Volume 75, Issue 22
Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
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Speech team brings home gold, bronze BY GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO Staff Writer
Members of the East Los Angeles College speech team felt that preparation played a key role in their third consecutive gold win at the Phi Rho Pi National Forensic Organization competition April 17 in Washington, D.C. Speech team coach David Hale said that preparing was key when they were discussing the topics for the speech. Little details, like clothing and hand movements, was something the team discussed and prepared. What made this year different for the speech team was that they didn’t feel as competitive for the win. Instead, they focused more on their the passion for speeches. “Now it feels about advocacy. So much of what we won with, in both state and nationals, were things that I cared about. We won because we had passion about our topics. It was a different approach that I had then when I first started coaching,” Hale said. Hale said that Ryan Smith, professor and department chair of communications, was a big help, and that if it wasn’t for him, the
team could not have done as good as they did. He said that another contributing factor to the victory was that they had a platform to work with this year. Hale said that Alixandria Lopez, the assistant coach for the speech team, built and developed the platform team which helped the team win the gold. Magdalene Jacinto and Jonathan Tapia won duo interpretation, using literature that helps their topic about the struggle for education equality. Jacinto said that when they prepared the speeches, she used other members of the team to get feedback and help improve the speech she and Tapia did. Team president Edward Kunkle received a total of three awards, which included a bronze in the categories of Communication Analysis, Program Oral Interpretation and a gold in Persuasive Speaking —the first ELAC has won in that platform. Kunkle said the tournament was overwhelming and that he still felt pressure going into the competition. “The tournament is high stakes, it's really big and we are a small school. For us, every round counts. Me and Layla felt like we had to
make our rounds count a little more because we were the veterans,” Kunkle said. Layla Ramos won gold in Poetry Interpretation and won bronze in Communication Analysis. Erik Clerc won bronze in After Dinner Speaking and Arthur Kozloyan won bronze in Program Oral Interpretation. Ramos shared Kunkle’s sentiment because they were both experienced in the competition. “Coming back as a returner, being on the team that won last year, I think I felt a lot of pressure. I knew what it was like the year before, and I didn’t want be part of the team that broke that tradition,” Ramos said. She added that the pressure was definitely a motivator to do better in the competition. Peter Lopez Balanos won bronze in Prose Interpretation. Balanos entered the competitions later than the rest. He said that winning was a monumental moment in his life so far. Bolanos said if they focused on getting the gold, then they wouldn’t have won it. It was more about improving as speakers than it was about winning. However, they still focused on getting the speeches right.
Hale said that the current United States political climate impacted some of the topics that students talked about in their speeches. “We got there three days earlier and we were hard at work. We worked hard in that tournament, and to see all that work pay off was very satisfying,” Balanos said. “The persuasive speech that took gold, that had to deal with drug addictions that are now done within the United States. They are based off newly created nuisance laws,” Hale said. “What we found is that landlords now have the ability to evict people for ticky-tacky reasons.” Hale added that, because they have won three times now, there is a bit of breathing room. Some of the pressure is lifted off because they are a legacy team, which Hale explains as a team who has a reputation in that competition. He said that there is now an expectation for ELAC to do consistently well. Competitions for the speech team this semester are over. Hale said the 2017 fall semester will be a good semester for the team because those returning will have experience going into the next competitions.
COURTESY OF SPEECH COACH RYAN SMITH
Student winners GOLD
BRONZE
-Duo Interpretation: Magdalene Jacinto and Jonathan Tapia -Persuasive Speaking: Edward Kunkle -Poetry Interpretation: Layla Ramos
-Communication Analysis: Edward Kunkle and Layla Ramos -Program Oral Interpretation: Arthur Kozloyan and Edward Kunkle -After Dinner Speaking: Eric Clerk -Prose Interpretation: Peter Lopez Balanos
New student system to eliminate pink add slips BY GIL MILANES Staff Writer
East Los Angeles College will soon retire permit slips and welcome back waitlists after more than a decade. Key points regarding the new Student Information System were discussed Tuesday at the Academic Senate meeting. Two major changes discussed were the permit slips and waitlists, a procedure that ELAC has not practiced in many years. Under the new SIS, which will fully go live in the fall, courses will freeze once they’re full, and
students wishing to add the course can opt to be placed on a waiting list. Students will then be added automatically to a class if seats become available. Instructors will also have the ability to add students depending on classroom capacity. The pink permit slips that students and faculty have used will be gone by the fall. Instead, each instructor will receive permission codes to give to students so they can add the class, but that limit will be flexible. “Now we can change that (the permission code limit),” Jeremy Allred, dean of admissions, said., adding that “If there is a
lot of interest (in a course), then “In the old days, you just had department chairs can go up to the waitlist. On the first day of at least 20 class you called (permission names, you codes) or more.” would add a “If there is a lot of Admissions student with an interest (in a course), add permit. will no longer handle the then department chairs This new permit slips. If system will add the instructor can go up to at least 20 the student into provides a (permission codes) or the course. permission This is up more. ” code, the until the first day student will of class,” Ana JEREMY ALLRED be responsible Salazar, senior Dean of Admissions for adding the admissions course online and records supervisor, said. through the Faculty will also have the ability student portal, and even through a smart phone. to drop students that don’t show up
to the first day of class. This will allow students on the waiting list to enroll. Payment for tuition deadlines will change under the new system. For students who register between May and early July, they must submit tuition payments by August 2. Those who register between early July and August, payments must be submitted by August 25. If payments are not received by the deadline, the school will be conducting sweeps, which means students will be dropped from courses for failing to submit payments by the deadline. Faculty at the senate meeting seemed optimistic about the new
add-on procedures, but some were concerned for those students who receive financial aid. Allred explained that financial aid recipients would have that status on them and therefore would be fine during sweeps. SIS Peoplesoft is working to create a student mobile application that will be released before the fall semester. The app will provide students easy access to the student portal and enable students to use a variety of tools, including adding and dropping classes. For more information on the waitlist policy, visit www.laccd. edu.
Visiting professor talks of education as resistance BY MARIA CUBILLO Staff Writer “If we get stuck in the fear and pain, we cannot move forward,” visiting professor Dolores Delgado Bernal said, about resistance that leads to social justice. Bernal, a professor of education and ethnic studies from the University of Utah and a visiting professor at California State University, Los Angeles, spoke to students about types of resistance and how to more effectively seek social justice. Bernal said Trump has signed 90 executive orders that have gone mostly unnoticed because of a focus on the meddling of Russia in the election.
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Delgado Bernal said we sustain resistance by finding hope. She calls this concept transformative ruptures. Transformative rupture is a moment, experience or interaction that gives hope in resistance. “The idea of transformative ruptures is looking for those moments of hope, such as a successful march, a change in a policy or raising a family member’s conscious. Transformative rapture is acknowledging the small victories, particularly with what is happening in the country, because we are seeing a push back on civil rights,” Bernal said. Bernal’s graduate thesis was about the 1968 Chicano Blowout marches.
Her thesis classifies resistance into four types: self-defeating, reactionary, conformist and transformational. Resistance comes in different forms because the source of motivation tells whether resistance is self-defeating versus conformist and transformational. Transformational and conformist resistances are motivated by social justice. Conformist resistance does not have a critique of social opposition. Bernal said conformist resistance supporters want to work within the system, not try to change the system. Self-defeating and the reactionary resistance are not motivated by social justice.
Spend the night with jazz
The East Los Angeles College Jazz Band is having its First Friday Jazz concert on Friday at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center S2 Recital Hall. Admission is free. For more information, call: (323) 265-8894.
Self-defeating resistance has a critique of social opposition. However, it is self-harming because it recreates the oppressive environment that the anger stems from . Bernal said an example of selfdefeating resistance is a student dropping out of high school because the counselor placed them in the wrong classes. Resistance can come in two forms: external and internal, Bernal said to the audience. External resistance includes overt actions such as a hunger strike, a march or a sit-in.
CN/DORANY PINEDA
GRATITUDE—Visiting Professor Dolores Delgado (left) receives gifts from students Angelica Aguirre and Oscar Cruz, For the full version of this story, the student leader of the Coalition for Social Action, yesterday visit elaccampusnews.com during a talk about different forms of resistance.
Health and information fair ELAC’s Nursing Department is hosting its annual Health and Information Fair today from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the quad. Health screenings, information booths and blood pressure checks will be free.
Bloodmobile
City of Hope’s Bloodmobile will be parked in the S2 Quad on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. For more information, call: (323) 2673718.
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Opinion
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2017
Contraceptives should be available for all students BY YECENIA ALCARAZ Staff Writer “Wellness to Go” vending machines will not increase the chances of unprotected sex. It will increase the possibility of safe sex and reduce unplanned pregnancies. University of California, Davis has all the right intentions by allowing their students to obtain the morning-after pill from an on campus vending machine. The Wellness to Go vending machine offers more than just Plan B. It provides condoms, tampons, pregnancy tests, common allergy and pain relievers. This idea was developed after UC Davis student Parteek Singh was told by a friend that she had a rough time trying to get a Plan B pill from a pharmacy. Plan B is an emergency contraceptive and should only be used for emergencies, not as a regular form of birth control. As a part-time student with a full-time job, I understand that it is difficult to make time in between a busy scheduled to stop by a pharmacy. After Singh spent two years trying to get UC Davis to agree to his idea, the vending machine was installed last month in a study area. Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and Pomona College in Claremont are other universities across the country who offer the emergency contraceptive outside the school health center. In 2012, Shippensburg decided a vending machine with emergency contraceptives would be beneficial to their students and 85 percent of their students supported the idea. Two years later, Pomona College also added a similar machine to the “Wellness to Go” vending machine. One frequent inconvenience is that pharmacies are not open 24-hours, seven days a week. Another drawback, is the high price of $50 or more for the pill. In 2013, the Obama Administration made Plan B available to women of all ages without a prescription. C u r r e n t l y, t h e Tr u m p
administration has made efforts to abolish the Affordable Care Act , which allows women to obtain birth control at an affordable price. UC Davis reassures their students by allowing access to the Plan B pill at the lowest price yet $30. Students can now feel at ease knowing that they do not have to make extra time to stop by the nearest 24-hour pharmacy. They have the luxury of being able to stop by before class, during class break, or even during a restroom break. The idea behind the vending machine is to be able to acquire these products at any time, for a low-cost. The vending machine allows the person purchasing the item(s), to feel less exposed or embarrassed. I can imagine it would feel shameful asking a pharmacist for birth control in front of other customers, let alone the Plan B pill. Most college students tend to be supportive when it comes to safe sex because sex as an adult is natural and normal. The L.A. Times has reported that Singh has received a lot of positive feedback along with gratitude. Some students have contacted him to ask him how they can get similar vending machines set up on their campuses. Some students may argue that the vending machine is encouraging unprotected sex. The reality is that unprotected sex happens often and most of the time it is not planned. Students who are opposed to the idea should also take into account that the vending machine also supplies condoms, another form of birth control. I n f a c t , a f t e r t h e Tr u m p Administration publicly announced their intentions to remove the Affordable Care Act, many women went to their doctors to make sure they secured long term birth control. A large number of college students are sexually active and are already on some sort of birth control. It would be a wise idea to consider this method on all college campuses.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Megan G. Razzetti MANAGING EDITOR Stephanie Guevara ART DIRECTOR Steven Adamo Anastasia Landeros FRONT EDITOR Dorany Pineda
OPINION EDITOR Felipe Rodriguez NEWS EDITOR Gustavo Buenrostro FEATURE EDITORS Maria Isabel Cubillo Roslin Ojeda ARTS EDITOR Ivan Cazares SPORTS EDITORS Tiana Hunter Noe Ortega ONLINE EDITOR Dan Gudino COPY EDITORS Rogelio Alvarez Diego Linares Russell Zazueta CARTOONISTS Steven Adamo STAFF WRITERS Jordan Elias Hector Gomez Jose Guillen Christian Horta Christina Rodriguez Francisco Portillo STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jorge Aldaco Christopher Reynoso ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha CN/FELIPE RODRIGUEZ
Vinyl records add quality in sound BY FELIPE RODRIGUEZ
CN/STEVEN ADAMO
Staff Writer Although Vinyl seems pretty out dated, this audio format is the best way to listen to music. This format encourages listeners to fully understand an album and brings more respect to the artistry of putting an album together. Vinyl is an analog sound storage medium in the form of a flat polyvinyl chloride disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove. Many people recognize them as big CDs but are quite clueless as to how great they are to listen to. With modern technology giving everyone the capability of listening to any kind music at just a click of a button, it’s hard to believe that people actually used to have to go to the store and buy music. When CDs and the Internet were introduced to the world, engineers had to figure out a way to upload music into these new formats in the most minimal way possible. While doing so, many of these new formats compressed music to the point where some things become inaudible and bring down the quality of re-released music. It wasn't until CDs and the Internet came along that people changed the way people listened to music. This huge change in technology changed the outlook on audio formats. Some formats, like cassette ,completely died out and have seen little light in the current music scene. Vinyl, however, has actually gained a big audience due to current labels pushing for their production. Independent labels like Sacred Bones, Captured Tracks, Burger Records, Stones Throw and
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SideOneDummy have been bringing back vinyl and are introducing more young people to different analog formats. These labels have been a big part to the current rise in vinyl sales and are helping to keep record stores alive. They have also inspired young people to collect vinyl. Newer generations are now buying, collecting, and even trading these old forms of music and have realized why these formats are so great. The quality of sound vinyl produces surpasses any other audio format. Due to the high sensitivity in these formats, many tracks have more space that allow it to include more sounds in a song than can be heard digitally or on a CD. Another positive aspect of this rise in Vinyl collecting is the new found appreciation of the artistry that is put into making a record. With iPods and other music platforms, like Spotify, people get overwhelmed with such a huge variety of music and usually skip among different artists. People don’t really get a full sense of the artists’ music and just recognize them for their big hits– a pretty dull way to learn about an artist. Vinyl makes people have to sit down and truly listen to an artist's masterpiece. Many vinyl albums also include things like lyric sheets and photo books that help people picture the process and the messages these artists try to convey. Although vinyl may seem old and outdated, everyone must realize that this format of music is incredibly rich in sound and allows people to truly appreciate an artist's work.
DISTRIBUTION Augustine Ugalde 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 property of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 250 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Writers must sign submissions and print their names and a phone number where they can be reached. Letters should be addressed to the editor of Campus News. Submissions can be made at the mailroom in building E1 or the Journalism department office in the Technology Center in E7-303. East Los Angeles College Campus News 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez E7-303 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 265-8819, Ads (323) 265-8821 Fax (323) 415-4910 The East Los Angeles College Campus News is published as a learning experience, offered under the East Los Angeles College Journalism program. The editorial and advertising materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. 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
Arts
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2017
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Vocalists deliver graceful, angelic concert BY RUSSELL ZAZUETA Staff Writer No microphones were needed to hear the graceful, angelic voices of the East Los Angeles College Chamber Chorale and Choir at the Spring Choral Concert. Each member showcased their vocal abilities, sometimes in tandem, a group of soloists took the stage throughout the show. They demonstrated to the audience that a dynamic of different registers (soprano, tenor, baritone) can add intense emotion over the ethereal blanket that the chamber chorale, choir and piano melody created. With the Recital Hall filled with listeners, soloist Bianca Galicia’s operatic vocals brushed the air like a nightingale from a tree branch, while purple-haired Dr. Melissa Sky-Eagle’s performance of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” on piano laid the melody like a bed of flowers. It was the most captivating performance of the night, with just them two on stage. Conducting the songs and speaking for the ensemble was Dr. Anthony Lupica, who translated the French lyrics to songs “La Rose Complete” and “Dirait-on” before being performed, and the reach-out showed his passion for the music he was conducting. Same went for the actual performance of the songs. The room was like a hall of echoes inside a cathedral, with the chamber chorale and piano supplying the religious experience. After filling in for the part, Chamber chorale tenor Christian
CN/JORDAN ELIAS
IN SYNC—Dr.Anthony J. Lupica conducts the East Los Angeles College Choir accompanied
ANGELIC—Soprano vocalist Bianca Galicia sings “Sum-
Mladosich debuted his first singing solo performance at ELAC in a soulful rendition of the African American spiritual “Ain’t Got Time to Die,” and with only three days of preparation before the concert. He nailed his parts, and it was quite an achievement on his behalf. He received much acclaim and a
The highlight of the movements came during the fourth, when all three soloists joined in individually in “Benedictus.” After soprano Selene Fernandez dazzled the audience with her vocal conviction, up next was tenor Eddie Gutierrez, who followed up like a warm sunny day, while baritone Eugene Lopez rounded
by Dr. Melissa Sky-Eagle on Monday at the S2 Recital Hall.
loud ovation from the audience at the end of the song. It was coupled with a song called “Hold On!,” which is a spiritual song sung in the days of slavery. The song was to provide a sense of hope for those singing it. The way that the ensemble performed the two songs really uplifted the mood of the show in
a gospel-celebration-sort-of-way. The concert continued the religious experience for the second half, and the choir came out on stage and joined the chamber chorale to perform Franz Schubert’s “Mass in G, DV 167,” which was composed of six movements and three soloists who were weaved in and out of the movements.
COURTESY OF MARVEL STUDIOS
GALACTIC—Kurt Russell as Ego the Living, second from the right gives the Guadians of The Galaxy a tour of a planet he
created.
Marvel lands another hit with ‘Guardians’ BY FRANCISCO PORTILLO Staff Writer
James Gunn creates another magical experience with the wildly entertaining “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2” Using the best elements from the first film and expanding on them is what makes this movie such a fun and emotional experience for fans of the rag-tag group. The sequel takes place months after the events of the first film and the lovable team of misfits have become famous across the galaxy. Taking advantage of their newfound fame, the team spends its time as guns-for-hire. The opening dance number is even more charming than the first. While preparing to fight the giant purple creature shown in the trailers, the adorable Baby Groot, voiced
CN/JORDAN ELIAS
by Vin Diesel, plays Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” on speakers he plugged into a stereo. While the team is struggling to defeat the giant creature that is out of focus in the background, Baby Groot takes center stage and dances his way into the hearts of the audience in a scene that mirrors Peter Quill’s introduction in the first movie. With the mystery of Quill’s parentage revealed early in the trailers, Gunn wastes no time introducing the audience to his father Ego, played by the always amazing Kurt Russell. Along with the introduction of Ego, is the first appearance for Mantis, played by Pom Kementieff. Mantis, whose powers include feeling other’s emotions on touch, is a welcomed addition to the team. Some of the movie’s funniest scenes play off of the interaction between Mantis and Drax the
Destroyer. Drax being the funniest character in the movie. With this sequel, Gunn promotes secondary characters by giving them much more depth. Michael Rooker ’s character Yondu is a product of this, as the character really shines in this movie. Primarily known by fans as a badass killer, the character’s arc will have them crying their eyes out. Karen Gillan’s Nebula is another character who undergoes a major transformation. The relationship between her and Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana, is another character relationship that beautifully plays on the movie’s theme of family. With a stellar ensemble, the film contains a bunch of awesome cameos. Sylvester Stallone joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Stakar Ogord, a longtime member of the Ravagers and rival of Yondu. Stan Lee’s cameo in this film is his
greatest to date, with the appearance of a long-awaited Marvel character. A minor quibble about the film is the inability to match up to the magical soundtrack of the first film, which became a number-one selling album. Overall, the movie is a fun ride and has characters that the audience with will certainly fall in love with again. The movie will end leaving fans crying their eyes out. Fortunately, for the audience, the experience doesn’t end when the credits roll. Right after a heart-breaking moment, Gunn takes a 180-degree turn into the post credits scenes. The first one features Sean Gunn’s character Craglin in a hysterical scene with Drax, making sure that fans don’t leave the theater broken hearted. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2” is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, language and brief suggestive content.
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mertime” by George Gershwin accompanied by Dr. Melissa Sky-Eagle on Monday at the S2 Recital Hall. out the frequency to the likes of a graceful bassoon. The three solos culminated to a high climax of three soloists singing together with the whole ensemble. For more information on upcoming concerts, contact the music department in the S2 building.
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Arts 2
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2017
Hulu brings dystopian tale to life in new original series BY MEGAN G. RAZZETTI Staff Writer M a r g a r e t A t w o o d ’s “ T h e Handmaid’s Tale” comes to life in a riveting Hulu original series and brings eerie parallels to social issues that are present in today’s world. The premiere on April 26 opened with its first three episodes of the series and provides a terrifying look into a dystopian, non-secular, authoritarian regime that prohibits women from everything including reading. Each episode is an hour long, yet moves so quickly and are packed with the brutal execution of the twisted story of Offred, played by Elizabeth Moss. Offred, is assigned as a Handmaid in which is her sole purpose is to breed the children of the elite few who are barren. As a part of this process, she is subjected to systematic rape and abuse from the couple she is assigned to. Throughout the show, the viewer is in the head of Offred, where her innermost thought and memories are played out while she puts on the persona of a chaste and obedient servant. In Offred’s memories, her past life is slowly drawn out and pieces of the mysterious puzzle of the dystopian world of Gilead, come together. A lot of Offred’s memories are of her family and the events
leading to where she is in the world. They show the beginning of a severe decline in birth rates and fertility issues among the population which is referred to as The Plague of Infertility brought on by God as punishment for dating apps, birth control and abortions. This somewhat reflects on the current state of health care issues in the United States such as the ongoing fight for an abortion rights in several states. Moss does an incredible job portraying Offred as obedient, yet it is her silent rage and rebellious nature that stand out in their own subtle ways. Her anger also demonstrates that Offered hasn’t given up on herself and that she hasn’t been totally crushed down by the reality she is living in. The roles of each member of society are set in stone but are on unclear how they were assigned or how the conservative regime gained its power. They are vaguely mentioned in the few episodes out but do not state why someone is deemed elite or a Martha, which is a woman who is assigned a position in domestic work. The incorporation of characters such as Moira who embodies female resourcefulness and independence and is also Offred’s best friend from college, also allows insight on others members of the non elite.
Moira’s character is so relatable especially for women who are heavily involved in activism and are outspoken about issues they are passionate about. Each scene of the episodes released, plays out like a horror movie. It is unforgiving in the portrayal of the consequences those that have been deemed traitors to society. Throughout the show, criminals are classified based on sexual identity or their jobs. As Offred walks past the hanging bodies, it shows a priest and a gay man, each wearing a hood with a symbol of what crimes they committed. This is only a small reminder of the constant violence that occurs in Gilead and what the future may bring to Offred if she disobeys. The soundtrack to the show brings the viewer back from this dark journey of Offred’s tale with songs by Blondie, Bob Marley and the Wailers, The Monkees and Peaches. The incorporation of music within the show is an incredible symbol of freedom and empowerment especially after the first episode when Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” which is a song about resistance. “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a terrifying series that will only leave viewers stunned as each episode unfolds. It is now streaming on Hulu with new episodes added each Wednesday.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HULU
OBEDIENCE—Elizabeth Moss, center, potrays handmaid Offred in the series adaptation of Margaret Atwood’ “The Handmaid’s Tale,” now streaming on Hulu.
Former ELAC student opens resturaunt BY MARIA ISABEL CUBILLO Staff Writers
Former East Los Angeles College student Josefina Lopez opened Casa Fina Restaurant and Cantina in Boyle Heights on Friday. Free tacos, aguas frescas and cake were served from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. “The food was so delicious. Everyone was really nice and kind,” said Lizette Palominos, a resident of Boyle Heights.The restaurant will host stand-up comedy nights, open mic nights, bohemian nights, and karaoke nights. Emmanuel Deleage and Alonzo Ricardo are also co-owners and attended the opening of Casa Fina. Ricardo has known Lopez’s husband for nine years, and Casa Fina is his eighth restaurant. He opened his first restaurant, Great Mex, in 2002. Lopez was live on KPFK’s Pocho Hour of Power on Friday at 3pm. She talked about having a night event with the Pocho Hour of Power crew. Lopez attended East Los Angeles College in the Spring semester of 1990, 1992 and 1993. During her time in college she had to withdraw four times because she was unable to get financial aid until she got her US residency. Her parents did not support her because they did not think education was important.
Rocio Hernandez, Boyle Heights Area Director for Council member Jose Huizar, presented congratulatory certificate to Lopez. Lopez said, “The arts are not a luxury,” referring to her endeavor in community playhouse Casa 0101. Deleage said one of the reasons the restaurant was started was to diversify the sources of funding for the theater Casa 0101. Lopez said she wants to have a for-profit restaurant to help the nonprofit Casa 0101. In 2000, Lopez opened Casa 0101 theatre to bring arts to the Boyle Heights area. Augustin Alvarez, restaurant executive chef, met Josefina through Alonzo Ricardo. He learned to cook in Acapulco, Mexico and in the United States. His forte, Ricardo said, are seafood, fajitas, and molcajete. Alvarez said Casa 0101 and the restaurant Casa Fina are a good combination. He said Josefina and her husband are very sociable and they fit well in the business. “I am very excited with this new project and I think it is going to be a success.” Alvarez said in Spanish. “(It is) always good to support local business,” Jose Angel Torres, an attendee, said. He knows Lopez from Casa 0101. Mariachi Las Colibrí, a femaleonly musical group, performed for the attendees inside the restaurant. “I am very proud of Josefina. She has done great work in Boyle Heights. She is always reminding us
of how Boyle Heights is a creative and vibrant immigrant community,” Beatriz Ochoa, Casa 0101 Board Member, said. Ochoa has been friends with Lopez for almost two decades. They met as adults though they lived in the same neighborhood. The restaurant is also a gallery, Juan Solis, artist, has known Lopez for 15 years. He said she has been a collector of his work. His artwork will be in the restaurant on a permanent basis. “(I am) very thankful to Josefina for giving me the opportunity to showcase my work in her restaurant,” Solis said. Solis also mentioned that when there are art events in the restaurant he will be present. He said there are plans to have live painting night events where community members will be invited to come and paint. Solis has participated in events of Casa 0101. Lopez said the prices will be affordable for Boyle Heights residents. The previous restaurant Serenata El Garibaldi was known for being expensive. Barbara Romero, Deputy Mayor for city services of city of Los Angeles, said she did not afford food at El Garibaldi until she graduated from college. Casa Fina is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. , Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
CN/JORGE ALDACO
NEW BEGINNINGS— Alonzo Ricardo (left), Josefina Lopez, Emmanuel Deleage and Barbara Romero, all stand in front of Casa Fina on Friday. Deleage holds an award sent by Mayor Erick Garcetti congratulating the opening of the restaurant.
CN/JORGE ALDACO
FREE TACOS —Executive Chef Augustin Alvarez (right) hands out free tacos at the opening of Casa Fina on Friday.
CN/JORGE ALDACO
LOCAL ART — Casa Fina serves as an art gallery featuring some of the works of East Los Angeles artist Juan Solis.
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