FEATURES
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Music professor come together through passion for music.
Open mic night creates a safe space for expression.
Softball escapes a win from El Camino College.
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Volume 73, Issue 15
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Wednesday, April 16, 2016
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Elans experience disabled students’ hardships first hand bumpy and rough. It’s potentially a hazard to someone that is handicapped and could make them fall,” Monica Garcia said. “This experience of going Students from Child through Elac in wheelchair Development 45 experienced has opened my eyes hardships disabled students have and views about handicap students around campus at the Night Walk. on campus,” Elan Daysi Hernadez Professor Linda Wilbur gives said. this assignment every semester Students experienced mobility to students so they can observe through the eyes of disabled disabled students’ experiences. students. This assignment took place at F7 “Students that can walk 115 on March 30. and see don’t notice or The students are planning to realize, such as the teach children with disability. way the sidewalks are The students were curved, bumps and holes blindfolded, in crutches on the door. These little things and on wheelchairs around campus. make it difficult for handicap They had to use the vending students to get through machine, but it was challenging for or around, which are so easy for them. us,” Hernandez Wilbur also sent said. some of the groups to Students don’t Starbucks and Carl's “My experience know what to Jr. so they could order expect when they was eye food. do this assignment ELAC student because some opening and Lucy Tellez said the think it’s not hard. unforgettable. experience was eye“We focus on I was assigned opening. ourselves and “My experience our needs that we to walk around was eye opening don’t take others campus using and unforgettable.I into consideration. was assigned to “A handicap crutches.” walk around campus students might using crutches. also be in a rush to LUCY TELLEZ. ELAC student When I initially get class because started , (I thought,) the bus was full ‘Okay this can’t be they have to wait that hard,’ and when for the next one,” I was done, I couldn't believe that Hernandez said. this small assignment was probably Some students who were one of the hardest I ever had to do,” blindfolded were anxious and scar Tellez said. ed because Melissa Pelaez says her they didn’t know what was around experience with crutches felt them. everlasting. Students found out that vending "I used the crutches and it machines didn’t have braille for (seemed) like an eternality blind students. to get to the destination. I Students also noticed realized using the ramp took that the floor was way longer than the stairs because bumpy with potholes which makes it was so long. It was very tiring,” it hard for students in wheelchairs Pelaez said. move around. “I felt that the walk going Students experiences the in the Women’s Gym is hardships students in wheelchairs horrible . When I used the have when they go uphill. walker there, it rolled up from Students said that this experience one corner and the metal border can help the campus improve the on the floor is really bad. It's environment for the student.
BY JOHANNA CALDERON Staff Writer
CN/IVAN CAZARES
NOW OPENED—Students use the cafeteria in the recently opened Campus Students Center to study and relax between
classes on Tuesday.
New facilities open at Student Center BY STEPHANIE GUEVARA Staff Writer The new Campus Student Center provides students with easier access to facilities, space to study and to eat. The Student Center opened for students on Monday. Final construction work was finished during spring break. The Health Center and the Associated Students Union moved to the Student Center. On the second floor, ASU has its own conference room. These two facilities were formerly located in the G8 building. The Student Center also has a cafeteria, student lounges and a multi- purpose room. The cafeteria is expected to have a food vendor by the next fall semester. East Los Angeles College president, Marvin Martinez, says that the Los Angeles Community College District is searching for a food vendor that can serve good quality food for all nine colleges in the district. “Once the board goes with a food vendor, which I hope happens in the summer, then we will have a food vendor by the time the fall semester starts,” Martinez said. According to Martinez, LACCD wants to bring in more than one food vendor so students can have a variety of choices. The Student Center cafeteria will both serve food from a vendor and cafeteria food. Elans are satisfied with the resources that
the Student Center provides. Brianna Perez, an Administration of Justice major, says that Student Center benefits students by providing an easier access to resources. “It’s pretty great that we have this building because it has a lot more resources,” Perez said. Ulysses Navarro, a psychology major, says the Student Center is a great place to study and relax. “There is more space here than in the library and students can study better or relax,” Navarro said. In all three floors of the building, there are student lounges where students can study or wait for the next class to start. The lounge in the second floor has computers for students to use. The Student Center also has a new college store. Students can purchase items they would normally buy at the Husky store. Although the Campus Student Center has already opened for students, it is having its inauguration on May 5. According to Martinez, The quad, the E3 building and the Campus Students Center will have a red ribbon- cutting ceremony and a Mariachi band in the evening. Construction for the Science Career and Mathematics building is scheduled to finish in late August. Martinez says that classes will be scheduled for Winter of 2017 in the new math and science building.
Director helps improve campus environment BY BRYCE RONQUILLO Staff Writer The Plant Facilities Department at East Los Angeles College has been involved with the school’s expansion and visual improvment under the direction of Abel Rodriguez. The Plant Facilities Department is in charge of health and safety emergencies, energy management, custodial services, building maintenance, campus grounds, campus security, warehouse and locksmith.
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Rodriguez, who has been the director since March of 2014, said that when he arrived, President Marvin Martinez told him to ask the departments what that needed. Since then, Rodriguez has been working endlessly to help improve the campus environment. “There were things around the college that needed attention. With the help of the departments and the student body, I was able to make a list of things that needed to be taken care of,” Rodriguez said. The most dramatic change is the greenery around campus.
It was very important to Rodriguez and his team that the campus looked attractive to students. The lawn in between the E3 and E7 building was one of those additions. “The connecting areas create unity around the campus. If we have nice facilities, but ugly connecting areas, the level of satisfaction is low,” Rodriguez said. Having an eco-friendly campus has also been a priority of the Plants Facilities Department. Solar panels were placed on the
Talent show The Vision Club is hosting its 5th annual talent show on May 13 at 5 p.m. Aduitions are on April 13, 15, 20 and 22 from noon to 1:25 p.m. at F7-210. Student auditioning must sign up at F7-316.
G1, G3, H9, D5, C1 buildings and the stadium parking lot. Lights in the gyms have been replaced with LED light bulbs. New sprinklers that conserve water were also installed. “There is a conscious effort by the college to be environmentally responsible,” Rodriguez said. This work would not have been accomplished without the administration allowing Rodriguez to expand his staff. “I had five gardeners, now I have nine. We didn’t have general foremen, now we have two,”
Rodriguez said. Some of the future projects for Rodriguez involve renovations to Weingart Stadium. “We noticed that the track is in bad condition. It is risky to have people running on it,” Rodriguez said. “Luckily, we have the funding, so this summer, we can replace the track.” The new track will be very unique compared to other schools’. This track will be made out of a new material that is the color grey. The current track is eight years old, and before that, it was dirt.
“We are going to provide the best surface for this new track,” Rodriguez said. “The contract includes a 10-year maintenance plan, so in 11 years we will have a new track.” Rodriguez said he got the idea to change track materials from visiting El Camino-Compton Center’s track. After seeking expert advice he composed a plan and presented to the administration, who provided the funding for the new track. “There's (ECCC) is red, ours will be grey. It is going to look awesome.” Rodriguez said.
Health fair
“Measure for Measure”
The Nursing Department will have a community health fair April 20. Students will have free blood pressure test. Activities from children will be available. It will start 11 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.
The East Los Angeles College Theatre Arts Department presents “Measure for Measure” by Shakespeare. The play will start April 22 at 8 p.m. Ticket are $12 at the doors but $8 with an ASU discount.
2
Opinion
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
Math holds students back Valid complaints or just student excuses? EDITOR IN CHIEF Ivan Cazares MANAGING EDITOR Marcus Camacho ONLINE EDITOR IN CHIEF Julianne Obregon ONLINE EDITORS Stephanie Garibay, Diego Olivares Bryce Ronquillo ART DIRECTOR Jade Inglada FRONT EDITOR Stephanie Guevara
OPINION EDITOR Christopher Jimenez NEWS EDITOR Rogelio Alvarez FEATURE EDITOR Diego Linares ARTS EDITOR Megan G. Razzetti SPORTS EDITOR Dan Gudino PHOTO EDITOR Eddie Garcia COPY EDITORS Kristen Garcia Elizabeth Toy CARTOONISTS Kristen Garcia
BY GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO Staff Writer Many students constantly struggle in math and the majority of them put blame on the teacher. However, teachers don’t necessarily seem to be the problem. In fact, students are usually the ones to blame for their low and even failing tests, whether they’re in math or another subject they struggle with. Students even admit to their own failures as a student. Some might say, “They’re not taking it seriously.” The role of a teacher is to show up to class and to teach. The role of the student is to show up, pay attention and learn. Some students say that their teacher has a really thick accent and they cannot understand what he or she are saying. “How can we learn if we don’t know what the teachers are saying?” Sonia Perez, an ELAC student says. These were the same problems she faced when she was taking Math 125. According to Perez the teacher had a thick accent and was moving too fast in the class. “She had trouble in the beginning but got help from the book and was able to pass,” Perez said. However, other students cannot get past the accent and either end
up failing or drop the class for that reason. But a teacher can’t change the way he or she sounds or talks. It’s up to students to try and get the information they need to pass the class. Many students admit to the fact that they could have done more. Those same students also say that the class they struggled with the most was their math classes. Why is it that students struggle with their math class the most, if the instructor is not to blame? Dr. Joseph Kazimier, head of the math department, thinks it might be because some students may be poorly prepared. “Some may have had poor preparation in high school and some may not have learned the basics,” says Kazimier. Most students that come here have only had two years of math in high school. “Students should at least have four, but there are many factors as to why students struggle,” Kazimier said. Professor Gabriel Castro, a vice chair of the math department, thinks there may be another factor as to why students struggle with math. “In education, when we have our struggles, somebody, whether it was a teacher or parent or an authority figure, made us doubt in our ability. A reason students may struggle in anything is perhaps someone told
us we couldn’t do something and put doubt in our minds,” Castro said. Castro says to never doubt yourself and tell yourself that you will do it. Of course, not every student can be wrong and it is entirely possible that an instructor is not doing his or her job as a teacher. Some complaints from students are that teachers can be disrespectful to students or the teacher does not teach the class and then leaves. In one case, a teacher called a student “stupid” right to the student’s face. If these are the cases, then the blame cannot fall entirely on the students. With instructors like that, students must complain. The more the voices are heard about that instructor, the more of a chance something can be done. Both Castro and Kazimier encourage students to complain if a teacher is acting badly, and not just for math. If your teacher in any class is not doing his or her job, go to the chairs of the department, or even the dean and file a formal complaint with them. Don’t be afraid of repercussions from the teacher. If you ask for confidentiality, they will give it to you. However, things like this do take time and there are many factors
fast, ask him or her to slow down or visit the instructor during his or her office hours if you still need help. “Not many students take advantage of the instructor's office hours,” Kazimier said. The failures of a student cannot be attributed toward a teacher doing his or her job or just a complaint. There can be many reasons for it. The student may be struggling at home, and cannot focus. Perhaps they are struggling to find something they wish to do after college. It can be all of these things that hinder a students’ ability to do better in class and in school. The unfortunate reality we live in is that life does not care and we must press forward. We as students, must make sure we do our jobs as students and learn from the instructor. An instructor will teach a certain way and that way may be confusing, so it is up to the student to ask questions and try to understand. As long as you are doing what you can to learn, the blame cannot fall on you. But if you know that you can do more and you can make time for your work and you don’t do it, you shouldn't point fingers at anyone else but yourself. Everyone has to deal with responsibilities but it is up to us to prioritize and get work done.
“Depends on the students and how much effort they put in their classes.”
CAMPUS
VOICE
Are students struggling in their classes because of the professor or the students themselves?
that go into the compliants. The complaint has to be processed and a warning is sent to the instructor if they are not doing what they are supposed to do. The more complaints the instructor gets, the more involved the dean will become and will review the instructor in question. If the dean has to review the instructor three times, there is a chance that instructor will be removed, but this is not likely since the process of hiring a replacement takes time. Not only does replacing the instructor take time but the teacher’s union also plays a part if the instructor is in danger of being fired. As Dr. Kazimier put it, “The Union fights for the teachers but the dean fights for the students.” It may seem like a pointless removing but with enough voices, a terrible teacher, is a possibility. Complaints are often, but it seems most of them are just labeled as complaints and not severe complaints. Both Castro and Kazimier have said that the time they get the most complaints is toward the end of the semester, when students are failing and they want somebody to do something. They can’t do anything if you are the one not doing your assignments. If an instructor is teaching too
JENNIFER VARGOS
ESTEPHANY ALVARADO
“It is neither the students’ or professors’ fault, to address the problem is by asking.”
“If you study hard enough and ask for help, anything is possible.” BEN GOMEZ www.ELACCampusNews.com
STAFF WRITERS Gustavo Buenrostro, Johanna Calderon, Fernando Cervantes, Cesar Gutierrez, Bryan Hernandez, Daniela Jalteco, Christopher Jimenez, Patricia Medina, Gil Milanes, Dorany Pineda, Jose Rojas, Julie Santiago STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Diego Linares, Julie Santiago Mayra S. Ventura ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Ivan Cazares ADVISERS Jean Stapleton Sylvia Rico-Sanchez
Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues. Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the 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
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
In the
News
3
SPOTLIGHT
Milestone editors search for best literary content BY DIEGO LINARES Staff Writer
Spreading awareness through Art Psychology Club hosts poster competition BY DANIELA JALTECO Staff Writer The Psychology Club is having its second annual poster contest at East Los Angeles College to promote psychology by displaying the posters. The posters will be displayed in the psychology department and in the classrooms. The winners will be announced during the Psychology Club meeting on April 26 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in F7-224. “The purpose of the contest is to make it easier for the students who are not in the Psychology Club, or any psychology class, to better understand and relate to the terms used in psychology.” said the president of the Psychology Club, Danielle Lomeli. Prizes will be awarded to the top three submissions as well as a prize for honorable mention. The first place winner will be given a $100 package prize, second
place will be given a $75 package that are not only accurate in how prize, third place will receive a $50 they explain the terms, but make package prize and the honorable the terms relevant,” Psychology mention will be given a $35 package Professor Randy Ludwig said. prize. Ludwig also The posters stated that the “What we are trying to posters need f o c u s o n p s y c h o l o g i c a l do in this poster contest t o b e s e l f themes and explanatory and is to try to promote inform passers-by must include psychology, promote who observe the citations if the posters. learning and to promote c o n t e s t a n t ’s The Psychology poster contains that psychology and any secondhand Club wants learning is fun.” information. the contestants E L A C to select a students are psychology key RANDY LUDWIG welcome to join term or concept ELAC Psychology Professor the Psychology and use the poster Club poster to convey the meaning and relevance in a visually contest. Interested students do not need interesting and informative way. This will aid the general public to be in any psychology class or the with a better understanding and Psychology Club to enter. According to the rules and the ability to comprehend the psychology messages conveyed procedures for the poster contest, ELAC students can enter the contest through the participants posters. “The best posters will be posters individually or in pairs.
The deadline for the contest is April 19. A panel of four judges will review the contests between April 19 to April 26. The judges will be looking for four things on the posters: creativity, accuracy, clarity and relevance. They will look at how original and unique the poster is. If the poster has a clear importance of the topic, as well if the poster is self explanatory, also if the information is correct and accurate. Whether the terms used are easy to follow and relatable to the audience. “Simplicity is key for this, (to) deliver things in a meaningful or relevant way, and what we are trying to do in this poster contest is to try to promote psychology, promote learning, and to promote that psychology and learning is fun,” Ludwig said. To enter the poster contest, email Lomeli at lomelidanielle@yahoo. com.
Students are currently looking through over 250 entries to find pieces to include in the upcoming issue of literary magazine Milestone, to be published this spring semester. English 32 is a class comprises of 12 students who are working to publish the East Los Angeles College magazine that has been in circulation since 1950. Elans are editing pieces, which have been submitted by fellow Huskies and other local artists since February, along with pieces that have been left over from previous issues. The entries range from literary works of fiction, nonfiction, drama and poetry to photography and illustrations. English 32 student Alena Morales has been part of the magazine for three years. Morales is also an artist who had to go through the editing process when she submitted her literary piece, “Lost Gem,” and now helps others get their work published. “It doesn’t matter your background of writing. We push everyone equally,” Morales said. “For instance, ESL writers to English 101 classes, we’re all basically the same, up-andcoming. If you have a story to tell, tell it. Don’t be afraid.” Morales went on to say that it is not necessary for a student to be enrolled in an English 101 class or higher, to be published. Joshua Castro is another student who, along with classmates, is working with artists on releasing and promoting the magazine. Both Morales and Castro have submitted and read their work to an audience at open mic nights on campus, but Castro came away noticing something about the popularity of the magazine. “After all that, I kind of found out that the notoriety for the magazine was kind of low on campus,” Castro said. “So, ever since then, I’ve just been kind of committed to helping promote it (and) sustain it, so it wouldn’t disappear.” The group has been working on promoting the magazine, trading a slice of pizza for a poem at an open mic session in the free speech area last Wednesday. Morales intends to form a club called the Milestone Dreamers, with the goal to help support the contributing writers. “I’m looking forward to the next generations of writers,” Morales said.
2016 Summer Session at
ELAC Crime Report East Los Angeles College Sheriff Station reported several crimes between March 27 to April 9. Some of the crimes committed occurred during Spring Break. Campus police document campus crimes through a weekly crime log.
California State University San Bernardino Take advantage of: • Access to high-demand courses - Get the classes you need!
Date/Time Reported
Crime Type Date/Time Occurred
• March 28 at 2:26 p.m.
Lost Property March 28 between F7 Building (iPhone 6 plus) 10:30 - 11:20 a.m. 3rd floor lobby
• March 28 at 1:45 p.m. Vandalism
Location
March 28 between Parking Structure 3 1:45 - 2 p.m. by Swim Stadium
• March 29 at 1:23 p.m. Hit and Run March 28 between Parking section 3A 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Parking Structure 4 • April 4 at 10 a.m.
Hit and Run March 30 between Parking Structure 3 7 - 10:30 a.m.
• April 5 at noon
Burglary
April 4-5 between 10 a.m. - noon
• Lower Tuition - Classes for summer session are only $235.00 per quarter unit! • Two convenient locations offered - Classes at both San Bernardino and Palm Desert Campuses!
Registration for visiting students starts May 26th
Library
ELAC students, faculty and staff should report any crimes or suspicious activity to the Campus Sheriff’s Station. Police officers or cadets can be reached out in person throughout campus or at their offices near Weingart Stadium at B5. The Sheriff’s office hours are open 24 hours, seven days a week and can be contacted at (323) 265-8800.
summer@csusb.edu (909) 537-3978
summer.csusb.edu www.ELACCampusNews.com
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Feature
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
Professors find themselves through music BY DORANY PINEDA Staff Writer
East Los Angeles College professors Lucy Nargizyan and Samvel Chilingarian were brought together by music. Their shared interest in people and fascination with the multifaceted nature of music and all its inner workings are the reasons they began teaching. “Uplifting students, seeing them succeed, and helping them transform and grow as musicians and as people (is one of the most rewarding things about teaching),� Chilingarian said . Nargizyan’s passion for teaching is very similar. “I love people and I love to see growth and achievement in my students. Connecting with them is one of the biggest satisfactions,� Nargizyan said. In spite of the commongroundparallels of their shared love of music and teaching, their inceptions into the musical world were starkly different. At the age of five, in
what was then Armenia under the Soviet Union, Chilingarian’s parents jointly decided that he would grow up to be a musician, or that they would make an attempt at it. For the next couple of years, he studied and practiced the piano arduously for a difficult, government-run music exam in which his aptitude would be tested. It involved an evaluation of his hearing, his rhythm, his ability to distinguish the different notes in a piece of music and more. Although he proved his abilities and skills, the piano, his first fascination and first love, was not the instrument assigned to him. Instead, his abnormally long pinky and his perfect pitch were found to be better-suited for the violin. Thus began a lifelong relationship with the stringed instrument. “I took refuge in music. It was an important way for me to express myself and cope with my parents’ divorce,� said Chilingarian. After receiving a bachelor’s and masters degree in music from
music was impractical. Nonetheless, her passion for music had been cemented. “(The) piano was my first love. It has so many colors and was very important for my soul,� Nargizyan said. When she was older, she went on to pursue a Bachelor’s of Music in Piano Performance from Moscow State Music College, a Master’s of Music Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Southern California. She also won numerous awards and competitions including the USC Concerto Competition, the Jane Kenneth Memorial Scholarship and the Peninsula Young Artists International Festival, and has travelled extensively as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist. As a couple, Nargizyan and Chilingarian make up two out of the three members of the Elixir Piano Trio, which won the Most Distinguished Musician Award at the 2005 IBLA International Competition in Italy. Their passion for music propels their love for
California State University, Northridge and the University of Missouri–Kansas City, respectively, Chilingarian continued his studies in authentic performance and conducting in Vienna, Austria. He returned to the United States years later with an interest to help young, aspiring musicians. He is now the Artistic Director and conductor of Verdugo Young Musicians Association and frequently collaborates with the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestra. Nargizyan’s interest in music was more directly a consequence of her environment. Classical music was a big part of the culture i n M o s c o w, R u s s i a , where she lived until she emigrated to the United States at the age of 21. Her father was an avid classical music fan and the building she lived in as a child was largely populated by musicians. Inspired by the artists surrounding her, Lucy fought hard against her parents’ wishes that she be a doctor, because they thought that studying
teaching and they have done the latter so well that both Nargizyan and Chilingarian have had many of their students go on to win local and state competitions and have transferred to some of the most prestigious music schools in the country. “It is really difficult to make a living from playing music. It isn’t practical. But if you have the passion for it, got for it! Be the best that you can be and be flexible,� Nargizyan advises to all aspiring musicians. Chilingarian also had some advice to offer students in pursuit of a music career. “Believe in yourself first,� he said. Chilingarian went on to quote Henry Ford: “‘Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.’� Check out some o f N a r g i z y a n ’s a n d Chilingarian’s students performing at the S2 Recital Hall for free with other ELAC musicians at these upcoming student music performances: piano recital on May 16 at noon, string recital on May 19 at 5 p.m. and the ELAC Student Concert on May 26 at 8 p.m.
Where earning a bachelor’s degree meets
“I want to transfer today!�
CN/IVAN CAZARES
INTERGALACTIC—Members of the Route 66 Sand Trooper Detachment, (from left to right) Justin Peck, Steve Copeland, Robert Longfellow and Michael Leo Ramirez, pose for a photo after the 2016 Sand Trooper hike on April 3.
Stormtroopers hike for charity BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer The Route 66 Sandtrooper Detachment raised over $1,200 for the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles by hiking around Griffith Park in full “Star Wars� Stormtrooper armor on April 3. Stryder Brown, also know as Hip-Hop Trooper, started the annual Sandtrooper Hike in 2014. He came up with the idea as a joke, but it quickly became a way to raise money for children in need. The group raises money using a Go Fund Me page. A link to the page can be found at hiphoptrooper.com. The group also sold t-shirts designed by Tee No Evil to help raise money. Tee No Evil is a t-shirt printing company founded by Frances Te and his brother
Franco Te. It donates a portion of its proceeds to the Red Cross. The Detachment is part of the fan organization the 501st Legion, which is dedicated to the construction and wearing of on screen-accurate “Star Wars� costumes. The legion has grown into an international organization and participates in casual, promotional and charitable events. It is known as Vader’s First and often receives requests to appear at events from the creators of “Star Wars� Lucas Films. There is a friendly rivalry between subgroups of Vader’s First. The Route 66 Detachment members consider their armor the most authentically weathered and take pride in raising money. “Raising money through social media is easy. I (would) rather do something physical,� Brown said. He pointed out the people that came
out to support the group as one of the positive aspects of doing charity work in person. The Detachment and its supporters hiked 10 miles in 90-degree weather. Their armor is made of plastic. It has no ventilation and can weigh as much as 30 pounds.  “You have to be crazy. This thing is uncomfortable. I started this, but we’re all leaders. This wouldn’t be possible without these guys,� Brown said.  “We are all passionate about this,� Steve Copeland, also known as Tattooed Trooper, said. Brown explained that being able to raise money by doing something one is passionate about is very fulfilling. Copeland said they would continue their annual hikes as long as they continue to receive support. “This is our thing. It won’t stop,� Copeland said.
“With year-round enrollment and access to faculty Ζ NQHZ 1DWLRQDO ZDV IRU PH 0\ DGYLVRU WUDQVIHUUHG P\ FUHGLWV DQG QRZ I’m on my way.â€? ~ Michael, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology One Course Per Month • Financial Aid • Year-Round Enrollment
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Arts 5 Open mic night creates safe space for expression EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
CN/DIEGO LINARES
CENTER STAGE—Jess X. Chen, a writer, illustrator, photographer and director, recites poetry before the crowd attending the Tuesday Night Cafe at The National Center for the Preservation of Democracy on April 5. BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer Local artist shared their poetry and music during the 18th annual season opener of the open mic night, Tuesday Night Cafe on April 5 at The National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. “This is a special night for us. We don’t usually have such a nice venue,” host Johneric Concordia said. Tuesday Night Cafe is one of the longest-running free arts and performance series in Los Angeles, and the oldest-running AsianAmerican open mic space in the country. The volunteers did a good job
of involving the audience, and the audience was respectful toward every participant. The volunteer sound technicians provided quality sound throughout the event. The event is usually held outdoors at the Aratani Courtyard/Union Center for the Arts. “It's like coming home. It's a unicorn of a space. It feels very comforting,” participant Jenevieve Ting said. The themes of the performances included immigration, family and identity. Performers read poems, performed magic tricks and played music. They also took some time to talk about what influenced their art. The open mic section is preceded by programed performances by
artist such as Shin Kawasaki. Kawasaki is a Los Angeles based guitarist who moved from Japan in 1999. Kawasaki showcased a unique guitar playing style, which was energetic and enjoyable. Open mic performers included a man from India who goes by the name Juzth. He performed in his native language and English. Juzth has been in the country for a little over a month. His voice was soothing, and made his performance enjoyable even though the majority of the lyrics were in a foreign language. Intermissionary music was provided by resident DJs such as DJ WaxStyles. Mike Nailat,aka DJ WaxStyles founded Sessions Los Angeles,
a music writing, production, recording and DJing program for youth and young adults. DJ WaxSyles played mostly old school hip-hop and created a mellow atmosphere for the event. Tuesday Night Cafe is hosted by the Tuesday Night Project. Tuesday Night Project is an AsianAmerican grassroots and volunteerbased organization dedicated to providing spaces for people to express themselves artistically. It is a community of artists, organizers, activists, professionals, independent business owners, educators and community members. Concordia said Tuesday Night Cafe is a place for the people of the greater Los Angeles to tell their stories.
“We've been waiting for you to tell your story for 18 years,” said Concordia. He also said that the person's race did not matter. He explained that the first Friday Night Cafe was inspired by his friend, Arnold Moreno. Moreno died after he had to be taken to three different hospitals before he was treated, because
he didn’t have health insurance. Moreno was of Salvadoran descent. Concordia is of Filipino descent. The series will continue until October on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Those interested in participating should sign up at 7 p.m. and performances will start at 7:30 p.m. The next show will be on April 19.
“It’s like coming home. It’s a unicorn of a space. It feels very comforting.” JENEVIEVE TING
Open Mic Participant
J-Zone serves up sound BY DORANY PINEDA Staff Writer
CN/DIEGO LINARES
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT—Winners of the Golden Brush Award, Matt Dovey (center-left) and Adrian Massaro (center-right) accept their awards with steampunk and “Star Wars” cosplayers at the 32nd annual L.Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the Future contest awards ceremony held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater on Sunday.
Sci-Fi writers honored at awards BY MAYRA S. VENTURA Staff Writer
The 32nd annual L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Award celebrated the winners of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future contest on, April 10 at Wilshire Ebell Theatre. The awards ceremony celebrated and honored 12 writers and 11 illustrators from all over the globe and the contribution that Hubbard made to the sci-fi industry. “This contest is to inspire (and honor) future writers and illustrators,” Galaxy Press president John Goodwin said. The celebration’s theme this
year was Steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy, incorporating elements and designs of technology inspired by the industrial steam-power machinery of the 19th century. The ceremony opened with a steampunk rhythmic body percussion “Stomp” inspired performance and was followed by keynote speakers and past and present winners. Sergey Poyarkov was the past winner of the Future Golden Brush Award and after his 25th anniversary this year, he was the recipient of the L. Ron Hubbard Silver Star award. Poyarkov is the first recipient of the award. Keynote Speaker Kellie Gerardi
shared her love for science fiction and science, as she has been one of the 100 candidates elected to colonize Mars via the nonprofit, Mars One. The theme correlated with this new era of discovery and futuristic aspects of the new centuries. In addition to electing the winner, the judges review the prize-winning entries and grant additional grand prizes, the Golden Pen Award and the Golden Brush Award to a writer and illustrator. “I never felt I would be in an event this big and be the star and be with incredible people that share my same passion,” one of the 11 winning illustrators, Maricela Ugarte Peña, said.
This year the Golden Pen Award was given to Matt Dovey for his story, “Squalor & Sympathy,” alongside a grand prize of a $5,000 check. The recipient of this year ’s Golden Brush Award and the grand prize of $5,000 was Adrian Massaro for his illustration for Dovey’s story. “This is the first step into pursuing my career as an illustrator. I am very grateful to Matt for his story. He is an incredible writer,” Massaro said. Following the awards ceremony, attendees had the opportunity meet the winners.Attendees were also able to get their copies of the new 32nd volume edition of this year’s “Writers of the Future Anthology,” autographed by the contest winners.
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J-Zone’s album, “Fish-n-Grits” hits its listeners like a sucker punch of humor and sarcasm with weirdly unconventional beats not uncommon in his music. The 15-track hip-hop album is ferocious and draws influences from many corners of music, including 1960’s funk instrumentals to the erratic sounds of James Brown to Kool and the Gang. His lyrics are highly self-aware, executed with a droll trash-talk style about his frustrations and criticisms of the music industry, gentrification, nostalgia and political correctness. Some of the notable instrumental tracks are “Stick Up” and “Seoul Power,” the first of which is an enchantingly funky jam with dynamic drum beats and worthy of lots of head bobbing. “Seoul Power” navigates the listener from a twangy first two minutes through the music of South
Korea to a percussive jam-out, complete with energetic drums and a synthesizer. But “Fish-n-Grits” is as much vocals as it is instrumentals. In “Go Back to Selling Weed,” instead of mocking those who rap and take their art seriously, J-Zone raps critically about the wannabees selling CD’s on the streets of New York. He tells them in his lyrics to leave music alone, to stop debasing it, to go back to a life of crime and “selling weed.” It is an intentionally ludicrous remark, but one that strongly captures his aversion for the artist impersonators. J-Zone is a writer, producer, rapper and self-proclaimed “jack of all trades, master of zero” from New York City. He gave up on rap after he failed to find commercial success and went on to write a book about it, but came back in 2013 with a new perspective and a newfound skill on the drums. Hip hop fans will be taken on a trippy, sonic and mind-bending trip with J-Zone’s “Fish-n-Grits.”
COVER ART COURTESY OF J-ZONE
6
SPORTS
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
Softball back on track Huskies Softball. We’re doing mental drills in practice where players are held accountable. “We have team rules, and as Softball escaped with a 4-3 win coaches, that’s the hard part. It’s over El Camino College yesterday part of our job to have rules and at home to extend its win streak then enforce them if broken,” to three. Huskies head coach Erika Blanco East Los Angeles College said. sophomore first baseman Ashley ELAC currently has 13 players Day extended her hitting streak to on its roster after starting the nine games, with two runs batted in season with 18, now calling itself and now has 24 RBI in the season. The Lucky 13. “Coach noticed I was getting too The winning pitcher who wears long with my swing. No. 13, sophomore Byanka “Coach suggested I change my Diosdado, held off ECC in three swing and now it has paid off. We separate innings because of great as a team now focus on staying defense from fellow Huskies. calm and really Diosdado had work hard on an ECC runner in getting the scoring position in “You’re definitely routine plays the fourth inning going to see us attack when freshman down,” Day said. and swing away to be Madalyn Roberts ELAC, in dove to the rescue the beginning aggressive. We consider from third base of the season, and caught the out ourselves sluggers.” lost 10 straight to settle the team games. down. T h e “I could have ERIKA BLANCO turnaround in done better, but ELAC Softball Head Coach the season has knowing my been attributed teammates are to a change in behind me gave mental approach and disciplining me so much more confidence,” players for breaking team rules. Diosdado said. The Huskies have won nine of Diosdado mentioned the change the last 11 games with a reported in team philosophy and the four players kicked off the team for turnaround season. undisclosed reasons. “We were so tired of losing. “We’re now officially playing The 10-game losing streak at
BY DAN GUDINO Staff Writer
Sports Briefs
CN/ROGELIO ALVAREZ
SMACK—Sophomore first baseman Ashley Day (34) hits a line drive to shortstop that resulted in the first out of the bottom of the 5th inning yesterday at home. Day recorded two RBI’s in the win against El Caminio College. the beginning of the season was horrible, so team leaders got together and stepped up. “We got a lot of help from coaches, too, where in practice we do a six-minute mental challenge, where, if we mess up, we do a lot of hard running physical routines,” Diosdado said. Diosdado spoke about the players who were kicked off the team.
Baseball: After a five-game losing streak, the baseball team has won four of its last five games. Yesterday at Mount San Antonio College the Huskies won 4-1. Sophomore pitcher Julian Vizcarra picked up his third win of the season. The lefty Vizcarra struck out four batters and allowed one run in eight innings of work. Huskies freshman pitcher Alberto Lopez closed the game for ELAC and recorded his first save of the season.
“As one of the two pitchers on this team, it hurt me, knowing that my teammates did whatever they did. Yet it made me and our team stronger. “I know I have 12 other girls around me. We’re The Lucky 13, just like my number,” Diosdado said. ELAC pulled the win out, despite allowing two runs in the beginning innings and allowed a triple that
gave ECC momentum. Diosdado took control with her bat in the bottom of the first and gave ELAC a 3-2 lead after her two-run single scored sophomore catcher Joslyn Macias and Day. “The mental challenge game we do has really helped us out. “This six-minute workout has been implemented over the last six weeks and has changed our approach on the field,” Blanco said.
Swimming and Diving: The swim and dive team had a horrible performance at 16th Annual Pasadena Swimming and Dive Invitational, April 8-9. ELAC did not place in any event out of the 20 swim and dive contest. ELAC’s best finish came in the 3 Meter Dive. Sophomore Alexandra Reyes placed fifth out of six divers. The Huskies will look to bounce back at the South Coast Conference Diving Championships on Friday at El Camino College, at noon.
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The Huskies are now 15-18 in the season. ELAC plays today at 3 p.m. against Mount San Antonio College at home, a makeup game for the rainout on April 7. “We’re going to come in hacking against Mt. SAC. “You’re definitely going to see us attack and swing away to be aggressive. We consider ourselves sluggers,” Blanco said.
Men’s Track and field: The postseason begins with the SCC Prelims elimination rounds on April 26. The SCC Finals are on April 29 with top six in each event advancing to SoCal Regionals. Cerritos College Invitational Results: Sophomore Cristian Flores won the 800 Meter. Freshman Augustin Arias won the 1500m. Freshman Shiloh Jordan and Joshua Palmer placed 5th and 6th in the 100m.
RSVP TODAY at pacificoaks.edu/April21 or call 626.529.8098 to reserve your spot Thursday, April 21st 6-7:30 p.m. Cerritos Sheraton 12725 Center Court Drive Cerritos, CA 90703