Spring 2013, Issue 13

ELAC Touring Theatre takes the show on the road.

See page 5

Volume 70, Issue 2

Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

www.elaccampusnews.com

Ex-President Moreno runs for trustee seat Brian Villalba

Staff Writer Former East Los Angeles College President Ernest Moreno is running for seat four of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees.

Moreno is running against Jozef Essavi, the Los Angeles County Commissioner.

There are elections being held for three seats, but seat four has the only one that has a former ELAC president in the race.

Both candidates have political support.

Moreno has the support of unions, but none of the unions that are present at ELAC. The Los Angeles Times endorsed Essavi.

Seat four is also the only trustee election that the American Federation of Teachers Union chose not to endorse a candidate.

The election, which is on March 5, comes less than a month after chancellor Daniel LaVista of the LACCD announced his retirement.

When asked if he would be interested in the chancellor position, Moreno said, “No.” He went on to explain that he would not be interested in taking on the extra responsibilities at this time.

Moreno considers Bond Measure construction, student access and district efficiency as the most important issues facing the LACCD.

Nursing Chair Gaines heads diabetes association

He makes a connection between student access and efficiency in cost management.

“Student access is directly connected to efficiency of cost management at all educational institutions in the LACCD,” Moreno said.

Efficiency is a focus of Moreno’s.

“Every position which I have held in a more than 40 year career with the LACCD has involved budget management,” Moreno said.

In response to the budget cuts that have affected the entire district, the LACCD has created a new budget allocation model that distributes money to the colleges based on many factors including square footage instead of student population.

The state of California provides funding to the community colleges based on student population.

“The problem we had in the ’80s with the budget allocation, which I have learned from, is that the further away we go from the way the state funds the district, the more likely we are to fail,” Moreno said.

Moreno’s view of budget effectiveness is different from that of the current allocation at the LACCD. Moreno acknowledges that this is an issue that he has disagreed with others in the LACCD. After being at ELAC for so many years, this is a disagreement I have with many of my fellow presidents,” Moreno said.

When asked about student

M��� ��� C��������� L AC C D B �� � � � � T� � � � � � � S � �� N � . 4 Ernest Moreno

Experience and Awards

● Community college president (18 years) ● Classroom instructor (28 years) ● John D. Rice Diversity Award ● Outstanding Administrator of the Year/American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education

Primary objectives if elected:

● Complete Bond Measure construction projects quickly and efficiently ● Increase student access to higher education for the entire community ● Establish or revise structures to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of all District operations

Jozef Essavi

Experience and Awards

Credentials:

success, Moreno goes on to explain that academic programs are best performed by the colleges not the district.

“The budget has evolved from campus based, to district

based,” Moreno said.

Some of the unions have endorsed Moreno (list pending reply from Moreno), but the faculty union decided not to endorse any candidate.

Moreno was an instructor for 28 years and president for 18 years.

When asked about how being a trustee would affect his legacy, Moreno said, “I hope it positively affects my legacy.”

Online Scoop

Rodolfo Trujillo Staff Writer

CN/TADZIO GARCIA

Suzette Merchain-Cota pumps the water while she breathes before taking her last turn in the 100-yard freestyle. The East Los Angeles College Huskies hosted their first South Coast Conference Pentathlon in more than a dozen years on Feb. 16.

For this complete story: 1. Download QR reader 2. Scan the QR code

http://bit.ly/XCArBp First Friday Jazz Series presents ‘The David Torres Quintet’

First Friday Jazz Series this Friday will take place in the S2 Recital Hall at 8 p.m. General entry is $12, students $6.

During his term, the landscape of ELAC changed dramatically as the A/AA and Measure J bond program, of which Moreno was an advocate, led to the construction across the campus and the district.

LACCD Chancellor announces resignation

GAINES Continued on page 4

News Briefs

● Cut the current 72 percent failure rate in transferring and in graduation ● Hire more teachers, offer more classes, slash textbook costs ● Offer more vocational and green job training ● Bring efficiency and accountability

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC BY LINDSEY MAEDA INFORMATION COMPILED BY BRIAN VILLALBA

Edward Singleton Staff Writer Hard work and dedication paid off for Lurlean Gaines, Chairperson of the Nursing Department, who was named President of Healthcare and Education for the American Diabetes Association.

Gaines grew up in Oakland, California and attended California State University of Los Angeles.

She earned her degree in nursing and has been working at East Los Angeles College for the past 30 years.

Gaines holds several distinctive titles which made her prime candidate for her new awarded position.

Among those titles, Gaines is a registered nurse who has a masters of science in nursing.

She is also an academic senator and a national spokesperson for “Por tu familia,” (For your family) a health campaign designed by the ADA to promote the prevention and treatment of diabetes among the Latino community.

Primary objectives if elected:

● Los Angeles County Commissioner ● Controller for non-profit association ● Los Angele Community College District student trustee nominee from LA Valley College ● Los Angeles Valley College ASB Union Treasurer (two terms) ● Neighborhood council member (two terms)

Chicanos for Community Medicine Workshop

Professor Ghazarian, Ph.D will lead a workshop teaching study skills and learning to be a better STEM Student.

Taking place in B2- 113 at 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m today.

Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Daniel LaVista announced last Tuesday that he will be resigning from his position effective June 30.

LaVista does not give specific reasons for his departure, saying in a statement, “The chancellor who leads this remarkable albeit challenging district must take the long view and make a long-term commitment, something I am unable to do.”

LaVista mentions that his decision was made after thinking about “professional and personal factors.”

He said that he and the board have worked together through their respective “leadership philosophies” and have had some successes, but he feels the time is right to move on to “pursue other opportunities that combine my professional and family interests.”

LaVista mentioned the word “philosophy” once again in his statement when he said that the four month advance notice of his resignation should give the district time to hire a replacement with “a

Microsoft Office discounts for students

CollegBuy.org provides exclusive Mircrosoft Office discount for Cailfornia Community College students and faculty and staff for $39.99.

governance philosophy compatible with its own.”

LaVista’s tenure, which started in 2010, came during a time of intense scrutiny and issues for the district. A 2011 article from the Los Angeles Times reported that the district had wasted tens of millions of dollars of bond-funded construction money through poor management and construction.

The article further highlighted conflict of interests between some in district administration and the construction companies that they were using. The article caused an embarrassment to the district, led to the removal of Larry Eisenberg, director of facilities for planning and development, was the start of further investigations from local and state officials.

Throughout the process, LaVista defended his district by saying that he was going to put a committee in place to make sure the remaining construction projects were done properly. He did so, but the committee has been the subject of speculation among community college insiders.

Steve Springer, public affairs representative for the district said the Chancellor was not giving interviews with the media.

Student Laptop discounts

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2

Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2013

Never-ending construction is a hassle Amanda Mayberry Staff Writer The start of new construction sites on campus have caused many inconveniences to students and faculty alike.

The recent construction, which commenced late last semester, has relocated the Math Lab and Writing Center.

The Writing Center as well as the Math Lab inconveniently relocated to the other side of campus across from the new S and P buildings.

Construction on the Math Lab and Writing Center has yet to begin.

The construction has taken out one of the stadium parking lots located across from the football stadium.

The stadium parking was replaced by the new parking structure located across the street from McDonald’s on Floral Drive.

Most importantly the construction destroyed ELAC’s main walkway which ran through the now destroyed E3 and E5 buildings.

What is worse is that the destruction of the old E3 and E5 buildings has left students as well as faculty with no easy way to navigate through the campus.

The new construction, which has planted itself right in the middle of campus, leaves ELAC with a huge hole where its main vein used to be.

The Construction extends to the very edge of the new library, thus blocking a second path from the

EDITOR IN CHIEF Megan Perry MANAGING EDITOR Lindsey Maeda ONLINE EDITOR Erik Luna FRONT EDITOR Danny Vasquez OPINION EDITOR Cristina Galvan

admissions building to the library.

Before, students could walk straight through admissions and get to the library.

Now, they have to walk back the other way toward the parking structure, all the way up and around to the E7 building and back down passing by the old Math Lab. The other alternative is to walk around behind the library, pass the old auditorium and around to the front of the library.

The Strip, which ran through the E3 and E5 buildings was a popular hangout for many students. Here students would hangout between classes, eat lunch on the grass, play Frisbee or hacky sack, or simply socialize amongst each other.

The destruction of this popular hangout has dispersed those who were accustomed to spending their leisure time in that particular spot.

Some students have migrated east of the construction and set up camp on the steps of the old math lab.

Other students, who used the path as a means of navigating from class to class, have a few complaints. “It is horrible,” says Elan Abel Salinas, “because you have to go around, I hate it.” He says getting to class on time is now much more difficult.

“So if you are late, it makes you even more late because the path is not there,” says Salinas.

Other students, like Adriana Ordaz, are happy to avoid the area completely. “I don’t even go that

way,” says Ordaz.

At this point, ELAC appears to be more of a construction site than an actual school.

So now perhaps the question is: how do Elans cope with all the construction?

One way is to take note from Ordaz and simply avoid the construction altogether.

Another alternative is to walk on the main streets Floral Drive or Avenida Cesar Chavez.

Perhaps Elans can try a different approach and try to have a more optimistic outlook.

Instead of letting the new construction affect punctuality and attendance, simply try to arrive to school earlier, so that there is time

to spare for maneuvering around construction.

Also, try to think of the new routes as a sort of simple exercise.

Want to exercise, but too busy with school? With new construction, just walking around campus could be good cardio.

Arriving to school early can leave time to even maybe take the longest way to class to ensure enough calories are being burned.

The construction which dominates most of the campus is ugly to say the least and rather displeasing to most if not all students and faculty as well.

All that can be done is to make the best of a bad situation and wait for it to be over.

Being late could result in being dropped Erik Machuca Staff Writer

When adding and keeping classes is in such high demand, the traditional tardy system is becoming less of a warning and more of a punishment.

Often taken for granted, the tardy has long been accepted as only a minor impediment on a student’s grade for arriving late to class.

There is now an immense number of desperate students arriving early in hopes of adding a core class.

Being tardy versus being on time could soon replace full absences as the sole reason for being dropped.

Large scale cutbacks of math, English and science classes across all the schools in the Los Angeles Community College District has left many students with a sense of urgency in finding classes.

If you are late to class, someone else will be on time and might take your spot.

Some professors’ syllabuses at East Los Angeles College now state that two “tardies” equal one full absence, and if you have two unexcused absences, you will be dropped from the class.

This is the new reality, and in many cases, it has already begun.

When this reality arrived, so did new responsibilities.

First, there is a responsibility

CN/BRYAN PEDROZA

by students to make the necessary changes to be on time.

This includes waking up earlier and leaving their residence ahead of time to account for traffic and parking.

Second, there was a responsibility

by leaders of the district to address the parking situation students faced.

The district has since fulfilled their responsibility with the new multi-level parking structure located on West Floral Drive and Collegian Avenue.

Its completion has given most students an equal opportunity to avoid tardiness.

Second-year ELAC student Manuel Barreto said he no longer has problems finding parking every morning in the new structure.

“There is less traffic and there are fewer cars than in the other structure in the middle of the school (Avenida Cesar Chavez),” Barreto said.

Before the new parking structure was built, the beginning of each semester meant the beginning of stressful times for students.

Upon arrival, students would be confronted with a filled parking structure on Avenida Cesar Chavez and a filled stadium lot on West Floral Drive and Bleakwood Avenue.

Many students were left with no choice but to park in surrounding residential areas and walk.

This provided a sound solution, until students realized that many of the nearby residential streets required a pass to park there.

Since these passes were only granted to residents, students were forced to park even further, and as a result, be very late to class.

As the spring semester is underway, it is important for students to take advantage of the new parking structure and be on time.

Listen to traffic reports in the morning, resist that urge to sleep in and, above all, leave early to account for weather, traffic or accidents.

Doing so can mean the difference between keeping your much needed class or losing your spot.

Women’s restrooms appear to be anything but clean Dulce Carrillo Staff Writer

Paper towels on the floor, clogged toilets, broken toilet paper holders and urine stains are just some of the things that make the women’s restrooms at East Los Angeles College look dirty.

These issues are not the janitors’ fault.

It is the fault of the women that enter the campus restrooms.

Many go in a rush to use the restroom and that is where the mess begins.

As a result of stall doors being slammed, few have no locks and some do not reach the other side of the lock.

Other women, since they see urine stains on the toilet seat, use toilet paper instead of the seat covers to cover them.

Some do not even know what

seat covers are or what they are for. two and that will prevent urine drops Others women might just forget from staining toilet seats.

Make sure to flush. This is another about the seat covers. reason why restrooms Some of the janitors have a strong disgusting in ELAC believe that women’s restrooms get “Women’s smell since some forget flush their own mess. beyond dirty. It is more restrooms to Also, be gentle when disgusting than the men’s get beyond pulling the toilet paper. restrooms.

It is not going to go Janitors would love dirty. It anywhere, so there to avoid cleaning them, is more should not be any on but since it is their job to disgusting the floor. clean up, they have no For those ladies that choice but to enter the than the do not have time to terrifying room. men’s flush the toilet, flush Who would have the toilet. That is why known that women, restrooms.” many women who come who are considered to into the restrooms leave be the “clean-ones,” are terrified when they the ones that keep the see the little presents restrooms dirty almost left behind. every day?

Keeping a safe and clean restroom It is rare to see a restroom clean will definitely help reduce the during school hours.

Let’s just begin with keeping the strong scent of urine that stays in restrooms useable; no rushing or the restrooms, have less broken items and let the janitors do their slamming the stall doors.

If one seat cover is not useful, use job comfortably.

***

www.ELACCampusNews.com

NEWS EDITOR Liliana Marquez FEATURE EDITOR Alejandra Carrillo

ARTS EDITOR Jesus Figueroa SPORTS EDITOR Tadzio Garcia PHOTO EDITOR Gregory Reyes COPY EDITOR Rodolfo Trujillo Sergio Berruetta CARTOONIST Kien Ha Bryan Pedroza STAFF WRITERS Carlos Alvarez, Oliver Blanco, Carla Calderon, Dulce Carrillo, J.C. Casarez, Jane Fernandez, Jair Fuentes, John Franco, William Hernandez, Luz Juan, Sandra Lazo Llamas, Diego Linares, Erik Machuca, Yesenia Martinez, Amanda Mayberry, Bryant Mejia, Anthony Merjanoff, Pete Moye’, Gabrielle Osei STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Oliver Blanco, Luz Juan, Mannie Miguel PODCAST TEAM Ashley Harrison Edward Singleton ADVERTISING TEAM Stefanie Arocha 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) 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 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

Features 3 Veteran helps at-risk youth

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2013

way she could and one day she just told my stepdad ‘I’m leaving, I’m going to pick up my kids,’” Garcia said.

Garcia has always been grateful Growing up in Boyle Heights, for the support of his family saying as a young boy Omar Garcia was that his sister was a pillar in his life. always being told he would never “Ever since I could remember accomplish anything.

I would try my best to help him Today, Garcia looks towards the out. I know he had a lot of issues, future as he is in the beginning but I know (he came back from phases of creating a non-profit the military) more dedicated than organization to help at-risk youth, anything,” said Garcia’s sister and which he hopes to base it out of ELAC alumni Erica Garcia.

Boyle Heights.

After Garcia returned home from He hopes the knowledge and a second tour in Iraq, he felt there connections he makes at East Los was something he had to do to help Angeles College will better his out his community. chances in starting this organization.

“If I could do something with Garcia, a 32-year-old veteran, myself, and I can train soldiers for prides himself on accomplishing 11 combat, then why can’t I teach kids years in the United States military for a higher education?” Garcia said. as a tank commander.

Garcia, who is majoring in He also volunteers at About Face psychology, says he owes a great Cadet Corporation, a program that debt of gratitude to his mentor helps straighten young teens out.

Hector Flores.

“I focus on the new kids that Flores, who was first sergeant come in. The first day is physical of Garcia’s platoon, said although training and we also share our Garcia gave him a bit of trouble in stories. They get to know a little bit the beginning, he was a great guy about us,” Garcia said. to serve with.

“A lot of the “He was a little guys tell their knucklehead, but stories about he was a good being former gang kid at heart.

“He hopes the bangers and how He just needed they were able to knowledge and some guidance. turn their lives Everybody in connections he around,” Garcia life needs some said. guidance and to makes at East Los Garcia, the show them how oldest amongst Angeles College will life is like,” Flores his seven said. better his chances siblings, was “I always told born and raised in (the troops), ‘there in starting this Guatemala. is no reset button He says that organization.” in life. You (have) growing up to do the right in the slums of thing all the time, Guatemala made not just half of the him appreciate time,” Flores said. what he had here.

Garcia is now “My mom came over here (U.S) trying to embody the words from with my stepdad and left me and my Flores and the strength his sister sister over there.” and mother gave to him to help out “She started saving money any the community he loves so much.

ERIK LUNA Staff Writer

CN/DANNY VASQUEZ

fierce & determined—Women’s basketball player Karina Ortiz takes a moment in the gym bleachers to tie her shoe as she prepares for basketball practice.

Elan scores recognition LILIANA MARQUEZ Staff Writer Karina Ortiz faced the hoop with confidence as she prepared to take a shot during basketball practice.

Ortiz arrived in this country afraid and without any goals in life.

She was unaware that an opportunity of a lifetime was going to change her future.

Ortiz received an invitation from the East Los Angeles College women's basketball head coach, Bruce Turner, to play for the Huskies during a fundraising tournament at the men's gym. Turner noticed her talents immediately.

“At six feet (tall), she was in an exceptional shape. She has a great attitude and she is very mature, so all this makes her a good player and a great team player,” Turner said.

As a result of that invitation, Ortiz is currently playing her first season

with the women's basketball team as a forward/center during her second semester at ELAC. Even though this is her first semester playing at the college level for Turner, Ortiz has become one of the team's leaders.

Ortiz, 25, was born and raised in a small town in the state of Michoacán, located in the southwestern part of Mexico. She came to the United States less than a year ago without any hopes of ever playing basketball.

“I thought that I was never going to play basketball again. I said to myself, 'No one will ever watch me play.' I never imagined that I was going to meet a college basketball coach and that he was going to invite me to play for his team,” Ortiz said in Spanish.

Ortiz lived in Michoacán with her father Margarito Ortiz, her mother Rosaura Garcia and her younger sister Nadia.

Her father, a high school teacher, and her mother, a farmer were a great influence in Ortiz's life. She grew up watching them playing basketball.

Ortiz studied the high school equivalent at the Colegio de Bachilleres del Estado de Michoacán (COBAEM) where she played basketball.

After finishing high school, she found herself not knowing what to do.

“I always wanted to keep studying, but I was in a place where I didn't know what to do. I didn't have any goals or aspirations. I felt frustrated because I wasn't doing anything with my life. I wasn't going anywhere,” Ortiz said.

A couple of years later, her boyfriend, who had been living in Los Angeles for about six years, encouraged her to move in search for a better future.

Health e e r F ings een r c S

les f f a R d an ways a e v i G

“It was very difficult. My family didn't stop me. They never said, ‘no’, but they asked me to carefully think about it. At the end, they supported me and respected my decision,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz and her sister were always close, and for Nadia the departure of her sister was both sad and difficult.

“It was difficult and sad. We were always together. I don't think I will ever get used to being apart from her. We supported her when she decided to leave Mexico. We always wanted the best for her,” Nadia Ortiz said.

Once Ortiz arrived, she felt terrified. She was accustomed to living in a small and peaceful town.

“It was very difficult for me. Once I was here, I saw how different things were and realized that we live in a huge world.”

For more of this story, visit elaccampusnews.com.

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News

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2013

Elans to march for education reform issues. Education is the foundation of survival in this country,” Logan said.

Students from ASU will be Students from all over California, attending as well as various school including school administration and faculty and staff including Vice students from East Los Angeles President of Student Services College will head to Sacramento for Oscar Valeriano.

This year’s theme is to advocate the fourth annual “March in March” for a higher education reformation rebuilding California’s higher education. on March 4.

The march allows students to Organizing the movement are the Student Senate of California present speeches, meet with local Community Colleges, California legislators, propose education platforms and State Student meet with other Association and students to the University of discuss ideas.

California Student “Let us not be Pedro Association. selfish, but let us Espinoza, T h e s e march to benefit a student at organizations invite ELAC, who students to march to those who are will be one of rebuild the public coming in to the the attendees of higher education community college the march has system. felt the effect The rally system, especially of California’s allows students the AB 540 budget crisis and administration students who have not being able throughout the state to fight and protect severe financial aid to enroll into core classes due the accessibility, issues.” to limited spots. affordability and Daveon Logan “I think this quality of the ASU Delegate is a step, a step education system. in the right The Associated Student Union encourages students direction for higher education in to join the student body in fighting California.

“We are ranked 49th in the country for higher education.

According to ASU Delegate in quality of education and it’s time Daveon Logan, students that for a change,” Espinoza said.

The community college system are interested in going will be supported financially through the has faced millions of dollars in funds generated by the student budget cuts, higher student fees, less courses offered and cuts to faculty representation fee.

Students will receive paid and staff, according to the California transportation and about $75 in State Student Association.

“Education doesn’t need to be spending money.

“Let us not be selfish, but let free, but how can we make it us march to benefit those who are affordable?” Logan said.

If interested, visit Student coming into the community college system, especially the AB 540 Activities in building E1 for more students who have severe financial information.

John Franco Staff Writer

CN/summer gomez

READY TO WORK—Nursing department chair Lurelean Gaines, who was recently named President of Healthcare and

Education for the American Diabetic Association looks over a busy day of work at her ELAC office. She believes that diabetes is a global issue that needs to be fought with education and prevention.

Gaines: Elected ADA President of Healthcare and Education Continued from page 1 Gaines has also sat on the accreditation commission for community and junior colleges western union and most recently was elected President of Healthcare and Education for the ADA. She now leads the fight for 26 million people affected with diabetes and another 79 million at risk of becoming diabetic according to the ADA’s website.

As president, Gaines has traveled around the world to represent the ADA among international leaders in healthcare.

“Recently I was at a conference in Dubai to represent the ADA at our very first Middle Eastern Conference. And it was very interesting because people think that it’s a disease that is confined to the United States, but diabetes is a disease that is affecting people around the world,” Gaines said.

In addition to fighting diabetes

around the globe, Gaines has also from Texas,” Gaines said. served locally, in particular with the Her solution to the culture Latino community. clash was all around cultural “I’ve worked with the Latino incorporation. community for all F o r my professional example, career,” Gaines “I started to do public she appealed said. to those health nursing, which p e o p l e w h o She was the national is my first love, in the b e l i e v e d i n representative “curanderos” Florence/Firestone of the campaign (Spanish for area. The community “Por tu familia,” witch doctors) where she by bringing I’ve worked with all understood my professional career i n a c t u a l the complex curanderos to has been the Latino issues stemming facilitate her from cultural educational community.” differences program. She within the latino also appealed Lurelean Gaines community. t o d i ff e r e n t Nursing department chair “When we sat nutritional down and came up with the title information according to people’s ‘Por tu familia’ we had to agree to region and food access. disagree. Because I’m dealing with “I started to do public health Ecuadorians, some Puerto Ricans, nursing, which is my first love, in someone from Mexico and someone the Florence/Firestone area.

Photo boot camp educates kids attend the boot camps will get hands kids can be harder workers. The on experience with photography, younger kids, if they have something graphic design, rudimentary to do, they would be on it, until it filmmaking and costume designs. was done,” Lyle said.

For the past three summers, According to Lyle, one of the main The East Los Angeles College Lyle and other members of the reasons the boot camps were started photography department has held photography department have was to educate students who are boot camps for both middle and high taken on roles as mentors to these already thinking of attending school school students over the past three adolescents. for career education. summers in order to raise awareness The last The next boot camp of the courses being offered on boot camp will revolve around “I want to create campus. that took a short documentary a situation where Department chair and creator p l a c e h a d that the students will of the boot camps, Aaron Lyle, s t u d e n t s people can see what film regarding three said that the mission of these boot c r e a t i n g a different majors at it would be like to camps was to educate the kids while short zombie ELAC. be a professional teaching them valuable lessons that film by the “What you will hear they can use later on in their lives. n a m e o f in the documentary artist and I want The weeklong boot camps, which “ Z o m b i e are questions that high them to see that it is school or middle school are funded through Perkins funds School.” a real job that you from the VTEA surveys that students Students students will want to fill out once every semester, are f r o m can go to college for know (about a certain open to all high school and middle neighboring major), and make a living school students, but is targeted for schools like “While you’re at.” those who want to choose a more G a r f i e l d , hearing them speak, artistic career.

Roosevelt you will get to see them Aaron Lyle “I want to create a situation where a n d E a g l e studying and getting Photo department chair people can see what it would be like R o c k involved in the process to be a professional artist and I want high schools and Griffith Middle and also hear an answer from a real them to see that it is a real job that School, to name few, dressed up person’s point of view,” Lyle said. you can go to college for and make like Zombies and started terrorizing Although the boot camps are held a living at,” Lyle said.

ELAC’s halls. at ELAC with faculty advising the According to Lyle, students who “It’s funny because the younger students, the students who attend will not receive any college credit.

“We don’t have a class that fits this description, but that is one of the future goals that we would hope to achieve. $ “We could probably do a one credit class; it would be formatted There are no appeals, reconsiderations or second tries— more like an independent study,” Do it Right the fiRSt time!

Lyle said.

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Erik Luna Staff Writer

Dream Act/ Deferred Action Special Student Rate: 325

“When I educate a person, I educate the entire family,” Gaines said.

She states that education is the most important aspect of preventing and treating diabetes.

Among education and prevention, Gaines also oversees funding projects in the research and development for finding a cure to diabetes.

Gaines participated in a funding project that raised over $20 million for diabetes research.

“We are seeing advancements in stem cell research that look promising to cure diabetes,” Gaines said.

One of Gaines’s most noticeable characteristics is her optimism and passion toward finding a cure for diabetes.

Gaines continues to be important in the development and maintenance of the nursing department while also providing leadership and education in healthcare around the world.

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Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2013

Touring Theatre travels around Erik Machuca Staff Writer

The tradition and communal service brings the East Los Angeles College Touring Theatre back this spring with an old-fashioned drama to perform at local senior centers.

Since 2003, ELAC Touring Theatre has provided students with performing experience and an opportunity to give back to the community.

Every year, the show travels to elementary schools and senior centers in the area.

James Buglewicz, instructor of theater arts and adviser of ELAC Society of Cinema Art, has been teaching theater at ELAC since the spring of 2002.

“The real purpose is to bring theater to underserved communities,” Buglewicz said.

Students take a production class and spend a lot of time rehearsing before going out on the road for six to eight weeks. Show times last between 35 to 40 minutes.

“We contact a lot of people. Every fall, we perform for over 1000 elementary school kids,” Buglewicz said.

This upcoming spring, the touring theater will perform during free lunch programs at local senior centers in the city of Commerce, Bell and downtown Los Angeles area.

“We’ve always done comedy and this spring is a really broad comedy,” Buglewicz said.

ELAC Touring Theatre also provides a great opportunity for extra training and performance experience.

Actors are involved immediately without having to wait to be casted for a show.

Buglewicz said that this is a

In the

5

Spotlight :

Cannibalism on display in ‘MexiCali Biennial’ exhibit Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer

courtesy of James buglewicz

The horror—Members of Ms. Tristessa’s third grade class react in horror to their new classmate Bobby Zombie. Pictured are members of ELAC’s Storytheater Fall 2012 tour. great advantage for students since casting usually takes a while. The spring troupe will begin rehearsals on February 22.

“Anybody that participates is in.

If you’re willing to put in the time, you’re in,” Buglewicz said.

Buglewicz has taught college theater since the early ’90’s and has worked across the country and lived in a number of different places.

Having also taught elementary

school, middle school and high school for various stints, Buglewicz said his passion is still teaching students at the college level because that is how he started.

“I ran a community theater program in Tucson, Arizona for about five years while I was going to graduate school and that had a big influence on me,” Buglewicz said.

For those interested in the theater arts, Buglewicz said it is a rewarding

career with many opportunities.

“If you have experience in children’s theater, there is actually a lot of work available. You can get casted here, get your degree at a bigger school and then get out into the world,” Buglewicz said.

On the last day of finals, ELAC Touring Theatre will perform for its students at the Black Box Theatre in the Performing and Fine Arts Complex.

Devouring the theme of “Cannibalism in the new world,” 33 artists display their take on capitalism in the “MexiCali Biennial 2013” exhibit. The artists captured the attention of Los Angeles Times art critic Christopher Knight.

The exhibit on display since Jan. 19 will close on April 13.

Ed Gomez, an artist, Amy Pederson, art historian a t Wo o d b u r y U n i v e r s i t y in Burbank, and Luis G. Hernandez, an artist, guest curate the “MexiCali Biennial 2013” exhibit.

“For me, I thought it was a timely subject matter due to the recent mortgage meltdown/ recession we were encountering along with rise of the occupy movement and the general feeling that capitalism or the devouring nature of global corporations and banks had failed the many,” Gomez said.

This context lead to the concept of cannibalism, which would become the theme to the biennial.

Since 2011, the three curators held an open call to all artists living and working in Mexico and California, which is where the name come from, to propose any project they wanted without restrictions to medium.

“The theme itself looked to

art historical references and the examination of cannibalism in its current artistic form in the new world,” Gomez said.

Two years worth of meetings, planning, selecting and organizing artists and artwork produced the exhibition.

The biennial started in 2006 producing three biennials leading to the 2013 exhibition found on display at the Vincent Price Art Museum.

There are no plans at this time for a fourth biennial.

“Even though we are called a biennial, we do not necessarily have these exhibitions, interventions, and actions every two years,” Gomez said.

The curator’s established platform leaves them flexibility being able to produce the MexiCali Biennial whenever and wherever, on either side of the US/Mexico, so long as they are working within or interrogating the geographical region between Mexico and California.

At the moment, they are still working hard to completing the set of programs at VPAM, includes a performance by art metal bands HELL-(O), Los Nuevos Maevans, Daniel Lara and an intervention by Nancy Popp on April 13 at 2 p.m. at the VPAM. Once the exhibition closes at the VPAM, it will travel to Mexicali Rose in Mexicali B.C., Mexico in May.

‘Dark Skies’ shocks audiences Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer

Courtesy of www.iwatchmike.com

Determination—Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars and co-produces his latest film “Snitch,” based on a “Frontline” documentary.

‘The Rock’ stands strong in ‘Snitch’ inspired by true events Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer “Snitch” has Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson taking his acting to a whole new level.

The film, based on true events, has action star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stepping into a dramatic role as John Matthews the owner, of a construction company willing to do anything for his family.

This film is not a “guns a-blazing” type of film. The Rock steps into a role that utilizes his acting skills more than other roles.

Jason Collins, played by Rafi Gavron, is John’s son who has been arrested for drug possession with intent to sell. Being faced with 10 years in prison, Jason’s only plea option is to set up another one of his friends to be arrested and in return his sentence will be reduced. But for John, this is not an option.

John does whatever possible to see his son released from prison.

Calling contacts for assistance, John ends up at the desk of Federal District Attorney Joanne Keeghan, played by Susan Sarandon, who is running for congress and doing so on a platform that is tough on drugs.

Her attitude brings the D.A. into being an enemy for John.

Sarandon takes on the task of bringing this self-centered politically driven D.A. and does it amazingly well. Her acting is spectacular and creates more realism to the obstacles that John has to face.

After a failed attempt, John resorts to doing what his son is not willing to. He sets out to help the D.A. find and arrest a drug dealer.

Recruiting Daniel James, played

by Jon Bernthal, an employee of John with a conviction for drug possession who John uses to gain access to the drug world.

Bernthal matches up well with “The Rock” as they make a great contrast with each other.

Daniel, with the need to provide for his family, is eventually accepts a substantial amount of cash to help John by introducing him to Malik, played by Michael Kenneth Williams. Malik is a local drug dealer with ties to the cartels.

John is ready to set up Malik in exchange for his son’s sentence to be reduced from 10 years to six months.

Agent Cooper, played by Barry Pepper, leads the field team that will be assisting in the surveillance and capture of the drug dealer.

Being a key character in the growing plot, Cooper grows as a character and becomes the voice of reason although creating more obstacles for John.

The story escalates as it progresses. It steadily leads to a climax and continues on to a more than satisfactory conclusion.

The entire film has very little action, but is quite thrilling.

There are some interesting scenes that make John a very human character. He struggles to resolve problems, he does everything for his family and not everything he does is easy or a quick fix.

John is hardly a larger-thanlife hero. Rather he is a genuinly determined father. He does many extraordinary things, but at the same time embodies the feeling of going through it all for the sake of protecting his family.

An incredible cast combines to tell a truly magnificent story that carries compassion, drama, adversity and some action.

Although not the typical Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson character this film really does keep audiences entertained.

“Snitch” hits theaters Feb. 22.

This film is rated PG-13 for drug content and sequences of violence.

A bizarre and suspenseful “Dark Skies” tells a very dark but horrifying story.

Aliens menace Daniel Barrett, played by Josh Hamilton, and his family during a troublesome time.

Daniel and his wife Lacie, played

by Keri Russell, fight nightly over financial issues while youngest sons Sam, played by Kadan Rockett, and teen age son Jesse, played by Dakota Goyo, build a strong brotherly relationship.

Daniel is an out of work structural engineer looking for work.

Lacie is a real estate agent who struggles with her good-natured self to sell a beat up old house.

The mixture of the two ends up having them deep in debt and struggling to make ends meat.

Jesse rebels against his parents breaking into the house his mother is supposed to sell, doing drugs and hanging out with an older friend Kevin Ratner, played by L.J. Benet.

Sam, always considered a strange kid, stands out with his gentle nature and bizarre manner of being. From the start, he is playing with a lizard

and getting strange looks as he creeps guest out.

The film is very visually dark and vibrant in color. The house they live in is quite large and spacious giving some of the mischief caused by the aliens an even more invasive feel.

Russell gives a real tense frantic feel to her character while keeping her well grounded strong female character.

Hamilton paired up well with Russell givies a great performance as caring and protective parents doing whatever it takes to take back control of their lives.

The aliens create a large obstacle for the whole family to overcome.

There are not many big scares throughout the film. Rather, it has suspenseful moments which get alleviated by either a brief scare or some form of comedic relief.

Daniel starts off not believing that aliens can be the cause of their misfortune because he would not know how he could resolve. The fear of not knowing leads him to look for any other explanation to be able to find a solution to the problems.

Lacie is the first to research and bring to light that aliens may be behind all the strange occurrences

around the house.

Edwin Poland, played by J.K. Simmons, is discovered to be an expert on aliens after Lacie sees him online during her search for the cause and possible solutions to the torture her family is going through.

Poland reveals more distressing information after proving that he has some actual real knowledge about aliens. He causes more alarm revealing information that puts both parents on edge and ready to do anything to escape this nightmare.

The result of the encounter with Poland leads to a drastic change in behavior causing alarm to their children.

The end comes and turns this strange movie into a more bizarre film. The ending has an even stranger twist once all seems to settle down.

The cast is good leading the story forward and capturing the audience attention by creating compassion and sympathy without overpowering the suspense aspect of the film.

“Dark Skies” is now in theaters.

This film is rated PG-13 for violence, terror throughout, sexual material, drug content and language, all involving teens.

Courtesy of www.iwatchmike.com

TAking control—Jesse Berrett, played by Dakota Goyo, paralyzed under alien control while being chased through the forest by his friend Kevin.

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SPORTS

6

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2013

Men’s swooshers end regular season 20-7 Diego Linares Staff Writer

The Huskies picked up momentum heading into the playoffs with a 68-53 win against Pasadena City College last Friday.

After the game, Jaree Crawford, Zach Hinton and Harris Javier were commended for their efforts as the ELAC players of the month for February.

When asked how important the win was before the playoffs, Head Coach John Mosley said, “It was a big win, big. It was really important.

“It can boost us up since we beat Mt. San Antonio College who was ranked number three (in the state) and then beat Pasadena to really seal it in the final stretch, which is

knows and plays their role. really important.”

“They step up and do what they’re The bleachers rattled when the Huskies pulled away from a close supposed to do. You can call it depth, or whatever, but they just do game in the second half.

The Husky starters on the floor what they’re supposed to do. That’s why we’ve did not let up. They been successful pulled together well and if they with the Huskies “It was a big win, keep doing coming off the bench. big. It was really what they’re The guards and supposed to do forwards unselfishly important.” we can make a passed the ball to each run.” other for betters shots.

E L A C The defensive finished the pressure was a John Mosley regular season collective effort. The Head Coach and tied for guards dictated the third in South pace while the Huskies hustled up Coast Conference play with LA and down the floor.

When asked about the depth Harbor who they beat 75-66 on of the team, Mosley said, “I don’t Feb. 6.

ELAC is one of two teams to beat know if you would call it depth.

I think everybody comes in and Mt. SAC, the No. 2-ranked team in

the state.

Based on ELAC’s No. 14 statewide ranking and overall record of 20-7, ELAC will likely get a first round bye. An eighth seed or higher will give the Huskies a home game.

After being asked about questionable calls by the officiating crew, Pasadena Head Coach Mike Swanegan said after a quick chuckle.

“You would ask me that. Well I thought in the first half that we were given a lot of fouls, some unjust.

“Don’t take anything away from East L.A. They have a good team and they played a good game,” Swanegan said.

There was family ties on the opposing team. Coach Swanegan commented on his son’s season play by saying, “He had an overall great season.”

CN/TADZIO GARCIA

TAKEOFF—Chris Brown takes advantage of being all alone and

glides in the air off a turn-around fast break in a 68-53 win over Pasadena City College last Friday at home.

Lady hoopsters end season of freshmen WOOF—

Husky Elizabeth Marquez, left, who played 16 minutes against Mt. San Antonio College dribbles by Mountie Ashley Carter in a 68-29 drubbing that sent the Huskies to the dawg pound.

COURTESY OF YASHIKA ELLIS

Will Hernandez & Tadzio Garcia Staff Writers The Huskies finished the season l5-12 overall, losing a playoff bid to Saddleback College, who finished the regular season 15-14.

The Huskies beat Saddleback earlier in the season, 63-62.

The Huskies ended the season with a three-game skid.

The season was filled with excitement such as their 8-1 start that included upsets of top 10 ranked teams.

The Huskies hosted undefeated Mt. San Antonio College in what was to be their season finale.

Mt. SAC made it clear why they are the state’s No. 1 team crushing the Huskies, 68-29.

A smarter phone deserves a smarter plan.

The game was East Los Angeles Castanada for almost all of the first College’s Fifth Annual half.

Coaches for Cancer benefit “It was a coach’s game. decision. She works “When The benefit game is full-time and she also a partnership with the has some injuries, we play American Cancer Society as a team, so I wanted to give and California community her some rest,” Head running colleges.

Coach Bruce Turner All proceeds raised in said. with each last Friday’s game went Once in the game, other ... we directly toward cancer Castanada revitalized have a good t h e t e a m w i t h a n research.

The Huskies didn’t immediate impact. game.” score in the first eight The Huskies were Karina minutes of the game. only down eight Ortiz Karina Ortiz scored a points, 22-14 off a late Forward layoff off a fast break first-half rally. to end Mt. SAC’s game The Huskies hurt opening 14-0 run. themselves in the game giving up A debatable factor in the Huskies 35 turnovers. start was the absence of De Laura The Huskies began the second

Badminton The season begins in two weeks.

Baseball No. 16-ranked ELAC (6-5 overall) at L.A. Pierce (5-8) tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Softball ELAC (3-7) at El Camino College (3-12) tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Basketball (Men’s) The No. 9-seeded Huskies (20-7) are at No. 8-seeded Mira Costa College (19-9), Friday at 7 p.m. in round two of the playoffs trying to advance to the Sweet-Sixteen. The Huskies advance to the playoffs for the first time in five years.

Basketball (Women’s) Ended season 15-12 overall, 8-8 in the South Coast Conference, tied for fifth place.

half flat and out of rhythm.

Mt. SAC ran up a quick 13-0 run for a 38-16 lead..

From that point on, it was all Mt. SAC. Dioselene Lopez, one of the key players during the season, played less minutes than normal due to a leg injury.

As a result, the team never got anything off the ground on offense.

Even though the team was getting throttled they kept fighting.

“I don’t think we were 100 percent the whole game.

“When we play as a team, running with each other and communicating we have a good game. Tonight we didn’t have any of that,” Ortiz said.

Despite the freshman-laden team, the Huskies tied for fifth in South Coast Conference standings.

Softball - continued The Huskies have a tough weekend at Cypress College, Friday and Saturday.

ELAC (3-7) vs. Cypress (7-2) at 10:30 a.m.; ELAC vs. College of the Desert (13-3) at 12:30 p.m.

Swim & Dive Team The Huskies are favored to notch two wins on Friday as they host Rio Hondo and L.A. Trade Tech colleges at the swimming pool at the Swim Stadium 1 p.m.

‘Dawgs’ slobber after wins Carlos Alvarez Staff Writer

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The baseball team took two of three tough road games this past weekend moving them one game over .500 for the first time this season and stand 6-5, overall.

The three game set began last Thursday at Santa Barbara City College with the Huskies wasting a strong start from sophomore Elias Novelo, losing 6-3.

“We are not executing at all,” Head Coach James Hines said.

The Huskies had little time to dwell on their loss and little did they dwell, defeating Ventura College 14-5 the following day.

After the game Hines said, “If we execute the way we did today, we will be fine the rest of the season.”

The three-game road trop ended with a chance for the Huskies to redeem the Santa Barbara loss.

The Husky offense swung hot bats spanking the Santa Barbara, 11-4.

“We felt going into Saturday’s game that we had let one get away from us, so we felt confident. We knew that if we played our game we would win,” Hines said.

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With the sudden hitting attack pitching seven dominant innings, from the offense, the Huskies put allowing one unearned run on two the pressure on the Pirates in the top hits, while striking out six Pirates.

“Luna was dominant. He did an of the third inning taking a 3-0 lead after scoring three runs off Pirates outstanding job. He had his fastball/ slider combination going, a great starting pitcher Tyler Gilbert.

Gilbert (2-1) took the loss after performance from him,” Hines said.

Luna’s dominance was evident lasting only three and one-third when he retired innings allowing 11 b a t t e r s i n three runs on a row with four hits while “If we execute the four with four walking four way we did today strikeouts. batters.

(14-5 win), we will The Huskies “We jumped a d ded two all over Gilbert. be fine the rest of the more runs in Our offense has season.” the sixth inning really executed James Hines to give them a with runners in Head Coach commanding scoring position 11-1 lead. these past two With such a huge lead Hines games,” Hines said.

Led by sophomore Kyle Peralta’s removed Luna after the seventh offensive breakout performance the inning.

Relief pitcher Daniel Moriel Huskies continued their onslaught in the fifth inning, adding six runs relieved Luna, pitching a scoreless eighth inning. for a 9-1 lead.

Moriel pitched two innings, Peralta collected two hits (one triple) in four plate appearances allowing three runs (one earned) off while driving in two runs and of four hits.

“We made mistakes in the ninth scoring two runs of his own.

The way Husky starter Sergio that lead to three runs. (We) got Luna was pitching he did not really sloppy, but those mistakes had no effect in the outcome of the game,” need much help from the offense.

Luna (2-1) got the win after Hines said.