Collegian Los Angeles
Wednesday, October 31, 2018 Volume 181 Number 4 Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Volume 180 Number 1
SEE INSIDE: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS - HALLOWEEN
The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
BABY TRUMP
NEWS BRIEFS
Financial Aid Delays Stretch into Midterm
COMPILED BY JORDAN RODRIGUEZ
Fall Classic Hiring Spree Returns to Campus More than 1,000 employers are expected in the Quad tomorrow for one of the largest job fairs in East Hollywood. This is the sixth time the annual event will come to L.A. City College. The event is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Job openings include the entertainment, education, retail, government, security, transportation and other sectors. More information is available for job seekers at hiringspree. org.
Many students at Los Angeles City College are experiencing delays in receiving financial aid needed to pay for books and other supplies, but the Financial Aid Office claims their office is not solely to blame.
State Publishes Polling Locations Online
BY MATTHEW JAMES
With the midterms coming up on Nov. 6, voters can organize ther schedule on election day if they locate their polling place ahead of time. Voters can find their location and other important information such as what’s on the current ballot for the upcoming election at https://www.sos.ca.gov/ elections/polling-place/?pollinglocation
Grilled Cheese Cookoff to Benefit Dietetics
PHOTO BY RUSSELL VICENTE
The famous Baby Trump hot air balloon makes an appearance at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Oct. 21, 2018. Organaziner invited attendees to meet the polical heavyweight. SEE “BABY TRUMP” PAGE 6
PROPOSITIONS
Attention students: Get ready for the “Around the World Grilled Cheese Cook-off ” in the LACC Food Lab in Room 202 of the Administration Building . Students can be the judge of world-class grilled cheese for a good cause to help support the Diatetics Department and the D’Munch Club. Tickets are $3 are available in AD 200 in the dietetics department.
Financial Aid Applicants Receive Help Workshops are available for students who need help with their financial aid application for the 2019-2020 school year. There are workshops on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and from 1 to 3 p.m., and 5 to 6:30 p.m., and Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., during the fall 2018 semester. The Welcome Center on the first floor of the Student Services Building is the location for the workshops.
Winter Registration Now Open to All Students Registration for the winter session is available online. The session begins Jan. 2 and ends on Feb. 3, 2019. A review of the open courses shows a few students have already registered for winter classes. “Life-Span Psychology,” “Calculus I,” “Biological Psychology,” “Government of the U.S.” and “Public Speaking,” all show early interest from students with some sections nearly one-third full in October.
INDEX photo focus
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campus life
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Opinion & Editorial
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news
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A&E
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Sports
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VOTERS TO SPEAK ON RENT CONTROL, GAS TAX, ANIMAL WELFARE COMPILED BY JORDAN RODRIGUEZ Voters will decide on 11 propositions in California in the 2018 midterm elections. The condensed descriptions of some of the most contested propositions are below. Voters can find more information on all of the ballot measures at ballotpedia at ballotpedia.org, or the League of Women Voters at www.lwv.org. Proposition 1 The Issue: If passed, it would authorize $4 billion in general obligation bonds to existing affordable housing programs for low-income residents, veterans and farm workers, at a cost of an additional $170 million to be repaid over the next 35 years. Proposition 6 The issue: If passed, this measure would repeal the gas tax and car registration fees enacted in 2017. If left in place, the tax is expected to generate an estimated $54 billion for road
repair and transportation improvement for the period 2017 to 2027. Proposition 7 The Issue: If passed, it would allow California to make Daylight Saving Time last all year rather than having to change every November. Two-thirds of the legislature would have to vote yes for this to pass. Proposition 10 The Issue: If passed, places rent control under the power of cities, not the state of California. The measure would expand rent control to include single family homes, condominiums and mobile homes. Proposition 12 The Issue: If passed, it will establish minimum space requirements for confining chickens, cows and pigs. It would also ban the sale of meat and egg products of those who do not comply.
Lack of OSS Counselors Means Problems, Delays for Students Delays to Educational Plans, financial aid and accommodation letters are just some of the issues students encounter when they have to wait two months to meet with a counselor.
BY CHRISTOPHER ARGUETA
A single counselor available to students who visit the Office of Special Services (OSS) means a two-month wait for an appointment or to get the help that they need. Students are upset. For the past nine years, Dr. Robert Dominick has been an OSS counselor. He says working with students who require special support is rewarding. “The best part of my day is all of these people coming in to see me,” Dr. Dominick said. “Students with disabilities, they feel comfortable coming here ... they feel comfortable with me, we have a relationship.” SEE “LACK OF OSS” PAGE 6
Staff members in the L.A. City College Financial Aid Office worked with students during a series of workshops offered last week on the first floor of the Student Services Building. The goal of the staff was to help students get ahead of the financial aid process. Financial aid is an issue for some students this fall, and many say that this is the first time they have experienced anything like this. “Everyone I know has some issue [with financial aid],” said business administration major Peter Kim, who is still waiting to receive financial aid. As to why the problem exists in the first place, Kim says that the Financial Aid Office is to blame, “people who work here are unable to work efficiently.” Criminology major Julio Roldan said he has been waiting for financial aid for a month. Roldan attributes the delays to the sheer number of students that the financial aid office has to process. “There are thousands of students, you know. Maybe there aren’t enough people in the office,” Roldan said. Financial Aid Office supervisor and a student at LACC, Pau Jansa, provided a couple of explanations as to why these delays are occurring. “We do assume part of the [responsibility]. We switched from a different system, from a very old system, and this caused a few problems that we weren’t anticipating,” Jansa said. The system in question, PeopleSoft, was sued by Cleveland State University in 2004 for, among other things, causing problems with processing financial aid. “PeopleSoft had to customize this system for us. When you customize things, it tends to crash with unexpected consequences,” Jansa said. He went on to say that there have been many issues with the system in the past year, leading to some delays. Jansa also says that some of the delays are caused by students themselves. “Students take a long time to do their part.” Hundreds of students delaying in doing their part can cause them to wait until the semester starts to finish the application process. The paperwork alone can take six to eight weeks to be processed, so those students don’t get financial aid until they are well into the semester. The current problem with financial aid is having severely negative effects on students, with no immediate solution in sight. Halfway into the semester, students are still left hanging and have to pay for school expenses out of pocket. LACC continues to rely heavily on a system that has failed colleges in the past, the same way it is failing students now. Some people in the Financial Aid Office are claiming that students waiting until the last minute to apply is partly to blame, but students who were proactive with their application are still running into problems. “I applied for financial aid last October” said music major Tracey Turner, who is still waiting. Considering the window for financial aid applications opened in October, it would have been impossible for him to apply any sooner.
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PHOTO FOCUS
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 31, 2018
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PHOTOS BY ALEX CORZO
California Love: A quick tour around Southern Cali
BEAUTY
Oct. 1. 2018, Mon. Woodland Hills, Calif. Ahmanson Ranch in West Hills Trail at sunset
IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Oct. 10, 2018 Wed. Mt. Wilson, Calif. Angeles National Forest Oct. 17,2018 Wed. Malibu, Zuma Beach Calif. Sep. 10,2018 Mon. The corner of Hope Street and 7th Street Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. Sep. 10,2018 Mon. The corner of 6th street and Spring Street, Downtown Los Angeles, Calif.
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Los Angeles City College student photographer Alex Corzo traveled near and far to capture images of tall buildings, dirty street corners, twisted trees on trails and surfing on the waves of Malibu. He brings snapshots of Southern California into focus. “I like to go places to find the best locations to shoot,” said Corzo who was born in Bogota, Columbia. He has also trekked to Florida, New York and Nevada in search of the perfect picture. His goal: the most interesting photos for his portfolio. Corzo is currently enrolled at Los Angeles City College in the Visual and Media Arts Department’s photography courses. He is also attending Mission College for video production. TEXT COMPILED BY TANYA FLOWERS
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CAmPUs LiFE
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 31, 2018
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Photos by Jason PisKoPus/Collegian
“The Graveyard of Great Minds 2018” set up in the Quad on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Passersby can read bios and interesting facts about famous intellectuals. The tombstones are part of the Halloween festivities.
Californians Do October Holidays Right By Diana CamPBeLL
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fter Californians hang up the beach togs, people across the state are ready for the fall excitement and fun associated with Halloween. Cos-play and entertainment can serve to take minds off of natural disasters, student loan debt, and finals that loom in the distance. Nothing offers more diversion than inhabiting another identity. Add a dose of refreshments to enhance the day or night and regress to being a kid again. It is just like dressing up in a costume to go trick or treating. Los Angeles City College student Chris Bounder, a music and art major transfer to LACC from the Bay area can’t decide between his favorite ‘70s movie characters. “It’s a tough decision whether to dress up as Edward Scissor-
hands or Beettlejuice.” Bounds said, “even though I’m an artist I don’t know if I could re-create the hands … they look complicated.” This morphs into a different kind of fun for adults minus the tricks. And wearing a costume is still cool. Adults secretly mourn the new,
Anatomy of Fear: The homes of big theme parks like Knotts Scary Farm, Universal City and “The Queen Scary Show” include haunted houses, witches, goblins and skulls, along with loud moans and groans. There are bloody re-enactments of actual murders, which can be morbid
sourCe: thebalanCe.CoM
safer way parents take their kids to an over-lit, crowded mall and joyously collect wrapped, poison-free candy.
fun and somewhat gory stuff. “If scary stuff makes you laugh, both your body and mind are the cause,” wrote freelance journalist
Cathy Cassata of Healthline News. The human body releases different chemicals that can contribute to feeling good under the right circumstances according to Margee Kerr, Ph.D and author of “Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear.” Kerr says the positive feelings are caused by different neurotransmitters and hormones released when the body feels fear. These are all triggered by the body’s sympathetic nervous system. “Our body is a refined, welloiled machine getting ready to fight or flee. So, if we’re in a situation where we know we’re safe like a haunted house, scary movie, or roller coaster, think of it as hijacking the flight response and enjoying it,” Kerr said. “This is similar to a high arousal state, not sexual, but like when we’re happy, laughing, excited, or surprised. Those chemical signatures look similar to when we’re
scared; it’s just a different context.” Choice haunted houses offer fake fog machines, skeletons, shrieking, moaning and bloody zombies for Halloween in Los Angeles. The Queen Mary in Long Beach features the “Queen Scary Show,” offers an experience participants will not forget. The “Ship of Ghouls” boasts a ghost-filled adventure that features a re-enactment of actual multiple murders committed by “Samuel the Savage” who did the deed on Deck 3, in Stateroom 347-B, back in the ‘40s. Visitors to the same room will find Los Angeles City College alumni Jean-Pierre Giagnoli, covered with blood, holding a fake gun and tripping over bodies. He’s moonlighting in the “Queen Scary Show.” His “day job” is much less menacing, as rapper/
DJ.Pierre. Americans spent an estimated $9.1 billion in 2017 on Halloween costumes. It’s not child’s play. That averages $86.13 per person, a record, according to Halloween statistics reported by thebalance. com. Halloween also means big business, offering up costumes, pumpkins, decorations, confectionary goodies, credit card remorse and hangover cures! Bobbing for apples, and carving pumpkin parties have morphed into the ultimate “selfie trip.” Three college friends gather around a table on campus. Only LACC student Keline admits she will be dressed up for Oct. 31, 2018. “I’ll be wearing my Kara outfit from the “Star Trek” Aurora story. Aurora is a character from the fully CG-animated series based on the original “Star Trek.” “I wear it to ComicCon too,” Keline said.
RememBeR me … By Diana CamPBeLL Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) celebrations have a special place in the heart of actress Dyana Ortelli, best known for her iconic roles in “La Bamba” and “American Me.” She is one of the cast members of the Oscar-winning movie “COCO,” that told the story about the cultural tradition of Dia de Los Muertos. The Collegian spoke with Ortelli about acting, identity and Dreamers. Ortelli admitted that years ago, in order to get employment in films, she changed her Hispanic name to one that implied she was Italian. “I wouldn’t have to do that now,” she says, noting that the industry has changed. “Wow! What an exciting ride it’s been playing ‘Tia Victoria’ in Disney-PIXAR’s worldwide success, “COCO,” a respectful, authentic homage to the Mexican tradition of Dia de Los Muertos.” Ortelli says the “beautiful celebrations” of Dia de los Muertos also give pause to reflect on the beauty of the culture and on how much Latinos have contributed to the fabric of this country. She says she also thinks about the children and their future, and
Dyana Ortelli of Pixar Animation "Coco" Fame, all decked out for Dia de los Muertos. the traditions she holds dear. “I can’t help but think about their future, their dreams for that future,” Ortelli told the Collegian. “I also can’t help but think about our DREAMERS, whose future continues to be uncertain under DACA, and how we must contin-
ue to do everything in our power to give them the opportunities to make those dreams come true.” The actress says she plans a visit to the new Dreamers Center at L.A. City College. She says if they ever need her help, they should call her.
National Props Photo by riChard Martinez/Collegian
Anwar Torres accepts a Honorable Mention Finalist Award in the “Best Sports Photo” category at the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) National Conference on Oct. 28, 2018 in Louisville, KY. Students also picked up a finalist award for “Best Two-Year College Newspaper” during the ceremony.
HAVE AN OPINION? A STORY IDEA? email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com
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OPINION & EDITORIAL
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 31, 2018
EDITORIAL
SILENCE IS THE KEY TO OPPRESSION Just in case there was some confusion or a lack of clarity, there should be absolutely no confusion now. A synagogue shooting, the murder of two black individuals after the killer attempted entry into a black church, the sending of bombs to key members of the political opposition and to the news media are exactly what is meant by the phrase “Make America Great Again.” Returning America to a time where groups considered to be minority were terrorized into submission is the good
ole days of when America was great. The attempt to silence – permanently – critics of the current administration harkens back to images of Stalin and Mussolini standing in front of adoring crowds. Those were the good ole days in Europe as well. There is no need to seek evidence to link the perpetrators of these deeds with President Trump. His rhetoric is documented as having an effect on his supporters by emboldening them to commit such violent acts. The President’s continued refusal to
condemn these acts of vile and utter terrorism against those he has publicly maligned, ridiculed and — in cases such as the news media — labeled as his enemy are also a form of proof. This America is the America that was chosen in November 2016. The Electoral College stated as such. No efforts at censure or impeachment appear to be forthcoming from any quarter. This America is the America that the Republican Party is comfortable with. They have consistently turned a blind eye to President Trump’s actions, at
RENT REALLY IS TOO HIGH YES ON 10
BY JOHN JOHNS Halloween got started early this year with the most frightening political campaign coming out of your television and mailbox in a long time. It’s the $60 million anti-rent control No on 10 campaign designed to sucker renters into voting against their economic interests. Everyone knows that rents in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area are skyrocketing. Rent is out of control because since 2009, Wall Street through REITs (real estate investment trusts) have become THE player in controlling rental property. With gentrification on steroids, long term working class renters are being thrown out on the street daily and replaced by hipsters who want to experience a real live ethnic neighborhood before moving out to Encino after they start mating for life. Here in L.A., rent for a two-bedroom apartment starts at $1,700 a month; that’s if you’re lucky. With one in five children
in L.A. County living in poverty, while more than 300,000 families struggle to get by on less than $25,000 a year, and rent rising well beyond the means of working and elderly people, it’s time to give cities the power to enact Rent Control. It’s time for Yes on Proposition 10. Funded by Wall Street and Trump crony Geoffrey Palmer, who Politico described as Trump’s “Los Angeles money man,” the opponents of Proposition 10 in their fear mongering promote the lie that the average house will decline in value by $60,000. How, may we ask, when there is more demand for housing than supply? Or, the baloney that Proposition 10 hurts the nice kindly landlord who, because she is a little old lady, depends upon rent to keep the wolf at bay while baking cookies for her deadbeat renters. Piffle. The number of such landlords could fit in a taxi. This is a play out of an old playbook concocted by the same people who brought you Proposition 13. In the Proposition 13 campaign, ads depicted widows being tossed out of their homes because they couldn’t pay their property taxes. Voters bought into that lie hook, line and sinker and wrecked the California’s
world-class infrastructure. The real beneficiary of Proposition 13 was Howard Jarvis, a multi-millionaire apartment complex owner who saved millions in property taxes when the proposition he wrote passed. Good luck getting your deposit back. A huge amount of money is at stake if Prop 10 passes - yours and theirs. That explains why a campaign sounding quite reasonable called Californians for Responsible Housing has raised $40 million as of October 12. CRH is largely being funded by REITs, many of whom are from out-of-state such as Blackstone ($4.9m), Essex Property Trust ($4.8m), Equity Residential ($3.7m), AvalonBay Communities ($3m), Invitation Homes ($1.2 million), and others. $2 million came from Geoffrey Palmer, Trump’s buddy, who is doing his best to Make America Great Again. And there are two other No on 10 committees which have raised an additional $20 million to the barrage. But, lest we could tell, no widows have ponied up nor have they organized a bake sale. Vote Yes on Prop 10 if you don’t want to commute from Blythe. Or want to beg some graduate of TRUMP University to keep from throwing you or granny out on the street.
Improve Children’s Healthcare Now:
Yes, on Proposition 4 BY SOPHIA KUEBER As midterm elections approach, we must not forget about the children. Proposition 4 would authorize $1.5 billion in bonds to fund expansion, renovation and equipment for qualifying children’s’ hospitals in the state of California. I am all for Prop 4! I mean who wouldn’t be? What’s the harm in advancing children’s healthcare? Approving this measure would give hospitals
better and more efficient ways to help children with cancer, those who need organ transplants and more. It would help families tremendously to know there is somewhere to go where they would be taken care of and to know they would receive the best care for their children. I should also mention these are non-profit hospitals, and healthcare would be provided no matter how much a family could afford to pay. But there is always a cost. And that, my friends, is called interest. If this proposition were approved, the $1.5 billion dollars in bonds it would grant to hospitals would need to be repaid at some point with interest. Those who vote no on this proposition probably already
understand that this is not the first time the state of California has voted on children’s hospital bonds. This year’s ballot measure marks the third one that features a potential bond agreement related to children’s hospitals; in 2004 it was a $750 million bond measure, and then in 2008 it was a $980 million bond measurement. This is a legitimate reason to oppose the bond measure. As Californians, we usually lean more toward voting yes on bonds and in this case, its healthcare for children. In the past, 80 percent of voters voted yes on Children’s healthcare. Yes, there is always a cost, but at least it would be going toward something good. I know what I will be voting for on Nov. 6; do you?
Who Wouldn’t Want to Pay Less for Gas? BY DAWSON FICUS I don’t want to pay less for gas and here’s why. It’s an attractive pitch, but what they’re not telling you is that Proposition 6 does not contain one single provision guaranteeing our gas prices will go down. Also, even if they do, Proposition 6 will cost Californians more in the long run. The Give Voters A Voice group’s main argument – the sponsor’s of the proposition – is that they want the gas prices lower. If you look at their introduction
in the “Official Voter Information Guide,” they don’t skip a beat, “Vote YES on Proposition 6 to immediately lower the price you pay for gasoline.” Proposition 6 repeals transportation taxes and fees levied in 2017, which raised the price of gas. The ballot measure requires certain fuel taxes and vehicle fees be approved by voters. As it stands, the legislature can pass a new tax or an increase on existing taxes without voter approval. Senate Bill 1 was enacted by the Legislature in 2017 increasing the base gasoline excise tax by 12 cents
home and abroad, because they are getting the policies they want enacted. Their quest for power should be called what it is: shameless. Perhaps this America is the America that we all deserve. The years of drinking red, white and blue colored KoolAid – also known as American Exceptionalism – have finally caught up. Certainly, the midterm elections next month are one way to find out if this is true or not. But that is next month, and bombs are being mailed today. Voting is one way, but voting takes
per gallon and created the transportation improvement fee which ranges from $25-125. Yes, Proposition 6 will most likely lower the price of gas; however, we need safe roads. The Cliff Notes version of this proposition is vote yes if you want to save money on gas, but spend those savings and more on car repairs. The average driver spends $739 annually on their vehicle for maintenance. That figure will only go up if this measure passes because funding for road maintenance
time and planning. Something more is needed. Difficult conversations, which also take time and planning are needed as well because a change of hearts and minds is needed. The changing of hearts and minds can begin with each individual right now, not next month in a voting booth. Each individual should resolve to reject the gross ugliness that is currently touted as U.S. political leadership. We, the people, must lead and set the example, for the more perfect union that we seek.
will be cut, making for worse road conditions and more unexpected vehicle repairs. This fiscal year, the state expects these taxes to raise $4.4 billion. In two years, when all the taxes are in effect with adjustment for inflation, they expect that figure to rise to $5.1 billion. This money is used to fund critical transportation projects and maintain the safety of roads, bridges and infrastructure. Vote no if you want to invest in our future and have safe roads at the low cost of an additional 12 cents per gallon and an annual $25 -125 fee. I say vote No on Proposition 6. No matter your opinion though, it is important to make your voice heard because it really does matter. VOTE!
Charity Begins … to Get to Me BY DIANA CAMPBELL I often see the words, “Select a Non-Profit” on my Facebook wall. I did, and I selected “me” this month. No profits coming into my household. Charity begins... to get to me! There are three little words you won’t hear me say this month: ‘I’ll chip in!’ I swear I’ve been bombarded for requests for more money gifts, pledges, and donations than you can shake a joy-stick at. It’s not that I don’t want to help fund a Kick-Starter sci-fi film short, music video, or contribute to a worthy cause, but to be perfectly honest, I can’t afford to. I cannot participate in any more endeavors, whether it be a political candidate or a favorite medical research drive. Speaking of drive, I need to put some funds toward my own charity case: my car. It’s been on life support lately, and I think it senses my desperation to get to class on time, and has therefore developed a death rattle that may be a major or a minor problem. The price of gas, oil, car insurance, smog test, registration and new license plates, means Top Ramen, Top Ramen and Top Ramen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So you would think I’d have learned my lesson with my excessive (for me) political contributions to Bernie Sanders. However, lately, I’m getting the itch, the urge
to back each and every Democrat again. Woe is me. This month I am going to be my own worthy cause. I need books for my journalism class that I have not purchased yet. I would dearly love to help out my favorite radio station, KPFK with their pledge drive this month, so we can keep our democracy safe. But democracy has survived President Trump so far, and next year they are on the top of my gift list. I’d also love to help fund PBS, and I feel guilty every time they ask me to do my share if I want to keep getting quality programming. I have tried in the past to help a little with disaster donations, but Lord, when will these disasters quit coming at us so often? I admit, the go-to Top Ramen excuse was an exaggeration. However, those heavy-duty evangelical pastors that assault the airwaves with loud, hysterical threats of hell and damnation for all the sinners, tell us we will rot in hell for our sins if we don’t help with donations to get their message, (they heard straight from the lord) out. Those fancy-frocked, fervent, frauds will rot in their own hell on earth before I’ll let them bully me out of a penny. Reverend Joel Osteen still stands out to me as the all-time worst hypo-Christian of them all. During the Texas floods, he only allowed members of his church to seek safety. Contribute if and when you can. It’s the part of living in this country I admire. We are a generous population for people in crisis, in our country or other countries. I never thought I’d use the phrase ‘charity begins at home,’ but sometimes it’s the honest truth.
Thinkers Should Vote Yes on Proposition 13 BY THOMAS GARDNER All rational-minded Californians who understand the importance of a healthy and stable social environment would be wise to vote yes on Proposition 13. The core issue here is the same old stubborn matter that continues to frustrate the civic sphere -- that is, the uneven distribution of wealth and the legislation that facilitates it. Indeed Proposition 13 represents policy that could bring us closer to sound financial and budgetary practices. Proposition 13 would guarantee all commercial and residential properties are regularly appraised and taxed at their full value. It is estimated that if passed, the measure would generate approximately $11 billion per year in property taxes—revenue that would be placed in community coffers primarily by California’s largest companies. Under current law, properties which have remained in the hands of a single owner since 1978 keep the value assessment which is pegged to the 1976 property market. Additionally, the annual tax increase on such properties is capped at two percent, so long as the property is not sold. While it is true that in theory this applies equally to all property owners in the state, in practice, only the high-earning individuals actually benefit. It is important to understand that the middle and working classes have much less durability and longevity in the economy. Therefore, they are less likely to hold on to their
property for the long-run. Also, it is well known that large companies and developers have the advantage, in that they have established a variety of methods to transfer property from one owner to another without it actually being sold. Through subterfuge, the value reassessment is not triggered. This is a loophole that California voters would be wise to close. Why? Because it unjustifiably favors big business, while trampling on the values of impartiality and decency. Those who oppose Proposition 13 generally argue that some people, especially senior citizens, are susceptible to being forced from their homes as a result of their inability to pay fast-rising local property taxes. However, by and large, those who would benefit from Proposition 13 are the hard working, middle and lower-income Californians—elderly included. In essence, Proposition 13 is a tax directed at the top of the economic pyramid, which is where the avoidance of property tax payment most often takes place. Collecting these monies, and then applying them to schools, affordable housing, homeless solutions and wildfires, is the correct and responsible thing to do. Lastly, let it be known that Proposition 13 should not be misconstrued as a punishment against the rich. The continued progress of a vibrant and thriving California is absolutely dependent upon the ethos that all citizens give what they can, when they can. This, precisely, is what Proposition 13 is all about. Vote yes on Proposition 13.
OPINION & EDITORIAL
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 31, 2018
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GOT AN OPINION? SHARE YOUR CITY VIEW. COMPILED BY Felicia Gaddis PHOTOS BY Felicia Gaddis
How would you describe your experiences with the financial aid application process?
BRIAN COS Cinema Major
LUISA REYES Cinema/Television Major
MAYA DANIELS Computer Science Major
“With financial aid, they would take way too long. Apparently, anything art related isn’t prioritized that much of late [according to] financial aid. They said because my major was cinema, that it wasn’t covered by financial aid. I had to go there multiple time sand I think after the end of the spring semester is when they finally gave me my financial aid.”
“I feel like the line itself is ridiculous. Yeah, it’s just like the wait time is a little ridiculous, but if you take some books with you, you should knock out like three chapters of your assignment. But honestly, it’s just the wait time that can be discouraging, especially if you have to like go somewhere after class or you have another class and you’re just trying to like get one question asked for them to tell you, ‘oh
‘The paperwork is a lot, but usually once you do the FAFSA, is all … just little things … it’s not too bad. I wish there was like more information about it coming in as a first year. I have parents that have gone to college, so they knew what I needed to do and told me, but like [those] who may not know people in college, [those] who may be first generation college-goers … so maybe some steps to like tell us what we need to do.”
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A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT
ART BY MYUNGBOG HAN
ART BY JUAN CARLOS DIEGO ANGULO
THE DISCONNECT IS REAL BY DAVE MARTIN Wireless communication: It’s been around since 1880. Then in World War I, the Allies worked out of Room 40 in Britain’s Admiralty Building and used it to communicate from ship to shore. Later during World War II, many of those who had worked on decoding German messag-
Los Angeles City College Visual & Media Arts Department Editor-in-Chief JASON PISKOPUS
es in the previous war began working out of Bletchley Park. Again, they were decoding German Enigma messages; only this time they were using a super computer called Ultra to do so. The difference between wireless use then and wireless use now is that we are becoming more and more dependent upon it. During wartime people did not depend upon wireless communication to run their phones, computers, headphones and other assorted electronics. As our electronic devices become more and more detached from plugs, cables and cords, it
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Sports Editor WILL PENNINGTON
seems as if we, humanity itself, are becoming more and more detached from each other. Why get on a bus or jump into your car to visit someone? We can do that now over a number of social media sites. All we have to do is connect to the Internet over our phones or computers and now TV, and we can chat with anyone all day long. We can just sit back and relax. And if you don’t feel like visually chatting with your friends, you can text them. I know someone who used to spend hours on her phone just texting her friends. The human contact that we once had with each other is, sadly to say, slowly becoming a thing of the past. We are moving in a direction where machines
are doing more and more, and we are doing less and less. You don’t even have to plug your IPhone into the wall anymore or even change the batteries in your mouse. All you have to do is buy a special recharging pad from Apple, then you lay your phone or mouse on top of it and it recharges automatically. It’s so convenient. Disconnected. We certainly are. The human touch is fast fading from view. Instead, it is being replaced with a cold, steel, emotionless handshake. Years ago, more than one episode of Rod Serling’s ‘The Twilight Zone’ warned us about the pitfalls of such a thing as ‘The Rise of the Machines.” Perhaps it’s time to revisit that, especially since I hear it’s available on Netflix.
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NEWS
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 31, 2018 “LACK OF OSS” FROM PAGE 1
POLICE WIRE Oct. 22, 2018, 1 p.m.: A burglary occurred on the 800 block of North Edgemont St. Oct. 23, 2018, 9:30 a.m.: A robbery occurred on the corner of Vermont Ave. and Willow Brook Ave.
COMPILED BY CHRIS ARGUETA
Oct. 24, 2018, 12:15 p.m.: A theft/ larceny occurred on the corner of Vermont Ave. and Willow Brook Ave.
Oct. 26, 2018, 4:20 p.m.: A male reportedly exposed himself in Holmes Hall on the second floor.
Oct. 25, 2018, 7 p.m.: A theft/ larceny occurred on the corner of Vermont Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd.
LAPD Crime Report Oct. 10, 2018, 4 a.m.: A petty theft occurred on the 4300 block of Melrose Ave. Oct. 14, 2018, 7:30 a.m.: A grand theft occurred on the 4100 block of Marathon. Oct. 19, 2018, 2:20 p.m.: An attempted robbery occurred on the corner of Vermont Ave. and Burns Ave.
PHOTO BY KAITLYN KIMBLE
Oct. 22, 2018, 5 a.m.: A robbery occurred on the 1100 block of New Hampshire Ave.
Oct. 25, 2018, 7:10 p.m.: A theft occurred near the American Career College on the 4000 block of Rosewood Ave. Oct. 25, 2018, 8 p.m.: An assault with a deadly weapon occurred on the 4100 block of Melrose Ave., near the corner of Vermont Ave. and Melrose Ave. Oct. 26, 2018, 2:40 p.m.: An assault occurred on the 900 block of Mariposa Ave. Oct. 27, 2018, 4:30 a.m.: A vehicle break-in occurred on the 4200 block of Burns Ave.
A single student sits in the waiting area of the Office of Special Services (OSS) in the Student Services Building on Oct. 24, 2018. OSS helps students with disabilities and addresses their academic needs.
OSS : ONLINE COUNSELING OPTION MAY DECREASE WAIT TIMES FOR STUDENTS However, for the last four and a half years, Dr. Dominick has been the only counselor at OSS. It has had a negative impact on the students. Pat Davenport has been an OSS student for three years and at LACC for five. She knows firsthand how stressful it can be to have only one counselor available. “It’s horrible. It’s terrible for him, and it’s terrible for us. Especially at the beginning of the semester when everybody is confused about what direction they need to go in,” Davenport said. “They have blind people waiting for hours to maybe see him. It’s not on the counselor, the counselor is amazing. He cannot handle the entire OSS alone.” In order to succeed in college, students use the guidance of counselors to help plan their future. Counselors help structure Educational Plans, known as Ed Plans, decide what classes students will take and even plan which universities students will transfer to. Unfortunately, students with disabilities on campus have limited access to that guidance. OSS aids students with disabilities and addresses their academic needs. These are students who may have physical limitations, learning disabilities or sensory impairments. “Students will work with OSS counselors and specialists,” according to one of the learning outcomes on the OSS website. “To develop, maintain and follow a Student Educational Plan and Academic Accommodation Plan to complete their educational and career goals.” This has not been the case, however, as lack of counselors forces students to wait
longer to address their needs. In the past, OSS had more counselors including parttime counselors, but budget cuts reduced the number of OSS counselors to one. “We may not see that person until November,” Dominick said. “All of those students waiting right now—it’s not fair to them. It’s a real disservice to students.” Psychology major Sergio Hermosillo is one of many OSS students who struggles with scheduling a meeting. He said he recently missed his appointment and had to reschedule. “I had an appointment I had to go to, but unfortunately I was late,” Hermosillo said. “I was told I was going to have to reschedule. They said the nearest dates to see a counselor is in November--this was [September].” Students in other programs— such as First-Year Experience (FYE)—can reschedule a new appointment for two weeks later. FYE has approximately the same number of students as OSS, but they have five counselors. “If you miss your appointment, you’re two to three months out, at least,” Davenport said. “You have no support anywhere.” Many students need help with their Ed Plan or accommodation letters. At the end of September, one student had made an appointment for the first week of December to see Dr. Dominick. As transfer deadlines approach, a delay can have a negative impact on a student’s academic goals. Dr. Jeffrey Holmes, who was recently appointed Dean of OSS, reassures students that administration is in the process of fixing the issue.
“We’re kind of playing catch up for the beginning of the term. They’re already interviewing counselors, and so once that process is complete, we’ll have another counselor in OSS,” Dr. Holmes said. “For students, I know it doesn’t help [now] but from this point forward it’ll be a whole lot better – a whole lot smoother.” Online counseling was one of the features that was also cut from OSS, which may be one of the solutions to this issue. Dr. Dominick suggests that if online counseling were added back to OSS, students would not have to meet with him as often. “If I do online counseling, 30 to 40 percent of our students never [have to] come to the lobby,” Dominick said. “Those eight weeks [of waiting] cut down to two.” Students with disabilities can visit other counselors on campus for help with Ed Plans, but only OSS counselors are certified to deal with accommodation letters. Campuses do not make local hires. The District is hiring for nine campuses, which slows down the process of hiring a new counselor. Dr. Holmes wants to ensure OSS students that their complaints are not falling on deaf ears. “Your voice is being heard, and there’s just going to be a period of adjustment to get some things done, but they are going to get done. I guarantee you are going to see a difference by next semester for sure,” Dr. Holmes said. “There’s going to be broad sweeping change coming down the pipeline … Our staff loves our students, so just know the staff is working hard to make sure student needs are met.”
Reroute: Construction Blocks Pathways
PHOTO BY JASON PISKOPUS
The pathway between Da Vinci Hall and the Economic and Workforce Development building is closed for construction on the main sewer system until Wednesday, Nov. 7. Students will have to travel around either building to exit onto Vermont or to access the Herb Alpert Music Center.
Attention: Aspiring Legal Minds Attorney Night, Wednesday Nov. 7, 2018 Ten attorneys with different specialty areas of practice will meet with L.A. City College students in small rotating groups on Nov. 7, 2018 at 6:50 p.m. Areas of practice include criminal defense, immigration, plaintiff’s personal injury and discrimination, environmental law, construction law and estate planning. Sign up by Nov. 5 for priority registration at attorneynight@gmail.com Students without advance reservations are still eligible to participate. The event will be located on the third floor of the Student Union. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Contact Professor Camille Goulet for more information at ext. 2758
Arts & Entertainment
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 31, 2018
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Photos by Jordan Rodriguez/Collegian
Kevin Phan plays a Vietnamese prisoner of war who is being tortured by soldiers during an interrogation scene in a rehearsal of “The Shooters Bible,” on Oct. 22, 2018. The play runs through Nov. 3, 2018.
Actor Eugene Thomas Erlikh disciplines his soldiers on the set of “The Shooters Bible,” on Oct. 22, 2018. The play runs through Nov. 3, 2018.
‘Shooters Bible’ Brings Back Authentic Essence of War in Vietnam By Louis Primavera “The Shooters Bible” opened at the L.A. City College El Camino Theatre on Oct 25. 2018, and will be showing until Nov. 3. The play is directed by Louie Piday and written by Lance Larsen. The seasoned actors that make this spectacular piece come to life are Eugene Thomas Erlikh, Cyrus Palizaban, Larry Robinson, Laurent Sayer, Mathew Ware and Kevin Phan. The play revolves around an American Platoon and a Vietnamese prisoner at the height of the Vietnam war. After the five-man crew take refuge in a hut after an intense battle in which they capture a prisoner, their psyche, health and chances of survival remain uncertain. The fate of Lt. Gen. Jockey John (Eugene Thomas Erlikh), his men and the prisoner’s fate are revealed as the night progresses. Their war and their world come down to this one room on this one last night according to a Theatre Academy flyer. Bringing such an authentic feel to the set is also largely credited to the work behind the scenes.
Technical crew members such as lighting designer Derek Jones, costume Designer Mariela Lopez and Assistant Stage Manager John McDonough all play a large role in recreating the essence of war in Vietnam. “I play the singer. He is more of the moral compass of the play,” said Cyrus Paliziban. “He’s the one who’s least conformed to being a solder in Vietnam. He’s a college-educated guy that shouldn’t be there, but he found himself in this war and trying to keep his humanity.” Kevin Phan plays the prisoner and sole survivor who is taken hostage from the village that was attacked by the five soldiers. He began his acting career in the spring of 2013 at LACC’s Theatre Academy and eventually went on to graduate from USC’S School of Dramatic Arts. His other passion includes working at remediation centers for learning disabled students. “Whether or not my character understands the altercations throughout the play, the language [that’s thrown] at him, it’s ambiguous. He has no dialogue or any-
thing, so it’s physical storytelling and that’s been a joy to tackle.” Phan said. Much of the set and the authentic feel displayed on stage emanates from what was created behind the scenes by the technical staff. Assistant Stage Manager John McDonough is a member of the Theatre Academy and a former U.S. Marine, which gave him the expertise to give guidance to the cast throughout rehearsals. “I got selected for this show specifically just because of my military background, they needed someone who had knowledge about the military and can weigh in on decisions that can direct that accurately,” McDonough said. “There’s kind of a learning curve with a show like this, it’s a little bit absurdist.” Lighting Design by Derek Jones adds a form of brilliance to the production. A theatre in the round is home to the set of the play and often poses challenges. The lighting often helps tell the narrative of the story in a major way. “I had to figure out how do I keep it simple and authentic in such a constricted environment
Film Review Sizing up ‘First Man’ By Dave Martin It was one of the greatest achievements in NASA’s history when man first set foot on the moon. July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong not only takes one small step for man, he is destined to leap into the history books as the FIRST MAN to visit another world outside of our own. The movie had great visual effects. However, the storyline was a bit slow and tedious. Where it missed the mark was that it was not a well-crafted, tightly written script like “The Right Stuff.” It had the potential of being
something great. Where it bogged down was that it followed the family life of Neil Armstrong way too much and did not concentrate enough on development of the space program. Instead, it cut out major portions of how man eventually arrived on the moon and the sacrifices that so many made. When Armstrong and Collins eventually arrive on the moon, you would think that they were there for only a few minutes, then left. It took over two hours just to get to the main point of the story, and then it went by in a flash. It was rather pointless.
Something else that was bothersome was the flag that Armstrong and Collins planted on the moon just before they left. It was cut out completely. This movie was supposed to portray an historical event. Instead, the story was rewritten, it seems, so as not to offend some group(s), of people. If that is the case, then don’t bother to write it. Leave that kind of writing to people who care about what really happened and not your Hollywood make believe. The movie could have been great. Except it was just your typical Hollywood revisionist history.
Upcoming TheatRE Academy Production: ‘PLANTONOV’ ... AN UNFINISHED PARTY Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 8 p.m.
Cyrus Palizban, Eugene Thomas Erlikh, and Laurent Sayer display the effects war have on soldiers by tormenting and taking forced pictures with Kevin Phan on set. while having all these dramatic lighting changes throughout the play,” Jones said. “There is an audience on all four sides, so we have to make sure everyone can see the same, which is no easy task.” The success of this crafted piece can also be attributed to the origins and the connection Director Louie Piday has to the play. Piday was good friends with the original writer, Lance Larsen, and was in the original company theatre where “The Shooters Bible” was first
written, created and performed. “When the play first got reviewed in the mid ‘70s, many critics thought it was an anti-war play and it’s not,” Piday said. “It is a play about manhood, brotherhood, courage and sacrifice. Slivic Drake of the L.A. Times wrote a great review of it in the mid-1970s. The play has not been performed in over 40 years.” Five people are responsible— five founding members of the Company Theatre, Los Angeles’s
flagship group during the 1960s and ‘70s. At the time of the play’s inception, these five had already worked together on stage continually for years and formed a true creative ensemble. The playwright of record, Lance Larsen, wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the following “friends and brothers” who inspired him to write the masterpiece. Their names are Gar Campbell, Dennis Redfield, Jack Rowe and Michael Stefani.
8 HOOPS PLAYED AT CITY COLLEGE FOR CREDIT
SPORTS
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Students go head-to-head on the court every Monday and Wednesday in the Kinesiology Building during the Fall 2018 semester as part of the Basketball Skills I and II classes.
PHOTO BY KAITLYN KIMBLE
Fast Break: Students work up a sweat on the basketball court on Oct. 24, 2018 during “Basketball Skills I and II.” Student athletes say it provides a break from “regular classes.”
BY DAWSON FICKUS Students of all skill levels have the opportunity to practice, run drills and scrimmage for one hour, twice every week. This is a one-unit class offered in both the fall and spring semesters. Basketball Skills I (Kin 287-1) is primarily a beginner’s course focused on developing the fundamental skills of the sport. It is also the prerequisite to Basketball Skills II (Kin 287-2). Students in the latter tend to be at a more intermediate skill level because it is their second semester playing. Students take part in drills to develop dribbling, passing, shooting and other skills. Instructed by Robert McKinley, Basketball Skills I and II classes run concurrently. McKinley is new to instructing the class, but that does not stop him from leading the class and teaching students how to be better players. “About 10 minutes of warmups, dribbling drills, shooting drills,” McKinley said. Classes usually begin with explosive work and students are put into teams for the remainder of the class. There are about 20 students combined in both classes and the games are run with between three and six players on each team. The team size depends on turnout that day.
“Some people take it for fun,” McKinley said. “Some people take it for a break from their regular studies, but it’s part of our degree. It’s one of the classes we offer.” The Kinesiology AA-T requires students to take fitness, aquatic, dance, team sports, individual sports and combat classes. Basketball falls under the team sport category. Students have different reasons for enrolling in Basketball I and II, including the need to take a break from their regular classes. “I’m not going to be an NBA player, but I like to play basketball,” Kinesiology major Roberto Rodriguez said. “I have a lot of classes so playing an hour of basketball Mondays and Wednesdays, it clears your
mind.” Stress relief is another reason many students take the classes. Exercise reduces stress levels, which makes focused study easier. “I just like basketball, so you know, why not get a credit for taking it,” history major Henry Pluas said. “It’s a stress reliever, coming here just to ease my mind.” No matter their reason for taking the class, Basketball Skills I and II offer students a fun way to take a break from school work, while others fulfill major preparation requirements. All skill levels are present in the class, and everyone gets a fair amount of time handling the ball. Students don’t have to take a class to take part in the fun.
PURPLE TEAM STAYS IN FIRST DESPITE FIERCE COMPETITION
BY WILL PENNINGTON
Despite falling behind early, the Purple Team was able to maintain their poise and come out on top with a 28-26 victory over the Orange Team on Friday, Oct. 19. Johnathan Hernandez, the quarterback for the Purple Team, was a big part of the team’s success. The game began with only four players per side, but more joined as they arrived at the field. By the fourth quarter, both sides were fully staffed, and the competitive atmosphere was palpable. The Orange Team’s Edward Barrera ran back the opening kickoff to give his team an early six-point lead. Despite the quick score, Hernandez and the Purple Team were able to re-take the lead. Purple lead 14-12 going into halftime. After a flurry of scores in the second half, the final margin was the same as the halftime margin with the Purple Team narrowly winning. The game was a microcosm of the season for the Purple Team which now sits atop the standings following the hot start by the Green Team. Rarely spectacular, the Purple Team’s methodical and dogged approach has yielded results early in the season. With the playoffs fast approaching, it is worth wondering whether they will be able to maintain their winning ways down the stretch. Their main competition is the aforementioned Green Team, who, led by the stellar play of Alejandro Zuniga, thoroughly trounced the White Team 32-12. Not all went well for Zuniga, who had to shake off a bad dropped pass early in the competition. “No more childish mistakes,” Zuniga said during an interview after the game. “I just had to clear my head.” Zuniga lead the Green Team with three touchdowns and one interception but was not without help. Arshdeep Ghuman was also vitally important to the Green Team’s resounding victory. When asked about getting back to their winning ways, Ghuman praised the defensive effort of his team. “We did our plays, stick to our defense…last time we were lagging of defense,” Ghumuan said. Additionally, Diana Calderon was able to record a key receiving touch down which helped contributed to the Green Team’s victory. “I didn’t even know it was a touchdown at the time” Calderon said of her scoring grab. While they may still be without a win, the white team looked dangerous at times, especially with the ball in the hands of Isias Ramirez. While athletically the match of any team, the White Team’s lack of execution has been their Achilles heel thus far in intramural competition. “We’re just soccer players, just runners,” Ramirez said of his team. He went on to saying he thinks they are getting better at the strategic aspects of the games. With every team improving the race to the playoffs promising to be exciting. Come to the soccer field Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to cheer on City’s gridiron competitors and be part of the excitement.
Dodger Stadium in Happier Times: Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Houston Astros (6-1) in front of a crowd of more than 36,000 fans on Aug. 13, 2011. Photo by Adam S_K, Courtesy of Creative Commons.
L.A. Revolves in Center of Sports World BY WILL PENNINGTON Defeat can be hard to swallow, but on Sunday Oct. 28, the day the Dodgers lost the World Series to the Boston Red Sox, the entire city of Los Angeles had cause to celebrate. That day saw the Kings, Clippers, Ducks, Rams, Galaxy and Dodgers all in action on the same day. While Hollywood may be synonymous with show biz, Los Angeles is rapidly becoming the center of the sports world. Teams like the Dodgers, Lakers, and Kings have enjoyed the support of SoCal sports fans for decades, but never before have there been as many options for our sports-obsessed city. The City’s plethora of sports venues
was a central factor in securing the bid for the 2028 Summer Olympics according to numerous reports. It’s not just that there is a lot going on, L.A.’s teams are collectively more marketable than ever before. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lebron James’s arrivals in Los Angeles have brought an even brighter spotlight to what has long been one of sports’ brightest stages. The importance of professional sports for our city stands in stark contrast to the apathy surrounding competitive sports at “The City’s College.” For years, Los Angeles City College students have matriculated to one of the only sports-free zones in Los Angeles County. Perhaps the intramural program is a
first step, but there are times where it feels like little more than a drop in the bucket. If LACC really is the City’s college, more of an effort needs to be made to replicate the city’s devotion to competitive athletics. Don’t get me wrong, we need intramurals too, but having competitive sports teams would go a long way toward making LACC more of a cohesive community. Give us an excuse to cheer for our school, and I suspect that support will come out of the woodwork. Los Angeles is an incredibly diverse city that is largely tied together by our shared sports teams. LACC needs to mimic this approach and embrace its role as the college centrally located in the most sports crazed city on earth.
Intramural Basketball is starting on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Games will be on Tuesdays and Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Kinesiology building. Students can sign up for a pre-existing team, as a free-agent or with a new team of their own. Intramural basketball is free to join. Interested students can sign up for intramural sports at https://lasportsnet.com/sport/ league/season/7465, or in person during the first game on Nov. 2. For more information, visit the office of Student Life on the second floor of the Student Union Building.