Issuu

Collegian Los Angeles

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Volume 187 Number 4

Great Voices

Day of the dead

Page 5

The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929

Law Enforcement

Sportscaster, Announcer Light Up Lecture for Attendees An alumnus regales attendees at “Touching Greatness” event and offers advice for the next generation.

By Christian Chavez evin Brown, the Director of Alumni Relations and Development at L.A. City College, worked through technical difficulties as he moderated the program and kept Zoom viewers engaged in what would be an interesting and informative night. The evening featured L.A. City College alumni Ted Sobel and Paul Oden, who were there to share a wealth of information with the next generation of journalists and news broadcasters. As audience members trickled into the online event, Sobel stood poised behind a wall of sports memorabilia ranging from football, basketball and baseball. A sight to behold for future broadcasters. The night began with an introduction from Los Angeles City College President Mary Gallagher. “This is such a great treat,” Gallagher said. “I’m very focused and interested in good journalism … Someone like Ted brings to us the life of amazing people we can actually relate to.” Sobel is an American sportscaster and author whose new book, “Touching Greatness,” chronicles his experiences as he encountered sports legends such as the late Kobe Bryant. The book is available now on Amazon. Sobel is a distinguished alumnus of Los Angeles City College who studied Radio and T.V. Broadcasting. He had a choice between two schools: Pasadena or L.A. City College. “I chose L.A. City College because it was closer,” Sobel said. Sobel found the school through Dave Hull, one of L.A.’s great radio disc jockey’s nicknamed, “The Hullabalooer.” “He became a friend and mentor to me,” Sobel said. “He went to Pasadena City College and said, ‘you have an option between Pasadena and L.A. City, the two best Radio and T.V. departments in the state.”

Police, Firefighters Push Back Against Vaccine The law enforcement team at the City College Sheriff’s station takes a different view. By Sorina Szakacs

Photo By Shay Sowden LAPD officers face off in front of a hostile crowd on duty in Los Angeles on July 25, 2017. https://www.flickr.com/photos/33013215@N00/899561011Courtesy CC 2.0

Most of the team members at City are vaccinated, including the deputies and cadets. All of them are “pro vaccine” and encourage others to get vaccinated. Deputy Sheriff Adolfo Pastrano is the team leader at City and he says that he does not have specific numbers, but “most” of the 15 people currently working are vaccinated. “We are pro the vaccine,” Pastrano

surge to playoffs

Photo Focus

See “Against Vaccine” page 6

Undocumented

District Colleges Support Action Week for Undocumented Students

By Juan Mendoza

Photo by Louis White Freshman forward Jason Victoria (17) chases down a ball in intense match against the East Los Angeles College Huskies on Oct. 26 at BETRUE Field at City College. The Huskies and the Cubs tied 1-1.

See “Cubs” page 8

New Covid Numbers

Vama Presents

2-3 4

firefighters refuse the vaccine, even though COVID-19 is the most common cause of duty-related deaths according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. The website tracks law enforcement deaths nationwide. 24 law enforcement workers lost their lives to the virus in California alone since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the site.

It’s an annual event at the nine district colleges that support the undocumented.

INDEX Arts & Entertainment

said. “This [the vaccine] is for everyone’s health and we are here for everyone.” Not everyone shares their conviction about vaccines. The Los Angeles County vaccine mandate could decrease the number of sworn officers in law enforcement agencies. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva says the mandate affects his department and could turn into “a threat to public safety.” Many L.A. County police and

Soccer Semi-finals

See “Sobel” page 6

Opinion & Editorial

Dia de los muertos

News 6 Features 7 Sports 8 Illustration by Michael sitar

uring the week of Oct.18-22, each of the Los Angeles Community College District’s nine campuses participated in the yearly “Week of Action” initiative in support of undocumented students. The statewide event is intended to educate, train and engage staff, faculty, administrators and students about available state-funded resources and legal information for undocumented students enrolled in community colleges throughout the state. See “Undocumented” page 6

Opinion & editorial

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Collegian

Editorial

Seeing Red By Lara Barney Climate change has been an omnipresent worry for most of my cognizant life. From Earth Days, to “An Inconvenient Truth,” and more recently, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, it seems as though every recent generation has tried to rectify our ugly impact on the Earth. But as we trudge on, the solutions to this problem seem more and more out of reach. Within the confines of California’s borders, I am confident to say that we all try to do our part where we can. We recycle. We save water. We try to make smart food decisions, and even drive electric cars, but recently it has become more obvious that these changes we make for ourselves have little impact on the overall climate. We need the government’s help. We need swift action, not just empty promises from the richest nations that account for most of the world’s pollution. In the recent COP26 Climate Summit, smaller nations like Barbados and Panama were fearful and doubtful of promises from the bigger nations. Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados says that her small island is threatened by rising sea levels. “We’ve heard all of this before,” said Panama’s President Laurentino

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Cortizo. “What we need is an action, I am not optimistic there will be enough of it.” In the last 20 years, we have seen little improvement in emissions. According to the U. S. Department of Energy, Russia has stood stagnant while Asia and India have seen an uptick in the last several years. China has seen emissions grow five times in size since 2000. Europe and the United States have seen their emissions drop in only the last 10 years, but we are still far above what is acceptable. Billionaires have gone so far as to take space travel into their own hands, wanting to colonize Mars, leaving those of us unable to afford that luxury for dead. 2060 is only 40 years away. Are we confident that we can lower emissions enough to make a positive change on our planet? When I think about the future, I worry about my parents and my grandparents having to live out their last years on a dying planet. I worry about friends who are already compromised, and I wonder what the poor air quality will do to their bodies. I worry about having children. “If we fail, they will not forgive us,” says British Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the unborn children that will have to deal with the serious ramifications of climate change if we don’t act now. I pray that we act now.

Editor-in-Chief Matthew Rodriguez Managing Editor ANGELA JOHNSON Graphics Layout Editor BEATRICE ALCALA Copy Editors Sorina Szakacs Angela Johnson Opinions & Editorial Editor Sorina Szakacs Arts & Entertainment Editor RACHEL RODRIGUEZ Photo Editor Louis White Photographers CHRISTIAN CHAVEZ Louis White Illustrators Cassandra Munoz MICHAEL SITAR

Illustration by Beatrice alcala

Reporters Matthew Rodriguez, Juan Mendoza, JOHN JOHNS, SORINA SZAKACS, POUPY GAELLE NGUESTOP, MARVIN ANDRADE, DULCE GAlvez, DAniel Marlos Faculty Adviser Rhonda Guess

Protect Your Mother! By Hannah Coburn I like to begin each day similarly to the one before. I wake up, pour myself a cup of cold brew coffee, look down at my street and notice the new piles of trash conjoining to each other that create a colossal trash monster. Next, I’ll probably go for a walk outside where the cars are coming from every direction throwing cigarette butts and McDonald’s wrappers out their passenger windows. After, I’ll usually head to work in downtown where litter is an abundance. Since moving to Los Angeles, I have understood that people do not care about the environment. L.A. is a beautiful, highly populated city, and with people comes baggage. The problem here is that everyone throws their baggage in the place that is most convenient, the street. I believe that with the right awareness, Los Angeles can become cleaner. An article on “www.pachamama. org” explains environmental awareness as, “An ideology that evokes the necessity and responsibility of humans to respect, protect, and

preserve the natural world from its anthropogenic (caused by humans) afflictions.” The article then explains that through awareness, we can make a difference. I believe that it is our responsibility to protect our world we live in. By having this awareness, we can contribute to living in a cleaner city, we risk harming ourselves, our home, and other animals living among us. Living an environmentally friendly life isn’t as hard as you think. Some examples Janice Friedman gives in her article, “How to be More Environmentally Conscious” are as simple as, preventing littering by throwing your garbage in receptacles, using reusable bags and materials, doing laundry in warm or cold water, recycling, and turning off energy sources like lights when you aren’t using them. By contributing in any of the listed examples or finding ways on your own, you are doing your part in preserving and protecting your environment. I hope Angelenos understand that we are all here for each other. We should have the awareness that our burdens become each other’s in the end. The difference you could make by not littering is substantial. We deserve to live in clean communities, and it is up to us to maintain them. Through awareness, acknowledgement, and action, we can protect our mother—the earth!

They Should Not Forgive Us By Katherine Ford Swedish environmental crusader Greta Thunberg admonished the world of adults who ruined the environment for her generation and generations to come, when she spoke at the UN climate conference in New York in 2019. At the recent Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, world leaders met again to address the problem of climate change. “If we fail, they will not forgive us,” said Boris Johnson, prime minister

of the United Kingdom. ¨They will know that Glasgow was the historic turning point when history failed to turn.” They already do not forgive us; nor should they. The words of Greta Thunberg, who inspired thousands of students to strike for the environment, demonstrates that youth recognize adults have not done enough to mitigate the damage. World leaders meet periodically to discuss what can be done about climate change. Johnson acknowledged at the recent conference that we have the ability and the technology to make substantial changes to lessen the harm already caused by human activity. Youth, such as Thunberg, slapped

We Are the Virus to Our Environment By Maria Lopez A global pandemic made it crystal clear that no region in the world is immune to serious health threats such as COVID-19. As the health crisis made headlines, one thing was clear: Humans cause damage to the planet. The more people were locked in their homes to protect themselves from a deadly virus, the more we allowed our environment to break free from the constant damage we cause. The reduction of human presence and lockdowns was significant to air quality improvement, wildlife survival and less polluted oceans. But despite the environmental implications of a worldwide lockdown, one global crisis was not enough to cancel another one. Perhaps, what it did for us is show us the bitter truth we have known all along: humans are the virus killing the environment and we are doing nothing to stop it. With the focus not solely on a global health crisis, the world is resuming regular programming and that includes refocusing our energies again on the real threat: global warming. Last week, the United Nations began its 13-day COP26 summit that convenes diplomats from around the world to discuss potential solutions and compromises to improve the environmental crisis we are facing. When dozens of diplomats from around the world gather in the same room and are still unable to provide a clear plan to reduce global warming, we cannot help but wonder why is it challenging for some of the most pow-

us across the face. Apparently, a slap across the face is not sufficient to make adults take action now. We continue to talk, but talk is not sufficient. The youth want to see action. Even if we are not concerned about the damage for ourselves or our children, we do not have the right to continue damaging the environment that will affect generations to come. We all need to make changes in the way we live, since we all have a stake in the health of the environment. Climate change is already causing devastating effects in Madagascar. World leaders and scientists talk about the “point of no return,” and we may already be there. How do we live with ourselves knowing the damage we caused to the environment? How do we look at ourselves in the mirror? How do we

erful figures in the world to come to a collective compromise to save our planet? As if our lives did not depend on it. Commitment and funds are two of the major factors holding back a real change that could potentially save the planet. Despite the United States lack of commitment to the environment during the Trump administration, one thing is sure: the US is back at the table and is here to set an example. President Joe Biden’s presence in Glasgow was pivotal to changing the course of action and understanding the opportunity that we all have during this moment in time to make an investment in our environment and preserve our future. President Biden’s environmental promise on the campaign trail to dedicate 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities is just the beginning of a long road to environmental justice. This aligns with his global climate commitment expressed during the summit to “lead by the power of our example” and followed by the rejoining to the Paris Climate Agreement which was ended during the Trump administration. But the path toward climate improvement goes beyond commitment and lies in the face of financial investment. Even with a $130 trillion pledge from banks and investors around the world to combat climate change, the path toward implementation will remain a challenge -- if the commitment goes through at all. As the summit moves into its second week, there is uncertainty revolving around the future of this global warming crisis. One thing remains the same: We have a commitment to our planet, and change also lies in our hands.

explain to the children that humans caused the devastating and unpredictable weather we currently see? College students historically championed causes, such as peace. What are the college students of today doing to fight for the environment? With the technology of the internet, we have the ability organize a movement to pressure everyone into action. Do we need more strikes? Strikes do not seem to make a difference. In December 2018, Thunberg motivated 20,000 students to strike. If a youth movement does not lead to change, the youth must find a way to light a fire under the adults in their lives. It is the adults of today that need to take action, but it will take the youth to push us in that direction.

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Next Issue: December 1, 2021 Editorial Deadline: November 26, 2021

Opinion & editorial

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, November 10, 2021

City Views

How do you feel about mandated vaccinations? What do you think about those who refuse to be vaccinated? Compiled by Analuisa Alvarez

Justice Walters Major: Interior Design

Earl Lawrence Bumagat Major: Undetermined

Jazmin Coraza Major: Psychology

Ivy Cruz Major: Biology

Elread Serrette Major: Physics

“Honestly, I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m personally vaccinated, but I know others feel that it’s forced and unfair. So, I’m kind of almost in the middle when it comes to mandated vaccinations. For me, what it came down to is I understand that people are dying and it’s unsafe for others, so that is why I got it. I didn’t want to come home to my grandparents and risk them getting sick. I think as many people should get it as possible and the people that don’t should make sure they are staying away from others as much as they can. Everyone should still be wearing masks.”

“Personally, I support mandated vaccinations. It’s the best way to ensure the safety of everyone and also takes us a step closer towards reaching ‘herd immunity.’ There were tons of cases when the pandemic started due to lack of vaccine knowledge. We finally have the right and available resources to be safe from COVID. Not only does it protect us individually, but being vaccinated also protects our peers, community, and loved ones.”

“I feel safe. I think this is a good idea because I’m confident about the vaccinations. I don’t judge [anyone] it’s good for everybody to be vaccinated because that way we are protecting everybody and even ourselves.”

“I think it’s a good thing. Articles that I’ve read say it decreases the chances of you getting COVID. And it doesn’t necessarily protect you completely, but it gives you the antibodies you need to defend yourself against the virus. I don’t have a specific stance towards people who don’t want to get vaccinated because I understand why they don’t. There’s a lot of unknown side-effects you can get. Like for me, I got real sick during the two doses, and it was bothersome. I couldn’t really do anything during those times I was sick. And this vaccine isn’t necessarily one that’s been out for a very long time, essentially it’s still very experimental.”

“Silly, silly for parents, particularly parents not to insist on allowing their young ones to not get the vaccinations. I see so many people online, all over the place who have been killed, or suffering, you know, because of not taking the vaccinations. Many have died, many have died not because of the vaccinations. I think it’s a very good idea to have the vaccinations.”

Ink Style

Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead

HELP WANTED Writers, reporters, Photographers Graphic & Web Designers Interested? Please email us at losangeles.collegian@gmail.com Illustrations by Cassandra MuÑoz

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Arts & Entertainment

Theatre Academy

‘Court-Martial’ shines light on racial injustice, victories

By Rachel Rodriguez

he play takes place in 1945 during World War II, where racial segregation was Army policy despite the support of Eleanor Roosevelt, who was successful with the admittance of enlisting African American women into a sector of the army known as the Women’s Army Corps (W.A.C.). When some of the women enlisted in the W.A.C. were offered to be trained as medical technicians, commander Col. Evan Kimball (Matthew Luebke) demotes the women to the status of orderlies because of the color of their skin. He uses racial slurs that enrage the women who then refuse to go back to work. Threatened with a court martial, the legal proceeding for members of the military that is similar to a civilian court trial, is used to intimidate the women for their refusal to obey a direct order. The penalty could lead to a death sentence. Two of the women, Ginny Boyd (Alexis Gardner) and Johnnie Mae Malone (Heather Daughtry) see this challenge to advance the cause of African Americans. Civilian lawyer Julian Rainey (Jared Waters), with no previous court martial trial experience, agrees to

take their case. The “Court-Martial at Fort Devens” production took place outdoors in the L.A. City College quad where tickets were free, and donations were happily accepted at the door. Concessions were available for purchase and blankets were provided on a first-come firstserve basis. The set design was minimal and encouraged the audience to utilize their imagination. John A. Garofalo was the light board operator, efficiently setting the mood with each changing scene. Luebeke’s portrayal of Col. Kimball brought his personality to life of while Gardner pulled emotions from the audience with her spectacular portrayal of Ginny Boyd. Waters, as Ginny Boyd’s lawyer Julian Raney, also gives a memorable performance, particularly in scenes during the production’s opening scenes as well as its final act. “Court-Martial at Fort Devens” was moving and could easily be turned into a television series that is able to detail the depth of this story. It brings to light the issue of racial injustice plaguing the United States that is still being fought in today’s court rooms. “Court-Martial at Fort Devens”’ overarching theme tells its audience that racial injustice is something that can be defeated with each small victory.

Photo by Beatrice Alcala Spectators await the performance on Nov. 4. The temperatures were cool, but the spirits were warm.

Artist Spotlight By Rachel Rodriguez

Filmmaker Shares a Different American Experience Los Angeles based filmmaker Phillip Rodriguez began his journey at a community college and currently creates award-winning films that bring awareness about race and diversity.

L.A. City College will host a Zoom event featuring Phillip Rodriguez and his documentary “Ruben Salazar: Man in the Middle.” The online event on Nov. 17, begins at 6 p.m., and attendees will have the opportunity to ask Rodriguez questions after the screening. Rodriguez gave the Collegian a teaser into the journey that led to his career. Q: Did you originally know that you wanted to be in the field that you are in now? Rodriguez: No, I didn’t have any idea about what I was going to be. I took a class in film and documentary ethnographic film, and it was like the greatest thing I’d ever seen, and I was immediately taken. I could communicate something that’s inside of me that I want to express. Q: Would you say your path through your education was easy or were there a lot of distractions? Rodriguez: I mean, the distractions I had generated for myself. They were completing the distractions that are life. Meeting your first sweetheart, and you know, messing around and making friends and figuring out who you are. I don’t consider that a distraction and that’s the fundamental purpose of education. Q: What would you say inspired you to make the film “Ruben Salazar: Man in the Middle”? Rodriguez: Many of the stories of Mexican Los Angeles and Mexican-American Los Angeles had been ignored. A lot of ideas that I was drawn to in First Amendment identity, police brutality, racism in the newsroom and a middle class and a person in the midst of his own change. Q: Is there any correlation between today and what happened to Ruben Salazar? Rodriguez: It’s certainly not for me to dictate. I think that it’s quite evident that some of the issues that the film manages are still quite germane. Police violence to our journalism, police violence among poorer and minority communities. Considerably a rather common phenomenon. Maybe we need to get in the face of power and to challenge the order. Q: I really like your idea behind creating a cause that challenges ideas on race and diversity, tell me more about that. Rodriguez: It’s the pursuit of disseminating ideas. The American story gets seen through the prism of white agendas and white priorities. I just feel like there’s stories that are neglected and stories that are ultimately more interesting. Let’s say the other side of the American experience.

Phillip Rodriguez

Photo Focus

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Dia de Los Muertos

the day of the dead

1. A skeleton stands in front of the 24th Street Theatre. It was one of the many skeletons around the festival on Nov. 1, 2021. 2. A skeleton couple sits at a bar during the yearly celebration. The skeleton of a pet waits underneath the table for a treat. 3.Two attendees stroll the block with lights on their bicycles on Hoover Street on Nov. 1, 2021. 4. A skeleton hovers in front of the entrance to some of the designated spots for food service. This is one of the many skeletons placed for the festival on Nov. 1, 2021 5. Nothy Garcia wears an elaborate dress made out of papel picado on Nov. 1, 2021. Garcia regularly attends the festival and wears a dress made from tissue paper. 6. Crosses mark festival “graves”on the corner of Hoover and 24th Street on Nov. 1, 2021. It is a symbol of the departed.

24th Street

Celebrates Dia De Los Muertos by Christian Chavez

bout 5 minutes away from USC, thousands gather onto 24th st. and Hoover St. to celebrate the Mexican holiday of “Dia De Los Muertos”. Delicious foods are placed on corners packed with hundreds of people waiting in line to get their belly’s full. A stage is set in the middle of the festival with music and performers displaying their craft for guests seated to watch them. Ofrendas (alters) are placed on the street with aztec marigold flowers, images of deceased family members and monarch butterflies on full display. Skeletons in outfits and Monarchs are placed on many corners of the street. The celebration begins. “I’ve been celebrating since 1989 when my sister passed away” said Nothy Garcia, one of the many individuals who attends the festival. “Remembering my loved ones is very important to me.” Nothy Garcia wore a dress made from “papel picado”, a type of tissue paper that is commonly used for elaborate Mexican folk art. She was one of many that stood out in celebration of the holiday. For many business’s, this festival is a great way to give to the community and to branch out. For Giovanny Moldonado, owner of Mariscos Marias, he was giving away 600 free ceviche tostadas. “It’s amazing representation of the culture” said Moldonado. “We started at 6 o’clock, people were coming for extras and taking some home. We’re grateful. It brought some happiness to them.” “After Covid it’s something we wanted to do, we wanted to see the people and give back. The Community saved the restaurant.” With COVID-19 still looming in the background of the festival, the University of Southern California (USC) and Kendren Community Health Center were placed right in one of the festivals entrance. “We are doing flu shots, hypertension screenings and we’re doing diabetes screenings” said Dr. Carla Blieden, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the USC School of Pharmacy. “This is an event that typically draws a lot of people and we’re trying really hard to make it easier and accessible for people who come to events in general for their flu shots, COVID shots and general health screenings” said Dr. Blieden. “It makes more sense this year; a lot of people haven’t been to their doctors in a year and a half because of the COVID Pandemic.” While skeletons are important to the event, it’s the Monarch that poses the most significance this year. 24th theatre gave a tribute to those fallen to the pandemic. “ Monarch butterflies are the spirit of the forest and the souls of the dead that arrive announcing their return to the world of the living. 24th Street theatre wants to pay a heartfelt tribute to all the people who have lost their battle during the COVID-19 Pandemic and that today their souls return turned into luminous butterflies to celebrate with all of us.”

Photos 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 by Christian Chavez Photo 2 Collegian File

News

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, November 10, 2021

From “Against Vaccine” page 1

‘ We will continue to educate, encourage, and incentivize vaccinations to work toward the City’s goal of a fully vaccinated workforce.’ Villanueva says that more sworn members filed for early retirement compared to the same period last year. Over 200 are leaving the department and going to other counties with no vaccine mandates. There is a 21.9 percent rise in workers compensation claims, all because of the vaccine mandate. Out of the 10,239 sworn members, only 4,383 are fully vaccinated. “A lot of this is driven by people who just don’t have faith in the vaccine,” Villanueva said in a press conference last week. “Some of it is driven by political ideology, some might be irrational, some people might have a legitimate reason why they don’t trust the vaccine.” Approximately 3,137 sworn and 1,048 professional staff could lose their jobs.

According to Cheryl Getuiza of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), as of Nov. 1, the number of sworn members fully vaccinated is 2,300 out of 3,340 members. 200 firefighter are partially vaccinated but 840 are not vaccinated at all. “The department will not speculate as to why members have not been vaccinated,” Getuiza wrote to the Collegian in an email on Nov. 1. “We will continue to educate, encourage, and incentivize vaccinations to work towards the City’s goal of a fully vaccinated workforce.” Based on the data provide by officer Drake Madison from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Media Relations Division, as of Oct. 22, the number of vaccinated officers was 6,758 while 2,684 were not vaccinated.

From “Sobel” page 1

m a e t g n i nn i w the Journal 220-1 and Journal 220-2

J oin CT

COLLEGIAN TIMES 2021 SPRING-SUMMER

ROBERT WILLIAMS, LACC ALUMNUS ‘MR. BITCHIN’ JUXTAPOSES LOWBROW, FINE ART

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MAEBE A. GIRL WILL WIN A SEAT IN CONGRESS

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2020 SPRING

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HOLLYWOOD GAY BARS, SKATEBOARDERS AND HOT CARS

Join the winners of the A.C.P. National Pacemaker Award three years in a row: 2019, 2020 and 2021. Calling all storytellers, Illustrators, Reporters, Photojournalists, Copy Editors and Videographers. It’s time to contribute to the award-winning feature magazine of L.A. City College, the Collegian Times. Bring your winning ideas.

Meet online on Wednesdays from 4 - 9:35 p.m. This is the place where it all comes together, via Zoom.

From “Undocumented” page 1

‘During the undocumented student Week of Action, I felt like never before.’

Kevin Brown, Foundation alumni relations director Ted Sobel Sports broadcaster Paul Olden New York Yankees announcer

Sobel, Olden Studied Radio at L.A. City College Alongside Sobel was Paul Olden, another of Los Angeles City College’s distinguished alumni. Olden is the current public address announcer for the New York Yankees at the world-famous Old Yankee Stadium with a rich history of radio and television play-by-play, announcing for many teams such as the Yankees and the California Angels. Olden recounted the story of an infamous interview with former L.A. Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda. When asked about Chicago Cubs player Dave Kingman’s three home runs against the Dodgers in a 1978 game, Lasorda went on a profanity laden tirade against Olden. Sobel discussed his path and the doubt he felt along the way. He was not certain he could realize his goal in broadcasting. “A handful of times I was thinking, ‘am I doing the right thing?’ but if you have a passion, you go for that passion. It was my passion, but there were a lot of roadblocks along the way,” Sobel said. “Just trying to survive … my father had passed away and that was a major roadblock in my life before I was 20 years old.” Sobel also experienced the same difficult job market that many students in the 21st century endure. “Am I gonna be able to survive here? I’m trying to get a job in the business which was difficult for a few years,” Sobel said. It is a sentiment that is familiar to many Millennial and Gen-Z students in the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would pick up jobs here and there doing AP and UPI as a stringer/reporter covering a basketball or football game. But that’s only side money, that didn’t pay the rent. You just had to keep going for it.” There was a campus radio station at L.A. City College when Sobel attended that seemed to be the center of his campus life. “KBMA is what we called it in those days,” Sobel said. According to Sobel, sports was not a popular position in the broadcast department. “The guys that ran the department were not into sports,” he said. “Those of us who loved sports pretty much had to do it on our own. Sports is the only business in the world that gets free publicity 24/7.” Sobel has met many celebrity athletes in the past. His most famous encounter was with the late Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant. Before the helicopter tragedy that took the lives of Bryant, daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others, Kobe had a reputation for having a death stare. “He was always focused,” Sobel said. “’I’m not thinking about anything except for winning and nothing else matters.” And that was Kobe.” Sobel says Bryant looked miserable when the Los Angeles Lakers were up two games in the 2010 finals. He recalled grabbing a microphone and asking Bryant, “What’s the matter? You’re up 2-0. What’s the story? You’re not happy?” to which Bryant responded, “What’s there to be happy about? Job’s not finished.”

“LACC has been committed to its immigrant population since its inception in 1929,” says L.A. City College President Mary Gallagher. “We embrace all immigrants no matter their legal status. We are here to help all members of our community to succeed. We are a safe place for immigrants whether documented or not.” The California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley also says the community colleges must provide a space for all students that is welcoming and accessible regardless of their immigration status. The Counselor Coordinator of the DRC at L.A. City College, Carolina Yernazian called the week busy and productive. She also says the meet and greet session had a great turnout, The week began with the AB540 Virtual Conference, celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the bill’s implementation in 2001. The landmark state legislation allowed for undocumented students who met specific criteria to pay in-state tuition at California’s public colleges and universities, opening the doors to a higher education. On Tuesday, undocumented students had the opportunity for a virtual meet and greet session with Dream Resource Center staff, faculty, and administrators to be informed of services provided the DRC provide and are available to the students.

On Wednesday, there was a session about the California Dream Act’s most current updates and requirements that students need in order to apply. Thursday’s events provided a district-wide webinar informing undocumented students in how to apply and transfer to four-year universities and financial aid information. A premium session was held on Thursday afternoon by DACA Updates and Pathways to Citizenship hosted by the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), a non-profit organization that provides free legal immigration services to students and communities throughout Los Angeles. CARECEN has been working in partnership with LACC-DRC for the last couple of years. Jessica Viramontes, a staff attorney at CARECEN, answered many legal questions that students posted in the chat, and she discussed the Texas case challenging the legality of to question the legality of DACA brought to federal court and the hold of new potential DACA recipients who are not able to apply because of it. Teaching students entrepreneurship skills are part of a signature yearround workshop of the DRC at L.A City College. This workshop provides guidance in setting up small businesses, from a taco stand to tutoring students in any area of expertise

where Yernazian empowers students by helping them to reinvent themselves and gain independence. “There are a lot of opportunities out there,” Yernazian said. “We are a campus that supports our undocumented students 100 percent. I’m very proud of the accomplishments that the DRC had done since is foundation, three years ago.” Elliot Reyes is a recipient and member of the DRC at L.A. City College. He found resources during the “Week of Action.” “During the undocumented student Week of Action, I felt like never before,” he said. “Here are a group of people intimately familiar with my life and circumstances talking in detail about actions that I can take to help myself and others.” Reyes was speechless seeing how many activists are fighting for immigrants’ rights. “We are in a much better position today, thanks to the hard work of many activists. There is a lot of work to be done and that motivates me,” Reyes said. To contact the L.A. City College Dream Resources Center, live chat in the Cranium Café at: TinyUrl.com/ DRCChat or by email: lacc-dream@ laccd.edu and in-person at the Student Services Building, 2nd Floor, windows 19 and 21 Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Police Wire Compiled By Sorina Szakacs

921-00341-8716-185 – Possession of a Controlled Substance – Student Union – 11/02/21 921-00287-8716-340 – Vehicle Burglary – Lot 3 – 10/20/21 921-00253-8718-400 – Person Missing or Found – Lot 1 – 10/10/21

Scholarships Critical Care Scholarship The Critical Care Scholarship Program offered by the American Heart Association is intended for all Certified Nurse Assistant Students throughout California. Students must submit an essay in which the top five will be selected by online community votes and forwarded to CCTC Board Members to determine the final winner. To learn more, please visit https:// acls123.com/interactive-scholarship-program/ Career and Technical Scholarship The Career and Technical Scholarship Program, funded by the Horatio Alger Association, awards scholarships to students pursuing a two-year career or technical education program. Applicants must demonstrate critical financial need, under 30 years old, and demonstrate perseverance in overcoming adversity. Apply today at https://scholars. horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/technical/ Amount: $2,500 Deadline: July 15, 2022 Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship The Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by CCNMA: Latino Journalists of California and awards Latino students who are interested in journalism as a career. Applicants should exhibit a commitment to the field of journalism, academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need. Apply today at https://www.ccnma.org/general-1 Amount: $2,000 Deadline: June 15, 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the California Teachers Association to students of color who aspire to become educators, school nurses, or school therapists. Apply today at: https://www. cta.org/for-educators/scholarships-awards/mlk-scholarship Amount: up to $6,000 Deadline: Feb. 11, 2022 Mattress Nerd Sustainability Scholarship Students can apply and submit an essay. While there is no minimum GPA or specific major required, applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student and promote positive environmental change. Amount: $1,000 Deadline: April 1, 2022 Apply today at: https://www. mattressnerd.com/scholarship/. Safe Parking L.A. Located throughout Los Angeles, the program offers gated, security monitored parking with access to bathroom facilities, hygiene kits, laundry truck, and other amenities. Financial assistance for minor vehicle repairs, registration tags, insurance and driver’s license renewal are also available. The program is offered by L.A. Councilmember Gil Deillo in partnership with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), Exodus Recovery and The Shower of Hope. To apply for Safe Parking, please visit https://www.safeparkingla.org Housing is Key As part of the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act passed by Legislation in 2020, Housing is Key assists renters, landlords and homeowners. Those needing financial assistance can still apply by going to: https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/ index.html CalHOPE From mental health to housing assistance, CalHOPE is an organization that has a team of counselors who help teens and adults struggling to pay rent or are facing homelessness. To access the many resources available through CalHOPE, please visit: https://www.calhope.org/pages/ resources.aspx

Features

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Hollywood

Campus Clubs

Coronavirus Decimates Club Culture on Campus No Club Rush and a lack of faculty advisers and recruitment has left ASG clubs in the shadows. By Dulce Galvez

Prestige Event Honors Writers, Illustrators of the Future

Photos by Beatrice Alcala

Guests gathered in the Grand Ballroom for the return of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Awards show with elements of fantasy, drama and science fiction.

Congratulations to all winners and for those who didn’t get the chance to win this time, don’t give up. Keep working hard and you will make it. -Tony Weisskopf

Photo by Beatrice Alcala Cheyanna Zubas and Jack Andrad attend the L. Ron Hubbard awards ceremony on Oct. 22. Organizers recognized winners for two years, after the pandemic caused last year’s cancellation.

To See More of the Event Go To www.writersofthefuture.com

By Poupy Gaelle Nguetsop

t’s awards season, and illustrators and writers met on the red carpet at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood and Vine for the annual L. Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the Future. Organizers canceled last year’s show in the middle of the pandemic, so this event combined two years: the 36th and 37th awards presentation. Inside, the opening production featured two gladiators as they escorted a woman with golden wings to the stage to deliver a Broadway-style song. This program honors new writers of science fiction and fantasy, as well as the artists who create book illustrations. It was a beautiful ceremony with contestants, judges and special guests in attendance while media looked on. Contestants do not pay to enter. Entries by writers are judged by professionals. They receive prizes from $500 to $1,000 every three months. A panel of judges selects a grand prize winner of the L. Ron Hubbard Golden Pen Award, according to the organization’s website. Illustrators of the Future contestants are judged by professional artists. There are quarterly competitions for $500, and the annual grand prize winner receives the L.Ron Hubbard Golden Brush Award and a $5,000 cash prize. Toni Weisskopf was a keynote speaker who worked as an executive editor for a long time, and is now a “friend of the contest.’’ “I’m happy to be here tonight,” Weisskopf said. “Congratulations to all winners and for those who didn’t get the chance to win this time, don’t give up. Keep working hard and you will make it.’’ Illustrator Brock Aguirre from Washington State talked to the Collegian about the Golden Brush Award grand prize. In 2020, he won a $500 quarterly award. His coach joined him on the red carpet, and he appeared emotional about the win. ‘’I was inspired by my coach,” he said. “I think nobody should influence your passion. Encourage yourself to take more risks. Be confident. Just be yourself.’’ Freelance illustrator Anh Le is an award-winning artist. He creates environments, characters and board games among other art. He is originally from Vietnam and lives in Kansas City. His work is featured on Artstation and Behance. ‘’I’m grateful to be here today,” Le said. “It’s my first time. I found the information online and I submitted my entry. For those who are watching me, you have to make sure it’s your passion, and anything will come easier.’’ Zack Be won recognition for science fiction writing. His work appears regularly in “Asimov Science Fiction,” an American science fiction magazine. He is also a first-time writers of the future winner. “I find it interesting to bring something new and different to the public,” he said. “There are always fears, but the fears, it’s OK. It’s my first time to win and I’m so happy.’’ Will Knight is another first-time winner who says it is important to work freelance and to listen to people and remain competitive.

During the past decade, Los Angeles City College Associated Student Government (ASG) chartered numerous clubs, but there are only five clubs left this semester. The pandemic is a factor. Other factors include fewer faculty advisers volunteered, and fewer students signed up, according to an ASG representative. The clubs that are currently active are Forever Jung Psychology Club, Ideas Club, American Sign Language Club, Nursing Club and the Comedy Club. Kenneth Callahan is the executive of clubs at LACC, and he is responsible for their formation. He says the ASL Club, Nursing Club, and Comedy Club are latechartered clubs that found faculty advisers and members late in the process. Callahan says there are two senators that preside over the clubs, and one position is vacant. He also blames “drama” for the drop in club participation. “The processing of starting clubs is difficult due to students participating in the upcoming semester,” Callahan said. Each club has a different personality and students engage in a variety of activities. The Forever Jung Psychology Club discusses historical figures and watches movies about psychology. The members organize meetings and seminars on campus or through Zoom. Professor David Sedghi advises the club, and Adam Weiss is the president. Members of the Nursing Club handed out free COVID-19 kits this semester at the Cub Bookstore. The kits included cloth masks, a bottle of hand sanitizer and an informational pamphlet about the signs and symptoms of coronavirus. Joshua Palmgren is the Nursing Club president and the faculty adviser is professor Ruth Arellano Dela Cruz. The ASL Club members attend events related to American Sign Language. They participate in activities and discuss ideas via Zoom. Esteban Gomez who is an interpreter in the Office of

Special Services is the club adviser. Claudia Ogarrio serves as ASL Club president. Comedy Club members discuss improv sketches and practice standup comedy. The president is Grant Cotter, and the faculty adviser is professor Jen Vaughn. “LACC Dance Club lost their members and faculty adviser due to (low) participation in the club,” said Senator of Activities Kaya Landingin. The Dance Club will not make a comeback because Landingin is the only member, and there is no faculty adviser. A significant reason for the drop in number of clubs is students have a difficult time finding faculty members who will advise or sponsor their clubs. It appears that some students are content to just learn online rather than be on campus one-on-one in a classroom. Crystal Mora is the president of the Ideas Club. Their faculty adviser is professor Camille Goulet. The Ideas Club is sponsored by the Dream Resource Center (DRC) where Victor Chavez organizes activities, events and schedules meetings. He works for the assessment center at the DRC. The club finds services for immigration legal teams and also provides applications for the Dream Act or DACA students. Involvement in clubs offers a chance for students to become more socially involved and participate in campus life. It also provides the opportunity for club members to enhance their college transfer application. Inside the ASG offices at City College, visitors find stacks of paper on desks and small cans of Pringles and Capri Sun pouches in a box on a table next to folders and notebooks. It appears to be a busy place. Callahan produced a thick black folder that held club applications from 2014 to 2019. This semester’s folder held only 10 to 20 pages, which Callahan says is shocking. The executive of clubs says he gave students interested in forming clubs until Oct. 22 as a deadline to charter a club. Only the five clubs mentioned made their deadline.

Sports

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Cubs Best Lancers, Advance to South Coast Semi-Finals This year marks the return of sports to City College and the first season the Cubs play in the South Coast Conference League. They got to the semi-finals, but not past a formidable crosstown foe.

By Juan Mendoza

ith a keen aptitude and determination to win, the L.A. City Cubs scored within the first minute of play against the Pasadena City College Lancers on Tuesday, Nov. 2, at the Robinson Stadium. The Cubs beat the Lancers 3-0 in a suicidal game that was a must-win for City. If the Cubs were to lose that game, it would have been over for their season. The Cubs surprised the Lancers by scoring the first goal so early in the first part of the game. Ivan Castrejon received a pass and did not miss the opportunity to score. With the advantage, the Cubs took control of the game and stayed on the other side of the Lancers. The Lancers kicked off the ball in the second half of the game. They had a great opportunity to score but could not get past the Cubs’ goalkeeper. Kender Ruiz took the opportunity to kick off from a header pass and scored the second goal for the Cubs. The temperature on the

field started rising as the game approached the final minutes of play. There were a few altercations, but nothing serious. As the game wound down, the Cubs kept pushing and looking for more opportunities to score. With about 15 minutes of play left, Castrejon made a surprise shot from the goal area, that was his second score of the game. The 3-0 victory secured the semi-finals first round spot for the renascent team. Cubs head coach Javier Aguiniga said, “It was really hard coming in as a first-year program, and we put ourselves in the best six of the conference. If we win the tournament, we will make it to the state play-offs. And this is one of the toughest conferences in the nation.” Ivan Castrejon was the star of the game who scored two goals and made the Cubs’ win possible. “We believed in each other. It starts at practice the day before the game with the focus on winning,” he said. “This is a good way to finish off, especially with the 3-0. We are more motivated.” Cubs forward wing Christopher Rodriguez says he felt like the game just went their way. “We stopped every ball that tried to attack us. And we just finish our game,” Rodriguez said. “For the next game, we are going to play the same way. And this time is all-or-nothing. If we lose, we are out. We need to win.” Ironically, this inspired game was played in an empty stadium. There were no fans to cheer on the players of either team for a game played in the middle of the day at 2 p.m. Cubs’ former head coach Mario Ayala, who worked with the team in 1980, attended the game. During his career, Ayala has worked with Major League Soccer teams like Chivas USA, L.A. Galaxy, and the N.Y. Cosmos. He says the Cubs are one of the best teams that he has seen. “I liked that the team was organized, the structure, the way they were playing,” Ayala said. “They never missed the idea of how to control the game. I really enjoyed the game. And congrats to Mr. Javier.” The Cubs’ season may have ended at El Camino College with a loss to the Warriors on Friday, Nov. 6. Final score was 2-0. The Warriors had a great season and will continue on in the South Coast Conference Tournament. The Cubs still have an opportunity to continue in the tournament or possibly find out the final standings in the South Coast Conference League.

LACC freshman goal keeper Luis Villegas defends against Pasadena City College, where the LACC Cubs win a decisive 3-0 shutout over the Lancers, Tuesday, November 2, 2021, In Pasadena, CA. Kender Ruiz freshman midfielder celebrates with teammates after goal that stuns Pasadena Lancers, Tuesday, November 2,2021 in Pasadena ,CA. LACC Cub’s win 3-0 advancing to conference playoffs. Photos by Louis White

Lady cubs battle huskies in final match

It’s Back! November 28, 2021

89th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade

24/7 Hollywood Christmas Parade Hotline toll free at 1-833-PARADE1 (1-833-727-2331).

Photo by Louis White Isabell Estrada heads the ball upfield as the Lady Cubs dominate the East Los Angeles College Huskies in the Cubs’ final match of their season on Nov. 9, 2021. The Women fought hard this inaugural season, which marks the return of sports to Los Angeles City College.