Fall 2012 Issue 9

First Friday Jazz mixes classic with contemporary.

See page 5

Volume 70, Issue 9

Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

E1, G1 buildings left uncertified District votes to approve further projects despite concerns

By BRIAN VILLALBA Staff Writer The LACCD Board of Trustees will vote today to approve the DLR Group for architectural design despite the fact that DLR Group has produced two buildings at ELAC that the California Division of State Architect did not certify as safe, E1 and G1.

The Administration and Student Services buildings at East Los Angeles College are potentially unsafe because the Division of State Architect did not certify them. Because the buildings are not certified, ELAC and members of the Board of Trustees are liable for the safety of the buildings during an earthquake.

A powerpoint document from Los Angeles Community College District presentation last spring says that board members carry personal liability for buildings that do not receive certification.

DLR Group is an architectural design firm that was awarded 34 projects from the Measure J Initiative. Measure J was the bond initiative that provided the funding for all of the construction at ELAC during the last few years. DLR Group totaled more than $29 million in revenue from the measure according to the LACCD. Once the California DSA is notified that a newly constructed building is going to be occupied, they inspect it. They determine if the building is safe to occupy and certify. ELAC’s E1 and G1 buildings were not certified.

The policy of the DSA is to allow 90 days for the architect of record, ELAC and DLR Group to correct the issues. If the issue has not been resolved after the 90 day period, the liability for the lack of certification of the building transfers to ELAC and the Board of Trustee members.

DLR Group continues to be considered for future projects for the LACCD. This is in violation of LACCD rules that require the Board of Trustees to provide no new work opportunities, and to withhold payment to those whom are involved in projects that go past the 90 day period without certification.

The primary reason for this rule is to protect the LACCD and ELAC from liability for buildings that DSA determines uncertifiable. According to the California State Auditor, the DSA has had trouble enforcing the compliance with regulations. see UNCERTIFIED, page 3

CN/HUGO DOMINGUEZ, JR.

To be or not to be—The Admissions, pictured above, and Student Services buildings’ safety is in question due to the Division of State Architecture not certifying their safety properly, although the buildings are currently occupied.

‘Day of the Dead’ altars captivate ELAC

By ERIK LUNA Staff Writer

CN/ERIK LUNA

Alter your mind—Muralist Manny Velasquez explains to former East Los Angeles College student George Ortega how he created his altar for the “Dia de los Muertos” festival last Thursday in the S2 courtyard.

News Briefs

Presidential election results are tallied

President Barack Obama won the presidential election against Governor Mitt Romney and will hold office for four more years.

In the spirit of “Dia de los Muertos,” the Vincent Price Art Museum’s Community Focus room was decorated with various altars that memorialized those who have died.

The altars, which were created by the Chicano Studies 7 class and will be on display until Nov. 21, opened last Thursday as the Chicana/o Studies Department held their “Dia de los Muertos Festival.”

Although this is the first festival for the day of the dead, the student-made altars have been an annual event for the past nine years.

Angelita Rovero-Herrera, who is a Chicana/o Studies instructor at East Los Angeles College, had her students create the altars from selected course-related topics. “(My curriculum) helps emphasize independent research, group participation and the creative process,” Rovero-Herrera said.

Some of the students that made the altars were present to explain the concepts behind them.

ELAC honors veterans

The Veterans’ Center will honor student and community veterans tomorrow from 11:30 a.m - 1 p.m. in the foyer of the auditorium.

All students are invited to hear a number of military guest speakers.

“We wanted to keep it more traditional and still keep it religious at the same time,” Elan Delina Aros said.

“The first part is for kids…the second part is for adolescents and the third part is for adults,” Aros said about her group’s three-tiered altar.

On the altars, students placed certain object that their loved ones liked.

Sisters Nena and Amelia Hernandez said that each object that is placed on the altar was significant to those who had died.

“That’s why we placed bread, tequila, cigarettes and candles,” Amelia said. “(Those) were the things they liked,” she continued.

Marta Perez, a Chicana/o Studies student said that in her home country of El Salvador they remember the dead by going to the cemetery.

Perez said that each culture c e l e b r a t e s i t d i f f e r e n t l y.

Salvadorians celebrate it differently than Mexicans.

Outside the museum, crowds of people gathered to watch p e r f o r m a n c e s b y X i p e t o t e c, see MUERTOS, page 3

No school on Monday for Veterans’ Day

There will be no classes in session on Monday for the commemoration of Veterans’ Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday as normally scheduled.

Online Scoop

For this complete story visit elaccampusnews.com.

CN/AMANDA MAYBERRY

Mariachi Plaza on First Street was swarmed with attendees for the third annual Dia de los Muertos event in Boyle Heights on Sunday, which included food, music and an altar centered in the plaza for them to enjoy.

Campus News will not print next week

Campus News will publish stories next week only on elaccampusnews.com. For updates ‘Like’ Campus News on Facebook and follow @ELACCampusNews on Twitter and Instagram.

Correction: In last week’s article entitled “Elan advocates against drunk driving,” Alejandra Carrillo’s name was misspelled.

24

OPINION

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012

Eager students enhance class supposed to read before class and took the time to think about the Staff Writer subject at hand, then maybe the instructor would have someone to Students at East Los Angeles bounce ideas off of and vice versa.

When students sit unmotivated in College sit through a number of different classes, some better than class, the classroom gets filled with negative vibes. others, every semester.

Other students I’ve had some classes that absorb the negative I couldn’t wait to get to, and “A prepared v i b e s , t u r n i n g others I couldn’t wait to get their brains off student can out of. making it go I naturally blamed come to class and downhill from teachers when I wonder there. why one class was better and elaborate Unmotivated than others. on ideas the students lose Some instructors lecture on a boring topic in a teacher brings f o c u s i n c l a s s .

Lost focus causes up, or at monotone voice leaving ull classroom students, including me, to least be able dconversation. not pay attention to what to discuss Dull classroom they say.

Then I blame the subject the topic the conversation leads to students hating of the class, but I found that I actually prefer going teacher brings the class.

The benefits in up.” to my oceanography class class come from over my English class, even the students. though English is my major.

When students So I do not think the subject is to blame. Only one factor enter a class prepared to learn with an open mind that is hungry is left: the students.

I think that it is students who for knowledge, the classroom participation is much more make classes more interesting.

If students paid attention to the enjoyable.

A prepared student can come to lecture, read the readings they were

By MEGAN PERRY

class and elaborate on ideas the teacher brings up, or at least be able to discuss the topic the teacher brings up.

I’m not saying students should read the works and have correct answers for every question the teacher asks.

I’m just saying when the instructor asks “So, what did you think of the reading?” the student will at least be able to say whether they liked or hated it.

When students enter a class eager to take in the lesson and allow it to marinate in their minds, the classroom experience becomes bearable.

It is not fair to their peers or instructors that students come in class unmotivated and unprepared.

These unmotivated students force the teacher to spoon feed the information in an extremely dull lecture.

Why would students even sign up for a class if they weren’t going to take it seriously?

I know homework is terrible, l ect u r es can b e b o r i n g , b u t students can make the class more entertaining.

All it takes is a little effort, and those dull classes can be transformed into a class worth taking.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Lindsey Maeda MANAGING EDITOR Erik Luna ONLINE EDITOR Tadzio Garcia FRONT EDITOR Megan Perry OPINION EDITOR Alejandra Carrillo NEWS EDITOR Brian Villalba FEATURE EDITOR Amanda Mayberry

ARTS EDITOR Danny Vasquez SPORTS EDITOR Liliana Marquez PHOTO EDITOR Oliver Blanco Hugo Dominguez, Jr.

People should not use body as canvas

By AUGUSTINE UGALDE Staff Writer I’m old school.

I am putting this right out there from the start so that there can be no question from where this is coming from.

Am I the only person at East Los Angeles College that is disgusted with this generation’s obsession of tattooing the body?

It seems that tattooing is getting out of control these days, especially with women.

A day doesn’t pass that I don’t see women walking around the campus with the back of their necks, lower back, or their breasts tattooed with the flavor of the month.

I’m sure that these coeds think they are being very stylish and chic, but really ladies…it doesn’t look good at all.

Tattooed women, and men also, seem to not realize the permanency of a tattoo.

It is of the same sort of mentality that young people use when considering their own mortality.

Dying is something that happens to your grandpa Joe or your aunt Beatriz. Not to me though, I’m never going to die.

Well, tattoos are as unforgiving as death.

The tattoo you get today will be there when you are a young adult in your late 20s, and it will still be there when you are in your 30s.

When you reach your 40th birthday, that tattoo you got when you were 19 of your ex-boyfriend, Mayhem, will still be there.

It will still be there when you’re ways of expressing yourself than a grandmother in your 50s and 60s by fouling your body. and then again when Ta k e a c r e a t i v e you become a greatwriting course; learn grandmother in your “They would to sculpt, paint or play 70s. an instrument. argue that Of course, it won’t These disciplines look quite the same, tattooing is an w i l l d e v e l o p y o u r simply because you and allow you art, and that creativity won’t look the same to become expressive it is form of either. in ways that will make It will be faded, expression on you proud. bunched-up and Another problem surrounded by loose the part of the with the “I’m and discolored skin that individual.” expressing myself” has been ravaged by argument is that getting the relentless passage tattooed doesn’t require of time. any effort or discipline.

There is nothing All it takes is more pathetic than to shelling-out a couple see an old, great-grandmother type hundred financial aid dollars. walking down the street with “Mi Tattooing your body is like Vida Loca” tattooed across her painting a mustache on the Mona breasts.

Lisa or tagging a beautiful mural Today’s women are much more created by a true artist with your sophisticated and chic though. insignificant plaque.

They spend hundreds of dollars Taggers destroy the beauty of on these elaborate tats that do the world we live in. Women who nothing more than damage their tattoo their bodies destroy their own look. beauty.

They would argue that tattooing So the next time you get the urge is an art, and that it is form of to get an Angry Birds tattoo on expression on the part of the your breasts, or some sort of deep, individual. I disagree. philosophical, Zen-like, tattoo on The only artist at work here is the the back of your neck, take a deep person creating the tattoo, not the breath, save your money, and enroll person getting it. There are better in a ceramics class.

Hurricane victims need help holidays are approaching and we are all trying to save money wherever Staff Writer we can.

However, a small amount makes The results of Hurricane Sandy were devastating and this would be a big difference.

We might also have a good time to lend other things to worry a helping hand. about like essays and Over 100 lives midterms. were lost and the “Just like we But these things are damages escalated helped those small in comparison to the billions as the to what people who affected when hurricane ravished through the Mid Hurricane Katrina are affected by the hurricane are going Atlantic and North struck in 2005 or through.

East Coast.

The money that we Pictures of New when earthquakes spend on a coffee, on Yo r k s u b w a y rattled Haiti and a night out or on a stations flooded w i t h w a t e r , Japan, we should clothing item could destroyed homes do something to be donated to help a bigger cause instead. and a roller coaster There are a few ways d r o w n e d i n t h e help those affected ocean near New by Sandy’s path of to help.

One way is to donate Jersey resembled destruction.” money to the Red something out of a Cross. movie.

To donate to the Red As victims are Cross, students could getting their lives back together, they have to deal with visit redcross.org and click on the link that says “donate funds.” the aftermath of Sandy.

Ten dollars is the minimum Many were left homeless, without food, electricity and other basic amount that students could donate online. necessities.

If that is a lot, students could To ease this hardship a good thing always pair up with a friend and to do would be to help.

Right now it might be a hard each donate $5.

Students can also donate to the time to donate especially since the

By CRISTINA GALVAN

Red Cross via text message by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999.

Not only were humans affected, but pets were affected as well.

Many animals were separated from their owners and ended up in shelters.

Students could also help relief efforts by donating to animal organizations such as to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

To donate here, students could visit aspca.org and follow the links.

As a school, we could all unite and help out.

For example, clubs on campus could have fundraisers and donate a portion of the proceedings to the relief efforts.

We could also spread the word and encourage our friends and families to donate.

Natural disasters are unpredictable, and we never know when we will be faced with such hardships.

Living in an earthquake-prone area, we never know if maybe one day we will be the ones that need a helping hand.

Just like we helped those affected when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 or when earthquakes rattled Haiti and Japan, we should do something to help those affected by Sandy’s path of destruction. www.ELACCampusNews.com

COPY EDITOR Augustine Ugalde Rodolfo Trujillo Veronica Hurtado CARTOONIST Kien Ha Bryan Pedroza STAFF WRITERS Carlos Alvarez, Sergio Berrueta, David Bilbao, Dulce Carrillo, Jerry Casarez, Jane Fernandez, Jesus Figueroa, Jair Fuentes, Cristina Galvan, William Hernandez, Shannen Jack, Edgar Lopez, Yesenia Martinez, Anthony Merjanoff, Tierra Oliver, Max Perez, Vivian Ramirez, Alfonso Rivera, Edward Singleton STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Hugo Dominguez, Jr., Tadzio Garcia, Freddy Monares, Greg Reyes PODCAST TEAM Lourdes Espinoza Michael Price ADVERTISING TEAM Stefanie Arocha Jonathan R. Diaz DISTRIBUTION TEAM Augustine Ugalde ADVISER Jean Stapleton Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues. Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the proper ty of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 250 words or less. Campus News reser ves 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) 265-8875 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 vir tue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The opinions expressed are exclusively those of the writer.

Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, East Los Angeles College, or any officer or employee thereof.

PRINTING BY NEWS PUBLISHERS PRESS

NEWS

3 Halloween parade Uncertified: District takes on liability returns to ELAC EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012

from Toy Story.

ELAC interem President Farley Staff Writer Herzek attended the festivities and commented on how the parade is a T h e s i g h t s a n d s o u n d s o f good way for the faculty to interact Halloween came to East Los with the community and to support Angeles College last Wednesday as children who are the future.

Sheriff Claire Floria hundreds of little ghouls who dressed as an owl, paraded down the center of campus in celebration “This year’s participated in the parade for the first time in 12 of the holiday. activities years he said the child Due to the helping development event is hands of the East Los were the Angeles College cheer first in about amazing and that it is good for the children. squad, fiscal office, seven years According to Cagigas, Sheriff Department and many others, children on the main the departments are very generous and they like were able to have a campus.” to volunteer for this special Halloween just activity. for them.

Cagigas also stated Children dressed up that the adults have fun, in Halloween costumes, and in the company of their parents and it is a safe place to take children went trick or treating among the trick or treating.

The parade was split into a morning tables set up by each department.

The children were taken in a circle group at 10 a.m. and an afternoon around tables collecting candy treats group at 2 p.m. Approximately 170 in special Halloween candy bags children participated in the morning group and 35 in the evening group. donated by the school.

The event took place between the According to Marcia Cagigas, a child development teacher, this Helen Miller Bailey Library and the year’s activities were the first in auditorium. about seven years on the main campus.

Costumes ranged from classics Alfonso Caltila, Andrea Gonzalez, such as witches and super heroes A s h e l e y H e r n a n d e z , J e n n y to newer costumes from the Hernandez, Allan Mejia and Dorian Transformers series and Jessie Rangel also contributed to this story.

By AMANDA MAYBERRY

Continued from page 1 “There is no way the building isn’t compliant with the Field Act if there are people in it,” Vice President of Administrative Services Tom Furukawa said.

The Field Act was created to found the DSA and to regulate the construction of schools so they can withstand earthquakes and protect the students in California schools.

According to the auditor, as of December 2010 there were about 16,400 uncertified projects in the State.

Compliance with the California Field Act is important because no building that was certified to be compliant with the Field Act has ever collapsed from an earthquake.

According to a the auditor report on the DSA, “The division has failed t o e ff e c t i v e l y d o c u m e n t i t s determinations about the risk level of uncertified projects or to use these determinations to guide its approach to following up on those projects. Without well-documented decisions and a meaningful classification system, the division risks miscommunicating the true risks associated with uncertified projects.”

The Administration Building was estimated to cost just more than $6

Powerpoint proof—Above is a Los Angeles Community College District PowerPoint document that shows the discussion on the liability the Board of Trustees take on without the certification of the E1 and G1 buildings. million to complete.

The end cost was more than $15 million. According to the California Seismic Safety Commission, the costs of compliance range between 3 and 4 percent of the total

cost of the building.

The Administration building cost increase was more than 100 percent over the estimate.

One of the penalties for a building that does not receive certification

Custom t-shirts RAWW SCREENPRINTING

Muertos: ELAC celebrates dead Continued from page 1 Conjunto Hueyapan, Quetzal and Ixtli Yolotl.

Children from the Child Development Center were brought to the festival to enjoy the performance of Xipototec, an Aztec dancing troup.

“We celebrate these two days to honor the dead. Today is for the

children and tomorrow is for the adults,” Lazaro Arvizo, the leader of Xipototec, said.

The children were then asked to dance with the group. Forming a giant circle, the children began to dance and laugh.

Muralist Manny Velasquez erected an altar outside of the museum in the S2 performing arts

courtyard. Velasquez hand made his skull decorations with papermache.

MEChA de ELAC and the Chicana/o Studies Department also sold food as part of a fundraiser.

MEChA sold tamales and “aguas frescas,” also known as fresh fruit water, and the Chicano Studies class sold “Pan Dulce,” or sweetbread, and “Pan de Muerto,”

. covered.

more commonly known as dead man’s bread.

The altars at the Vincent Price Art Museum will be on display until Nov. 21. The museum is open Monday through Saturday. For hours visit www.vincentpricearmuseum.org Angelica Pena, Lloyd Cano, Cindy Rodriguez also contributed to this story.

NEWS | FEATURES | OPINION |ARTS | SPORTS

is that payment is stopped by the LACCD. DLR Group continues to be considered for future proposals even though they have produced uncertified buildings for ELAC.

custom designs for:

•T-SHIRts •posters •stickers (For Information)

E-mail: info@rawwmedia.net or rawwmedia@hotmail.com

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FEATURE Goalie’s dedication saves dreams 4

By LILIANA MARQUEZ Staff Writer Juan Escobar overcame injuries and illness to become the starting goalkeeper during his two seasons representing the East Los Angeles College men’s soccer team.

Escobar, 19, who was born in Hollywood and raised in South Gate, is currently playing his last season with the men’s soccer team as goalkeeper.

Escobar is the oldest of Juan Escobar and Maria Castillo’s four children.

He suffered three injuries that could have kept him off the team this season, but he refused to let this stop him.

“I messed up my calf, the tendons behind my knee and my hamstring in one movement. It was hard because college season was around the corner and it didn’t look like it was getting any better,” Escobar said.

Despite those injuries, he never gave up. He fought to recover and kept training to be ready for the season’s kickoff.

“All athletes are in constant risk of getting injured. Others would have given up by now. It was very tough for him, but he was able to overcome those obstacles with the help of his coaches,” his father Juan Escobar said.

Escobar’s parents have been an

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012

inspiration to him and have taught him to never give up. They have always helped him and supported him in everything he does.

“They are always working hard to provide us everything we need.

I’ve learned not to give up thanks to them. I don’t know where I would be right now without them,” Escobar said.

His father was the one who introduced him to the world of soccer when he was only four.

“I was like four and I didn’t really like it because I didn’t understand it.

I was more into cartoons. I started getting into soccer during middle school, in the seventh grade,” Escobar said.

Escobar played initially as a defender, but asthma forced him to abandon the game when he was 14 years old.

“I was playing defense, I was fast. I wasn’t really good at it, but I didn’t give up. I got asthma along the way and I had to stop playing.

It was hard because I loved playing soccer. I begged my parents to let me play,” Escobar said.

He knew that the only way to go back to the field was by playing in a position where he didn’t have to run a lot.

“The only way I was able to play again was playing as a goalie.

So, I decided to play goalkeeper. I started to watch videos of Guillermo Ochoa, Oswaldo Sanchez, Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon. I

CN/VERONICA HURTADO

GOING FOR THE KICK—Goalkeeper Juan Escobar prepares for a goal kick during last Friday’s game against El Camino College Compton Center at Murphy Family Field in Carson. learned by watching them,” Escobar said.

Escobar, better known as Chango, or “monkey”, by his friends is described by teammate and friend Christian Ventura as a dedicated and hardworking person who likes to improve.

Escobar is described by teammate and friend Christian Ventura as a dedicated and hardworking person who likes to improve.

“He always takes things seriously

and is always working to get better.

He works in practice and out of it.

His motivation and passion for the game inspire me,” Ventura said.

Escobar attended South East High School from 2008-2011. He played varsity soccer for the Jaguars during his last three years in high school.

He was coached by ELAC Assistant Coach Felipe Bernal.

“He did great things in high school. His work was incredible,” Bernal said.

In the 2010-2011 season the the bad comments regarding his Jaguars won the CIF Los Angeles performance.

“People always remember the City Section Championship.

Escobar played a crucial role bad moments and mistakes of goalkeepers. I always during the city finals, tell him that whenever he making two saves a mistake he has to during the penaltyDespite those makes keep his face up and keep kick shootout and injuries, he going,” said Escobar’s gave the Jaguars the title after defeating never gave up. father.

Escobar finished the Banning High School He fought to regular season strong with 4-3 on penalties. recover and 1800 minutes played, a “I remember the CIF final. The saves kept training total of 21 goals against saves. he made brought tears to be ready for andHe121was also named to my eyes. I went to the season’s i n t h e 2 0 11 S o u t h him and told him ‘I Coast Conference All told you; you were kickoff.

Conference First Team going to do this for the along with former school and for you,’” teammates Galo Moreno Bernal said. and Kevin Gomez.

Once at ELAC, his His last season playing for ELAC first season in the soccer team was a challenge, but he faced it willing is not over, but Escobar admits that to earn a spot on the starting lineup. he will always remember his time “I was really motivated to be a here.

“I will never forget the adrenaline leader on the team. I was challenged because it’s a whole different world when you step on the field and play in college. It’s not like high school. soccer and all those (the) good The soccer level is very different,” laughs I’ve had with my friends both in and out of class,” Escobar said.

Escobar said.

Though he is not sure of whether During the 2011 season, the Huskies made it to the first round he will be playing soccer in a couple of playoffs and Escobar was a of years, he sees himself coaching.

One of his dreams is to open an key player making vital saves academy for young goalkeepers to throughout the season.

Escobar was criticized after the give them the opportunity to grow Huskies first round defeat against and develop their talents. He wants Long Beach City College. He to help them like his coaches have and his parents had to endure helped him.

Former Elan turns jewelry maker

By ALEJANDRA CARRILLO Staff Writer Former East Los Angeles College student, Laura Stokes-Estrada, is a vintage jewelry designer and creator of Charcoal Designs.

Stokes-Estrada attended ELAC about two semesters ago, and hopes to come back next semester.

She took a few courses in business which helped her strengthen her business.

She has been designing jewelry and artwork for about eight years.

Before Stokes-Estrada involved herself in the jewelry industry, she worked at a bank. She says everyday she would go to work with no desire to be there.

Stokes-Estrada said there was no excitement or a sense of fulfillment

admire what I created with my working at a bank.

Although she was always hands is a rewarding feeling,” she said. interested in art, she S t o k e s - E s t r a d a ’s never thought she inspiration of what her could make anything “Don’t do designs will look like of it because she lacked experience in drawing something for is based upon music, films and anything and painting. the money, “I always thought do what you vintage.

Charcoal Designs being an artist was about drawing or really like to... targets people with painting. I later learned tastes that range from if it’s your that it can be much punk rock to Goth. more,” Stokes-Estrada passion you’ll Stokes-Estrada said. explains how she get better” She started designing -Laura Stokes- intentionally avoids iPod cases and jewelry viewing other Estrada pieces for herself and designers’ jewelry then realized that other so she won’t be people liked them as subconsciously influenced by their work. well.

“Although sometimes customers “Receiving compliments from other people and having them tell me that my work resembles

other designers’ jewelry, I try not Stokes-Estrada said that she is to get inspired by them,” she said. thankful for having her husband In order for by her side to give her company her suggestions on to grow, she how to make her goes to car and jewelry look even trade shows better. along with Her husband vendor spots also helps her with where she sets her sculptures and up a booth paintings. and displays Of all the her many different designs creations. and work she has “This is a done over the way for people years, Stokesto see what I do Estrada said and for people that her favorite aspiring to artworks are break into this vintage frames.

She said business,” LAURA STOKESthat she enjoys S t o k e s ESTRADA making intricate Estrada said.

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art pieces.

“It’s like a piece of paper where I can create anything, whatever I want I can do. It is like a blank canvas,” Stokes-Estrada said.

Stokes-Estrada believes that not only has this industry brought more fulfillment to her life but has also taught her how to learn new things about one’s passion.

She encourages people to do what they love to do and to explore their passion. She suggests that there is something out there for everyone.

“Don’t do something for the money, do what you really like to do... if it’s your passion you’ll get better,” Estrada said.

Her overall success can be seen in many clothings stores such as Sourpuss, Too Fast and Enz’s in New York City.

ARTS

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012

Jazz band fuses old, modern styles

By SERGIO BERRUETA Staff Writer First Friday Jazz Concert at the S2 Recital Hall delivered, as Luther Hughes and the CannonballColtrane Project brought a mix of old and new jazz styles and arrangements.

Members included Glenn Cashman on tenor sax, Ed Czach on piano, Paul Kreibich on drums, and Luther Hughes on bass with special guest Tom Luer on alto sax.

As the concert started, the band began to play the Cannonball classic “The Work Song,” introducing the audience to the tributes and covers of Cannonball Adderly and John Coltrane being played for the evening.

Hughes proceeded to introduce the band and give insight into the songs they will be performing.

“This next song is from our second album ‘Things Are Getting Better’ and is dedicated to McCoy Tyner, Coltrane’s longtime pianist, entitled…well, McCoy,” Hughes said.

The sounds of drums and alto sax rang through the halls with the samba inspired number leading to a riveting crowd pleasing piano solo

by Czach.

The next tune ’What Dolphins Say’, written by Cashman, provided a Latin Samba spin to the room inspired by the idea of aquatic life suddenly speaking.

The slow paced number brought

CN/ERIK LUNA

Load the cannons—Alto saxophonist and special guest to the Luther Hughes and the Cannonball-Coltrane Project, Tom Luer, left, alongside tenor saxophonist Glenn Cashman bring the song ‘Once in a While’ to an end at the First Friday Jazz Concert last Friday. a wave of relaxation and smooth drum brush hits, giving a sense of exploring the ocean world down below.

Quickly after, the band played a new arrangement on the classic love standard ‘Once in a While,” made popular by greats such as Ella

Fitzgerald and Johnny Mathis.

The arrangement gave the slow and somber tune a new life by giving it a fast-paced bossa nova feel. The alto sax and tenor sax switched back and forth, taking the stage and delivering a fantastic duet by the song’s end.

The next song was an untitled free-form ensemble piece inspired

by Cannonball. The piece allowed each member to fully express themselves with Tom Luer giving a tremendous alto sax solo.

After, the band proceeded to perform another original piece

written by Kreibich entitled “Takin’ It Home.”

While explaining the inspiration for the song, Kreibich said with humor, “I’ve made dozens of dollars with the song, that’s why I love it”, with Hughes quickly replying, “I’m greedy too. I love this song because it begins with a bass solo.”

As they played, the essence of Coltrane oozed out with homages to the Coltrane classic “My Favorite Things,” with Luer and his alto sax once again stealing the show.

Hughes also got praise with his fantastic light bass solo with Kreibich’s tremendous mixed beats and use of percussion following behind.

The last tune of the evening returned to the bossa nova sound of earlier entitled “Capistrano” written by Cashman with Luther humorously quipping “Of course you would write about Capistrano while living in Lake Elsinore.”

The tune itself was a light ballad perfected by Czach getting another turn in the spotlight by turning in a fantastic performance from his piano.

As the concert came to a close, Hughes decided there was enough time for one more number, the classic jazz standard “Limehouse Blues” as performed by Cannonball and Coltrane on Cannonball Adderley Quintet in Chicago.

The number gave the feel of the previous free-form ensemble piece.

Kriebich delivered a dazzling drum solo, giving the spotlight to Luer and Cashman’s stellar dueling saxes.

5 In the

S p ot lig h t : Carlos Almaraz: ‘A Life Recalled’ events continue

By JESUS FIGUEROA Staff Writer Dan Guerrero will moderate the first of two panel discussions at the Vincent Price Art Museum lecture hall this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Panel 1: The Artist as A Friend, will have Guerrero moderate a panel consisting of Barbara Carrasco, Richard Duardo, Frank Romero and John Valadez.

They will discuss the influences of East Los Angeles artist and muralist Carlos Almaraz and his friendships.

Elza Flores Almaraz, widow of Carlos Almaraz, will lead a special tour of the exhibit on Dec. 1 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Panel 2: The Artist in Context, will be on Dec. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The VPAM continues to house the “Carlos Almaraz: A Life Recalled” Exhibit until Dec. 8.

These events are free and all members of the community are invited.

Narai Thai serves tasty Thai food

By JESUS FIGUEROA Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF paramount pictures

DEep in thought—Pilot/captain Whit Whitaker (Denzel Washington) ponders as he prepares to board a flight on a stormy evening.

‘Flight’ storyline engages audience

By JAIR FUENTES Staff Writer “Flight” is an endearing story about a pilot who faces an investigation and legal issues, despite saving hundreds of lives in a plane crash.

The film revolves around Captain Whip Whitaker, played by Denzel Washington. A seemingly troubled person, Whitaker is a drug and alcohol user who finds it hard to control his addiction. Due to this, he even mixes an alcoholic beverage while on the job.

During a flight, the plane begins to experience extreme turbulence and eventually fails. In a moment of panic, Whitaker keeps his cool and decides to land the plane by rolling it in an inverted position and landing it in a glide maneuver.

Initially, Whitaker’s act is hailed by many as heroic. Afterwards, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) begins to investigate to see if he had anything to do with the plane’s failure. They discover that Whitaker had alcohol in his system during the plane crash, and if convicted, he could spend years in prison.

He decides to avoid major media attention, so he stays at his father’s farm in the days leading up to his

trial, while getting moral support from his love interest Nicole, played

by Kelly Reilly.

Along with his friend Harling Mays, played by John Goodman, colleague Charlie, played by Bruce Greenwood and attorney Hugh, played by Don Cheadle, the film follows Whitaker’s journey of trying to prove his innocence all while dealing with his inner demons.

This film features exceptional performances. Washington portrays an honest, yet troubled character who truly connects with audiences.

While at times the audience will root for him, there are moments where he is stubborn and unlikable. Goodman is amazing as always, as is Cheadle.

The only minor exception is the female lead, Reilly, who is a bit underdeveloped.

Written by John Gatins, the film’s script is very well done. Each scene has important dialogue that keeps the film running smoothly. Nothing seems forced and the actors make every word believable.

All in all, it’s a great film with an interesting story and incredible acting. Not to mention, an absolutely breathtaking plane crash sequence.

“Flight” is directed by Robert Zemeckis and runs for two hours and 19 minutes. It is rated R for drug and alcohol abuse, language, sexuality/nudity and an intense action sequence.

Narai Thai serves up visually stunning and delicious Thai style food at a costly price.

Their prices are expensive but the portions could serve two people.

The walls are well-decorated, with few distractions over the red paint. A bar, tables and booths are readily available for dining. The location is perfect for an intimate dinner.

Each table is decorated with a solid white tablecloth, a plate with a folded napkin, a fork, knife, and a few carnations in a small vase. In the evenings they set out tea candles to add to the already romantic atmosphere.

The service is not the highlight of the restaurant. Although it is not bad, it is not the best. The waitresses are quite busy, leaving customers unattended for a considerable amount of time.

To start things off they bring a glass of water as well as take a customer’s drink order. The lemonade cost $1.50 and has a strange stale taste.

They offer various alcoholic drinks such as a Thai version of a mojito and sangria.

They also have classic Pad Thai, flat noodles in Thai spices, served with chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.

It’s tangy, sweet and has a mouthwatering aroma. At $7.96, it’s not a bad choice.

Among the authentic Thai cuisine is a freshly made Pad See-iw, rice

CN/Jesus Figueroa

Tantalizing—The green papya salad is served fresh with julienned cabbage and drizzled with a tangy spicy sauce. noodles, choice of meats or tofu, Chinese broccoli, and egg sautéed in a special sauce. The dish is sweet and tangy priced at $7.95.

For the seafood lover, Snow Crab Fried Rice is a fantastic alternative.

A large portion of jasmine rice sautéed with crab meat, cashews, raisins, pineapple, onion, egg, tomatoes, peas and carrots. It cost $8.95, which may be a bit pricey.

A Green Papaya Salad can be ordered mild or spicy. The spicy Green Papaya Salad is served with

a vast amount of peppers. The taste is addicting and it is served in a generous portion. At $7.50, this delectable dish is visually attractive, delicious and at a good price.

T h e r e s t a u r a n t o ff e r s f e w desserts. A common Thai dessert at restaurants is fried bananas.

Served visually delicious, lightly browned, small battered portions of banana are decorated with sweet chocolate and lightly powdered with confectioners sugar and a small dish of chocolate. It is visually stunning

and at a reasonable price, $3.95.

Everything can be ordered to specific needs, with a no meat or no chicken broth options for vegetarians.

Most portions are large enough for two. Although it is not the cheapest food, it can be shared between two people comfortably.

Located in Downey on 7611 Firestone Blvd, Narai Thai is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m to 10 p.m.

Swift experiments with album ‘Red’

By JESUS FIGUEROA Staff Writer Life, love, and rhythm play a big part in Taylor Swift’s newest album “ Red,” in stores and iTunes October 22.

The 22-year-old country pop star continues to impress her loyal fans with an upbeat album, which brings out another side of Swift.

The album starts off with pop heavy “State of Grace,” which flatters Swift’s voice. The beat is fast and had strong graceful steady vocals.

The title song “Red,” tells the story of a romance so passionate it can only be described with the color red.

Using colors to describe the feelings of different situations gives this song consistency and rhythm.

The use of colors helps this song catch the audience. The songs vary in speed, showing Swift’s range.

She leads every song with consistent strong vocals. Each song tells a story, and the tempo of her voice fits to emphasize the mood for the track.

Powerful electric guitar riffs drive the majority of the tracks. Some tracks have a softer tone with an acoustic-sounding guitar.

‘Red’ also consists of two duets with Ed Sheeran and Gary Lightbody.

The most memorable of the duets is between Swift and Lightbody,

www.ELACCampusNews.com

who compose an uplifting strong song.

The duet between Swift and Lightbody titled “The Last Time” shows a nice combination of vocals.

Two talents join forces to put out a marvelous song filled with emotion.

The first single off this album “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” was released before the album, giving a slight hint to the more of a pop sound of Swift.

Swift shows her maturing talent with spectacular lyrics and progressing vocals.

Song after song describes failed relationships, heartbreak and unforgettable feelings.

Life experiences that have accumulated to bring Swift to this

point in her career are proudly displayed.

“Red” does not match up to previous albums by Swift. Previous albums have more of a comfortable feel that have propelled her to winning multiple awards.

Different and unique, “Red” becomes an album that brings Swift into collaboration with artists who are star in their own respect.

The experimentation into new genres of music continues to propel Swift forward, reaching a broader audience with the talent to go into many different genres.

Swift has revealed that this album is about the crazy, semi-toxic relationships she has gone through over the past two years.

6

SPORTS

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012

Women’s soccer aims for playoffs

By MICHAEL PRICE Staff Writer

CN/TADZIO GARCIA

OFF AND RUNNING—Preston Oliver exploded for a 48-yard run that kicked off a 5-yard drive for the Huskies in their last touchdown in a 48-27 win over El Camino College Compton Center last Saturday.

Football team wins second straight game allowed two touchdowns in the first half, Compton’s offense looked to Staff Writer move the ball well.

The Husky defense seemed to be The football team was able to pull getting bulldozed by Compton’s 240 off a win, even with sloppy play pound tailback Fredrick Johnson, on both sides of the ball against El who also ran for 111 yards and a Camino College Compton Center touchdown on 16 carries. last Saturday, 48-27, to keep their “I think the defense just needs to postseason at-large bowl-bid hopes correct their attitude and mindset. alive.

I don’t think it is anything we are The Huskies host San Diego doing scheme wise,” Defensive Mesa College in the last game of the regular season Saturday at 6 p.m. Coordinator Richard Zepeda.

On the first possession of the “Our team is good enough to get second half, Compton tailback a bowl game. We’ve shown it. Our Desmond Williams ran for a 76-yard losses have been to three top teams touchdown. The run and we were in was his longest run every game until from scrimmage this the last couple “Our team is good season. of plays,” Head On the following C o a c h S t e v e enough to get a bowl Husky possession, Mojarro said. game.

We’ve shown Cantu found wideout The Huskies it.

Our losses have P o r t i l l o f or an were able to 11-yard pass.

That break the total been to three top play was followed yards on offense teams and we were in by a 13-yard run in a season record with one game every game until the by Husky tailback still left to play. last couple of days.” Preston Oliver to help set up a 51-yard ELAC has 4,790 -Steve Mojarro touchdown pass from total yards to Cantu to wideout date. The previous Willie Udofia. record was the The touchdown 2009 team, which gave the Huskies a 34-20 lead. had 4,578 total offensive yards.

The Husky defense stepped it up The defense swarmed Compton’s on their next possession with an quarterback. A huge 41-yard kickoff interception by cornerback Breeon return by Compton’s tailback Moreno.

Desmond Williams would set up The interception by Moreno their first touchdown in the closing helped the Huskies get another seconds of the first quarter. t o u c h d own on back-to-back Compton had 10 men on the field possessions.

A 29-yard pass from for two plays in the second quarter Cantu to wideout Roosevelt Buck and ELAC couldn’t take advantage would set tailback Jonathan Lopez of it to get a first down. up for a 1-yard touchdown, giving Husky quarterback Aaron Cantu the Huskies a 41-20 lead in the third had defenders in his face almost quarter. every time he snapped the ball in Penalties controlled the fourth the second quarter. quarter of play for both teams.

The Huskies scored on a 4-yard “Compton is a very good team, they touchdown pass from Cantu to played us very well,” Mojarro said. wideout Bryan Munoz-Alvarez in ELAC scored a touchdown in the closing seconds of the first half. the fourth quarter, in the final two ELAC faked the point-afterminutes of play. touchdown, and went for a twoCantu found wideout Munozpoint conversion.

Alvarez on a 13-yard touchdown Wideout Carlos Portillo connected pass propelling the Huskies to a on the two-point conversion. much-needed 48-27 win.

Although the Husky defense

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Four red cards and four goals highlighted a decisive 3-1 victory for the women’s soccer team over El Camino College Compton Center last Friday at Weingart Stadium.

Huskies Natasha Witzl and Susana Terrones received red cards along with Compton’s Stephanie Serna and Stephanie Pacheco for brawling on the field.

Husky Leslie Rivera scored two goals and had an assist to Jessica Guzman who scored the third goal for ELAC. The Huskies didn’t find rhythm within themselves and were not able to string any passes together. as a result they were down 1-0 in the fist half after a slow start.

Compton struck first when a cross was volleyed over a sleeping Husky backline. Michelle Soto latched on to the pass and shot it for goal past Husky goalkeeper Arlien Sanchez.

The Huskies appealed for an offside but the line judge’s flag stayed down.

ELAC charged out the gates in the second half with five attempts on goal in the first five minutes.

Outstanding goalkeeping by Jillanita Orozco kept Compton’s lead intact.

Rivera received a cross and drove the ball down the left wing to beat Compton’s Orozco and tie the game near the 60th minute.

In the second half ELAC’s efforts came to fruition when Rivera led a Husky counterattack finding Guzman with a through pass to go one-on-one Orozco. The Huskies slot home to take the lead.

With ten minutes left, the Huskies

CN/ERIK LUNA

CATCHING UP—Husky Rosa Ayala-Ramirez prepares to pass the ball to a teammate during last Friday’s game between ELAC and El Camino College Compton Center at ELAC’s Weingart Stadium. The Huskies won 3-1. charged down the flank again with Rivera on the ball. She found herself open in the box and put one past the goalkeeper togive the Huskies a 3-1 lead.

Afterwards, Witzl received a pass from Guzman. While trying to shield the ball from her opponent, Witzl took a punch in the face by Compton’s Pacheco.

Witzl retaliated and both players went to the ground. As they were separated, Compton’s Serna got involved in the altercation by kicking the grounded Witzl.

The three players were shown direct red cards and were sent off the field.

Terrones was also booked with a red card and both teams were left with nine players each.

ELAC Assistant Coach Richard Coria received a yellow card for arguing to the referee.

The Huskies kept driving the ball down the flanks looking for the goal, but the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Orozco prevented ELAC from extending the goal difference.

Rivera spoke of her two goals after the match “It was unbelievable.

We were losing 1-0. I had to go in and work hard and win for our team,” Rivera said.

“They (the Huskies) knew if we

missed (lost) this game we would drop significantly and miss a playoff spot. The girls came out and showed that they wanted (to win) and that they’re not done,” ELAC Head Coach Tessa Troglia said.

The referees refused to comment on the red cards and the fact that the sheriffs were called after the incident to help keep the game under control.

ELAC’s overall record stands at 7-6-5 and 4-4-3 in the South Coast Conference.

The Huskies will close the regular season against Los Angeles Harbor College at Weingart Stadium Friday at 4 p.m.

Volleyball blocked from conference win

By WILLIAM HERNANDEZ Staff Writer The volleyball team’s frustrating season took another hit as they lost 3-1 to Los Angeles Trade Tech College last Friday. This was their fifth consecutive conference loss.

With the loss, the Huskies are tied for second-to-last place in the South Coast Conference with Trade Tech and will take on Cerritos College today at Gahr High School at 6 p.m.

ELAC Head Coach Elliot Walker

had some harsh comments about the team’s performance.

“They’re unpredictable.

There was no camaraderie, as far as team ethics are concerned, and they’re playing on that emotional roller coaster. It’s all about having a high volley IQ, and more desire which they lack,” Walker said.

In the first set of the game, both teams were neck-and-neck throughout the set. Trade Tech withstood the Huskies and won the set 25-23.

The Huskies lost the second set

25-20, but turned it around in the third.

“I had to draw on paper, where to attack the ball and once I did, they were their executing game skills,” Walker said.

The Huskies won the third set 25-16 and pushed the game to another set.

Sophomore outside-hitter Jessica Delgado contributed with two kills and a tip.

In the fourth set The Huskies jumped to an 11-6 lead.

After getting off to a fast start and

confidently controlling the tempo of the set, the Huskies went back to their bad habits of misjudgment and poor execution.

The lead changed hands when Trade Tech scored seven straight points, taking the lead 14-13 to later win the set 25-19.

Freshman setter Nissa Gamez commented on the emotional letdown of the loss.

“It’s tough, it’s a very hard loss.

We need to fix our errors and just try and stay positive for our next game,” Gamez said.

Men’s soccer scores draw against Compton

By LILIANA MARQUEZ Staff Writer The men’s soccer team tied 1-1 against El Camino College Compton Center last Friday at the Murphy Family Field in Carson.

For the first time in the last three seasons the Huskies did not score a win against Compton.

ELAC closes the season on the road Friday against Los Angeles Harbor College at 6 p.m. Harbor won 3-2 against the Huskies last month.

The Huskies haven’t won a game since October 19 when they defeated Long Beach City College at Weingart Stadium.

Jimmy Espinal who has been an outstanding player during his two seasons playing for ELAC, scored his first goal as a Husky a couple of minutes after the start of the second half.

ELAC Assistant Coach Felipe Bernal was happy after Espinal’s goal.

“I was very happy and excited when he scored. I am glad for him because his hard work paid off,” Bernal said.

Espinal said that scoring was great for him even though the game ended in a draw.

“We got too confident and got a bad result. We could have done better. Scoring felt great, but it didn’t help us because we tied,” Espinal said.

E L A C ’s g o a l k e e p e r J u a n Escobar was caught off guard when Compton’s Miguel Padilla took advantage of a rebound to even the score.

CN/VERONICA HURTADO

ON THE RUN—David Farias, left, runs with the ball, keeping it away from Juan Herrera during last Friday’s 1-1 tie between ELAC and El Camino College Compton Center at the Murphy Family Field in Carson.

With only 10 men on the field, after Husky Jesus Mariscal received a red card for elbowing a Compton player, the Huskies managed to keep the score even throughout the second half.

Compton did not take advantage of being a man up and were left with their third conference tie and still trying to look for a second win on the season.

The game against Compton was

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set to be an easy win. It was the sixth time they faced each other over the last three seasons. The Huskies had a 5-0 advantage having won all of the five previous games.

ELAC scored four goals, but three of them were disallowed due to offside calls by the referee.

The Huskies dominated the game having more ball possession and attacking more, but Compton’s defense stood its ground not

allowing ELAC to score.

“We dominated. We were doing a good job moving the ball around.

The team was working really hard, but the red card had them go down psychologically,” Bernal said.

After Friday’s draw against Compton, ELAC stands 5-9-5 overall, 3-8-1 in conference.

ELAC is still looking to finish the season strong despite losing the chance to advance to playoffs.