NEWS SAAVE informs Elans on sexual assault awareness.
See page 3
Volume 73, Issue 18
ARTS
SPORTS
Traditional comedy receives Latin twist.
ELAC acquires new football coach.
See page 5
See page 6
Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
www.elaccampusnews.com
SAAVE aids sexual assault victims at ELAC BY GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO Staff Writer
CN/STEPHANIE GARIBAY
STUDENT ELECTIONS—East Los Angeles College students decide which candidates would be best for the 2016-17 students government yesterday next to the ELAC Swim Stadium.
Elans deciding new ASU government BY STEPHANIE GARIBAY Staff Writer
The Associated Student Union is holding elections for the 2016-17 student government in front of the swim stadium, where candidates campaigned to students passing by. The elections started yesterday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will continue today and the same time. Students who are ASU member and non-ASU members are eligible to vote. “There has been a lot of people voting, our box here with all the ballots is more than halfway full now,” Vanessa Diaz, the current Commissioner of communications, said. The ballots included statements from each candidate that voters could read upon making their decision. “Reading those statements actually helped. I think it helped
match their face to their personality. I don’t know any of the people running so it helped me figure out who I should vote for,” Maria Gardena, ELAC student, said. Gardena, who is a first year student, was voting for the first time.“I was just walking by and thought ‘okay why not’,” Gardena said. Some candidates campaigned in front of the swim stadium the whole day and skipped class. “I skipped class to be here, but I’m not worried because I got an A on my midterm so I know I’m at least passing that class,” Henry Jimenez, candidate for treasurer, said. Jimenez is currently the president of the accounting club and hopes to become treasurer. “I actually went to downtown and bought a lot of candy and a Donald Trump pinata. I feel like the Donald Trump pinata represents us, the minority and who we stand for. We stand against him, we stand against the white people. They
stand against us and we are no longer the minority, we are now the majority in California,” Jimenez said. Jimenez believes his experience with the accounting club will make him a great candidate. “Because of my experience I know how to communicate with students and since I have met a lot of different students I know what we need to work on and what our funding needs to be going to. I feel like I would save the campus a lot of money,” Jimenez said. If Jimenez becomes treasurer he hopes to make the communication between students and ASU stronger. There are currently four candidates running for ASU president and Aurora Paredes is the only girl. “I feel like Hillary Clinton with Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, it’s tough out there,” said Paredes. Paredes is currently the chief of justice. This will be her second year in ASU if she becomes elected.
“When I first started with ASU I had no knowledge of how it worked, but over time I started to see ok this is how you do this, this is what I need,” Paredes said. One of Paredes’ goals if she becomes president is to make sure the voice of the south gate students is heard. “We just extended the library hours for the main campus, but what about the students at south gate. Their library closes at 7 pm and I always see students on the floor in hallways. We need to make sure their voice is being heard as well,” Parades said. Parades also hopes to start a food bank if she does become elected. “I’m here all day and sometimes I have noticed that some students don’t have food, so I do want to work on building a food bank. Just a place where students can come and grab snacks,” Parades said. Candidates will be notified if they were elected via email in two weeks and the winners will be posted around campus.
People have been affected by sexual assault one way or another and East Los Angeles College hopes to bring awareness with Sexual Assault Awareness and Violence Education. SAAVE is a group of faculty and students who want to inform other people about sexual assault. This month is about spreading information to those who may not know much about sexual assault or for people who are also looking for more information. This month is also for those who are victims of sexual assault and throughout the month of April, there are many workshops for those who have experienced it. Some workshops talk about the legal system telling you what kind of action someone can take if they have been a victim of sexual assault. They even talked about immigration. People who have been victims of sexual assault and are illegal immigrants, these workshops talk about what kind of action someone with these set of circumstances can do. There is also HIV testing for those who would like to get tested for any diseases with the next HIV test happening Tuesday, April 26. There are meetings called Men’s Circle, where men who have been victims of sexual assault can talk about their experiences or would like to confide with other people. There is also a common sense self defense workshop that teaches people how to defend themselves against sexual assailants. There are also workshops about healthy relationships, where
Some workshops talk about the legal system telling you what kind of action someone can take if they have been a victim of sexual assault. students can know how to be in a healthy relationship. A play called “Drunk Girl” has performances in the month of April. Two performances dates have already happened but there is an upcoming performance on April 21. “Drunk Girl” is a series of plays exploring the struggles that women have over their bodies and their lives. The play will take place on campus in building S-1 music recital hall. A denim day resource fair will take place on April 27. Students and faculty will wear denim in support of the sexual awareness month. One of the last events for SAAVE will be Take Back the Night Vigil and March Against Sexual Assault. They will take place in the G3 auditorium starting at six on April 28. Take back the night starts with professionals speakers talking about sexual assault.
REPORT Continued on page 3
Political science majors educate Elans on 2016 presidential elections BY STEPHANIE GUEVARA Staff Writer East Los Angeles College students majoring in political science informed their fellow students about the presidential candidates and on issues regarding the elections at the ELAC South Gate Educational Center on Thursday. The main purpose of the discussion was to educate students about certain topics that they were unaware of and to get students to vote, according to Emely Anaya, one of the presenters. “Not a lot of young people vote and they should, because it affects our future. It was also to get students involved in politics, in all level(s) (of government),” Anaya said. Anaya believes ELAC students should get involved in the student government so there could be equity between the ELAC South Gate campus and the main campus.
News Briefs
Anaya delivered a presentation on health care and each presidential candidate's’ stance in healthcare. Students were also informed on foreign policy, social services, education and many other topics. Education was one of the main topics in the discussion. Students were encouraged to continue to stay informed on what candidates have to offer for education because it will affect them. The discussion helped students understand politics, according to Precilla Gutierrez, a tutor from the writing center. “I feel like a have a better understanding on other topics besides immigrations,” Gutierrez said. Rony Moraga spoke about the importance of understanding foreign policy as well as current events, which involved the Panama Papers. The Panama Papers are a leakage of confidential documents that reveals information about offshore companies listed by
CN/JULIE SANTIAGO
FEEL THE BERN—Rony Moraga informs students on foreign policy and on his candidate, Bernie Sanders at the East Los Angeles South Gate Educational Center on Thurday.
Panamanian confidential firm. Moraga said the discussion was led to tell students that this election matters and that every topic discussed is based on topics important in everyone’s lives.
First repertoire dance concert Let’s Dance Company presents its first repertoire dance concert at East Los Angeles College on May 13 and 14 at the S2 recital hall. Tickets are $15. For more information contact Kimberly Rabins at 323)265-8740.
“The elections are very interesting but we know very little about (what goes on). This was an opportunity to voice out that this election is very important to us,” Moraga said.
Student presenters felt, voicing their opinions in politics is important because that can encourage students to become passionate and interested in politics.
The students presented on the presidential candidates and gave information on their campaigns, but their main focus was on Bernie Sanders,the prefered candidate of all the presenters. Moraga said they wanted to inform students, but they also wanted to give their point -of -view for certain topics. All candidates for both parties were mentioned in the discussion, except Republican candidate, John Kasich. Moraga said that they wanted to only speak about candidates they thought would most likely take the nomination. The student presenters don’t form part of a club, but they are aiming to start a club. Each election cycle, they get together to organize an election discussion so students can get involved with the elections. “This was essentially made just for when there was an election, but we’ll see where we go with this club in the making,” Moraga said.
Career Day
Transfer student reception
East Los Angeles College Administration of Justice Department will host Career Day on April 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at C2-124. Various law enforcement will attend.
Students who have been accepted to a university and are graduating, are invited to the transfer student reception on May 18 at the S2 patio and recital hall. For more information student can contact the Transfer Center.
2
Opinion
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016
Vacations are over, back to school BY DIEGO OLIVARES Staff Writer Vacaction in the middle of the semester tends to sometimes hinder a student’s ability to focus on contributing to school work, and striving for better grades. Students returning from vacation must ask him or herself the following, “How do I adjust again to campus life? How can I go from having fun to working hard again?” Readjusting back to school is tough due to the hard work that comes with it. College students tend to have a lot on their plate. Some students take 12 to 15 units a semester which eats up their free time. It doesn't help that some students also have employment while attending school. With this amount of obligations in a student’s life, stress could easily come knocking. It’s a no-brainer that students seek to briefly break away from schoolwork. All that pressure would cause a student to want to relax. When vacationing periods like spring break and four-day weekends come around. This becomes music to a stressed student’s ears. They get a feeling of temporary freedom and take full advantage of it. College students tend to use this time to party, do fun activities with friends or simply spend time with family. Taking some time off school allows students to cool off from any stress that class assignments can bring. Everybody needs some time to breathe from school. As a student at East Los Angeles College, I usually look forward to vacationing periods like spring break or holidays. Class work can be overwhelming for me along with my job. I usually work five days a week and only given two days off. I spend those days off attending classes and doing school work. Even on the days I work I still do school related activities like
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, Alitzel Rodriguez
homework and studying. This results in me feeling suffocated and not having any time to relax . There are times where I wish I could have one day off a week. One day would be enough for me to relax and briefly get away from my school and work obligations. In my case, I can’t request for days off work due to financial needs. This is why I await for school breaks since it won’t negatively affect me. The reality is that while school
can be a stressful hell, we all need to continue it. This is something that we have to do whether we like it or not. One way is for students to go over class notes and material before vacation ends. This allows them to refamiliarize with what to expect in their classes. Vacationing can cause a student to forget much of their studies.T This happens to me whenever I return to school. Other times a student could be assigned work to do during the
vacationing period. Many may consider this a killjoy. If students want to enjoy their vacation without this extra work, all they need to do is one simple thing. They should finish their homework as soon as vacation begins. Once they get their assignments done early, they could have the rest of their vacation to themselves. Another way to readjust is to contact fellow classmates. Some classmates like to keep themselves busy with their studies during vacation.
Contacting them can help a student prepare to return to class. Students should also get in touch with their teachers to get caught up. Teachers could give students feedback of what to expect when they return to class. This includes informing students of what material to study for and what homework is due. We all want to take a break at some point. However it's our responsibility to get back to studying and classwork once vacation ends.
Mr. Flowers copes with stress, finals BY ROBERT FLOWERS Staff Writer Stress is a killer when finals are coming, so here are some ways to relieve some of that stress in the most helpful manner. While in the library writing a 20-page report on lettuce, titled “Lettuce: Do Not Trust It,” I overheard a conversation between a man and a woman near me. Man: “Are you sure you’re ok? You seemed stressed lately.” Woman: “Finals are coming up and I have to study a lot, but I’m glad I have you, Bae.” Man: “Right… I meant to tell you that I’m sleeping with your friend, Nicky. We through. So what did you get for question seven?” Next, she either showed him a very scary face or she ripped off his manhood, because he screamed annoyingly loud and ambulances were called. But none of that mattered, because I had a new story to write. Since I was writing about ways to relieve stress and I was at the library, I decided to do some studying, but I only had 30 minutes before my next class, so I had to rush it. For the first 10 minutes, I studied everything there is to know. The next 10 minutes, I spent writing a 100-page dissertation on my findings and the last 10 minutes, I spent banging my head on the table. I actually forgot about stress relief and wrote about Einstein’s Theory of Gravity and presumed that by altering magnetic waves, humans could control gravity on a whim. I immediately destroyed the computer for allowing me to waste my time on such incredibly genius
findings. Once again, I apologize to ELAC for destroying another part of the school. Send the bill to your mom, I’m sure she’ll pay for it. Next, I went to a spa to see if it was a viable way to relieve stress during times like these. It turned out to be Coachella. I don’t exactly remember how I got the two mixed up. I did things that I’m not proud of there, but that is true about anyone that goes to Coachella. All I remember was taking aspirin for a headache from some hippie
and ending up in daycare in Florida on Monday. I think that caused more stress since I got a gang tattoo and a contract that stated I would either vote for Donald Trump in the primaries or have my deepest, darkest secret told to the world. If people knew I sometimes walk around my house dressed like a baby and pooped my pants, I wouldn’t know what to do. They were playing hard ball for votes for sure. In any case, spas are not worth the time. I decided to try talking to a professional stress counselor about stress relief.
I went to meet with Dr. Real Smart at his home in Salem’s Lot, Maine. When I arrived, I felt the town was a little off. Maybe because he lived in a small town without any McDonald’s in it. Maybe because everyone had sharp, vampire fangs and were trying to suck my blood. Luckily, my habit of only drinking holy water paid off and they couldn’t really get near me. I guess you have to call me eccentric instead of crazy from now on, you haters. When I finally got to meet him in
www.ELACCampusNews.com
his home, I asked the most obvious question off the bat, “What is that smell, Dr. Smart?” “Corpses.” What an amusing answer. Being smart and funny is a great combination for a stress counselor. I then continued the interview, “So tell me, what, in your opinion, what is the best ways to relieve stress?” He mulled it over for a second and then answered, “Sucking blood, biting people, living forever and turning into a bat. That is what I teach all clients who come to see me and that is why I became so famous.” As a journalist, I was touched by his words. Never have I seen such unblinking dedication to ideals by anyone before. In fact, since seeing him, he never blinked once. Weird. With that statement, I felt I had enough for an article. I bid my farewell to him and ran for my life as he sent his lackeys after me. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t suggest stress counselors either, because they might be vampires. After all the trouble I went through, I came to only 10 viable ways to relieve stress before finals: 1. Try exercising. 2. Talk to your teachers for help. 3. Go to tutoring. 4. Believe in yourself (or believe in the amazing version of you that I believe in. Yes, I know I’m corny.) 5. Eat healthier. 6. Focus on the material you have trouble with. 7. Spend time with family and friends. 8. Buy an iguana. 9. Steal the answers to the test. 10. Hypnotize the teacher to give you an A in the class and also to buy you a car. (FYI: As the real Robert Flowers, I do not suggest doing 8-10.) Good luck out there, everyone.
STAFF WRITERS Gustavo Buenrostro, Johanna Calderon, Fernando Cervantes, Cesar Gutierrez, Bryan Hernandez, Daniela Jalteco, Christopher Jimenez, Javier Lopez, Patricia Medina, Gil Milanes, 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
News
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016
3
SAAVE informs Elans on reporting sexual assault BY STEPHANIE GUEVARA Staff Writer Inna Parizher and Lambreni Waddell, Attorney and Community Outreach Director from Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, informed students about the legal system’s response to sexual assault yesterday. Along with other events occurring this month for sexual assault awareness, students are being exposed to different options of aid. Students were advised to report to someone immediately if they are being abused. Students were informed about the difference between seeking legal help and counseling. Parizher said that a victim might want to seek counseling rather than legal help because it might help them on a personal level. Lambreni told students that they should report any type of sexual assault. Sexual assault doesn’t only involve penetration or a physical touch, but also any case in which a person makes another person feels sexually uncomfortable. At East Los Angeles College, students can find counseling services through the Sexual Assault Awareness and Violence Education Team. Parizher also said that in some cases, victims have called the police
for help because their spouses were the abusers, but the police didn’t take action. “The law isn’t a perfect system. I’ve had clients tell me that they call the police (because their spouse was being abusive) and they tell them, ‘It’s your husband, stop fighting with him,” Parizher said. Students were also informed about how the law protects undocumented victims. Undocumented victims can apply for U visas as a solution, if their spouse is threatening to report them to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A U visa is a non-immigrant visa for victims of certain violent crime who cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of the offender. U visas are the first step toward a pathway for citizenship. U visas became effective in 2008 and courts have ruled that only 10,000 can be granted each year. In some cases, victims are denied U visas, because the investigations don’t provide enough evidence of the crime being too violent enough. “Sometimes there is some sort of injustice made, but we still help these victims with their legal status,” Parizher said. Parizher also said that the majority of undocumented victims believe that they don’t have the right to access legal support, however they do have the right.
CN/STEPHANIE GUEVARA
REPORT!—Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles county attorney Inna Parizher informs ELAC students about legal reporting procedures at college and university level versus off- campus procedures at the Accessing the Legal System in Response to Sexual Assault workshop on Monday.
ELAC budget finalizations postponed BY MEGAN G. RAZZETTI Staff Writer The Budget Committee has pushed back the finalization of East Los Angeles College’s budget for the 2016-17 school year. In a meeting on Monday, the committee had not reached an agreement on how to present the budget at the upcoming budget forum on May 26. Instead members motioned for another meeting to be held prior to the forum, in which a projected balance and report would be presented. Jeffrey Hernandez, who serves as a faculty and administrative co-chair on the academic senate, explained the slow progress by the committee is nothing new. “We fumbled last year and also last year and didn’t get (the budget) done until April.” Hernandez said. Hernandez also stated that during his time on the committee new ways of planning are established. “There have been dramatic improvements since 2009,” H e r n a n d e z s a i d . “ We h a v e established better planning to stay on track to prioritize things.” The committee ran behind last year as well, and according to Hernandez, the committee worked on revising the budget-planning process and extended the deadline for the 2016-17 budget to April rather than the usual February deadline. According to Hernandez, the committee still fell behind on progress.
CN/DORANY PINEDA
CANTA Y NO LLORES—Mariachi Haddon from Haddon Avenue Elementary performed with big smiles last Saturday at the Los Angeles Unified School District Grand Arts Festival in Downtown Los Angeles.
LAUSD students showcase artwork BY DORANY PINEDA Staff Writer Thousands of students, teachers, parents and supporters gathered on Saturday at Downtown Los Angeles Grand Central Park for the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Grand Arts Festival. The festival was held to highlight not only the artistry and talent of LAUSD students, but to emphasize the importance of an art education. The festival featured thousands of talented student youth currently attending LAUSD who performed as dancers, vocalists, musicians and stage performers on four different stages. Many other students showcased their photography, visual art and films. Joelle Ragland, an 18-year-old student and captain of the Hamilton Dance Team, was among the many performers of the day. “I love dancing because it’s an escape from the real world, especially the world of high school. It’s a way for me to express myself,”
Ragland said. The Hamilton Dance Team has competed nationally and danced for singer Pharrell Williams and performed at the 2015 Special Olympics. Jacobi Lynn Mejia, a dance teacher at Victory Elementary and Columbus Avenue Elementary, had her fourth and fifth grade students perform a creative dance routine and added elements of locking, a type of hip hop dance. As a runaway youth, Mejia said that dancing saved her life. “Dancing gives you hope. It allows you to find who you are and brings out your inner being. I’ve seen the way it has changed my students’ lives,” Mejia said. “This festival is important because it gives visibility to our communities and connects them. It’s a great thing when you see student artists expressing themselves and you watch them grow,” Mejia said. Ernesto Ochoa a senior student photographer from Downtown Magnet High School, showcased his and his group, Vixionary’s
photography at the festival. Ochoa started taking photos four years ago as a freshman in high school, which has now become an important hobby for him. “ I l i k e t o t e l l a s t o r y. Photography has become a form of communication, and doing it allows me to connect to people through my art,” Ochoa said. Representatives from art magnets within the district, community arts partners organizations, art schools and higher education programs also attended. Food trucks were available for the hungry festival goers. Booths and tents were lined up throughout the park where children could participate in face painting, water dancing, piano circles and storybook readings. Established musicians and performers including actor Sinbad, songwriter, dancer, model, record producer and actor Mario, Grammynominated jazz and blues artist Barbara Morrison and vocalist Je’Juan Antonio were among some of the guest performers of the day.
“Dancing gives you hope. It allows you to find out your inner being. I’ve seen the way it has changed my students’ lives.” JACOBI LYNN MEJIA
Victory Elementary and Columbus Elementary Dance Instructor
Nickelodeon and KLCS, a multimedia public television station that serves the greater Los Angeles area, were a few of the entertainment studios present. Artists interacted with the festival goers and educated students on how to achieve careers in the entertainment industry.
Report: Raising awareness for sexual assault and
After the speakers talk, students can come up and share their experiences with sexual assault Andrea Owens, a co-chair of the SAAVE team, said, “Almost every student who goes up, feels empowered for sharing afterwards.” Once that is over, everyone goes outside and marches around campus and chants. Anyone that wants to come can
show up. Parking is free that day. Owens urges people to come and participate in these events. “ F a c u l t y, s t a f f , s t u d e n t , administrators should know that almost everybody has been affected by sexual assault in one way or another. Whether a student was assaulted or maybe someone you know or even something you hear on the news, sexual assault has affected us.” The SAAVE team has been doing this for 16 years, although before
DOERS DO CSULB 2016
Summer Sessions Two 6-Week Sessions May 23–July 1 (S1S) July 5–August 12 (S3S)
One 12-Week Session May 23–August 12 (SSD)
More than 75 Online Summer Classes
violence month REPORT Continued from page 1
During the meeting, concerns over the uncertainty of where any additional funds granted to ELAC would be accounted for in the final budget proposal. The concerns also included that the proposal would make cuts on tutoring services, due to lack of growth data reported from that area Elaine Shibata, Computer Applications and Office Technologies Department Chair, expressed her concerns over the actual planning of the budget and where it raised serious uncertainties in terms of where the budget would harm student success overall due to lack of efficient tutoring services. “For our department (CAOT), it’s supplies and the tutors. I still don’t have a clear idea on how much we can budget for the next year,” Shibata said. “It’s very touch-and-go for this year and you’ve got to plan on hiring and you can't assure that students will last for the whole semester or which classes are going to be cut. It was very uncertain this year, it didn’t feel comfortable and I don’t feel comfortable about next year.” To try to alleviate concerns over the progress of planning, Laura M. Ramirez, Vice President of Academic Affairs presented a draft of a budget that was created using the requests received by various departments at ELAC. However, despite the efforts, the committee did not come to a final agreement and made plans to add another meeting date before presenting. The next budget committee meeting will take place on May 9.
Earn units toward your degree
they were known as the Violence Intervention Team. SAAVE wants students to know that there are many resources available if they have been sexually assaulted. The Women’s and Men’s Center, the SAAVE team, ASU and campus police are all resources you can turn to if you have been sexually assaulted or just want to know. “Please don’t feel like you are all alone. Please don’t feel like you’re the only one. Please don’t feel
embarrassed. It happens to a lot of students, male and female. If this is happening to you, don’t suffer alone.” Owens said. There is still time for students to participate in these events and find out more information about Sexaul Assault Awareness month. If there are any students who would like to join the SAAVE team, they have meetings irregularly on Tuesday’s. They’re next meeting will be on May 10 at E9-114.
No formal admission to CSULB required Enroll on a “space available” basis
Register Now! (800) 963-2250 | CCPE-info@csulb.edu www.ccpe.csulb.edu/summer #DoersDo @CSULBInterSessn
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY LONG BEACH COLLEGE OF CONTINUING AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
www.ELACCampusNews.com SS_EastLosAngeles2v_Ad2_S16.indd 1
Lorinda Owens Ad size: 4 in x 5 in.
3/14/16 1:29 PM
4
Feature
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016
Film group nurtures creative minds BY DANIELA JALTECO Staff Writer
The East Los Angeles College Amateur Film Group nurtures interest in film and facilitates the exploration of the various avenues in the film industry. The film group is funded by the Associated Student Union and started a year ago when Vice President David Mancila and other members came up with the idea of starting a film club. They wanted to create a club for people interested in the film industry to help them learn about acting, directing, producing, cinematography and other film aspects, as well as networking within the film industry. “We want to have a space for students to be able to express themselves creatively, but also build the skills that they will need later on for their career,� Mancila said. The film group serves through four different functions, also known as the four pillars: field trips, making projects, discussing visual media and organizing events on campus. Mancila said they organize field trips for the members so they can explore and see
IMAGE COURTESY OF AMATEUR FILM GROUP
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION—The Amateur Film Group takes a trip to Pasadena to scout film
locations.
what the film industry is about. The group creates events for the school in which they have film screenings. Members pitch ideas for film projects and work on them together. They also discuss visual media to examine how other film directors create films, as well as techniques
used and individual styles. The group has half a dozen projects planned, one of them which is a nearlyfinished 30-minute short horror film that is currently in post-production. “The club’s slogan is ‘There is no stupid idea,’ and that’s what I like about it, that
they are very open to ideas, very accepting and everybody is involved,� AFG member Gabriel Martin Del Campo said. Del Campo, who is part of an Australian football team, pitched an idea about documenting his journey and his training throughout the season until the finals for the
United States Australian Football League. The group members would also document him to see if he makes the cut for the U.S. national team. That idea is now a project that the group members are actively working on and filming. “The club has a welcoming environment, full of friendly, aspiring film artists. (There is) a lot of interaction and opportunities to not only learn, but get help to accomplish their goals,� president of AFG James Cruz said. Those interested in joining AFG do not have to be experienced or necessarily knowledgeable in the film industry. The only requirement is to be an ELAC student in order to join the club. Interested students just have to attend any of the club meetings, which are held every week on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in F7-111. Any interested student can also message the club’s Facebook page at ELAC Amateur Film Group. “I want people to know there is a club out there where they can share their ideas without having to be scared and that there are people here who can support their ideas,� Cruz said.
Student becomes professor after hardships BY STEPHANIE GARIBAY Staff Writer Former East Los Angeles College student and current ELAC Community Services manager Erika Leon faced plenty of struggles along the way to receiving her doctorate Growing up with traditional Hispanic parents, Leon did not have support from her family, especially her father. “My parents only went to school up until third grade, so when I expressed my desire to go to college, my dad’s response was, ‘Well, why do you need to do that?’� Leon said. Leon decided to attend college
anyway, and enrolled in classes at ELAC. She was the first of her siblings to attend college. While she was attending classes at ELAC, Leon was also enrolled in the Jaime Escalante Math Program. When she finished the program, she started working as a tutor. Leon enjoyed being a tutor for students and decided to become a full-time employee, since she was a math major. “I really liked what I was doing, so I took a test to become classified, and when I was 20, I became a fulltime employee of East L.A. College, but I was still going to school as
well,� Leon said. At a young age, Leon decided she didn’t want to be a housewife and wanted to go to school to get a career. When she saw her older brothers go out to work with their father, Leon was jealous because she was stuck at home doing house chores. “My dad is the typical Mexican father that you would call machista, so in his eyes, the women don’t work. They stay at home, taking care of the house. My dad worked in roofing, so he would always take my brothers to work with him. “One day I asked him if I could go, and he said yes. So, I went with
him, and it was tough, and he didn’t pay (me) anything, but it made me realize how important it is to get a college education,� Leon said. While studying mathematics in ELAC, Leon worked two jobs. Since Leon was an undocumented student, ELAC did not offer any type of financial aid, which made things more difficult for her. “I remember my dad telling me, ‘You can go to school, but just understand I’m not going to help you out financially at all,’ so I was paying for everything on my own,� Leon said. Leon decided to transfer to California State University, Los
Angeles, since she had to support herself and it was the best low-cost option available. At the age of 22, Leon graduated from Cal State L.A. with her bachelor’s in mathematics.  “When I graduated, I started teaching for the same program I used to tutor for: the Escalante Program at ELAC,� Leon said. Meanwhile, she also began teaching for the ELAC Community Services Department on the weekends. “While I was teaching for the program, I was also teaching for the Community Services Department. Plus, I kept my full-time job at the
office, so I was working three jobs,� Leon said. After six years of teaching for the Escalante Program, Leon was promoted at the Community Services Department as the assistant for the dean, and decided to leave her job teaching for the program. “I started helping with the Community Services Department, so I had higher responsibilities. A few years later, I became the manager, and this is where I am right now,� Leon said. For the full story go to elaccampusnews.com
Where earning a bachelor’s degree meets
“I want to transfer today!�
CN/GIL MILANES
HELPING THE YOUTH—Executive Director of Legacy L.A., Maria Lou Calanche (left), stands
in front of students in the organization’s auditorium on March 31. The teens brainstorm questions to ask during the organization’s third annual career day.
Professor creates non-profit to help youth BY GIL MILANES Staff Writer Political science professor Maria Lou Calanche works to leave a legacy for the youth in Ramona Gardens Housing projects owned by the City of Los Angeles, the community where she grew up. Once she is done teaching at East Los Angeles College as a fulltime professor, Calanche continues what most people would consider a second full-time job at Legacy L.A. The organization has been serving the community for nine years and Calanche serves as the executive director. Legacy L.A. is a non-profit organization that helps students, middle school through high school, stay away from the streets. The organization helps them become better students and encourages them to be leaders in their own communities. Legacy L.A. works directly with high schools around the area in order to help students graduate. “We created a partnership with some of the schools where we take
the bottom 50 to mentor them, take them to college trips, show them things outside their community,� Calanche said. The idea to start Legacy L.A. began when Calanche went back to her community in 2007. Calanche said she found out that Ramona Gardens was still the same poor community with very few resources for the city residents. Calanche met with a group of parents from an elementary school to figure out what the community needed. Some of the feedback that Calanche received from parents was that they would be happy if their kids didn’t get shot, start drinking or using drugs or simply if their kids didn’t join a gang. “People had lost hope. It was really sad for me. We had to do something in this neighborhood,� Calanche said. Calanche decided to change her position teaching at ELAC from full-time to part-time in order to fully commit and dedicate herself to Legacy L.A. An abandoned army building
became available near Hazard Park and Calanche was able to acquire the building from the City of Los Angeles to use the space for Legacy L.A. She has raised $3 million since 2008 to renovate the building that is home to Legacy L.A. Construction will begin this summer and is expected to be complete by next year.  Calanche’s main focuses for Legacy L.A. are to offer tutoring for students, “create after-school programs and figure out a way to create a relationship between the cops and residents, since there was a lot of tension back then,’’ Calanche said.  Calanche believes that exposing the teens to a world outside their community can encourage them to realize that there is hope out there. Jaqueline Velazquez is a high school freshman student who attends Legacy L.A. Velazquez has been attending the youth organization for four months now and visits the center at least three times a week. For the full story go to elaccampusnews.com
“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
Los Angeles Campus 3DFLČ´F &RQFRXUVH 'ULYH Č?
k 1DWLRQDO 8QLYHUVLW\ 18 B
www.ELACCampusNews.com
$ 3ULYDWH 1RQSURȴW 8QLYHUVLW\ Serving the Public Good™
nu.edu/transfer
Arts
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016
5
Traditional comedy receives Latin twist BY DIEGO OLIVARES Staff Writer The East Los Angeles College Theatre Department makes final preparations for its upcoming show, “Measure for Measure.” The play is the second production of the 2016 spring semester. This follows the last play, “Run for your Wife.” Directed by ELAC Theatre instructor Ramon Ramos, the play is written by William Shakespeare. It is one of Shakespeare's lesser-known works. The play, written in 1604, was also the first performed in public. It is referred to by many critics as one of Shakespeare's problem plays. This refers to Shakespeare’s plays that
mix light-hearted comedy with psychologically dark drama. Many people refer to “Measure to Measure” as a comedy. “The only reason it’s called a comedy is because it has a happy ending,” Ramos said, “but it's more of a dark comedy.” This is Ramos’ first ELAC play as a solo director. “Kelley Hogan proposed ‘Measure for Measure’ and she suggested me to direct, and I went along with it,” Ramos said Much like last year’s, “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Measure for Measure” changes both location and time setting. The setting for this version is 1950s Cuba, which is pre-Cuban Missile Crisis. “I’ve seen it done in different ways,” Ramos said, “it has a lot of themes that are close to society.” Production of the play started last year. “Auditions started in November,” assistant
stage manager Andrea Saucedo said. The cast has over 12 actors who are ELAC students. There are also over 20 crew members, many of whom are also ELAC students and staff. After auditions, the cast spends over seven to eight weeks rehearsing. Rehearsals started in February of this year. “It’s been good, I know these people, they’re like family to me,” Saucedo said. For Beatriz Tasha,who plays the lead character Isabella, this production is her first ELAC play. “It’s enlightening because I never thought acting has such a dynamic,” Tasha said, “It’s connected to life and fantasy.” Jessica Hansen, the costume shop manager and adjunct theater professor, also serves as the dance coach for the play. Hansen has a background in ballroom
dancing and has also worked on “Much Ado About Nothing.” “I’m faculty here,” Hansen said. “I’m involved in every production we do here.” While the play is not a musical, music and dance serve as important aspects to the story. “The dancing the actors are doing is Latin Mambo, like in the ballroom.” Hansen said. Hansen spent three hours coaching the actors, who enjoyed the training. Hansen also made sure that the actors remained in character during the dance sequences. “You should dance like your character, not like yourself.” Hansen said as the cast and crew make final preparations as the show nears its first premiere. “Measure for Measure” premieres on April 22 at 8 p.m. at the Black Box Theatre in the P2 Building. Tickets are $10 online and preshow and $12 at the door.
Talent show auditions entice talented Elans BY STEPHANIE GUEVARA Staff Writer With the 5th annual talent show approaching next month, students demonstrated their different talents in the auditions held by the Vision Club on Friday. The first contestants to audition performed “Ho Hey,” by the Lumineers in a guitar duo. Hector and Juan Serrano, who are cousins, will perform for the first time together in the talent show. This will be Hector’s third time and Juan’s first time participating in the talent show. The Serrano cousins are expected to perform a medley of “Ho Hey” along with different songs. Joseph Yu sang “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day. Yu says he will possibly incorporate back-up singers in his performance at the talent show. Eros Saldana recited a selfwritten poem titled “10 Years.” This is Saldana’s second time participating in the talent show. The poem, like all his poems, was based on a past love experience. “I base all my poems on love and past
experiences,” Saldana said. Salanda writes his own poems and recites them at The Daily Brew Coffee Bar in Montebello. He started writing poems when he was six years old. “At first I would put words together, without rhyming them, until later on I did intend to make them rhyme,” Saldana said. Saldana, who works at the Child Development Center, is also writing his first book and hopes to publish it. The club has had success in previous years and hopes this year won’t be the exception. E a c h y e a r, t h e a m o u n t o f participants has grown. Psychology professor and adviser of the Vision Club, Randy Ludwig said that in previous years the talent shows has had an audience of 500-600 attendees. Students can also come to the auditions to sign up as volunteers for the talent show. The last auditions for the talent show will be held today, tomorrow and Friday. The auditions are at F7-210 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The talent show will be on May 13. Students participating must be East Los Angeles College students.
CN/STEPHANIE GUEVARA
TALENT SEARCH—Hector and Juan Serrano perform a duet of “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers at the Vision Club’s talent show audition on Friday at F7-224.
Local theater honors diversity in ‘Red Velvet’ BY MAYRA S. VENTURA Staff Writer
PHOTO COURTESY OF ED KRIEGER
A STORY TOLD—Paul Outlaw as Ira Aldridge, left, along with co-star Kailena Mai as Halina
Wozniak, portray the story of Aldridge’s struggle in theater as a Black actor in “Red Velvet,” now showing at the Atwater Playhouse in Los Angeles.
The Junction Theater presents the West Coast premiere of “Red Velvet” at the Atwater Playhouse in Los Angeles playing now until April 30. The play is a biography of Ira Aldridge, the first AfricanAmerican actor to play a role in Shakespeare’s “Othello.” The play also illustrates the impact he had on the history of theater and how things haven’t changed over the course of centuries. “ R e d Ve l v e t , ” w r i t t e n b y Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by Benjamin Pohlmer, follows the journey of Ira Aldridge, who becomes the first Black man to be
www.ELACCampusNews.com
cast in a traditional white role during the time of slavery. As the play unfolds, it shows how the culture of the London stage in 1833 resisted the idea of having black actors on stage. “ Red Velvet” shows how passion, persistence and determination have the power to change the status quo of society. “In one of the scenes, I feel so shameful for the white race and in general. At that point, my character was thinking, ‘I have to get out of this country,’ actor Sean C. Dwyer, who plays Henry Forrester said. The cast of ten delivers a highenergy and modern perspective of the life of Aldridge. Within hours, the cast and producer managed to execute the play, giving a detailed and brief biography of the life
of Aldridge. “We have to work much harder to keep the energy and keep it interesting and vital. Another high point has been the additional learning that you do as you continue on,” Dwyer said. According to attendee Linda Martinez, Paul Outlaw portrayed Ira Aldridge very well. “He seems confident about himself and he seems to stand out like trying to be the best,” Martinez said. “Knowing that people admired him for his performance, he shows a little narcissistic side to him.” The play’s running time is approximately two hours with an intermission of 15 minutes. General admission tickets are $25. Tickets for students, seniors and veterans are $20.
6
SPORTS
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016
New football coach for a new season
CN/DAN GUDINO
“Once coach Marty was gone, I was left in limbo. I thought I may or may not have a job. Once Coach Godinez was on board and called me, we met and of course I was filled with excitement because he gave me the opportunity to stay and further my coaching career to practice this craft,” Carter said. The Marty era ended with a bad taste on and off the field, with Marty resigning amid fire alarm damage to his office. Many players left, many are not sure what their roles will be on the team and some are waiting to see what happens during the offseason to make a decision about whether to stay or transfer. “I don’t feel bad being the only guy left from the old coaching staff. I know there is always going to be adversity. I do feel lucky that I was asked to come back. I do miss the other guys I coached with, but the opportunity we have here is next to none,” Carter said. This has been a learning curve for Godinez, taking over a program with offseason controversy has been an adjustment. “It always puts stress on a
program, and by program, I mean the players. At this level, they don’t handle change all that well. What I ask of the player is to trust the process, trust the school, trust our A.D. and the decision that best fit(s) them in making a change. Most importantly give us as a coaching staff a chance,” Godinez said. Godinez has brought on board a coaching staff he feels is suited for the East Los Angeles area, which is not known for its athletic programs, especially football. Its last state title came in 1974. Bringing in familiar faces is helping Godinez feel comfortable. Wide receivers coach Andrew Tree has come full circle, once coached by Godinez at PCC. Godinez was a defensive coach as Tree played wide receiver. The common understanding of football at the junior college level in Southern California makes Tree an essential part of the coaching staff. For complete story go to ELACCampusnews.com
MOVING FORWARD—First year head coach Bobby Godinez coaches his new team during afternoon practice at East Los Angeles College’s Weingart Stadium. BY DAN GUDINO Staff Writer It’s the offseason for the football team, four months away from the opening kickoff, and the new head coach Bobby Godinez is working to get away from last year’s disappointment. East Los Angeles College released the news of the newlyhired Godinez, 33, March 2. Godinez got right to work. He was seen at basketball games as a fan, shaking hands and spoke with many to introduce himself and made a statement that he cared about ELAC. Godinez is not only a fan of
basketball, but was the head coach of basketball at Victor Valley College’s, was its defensive coordinator of football and Pasadena City College’s track and field coach. When the track and field season is over in three weeks, the hardworking Godinez said this is the final season he would coach at PCC and plans to devote all his coaching skills to Huskies’ football. Coach Godinez is suited for ELAC because this was not first time he applied for the opening head coach position. Prior to the 2015-16 season, Godinez applied and interviewed for the position,
but the resigned Eric Marty was appointed as head coach. “The thing that caught my eye this time was Athletic Director Al Cone aggressively pursued me. They had a high desire to get me here and that want was reciprocated and filled me with excitement,” Godinez said. Godinez was the top runner for head coach. With an impressive resume that includes a stint in the NFL with the Washington Redskins practice squad, earned All Western Athletic Conference honors as a team captain at San Jose State and his experience as an all-CIF and all-State defensive back at Los Altos High School in
the 2000 championship team. “I feel when I interviewed for the job the first time, I left an impact on the committee and that showed a year later, but the first time, I feel I had too much on my plate. Juggling basketball, football and track can be difficult. It’s all about effective scheduling,” Godinez said. Godinez is all about ELAC and providing hope. One of his motives is moving the program forward from losing seasons, like last year’s 2-8 record. He gave hope to offensive lineman coach Tyrone Carter, who is the only remaining coach from the Marty regime.
COME AND ENJOY Breakfast at our Pasadena Campus
Learn about an educational experience rooted in community. Food will be provided. Apply at this event and receive $30 off the application fee.
CN/DAN GUDINO
READY, SET—Head coach Bobby Godinez gives coaching tips to new players on proper technique, during practice at Weingart.
RSVP TODAY at pacificoaks.edu/April30 or call 626.529.8098 to reserve your spot Saturday, April 30th 9-10 a.m. Pacific Oaks College 45 Eureka Street Pasadena, CA 91103
Programs in: • Early Childhood Education • Human Development • Cultural and Family Psychology
pacificoaks.edu | 877.314.2380
www.ELACCampusNews.com