Collegian Los Angeles
Follow a Storm Chaser to Berlin. VAMA Series Pg. 4
OBITUARY
‘Bernie Believers’
Polls Offer Convenience to Students, Community
Flock to L.A. Rally to Show Support
Death of Martial Arts Coach Brings Sadness to LACC Dojo
By Juan Mendoza Super Tuesday brought excited new faces to the third floor of the Los Angeles City College Student Union to cast a vote on March 3, 2020. The Voting Center was open for 11 days prior to Election Day, including Saturdays and Sundays through Super Tuesday. First-time voters came to the polls to cast their vote because they say that many social issues were headed in the wrong direction. Issues like housing, income inequality, healthcare, the cost of education, and how it is becoming privatized concerns many voters. Inside the polling place things appeared to run smoothly as employees and volunteers handled the operation of the center. Hours later before the sun went down, a rush of people showed up near closing time. The line grew from 20 to 60 voters. In the line, voters were hyper and excited.
Photo by PAUL KEITH
Supporters turn Convention Center into Sanders Stronghold
A By Paul Keith
SEE “VOTERS” PAGE 6
Enrollment Ticks Up during Spring Semester By Angela Coyne
sea of supporters packed shoulder to shoulder into the giant south hall of the L.A. Convention Center with arms extended above the crowd holding Blue “Bernie” signs on March 1, 2020. The signs appeared to pul-
sate and reflect the blue concert lights of the dark room. They moved like ocean waves in a scene that resembled a Metallica Concert more than a political rally. Over 24,000 young, ethnically diverse attendees descended on the Convention Center to see presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. Guest speakers and musicians included comedian, Sarah Silverman, legendary actor-comedian, Dick Van Dyke, Black Lives Matter co-founder, Patrisse Cullors, Latino rights ad-
vocate, Marisa Franco and Executive Director of United Nurses Union, Bonnie Castillo. Latin Grammy Award-winner Ana Tijoux performed, as did hip-hop musicians Public Enemy who closed the rally. In the lead-up to Super Tuesday, attendees filled the center to capacity. They stood close together, hundreds of feet from the stage, to SEE “RALLY” PAGE 6
SEE “COACH” PAGE 6
On Assignment: Visit to Guangzhou, China A layover turned into a working vacation for this Collegian reporter at the end of January. A 10-hour visa allowed culture reporter, Will Torres to venture into the city to see how people there are coping with the coronavirus. By William Torres Guangzhou, China, a city with a population of nearly 15 million, was a ghost town. Even though the city is 634 miles from Wuhan, people there are on high alert. Guangzhou felt like an episode of AMC’s “Walking Dead.” Wuhan is at the heart of the coronavirus outbreak and Guangzhou is an hour and 45-minute flight away, but people there still live in fear. As soon as you step into a Guangzhou train station, authorities are wearing gloves and surgical masks. They stand in front of the station entrance waiting to take passengers’ temperature with thermometers. Three to four police officers monitor the scene. Two scan each person who enters, and two are on standby, ready to take away any person whose temperature is high. A silent fear is in the air as passengers wait patiently in line, and they pray they don’t have any flu symptoms. Hundreds of people are quarantined each day. The same procedure repeats in the airport, but on a much larger scale. Once each passenger has gone through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Immigration, passengers must wait an additional hour to go through a thermometer scanner before they can reach their terminal. It is tedious, but no one in line complains. An audible sigh of relief can be heard from several people
SEE “ENROLLMENT” PAGE 6
INDEX 2-3
Arts & Entertainment
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Campus Life
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News
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Food Corner
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Sports
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By Nelson Cruz Coach Michael Allen Novak, known as “Sensei Mikey” to the students who trained with him at L.A. City College died after a sudden heart event on Feb. 10, 2020. Novak was born in March of 1964, in Chicago, Ill. Novak started practicing judo at the age of 18. His love for judo began when he discovered the sport at the Braille Institute. “Sensei Mikey” was known throughout the dojo world at LACC as an assistant teacher/high belt. Those who knew him say his smile would not only brighten the dojo, but it would also brighten people’s day.
Enrollment at L.A. City College has increased for the spring semester and one administrator says it is because the college changed the way it meets the needs of students outside the classroom. Two years of revising programs and services to meet the challenges students face has brought higher enrollment. Many students struggle with hunger, homelessness, childcare, transportation expenses and other financial barriers, according to Anna Badalyan, dean of institutional advancement at L.A. City College. Enrollment rose to more than 14,000 students this semester after the college administration took concrete steps. LACC hired a marketing firm to assist in redeveloping the Student Services System—SIS. Changes included personnel development and training for classified staff. The college also arranged hybrid, online and campus classes that are flexible
Opinion & Editorial
CAMPUS TO MOVE MOST CLASSES ONLINE UNTIL APRIL 13 Pg. 5
POLITICS
Campus Welcomes Voters
COVID-19 ADVISORY:
The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Volume 184 Number 2
2020 ELECTIONS
SAMANTHA FIELDS
Photo by WILLIAM TORRES Everyone that enters Guangzhou airport has to go through thermometer scanners to detect if any passenger has the coronavirus Covid-19. The procedure can take over an hour, but It’s an important measure to prevent the the spread of the virus.
SEE “ON ASSIGNMENT” PAGE 6
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OPINION & EDITORIAL
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 11, 2020
EDITORIAL
Medicare for all Might be Free—But it Will Cost You By Joshua Belmore It is a good thing that politicians are not scientists, because if they were, we would all be walking around thinking the earth was flat. How is it that a simple question cannot get a simple answer? For example, why can’t Sen. Bernie Sanders explain how he is going to pay for “Medicare for All” if he is elected, and why does he dodge the fact that it failed in Vermont? These are tough questions, but they should not come as a surprise to the only socialist democrat in the race. He alone is leading a movement to alter the foundation of the American government and American economics, to create the largest entitlement program in American history.
Professor John McDonough at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health worries that Democrats are not paying attention to all of the challenges of a “Medicare for All” system. “I see no evidence from the Medicare-forall advocacy community of a serious effort to understand and learn from the lessons from Vermont’s failure,” McDonough said to the Washington Post in April of 2019. “Those who ignore history are cursed to repeat it.” Bernie Sanders campaigns against billionaires, millionaires and capitalists in this country, and yet he is a millionaire with three homes. Aaron Freedman from BuzzFeed News writes: “Bernie Sanders is now in the same 1% he rails against. Bernie Sanders Ameri-
ca; in Cuba, they have free healthcare for all, rationed food stamps, low paying jobs, free college and stagnated salaries. A close look at Cuban economics shows that a taxi driver will make more than a physician. “A taxi driver in Cuba can earn [$1,500] a month in profits, which are 30 times more than the average salary of a physician’s monthly pay of [$45],” according to a Vox report from Cuba by Johnny Harris. Is Bernie Sanders saying this is how he wants America to look? He has not talked much about Cuba. He prefers to talk about Canada, Germany and every other large nation that offers healthcare as a human right. The problem is Bernie never talks about the problems facing the countries that have implemented free healthcare for all. In 2017, the New York Times had five ex-
perts research universal healthcare in Canada. “They found that only 43 percent of Canadians were able to see a doctor or a nurse the same day as going to the hospital. Patients had to wait twelve hours or more for care in the emergency room, 30 percent of them had to wait two or more months to see a specialist and 18 percent had to wait four or more months for elective surgery,” William Watson wrote when he cited the New York Times findings in the Financial Post of Canada. Canada came in last for healthcare system. If Bernie Sanders wants to establish “Medicare for All,” we should know how it is going to be better for all Americans, and how he is going to avoid pitfalls like Canada.
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Co-Editors-in-Chief BEATRICE ALCALA JOSE ZUAZUA Copy Editor ANGELA JOHNSON JAMES DUFFY V Opinions & Editorial Editor WILL TORRES Sports Editor JAMES DUFFY V Photographers BEATRICE ALCALA PAUL KEITH CHRISTOPHER AHN CHRISTOPHER BALAN Illustrators STEPHANIE KO DIEGO ANGULO Graphic Designers BEATRICE ALCALA JAMES DUFFY V CHRISTOPHER AHN
Reporters XENNIA R. HAMILTON, PAUL KEITH, CINDY AGUILERA, CHRISTOPHER AHN, ABIU IZQUIERDO, ANASTASIA NIKOLAEVNA, JENNIFER VASQUEZ, JUAN MENDOZA, VERONICA MIRELES, TUPAC ZAPATA, TILLY HINTON, ANAHITA SAFARZADEH, BRIAN PEREZ Adviser RHONDA GUESS
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. To advertise in the Collegian, direct all insertion orders and questions to: pr.collegian@gmail.com.
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Gentrified
By Jose Avalos
Recently, Los Angeles has been getting its face lifted with fancy new buildings, new shops and trendy markets. There’s a cost, however, and it is that others are losing their homes, losing their neighborhoods and culture all to please the white man. Homelessness has become an epidemic here in the city of angels. More and more of our own young people are becoming homeless, and living in Los Angeles costs an arm and a leg. Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Innovation Team compiled data in 2017 that measured gentrification and displacement in Los Angeles. A neighborhood change index ranks gentrification in 111 communities using zip codes. Downtown L.A. tops the list followed by the Arts District, Westlake, Pico Union, Silver Lake and Echo
Park. Many of the changing neighborhoods are home to fewer and fewer immigrants, lower income African Americans, whites, Asians and Latinx residents. Still, the L.A. City Council continues to improve luxury housing projects, according to Housingisahumanright.org. I remember as a young boy, my mother would take me to Grand Central Market to get the best deals on produce. If you go to Grand Central Market now, you will find trendy food shops, rich Instagram influencers who come from other states taking selfies as they call downtown their new home. And there’s not a lot of POC. I believe as Los Angeles becomes a hub for many privileged socialites, more of the natives who were born and raised here are being kicked to the curb. Echo Park is a place that I used to call my second home, rich with many brown and black faces, has now been stripped of culture and are now infected with “locally-owned” coffee shops. Many Latinx bakeries and shops have been closed down and replaced with shops that fill the needs of these hipsters with daddy’s money. I am tired of the gentrification that is visible all over Los Angeles. It was home to many minorities, and now it
Professors Should Move to E-Textbook Technology
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By Nasya Mejia Our education system is evolving along with technology. The emergence of the e-textbook has transformed the way students access required course material. Instructors who endorse the use of free e-textbooks provide their students with an organized and money-efficient resource. The e-textbook system is a success in the classroom, and all college professors should utilize the technology by 2021. E-textbooks promote organization; when a professor provides a link for an assigned e-textbook, students no longer have to doubt whether they have the correct version or volume. A universal link to the e-textbook eliminates unnecessary confusion and increases productivity in the classroom. I have witnessed this first hand at Los Angeles City College in classes that were strictly e-textbook centered. In one instance, my professor simplified the process of assigning a textbook by providing everyone with a link on his website. No questions were asked and everyone was on board for the entirety of the semester.
Accessibility is crucial to busy college students. E-textbooks help by providing easy access on multiple devices, and they weigh a lot less than a textbook! I personally am fond of having access to my e-textbooks on my phone because it allows me to study right before an exam, even while I am walking to class. An index is irrelevant when an e-textbook is involved. Search functions on students’ devices allow them to easily locate a word or phrase and will guide them through all pages containing that term or phrase. This special feature saves students time flipping through their textbooks, which then allows more time for study. The most intriguing feature of the e-textbook and the most responsible for its role in replacing hardcopies is its affordability. The average price of an e-textbook from two popular rental sites, VitalSource and RedShelf is $38 or $39. An article by Kathy Krist of CBS News found the national average for a single textbook to be $153. Student debt being the epidemic it is, free or cheap access to e-textbooks can be the alternative to expensive hardcopies. In the future, we must consider all our resources and decide which ones can be used to solve our problems. E-textbooks are the solution to an improved classroom environment, and one day will hopefully replace the use of bound books.
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NEXT ISSUE: March 18, 2020 EDITORIAL DEADLINE: MARCH 25, 2020
OPINION & EDITORIAL
Compiled by Angela Johnson Photos by Beatrice Alcala
Share your thoughts about whether there should be a female candidate in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination?
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 11, 2020
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CHARLES DUFFEY Major: Political Science
KAREN CHAVEZ Major: Nursing
TY TURNER Major: Business Administration
ABRAHAM AVILA Major: Theater
“I think there should be. It’s time. I voted for Hillary (Clinton). I was quite shocked that Warren (dropped out). She was a likely candidate, but it wasn’t going to work. I think it wasn’t going to work because the moderates that are swingers they’re not going super left. They want safe left, not socialist left. And the same with Bernie. I mean Warren and Bernie are almost equivalent in that respect.”
“You’re going to hate me, but I have no opinion. I have so much going on. I’m totally out of the loop. I didn’t know that (Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the race). It should not be like that for sure. I’m puzzled as to why we don’t have a woman running. I definitely need to look more into that.”
“I was pretty surprised (when Elizabeth Warren dropped out). I thought she was going to keep going. That was a shocker to me, too. I still don’t know why. I think she had a legitimate chance to win.”
“I love Elizabeth Warren because she was hitting on banks. I don’t like banks. She doesn’t like banks and she was always fighting for the people. But she is not supporting Bernie Sanders. She’s not backing him and why? It makes no sense to me.”
INK STYLE
A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT
Illustration by DIEGO ANGULO
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 11, 2020
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Storm Chaser: Artist’s Landscapes Offer Different View of Weather Samantha Fields brings her worldly art to the next VAMA lecture series and an invitation for students to apply to study with her next summer in Berlin Germany.
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By Xennia Hamilton
isaster and art coincide in a “field of surprises” during a presentation at the Los Angeles City College Visual and Media Arts (VAMA) Lecture Series on March 17, 2020. Samantha Fields says she hopes to inspire students and artists at L.A. City College and to show how disaster in life can be a beautiful craft as well. Fields’ work begins with photos of dramatic weather systems, which she then draws on medium-sized canvas or panel. She uses a Japanese airbrush technique and acrylic, according to her website on Artsy.net. She also has an extreme side when it comes to her work. “For instance, this summer I will be going storm chasing with a meteorologist to take photos of severe weather for my paintings,” Fields said in an email to the Collegian. “Maybe even a tornado, if we are in the right place at the right time!” She lives a very interesting, vibrant life for her art, which intrigues and exhilarates. Fields described her creative and intellectual inspiration and the dynamics of her work. She says it primarily surrounds disaster. “In the past, my paintings have dealt with a range of disaster: familial, natural, man-made, and political,” Fields wrote to the Collegian in an email. “The common thread in my work is the use of landscape as a metaphor for the stories I wish to tell. I love when I feel inspired, but as my teacher-Professor José Cintron used to
say, ‘Making art is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration!’” The Cleveland, Ohio native is also a professor of art at California State University, Northridge. The City of Los Angeles awarded an independent artist grant to Fields in 2013 for her extensive body of work. Indeed, one look at Fields’ website www.samanthafields. net, and a canvas of glossy, contrasting images of bright balloons attract attention near the top of the page--so bright and playful against war-filled clouds of smoke. Another piece entitled, “The Somnabulist,”consists of a dream-enticed, hollow scene with only a child’s playhouse to remind one of serenity in a melodramatic world. “I will be showing images of my work, and talking about how I develop my ideas, and my process in the studio,” Fields said in an email. “I will also be sure to tell them about CSU Summer Arts, and opportunities to apply for master classes in visual art, music, dance, writing and theater both here and abroad.” Fields says students can also travel abroad with her this summer (For more information, on the CSU Summer Arts program, go to https://www2.calstate. edu/SummerArts/Pages/default.aspx). “I am teaching a course in Berlin with CSU Summer Arts,” Fields said. “LACC students are welcome to apply to all CSU Summer Arts courses, both here and abroad!” Field says her advice to students is to create art every day. That is where she says students will find answers—in the making. Fields also shared her reasons for pursuing art. “I cannot remember ever wanting to be anything other than an artist,” Fields
wrote, “so I suppose nothing made me want to be one, I just was. Because of that, I chose to study art in college.” Fields earned her BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art, and she earned an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, a top art school near Detroit. Reading informs Fields’ art, and she says she has always loved to observe, draw and paint. Her parents were paying attention. “My parents saw that I had talent, and encouraged me,” Fields wrote. “They didn’t know much about art, but they made sure I always had paper, drawing tools and a weekly trip to the local library where I would read about art and artists.” From there, other artists and movements influenced her painting, as well as any people and even places. “I am influenced by many things, the Hudson River School painters, the Dada movement, Feminist Art, literature, film, you name it, I am a voracious consumer of information,” Fields wrote to the Collegian. “Many times, because of my own curiosity, I will discover new influences. I conduct a lot of unusual research.” “Fields travels the world and considers it a “great privilege.” She grew up near the Canadian border, and that is where she made her first trip abroad. “My second trip to another country was to Mexico when I was in graduate school, where I was able to see the murals of Diego Rivera, Ruffino Tamayo, and of course, to visit La Casa Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo,” Fields said. She eventually traveled to Europe and took part in a cultural exchange where she taught in Florence, Italy.
PREVIEW
Photo by CHRIS BALAM Characters approach a mythical creature in an open forest in the Theater Academy production of “Frostbite,” a play directed by LACC student L.S. Stanford. Four plays run through Saturday March, 14 at the Cameo Theater.
Four Student-Directed Plays to Begin at ‘Cameo’ Thursday
Inspiration is the new “it” when the curtain goes up on “Pretty Fire,” “Frost Bite,” “Such a Beautiful Voice is Sayeda’s,” and “Heaven’s Waiting Room,” tomorrow at 7 p.m.
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By Jennifer Vasquez
our plays directed by students provide them with the opportunity to bring their passion to life on the stage with Student Directed One Acts (SD1A), which will run through Saturday at the Cameo Theater. One of the four plays includes the work of student director Larry Robinson. He chose “Pretty Fire,” because he wanted to select a play that he could relate to that featured African American actresses. “The experience of directing is learning how to walk and learning to
enjoy it,” Robinson said “The color and race doesn’t have to connect with the audience, as long as the audience connects to it with their soul.” “Frost Bite,” director L.S. Stanford says he had trouble understanding the play when he first read it, but he was curious and wanted to know more about it. “What the audience can expect from the play is magic realism genres, with the concepts of time and love, and the life period of adolescence,” Stanford said. His goal was to honor the playwright, Lisa D’Amour, and to bring her work to life. Karole Bennett decided to direct “Such a Beautiful Voice is Sayeda’s,”
because it found a place in her heart, but it was not the first play she wanted to direct. She wanted a play that featured African American feminists. “What the audience can expect from the play is to be inspired by it, to be encouraged by it, and to use their voice.” It is the story of a woman who finds her voice and learns to speak out, but at a cost. The play communicates a strong and moving message. Tickets are available at the Theater Academy website. Student tickets cost $10, and general admission is $15. Showtime on Thursday, Friday and Saturday is 7 p.m., and there is a matinee performance on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Images by SAMANTHA FIELDS
CAMPUS LIFE
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 11, 2020
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SCHOLARSHIPS
Photo by WILLIAM TORRES Collegian reporter William Torres stands in front of a cityscape in Guangzhou, China on Jan. 31, 2020. Police detain anyone outside without a mask.
Students Express Concern, But No Alarm at COVID-19 By WILLIAM TORRES and DIEGO CHAVEZ-CADENA
We are asking our faculty to please consider the circumstances of what’s happening now and be flexible,” said L.A. City College President Mary Gallagher of how faculty might be more understanding of students who become ill and miss class.
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The virus has not been contained, and L.A. County health officials say they have moved beyond containment efforts. With more than 500 cases in the U.S. and rising, some Americans live in paranoia. Hand sanitizer, toilet paper and face masks are sold out at many stores all over L.A. County. Despite the virus’ rapid spread, many students at LACC are unafraid. First-semester student Valarie Porcara says there are deadlier diseases than the virus. “I think if [COVID-19] happens, we will get sick and get over it,” Porcara said. “I believe there is more harmful stuff out there than the coronavirus.” L.A. City College administration says parts of the campus will be cleaned and disinfected. The college is working to replace hand sanitizers in classrooms and offices where dispensers now stand empty. “So, we have ordered the replacement liquid for the hand sanitizers at the level the health department recommends,” said L.A. City College President Mary Gallagher. “And we are waiting for the order. They are in short supply, but we expect it any day.”
Red Cross Arrives for One-Day Blood Drive
Photo by BEATRICE ALCALA Collegian reporter Diego Chavez-Cadena brings awareness of the Red Cross blood effort drive at the Campus Quad on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. This blood drive attracted a large number of students.
Aaron Dylan is a cinema major who says the number of cases could increase, but he’s not worried. “The virus can spread in Los Angeles, but am I afraid of catching it?” Dylan said. “Nope. If it can spread worldwide, it can just as easily spread into this campus, but until it does, I am not too concerned. I just have to live my life like I’m living it every day.” Ten Cal State University Long Beach students are in self-quarantine because of their possible exposure to the virus. The L.A. Times reported the total number of cases in L.A. County is 14 as of March 9. Dr. Harold San Agustin, a Los Angeles City College and East Hollywood Clinic Physician Specialist of Infectious Disease has been paying close attention to the virus since it surfaced in China. “Given the rising prevalence, incidence, and the evolving R0 and Case Fatality Rate, it is my opinion that the virus is not yet contained,” San Agustin said. “We are expected to face a global pandemic, as suggested by the World Health Organization.” San Agustin said he is not shocked that COVID-19 has spread to L.A. “Because Los Angeles is an international entry point by air and sea, the risk of viral entry to Los Angeles County was expected,” San Agustin said. “In fact, the
By Delia Rojas All students had to do to donate blood to the Red Cross last Wednesday was walk to the Quad and check in. The Red Cross bloodmobile came to Los Angeles City College on March 4 and parked in front of the Administration Building where Erica Bravo, the volunteer in charge, checked in interested students. Bravo would go over the process with the student and provide them with more information about Red Cross guidelines for blood donation. During the visit, the Red Cross asked potential donors if they had traveled within the past 28 days outside of the country, especially to China, Hong Kong or Macau. The organization is screening this month for signs of the coronavirus among blood donors. The Red Cross did not accept donations from anyone who had traveled recently to China, Hong Kong or Macau. Bravo says the bloodmobile goes to one location per day where people can donate. The process is easy and it takes about an hour. Red
first confirmed case of 2019-in Los Angeles was reported by the County of Los Angeles Public Health on Jan 26, 2020.” On March 9, LACC administration sent an email to students and faculty, saying extra hand sanitizers will be distributed across campus, and there would be cleaning and disinfecting all over campus. While the global health apparatus is working overtime to find a cure, San Agustin recommended a few precautions for students. “If you develop a fever with cough and shortness of breath, and you have recently traveled to Asia, particularly mainland China, or have been exposed to someone who has, contact your primary care doctor immediately,” San Agustin said.
The Board of Trustees fully supports the proactive leadership of the District and Colleges during this time of uncertainty. We want to assure our students, faculty, staff and the entire campus community that their health and welfare is our primary concern, Board President Hoffman said.
Cross employees give donors a place to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. The Red Cross provides students with a drink and some snacks to recover after donating blood. The entire process takes about one hour. “I am donating blood today because I want to take advantage of them being here on campus so it makes it easy for me to come,” said LACC student Christ Escalalnte. “I also hope that I am able to help others by donating today, I just want to make a difference.” It is an important activity. Every two minutes there is someone who needs a blood transfusion, so it is important for the blood bank to have enough blood on hand. The blood that is needed most is “O” type since it is universal. Bravo also said that people with chronic illness are not able to donate blood. A handful of students waited outside the bloodmobile to donate before noon last Wednesday. “I come to donate blood as often as they let me because It makes me happy to know that I am making a difference and helping someone who needs it,” said L.A. City College student John Richards.
Women in Engineering Study.com Scholarship
Deadline: 4/1/20 Award Amount: $500 Eligibility: College freshmen through junior The Women in Engineering Study.com Scholarship is open to entering college freshmen and current college freshmen, sophomores and juniors. A $500 award will be given to a female student pursuing any associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in an engineering related field of study. Study.com wants to assist in furthering the educational opportunities of women in engineering. Areas of study that will be considered include engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering technology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, energy engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, and architectural engineering among others. For more information visit: https://study.com/pages/Women_in_Engineering_Scholarship.html
Live Your Dream Award
Deadline: 11/15/20 Award Amount: Up to $16,000 Eligibility: College freshman through senior The Live Your Dream Award is available to female students who provide the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents. You must be enrolled in an undergraduate or vocational/skills training program and demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this award. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. For more information visit: https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-forthe-live-your-dream-awards.html
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) World Studio Scholarships
Deadline: 4/15/20 Award Amount: $500-$5,000 Eligibility: Incoming freshmen AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships benefit underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students who are studying photography, illustration, and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarships are awarded annually to encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers. AIGA’s primary aims are to increase diversity in the creative professions, and to foster social and environmental responsibility in the artists, designers, and studios of tomorrow. Scholarship recipients are selected not only for their talent and their need, but also for their demonstrated commitment to giving back to the larger community through their work. Each scholarship is paid directly to the recipient’s school and applied toward tuition. For more information visit: https://www.aiga.org/worldstudio-scholarship
COVID-19: Campus to Move Most Classes Online Until April 13 By James Duffy V and Diego Andres Chavez-Cadena Most Los Angeles City College classes will move online next week until at least April 13 in response to the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez wrote in an email on March 11. Courses that do not fit an online format, including career education, hands-on labs, performance, and kinesiology will continue to meet until further notice. “This decision was made with the thoughtful consultation of many district leaders, and out of an abundance of caution to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “... Prudence needs to prevail here.” The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11. Online instruction will begin on Wednesday, March 18. District facilities will remain open, subject to the guidance of public health officials. Faculty and staff meet for two days to prepare for the transition online on Monday, March 16. Rodriguez says the district will evaluate ongoing impacts of the virus. The district suspended all non-essential travel for deans and senior administrators. LACCD will open an Online Learning Call Center to help students and faculty with specific concerns. The center will open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday on March 18. The center’s number is (844) 695-2223. The district has not confirmed any COVID-19 cases as of March 11.
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NEWS
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 11, 2020
FROM “RALLY” PAGE 1
‘Bernie’ Draws Tens of Thousands to L.A. Rally the back wall adorned with a giant American flag. On stage, Cullors admonished Trump and drew cheers from the crowd. “We all know that we are in one of the most dangerous political moments of our lifetimes ... and we absolutely must resist him and his crew of white supremacists,” she said. Longtime actor-comedian Dick Van Dyke defied his age and revealed only a hint of a limp with his spry saunter. “Back in the ‘50s I voted for Ike, I really did, and I’m not sorry,” Van Dyke said. “Because Ike said beware the military industrial complex.”
Van Dyke’s words caused the crowd to erupt into cheers. Sanders approached the podium to chants of “Bernie, Bernie” After thanking those on stage before him and a few self-deprecating jokes about his tendency to rant for hours, the Vermont senator launched into attacks on President Trump. “We will not have a president who is undermining American democracy, who believes he is above the law,” Sanders said as the crowd that had been hanging on every word launched their blue and white “Bernie” signs into the air and flickered them to a high tempo chorus of screams. Sanders’ remarks sent the crowd
into a frenzy of screams and flailing “Bernie” signs. Twenty-Four year old attendee Rose Moran of South Los Angeles called the rally “no bullshit” and “straight forward.” “All our Latin queer speakers, I like that they represented themselves well and talked about their opinions in a good light … sometimes they try to make them look bad, but they’re strong,” Moran said, “They try to make them seem weak, but they weren’t weak.” Forty-five-year-old Rita Ortiz also of South L.A., called the rally “Informative, diverse, energetic,” and added “Who doesn’t want to vote for this guy?”
FROM “ENROLLMENT” PAGE 1
Some attendees traveled from farther away to see Sen. Sanders. James Barber is from Oregon and has traveled the country volunteering for the candidate. He said he was not sure how comedian Sarah Silverman would be received in light of her “You’re being ridiculous” comment in 2016. That was a moment when Silverman scolded the “Bernie or Bust” supporters during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia “It seemed like everyone was more than willing to welcome her on board,” Barber said. “I think it’s just a display of what we are as a campaign. We are welcoming of everybody to get back in this.”
Photo by PAUL KEITH Sen. Bernie Sanders encourages his supporters on March 1, 2020 at the Los Angeles Convention Center to go out and vote. The election was the first time California joined the Super Tuesday vote.
FROM “ON ASSIGNMENT” PAGE 1
Matriculation Goes up for Spring enough for busy students’ lifestyles. This makes college simpler for students who cannot always come to campus. Flexible schedules, engaging courses and invested professors make some students feel secure about choosing L.A. City College to complete their educational goals. “Student matriculation has gone up 5% since last year, and 9% this past winter session,” Badalyan said. “Completion of A.A. degrees has also risen by 15% compared to previous semesters.” Badalyan says that more than 6,000 students used the Food Pantry and the majority of them had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Rocky Cusseaus is a student, a comedian and an aspiring producer who has already earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics. He wants to change his major to cinema, and he seems enthusiastic when he talks about his future.
“My change of career is all being made possible by LACC,” he said. “This school has offered me a new way to a new career in cinema, production and theater.” Its resources are invaluable. That’s why I brought with me my friend Lotis Jackson, a musician and artist.” Recruitment efforts focus on some of the younger students in L.A., like the more than 734,000 students who attend school in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Recently, Norma Sanchez from Gage Middle School’s “Gear up for LA Mentoring Program” brought seventh and eighth graders to tour the L.A. City College campus. “Gear up 4 LA” is a college access program that introduces the college experience to junior high school students. “Our goal is to get them exposed to as much college awareness as we can so in a couple of years, they’re ready to make a decision,” Sanchez said. “Our future leaders.”
FROM “COACH” PAGE 1
Students Remember Coach, Sensei “Sensei Mikey” suffered from cerebral palsy and that sometimes made it difficult to understand him. But it was easy to understand the love he had for the sport of martial arts. “He would always make me feel better ... I’m taking self defense now, so I was looking forward to working with him and getting to know him better,” said Tanya Geddes, an LACC staff member who is a lifelong learner. Geddes and LACC student Evelyn Siliezar shared their thoughts about the late coach and his work ethic. He is remembered for providing encouragement to students in the class. “Sensei Mikey helped keep people very motivated,” Siliezar said. “[He] always would chant people’s names if they were having a difficult time with the exercises. He and the other senseis helped make Judo fun and kept us wanting to come back.” Funeral services for Sensei Mikey were on Feb. 24, 2020 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Burbank. He is survived by his mother and sisters, and nephews and nieces. “Sensei Mikey” left a positive impression on many lives, but espe-
cially among students that enrolled in martial arts classes. “He would always make me feel better ... I’m taking self defense now, so I was looking forward to working with him and getting to know him better,” said Tanya Geddes, an LACC staff member who is a lifelong learner. Geddes and LACC student Evelyn Siliezar shared their thoughts about the late coach and his work ethic. He is remembered for providing encouragement to students in the class. “Sensei Mikey helped keep people very motivated,” Siliezar said. “[He] always would chant people’s names if they were having a difficult time with the exercises. He and the other senseis helped make Judo fun and kept us wanting to come back.” Funeral services for Sensei Mikey were on Feb. 24, 2020 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Burbank. He is survived by his mother and sisters, and nephews and nieces. “Sensei Mikey” left a positive impression on many lives, but especially among students that enrolled in martial arts classes.
5,000 Free Flu Shots for Students and Low-Cost Flu Shots for Faculty and Staff From the desktop of Los Angeles City College President Mary Gallagher: Wesley Health Center, the provider of LACC Health Center Services, will be providing flu shots for students next Monday through Thursday. These flu shots will be free to students through the LACC Foundation with funding from the United Way and the school’s Student Basic Needs fund. Wesley will also provide flu shots for faculty and staff for $20. Anyone who would like to sponsor flu shots for students may donate $15 per shot to the LACC Foundation by following this link https://donate.laccfoundation.org/ I just donated 10 shots. It is easy! The flu shots will be given in Holmes Hall. The hours for the flu shots are: Monday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, March 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Photo by WILLIAM TORRES A mother and her son wear clothing articles over their nose and mouth for makeshift masks in Guangzhou, China on Jan. 31,2020. Police stop anyone on public streets without masks or gloves and take their temperature.
Guangzhou Becomes City under Siege from COVID-19 who go through the thermometer scanner and test negative. “Everyone [who] is working at the airport is scared to contract the virus,” said Cindy Gou in broken English. Cindy is a customer service assistant at Guangzhou Airport who has been handing out masks to anyone who asks for them. “We just hope they contain the virus before it spreads.” Gou said. She wore a mask when she spoke. China is known for having some of the most congested public trains. Thousands of people ride them each day. Since the outbreak, the trains have plenty of empty seats, even during peak hours. The emp-
ty trains show how frightened the people of China are to use public transportation. Outside of the train station exit rises the barely inhabited city of Guangzhou. Hardly any taxis or cars are on the streets in a city of 15 million people. A snail can cross from a two-lane street and make it to the other side before an automobile passes by in either direction. Every 15 minutes, public buses carrying fewer than 10 people during peak hours will pull up at a deserted bus stop. A passenger gets off the bus and steps onto the eerie streets of Guangzhou. More than likely, the passenger is heading home because everything
is closed. Every shop and restaurant is closed, except for American franchises like Mcdonald’s and Subway, which remain open to the public. Residents who did leave their homes were stopped by police and tested for the virus. If anyone happens to be on the streets, they are students and people getting off work. They all wear masks and gloves to protect themselves. Police stop other residents who leave their homes. They take their temperatures and test them for the coronavirus. China has turned into a nation of 1.4 billion people, plagued with a virus for three months. It has made the surgical mask look like a daily
accessory for anyone living or visiting China. Since January, surgical masks have become a rare commodity. So, the Chinese have learned to improvise and create their masks from plastic or non-woven fabric to cover their mouths and noses. Authorities warn pedestrians to cover their faces, if their mask is not placed over their mouth and nose. A second warning would follow with a citation. It’s a disturbing life the Chinese people are living, but it’s what they have been doing for the last three months and it will continue until cases of coronavirus begin to decline.
FROM “VOTERS” PAGE 1
Many Voters Say They Came for ‘Bernie’ They talked to each other about the current social issues that affect their lives. There were no strangers in line. There seemed to be a collective joy among the voters who were mostly students -- that they might see a change in the political arena. The majority of the voters who made the trip to LACC on Super Tuesday say they embrace Bernie Sanders and his policies. Tracy Turner is a Los Angeles City College student and a music production major. She was one of the first-time voters who came to support Bernie Sanders.
“I’m expecting better opportunities for the people of Los Angeles, and for those who had not been given enough to start with,” he said. “I want somebody who cares for people, and I think Bernie is a better option.” LACC English Professor Jeff Hicks arrived at the polls a day before Super Tuesday. He checked out the new voting system. “The new voting system is easy,” he said. “I saw lots of people coming out to vote.” But for older voters, the touchscreen system was a challenge be-
cause of the newer technology. Some voters were not familiar with the iPads. An 88-year-old Korean War veteran arrived at the voting center in a wheelchair assisted by his daughter. She says they came because it was close and convenient. She says she hopes for change in November and something to celebrate next year. Johnny Ocana is the “lead reservist” at LACC voting center. He was responsible for making certain everything ran smoothly. “We’re doing really well, I hope we have a lot of people come out
and vote,” he told the Collegian. “The new system is well accepted, and is called the Voting Solutions for All People, VSAP, because we are here to serve everyone. The system is all electronic now. A lot of security, nothing connected to the Wi-Fi, and the ballots are cast right into the machine.” Ocana has a message for students. He says he wants them to turn out and vote. The voting center will be back on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020.
FOOD CORNER
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 11, 2020
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Pop-Up: Tiahui Silver Lake embraces the flavors of Zacatecas Indie pop-up brings a community together for a taste of indigenous Mexico. By: Paulette Meza Selena Lechuga recently hosted a taco pop-up in Silver Lake previewing her series of pop-ups named Tiahui. Lechuga featured tacos with warm, handmade tortillas fresh off the griddle. The fillings were rich, robust flavors accented by the acidity of a pico de gallo with bright green, raw cactus leaf and dotted with smooth sour cream and piquant red and green salsas. Selena, whose last name means “lettuce” in Spanish, has created a pop up focusing on the flavors of her heritage calling it “Tiahui” pronounced “tia-wee”, a Nahuatl word meaning “to go do something”. The name comes from a Chicano phrase: “Mexica tiahui,” which is an empowering slogan meant to impulse a people forward, “Mexicano, strive, move forward”. “That word [Tiahui] kind of just really pushed me, like ‘You can do it’,” Lechuga said. “I really resonated with it because ... I was going through all this inner turmoil and being afraid to do my own thing because I thought I couldn’t do it.” Lechuga attempted to create a series of
pop-ups last year, but was unable to execute her vision because of personal and professional obstacles. A pop-up allows the flexibility for hours, menu and locations. A brick-and-mortar restaurant has high overhead costs and requires a bigger investment to run. Selena used Woon’s patio, a homestyle Chinese restaurant, to host Tiahui. The space was crowded with the loud din of people dressed casually from the Silver Lake community mingling with restaurant industry folk and Selena’s intimate friends and family who came out to support her. Originally, gorditas, thick corn tortillas split open in half, like a pita pocket, and stuffed with various fillings were on the menu. Unfortunately, the masa, or corn dough, did not puff properly, but ever resilient and resourceful, Lechuga converted the fillings into tacos. Those who had the privilege of trying all the offerings: mushrooms sauteed with spinach and epazote, a Mexican herb which tastes somewhere in between oregano and savory, chorizo with pota-
to, chicken tinga, shredded chicken in a tomato and dried chile sauce, and rajas, roasted poblanos julienned and cooked with heavy cream and cheese found all the ingredients existed in harmony. In addition, Chef Lechuga made a green salsa, a pico de gallo with raw nopal, or cactus leaf, and very spicy chili oil with toasted peppers ground into the oil. The most memorable was the mushroom with spinach taco. The tortillas and salsas were delicious, as they should be for any properly made taco. She talked about her pop up, what influences her cooking (she cited her mother and grandmother specifically, as most chefs tend to), her goals with this pop-up series and as a chef, and the importance of her heritage in everything she does. One thing most important to Selena is making sure her food is accessible to people of various economic and social backgrounds. Tiahui is just as much a social movement as it is a food pop-up.
Mushroom, spinach, and epazote taco topped with pico de gallo, green salsa, sour cream, and chili oil and pickled radish on the side. Savory, spicy, creamy, and full of flavor.
Celebtate Circumference over Diameter with pizza By Christopher Ahn For all the math enthusiasts or hungry people, Pi Day is coming soon. People can enjoy dough topped with cheese and tomato sauce. The adventure begins on March 14 when additional toppings are added. Pi is a Greek symbol that represents a constant of 3.14159. This number can go on for miles. Pi Day is typically celebrated on March 14 because of the first three digits of the ongoing series of non-random numbers: 3.14. It is only a small fraction of the long list of numbers. Emma Haruka Iwao who is an employee of Google smashed the pi world record when she discovered the 31 tril-
lion digits of pi, as reported by BBC technology reporter, Zoe Kleinman. Pizza is a social food item and can be good in any situation: school meetings, sleepovers or even hangouts. Individuals gather around, pick up a slice of pizza and socialize. The large dish is cheap and shareable. However, there is always one person who orders their pizza topped with ham and pineapple. Pizza is a democratic food. This is a collective decision by the group. If one person in the group doesn’t enjoy a specific topping, then it damages the friendly atmosphere. There are different combinations of pizza from toppings, crusts and styles. There is New York-style pizza,
Chicago deep dish and cauliflower crust pizza. There are different variations of pizza people can choose from, but which one would please everyone? A personal pizza can solve the problem, but it is too expensive for everyone to get a personal pizza. However, on March 14 there are restaurants that offer pizza deals that can satisfy more people. Pi Day is famous for the pizza pie deals that celebrate circumference over diameter. Here are some notable pizza parlors that offer discounts.
• Pieology is offering a buy one artisan pizza, get one for $3.14. Pie Life Rewards members who use the Rewards App in-store on pi day will also receive $3 off their next visit through Mar. 31 • Papa John’s is offering a buy one large pizza at regular price and get one for just $3.14 deal. • Blaze Pizza is offering $3.14 pizza pies after 3:14p.m. through the app.
Blaze Pizza comes with unlimited toppings, and it is cooked in an open fire oven, Satisfy your pizza craving for $3.14 on March 14.
Photo By Chrsitopher Ahn
Photo By: Paulette Meza
Venture to Vermont for a Taste of Japan Hana Kitchen
Spicy mayo is drizzled on the beef bowl (right) and chicken bowl (left) to add a small kick. Rice and vegetable sits beneath absorbing the savory flavor.
By Christopher Ahn On the corner of Vermont and Melrose Avenue, there is an authentic Japanese fast-food chain: Yoshinoya. Beef bowl is a delicacy for busy Japanese businessmen, but not for college students. This underrated restaurant is known for its delicious gyudon (beef bowl) or at least in Japan. The beef bowl consists of thinly sliced beef, simmered in onion and ginger on top of rice. The sliced meat soaks up sweet rice wine and dashi. Dashi is a broth stock that is made from kombu (dried kelp), katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) and water. This is a staple for most Japanese cuisine. Red pickled ginger tops
off the dish, giving it a distinctive contrast that refreshes the palate. It is difficult to get an authentic taste of beef bowl unless it is in Asia or an authentic Japanese restaurant. However, students can experience something similar across the street on Vermont Avenue next to Jackin-the-Box. Hana Kitchen has the traditional Japanese beef bowl and it is served with a choice of white rice and vegetables. The first bite of Hana’s beef bowl is closer to Japan than the underrated fast-food chain Yoshinoya. The beef was tender and seemed like it was simmered for a long time. The beef was sweet and salty and paired perfectly with their salad which has
Photo By Jason Piskopus
a mustard-like flavor. The dish can be overbearing with different flavors, but the rice tones it down. They have a sauce bar on the side with complementary toppings and sauces: spicy mayo, ginger and sriracha. People can add this to their bowls, but the condiment pairs better with the tacos they serve. The tacos are unique because of the fusion of flavors. Sushi and ramen are not the only things Japan is known for. The fast-paced city calls out for fast food, and gyudon is the perfect food to consume on the go.
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SPORTS
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Students, Judo Community Mourn ‘Sensei Mikey’ Martial arts instructors and students say the mat does not feel the same. Judo instructor Mikey Novcak died. (2nd-degree black belt) during his journey. To honor Novak’s dedicaMichael Allen Novak, also known tion to judo, Shidoshi Michael Veras Sensei Mikey, died because of dugo presented Novak with a Sandan heart complications on Feb. 11, 2020. (3rd-degree black belt) with the help Novak was a teaching assistant of the Judo Federation. who helped the Judo class at LACC Sensei Jojo Aguilar is an instructor with warmups and stretches. His at LACC who worked with Novack. teaching did not stop there. He also Aguilar says Novak was committed taught young people. and knowledgeable. He was buried at Forest Lawn “A black belt would be equivalent Cemetery in Hollywood Hills on to a Ph.D. Once you fully understand Feb. 24. Novak’s friends, students, judo, then you get your B.A. in judo,” family members and judo communi- Aguilar said. ty members joined for a celebration “If you want your masters, you and memorial service at the Church have to understand the throws and of the Valley last Saturday, March 7, the origins and how it works. Ph.D. 2020. in judo--then you have to take everyNovak’s judo journey started when thing you learn and make your own he was 18 at the Braille Institute throws.” on Vermont Avenue near L.A. City Verdugo ran a judo club in PasaCollege, according to his niece, Katy dena, and Novak trained there for Burk. The small physical activity in years. Whenever kids were embarthe institute became a lifelong hobby. rassed to get on the mat, Novak “At the beginning, he felt discourencouraged them to have fun. aged,” Burk said. “He’d put one of “It started with [him] teasing them. his KISS albums [on] and it pumped [He would say] ‘If I can do this, you him. From there was his love for can do this,’” said Verdugo during KISS and judo.” the March 7 memorial service in Novac had a disability. He had a North Hollywood. “He was pulling speech impediment and he was blind them into the mat and he would on one side. However, that did not actually get them to roll. After a little stop him from being competitive or bit … [the kids] were all over him from achieving a high rank in the and dog-piling him.” judo curriculum. Gabriel Carbajal and a fellow black In 1989, Novak discovered the belt demonstrated a short version of Budukon Dojo when his family lived the Naga no Kata, a short series of in Seattle. Through rigorous training throws. There were five sets and each and competition, he earned two gold, set consisted of three throws. This is two silver and one bronze medal. the basic Kata to earn a black belt. The 55-year-old achieved a Shodan “Today we did a short version of it (1st-degree black belt), and a Nidan so we were able to show what Mike By Christopher Ahn
Photo by Christopher Ahn Michaels Novak’s certificates, uniform, black belt, KISS shirt, white cane and prosthetic eye lay a table. Friends, students and family members smiled and cried looking at the mementos.
loved,” Carbajal said. Oscar Morales studied with Novak and shared a memory. He says Novak’s knowledge of judo “blew his mind.” There were countless occasions where Novak “ambushed” Morales and demanded a spar. “I remember a lot of times I would just sit down and I hear this laugh at the back of my head,” Morales said. “[Novak] would jump on me and [I
would ask myself] are we sparring right now?” Many friends and family members reminisced during the memorial about Novak’s ability to make people laugh and love judo. Bonnie Neubauer is a cousin to Novak, and she recalled childhood memories. He had disabilities and even experienced a car accident that left him in a coma when he was five years old.
But Neubauer and her brother did not see their cousin’s disabilities. He took his challenges in stride. Novak would laugh and blow it off.” “I also felt safe with Michael,” Neubauer said. “He was this big booming personality that you loved him. He was great at making you laugh.” Novak’s booming personality was louder than the noise of people being thrown onto the hard dojo mat.
Mamba Mentality Inspires mass following “Be on a constant quest to try to be better today than you were yesterday.” - Kobe Bryant By Angel Johnson
Photo by Angel Johnson Fans gathered at the Staple Center during the Los Angeles Kings game to mourn over the death of Kobe Bryant.
More than a month has passed since NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other individuals were killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 in Calabasas. The tragic event broke the hearts of basketball lovers all over the world. Bryant was known for creating the Mamba Mentality — a state of focus teaching people life is within one’s control. During a game against the Orlando Magic in 2004, Bryant conjured the spirit of the Mamba. That same year, Bryant faced a sexual assault charge. He only scored one point in the first half of the game against the Magic. At halftime, he went back to the locker room and reflected on what was going wrong in his life. “You may lose your family, your freedom, but I’ll be damned if I lose basketball,” Bryant told ABC News. He scored 37 points in the second half of the game. The Lakers won in overtime. Other basketball stars followed the way of the Mamba even after Bryant retired.
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals, coming back from a three-to-one deficit. Point guard Kyrie Irving played magnificently in the fourth quarter of game seven. A reporter asked Kyrie what was going through his mind in the last quarter. “All I was thinking in the back of my mind was Mamba mentality, Mamba mentality,” he said. “That’s all I was thinking.” Tracy McGrady played for the Orlando Magic. He was one of Bryant’s biggest competitors. They also became close friends. Both of them started their careers straight out of high school in the late ‘90s. In an interview with ESPN where McGrady now works, the two spoke highly of each other. “I’ve never been around somebody who worked as hard as he did,” McGrady said. “I had the athleticism, but the work ethic part, I had to get from being around him.” People in different industries said Bryant inspired them with his athleticism and eagerness to work hard. Not only did Bryant challenge himself in basketball, but
he achieved excellence in other professions. Bryant produced the documentary film “Muse,” in which he details the ups and downs of his NBA career. After his retirement, Bryant won an Oscar for best animated short film for “Dear Basketball.” He also authored several books. Bryant is survived by his wife of 20 years Vanessa, and three daughters Natalia, 17; Bianka, 3 and Capri, 7 months. Natalia plays volleyball. Gianna, who also died in the helicopter crash, played basketball. Bryant devoted much of his time to his family. Bryant’s youngest daughters Bianka and Capri witnessed thousands of adoring fans attend their father and sister’s memorial. As an athlete, Bryant showed the world nothing can stop someone who continues to push and strive for excellence. He taught people to set long term goals and to do everything to pursue them. Bryant taught anything is possible if one remains focused. His legacy and the Mamba Mentality resonate with many, and who will carry it on.