Collegian ollegian Los Angeles
PANDEMIC RESISTANCE ISSUE II See Resources Pg.5
The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Volume 184 Number 4
COVID-19 CASES
AROUND THE WORLD
OBITUARY
Kabwe Chanda
Compiled By Richard Martinez
Mayor Mandates Hiring Freeze In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti implemented a citywide hiring freeze. This action is just one tactic the mayor used to tighten the city’s budget during the pandemic. According to a city interoffice memo, no new staff can be hired or onboarded, even if job offers were made. Any exceptions are subject to guidelines as set by the city administrative officer and the mayor. Because the hiring freeze was made effective as of March 19, 2020, this directive applies to all new hires, both for full-time and as-needed positions.
Health Department Issues New Instructions to Stop COVID-19 Guidelines for social distancing and for disinfecting have been issued by officials at the L.A. County Department of Public Health to prevent the spread of pulmonary diseases like COVID-19. This includes handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. L.A. County’s stay-at-home order and business closures have been extended to May 15. Health officials say that physical-distancing helped slow the spread of COVID-19. The County Department of Public Health encourages Angelenos to stay at home as much as possible and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others when going outside. They also advise residents to work at home when possible and refrain from inviting visitors to their homes.
Kabwe Chanda Photo Courtesy tumfweko.com
City College IT Manager Dies By Abiu Izquierdo
NORTH WILL REMEMBER ‘ITALIAN LESSON’ Collegian culture reporter Will Torres shows how in the age of coronavirus the distance and differences between Italy and the U.S. are shorter and fewer than anyone might think. As much as Marcello Faotto loves to drink a couple of glasses of pinot grigio, eat charcuterie from his beloved Café Mazzini, located in the Piazza Guiseppe Mazzini near the harbor of Como and hang out with friends, he knows it is not safe to do so at the moment. Italy is in second place behind the USA with over 143,000 coronavirus cases and more than 18,849 deaths. Marcello is 37 years old, from the Lombardia region in Como, Italy. He has been in his flat since day-one of the
lockdown. He used to go to the square with his mates every weekend until the mandatory stay at home order occurred. “I felt like a prisoner in my own country when Italy decided to lockdown my city,” Marcello said. Unfortunately, shutting down the North of Italy did not succeed. By March 9, Italy had 9,172 confirmed cases with a total of 463 fatalities—a 5 percent higher death rate than the global average of 3.4 percent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
SEE “ITALIAN LESSON ” PAGE 6
L.A. Firefighters, Police Find Risk in Virus Fight
Face Coverings Required on LACCD Properties Following a mandate from Mayor Garcetti for essential workers to wear face coverings when interacting with the public, the L.A. Community College District is requiring all employees to wear face coverings while on district property. According to a statement from the LACCD, a delivery of disposable face coverings to each campus may occur this week. This is the latest effort by L.A. County officials to curb the spread of COVID-19 by preventing the transmission of respiratory droplets that may contain the virus.
Photo CREATIVECOMMONS
Police and fire stations receive extra maintenance as officials grapple with a spike in positive test results for coronavirus among police and firefighters. By Xennia Hamilton
INDEX Opinion & Editorial
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Features
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News
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Resources
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Sports
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It seems like parts of the world have come to a standstill with the coronavirus pandemic. Angelenos have been ordered to shelter in place until May 15, and officials have ordered non-essential businesses shuttered. Yet, police and firefighters remain on the front lines, and some have contracted COVID-19. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has had 46 cases
diagnosed within its department, and 15 Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighters have tested positive, according to NBC 4 Los Angeles. Police and firefighters help battle the virus in Los Angeles at a personal cost to their health. Neither the LAPD nor LAFD would comment on the employees who tested positive. Both departments have taken steps to keep the virus at bay and protect police and fire personnel. “Regarding what is being done,
officers have been issued personal protective equipment, practice social distancing “whenever possible” and COVID-19 questions are being asked by our Communications Division when officers respond to radio calls,” said LAPD Officer Drake Madison. The department also works to keep the facility clean and safe for officers. The virus can survive on metal and cardboard for hours and on plastic surfaces for as long as 72 hours according to the Centers for
SEE “VIRUS FIGHT” PAGE 6
Disease control. “Surfaces are frequently wiped down at divisions and work spaces. Our officers still need to respond to radio calls to keep the public safe, at the same time doing their best to stay safe and healthy,” Drake said. The Department is particularly vulnerable because they are the ones who enforce the “Stay at Home Order,” which puts them in close contact with members of the public. There are approximately 9,000 police officers in the Los
Los Angeles City College IT manager Kabwe Chanda died April 8, at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Chanda was well known among Los Angeles Community College District employees and LACC instructors and staff for his professionalism and kind disposition. Chanda was an alumnus of Cal State University Long Beach and West Los Angeles College. In his more than 15 years of service to the district, Chanda worked at Southwest College, West Los Angeles College and LACC. President Mary Gallagher says she remembers when Chanda was new to the district at L.A. Southwest College when she was vice president of administrative services. “So, when we had an opportunity to work together again in late 2018, we were both so happy,” Gallagher wrote to the Collegian. “There are several things that were unique and amazing about Kabwe. His smile, his laughter, his wit, his deep love for his wife and his son, his ability to get anything done, his compassion for others, his leadership that instilled confidence in his team and to the entire campus. “ Gallagher called Chanda “a highly skilled technician and a great project manager.” She says his powers of imagination allowed him to accomplish the task at hand—whatever needed to be done. Los Angeles Southwest College President Sewer Ahan praised the native of Zambia in a remembrance on the LASC website. Chanda worked at LASC from 2006 to 2012, and again in 2018, according to the website. “This loss is devastating for our college and our community,” Ahan wrote in the statement. “As many of you can attest, Kabwe had an incredible spirit. He was more than a co-worker, but a friend to almost all he interacted with. He was quick to smile and laugh and also quick to support his colleagues. No matter the difficulty of the job, you could always expect Kabwe to be prepared, calm and ready to offer critical assistance. His positivity resonated throughout any room that he was in and was transferred amongst all of the individuals in it.” Chanda was an alumnus of Cal State University Long Beach and West Los Angeles College. As recently as the spring semester 2020, he taught a computer hardware class on Saturdays at West L.A. “He was a teacher – to his students at West Los Angeles College, to his staff at LACC, and to his son,” Gallagher said. “And he was a good friend to all. He made you smile even in serious times.” In recent weeks, he was excited to be taking on new responsibilities as a regional IT manager. Chanda is survived by his wife and a son. Los Angeles Southwest College is currently trying to organize a virtual remembrance for Chanda so all those who knew him, worked with him or want to remember him may do so. Some of his friends ask that people please honor his memory by showing others kindness and empathy, a way of celebrating his life and the impact he made on those around him. “It was my great fortune to have been able to work with him again,” Gallagher wrote. “Kabwe will live in my heart forever.”
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OPINION & EDITORIAL
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Collegian
Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE II
No Access to Technology Impairs Student Success By Diego Andres Chavez-Cadena Many college students struggle with a reliable connection. They lack basic computers at home in this new world where most homework is submitted online. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) serve a fundamental public right to the public. If they willfully or knowingly misrepresent the speeds of access to broadband it provides, then they should be held accountable. Two dozen Democratic senators are currently using the coronavirus to ease Federal Communications Commission deregulation of access to broadband at home in the Restoring Internet Freedom (RIF) order. Many students are currently limited through the use of handheld devices because they cannot afford a computer at home—low speeds with limited access stunts upward-mobility for impoverished students of color. Automation is supposed to be color-blind, but the numbers tell a different story. According to the Urban Institute, People of Color (POC) possess less than 10 percent of the
wealth of their white counterparts. The economy is evolving quickly, and there is an even greater awareness among workforce analysts and families that today’s curriculum needs to grow to meet tomorrow’s reality. The Pew Research Center found one-third of households with children ages 6 to 17 do not have a highspeed internet connection at home, compared with just 6 percent of such households earning $75,000 or more a year. Upon arrival to high school, students who lack exposure to computers early are drastically far behind their white and Asian peers who have broadband adoptability at higher rates than POC. Students need to develop the skills to solve severe problems facing their communities, collaborate effectively, and express ideas in the new labor market starting now. The deployment of 5G networks is redefining access to information with the Internet of many things. Artificial intelligence will have robots talking, walking, and even working for some. The grid to administer this
Pandemic Measures Save Lives of Stray Cats By Nasya Mejia Los Angeles’ first cat café Crumbs & Whiskers has partnered with animal rescue organization Homeward Trails Animal Rescue to save cats from facing euthanasia due to the closure of local shelters. The City of Los Angeles closed animal shelters and stopped adoptions in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Approximately 3.2 million cats enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year, according to ShelterAnimalsCount.org. More than 800,000 shelter cats are euthanized annually in this country. SpectrumNews1. com, a hyperlocal content network, reported a count of more than 2 million stray cats in Los Angeles County last year. In just two weeks of launching this program, Crumbs & Whiskers and Homeward Trails has found foster homes for more than 180 cats. I support the charitable mission this company is promoting. In confusing times, compassion for others is an admirable trait. The Crumbs & Whiskers cat café has not limited their compassion to humans. Patrons
of the cozy café can cuddle rescue cats, drink coffee, adopt a cat and celebrate the human-animal connection. Crumbs & Whiskers is based in Los Angeles with two additional locations in Washington D.C. Its mission is to reduce euthanasia in animal shelters by housing adoptable cats at their interactive café. The café management decided to temporarily close its doors on March 16 in consideration of the safety of its customers. The cats housed at all three locations were in desperate need of foster homes. The business used its platform to find these cats a home on short notice. The Crumbs & Whiskers and Homeward Trails team was ecstatic to receive hundreds of foster home applications. Not only were the café’s cats placed in loving foster homes, but so were more than 100 additional shelter cats. Crumbs & Whiskers founder Kanchan Singh said, “This is a really hard time for us, and we appreciate your support…you are directly impacting our cats and our incredible team who cares for them.” Foster home applications are still being accepted. A COVID-19 Fund has also been established. I have donated toward this generous fund and encourage others to do the same.
Co-Editors-in-Chief BEATRICE ALCALA CINDY AGUILERA
profit-driven inequity favors only the wealthy and not students. While the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, the information gap persists with an information inequity that is fundamental to catching up. Just like utility agencies, ISPs must report the actual speed of broadband it provides to citizens. We should discuss the impact on a society transformed thanks to technology in automation and stop debating why robots and immigrants are taking people’s jobs. To reach an equal level of integration in the new formation of the US, the most marginalized citizen requires substantial access to a computer with broadband at home in order to nurture the future doctors, JDs, MBAs, key vocational industry professionals, among other roles in power. We must tame the reluctance of information conglomerates in an era of technological advancement. We must ask which purpose do we want technology to fulfill since we tend to forget that technology and money are the means to equality and not the purpose of justice.
question should arise. There is more. Not only has school shut down, but most of the streets of Los Angeles. Most fast food restaurants prepare everything to go. They make sure no one stays in the establishment longer than they should.
The New Normal By Christopher Balan At 6 a.m., I wake up and have coffee and I’m in the gym by 7 a.m. I make my way home to shower, eat breakfast, and drive 30 minutes to LACC to be at my first class by 10 a.m. By 4 p.m., I have completed my classes for the day and used any free time in between to finish studying and do homework assignments. Then, I have a one-hour window to get to work. I make it to the job by 5 p.m., work an eight-hour shift and get back home around 1:30 a.m. This has been my schedule from Monday through Friday. That was until the pandemic took ahold of all our lives. To say my daily routine has changed would be a severe under-
Citizens of Los Angeles should take this lockdown seriously. Also, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and vigorously, and keep safe social distance whenever you come into contact with strangers. Always make sure you have protective gear on, such as a mask and
statement. For a short time, I found it hard to even have a reason to set the alarm on the clock before I went to bed at night. I have spent a lot of time around the house making sure everything is meticulously organized and cleaned, as if it were a museum preparing for its grand opening. I knock out assignments for my classes that have gone online. I’ll do some push-ups, sit ups, maybe run a few miles and then make a protein shake when I get back home. I spend time fantasizing about what life was like just a few short weeks ago, having the luxury of being able to go wherever and do whatever I please at any given moment. I literally dream about waking up and looking at my bank account and seeing a greater number before the day before, almost like magic. I long for the daily grind and social aspects that have come to define my lifestyle. Yet the question I continue to ask myself: “When will things begin to go back to normal?”
Los Angeles City College Visual & Media Arts Department 855 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029 323.953.4000 ext. 2832 losangeles.collegian@gmail.com
Copy Editors CINDY AGUILERA ANGELA JOHNSON Opinions & Editorial Editor ANGELA JOHNSON Sports Editor BRIAN PEREZ Photographers BEATRICE ALCALA CHRISTOPHER AHN
Illustrator ABIU IZQUIERDO Graphic Designers BEATRICE ALCALA CHRISTOPHER AHN DIEGO CHAVEZ-CADENA
gloves, just as a precaution. We never know if we carry the virus, or if we have come into contact with someone who does. Be safe, fellow Angelenos. Remember to stand together, but make sure that’s six feet distance apart for the time being.
I would clearly be stating the obvious by saying that these are unprecedented times. Millions of Americans have been left without employment. People are adapting to a new normal, which is essentially being afraid of customary social traditions such as a simple handshake. And I believe nothing like this pandemic has been seen since the global flu pandemic of 1918. It is also difficult to predict the longterm effects on the economy once this is all over. That could be the scariest aspect of this entire experience. Despite the effects that social distancing and the country being on pause is having on every one of us, I am trying to use this to discipline myself even further. Following a solid routine is more important now than it ever has been before. Staying positive and knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel is crucial to surviving these trying times. It may be hard to see, but this will all be over before we know it!
Reporters XENNIA R. HAMILTON, CINDY AGUILERA, ANDE RICHARDS, CHRISTOPHER AHN, ANASTASIA OBIS, SHIMON DIMENSTEIN, NASYA MEJIA DIEGO CHAVEZ-CADENA NELSON CRUZ, CHRISTOPHER BALAN, JOSE AVALOS, RICHARD MARTINEZ
Collegian Life Online Editor-in-Chief DIEGO CHAVEZ-CADENA collegian.lacc.life
Adviser RHONDA GUESS
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Embrace the New Normal, Now! ‘Stay at Home’ Order Brings Inner Growth By Jose Avalos If you think your 2019 was bad, 2020 is going to make you grateful for last year. We started off the new decade with a lovely virus that’s attacking our senior citizens and many others who suffer with breathing or other health issues. The virus in question: Ms. Corona, herself. Yes, the coronavirus or COVID-19. The corona virus started in China and has spread worldwide. It has shut down Los Angeles gatherings, bars, concerts, movie theaters and government buildings. We have been surprised with an introduction to social distancing and then a lockdown, which means school grounds
have been closed and work forces slowed or on pause. Many citizens have been out of work for weeks now, and students have been forced to take everything to the internet, labs included. As an art major, I find this to be a bit of an inconvenience, but I choose my health rather than risk it. Yes. Art classes and academic classes with labs have been moved online, and professors have been doing an amazing job making the switch over. Be sure to check up or sign on to canvas for regularly posted assignments and announcements to keep track of your progress in each class. Professors have been taught to teach online courses, and they make sure our education can be delivered efficiently for the time being while we are not able to meet in class. They have been doing an amazing job. It can be difficult to become accustomed at first, but just make sure to always email your professors if any
By Shimon Dimenstein Over the past month I have come to realize how much I rely upon the outside world. Social distancing makes life feel bland. One activity that seems to have picked up recently is walking. Every time I step outside my house for a few laps around the block I pass by many more fellow walkers then how many used to frequent the streets. With every non-essential store currently closed, avid shoppers as well as the rest of us may be wondering how to spend this newfound time? How many of us dream of mastering different skills or hobbies just to postpone the start of
any such project indefinitely? Now that we have the time, what will we fill it with? Will we choose to fill it with new goals and curiosities, or wallow in the cozy comfort of boredom? Will I give piano another try, or play the same video game for three hours? While I expected to challenge myself with new hobbies, I have found that it is much easier to revert to the repetitively braindead hobby of watching television. Now I’m not insulting the content of commercial-driven TV… just the shows that I watch. For many students, the classroom is not just a place where one goes to learn. The developed skill of being able to consistently show up on time for class should not be overlooked. This habit gives students the structure they need to organize the rest of their day productively. Online classes are missing accountability, and therefore
leave the students with a much looser structure to their day. If you are someone who struggles to stay productive during these corona times, pay attention. If you need motivation to pursue something new in your life, your old class time habits may hold the answer. Recently I’ve replaced my 8 a.m. English course with a morning workout. While my 8 a.m. class time no longer exists, my habitual attentiveness and subconscious fear of my English teacher marking me late has helped me achieve consistency with my workouts. The easiest habits to keep are the ones you have already made. A great way to fight off the demons of laziness is to apply your old class schedule to your newfound interests. Whether or not you find this tip useful, I hope you find a way to achieve your goals in these uncertain times.
NEXT ISSUE: APRIL 15, 2020 EDITORIAL DEADLINE: APRIL 10, 2020
OPINION & EDITORIAL
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE II INK STYLE
A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT
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FEATURES
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE II LIFE DURING COVID-19
Where Is Social Distance on Metro Busways? By Juan Mendoza
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ublic transportation for many people in Los Angeles is the only mode of transportation. People from all backgrounds ride the bus and the Los Angeles Metro every day to go to different parts of the city. There are more than 2308 buses in the fleet and the estimated ridership on Metro buses on a normal weekday can surpass 550,000, according to L.A. Metro. “The system is convenient for many people,” said Anthony Pedrosa. “It’s affordable, and efficient. I’ll ride the bus every day to work, and they are always on time.” But the age of coronavirus has changed Pedrosa’s mind. He no longer has the same view of the bus in Los Angeles. Because of the pandemic, the Metro bus system has modified their running schedule. The service had been reduced from 15 to 20 percent according to the agency. And other “adjustments” have been made. “But now buses are not running more often, than before and are overcrowded, which I do not like that,” Pedrosa said. MTA says fewer people are traveling to work during the pandemic—but the crowded buses suggest otherwise. The pandemic has brought changes to Metro riders. To assist with social distance, all Metro bus riders must board and exit through the rear doors, except for wheelchair riders and for those who need the wheelchair ramp. They can use the front door. Everyone else boards the bus from the back door. Because the bus is not equipped with a tap machine in the back, people are getting free rides. These preventative measures are to protect the
Photos By JUAN MENDOZA (Left) Passengers ride without benefit of social distancing on crowded Metro Bus Line 720 to Santa Monica on April 9, 2020. Many riders travel without the protection of face masks. (Right) A Metro bus heads toward its next stop on Whittier and Atlantic Boulevards on April 9, 2020. Passengers experience lengthy waits for the overcrowded buses.
Metro at a Glance Number of Bus Stops: 13,978 Square Miles in Service Area 1,479 bus drivers from close contact with the riders who might be infected with the virus. “We ask that all riders do their best to practice social distancing once aboard the bus — that is, spread out and try to stay at least six feet from other riders,” former L.A. Times reporter Steve Hymon wrote in a statement on the sourcemetro.net blog on March 22, 2020. This is impossible on many Metro bus lines. To help, Metro has installed transparent barriers to protect the bus
operators. Metro has also installed gel sanitizer for public use at stops along the routes to prevent the spread of COVID-19 before passengers board the bus. Hand sanitizer aside, the fact remains that the buses are overcrowded. Passengers ride the bus as they stand in the aisles, and they bump into each other. They have no choice, really, because they must get to their destination. They either take the bus or wait for another 25 minutes to take the next bus, which will be just as crowded.
Gallagher Connects
Some riders travel the Metro bus lines without a face mask. “Riders are not taking this pandemic seriously, and it is an irresponsible act not to wear a self-protection mask,” Metro rider David Stevenson said. “We should be taking the safety precautions when going on the bus and being outside of home, because we are at high risk of getting infected.” Stevenson is a frequent bus rider. He seems like a responsible and conscientious person, as he wears his mask and gloves to protect himself and other passengers.
Metro Estimated ‘Normal’ Daily Bus Ridership, 2019
April 9, 2020 “This virus is affecting so many people and it touches lots of people’s lives and we’ve been touched now too. We haven’t had any additional incidences since early last week, we’ve had five total at LACC in our district. We’ve had 20. We know that those numbers will go up as things move this way to out west to the Los Angeles area. But you know, you just need to try to keep yourself at home and keep yourself safe.” “I want to thank the Foundation for putting several hundred thousand dollars together to be able to distribute to students who need some resources right now.” “The Foundation has an application for you to be able to apply for up to $500 in an emergency grant. The application is on the Resources page for students on the main page of the website. They’ve got a couple hundred thousand dollars to give away, but there’s hundreds of students who can take advantage. We’ve already sent checks out to some students. We’ve got another batch of students that will get a check before the end of this week and then we’re going to be reviewing a couple hundred applications. So, if you haven’t already, be sure to do your application. You do have to be a full-time student to qualify.” “First of all, we haven’t given up on doing a face-to-face graduation. This year, our graduation date is Tuesday, June 9. If we are able to, we will do a face-to-face graduation at the Greek Theatre. Now we don’t know if we’re going to be able to do that, but our arrangement with the Greek Theatre is that we have up till almost the end of May before we have to let them know. If we have to cancel the Greek Theatre, we will
Weekdays: 563,759 Saturdays: 353,523 Sundays: 301,403
Source: metro.net
have a future face-to-face graduation for the Class of 2020. I want you to know you will still be able to have that experience.” “We are planning a virtual graduation. The Chancellor has put information out that all of our colleges will be planning a virtual graduation. We are hoping that we have the coolest virtual graduation on the planet. That’s our plan and that’s our hope.” “Right now, we’re still working on the Fall schedule of classes. We don’t want to put up Fall schedule until we have a little bit more information. We’re hoping in another four to six weeks we’ll have a much better understanding as to when we’ll be able to come back to campus. We’re not planning to publish our Fall schedule until closer to the end of May.” “We have a new Safety Advisory from the City of Los Angeles (requiring) anyone who is out in the public must have their face covered so your nose and your mouth (are) covered. You do not have to have a face mask, but you must put a covering over your nose and your mouth. At our college campuses, everyone will be required to have a face covering.” “We are continuing to do things and make plans going forward. So, the summer class schedule will be posted on our website on Monday, April 20. We’re going to have three sessions for summer: Two five-week sessions and one eight-week session. We will begin registering for summer classes on Monday, May 4.” “I also expect that our district will let us know whether or not we will be completing this term fully online and remote learning. We should have a decision by the end of this week or early next week.”
FEATURES
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE II
Pandemic Eats Profits at Burger Factory, But Loyal Fans Keep Burgers Sizzling By Christopher Ahn The Burger Factory on Santa Monica Blvd keeps flipping burgers and stuffing sausage and ham-filled burritos for breakfast with to-go orders during the “stayat-home” order. Loyal customers help this eatery stay open during the pandemic. It could be the avocado burger that brings customers back for more. It could even be the most popular choice at the Burger Factory on Santa Monica Boulevard—the 1/4 pounder bacon cheeseburger on a sesame bun. Customers have gobbled up favorite menu offerings on Javier Guerrero’s menu for more than two decades, but 2020 did not start off the same as past years. “Our business was hard to begin with in January,” Guerrero said. “It got worse when the Coronavirus happened.” Guerrero lost his lease at the Hollywood location three years ago because the property was sold. It hurt business when he lost most of his regular customers. “[Moving to a new location was] hard because I was there for 25 years and everyone knew I was there,” Guerrero said. “I am lucky that some of my old customers found me.” Then the coronavirus arrived. Los Angeles County Health
Department Officials recently extended the stay-at-home measures until May 15, 2020. Restaurants are permitted to operate only for take-out or delivery. However, business has decreased dramatically without the dine-in options. Guerrero has owned the Burger Factory since 1994 and faces the same problem as other restaurants. COVID-19 halted dine-in options which brought revenues now. Many local workers would come to the Burger Factory to eat lunch, but now, those customers are nowhere to be found. However, the restaurant stays strong as community members support the local business. Despite the convenience delivery applications, Guerrero also hand delivers all the food in a threemile radius. The apps’ fees are expensive, which adds on to the food price. “Most of the customers are regulars,” Guerrero said. “We are lucky that they keep us in mind when they order and they share with other people about our place.” Sheryl Recinos is one of those loyal customers from the ‘90s who supports restaurants and the community during this pandemic. She is a hospitalist physician who purchased 70 meals for homeless youths in My Friend’s Place, which is a drop-in shelter in
Hollywood. Guerrero also donated 10 meals to add onto her purchase. This occurs biweekly. “I regularly volunteer and donate to My Friend’s Place in Hollywood, but this pandemic is unique, and I am worried about the youth,” Recino said. “Good nutrition is incredibly important and it’s going to be hard for these youth to function during the shutdown.” Recino says she did not have to think about anything once the pandemic happened. She asked when meals were needed and the number of youth who would come to the program. She will check back with them each month to adjust for current numbers. “I will always support My Friend’s Place. They saved my life when I was a teen,” Recino said. “I have continued to give back to them over the years ... I’ll see where I’m needed and continue to help.” Burger Factory has faced many challenges from losing customers because of the move, to the current pandemic restrictions. So far, community members like Recinos and customers who just want a burger or some other menu item help them to stay in business. Guerrero is optimistic and looks to his customers to help the Burger Factory survive the pandemic.
Photo By CHRISTOPHER AHN Burger Factory serves more than hamburgers. This carne asada dish includes sliced onions, tomatoes and meat scattered throughout the french fries with melted cheese.
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NEWS
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE II FROM “ITALIAN LESSON” PAGE 1
FROM “VIRUS” PAGE 1
Photo CREATIVECOMMONS Members of the public cannot visit fire stations during the pandemic. Firefighters sanitize and disinfect the stations twice daily: before their morning lineup and prior to dinner.
Firefighters Apply 6-Foot-Rule of Social Distance on Calls
Italians must have a self-certification form to leave the house during lockdown, and they must have an urgent reason. The form can be printed from the Italian government’s website.
Italians Remain in Lockdown Until May Italy had no choice but to force the nationwide lockdown. “I have been watching TV Netflix, reading E-books at ‘Libri,’ and Videochiamate con amici [video chat with friends],” Marcello said. After two months in strict quarantine, Italy continues on high alert as COVID-19 dominates the country. It is undoubtedly Italy’s greatest crisis since World War II. The United States has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the highest death rate in the world. Earlier in the pandemic, however, Italians witnessed a massive outbreak. Within less than a month, the coronavirus hit Italy like a tsunami, followed by a continuous stream of deaths. In February, the entire world saw how China and other areas in Asia fought a virus that spread faster than SARS, Ebola and Swine Flu. Each day, coronavirus cases would multiply in different parts of the world. On Feb. 20, 2020, Italy had confirmed its first patient. In three days, it went up to 150 According to the “NY. Times”. The next day, 229 people tested positive, with seven deaths. Italy tried to control the spread of the virus as authorities enforced shut down on Northern regions, including Lombardy, Feltre, and Veneto, according to the “New Yorker.” It has not been easy for a lot of Italians, but they have no choice but to follow the lead of authorities as COVID-19 continues to spread with daily fatalities. Marcello remains in his one bedroom flat with an 11 ½-year-old black Labrador Retriever named Athena. He lives on the third floor of the brick apartment. There is a washing machine in the kitchen and a 40-inch flat screen TV with lots of pictures on it from all his travels in his living room. If he needs fresh air, he walks to his balcony with an espresso and sees the empty streets at Via Carloni. It is no surprise the whole city of Como is deserted. With 10,510 deaths, Lombardy has the most confirmed cases out of all the regions of Italy. With so many cases, the chance of knowing someone infected with the virus is great. “My dear friend, Amara Denesi, who lives in Rome, she had a tem-
perature of 37.5° [Celsius, 99.5F] on the first day, took the test and tested positive, and was locked in the house for two weeks.” Marcello said. “She is now well.” Another problem Italy faces during the Coronavirus pandemic is the decline of the economy. All restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and non-essential businesses have shut down for two months. The shutdown poses a problem for the country, which is already in the middle of a recession. “I worked as a mechanical designer in an office in Como,” Marcello said, “Now I am unemployed.” Italy is part of the European Union (EU), and it relies on others in the Union to help out during the economic crises. On April 9, the Eurogroup agreement did not include a so-called “corona-bond” to spread out the burden of debt across Europe, according to ‘Jacobinmag.com.’ The government did not give grants to the people of Italy like the U.S. government and President Donald Trump when he signed a $2 trillion relief package to help Americans. Instead, Italy offered loans from the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). Anyone who is suffering because of the coronavirus is eligible to apply for a loan, according to ‘Jacobinmag.com.’ “It is not ideal borrowing money we can’t afford to return, but I have to make the best of the situation,” said Enrico Canali, a 38-year-old bartender from Lecco, Italy, a town of 48,000 people. The Bergamo Alps border one side of Lecco, and Lake Como lies on its southern shore. It is 31 miles from Milan. Its beautiful emerald mountains and blue lakes make it a popular destination for locals and international visitors. Unfortunately, there is no tourism at the moment. Enrico says he counts on the ESM loan to pay for his rent and food. “Nowadays, I don’t need money,” Enrico said. “I only go out to buy food, wine and medicine.” With the whole country shut down, Italy does not look like the world’s third-most-visited country in Europe, as described by WorldAtlas. com. It looks more like a deserted and abandoned country, plagued by a zombie apocalypse. Marcello says when the lockdown
went into effect—the priest disappeared and cops were everywhere roaming the streets. No one dared to come out unless it was a necessity. Marcello does have to go out twice a day to walk Athena. “You go out only with a mask or a scarf and with self-certification because you are checked by the police every time you go outside,” he said. The Italian authorities created self-certification to prevent more spreading of the virus. People can go outside only if there’s an urgent reason. The self-certification form options for leaving the house include work, health reasons, or “necessity,” which covers grocery shopping. The form can be printed from the Italian government’s website. According to ‘theLocal.it,” anyone who breaks the quarantine rules can be charged, fined and face up to three months in prison. One thing the Italians got right is testing for the coronavirus. Not only do authorities make random checks of people carrying “self-certification” forms, but they also make random checks of for fever with an infrared thermometer. “Anyone with a high fever is forced by police to get a test for the virus,” Enrico said. “I tested negative two weeks ago by a policeman in Lecco when I went grocery shopping.” Italians never had a shortage of test kits. They were even able to lend a hand to Americans. On Monday, March 18, the U.S. Air Force flew 500,000 coronavirus test kits from Italy to Tennessee to help meet demand in the U.S, according to ‘Dailymail.co.uk.’ Yes, Italy was walloped with the modern plague called COVID-19 and is on lockdown for over two months. The Lockdown should be over by May 4, if the virus is contained. However, the Italian spirit is resilient. Italians have posted videotapes on different social media platforms. They show residents singing and dancing on their balconies throughout different regions of Italy. “We are Italians!” Enrico said, “We have Roman blood, and we will not let a stupid virus defeat us. United we [Italians], stand.” All eyes and prayers continue to go to Italy.
Angeles Police Department. That is roughly one officer for every 433 residents, according to lapdonline.org. Firefighters have also increased their efforts to protect themselves as they assist the public during the pandemic. Captain Erik Scott is the public information officer for the L.A. Fire Department. He says firefighters come into close contact with highrisk populations, and they are at an increased risk of exposure and can bring the virus back to the station. They sanitize and disinfect fire stations twice daily: before their morning lineup and prior to dinner. The department has suspended visits by the public to fire stations during the pandemic. “Our members are informed, have proper safety equipment, and updated procedures to perform their mission
as the first line of defense to protect the city of Los Angeles,” Scott said. He described how they explain the situation before firefighters arrive at the home of a potential coronavirus patient. “Dispatches started early on, and are continually updating our policies, including having our firefighter 911 dispatchers ask questions to determine possible coronavirus patients, and notifying our members before they arrive on scene to don additional personal protective equipment,” Scott said. He also says that firefighters are applying the six feet rule when visiting possible victims. “Additionally, you may notice us utilizing a one in, one out rule, where our firefighters may ask questions from 6 feet away, unless the patient
is unstable,” he said. “If we believe the patient is a high risk, based upon our patient assessment, we will likely have another fire fighter to assist donning a gown, and we may request an additional medical captain to arrive on scene to assist as needed, including assisting in determining patient transportation destination.” One saving grace is that Scott says the number of emergency incidents have decreased since Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti called for the statewide “Safer at Home,” order. There are 1,018 uniformed firefighters in Los Angeles according to the department. “Fifteen LAFD members have tested positive; one is hospitalized in stable condition, six recovered and returned to duty,” Scott said. “Inevitably, we expect that number to increase.”
RESOURCES
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 15, 2020
7
Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE II
Available Resources During the COVID-19 ‘Stay at Home’ Order
Compiled by Angela Johnson and Abiu Izquierdo While Los Angeles is on lockdown to protect the health of its residents, life must go on. The Collegian has assembled a list of resources and services to help LACC students and members of the community locate healthcare and mental health support, food banks, free services and basic resources they need to be safe and healthy at home. The Foundation has grants for students who are full-time. Students can apply for up to $500. Here is the application link: http://www.laccfoundation.org/website/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ LACC-Foundation-Emergency-Student-Stipend-Fund-Fillable-2.pdf The State also has an application for a State grant up to $500. Student can access the grant through this link: https://missionassetfund.org/ca-college-studentgrant/ Students, don’t miss out. Get your $50 gift card for groceries from Kroeger! (Food for Less) It is located on the student portal.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti set up a website devoted to Coronavirus updates and latest developments. https://corona-virus.la/ LAist.com is a website devoted completely to Los Angeles that offers a comprehensive list of resources and services in its “Your No Panic Guide to the Coronavirus in L.A.” https://laist.com/2020/03/23/coronavirus-covid-los-angeles-help.php The Los Angeles Times is providing a free news link devoted to Coronavirus/COVID-19, which they update twice daily. https://www.latimes.com/california/coronavirus-everything-to-know-right-now One Degree is a technology-driven nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families access the resources they need to improve their lives and achieve social and economic mobility. Their One Degree COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resource Guide has information about helpful resources throughout L.A. County, particularly Metro, East, South and West Los Angeles. https://about.1degree.org/COVID-19-la-en
FOOD
Uber Offers Discount Trips to LAUSD Grab-AndGo Food Centers—LAUSD schools will remain closed until at least May 1. Uber will give discount trips to families traveling to any of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s 64 Grab-and-Go food centers through April 3, in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The discounts are for 25% of the per-ride cost, up to $10, on UberX and UberXL. Enter the code LAUSD2020 in the payment section of the ride-hailing app, which can be used between 7 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday. Anyone younger than 18 who uses the discount must be accompanied by an adult. Food centers list: https://achieve.lausd.net/resources. Uber: https://www.uber.com/ Food Oasis—Food Oasis pantry locater shows all the food pantries in your area and gives directions. https://foodoasis.la/locations/?type=food-pantry Los Angeles Regional Food Bank—Food Bank locator shows a map of pantries near your residence. https://www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/ California Association of Food Banks—This food bank network works to ensure that vulnerable communities have consistent and safe access to nutritious food. Food bank locator: http://www.cafoodbanks.org/ COVID-19 Hollywood Food Coalition—Free packaged evening meals are being provided by the Hollywood Food Coalition nightly. No seating available. Hours: Monday through Sunday 6:15 p.m. – 8 p.m. Location: 5939 Hollywood Blvd. Phone: (323) 462-2032 for more information. CalFresh Emergency Application—Students and families with low income can access CalFresh benefits to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh My Friends Place offers to-go meals. Click the following link for information:
http://www.myfriendsplace.org. Address: 5850 Hollywood Blvd, LA, CA 90028. Food Pantry at Blessed Sacrament distributes groceries. Click the following link for information: http://www.blessedsacramenthollywood.org. Address: 6657 Sunset Blvd, LA, CA 90028. L.A. LGBT Center offers to-go meals. For more information click the following link: http://www.lalgbtcenter.org Address: 1118 N McCadden Place, LA, CA 90038. Dream Center Food Truck For locations call or email Phone: (213) 273-7042 Email: foodtruck@dreamcenter.org Students can recieve. $50 gift card for groceries from Kroeger (Food for Less) on their student portal
HOUSING/SHELTER
Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department—LAHCID lists housing resources, details about the COVID-19 eviction moratorium and pages for renters, low income residents, special-needs residents and accessible housing. https://hcidla.lacity.org/Homeless-Persons Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority—LAHSA is a portal to resources if you need shelter, are experiencing a housing crisis, looking for a safe place to sleep in your car at night, need general and/or mental health services and so much more. Additional resource lists have been added in response to Coronavirus/ COVID-19. Phone: 213 225 6581 www.LAHSA.org/get-help https://www.lahsa.org/news?article=678-covid-19-additional-resources https://www.lahsa.org/news?article=676-winter-shelter-program-update-shelter-extensions 211 LA County—The 211 Housing Page is a search engine for housing support, homeless prevention and rental assistance services. https://www.211la.org/housing EcoBear—This biohazard cleaning company devoted several pages of its website to a comprehensive list of various services and resources for homeless people in the greater L.A. area, including everything from emergency shelters to medical centers. https://ecobear.co/homeless-encampment-cleaning/ services-available-homeless-los-angeles/ Dolores Mission Catholic Church—This place of worship provides temporary shelter to homeless people, particularly families in the vicinity of the parish. The parish school maintains specialized programming for homeless students. The church is described as a “beacon of hope” for the Boyle Heights community. Click the following link for information: http://www.dolores-mission.org/ Address: 171 South Gless Street; Los Angeles, California 90033 Phone: (323) 881-0032 Jovenes, Inc.—This nonprofit provides comprehensive services to homeless young people between the ages of 18 to 25. These services include an emergency homeless shelter as well as various programs and associated services to aid these young people in breaking the cycle of homelessness. The organization assists immigrant young people. For information click the following link: http://jovenesinc.org/ Address: 1208 Pleasant Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90033 Phone: (323) 260-8035 San Fernando Rescue Mission—A community institution that has operated for more than 40 years, the San Fernando Rescue Mission provides shelter to homeless men, women and children. In addition, the organization offers different services and resources to assist homeless people in achieving personal growth, employment, and housing. For information click the following link: https://sfvrescuemission.org/ Address: 13422 Saticoy Street, North Hollywood, California 91325 Phone: (818) 785-4476 For LACC and LATTC students ages 18 – 24, please contact: ntiare@lalgbtcenter.org cmajano@lalgbtcenter.org Make an appointment via email to chat and find assistance. Please use an email you check regularly.
HEALTHCARE
CVS Pharmacy—CVS will deliver prescribed medications to customers for free to ensure those most vulnerable to the disease don’t have to venture out. Aetna, a CVS company, will also waive early refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for medicines typically needed to address chronic conditions like hypertension and asthma. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health— LACDPH set up a comprehensive website “Learn More About Novel Coronavirus” to arm the public with information, including background on the virus, its symptoms and available resources to those affected. http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/# http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ California Department of Public Health—CDPH COVID-19 information website lists the symptoms and risks, testing and treatment, financial resources, help for small business and even safe volunteer opportunities when you are tired of being cooped up indoors. www.covid19.ca.gov Phone: 916-558-1784. U.S. Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index. html California Department of Social Services https://www.cdss.ca.gov/#covid19
MENTAL HEALTHCARE
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources, https://www.nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US Coronavirus Update: Mental Health Tips, Public Health News and Resources, https://namila.org/coronavirus-update-mental-health-tips-public-healthnews-and-resources/ Project Return Peer Support Network Non crisis support line What to do Next instructions: Call 1-888-448-9777 Toll free M-F 5-10 PM, Saturday 11-4 PM http://prpsn.org/services/warm-line/ Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event, https:// emergency.cdc.gov/coping/index.asp Managing Anxiety & Stress, https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Disaster Distress Helpline, https://www. samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/ dmh/1069578_CommunicableDisease-StrategiesforCoping-FinalEnglish.pdf Yoga for the Mind and Body—This is a 10-week video series featured on LAUSD’s Health and Wellness Fitness Channel. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/channel/kqxyyjogmr Relaxing Oceanscape—Watching a tranquil seascape can help calm the spirit and relax the mind and contribute to your overall health and wellness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVkADAwOXnU https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/ live-cams/coral-reef-cam/ https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams
ONLINE CONNECTIVITY
Los Angeles Community College District—LACCD activated an Online Learning Call Center to help students and faculty with specific online education questions or concerns. The Online Learning Call Center will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, using the toll-free number: (844) MyLACCD or (844) 695-2223. http://www.laccd.edu/About/News/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx Keep Americans Connected—Verizon, as well as AT&T, Cable One and Cox Communications, signed a pledge issued by the Federal Communications Commission to keep Americans’ internet connected for the next 60 days, even if people cannot afford to pay. More than 50 communications corporations agreed to the pledge. https://www.verizon.com/about/news/our-response-coronavirus https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected Comcast—Comcast announced additional steps to help ensure people stay connected to the Internet as universities, colleges and schools suspend classes and companies encourage employees to work from home due to the Coronavirus. New families who connect will get 60 days of Internet service for free. The Internet Essentials program is normally available to all qualified low-income households in Comcast’s service area for $9.95/month. https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/ internet-essentials-low-income-broadband-coronavirus-pandemic Adobe—Adobe is making temporary at-home access to Creative Cloud available until May 31, 2020 for schools and colleges who currently have only lab access
for students, at no additional cost. https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/ COVID-19-education-labs.html Spectrum—Spectrum will provide free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. Installation fees are waived. Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspots are also currently open and free for anyone to use. To enroll, call 844-488-8395. Zoom—Zoom video conferencing platform is available for free to K-12 schools in the U.S. https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/covid19.html
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
L.A. Jobs Portal—Coordinated by the City of Los Angeles for those whose jobs have been impacted by COVID-19, here list of links and resources that can connect you to current job openings in L.A. Employers in sectors providing essential services under the “Safer-at-Home” order, such as grocery stores and food delivery, need help to meet demand for their services. https://lajobsportal.org/ CalJOBS—This is an employment portal administered by the Employment Development Department that offers a variety of resources for job seekers. With the new mobile app available on Apple and Google Play stores you can job search on your smartphone. Information on upcoming job fairs and workshops is listed as well. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com. geosolinc.caljobs https://www.caljobs.ca.gov/ https://www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/Job_ Fairs_and_Workshops.htm ALDI—This grocery chain is continuing to hire more people each day to keep their doors open and shelves stocked. The company currently has nearly 5,000 openings, mostly based in retail stores. There are a handful of openings in specialized fields such as human resources, public relations and IT. https://corporate.aldi.us/en/newsroom/aldi-covid19-updates/ https://careers.aldi.us/ Kroger—The Kroger family of companies aims to hire 10,000 workers in stores, manufacturing plants and distribution centers nationwide. Candidates may apply online and could be placed for employment within several days of applying. Click the following link for information: https://jobs.kroger.com/ PepsiCo—PepsiCo recently announced it will hire 6,000 new, full-time, full-benefit frontline employees throughout the United States in the coming months to help maintain the supply of foods and beverages. https://www.pepsicojobs.com/main
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Foundation has grants for students who are full-time. Students can apply for up to $500. Here is the application link: http://www.laccfoundation.org/ website/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/LACC-Foundation-Emergency-Student-Stipend-Fund-Fillable-2.pdf The State also has an application for a State grant up to $500. Student can access the grant through this link: https://missionassetfund.org/ca-college-student-grant/ One Fair Wage Stands Up for Service Industry Workers—Restaurant workers, delivery drivers and other tipped workers who are seeing their income decline or are not able to work because of quarantines or other health concerns can receive cash assistance. Click the following link to submit request online. https://ofwemergencyfund.org/help
STORAGE
U-Haul—U-Haul, a national moving and storage company, is offering one-month of free self-storage to college students forced out of their dorms as universities around the country cancel in-person classes amid fears of the fast-spreading virus. Call or visit the website to reserve a truck or trailer. U-Haul also accepts third-party pay. In addition to the 30 days free self-storage offer, U-Haul powers Collegeboxes®, a student storage and shipping provider in the U.S. Students can find out when Collegeboxes will be on their campus picking up items for storage or shipping. Uhaul.com 1-800-GO-UHAUL Collegeboxes Phone: (866) 269-4887 Info@collegeboxes.com
MISCELLANEOUS
Marijuana Dispensaries—Having been deemed “essential businesses,” marijuana dispensaries throughout the city have been allowed to remain open under the state’s “Safer at Home” order. Los Angeles has “cannabis dispensaries with a medicinal cannabis license” listed under “essential infrastructure” or “healthcare operations” that are exempt from closing. Alex Fleming and Pamela Velazquez, Recovery Support Specialist, Clare|Matrix (clarematrix.org) also contributed content. Free Audible Books for kids, while they are in their homes.
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SPORTS
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE II
‘Quarantine’ with a Keyboard Compiled by Brian Perez
Sports fanatics from L.A. City College shared their thoughts on Intramural Basketball being canceled, and they talked about how they are doing in “quarantine.” The basketball hardwood floor is silent without the sound of sneakers squeaking and the echoing bounce of basketballs in the Kinesiology Building. Sports ended over three weeks ago, along with the cancellation of every other professional sports league in the world. Sports fans at L.A. City College have gone underground. The Collegian followed the sports enthusiasts in “Quarantine” with a Keyboard.
ARNOLD JUAREZ Major: Undecided
IRANY MARROQUIN Major: Criminal Justice
CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Major: Music
MIKE HUITE Major: Nursing
ARSHEEP SINGH Major: Public Health
“I saw that email about the semester being canceled on campus and going to all online, and [I] knew it was the best thing to do after the “Stay at Home” thing came out. But I know many people have been using that app, Zoom, and it looks like the best thing for this type of problem but it’s a sudden change that I kind of don’t like but will have to get used to for now until this pandemic is done. It definitely has been a tough last two weeks without having sports to watch but I was really looking forward to the NBA playoffs which would have started on April 15, had the season kept going. For me personally it has been hard because me and my brother are big dodger fans and had tickets for opening day a couple of days ago vs. the giants.
I recently came back to college and I always loved basketball growing up with my Dad so I saw they had this tournament style basketball here at LACC so I joined and it was free which is rare. I was bummed out when they told us that the season was more than likely would not go any further and then a couple days after all this everything that was professional sports was canceled but me and my boyfriend are big Lakers fan and we were looking forward to this season even with what happened to Kobe it just made this season more valuable to every Lakers fan which sucked but what is currently occurring on in the world currently is no joke. This pandemic has been really good for me personally a bit because I get to be with my daughters and my boyfriend more since I’m always working or doing school work.
had just done a year at Cal State Fullerton but I decided to get out because I couldn’t really pay the tuition so I came here to LACC because one of my uncles came here and told me that it was a nice college. I signed up for basketball because I just came to the school and didn’t really know anyone and wanted to meet fellow basketball players and overall Intramural basketball was really solid but when all of this Stay At Home stuff became something serious I knew about the guy who helped run the league who I think was Esteban and another guy would cancel it which really sucked because this was my first semester here. Also the week after when it got reported that an NBA player tested positive for COVID-19 followed by major sport leagues around the world postponing the season I got pretty sad because I always watched the Lakers with my uncles, cousins and even my Dad whenever we did a gathering for either a birthday or just to hang out and we would all be excited to watch the Lakers if they played on Sundays at 6:30 pm when we usually would gather as a family but now with social distancing and everything going on it does suck.
This was my first semester at LACC. I had went to Valley College but came here because I have a cousin that comes here and is nearby my grandparents. I joined Intramural basketball to play with my cousin and it was really nice meeting new people and being active and I got time to hangout more with my cousin but after everything that this virus is doing it really sucks. I have never been a big sports fan but my dad is a diehard Real Madrid fan and my whole family would watch their games on Sunday evening since they’re playing in Spain but it does feel weird to not watch sports with my family.
“It sucks how Intramural Basketball had to be canceled, and the remaining semester on campus online. But health comes first, especially because a couple of days ago I got an email about someone in Chemistry that tested positive for coronavirus, and I was on campus that same day. I went for the last Intramural basketball game like two weeks ago. Yeah, it has been boring without sports, especially watching my Lakers and the best season we’ve had in a couple years. After that NBA player on the Utah Jazz tested positive, that was when I had a feeling it was going to be postponed [and] the NBA did get canceled, which makes sense for the health of everybody. But it definitely is boring without any other sports like soccer and baseball.”
Judo Class Fights Viral Obstacle We’re fighters in KIN-217 Self-Defense Skills. In our class, we make students tougher mentally AND physically. We don’t let a setback like a world-wide pandemic stop us from being successful. -JoJo Aguilar L.A. City College martial arts instructor By Nelson Cruz
Photo By CHRIS AHN Jojo Aguilar explains the importance of a smooth dojo area on March 4, 2020 in Self-Defense class, Kin. 217. Students must show respect to the practice area and judo.
Most classes at L.A. City College have converted from face to face to online classes. It may be a tad bit easier for the professors who do not teach kinesiology classes. A class like selfdefense can be more challenging because it requires students to physically participate in what is being taught. In the “virtual dojo,” Sensei JoJo Aguilar sounds determined. The selfdefense instructor talked about the transition he and his class had to go through during these tough times. “Switching to the online class platform is definitely “uncharted waters,” but not impossible,” Aguilar said. “At first glance, the assumption is that the self-defense class is entirely
physical; however, although we do change the students’ physical fitness, we also have to change the way they think and react to their environment.” Aguilar describes how he can replace the physical component of his self-defense class when he teaches online. He has an extensive background in martial arts instruction. Aside from the courses he teaches to college students, he also instructs younger martial arts students in the LACC Community Services Program. He adapts his experience and applies it online. “In order to change their cognitive behavior, we have to offer situations and choices on how to react to those situations,” he said. “Because we switched to an online platform, we have to cut back on one-on-one “demonstrate and correct” lessons and increase the psychological learning aspect of self defense.” Japanese martial arts are a specialty for the LACC sensei, but he also teaches kids less formal, but practical skills in a class called “Quick and Dirty Self Defense” for the LACC Community Services Courses. He knows modifies his classes. Sensei Aguilar explains why the switch to an online format may not be that difficult for him and his students. “This switch in platform is similar to what happens when you experience an injury in the martial arts,” Aguilar said. “Just because you cannot physically participate doesn’t mean that you have to stop learning. Asking our students to think about Self-Defense can be just as effective as physically practicing Self-Defense. This whole situation with Covid-19 may be new but it is not entirely different from any challenges we’ve had before.”