loS anGeleS WeatHer forecaSt
WEDNESDAY
62/45
THURSDAY
59/49
FRIDAY
58/44
SATURDAY
60/42
SUNDAY
64/44
Collegian all blacK cast breaKs boX offIce records SEE PAGE 5
los angeles
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Volume 180 Number 1
The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
coPS catcH GroPer By sahara velasQueZ
Photo by curtis sabir/collegian
Gloria Steinem speaks with students at a press conference in the Herb Alpert Music Center on Feb. 5, 2018. The feminist icon joined forces with activist Samantha Ramirez-Herrera for “City Talk: A Conversation on DACA.”
Activist Duo Fight for Dreamers By anDe richarDs
M
ore than 10,000 students at Los Angeles City College face a new challenge. These students are the “Dreamers.” They are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which at the request of President Donald Trump must be dismantled and replaced with a new program that may not grant the same privileges and could lead to deportation. These include the ability to apply for a driver’s license and a social security card. In response to this critical issue, Los Angeles City College invited Gloria Steinem and Samantha Ramirez-Herrera, for “City Talk: A Conversation on DACA.” They spoke to attendees in a filled-to-capacity room at the David Alpert Lecture Hall on Monday, Feb. 5, 2018. Gloria Steinem is an iconic figure in the feminist movement. She is an author and the founder of Ms. Magazine and co-founder of New York Magazine. Samantha Ramirez-Herrera hails from a new wave of activists. She is the CEO and founder of offtherecord. com, a Dreamer activist, artist and entrepreneur. The two met when Ramirez’ company produced films for Steinem’s Ms. Foundation’s Women Gloria Awards. Together they raise awareness about the many
How to
ENGAGE Contact COALITION FOR HUMANE IMMIGRANT RIGHTS 2533 West 3rd Street, #101 Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 353-1333 CHIRLA.ORG
Call Photo by curtis sabir/collegian
Dreamer activist, artist and entrepreneur, Samantha Ramirez-Herrera talks to students in the David Alpert Lecture Hall on Feb. 5, 2018. The Dreamer shared her story and answered questions about the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the uncertainty the program in faces in the Trump administration. issues that stem from the uncertainty Dreamers face. Steinem’s involvement in other social justice movements informs her outlook on activism. She says people are running for office now who previously felt sidelined by the system. “The bad news is what is educating us, but the good news is we are woke,” she said. “Everybody in
the Los Angeles community and the California community will understand that this is a place that they can express their support.” Dreamers have moved to the center of the debate about illegal immigration because this group represents not only the positive influence immigration to the U.S. has on the people that come here, but how they affect communities
they live in. “The Dreamers are exactly the people we most need in this country,” Steinem said. “They are the most motivated, they are talented, they are educated and seeking more education. They have a way lower arrest record even for
Call your representatives and tell them you expect them to support legislation that helps Dreamers. CA REPS BARBARA FEINSTEIN AND KAMALA HARRIS (202) 224-3121 SENATOR MITCH MCCONNELL (202) 224-2541 SPEAKER PAUL RYAN (202)225-0600
SEE “ACTIVISTS” PAGE 6
Trade Tech VP Brings Business Savvy to L.A. City College By tyler loWell On the heels of former President Reneé D. Martinez’s retirement in December 2017, the Los Angeles Community College District announced the appointment of Dr. Mary Gallagher as interim president of Los Angeles City College. Previously, Gallagher spent nine years at Los Angeles Trade Tech College (LATTC) where she served primarily as vice president of administrative services. There, she took on a number of large-scale projects, including a $17 million project to fully upgrade and modernize campus technology. She also spearheaded student
assistance programs like pop-up food banks and discounted public transportation passes. “I actually believe you can improve upon anything, even something that’s operating really well,” Gallagher said. She referred to herself as a “doer,” and somebody who is keen to identify problems and efficiently fix them at their source. LACC faced a budget deficit of approximately $3.5 million when Gallagher arrived at the college. If Gallagher’s recent budget projection, with a deficit just under $1 million holds in the coming months, things could be looking up at L.A. City College.
“You want to spend your energy on things that make the difference,” she said. Gallagher also served as acting president of LATTC for a period of eight months. She described this period as a test run for a future opportunity. “I tested what the presidency seat would be like, I thought ‘I can see myself doing that,’” she said. Last year, Gallagher completed the President’s Academy training program, a partnership between the LACCD and UCLA to train community college vice presidents to become presidents. The President’s Academy prepares senior level administrators
with training in areas like “how to promote student success” and “managing institutional change.” Throughout the course of the President’s Academy, Gallagher worked closely with Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez who is a cochair of the program. “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Dr. Gallagher’s caliber to serve as interim president of LACC while we conduct a search for the next permanent president,” Rodriguez said in a recent press release announcing her appointment. Upon completion of the program, Gallagher said there were only two schools she wanted to work for: LATTC, given her histo-
ry with the college, and LACC. Gallagher says she has been a resident of the neighborhood for more than 20 years. She laughed as she recounted how many times she has driven past the campus. “I have these strong connections to City ... Living in the neighborhood, I often drive by campus, and now I drive by even more because I want to check it out and make sure everything is OK,” Gallagher said. Gallagher spoke enthusiastically about the need for City to be more creative with scheduling to ensure SEE “INTERIM PRESIDENT” PAGE 6
Metro riders headed for L.A. City College frequently use the Red Line since a train stop is conveniently located on Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard just northeast of campus. Many students are on the train as early as 6 a.m. to get to school on time, and may leave campus as late as 10 p.m. On a daily basis, hundreds of people go down the escalators at the Vermont/Santa Monica station onto a dimly lit platform. At night, the station is nearly empty with dispersed crowds scattered across the station. When the train arrives, riders huddle together, leaving certain areas of the train deserted. Recently, the police charged Ager Linder and he was later convicted for groping women on the public transit system. He was sentenced to 450 days in jail, 36 months of probation and must keep at least 100 yards away from train stations. Most of his attacks occurred on the Red Line. Andrea Alfaro is a second-year student who uses the Red Line to get to school. She seemed concerned when talking about her commute. She says the Red Line should have more security. “It depends on what time it is,” Alfaro said. “When I was working in downtown L.A., I used to take the train during the night. There were a lot of mentally ill people that were violent and they would end up hitting the train doors. That is something that doesn’t make you feel safe.” Alfaro says becoming aware of people like Linder makes her feel even more unsafe. She is terrified at the thought of encountering someone like him. Jenny Gonzalez is a first-year student who says she feels safe when using the Red Line. She has a short trip, with only four stops to get to school. However, she says she is disappointed with the lack of security. “I know that I haven’t experienced any incident in the train, but I have seen men masturbate next to other people because they saw a pretty woman,” Gonzalez said. “Now that I’m actually thinking back, there weren’t any officers around to report that issue.” Gonzalez says she hasn’t seen officers at the Vermont/Santa Monica train station. She says she’s uncertain if she can depend on police officers to help her if she were to be in a situation where she didn’t feel safe. “Yes there are cops around, and I’m not going to deny that, but I do think that they are posted in the wrong areas,” she said. “There are sometimes four to six cops in certain stations and there are other stations where there are none. It’s very hard not to criticize.” Metro spokesperson Dave Sotero says that the presence of law enforcement has gone up from last year. SEE “GROPER” PAGE 6
INDEX opinion & editorial
2-3
arts & entertainment
4-5
news
6
campus life
7
sports
8
2
OpiniOn & EDitOriAL
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, February 28, 2018
A Difference of Opinion
Fear the Enemy It’s not Guns
are willing to consider change and then do nothing? How many lives have to be lost before reform actually happens? I was on the phone with my mother outside the grocery store discussing this exact topic. I told her that I was questioning the right to bear arms versus school safety. A man nearby was apparently listening in on my conversation, when I hear him say, “Because it is sacred.” I asked my mom to hold on while I engaged in this man’s perspective. At first, I thought he must not have known what I was talking about since he was only hearing my side of the conversation, but I was wrong. He actually was saying that the right to bear arms is sacred. He also mentioned that people might need assault rifles for hunting “hippos or rhinos.” I asked him, “Where exactly in America are we hunting these animals?” He then mumbled something as he wandered off.
By Daisy villegas Last week, students and teachers in Florida rallied for tighter gun control measures to curb violence. The issue of gun control has repeatedly swept the U.S. after school shootings. The most recent shooting in Florida has not only left parents and students reeling from the traumatic experience, but families and activists across the country. The fight for tighter gun laws, if not the elimination of guns, has reached another surge. Millennials are scared that it’s only a matter of time before another student gets their hands on a semi-automatic weapon and attacks their school or workplace. I understand this fear. I fear a dangerous unstable person will mishandle a gun and shoot innocent people at my school. But it’s ultimately the person with the gun I fear, not the gun alone. In fact, guns don’t scare me at all. I actually like them and think that they are one of the greatest and most useful inventions of all time. The founding fathers must have thought so too and made not the first, but the very Second Amendment about the right to bear an arm. I strongly agree with this right to own and use a weapon to protect oneself and one’s property. Quite contrary to many people’s fear of guns, I feel safer with a gun. They’re an incredible defensive tool for protecting oneself against a harmful situation. Less often do gun owners wield a gun to purposefully provoke an attack. I’ve had the privilege of growing up in a household where multiple members of my family have owned guns, only for defensive purposes. My older brother is a certified instructor and taught me how to properly and safely handle a gun once I turned 14. For him, it was necessary to teach me the basics should I ever find myself in a risky situation where I would opt to use a gun to protect myself, my property, or others. Before even holding a gun, I learned a quintessential lesson that almost everyone with a gun knows: be intentional with your gun. Think clearly and do not aim to kill, maim, or destroy anything or anyone. (Unless you’re hunting, of course.) My brother instilled in me how serious it was for me to be near a gun. It’s no joke. Nothing about holding a gun should be funny. His advice was stern and unyielding. Upon first going to a shooting range, I didn’t even hold a gun. I first had to observe my brother and understand the importance of being focused and careful around guns before I could practice. I wore goggles and earplugs, extra measures to protect myself. I was never left alone at the range. I understand this is a unique learning experience. I was lucky to have had a brother to take the time to explain everything to me, from technique to maintenance of a gun. I know others aren’t so fortunate to
“we can’t Just sIt bacK and thInK about change. we haVe to maKe It happen. we haVe to be the ones that stand up and declare our rIght to feel safe.” illustration by cassandra MuÑoz/collegian
get serious training. Many find their parents’ or family members’ guns and aim them playfully at themselves or others. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the moment a gun enters a space you have to take it seriously. It can be a matter of life or death. My experiences have taught me the seriousness of gun ownership and use. Owning a gun isn’t a game. In fact, the state of California doesn’t think so either. California has one of the strictest gun laws in the country. It’s a “May- Issue” state, meaning the issuance of a weapon is entirely up to the discretion of the local sheriff. It is not guaranteed. It can range from no permit in urban counties to “shall issue” in rural counties. There are extensive background checks in Los Angeles county and all guns have to be registered. The state takes it seriously as I think it should. According to Univision, a recent poll found that seven out of 10 people in America are in favor of stricter gun laws. I’m in favor so long as it doesn’t impede a mentally stable person’s right to obtain and own a gun. It’s a fundamental right and most certainly a big deal. We can’t have another tragedy usher more Americans into thinking that guns are the issue instead of the dangerous individuals who get their hands on a weapon.
Feminism Needs a TRANSformation By tessa Flores It’s very difficult for me to put into words what the concept of feminism and the feminist movement has done to shape my ideals and empower me as woman. It’s given me a voice when I didn’t think I had one. It’s instilled confidence about my body and sexuality, and assured me that I have a right to feel discontent with a system that implicates the expectations and limits of a woman in society. It’s an even greater difficulty to realize that not all women feel the same way as I do. Some feel that the movement has let them down, excluded and silenced them. The perspectives of trans women and gender non-conforming femmes, as well as women of color, have been overshadowed by an agenda that serves the values of cisgendered white women, thus further marginalizing those that don’t fit into that category. I think it’s useful to examine the history of feminist action in this country and learn from the pitfalls of its course, in order to build a greater coalition of defense against a divisive and patriarchal administration. The first women’s movement
originated in the abolitionist movement. However, when the Civil War ended and suffrage was extended to former slaves but not to women, many white women abandoned their alliance with black people, thus first wave feminism largely confined itself to middle and upper class white women. In the years between the Civil War and the turn of the century, anti-immigration and racism spread throughout the middle class. Feminists narrowed their vision strictly to obtaining the right to vote and adopted racist sentiments espoused by their white male counterparts in order to achieve that goal. Second wave feminism, which took place during the late 1960s up until the 1980s, broadened over time in terms of supporter composition and perspective. Unlike first wave feminism, the second wave included women of color, and lesbian feminism emerged. Minorities began to articulate their own versions of feminism and a demand for reproductive rights made its way to the forefront. Now, in what can arguably be considered the third wave of feminism, the number of women involved in social justice and activism has increased, yet familiar
patterns of exclusion are beginning to repeat themselves. A prime example is the Women’s March. One of the most visible manifestations against Trump, and something I was so incredibly proud to be a part of, ultimately failed to wholly include transgender people. The march’s only two transgender speakers were implemented as an afterthought and the organizing group included no transgender or gender non-conforming femmes. Many also felt that the vagina symbolism being metonymic with womanhood excluded the individuals who don’t possess the same biological anatomy. It made their worth in the march contingent on their genitalia. Lack of representation from these marginalized groups dilutes the feminist efforts and leaves room for undermining of the movement, which ultimately defeats the purpose of feminism in the first place. I think if anything, being a feminist has taught me that there’s power in numbers because a breadth of invaluable insight can be garnered from hearing other perspectives other than one's own. It’s taught me that if one group is oppressed, then we all are.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Scan the QR code or visit collegianwired.tumblr.com
Guns vs. Lives By KiMBerly Fisher As most of us know, there has been a massive increase in the number of school shootings. A truly scary thought, of course, but what does it tell us? It says it is time to make change happen. We can’t just sit back and think about change. We have to make it happen. We have to be the ones that stand up and declare our right to feel safe. We cannot just sit around saying that the government needs to change things. We have to make them recognize that our lives are more important than someone’s Second Amendment right to bear arms. Our voices must be heard. Every time a school shooting occurs there is the standard response from our elected officials about how they are looking into making change. Eventually, the whole concept just disappears - until the next time. Then, it all starts over. So, why would our government seem to care so little about our safety? Why would they act like they
President Trump’s proposal to arm our teachers seems like a thinly veiled attempt to pacify the National Rifle Association (NRA.) They are well known to not only care more about defending the Second Amendment, but also for the amount of money they contribute to government officials. According to an article by CNN, eight congressional members have individually received $1 million or more from the NRA. Additionally, 39 members of congress have received $100,000 or more. It is clear that the association has a grip on our nation’s leaders. Arming teachers and ignoring the obvious epidemic isn’t going to solve the problem. Many teachers have voiced their opinion that they do not want to be armed. My own father is a true Texan and a Vietnam veteran. He owns two pistols. He believes in the right to bear arms. He does not, however, own any automatic assault rifles. He is also a substitute teacher and doesn’t take his weapons to work with him. Instituting gun law reform is not saying we have to take away every citizen’s right to own a fire arm. Adding weapons to an environment that should be a safe place is essentially increasing the potential risk of danger or death. It seems like a better idea would be to start providing better, more accessible mental health help to all of our country’s citizens and banning unnecessary assault rifles. Turning everyone into Yosemite Sam is not the answer.
write a letter to the editor! email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com let freeDom rinG: HaPPy Black HerStory montH By trissean McDonalD African Americans are appreciated in the month of February for their civil rights activism and their multiple contributions toward race and equality for all. Still, elements of society still treat black Americans as “less than” their white or other minority counterparts. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey made history this year at the Golden Globes Awards as the first black woman to be awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award. The award is granted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.” Joining the ranks of Sidney Poitier and Lucille Ball, Oprah is the first African American woman to be given the honor. Her speech was so empowering that many thought it was the beginning of a presidential campaign. “I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon,” Winfrey said. “And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard
to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say, ‘Me too’ again.” Winfrey’s speech referenced an ongoing conversation about sexual misconduct allegations within Hollywood. Her own experiences in the past makes her especially qualified to speak on behalf of the #MeToo movement. Despite her global status as a renowned journalist, Winfrey experienced an incident a few years ago that reminded her of the challenges of being a black woman in the world. She said that a sales associate in a store in Zurich, Switzerland refused to sell her an upmarket handbag because it was “too expensive” for Winfrey to afford. “I go into a store that shall remain unnamed and I say to the woman, ‘May I see that bag right above your head?’ and she says to me ‘No. It’s too expensive.’ “And I said ‘No, no, no, the black one, the one that’s folded over,’ and she said, ‘No, no, no, you don’t want to see that one, you want to see this one because that one will cost too much. You won’t be able to afford that one’,” Winfrey said in an article posted by the Daily Mail. The store owner denied all al-
legations and said that she would apologize for any inconvenience if she ever had the opportunity to speak directly to Winfrey. “I would apologize and say it was all a misunderstanding. I surely did not intentionally want to insult Ms. Winfrey. I hope this nightmare ends soon,” said the store owner, who wanted to stay anonymous. “It is absolutely not true that I declined to show her the bag on [racial] grounds.” Certain Americans tend to be oblivious, or at least feign their oblivion regarding racial disparities. But discrimination is global, and equally displayed in other countries. “I could have had the big blow-up thing and thrown down the black card and all that stuff, but why do that,” Winfrey said. Doing that, she implies, would have left her labeled as “the crazy/ angry black woman.” Winfrey often credits her earlier struggles with where she is today. As a young girl, she was sexually abused and became pregnant, but lost her baby shortly after its birth. Pain fades as scars heal, and Winfrey has since became a multi-billionaire with her OWN network. Outside of media, she continues to be a leading advocate for community activism.
OpiniOn & EDitOriAL
COMPILED BY Tessa Flores PHOTOS BY Curtis Sabir
Is the government working hard enough to come up with a solution for DACA?
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, February 28, 2018
3
MICHAEL FARRELL Geography Professor
CASSANDRA AGUINIGA Theatre Major
JOSE LAMBARRI Music Major
KAROL KAMBA Psychology Major
“It’s an interesting question because the issue is politically polarizing, which means either party could use it to their advantage ... Maybe they’re just trying to stoke the support that they have remaining by taking one of the earliest Trump Administration’s message that got his supporters behind him and keeping it relevant.”
“When I turn on the news and see so many people protesting and there’s such a riot over it, then [congress] has to know that’s what the people need and want … I think its morally wrong to try and get rid of [DACA] because there’s better opportunities in America in general … They’re trying to better their lives and just like everyone else they want a better future.”
“Congress hasn’t had a good record of getting bills like this passed, especially when they’re this big and so many people are focused on it … I think it depends on [the Dreamers], whether they decide to take the initiative ... and file the paperwork to become citizens so they can guarantee their stay here or just allow for whatever the outcome to be.”
“I feel like it creates a lot of fear in Dreamers and they’re uncertain about the future and they are asking [themselves] why [am I] going to college and if it’s even going to benefit me in the long ... I feel like the politicians are not playing it fair, they’re just playing a mind game to their own benefit and not to the benefit of the people.”
Ink Style: a VIsual representatIon of the world as we Know It
illustration by natalia zePeda/collegian
Los Angeles Collegian
for all submissions including letters to the editor and publicity releases, send materials to collegian offices located in chemistry building, room 207, or email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com.
The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
Los Angeles City College Visual & Media Arts Department
855 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ande Richards
LAYOUT EDITOR Richard Martinez
PHOTO EDITOR Curtis Sabir
PHOTOGRAPHERS Erika Almanza, Anwar Torres
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Beatrice Alcala
REPORTERS Alejandro Argueta, Chris Argueta, Clinton Cameron, Thomas Cavira, Melissa Crumbly, Kimberly Fisher, Tessa Flores, Felicia Gaddis, Jasmine Jernigan, Angel Johnson, Naomi Johnson, Hector Lopez, Tyler Lowell, Eve Moreno Luz, Trissean McDonald, Mynor Peralta, Sahara Velasquez, Daisy Vellegas
to advertise in the collegian, direct all insertion orders and questions to: pr.collegian@gmail.com.
323.953.4000 ext. 2831 losangeles.collegian@gmail.com
NEXT ISSUE: March 14, 2018
ILLUSTRATORS Cassandra Muñoz, Juventino Velasquez, Natalia Zepeda MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER Dave Martin ADVISER Rhonda Guess
EDITORIAL DEADLINE: March 10, 2018
the college newspaper is published as a learning experience, offered under the college journalism instructional program. the editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff.
under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the first amendment to the united states constitution. accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be
issues of our award-winning newspaper and magazine are instantly available to our readers on issuu.com/collegianwired. facebook.com/CollegianWired @CollegianWired CollegianWired.tumblr.com youtube.com/CollegianWired
interpreted as the position of the los angeles community college district, los angeles city college, or any officer or employee thereof. collegian ©2017. no material may be reprinted without the express written permission of the los angeles collegian.
4
Arts & Entertainment
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Photos courtesy of Ed Krieger
LEFT: Giovanni Navarro, Matthew Benjamin Ramos, Moises Castro and Rufino Romero perform in the world premiere of the short play “When Boyz Cry” written by Abel Alvarado and directed by Claudia Duran. The play is part of the “Brown & Out IV” play festival presented at CASA 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights. ABOVE: Victoria Dunn and Belissa Escobedo in a scene from the short play “Girls Misinterpreted” written by Josefina Lopez and directed by Rigo Tejeda as part of the “Brown & Out IV” play festival.
Casa 0101 Seeks Funds, Celebrates the Latinx LGBTQ+ Experience
I
By Dave Martin t was a full house on Friday night, Feb. 9, 2018, for CASA 0101’s production of “Brown and Out IV.” It was a welcome sight because the theater — a fixture in East L.A. for more than 15 years — is in danger of closing. The theater’s director is looking for 350 monthly donors to provide $25 per month. The “Brown and Out IV” festival presents 10 world premiere short plays celebrating the Latinx LGBTQ+ experience through March 4, along with a photo exhibition by Rolando Rodriguez entitled “Ropa Sucia” or “Dirty Laundry.” The 10 plays showcased explore themes of friendship, family, lovers, gender identity, HIV, suicide, religion, LGBTQ+ culture and the differences between old timers and millennials. Three critically acclaimed directors helmed CASA 0101 Theater’s “Brown and Out IV”: Rigo Tejeda, Claudia Duran and Corky Dominguez. Tejeda directed CASA 0101 Theater’s and THH Productions’ presentations of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” The Broadway Musical, “Disney’s Aladdin Dual Language Edition” and “In the Heights.” Duran is a co-founder and director of the flourishing productions of Annual Chicana, Cholas y Chisme, and Corky Dominquez directed Josefina Lopez’s World Premiere Production of “Enemy of the Pueblo,” “Hungry Woman,” “Pinata Dreams” and the 20-year anniversary of “Real Women Have Curves.” “I really enjoyed the process, Tejeda said. “It gave me the opportunity
“It’s means a lot to me to see these stories being told, and more importantly being told without fear … that is what attracted me in the first place. Just this whole idea of the queer community here in East L.A.” -Cesar Carmona to focus on the character development and to really dig into the piece … it is wonderful we can share these stories, our stories, on the theater platform.” Cesar Carmona is one of he actors participating in “Brown and Out IV” and plays several different characters in the plays. He is also a sound mixer for “Disney’s Aladdin Dual Language Edition.” He says that as someone who grew up gay in East L.A., he brings a perspective that many people do not understand. “You have the Latino culture that’s really strict, and it’s really difficult to deal with certain issues,” Carmona said. “I felt a connection with it instantly. It’s means a lot to me to see these stories being told, and more importantly being told without fear … that is what attracted me in the first place. Just this whole idea of the queer community here in East L.A.” Casa 0101 President Edward Padilla says one of the reasons he joined was to inspire local residents, young people and their parents. Maia Villa
came to the theater as an intern. “I was really excited they put on a festival for Latino queer people and other people of color,” said Villa who is now an actress. “I felt I was a part of that community and I wanted a space to be able to explore that identity.” Although Casa 0101 is under financial pressure, the theater managers will continue to produce. They are hoping for a return engagement of “Beauty and the Beast” if they can secure the rights, and a new production, “Remembering Boyle Heights,” in June 2018. Anyone who would like to support Casa 0101’s fundraising efforts can go to http://www. casa0101.org/support-us. “Brown and Out IV” runs from Feb. 9 – March 4, 2018. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. CASA 0101 Theater is located at: 2102 East First Street, Boyle Heights, CA 90033. For Ticket information contact: CASA 0101 Theater Box Office at 323-263-7684. You can also buy tickets online at: www.casa1010.org
PBS Documentary Details Life of Lorraine Hansberry By Jasmine Jernigan Legendary African-American playwright Lorraine Hansberry’s life is the focus of a PBS “American Masters” documentary called “Sighted Eyes, Feeling Heart.” Hansberry is best known for being the first African-American to have a play featured in a Broadway theater. Her play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” featured an all-star cast of African-American actors and actresses including Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Louis Gossett Jr. Daniel Petrie directed the play, which made its Broadway debut at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City, on March 11, 1959. Producers of “Sighted Eyes, Feeling Heart” maintain that if “A Raisin in the Sun” is all you know about Lorraine Hansberry, then you really do not know her. The American Masters documentary provides a look at the writing of the story behind “A Raisin in the Sun.” It is the first documentary about Hansberry who was a journalist, a communist, and an activist. Hansberry was born on the South Side of Chicago on May 19,1930. Her father was a businessman and owned several small apartment buildings. The documentary noted that Hansberry’s father broke barriers when it came to the black housing market during the Chicago migration between 1915 and 1970.
Hansberry’s mother and father were both active in the black community and the local political scene. In the film, there are images of Hansberry’s parents at protests and community meetings. She was surrounded by strong figures who inspired her. This film also focused on her career as a journalist. Hansberry attended Wisconsin State University, Madison, where she started out as an art major, but later switched to writing because she aspired to become a journalist. She attended college for two years before moving to New York, where she studied at the New School for Social Research, which inspired her to write even more. Hansberry later began writing for a newspaper called the Freedom, where she became the editor-in-chief. She also wrote for another publication called The Ladder, which focused on feminism and homophobia. Hansberry was secretly a lesbian, although she was married. Her identity as a lesbian was revealed in one of her articles. The film noted that during the time she was writing for the Ladder, the gay rights movement was in its infancy. She wrote for these publications for three years before becoming fully involved in the civil rights movement. During the civil rights movement, Hansberry along with other famed authors, actors, and civil
Have an Opinion? A Story Idea? write a letter to the editor! Photo courtesy of David Attie
Lorraine Hansberry sits cross-legged on her bed in her Greenwich Village apartment on Bleecker Street during her April 1959 photoshoot for Vogue. rights leaders helped give voice to the movement for social and economic equality for African-Americans in the United States. With her soft-spoken voice, she used words to educate and en-
courage the black community. As Lorraine Hansberry once said, “One cannot live with sighted eyes and feeling heart and not know and read of the miseries which affect the world.”
email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com
Arts & Entertainment
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Pan African Film Festival Welcomes ‘Black Panther’
5
Film Review
By Felicia V. Gaddis
O
n Valentine’s Day, I had the privilege to attend the Pan African Film Festival Premiere of “Black Panther” in Leimert Park. Other than the obvious excitement surrounding the release of a big budget studio film ($200 million), with a popular Marvel Comic connection, I think it embodied the hopes and the pride of the African American Community. Everyone from politicians to performers and children young and old, were there to celebrate the idea that people with dark skin could be superheroes on screen, and maybe, some of their “specialness” would transfer into real life. “This is the biggest event in the whole world,” said actress Loretta Devine who had a recurring role on the CW’s “Supernatural.” I am so looking forward to seeing it at the Pan African Film Festival.” The Pan African Film Festival rolled out the red carpet with an African seat of power a throne, black and grey with a seatback made from a tribal shield. I spoke with actor after actor, all in African attire, and the common theme expressed was the hope that African American youth would look at this film, and come away believing that they were special—that they could dare to dream to be something “more.” More like the actors in the film. More like the writer and director (both African-Americans) of the film. And maybe even more like the characters—strong, noble and brave. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world,” said actor Isaiah Washington. “It’s probably one of the biggest historical movies ever with African American leads … Where else would I be?” The premiere of Black Panther, on Valentine’s Day, was really about love. A people basking in the idea that they were worthy of the characters in the film and loving it. A people reclaiming a love for themselves, and hopefully, each other. That maybe they would, like the characters on screen, be able to prevail against their enemies and build a society where they could live with dignity and honor, two things which seem to be elusive
Photo courtesy of Justin Lubin
Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams in a scene from the Oscar-nominated film “Get Out.” The 90th Academy Awards air on CBS this Sunday, March 4, 2018. Check local listings for times.
Get Out Strikes By Chris Argueta
Photo by Curtis Sabir/Collegian
Right to left: Actor and director Mario Van Peebles, his wife Chitra Sukhu Van Peebles and son Mandela Van Peebles arrive at the Pan African Film and Arts Festival in Los Angeles for a special screening of “Black Panther.” today. Some believe “Black Panther” could change the narrative for African American filmmakers.
“It’s dope because what we’re seeing is the evolution of what Oscar Micheaux fought for, Melvin Van Peebles fought for Ossie,
Gordon fought for—we’re seeing ourselves represented across the board,” said film director and actor Mario Van Peebles.
With Oscar season coming up I decided to finally sit down and watch the most talked about movie of 2017: “Get Out.” When I heard that comedic actor and writer Jordan Peele, who is known for his successful sketch comedy shows on MadTv and Key & Peele, created a horror film I was skeptical. I did not know if Peele had what it takes to make a feature length film, but surprisingly he knocked it out of the park. “Get Out” is equal parts horror and comedy and tackles racism in modern day America - a definite frontrunner for Oscar’s Best Picture award. The film is about a couple, Chris Washington and Rose Armitage, played by Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams respectively, who go to visit Rose’s family for the weekend in the middle of nowhere. Chris quickly assumes there is something strange going on, because he is one of the few black people on this family retreat. Chris tries to communicate with others only to find them acting strangely. This leads to Chris starting an investigation. I won’t spoil the rest, but the movie con-
stantly defies expectations for a film that is driven by the racial tensions. It has many twists and turns all the way to the end. It is a horror film that doesn’t use any of the typical horror movie devices, but infuses originality to keep the audience engaged. The movie also has many strong comedic moments, delivered by Chris’s best friend Rod, played by LilRel Howery who does a sendup as a TSA agent. The most impressive moment in the film is when Chris walks through the house of crowded, wealthy white people, and up the stairs, only for all the noise in the house, both the speaking and music, to completely stop. The house is quiet as we see all the guests look in Chris’ direction. “Get Out” stays consistent throughout its runtime, which doesn’t feel too long or too short. It uses every minute to tell its story, whether the screen is filled with actors or not, it is always trying to illicit something from the audience. I can easily see Jordan Peele winning an Oscar for Best Director. “Get Out” is a great movie, and I recommend it for anyone who has not seen it even for those who are not fond of the horror genre.
Artist Lecture Series
1. study african-american history 2. earn a skills Certificate 3. apply for a scholarship
African-American studies at Los Angeles City College provides a rich education in the history and culture of African-Americans. A skills certificate is offered to students who take 15 units in required courses. Nine of those credits must be in AfricanAmerican studies.
Course options:
sCholarship requirements:
Afro AM 4 - The African-American in the History of the United States I
• Applicant must have a 3.0 GPA
Afro AM 5 - The African-American in the History of the United States II Afro AM 7 - African-Americans and the Political System Afro AM 20 - African-American Literature I Afro AM 60 (same as Music 135) - African-American Music Anth 102 - Human Ways of Life (Cultural) history 73 - Race and Racism in the United States sociology 11 - Race and Ethnic Relations in the United States
• Total units completed should not exceed 90 • Plan to transfer to a four-year university or college
the moon, Collins, ealy sCholarship Professors Henry Ealy and Mattie Moon created this scholarship in honor of Elmer Moon, Nina Collins and Janis Ealy. It is for students who have completed at least nine units of African-American studies offered by the social sciences department.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X
Photo by Jordan Rodriguez/Collegian
Artist, Marnie Weber stands next to poster art promoting her part in the VAMA Artist Lecture Series on Feb. 13, 2018. Weber works in the mediums of music, performance, collage and photography. She mixes mainstream with counter-cultural elements into a mythological world populated with beasts and masked characters. Her art can be seen at the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Hammer, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
6
nEWs
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Fire Breaks Out in House Where Vagrants Squat By clinton caMeron Residents saw flames and smoke rise from 866 N. Edgemont Ave. on Feb. 22. Witnesses estimated the fire started around 10:30 a.m. Fifty, first responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) arrived around 11:20 a.m. and controlled and extinguished the flames within 24 minutes. LAFD reported no injuries or rescues as a result of the fire as a result of the fire at 866 N. Edgemont Ave. Tenants at the apartment complex next-door evacuated immediately after seeing smoke - many took precious belongings with them onto the sidewalk. “There were two of us in the house next-door in this front house and there were two behind us or four behind us that got their stuff out,” said Tucker Norrison, a resident at 872 N. Edgemont Ave. “About half of this complex which is made up of 15 people weren’t even here.” Some neighbors said they suspected the house that caught fire was being used as a meth lab. Next-door neighbors report calling the police more than once during the last six months. Doug Turner and his wife Lauren Hoekstra moved into the neighborhood six months ago from West Hollywood. They saw
Photo courtesy of ivan coPelli
Firefighters converge to put out a fire at 866 N. Edgemont Ave. on Feb. 22. It took them 24 minutes to extinguish the flames. No injuries were reported. the smoke from the next block and took their dog for a walk to investigate. They say squatters may have unintentionally started the fire while cooking drugs. “There’s been a lot of vagrants in the area,” Turner said. “We’ve had similar problems where I see
people that might be doing something illegal. We’ll call the police and they’ll check on them, but then nothing else after that.” LAFD Battalion Chief James Flores told the Collegian the house appeared to be occupied by homeless people. No one was present at
the time of the fire and the cause is still under investigation. “This house will probably get torn down and then built into apartment buildings because the area is zoned for multiple units,” Hoekstra said. “It’s a beautiful historic home. It’s just going to get lost.”
Campus Cafeteria to Debut Soon By Joe JaMBor Recent upgrades on campus have provided many needed amenities, but the lack of proper on-campus dining has left many hungry. They are forced to bring sandwiches and salads or stand in line at Jack in the Box. Interim College President Mary Gallagher has plans to rectify this situation. “We’re working with Pacific Dining right now to get the area prepped so that they can start serving hot food in the Student Union,” Gallagher said. “It is my hope that we will have something available to students after spring break.” It is not a definite promise, but it is a start. With empty stomachs the community gazes towards the Student Union, dreaming of the time when mashed potatoes scooped onto plastic trays fills their years-long yearning for a place to dine.
NEWS BRIEFS coMPileD By trissean McDonalD anD KiMBerly Fisher
NABI Offers Free Drinks Nabi, located on 4632 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 16, is a Korean restaurant that is offering free water or soda with the purchase of a regular bibimbap bowl for LACC students and faculty. The only requirement is a school ID. Nabi menu consist of a Korean and Mexican fusion ranging from tacos, Korean quesadillas, tortas, and kimchi. Nabi is open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Speak Out With No Fear There’s no need to fear, for there’s a Safe Space is here. The Safe Space club is located at the South Kinesiology Building Room 103. Meetings are every Thursday at 3 p.m. Safe Space respects all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion and sexual orientation. It is a place to express yourself within the broader community without bias.
Photo by eriKa alManza/collegian
Bulldozers and rubble sit on what was the old Men’s Gymnasium as construction continues on campus, Feb. 2018. Plans for the site do not reveal what facility will takes its place.
a neW camPuS SloWly emerGeS By Joe JaMBor When you stand at the entrance of the Martin Luther King (MLK) Library the construction is nearly all that can be seen. Green chain link fences wrapped in nylon cloth blocks your view of the campus, and behind them heavy earth moving equipment clanks and beeps as it slowly goes about the demolition of the Men’s Gymnasium, originally built in 1935. From this vantage point it is difficult to tell, but after $569 million and years of construction the Los Angeles City College (LACC) of the future is slowly emerging from the fences and scaffolds that have decorated the campus, although there is some uncertainty about what is being built.
“Currently nothing is planned to replace the old Men’s Gym facilities,” said David Vela, communications manager for the BuildLACCD program management office. “The next projects are small upgrades to the transportation and accessibility of the pathways and Central Plant upgrades.” The renovations, part of the larger $9.6 billion dollar BuildLACCD program, were created to modernize and renovate the nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD.) The new Child Development Center, the Student Union, sports facilities and renovations to the MLK Library and other preexisting structures are among the completed phases of the projects. Included in the work are features
designed to make the campus safer such as improved lighting and access as well as innovations in the new buildings designed to reduce water usage and minimize LACC’s carbon footprint. These improvements have not been without their challenges. Constant construction on campus has been cause for some concern among students and faculty. Issues raised include restricted access to campus buildings, classes conducted in buildings before they were fully functional and the constant disruptive noise of the machinery. Despite these challenges, the work continues and more is expected although specifics have yet to be presented. There is still an estimated $90 million dollars of funding remaining.
“traDe tecH VP” from PaGe 1
INTERIM PRESIDENT BRINGS CHANGE students have access to the courses they want and need on their path to graduation or transfer. In one of her weekly updates to the faculty, Gallagher said that department heads and deans are currently working on a course schedule that would be guaranteed for the 2018-2019 academic year. This would theoretically allow students, faculty and staff to plan their year with the promise that no classes would be cut. As a veteran in the field, Gallagher stressed the importance of online courses, and spoke optimistically at the prospect of City
offering more in the future. LACC’s median student age is 26, and administrators are becoming increasingly concerned about a downward trend in enrollment. Most LACC students must work jobs in addition to attending class, which often overlap in today’s gig economy. “I am big advocate of online education done well,” she said. “It helps students to advance their personal learning.” Gallagher says that she has been a vocal advocate for online courses that would be available to both the “on-ground” students
and satellite enrollees. “I love the community college environment,” she said. “You work so closely with the students that it makes it more fun than other aspects of education.” Gallagher plans to take her love of LACC to the next level. She revealed that she fully intends to apply for the permanent president position at the end of her sixmonth interim appointment. “I am going to apply for the permanent position and I’m going to compete hard for it,” she said. “I see a substantially bright future for [LACC].”
“actiViSt Duo” from PaGe 1
ACTIVISTS BRING DREAMER FIGHT TO CITY STUDENTS minor arrests than the average American, so it is outrageous that they are made to feel that they are in some kind of never-never land.” Ramirez came to the U.S. when she was six years old with her family from Mexico City. She says her family brought her here so that she could have access to opportunities she did not have in Mexico. Ramirez points out that many Dreamers are deeply rooted in the economy. “There are not only DACA students,” Ramirez said. “There are DACA entrepreneurs, there are DACA paralegals, there are DACA people that are teaching American kids, and we are out here and we are giving back to the economy. We are paying into social security that we will never see, and we are here and we are going to continue to fight to be here.” DACA did not exist when Ramirez was in high school, so she had to be resourceful. “I was 14 and I had a fake ID,” she says. “Not to go out to clubs, but to work. I was terrified and ‘I thought I’m about to leave high school and I’m not going to be able to go to college.’ There’s no financial aid for people like me and there’s no scholarships for people like me. When DACA came into place it was a life-changing transformational time, it gave so many of us the ability to go get a driver’s license. You don’t understand what it means to have a driver’s license when you have been undocumented your whole life. Being able to drive and not look in your rearview mirror, or be afraid if the police is behind you.” Melody Kinglenfuss is an organizer at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA.) She conducts workshops to educate people about the Dreamer experience and she leads the California Dream Network, the largest organization of undocumented students, immigrants and allies in Southern California. They have been fighting for equality for undocumented people since 2003. Kinglenfuss says that supporters should pivot their attention to the different seats up for grabs here in California. “There are seven vulnerable seats,” she says. “They are in Republican districts but they went to Hillary Clinton in the presidential election. In Bakersfield, we have representative Kevin McCarthy who is the House majority leader. He has a lot of power to tell Paul Ryan what to do and what to bring up for a vote.” The undocumented cannot vote, but they can lobby and allies may not be able to speak to the un-
documented experience, but they can vote and influence legislation. Kinglenfuss says that many other communities are affected by legislation surrounding DACA. “This is not a brown issue,” she says. “So many communities are affected by DACA, the second largest number of undocumented come from South Korea and third
“thIs Is not a brown Issue. so many communItIes are affected by daca, the second largest number of undocumented come from south Korea and thIrd largest are from the phIlIppInes.” - GLorIa sTeInem
aCTIVIsT, FemInIsT anD JoUrnaLIsT largest are from the Philippines.” An LACC student from Canada asked Steinem what she could do as an individual to help the Dreamers. “You can make clear how shameful it is that you have a neighbor that’s behaving like this,” Steinem said, adding that people have a voice in the U.S. even if they cannot vote. “When you have an immigration policy in Canada where the ratio of immigrants per citizen is much greater than it is here, by just talking about the policies in Canada you can be helpful.” Ramirez says she has received emails from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Odessa, Texas. Her contact said there was a noticeable drop in the grades of high school students there because they are afraid their parents will be deported. “Keep going to school,” Ramirez said. “We are all fighting and hope that legislation gets passed soon, but we have to keep showing up for life. We have to keep our heads up high.” Steinem agrees. “Education has always been the single most important and portable thing - nobody can take your knowledge away from you,” she said.
“Serial GroPer” from PaGe 1
GROPER RAISES CONCERNS “In December, there were 4.1 reported incidents per million boarding,” he said. “The improvement of time response from cops has really helped to decrease the incidents that occur.” According to Sotero, in the past only Sheriffs were in charge of the safety on the Metro. Now, law enforcement has doubled with the help of the Los Angeles Police Department. “The cops are roamers,” he said. “They want to stay mobile in the system unless there is a particular reason. The metro system is very safe, there are emergency intercoms that are a direct link to the operation officers. If there is any type of incident, train commuters can use the intercom to make a report and get help. Ager Linder being caught shows the system at work.” Sotero said there are other resources for commuters to use to insure their safety. “There is a hotline number that can assist as well,” he said. “The hotline number is (888) 950SAFE. There is also a mobile app called Transit Watch that is avail-
L.A. Metro Transit App By Naomi L. Johnson Los Angeles commuters can now download an app that provides information on transit safety and allows riders to alert Metro Sheriffs of incidents as they occur. The L.A. Metro Transit Watch app is the mobile version of www. transitwatchla.org. When filing a report through the app, users can choose to remain anonymous. Users may upload a photo of an incident, or they can call the sheriff’s directly through the app. The app also alerts riders of potentially harmful incidents that are underway. The app is available on both iPhone and android systems. able for Android and Apple to report incidents.”
Campus Life
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, February 28, 2018
7
Resource Center Saves the Day By Melissa Crumby
Photo by Eve Moreno Luz/Collegian
City College’s Genderversity and Multicultural Center hosts Dr. Terri Anderson’, “Sister Talk,” as the centers first event, Feb. 22, 2018. The Center will work as a space of refuge for students to come and build community, seek resources around race, gender and sexual identity.
Let’s Talk Sisters; Everyone Else Is Welcomed Too By Alejandro Argueta and Eve Moreno LUZ
P
iercing laughter and “sister talk” resound in Dr. Terri Anderson’s event hosted by the LACC Genderversity and Multicultural Center. Twelve students gather around, sharing sandwiches, pizza, and stories of struggle. The “Sister Talk” Spring 2018 Mixer was just a meet and greet with the participants for Anderson’s new program. Dr. Anderson, who works at the Outreach and Recruitment Department in the Student Services Building, makes her way through groups of people. She makes a point to speak with every student in the space. Dr. Anderson isn’t simply hosting conversations; “Sister Talk” focus is geared toward the narratives of African-American women at LACC. “They felt like they needed a space,” Anderson said. “They needed something where their voices are being heard.” Attendees describe feeling frustrated and discouraged, unable to identify with the majority of LACC’s population. Within the Los Angeles City College student population, according to Community College Review, 11 percent of the students are black. Ebrahim Abdur Rahmaan is a political science major, and he talked about
the power of connecting with the other students. “As a black male on this campus, you rarely see anybody identical to you,” he said. “It’s a breeze when I can discuss with people of ethnic backgrounds.” Dr. Anderson discusses the insidious nature of isolation. She says feeling invisible and unsupported makes it harder to succeed in college. “I’m tired of hearing that our African American student population’s persistence rate is low,” she said. “The retention rate is low, and we’re not doing anything about it.” “Sister Talk” is the doctor’s stand that counters the systemic issues affecting students. “We mentor and inspire them through situations that they’re dealing with … to retain them and matriculate them,” she said. Shianne Taylor is majoring in business major and feels inspired to take on college life because of “Sister Talk.” “It gives me motivation because you get to talk about your problems,” Taylor said. “You get to see how other people respond to them ... it’s helpful because you have support.” The mixer informed students of the services offered at LACC’s Genderversity and Multicultural Centers. Student Services Specialist Andrea Eke aims to “host events that promote cultural enrichment
and gender diversity with a focus on closing achievement gaps within our disproportionately impacted student populations.” It’s not all about “Sister Talk.” The center offers other opportunities that could benefit students. “It’s my first day here, said Robert Jimenez, a bioengineering major. “I have already picked up three fliers for services I’d never seen before.” The fliers include information about a Hispanic Internship Program and The Los Angeles LGBT Center. About halfway through the event, Dr. Anderson walks to the information desk. She returns with a permission slip that she hands to Denean Victor, a child development major. It’s for her to attend the A2Mend Conference (African American Male Education Network and Development Conference), a place where African-American administrators gather to speak to students in the community college system. “We’re taking our “Sister Talk” girls to that conference, to let them see other community college students who are making it and looking at transferring,” Anderson said. The mixer ends with students exiting in groups, still talking and laughing among themselves. Dr. Anderson’s effort is proof of what’s possible when people convene and combine knowledge and empathy to support each other.
Professor Remembered for Students’ Success By Clinton Cameron Family, friends and the Los Angeles City College community mourned the loss of Braj Tiwari last December. Tiwari taught accounting classes online and in LACC classrooms for more than 25 years. A statement from his obituary reflected upon his contributions and acknowledged him for “being instrumental in helping to create the strongest discipline in business department.” One of his contributions included credit as an advisor for the 2015 publication “College Accounting: A Career Approach Twelfth Edition” by Cathy J. Scott. Business Administration Secretary Katherine Morales worked closely with Tiwari since 2006. She said Tiwari often went the extra mile for his students. “Although most of his classes were online, in addition to his regular office hours and class time, he’d often schedule time in the lab to offer all his students an opportunity to get his help with their accounting homework,” said Morales in an email to the Collegian. “At times [he] even made special trips to campus for these lab hours if his students’ schedules were different from his usual scheduled days on campus.”
Hastey Britt, chair of the business department, shared anonymous feedback from students who took Tiwari’s online class last semester. The comments revealed his ability to connect with the students even as they spent minimal time face to face with the instructor. “Professor Tiwari is a great instructor and makes sure all of your questions and concerns are answered in a timely manner,” a former student said. “He goes out of his way to make sure his students are knowledgeable of what is required of them. He makes sure all his students have access to him for questions. I am learning a huge amount of information that will help in me in my career path. Really glad to have him as an instructor.” Former Business Department Chair Thelma Day worked with Tiwari until she left the department in 2011. They kept in touch since her departure. “I saw him a couple [of] weeks before he died,” Day said. “… he would always come by even though I no longer was in the department. He would always come and say hi. He would always come by to ask me how I was doing. We would talk about our children. He would talk about his girls. I would talk about my girls. So, I considered him as part of the business
Associated Student Government (ASG) members are elected to represent the Los Angeles City College student body. They are a voice for students on a wide range of issues that affect their time at school. Edward Gomez is the senator of resource services, and he is focused on issues that affect low-income students at LACC, and how they can best utilize resources on campus. He helps students in need of food, clothing and school supplies by collecting donations and organizing donation drives. “I always help out by bringing clothes and food as you see, and also not just that, but school supplies as well,” Gomez said. “This can be very beneficial to students struggling who don’t always want to ask for help. Our campus is a safe space for them to use these resources so they can excel at Los Angeles City College.” An important event that has been available on campus for the last few years is the Resource Center Giveaway. The room is filled with tables of canned food, school supplies, clothes, and more. It feels like the atmosphere of a thrift store. “Mostly students like to come in,” Gomez said. “They can get any clothes or supplies that they need, not just for themselves, but also for their families, kids and babies.” Many people utilize this giveaway. Clothing is the main item
Braj Tiwari family. Every time we had celebrations at the end of the semester, he would be there at those celebrations. He would contribute and he was like a family member. He’s going to be missed.” Braj Tiwari died Tue Dec. 19, 2017 following a battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. He is survived by his two daughters Rachna and Alina, twin grandchildren Saatvik and Saanvi, his girlfriend Michelle and his sonin-law Nishant. His funeral services were held on Dec. 22 in Los Angeles California.
that students get from the center. ASG is always looking for students to volunteer and help out with the Resource Center Giveaway and programs similar to it. Becoming a part of ASG can help students learn more about the campus. They will have a better understanding about what is happening here, and will learn things that most students overlook. “I didn’t use too many resources
until I became involved,” he said. “As an ASG Senator, I have learned more about what’s going on, about advocating, everything.” ASG offices are located on the second floor of the Student Union Building. For more information on how to become involved in campus events, contact Armineh Dereghishian, student services specialist at (323) 9534000, ext. 2450 or email her at deregha@lacitycollege.edu.
Psych Club Prepares for Rush Week By Joe Jambor Forever Jung is one of many college clubs that plays a vital role in campus life, and at the core are the students who are united by common interests. A faculty adviser guides each of the campus clubs that offer students a chance to explore their respective fields outside of the classroom. Forever Jung activities include movie nights, games and discussions. A sense of community however, is one of the major benefits the club provides to members. “The best thing about Psych Club is that you’re still in school but you’re in a different setting,” said member and former club president Miriam Adam. “It helped me with my anxiety because I know that when we’re in psych club, we’re going to talk about something I find cool.”
Forever Jung’s first meeting of the semester was not an “official” one, but rather a chance to make plans for Rush Week - a three-day event that gives students a chance to survey the many clubs offered at LACC. Club President Wil Landaverde described some of the previous year’s activities. In the past, students made their own Rorschach tests—a psychology test that analyzes a subject’s interpretation of a series of inkblots. Students also created a box where they put their hand next to a fake one and experienced how seeing the fake hand being tickled with a feather could trick their brain into believing their own hand was being touched. This sense of combined entertainment and education are at the core of the club’s activities. This year Landaverde and the club’s mem-
bers debated a number of ideas before settling on one that plays on how bias affects perception. “We need volunteers to work the event,” Landaverde said. Club Rush Week will be the first of many activities for the “Jungians” this semester, which will celebrate their love of the mysteries of the human mind. Forever Jung is dedicated to providing students interested in psychology with the opportunity to build a greater understanding of the mental health field. Club members meet weekly and have been active at Los Angeles City College since 2013. The club meets weekly on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. in Homes Hall, room 102. For more information or to volunteer email psychclublacc@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page, Forever Jung Psych Club.
Retired Union Leader Leaves Legacy Diane Hayes dedicated more than 30 years of her life to clerical work at Los Angeles City College. Her leadership skills as an active member of the AFT Local 1521A union affectionately earned her the title “labor warrior,” by her peer and union comrade Thelma Butler. It surprised some former coworkers that Hayes died in December while living with her daughter in Albuquerque. By Clinton Cameron
Photo courtesy of Alina Tiwari
Photo by Anwar Torres/Collegian
Associated Student Government Senator, Edward Gomez looks at clothes donated to the Resource Center on Feb. 7, 2018. He helps students in need of food, clothing and school supplies by collecting donations and organizing donation drives. Gomez says he is focused on issues that affect low-income students at LACC.
Clerical workers and technical support staff for Los Angeles City College knew Diane Hayes as a coworker and an active “Labor Warrior” for AFT Local 1521A. She fought for workers’ rights through the union since she joined in 1983. Her tough skills as a negotiator got results. She stayed close to those she worked with years after her retirement in 2015. She died late December but many of the staff she worked with at City College received the news when they returned from winter break. Mitch Polin worked with Hayes in the business office from 1998 until she retired. Polin and Hayes kept track of each other every few
Photo courtesy of Velma Butler
Diane Hayes months. He described Hayes as a loving and sweet person committed to making sure employers honored their contracts with their employees. Polin says he thought of reaching out to Hayes during the winter break. She recently moved from Los Angeles to Albuquerque New Mexico to live with her daughter and he wondered how she was doing. “The staff was surprised to learn that she passed,” Polin said. “We didn’t find out until a couple of weeks ago. It was early February.” Hayes served on the Staff Guild Budget Committee and a delegate to the California Federation of Teachers and American Federation of Teachers for more than a
decade. Her negotiation skills contributed to her fight for the rights of employees to have healthy and safe working conditions and good retirement benefits. “The way the union works is each campus has a union chair and a grievance rep,” Polin said. “Diane was the chapter chair for a number of years.” Velma Butler became president of the union two decades ago. Butler recognized that Hayes really believed in the union and possessed superior bargaining skills. She credits Hayes as a main source of inspiration and referred to her as a “labor warrior.” “If we can learn anything from her, she never gave up,” Butler said. “She believed in the union and solidarity for all. Twenty years ago when I became president, [Hayes] helped me to help lead the union.” According to Polin, Hayes’ housing situation left her with very few options when the building she lived in for more than 20 years sold. Her fixed income from retirement and additional financial assistance from the government fell short of meeting the demands for the high rent in Los Angeles. She decided to move to Albuquerque New Mexico to live with her daughter. She died on Dec. 21, 2017. Hayes is survived by her children John, Dawn, Destiny and Monique, her grandchildren Jessica, Dominque, Izaac, Tesla and Sol and her great-granddaughter.
8
spOrts
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Beavers Snap Mt. SAC Mounties’ 16-year Winning Streak, Head to Playoffs
I
By thoMas chavira
n a small downtown gym on the corner of Flower Street and Washington Boulevard, the rapid squeaks of sneakers could be heard from the empty student quad. The entire Los Angeles Trade Tech (LATTC) campus would be closed for the holiday weekend, and with the NBA All-Star festivities kicking off right down the street, one would forgive the half-empty bleachers. Still, for those that showed up to watch the Beavers clinch a conference championship and win their 5th straight game against conference rival Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), you’d believe that there was no other action in town. “We have some rabble-rousers here,” said Yvette Wickman, counselor of the athletic department at LATTC, referring to the boisterous crowd which included several students, parents, and siblings of student athletes. She mentioned needing to get creative for the program to stand out in the college sports community. “We are working on changing the visibility of the school, Wickman said.” They have done that by having former Laker great and 12-year NBA vet Cedric Ceballos at the game, who also posed with students and players after the 62-56 victory. The game was competitive, tense and featured some great performances, with sophomore point
guard Kamara Smith producing a highly impressive triple-double (10 steals,10 assists and 13 points) and freshman guard/forward Kermanie Patterson coming off the bench to kick in 11 rebounds and 7 points. The women Beavers, one of the best teams in the state, held on with some last minute defense and ended their regular season beating Mt. SAC, whose conference winning 16-year streak came to an end. They finished the season 22-6 and begin the playoffs next week against Long Beach City College. In comparison to the men’s team, who finished the season at 7-17, the women’s team has experienced recent success despite only averaging one win a year before 2012. One of the primary reasons is coach Sherwyn Morgan, who took over five years ago. His teams are known for their hustle and intensity. “Hard work, commitment, and sacrifice,” have been the key ingredients in the immediate turnaround he said. “I’m dedicated to Trade Tech. I’m an alumni here, I played here. So I bring a lot of pride back into where I started.” Coach Morgan credits the work ethic of the players and hunger that they bring. “Most of these girls have never won a championship,” Morgan said. “We’re not very big, but we’re scrappy. They play with their hearts. They’re committed to being basketball players. They don’t want to be girl basketball players, they want to be basketball players.” After Friday night, they can now say they’re “Champion” basketball players.
Photos by curtis sabir/collegian
TOP: Beavers Point Guard, Kamara Smith takes possession of the ball as Mounties surround her in the Los Angeles Trade Techs Laurel Gymnasium on Feb. 16, 2018. The Beavers snapped Mt. Sac’s16-year winning streak to win the game 62-56. LEFT: Cheyenne McKinnie prepares to take a free-throw for the Beavers in Trade Techs Laurel Gymnasium on Feb. 16, 2018. The point and shooting guard will add her skills to the Beavers playoff run next week against Long Beach City College.
Playoff Bound
future unSure for cliPPerS PoSt Griffin By Mynor Peralta The Clippers closed a chapter on their franchise history by trading Blake Griffin to Detroit for Avery B r a d l ey, Tobias Harris, and a first and second round pick. News of this trade stunned many Clipper fans who loved Griffin. He was by most NBA analysts the best player that the Clippers had developed once they drafted him. Also, surprising to many fans was that the Clippers had signed Griffin this offseason to a 5-year contract. There were reports that the Clippers front office had organized a fake jersey retirement with a church choir, telling him that he would be a Clipper for life. Yet, a few months later he was traded to
the Pistons. Now this move seems to indicate that the Clippers are headed in two directions. The first would rebuild the franchise with draft picks. There have been rumors that they would also want to trade DeAndre Jordan and Lou Williams for draft picks. However, the Clippers signed Lou Williams to a three-year extension. This means that Williams is part of the Clippers long-term plans. As for Jordan, since he could not be traded before the trade deadline expired, it seems the Clippers are happy enough to let his contract come off the books at the end of the season. This leads to the second possibility, which is to try and sign top free agents available at the end of the season. There are only a few players that will be free agents that would deserve the maximum compensation. They are LeBron James, Paul George, and DeMarcus Cousins. Kevin Durant may become a free agent this year, but he will most likely exercise his player option to make a run for the NBA Finals with the Warriors. DeMarcus Cousins just suffered
a torn Achilles that might jeopardize his free agency. In all likelihood, Cousins will stay with the Pelicans for the next few years. That leaves LeBron and George who both have ties to Los Angeles. LeBron has a house in Brentwood and also has a production company that he may want to move to Hollywood. He has also expressed interest in buying an NBA franchise after his playing days are over. As for George, he is a Los Angeles native who has let it be known that he would like to play for his hometown. The Clippers will have competition this offseason from their cross-town rivals the Los Angeles Lakers, who have also made a trade that clears the path to pursue both LeBron and George. The Lakers traded Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and Cleveland’s first round pick. Both Thomas and Frye are on their last year of their contracts, which means the Lakers have the same plan as the Clippers this offseason. For the Clippers though, trad-
illustration by Juventino velasQuez/collegian
ing Griffin is a hard sell for fans of their franchise that saw him grow from a rookie to a star. He led the franchise out from the depths of the NBA to some of the best years
Have an OpiniOn? a StOry idea?
the franchise and their fans have enjoyed. Griffin, along with Paul and Jordan, were able to inspire Clippers fans to dub the team “Lob City” for
the amount of dunks the team executed on a nightly basis. For Clippers fans, it is hard to say goodbye to a player like Griffin, but they have to hope that the best is yet to come.
WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR! email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com