we do but it is through theater and the arts that

we — that’s basically the medium we use to get students involved into organizing and becoming more social and mainly taking action in the community or college events.

The bigger picture is allowing students to excel in whatever endeavors they have,” Riva said.

The club has organized plenty of events from dances, and various

forms of fundraisers to most recently, the first ever Día De Los Muertos altar at ELAC in early November.

“The Performance East Club is a club that welcomes one and all students that are interested in taking leadership, learning about the arts and students that are willing to push themselves into becoming better

leaders,” Riva said.

“The club provides a lot of opportunities for students at ELAC to get to know what is a responsibility, to be able to lead people onto something that in the long term is going to be beneficial for their future.”

“We always welcome everyone that would like to be a part of the various events. We welcome those who have a need to be more social.

We welcome those who want to explore the area of acting, or, you know, the arts,.” Riva said.

The club is open to everyone and to hearing new ideas. Riva said new members mean fresh new ideas for the club.

“The club also welcomes everyone from any religious, cultural or ethnic background.

We do not discriminate, and we welcome everyone with an interest in becoming a leader or part of a club. We welcome everyone, every size, height, you know, anybody that has got an interest in the club, in becoming involved in the community, in cultural events. We are opening the doors to everyone.

So please come on down,” Riva said.

Meetings for the club are held every Tuesday from noon to 1pm.

4

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, November 24, 2021

New ‘Ghostbusters’ takes back the big screen

BY JESUS HERNANDEZ Staff Writer Sequels can be great. Sequels can also be awful, but this sequel was not only great, it was cute, cheesy and great at the same time. “Who you going to call?”

Yeah, you know where that’s from, the one and only “Ghostbusters” franchise.

The sequel is filled with great acting, funny jokes, original parts from the original 1984 “Ghostbusters” movie and good music.

At first, when people watched the previews, the audience agreed that this film seemed to be an “I’ll pass” film.

Or, if they were die hard “Ghostbusters” fans from the original 1984 film, they’d give it a try, or maybe even say no because they didn’t want the original to be ruined.

Remakes of movies and sequels can get people confused when it comes to the continuation of a movie.

“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is a sequel for the 1984 movie.

It takes place 30 years later with one of the Ghostbuster’s family that doesn’t know the tradition of their grandpa’s life.

T h e y suddenly find out what he was all about, which of course was fighting ghosts.

Without saying more about the storyline and plot of the movie Viewers can assume what it’s about, but finding new storylines is what made it great and cute at the same time.

Hardcore “Ghostbuster” fans will enjoy that they use the original technology and didnt upgrade or make changes to it.

They will also enjoy that it is funny and corny just like the original and the humor is kept the same.

The storyline is creative, just like the orginal, and brought the original cast members from the 1984 movie.

Ordinary movie fans will enjoy the corniness and cuteness of the characters and storyline along with the awesome sounds and action that are involved in the movie.

The actors are phenomenal in this film, Paul Rudd plays Mr. Grooberson, the teacher of Phoebe and Podcast.

R u d d ’ s character is so hard not to like.

He plays the perfect character and you can tell he is invested in his role.

Rudd plays the scientist teacher that knew his history of the “Ghostbusters.” When other characters thought the kids were crazy, Rudd knew they weren’t.

The overall cast does really well and viewers can tell everyone had a really great connection with each other and really try to make a great movie.

The sequel is filled with great acting, funny jokes, original parts from the original 1984 “Ghostbusters” movie and good music.

COURTESY OF IMDB

BUSTED—Iconic “Ghostbusters” vehicle gets upgraded look in the newly released sequel to the franchise.

‘Tick, Tick...Boom!’ tells life story

BY JANICE DIAZ DE LIRA Staff Writer Autobiographical musical “Tick, Tick…Boom!” tells the story of playwright Jonathan Larson, based on the year he turned 30 and his struggles as an artist.

The story begins with a 29-year old writer in 1990, who turns 30 in a couple of days and questions his career choices of aspiring to be a musical composer in New York City.

Not only is this a story of selffulfillment and reflection, but being based in the ‘90s, it touches on serious topics, such as the rise of AIDS and the problems within this country.

The musical is directed by Lin- Manuel Miranda, best known for writing and composing “Hamilton” and “In the Heights.”

The screenplay was written

by Steven Levenson, who wrote for “Dear Evan Hansen.”

Andrew Garfield, known for his roles as Peter Parker in “The Amazing Spider Man” duology and Eduardo Saverin in “The Social Network,” brilliantly took on the role of Jonathan Larson.

The rest of the cast includes Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesus, Vanessa Hudgens, Bradley Whitford, Joshua Henry and more, who all added amazing contributions to the film.

Jonathan Larson’s story has been known to anyone who finds interest in musicals.

More specifically, fans of his musical “Rent,” who know about

the tragedy of Larson dying before its very first showing in 1996.

Rather than being a story about tragic death, it’s the story of his life and how he looks for himself, even when he is lost along the way.

Larson is nowhere near perfect and makes his fair share of mistakes but he surrounds himself with his loved ones and uses his talents to push forward.

It’s very obvious throughout the film that Larson is self-aware about his talent as a composer, but feels at age 30, he shouldn’t just be an aspiring composer, but should also have accomplishments.

Garfield does an amazing job at bringing Larson to life on the screen, and exhibits the realism of his character.

He is able to portray his emotions in such an honest way and helps the viewers really connect with him.

Garfield’s voice has great power and it causes the audience to feel what he is feeling while singing.

Each character does a wonderful job with singing and acting in a way that makes the audience love each character.

Apart from Garfield’s portrayal of Larson, his best friend Michael, played by Robin de Jesus, has a jovial energy throughout the movie.

Michael is not only funny, but a very strong and realistic individual.

He is always there for Larson and they experience life together.

They are very supportive, but are always able to be straightforward with each other which makes their friendship is beautiful.

One of the best songs in the musical is “Come to Your Senses,” performed by Alexandra Shipp and Vanessa Hudgens.

Shipp is best known for her role as Aaliyah Haughton in “Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B,” and as young Storm in the newest X-Men films.

Hughens is most famously known for playing Gabriela Montes, in the “High School Musical” trilogy and is known to transition into the life of musicals lately.

Shipp and Hudgens both did a beautiful job performing this song

and have amazing, powerful voices.

This song is a turning point in Larson’s story and the lyrics are written in such an honest way, full of emotion.

This film is not only relatable for artists around the world, but for anyone who feels at loss with their life.

It’s the story of Jonathan Larson, and many people can view it as an inspiration to not give up on their dreams, especially if they have the talent. “Tick, Tick… Boom!” is rated PG-13 and is streaming on Netflix.

BY JENNIFER VALENZUELA Staff Writer

COURTESY OF NETFLIX

SUNDAY BRUNCH—Andrew Garfield in character as Jonathan Larson peforming the song “Sunday.”

Netflix documentary gives voices to victims Staff Writer “Procession” is a documentary that is impactful and focuses on the darkness that some have experienced with Caltholic priests.

“Procession” begins with a video from a press conference in Kansas City, Missouri in August 2018.

R e b e c a R a n d l e , a t t o r n e y, accompanies the six men who tell their story of when they were sexually assaulted by catholic priests, and how it impacted them throughout their childhood.

When the filmmakers saw that press conference, they contacted attorney Randle, the six men, and a drama therapist Monica Phinney, which then led to the collaborative three-year project.

Surviors, Michael Sandrige, Tom Viviano, Dan Laurine, Joe Eldred, Ed Gavigan and Mike Foreman meet up and begin their therapy www.ELACCampusNews.com

HEY Y’ALL—Joe Exotic calls from prison as featured in second season of ‘Tiger King’.

‘Tiger King 2’ does not raise mayhem

This film is not only relatable for artists around the world, but for anyone who feels at loss with their life.

BY ANDRES LOPEZ

COURTESY OF NETFLIX

session together.

A recurring theme in “Procession” While they begin their therapy is confrontation mainly because the session, they also begin to create men faced their nightmares and their concepts for five films that will were able to overcome that fear after reenact their sexual abuse trauma. not returning to that place for years.

As Phinney, the It was very drama therapist, difficult for all put it, “Trauma the men to revisit The film was created t h e l o c a t i o n s is a sticky sort of thing stuck in ecause it to try to make their bbrought our brain that is tears to hard to break free voices heard, give the their eyes. unless you put it It took time men the justice they for the men to out in the world.”

The type of comfortable deserve and to lock feel therapy the men enough to start went through away the priests that recording their was more of films there. abused them. confrontational Throughout therapy. the journey the Filmmakers men supported and victims each other and worked together some of them to create storyboards, sourcing reenacted the scene if the others locations, writing scripts and casting couldn’t do it. roles all based on their memories of The survivors all shared their the trauma and facing their fears positivity and all went through the through it. same experiences, being able to

push each other together.

The audience can see the process of how the trauma and the filming of it worked together to help captivate the feeling of sadness and fear that the men were feeling at that moment.

After the men were able to overcome their fear they were able to finish their films and recreate the experience that each of them had.

Each film included a boy named Terrick who represented the men as they experienced the abuse as kids.

The film was created to try to make their voices heard, give the men the justice they deserve and to lock away the priests that abused them.

The documentary was a good way for the men to get their point across for redemption.

It is a really sad and true story.

It is obvious how difficult it was for the men to deal with their past, even as adults.

“Tiger King 2” is plotless and repetitive as the cast is consistent in looping around the same reasoning and quarrels throughout the season.

Season one was the craze during the pandemic.

Chaos between the cast members erupts as secrets and accusations are revealed.

However, “Tiger King 2” feels underwhelming.

Joseph Maldonaldo-Passage “Joe Exotic” is charged with a murderfor-hire plot against Carole Baskin, alongside multiple animal abuse charges.

The second season starts off strong as viewers and crazed fans of Exotic are heavily impacted by his incarceration.

Eric Love, the coordinator of Team Tiger, works to raise money to pardon Exotic.

He even reaches out to Ex-President Trump, to request a presidential pardon during Trump’s presidency in 2020.

What remains in the next episodes primarily focuses on Don Lewis’s disappearance, Carole Baskin, Allen Glover, Jeff Lowe and Tim Stark.

Each episode unravels each cast member’s history and background that involves less Tiger King, and more “how can I achieve more fame from this?”

The show has interesting moments such as Baskin’s online diaries on YouTube that have no correlation with her police reports in 1997.

Including the hilarious scene of Baskin’s participation in Dancing with the Stars, while Lewis’ daughters desperately seek out new evidence on their father’s disappearance.

But that still disregards the fact that the series lacks major stability.

The show consists of fingers being pointed left and right without consistency each episode.

No actual information or qualified

people who work on the cases gave any facts.

There are too many opinions and not enough proof to back them up.

Certain moments should raise alarms, but the show skims over the red flags and instead pays attention to pointless interpretations.

No correlation made the season feel scattered. The focal point is long lost once the cast members take over.

It also feels as if Netflix needs to push more people in for screen time.

For example, Troy Griffin, a psychic detective, was hired by Lewis’ daughters only to throw up on a patch of grass and cry on it while she claims that Lewis died on that spot.

Aside from the issue of repetition, the cast members aren’t much help either.

The investigations led by the cast waste time as nothing is being solved.

What stands out the most is the lack of seriousness.

An American true crime documentary series is short of anything but the truth.

It carries more useless information, and too much “he said, she said.”

In general, it was neither necessary nor unique to what made Tiger King enjoyable like season one.

If the show focuses more on the major impact Exotic has over the large fan base he’s created, it would have more of an effect on the audience.

The fans taking on the world to get the Tiger King out of prison isthe most intriguing thing to watch.

The extent they take is almost terrifying to watch.

In the end, Season two is 5 episodes of how the cast members, who are unrelated or not helpful in any way, try to achieve fame by solving nothing.

Netflix tries to stretch out the series as much as possible, but the whole plot of the series could have fit into one episode.

6

Sports

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, November 24, 2021

TIMEOUT TALK—Coach Romero giving a pep talk, during a timeout, to the women’s water polo players during a regular season game.

CN/ELAC WOMEN’S WATERPOLO

Women’s waterpolo endures a rough season due to restrictions

BY JESUS HERNANDEZ Staff Writer COVID-19 had a toe on the East Los Angeles College women’s water polo team. It was a hard season for the team. The Huskies finished the season with a 1-17 record. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, practicing in the pool where most of the conditioning and skill is taught was delayed until at least three weeks before their first game. While they were not allowed in the pool the team still did lift training. Diana

Romero, Womens water polo head coach, was able to teach drills outside the water. Other colleges in different zones were ahead of schedule because they were able to play preseason games and practice in the water.

ELAC has an inside pool so the restrictions really hurt them.

The Huskies got their first win of the season on October 29 with a game winning score of 6-4 against Santa Monica College.

Romero said the team faced the same college on October 22 and the Huskies lost in double

overtime. The Huskies could win the game if they worked as a team to accomplish that goal. Romero said she stressed how important defense was. The team managed to come together and was able to pull out the victory. After the win, the team were all very excited as they’ve worked hard all semester to get their first win.

Romero has a couple of goals she wants to accomplish with the team for next year. To build the future of the team she said one important aspect is to build from the foundation left by previous

athletes. Romero said her first year coaching at the college she started the program with 12-15 athletes and finished the season with nine athletes.

This season, her second year, she recruited 27 athletes, she hopes to do this again. She plans to recruit from neighboring high schools and get more involved with certain events at the stadium pool. Romero said some events include bringing together different high schools from the neighboring area and have them host their swim meets or water

polo tournaments at ELAC. Romero said she had a great experience when she was a high school athlete and then swam at ELAC. Romero said it was fun cheering on her teammates but at the same time so competitive.

Romero said she wants to bring those memories back so other athletes can experience the same feeling.

“Going forward the team understands what they need to do in order to do better against their conference opponents,” Romero said.

She said it’s a matter of getting it done and being able to execute what the team has trained on.

The team hopes that with no COVID-19 restrictions going into next season the team can get back to regular training from day one. Romero is all about improvement. “We will keep building and improving from this year to the next. I see us building from the foundation our team has established. The only way to go now is up,” Romero said.

CN/ANDREZ LOPEZ

GO HUSKIES—Cheerleaders celebrate with the wrestling team and women’s water polo team along with campus band members.

ELAC celebrates fall, spring athletes

BY ANDRES LOPEZ Staff Writer

East Los Angeles College faculty and students gathered together at the front of the school to celebrate the athletes from the spring and fall season on Thursday.

The spirit rally was separated by different sections with the middle section being for the faculty and directors, right behind them were the different ELAC teams and athletes, and the front section held

the cheerleaders and band. Before the rally started, all of the athletes, cheerleaders, and band arrived one by one with their coaches, and were warming up to get ready for the rally.

Event organizers set up tents for different sections, and gave out merchandise only for athletes.

Many ELAC students, professors, club members and students from the South Gate campus also attending The rally began with the cheerleaders and band performing

with the opening remarks from director of bands Jesus “Chuy” Martinez, and Professor of Cheer Zepeda Lopez.

After Lopez and Martinez gave their remarks on the athletes and the audience, Martinez said, “Thank you, all for being able to attend today from South Gate and Huntington Park, even though covid has held us back, we are here today,and can celebrate our athletes, we would like to bring out our sports informative

speaker,Cerwin Hayes.”

Cerwin Hayes, editor of ELAC athletics website, said, “Hello everyone my name is Cerwin Hayes, and I would like to first and foremost, talk about a wrestling match and basketball tournament that we are hoping to set up by this month, and to enter you would have to pay five dollars for attending, or for those of you that are not able to attend, we will be live streaming the event.”

Hayes also gave his remarks on a

wrestling tournament and basketball tournament that is soon to be announced this upcoming month.

The directors also announced that Tuesday the 23rd in the ELAC campus as well as Wednesday the 24th at the South Gate Campus, every ASU member will be given food and will have a chance to have fun.

For the final remarks of the spirit rally, Zepeda Lopez informed the students in the audience that students who are interested in joining

cheer or sports teams, will be able to enroll in the upcoming season.

After every speech from the directors and coaches, the cheerleaders and band worked together to create a little performance and cheered with the students in the audience. The spirit rally ended with the performance of the cheerleaders and band, and gathered up with the water polo team and wrestling team for a big photo shoot.