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Evelyn Sanchez Staff Writer A plan that would ban smoking on campus was proposed by East Los Angeles College President Marvin Martinez at the Work Environment Committee meeting on Oct 1. If realized, ELAC would join more than 1,000 college campuses that have banned smoking in the United States. Martinez’s proposal is in the development stages and would include a campus-wide survey that asks students to determine how many would agree to the ban. If plans for the survey are approved, it will be sent to students through an email link when receiving their registration confirmation number. The survey would take effect next semester, according to Jeffrey Hernandez, academic senate vice president, who supports the plan. “With working in the educational system, we actually have a moral obligation to not condone smoking, and I think we do condone it if we say it is okay to smoke,” Hernandez said.

ELAC president considers smoking ban

s s ’ pec y a d i Laura Parral and Erik Luna Staff Writer Construction on East Los Angeles College new Campus Student Center, which will be equipped with a cafeteria, started last year during the Fall 2012 semester. Administrators are still planning on how the food services will be handled. Los Angeles Trade Tech College, Los Angeles Mission College and Los Angeles Harbor College all have culinary arts programs.

Cafeteria

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

www.elaccampusnews.com

Plans to make East Los Angeles College the fourth campus in the Los Angeles Community College District with a culinary arts program are in the developing stages.

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Continued on page 3

Smoking

Continued on page 3

Elans learn to spot signs of abusive relationships Alejandra Carrillo Staff Writer Domestic Violence Awareness month emphasizes the importance of knowing the signs of an abusive relationship and having the strength to leave. Break the Cycle peer educator Teresa Huang hosted “How to Recognize and Leave an Abusive Relationship” in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month yesterday at East Los Angeles College’s S2 Recital Hall. Huang visits high schools and colleges to help people and couples

Physical Abuse CN/freddy monares

It can Happen—Peer Educator Teresa Huang informs students that domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone. The forum was held yesterday by the Violence Intervention Team at the Foyer to inform students about what an abusive relationship looks like and how to break out of it.

News News Briefs Briefs

ELAC Cadets to sell pumpkins

ELAC’s Cadets will sell pumpkins at the south side of the Men’s Gym tomorrow through Halloween. The Pumpkin patch will open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Unwanted behavior done to a person who repeatedly insist they did not want to be part of. • D o e s n o t a l w ay s leaves marks • Can happen in front of others’ eyes

Winter 2014 schedule available

The winter 2014 class schedule is now open for students to add. For more schedule information go to elac.edu and click schedule. Go to registration for class to check registration date.

understand signs of an abusive relationship and gives tips on how to leave an abusive partner. “Dating abuse can happen to anyone. It can happen to the person who might seem like a very strong person,” Huang said. According to breakthecycle. org, one out of three students are invovled with dating violence. Dating abuse is a pattern of controlling behavior,when a person demands power in the relationship. Huang said that there are four types of abuse that can happen in a relationship: abusive, physical, verbal and digital.

Dating Abuse • Mainly pattern of abusive behavior that the abuser expresses as power and control. • One in three student are involved with dating violence. • Can happen to anyone

Sexual Abuse • Mainly known as being forced to have sex but can also be kissing o r i n a p p r o p r i a t e touching. • 1 out of every 6 women have been victims • 17.7 million American women have been victims

Verbal Abuse • Varies from yelling and accusing to setting rules and making threats to another person. • Lowers self esteem • Isolates from family and friends

Superman/ Batman films at ELAC

The Superman/Batman film will take place at Weingart Stadium during the Husky football halftime on Oct.19. The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Entrance fee is free with ELAC ID and $ 5 for non-students.

Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013

Goverment shutdown affects veterans Augustine Ugalde Staff Writer

As the government shutdown approaches the three-week mark, most students at East Los Angeles College remain largely unaffected by the power struggle playing-out in Washington today. Congressional Republicans have decided to hold the nation hostage by using the shutdown as leverage to put the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on hold. President Barack Obama is steadfast in his position that the so-called Obamacare legislation is a legal act, passed by both the House and Senate in 2010, and that Republican actions of this type are illegal. A resolution to this problem is slow in coming, and last week the veterans of ELAC, and more than 500,000 veterans nationwide, who are receiving educational benefits, were notified that they will not be paid in November. This differs from most ELAC students who receive federal financial aid through the FAFSA program, as their educational benefits will not be affected. Only new applications and appeals are on hold for those students. Veterans, on the other hand, have been put into a potentially dire situation because of this illegal shutdown and some may not survive it. Many veterans depend on

EDITORS IN CHIEF Erik Luna Lindsey Maeda MANAGING EDITOR Liliana Marquez ONLINE EDITOR Freddy Monares ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR Brian Villalba FRONT EDITOR Danny Vasquez OPINION EDITOR Luis Vasquez

educational benefits for their very survival. Without these benefits, some veterans will not be able to pay their rent, buy food or pay their bills. Thank you for your service. The GI Bill was put into place to help educate these young men and women who came to the call of their country, and now are being turned away by the very government they helped defend. One of the reasons I served in the Marine Corps was because of the GI Bill and its promise to help educate me so that I could live a better life after my service to the country

was done. It is the simplest of agreements. I give the government several years of my life and in turn I receive educational benefits that increase my employment opportunities. To have the government turn its back on half a million former service members; is just plain wrong, especially when considering this is being done as a result of political pandering. Fortunately, Republican hardballing has not gone unnoticed. In a Gallup poll released Oct. 9, the Republican party is now viewed favorably by only 28 percent of the

American people. The poll was taken Oct. 3-6, just days after the partial government shutdown went into effect, and represents a drop of 10 percent from September’s approval rating. Gallup reports that this rating is the lowest favorable rating for either party since it began asking this question more than 20 years ago. Democrats have also felt the sting of disapproval losing four percent in approval ratings in October, leaving the party’s rating at 43 percent. Clearly there are issues on both sides of this controversy, but why must it hurt veterans who

served their country faithfully and are in need of the benefits they have earned? Veterans receiving educational benefits represent less than two percent of the country’s population. How will meeting this obligation hurt a government that spends trillions annually? Organizations such as the Veteran Students of America, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have all decried the shutdown, and the negative effect it has caused veterans, calling for its immediate end. It just doesn’t measure up.

Drivers, Bikers must respect safety regulations Safety Facts • Always wear a helmet. • Always ride in the same direction as traffic. • Be predictable and ride in a straight line. Do not weave in and out of parked cars • Ride far enough in the lane around parked cars so that you will not collide with opening car doors. • When riding at night, always wear light colored or reflective clothes, and use both front and SOURCE: la-bike.org

Erik Luna Staff Writer A revolution has taken place. Bicyclists in the Los Angeles area have been springing up in multitudes and along with it safety signs for drivers to obey. Yet, East Los Angeles has been neglected. Hundreds of students ride to East Los Angeles College every school day and many more residents ride casually around the neighborhood, so why not put more safety signs for motorists to pay attention to? According to the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, there are 98,000 bicyclists in the Los Angeles area and the population seems to be growing. Yet, even with these numbers, there are only 1,300 miles of bikeways in Los Angeles County and only 38 percent of the county

has access to these bikeways – according to the Southern California Association of Governments’ 2012 Transportation Plan. Neighboring Boyle Heights received new bike lanes in late October 2011 through the 2010 Los Angeles Bike Plan and even though they received bike lanes there have yet to be an appropriate amount of safety signs. Theeastsiderla.com reported last month that cyclist Luis Garcia of Bellflower was pronounced dead after being hit by a car and then run over by a second vehicle near Cesar Chavez Avenue and Mission Road in Boyle Heights. Garcia’s fatal accident should have been a catalyst for further bicycle safety regulations in the eastside, yet have there been any? No. The number of cyclists keeps rising – especially with bicycle organizations such as Eastside Bike

Club and Ovarian Psycos Cycles garnishing popularity – so, this needs to change as fast as possible. Yet, cyclists need to understand that it goes both ways. If cyclists want to be treated with respect by motorists respect the laws they do: wait at stop signs, stop at red lights and don’t ride against traffic. Also, cyclists need to read and educate themselves in bike safety. Anyone who is passionate enough about this lifestyle should make it a responsibility to make a change. Send letters to the office of Supervisor Gloria Molina or Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar and ask for more bicycle lanes in East LA, as well as the safety signs that should come with it – especially surrounding schools and other heavily populated areas. To c o n t a c t M o l i n a v i s i t gloriamolina.org and josehuizar. com for Huizar.

ELAC must impose rigid smoking regulations Diego Olivarez Staff Writer East Los Angeles College is on the verge of being a non-smoking campus due to a proposed plan introduces by ELAC president Marvin Martinez. Many students and staff members are daily smokers and could be affected by this prospective rule. So, should ELAC become a nonsmoking campus? Yes. Being in a classroom or work can sometimes be very exhausting. The first thing a smoker would do is smoke a cigarette. If this proposed plan were to pass it would mean the end to their smoking habits on campus. However, for those who dislike cigarette smoke, this is a huge relief. Students, faculty and staff would come to school knowing that they won’t have to take in

second-hand smoke. This decision will split the ELAC community into two groups: smokers and non-smokers. Smoking on campus should be banned. As someone who is trying to overcome a smoking problem, I see the harmful effects that it imposes. It’s tough trying to avoid second-

hand smoke, especially when walking past a smoker. At times I am forced to inhale their smoke, which isn’t an ideal situation for someone who is trying to quit smoking. The choice to allow students to smoke on campus could give ELAC administration a negative image. If smoking is allowed on

CAMPUS VOICE: “Students should have the right to smoke. Everyone has the right to make their own choice.”

Marvin Hernandez Accounting

campus, then people could roam around school smoking drugs out of paraphernalia that look like cigarettes. Smoking could be troubling for a students’ health. One of the major ramifications of smoking cigarettes is lung cancer. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Contro and Prevention) cigarette smoking

is responsible for about one in five deaths annually more than 440,000 deaths per year, and an estimated 49,000 of these smoking-related deaths are the result of second-hand smoke exposure. Smokers not only giving cancer to themselves, but to an unsuspecting other through second-hand smoke. Also, some people in the ELAC community have respiratory issues. It’s hard enough for them to have to use an inhaler to help them breathe, let alone inhaling someone else’s smoke into their fragile lungs. This might sound unfair for daily smokers, but they have to understand that not everyone likes to smoke and they should respect the people who surround them. ELAC’s smoke-free proposal should be approved. If students don’t agree with the smoke-free plan, then they should stick to the designated smoking areas located in the campus.

Should ELAC become a smoke free campus?

“Yes. It affects those who inhale second-hand smoke.”

Jenifer Bacilio Nursing www.ELACCampusNews.com

“No. It’s unfair for people who smoke or have a hard time quitting.”

Andrew Martinez Photography

NEWS EDITOR Jesus Figueroa FEATURE EDITOR Liliana Marquez

ARTS EDITOR Sergio Berrueta SPORTS EDITOR Diego Linares PHOTO EDITOR Manny Miguel COPY EDITOR Augustine Ugalde CARTOONIST Bryan Pedroza Anthony Tran STAFF Carlos Alvarez, Alejandra Carrillo, Dulce Carrillo, JC Casarez, Tadzio Garcia, Micole Guevara, William Hernandez, Yesenia Martinez, Diego Olivares, Laura Parral, Ruben Perez, Ricardo Pimienta, David Rios, Evelyn Sanchez, PODCAST Sergio Berrueta Jesus Figueroa ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Augustine Ugalde ADVISERS Sylivia 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 proper ty 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. A n o ny m o u s l e t te r s w i l l n o t be printed. Writer s 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, of fered under the East Los Angeles College Journalism program. The editorial and advertising materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The opinions expressed are exclusively those of the writer. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, East Los Angeles College, or any officer or employee thereof. PRINTING BY NEWS PUBLISHERS PRESS

News 3 ELAC Campus News takes home 14 awards

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013

The number of awards earned by staff writer Tadzio Garcia

The number of awards that East Los Angeles College Campus News won last weekend at the JACC conference.

The number of awards earned by Co-Editor-inChief Lindsey Maeda

The issue is

you. East Los Angeles College

Campus News

News | Sports | Arts | Feature | Opinion Stay connected to @elaccampusnews Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

AWARD Winning—East Los Angeles College Campus News co-Editor-in-Chief Lindsey Maeda’s second place winning ad.

East Los Angeles College Campus News won 14 awards at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges conference this weekend, including four awards for Lindsey Maeda and three for Tadzio Garcia. Brian Villalba and Jesus Figueroa Staff Writers

Photographer Tadzio Garcia won first place in the News Photo competition, in which no other participant qualified for second, third or even fourth, as the runnerups only received honorable mentions. Garcia recently returned after suffering from a stroke about a month a go. Along with the first place award, Garcia won second place in the Sports Action Photo competition and earned an honorable mention in the Bring in Photo competition. Co-Editor-in-Chief Lindsey

Smoking: ELAC discusses smoking ban proposition Continued from page 1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that smoking has caused over 443,000 deaths in the U.S. It is at fault for 90 percent of lung cancer in men and 80 percent in women. More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides and murders combined. Hernandez said the proposal to conduct a student survey is a way for supporters to show the administration the overwhelming support ELAC students would have for the plan. However, not all students agree. Criminal Justice major Bianca Rodriguez feels that banning smoking on campus is an

infringement on her right to choose. “I don’t think it’s fair that certain colleges are trying to ban smoking on campus. Smoking is my personal choice. And if I were smoking in an area where I am allowed to, then why should anyone stop me?” Rodriguez said. An effort to ban smoking at ELAC was previously proposed in 2012. “When the recommendation was being discussed with the president at that time, he said, well we should not make a smoking policy that is going to discourage students from coming to school. Students have enough to worry about with just being students,” Hernandez said. Current law already prohibits smoking of tobacco products in an enclosed space of employment, within 20 feet of a main exit,

entrance or operable window of a public building. That includes public colleges and universities, according to The American Lung Association. ELAC has two designated smoking areas on campus. They are located by the lunch truck along the freedom of speech walkway and by the husky statue next to the stadium parking lot. If the plan takes effect, it is unclear where the funding would come from, according to Hernandez. “The state legislature authorized the issuing of fines. If the community college district wanted there to be a no smoking policy, then there could be a policy.” Hernandez said. The University of California campus system has implemented a plan to ban smoking that is scheduled to take effect January.

Cafeteria:

Students may receive new courses with new student center Continued from page 1 Mission is completing their 20 years with their culinary arts institute and LATTC’s culinary arts program has been around for 87 years. “Trade tech is the oldest continuing culinary arts program in the nation,” department chair for LATTC’s culinary arts program Steven Kasmar said. “Many of our students are working before they leave. We have students working at hotels and LAX (and) … many recruiters come in to recruit our students.” According to the Work Environment Committee’s last reports, if ELAC starts a culinary arts program, the students will play a role in the food service of the cafeteria. It’s unknown how big of a role will take place. Department chair of professional studies/culinary arts institute for Mission Louis Zandalasini

says that the decision to create a culinary arts program is a tough, but popular task. “It’s an upcoming trend for colleges to develop their own culinary arts programs. It’s becoming quite popular,” Zandalasini said. “There are many other aspects not just cooking, catering and management also play a hand in it – it’s very business oriented.” Although the Campus Student Center at ELAC is not finished, the plans have been set for the cafeteria. Director of College Facilities Tom Furukawa said the cafeteria will be ready next year, along with the new bookstore, student government office and a convenience store. The 6,000 square foot cafeteria will have a maximum occupation of 400 people and will have indoor and outdoor tables for students to eat. Kasmar also said that LATTC

The number of contests ELAC Campus News were eligable during last weekend’s JACC conference.

By the numbers

3 4 14 41

culinary arts students prepare and serve all the food in the cafeteria as part of their culinary arts class. “We incorporate the class curriculum in the menu we serve at school,” Kasmar said. “Last week we did a lot with fish. We worked with tempura and halibut, so the curriculum was also reflected on the menu for that week.” Patricia Williams, a student at ELAC, believes that it is a good idea for students to work in the cafeteria as part of a class and get paid. “It is an alternative way for them to fill their classes or if they need extra money,” Williams said.“(There will be) A better option of food, and it will be better for when there is bad weather as well,” Williams said. According to Furukawa, the cafeteria will also provide a place for students to sit and congregate, which is something that ELAC is lacking. www.ELACCampusNews.com

Maeda won second place in the News Judgement/Layout, Editorial Cartoon and Front Page Layout competitions. She also earned an honorable mention in the bring in ad. Kien Ha won second place in the Mail-in Editorial Cartoon competition. Co-Editor-in-Chief Erik Luna, former campus news members Megan Perry and Summer Gomez won fourth place in the Mail-in News Story competition for their coverage of the cancellation of classes and closure of campus in response to reports of a gunman in the area in May. Danny Vasquez was a co-winner of the Front page Layout. Campus News won an award for General Excellence in print.

The JACC conference was held at California State University, Fullerton. The Conference is a mixture of workshops to sharpen skills and competitions to test those same skills. The competitions vary from copy editing to sports photography, and the workshops often are supplemental to each specific competition. The two-day event included workshops by guest speakers who taught student journalist about layout, editing and writing style. Professionals and professors were among the guest speakers that brought exceptional examples of their work to share with those in attendance. The next JACC will be at Burbank, California on April 3.

Feature Wrestling helps athlete overcome struggles 4

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013

Liliana Marquez out. I really liked the sport, but I Staff Writer didn’t get really into it until I was a Wrestling is considered one of sophomore,” Ochoa said. It was during his freshman year the oldest forms of combat and the most ancient Olympic sport, but for in high school when Ochoa suffered Omar Ochoa Jr. it goes beyond that. the loss of his grandmother from her Ochoa, 19, is currently in his mother’s side, Rosemary Gonzales. second year as part of the East Los This has been one of the most Angeles College wrestling team difficult moments in his life and where he wrestles at the 149-pound wrestling also helped him cope with it. weight class. “She (Ochoa’s grandmother) was Wrestling has helped him cope with anger, frustration, insecurity divorced and he was her emotional support. She was very close to him. and loss. When Ochoa was in middle When she got sick, he took care of school, he struggled and had her and motivated her. Her passing a difficult time, just like many away was very hard for him,” Eileen Ochoa said. other kids. “My grandmother dying really “Before wrestling I would just feel sorry for myself. You can put woke me up about life in general. It yourself in a pity party, but wrestling was so shocking. She was like my kind of helps you to realize that is second mom and when she died, my only you and you have to worry eyes opened. “Life is very quick and you about yourself and move yourself can’t just take it for granted. You forward,” Ochoa said. have to appreciate Ochoa’s mother, everything you have Eileen Ochoa, also in your life,” Ochoa remembers the said. difficult times her Wrestling son faced. also helped him “When he was overcome the about seven, he greatest obstacle went through a he has encountered hard time because i n l i f e s o f a r, he was chubby which is having and his classmates attention deficit made fun of him, hyperactivity but wrestling disorder. helped him to “ H a v i n g let out that anger ADHD and not and frustration,” being able to Eileen Ochoa said. focus has been O c h o a Omar Ochoa Jr., 5, sits discovered that with his late grandmother a big obstacle. Also, being a wrestling was Rosemary Gonzales little dyslexic. I the sport for him. never figured out After playing football and baseball, he wanted to my lefts and rights. It was always a little bit difficult. I am really glad, try something new. “I started when I was in eighth especially since I have ADHD, that grade and then I went to St. John I chose wrestling because without Bosco High School which is a it, I don’t know what I would do,” Ochoa said. school with just pure athletics. Both of Ochoa’s parents attended “My dad and all his brothers had wrestled, so I decided to try it ELAC. When Ochoa was born, they

were still taking classes here. His mother was in the nursing program, while his father was studying to be a counselor. The memories about those years and his childhood still put a smile on his face. “My childhood was good. My parents were awesome. I wasn’t an easy child. I have ADHD, so it was a struggle because I could never sit down, never focus and stuff,” Ochoa said. His father, Omar Ochoa Sr., said that Ochoa was a very energetic kid who was kind hearted and warm toward others. “He has always been such a curious, intriguing child. As a child everyone wanted him around,” Omar Ochoa Sr., said. It was precisely as a kid, when Ochoa developed his love for his major, engineering. “As a kid I would always try to invent and design things on my own. My parents hated it though because I always broke their things and tools with my ideas,” Ochoa said. For him, engineering is interesting and he sees it as a challenge. “It’s kind of like a puzzle where you are always trying to put things together,” Ochoa said. After he finished high school, where he wrestled for four years, Ochoa transferred to the University of California, Merced.About a week after school started, Ochoa decided to leave and come to ELAC to pursue his passion for wrestling. “The school was good, but it just wasn’t for me. I still wanted to pursue wrestling and I felt that if I stayed at Merced, I would later have regrets of not being able to pursue my wrestling dream,” Ochoa said. During his first year as part of the ELAC wrestling team, Ochoa placed sixth in the 2012 South Regional Championships. Despite being busy, his parents always take the time to support Ochoa during his wrestling matches. “My dad is my No. 1 coach. I

CN/DANNY VASQUEZ

IN THE ZONE— East Los Angeles College wrestler Omar Ochoa focuses on his

upcoming match this weekend. As preparation for every match, Ochoa visualizes his moves and plans before wrestling. “Your effort comes from within, could never have a bad match where he doesn’t know where I messed up. and allowing someone to out work He can look at me before a match you is not acceptable. Our bond and tell me whether I am ready to comes from holding each other go or not and so can my mom,” accountable, it may not always be high fives, but it will always be Ochoa said. His father said that he enjoys honest,” Omar Ochoa Sr. said. Ochoa also seeing his son said that having prepare for “Life is very quick his family at his his matches, matches can be and watching and you can’t just take stressful and that the outcomes it for granted. You one of his fears is to as he gets his have to appreciate let his father down. hand raised. “We talk all the He also said everything you have time. He says I can that he is a in your life.” never do that, but I perfectionist Omar Ochoa always want to do coach. ELAC wrestler more. His time is “I just very valuable and I don’t have any room for mistakes as a coach want to show him that I appreciate because as an athlete myself I do him giving it to me,” Ochoa said. ELAC’s wrestling Head Coach, not allow me to get away with anything. As a coach you have to Ralph Valle, said that as of right have exceptional standards and now he is not happy with Ochoa’s you have to exemplify them on and performance. He also said that Ochoa has been putting a lot of outside of the mat.

pressure on himself. “He is very talented, very smart. He is a hard worker. He has all the qualities that any athlete and coach would want. He’s got everything he needs. Competition wise, he needs to be able to take it to the match and wrestle,” Valle said. Ochoa has two younger brothers, Adrian Ochoa, 14, who is currently attending St. John Bosco and is part of the football team and Joseph, 11, who also wrestles. His parents recently adopted Ochoa’s cousin Max Alvarez. Ochoa’s main goals are to finish college and become an engineer. He wants to transfer to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo or California Baptist University to take his wrestling career to the next level. In 10 years, Ochoa sees himself graduated, successful, and having no regrets. He knows that even if things don’t go the way he planned them to, his family will be there to support him on and off the mat.

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Arts 5 ‘They Won’t Pay?’ delights with surreal manic comedy EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013

Diego Olivares Staff Writer “They Won’t Pay? We Won’t Pay!” is a surreal and wild theater experience. It’s the kind of play that could leave its audience feeling drained, from pure laughter. The play makes its first ever premiere in the U.S. with a bang. The story centers on the chaotic misadventures of two couples which span over an intense day dealing with shoplifting, false pregnancies, federal agents, coffins, and men who look the same. Most of the play takes place in a single apartment, nonetheless. Underscoring the story’s madcap humor is a curious look at worker’s rights and negative economic side effects. Performances were filled with a manic energy that brings to mind a ‘50s sitcom. Kathryn Ventress is manically good as Antonia, a woman who tries to hide stolen food for her husband. Cassandra Gutierrez gives a nice performance as Margherita, Antonia’s helpless sidekick. Fredo Cervantes brings a sense of dramatic frustration to his role of Luigi. James Akingbade pulls the toughest act of playing multiple

roles, including that of a federal agent. Akingbade is able to make them all hilarious as a result. While all these actors give great comic performances, it’s easily Mario Valdez who steals the show as the ultra high-energy Giovanni. He delievers the best jokes every time he is on stage. Seeing both Valdez and Cervantes on stage together is like watching Laurel and Hardy come to life. T h e a t e r D i r e c t o r Va n e s s a Mizzone provides the actors with good direction. She is able to give these performers the comic energy and physical humor that brings to mind “I Love Lucy.” The humor never felt overdone. Every time there was comic set piece, it’s given the level of humor that is never over-the-top. Set mainly in Antonia and Giovanni’s apartment, the set design brings a level of realism. The set helps create a world that these characters are meant to live in. From this, the more surreal moments are never over done. The play also takes an offbeat approach to its storytelling. At times, it becomes self-aware which adds to its surreal humor. One humorous example is when Antonia

and Margherita have to leave the apartment. They mention to each other that they have to “change the set.” The play takes that self-awareness and runs with it. It makes the play more interesting to watch and enjoy. The story is rich with offbeat humor that makes the play a wonderful viewing experience. Underlying the humor is a serious topic focusing on the subject of worker’s right, the play does a good job presenting it. However, the play has some flaws. While the design and storyline suggests a period piece, much of the characters makes references to current issues that relate to our current time. The political and social themes could have been done more subtlety with themes of that time which makes the message too obvious and less effective. While the play has these flaws, it still doesn’t ruin the experience. It is a lot of fun to watch. “They Won’t Pay? We Don’t Pay!” is the wild adventures of two couples’ journey through a insane day of wicked surrealism, political and social issues, and foolish misunderstanding. The play will run through Sunday, Oct. 20.

CN/Sergio Berrueta

Can’t Catch A Break—Antonia, right, played by Kathryn Ventress, expresses her anger over the current economic situation while Magherita, left, played by Cassandra Gutierrez, hangs on her every word.

Valadez, Marin share Chicano art history with fans Alejandra Carrillo Staff Writer

CN/Yesenia Martinez

An artist’s tale—Chicano artist John Valadez tells the story behind the painting to a crowd of art fans while walking through his exhibit “Santa Ana Condition: John Valadez.” Valadez’s gallery will be displayed at the Vincent Price Art Museum until Dec. 7.

Realist painter and muralist John Valadez, along with Chicano art collector Cheech Marin, welcomed fans to their book signing and gallery walk-through at the Vincent Price Art Museum last Saturday. Valadez introduced his latest book called “Santa Ana Condition: John Valadez,” a collection of the Chicano inspired art currently in the exhibit of the same name. “This book is 36 years of work,” Valadez said. The book has murals and paintings that he’s done over the course of his career. Marin signed his latest book of paintings and drawings from various artists called “Small Paintings Chicanitas from the Cheech Marin Collection.” “It’s basically a catalog from a

traveling show called Chicanitas that is in different museums all over the country. It is in the museum of the University of Wyoming right now,” Marin said. Marin’s book features paintings from known and up-and-coming artists. He says that this is a great opportunity to introduce new artists who are good at what they do. After they met with fans, signed books and took pictures, Valadez and Marin walked through Valadez’s gallery. Fans joined them into the gallery as Valadez explained where each painting and murals’ inspiration came from. “I started drawing gente (people) from where I’m from. I draw and paint for myself, but I would always tell people ‘I dare you to like my paintings and I dare you to buy them.’ It was a great strategy

to introduce my art,” Valadez said. He started drawing and painting in black and white then followed it with photography. “A photograph for me was like a sketch. I started drawing and photographing before Photoshop came along. I used to be my own Photoshop,” Valadez said. Marin excused himself midw a l k - t h r o u g h , b u t Va l a d e z continued telling fans about his works. He explained how he went from “straight drawings” to “realistic drawings” and the different types of paints and canvases he uses for each. His murals and paintings vary from pencil on paper to pastel on paper or oil on canvas, digital print on paper and black and white photography. Valadez’s gallery will be shown at the VPAM until Dec. 7.

‘Brown and Out’ gives LGBT themes a new light ‘Machete Kills’ excites, Erik Luna Staff Writer Members of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community have struggled for acceptance and equality for countless years - trying their hardest to break free from discrimination. Various laws have come out trying to stop discrimination based on sexual orientation. So, many people would think that the LGBT community is no longer suffering – that’s not the case. Boyle Heights’s Casa 0101 debuted the third annual “Brown and Out Theater Festival,” last Friday showing the complex and emotional tribulations members of the LGBT community still face. This two-hour rollercoaster, which runs until Nov. 3, displays eight short segments into two acts and delivers a myriad of emotions from anger through happiness. This third installment of the theater festival begins with the humorous “LGBTQ,” a parody of a well-known space franchise. Lieutenant Armando Aguila (Jose Garcia) is sent to his quarters to await punishment for insulting Ensign Miguel Molina (MJ Silva) based on his sexual orientation. While he awaits orders, an alien named Q (Andres Rey Solorzano) arrives and changes a vital aspect of Aguila’s life, which results in some unexpected comedic gold. Solorzano, a veteran at the theater festival, brilliantly upstaged the rest with his portrayal as the flamboyantly omnipotent Q. His facial expressions throughout the segment are wonderful and add a sense of eccentricity to his character. The third segment entitled “Whittier Blvd.,” a beautifully crafted scene in the life of a father and daughter struggling through the

Courtesy of Ed Krieger

in my life—Lesbian Teen, left, played by Karina Noelle,

shares a loving embrace with Girlfriend, right, played by Masha Mendita, in the segment “Prom.” Lesbian Teen shows Girlfriend her tuxedo, which she plans on taking to the prom, as they dance to The Beatles’ “In My Life.” process of transgender issues. Garcia plays Will, a Chicano musician filled with anger about his family, and Masha Mendieta, a pre-operation transgender singer, plays his daughter. The scene comes to an emotional end as father and daughter sing “First of the Gang to Die” by Morrissey. Writer Michael Patrick Spillers chose the perfect way to include Morrissey’s touching song and make it even more heart-wrenchingly beautiful.

Garcia shows his passion in this scene as he weeps openly over a loss in his family. Wr i t e r M o n i c a P a l a c i o s ’ humorous “Prom,” which details the unjustly rejection of a high school teen to bring her partner to the magical night by the school board. This segment is performed amazingly by Silva, another veteran to the theater festival, Jaime Barcelon and Karina Noelle. Silva’s portrayal of the bigoted school board is annoyingly hilarious. Yet, the segment entitled “Los

Novios,” takes the cake for best in the theater festival. This cleverly crafted segment, written by Jaime Mayorquin and directed by Nina Harada, creates a fabulous story in which a gay couple finds an unorthodox way of being together. The chemistry between Solorzano and Barcelon jumps out the moment their lips join and follow through until the end. Barcelon gave a gleaming performance in this segment as he interacted with a sense of desperateness with his cast members. The festival made good use of their time, taking only seconds to make intricate set changes, and not having any one segment run to long. Directors of the festival Harada and Martin Morales did a wonderful job using projections to amplify storytelling and humor. This is clear and most enjoyable in “Prom,” as two projections of Silva’s head randomly appear beside him – a gut-busting and daring move. The projections also came in use in the play “Sunday Brunch,” as words were highlighted to amplify the central theme of family. The duo also played a range of music that was not only used to entertain beforehand, but to enhance the messages in the segments. The show is highly bilingual and non-spanish speakers be aware there are some segments that are prodominantly Spanish. This theater festival may not put discrimination of the LGBT community to an end, but it will inform and move the heart and soul of a person through humor and emotional storytelling. The third annual “Brown and Out Theater Festival” will be running through Nov. 3 at Casa 0101 2102 E. First St.

www.ELACCampusNews.com

exploits over-the-top thrills Diego Olivares Staff Writer

Anyone who comes in to watch a by-the-numbers serious action flick should stay at home. For those who seen the first film, “Machete,” will know what to expect in its “Machete Kills” with some outrageous surprises. This time around, ex-federale turned gun for hire, Machete, played by Danny Trejo, hired by the U.S. President, played by Carlos Estevez, for a new mision. Machete must take out an evil criminal mastermind who in league with a crazed arms dealer, played by Mel Gibson. Along the way, several odd characters, including a psychotic mother, a revolutionary freedom fighter, and an assassin with a special gift, come gunning toward Machete’s path of destruction. All the while, Machete tries to stop a strange, yet deadly plot that threatens the world. The film is cartoonishly overthe-top, but that’s part of its charm. Rodriguez creates a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This gives the movie a selfawarness that makes it all the more enjoyable, separating it from serious actions thrillers. The action itself is well executed. It is done in a way where the audience knows what going on. At times, the film’s uses of real stunt work adds realism to the action. In addition to the action, the film has some good comical moments as a nice balance against the action. Keeping with the film’s outrageous tone, Rodriguez makes super offbeat casting

choices. The actors were able to get into the film’s campy mood without sweat. Danny Trejo returns as the title character. He cool and calm when he needs to be, and dangerous when called for. Mel Gibson is perfectly cast as the film’s lead villian. Gibson has fun playing a bad guy, all the while wonderfully chewing the scenary. While the film is goofy fun, there were elements that were rather flawed. The film’s story at times felt somewhat underdeveloped in some places. In addition, it felt as if there wasn’t much care placed on the story itself. The visual style looked very cheap as well. It looks less like a Hollywood film, and more like the kind of film found on Showtime late at night. The film’s CGI also was poorly done. Of course, there is the chance that the poor visual style help sgive the film its campiness. With all its flaws, “Machete Kills” manage to still deliver its insane entertainment for the simple joy. An audience members can still watch this movie and not really care what kind of flaws a film like this as it is pure escapisim at its core. It’s not meant to be a work of cinematic art, and it shouldn’t. It is rather a piece of weird, pop exploitation entertainment. Rodriguez’s “Machete Kills” is a campy, over the top, yet enjoyable and hyperactive piece of exploitation filmmaking. “Machete Kills” is rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, language and sexual content.

SPORTS

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013

Four attemps land in net as women take over

After traveling to Cerritos College (currently fourth in South Coast Conference) and losing 21-4, the Huskies will go to Chaffey to face a team that has yet to lose in their pool. The 1-9 Huskies will look to separate themselves from the bottom of the SCC pack tomorrow at 5:15 p.m.

Erik Luna Staff Writer Fresh from their 4-0 loss to Cerritos College, the East Los Angeles College women’s soccer team answered back with a 4-0 home win of their own against El CaminoCompton College Center. After a scoreless first half, the Huskies came back with fierce offensive play – scoring three goals in the span of 10 minutes. Husky forward Gladis Reyes put her team up during minute 27 of the second half. “As soon as I got in during the second half, I tried my best and just went forward with everything,” Reyes said, about entering the second half not having played during the first half. Reyes also contributed with an assist for the second goal by fellow forward Alexandra Iglesias. “It felt good,” Iglesias said, after scoring her first goal of the season. “I knew I could put more effort (into the game) and just be positive.” Iglesias scored the goal during minute 16:54, having only been placed in the game a minute before. “We just need to work a little harder to make it to (the) playoffs and think positive,” Iglesias said. The Husky’s aggressive offense took control after the game was predominantly played on the Compton’s side of the field. Around the 13 minute mark, Husky freshman Liz Romeo banked a pop-up ball off the top crossbar and was able to score, much to the confusion of Compton’s goalie. Husky Vanessa Lizzeraga also showed some fancy footwork during

Water Polo

Volleyball

Starter Stephanie Ortiz was a standout in East Los Angeles College women’s volleyball match last Friday against LA Harbor as she had 12 digs and a team-high 12 points in the Huskies win. Consistency will be key for the 2-10 (overall) Huskies as they will host both SCC last place team LA Trade Tech today at 7 p.m. and SCC second place team Pasadena City College Friday at 6 p.m.

Football

CN/micole guevara

goal oriented—Husky forward Gladis Reyes breaks away from a defender of El Camino College Compton Center

during the second half of yesterday’s game to score the first goal.

ELAC fell to 1-4 overall and seventh (out of eight teams) in the Mountain Conference when they faced Southwesten on Oct. 5. The Huskies come in fresh after a bye week to host a Victor Valley College team that shares the same 0-2 conference record this Friday at 6 p.m.

Cross Country the first half of the game, eliciting some excitement from the crowd. Although, the Huskies missed some scoring opportunities they did cement their victory with two more goals. The Huskies kept finding ways through the holes in Compton’s

defense in the first half, creating multiple scoring opportunities yet not capitalizing on all of them. “We weren’t scoring (in the beginning), but in the end, we got the win and that’s all that matters,” Reyes said. “(I’m going to) Keep on practicing. I’m going to work on

communicating, shooting – getting it behind the net … and getting strength that’s my number one (goal).” The final goal of the game was scored via a penalty kick due to a handball from one of Compton’s players. Husky Tabitha Valdez

scored on the penalty kick giving the Huskies the 4-0 score. This win brings the ELAC’s South Coast Conference record to 1-3-1 and overall record to 5-6-1. The Huskies will travel next to face El Camino College this Friday at 4 p.m.

Laura Aceves won the women’s individual title at the San Diego Invitational Oct. 4, becoming the first woman in the meet’s history to break 20 minutes in the fivekilometer event. The Huskies will travel to and compete in the Mt. San Antonio College Invitational on Oct. 18, an all day event.

Men rally to tie soccer match at home Liliana Marquez Staff Writer

CN/Jesus Figueroa

BLAST PAST—East Los Angeles College midfielder Jose Garcia surprises El Camino Compton Center defender Cesar Montenegro shooting the tying goal past goalie Manuel Leon.

The men’s soccer team failed to win against El Camino College Compton Center after a late goal by Husky midfielder Jose GarciaAranda led them to a 2-2 tie yesterday at Weingart Stadium. Their next test will be this Friday as they host El Camino College at 2 p.m. The Huskies have not been able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. From the five games played so far in SCC play, they have only won the opener against Long Beach City College. “The team lacks a natural scorer. A forward with a killer instinct. We have been dominant most of the games, but we just haven’t been lucky scoring goals,” ELAC Assistant Coach Melvin Rubio said. The tying goal during the 77-minute mark gave the Huskies

the opportunity to build momentum scored again,” Estrada said. ELAC opened the score at the at the closing minutes of the match. Husky defender Jose Ortiz sent 25-minute mark with a play that a cross to Garcia-Aranda, who started as forward Juan Torres Garces received took a long a pass and distance crossed ran down the shot. Compton’s “The team lacks a wing to send defense and its natural scorer — a a crossed pass goal goalkeeper to forward Manuel Leon forward with a killer Amaury Ruelas were caught by instinct.” who tapped the surprise when ball in for the the shot went Melvin Rubio 1-0. through to the Elac Assistant Coach C o m p t o n ’s top right corner forward Luis of the goal. At the 65-minute mark Compton’s Macias made the score 1-2 minutes midfielder Raul Estrada scored the after their equalizer, but couldn’t 1-1 goal from a penalty kick penalty keep the advantage and were left kick after ELAC’s goalkeeper with their first tie of the season. “This was a good game. We were Salvador Falcon committed a foul inside the penalty area while trying 2-2 and we both had the chance to win the game. We were coming for to prevent a goal. “After I scored the 1-1 (goal) we the win and weren’t expecting this tried to go hard to find the second result,” Macias said. “I am very disappointed with goal to get the win. We did, but they

today’s result. It was a game where we should have been up 3-0 in the first half. We made this game difficult for ourselves and ended up with a poor result,” Rubio said. Compton’s Head Coach Jose Garcia took a look at the results prior to the game and noticed that ELAC had a negative record just like them. So based on that he had an idea of how the game was going to be. “I figured it was going to be an even game with a team winning by one goal. We went up, we got really tired toward the end. We suffered some injures earlier in the season and we didn’t have the quality of the bench to give people breathers. “Those last 15 minutes after we scored the second goal, they jumped on us and they deserved the tie. They were aggressive and they pushed the line forward. They risked getting a third goal scored on and I think the result is fair,” Garcia said.

Crowd pleased in showcase heavyweight match Carlos Alvarez Staff Writer The East Los Angeles College wrestling team traveled to Rio Hondo College and dominating 34-9 in an exhibition matchup last Wednesday. In what was the crowd pleasing matchup of the evening, Husky Warmer Quevedo excelled in the heavyweight class. “I was getting tossed around, but I used my speed and technique. I wanted it badly,” Quevedo said. The crowd was amazed by his speed and great flexibility against his bigger and stronger opponent. Quevedo took his match 18-6. “Quevedo comes in and works hard. He has a great attitude all the time,” said ELAC Head Hoach Ralph Valle. The Huskies took seven out of 10 matches, showing a huge improvement in technique. “Every week we are getting stronger. Every weight class is improving,” said Husky team captain Hugo Perez. The Huskies will have all week to prepare for the matches at Palomar College, taking place this

Friday and Saturday. “We wrestled well. I have great respect for Rio Hondo, our guys were just ready today. We came in here in great shape and we were technically sound in most of the matches,” Valle said. Perez, wrestling at 125 pounds, used a variety of moves to tire his opponent getting a second period pin down in a match he was expected to win. “I feel confident. I expect us to beat them by more points than (the) last match,” Perez said, during warm-ups. With ELAC dominating as a team the individual performances of sophomores Omar Ochoa and Francisco Aceves struck a sour note. “We have a long way to go, but we have two that should have won. They are better than they showed. When you’re sophomores they sometimes lose their focus, but we’ll work with them,” Valle said. Ochoa wrestled in the 149 lbs. weight class and lost his match 5-3. Aceves forced an extra period, by getting a last-minute one point move, but lost 4-2 in the 184 lbs. weight class match-up.

CN/Manuel Miguel

Dominant performance—Husky Michael Middlebrooks tries to pin down a Rio Hondo opponent at the East Los Angeles Dual Meet held at Rio Hondo last Wednesday