Spring 2014, Issue 19

Volume 71, Issue 19

Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

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Film shows Elans the dangers of misogyny

CHAMPS

Edward Singleton Contributing Writer Sociology students were exposed to the world of hyper-sexualization and subjugation toward women in media in a film screening titled “M Is For Misogyny.”

The film screening hosted

by Sociology Professor Elieen Le and co-hosted by East Los Angeles College women’s center representatives Sandra Ibarra attracted over 45 students.

“What does Misogyny mean to you?” began Le as she probed students for knowledge on the subject. No one answered.

“Miso means hatred and Gyny means women… It’s a huge problem that is actually all around us,” Le said.

The room became silent as she clearly had everyone’s attention to the phenomenon that is Misogyny, a phenomenon completely repulsive, yet accepted by many.

“I can see that some of you are really thinking about this,” Le said.

The film covered marketing tactics by huge corporations like Carls Jr., Pepsi, Axe Body Spray that use the hyper-sexualization of women to sell their products.

The problem being that not only do these tactics reach their target audience, effectively, they also reach an unintended audience, children.

Exposing children to hypersexuality sends the message that only those who are sexy have power and that is what should be strived for.

For children who struggle with their identity, this can be a huge stumbling block to their personal development.

The cycle of hyper-sexuality is perpetuated by young people who admire actors and music stars who use sexuality as a tool for profit.

The cost of admiring hypersexuality can have negative consequences for our youth.

Whether it’s a lack of self confidence in the youth due to the way media portrays men and women having to be slim and voluptuous or having to be emotionless, tough and have multiple sexual partners.

Badminton team looks to end season undefeated William Hernandez Staff Writer East Los Angeles College is the 2014 South Coast Conferenec badminton champions.They swept a double header against El Camino College 11-2 and 11-1 on April 16 then shout out El Camino College Compton Ceneter, 21-0, last Friday at the Women’s Center.

Undefeated ELAC will put their 11-0 on the line against longtime rival Pasadena City College (8-2 against the SCC), at home today at 3 p.m..

“Today will be a really good game. Even though we have already defeated them (PCC) three-times, they come back stronger each time,” ELAC Head Coach Qui Nguy said.

Compton showed up with just three players to face the cohesive and well rounded ELAC badminton team. “ I love playing with (teammates) because we are like a family. We travel and play together. We were encouraged after we won our first match against Compton, because we knew that we could get to where we are now,” ELAC team captain Yuki Tai said.

Compton Head Coach Tony Diaz tried to forfeit before the match began, but Nguy opted to play it out.

“We have already won the conference, but we’re still chasing an undefeated record. I wanted the girls to finish up strong and rally into next week,” Nguy said.

Before play started, ELAC had the upper hand by default. Compton surrendered four points for lack of players. “(ELAC is) well trained, disciplined and can communicate very good with each other. Like in doubles, they know where each other is supposed to stand,” Diaz said.

ELAC’s No. 1 player Tai defeated Compton’s No.1 player Jessica Phillips, 21-17, 21-16.

“I liked their spirit, because even though they only had three players, (Phillips) still competed,” Tai said.

ELAC’s No. 1 doubles team of Tai and Suki Kwan, dominated Compton’s, Lina Gonzalez and Ari Rodriguez, 21-1, 21-1.

ELAC’s No. 2 doubles team of Han Le and Rose Cheng slipped past Gonzalez and Rodriguez in the first set then defeated them in the second set 21-15.

“Everybody has improved since the first time we practiced because (we) are making sure to correct (our) previous mistakes. We’re very fortunate to have this group together,” Tai said.

CHAMPIONS Continued on page 6

M Continued on page 3

Middle, High school students invited to ELAC campus Marcus Camacho Staff Writer East Los Angeles College will host “Take Back The Night” on tomorrow starting at 6 p.m. near the G3 Auditorium Foyer.

“Take Back The Night” is an international event with the mission to end all forms of sexual violence and raise awareness .

This event has been taking place internationally since the 1970s, but this will be the fifth annual event that has taken place at ELAC. Early “Take Back The Night” events went back to protests in San Francisco against pornography in 1973.

“Take Back The Night” was

News Briefs

used as the title of a memorial that was read by Anne Pride at an antiviolence rally in Pittsburgh in 1977.

“The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) reported that one in six women in America will be a victim of sexual assault. About three percent of American men, 1 in 33, have either experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.

“This need to stop,” said ELAC’s health and fitness instructor Andrea Owens.

In 2003, nine of every 10 rape victims were female. There is an average of 237,868 victims (age 12 or older) of sexual assault each year. Every two minutes, another American is sexually assaulted.

RAINN reported 60 percent of

sexual assaults are not reported to the police and 97 percent of rapists will never spend a day in jail.

RAINN recorded that approximately two-thirds of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim and 38 percent of rapists are a friend or acquaintance.

Stats from rain show that 1 out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8 percent completed rape; 2.8 percent attempted rape). Also, 44 percent of victims are under age 18 and 80 percent are under age 30.

The event will have a “Survivor Speakout” at 6 p.m. where people are welcome to share their experiences of sexual assault.

The participants of the event are

ELAC cheerleader tryouts

East Los Angeles College cheerleader and yell leader tryout clinic will be held today in the Women’s physical education Department, E9 118.

Tryouts will be on Friday starting at 5 p.m. in the Women’s P.E. Department.

welcome to join in the march around campus for the rest of the event.

The event organizers invite everyone to come and join including: students, faculty, staff and their family and friends.

Typically 75 to 100 men and women attend, however, Owens would love to see the level of participation in the event to increase this year and the following years to come.

“It means a lot to be able to have an event that empowers all survivors of sexual assault,” said Owens.

The organization helps victims of sexual assault in the Women and Men Center near the G8 building and at the East Los Angeles Women’s Center, which is located at 1255 S Atlantic Blvd.

Denim Day

Fast Facts 17.7 million American women have been victims of attempted or completed rape.

60 percent of sexual assaults are not reported to the police.

One out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.

44 percent of victims are under the age of 18.

80 percent are under the age of 30.

Every two minutes another American is sexually assaulted.

Approximately two-thirds of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.

To continue Sexual Assault Awarness Month everyone is encouraged to wear jeans today in protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

Denim day was started because in 1998 an Itallian Supreme Court decided to overturn a rape conviction because the victim wore jeans.

Two exhibits closing at VPAM

Artist Rafa Esparza’s Hoy Space gallery and artist Macha Suzuki’s Large Gallery at the Vincent Price Art Museum will close on Friday.

The two temporary exhibits will close but the permanent collection will still be available for visitors to view.

2

Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

EDITOR IN CHIEF Danny Vasquez MANAGING EDITOR Liliana Marquez ONLINE EDITOR Megan G. Razzetti ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR Daniella Molina ONLINE SPORTS EDITOR Tadzio Garcia ART DIRECTOR Lindsey Maeda FRONT EDITOR Jesus Figueroa

Student awareness is key to safety MEGAN G. RAZZETTI Staff Writer College campuses are supposed to be safe learning institutions for students to comfortably work on their education.

They can also be hot spots for sexual assaults whether it be in a public location, after an evening class or during a campus sponsored event.

All students should be aware of this potentially serious threat that can exist on any campus.

East Los Angeles College has had few incidents over its 69-year history, but that doesn’t mean students should not be cautious.

Sexual assault is unwanted sexual contact that can include rape or sexual battery.

Usually, college students study hard in order to play hard and enjoy themselves on weekends.

Sometimes those activities end up in a threatening situation.

Sexual assault awareness is vital especially among students.

Regardless of which gender they identify themselves as, all students should be educated in understanding the effects of sexual assault and learn prevention.

According to The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), there is an average of 237,868 victims of sexual assault ranging from age 12 or older each year.

I feel that we must not only educate each other of what to do in case of being attacked, but we must also educate each other on learning

what consent is.

Sexual assault comes in different forms. It usually is not a stranger in a trench coat lurking in the dark.

Those who go far from home for college are a fish out of water in their college environment, who don’t have familiar relationships.

A collection of diverse people in this environment can make a new college student vulnerable to being a target of whom they are closest to or even someone they sit next to in a class.

According to the United States Bureau of Justice, three-quarters of all sexual assault and rapes against women are perpetrated by someone they know.

It is also not just women who are assaulted, men can also be raped and are least likely to report it,

even though they make up around 10 percent of victims, according to RAINN. Victims also include, gay, lesbian, and transgenders. Anyone can be subjected to assaulted in some form or another.

Although you can never fully protect yourself from assault its important to be aware of certain things to avoid it.

Being aware of your surroundings and knowing who you are among are a start, especially when you’re out on Friday night.

If a situation looks or feels uncomfortable, listen to your instincts and leave.

When walking around campus avoid putting headphones in both ears so that you are more aware of your environment, especially when

walking alone.

Prevention through education is key.

Self-defense classes are offered at ELAC to teach students how to not only physically fight but to stay focused without freezing in terror.

If you or anyone you know has been sexually assaulted or raped, it is important to report it and get the help you need.

The Violence Intervention Center ( VIC) at ELAC offers resources for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

If students wish to remain annoymous or are fearful of face to face interaction, elac.edu/ studentservices/vic also provides listings for those in need of help.

The VIC is located in room G8 127.

People insist chia seeds improve health AMANDA RODARTE Staff Writer

Sleep deprivation disrupts students’ life DIEGO OLIVARES Staff Writer As East Los Angeles College students begin the second-half of this semester, they feel more pressure, for multi reasons.

Many students are behind and have to work harder to catch up with their school work. Others feel they must study hard to get top grades.

Much of this could take up a person’s time. Additionally, students could have personal commitments.

These include work, relationships and family commitments. This results in students losing something important: sleep.

Sleep deprivation is a common issue college students face. One that could have very serious effects.

According to a Brown University study, sleep deprivation can result in a weakened immune system, distorted mental health, and dysfunctional sleep patterns.

The study also states that over 73 percent of college students have sleep issues. Only 11 percent are able to get healthy sleep.

This is a serious problem college students face on a daily basis and hits personally for many.

As a college student myself, I too suffer from sleep disorders.

My problems include irregular sleep patterns, as well as lack of sleep. At one point, I had less than an hour of sleep before a job orientation.

Memory is affected as well. There were moments that I had a hard time recalling recent events.

It makes school and work difficult due to exhaustion. One day at my job, I was working so slowly it nearly got me into trouble.

All this being due to sleep deprivation.

These problems can come from high internal anxiety.

Internet addiction is another cause for my sleep deprivation. I find myself sleeping less because I spend the night needlessly surfing the web.

Few students also suffer the same symptoms as I do. However, many may have more severe sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Sleep deprivation could have deadlyeffects. Anyone driving with

little sleep is a lethal combination.

Lack of sleep while driving results in car accidents. Research shows that this could be as dangerous as driving under the influence.

College students who suffer sleeping disorders wonder about overcoming them. Luckily, there are ways to get through much of this.

According to the study, students should try to readjust their sleeping pattern. It’ll take some time, but usually it will come back.

People suffering from sleeping disorders should not take long naps, as long naps affect the sleeping patterns.

Workouts are also effective as they keep the body active. Students try to workout daily.

If people still have sleeping problems, they should inform their doctor and avoid caffeine and other sugar-related, high energy substances as well.

While the second half of the semester is challenging, students shouldn’t let it affect their sleep.

Life can be overwhelming, but students still need to make time for sleep.

With the constant struggle of making wise food decisions, students should add chia seeds to their diets.

The word chia may remind students of the famous, fuzzy plant the Chia Pet, but make no mistake, chia seeds are no funny matter.

These tiny seeds are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, which makes it a kind of superfood.

For the past few months, I’ve added chia seeds to my diet and I have noticed a difference in my diet and the way I feel.

Chia seeds are native to Mexico and South America and have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries.

People are obsessed with them today, chia seeds have become increasingly popular for health benefits and for cooking.

Chia seeds come in either white, dark brown and black and are quite small.

They are smaller than a grain of rice but don’t underestimate them.

They have an excellent nutritioun resume.

Chia seeds are a fantastic source of fiber with a whopping five grams per tablespoons.

Fiber helps the digestive system by helping people get full faster. This is why fiber is highly recommended for dieting.

Most Americans are not getting their daily fiber intake.

According the the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010,” people should consume 14 grams of fiber for each 1,000-calorie diet.

Someone on a 2,000-calorie diet would need 28 grams of fiber daily.

With the help of chia seeds, people can easily increase their daily intake of fiber.

Because chia seeds slow down the rate our bodies normally convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, it is effective in regulating blood sugars.

High blood pressure is one of the

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factors that causes diabetes, which has become an immense epidemic in the United States.

Luckily, chia seeds have been shown to improve blood pressure levels in diabetics.

Besides lowering blood pressure, it provides good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol as well.

Two tablespoons of chia seeds also contain 18 percent calcium, 35 percent phosphorus, 24 percent magnesium and about 50 percent manganese.

Some of these nutrients may sound like foreign words, but they can help you prevent hypertension and maintain a healthy weight.

This is because these nutrients are important for the metabolism and help speed it up.

They also are a good source of antioxidants, which protect the body from aging and cancer by optimizing the immune system.

For those people who do not eat fish, chia seeds offer the opportunity to get your daily dose of Omega-3.

Omega-3 contains the vital fats that protect against inflammation such as arthritis and heart disease.

Chia seeds actually contain double the amount of Omega-3 than salmon.

Another benefit is that they are natural. There are no chemicals in the seeds, since the seeds are eaten raw.

Since colleges students are always on the go, chia seeds are perfect to add quick nutrition to any meal.

Students can sprinkle two tablespoons of the seeds on any meal and can instantly make it healthier.

Even desserts such as ice cream can improve health with just two sprinkles.

Health may not concern some students, but we must remember that we are only given one body and we must protect it by providing the right nutrients it needs.

Remember, the only thing that never goes down is your age. Protect it, and give your body what it needs.

Give your body chia seeds.

OPINION EDITOR Jazmin Tellez NEWS EDITOR Sergio Berrueta FEATURE EDITOR Desiree Lopez ARTS EDITOR Jade Inglada SPORTS EDITORS Carlos Alvarez Marcus Camacho PHOTO EDITOR Cynthia Laguna COPY EDITORS Tadzio Garcia Erik Luna Augustine Ugalde

CARTOONISTS Kien Ha Bryan Pedroza Anthony Tran STAFF WRITERS Cesar Carbajal, Jose Cazares, Brenda Diaz, Damien Guzman, William Hernandez, Diego Linares, Luis Marquez, Manny Miguel, Diego Olivares, Maegan Ortiz, Laura Parral, Bonnie Regalado, Amanda Rodarte, Russell Zazueta PODCAST TEAM Jesus Figueroa, Diego Linares, Desiree Lopez, Manny Miguel, Megan G. Razzetti ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Manny Miguel Augustine Ugalde ADVISERS Jean Stapleton Sylvia Rico-Sanchez Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues. Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the property of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 250 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content.

Anonymous letter s will not be printed. Writers must sign submissions and print their names and a phone number where they can be reached. Letters should be addressed to the editor of Campus News. Submissions can be made at the mailroom in building E1 or the Journalism department office in the Technology Center in E7-303.

East Los Angeles College Campus News 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez E7-303 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 265-8819, Ads (323) 265-8821 Fax (323) 415-4910 The East Los Angeles College Campus News is published as a learning experience, offered under the East Los Angeles College Journalism program. The editorial and advertising materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

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News

EAST lOS ANGElES COllEGE CAMpUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, april 23, 2014

High School Senior Day displays the college experience Marcus Camacho Staff Writer

High school seniors and middle school students will be coming to East Los Angeles College for “High School Senior Day” this May 9 at the Performing Arts Complex.

The event is for high school seniors who will be exposed to a college environment to see what it is like to be a college student.

The message this event is trying to send is that college is possible for everyone.

“It is always exciting to see the faces of hope that visit us,” said Student Services Aide – Offsite Education and Outreach Coordinator Lynn Wood.

High school students are invited to campus for activities that will introduce them to academic life.

The students will also learn of the social culture of the college experience.

This event will help students get acquainted with the campus, the services that best support students, student life, the counselors and view the different departments that ELAC has to offer.

Students will learn about new requirements for priority registration, the transition of being a high school student to college student, what classes

students needs to transfer and the different AA degree pathways that ELAC offers.

The student will be shown how to apply for specialized programs such as Honors, Adelante, Summer Programs, AA/BA programs and many more programs.

There will also be workshops, demonstrations, resource tables and STEM alley, which focuses on the departments part of the STEM program.

Student clubs will be tabling and the ASU President Eduardo Vargas is scheduled to speak to give the visiting students a perspective on college life.

High school students that plan on attending this event must be accompanied by a high school counselor or by a chaperone.

The event draws about 1000 students to visit the campus.

The middle schools that are involved are Griffith, Belvedere and Stevenson.

High schools attending the event are in the areas such as of Huntington Park, South Gate, Bell, Montebello, Bell Gardens and San Gabriel.

Students can RSVP by emailing a sign-up sheet by April 28. ELAC students can email Wood at woodcl@ elac.edu for more information about the events.

“High School Senoir Day” will be held May 9 starting at 8 a.m.

ELAC talent show to showcase individuality Mannie Miguel Staff Writer East Los Angeles College students will get the opportunity to showcase their talents this May at the Third Annual Vision Talent Show.

Vision Club adviser Randy Ludwig first came up with the idea for the show because he felt that ELAC has a lot of talented individuals.

“I feel that instead of trying to bring in talent from outside, that we should showcase our own talents, with our own students, for our own school that people would not think would exist here,” said Ludwig.

This show will highlight various art forms that include singers, rap artists, painters and poets.

Ludwig added that this event

interacts a lot with the audience, who will have the chance to be part of the acts.

“Last year we had this painter who chose a random audience member and drew a picture of that individual live. It was pretty awesome. We had it on the projector so that audiences were able to see it.”

He explained that the purpose for this show is to empower individuals with their talents.

“The purpose for this event is to promote learning, critical thinking, confidence, and problem solving as well as personal development.

It takes a lot of courage to go in front of people and showcase one’s talent,” Ludwig said.

Ludwig said that students get a ribbon for their participation, and the top three get a trophy.

Preparations for this event

M: Effects of misogyny in the spotlight

begins are usually around Febuary through March.

Putting on a production as complex as a talent show requires lots of preparation according to Ludwig.

Funds for this event come from the Vision Club’s bake sales, food sales, and from faculty donations.

This show will include a mini fair, which was introduced last year.

The mini fair begins about an hour before the talent show and features chalk graffiti art competitions, face art, compliment booths, where people can go and get compliments, hugging booths among other events.

Tryouts began last Tuesday and will continue through Friday, and will be held in F7-224 at noon.

Ludwig added that the purpose for the tryouts are not to turn people down.

Maegan Ortiz Staff Writer

friends’,” Flora Morena, sociology major, said.

The problem is that we accept, either directly or passively, the idea that sex is power, instead of appealing to logic. Companies and musicians often appeal to an

audience through sexual desire. A desire that turns our young girls into “sluts” and our young boys into “pimps.”

A s o l u t i o n t o t h e h y p e rsexualization and subjugation of women in media is to analyze and

examine media content, to look for meaning and speak out when the message is detrimental to society.

Young people are the future, ensuring they have positive role models should not only be important, it should be a priority.

CRASS to release student-created zine Erik luna Staff Writer In an attempt to evoke critical thinking, the Collective Revolutionary Association of Students in Solidarity (CRASS) asked people to submit material for their zine in response to the prompt “What is American Culture?”

This is the second volume of CRASS’s zine and, according to members, it will be created by using strictly student submissions as opposed to their first volume, which was created using material

by CRASS members.

“We decided to use this as a tool and a platform to show a different side of ourselves from a political view and a personal view,” member Luz Juan said.

Juan, who recently took a trip to Europe, took some copies of the first volume and started asking friends and locals what they thought about American culture.

Juan recalled from her trip. that they said there is a common misconception that Americans like to play with and feel like they are in control.

“I said ‘don’t worry, because some of us back home think the same

thing,’” said Juan connection with teachers at Esteban After having had this experience, Torres High School in East Los Juan and other members of the Angeles in order to have workshops group decided that the theme for with the students according to their next volume should focus Cuautemoc Negrete, who first on what students thought about brought the idea of publishing a zine American culture. to members of the club.

The club is planning on having an “We will publish the material official zine release next Wednesday, however they turn it in. It’s all about during a CRASS event at East Los getting all of our voices heard,” Angeles College where they will Negrete said. host guest speaker Alice Bagg of ELAC students are not the only the punk band The Baggs. ones participating in the zine.

CRASS is Along with accepting work in ELAC, students all types of genres from California We’re just offering f r o m p o e t r y, State University, them a way to express essays, drawings Los Angeles their own perspective or whatever else and Humboldt students can create University have on what they think for publication. also submitted American culture is.

Unlike other work for the Ehecatl Negrete, magazines or second issue of CRASS Member literary works, the zine.

CRASS members The general say that they concept of the zine will not be editing the material was created from an art movement they receive. called Dadaism, which originated According to member Dario in Switzerland in the early 20th Serrano, plans for a third volume century by artists like Samuel of the zine are in the works Rosenstock, otherwise known as that will use submissions from Tristin Tzara, to oppose the World local high schools and even War I. elementary schools.

Yet, CRASS members say that The club has been busy building a students shouldn’t feel restricted

“

and create whatever they feel like contributing.

“Although we claim to be Dada affiliated and Dada centered, we don’t necessarily impose this perspective on other students. We ask students to contribute and we’re not giving them guidelines to abide by. We’re just offering them a way to express their own perspective on what they think American culture is,” Ehecatl Negrete said.

The zine, which is paid for by members of CRASS as well as donations, is published as a hard copy and passed around by members.

Member Kristen Huizar says that the idea behind the zine is simple.

“Somebody is going to see the zine and the ideas in the zine are going to be implanted into their head. At least that’s what keeps me going, people are going to be thinking about something you did maybe for an hour or maybe for a day,” Huizar said.

According to Serrano, the ultimate goal for the club would be to have a zine section in the Helen Miller Bailey Library.

“It’ll help get students to think and ask questions and get their voices out there – all while thinking and being creative,” Serrano said.

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The purpose is to see if the acts themselves are family friendly and to give pointers to performers about their performances.

“We don’t hold tryouts to tell people that they are not good enough, we have them see if the acts themselves are family friendly and to see how to arrange the acts so that people could enjoy every single minute of the event,” Ludwig said.

Ludwig said that the main purpose for this event is to develop a closer bond between the school and its students.

“I want people to look forward to this event every year. I want it to not only have it become a staple of East Los Angeles College but a tradition,” Ludwig said.

For more information on this event and tryouts you can contact Ludwig at (323) 780-6773.

Supply drive benefits victims of violence

Continued from page 1

This false sense of worth can lead to sexual promiscuity and possibly sexual assault.

The film’s overall message is to stop and think about what messages the public allow to be normal. Just because seeing Paris Hilton have an orgy with a burger is normal doesn’t mean it should be.

“What do you think about that?”

Le said.

Her approach to solving this problem begins with questioning, the media and learn about women’s issues.

“I will tell my daughter ‘know what you want. Don’t try to be someone you’re not and stand up for what is right because you can make difference among your

3

The East Los Angeles College Community can help women and their children transitional shelter by participating in a supply drive on campus.

The drive is just one of many events organized this month by ELAC’s Violence Intervention Team, a group of faculty, staff, administrators and community professionals dedicated to violence prevention.

According to information on ELAC’s website, the team tries to prevent violence through raising awareness, providing resources and educating people about the different forms that violence can take and by trying to create a campus culture free from fear.

Tiffany Rice Ph.D., Psychology professor at ELAC and Co-Team Lead of Violence Intervention Team said it is important to have a wide range of activities to try to reach as many students as possible.

“We have events this month focusing on the LGBT population,

student athletes and events that have traditionally drawn participation from women, men and transgender students at both Main Campus and South Gate Campus,” Rice said.

The team has held film screenings, HIV testing, selfdefense demonstrations, and Denim Day activities.

According to the Los Angeles House of Ruth website, the organization strives to provide a caring and supportive environment and temporary shelter as a way to empower women away from dependency and towards success and independence.

Items requested for donation include basics like toiletries, feminine hygeine care and baby care products.

Some of the residents of the shelter have infants to care for “Students have been very receptive to attending the events.

The students have always been very participatory and interested in the events and using this information for themselves and others close to them,” Rice said.

For more information, visit losangeleshouseofruth.com.

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10:15 AM

Feature Power Ranger brings cheers in time of need 4

imagination and while (there) are some kids that know you’re not the Staff Writer real deal, you have ones that actually It’s a busy day at Boyle Heights's think you are a real Power Ranger,” White Memorial Medical Center Castellanos said. and the usual people are roaming Tina Aguilera, a certified child the hallways: nurses, doctors, life specialist at the White Memorial patients and three Power Rangers. Medical Center, said that although East Los Angeles College student Castellanos and his siblings are and actor of ELAC’s Theater there for the children, that didn’t Department, stop the staff Carlos Castellanos or the parents is one of those of the patients Power Rangers. from getting Dressed as his pictures with favorite Power the Power Ranger, the green Rangers. ranger from the “Although 1993 hit television some of series “Mighty our patients Morphin Power needed to be Rangers,” he reminded who enters a room filled (the) Power with hospitalized Rangers were, children in hope their parents of brightening had a full their day. understanding Along with and were just Castellanos, his as eager for brother Steven their visit as Ramos, dressed CARLOS CASTELLANOS the patients,” as the Red Ranger, Aguilera said. and his cousin Through the Harvey Madriaga, dressed as the Power Ranger franchise, which Blue Ranger accompany him to the has run from 1993 to the present, hospital for support.

Castellanos has used it to not only “Being in a hospital isn’t much give back to the community, but to fun, especially for a kid, and making connect with his family as well. them smile for that moment really Castellanos makes short Power means a lot,” Castellano said.

Ranger videos for YouTube with the In order to make sure the children help of his friend and family. have a great day, Castellanos and One video he made with the his siblings distribute Power Ranger help of his little sister Jasmine coloring pages and candy.

Castellanos as Megaforce Pink “The feeling after is the best Ranger has over 155,000 views on part. You get to not just see these YouTube. kids, but you get to know them,” Jason David Frank, who has Castellanos said. portrayed the character Tommy Castellanos gives as much Oliver as various rangers in the attention to his role as the green franchise’s history, but most ranger when he volunteers as when f a m o u s l y a s t h e g r e e n a n d he has a role in a play. white ranger, has supported Carlos One way he does this is by Castellanos in his endeavors. watching replays of the show Frank saw the video that the two to try and make his role seem had made and shared it with his more realistic. fans on Facebook to the surprise of “The kids have a very strong Carlos Castellanos.

EAST lOS ANGElES COllEGE CAMpUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, April 23, 2014

erik luna

Courtesy of MARISOL CEJA GODINEZ

it’s morphin’ time— Carlos Castellano, center, and his brother Michael Ramos, right, grab the attention of children while picking up their little brother Luis Avila from City Terrace Elementary School.

“We went to a Power Rangers Art Show over at Toy Art Gallery in Melrose and we had random people come up to me and my sister saying ‘You guys are amazing,’ just a lot of compliments,” Carlos Castellanos said.

Although he felt flattered about all the compliments he was receiving, his sister Jasmine Castellanos, being 8 years old was afraid of the attention and felt shy when having

to talk with others.

"It's like kind of awesome and it's very fun to do videos because we actually get to act (as Power Rangers),” Jasmine Castellanos said.

As a birthday gift to his little brother Luis Avila, Carlos Castellanos and his brother Michael Ramos showed up to City Terrace Elementary School fully dressed as Power Rangers to pick him up

www.ELACCampusNews.com

from school.

They were immediately asked to take photos with the other children, to which they happily agreed.

It’s been over 21 years since the first series of Power Rangers debuted on Fox Kids and Carlos Castellanos said he still wakes up early to watch the new episodes with his brothers and sister.

What started years ago with the leader of the Power Rangers

Zordon asking his robotic assistant Alpha Five to get him five teenagers with attitude, helped a family bond even closer and helped bring a much needed smile to children in need.

To see Carlos and Jasmine Castellanos’s fan video, check the online version of this story at www.elaccampusnews.com

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

In the

5

SPOTLIGHT Theatre Department prepares for upcoming production JESUS FIGUEROA Staff Writer

East Los Angeles College’s Theatre Arts Department is getting ready for the two one-act comedies “The Chekhov Vaudeville!...featuring The Proposal and The Bear!” By Anton Chekhov in the P2-101 Upstairs Theatre premiering this Friday at 8 p.m.

The two one-act comedies written by Chekhov are set as the second production for ELAC’s Theatre Arts department.

Both plays have alternating cast members set to perform in different shows.

“The Proposal,” also knows as “A Marriage Proposal,” has three characters: Katrina, played by Kathryn Ventress, Lomov, played by Joe Robert Mejia and Miguel Delgado, and Natasha, played by Polina Metveeva.

“The Bear,” also known as “The Boor,” is another one-act play that also only has three characters in its cast: Popova, played by Gabriella Maldonado and Marissa Ruiz, Luka, played by Lucy Celoni, and Smirnov, played by Peter Mendoza.

Both plays are directed by Matthew Floyd Miller.

The play premieres this Friday at 8 p.m. with more performances on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. and at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

The following weekend starts with a performance on May 2 at 8 p.m., May 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 at the door, $7 for ASU members.

The final play of the spring season is “Kindred” by Daniel Keleher.

The play will be directed by Rodney Lloyd Scott and opens May 16 at 8 p.m. in the Proscenium Theatre.

COURTESY OF OPEN ROAD FILMS

SURPRISE — Miguel, played by Gabriel Iglesias, and neighbor Malcolm, played by Marlon Wayans, try to purify Malcolm’s house by sacrificing a rooster which turns out to be more of a challenge than expected in “A Haunted House 2.”

Horror parody sequel falls flat AMANDA RODARTE Staff Writer Horror comedy “A Haunted House 2,” brings more frowns than laughs for its offensive humor and poorly written script.

“A Haunted House 2” is the follow-up to last year’s “A Haunted House.” After cheating death and escaping his demonic nightmare, his possessed ex-girlfriend, Malcolm, played by Marlon Wayans, is eager to start a new life.

He starts over with new girlfriend Megan, played by Jaime Pressly, and her two children.

Malcolm is having trouble with adjusting to his new life. Megan’s children are not very fond of him, thus making it impossible for him to feel comfortable.

The children are not his biggest problem.

M a l c o l m ’s p a s t h a u n t i n g s return, starting with a disturbing

relationship he develops with a possessed, eerie looking doll named Abigail.

The demons are taking over his life as well as with his new family.

Writers Wayans and Rick Alvarez attempt to make the movie as funny as the first, but fail miserably. Their direction towards dark humor was a flunk, and was more offensive than funny.

The movie consists of racist humor between Malcolm and his neighbor Miguel, played by Gabriel Iglesias.

Every conversation between Malcolm and Miguel consisted of stereotypical remarks about Mexican and African Americans.

The two characters meet while Miguel is mowing his lawn.

Malcolm asks him if he can put Malcolm’s home on his route.

Miguel pretends to be offended with Malcolm’s racial comment but gives in and agrees with him, thinking it as a joke.

The movie also acts out police brutality towards minority groups, when Malcolm is arrested for the accusation of domestic disturbance.

The intention of making police brutality entertaining was more upsetting than humorous.

Aside from being racially immoral, their attempt at sexual humor was pervasively disturbing.

Malcolm’s relationship with the doll Abigail was frightening.

In the movie there is a long scene in where the doll and Malcolm engage in graphic and indecent relations.

People who are uncomfortable with sexual humor will surely find this scene repulsive.

There are many references to pop culture that fail to hit the mark.

Annoying jokes were made about the entire Kardashian family. Each and every single member of the clan was mentioned; even the family’s new edition Kanye West could not escape the mockery.

The writers also made an attempt to entertain the audience with a tasteless joke about the domestic abuse Chris Brown committed towards ex-girlfriend Rihanna.

There is nothing funny about domestic abuse.

The intention Wayans and Alvarez had for this movie discredits their abilities in screenwriting.

For a funny movie, you’d expect to laugh a few times, rather than having a straight face throughout the entire movie.

The scenes were sloppy and the amount of inappropriate sexual references was overwhelming, along with indecent exposure throughout the film.

“A Haunted House 2” was released last Friday and runs for 87 minutes.

It’s rated R for crude and sexual content, nudity, pervasive language, drug use and some violent images.

Visit elaccampusnews.com for video interviews with the stars of “A Haunted House 2.”

‘Stereolithic’ provides solid sound RUSSELL ZAZUETA Staff Writer Reggae hard rockers 311 blast into spring with their 11th album release “Stereolithic,” and it evokes happiness in music heads and blows away cloudy days.

The band released their album during their biennial “311 Day” festival. They treated fans to new songs, including their new single “Five of Everything.”

Each of the 15 tracks are jampacked with gripping hooks and electrifying choruses.

“Ebb and Flow” opens with a catchy melody packed with headbobbing energy.

It feels like something out of their 1999 album “Soundsystem.”

Lead singer and guitarist of the band Nick Hexum combines his colorful vocals with rap-rocker Doug “SA” Martinez’s rap lines in efforts to energize “Five of Everything.”

It is a music soup of hard rock, alternative and rap.

“Showdown” is a fast-paced, ending on the drones of a tune fork, while “Revelation of the Year” cruises through slowly with swaying reggae grooves and a blues attitude.

The tones and vocals produced in “Sand Dollars” are refreshing and make it worth keeping on repeat.

The curiosity to listen lingers on.

All the songs are seamless from one to the next, avoiding the disaster of a non-sequitur track sequence.

The lyrics on this album appear to focus more on Hexum’s personal life — lamenting heartbreaks and blind faith — which many people can relate to.

Jazz fusion makes its way into “Make it Rough.” It is one of those songs expected to find at a crumby, busy bar smelling of marijuana, filled with people of

CN/ALEJANDRA CARRILLO

SELECTIONS—A sesame seed bagel with tomato, cream cheese and onion and a turkey sandwich with cheese and sundried tomato from Holy Grounds Coffee and Tea.

Local cafe leaves lukewarm results ALEJANDRA CARRILLO Staff Writer

one consciousness.

“The Great Divide” is another rap rock tune for those interested in hearing “SA” take over the mic.

“Friday Afternoon” is a breath of fresh air. A soothing bass captures the essence of a dream world supported by Hexum’s ethereal vocals.

The dream is suddenly chased away near the end when guitars cut through for a metal episode.

Psychedelic guitars run free over Aaron “P-Nut” Wills’ funk bass on “Simple True,” an explosive tune with unforgettable grooves.

The grooves rage louder with drummer Chad Sexton, rounding the meat and potatoes of the band since 1988.

While listening to the album, pick up the artwork and gaze at the surreal images to enhance the experience.

There are plenty of bizarre manifestations spread all over the album cover alone —eclipsed suns by a universe planet, and dusky blue, cloudy skies over a moon.

Although their new album lacks the charisma of breakthrough albums “311” and “Transistor,” —

albums that blared during college kegger parties in the mid ‘90s — Stereolithic is without a doubt unique and worth the listen.

It still contains plenty of their signature guitar-choppy choruses, funky-chunk bass lines and dreamlike vocal melodies to please any fan.

It invites new listeners to journey into a new brand of experimental music never done by 311.

The album was released by their label 311 Records and is the band’s first independent release since the 1991 album “Unity.”

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Just a five-minute drive from East Los Angeles College, Holy Grounds Coffee and Tea will give customers an old school, traditional experience.

This cafe has a calm, relaxing environment created by the soothing sound of a fountain located on the outside patio.

The indoor walls are decorated with paintings and Day of the Dead paraphernalia.

While the space itself is a sight to see, the blends they offer are even more satisfying. The cafe offers a variety of drinks such as cafe de olla, espressos, ice blends, teas, cappuccinos and smoothies.

The orange julius, which is like a smoothie, has a nice kick and zesty taste. The added whipped cream enhanced the flavor of the orange without making it too sweet.

The cafe has gluten-free/diabetic friendly pastries such as cookies made by Brown Box Bakery, guava

cheesecake from Aguila Bakery and coffee cake by the Homeboy Café.

Holy Grounds makes its own sandwiches, salads, wraps and bagels.

The food on the menu is subject to change without notice in order to rotate items.

The weekend special, a sesame seed bagel with tomato, cream cheese and onion; is like any other bagel you can make at home. The same can be said about the turkey sandwich with cheese and sun-dried tomato. The prices for food range from $2 to $6.99.

The environment and the great taste of the iced coffee would have led one to believe that their food would be more appetizing.

Other than the bland food, the cafe has great and friendly customer service, but could use more baristas behind the counter to speed up the line.

Holy Grounds Coffee and Tea is located 5371 Alhambra Avenue, Los Angeles. It’s open Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Sports

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Softball standout aims for USA Olympic dream Damien Guzman and Carlos alvarez Staff Writers East Los Angeles College starting pitcher Alashanee Medina is true to her Native American heritage as Alashanee means “she plays all the time,” fitting perfect with Medina’s constant work on the mound.

“I knew early that she would be doing great things on and off the field,” Medina’s mother Ishna Medina said.

Alashanee Medina was active in multiple sports but when she began playing softball at the age of nine she became passionate about the sport.

With the help of both her parents Ishna and Jesse Medina, Alashanee Medina’s goal was to compete at the highest level in softball. Alashanee Medina has dedicated five days of the week, aside from mandatory practice to improve her play.

Her practice routine consisted of tossing a weighted ball, working on her long toss, and dissecting every pitch until it was perfected.

“I remember coming home from work late. I was tired, but she would drag me out to go practice because she wanted to be perfect,” Jesse Medina said.

Alashanee Medina did not care where she would practice. She would find an area with lights to work on her skills or using her own living room to work on minor techniques.

Her parents were a big influence, but she always dreams of one day being a member of the USA Olympic softball team while watching them compete on TV. Growing up in Rosemead where playing softball was not pursued by many girls, her motivation became to represent her city and be one of the few girls in the area to compete in softball.

Alashanee Medina said that becoming a role model for younger softball players is very important for her. She wants other girls in the area to aim to be the best.

“My daughter is all about perfection. She keeps working on one pitch until she gets it right, then move on to the next. She’s all about hard work,” Jesse Medina said.

Alashanee Medina continued her softball career at Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra, progressing each year with her pitching.

While her pitching was improving, she struggled to maintain her grades while working out on a constant basis.

Alashanee Medina used the struggle to become eligible to play softball every year as motivation, but as a hard-working studentathlete, she used the challenge as motivation to succeed and reach her goal of becoming a great softball pitcher.

While her play at ELAC is coming to an end, Alashanee hopes to continue her education while continuing to play softball for a Division I school. At the time she is undecided, but the Univeristy of Hawaii and the Univeristy of Arizona are showing interest in her play. Damien guzman and carlos alvarez “Her passion for softball is pretty tremendous. She is trying and Staff Writers working hard to get to the next level,” ELAC teammate Larae Gonzales said, calling her a “good leader.”

Alashanee Medina wants to begin a nursing career and has great interest in becoming a neonatal nurse to help out new born babies in need. “I hope to grow a passion for that field as I did with softball,” Alashanee Medina said.

She believes in hard work, but most of all in teamwork as a driving force behind all her success.

“I feel that without my teammates none of my success would be possible,” Alashanee Medina said.

Alashanee Medina has been dominant in the mound, while her team has provided great defensive help all season, earning them the current number-one spot in the South Coast Conference, 28-9 overall and 17-3 in SCC. Alashanee Medina has been locked in a race for the most strikeouts in state. She has 316 strikeouts, the second most in state in California community colleges, averaging 10 strikeouts per game. With the season coming to an end she has a chance to reach the number one spot in strikeouts.

Her 1.32 E.R.A (earned run average) is sixth in the state, while pitching fourteen shutouts this season, placing her number one in the state in that category. Alashanee Medina has earned 24 victories in her 30 starts trailing number one pitcher Megan McColpin of Shasta College by two victories.

“I feel that I’m not even close to being done with softball. I feel that with my parents and sister Jessie’s support I can accomplish anything,” Alashanee said.

CN/Liliana marquez

ELAC swimmer leads team to state finals Tadzio Garcia Staff Writer

For the first time in more than 14 years the women’s swim team qualified for the California Community College Athletic Association Swim and Dive State Championships.

“I am happpy to get two people in finals. It will be nice for them to swim in front of a home crowd in the pool they train in every week,” ELAC Swim and Dive Head Coach Erik Matheson said.

Alice Fei Zhang and Wenning Shen each qualified for the state finals in three events. The finals will be held in the Swim Stadium, May 1-3.

ELAC took seventh place at the South Coast Conference tournament finals on April 17-19 at Mt. San Antonio College.

Mt.SAC once again won as the tournament champions and also the dual meet title with an 8-0 record for the second consecutive year.

ELAC tied for sixth place with Long Beach City College in dual meet head-to-head competition.

ELAC entered the SCC tournament finals without its No. 2 swimmer, Shen, due to health reasons. Shen was nothing lower than a No. 5 seed in her events.

Shen, entering the SCC tournament, was the No. 1 seed in the 100-yard backstroke, No. 3 in the 50 back and No. 4 in the 100 breaststroke.

Zhang is a two-time SCC champion after winning the 50-yard butterfly and the 50 breaststroke with personal records in each event at Mt. SAC. She broke the 14-year SCC record in the butterfly event.

Zhang accomplished her first place wins after placing second and third in the prelims.

“I just needed to qualify for the finals, not be as fast as I can in qualifying (rounds),” Zhang said.

“In the finals I felt no pressure because I’ve been training since the summer with the ELAC water

ChampionS: Badminton undefeated on route to SCC championship Continued from page 1

CN/TADZIO GARCIA

BUTTERFLY TAKE FLIGHT—Alice Fei Zhang wins second place in the 100-meter butterfly at the South Coast Conference tournament finals April 19 at Mt. San Antonio College. polo team. That team experience built my endurance.” she said Zhang also won second place in the 100-yard fly winning her third SCC medal.

As a result, she qualified for the state finals in all three events.

State qualifying times, the top 16 statewide times in each event, were determined from the results of the statewide conference tournament finals held last weekend.

Coaches may submit times for athletes who didn’t race in events last weekend.

Zhang qualified in two other events. Matheson will submit her times and Zhang will instead compete in the 50 and 100 breaststroke events as well as the 100 individual medley.

“I will submit Wennings (qualified) times and wait to see if she is able to compete at state,” Matheson said.

Shen qualified for the state finals in the 100 individual medley, as well as the 50 and 100 backstroke events.

Every member of the swim team swam personal records in the tournament finals.

“They (ELAC) dropped a lot of times this season on one end of

the spectrum. On the other end, the more experienced ones, Alice, Vero (Orantes), Irene (Young) and Wenning, made big points,” Matheson said.

All of the Huskies relays teams advanced to championship races at Mt. SAC. The ELAC 400-yard relay team of Veronica Orantes, Jokabeth Vicente, Irene Young and Zhang, placed seventh out of eight teams in this final race of the tournament.

They celebrated loudly after taking seventh.

Young also won three medals after advancing to three championship finals. She finished in fifth place in the 100 back, sixth in the 50 back and seventh in the 100 individual medley.

Like Zhang, Young also competed in four of ELAC’s five relay events.

Orantes won a seventh place medal in the 1650-yard freestyle with a lifetime best, 48.65 seconds faster than previously.

Orantes advanced to two consolation finals taking 12th place in the 200-yard freestyle, swimming a personal record, and 13th in the 500-yard freestyle. www.ELACCampusNews.com

Orantes finished with four other personal records –100 individual medley, the 100 free, the 50 back, and the 50 breaststroke.

“I’m so proud that all of us dropped times in the (tournament) finals,” Orantes said.

Daisy Gomez won fifth place in the women’s 1-meter dive in her first year of diving.

“My goal next year is to qualify for state. I will also compete in the 3-meter diving event to help our team score more points,” Gomez said.

Vicente swam in two consolation finals, placing No. 10 in the 100 back and No. 16 in the 50 back.

Both of her times were personal records.

Carmen Portillo advanced to the consolation finals in the 50 fly placing 15th. She ended her first season with the Huskies with a personal records in the 100 individual medley and the 50 back.

Monique Ortega took 14th place in the 50 fly consolation finals with her fastest time of the year in that event.

“We finished with good results after working so hard all year,” Ortega said.

According to Nguy, the team practices Saturdays every week on their own. Nguy credits most of their success to the unity and team leadership Tai has created.

“It all goes back to the team’s unity. At practice we’ll do footdrills and then play against each other to spot those crucial mistakes, and erase them” Nguy said.

Tai communicates effectively with her teammates that has allowed Nguy to get his message across to the rest of the team.

“Tai has done an excellent

job of staying on top of her teammates, making sure that they’re on time and that kind of stuff. But sometimes I notice that it is harder for some of the girls to come and talk to me,” Nguy said.

“So it is easier to get my message across through Tai. She continues to grow as both a badminton player and team leader,” she said.

“In all my years watching badminton, this is by far one of the best teams we have had. What makes them so good this year, is that they actually like playing with each other, ” ELAC Athletic Trainer Diane Stankevitz said.

South Coast Conference Badminton Titles (2008 - present) 2014 - East Los Angeles College 2013 - East Los Angeles College/Pasadena City College (tie) 2012 - Pasadena City College 2011 - Pasadena City College 2010 - Pasadena City College 2009 - Pasadena City College 2008 - East Los Angeles College

Photo Courtesy of Deedee Jackson

PICTURE PERFECT—ELAC’s badminton on the brink of an undefeated season, are the South Coast Conference champions after sweeping matches vs.

El Camino College and El Camino College Compton