Let’s Dance Company Makes Bold Moves
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Volume 71, Issue 11
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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Husky wins state championship title Denise Chavez Staff Writer
Academic Senate discusses more credits, new hires Amanda Rodarte Staff Writer
The Academic Senate discussed a change that would allow students to take more units for winter yesterday. The change would allow students to take up to six units. Students are currently capped at five units, with the exception of veterans. A final decision for the coming winter semester will occur at the Dec. 10 Academic Senate meeting. Other business dealt with at the meeting concerned confirming a proposal for new hires. East Los Angeles College h a s 6 8 p e rc e n t f u l l time staff members . In comparison to many other schools in the district, E L A C s ur pa s s e s the district’s average which is 65 percent. According to California state law, colleges are required to have a minimum of 75 percent f u l l - t i m e p ro f e s s o r s .
News Briefs
Although ELAC has made progress throughout the years, the numbers are still not where they should be. Full-time faculty numbers have not reached the state’s requirement. Jeffery Hernandez, member of the budget committee said this is because of staff retirement and budget cuts. Another reason is the rapid and continuing growth of ELAC which creates more part-time jobs. By hiring part-time employees, expenses that come with full-time employees like health and retirement benefits are avoided. Part-time employees may benefit the school budget, but Hernandez says, “It may be cheaper for the college, but may not be good for student success.” Not only is ELAC lacking teachers, but also counselors. Hernandez said that on average, there is one counselor per every
ASU Scholarship
ASU will award $500 scholarships to five luch ASU students. Applications can be picked up from the Students Activities Office in G8-119. Deadline is Friday, December 6 at 3 p.m.
2,200 students. To increase the number of full-time staff, ELAC is looking to hire 20 new full -time faculty members. By using the new electronic budget request, departments were given the opportunity to state their needs. Laura E. Ramirez, member of the Staff Guild, said, “Some chairs are much more vocal than others,” which leads to an imbalance of needed faculty for each department. The committee hopes to have an idea of what positions will be opening, by mid-December, so the job announcements can go public. The Hiring Prioritization Committee (HPC) selected the positions to fill and sent the list to the Academic Senate. Yesterday, the Senate forwarded the list to President Marvin Martinez. who will make the final decision and will decide what positions are needed in order to improve student success.
Campus Closed
Freshman Laura Aceves ran a personal record in the biggest race of her life. She won the Cross Country State Championship women’s individual title Saturday at Woodward Park in Fresno. As a result Aceves made AllAmerican status. For the second consecutive year a Husky won this feat. Aceves is the second Husky in ELAC’s 68-year history to win gold medals at the state finals, the SoCal Championships, and win an individual title in the conference finals. LAURA Sylvia Mosqueda did the same in 1986. Mosqueda’s time of 17:06 when she won the gold still stands as the fastest women’s time in the state finals. Aceves ran 17:42.08 tying the 12th best mark in state final’s meet history in the 3.1 mile women’s race. “We trained so the runners could run their fastest race of the season at the state finals, and Laura did just that,” Head Coach Louis Ramirez said. When asked how Aceves
improved her time, “I never had to tell her anything twice,” Ramirez said. “It was important for me to listen to what the coach taught me to would learn each day,” Aceves said. For Aceves to win the gold, the plan was for her to keep up with women’s favorite Yesenia Silva of College of the Sequoias. Aceves ran behind Silva the entire race and passed her in the last 50 meters and beat Silva by three seconds. In the summer A c e v e s ’s l i f e consisted of work, family and running. She was practicing on one of ELAC’s training courses in June when she met Ramirez. “He asked me if I went ACEVES to college and I said no. He introduced the idea of college to me and asked if I would like to run in a team while getting an education,” Aceves said. “I was never part of a team, and I liked the idea,” Aceves said Running with a team was a new experience for Aceves. “I like it and I like the team camaraderie, especially working together and pushing each other. I missed having my teammates with me at the states. We will make it together next year,” Aceves said.
South Gate inhales, exhales allergies Samantha Corona Staff Writer Faculty, staff and students, are experiencing allergic reactions to the air coming from the ventilation system at East Los Angeles College’s South Gate campus. About two weeks ago, two professors and some students began to experience a runny nose and some sinus problems. The professors surveyed their students to see if they were experiencing the same symptoms. Leslie Radford, communications teacher, was one of the professors that started to experience her sinuses flaring up. Not only was she having a runny nose but also some of her students. Radford says, “the students are usually quiet and you can hear them sneezing.” Although she did not know what was ventilating through the air system, Radford says, “It was not as intense as it was before.” Al Rios, the Dean of the ELAC’s
The campus will be closed Thursday through Sunday for the holidays. Classes will continue on Monday.
South Gate campus, approached Radford about the situation. Rios told Radford that the building and ventilation system were old. When talking to Rios, he said that Andrea Bronte, an arts professor, was also experiencing allergic reactions including a rash. He said that it is still undetermined if her allergies were from the ventilation system, but Bronte did say that she would get allergic reactions when she was at the South Gate campus. Rios surveyed the faculty, which are the policy procedures for air quality. The work environment committee is currently in the process of checking the air quality. The filters have been changed in the ventilation system. Rios is just becoming familiar with the guidelines of the district but there are certain procedures that need to be followed from the “Investigating Indoor Quality Complaints.”
Allergy Continued on page 4
Campus News Pup Edition
This week’s Campus News was brought to you by Journalism 101 students from the ELAC main and South Gate campuses.
Opinion Math requirements can harm non-math majors 2
Amanda Rodarte Staff Writer For most college students our nightmares no longer revolve around the boogeyman but around a real entity, known as math. Students spend an average of 12 years in the school system before they hit college. Instead of the requirement for math minimizing, it has been extended to more tortuous years. The high demand for math required in the general education is unnecessary, depending on selected major. An English major has no need of knowing the quadratic formula during their career. General Education classes students are required to take, for students so that they are more knowledgeable and well-rounded. In the last three years attending East Los Angeles College, no one has asked me how to find the slope intersect or have been impressed with my ability to write out numbers in scientific notation. Not every student was born with a mathematical gene, causing many students with potential to struggle and remain in community college limbo. “It’s so frustrating, knowing that
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
you are so close to taking the next step, but yet so far away,” said Amanda Prieto, 25, English major who has yet to complete her math requirements. Having such strong math demands causes anxiety within college students and can affect GPA. This is especially harmful for college students transferring. With a lower GPA, students are unable to showcase their capabilities in their subjects of interest. People who love math and science are going to do well in those classes. People who love English, writing, art or music, do well in these subjects. Forcing someone who wants to be a writer to take advanced algebra is a loss of the student’s time, the teacher’s time and a waste of money. It’s a major blow to a student’s GPA. “Higher levels of math should be taken regardless of major” because they promote ‘ logical thinking and problem solving” said counselor Keith Hayashi. But the amount of required classes should be reduced depending on major so that students can move on and take a step closer to their dreams. “When I first opened my bank account, I had no idea what interest rates were,” said student
Zitlali Nevarez. Replacing upper division math classes with finance or banking , for students with no strong emphasis in math would be beneficial to them and the requirements. Not not only may students gain more of an appreciation for math by practicing mathematical skills that are useful to everyday life, but it would keep the use of math alive. There is not doubt that arithmetic is essential to everyday life. We need the use of basic arithmetic to calculate spending, the use of geometry to know how many yards of carpet is needed for a room, or to calculate the interest rates that come with college loans. It’s obviously important, but the levels of the math required should not go past intermediate math depending on a student’s major. After 12 years of math, students who have no interest in the subject, should be allowed to take a limited amount of math courses, including finance, so they may continue on their path. We spend 12 years of our life going by state requirements. As young adults who have already completed state requirements, we have earned the right and freedom to study courses we like that will expand our knowledge in our selected major.
EDITORS IN CHIEF Erik Luna Lindsey Maeda J101 EDITOR IN CHIEF Danny Vasquez ONLINE EDITOR Megan G. Razzeti FRONT EDITORS Desiree Lopez, Maegan Ortiz 1ST OPINION EDITORS Amanda Rodarte, Jazmin Tellez 2ND OPINION EDITORS Daniel De La Torre, Russell Zazueta NEWS EDITORS Rogelio Alvarez, Daniela Zea 1ST FEATURE EDITORS Eddie Lopez, Nguyet Tran
2ND FEATURE EDITORS Genesis Aguilera, Scarlet Candelaria
1ST ARTS EDITORS Tanairy Felix , Jade Inglada and Joshua Ingada SPORTS EDITORS Marcus Camacho, Damien Guzman
Modern music degrades heartfelt sounds of the past Russell Zazueta Staff Writer With advancements in technologies such as synthesizers, electronics and recording equipment, music has taken a turn in style and culture. More people are considering themselves musicians by creating their own music to preset melodies from computer programs. What they’re really doing is confining their imagination to someone else’s reality of music. Rather than playing an instrument and mastering that craft, like guitarist Jimi Hendrix. They prefer today’s technological conveniences and ignore the epic journey of reinvention with the click of a mouse. Bob Dawson, chair of the music department at East Los Angeles College, believes there was more soul in music before the 2000s, “the syncopation is what the soul was soul music was started in the ‘60s . Motown,” said Dawson. It’s not surprising being that he is a musician. He understands music isn’t quite the same before the 2000s. However, he acknowledged that today’s music does have good music to offer. The more important aspect that Dawson couldn’t deny was that music had more soul in the ‘60s that feel in music has been lacking in today’s music. Rafael Mercado and Paulina Mendez, both said they preferred music from the 2000s to present.“I like music more now because it’s more advanced rather than making music with ordinary instruments,” said Mercado. “Lyrics were more meaningful then, but music has advanced
artistically,”said Mendez. However, both Mercado and Mendez agreed that music had more soul before the 2000s. “The lyrics in the music were more meaningful and real, like one can relate to. Now it’s all about sex and money and drugs,” said Mercado. “Music lyrics today are meaningless, superficial and perverted for everybody.” said Mendez. It’s ironic that both students could live without the meaningful lyrics, but then again, not everybody listens to music just for the lyrics. With airwaves continuing to spew simple and predictable music in
today’s music has listeners wonder how it’s affected the masses today. Before lyrics turned to describing 22 inch wheels on a Lamborghini, lyrics delineated songs with grace. In the 1960s, listeners gravitated to bands that shared meaning in the ordinary person, and it fueled a generation teeming with peaceheads and lovers. It wasn’t long until poetry was incorporated into rock and folk bands of the ‘60s, and it spurred public demonstrations against the Vietnam War. What would the Doors sound like without Jim Morrison’s prose and where would Led Zeppelin be if Robert Plant hadn’t rendered his
poetry electric? The truth is, image sells and music development comes second. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, vinyl covers displayed marvelous images usually leaving the listener wanting more. Bands like Pink Floyd purposely deleted themselves from most of their album covers to mystify their listeners. Music had a face and it used to be in the form of a cardboard square. When the Beatles would play for a huge crowd of teenage girls, they weren’t swooning because John Lennon’s hair was cut to perfection or because Ringo Starr’s shoes matched the kick drum, their music did all the talking.
To the contrary, they were four ordinary-looking guys that rocked with an unmeasured talent, and the truth is, even if the Beatles were the ugliest guys then they’re biggest problem wasn’t looks, but which girl to court. Unfortunately the music industry has turned greedy and their agenda of producing a quick hit song in lieu of a masterpiece is like allowing thugs to run a police department. It’s a shame that the young generation prefers the convenience of synth boxes over a guitar. With the way things are turning out, one can only hope that music will return to a golden age. ELAC student Kevin Macshane, 50, who was ambling the halls of ELAC’s music department building, pointed a shameful finger at the music industry. “I think that starting around the mid ‘80s and ‘90s, the music industry stopped supporting musicians the way that they had in the past, in the form of development,” said Macshane. Unfortunately, it’s become more practical to go out to a show and enjoy good music than to buy new music. “It used to be that you didn’t even hear of a group until they put out three records. And that’s what record companies were doing is they were allowing the musicians to develop and become true artists instead of ‘if you don’t have a hit on this record you’re washed up and you’re gone and no one will ever hear of you’ - which is how it is nowadays,”’ said Macshane. While it seems like some of the staff and students of ELAC aren’t completely convinced of the 21st Century music, they continue and wonder where it’s headed.
DUI still a tragic scenario students should learn Megan G. Razzeti Staff Writer
When a tragedy occurs, most people open their eyes to the realities of how driving under the influence really does affect everyone. Driving under the influence is still a lesson most people have yet to learn. Two weeks ago, a few close friends and I were rocked by news that several of our former high school classmates were involved in a fatal car crash. They had been out, enjoying themselves like many do on the weekend. When help arrived, two young women were pronounced
dead at the scene, while three others, showed the consequences of driving including the driver, were taken to a under the influence. local hospital with critical injuries. If you have the means to go The driver was arrested. All of this out on the weekend and spend was completely tons of money on preventable. expensive drinks The countless at clubs, bars, or times we even at concerts, have been told you can find a driving under d i ff e r e n t w a y the influence can home, instead of result in fatal getting behind the consequences wheel. In the state Tiffany Guo seems to have of California, Student not stuck to our if your blood conscious. alcohol concentration level The lessons of numerous special is .08 percent or higher, you will be assemblies high school students charged with a DUI which can stay were made to attend did not on your record for seven years. resonate. “Having a designated driver Those also included the infamous doesn’t work because they end up Red Asphalt films that graphically drinking as well, so there should
“One stupid decision can kill people.”
be more available taxis nearby” says Guo. There are even more amazing new car services like Lyft and Uber. They have an app for your phone which makes locating a ride super easy. Also, taking public transportation is another option in preventing driving under the influence. Sure, it’s not glamorous but it still is a lot better than risking your life and others around you. It’s important to have fun and enjoy life, especially during the college years but it is also important to take responsible actions so that the fun never stops. We care only for the here and now, completely missing the thought of doing the right thing. “ I know people do it and I wish they weren’t so stupid,” says
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Tiffany Guo, a Gender Studies major, “One stupid decision can kill people.” The Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) a group that provides awareness to various topics that affect college students such as driving under the influence, lists the effects of impaired driving on their website. It includes lack of awareness to surroundings, alteration of depth perception, and many more. As the holidays approach, there will be more parties and events to attend. There will be more fun times, just keep in mind that your actions have consequences. If you decide to partake in certain activities, please take the right steps in preventing another tragedy.
PHOTOSHOP/ILLUSTRATOR EDITORS Michael Huerta, Cynthia Laguna CARTOONISTS Elizabeth Ayala, Koni Tsai STAFF Natalie Aguirre, Anhara Carbajal, Cesar Carbajal, Yordi Charro, Denise Chavez, Jorge Contreras, Ivan Flores,Bianca Garcia, Brittney Garza, Gabriiela Gonzalez, Melinda Luna, Katherine Mejia, Priscilla Miranda, Hugo Villegas PHOTOGRAPHERS Edgar Cuevas, Oscar Garibay, Omar Muñoz, Adriana Ramirez, Guadalupe Soto VIDEOGRAPHER Danny Carrillo PODCAST Tony Herandez, Melina Martinez, Bianca Mendoza ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Augustine Ugalde ADVISERS Sylvia Rico-Sanchez 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 250 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. Anonymous letter s 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. 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
Opinion
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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Limited classes at ELAC cause frustration Scarlet Candelario Staff Writer East Los Angeles College students require more class options during the summer and winter sessions. While students browse the class list for winter session, students realize that there are fewer classes to choose from. Fifty one subjects were listed, and within those 51 only the basic and introductory courses were available. It is understandable that five-to-seven week courses can be much more difficult to handle, but that doesn’t mean students shouldn’t commit to more difficult classes in order to get ahead. General education classes are extremely limited, not one English 101 class was offered. Electives were much more severe, with almost no options to choose from for the winter session. Students planning to take a creative writing, photography or an anthropology class beyond the 101 level much to their disappointment
found that those classes weren’t offered. Furthermore, English was only offered for the 21, 26 and 28 courses, but Anthropology 101 was listed as an option. East Los Angeles has experienced budget cuts that have resulted in fewer classes. While the cuts are understandable, it should not be at the expense of students’ educational needs.
Serious and determined students take advantage of the five-week course in order to graduate and transfer on time. The budget should be handled with students’s priorties in mind. There are many other expenses that go into maintaining a functioning college campus, but limiting class options comes as a great inconvenience to students. Students who are not able to add
a class during the summer or winter session are forced to put their plans on hold, which can be detrimental to their future. A survey would be helpful to find out what classes students need. Knowing which courses to include in both sessions would give students more essential classes. Even though summer and winter sessions have a shorter time span, students will jump at the opportunity
to take any class that is available. The option of taking a five or seven week course would be advantageous, especially when students are so close to transferring and graduating. ELAC student Laura Hernandez said that while searching for classes for the winter session, she noticed a lack of classes. “I wanted a U.S. history class but all the sections were closed. Now, I
have to wait until next semester for the class,” Hernandez said. Since Hernandez couldn’t find a class she needed, she had to settle for a speech class that was available. She wasn’t happy and wished there were more classes. ELAC alumna Martha Hernandez was not so lucky. She was hoping to return to campus during winter break to take a sociology class at a cheaper price. Classes, to her surprise, were very limited. “There was almost nothing listed,” she said. Students that strive with ambition get ahead in their college careers faster, and they are always on the lookout for open classes that they can take. Students register for the summer and winter sessions to get ahead in their scholastic career. Whether it is to transfer to a four-year college quicker, acquire a certificate in a certain trade, or any other necessity. Most students want to finish with their schooling as quick as possible. T h e i r d r i v e , h o w e v e r, i s sometimes slowed down due to lack of classes during the summer and winter sessions.
iPads threaten attention span Lilah Fajardo Staff Writer
Fast food disrupts healthy lifestyle Samantha Corona Staff Writer
Consistent talk about eating healthy helps people transition from unhealthy to healthy eating habits. By not providing healthy options, ELAC’s satellite campus makes it difficult for students to eat healthy. Every now-and-then, people will have their favorite fast-food burger because fast food restaurants are everywhere. It is horrible that a student’s healthy meal option at the South Gate campus is packed with junk ingedients. The South Gate campus has two fast-food restaurants and students and faculty go there for a quick bite. These restaurants sometimes offer healthy alternatives, but their
cost deters students from selecting to eat healthy. They may have dollar menus but nothing nutricional comes from them. In the student store, healthy options are limited and chips, candies and sodas seem to be endless. Vending machines around campus are also filled with unhealthy snacks to merely satisfy a quick craving. The idea to add a cafeteria or eating-place within the South Gate campus would allow people the option of having a larger variety of healthy choices. Students say salads and sandwiches would be a good healthy choice to sell. Some students also said they would like to see healthy snacks such as granola bars. Prices should be reasonable for students. Students are into the notion of
meals being quick and cheap. Gilbert Ortiz, a student at South Gate said if there was a cafeteria, he would go as often as four days out of the week to purchase a healthy meal. Ortiz offered an idea of selling fruits and vegetables in packages and natural juices that could be sold for a cheap price. This would allow students to make healthier choices. According to the American Heart Association, 154.7 million adults are overweight or obese, and this number keeps growing each year. The AHA also said it affects the population enrolled in healthcare. “The total healthcare costs attributable to obesity could reach $861 to $957 billion by 2030.” Unhealthy choices can be prevented on South Gate’s Campus. The challenge of making the change is difficult, but it is achievable.
IPads should not be brought into classrooms because the disadvantages overwhelm the advantages. Throughout the years, technology has altered lives dramatically with electronics such as smart phones, laptops and flatter televisions. Nowadays, books are a second choice. Although iPads have become very popular, they are not the easiest devices to function and books eliminate any frustration. The fact that paper comes from trees is harmful to nature, but paper won’t give you the problem of shutting down unexpectedly. IPads may contain a generous amount of battery life, but neglecting to charge it on a daily basis gives the user less operating time and the hassle of charging it. If you drop a folder or book, the consequence may be as simple as a bend, but compare that to dropping an iPad. The screen may crack and render it inoperable or expensive to repair. According to Secure Edge Networks, 43 percent of teachers allow students to use tablets such as iPads in class. School alone involves a list of expenses such as tuition fees, supplies and transportation. Books tend to be pricey, however, there is an affordable alternative. Buy them used. When you purchase a used book from a website or student, you can scan the book to make sure it’s in good shape. When you buy used devices, they usually initially work fine, but every so often, something may go wrong. Obviously, to avoid this problem,
people purchase new iPads, but many students and parents have a difficult time paying for these expenses – let alone another iPad. IPads do offer advantages, but they can be a great distraction. Cellphones are already a huge distraction to students, so imagine how difficult it would be to do classwork on an iPad. Teacherswithapps.com said, “One of the biggest criticisms of the iPads is its lack of ability to work
with Adobe Flash and Javascript.” Many schools use these programs for their assignments and lectures. Informationweek.com reported, “A classroom full of iPads creates a slew of challenges for everyone involved. When multiple classes with the same student and device density are in close proximity, it gets even more complicated.” Although there are benefits to an iPad, the disadvantages seem to outweigh them.
ELAC students’ privacy decided at big brother’s discretion Maegan Ortiz Staff Writer
An East Los Angeles College student could be labeled suspicious person and not even know it. This is because of a partnership between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and state law enforcement partners inviting people to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) on strangers and friends. One of those law enforcement partners is the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The entire Los Angeles Community College District, including ELAC, contracts the LASD for law enforcement services. The SAR program was launched in 2008 by the federal government to try and predict and prevent terrorist
attacks. One aspect of the program is the FBI’s eGuardian program, which collects and shares Suspicious Activity Reports with other federal agencies – including Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is important to note that these reports only label someone as suspicious, not guilty of any act of terrorism. Yet, these reports are stored indefinitely. They are stored in dozens of state and regional surveillance collection hubs, known as fusion centers. The Joint Regional Intelligence Center (JRIC) in Norwalk serves as the locus of information for the seven county’s jurisdiction of the FBI Los Angeles field office. One criticism of the SAR program is that suspicious behavior usually is everyday behavior. A lack of a uniform definition of what makes an act suspicious gives law enforcement too much discretion. For example, if a student
has ever taken a photograph of a building, inquired about hours of operation, drawn a sketch of a building, used binoculars, or taken notes, he could have a SAR against him.
The aforementioned behaviors are examples of actual reasons the LASD have issued reports. The subjects of many of these reports are Arab, Middle Eastern, Latino and African Americans leading to
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accusations of racial, ethnic and religious profiling. These SAR were released only because of a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 2011 claiming the agency violated the Freedom of Information Act. The FBI says that SAR creation and sharing is another tool in the war on terror. They have launched nationwide marketing campaigns in public areas inviting people to participate in filing reports with the slogan “If you see something, say something.” However, locally individuals and organizations are questioning the indiscriminate use of the tool. Last month, the Los Angeles City Human Relations Commission passed a motion to hold hearings on suspicious activity reporting, gang injunctions, and other profiling issues. Even portions of the federal government have raised issues
about the effectiveness of the SAR program. A report issued by a U.S. Senate subcommittee last year said the program “often produced irrelevant, useless or inappropriate intelligence reporting to DHS (Department of Homeland Security).” The report also noted that there was no evidence that SAR ever uncovered a terrorist threat or disrupted an active terrorist plot. While federal and local law enforcement have an obligation to prevent and fight terrorism, they cannot do so by violating the first amendment and privacy rights of individuals. SAR should be based only on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Actions protected by the United States Constitution such as taking pictures and videos should not be considered suspicious. Additionally, the fact that the SAR program has yet to reveal a terrorist plot since its inception shows how intelligenceled policing isn’t smart.
News
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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
Study abroad program to send Elans to Paris Jade Inglada Staff Writer
Sign-ups have officially opened for students to participate in the 2014 Summer Study in Paris program at East Los Angeles College. The study abroad program runs for four weeks throughout the entire month of July. There is no deadline to join, but students are recommended to sign-up early since the trip is limited to 100 students. Six other colleges in California are participating students in this program as well and spots will fill fast. The program can be covered by financial aid and also offers two to three scholarships sponsored by the Jewish Philanthropic Fund for participating students. Students must be enrolled at ELAC, have a minimum of a 2.8 GPA and be at least 17 years old. Prior knowledge of French is not necessary. Students are free to customize their program packages from choosing which dorm they want to stay in, if they want a roommate or a single room and which classes they want to take. Students will be taking morning classes every day before activities. Elans can learn the language basics in Survival French, followed by a French Civilization Course, with the classes being held in English. This is the regular package, which costs $3,250 without airfare. Students with previous French knowledge can choose to upgrade their experience for an extra $1,000.
ELAC to offer dye, paint class
This package allows students to attend 3 hour classes at a real private French university, which allows them to improve their French skills and meet students from different countries. This package is $4,200. The group airfare for the program is $1,595, but students are free to find their own ticket. Elans will be staying in St. Germain Des Pres, the sixth district in Paris. The area is within walking distance from cafes, stores and the other dormitories. Lynn Vogel-Zuiderweg Ph.D., an instructor of Spanish and French at ELAC, will be one of the faculty members attending the program. “Students are free to follow their own interests and we’ll help them find activities on their free days,. We’re here to help them with these things,” said Vogel-Zuiderweg. Students have three options on where they wish to stay. The most popular of the three dorm options is the Rue de Conde, which is the student meet-up spot for all the dorms. Students will receive breakfast each morning and are allowed to use the kitchen if they want to make their own meals. Two of the three dorms are co-ed, with the remaining one for women only. The women’s dorm is also the only one with a set curfew. ELAC student, Christian Jimenez, participated in the 2013 Paris trip and plans to go again next summer. “You don’t have to know French to go on this trip, and you shouldn’t let that or money stop you from going,” said. Jimenez. For more information, check out esaparis.org or events page at elac.edu.
Lilah Fajardo Staff Writer Students looking for a vibrant, hands-on course to include in their spring schedules should consider the costume dye and paint class. This course will be worth 3 units and will be held in the theatre building P2-119. ELAC’s costume shop designer and manager, Jessica Hansen, will be instructing this class. “We are so lucky to have such a beautiful new costume shop and now we have state of the art equipment to share with students,” Hansen said. ELAC was fortunate enough to receive a new sublimation machine, a device that applies an image on polyester cloth using ink, heat and pressure These machines were state funded, and ELAC is one of the very few schools in the country to have one. This machine includes a digital design program that will guide students through the large printer. It will give you the advantage of printing your own design and a heat press to stick the image to the fabric. This course will focus on learning about the process of dyeing fabric through many different techniques. Many of these techniques are specified to a certain culture throughout history. “The great thing about costuming is that it can appeal to so many different talents. Whether they be dyeing, drawing, painting, sewing or researching etc.,” Hansen said. “This course makes you think a lot about color, design, textiles and creativity,” she said. Considering the other subjects involved in this class, this course can apply to a handful of majors like history, art, theater and fashion design and involves science too. Students will also get to learn different ways to create dyed textiles – resist dye, stamping, painting, and more. Learning digital process of textile design is the other major element that makes up this class Considering the class’s title, students might be wondering if students will be largely working on costume related pieces. “Sometimes we have to name the classes in such a way that students can understand the course content in only a few words. We won’t actually paint costumes, but it is the dye/paint skills that are traditionally applied to both costume and fashion design,” Hansen said. The costume dye and paint class will be available this upcoming spring. Students can look up the Spring 2014 College Catalogue for more information
Allegies: South Gate campus
Finish Your Bachelor’s Degree at Azusa Pacific University
reports ventilation system problems Continued from page 1 “We don’t want to alarm people but we don’t know,” said Rios, “we will continue to keep monitoring.” The location of the building may be a cause of the allergic reaction Rios said. He thought that because it is a commercial location, a lot of carbon dioxide
Jemel Thomas ’12
B.S. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
emissions from passing freight trucks, underground rail system, and nearby building debris would pass through the ventilation system. With the loss of custodians, ELAC’s South Gate campus has not been having receiving the extensive cleaning as before. Custodians from the main campus occasionally come to clean the
South Gate campus. Dust and other substances can be the cause of the allergies of students and faculty. Rios said that they are “taking matters seriously.” They are looking for a better filtration system for the building that ELAC is moving to soon. The new location of ELAC will look ahead for any potential hazard.
Earn your accredited degree in as little as two years. Azusa Pacific’s accelerated programs can help you complete your bachelor’s degree and advance your career. Take classes in a streamlined sequence as you progress toward graduation day with a community of peers.
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Reaching New Milestones
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It only takes 30 units of transferable credit to get started.
East Los Angeles College Student Jackie Gradilla reads her short story “The Complimentary Bandit” from the 2013 Milestone Publication during yesterday’s reading at the S2 Recital Hall. Nine students read work from the new edition, as well as the previous publication. Milestone publishes content written by students and edited by the English 32 class. It is an annual publication that has been at ELAC since 1945.
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SOUTH GATE
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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Women’s restroom tagging offers insight to maturity level Brenda Diaz Staff Writer
As students of East Los Angeles Colleges’ South Gate campus, we are responsible for keeping up our work areas and restroom facilities. So why is it that a female student has to walk in and see slander and vulgar language written on bathroom stalls? T h e d e f a c i n g o f w o m e n ’s restrooms at ELAC’s South Gate campus needs to stop. The way I see it, college is a privilege and so are the extra facilities that are provided to us. We may be students at this school but as of late, it seems that children have enrolled into college. This is not to say that the women writing in the stalls are all young, but they certainly act like it. There is no way to prove a certain age group is responsible for these immature acts, but that is not even the issue at hand. It does not matter if you are 18 or 40; there is absolutely no need for you to describe your life story on a
bathroom stall. Every time a female student walks into the restroom, drawings of a certain part of the male anatomy, short stories about boyfriend problems and pleas for help surround them. The amount of disrespect that it shows, not only for school property but also for faculty, and students alike, is substantial. “It’s disgusting. To take time while using the restroom to write on the walls is just wrong. I think it’s just the kind of person you are,” Anthropology major Natalia Ortiz said. Some might say, “Why does it affect you? Just do you your business and get out.” This problem is brought about by ELAC students, which means these women roam around campus and attend classes with no respect for school property. Why should they get a chance to attend school when millions of students who really do take school seriously are waiting in the sidelines? I see only two achievable solutions.
One is that if you suspect some one might be doing it, report it to the Sheriffs’ office located between the library and the men’s restrooms. A Sheriffs’ Deputy or a cadet will inform school janitors or file a vandalism report depending on the significance of the incident. By informing the proper personnel, you will be doing the entire school an enormous favor. Second, if you are not ready for responsibility, get out of college. I direct this to those “artists” who think they can get away with defacing school property. If you are not ready to act like an adult, then you are not one. It is important for students such as myself, to stand up for what is right. The defacing of the women’s restrooms at ELAC’s South Gate campus is an issue that must be stopped not only for financial reasons, but also for students’ personal rights to attend a school that is safe, clean and educational. This is our school and, as students, we have the responsibility to make a change to improve our campus.
Pizzanista provides unique varieties for pizza lovers Lilah Fajardo Staff Writer From homemade meatballs and green salads to creating a custom pie, Pizzanista offers the basic variety with guaranteed satisfaction. Located on 7th street in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, Pizzanista has developed a vibrant, modest scenery that welcomes any type of pizza lover. Though it has only been running since 2011, Pizzanista has gained major popularity with news press, magazines and primarily with skateboarders; considering legendary skateboarder Salman Agah is the founder. Stopping by on a Saturday evening might just be an ideal way to start off the weekend. The spot has only a few tables to serve, and a bar-like counter seating arrangement that gives patrons a view of the road.
When it comes to critiquing pizza, a plain slice says a lot more than specialty toppings. The meal ordered was a plain cheese slice, a pepperoni slice, their mixed green salad and a boxed water. The service wasn’t very professional, but they have a “home style.” The cashier wasn’t so welcoming, but she did her job while the servers left you with a hospitable “enjoy.” Salads aren’t primarily the first thing guests think of when eating at a pizzeria, but their descriptions sounded too flavorful to pass up. It might be the most basic salad on their menu, but it is definitely not a letdown. It is made up of mesclun greens, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers and red wine vinaigrette. The greens were crisp and fresh. Partnering the avocado with tomato and cucumber, while being drizzled with vinaigrette dressing is quite the combination.
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pizza Delight— Two heaping slices of cheese and
pepperoni pizza with just the right amount of sauce with a warm soft crust.
They also offer spicy chopped salads, Caesar, Arugula and more. Patrons also have the choice of half a serving or a full salad.
Next came the pizza. The cheese slice was rather light with the sauce, but the plain topping did not disappoint.
Tokyo Garden serves an array of sushi
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Sushi experience— Shrimp tempura roll, composed of shrimp tempura, crab meat and
avocado wrapped in a crunchy tempura crust with a side of boiled edamame is sereved for $9. Alexis Bueno Staff Writer Tokyo Garden is a Japanese restaurant that offers delicious sushi and an amazing atmosphere. Their affordable prices and authentic food, is what keeps customers coming back for more. Their main dish is sushi, but they also serve other varieties as well such as chicken, raw fish and beef. Their menu is very broad with choices ranging from sides, appetizers, lunch, specials and dinner. The location of the restaurant in really hidden, unlike other
established restaurants that are in plain view, but that doesn’t stop customers from dining there. There are many types of sushi to order from. It’s quite impossible to name them all. Their beverages include the typical sodas, water, and iced teas, but they also serve wine and Japanese beers. The moment guests walk in, they will notice that the whole place has decorations of Japanese culture. There are paintings of geisha women and samurai’s hanging all around the restaurant. The seats are comfortable and everything is pretty much kept clean and organized. There are also four
J101 EDITOR IN CHIEF Danny Vasquez SOUTH GATE EDITORS Erika Cervantes Brenda Diaz 2ND ARTS EDITORS Samantha Corona Derek Venegas
televisions hanging on the walls for entertainment. They start off by serving you sides of wasabi, ginger and edamame. Edamame is a bean from Japan soaked in salt, which is pretty good. The dinner combination included chicken teriyaki, tempura, white rice, salad and a side of sushi with a glass of water. The chicken teriyaki is really good and served in a decent portion. The white rice was steamed which was great and the salad had a certain Japanese sauce that gave it a sweet flavor. The tempura is a serving of deep fried shrimp and the vegetables
might have been good, but it never came. The sushi was laid out very elegantly on the plate, but the taste was pretty plain considering its mainly tuna and rice. It also came with raw salmon and white fish. Both the rainbow roll and shrimp tempura were delicious. The rainbow roll had rice, raw salmon, albacore, shrimp and avocado wrapped around in seaweed. The shrimp tempura, on the other hand, had rice, crab meat and avocado wrapped in seaweed as well. The taste of crabmeat was over powered by the avocado flavor.. The prices differ depending on what is ordered. The lowest price for a plate is $7 while the highest is about $20. A dinner should be prepared to spend about $10 a plate. The only bad side to this is that there are no spoons or forks; everything is eaten with chopsticks. If guests have trouble or are new to this, then it could be a problem. Overall, this restaurant is a good place to eat whenever in the mood for Japanese food or just feel the need to try something new. Tokyo Garden is located at 11946 Paramount Blvd. Downey CA 90242 and can also be contacted at (562) 923 - 2715.
STAFF WRITERS Alexis Bueno, Terry Bui , Mario De Leon, Lilah Fajardo, Aimee Gallegos, Janet Garcia, Stephanie Guzman, Jose Lopez, Arturo Lozano, Erika Medina, Bernardo Mondragon, Jacquelin Morales, Henry Perez, Marisol Perez, Rodolfo Ramirez, Beatriz Ramirez ADVISERS Sylvia Rico-Sanchez Jean Stapleton
The pepperoni slice held the perfect amount of grease, that it made patting it down with a napkin the most absurd idea. I wouldn’t say they were shy with the topping, but, no one can never have enough pepperoni. The sizes of the slices were generous. The dough was soft and did not harden. Pizzanista also offers vegan slices, white, veggie, silican slices and more. On Sundays, they are known for their mac’n cheese pizza. If a slice isn’t enough, their menu also includes 18 inch pizzas. They have a wide selection that includes one pie named “Rise And Shine”. It is made up of tomato sauce, mozzarella, gran padano, bacon, e g g s c o o k e d o v e r- e a s y a n d black pepper. You also have the choice of creating your own pizza. Pizzanista has a short section dedicated to dessert that contains
Mariscos el Viejon reels in patrons with tasty food, live music Bernardo Mondragon Staff Writer Mariscos el Viejon is the place to go when craving a delicious seafood meal. It is a great place to go for any type of occasion. Since its opening in February of 2010, it has been a great place for families to eat. Outside, they have a big sign with their logo and pictures of their most popular plates. They also have outside tables where customers can enjoy their meal in the fresh air. Inside they have hand painted murals with colors that grab the customers attention and make them feel like they are at the beach. The walls are painted blue with cartoon-styled fish all around. After walking inside the restaurant, a polite waitress greets customers and takes them to their table. Mariscos el Viejon gives off an inviting vibe. Every Friday through Sunday they have musical groups that play music customers request. Their most popular plate is “Tacos El Viejon.” When receiving the plate, the tacos don’t look very appetizing but after taking one bite it will change patrons mind. The plate comes with two tacos
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.
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chocolate chewies and Clara’s homemade cupcakes. Their drink selection has glass bottled root beer, cream soda, coffee soda, iced tea, mineral water and none other than boxed water. The prices are affordable with most of their items. All of their orders are made by hand or in-house and they use local-grown produces plus “humanely raised” meat. Pizzanista welcomes dine-in, takeout and they deliver within a two mile radius. They are opened from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. from Tuesday to Friday, from 5 p.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Keep in mind that these hours are not guaranteed because the aprons are put away once they sell out of dough. Pizzanista’s location is 2019 East 7th Street in the city of Los Angeles. For further information they can be contacted at (213) 627 - 1430.
that contain carne asada, cheese and shrimp. The tacos contain the perfect amount of cheese, so every bite gives a stringy cheese effect. The tacos can also be accompanied with a sauce that is a mixture of mayonnaise and hot sauce. It gives the tacos a sweet kick that makes them even more delicious. They also have a plate for meat and seafood lovers. This plate is called “camarones costa azul.” It is very appetizing. The plate comes with six shrimp wrapped in bacon or ham with a side of fries and white rice. Once the plate is placed on the table, the aroma of bacon fills the air. When taking a bite of the shrimp wrapped in bacon, all customers taste is the bacon. The fries are thick and taste like homemade potato wedges. The white rice looks and tastes amazing. It has little bits of boiled carrots, peas, and corn, which add to its flavor. Overall, the restaurant has 49 different delicious plates to satisfy any cravings. It is located at 11120 Atlantic Ave. Lynwood, CA 90262 and it is open every day from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. For any other information, Mariscos el Viejon can be contacted at (310) 885 - 5584.
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
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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
Pop culture news creates CASE Cesar Carbajal Staff Writer
Do it yourself—Carolina Chavez designs a shirt that a customer has requested at Stencil Art Studio.
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Young Elan opens business Nguyet Tran Staff Writer Opening a new business as a 21 year-old student is rare, but not for Carolina Chavez. An alumna of Schurr High School, Chavez has taken her experiences in graphic design and opened up a clothing printing shop directly across the East Los Angeles College campus called Stencil Art Studio about three months ago. “My major is graphic design and I wanted to show my skills and do something that had to do with art. I came up with the name Stencil Art Studio because stencil is what we use to make our designs and art studio because you can come here to do your art,” Chavez said. With options ranging from T-shirts and sweaters to backpacks, customers are able to print any design either through the website
or walk-ins. The printer, located in the back of the store, prints black-and-white and color for only $20 an item and the wait for the finished product takes about 25 minutes. Before opening Stencil Art Studio, Chavez had to work hard in order to save up, even with the help of her family. “Before I had the store, I opened a small booth at a swap meet selling already designed shirts. I did that for about a year or more,” she said. Besides the swap meet, Chavez also saved up for about six years while she was still in high school. When asked about what difficulties she faced as a young entrepreneur, Chavez says, “Only economically. It’s challenging, and I’m still shock I have a store. I’m learning more and working as hard as I can.” Currently, Chavez is taking one graphic design class two times a
week in the evening so she can focus on the business during the daytime. A majority of Stencil Art Studio’s customers are ELAC students and, as a way of giving back to the community, Chavez has donated a free shirt to ELAC’s Football Player of the Week every week for the past three months. “All throughout high school she had been motivated to open her store. She saved and saved, and I would always tell her she’d be able to open it, and she did! She chased her dream and she did it,” said Summer Gomez, a model for Stencil Art Studio and also a close friend of Chavez. “(Chavez) is a very hard worker and very dedicated to accomplishing her goals. I am so proud of her,” Gomez said. Gomez is not the only person close to Chavez who is proud. Although Chavez is usually the only person managing the store by
herself, her mother and sister also come help out on occasion to make things easier on her. “My family is very supportive of me and I am very glad to have them by my side,” Chavez said. “Everyone in my family helped me pay for the location. Even though I am the one always at the store, this is just not my store. I also consider this my family’s store.” In the future, Chavez intends to incorporate her own artwork and canvas into her store and put them up for sale as well. “Right now we’re doing good, and I’m very happy on sales, but hopefully the business grows and we can open more chains, like at The Citadel,” she said. After ELAC, Chavez plans to transfer to Cal State L.A. where she would continue to pursue her passion in graphic design and art to better her skills as an artist and an entrepreneur.
Whenever a celebrity does something during the weekend, it makes headlines and is the topic of discussion every Monday at school. For those who love pop culture, a club dedicated to it has finally surfaced at East Los Angeles College. CASE (Cultural Assembly for Social Entertainment) was formed in mid-October and is a club that discusses how contemporary pop culture influences Americans today. “Everyone is welcome, and everyone’s opinion is appreciated, even if we don’t all agree. Chances are that there are several aspects of the popular culture that (students) are familiar with and we just want to explore those ideas, and understand why we like and are entertained by certain things and what that says about us, on a personal level and as a society,” said club president Raul Meza The club openly discusses Miley Cyrus’ twerking addiction along with other topics like Lady Gaga, Pretty Little Liars and Snooki. Topics vary on a weekly basis depending on the current news going on. It may seem like just a celebrity gossip club, but CASE members not only hear news, they analyze how it influences college students the next day. For example, if celebrities tweets something controversial, students at ELAC will talk about it. If a new video game gets released, CASE will see what the game is like and discuss how it can relate to life events. CASE identifies the impact that technology, social media and entertainment makes on college students. They take modern shows and use the slang from it to discuss how it is relevant today.
CASE discusses how “selfies” have totally eliminated privacy. “The only privacy someone has nowadays is the password on your phone,” Jose Gonzalez said. The Oxford Dictionary has named “Selfie” as the 2013 Word of The Year with millions of people documenting their lives onto Instagram. This word has finally stamped itself into the English vocabulary for years to come. Gonzalez has been in CASE since the start. “It’s an equal opportunity club and everyone gets to voice their opinions. It’s awesome because freedom of speech isn’t really free in a lot of places you go but here it’s the opposite. We want your opinion,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez says that CASE has helped him come out of his shell. “It’s also perfect for us to bring old movies to modern audiences and see how they react to them. As a member you’re encouraged to be yourself and talk about your favorite hobbies,” Gonzalez said. CASE doesn’t just focus on the media, they focus on psychological problems with society like eating disorders and self harm. They compare and contrast how music can affect someone’s emotions and cause him or her to feel insecure. “The Thigh Gap” was the topic of discussion in the last meeting. Americans today feel they should have a thigh gap to be attractive. They discuss the invalidity of this hypothesis and show how it’s possible to be attractive no matter what. Recently, the club hosted the Rocky Horror screening as their first of many pop culture fundraisers, which was a major success. They plan on having more fundraisers to keep the club going. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings on Wednesdays at 3:30pm in F7-111.
ELAC soccer coach inspires students through career Just because her parents divorced, it didn’t mean her affinity to soccer crumbled too. In fact, her Grateful Head Coach Tessa p a r e n t s h a v e Troglia of the East Los Angeles been her biggest College women’s soccer team supporters in her reveals her ingredients to life thanks coaching career according to to soccer. Troglia has an impressive Troglia. “My brother background in soccer as a player and sister will and coach. Early on, Troglia proved to be make fun of me a tremendous young athlete at and tell me to get La Serna High and Cal State Los a real job, you know, kinda tease Angeles. She was an assistant coach for me, but my family, Cerritos College when they were my mom and dad, have always been State Champs in 2007. She has coached for her alma supportive of me,” mater school, La Serna High, Troglia said. “I think they’re since 2002, granting them a CIF proud of me because championship in 2008. Then she flew abroad to play some people don’t for F.C. Girona in 2006, a Division realize that coaching can be a I women’s professional team in career... I love what I do, and Spain, where she lived for roughly my parents are very happy and supportive of me,” Troglia said. six months. Her parent’s support never Back home, she played dwindled after their professionally with separation and she’s the Women’s Premier been grateful for it. Soccer League “I think the Soccer acted like Rampage from 2008a beating pulse that 2009 and the WPSL world of coach kept her mind focused LAFC in 2010. Troglia. I during those rough But before she think she is a times. could ever dream Troglia attributes about that future, it sat phenomenal soccer as being “so on the balance next to head coach and much more than the her parents’ divorce we’re fortunate game.” Soccer has her first year of high school, leaving her in to have her here.” built her character on and off the field. a split household to Soccer has taught grow up. Al Cone Athletic her to be committed She is a native Director to whatever she does of San Bernardino, in life. California. “The effort that you put into it is “I didn’t spend the quality time that I was able to with them (parents) what you’re going to get out of it,” unless we were going on family she said. Soccer is a way of life in Troglia’s vacations or having family dinners which were planned... I cherish eyes and verifies that by saying, “Not everybody is going to have those moments,” Troglia said. Russell Zazueta Staff Writer
the opportunity to play professional, but there are so many lessons within the game that you can gain. “For me, it helped me build character and kind of find who I am and be the teammate that I wanted to be,” Troglia said. Her sincerity came from her own extensive experience and she said it with an ardent passion, holding a soccer ball gleam in her eye. Troglia’s journey then led her to become ELAC’s women’s soccer head. “A close friend of mine from another college told me there was an opening. I didn’t know what to expect so I came and I talked to Al… as part of an interview,” she said. “I think the world of coach Troglia. I think she is a phenomenal head coach and we’re fortunate to have her here,” Al Cone, Athletic Director at ELAC said. Four years after that interview, she continues to coach for ELAC and impels her team to win. “I’m thankful that I’ve been able to make playoffs three years in a row, to change the program around... that I’ve impacted these girls’ lives to get good degrees and expect more of themselves.” Troglia said. Troglia admits since her parents’ divorce she’s grown stronger as a person. Troglia uses her experiences of growing up in those rough times to help guide her players and make them realize that the decisions they make will impact their lives forever.
TESSA TROGLIA
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Feature
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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Alumna advocates education through inspiration that includes fellow church leaders closer to her age. This leadership requires preparation and a lesson plan, making it further practice to her teaching career. Martha Hernandez’s main interest Setting realistic goals for the would be teaching third graders. future is what Martha Hernandez She finds that at that age, children’s minds are more developed and are did as a young girl growing up. Martha Hernandez, 21, recalls able to hold conversations easily. In wanting to teach the third grade ever addition to that, she believes they since she was 8 years old. In her are not as rowdy as the younger opinion, students need teachers that students and more pleasant than the inspire and make a positive impact older ones. Most importantly, however, she upon their lives. Her mother, Judith Hernandez, believes that “people remember remembers noticing her daughter’s most is their third or fourth grade passion for working with children teachers.” “There is more than one way of throughout Martha’s childhood. “She’s really kind to children, and learning,” Martha Hernandez said. is always happy to hear about the Encouraging students is something progress of the children she tutors,” else Martha Hernandez strongly believes in. She strives to get Judith said. A story Judith Hernandez children interested in the material, remembers specifically was when and making them feel included is the family had just immigrated to what she believes is effective. “Retention through connection,” the United States from Mexico. A t t h e t e n d e r a g e o f 5 , Martha Hernandez said. She remembers her own third Martha Hernandez gathered up the neighboring children in the grade teacher, Mrs. Romo, who would encourage apartment building students to and marched them participate in around the patio writing workshops on September where they would 16, in celebration write stories and of Mexico’s share them with the independence. class, in order to This, in Judith get the students to Hernandez’s enjoy writing. opinion, was Even during her the early sign of time at East Los Martha Hernandez Angeles College, d i s p l a y i n g she found many of leadership among the instructors and other children. professors to be as She was accepted MARTHA HERNANDEZ encouraging and to UC Berkeley inspiring. but decided to not “A frigid line is not necessary attend because of the cost, as well as a family dispute over her potential between student and teacher,” decision. Her father was not pleased Martha Hernandez said. She believes in having a with the idea of her living so far away and threatened to not help distinction between the two with tuition if she decided to go to therefore respect is not lost. She also emphasizes that teachers should not school up north. Martha Hernandez attended East be condescending to their students. Los Angeles College from fall 2010 In her opinion, it is best when kids to summer 2013, but took a break are included as opposed to excluded. Despite always wanting to teach, during the 2012 fall semester to she considered other careers as focus on work. While she attended East Los well. She thought about becoming Angeles College, she was offered a a biologist or an engineering tutoring job, which she gladly took geologist, but teaching was always what she was passionate about. advantage of. She is currently a teacher ’s “[Teaching] is not where the money a s s i s t a n t a t B e l l G a r d e n s is, but the money is not why I do it,” Intermediate, the same school says Martha Hernandez. Despite having to stay local, she went to as a child. She tutors children with their schoolwork, Martha Hernandez says that she loves teaches catechism at her church, as the campus at her chosen school. well as the occasional confirmation She is currently attending California State University, Fullerton and is lesson. In addition to teaching children, majoring in Religious Studies, as she also preaches to an older crowd well as English. Scarlet Candelario Staff Writer
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Pushing the limit—Wrestler Hugo Perez swiftly lifts fellow teammate Pasha Sabet off the mat during practice Monday night in the wrestling room.
Wrestler continues family tradition Melina Martinez Staff Writer
Currently ranked fifth in the state, East Los Angeles College wrestler Hugo Joshua Perez is competing for first place in the state championships. The 5’ 4”, 20 year-old Husky is a contender in the 125-weight class, and is fulfilling a family tradition. Following his father’s and uncles’ footsteps, Perez has been wrestling since his freshman year at Alhambra High School. He knew he would succeed in this sport when he found out he made the varsity wrestling team his freshman year. He remembers the day his father’s unspoken expression meant more than when he said, “I’m proud of you, son.” He gave up his baseball and football jerseys by the time he completed his junior year to focus on his wrestling career instead. As a high school freshman,
he was ranked 14th out of 14 competitors. He used this as motivation and pushed himself hard at every practice. Outside of practice, Perez and his best friend, Abel Avila, would visit other wrestling gyms, practice with each other and students from competing high schools. Avila was a great sparring partner because he outweighed Perez by 40 pounds, which gave Perez the advantage when competing in the 125-133 pound weight division. They practiced take-downs and perfected their technique together. “You have to know how to win. You can’t just go through the motions and expect to win. You’ll get your butt kicked,” Perez said. Perez bounced back his sophomore year in high school by ranking second out of 14 because of his extra effort. During his last two years in high school, Perez was ranked first place. “Hugo is a very dedicated wrestler and he’s a die hard for the sport. He’s very talented and has the potential to do very big things in the wrestling community,”
Avila said. Perez’s biggest struggle in wrestling is cutting weight. By becoming lighter, Perez is able to compete in a lower weight division and is at an advantage because of his bigger frame. To lose the extra pounds, he sweats out a minimum of five pounds of water weight during each practice, by running hills, jumps roping and running four miles from his home in Alhambra to ELAC. Other struggles Perez faces are juggling school and a daily life. The requirements to be eligible for ELAC’s wrestling team are to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, be enrolled as a full-time student freshmen year and have a total of 24 units from the previous two semesters as a sophomore. Perez also has a part-time job at Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza in Pasadena as a delivery driver. “It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it,” Perez said. Despite the struggles, Perez continues to wrestle because he finds peace in this sport.
“I wouldn’t nearly be the same person I am today if it wasn’t for wrestling. Winning is 90 percent mental preparation. This sport kicks you down to build you up,” Perez said. Perez plans to continue wrestling throughout his junior college years and potentially earn a full ride scholarship to San Francisco State University. “He’s my team leader, so he’s a team player. He does better under pressure,” Head Coach Ralph Valle said. Unfortunately, scouts do not attend wrestling matches so he will have to get the attention of future coaches by earning a high rank in championships. “Hugo’s the best. He’s going to take State,” fellow wrestler Armando Rodriguez said. With a background in Wing Chun Kung Fu, Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu, Perez has also entertained the thought of becoming a professional UFC fighter. Perez plans to major in Administration of Justice and become a part of law enforcement.
Math professor aids students through online media Desiree Lopez Staff Writer
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paying attention—Professor Daniel Judge carefully demonstrates mathematical problems as his attentive student takes notes.
Many students at East Los Angeles College are unaware of the free services they can obtain. One of the services offered is Professor Daniel Judge’s math streaming videos. About seven years ago, former college president Earnest Moreno and vice president Dr. Richard Moyer asked Judge if he wanted to be a part in creating a distance learning math courses for students to use online. The purpose was for students traveling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for an extended amount of time to get a chance to take online courses. As a former “lost and confused” ELAC student, Judge did not know what to major in, but he knew he wanted to become a pilot. However, after being accepted to Marine Officer Candidate School, Judge learned he had a depth perception problem stopping him from ever becoming a pilot. This led him to take Pre-Calculus, Calculus 2 and 3 with the famous Jaime Escalante. Escalante is famously known by the film “Stand and Deliver” based on his life and the way he provided
help to students at Garfield High School. Being a shy and quiet student, Judge never spoke to Escalante, until one day, Escalante was asked who was his best student. “Daniel Judge. The guy just won’t give up,” Escalante said. Escalante was the reason why Judge majored in math because he believed as many students do, “Math was only for smart people.” That lead him to start teaching at ELAC in the year 2000. “Judge has a way of speaking and interpreting a subject that most people have found to be so complex, but he somehow finds a way to get it through you by making it understandable and enjoyable, and actually making you like math,” former Math 115 student Maria Marquez said. This idea was also going to help the enrollment issue at ELAC at that time. “The economy tanked and everyone went back to school, and there was no more need to help enrollment, and the idea to stream videos were no longer needed,” Judge said. Although the business side of streaming videos had stopped, Judge believed the idea was a good one and it was something he wanted
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to work on. He believed streaming was going to give students who missed class the opportunity to go back to the videos and see what they had missed and for those students that would like to reinforce what they just had learned, to go back and review. Judge’s unique methods of teaching help his students relate with math and his motivating ways are not the only known factors about this ELAC alumni. “Judge helps you out, he is well paced, and he understands where we are coming from. Although this is my second time taking the class, the first time it was much harder, and did not motivate me as much as Judge does,” Miguel Arias from Judge’s Math 125 class said. “Filming in a college setting was a good idea,” says Judge when speaking about his videos. He developed a full course on statistics based on topics, and put a lot of energy and time into it. Judge has always kept his videos free of charge, by posting them on websites such as YouTube and Facebook. Although every video filmed takes about 40 hours to edit, Judge said, “The benefit has outweighed the work.” Receiving many letters from
all over the world, a student from England wrote “finally someone who speaks English” when thanking him for the help his videos have provided. Student Nicholas Christian, who has taken Judge for Math 110, 115 and is now taking him for Math 125 said, “Judge explains everything clearly and thoroughly, and if you do not understand something he goes back and explains it. He does care about his students.” When he presented his videos about two years ago to faculty and administrators, they requested for him to work on making videos for Math 110 Introduction to Algebra and Math 115 Elementary Algebra. Judge is currently working on these two subjects, and hopes to finish by spring 2014. In the meantime, Judge is currently working on posting his videos to iTunes University, available for all students to have an easier way of downloading straight to their devices for free. Going full circle, Judge said, “If you do work hard you can accomplish whatever you intend to accomplish. And those videos are designed to reinforce people and provide that kind of support if you are truly willing to work hard, they can help you succeed.”
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Arts
EAST LoS ANGELES CoLLEGE CAmPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, November 27, 2013
Comedy Train brings laughter, magic to ELAC Daniel De La Torre Staff Writer East Los Angeles College’s Athletic Department presented the 10th Annual Scholar-Athlete comedy show this past Sunday, hosted by comedian Rudy Moreno. As the guests arrived for the show, a live jazz band serenaded the crowd. After starting the show 25 minutes late, the audience soon forgot about the delay when the comedians began their performance. Luckily the wait didn’t draw
any grumbling among the audience. Host Rudy Moreno set the tone for the night, however the group of comedians had the entire theater in an uproar with laughter. The show surpassed expectations since it was in a school theater. Having been to some comedy shows at the Laugh Factory and Ice House it was pleasantly surprising with the performances given. This comedy show went from straight stand-up to live beat-boxing sound effects with some magic thrown in to dazzle and amaze the audience. The flyers around ELAC
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be amazed— Comedian and magician The Great Omar included a card trick in his act for the 10th Annual ScholarAthlete comedy show at ELAC’s Edison Theater.
really didn’t do the show justice. The show wasn’t squeaky clean, but it wasn’t raunchy either. It was an entertaining show suitable for the whole family. A low point in the night would be that each comedian only had a short amount of time to perform. There wasn’t an exact running time for the entire show, so it did feel as if the comedians were cut short by their allotted time on stage. This may have been a plus for the audience because the comedians had to perform quality material. The show ran for about two and a half hours and it was non-stop laughter. It was just as good as any other comedy club. The material was even more amusing because they incorporated East Los Angeles and all the stereotypes that come with it. The night’s performance had a wide range of acts, featuring an upand-coming star Dillon Garcia, Jay Lamont, The Great Omar with his art of illusion and Veteran comedian DJ Cooch. Lamont wowed the audience with his spectacular vocals and his impersonation skills. From Barry White to Michael Jackson, Lamont’s range for his sound affects were vast and wide, making it an ultimate experience for the audience. It was the type of act that everyone has to see for themselves. In addition to the great performances, the guests entering the Edison Theater were allowed the chance to purchase raffle tickets for the $1,000 grand prize among others. The comedians put on a spectacular show and made the $25 entrance fee well worth it. It was a rare occasion that someone could say they had a fun time at school and actually mean it. Next year’s comedy show is a definite must-see.
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Strike a pose— The members of the Let’s Dance Company held their first student
choreographed performances for two nights on Nov. 22 and 23 at ELAC’s S2 Recital Hall.
Let’s Dance Company makes a bold move Bianca Mendoza Staff Writer Five students of the Let’s Dance Company were given the opportunity to direct and choreograph their own performances last week at the S2 Recital Hall. The choreographers: Michael Veluz, Myra Joy Veluz, Breanne Genite, Kristina Schramm, and Michael Vallajos, all surprised, thrilled and certainly impressed the audience with their pieces. The lighting, costumes and choreography were professional and well thought out, leaving no doubts to the authenticity and passion behind it all. Performances were held for two nights only, Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday the 23rd at 7 p.m. General admission was $10. Though it was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., the first dance didn’t begin until about half an hour later. The restless audience members spoke amongst themselves. Papers
rustled and bouquets of flowers held in laps of awaiting friends and family members, filled the room with a sweet scent. “This is the first time students will be choreographing. In past years there have been repertoires, but never student directed pieces,” said Kimberly Rabins, director. In past year’s performances, dancers never had a chance like this. It was a chance to bring to life what they only daydreamed and fantasized of. These pieces were certainly a fresh perspective on dance c o m p a r e d t o p a s t y e a r ’s performances. This fresh, young talent certainly changed the feel of the performances. Eight dances in total; three being solos and one duet, the rest had several members of the company’s dancers bringing to life their peers vision for the performance. Before every dance, the choreographer set the mood and discussed their concept for the dance in a prerecorded video. The video’s ending, left the theatre pitch black and silent.
Then the first notes reach the audience, the lights rise and dancers appear. They glide, twirl, and leap across the stage, entrancing everyone with their movements. Each piece was different from the one before it, some are dramatic and abstract using pure silence in order to enhance its power and message. Others make you clap to the beat and sing along to the wellknown lyrics. In every piece the skill and passion of each dancer is apparent, the straight lines and powerful leaps, the pieces flow and ebb, each choreographer inviting and enveloping the audience. With their pointed toes, twirling skirts and pounding feet, these dancers certainly entertained and amazed the crowd. This first time event, highlighting hardworking and passionate dancers, and bringing to life their dreams and performing before their peers, is a concept many hope to stay. “It certainly inspires me to work harder, and hopefully get a chance to choreograph something of my
M.I.A. comes back in action Scarlet Candelario Staff Writer M.I.A.’s fourth studio album “Matangi” uses a blend of eastern influences, and simple lyricism that effectively delivers a feel of psychedelic social commentary. The album begins with “Karmageddon.” It’s a mellow track that gives the listener a taste of what to expect for the remainder of the disc. The artist criticizes just about everything from using sex as a means to sell products, to being promised change time and time again by the government using old promises. “Warriors” is the fourth track on the album, and beat-wise it takes a darker turn compared to the ones before it. In this song, she talks about struggles and suffering, but being a better person for it. Following “Warriors” is “Come Walk With Me”. Compared to the previous track, it starts off much calmer, but that quickly changes as it progresses into a dance number that blends current western and traditional eastern influences. She even borrows the Mac volume adjust sound. If the purpose for the following track, “aTENTion” was to fully grab the audience’s attention, then the extent she went to accomplished this throughout the song. Any word that ends with “-tent,” such as “intent” and “extent” to name a few, gets an extra emphasis by adding an autotune effect to it. The song has references to her experience as a refugee, and how life as an immigrant does not have to make one alienated from anyone else.
The single “Bad Girls” first appeared on her self-released mix tape “Vicki Leekz” in 2010. The song has a heavier feel and has middle-eastern influences that mesh well with the overall R&B feel. The song presents the topic of female empowerment, which is further emphasized by its accompanying video. Women in Saudi Arabia are banned from driving and the video for “Bad Girls” was shot in solidarity with the Women to Drive Movement, which hopes to overturn that law. “Y.A.L.A.”, which stands for “You Always Live Again” can be seen as a response to the “Y.O.L.O.” slogan, which was popularized by Drake. Reincarnation is the theme in this song, and it also questions repeating the same actions if we only get one chance at life. The album concludes with “Sexodus,” which features The Weekend. It brings a calm vibe at the end which matches “Karmageddon.” When listened to as a whole, the album goes into a loop, with the songs blending smoothly into each other. It’s difficult to compare M.IA.’s music to any recording artist today. The sound and songs are unique. Ever since her first release “Arular” she has always had a style of her own. Borrowing a line from the third track “Only 1 U”, the phrase “there’s no beat I cannot kill,” represents M.I.A. as an artist through her use of chaotic and far-out beats that somehow works in her favor to produce a wide range of interesting sounds. Her album was released on November 1st and it is now available in record stores as well as on ITunes.
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Straight from the KITCHEN—The seared pork-chops, served with mashed potatoes and seasoned asparagus topped with
brandy reduction sauce make a fullfilling meal.
Bollini’s leaves guests wanting more Joshua Inglada Staff Writer Not far from East Los Angeles College is Bollini’s Pizzeria, an Italian restaurant that succeeds in both quality and quantity. With several authentic recipes handed down through tradition, their goal is to satisfy customers with the freshest ingredients California has to offer. The menu offers pizza, both in small and large sizes, but also lists pasta, salad and appetizers. They also offer roasted chicken and a 20 oz. rib-eye steak. Besides having pizza on the menu, customers are also given the choice to build their own pizza with toppings and cheeses of their choice. Their beverages include soft drinks, lemonade and alcohol. The waiters serve a plate of pesto pizza bread as a complementary dish. The pieces were sprinkled with bits of cheese, garlic, nuts
and other spices. The bread pieces were all toasted, which made them crunchy and addictive to eat. The arugula salad is included and cost $9. It is fresh arugula coated in red wine vinaigrette, with shredded carrot, corn, smoked bacon-bits, mushrooms, teardrop tomatoes and goat cheese. It’s served on a large square tray and is big enough to serve four to five people. The salad is crunchy and the goat cheese just melts in the mouth. The vinaigrette gives the greens a tangy flavor and an extra kick. The cooks did not skimp on the bacon either. The Rocco pizza cost $12 and comes with sauce, cheese, pepperoni and basil. Additional toppings, such as mushrooms and bacon can be requested for $1 each. The pizza is large enough to feed four people. The cheese is piping hot and there’s a fine amount of sauce per slice. You can really taste the smokiness of the oven on the thin crust. Just like with the salad, bacon was
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not ignored on this pizza. The mushrooms were fresh and tender. These dishes alone make a filling meal. The seared pork-chops cost $15 and come with garlic mashed-potatoes, roasted asparagus seasoned with lemon and chili and are finished with a sweet brandy reduction. The pork-chop slices are soft to chew and savory. The meat portions are large so order it medium to medium-well to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly. The potatoes have pieces of mushroom and potato skin in them. The asparagus is tender and the seasonings give it spice. wThe reduction that comes along with the food brought an extra zing to the dish’s flavor and has a slight sweetness. The establishment has a large interior and contains over 15 tables, each seating two to four people. Paintings decorate the walls of the dining area. The wall right next to the entrance is covered in framed newspaper articles of the restaurant’s staff, history and
accomplishments. There are several flat-screen televisions stationed around for customers to watch as they wait for their food. The lighting of the restaurant is low, but makes the atmosphere feel relaxing and casual. Everything is clean and taken care of. The kitchen and deli area has an old-fashioned fire oven near the entrance that they use to bake their Neapolitan style pizzas. Service is excellent, as the waiters quickly bring out food with a smile and are patient with those who need extra time to make an order. If a person’s drink appears close to empty, a server will collect the glass during a run and refill it for the customer. Bollini’s Pizzeria is in the process of expanding, and will be opening two more restaurants in Orange County and Long Beach in the future. Bollini’s is located at 2315 South Garfield Avenue, Monterey Park..
ARTS
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
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Outstanding performance earns applause Douglas Gonzalez Staff Writer
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Endless Embrace—Benny (left), played by James Oronoz, holds Nina (right), played by Veronica Rosa, in the last scene as they reflect on their love for each other.
“In the Heights” is a play that takes place in Brooklyn, New York and is about poverty and love. The play promotes Puerto Rican and Dominican culture and language. “In the Heights” is a dramatic play that was performed at Casa 0101. Casa 0101 was built by Jean Deleage’s children in honor of all his artistic work, which included theatre and paintings. The play is about a tale of the Rosario family. The father figure in the story is Kevin Rosario, played by Luis Marquez, and Camila Rosario, played by Marticia Cardenas, is the mother. They have two daughters Nina, played by Veronica Rosa, and Vanessa, played by Valeria Maldanado.
Kevin was a farmer in Puerto Rico, and decides one day to quit his farming work and travel to New York. He eventually builds his own business as a limousine caterer. Camila is a maid in New York, and married Kevin. Benny, played by James Oronzo, is a faithful worker of Kevin, is introduced in the play and eventually falls in love and starts a relationship with Nina. Vanessa is sexy and popular in the barrio; every man wants her. She works as a cosmetologist. Nina, on the other hand, enjoys her schoolwork and has receives a scholarship to Stanford University in California. Nina is in trouble because her grades were not sufficient enough to fulfill her scholarship requirement and she drops out of college. Eventually, she breaks the bad news to her parents. Not only were her grades bad, but
she also could not afford to pay for the tuition. She was too shy to ask her father for money because his business is in debt. Kevin Rosario showed his personality so well. He was the man of the play and his acting was very precise and did what he was supposed to do. As for Camila Rosario was not afraid to show her hysteria when her husband decides to sell his limousine company to allow Nina to enroll back into Stanford University. The play was extremely vibrant, and full of singing and dancing to Salsa music. It had energy, and was sexy in an insidious way. The play included singing solos from all the major characters, and each character sang about his or her life. The lighting was incredible. The lights added to the emotion and
brought the play to life. Without the light designs, the play would not make sense. The costumes matched each character well. The women were wearing bright colors and dresses, while the men wore jeans and T-shirts. The rapping involved adds a unique quality to the play. They rapped about living in the barrio, money, woman and school. The rap expressed political viewpoints of living in poverty, and how education plays a key role in escaping the barrio. The best performer in the play would have to be Maldonado. She was lively in her singing and in her solos. Maldanado also received the loudest applause at the end of the play. Her costume design was the most attractive, and very classy. Overall, the play was marvelous.
Tea Bar provides more than a bargain Jade Inglada Staff Writer Eighty Eight Tea Bar, an Asian café, offers a variety of delicious meal plate items, snacks, a wide selection of boba tea drinks and a $4.99 student special. The moment customers enter they are greeted with a bright and colorful interior. The dining area is inviting with warm yellow walls and eye-catching seating options. Outdoor seating is offered as well. Not all menu items are displayed, however; only the snacks and plate items are shown, so it’s important to go through the menus available on the counter. The crispy chicken wings are fresh and still burning hot. The fried skins are garnished with chopped green onions. While the chicken itself is well
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Crunchy Munchies—A generous portion of delicious chicken katsu served with a hefty
amount of steamed rice.
cooked, the wings are mostly bland as the skin lacks any serious distinct flavor. The chicken katsu comes with a large amount of steamed white rice
and a small amount of broccoli. The bread crust has a crunchy texture, the chicken is juicy and not the least bit dried out. The plates come with a small cup
of sweet and tangy sauce that gives the dishes an extra twist of flavor. The Student Special plate for $4.99 includes two fried fish filets, BBQ chicken, steamed white rice
and broccoli. The to-go menus also come with a $1 coupon for any boba drink when you purchase a rice plate that’s $6.50 or more. A nice perk for customers would be the variety of boba tea drinks available on the menu. For an additional 50 cents customers can include extras such as pudding, red bean, lychee jelly, or honey boba. The passion fruit boba slush comes in a short but wide cup. The café does not offer any other type of soft drinks aside from Coke, but with such a wide selection of unique flavors, there’s no harm in experimenting. For customers that enjoy something sweet, they also have brick toast with syrup and strawberries. While the ordering process is quick, the problem lies in the time between placing the order and
receiving it. There are busy days, and it can be understaffed when there’s a high customer flow. The early afternoon is usually when they receive a large influx of customers. Despite how packed it can be, the atmosphere is calm and rarely noisy. The wait time can be up to 20 minutes, but it is well worth it. The total was $11.35 for one plate and a slush drink, which isn’t bad considering the amount of food that is given. For an average plate price being $6.50 and up, the cost is fair for the large portions diners receive. Customers are welcome to use the free Wi-Fi service while dining. There is also a television set up on the back corner wall that plays back-to-back English and Asian pop music videos. It is located at 2215 South Atlantic Boulevard, Monterey Park, in the Prado Center shopping mall.
Gaga experiments with ‘Artpop’ the lack of personal connection with the audience in “ARTPOP” makes it a hard album to like for many. “Dope” is very different from the Lady Gaga leaves behind her rest of the tracks in this album, or intrinsic playfulness that marked any past albums. much of Gaga’s previous work, It’s the only slow ballad in and steps into the album. It experimenting with makes her album electronic, R&B a b i t m e s s y, and rap music. but it makes a Her new album connection with “ARTPOP” brings the audience, a musical take on singing about art, fashion, sex and love. drugs. “Mary Jane “Jewels N’ Holland” is a Drugs” features catchy yet rappers T.I., Twista controversial a n d To o S h o r t song. offering their fame T h e s o n g ’s and money. Gaga beat is closest to delivers a simple the material of point, she wants the “Born This love. The is a Way” album. combination of hipGaga sings hop and rap music. about a socially “Donatella” is a accepted drug, pop and electronic marijuana. hit in which she I n t h i s c e l e b r a t e s t h e Courtesy of interscope track, Gaga fabulousness of acknowledges money, fame and fashion coming the controversy and consequences out as a glorification of someone of fame. shallow. Her past albums related more to “Do What U Want” emphasizes the audience, like “ Born this way” her strong, dominant personality. expressed self- empowerment and Speaking out to the media strength rather, “ARTPOP” revealed who have judged her appearance, a different side of Gaga with selfand music. indulgence and the effects of fame Gaga finishes off with a love and money. connection with singer R. Kelly The album was very different mixing R&B and pop, saving her to the expectations that many of album from complete disaster. her fans had, it was a different but Despite Gaga’s efforts, to be catchy album. different and catchy at the same time, “ARTPOP” is now available on like many of her previous albums, iTunes and any local record stores. Gabriela Gonzalez Staff Writer
Courtesy of lionsgate
Girl on fire— Caesar Flickerman (left), played by Stanley Tucci, introduces Katniss Everdeen (right), played by Jennifer Lawrence, to the audience as a tribute from District 12 for the Quarter Quell.
‘Catching Fire’ delivers a surefire blockbuster Desiree Lopez Staff Writer “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is a great film that gives a daring lead role to young girl instead of a male. The Hunger Games does a great job of making the audience feel as if they know each character personally. “Catching Fire” is the sequel to the box office hit “The Hunger Games.” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” follows the courageous Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, who was the winner for Dwistrict 12 in the first “Hunger Games,” and now trying to live a somewhat normal life. She soon finds out that her
romance is fake with Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson, and is something she is never going to be able to forget. The antagonist of the film President Snow, played by Donald Sutherland, soon comes back into Everdeen’s life. Catching Fire written by Suzanne Collins, author of the “Hunger Games” trilogies. The movie was directed by Francis Lawrence, who also directed “Water for Elephants.” The two make a great team and give the audience something to talk about. The colorful and vivid outfits worn by some of the characters bring the film to life, and give it a unique memorable look.
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Although the beginning of the film starts off slow, thirty minutes into the film the dynamics of the film start to change. The majority of the actors in the first film return, such as Everdeen’s lover Gale Hawthorne, played by Liam Hemsworth. The entertaining and eccentric talk show host Caesar Flickerman, played by Stanley Tucci, makes an appearance. Sam Claflin, played by Finnick Odair, is a new character that adds to the action in this breathtaking jaw-dropping film. Lawrence out does herself, playing a strong confident young girl, whose character is faced with adversities that seem impossible to overcome.
Hutcherson brings life to his character, while being that sweet, but brave young man. The filmmaker does a great job making the characters seem human, by giving the audience compelling insight on each character. Unlike the first part of the trilogy which shows a lighter side to Everdeen’s character,Catching Fire is full of darkness and more realistic special effects. The film runs for two and a half hours but the surprising ending leaves the audience hungry for more. Catching Fire is rated PG-13 due to violence, sexual content, language, and alcohol/drug use. The film is now playing in theatres.
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SPORTS
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
Women’s basketball dominates the classic tournament Denise Chavez Staff Writer
The Huskies upset the state’s No.19-ranked Saddleback College,70-56, on Saturday to win their initial Husky Classic tournament. Dioseline Lopez from ELAC won the Most Valuable Player award. Lopez scored 36 points in total, and added 16 assists leading the Huskies to their tournament wins. “(It) feels nice, but this is really about the team. Anything I do is a result of working with this team,” Lopez said after being awarded the tournament’s MVP award. The Huskies also beat College of the Desert, 105-71, in the semifinals.
ELAC beat Los Angeles Harbor College, 86-46, in the first round. Prior to the championship game ELAC Head Coach Bruce Turner said,”We delivered without error.” The Huskies won their games with stingy defense and overall depth. Everyone on the team’s roster was able to participate in the games, which gave all players a chance to play and improve their skills. The tournament averaged 105 fans in attendance per game. “We had a lot of competitive teams this year and will hopefully grow in our second annual Husky Classic next season,” Turner said. L.A. Trade Tech College beat Harbor, 85-60, for the consolation championship. Scottsdale Community College of Arizona beat Desert, 82-70, to take
the last spots. The All-Tournament Team included Tasheba Henery and Patrice Darden of L.A. Trade Tech, Alyssa Camacho of Scottsdale and Tatiana Moana of Saddleback. Jocelyn Diaz and Lopez were the Huskies who made the AllTournament Team. The Huskies won third place at the fifth annual Mission College Saints Classic on Nov. 15-17 in Santa Clara. “This was a tougher team than last year because we play as one and communicate better,” Husky center Karina Ortiz said. ELAC’s next competition will be at the Cypress College Charger Tournament on Dec.6-8. The Huskies will enter the next tournament with a 5-1 overall record in non-conference play.
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FOCUSED—ELAC’s freshman guard Kristina Tatikian, center, stares at her target while preparing to shoot her first free throw in ELAC’s gym in a 70-56 win against Saddleback College last Saturday.
Runners upset ranked Trade Tech Denise Chavez Staff Writer The men’s cross country beat South Coast Conference rival, Los Angeles Trade Tech College by one point at the Cross Country State Championships last Saturday in Fresno. “We finally did it. We beat Trade Tech. Overall this was a tough season, but we got through it and we made it to state,” Husky Gonzalo Ceja said. Ceja and Kris Chacon were the top two runners for the Huskies. They both placed in the top 60 out of the 200 runners in the men’s four-mile race. Ceja, Chacon and Andrew Torres ended their Husky careers on the cross-country team. The team was not expected to even reach the post season. They compete in the toughest conference in the state. SCC rivals Mt. San Antonio, Cerritos and El
Camino colleges are ranked in the top 10 and Trade Tech is also ranked. The Huskies had to beat SCC rivals Long Beach City and Pasadena City colleges to qualify for the post season. The SCC sends five teams to the post season because of their strengths. The Huskies got two upsets in the SCC finals to qualify for the SoCal Championships. They upset several colleges to make it to the state finals. “Perseverance pays off,” Chacon said. When asked ending your Husky career in the state finals Chacon said, “the experience was great, especially to spend it with my teammates.” Returning to the team next season are Cristian Flores, Jesse Bonilla, Luis Requelme-Colin and Rene Flores. “We worked hard this year to get where we did,” Torres said.
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Wrestlemania—East Los Angeles College’s Pasha Sabet prepares to wrestle against highly touted Cerritos College’s Brian
Simmons in the 149 weight-class in the men’s gym last Saturday. Sabet lost a close match.
‘The Brawl’ draws skilled wrestlers Nguyet Tran Staff Writer The ELAC wrestling team brushed up on their talents when they hosted The Brawl, an all-day tournament, in the men’s gym last Saturday. Ranked 15th in state, the Huskies hosted Cerritos (No. 3) and Victor Valley (No. 20) colleges and the
University of Southern California’s club wrestling team. The Brawl is meant to prepare the Huskies for Regionals at ELAC on Dec. 6-7, which will be ELAC’s second consecutive year hosting the meet. “We look at (The Brawl) like a practice. You know, when we go to Regionals it’s going to be more serious and intense,” Head Coach Ralph Valle said.
As of Nov. 6, three ELAC wrestlers were ranked in their weight classes in the California Community College wrestling individual rankings. Hugo Perez ranked No. 5 and Davit Hovhannisyan ranked No. 6 in the 125-weight class. Lavante Chism received honorable mention in the 174weight division. Hovhannisyan, who was not
present at the tournament, sat out due to injuries. Valle also sat out Perez in order for him to rest and prepare for Regionals. “I thought we did pretty good overall. It is November after all,” Valle said. After Regionals, the Huskies who qualify make their way up north to San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton on Dec. 13-14 for the state finals.
Men’s basketball prepares for season adjustments in their game in order to prevail after losing to Santa Monica and Cuyama colleges. Mosley described the team’s The No. 6 ranked Huskies men’s strength to be their defense. In order basketball team starts this season to execute each game to the best of with four returning and 12 new their ability, the team prepares by players after a sweet 16 playoff exit conditioning, playing hard every day, staying physically fit, and last year. practicing on Last season, Head defense and Coach John Mosley successfully led the “If we maintain our offense. setback team to the playoffs, defensive strength, in A developing for the first time in we could have the chemistry over a decade. The team has shown same success as last b e t w e e n players is improvement season.” having a whole by playing as a new team, but team, learning John Mosley supporting how to handle ELAC Head each other and close situations, Coach improving their and working hard skills unifies to perfect their the team strongly. technique. The key returning players for The Huskies started this season the season include sophomore with a bit of difficulty. Their first two games were forwards Aaron Cheatum, and challenging, but the team made Zach Hinton, as well as guard Cynthia Laguna Staff Writer
Frankie Aguilar. According to Mosley, the seasons approach was a bit different, but every team holds the same philosophy, which is to defend and play with toughness. Various tactics are brought to the court depending on their opponents strengths. “ I am excited and ready to show other college coaches what I can deliver on the court and how to be a good leader.” freshman guard, Je’ Ron Primus said. Primus looks forward to playing against San Bernardino Valley College. Primus explained how they will have a strong team and wants to show that the Huskies can play up to their level and beat their opponents. Watching their previous games and taking notes of mistakes they have made, prepares them for the next game. Some players take leadership and bring positivity to the group
regardless of the ending result of each game. Taking one game at a time and treating it as if it’s their last is how Primus described his team when they get on the court. He said that the team is young and most of them are new players, but that will not hold them back from being able to make it into the playoffs. “We have a great team and we will do well this season. We feel we will be able to make it to playoffs, that is our first goal,” freshman forward Eder Herrera said. Before a game, Herrera tries to maintain a positive mind even if the previous practice was not as good. Herrera said that all the coaches have different personalities but they trust each other, which eliminates any intimidation between them and their players. The coaches help the team to refine their skills in hopes that they will be able to transfer and play for higher division college.
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Softball The softball team will host an Alumni game at 10 a.m. on Jan.25 and a softball clinic for high school students on Dec.7 tentatively scheduled. For more information contact Head Coach Erika Blanco at (323) 267-3784. The team will also have their seventh Annual ELAC Softball Gift and Food Drive on Dec.10 at 4:30 p.m. in the women’s gym. There will be dinner for the families of the ELAC Women’s Center, hosted by the softball team. There are boxes to collect food and gifts on campus, but all donations must be in by Dec.9. If requested, donation boxes can be put in departments on campus.
Men’s basketball After beginning the season with a pair of losses and one win, the Huskies look to bounce back at the Pasadena City College/L.L. Kennedy and Associates Thanksgiving Tournament next week, Dec. 6-8. The Huskies, however, face some of their stiffest competition of the season. They will meet two ranked teams and a four-year university junior varsity team. The No. 6-ranked Huskies (preseason Southern Regional poll) will face No. 5-ranked San Bernardino Valley College on Friday at 4 p.m. The following day the Huskies will compete against the Occidental College junior varsity at 2 p.m. East Los Angeles College will play against No. 9-ranked Ventura College at 1 p.m on Sunday.
Women’s basketball ELAC, 5-1 overall, will try to improve on its four-game win streak next week in the 29th annual Cypress College Lady Charger Classic. The Huskies play American River College, 3-2 overall, on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. The Huskies (5-1) could face the No. 13-ranked team in the state, Cypress (4-3) in the championship game, which would be for the third consecutive year. The two teams have split the previous title games.