ELAC CN Fall 2021

Volume 78, Issue 3 | www.elaccampusnews.com | Wednesday, September 29, 2021 | Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

Millions of dollars remain unused in current budget basically stating that they can’t get testing,”said board member Staff Writer Michelle Benjamin.

“Yes I can bring it forward to East Los Angeles College budget the EOC about expanding that time committee focused on the allocation because two days a week (of testing) of funds still available as is light to me part of the school’s annual as well,” V.P. budget. of Admin There is an estimated $28 Bringing in Services million remaining in the more custodians M y e s h i a budget that needs to be spent Armstrong or it will get sent back to the on staff, wi-fi said. state by the end of the year. upgrades in the Higher Wi t h t h e o n g o i n g Education pandemic continuing to quad area, and Emergency affect students educational Relief Fund the finalizing experience an emphasis was scholarships made on continuing to adjust of hybrid for students to these times. were brought classrooms were Bringing in more custodians on staff, wi-fi also topics that umpe ei nt i tnh ge upgrades in the quad area, were discussed. b y L a u r a and the finalizing of hybrid Ramirez, the classrooms were also topics chair of the that were discussed. committee, Adjustments include who asked having available on-campus when the testing for COVID-19 scholarships would be made beyond the two days out of the week due to conflicting schedules available after the scholarship received significant promotion of for staff members.

“I have received a number these scholarships.

“Students that are BOG (Board of different faculty members

BY RICARDO MARTIR

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

of Governors) eligible will receive $850 in funding per semester, and all nine schools in the district said that an additional 20 percent of HEERF will be set aside for additional student funding. The 20 percent will be identified through equity,” said Dr. Alberto J. Roman, president of ELAC. Board member Jefferey Hernandez also brought up accomplishments from the ELAC budget committee to be recognized.

He said, “This committee, our College, really leads the entire District as it relates to our commitment of the institutional portion given to students” The committee also recommended the use of survey data to inform HEERF priorities and allocating of funds.

“The committee has met its goal of providing more detailed information to ensure transparency and having the committee’s understanding of the budget,” Hernandez said.

The budget committee hopes to have more details regarding where the money will be spent as the semester goes along and in their next meeting on October 15.

LACCD, MasterCard help with student finance money management and how we have to take care of bank accounts Staff Writer from fraud,” Galvez said.

Students had the chance to sign up for the Angeleno Mastercard to receive COVID-19 financial All nine of the Los Angeles assistance.

Community Colleges gathered Students also had the chance together for a financial literacy fair to get $75 for getting vaccinated Friday. and up to $75 for a relative to get The event took place at Los vaccinated as well.

Angeles Trade Tech Community Hourly seminars were held in the College. All of the LACCD’s schools school booths. There was also fun were represented, activites during including East Los the event.

Angeles College.

“With all the L A C C D colleges being partnered with here, it also MasterCard provides exposure which included to students so they booths from all can learn about the nine schools. It other programs included free food, that are offered at beverages, raffles different colleges and a chance to that are not offered win items. This at the school that included a chance they are currently to see the Dodgers. attending,” The purpose Velaquez said. of the event was Seminars given to raise student at the event awareness about focused on giving how to deal with information on financial issues, skill building gain knowledge from experts to on how to receive better take control financial aid and o f a s t u d e n t ’s scholarships. financial stability.

Students also had This included the chance to learn using technology how to manage a to make payments ALEXANDER VELASQUEZ budget along with and even starting ELAC Student Service Aide building their their business. credit.

MasterCard, “As they the partner for transition from this event had their own booth to high school to college, they can help students learn more about really learn how to budget their the difference between debit cards, money, how to save and how to credit cards and prepaid cards. manage their spendings,” said “Cash is not the best or most Alexander Velasquez, ELAC’s secure way to manage your money.

Student Service Aide.

Technology is there to help you Velaquez said with more than be safer and more convenient 2,500 students registered it was to manage your money,” said a great turn out, given the short Mercedes Garcia, MasterCard’s amount of time planning.

Community Relations, Global Attending the event was Policy Affairs Vice President. encouraged for students in “If you don’t know how to and outside the community. manage your money then you will Transportation was available for go broke or spend more money than everyone from ELAC to LATTC you earn. You need to be smart and and back. understand that you have to budget, “What I want to gain from this not spend more of what you make, experience is to learn more about make good decisions, save and credit card stuff and financial aid,” invest when the time comes,” said said Angie Glavez, a student from Garcia.

Los Angeles Community College.

“I like that they taught us about

BY ERICA CORTES

“With all the colleges being here, it also provides exposure to students so they can learn about other programs that are not offered at the school that they are currently attending.”

News Briefs

LACCD UMOJA Mixer

CN/ERICA CORTES AND PAUL MEDINA

INFO, RAFFLE, FUN—Stefany Escamilla and Alexander Velasquez sit at a booth helping students, giving information, answering questions and providing a raffle ticket to win a prize.

UMOJA will be hosting a welcome mixer which will include prizes, games, a guest speaker, and promoting community building on Thursday at 2 p.m.

RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/WTNNHVM4w.

Huskies Connect

ELAC Career and Job Services is hosting a virtual employer meet and greet on Thursday from noon to 2 p.m.

Register at https://www.instagram.com/p/ CUJSFK3JnCy/?utm_medium=copy_link.

Advanced Parole Workshop

The Dream Resource Center and CARECEN are partnering up for advance parole informational workshop on Friday from noon to 1 p..m.

RSVP at https://bit.ly/3EMhdW9.

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Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

LAPD refuses to comply with new vaccine mandate

BY NATALIA ANGELES Staff Writer The Los Angeles Police Department not wanting to get vaccinated is embarrassing the city of Los Angeles.

The fact that they are using exemptions to avoid a vaccine that leaves may cause a temporary sore arm, is quite astonishing.

The LAPD must fire all unvaccinated officers, or else it can cause large damage to the city of Los Angeles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that, “99.5% of recent coronavirus deaths are of individuals who are unvaccinated.”

It is ironic to see that those who are supposed to serve and are putting those communities at risk with their refusal.

The LAPD likes to pick and choose when to use their freedomof-religion card.

How crazy is it that it is against their religion to get a vaccine, but not against their religion to take into custody thousands of teenagers due to stereotypes?

How religious is it to kill thousands of community members because of a corrupt system they work for?

The Los Angeles Department’s records say that about, “51% of LAPD officers are fully vaccinated.” That means that almost half are finding loopholes to run away from the vaccine. The most shocking, yet not surprising fact, is that those unvaccinated officers are the

same officers not practicing social distancing or masks mandates.

All of these officers are refusing to enforce the rules because it does not comply with their religious beliefs or respond with statements like “my body, my choice.”

Michel R. Moore, chief of police, says, “The department has recorded 66 infections and four hospitalizations in the past two weeks.”

Two weeks! How much more evidence and death does the LAPD have to endure in order for all officers to get vaccinated?

The officers who are anti-vax are harming the lives of many who are at high risks of COVID-19.

How can COVID-19 disappear, when the “heroes” of the city are not complying with the rules?

These anti-mask, anti-vax officers are great at using what a corrupt system has to offer. But can one really be surprised?

The LAPD has made it very clear that they do not really want to protect communities, especially communities of color.

The reality is that police officers are the disease in these communities.

Now, not only do they continue police brutality but they are literally bringing a disease to communities with little to no health insurance.

LAPD officers without an exemption are to be fully vaccinated by October 9, twelve days to be exact.

It is only a matter of time before we find out how the local government will accommodate these unvaxxed officers.

They will still be able to keep

EDITOR IN CHIEF Daniella Molina EDITOR INHayes CHIEF Zasha Daniella Molina Zasha Hayes MANAGING EDITOR Erica Cortes MANAGING EDITOR Erica Cortes FRONT EDITOR Annette Qiujada FRONT EDITOR Annette Qiujada OPINION EDITORS Teresa Acosta OPINION EDITORS Cynthia Solis Teresa Acosta CynthiaEDITORS Solis NEWS Jonathan Bermudez FEATURE EDITOR Alma Lizarraga Gabriela Gutierrez FEATURE EDITORS ARTS EDITORS Jonathan Bermudez Breanna Fierro Alma Lizarraga Alma Lizarraga ARTS EDITORS SPORTS EDITOR Breanna Fierro, Erica Cortes, Gabriela Gutierrez Ivana Amaral, Gabriela Gutierrez ONLINE EDITORS SPORTS EDITOR Grace Rodriguez Miguel Dominguez Raymond Nava

their job, whereas, in other areas of the workforce, being anti-vax will leave you without a job.

Sadly, that only happens to those who do not have a corrupt system.

CN/ TERESA ACOSTA

Immigration, vaccination go hand-in-hand In a way, if the U.S. allows immigrants to remain unvaccinated on the ground of religious beliefs, it would undo the progress Immigrants should be vac- made vaccinating Americans. cinated against COVID-19 as Think of it this way, for every a condition to enter the United new American getting vaccinated, States. adding an immigrant who gets The U.S. Citizenship and Immi- exempt from the vaccine would in gration Services announced that effect cancel the other out. immigrants seeking to enter the The religious exemption is by United States must be vaccinated far the biggest issue with this new starting October 1. However, guideline. the guidelines allow a religious For the same reason I opposed exemption from the vaccine.

East Los Angeles College’s vacThis exemption should not be cine exemption for religious allowed. Being vaccinated is very beliefs, policies like the College’s important right now, especially exemption for religious beliefs are when the U.S. already has issues detrimental to the with unvaccinated general public’s Americans. health.

Va c c i n a t i o n s I have more are crucial and opposition to this we cannot allow Think of it guideline because people to be unvacimmigrants don’t this way, for cinated no matter have to come to what.

America. every new When it comes The issue of to immigration, American getting immigrants seekrhetoric surrounding asylum is ing it can be very vaccinated, much harder given sensitive and toxic. the stakes of those adding an Talking about cases. any links between But when referimmigrant who immigrants and the ring to people who virus could harken gts exempt from come from a counback to former like Canada or the vaccin would try President Donald the United KingT r u m p ’s c o m they don’t in effect cancel dom, ments that illegal have to come here, immigrants were so I believe that the other out. bringing diseases if people in those to America. cases don’t want The difference to get the vachere is that these cine on the basis new guidelines of religious beliefs, then they apply to immigrants legally shouldn’t be let in. applying to immigrate to the People who have medical reaUnited States, but caution should sons for not being vaccinated have still be used. a genuine excuse.

The new guidelines mandate This guideline also will allow that any immigrant applying to a waiver for immigrants who hail reside legally in the United States from countries where the vaccine must be vaccinated. This require- isn’t widely available. ment isn’t new. Immigrants are These waivers would have to already required to be vaccinated come from the recommendation against other diseases. of the Centers for Disease ConImmigrants are allowed to trol and Prevention though there request exemptions on the isn’t any information on whether grounds of religious beliefs, these immigrants with the waivers which may cause issues. would then have to get the vaccine Allowing religious exemp- once they are in the country. tions does nothing to help fight Immigrants being required to the virus. be vaccinated against COVID-19 With the pandemic still ongo- is a no brainer. This view should ing, people need to get vacci- hopefully be shared by everyone. nated.

However, it’s clear that we One big difference between shouldn’t let people claim reliimmigrants not getting the vac- gious beliefs as a reason to avoid cine and Americans not getting getting vaccinated and the U.S. the vaccine, is that immigrants Citizenship and Immigration Serwould add more people to an vices should remove that exempalready large group of unvacci- tion immediately. nated people.

BY RAYMOND NAVA Staff Writer

CN/MAX MIRANDA

Serve, protect, get vaccinated mand, not just recruits.

I think it’s a fair consequence—if Staff Writer you’re not willing to receive a vaccine, but you’re eager to serve your country, then that makes no sense.

By December 15, all members COVID-19 has taken many lives of the U.S Army need to be fully and to not receive a vaccine to vaccinated, and I support it. protect more lives is disrespectful It should be mandatory at this to those who have passed. point for all members of service to Members of be fully vaccithe army can’t nated, whether say they don’t you’re a trust the vacmarine or in cine because the navy, or that would be Those who are in the even coast very hypocritguard.

Army and refuse the ical since they There is no swear under COVID-19 vaccine will viable reason oath to protect not to receive be reprimanded and and uphold the vacthe liberty of could potentally end cine unless their country. your religion There’s any career that they doesn’t allow the argument had with the army. it, but even that some are then, there doing it for are very few career opporreligions that tunities and deny vaccines. not actually to Those who fight for their are in the Army and refuse the country. Or that some do it for COVID-19 vaccine will be repri- school and free tuition. manded and could potentially end Even though these are all real any career that they had with the possibilities, that doesn’t change army. the fact they are all soldiers of the This goes for all levels of com- U.S Army.

BY JONATHAN BERMUDEZ

www.ELACCampusNews.com

They all go through the same basic training. They all wear the same uniform.

They all swore to protect and serve their country, and what better way than to get vaccinated.

If they are not fighting across the sea, then help combat the problems at home.

They need to set an example like the other military branches and show they are doing their part to make their country not lose any more lives to the disease.

According to the Stars and Stripes article,“Army issues mandatory virus vaccine schedule — activeduty soldiers by Dec. 15, Reserve and Guard troops by June 30.” by Caitlin Doornbos, a report from the Pentagon has shown that the Navy, Marines, and Air Force are all above 50% of fully vaccinated members.

So it shouldn’t be an issue for the Army to have the same numbers of fully vaccinated members by the deadline.

Hopefully, recruiters on the ELAC campus start talking about the vaccination deadlines with students, and will advocate for potential recruits to get fully vaccinated.

ONLINE EDITORS COPY GraceEDITORS Rodriguez Juan Calvillo Raymond Nava Luis Castilla Ivan Cazares COPY EDITORS Juan Calvillo STAFF LuisWRITERS Castilla Leonardo Cervantes Ivan Cazares Melisa Valenzuela Ivana Amaral STAFF WRITERS Leonardo Cervantes PHOTOGRAPHERS Melisa Valenzuela Paul Medina Natalia PHOTO Angeles EDITORS Paul Medina ART DIRECTOR Natalia Angeles Steven Adamo ART DIRECTOR SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Steven Adamo Brenda De La Cruz SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR CARTOONIST Brenda De La Cruz Max Miranda CARTOONIST ADVERTISING Max Miranda Stefanie De la Torre ADVERTISING ADVISER Stefanie De la Torre Jean Stapleton ADVISERS 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.

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

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

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

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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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News

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

One Zone program promises students safe space The program will officially launch next year, but is still providing Staff Writer limited resources.

More information can be found East Los Angeles College on the programs Instagram @ offers specialized services for umujoaelac.

Student athletes can access students ranging from athletes, u n d o c u m e n t e d t o L G B T Q + services through the Husky Athlete Support Center, located in C2-124B students.

ELAC’s One Zone, run by in the bungalow area.

Athletes can find support on food, coordinator and student services assistant Corena Lynn Wood, financial aid and learning about selfadvocacy. has various All students programs under “It’s really, really can attend the its umbrella.

One Zone held a important that people f i n a n c i a l a i d but mixer for these know that even if it’s a workshops, they are made student service programs small team you’re on, with athletes in mind. Alouette highlighting the you’re still an athlete, C e r v a n t e s benefits in each area. and still a student, and S a l a z a r , coordinator Wo o d s a i d still a human being.” for the Husky the LGBTQ+ Athlete Support Center is new ALLOUETTE CERVANTES-SALAZAR Center, said all on campus. coordinator for the Husky Athlete student athletes The pandemic Support Center were welcome. put a halt to “ I t ’s r e a l l y, t h e c e n t e r ’s really important that people know opening, but they made it online.

Students will be able to use the that even if it’s a small team that center as a safe space. The center you are on, you’re still an athlete, has books for students to look and you’re still a student and you’re through as well. It is located in still a human being. We’re going to be here to support you,” Cervantesclassroom F5-204.

G o l d e n S h e a r d , p r o g r a m Salazar said.

Justine Miranda, scholar coordinator for the UMOJA Program at ELAC, said “Umoja” ambassador at the Dream Resource is a Swahili word for unity and is Center, said the center provides a used in terms of community for the safe area for all students, but focuses on the undocumented. program.

The focus is on providing The program’s goal is to increase the feeling of community among immigration services to ELAC black African-American students students.

The Central American Resource and the other students at ELAC. The program will provide academic C e n t e r, C A R E C E N , w o r k s and student support with book and alongside the DRC when it comes to providing students with legal computer loans.

T h e r e w i l l b e a f o c u s o n advice.

Students can also find help in transferable classes like math and english classes for black students. filling out financial aid, getting in

BY JUAN CAVILLO

touch with counselors and other services.

“Coming up on Oct. 1 the Dream Act application is going to be open.

So students are welcome to reach out to us so that we can help them to complete their application,” Miranda said.

Students can use the live chat from 9am to noon on https://www. elac.edu/Student-Services/DreamResource-Centers/DRC-Services.

They can also email the DRC at dreamresourcecenter@elac.edu.

The Education Justice Scholars program launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elizandro Umana is the coordinator for the program. The program works specifically with formerly incarcerated ELAC students and is focused on making sure they feel supported returning to a learning institution.

This is done through case management for each student. The program has a strong partnership with Homeboy Industries which gives it support for the students.

Homeboy Industries is an organization that helps rehabilitate former gang members and give them employment or substance abuse rehabilitation.

For more information, email the Education Justice Scholars at educationjustice@elac.edu.

Student services, and the help the department has is, important for students to understand.

Miguel Duenas, vice president of student services, said students need to be informed about the things that are available to them.

“It is important to have that understanding. Understand how to support our students, how to support each other and embrace each other and uplift us as a community,” Duenas said.

3

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

UMOJA hosts scholarship workshops One resource she shared is a list of current scholarships through the Staff Writer Student Information System portal.

Once logged in, if students click the “Scholarships” link, it compiles In keeping with the “Umoja spirit,” The East Los Angeles all the available scholarship based C o l l e g e U m o j a C o m m u n i t y on their student record.

ELAC also has some scholarships hosted two scholarship workshops available through its foundation site Thursday on Zoom.

The Umoja Community is a global (https://elacfoundation.com/).

However, group of educators students enrolled in who work together college have access in order to inspire to other county, and uplift students of state and national African descent. scholarships “Placing yourself offered by in the student’s shoes organizations, instead of just saying people and “because I said so,” corporations. said Golden Sheard One link Sheard from ELAC Umoja shared is from the and host of the event. .’”

Mexican-American Sheard’s goal is Legal Defense and helping students Educational Fund GOLDEN SHEARD understand that the (www.maldef.org).

LACP Success coach fo global community they student services Though the are a part of begins on deadlines for many the inside. of the scholarships “Doing the best that you can so that you can then that MALDEF offers have passed, work in service to others,” Sheard Sheard recommends saving the dates said. “So often, people think so that the student can prepare for Blackness, African-American, in the same scholarship the following Africa,” Sheard said, “but really the year if it’s offered.

One of the most important aspects diaspora spans globally. There’s a of filling out scholarships is the lot more focus on the Afro-Latinx thesis statement, or a “prompt.” populations these days and goes to Sheard emphasized the show how deeply entrenched the importance of going a little beyond bloodlines are.”

T h r o u g h e v e n t s l i k e t h e the minimum word count, and to Scholarship Workshop, Sheard avoid going over the limit.

There are plenty of online shares resources for students looking to help pay for the cost of resources for writing a good statement, one of which is a thesis an education. generator from the University of

BY STEVEN ADAMO

“Put yourself in the student’s shoes instead of just saying “because I said so

Arizona (https://awc.ashford.edu/ thesis-generator).

ELAC’s Umoja Community currently has a space on campus for one-on-one meetings.

As more ELAC staff and students get involved with the ELAC Umoja Community, Sheard is hoping to start hosting “Porch Talks,” regular informal meetings where group conversation is encouraged.

Though many applications have requirements that go beyond what the student has earned, Sheard recommends applying regardless.

Sometimes, scholarships are awarded to students who don’t meet the requirements if no other student applied. As Sheard’s mother used to tell her: “nothing beats a fail but a try.”

One of the students who participated in the scholarship workshop, Rosa Dominguez, is also a part of a program called LA College Promise, a state-funded program which helps fund the first two years of the student’s college experience. Some of the assistance that LA College Promise provides is emergency assistance, which can help pay for issues that might arise during the semester such as car trouble. For more information, visit http://lacollegepromise.org.

To learn more about the Umoja Community and to get involved, this Thursday at 2 p.m., all Umoja Communities from the Los Angeles Community College District will host a virtual mixer on Zoom.

The mixer will feature a guest speaker, games, prizes and a focus on community building. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ WTNNHVM4

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

4

‘Sex Education’ storyline intensifies for well known characters ALMA LIZARRAGA Staff Writer Netflix’s popular British drama “Sex Education” dropped it’s third season leaving too many storylines left hanging.

The show had many plot lines to pick up from the previous season, with many new side characters woven into important roles.

Audiences get to see their favorite characters come back with furtherdeveloped and fresher storylines.

Main character Otis begins having overcome his troubles with sex by developing a casual relationship with Ruby, who becomes a highlight of the season with the writers giving her more screentime and depth.

As Otis and Ruby’s relationship unfolds, Otis and Maeve’s willthey-won’t-they relationship once again takes a back seat as Maeve begins a relationship with Isaac, who is in a morally grey area after sabotaging Otis.

It is frustrating to watch the former sex clinic co-founders as they are kept as far away as possible for half of the season with only little moments between them. Otis and Maeve have worn out their tension, especially when they show promise in relationships with other people.

Eric and Adam’s relationship continues to develop as Adam starts working on becoming more comfortable with his sexuality.

Eric becomes increasingly

annoyed by Adam who strives to improve himself and though their relationship seemingly overcomes various hurdles, it is evident it is falling apart, culminating with Eric cheating on Adam and proceeding to dump him.

Aimee’s sexual assault was a darker but important issue that brought her optimistic character to confront her trauma this season.

She shares some insightful talks with Otis’ mother, Jean, who is a sex therapist that helps her process what happened. Her relationship with her boyfriend deteriorates, but ends up giving more perspective on how her need to please people can negatively affect her and those around her.

Most of the relationships from season two fall apart, which leaves a bad taste from the fallout. Issues are left unresolved and it is not clear where the characters are heading.

The sex clinic has been shown to have had lasting effects on the characters, but mostly is left in the back of their minds as characters seem to grow away from it.

It would have been more impactful if that was shown, but instead it seems like their attention is just away from it.

The underlying theme of the show is sex and teenager’s relationship with it.

A lot of issues are tackled this season, being non-binary, sexual assualt, sex as a disabled person, sexuality and sex without emotional connection.

All of these are done well and have depth to them, but tend to get lost in the teenage melodrama.

The season presents these issues for just a bit and mostly in exposition from characters.

Cal doesn’t purposely go against Haddon and tries to compromise and adhere to the policies, which makes it more awful to see how affected they are by the changes.

They develop a rapport with Jackson, who comes into his own away from his relationship with Maeve.

Together they become the driving force pushing back against Haddon while the other students are preoccupied with their own issues.

Though headmistress Haddon is purposely supposed to be an awful and authoritarian figure, it is frustrating to watch and feels overthe-top at times.

She is cartoonishly evil, and the reason for her actions are her troubles with getting pregnant which Otis sympathizes with.

She comes across as an egomaniac control freak, her actions don’t make any sense and she takes up way too much time being evil for the sake of being evil.

Her purpose is supposed to be cleaning up Moordale after the previous controversy resulting in the firing of headmaster Gross.

She instead makes it worse, obviously meant to imply the disconnect between school boards and their understanding of the

COURTESY OF IMDB

FLASHING LIGHTS—Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) surrounded by city lights in Nicaragua. handling of teenagers’ sexual needs, but it is hammered on and makes everyone look dumb for it.

Various other plotlines take place this season, a redemption arc for headmaster Groff, Jean getting pregnant in her middle age and committing to her ex-boyfriend, Otis and his ex-girlfriend become step-

siblings and many other storylines that overstimulate this season.

Most are handled well enough to have people finish the season but leave no lasting impact and don’t really come together except having sex in there somewhere.

The ending of this season has Otis and Maeve get together the last few

episodes, hardly seeing them as a couple and Maeve deciding to leave to study abroad the last five minutes of the last episode.

Most of the relationships are left without closure, it is unknown if Maeve has exited the show and nobody seems to have any idea what is happening with the sex clinic.

Star Wars universe delivers new animated series

BY ALMA LIZARRAGA Staff Writer

COURTESY OF IMDB

FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION—Players are given directions in how to follow the rules of the game.

South Korea releases bloodbath-infused thriller show

BY GABRIELA GUTIERREZ Staff Writer

For anyone in search of a bingeworthy, psychological thriller, Netflix’s release of the nine-episode series “Squid Game” is the perfect choice. Fair warning, this South Korean-based show is not for the faint of heart.

Simply put, “Squid Game” is a survival game show with a dark twist. The result is a bloodbath.

The first episode does little to sugar-coat the way humans constantly betray one another, especially for money.

The main character, Seong Gi-hun played by Lee Jung-jae finds himself stuck in a life of debt.

He is an alcoholic who gambles on everything he owns, even if it costs him the luxury of buying his daughter a gift for her birthday.

Gi-hun is in the subway one night when a man wearing a suit approaches him. The nameless man asks Gi-hun to play a game that involves Gi-hun getting his face punched, but also the chance to win 10 thousand Korean won. (Korean won is the name of the currency used in South Korea, North Korea and old Korea.)

Gi-hun wins and the man gives him a card with three shapes stamped on one side and a number to call on the other.

The phone number comes with the opportunity for Gi-hun to make more money. He goes home intrigued, but he is unsure of

whether he should call the number.

Gi-hun eventually calls to accept and is put to sleep to help keep the host and his followers anonymous.

When Gi-hun wakes up he finds himself in a room with the other players. They realize soldiers in red jumpsuits who are wearing masks surround them.

The host of the game is unknown to the players and the audience for most of the show.

A man called the front man takes orders from the host and remains anonymous as well by hiding behind a black mask and a voice-changing apparatus.

Before the game begins, all players are asked to sign a contract where they agree to follow the game’s three simple rules: players must continue to play until the game is finished, players who refuse to play will be eliminated and the game can stop if, and only if, most of the players agree to do so.

The players all agree to the three rules and begin the first game of six.

Like any other game, players who win move forward and those who lose are left behind. ( Spoiler alert.) The catch? Players who lose also lose their lives.

It is not until after the first game is completed, and after the players understand the awful nature of the game, that they decide they do not want to continue.

However, once they find out the prize money is 45.6 billion won, things get complicated.

What director Hwang Dong-hyuk does beautifully with “Squid Game” is highlight the essence of human

nature, especially when faced with adversity.

H o w e v e r, D o n g - h y u k i s unapologetic and displays human nature in much more complex ways that will have the audience gasping in disbelief.

Dong-hyuk places the characters in situations where they must choose between life and death.

Such pivotal moments reveal surprising character developments that will have the audience re-evaluating the images and expectations they have of certain characters.

The soundtrack by Jung Jaeil is strange at first, but adds to Donghyuk’s attention to detail. It has an old film feel which represents the dark humor throughout the show.

What makes this show all-themore watchable is its impeccable cinematography.

Filmed in 4k, the image is crisp, clear and perfectly executed.

The show which is based in South Korea showcases South Korean actors.

The original language is Korean, but it can be watched in English or with English subtitles.

Viewers who enjoy intense gore in films and shows will not want to miss out on “Squid Game.”

The show has become increasingly popular in the entertainment industry with pop-up set replicas in Seoul, South Korea to fans re-creating the games that were played.

“Squid Game” was released on Netflix Sep. 17 and is still streaming now. It is currently in Netflix’s Top 10 as number one.

“Star Wars: Visions” is an anthology anime series taking place in the Star Wars universe that offers a refreshing take on the franchise.

The series consists of nine episodes, each by a different director and animated by various well known anime studios.

These studios have created popular anime such as “Darling in the Franxx” by Studio Trigger and “Ghost in the Shell” by Production I.G. Voices for the English dub include famed actors Neil Patrick Harris, Alison Brie, Joseph GordonLewitt and Boba Fett actor Temuera Morrison reprising his role.

The voice acting in this series is very well done, especially in energetic fight scenes.

Due to the very different tones in the show per episode, you could enjoy a desperate rock ballad by Gordon-Lewitt, followed by an angry performance by Brie playing dark side user Am the following one.

Binge watching the show can be over-stimulating due to how energetic and colorful every episode is, but there is such a wide range of directing styles, that viewers will walk away with a favorite episode almost certainly.

Each episode follows a very

different art style and though some are more cartoonish than others, the animation is beautiful in every single one. There is a lightsaber in every single episode and the various interpretations of the fighting style of Sith and Jedi’s are very entertaining.

Fights were handled in various ways, with some being more intense and cunning while others were explosive and flashy. They went with the tones of the story well enough that it worked having so many differing types of combat.

Due to having so many characters and little time to develop them, many of the characters easily fade into the back of your mind and it can be hard to remember which character went with what story.

There were some that stuck out due to originality like T0-B1, an Astro Boy-like droid who becomes a Jedi.

Others were fun to watch such as the dark side twins Am and Karre who’s designs stuck out even among this cast of characters.

The storylines were mostly okay with some standing out as excellent.

The first episode of the show had the most gritty, somber animation out of the entire nine, with an amazing animated showdown.

The episode’s plot twist added something original to Star Wars media, as the lone hero was revealed to be a travelling Sith.

This experimental nature served well to refresh Star Wars as it has been project after project with the franchise.

Traditional Star Wars fans may not be easily impressed with the liberties, as sometimes it merely name drops known lore, such as The First Order and famous planet Tatooine without it having too much importance.

Force powers are flexible as well, with many presenting visions and force ghosts in their own way.

Scenes like characters breathing in outer space might further disconnect traditional fans, but should not be taken seriously as the show is non-canon to the franchise and the whole show is supposed to be experimental.

It can be obvious that the director’s didn’t consult each other as some episodes can follow a similar structure. The episodes take place in vastly different timelines in Star Wars which can be a bit confusing to follow.

The standout episode of the season was episode five’s The Ninth Jedi which has the set up to be its own series, with amazing fights, twists and music.

Overall “Star Wars: Visions’’ is an enjoyable, high product project for Star Wars fans which leaves more room in the future for stories outside of the “Skywalker Saga”.

COURTESY OF DISNEY PLUS

MASTER AND STUDENT—Dan Padawan (Left) with his master Tajin as they investigate a

planet with evil energies.

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Arts 5 Rihanna’s ‘Savage X Fenty Vol. 3’ redefines sexy

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

anticipated fashion experience continues to challenge tradition Staff Writer and redefine sexy.”

The show took place at the Rihanna’s third installment to Westin Bonaventure Hotel and her lingerie brand, Savage x Fenty Suites in Downtown Los Angeles. made it so every viewer will want Everyone to purchase seemed to be each piece present for the of intimate showing. Some apparel.

“Now in it’s third of the guests In her first consecutive year, included: Gigi installment, the highly anticipated H a d i d , E m i l y volume 1 of Ratajkowski, the Savage x fashion experience Lourdes Leon, Fenty show continues to challenge V a n e s s a that premiered Hudgens, Cindy in 2018, it tradition and Crawford, and was evident redefine sexy” Rihanna. that she was Rihanna was AMAZON PRIME going to seen wearing revolutionize a gorgeous the catwalk. red snakeskin S h e bodysuit over a beautiful lacy incorporated adventurous black bra. Crawford wore a halter set design, live music, and slip dress with a high slit, and choreography, which aided Hadid wore a robe and panties. in her providing an authentic, Not only was the lingerie showwhole sensory experience for her stopping, but so was the musical audience. line-up. Rihanna did not or limit A statement from Amazon the genres of music that would be Prime video regarding the fashion featured in her show. show said, “Now in its third Performers include Normani, consecutive year, the highly

BY CYNTHIA SOLIS

COURTESY OF IMDB

Ricky Martin, Nas, and Daddy Yankee.

Although it seemed that everyone was there, her boyfriend A$AP Rocky never made an appearance.

That being said, he was in attendance cheering his love on. Rihanna said, “Listen, he’s proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and all of my designs,” when asked on the red carpet premiere of her show.

Something that stayed the same since volume 1 is the idea that being sexy isn’t exclusive to one body type This is in contrast to shows like the Victoria Secret Fashion Show where all the models are a size 00.

The show’s theme is “baddie energy.”Someone who is a baddie is confident and very attractive. They usually have selfrespect, are independent, and are successful in life.

Rihanna’s goal was to evoke this feeling by using “strong lines that trace contours of the body and unconventional silhouettes that push the boundaries of individuality to bring out the baddie in everybody.”

The “baddie energy”has become very trendy on social media platforms. Although it is hard to pinpoint exactly where this originated. it was first memorably seen in the summer of 2016, with Kylie Jenner brandishing her aesthetic style.

After teasing her followers for weeks regarding her lingerie extravaganza. It indeed left fans in awe when the show finally took place. Her inclusivity is second to none, and her sizes range from 32A to 42H/46DDD for bras and 3XS- 3XL for underwear and sleepwear.

Compared to other brands and catwalks, Savage x Fenty produces the best quality lingerie and accessories while being incredibly inclusive. The show focuses oncreating the most entertaining fashion show to hit society’s televisions in years.

The show is available through Amazon Prime. To purchase any of the pieces, shop at www. savagex.com, or through the Amazon Fashion Shop.

Intense retreat in ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’

BY ERICA CORTES Staff Writer Hulu’s original series “Nine Perfect Strangers” is a mustwatch intense drama.

This new series is about nine people going on a retreat to get help for the mental and traumatic experiences they all suffer from.

As the season progresses they receive more of each characters background is revealed through stories from all the guests.

Some guests like Frances Welty played by Emmy award winner Melissa McCarthy are dealing with losing a book deal and her self esteem due to a catfish scam.

Other guests like Zoe, Napoleon and Heather Marconi, played by Grace Van Patten, Michael Shannon and Asher Keddie, are there to heal themselves from trauma they have experienced.

This trauma comes from a fourth family member Zach, played by Hal Cumpston, commiting suicide.

One guest is Tony Hogburn, played by Bobby Cannavale, who deals with drug abuse addiction due to having his football career end after an injury.

There are also married guests, Ben and Jessica Chandler played by Melvin Gregg and Samara Weaving.

The couple is having marital issues and is hoping this facility helps them build back their relationship.

The last two guests are Lars Lee played by Luke Evans, who is a gay journalism whom is deadling with the breakup with his partner for choosing not give him a child.

Lastly is Carmel Schnider, played by Regina Hall, who is on the verge of a breakdown due to her husband leaving her for someone younger.

All guests deal with their traumas and insecurities in a health wellness center called “Tranquility House.”

The center is run by Masha Dmitrichenko, played by Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman.

The guests have strict rules they need to follow, which include scheduled meals and required outdoor activities to help them build a better version of themselves.

What becomes apparent is that the wellness center is not as honest and open about their protocols to their guests and Kidman’s character has more of a dark past than she

presents.

Kidman, gives a fantastic performance as Masha giving her the qualities of boarler line health guru and psychotic Russian.

The rest of the guests also do a fantastic job performing authentic vulnerability and raw emotion, bringing their characters to life.

The setting takes place on a countryside where there is a beautiful field and a forest with a lake in it to give the center a peaceful ambiance.

Although the setting is peaceful, there is an intensity throughout the series. The background of the show often gives viewers a chance to feel inner torment of the characters, whether they were experiencing flashbacks, being on psychedelics, or dealing with their mental pain.

This show is a must-see with caution that curve balls are a part of the story. As the show progresses so does the intensity leaving fans wanting more after every episode. It was a hard show to stop binge watching.

All eight episodes of “Nine Perfect Strangers” can be streamed on Hulu and are rated TV-MA.

EARTH DAY—Michael Shannon, Asher Keddie, Luke Evans, Regina Hall, and Grace Van Patten in Episode called Earth Day

COURTESY OF IMDB

ALEX & MAXI BAIER— At a event in Netflix’s “Je Suis Karl”

COURTESY OF IMDB

‘Je Suis Karl’ centers on anti-government

BY LEONARDO CERVANTES Staff Writer Netflix’s “JE SUIS KARL” is a German drama political film centered around an antigovernment movement.

The film was directed by Christian Schwochow and stars Luna Wedler as Maxi Baier, and Jannis Niewöhner as Karl.

The press were harassing Maxi to the point she had to evade them. At one point, Karl came and offered his coat to Maxi so she wouldn’t be as recognizable and could get home with the least amount of attention as possible.

The film begins with older couple Alex Baier, played by Milan Peschel, and Ines Baier, played by Melanie Fouche, going to meet with a Libyan refugee called Yusuf.

The couple successfully smuggles Yusuf into Germany and they celebrate together.

A two-year time skip happens and the Baier family are all together at their apartment.

The family was gathering traditionally and everybody has having a good time as kids play around the house.

Alex suddenly decides to head downstairs to buy some groceries. Soon after he exits the building, a loud explosion is heard that knocks him down to the ground leaving him with multiple injuries.

Cars were destroyed, animals were killed and at least 10 people died from the explosion. The place he once

called home is now a giant hole.

Alex suspected that the person that delivered him a box might have planted a bomb but he was unable to identify the deliverer.

Maxi was his only family member to survive because she wasn’t home during the explosion.

The way Maxi and Karl met was a bit tacky and too coincidental. She was an extremely cautious person and although Karl did help her hide from the media it felt too sudden for her to be trusting a stranger.

One could say that perhaps she felt lonely and needed to vent to somebody but they instantly bonded and began talking.

Karl invited Maxi to attend a Prague summer academy that he organized with his group called “Re/Generation.”

The plot twist of the film was when Maxi decided to join the Fascist group called “Re/Generation,” that she saw online. Karl happened to be one of the leaders of the group.

He was the one that organized and executed the Berlin attack. She never knew the details but even so decided to attend and speak at his conventions.

A sudden shift happened with Maxi’s attitude during this time and she was all in on the group.

She remembers a time when her mother said “Break one

rule every day otherwise that day hasn’t been lived,” and she seemed to take that quote to heart.

The explosion was big news around the city and groups of people were either annoying Maxi or questioning her about what happened.

The music was severely lacking in this film. Since it’s a suspenseful film you would expect some eerie instrumentals or music, but it was rather lackluster and not engaging enough.

They played some instrumentals and some rap songs but neither were really good or went with the theme of the film.

The setting was always dark and gloomy which goes well with the film. Maxi’s acting was good, especially compared to the rest of the cast as they all felt too robotic.

Maxi had many emotional scenes and you could see the emotion on her face. Maxi was energetic and her emotions felt authentic.

Maxi abruptly travels to Prague with a stranger without telling her father any details.

Maxi befriends Karl and the rest of the group and they begin telling each other details of why they joined the group.

Overall the film was promising but the delivery felt as if it was missing a lot. The premise of the film was better than the way it was actually executed.

Every scene felt like it was rushed and everybody was moving too fast. www.ELACCampusNews.com

6

Features

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 , 2021

ELAC alumni poster children for success

BY PAUL MEDINA Staff Writer East Los Angeles College alumni have gone on to fill in the ranks of many jobs, careers and posts.

While ELAC takes pride in serving as an institution that prepares leaders for local leadership, it would not be possible without the student’s willingness and dedication to their education. Alumni who have used ELAC as a stepping-stone have gone on to make major changes both locally and nationwide.

East Los Angeles is recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution.

ELAC has a great number of students with a Hispanic background, who have made notable changes in America's social fabric.

ELAC graduates have gone on to fill notable Hispanic roles in the fields of politics, business and academia among others.

Among the many notable Hispanic alumni to set foot at ELAC is Julian Nava, East Los Angeles Native and graduate from Roosevelt High school.

Nava had the distinction of serving as the first Mexican American U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and first Mexican American elected to the Los Angeles Unified School Board District. Nava would go on to become one of the first

CN/ PAUL MEDINA

STRVE FOR SUCCESS—East Los Angeles College is an institution that educates a large Hispanic base in the region.

Mexican Americans to graduate from Harvard University.

More recently other distinguished alumni have become trailblazers.

Rosario Marin was thrusted into the spotlight in 2001 when President George W. Bush appointed her to

the post of Treasurer of the United States. A cabinet position that Marin held for two years.

Boyle Heights resident Antonio Villaraigosa, already having made history for being elected as Assembly speaker in 1998, went on

to be elected Mayor of Los Angeles in 2005.

He became the first Hispanic mayor since 1872. Villaraigoisa transferred from ELAC to UCLA and received a history degree.

In 2018 he became a California

gubernatorial candidate where he language television network, was placed third. co-founded by ELAC alumnus Frank Another notable Alum, Art Cruz. “East Los Angeles College Torres, serves as the current Vice gave me the foundation without Chair of the Governing Board of the which I would not have succeeded,” California Institute for Regenerative said Cruz on the website of the Medicine.

California Community Colleges.

His prior roles include serving as Edward James Olmos, a famous the longest chair in history for the Latino in Hollywood movies such California Democratic Party with as “Selena,” “American Me” 13 years. and “Stand To r r e s a l s o and Deliver” served as an also attended ELAC graduates have ELAC. Olmos Assembly member, State gone on to fill top ranks t o o k a c t i n g senator and classes before of Hispanic heritage is currently transferring to a University State figures in notable roles California of California University Los Board of Regent in the fields of politics, A n g e l e s , h i s member. website states.

A c c o r d i n g business and academia A n t o n i a to an ELAC Hernandez, among others. website profile, President and To r r e s w a s Chief Executive grateful for his Officer of the teachers at ELAC and is quoted California Community Foundation, as saying “My favorite memory of began her college studies at East Los ELAC are the teachers, especially Angeles College before transferring Dr. Helen Miller Bailey, who really to UCLA where she received her mentored my interests and the Dean Bachelor's Degree in 1970 and of Students Evelyn Field, who was earned a Law Degree in 1974. my mentor to UC Santa Cruz.”

Hernandez would go on to become ELAC has been a stepping stone President and General Counsel to those who have made changes in of the Mexican American Legal the private sector, Hollywood and Defense and Educational Fund non-profit world.

(MALDEF) in 1985.

Univision, a major Spanish

Sports Huskie football shows potential for new season

BY MIGUEL DOMINGUEZ Staff Writer

CN/ TERESA ACOSTA

HUSKIES PLUNGE—ELAC women’s waterpolo team plays during the Golden West College tournament in Huntington Beach.

Huskies’ waterpolo team struggles to even the score

BY TERESA ACOSTA Staff Writer During the second game of the Golden West College tournament the Huskies lost 18-3.

The East Los Angeles College women’s water polo team struggled to stay afloat, scoring in only two of the four quarters on Saturday. They currently are 0-5 in the league.

In the third game of the season, ELAC Huskies played like an underdeveloped team of newbies.

Much of this is the result of a delayed return to practices and more than a few newcomers to the sport.

The team started the season at least two months behind other schools because of construction and back-ordered materials.

The start of the game held hope of a victory as ELAC scored a goal in the first three minutes, followed closely by a second goal.

Unfortunately, they would not www.ELACCampusNews.com

score again until a third quarter when the third and final goal was scored.

The start of the game held hope of a victory as ELAC scored a goal in the first three minutes, followed closely by a second goal. Unfortunately, they would not score again until the third quarter when the third and final goal was scored.

The coaches seemed frustrated often having to remind the players where they should be or how they should be playing.

The Golden West Rustlers

played like a more experienced team.

There was just a noticeable difference in the way they moved around the court.

This game was the second of three games played and lost in the tournament at Golden West.

The first game was against Riverside where the Huskies took a 19-3 loss and the last game was against Rio Hondo ending in a 14-0 loss.

Since this is the very beginning of the season, there is still time for the team to improve.

More focus should be paid to communication skills and to better understand the part each player plays during competition.

Students can go and support the Huskies. Many of the away water polo games are played outdoors.

Currently, the home games are played indoors and ELAC is not allowing fans to attend these games. The next game will be in Long Beach, today at 3 p.m. and will also be broadcasted on http://www.sportsnetusa.net.

The East Los Angeles College football team is currently ranked 23rd in the California Community College Sports Information Association rankings. The ELAC Huskies have a record of two wins and two losses in the season.

The Huskies have scored a total of 154 points in four games and are ranked fourth in this category.The Huskies are ranked fifth on offense, with a total of 1531 yards in four games. College of the Canyons are ranked number one, with a total of 1926 yards.

Freshman running back Jaden Mason, leads the team with six rushing touchdowns and is ranked second in the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) ranks.

Freshman wide receiver Guy McCarthy and Sophomore wide receivers Khadeem Richards and Tyson Schilling lead the team with three receiving touchdowns each.

Richards also has an 89-yard kick return touchdown.

The Huskies are using two quarterbacks this season.

Sophomore quarterbacks Rudy Garcia and Trashawn McMillan have played all four games.

They both have a combined 10 passing touchdowns.

Combined the two quarterbacks have a total of 917 passing yards.

“Rudy has good attributes; throws the ball well, runs the ball well.

Trashawn is a great athlete but can also throw the football. They both have similar attributes. All in all, they are just two good football players,” Head Coach/ Athletic Director Bobby Godinez said.

The defense allowed 15 points in their first two winning games of the season and outscored the teams with 112 points. “We have a good amount of talent, a great defense of front and some good coaches to solidify everything,” Godinez said.

The Huskies have an average of 20.5 rushing yards per game allowed and have an average of 161.3 passing yards per game allowed and are second in the SCFA ranks. Freshman linebacker Jonathan Perkins leads the team with 14 tackles, 10 tackle assists and four sacks.

Sophomore defensive end Chace Davis said “ He (Godinez) puts us in positions to play to our strengths and do what we have to do to make plays”.

Godinez is entering his sixth year of being part of this team. In the six years at ELAC “I think it’s the best all-around team,” Godinez said.

The Huskies have multiple players who have scholarship offers.

“It’s something that we have done a good job here. Just between our staff and players and making sure we take care of business, so that they (players) do what they came

for, which is get a scholarship,” said Godinez.

Sophomore quarterback Rudy Garcia said he has a couple of scholarship offers but would like to go to his dream school “Arizona State University.”

For Davis “I’m trying to get back to the division I level. That’s my main goal,” said Davis.

Davis said he wants to return to the level he used to play at.“I want to win games. I want to do something great with this team and achieve some good things with the team,” Davis said.

The Husky football team is currently working out outside rather than inside like they normally do, Due to COVID-19 and the number of players they have on the team, they are working out in the stadium where they practice and play their games. “ We m a k e i t w o r k . T h e y understand that if we jeopardize things by going indoors and someone gets sick and then everyone must sit out. Now you are not playing games. I think ultimately, it’s more important for them to be able to get through the season and play all our games” Godinez said.

“We have the toughest conference in the state. There are no easy games. Every single game we play from here on out is ranked,” Godinez said.

CN/ PAUL MEDINA

FOOTBALL IS SEASONING—ELAC football players at Weingart conditioning ahead of their

upcoming game.