VOLUME 77, ISSUE 11 | WWW.ELACCAMPUSNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019 | SINGLE COPY FREE - ADDITIONAL COPIES 50 CENTS

ELAC partners with Yale School of Drama BY JONATTAN ROBLES Staff Writer East Los Angeles College is working to provide students with opportunities beyond its borders by working with Yale School of Drama and Center Theatre Group. On October 4, Center Theatre Group, Yale School of Drama and ELAC hosted an event geared to getting community college students an understanding of the application process. The event informed students on attending a graduate program in various technical fields of theater for instance, theatrical design, production and management. The event focused on the application process and experience of Yale, but the information learned could also be applied to a wide range of graduate programs and universities. The goal was to connect community college students with aspirations for graduate level programs in theater. Yale presented their specific master’s and doctoral programs, but also introduced students to their certificate and non-degree programs for those looking to go straight to working in theater from community college. The Yale School of Drama also offers non-degree programs and has something called Special Students. Their website states, “each year, some students are admitted to Yale School of Drama as one-year special students,” in the technical fields of the school of drama. An option available for those students not seeking a master’s

The goal was to connect community college students with aspirations for graduate level programs in theater. degree but still wish to add Yale graduate level education to their resume. The program does however, allow the special students to apply for admission to the department’s degree program of study or matriculate as second-year students if the students find Yale to be the right fit for them and decide to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree after all. Very few ELAC students may be thinking about going to the east coast to continue their education, but by hosting events and partnering with some of the top schools in the nation no matter what part of the country they may be at. ELAC is opening doors that students did not know were there. Not every student that attended this event went with the intention to apply for admission to Yale, but some students just went to seek out feedback on their portfolio or to find out how to put together a resume that will attract industry professionals. The goal of this event and others like it, as well as many of the partnerships ELAC seeks out, are done so to provide students with as much valuable information for when the students are ready to move on.

Club collects donations for families in need BY MELVIN BUI Staff Writer

CN/ZASHA HAYES

RUNNING FOR A CAUSE—ELAC students run through campus for the Turkey Trot food drive.

Students trot to Weingart Stadium ELAC food drive helps the needy during the holiday season BY ZASHA HAYES Staff Writer The faculty and students of East Los Angeles College hosted the third annual Turkey Trot on Thursday. The club which spearheaded the event was the Kinesiology Cub; the adviser of the club is a current Professor of kinesiology, Rick Gamboa. The event was a full departmental effort. Along with the Athletics Department, the campus police secured the event. The Training Medical Staff were at the event for any emergencies. Arroyo Vista Family Health Center lent a hand in the Trot and NutriShop also participated in handing out drinks for those who needed hydration. Most of the faculty chipped in for the event. The number of people participating in the trot ranged from 500 to 700. It has rapidly grown from the 250 to 300 people who had originally participated at the event. Anybody who was willing to participate was welcome at the Trot and encouraged to donate for the drive. Gamboa, the director of the event, says recently donations have grown. “We had maybe about 250-300 runners, and we filled my SUV with a bunch of food, and we went off

campus and delivered it to a couple of food pantries...the idea is that if a student, regardless of the major, that if they need food that they have at least somewhere on campus that they can get and get something to eat and something they can take back home.”

“The event is really opening, participants are welcomed in front of the stadium, not only there but they have the guidance to come inside.” REBECCA MIRAMONTES

Kinesiology club member

To begin the event, donations are taken about two weeks to a month in advance. Anything from canned to packaged food is accepted for the support of students in need. After the event, the donated food goes toward ELAC students. The food is taken to the food pantries at ASU, EOPS, the English

Department, and the Athletics Department. During the event, a 1.5 mile runwalk that starts at the track and travels through the campus only to circle around and end back at the track. Interactive fitness activities are also held for those who don’t want to run or walk. Raffles are held after the run with prizes such as pants, hats, and shirts from the coaches of the sports at ELAC. For students who chose to participate and donate for the event, extra credit was given out as a form of thanks. As staff in the event, Eric Guevara says, “I offered my services so I could help out the community, you know, help him out in a sense of giving back to our community and what we can do for ourselves and everybody together.” A student at ELAC and member of the Kinesiology Club, Rebecca Miramontes, agrees with Guevara and encouraged others to participate in the event, “The event is really opening, participants are welcomed in the front of the stadium, not only there but they have the guidance to come inside.” Next year both students would like to see more volunteers and participants in the event, not only on the Monterey Park campus, but the South Gate campus too, as Guevara said, “...an outreach of more people would be an improvement.”

The Child/ Family/ Education/ Service club has partnered with Toys for Tots for their annual Christmas toy drive. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps reserve. The drive started on Nov. 13 and ends on Dec. 6, this gives students three weeks to donate toys. In order to participate, one must donate toys that are new and have not been wrapped yet, so that staff are able to inspect for safety. The gift must cost at least $10 and must be appropriate for the ages of 0-16 years old. The toys must be dropped off at class rooms 115, 116 and 120 in F7. The toys are stored until it is near Christmas, then the toys that have been donated are brought to the Honda Center in Anaheim. Toys for Tots has their staff reach out to families that are in need and then distributes the toys to them. The staff partners up with social welfare programs, churches and other local community agencies to see which families need the gifts the most. The purpose of the drive is to help children and families that are less fortunate by giving them gifts to help brighten their mood. Receiving gifts around Christmas

time allows them to participate in the cultural holiday and make memories that they can talk about. Last year the CFES club was able to adopt two families and donate dozens of toys. Adopting means sponsoring the family by giving them supplies to help their everyday life like food, supplies, shelter or money. In the previous years, they have had toy drives for other holidays like Easter and Halloween. On Cloud 9 is a Los Angeles based organization that has the main objective of helping homeless people and animals in need. The CFES club has partnered up with L.A. On Cloud 9 in the past for their annual food drive. It is a non-profit organization that gathers its funds from the donations of its constituents. The CFES club is comprised of child development, family and consumer studies, nutrition and liberal arts major students. The club meets every week in the F7 building to talk about possible outreach projects that they can partake in around the community. They have events specifically for certain holidays. This year, they hope to raise more funds so they are able to help people who are less fortunate and adopt more families and new organizations that are concerned about the welfare of the less fortunate.

News Briefs Stress management

The ELAC Student Health Center is having stress management drop-in workshops beginning Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Piano recital

A student piano recital will take place in the S2 Recital Hall Monday at noon and will introduce the student pianists of professor Lucy Nargizyan.

Pup edition

CN/MELVIN BUI

GIVING SEASON—Food donations gathered for families

before Christmas.

This week’s issue of Campus News was written, produced, edited and photographed by the Journalism 101 classes.

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OPINION

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Recruiters prey on students BY EVAN HILL Staff Writer We’ve all seen the military recruitment tables set up on campus. They come in full fatigues, set up where they will find the most students, usually by the library, and lie in wait. They promise a simpler way than taking classes, getting a degree and hoping for a steady career afterward. They promise money. They even promise the ability to finish school while still in the military and receiving paid assistance specifically for classes. All of these promises, and yet it still seems wrong. For one reason, they are targeting college students. Not only that, they are targeting community college students. Generally, community college is a way to avoid the huge piles of debt that come with attending a four-year university right off the bat. They also offer vocational programs for those that want to jump right into

their work. Recruiters know exactly which demographic they are after people of color who don’t have the means to attend expensive schools or who need to get to work as soon as possible to support themselves or their families. Young people whom have little to no knowledge of how the military works. Military recruiters can say anything to get students to sign up. Those students don’t know what they are getting into. This is predatory. In the same way that credit card companies target students with no credit to make money off of them, the military targets students on this campus to use their bodies for their labor. I’ve had my own run-ins with military recruiters on campus. The most memorable one was the time I was so obviously picked out from the crowd. The recruiter sat at his table in front of E3 watching students go by. At least five or six students passed

by before he settled his eyes on me. I was nowhere near the table, still walking by the narrow walkway with construction. All along that walkway he stared me down, letting at least five more students walk past As I walk passed, he said something to me. I ignore him because he knowingly picked out the only black student. Recruiters are on campus to find young bodies. Recruiters pick out whoever they think are the most vulnerable among us. Who seems more vulnerable and in need than a young black person on a community college campus? In a stereotypical sense, black people are “poorer.” With a black population at ELAC of 4.15 percent in the recruiters eyes, he saw a black student as the needle in his haystack. Be careful of the military on campus. They want to do more than help you. They want to use you. Be wary also of the individuals who allow them to be on campus as well.

PUP EDITOR IN CHIEF Luis Castilla EDITOR IN CHIEF Melody Ortiz ONLINE EDITORS Carlos Garcia, Esmeralda Sanchez, Christina Woodson FRONT EDITOR Johanna Rodriguez Katherine Araujo

CN/ZASHA HAYES

New LAX airport policy causes disorder BY JOHANNA RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer In an attempt to reduce trafffic the Los Angeles International Airport has created a state of disorder - with policy changes. Individuals who do not have a ride out of LAX have to go to a new designated area called LAX-it, through free shuttles, where they can hail a ride. This policy change should not have been implemented because it has caused longer wait times for Uber rides and a lot of confusion among travelers. It is a longer process, the terminals are far away from the area and it is causing more delays than anticipated. The isolated inner lanes have become shuttle lanes and do not show any signs of traffic. If that was LAX’s goal, they have succeeded. Shuttles arrive every three to five minutes, however, the chaos does not begin there. The detours to the pick-up area have made it a longer process for Uber, Lyft and taxi drivers to get into LAX, and that has caused less

drivers to seek rides at LAX. The supply of drivers has gone down, while the demand for drivers is high. This has caused a surge in pricing, which results in another issue for travelers. In an article on Forbes.com, a passenger who tried out the new system said “The same Uber X route that cost me $27 (plus tip) from the

Valley to the airport on Monday now cost $67 (plus tip) on Friday, almost 150% more.” The new policy has also disturbed personal pick-ups, because they have migrated to the farthest right lane on the moving traffic lanes. It has caused more traffic on the lanes for personal pick-ups because cars do not always drive correctly

CN/CAMILO BACA

into the appropriate lanes they want to stop at. Cars try to merge onto the curbside pick-up lane but get stuck in more than one lane which impacts oncoming traffic and causes traffic. The transition has not been smooth and it is only making travelers more upset with how traveling is taking longer.

The two inner lanes at LAX arrivals should have stayed as the pick-up lanes because those two lanes are isolated from oncoming traffic. Ride-share and taxi drivers are not making traffic worse at LAX but they are the ones that have been detoured to another area for the sake of flowing traffic. The problem is the lack of security in the curbside lanes. There are individuals that take advantage of the loading/unloading curbs and they use them to park and wait for their friends or family members on the curb. A much stricter policy of a oneminute wait should be enforced. Officers should seek those who abuse the rules and each terminal should have an officer patrolling. I have personally gone to LAX multiple times prior to the policy change via Uber, Lyft or have been dropped off by family members and never had an issue with curbside pick-up. This is a policy that was not broken and should not have changed but we are now dealing with the repercussions.

OPINION EDITORS Evan Hill, Johanna Perez, Mayra Pereyra Juliett Villegas NEWS EDITORS Melvin Bui, Katie Atencio FEATURE EDITORS Alma Lizzaraga, Jonathan Soto, Jonathan Bermudez, Gabriela Gutierrez ARTS EDITOR Andreina Chamu SPORTS EDITOR Thomas Roberts, Peter Farfan PHOTOGRAPHERS Simon Cabral, Jonattan Robles PHOTO EDITORS Simon Cabral, Fabiola Cerda COPY EDITORS Ivan Cazares, Stepanie Guevara CARTOONIST Zasha Hayes, Camilio Baca SOCIAL MEDIA Giovanni Diego, Carolina Ramirez, Claudia Torres, Raymond Nava STAFF WRITERS Jhonny Aguilera, Erica Cortes ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Gustavo Buenrostro ADVISERS Jean Stapleton Sylvia Rico-Sanchez

Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues. Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the property of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 300 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Writers must sign submissions and print their names and a phone number where they can be reached. Letters should be addressed to the editor of Campus News. Submissions can be made at the mailroom in building E1 or the Journalism department office in the Technology Center in E7-303. East Los Angeles College Campus News 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez E7-303 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 265-8819, Ads (323) 265-8821 Fax (323) 415-4910

Unsanitary women’s locker rooms BY ZASHA HAYES Staff Writer The basketball and volleyball women’s locker room has needed a bit of deep cleaning for a while now. Located in the C1 building for mainly gym and health classes, the women’s locker room has been through a lot. One of the many things is the result of last year’s food drive. Many cans and packs of food were left in the showers of the locker room, and are now being used for

this year’s food drive. This, unfortunately, was not the solution, as a member of the East Los Angeles volleyball team said, “the showers were unusable because you have boxes of food from a year ago.” The food in the showers were the least of many worries. Other problems that the locker room has are the bugs that come along with those bottles and cans located in the shower room. There were roaches, both water bugs and flying nightmares and worst of all, ants.

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The ants covered almost everything in the room. They crawled along the edges of, the whole floor, couches and they even had one specific locker they would all crawl into. They had their own locker. Even the roaches that died were being feasted on by ants. Toilets in the locker room are basically just for decoration. They are not pretty though. The restroom attached to it is extremely unsanitary. The trash sometimes does not get thrown out for days causing ants to appear. The

restroom itself smells. The stink is like something decaying mixed in with sewage. Along with the smell came the bugs. They were tiny, and harmless. They looked like small moths or bigger nats and they were surrounding the toilets. Most of the girls believe it’s the sewage pipes, however one girl, Arianna Gomez said, “I have a conspiracy theory. I think somebody died in the walls or pipes.” I am starting to believe that theory. At one point in the year, the

restrooms were running out of soap. The soap dispenser did not get refilled until about two weeks later. One less serious problem with the locker room is the temperature control. Usually, it is hot in the locker room, but to remedy that, a fan is used. At some point in the year, things were stolen in the locker room ,like wallets. Not only I, but the women using the locker room started to feel a little unsafe in there.

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, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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Attorneys give immigration consultations BY KATIE ATENCIO Staff Writer East Los Angeles College’s law discipline held an Immigration Legal Aid workshop Thursday at the auditorium foyer. This event was held by East Los Angeles College -LAW Business Administration Department Law Discipline. There were six attorneys and more than 30 students, who gave legal advice to the client’s situation, regarding either family or immigration law. Jane Oak and Michelle Choi, were there to represent Jane Oak and Associates, P. C. regarding immigration law. Oak has practiced immigration law for 20 years, while Michelle Choi has been practiced as an associate for five and a half years. The firm offers volunteer opportunities, but limited due to their maximum capacity. Per day, Jane Oak & Associates, P. C. has eight clients. They help victims of crimes, trafficking and domestic violence. Oak also said fraud marriages occur one percent of the time and the people involved are “banned, deported for fraud and unforgiven by the United States.” A common question that is asked by DACA recipients is, “What do I do after I graduate to stay in the U. S.?” In that case, the college graduate would have to apply for the H-1B, a special visa, which is an employment based green card for a temporary amount of time. Although it is temporary,

the process of completing the application allows the college graduate to apply for permanent residence status. “Immigration law is the most compassionate law because we change so many lives in such a positive way,” Oak said. Oak considered each case to have “unique stories, unique people.” The firm charges $750 for their fees, which generally covers everything. Attorney Ruben Martinez Jr. was there to represent Law Office of Ruben Martinez Jr. regarding immigration and nationality law, who also helps out on campus. When it came to immigration law firms, such as Law Offices of Jane Oak & Associates, they tend to be broad and have many facets of immigration. Oak said these were the type of cases to change someone’s life and future when it comes to their stance of being a legal citizen in the United States. Another family law representative, Javier Lepe, was there coming from Javier Lepe Attorney at Law/ Abogado, who helps out on campus like Ruben Martinez Jr. Becky Miller and Nalleli Sandoval were there to represent Levitt & Quinn Family Law Center, a nonprofit firm. Miller has been an attorney for the firm for six years. Her intentions were to help those that were unable to get represented due to finances. The firm has four full-time attorneys, they provide limited scope services, which are step-bystep. Throughout this process, there is

“Immigration law is the most compassionate law, because we change so many lives in such positive way” JANE OAK

Jane Oak & Associates

$45 intake fee charge, if Levitt & Quinn were to take on the client’s case, and the rest was depend on their income. Walk-in services were said to be provided on Wednesdays and Fridays, but the rest of the days would have to be by appointment. First-year student Rosario Morales was a client and said that the legal advice was very good information and had given her a sense of relief as well as a good choice. Many other students relate to Morales’ thoughts after seeking advice from the attorneys. There were six tables and there were more students than attorneys. Only three of the six attorneys practiced immigration law. Students came to the event, filled out a confidentiality form and recieved legal advice from attorneys. A volunteer stated that the evaluation was just a survey on if the client was satisfied with the service provided, if this were to

CN/ KATIE ATENCIO

IMMIGRATION AID— Students meet to discuss new ways that they can help people who have problems with their immigration status.

be recommended, if any questions were answered and if this was useful to ELAC students and the community, and what the client’s race and gender were for statistics. For example, the Levitt & Quinn table had the attorney and client discuss legal stances and possible outcomes of the situations as in what is the situation in general.

If an attorney does take on a client’s case, it would not involve ELAC nor the district, just the attorney and client. ELAC-LAW professors Filemon Samson and Courtney Powers had made an appearance at this event, as well as, some of their students. It was expected that 36 students (clients) would show up and more

unexpected would come. Third-year student/volunteer for the event, Catalina Albino, is taking a law course with professor Filemon Samson, and said that this event was a “great idea and positive for the community.” Volunteers like Albino are most likely to be from LAW-ELAC classes.

Native American women praised during Native American heritage month BY CHRISTINA WOODSON Staff Writer

CN/CAROLINA RAMIREZ

OPPORTUNITIES IN PSYCH— Psychology professor, Apri Festekjian talks to students about oppurtunies in the field of Psychology.

A conference was held at East Los Angeles College to celebrate and recognize Native American Women in politics for Native American Heritage Month. The event was put together by professor Natalina Monteiro who teaches Women/Gender studies at East Los Angeles College. “This talk is apart of a whole series we’re having the whole year on the 19th amendment. The 19th amendment was the amendment that gave women the right to vote and the 19th amendment is going to turn 100 years old, so each month we’re having several events.” The event consisted of a slideshow presentation about indian identity, how native American women are

“The 19th amendment is going to turn 100 years old, so each month we’re having several events”

NATALINA MONTEIRO PROFESSOR OF GENDER STUDIES

ignored, and the disempowerment conducted by white Europeans. “They are first known as indigenous people, then as women.” Professor Monteiro said, bringing the room to an understanding hum.

She continued on with this notion about how native American women face adversity. Monteiro said heritage month. Along with this meeting, professor Monteiro has more events later in the year with guests. The meeting included free pizza for attendees and lasted for an hour and a half. Most of the crowd consisted of anthropology students who are studying native Americans. Professor Monteiro was anticipating a special native American guest for the meeting, but due to complications, they were not able to attend, but the professor felt she was able to continue on with the presentation with her knowledge of the subject. Professor Monteiro also teaches gender studies at East Los Angeles College.

Professor talks about potential opportunities in psychology field BY CAROLINA RAMIREZ Staff Writer East Los Angeles College psychology club held a Career Pathways in Psych Event where professor Arpi Festekjian spoke to students about possible careers in psychology. This is the first time the club held this event. Club president, Brittany Burciaga said “Professor Festekjan is good. “She shows students what career pathways are available for them. “Usually the club just talks about concepts of psychology, so this is something new.” Burciaga also said that professor Festekjian is “known for this presentation.” Throughout the presentation Festekjian talked about the various psychology degrees that can be achieved at East Los Angeles College and what classes are necessary to embark on each unique pathway into the

world of psychology. Festekjian even gave advice in regards to deciding what career to

“Do you want to work with people? Do you want to research? How do you want to change lives?”

APRI FESTERJIAN PSYCHOLOGY CLUB PROFESSOR

decide on. During the presentation, she said “Choose classes that work for you, not classes that work around your schedule.” Festekjian went in depth with

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different types of psychology such as clinical, developmental, social, and counseling psychology. She gave a brief explanation of each. She stressed that students majoring in psychology should ask themselves “Do you want to work with people? Do you want to do research? How do you want to change lives?” Throughout her presentation professor Festekjian shared her own experience in choosing psychology. She shared how she was rejected from all four Ph.D. programs that she applied to. For that she is grateful because she believes everything happens for a reason. The psychology club is open to all students regardless of their major. The club meets every Tuesday at 12:15 in F-7 226. To get additional information about the psychology club, you can contact@getpsychedELAC on instagram. New club members are welcomed year round.

CN/IVAN CAZARES

REPRESENTING HONG KONG— Students from both Pasadena City College and East Los Angeles College rallied to help spread awareness and knowledge about the protest in Hong Kong. Most of the members are Hong Kong residents who came over for college.

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Opinion 2

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

OK ELAC, it’s time to upgrade to digital BY JONATHAN SOTO Staff Writer

The entire campus needs to get ahead, leave outdated machinery behind, and bring in easy to use print/copy systems to the academic computer labs. As a new East Los Angeles College (ELAC) student, I was surprised and disappointed in the current printing and copying system available in the academic computer labs. Digging for change to try to print out last-minute papers and projects is the last thing students need during midterms. ELAC has provided its students with ACE GoPrint, a

printing, and copying system, in all the academic computer labs throughout campus. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e s c h o o l ’s website, GoPrint allows students to deposit funds into an account and print from several open campus computer labs. The system is available throughout campus, in the Mente Lab, Library, Learning Assistance Center, and the South Gate open computer labs. It is accessible to all students with current ACE accounts, which can be accessed using their current student ID. It offers color printing for only $0.25 per page and black and white print for $0.05 per page. Learning about this current ACE account for printing is

CNBC reports that millennials are paving the way among people ditching bills and coins for the favor of credit, debit, and digital payments...

excellent news, but here is the catch, it only takes cash and not a card or Apple Pay. According to CNBC, an increasing number of Americans say they do not carry cash.

CNBC reports that millennials are paving the way among people ditching bills and coins for the favor of credit, debit, and digital payments through mobile applications like Apple Pay, Venmo and Zelle. Coming from another community college that does practice modern payment methods, I was shocked by walking into the campus library to print, only to I couldn’t due to not having any spare change. There I was in the library having to ask another college student for $0.25. The printing and copying system offered at ELAC is a good one, but it just needs to be updated to suit modern payment methods and provide efficiency.

One stop is not enough BY KATHERINE ARAUJO Staff Writer For many students, the East Los Angeles College (ELAC) shuttle is the only form of transportation to arrive at the South Gate campus. Although it is a great resource to have, the location of the bus stop makes is less accessible to many students. It would be best if an additional waiting location was added to the bus route, preferably on the opposite side of the current stop to tend to more students. It would alleviate the stress of students only having one location to take the shuttle. The line to

wait for the shuttle bus becomes incredibly long, and when you are toward the back, there is no telling if you will be able to get a seat. Those who do not end up getting a seat then either have the option to wait for the next bus or standing in the bus until the bus driver arrives on campus. Students who have to stand the entire half hour to get to South Gate may get seriously hurt if there is ever an accident. The bus stop does not benefit the people who come out of their class late and are across campus; therefore, they may possibly miss their chance to arrive at their next class at the South Gate campus. With two shuttle buses, running

at the same time and having two separate bus stop locations would allow other students to have access to ride to the ELAC South Gate campus. Students who have a class further away from the bus stop sometimes do not get to the bus in time to find a seat or even enter at all because of how congested it gets. An obvious solution would be to take the double-decker bus, but students cannot always depend on that bus. I have not seen the doubledecker running all semester, and it dramatically disadvantages many students.

Don’t hate on roller skates BY CHRISTINA WOODSON Staff Writer

CN/ZASHA HAYES

Let’s subtract math from the graduation equation BY RAYMOND NAVA Staff Writer

Having math courses be required to graduate is wrong and it’s not helpful. At East Los Angeles College (ELAC), one of the requirements needed to graduate is to complete Math 125 or higher. These higher levels of math are usually very complicated and will serve no purpose to most students in their everyday lives. I’m a person who is not the biggest fan of math; in fact, I passionately hate math. It’s the subject I most struggle with and get stressed the most in. Most of my hatred for math comes from the fact that it’s a graduation requirement. That means it’s entirely possible for a student at ELAC to have completed the required English course, all their major required courses and electives, but not be able to graduate because they can’t pass the required math class. Now, if a specific major required a set of necessary math courses, then that is one thing. It makes sense if math courses are needed for a major in science or something else along that category. That material is going to be required in those fields. My problem is that the material in the level of math ELAC requires me to take, Math 125, is never going to

be used in my everyday life, nor is it likely going to be needed in the field of the major I am taking. Something that infuriates me even more is that before 2009, students entering ELAC only needed Math 115 to graduate. For students registering after 2009, it was changed from 115 to 125. Math 115 was hard enough, but for some reason somebody thought it was a good idea to make

My problem is that the material in the level of math ELAC requires me to take, Math 125, is never going to be utilized in my everyday life,

an even harder level of math the new requirement. That infuriates me, as I could have already been done with the math requirement, but unfortunately, I am not. Some colleges in California have different requirements needed for graduation than what ELAC has. An example is UC San Diego,

With the rise of more rollerskating around East Los Angeles College, the act of skateboarding and now roller-skating should not be criminalized. Countless skaters are told multiple times to either stop, leave, or use some form of safety gear by authoritative figures at ELAC, even while cruising through the school to class, which is not a dangerous deed. Skaters are looked at as delinquents when all they are doing is using their skateboard or rollerskates as a form of transportation. There are also backhanded comments that compliment and

diminish skaters that are entirely unneeded and rude. Telling a skater not to fall because they may sue ELAC is presumptuous and diminishing of the skater’s skill or talent. While the safety of students should be the primary concern of staff at East Los Angeles College, bringing insignificant things to their attention at all times should not be a part of that. Skating has brought its own culture to campus and encourages people who may not have the time to go to the gym or to be as active as they would like, to be active while skating or roller-skating. The health benefits between both activities are substantial, such as

burning 1,000 calories an hour and producing a cardio workout that can get your heart rate up and help manage it. The skater community also helps encourage the younger kids at the nearby park, Belvedere, to continue with skating. Skater people, groups, and communities can be some of the most supportive people with who you may interact. Not every skater is going to be helpful, but to generalize and harass all of them about safety and stereotypical ideas is wrong, it should not be what East Los Angeles College, a college that promotes individuality and creativity, stands for or supports.

where they require calculus classes to be completed to graduate or a natural science class. So, the requirements will vary between colleges, but most will require some completion of math. Requiring someone to have some knowledge of basic math isn’t a bad thing in theory. It’s reasonable to make sure a student has at least a basic understanding of mathematics such as general addition, subtraction, and fractions because it is wise to assume that material will be used in a person’s everyday life. H o w e v e r, i t ’s e n t i r e l y unreasonable for colleges, in addition to ELAC, to consider these higher levels of math will be used in an average everyday life. The changes I would want to see made are not only reasonable but are common sense. I took Math 110 during my first semester at ELAC. I learned the basics of math that I would reasonably use in my life. This level should be the bare minimum level of math college students need to graduate. All higher levels should not be required unless a students major requires it. These changes would not only help students who fail in math, but it would also relieve the stress from students who are already stressed enough with college in general. This is a change that is desperately needed. CN/ZASHA HAYES

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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

5

ELAC pianist advances to finals in San Francisco BY ERICA CORTES AND GABRIELA GUTIERREZ

to perform once more in front of faculty members from all around California community colleges. Staff Writer One of the requirements needed to perform in San Francisco was that performers needed to play a piece that they had been actively The Music Association of practicing and performing for at California Community Colleges least two years. had ELAC pianist Daniel Lopez The piece that he played was an as a finalist for their November Argentine song by Alberto Ginastera competitions. called “Danza de la Moza Donoza” Lopez started in East Los Angeles which means dance of the beautiful College six years ago and he began maiden. his journey with taking basic piano The number of semifinalists was lessons. dependent upon how many colleges Lopez has played were participating, with the association but only nine twice within those performers were to “Our professors be chosen after the six years. He was in San for sure support finals. Francisco for both Tw o o f t h o s e us. We are there finalists were to meetings but both meetings differed in receive scholarships to represent various ways. as part of being our school and “One was for a selected. master class where The piece that the music staff, Lopez an expert listens to chose was a you play and gives piece that he said pretty much.” you advice on how to he had been playing play better,” Lopez for a little over two said. years. DANIEL LOPEZ The master class He said that ELAC student was where Lopez he was more than was competing to prepared to play at be chosen for the the faculty recital but second performance, which was regardless, a lot of mental practice known as the faculty recital. was still necessary. Only one performer was chosen. “Performing is kind of a nervous It was after that first performance task. You get very anxious up there, that Lopez was chosen and invited so you just need to keep yourself

COURTESY OF DR LUCY NARGIZYAN

PIANO PRODIGY— Daniel Lopez (left) and professor Lucy Nargizayn sttend the Music Association of California Community College competition on SNovember 15 in San Francisco. calm and use a lot of breathing techniques,” Lopez said. Part of the process that was necessary in order to get Lopez to the faculty recital was that his professor had to sign for him as well. Lopez was also required to be an

active member of MACCC, which can only be attained after paying a membership fee. Lopez has been with the ELAC music program since the start of his enrollment. He took beginner lessons at ELAC and later applied for the

music program. He spent two years with a private instructor after he joined the music program. He said that during that time he gained a support system with the faculty and fellow students at school.

“Our professors for sure support us. We are there to represent our school and the music staff, pretty much,” Lopez said. Lopez is taking classes and waits on his transfers and sees what other projects are in store for his future.

Veterans gain support with VRC BY JONATTAN ROBLES

The VRC is often just seen as a tool used to make sure students graduate and move away from The Veterans Resource Center ELAC. However, the VRC is there at East Los Angeles College has for whatever students need it to be. Some veterans only use it to become a key component in the apply for their benefits while others success of its veteran students . Marine Corps veteran and like Carreon seek to get as much out communications major Mark of the VRC as possible. The goal of the VRC is not to Carreon said how the VRC transfer out or graduate every supported his education. Carreon began attending ELAC student that walks through its doors, in February of 2017 and is set to unless that is the student’s goal. The VRC is there to just provide transfer to National University next the veterans with whatever tool they semester. He intends on seeking out a PhD need to achieve their own individual in communication studies with a goals. Carreon views the VRC as dissertation on veteran transition investing in oneself. from a military to He is a firm believer civilian career. C a r r e o n f o u n d The goal of the that taking advantage of the opportunities to interest the subject VRC is not to better life and the VRC based on his own military transition from transfer out or is no exception. After a couple the Marine Corps to graduate every semesters going to ELAC student. Carreon credits a lot student that the VRC as a student, he joined the staff as of his success the use of the tools offered at walks through the a student worker and the VRC for the VRC on campus. door, unless that credits learning very useful “ I t ’s a h o m e , it’s a garage, it’s a is the students p r o b l e m - s o l v i n g skills and useful work community,”Cameron goal. experience. said. By home he Carreon also described it as a place credits to the VRC for to unwind and relax exposing him to large companies’ after a stressful day of classes. He said the VRC is a place to leadership, senators, even the hold his tools like computers, tutors, California governor. “There’s no telling if those counselors and everything he may meetings will lead to anything, need to succeed in class. He described what he said was the but being involved in the VRC most important part to his success- made those meetings happen” said the other veterans on campus that Carreon. The VRC at ELAC is one of the also spend time in the VRC. In Carreon’s experience having best in LACCD and Carreon would that support, that group of veterans like to encourage all of the nearly there to celebrate each other’s 500 registered veterans on campus success or help one another to use it. Use the tools provided there and overcome an obstacle was crucial in his success, similar to the comradery make connections with the people there, as all of it is there for success. found in military life.

Staff Writer

CN/CHRISTINA WOODSON

WOMEN ON WHEELS— Ashley Mash (left) and Lauren Carrillo take a break from rolling blading around the ELAC campus.

Student roller bladers support new-comers to long-time hobby BY CHRISTINA WOODSON Staff Writer

Roller skating has been a dying hobby for a long time around California, but recently at ELAC, participants of the leisurely activity have begun to pop up more and more. They like to skate around the art buildings in the center quad where skateboarders like to reside as well. The group, which consists of 5

girls and is still growing, can be seen bombing hills which means, jumping stairs and over boards to show skills off. The girls said they enjoy the attention that it brings, but they said only a little of the comments are appropriate. They have noticed that men usually try to aid them even when they don’t need it, sometimes even making nasty comments about the girls falling and demeaning their hard work.

Nonetheless, they persist to perfect tricks and support other people who choose to start rollerskating. “I just picked it up so I could have a hobby every day and I always thought it looked cool. When my friends suggested getting skates, I jumped for it,” Ashley Mash said. “I love being able to practice a trick over and over until I get it right. The satisfaction of just that is enough to keep me going. Even when people try to downplay what

we do, I still don’t care or let it phase me because I know I’m doing something good and valuable with my own time.” “The whole activity also helps you lose a lot of calories and is a total cardio workout. It has a lot of benefits to the community,” Mash said. The rollerskating community is growing at ELAC and providing a safe space for other people who want to start doing this activity.

ELAC supports political community, becomes center for debates BY RAYMOND NAVA Staff Writer

East Los Angeles College has been the host of many different political events throughout the years. These range from campaign debates, protests and even walkouts. Some of these events are more apparent in the recent years. Some protests against controversial issues were held on the campus of ELAC. In 1994 the campus was the site of protests against Proposition 187 which, if passed, would have prohibited illegal immigrants from using non-emergency services in California, such as

public education and healthcare. The proposition was approved by the voters later that year but would have a negative effect on the Republican Party in California, which championed the proposition. On May 5th of 2016, democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was met with protests while she held a rally at ELAC. Anti-Clinton protesters were lined up outside of the college with megaphones to protest Clinton, with clashes between both Clinton supporters and protesters breaking out. Some people questioned as to why Clinton would come to ELAC, which according to a 2014 report, was 77% Hispanic/ Latino.

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East Los Angeles college has always bee a place where political demonstrations and activities can be seen and held. Some accused Clinton of pandering when putting this statistic along with the date of the visit, May 5th, which is a Mexican holiday, together. During 2018, the campus had several political events in part of the fact it was an election year but also due to nationwide events that spurred political activism. In February, students of ELAC participated in a nationwide

walk out to protest government inaction on gun control after a mass shooting at a high school in Florida. Students walked out of their classes to the center of the campus and some even made short speeches about the situation. On April of 2018, the Pathway to Law School program partnered up with the American Civil

Liberties Union to host a debate for candidates running for Los Angeles County Sheriff that same spring. All candidates were invited ,but only two of the three candidates showed up to the debate. The incumbent sheriff, Jim McDonald did not attend the debate. Attendees at the event were able to ask the candidates questions. McDonald would go on to lose reelection. In the fall of 2018, ELAC and the ELAC Foundation recognized Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis and various members of congress for their participation in Washington D.C. Gateway Internship Program.

The program gives students an opportunity to participate in the political, legislative and administrative processes in D.C. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Nanette Diaz Barragán, Jimmy Gomez, Linda T. Sánchez and Judy Chu each hosted a participant in WGIP during the summer of 2018. East Los Angeles College has always been a place where political demonstrations and activities can be seen and held. The variety of such is spread across the spectrum. Having been around for 75 years, the college has seen its fair share of events and it’s been the place where students have made their mark on issues they hold near and dear to themselves.

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SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Freshman to launch his career at ELAC BY ZASHA HAYES Staff Writer Kaelen Allen was in middle school when he realized his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Allen is a freshman and was on born August 17, 2000. He plays for the East Los Angeles College men’s basketball team. He was recruited by ELAC coach Hunter. He said that the coach watched him play during high school and recommended him to play at ELAC.

He took the offer because it was close to his home and it would be easy for his parents to commute to games to see him. He practices two-and-a-half hours at school and sometimes puts in time out of school. Other than practice, he is busy with trying to complete his major in criminal justice. Allen was unsure whether he would change his major, but in the long run, has decided to stick with his choice of criminal justice. Criminal Justice has always intrigued him.

“KJ is very sweet and respectful. He works extremely hard for both basketball and his schoolwork. I know he is going to go far in life”

RYLEY RHAMEY

He would watch “Criminal Justice” and be amazed by how authorities handed out justice. Allen’s favorite basketball player is former Laker, Kobe Bryant, but more than anything, he looks up to his father. “He’s my biggest inspiration,” Allen said. Both of his parents support the path he has chosen to follow. Currently, he is not working because of basketball, but he’s willing and looking to get a job after the basketball season. Basketball has helped him see that.“Some days, not everybody

can play,” Allen said. Without basketball, he would most likely pursue a career in science. Allen is a starter on the ELAC men’s basketball team. He is a forward and his favorite way to score is dunking. He said that college basketball is exciting and, “Not as hard as I thought.” He recommends the school to the next student-athletes, as it is a new experience for him. ELAC has a good coach and is a nice campus.” Allen said he feels his biggest

accomplishment in basketball was winning the city championship while in high school. His biggest failure is losing a game and missing his shots. Allen said that other than what he is currently doing, he is a big fan of video games. “I really love video games,” Allen said. His favorite video game title is “Call of Duty.” “KJ is very sweet and respectful. He works extremely hard for both basketball and his schoolwork. I know he is going to go far in life,” Ryley Rhamey said about Allen.

Fall season comes to end for Husky athletics Volleyball struggles to find wins during season BY THOMAS ROBERTS Staff Writer

CN/NOE ORTEGA

DEFEND—ELAC sophomore forward Fabrizo Macia takes the

ball down the left wing as Pasadena City College freshman defender Kevin Huertos tries to stop him during the Huskies 2-0 win on Oct.11.

The East Los Angeles College women’s volleyball team wrapped up a devastating season, going 9-21 which translated into a mere .300 winning percentage. The Huskies started their season strong as the team won four of their first five games. Unfortunately, they went 5-16 the remainder of the way, including nine-straight losses in their final nine games. They never managed to string together more than two wins in a row, but had a five-game and a ninegame losing streak. The Huskies performed best at neutral locations, an arena with no home team, going 3-4, while at

home they were 5-8 and away they were just 1-9. They were 2-15 in conference games. The Huskies tallied 4.26 kills per set, with a .203 hitting percentage and 3.83 assists per set. They averaged .72 blocks per set, .93 service aces per set and 5.38 digs per set. Over the course of the season, the team racked up 1,352 attacks, 464 kills, 417 assists, 101 service aces, 586 digs and 79 total blocks. Jimena Gonzalez led the team in kills with 157, while Samantha Fierro topped the roster with 259 assists. The Huskies were coming off back-to-back winning seasons where they went 13-11 in both 2017 and 2018.

Inconsistencies lead to poor season Conference first team. Freshman defender Cristian Carranza also Staff Writer was honored with first team all conference. French international Men’s soccer season ended defender Hugo Roberts and in the third round of the South defender Jason Trujillo were Coast Conference Tournament both granted second team all against El Camino College in a conference. ELAC’s biggest victory was 1-0 away loss. The month of September wasn’t a 4-1 away win over Compton College on the best for sophomore the Huskies. d a y. T h e i r Following the The Huskies ended their biggest defeat first game of came against S e p t e m b e r, season with a record Chaffey in a East Los of 6-14-3, scoring an 6-0 away loss. Angeles C had ollege went average of 1. 05 goals t hELAC e i r w o rst on a six game record when per game and letting in losing streak. p l a y i n g They broke 1.77 goals per game. away where out of that their record slump with a was 3-10-1. 3-0 win against Throughout Los Angeles the season Harbor at ELAC scored 23 goals. At home home. ELAC was 3-4-2 and in the The Huskies ended the season conference 3-4-1. Their longest with a record of 6-14-3, scoring an average of 1.05 goals per game win streak was two games and letting in 1.77 goals per game. in November. ELAC’s shot Freshman goalkeeper Oscar percentage was .242 and their Ponce’s performance gained shots-per game stat was 4.3. him a spot in the Southern Coast

RECOVERY—Freshman midfielder Andrea Martinez recovers the ball possession against Rio Hondo freshman midfielder Alice Hernandez in a home draw on Oct. 8.

Women’s soccer tallies losing record

BY PETER FARFAN

BY PETER FARFAN Staff Writer

CN/GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO

UP AND OVER—The volleyball team spikes the ball against Cerritos in the Oct. 18 game where the team won 3-0.

CN/KATIE ATENCIO

ZOOM— Three swimmers zoom by in warm ups during a preseason swim meet on Saturday at ELAC aquatic center.

CN/NOE ORTEGA

East Los Angeles College’s women’s soccer season ended on a sour note on November 12th with a 9-1 home loss against Cerritos College. Their worst month was the month of September, where they didn’t win a game. Their first win came in the first week of October with a 3-2 home win against Pasadena City College. Overall, they finished the season with a record of 2-11-5. In their conference, their record was 1-4-3 Their longest losing streak was three games. Their biggest loss was a 9-1 at home against Cerritos College. The Huskies record at home was 1-5-2. ELAC scored 15 total goals this season. They averaged a total of 2.8 shots-per game and allowed 2.80 goals-per game. The Huskies had .725 shots on

goal percentage. The team scored an average of .83 goals-per game. The team’s top scorer was sophomore forward Perla Navarro with 11 goals this season. Navarro’s shot percentage was .262. Navarro also has one game winning goal. Sophomore defender Yvette Martinez and freshman midfielder Crystal Gonzalez both led the team in assists with two assists on the season. The team was well disciplined over the season accumulating one red card and three yellow cards. The leaders in shots on goal percentage were freshman midfielder and freshman forward Nicole Mendoza and Kayla Brianna Prado, both holding a perfect 1.000. Sophomore forward Perla Navarro led the team with shots on goal with 23 shots on goal. The Huskies only shutout one team this season. That team being El Camino. This is their fourth consecutive losing season.

CN/KATIE ATENCIO

SPEEDING—Swimmers speed by while crowds of onlooking swimmers prepare for preseason race.

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Features 2

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS N EWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

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Student returns to campus thirteen years later BY MAYRA PEREYRA Staff Writer Some students may say that while deciding to return to school after a few years is an exciting feeling, it can also feel stressful. Trying to get organized and figure out what the first steps is crucial. Gustavo Soria, a returning student, expressed how enrolling in his Administration of Justice class was not as easy as registering and signing up. Soria returned to ELAC after thirteen years. He decided it was time to return to school after his son began kindergarten. Soria was originally taking courses to apply for the LAPD but was discouraged after failing the polygraph area of his exams. He realized he needed to pick up where he left off. Working a full-time job at the Los Angeles International Airport and raising two children was challenging enough, but this is the life of multiple returning students at ELAC. ELAC operated differently so long ago and while so much has

improved since then in regards to find answers or guidance. accessibility, for those who aren’t Interestingly enough, he did up to date with the changes have not turn to his mobile device or found the environment intimidating, computer first. as did Soria. He walked straight into the M o b i l e Monterey Park applications have campus during been created to the summer assist students in session “The students working school accessing their and began asking at the student center questions at the student profiles, grades, account center. provided me with the student summaries and “A lot had information I needed changed since I classes, but a returning student in school,” in terms of direction, was could feel as said Soria. if there were “The students but also opened my barriers. working at the eyes to how much had student center C l a s s schedules are no provided me with changed.” longer printed, the information I but accessible needed in terms online. of direction, GUSTAVO SORIA Students but also opened ELAC Student can now lease my eyes to textbooks on how much had Amazon for changed.’’ as long as a He had a long semester at a lower cost. list of departments to visit to obtain There are so many options, but his student number, register for the it might not be user friendly for fall and schedule an appointment everyone. with his counselor to go over an When returning to campus, Soria education plan. had some idea as to where he could This was the realistic experience

of a xennial returning to school after so many years. A xennial is a micro-generation born between 1977-1985, a person who does not feel quite like a millennial. Soria slowly rationalized the changes and was informed that most resources available were online. However, he was unsure of himself in navigating through it. Having no confidence in himself to use a computer put him off from seeking help and advancing in his professional career. Another frustration he faced was the departments only being accessible during regular working hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. because of his work schedule clashing with these hours. He did what a lot of night students find themselves doing, adjusting their work scheduled to accommodate the hours of operation for other departments. Soria mentioned the barrier he now felt at school. While students may be intimidated to return to school after a hiatus, ELAC does take into consideration that the differences between its students and offers resources on campus.

CN/ GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO

NEVER TOO LATE—Gustavo Sorias shares story about returning to campus after thirteen-year hiatus.

DACA recipients threatened by new policies BY KATIE ANTENCIO Staff Writer At East Los Angeles College, there are students that are undocumented who are protected by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA, from deportation. This organization holds the purpose to help the eligible, immigrant youth with their education since they are unable to receive federal financial aid (FAFSA) or fully rely on scholarships. A Supreme Court hearing about this case was held recently. If the Supreme Court sides with President Trump and ends the program, the numbers of students at ELAC go down. Many students would struggle to pay for their education as well as being able to remain in the country. These recipients are required to follow strict guidelines in order to be eligible and maintain their DACA. The Supreme Court has until June to make this decision, which leaves undocumented students paranoid.

If DACA were to be ended by the Trump administration, the recipients will lose their deportation protection as well as help with their schooling. As seen on the news, the immigrant youth marched on the Supreme Court to defend the organization from being cut off by the Trump administration. Second-year student, Jose Puebla, is a DACA recipient, and he said that he feels unsure because he knows that his future is up for grabs, in a sense.. “I’m here, genuinely, just trying to go to school to pursue my career and the way it’s going for discussion just makes me feel uneasy,” Puebla said. Puebla added, “I’m hoping that does not become the case and hoping for things to work out,” he said about the possibility of the end of DACA. Many other undocumented students like Puebla feel uncomfortable, uneasy and unhappy about the Supreme Court appearing to be ready to let Trump end this program; as this would affect the futures of the students.

COURTESY OF ELAC TECHNICAL THEATRE INSTAGRAM

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!—Roman Avila at the Theater Department after winning the Wally Russell Lighting Internship for his work back stage on productions.

Theater student receives golden opportunity BY IRIDIANA MARTINEZ Staff Writer Internship recipient Roman Avila is currently working on the production of The Magic Flute at East Los Angeles College. The Magic Flute is a production that the Los Angeles Opera puts on around the fall. It is an original Los Angeles Opera production at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilio. Avila received the LA Opera Wally Russell Lighting Internship in August 2019. The internship is in memoriam of Wally Russell, who was the first technical director for the Los Angeles Opera. It offers its recipients first hand opera experience and opens the door for future work in art. Avila received the internship with the help of his mentor FrançoisPierre Couture, the production manager for ELAC’s theater productions. ELACs theater classes employ professional actors and directors to help students get into strong programs and prepare for future jobs in theatre.

There also comes opportunities to manage lighting sheets for the shows, people in the technical part of theater, edit plots and channel information such as the light, microphone, and on their lighting software and props crew. create and edit information on their A b o u t documents and Couture, Avila folders for their s a i d , “ H e ’s a shows. really great Lighting m e n t o r . H e “All this I don’t take for on opera and helped me out a shows granted. I don’t take it theater lot. I owe it to atmosphere and him for helping lightly, I’m very grateful sets the tone. set me up for Dim lights show for where I am now. life.” somberness and Since receiving I’m just happy that the b r i g h t l i g h t s his internship, ay show theater department at m Avila has already what’s critical worked on two in a scene. In ELAC put me in this productions, La a way, lighting situation. I’m very Boheme and helps convey the The Light in the message of the grateful for that.” Piazza. director. Av i l a s a i d Avila was not that LA Opera intimidated at ROMAN AVILA has kept him all when first ELAC Theater Student busy and has starting his taught him a lot internship, he about theater. felt confident in “I’ve been his work. more confident “François working on shows on my own,” recommended me for the job Avila said. because LA Opera was looking for His work on The Magic Flute lighting interns and I was the only consists of recording notes and one that got recommended in terms

of lighting.” Avilla said. The theater student didn’t always have a passion for theater lighting. He was originally enlisted in the military. When he became injured and his military career ended early, he then went to ELAC in hopes of finding a passion. LA Opera has made him feel proud,“With LA Opera I just see it as just an example that I can pretty much do anything, nothing is impossible,” he said. LA Opera has opened doors for Avila. He believes it’s his first steps to success. “If I choose to apply to UCs or any other theater arts programs, LA Opera said they would help me in anyway they can.” Avila’s internship contract is going to last until the end of June 2020 and he has expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received. “All this I don’t take for granted. I don’t take it lightly. I’m very grateful for where I am now. I’m just happy that the Theater Department at ELAC put me in this situation. I’m very grateful for that.” Avila said. Av i l a i s n o w w o r k i n g o n transferring to a four-year university in the fall of 2020. www.ELACCampusNews.com

ARTS

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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Play portrays modern tale of Adam, Eve

Not only do they deal with the aftermath, but dare to go on and attempt another pregnancy and the pain felt by the partner who birthed a stillborn.

BY KATHERINE ARAUJO Staff Writer “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” begins with Adam and Steve in a bold new retelling of the Bible. Topics such as religion, sexuality, relationships and Aids come to light in a society that hates change and values conformity above all else. The play premiered on Friday in the Proscenium Theater. The doors opened to a handful of people excited to visualize a gay modernized version of Adam and Eve, bringing something new to the campus. Director Vanessa Mizzone Pellegrini talked about how controversial the play may seem too many people and how “religion and the LGBTQ+ community can sometimes feel like they are at odds.” Adam and Steve meet lesbian couple Jane and Mable and become the first two homosexual couples in the world. They go through centuries of human history together where they simultaneously evolve and transform into a contemporary couple. Religion was the major motif in the play, appearing in several ways. For instance, Adam miraculously finds a small book that triggers

The actors of the play did a great job in demonstrating real life hardships that we usually not document.

CN/JONATHAN BERMUDEZ

LOVE AND DEATH — Steve (Left) played by Luis Velez comforts his husband Adam played by Justin Hong as he finds out Steve is dying. questions about their existence and who is the creator of all the world. Christianity plays a dominant role as the beginning act takes place within the Garden of Eden and deals with the aftermath of their expulsion from the garden and their attempts to reassert themselves and find a new purpose in this new land they

find themselves in. Sexuality also plays a great factor throughout the play and it is shown through the main characters and not only their love toward the same sex, but they are also open and willing to attempt interspecies sex. The audience got to view how natural it is to love someone of the

ELAC evolves music for students

Department ends year with multiple showcases BY JOHANNA RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer The East Los Angeles Music Department will be host a series of live musical events on-campus at the S2 Recital Hall during the holiday season. The events will feature student musicians from the ELAC Music Department and showcase the knowledge they have learned through the fall semester. A student recital will be held today at noon. Admission to the event is free. The ELAC Music Department will host a piano recital on Monday afternoon featuring piano students of ELAC music professor Lucy Nargizyan. The ELAC chamber chorale will host a Winter Choir Concert on Monday at 7:30 p.m. This event will be conducted by Professor Anthony Lupica, the ELAC’s Music Department chair.

The Music Department at ELAC helps students who seek to be professional musicians, music composers, performing artists and students who wish to pursue a degree in music. The event will feature classical music such as Requiem Op 48 by Gabriel Faure, Exultate Deo by A. Scarlatti, Lullaby and Ballade to the Moon by Daniel Elder. On Wednesday afternoon in the field, a final student recital will take place at noon. The ELAC symphonic band, conducted by music professor Jesus “Chuy” Martinez will host a

show at 8 p.m.on Dec 6. The ELAC jazz ensemble will host a show on December 11 at 8 p.m. The show will be conducted by ELAC’s musical director Robert “Bobby” Chavez. To end the fall school year, the ELAC orchestra will host a show conducted by clarinetist, Uriel Vanchestein-Lamoreaux. All student recital shows are free admission and parking is free in parking structure 4 on the intersection of W Floral Drive and Collegian Avenue. The Music Department at ELAC helps students who seek to be professional musicians, music composers, performing artists and students who wish to pursue a degree in music. For further information on recitals, future performances or programs inquiries, please contact the ELAC Music Department at 323-265-8894 or follow their instagram page at @ elacmusicdept.

same sex all the while experiencing the pure human nature of what it is like to love someone from the same sex, a feat that is not questioned twice in our heterostandard domesticity. Not only that, but how in an inverted world it would be heterosexuality seen as an outlier.

The actors of the play did a great job in demonstrating real life hardships that are usually not well documented. For example, the raw reality of people giving birth to still-borns, the pure emotion of what it is to endure the pain of having lost a life that was never fully developed.

Lastly, the cold harsh fact that sometimes medications do not work for everyone. The brutal hand of AIDS have spread entirely and is out of deathpreventing options. Laughter and gasps filled the theater and it ended in a standing ovation, letting the actors know the enjoyment for their performance. Pellegrini said that she is constantly looking for shows that students are interested in and students can see themselves in. The last day to watch this fabulous story play out will be on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. in the Prescenium Theatre P2.

Mr. Rogers hits ‘Beautiful Neighborhood’ BY RAYMOND NAVA Staff Writer “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is a biographical film that is loosely inspired by the 1998 Esquire article "Can You Say ... Hero?" by Tom Junod. It depicts a fictionalized version of Junod and his encounter with Fred Rogers, known on television as Mr. Rogers. The film stars Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers and Matthew Rhys as Lloyd Vogel, a character based on Junod. Taking place in 1998, the film follows Vogel as he is assigned to interview Rogers, the creator and star of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" for an article. wanting to find Rogers' attitude as an act, Vogel travels to Pittsburgh to interview him. He watches many of Rogers' interviews as well as episodes from the show but is unable to find anything. Vogel's attitude towards Rogers changes over the course of the film. While initially skeptical of Rogers' attitude and demeanor, Vogel eventually warms up to him and finally understands his appeal. Rogers even helps Vogel and gets him to finally confront his own personal issues, such as his estranged relationship with his father. While the plot line of the film is solid, there are a few things from

a production side that weren't, but some that were. The film starts off with a recreation of the opening from the show, with Hanks as Rogers singing the theme just like in the show. The movie plays almost like an episode from the show, with the plot line with Vogel being shown as if Rogers was telling it as a story in an episode. A quarter way through the film, Mr. McFeely, who was played by David Newell in real life and played by Daniel Krell, as Newell, in the film, stops by and delivers Rogers a video about how magazines are made and they both watch it. The magazine shown being made is the one Vogel works for. So while the beginning and middle make it feel like the movie is being told as an episode from the show, the ending ruins that immersion. Towards the end of the film ,Rogers starts to end the show just as how the real show ends. However, instead of just cutting to the credits after he finishes the ending song, it cuts to the studio as if they just finished the scene. It just felt distracting as the entire movie felt like an episode of the show and to have it cut to the studio after broke the immersion. I did feel that it was a nice touch to include archive footage of the real Fred Rogers during the end credits which is footage from the show of Rogers singing "You've

Got to Do It." Tom Hanks is by no means a bad actor, but he wasn't the perfect casting choice for the role of Rogers. Rogers was much thinner than Hanks and his voice had an almost metal robotic tone to it, while Hanks’voice in the film sounded like it had a fuzz to it. In a film like "Vice,” Christian Bale was cast perfectly as Dick Cheney and portrayal of him was almost uncanny. Hanks, on the other hand, doesn't really fit the look of Rogers. Hanks is, however, able to capture the spirit of Rogers. In one scene Vogel opens up to Rogers that he had gotten into a physical fight with his father a few days prior. Hanks perfectly capture Rogers’ demeanor and attitude when he asks Vogel to go more into the fight. It really made you feel as if it was really Rogers. Tom Hanks, despite my qualms, does manage to capture the spirt of Rogers that will bring back memories to any person who grew up watching the show. E v e n i f y o u d i d n ’t g r o w up watching the show, you can understand the impact he had on the lives of many people and why he is still cherished even 16 years after his passing. This film was a nostalgia trip worth taking and whether you’ve seen the show or not.

Students use techniques to dance BY MAYRA PEREYRA Staff Writer

CN/MAYRA PEREYRA

DANCE HAPPILY— 17 college students are raising their hands up, showing happiness on

their faces.

CN/MAYRA PEREYRA

SHAKE, SHAKE— Dancers are tapping their toes to one by one, smiling and showing emotion to what they are dancing.

The Let’s Dance Company (LDC) hosted a Celebration of Dance this weekend, at the Performing and Fine Arts Complex at East Los Angeles College. The idea for this concert was to highlight the diverse dance programming of the East Los Angeles College Dance Department. The choreography showcase an array of dance techniques totaling 10 unique premiere dances and an exceptional performance summing up the concert that featured dancers' innovative trends in dance choreography. The show begins with an upbeat performance that was fun and feature 19 dancers. All dancers dressed in velvet flowing costumes that were a variety of dark greens, burgundy, and black. The performance that followed ,,titled “210,” was a unique dance interpreting the narrative that featured a female voice reading her poem of heartbreak. The narrator spoke about evaluating a formula as to why her relationship with her partner did not work out and how she hopes to rekindle the love back at her apartment 210.

The diverse group of dancers with multicultured backgrounds took an enthusiatic approach to their performance. The performers with no emotional expressions on their faces. The dance was unlike any other performed that night. Following the second performance was “Best Mistake,” which featured a more soothing, peaceful and soft performance. The dancers seemed more relaxed wearing soft greys, blues and offwhite. Before the 15-minute intermission, the Let’s Dance Company introduced half of their dancers with a slideshow and announced holding auditions for those students interested on Dec 5, at 12:15 pm at the Performing and Fine Arts Complex S2-106 dance studio. The show continued with an all-female performance

titled “In Liberty.” Dancers performed wearing all red costumes, some with sequence displaying sharp firm choreography with two lead dancers Ruby Lugo Flores and Serenity Lopez. The performance followed with a dance titled “Between the Lines “with music by Cosmo Sheldrake, “Up Above “with music by Coldplay, Time with music by Pink Floyd and Benjamin Clementine, “Freedom” with music by Overtone and their final performance called “The Git” up featured music by Blanco Brown. The final performance was a country-style, twostep, ho-down, dip and sip, as the song says, type of dance. All dancers performed in denim bottoms, flannel shirts and handkerchiefs with huge similes on their faces. LDC’s performance encompassed what they work and rehearse so hard for their mission. The dancers displayed their passion, commitment and talent. The diverse group of dancers with multi-cultured backgrounds took an enthusiastic approach to their performance. Their bond and this memorable performance displayed their strong foundation and demonstrated persistent dedication.