Campus News Spring 2017 Issue 15

FEATURES

ARTS

SPORTS

ELAC student selected for curatorial fellowship program

Jazz Town Buffet livens up a Friday night

Men’s basketball defeats No.2 seed

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Volume 74, Issue 15

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Wednesday, march 8, 2017

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SWERVE—Freshman guard Farrah Castillo dribbles around Pasadena City College sophomore center Kailyn Gideon in an overtime win on Saturday in the South Gym.

Women’s basketball advances to Elite Eight

BY DAN GUDINO Staff Writer Sophomore guard Allissa Gomez scored 14 points in overtime, sending women’s basketball to the Elite Eight of the state playoffs after an intense 70-64 win at home against Pasadena City College on Saturday.

With two minutes to go in the game, Gomez splashed a go-ahead jump shot, falling to the floor on her back as she was fouled. She then closed the game with five straight free throws and two steals.

“I was able to take over because coach (Bruce Turner) always talks about point guards having to keep

their heads up and look where to create. So I was lucky enough to look for an option. It was my shot,” said Gomez of her clutch shooting.

Gomez said the team members encouraged each other in the locker room and made necessary changes.

“We knew they came to play hard when it became a big worry in the last couple of seconds before overtime,” Gomez said.

East Los Angeles College freshman guard Monica Garcia was suspended for last week’s round two victory against Santa Ana College, but had an exceptional game on Saturday. She is a candidate for Freshman of the Year for leading the team in scoring, a Sixth Man of

the Year candidate for her play off the bench, and is one of the most effective players, ranking No. 6 in shooting (54 percent).

Garcia finished Saturday with a double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

“We’re the only team that can beat us. We can only beat ourselves. We get everyone’s best, everyone’s best take, every single night. When you’re one of the top teams, it's tough to stay focused.

It's something we’ll work on this week,” Garcia said.

Facing a taller lineup, ELAC was outworked in the paint, scoring 32 points and grabbing 42 rebounds compared to Pasadena’s 42 points

and 53 rebounds.

“They were hungry. They (PCC) knew it was win-or-go-home and we knew they were going to fight every single possession. They threw us off when they went with a big lineup. We adjusted,” assistant coach Sarai Trinidad said.

ELAC’s offense was not able to find a rhythm in the first half because PCC went with a tall lineup. The Huskies were not able to get shots over, as PCC players on the court were 5 feet 9 inches and above, and were forced to drive to the rim. It was not a typical ELAC game.

“We didn’t have our best offensive game. We hung around

in the first half, but we missed free throws that allowed Pasadena to stay closer than we’d like. The second half was all about pulling ourselves out of our own trouble.

Every team in the playoffs is dangerous,” said Turner.

For the first time since Dec. 17, ELAC sophomore guard Tiffani Martinez did not make a threepoint shot and finished with two points, her second lowest total of the season.

ELAC sophomore guard Wuanyei Ah-hing made up for the lack of threes in the fourth period and overtime, hitting nothing but net in two attempts. She was the only other player, along with

Gomez to score in overtime.

Ah-hing finished with eight points, two rebounds and a steal in 18 minutes of play.

ELAC is 3-0 against PCC this season and extends its win streak to four games against Pasadena, dating back to last year’s first round playoff win.

ELAC will face College of the Siskiyous (29-1), tomorrow at 3 p.m.

Siskiyous is the No. 3 seed from the North. It's only loss came Nov. 11 against Sierra College, a team ELAC beat Dec. 17 in San Francisco, 74-69. Siskiyous’s win streak is at 27 games, the longest in the state.

Alumnus cleared of domestic battery allegation

BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer Former East Los Angeles College athlete Michael Wyche was cleared of a misdemeanor domestic battery charge filed on him on Oct. 28, 2015, after an altercation with his girlfriend.

The incident occurred on Wyche’s 23rd birthday after he returned from football practice.

News Briefs

He was a senior defensive tackle for the University of Miami after transferring from ELAC. Wyche said both he and his girlfriend were under a lot of stress.

He said his girlfriend had a few drinks and an argument over sleeping arrangements escalated.

He said insults were exchanged, and the only time he made physical contact with 23-year-old Merrica Jones was when she tried to stop

Celebrating Women

him from walking out the door.

“I do not wish to be called a victim in this situation. I do not wish to testify or discuss this situation any further. Michael Wyche is a great father, a great leader in his community and a great role model,” Jones said in a letter addressed to the Miami-Dade Court that presided over the case.

In the letter, Jones admitted to have been drinking the night of

The Women and Gender Studies Committee is presenting a panel titled “Debriefing the 2016 Election: A Gendered Perspective” on March 14 from 12:50 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in F5 201.

the altercation.

She also said Wyche didn’t deserve to be charged.

“I didn’t tell a lot of people, but I lost my mom prior to leaving ELAC. While I was in Miami, my mind was still on my mom,” Wyche said.

He also said he didn’t want to be labeled as a man who beats women, which is why he reached out to Campus News.

When Wyche was arrested, former ELAC head coach and current offensive line coach at El Camino College Compton Center Steve Mojarro told Campus News he couldn't believe the allegations because of Wyche’s personality.

“Michael was nothing but a great kid while he was here (ELAC).

He would do community service with us (football team) and acted as a father figure with the kids,”

CTE Awareness Week The Career and Technical Education Awareness Week will be at ELAC March 14-15 at the E1 Quad and the South Gate Educational Center March 16. All events will be from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and 4-7 p.m.

Mojarro said.

Wyche said the situation put a hold on his studies and his football career.

However, he said it would not stop him from pursuing either one.

He needs 10 more credits to earn his bachelor's in psychology.

He is currently a free agent in the National Football League.

He did not want to disclose the team he is dealing with.

Baseball from the South Side

ELAC’s baseball team will play an away game against Long Beach on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. On Saturday, they’ll host Compton at noon.

2 Opinion On the ethics of human embryo experiments

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017

BY DORANY PINEDA Staff Writer

Scientists have discovered how to grow and keep human embryos alive in lab dishes for up to 14 days.

Though the international ethical debate this discovery has sparked is valid, scientists should be allowed to grow the embryos past the two week limit. The findings could be paramount to uncovering some key questions about life and why its development sometimes goes wrong.

The debate mainly revolves around the long-established agreement that bans scientists from studying human embryos past two weeks.

According to an article published in the National Public Radio’s website titled “Embryo Experiments Reveal Earliest Human Development, But Stir Ethical Debate,” at two weeks, the embryo starts to show signs of a central nervous system.

It is also around that time that the embryo becomes a unique individual and can no longer split into two.

That is why in some countries, it is against the law for scientists to grow a human embryo beyond 14 days. In the United States it is merely a guideline, but one that is complied with to avoid raising too many questions about the ethics of human embryo experimentation.

But this law, or guideline, is outdated. It was created decades ago during a time when no one believed that an embryo could be kept alive longer than seven days.

There are several reasons why

people, including scientists, are opposed to prolonging the current time convention.

Some fear that extending the amount of time scientists can grow an embryo will eventually lead to a dystopian future where humans are produced in a lab.

Others are simply uncomfortable with the experimentation and meddling of human life. They believe it relegates a potential being to the level that disrupts the authority of a supreme being, and that every stage in the development of a person’s life, beginning with conception, is sacred.

Despite the arguments, this breakthrough is incredibly significant. For one, some scientists believe that from these studies they will find new ways to prevent birth defects, treat infertility and stop miscarriages.

Beyond that, it is exactly experiments like these that teach us more about the early stages of humanity: who we are and what we’re made of, how we function and grow, why defects occur and how we can prevent them from happening. If we are to advance in our scientific and medical understandings of life, in all its mysteries, then social values and belief systems need to be reconsidered.

After all, the 14-day rule is shaped by these values and beliefs. Though the ethical debate will forever remain, the laws and guidelines should be rethought to continue this quest of knowledge. Scientists just might unearth information that could help, or better, the human species.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Megan G. Razzetti MANAGING EDITOR Stephanie Guevara ONLINE EDITORS Dan Gudino ART DIRECTOR Steven Adamo FRONT EDITOR Dorany Pineda

OPINION EDITOR Felipe Rodriguez NEWS EDITOR Sergio Berrueta Ivan Cazares FEATURE EDITOR Maria Isabel Cubillo Roslin Ojeda ARTS EDITOR Gustavo Buenrosto SPORTS EDITOR Tiana Hunter Noe Ortega COPY EDITORS Rogelio Alvarez Diego Linares Anastasia Landeros

The positive benefits of social media

BY JORDAN ELIAS Staff Writer

Social media is seen as negative exposure to the world , but when used correctly it can lead to positive experiences.

To some, social media might cause depression or anxiety, but in my case people have told me that my Instagram posts have uplifted their day.

I work hard within social media and it is very important to me because it helps me to communicate with my family, friends and girlfriend in Argentina.

Social media has also helped me earn more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, because of the videos I make and share every day.

Also, people tell me that my

videos help them resolve their problems.

Besides that, social media has helped me network with people in the entertainment industry so that, perhaps, I will be able to work with them in the future.

Through social media, people can learn more about other cultures and ideas.

I am living in the United States because I saw a post about East Los Angeles College on Facebook.

Social media helped me make the decision to move and persue my education here in the U.S. Also, people can use the different platforms to connect with other people who have similar interests.

It can also be used to interact and learn about the needs in

one’s community.

These platforms are also a great way for people to sell or buy different things.

Moreover, there are people that make a decent living with the money earned now from Youtube videos.

This is possible because Youtube pays people who have many subscribers and a lot of views on their videos.

Companies pay good money to have publicity in many of these popular outlets and the money is usually divided between the host company and the creator of the media.

Before social media existed, it was much more difficult to search for someone or something but now

with Google and Facebook search engines, people can just put a single phrase or first name and in a few seconds, they can find exactly what they need.

Social networks, with little effort can become a spectacular platform to share projects and activities, publicize brands, products services, and personal interests.

Some examples are the profiles and accounts that are dedicated to the well being of pets and pages that help acknowledge certain diseases to bigger audiences and provide resources that help and encourage people who struggle with the same issues.

There are also pages that promote common knowledge and spread helpful life tips.

Social media can help you focus on your goals and aspirations. If you train yourself and avoid becoming addicted to social media it can bring great changes into your life.

Accessing it only a few minutes a day to take a note of the news and the world around you can change the outlook of you day drastically.

You can also share many of the publications that you like with the people that you follow or vice-versa and help spread the positivity to the people around you.

All in all, people should be aware that even though social media is important for some people like me and other daily users, we need to take responsibility to refrain from abusing it and not allow it to consume our lives.

Dog park scarcity create boundaries for local dog owners

BY FELIPE RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer Dog parks are a great addition to any community and the benefits of bringing one to the East Los Angeles community will create better interactions among its residents and their pets. With only a handful of dog parks located in specific areas of Los Angeles, many of these parks are out of reach for people without adequate transportation.

According to the Los Angeles County of Animal Services, there are more than 400,000 dogs within the county and it continues to grow.

The constant increase in dog population should be acknowledged with positivity and the inclusion of more dog parks in East Los Angeles will be a great answer to the scarcity in dog friendly areas. This change will create stronger communities and will help dog owners strengthen their bonds with their beloved pets.

East L.A is one of many areas in L.A that still does not have a designated dog park for the community. With the nearest dog park to located about five miles away near downtown, people without a car and space at home find it hard to exercise their dog without having to make a long physical commute to downtown.

Along with the housing issue public transportation does not allow any sort of animal on public transportation with an exception to service dogs and even attempting it can potentially get anyone fined of $100 or more. With public www.ELACCampusNews.com

transportation making it difficult for commuting to a dog park, the only areas dog owners in this community have to turn to are local parks.

However, local parks have their own restrictions with what dog owners are allowed to do with their pet.

Some local parks in East Los Angeles including Belvedere and Obregon follow strict dog guidelines that punish people with tickets even on the first offense for having their dogs off leashes. As stated on the L.A county website, code 17.04.410 says “A person may bring and maintain, in any park exclusive of golf courses, a dog or cat if such dog or cat is kept on a leash or chain and under full control of its owner or custodian, or upon written permission of the director when required for authorized park programs.” Restrictions like this put a damper on allowing pets to roam around and get their daily exercise, which is a necessity for all dogs.

Even though these two parks have plenty of space to include a dog park, the idea of creating one is nowhere in sight.

A recent study by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers on the benefits of dog parks shows that dog parks provide a great place to educate, socialize and exercise with all dogs.

Although a discussion for a dog park in East Los Angeles will take quite sometime, people can submit a community suggestion on empowerla.org.

CARTOONISTS Jose Guillen Steven Adamo Felipe Rodriguez STAFF WRITERS Ivan Cazares Hector Gomez Jose Guillen Christian Horta Christina Rodriguez Francisco Portillo STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jorge Aldaco Christopher Reynoso ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Augustine Ugalde ADVISERS Jean Stapleton Sylvia Rico-Sanchez

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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.

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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017

‘Metamorphasis’ transforms from classic story to stage play

BY FRANCISCO PORTILLO Staff Writer The Theater Department’s first play of the semester is “The Metamorphosis,” by E. Thomalen based on a novel by Franz Kafka.

The play is about a hard-working man named Gregor Samsa who supports his family, played by Christopher Magallanes. He wakes up one day mysteriously transformed into a dung beetle.

His family tries to get rid of the hideous insect, unaware of the transformation that has taken place.

The play focuses on the character of Samsa as he deals with the sudden repercussions of being different and how it affects his life personally as well as professionally.

“What this play deals with is the theme of: ‘how do we deal with people who are different from us?’

It brings up the issues of people that are just different, whether it be race, religion or disabilities, and how we can sometimes be cruel to them,” show director Vanessa Mizzone Pellegrini said.

With the lead character being turned into a dung beetle, the audience can expect to see some crazy costume design, which Pellegrini would not give any details on. The costumes are designed by student Roberto Andrade.

“I want people to come see it so I won’t spoil the surprise, but there is some theater magic that happens,”

said Pellegrini.

Pellegrini said the play is very physical. The auditions for the lead involved a lot of movement from actors.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how many options I had for the lead actor. I felt like the students really went out of their comfort zone when they auditioned because of all the movement,” Pellegrini said.

The student who plays Samsa is extremely gifted physically and is in his body.

“He came to the auditions and did something where I was like ‘wow, I hadn’t even thought about that.’ It was really exciting,” Pellegrini said.

The original short story which it’s based on was written by Kafka.

Pellegrini compares the work to Kafka’s real life experiences.

As an artist at heart, Kafka expressed his art, yet was never acknowledged by his parents. At one point, he was forced by his parents to get a real job to make money.

“In a way, Kafka is the lead character of this play because his family doesn’t see him for what he is as he’s forced to support the family.

(The lead) Gregor is forced to live this life and I felt like a lot of us could relate to that,” Pellegrini said.

Pellegrini believes that people follow the wishes of others, but not necessarily their own.

“Students who want to find a career in the arts: do their parents support that or do they always feel like they’re being pushed into a

more secure job,” Pellegrini said.

The location of the play will be at the P2-101 Upstairs Theatre which is smaller than the other theater stages.

Primarily used for acting, movement and voicing classes, the theater space is also undergoing a transformation for the performance.

Since the room is so small, there is no backstage and the actors will

“It brings up the issues of people that are just different, whether it be race, religion or disabilities, and how we can sometimes be cruel to them.”

VANESSA MIZZONE Show Director

be on-stage at all times.

“We’ve created this kind of

cocoon in there with drapery, which is kind of cool,” Pellegrini said,

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teasing the stage setup.

The play is about 80 minutes long without intermission and runs from March 17 to the 26 with showtimes at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m.

The tickets can be purchased on elac.edu under the Events tab, or in P2-101A. Prices are $8 for ASU members, $10 for pre sale tickets and $12 for tickets at the door.

Presale ends on the 17.

Literary Salon celebrates life of activist James Baldwin

BY TIANA HUNTER Staff Writer The Fifth Annual Black History Project 2017 will present a literary salon based on the works of James Baldwin on March 16 at East Los Angeles College. The works of Baldwin will be presented through music, dance and much more The production, funded by the Associated Student Union, will include international performing artist Charles Reese. Reese will shine a light on artist and activist James Baldwin in celebration of the 30th year anniversary of Baldwin’s death.

“It’s the 30th year anniversary of his death and the film “I Am Not Your Negro” is now out. I feel it is a good time to revisit his work and introduce a new generation to what

he’s done,” said Reese. movement and Reese will deliver it Reese will have what he calls a through his own performance. “literary salon.” The “It’s important how event will also include they are delivering the invited guest artist and information, but also “I feel it is a choreographer Pat how people may be Taylor. Taylor is the inspired and apply it to good time to artistic director of the lives,” said Evans. revisit his work their JazzAntiqua Dance Baldwin was an and introduce essayist, playwright Ensemble. Wanda-Lee Evans, the professional and novelist regarded a new dancer and actor who as an iconic writer generation has taught at ELAC with works like “The for 23 years is the artist Fire Next Time” and to what he’s director and producer “Another Country.” done” of the project.

Baldwin broke new “Pat and Charles literary ground with the CHARLES REESE are going to take that exploration of racial Artist same consciousness and social issues in Baldwin had and his many works. He put it in their way of was especially well speaking,” said Wanda-Lee Evans known for his essays on the black According to Evans, Taylor will experiences in America. deliver the information through His literary work “The Fire Next

Time” is a collection of essays that were meant to educate white people on what it meant to be black in America.

It also gave white readers a view of themselves through the eyes of the African-American community.

He is now the subject of the A c a d e m y Aw a r d - n o m i n a t e d documentary “I Am Not Your Negro” by Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck.

“Baldwin was, and continues to be important, necessary and relevant because his voice remains to be one of the strongest and fearlessly clear when it comes to the need for equality in the areas of race, gender, class and home (sense of belonging),” said Evans.

The literary salon will be held in building S2 inside the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and admission is free to all.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WANDA LEE EVANS

IN TRIBUTE—Artist Charles Resse (left) and choreographer Pat Taylor (right) will perform a tribute to James Baldwin (middle) on March 16.

ASU, Dream Resource Center helps student Dreamers

BY NOE ORTEGA Staff Writer

The Associated Students Union and the Dream Resource Center collaborated to inform students and faculty about current policies and legislations yesterday in the Student Service Center.

“So if ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] came to East Los Angeles College, they obviously would go to the student services area and to admissions to get access to student records because they’re going want to know what classes are the undocumented students enrolled in. What I can tell you right now is that we will protect those records like there’s no tomorrow,” said ELAC President Marvin Martinez.

Martinez emphasized that they are here to protect ELAC students and will challenge ICE if they attempt to get information from student services.

ELAC is working with the sheriff’s department, Monterey Park Police Department, and South Gate Police Department to network in case ICE is ever around.

The Dream Resource Center provides legal workshops to inform students about what is happening in our community and basically a safe zone for all students who have questions or want someone to talk to.

Los Angeles Community College District is putting together a task force so they can duplicate

CN/CHRISTOPHER REYNOSO

DREAM ON—Miriam Mesa of CHIRLA, Jesika De Jesus and Elizandro Umaña of the Dream Resources Center, ELAC President Marvin Martinez and Sebastian Cilia and Cluadia Delgado-Matus of the Mexican Consulate take attendees’ questions on Tuesday at the Student Service Center. workshops like the Dream Resource Center for every campus in the district.

Martinez is a part of the Legislative Committee with the Board of Trustees and says that there is lots of activity in the state level that guarantees the privacy for undocumented students and propositions to make California into a sanctuary state.

There is also legislation at the federal level with two republican

senators from South Carolina and Arizona that proposed the Bridge Act, which proposes to keep everything the same and leave DACA students alone, at least for another three years.

Los Angeles Community College District is putting together a task force to duplicate what is done in ELAC with the Dream Resource Center.

Staff from the Mexican Consulate of Los Angeles came

to speak about the importance of knowing legal information for all undocumented people.

“We want you to know that even though we don’t get into politics, we’re here to protect. How? With information. We work with agencies that we know for sure are telling you the truth of whatever is happening right now,” said Consulate of Mexico in Education Claudia Matus.

Coalition for Humane Immigrant

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Rights of Los Angeles gave out flyers with information about what you should do if an ICE officer comes to your home and what should be done in preparation for friends and family who are undocumented.

CHIRLA provided Rights Cards filled out with information to hand to a police or ICE officer to exercise one’s right to remain silent whether undocumented or not.

“If you pull out this card then

you are not going to dig yourself in a hole. They are going to let you go because the burden on proven that an individual is undocumented it’s on the authority whose detaining you and they’re going to have to work harder,” said CHIRLA Director of Community Education, Miriam Mesa.

It serves as a reminder that everyone has equal rights regardless of legal status.

The Dream Resource Center dedicates itself to being a safe zone for everyone and trains staff, faculty and students to know how to work with undocumented and students who identify as LGBTQ. “As of now we’ve trained about 130 staff, faculty and student workers. The goal for safe zone is to have allies that our students can turn to to ask questions,” said Dream Resource Center worker Elizandro Umana.

Things got emotional when it came to ask questions as ELAC professor Dolores Carlos broke down to tears when she told Martinez to act fast.

“I don’t think we can wait a month. I think whatever it takes, we need more help to accelerate this process, because when we’re in our classes and we see our students so anxious and so fearful and we don’t have anything to offer them I feel like we’re betraying them.” said Carlos.

Members of ASU also gave out information on the Dream Resource center, information on students healthcare, mental health and wellness services, and a flyer about knowing one’s rights.

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Feature

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017

ELAC student receives fellowship

BY TIANA HUNTER Staff Writer Twenty-three year-old East Los Angeles College student Hope Flores has been selected as Los Angeles County Museums recipient for the Andrew W. Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellowship Program.

This program provides specialized training in the curatorial field for students across the United States from diverse backgrounds.

An art curator is a keeper or custodian of a museum or other collections. Art museum curators work with art collections and exhibitions.

Flores was invited last minute to an informational session on campus with the Mellon Fellowship Coordinator Hilary Walter where she discussed the process of applying for LACMA's Mellon Curatorial Summer Academy which piqued her interest.

She then applied and was selected with 14 other undergraduates for the week-long academy, which included informational meetings, workshops, studio visits and much more as a 'crash course' to museum curatorial work.

The goal of the week was to curate a small scale photography show from the extensive Vernon Collection housed at LACMA. They successfully presented their work at the Photo Study Center to LACMA curators at the end of the week.

Out of the 14 who participated, those who felt compelled to apply for the more long-term fellowship were encouraged to do so.

The fellowship is a two-year

commitment that Flores "did not take lightly" and almost decided against applying for because LACMA is far from home, and she is working on transferring from ELAC. However, she didn't feel those were good enough reasons not to do it and the Mellon Fellowship takes limitations like these into consideration, so she applied.

Flores was born in Bellflower, California and raised in City Terrace, California, but also moved around a lot.

She began her artistic venture with music as a child, but also had an equal love of drawing, painting, crafting and anything that involved working with her hands.

Coming from a family of musicians, however, she was naturally encouraged to pursue music more.

Flores considers music making to be the first time she saw herself as an artist, but she always made visual art at the same time as studying music even when she didn't feel as confident in drawing or painting.

"We were never rich, but my mom and elders always knew the importance of encouraging my curiosity in music and art. I feel really blessed to have had that support in my home where I know so many others who got the complete opposite," said Flores.

Flores' motivation for working in museums is so that her family and friends can actually go to a museum and see themselves represented on the walls.

When working at the Vincent Price Art Museum, she invited her grandparents to come see the permanent collection which was rich in Mexican Modernism and pre-

COURTESY OF HOPE FLORES

PRETTY ART—Hope Flores attended the “Moholy-Nagy: Future Present” art show at LACMA. She has worked with her curatorial mentor on this show prior to its showcasing on Feb. 12.

Columbian art. It made her happy to see her grandpa get so excited to see names and imagery that resonated with him.

In that moment, she realized how blessed and privileged she was to be in a position to potentially make that magical moment her grandfather and her shared happen for many more people out in the world.

The type of art she does now is

still painting, but she finds herself moving towards assemblage, installation and textiles although those kind of endeavors take a bit more time than a student actually has the time for.

When asked how she felt about being chosen for the fellowship she said, "Excited is an understatement!

I was actually interning at the Museum of Latin American Art over

the summer and was working in the office when I got the call. That was such a magical moment because most of my coworkers around me at the time were all these beautiful, badass muxeres working hard in the arts, and they all truly understood the magnitude of the opportunity, and were just as excited for me.

That to me made me all the more excited to be in a fertile environment

where growth is encouraged and celebrated."

As far as where she is going after LACMA, Flores said, " I have no set-in-stone career path that I see myself on. That's what I love about the art world. It's constantly shifting, exploring, finding new ways to create and present so that it's possible to carve out your own unique path within it.”

Service dogs need welcoming She added that a disabled person with a service animal is only Staff Writer required to answer two questions: if the dog is a service animal and what task(s) the animal is trained The number of Elans who use to perform. The student’s disability, service dogs is growing, but many she said, is private information that of them chose not to bring them to the student is not mandated to give campus because of the distractions out.

A student or staff member that is and problems that often arise.

The Americans with Disabilities allergic to or is afraid of dogs is not Acts allows students with disabilities a valid reason for denying access the right to have a service animal at or refusing service to people with service animals, Hernandez said. their school.

The animal–typically a dog or in In these cases, affected students some instances a miniature horse– may be asked to either move to a has to perform an active task that is different location in the classroom directly connected to the person’s or take another section of the course.

Reuben Roque, an ELAC alumw disability.

For example, guiding a person and a career guidance counselor assistant with who is blind; t h e v e t e r a n ’s alerting people program, said who are deaf; that the center reminding the “A student or stff has seen an individual to increasing take medication; member that is allergic number of alerting a person is not a valid reason students that who is about to for denying access or rely on service have a seizure; or dogs, but many protecting them refusing services to of them chose while they have people with service not to bring them one, to name a to school. few. animals.”

“Some of our Emotional students don’t support, therapy, bring their dogs or companion in just because dogs, however, GRACE HERNANDEZ some of the Disabled Student Program and don’t qualify as Services coordinator reactions that service dogs and their dog gets, are hence not and they get protected by the together, from ADA. The student’s need for these other students on campus. It’s animals in public schools must difficult because [students] want to undergo a case-by-case review by be able to function completely, but the Individual Education Plan or a then [they] get some of the looks and some of the attention that is really Section 504 team.

According to understood.org, distracting,” Roque said.

Though Roque is understanding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 “is the part of the of America’s dog-obsessed culture, federal civil rights law that prohibits he advises students never to pet a discrimination against public school service dog without permission.

“When service dogs are vested students with disabilities. That includes students with learning and up, they know they’re working: it’s attention issues who meet certain time to help mom it’s time to help dad, and the slightest thing– like criteria.”

Grace Hernandez, the Disabled somebody petting them– will throw Student Program and Services off the dog,” Roque said. “At that coordinator, said that service dogs point the dog will start to think are allowed to be in classrooms ‘It’s play time,’ and will then stop and anywhere on campus as long focusing on their handler. That’s as they’re well behaved and not why it’s difficult for some of our students, and why they then find disruptive.

“We are not allowed to ask the it difficult bringing their dogs in.”

Roque, who has a service dog student or the individual with the disability if the dog is certified. The of his own, doesn’t usually bring service dog is supposed to have a her to ELAC, but when he does he vest, and that will tell us, the public, brings her in on Fridays. “It’s very that the dog has been trained to do a relaxed and very slow, so it’s a little bit easier to negotiate.” specific task,” Hernandez said.

BY DORANY PINEDA

CN/STEPHANIE GUEVARA

ENGLISH CAFE—Yang Ok an instructional assistant of the language lab, gives a workshop on pronunciation by reading a literary text yesterday in E3 170.

Practice makes perfect

BY JOSE GUILLEN Staff Writer Discovering the power of speaking English through the eyes of international students, the ESL Cafe is a language lab where students can experience the power of language.

Communication is one of the most coveted skills in the freemarket. Elans have a language lab on campus to take full advantage of all its benefits. In order to participate, you must be a student at East Los Angeles College. No other requirement is requested only the desire to help fellow international classmates practice their conversational English skills.

Students must ask at the front desk for the ESL Cafe. There is a sign-in sheet that keep logistics as to who is attending the meeting, but it’s more of a meet-and-greet scene. It can look awkward or at times sound a little bit off. Once the

conversation begins, the students’ desire to help their partner through the verbal gymnastics of speaking a foreign language to them but English to us sparks up.

Yangok Chu is the facilitator of the ESL Cafe. Right away she puts her calming influence to work. Her welcoming, easy going manner keeps the group moving through the conversations. Students are paired up with someone in the group to help attendants further their skill set.

The conservations can be as short as a minute or as long as five minutes depends how long the two students can keep the conversation going.

Jason Ye, a business management major and also an ESL Cafe member, said he has benefited tremendously by this club. He is a soft spoken student who has shied away from connecting with classmates yet joining the club has made him eager to learn and speak English.

“It has help 100 percent. I feel more confident to speak. Coming has allowed me to not be fearful,” said Ye, student attendee.

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Ye said it was a struggle for him to speak up in the past. He would avoid speaking in his classes out of fear that others would not understand him when he spoke English. He would not respond to a professor’s question out of fear of ridicule. This limited his learning and participation. Now, after a year and a half of being in the ESL Cafe, Ye enjoys participating in his classes, sharing his opinions and enthusiasm for learning.

The ESL Cafe is located on the first floor of the E-3 building. The lab is a resource for all enrolled ELAC students who want to better their language-learning skills. Those who are thinking of studying or traveling abroad can go into the ESL Cafe to use the language-building software.

“I tell everyone to come. Come to learn how to pronounce, it’s the reason why, I come to the group,” Maria Hernandez, ESL Cafe student attendee, said A welcoming environment, was on full display at the ESL

Cafe. Everyone present, while shy at first, listened attentively to everyone when their turn to speak.

No one, despite their shyness and apprehension was left out.

Everyone got a chance to participate during the role-playing exercises.

“Learning to speak a language foreign to us can have a fundamental difference in how we carry ourselves publicly. Understanding the difference between catch-up versus ketchup is monumental to an ESL student. It’s the difference between feeling confident to speak or embarrassingly painful under the shame one can feel,” said Yagnok Chu, Facilitator.

For those interested in participating or attending, visit E3 room 170 for a particular practice on specific days and times.

ESL Pronunciation Practice takes place on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.

The French pronunciation practice is on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The ESL Cafe on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017

5

Jazz musicians perform classic songs

BY JORGE ALDACO Staff Writer Jazz Town Buffet harmonized the night with soothing uplifting tunes that had the audience wanting more.

The soothing tunes involved latin beats that made the audience excited in the S2 Recital hall on Friday.

The four musicians that make up the ensemble, Dan Sawyer, Henry Newmark, Sergio

Minervini and Grandville Young, took their places on stage to perform for a modest audience.

The group performed a number of works, including some of their own original pieces and also some older jazz classics.

The more well-known and classical pieces they performed were ‘A Night in Tunisia’ and ‘Blues in the Closet’.

‘A Night in Tunisia’ was a piece written and recorded in 1942 by Dizzy Gillespie.

Most of the jazz enthusiasts

recognized the piece as they applauded during the performance.

‘A Night of Tunisia’ gave the feeling of a great noir or drama film. It gives the feeling of a bustling, hyperactive environment like a large city.

‘Blues in the Closet’ is a piece that made the crowd even more excited.

‘Blues in the Closet’ is a much more familiar song to people who may not know much about jazz.

The intro tune has been reused

in other songs for decades.

“Blister in the sun” by the Violent Femmes is one of these songs.

Group members complimented one another and gave one another a moment to shine by having solos.

Minervini, the pianist, walked in dressed sharply and he played the piano in a similar manner.

He was playing the piano as if he were walking on his tip toes, quickly and lightly.

He moved his hands over the keys and zoned out while the

audience was quiet and focused as they watched.

Sawyer showed his versatility by switching from guitar to alto sax. Sawyer directed the course of the program and the pieces the group performed.

Newmark played the drums a n d Yo u n g p l a y e d t h e l a rg e upright bass.

N e w m a r k a n d Yo u n g c o m p l i m e n t o n e a n o t h e r, a s both would glance at each other seeing to how they were doing.

They would also be in sync

to each other, complimenting Minervini and Sawyer.

Both the drums and the standing bass were noticable, even though they weren’t the loudest instrument.

Minervini and Sawyer also had some symbiotic moments, however not on the level of Newmark and Young.

While the jazz concert may not be everyone’s taste, it was still an entertaining show that anyone can enjoy.

CN/JORGE ALDACO

FEELING THE RHYTHM—The jazz band members (left) Sergio Minervini, Dan Sawyer, Henry Newmark and Grandville Young performs “Blues in the Closet” in the S2 building.

New coffee shop offers distinct taste

BY CHRISTIAN HORTA Staff Writer B Twentyfour is a new coffee shop that offers a wide selection of coffee, tea and food.

The Affogato is a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It may seem plain and simple, but once it’s served with a warm espresso shot on the side, it changes the dish.

It creates a distinct flare to the taste buds.

If the Affogato is consumed with espresso over the ice cream, then it will feel more like a dessert.

However, if the customer decides to mix the espresso into the ice cream, then it gives it a creamy, bold taste.

The customer can either drink the espresso while enjoying the ice cream or eat the ice cream with the espresso as a topping.

It is potent, bold, sweet and satisfying all at the same time.

The aroma is derived directly from the espresso. As the espresso was being poured over the ice cream, it creates an aesthetically pleasing effect.

Another common item at B Twentyfour is their Esquite

Avocado Toast.

This dish consists of avocado, grilled corn, green onion, jalapeno, cilantro, feta cheese, and a sunny side-up egg, served over a Texas toast.

This type of bread is twice as thick than normal lunch bread, that adds a fluffy texture.

It is served as a breakfast item.

As the yolk oozes out egg, it adds moisture to the entire toast.

The combined ingredients add an overall pesto flavor.

The fact that it’s bread makes it feel similar to eating a pizza.

Other breakfast items include

bagels with cream cheese, paninis, croissants, and Banh Mi sandwiches a Vietnamese-style sandwich.

Additionally, there is a section of assorted pastries at the front, along with various bottled beverages.

Each panini is served with a side salad.

A unique choice in their panini line-up is The Workman.

The ingredients include garlic infused extra virgin olive oil, smoked turkey, sliced apples, arugula leaves and smoked gouda cheese.

The panini bread has a texture, that adds an extra crunch to the

sandwich.

The apples inside are warm, but still add a slight crunch, as well as a touch of sweetness.

The sandwich has an Italian feel to it, which comes from the garlic infused olive oil combined with the arugula.

Located in the community of Lincoln Heights, B Twentyfour sits on the corner of North Broadway and Avenue 24.

Some of their menu items are named after the surrounding streets in the area.

The cafe itself is named after the intersection it is located on.

B Twentyfour is hard to spot if driving on North Broadway.

Parking is available at an off-site parking lot, on North Broadway.

Street parking is metered and may have restrictions.

The interior of the cafe is spacious and has an upper level for additional seating.

This cafe is great for college students who are looking to do homework.

The bench along the wall includes power strip outlets, which are useful for study-goers.

Business hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m..

‘Logan’ gives fans a faithful R-rated comic-book film

BY FRANCISCO PORTILLO Staff Writer “Logan” is the best on-screen representation of the Wolverine character to date, fueled by an amazing performance from Hugh Jackman Director and writer James Mangold finally gives fans what they've been waiting for with the perfect mixture of humor, emotion, vulgarity and gore.

Mangold is given free reigns to portray the character as many fans have anticipated for over a decade.The greatest thing about this movie is its R-rating because

Mangold doesn’t have to cater to a younger audience.

Being primarily known by fans for his extreme use of violence, this film allow Wolverine to go full berserker mode on his enemies.

In the first five minutes, the audience knows what their in for as Wolverine casually drops f-bombs and shoves his adamantium claws through an attacker’s skull while dismembering others.

More than any other movie, Jackman beautifully captures the essence of the Wolverine character.

The audience can see the pain

of a man who has seen everyone that he’s ever loved die and it shows in the performance.

The story is set in the future- a world where mutants are on the verge of extinction.

Logan has given up the life of being a hero and now makes a living as a driver, barely making enough money to take care of his longtime friend Charles Xavier, played by Patrick Stewart.

When a mysterious young mutant is brought into his life, he is faced with the task of protecting the girl from the men that created her.

The best part of the film is the

relationship dynamic between Logan and new character Laura, aka X-23, played by Dafne Keen.

The first-time actor almost steals the show from Jackman.

For a good portion of the movie, the character remains silent, only screaming while unleashing the monster that was created in a laboratory.

Keen is able to be so expressive with her eyes that it never bothers the audience that she doesn’t speak.

During an emotional moment, Keen delivers a monologue from a classic Western titled “Shane,” which served as an inspiration for

COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX

DRIVING AWAY—Logan, played by Hugn Jackman, and Laura, played by Dafne Keen, escape after Logan reluctently helps Laura narrowly evade capture. www.ELACCampusNews.com

this movie.

As she recites the lines, her tears start to flow and the audience’s heart breaks with hers.

The primary antagonist of the film is an enhanced mercenary named Pierce, played by Boyd Holbrook.

The mercenary is involved with the laboratory that created Laura and is hunting her down.

The casting of Holbrook adds

depth to a character that would otherwise be two-dimensional.

His machismo makes for a formidable opponent while adding humor to the role.

After tracking Laura down, Pierce sends a couple of his men to capture her.

To get the full story, visit elaccampusnews.com

6

SPORTS

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017

Men’s basketball upsets no. 2 Compton

BY HECTOR GOMEZ Staff Writer

Men’s basketball advanced to the elite eight playoffs in the state after an 83-80 road win Saturday against number-two ranked El Camino College Compton Center.

East Los Angeles College continued its great play in a thriller back and forth as it earned its trip to state.

With a packed audience on the road, ELAC managed to thrive in a tough atmosphere and turn the game around in the second half to come out on top.

Huskies forward Roderick Williams lead the way for ELAC with 25 points and eight rebounds.

Williams had an efficient shooting night as he made 10 of 12 shots.

“It was a big win and we just have to keep going and trust our coaches.

All the hard work we put in daily, it just works. We’re just doing what we have to do and it’s just paying off,” Williams said.

ELAC executed outstanding defense, extending its lead with points off of turnovers.

After having only four points off of turnovers in the first half, ELAC finished with a total of 20 points off of turnovers.

With two and a half minutes to go in the game, Compton cut the Huskies lead with a 6-0 run.

As the Huskies maintained a small lead, Compton fouled ELAC in the last few possessions forcing them to make their free throws.

With the Huskies up by one and seven seconds left in the game, freshman guard Frank Bertz was at the free throw line. He converted on both free throws and extended the lead, 83-80.

CN/DIEGO LINARES

ELATED—Athletes and coaches alike rush onto the court after the final seconds ticked off the clock on Saturday as ELAC men’s basketball team defeated No. 2 El Camino Compton Center 83-80.

Compton had one more opportunity to tie the game, up but they needed a 3-pointer to send it to overtime.

ELAC made a terrific stop on defense as they forced Compton to shoot a well contested 3-pointer that missed far left.

Down by nine at the 12-minute mark of the first half, ELAC struggled on the glass as they gave up many offensive rebounds that lead to second chance points for

Compton.

Following a Husky’s timeout at the eight-minute mark, Bertz had an incredible block which lead to a fast break three pointer by sophomore guard Sequan Walker.

Bertz finished with 18 points, four rebounds and four assists.

ELAC settled down on defense toward the final six minutes of the first half and cut Compton’s lead to 38-36.

Walker contributed with eight

points after the first half.

Huskies came out of halftime with adjustments and aggressive defensively.

After back-to-back steals in the first two minutes of the second half, ELAC pushed the pace and attacked the paint.

It took the lead in the game, 44-40 as momentum began to shift on its side.

Bertz continued his terrific defense with another sensational

block.

The Huskies did not allow anything easy throughout the first ten minutes of the second half.

They forced turnover after turnover and came up with consistent stops.

ELAC took advantage after every steal and pushed back to get many fast break baskets.

Within a three-minute span, the Huskies caused four turnovers in a row which lead to four fast break

dunks as they went on an 8-0 run.

During the run, Husky forward Zeno Lake caught an alley-oop dunk with 11 minutes left to extend ELAC’s lead by eight.

Lake finished with five points and nine rebounds.

Two plays later, after another forced turnover, ELAC had the advantage on a three on one fast break when Williams posterized a Compton player with a ridiculous one hand dunk over him.

The crowd went insane and yelled, jumping up and down reacting to the terrific play.

Williams screamed with a roar of in excitement as ELAC went up by 10, 62-52.

Even Compton fans were amazed after witnessing that dunk. “It felt lovely,” Williams said with a huge grin when asked about that play.

After the buzzer, the Huskies cheered together in excitement after their terrific win.

Williams fell to the ground and began to shed tears of joy.

Also a few of players grabbed water bottles and soaked coach Mosely to congratulate him on the win.

"It's amazing man, we finally get to go up state and compete for a championship,” Walker said.

Huskies will look to continue their winning season in the elite eight state playoffs as they go against Feather River College on March 9 at 3 p.m.

Feather River currently is on a 13-game win streak. The last time it faced defeat was Dec. 17 against Canada College.

It also holds one of the best offenses in the state, ranking third in points per game.

This is the furthest ELAC has gone in the playoffs since 2015, when the Huskies made the state final and lost to Saddleback College.

Lack of swing prevents softball from victory

BY STEPHANIE GUEVARA Staff Writer

The softball team recorded its third consecutive loss, 7-2, at home against Antelope Valley College last Wednesday.

East Los Angeles College started strong in the first inning as starting sophomore pitcher Griselda Vazquez hit a solo home run.

“Finally I hit it over. I’ve been working really hard for this and I’ve been putting extra work,” Vazquez said.

The Huskies struggled to get hits off of AVC starting pitcher Morgan Arndt. ELAC head coach Erika Blanco said the team had a hard time at bat because they were swinging at wrong pitches.

“We are definitely not hitting to our potential. Our quality of at bats are not as good as we have been,” Blanco said.

The Huskies defense also fell short in key moments. The opposition had two players on second and third base

as AVC catcher Sally Miramontes hit a ball deep that ELAC freshman left fielder Natalie Acosta couldn't catch and allowed two players to score.

AV C w e n t u p 5 - 1 i n t h e scoreboard.

ELAC was at its weakest in the third inning allowing three runs, the most allowed in one inning.

The Huskies made a slight comeback in the fourth inning.

ELAC sophomore first baseman Andrea Rocha hit a triple to right field putting ELAC back in the game.

Freshman second baseman Samantha Alvarado, a late switch as a pitcher, hit a single that would bring Rocha home for a run.

In that same inning, AVC hit a deep high fly ball to center field that almost went over the fence, but ELAC freshman center fielder Nicole Zamora caught it.

“It is always a battle with ELAC. They always come to play and coach Blanco does a great job with them.

We know we always have to come with our A game,” AVC head coach

Cindy Vargas said.

ELAC tried to surprise AVC once again, but went back to swinging at wrong pitches.

“We need to work on not swinging at bad pitches, keeping our swing level and staying positive at bat,” Vazquez said.

AVC pitcher Arndt got a couple of hits off of Vazquez that resulted in two of the seven runs.

“We had a really good game.

ELAC is a really good team. They have hitters, but my teammates came out really well,” Arndt said.

In comparison to previous games, the Huskies came out to fight until the end according to Blanco.

“Our goal was to not give up and keep on battling. In the last couple games, the girls got frustrated and they would kind of quit in the middle of the game and they would play out of their potential,” Blanco said.

The Huskies ended their losing streak on the road to El Camino Compton Center and won 14-2 on Thursday.

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

H U S K I E S

BASEBALL

Sports Updates

The losing streak is over, but baseball sits at .500, splitting the first two games of March against Los Angeles Harbor College, winning 5-4 and losing 9-5.

The Huskies broke the seven-game losing streak on the last day of Feb. and needed extra innings versus Citrus, winning, 3-2.

Husky third baseman Matthew Sosa blooped a single over the head of the Citrus second baseman to right field and brought home sophomore second baseman Benjamin Arce for the walk-off win.

Conference play and division play will ensue through March until the mid-April, when ELAC travels to the Allan Hancock College Tournament.

TRACK AND FIELD

It was not the best outing for track and field last Saturday at the California State University, Los Angeles Invite.

Against NCAA Division II talent, no Husky runner or field competitor placed in the top five in any event.

Sophomore runner and javelin throw competitor, Dale Wilson, appears to be the best athlete on the Husky men’s team. Wilson finished seventh in the 200 meter, running his best race at 22.03.

In the men’s javelin throw, Wilson placed 27th, with an average 35.93m throw.

Notable men’s competitors were freshman Jonathan Quintero, with his 32nd finish in the 800m and 68th place finish in the 1500m. Freshman Nathan Rangel, place 57th in the 1500m.

On the women’s side in the 1500m, freshman Estrella Bautista-Farias was the best Husky and finished 81st, at 5:48.19.

Freshman Olivia Medrano was the only women’s field competitor placing 27th in the hammer throw and 28th in the discuss throw.

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