Collegian Los Angeles
2020 OLYMPICS COUNTDOWN FOR SUMMER 2021
THREE L.A. STUDENTS BECOME
Jack Kent Cooke SEMI-FINALISTS Page 7
Page 8
The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Volume 186 Number 1
VACCINE CHASERS
OBITUARY
COVID Worries Drive the Hunt for Surplus Vaccines Millennial shot-chasers tell why they wait in line for a chance at leftover vaccines. BY JONATHAN MONTES
Vaccine hunters formed a line that began at the entrance of the Kedren Community Health Center at 4211 S. Avalon in Los Angeles and continued to the end of block of Theresa Lindsay Park Street. Some people read books, others munched on snacks, talked on the phone or listened to music while they waited. Millennials between the ages of 25 and 40 will be the last priority on the long list of COVID-19 vaccination appointments. In South L.A., young adults are chasing a shot in the arm with one thing in mind: surviving the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic continues to unfold in Los Angeles as many people at greater risk will be the first to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies individuals with underlying medical conditions and senior citizens to be at increased risk for contracting the virus. Los Angeles County Public Health officials are coordinating vaccinations for healthcare workers, staff and residents of skilled nursing facilities, staff and residents at long-term care facilities, and L.A. County residents who are 65 and older.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA
Remembering Tom LaBonge, ‘Mr. Los Angeles’ BY WHITNEY GIBSON
PHOTO BY ALLIN ERIS So-called vaccine chasers appear relaxed as they wait at Kaiser Permanente on Sunset Boulevard for the chance to get a COVID-19 vaccination on Feb. 23, 2021. Hospital workers may distribute leftover doses of the vaccine at the end of the day.
PHOTO BY JOHNATHAN MONTES Vaccine chasers in South Los Angeles, Thursday, Feb.18, 2021, at Kedren Community Health Center are waiting in line outside the facility in hopes of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
SEE “VACCINE CHASERS” PAGE 6
HISTORY
BLACK HISTORY
Black History Marks 30 Years, from Rodney King to George Floyd
(Reimagined)
IMAGES COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA
City Councilman, Los Angeles enthusiast and LACC alumni Tom LaBonge died in his Silver Lake home on Jan. 7. He was 67. Two months after his death, his absence is felt throughout Los Angeles County by those who loved him— family, friends and constituents alike. Thomas Joseph LaBonge was born in Silver Lake in 1953, and he would eventually become one of L.A.’s most dedicated champions. The native Angeleno appreciated Los Angeles in a holistic and expansive way and had a deep knowledge of the city’s history. LaBonge graduated from LACC in 1973 and later earned a B.A. degree in sociology from Cal State L.A. In 2001, he took a seat on the city council representing District 4 by special election and began to focus his attention on the betterment of his hometown. Years after his time at LACC, he was instrumental in bringing back the sports department and passionate about drawing attention and attracting funding opportunities to the college. “The heart of Los Angeles is LACC, and it represents the diversity of this city,” LaBonge once said. “I’ve been here 40 years, and I think I’ve helped a lot of people. That’s what life’s all abouthelping people. City College helped me and I’m just giving it back.”
ILLUSTRATION BY BEATRICE ALCALA
SEE “REPORTERS NOTEBOOK” PAGE 4
CRIME RELATED TO COVID
L.A. City Ranks Among Most Influential Community Colleges in U.S.
“The Disheartened Yellow Giant” represents the overwhelming feeling of drowning in the news about violence against Asians and fetishization of Asians. That feeling of all eyes of predators out to harm or fetishize the Asian culture and people and the discouraged emotion from the letdown of injustices seen in the media and our personal lives. Although the Asian community is giant, a lot of the times we are left to be silenced or dismissed like many communities of color.
BY COLLEGIAN STAFF Although there is no campus cafeteria or collegiate sports team to foster school pride, Los Angeles City College offers true value and desirability for students seeking an economical yet solid education according to Academic Influence (AI).
SEE “LACC” PAGE 5
INDEX Opinion & Editorial
2-3
Reporters Notebook
4
Campus Life
5
News 6 Scholarships 7 Sports 8
ILLUSTRATION & STATEMENT BY STEPHANIE KO
SEE “MR. LOS ANGELES” PAGE 6
Trend: Hate Crimes Increase Against Asian Americans Hollywood and Los Angeles neighborhoods mirror a violent national pattern as pandemic hits the one-year mark.
A
BY SERINA HAYNES
sian communities that surround East Hollywood and the LACC neighborhoods of Thai Town, Koreatown, Chinatown and Little Tokyo remain on edge after a surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans since the pandemic began. A streak of unprovoked violence against the elderly and vulnerable in Asian communities cast a shadow over the traditionally festive celebrations of the Lunar New Year last month. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a disease first identified in Wuhan, China, hate crimes against Asian Americans across the United States have increased. Historically, they
have been underreported, with little coverage in mainstream media. One activist group from the Chinatown community said “the physical assault of our elders comes after a painful year of simmering anti-Chinese rhetoric, xenophobia, and right-wing extremism.” Attacks are taking place across the United States, and they are happening in Los Angeles as well. In Rosemead, a man identified as Matthew Leung was viciously beaten with his own cane while he waited for a bus in February. It resulted in the partial loss of a finger. The LAPD would not make an official statement about the rise in crime or any other attacks. Hate crimes against Asian Americans in Los Angeles County have risen by 115% and 200% in Orange county since the pandemic began.
SEE “CRIME INCREASES” PAGE 6
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OPINION & EDITORIAL
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 10, 2021
EDITORIAL
Fellowship of the Traveling Fridge BY ELVIRA ROMAN HERNANDEZ
PHOTO COURTESY LOS ANGELENOS
It is no secret how much COVID-19 has affected people for the last year. Jobs have been lost, money is tight, and people have lost hope for a “normal life.” However, within the past year, Los Angeles residents have improved lives of people in neighborhoods with their activism and willingness to help. Community fridges are a prime example of people coming together during hard times to support each other. Refrigerators decorated with bright colors and art from local artists have spread across Los Angeles. The locations are in Arlington Heights, MidCity, Silverlake, Westlake, South Central and many others. These fridges contain pantry staples, produce, drinks, and even prepared meals (with all ingredients labeled). The fridges are available 24 hours
a day, every day. The pandemic has shown how classism and income are contributing factors to hardship and poverty. Unfortunately, socioeconomic status ties to race, and people of color are most likely to be low-income. Workers who are laid off from jobs, or who earn a barely livable wage are often unable to pay for rent, food, utilities and family expenses. Living paycheck to paycheck is a challenge, especially for full-time students. It can mean necessities like groceries sometimes fall to the bottom of the list of expenses. Many other people are having this same problem, so why not inform them of potential resources? The nearest community fridge to the LACC campus is the East Hollywood Community Fridge. It is located at 4621 Santa Monica Blvd. The East Hollywood community fridge can be of help during a difficult time. People can just grab what they need, no questions asked. Anyone can donate, and it is easy to access. If you can help the community and contribute, you become part of the solution.
Collegian 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 Co-Editors-in-Chief DIEGO CHAVEZ BEATRICE ALCALA Graphics Layout Editor BEATRICE ALCALA Copy Editor ANGELA JOHNSON Opinions & Editorial Editor ANGELA JOHNSON Broadcast, Social Media Producers BEATRICE ALCALA, JAMES DUFFY V, DIEGO CHAVEZ CADENA Photo Editor BEATRICE ALCALA Photographers LOUIS WHITE, ALLIN ERIS, JONATHAN MONTES Illustrators BEATRICE ALCALA, CASSANDRA MUÑOZ, STEPHANIE KO Designers BEATRICE ALCALA, JAMES DUFFY V, EDWARD LOCKE
OPINION
Strong Hands: Keep Holding BY KELIYAH WILLIAMS Holding your stocks is more than just hoping that one day they spike up again, it is another way of holding those in positions of power on Wall Street accountable. So many of us know what it is to struggle and to be told that our way out of poverty is to simply “work hard,” and that our hard work alone will bring us great achievement. Even those who have done everything “by the book” and live comfortably still fall short if unfortunate circumstances hit. Still, the 1% shout rhetoric like “work hard so you can be as wealthy as me,” as they cheat and scam the middle and lower class. In January 2021, this was further exposed when a Redditor noticed a Wall Street pattern and put other users on to it and encouraged them to invest big into GameStop. So many lower- and middle-class people struck gold that day. Many of them who already strug-
gled because of the lack of coronavirus relief had their prayers answered that day. Soon others began to try to hop on. Immediately, sites like Robinhood and Binance began to crack down and become stricter with verification. Robinhood even sold people’s GME and AMC stock. Hedge funds have been a tool of the rich for years. Why is it now a problem when everyday people try their hand at the gamble? Many investors decided that they would buy stock even if it was $1, $10, or $2,000 and just keep it to show Wall Street that this is more than just gaining, this is a movement. This is a very personal f*** you from Millennials and Generation Z for the dads they have lost to alcoholism because they lost everything when the market crashed in 2008. And then there are the moms who committed suicide when they could not recover from the loss of homes and hope. So, keep holding, whether it’s just because you hope to strike gold at some point, or because you want to stick it to these Wall Street guys that think they can get away with walking all over us. This is your reminder: Do not sell.
It’s Not that Hard to Wear a Mask BY DELIA ROJAS This month, we reach the one-year mark since the pandemic started. Even though it’s been a while, there are still people who refuse to wear a mask. Wearing a mask helps prevent the spreading of coronavirus in public places. Many businesses require their employees and customers to wear a mask inside or the employees have the right to refuse service to those without masks. There are many people who say that COVID-19 is a hoax and that wearing a mask does not help in any way. Too many complain that when they are barred from entering a business because they will not wear a mask, their rights are being cut off. They complain about their rights being denied and they create fake health issues. As someone with a chronic illness and a history of asthma, it is frustrating to watch people who will not cooperate with something as simple as wearing a mask for a few minutes while they shop. I even started using a double mask to protect myself from the people I see
out in public who will not wear masks. It is concerning. Recently, I witnessed a lady in her 30s making a scene at the grocery store because security denied her entry since she was not wearing a mask and even refused to wear the ones the store provides to those who do not have one. She called the police because she thought they would agree with her, but she was wrong. She wasted the officers’ time and made herself look childish by throwing a tantrum in front of many witnesses. I’ve heard many cases of people testing positive for COVID-19 who still go out for their own convenience, not concerned that they are putting others at risk. How hard is it to stay home if you have symptoms? How hard is it to put on a mask? Not hard at all. Have common sense and follow the rules. If we all cooperate by following the public health guidelines, the number of COVID-19 cases may decrease and little by little the country can start going back to the way it was before the pandemic. It’s not that hard to wear a mask. If we all cooperate by following the public health guidelines, the number of COVID cases may decrease, and little by little the country can start going back to the way it used to be before the pandemic.
When Teachers Fail, Everyone Fails BY JACOB CANEPA When I close my eyes, the scene comes into focus: “Brandon, get over here!” yelled my third grade teacher, Ms. Story. The whole class, who had all been cleaning out their desks, immediately stopped what they were doing and turned toward the front of the class. Brandon, my classmate, who had been helping a girl he thought was cute clean her desk, reluctantly walked toward his place where Ms. Story stood, arms folded. “How many times do I have to tell you?” Story scolded as she lifted up the kid’s desk with strength that derived from pure anger as she began to shake the contents onto the floor. “Clean! Your! Own! Desk!” She finished shaking then threw the tiny desk on the ground where it landed upside down. Brandon’s eyes filled with tears as she strutted back to her laptop, pencils still rolling on the floor. That was probably the craziest experience I have ever had with a teacher, and I had only made it to third grade. It was so out of the ordinary, that I remember that experience. Maybe not like it was yesterday, but like it was five years ago. It stayed with me since then,
and I have had time to brood over that memory. Now with a little more life under my belt, I’ve formed a question that I believe needs to be answered as soon as possible. In fact, we must sound the alarms because the most important question has been asked and must be answered now! The question: How are awful, unworthy scum able to make it through the vetting process to become teachers, and why are there so many? Third grade would not be my last bad teacher as there were many to come. It’s something I noticed going through the system. There are a lot of bad teachers. I don’t expect every single teacher to be like Jesus Christ, even though they are doing God’s work. However, I at least expect every single teacher to care or just do their job. Eight grade: Teacher clearly picked favorites and abandoned kids who she thought were hopeless. Straight up told me she didn’t like me during the last week of school. Freshman year, high school: Teacher would often burst out of the classroom, sobbing, usually after a student showed her an ounce of disrespect. Junior year, high school: Teacher showed up 30 minutes late to an hour-long class and would often fall into a deep sleep, slumped in his chair. It was common practice to cheat in that class. I mean,
who was going to stop us? My sister’s freshman year, high school: Teacher would show up for a couple of months, then disappear for a bit and suddenly reappear without warning. When she was present, there was no such thing as learning, only how many pencils and tampons students could stick to the ceiling without her looking up from the computer. I don’t think she ever did. Too many bad teachers slip through the cracks, and when it comes to our kids’ education, that is too many. Kids are impressionable and vulnerable. So, while a year of bad teaching may not seem like much in a lifetime, it affects them. I believe that if I did not have such a bad Spanish teacher in high school, I would have continued with it and possibly be fluent by now because I was interested. I had a great teacher in middle school who sparked my interest, but those two awful years of what felt like trying to decipher secret code really killed my interest in becoming bilingual. With that said, the job of teaching is one of the hardest and noblest jobs someone could take. Some are paid in dirt and paperclips to practically babysit and shape our future. With such an important job, it should be common practice for each school to carefully handpick each educator. Teachers deserve a hell of a pay raise, but first, it’s time to weed out the rotten.
Reporters MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ, WHITNEY GIBSON, WILLIAM B. TORRES, JONATHAN MONTES, ELVIRA ROMAN HERNANDEZ, SERINA HAYNES, JAMES DUFFY V, DELIA ROJAS, JUAN MENDOZA, ANGELA JOHNSON, TUPAC ZAPATA, JACOB CANEPA, JOSE JUAREZ, ALLIN ERIS, KELIYAH WILLIAMS, JOHNATHAN GUZMAN
Online Editor-in-Chief DIEGO CHAVEZ CADENA Faculty Adviser RHONDA GUESS For all submissions including letters to the editor and publicity releases, send materials to Collegian offices located in Chemistry Building, Room 207, or email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com. To advertise in the Collegian, direct all insertion orders and questions to: pr.collegian@gmail.com. Issues of our award-winning newspaper and magazine are instantly available to our readers on issuu.com/ collegianwired.
TALK BACK TO THE EDITORS We are interested in what you have to say. Email us at losangeles.collegian@gmail.com @collegianwired facebook.com/collegianwired Check us online collegian.lacc.life
Next Issue: March 24, 2021 Editorial Deadline: March 19, 2021
OPINION & EDITORIAL
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 10, 2021
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LongPromised Return to Normal
INK STYLE
A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT
BY MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ
ILLUSTRATION BY CASSANDRA MUÑOZ
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF MOOSELAKE CARTOONS.COM
Dear Teacher: Just Teach! BY JOSE JUAREZ Teachers are trained to teach, but every morning, Monday through Friday, I listen to my 6-year-old son’s kindergarten teacher nitpick all her students’ actions. Rather than to scream and holler at students about holding a pencil during story time or be so annoyed by one of her students that she stops class altogether, she should just teach. Adjusting to the pandemic has been hard for everyone, grade-school teachers included. Parents must work and assist
the teacher with school. A teacher must teach. Balancing school or work with being the teacher’s assistant is the new reality. My son’s teacher does not seem to care and obviously believes her role is the most challenging. In between demands that a child quit being a child, I must rush over to help my son with his schoolwork. I rush back to my class and hear another barrage of, “Put your pencil down! Put the glue down! Pay attention! Call your grown up! Kids need interaction but she refuses to let them talk among themselves. I have heard my son and other kids who want to trade stories about when they knew each other from school. That is unacceptable to their teacher. As you might imagine by now, she has had confrontations with parents, my son’s mom in-
cluded. Some discussions have been more subtle, and others have not. There are inconsistencies. Break time is never at the same time every day, and 15 minutes to her is sometimes 10. Lunchtime can be at 11 or 11:10. It depends on how she feels that day. She holds students and parents to a standard that she cannot meet. Her actions inspire disobedience from an otherwise docile group of students. Shoutout to Logan Street School students and their willingness to learn. Thank you for being patient. Shoutout to my son’s class and my son. The pandemic has been hard on adults. Imagine how kids must feel. I think we can all agree. Dear Teacher: Please just teach!
Do Not Follow the Leaders, Watch Them BY GIOVANNI BROOKSHIRE Americans are in the process of moving forward together after four detrimental years with a polarizing president. Since that fateful day of Jan. 20, 2017, we have faced the harsh reality of a racist, self-indulgent capitalist president. We should all be proud we fought the good fight and were able to turn the tide against a tyrant we allowed in office. Prior to President Biden’s arrival, Americans were the laughingstock of the rest of the world. Not only did we elect a belligerent bigot, but we also let our beloved, diverse country be shown in the same demeaning light. Our country is a melt-
ing pot of diversity but was shown to embrace racism. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how racist our former president could be during a briefing in Washington D.C. on March 18, 2020. Donald Trump referred to the coronavirus as the “Chinese Virus,” even though neither ethnicity nor race have anything to do with the virus or how it is contracted. For four years we were forced to watch as he bombed Iran, killed people and decimated a village. This gave Iran reasons to retaliate against innocent civilians. Trump displayed a total lack of leadership when George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer and the riots and protests that occurred. We must take it upon ourselves as Americans to become more vigilant about our democracy.
We must pay attention to whom we allow in the West Wing as our Commander in Chief. This cannot be repeated. Vote out leaders who do not believe in our shared values. Advocate for change in our government. Throw out the government officials who do not believe in equality. This is not something that can be done overnight. It will take collective effort, but we are on the right track. A woman of color is the vice president of the United States. We should feel encouraged that the darkest days are behind us, and we can write a different page of history. I am not saying Biden is perfect, but I feel more confident about his experience and qualifications. Voters elected him to bring change – and to guide us through the pandemic and its aftermath. He appears to be off to a strong start. Still, do not follow the leaders. Watch them.
In what was touted as the most consequential election of our lifetime, no less than a vote to save democracy itself from the orange man, the people of the United States of America stepped up to the plate on election day. The people came out to vote, from every party, with the belief that we could move forward in unity to rally around promises made of “building back better.” During a speech at the U.S. State Department last month, President Joe Biden dramatically announced, “America is back!” waxing poetic on the strength of democracy in our nation. He was right. America is back to the status quo of neoliberal corporatism and business as usual politics that do not meet the dire moment of record unemployment, record deaths during the worst public health crisis in a century, and a housing crisis that is only just beginning. The Biden administration has done much in its first 30 days to reverse the damage of the previous administration. Reversals include an end to the travel ban from mostly Muslim countries, a path to citizenship for DACA residents, recommitting to the Paris climate accord, and rejoining the World Health Organization. These are all wonderful actions with life-changing impact, yet they are still reversive, a return to normal. It is what needs to be accomplished moving forward that will set our nation on a path toward healing from sheer economic and social devastation: the COVID-19 pandemic. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have their work cut out for them, to be sure, and they promised to deliver. The administration must not break faith with the American people. So far, the president has launched an offensive and illegal aerial attack on Iranian-backed militias in Syria. The strike was not approved by Congress. There is also the round of $2,000 – wait, $1400 dollar stimulus payments that would “go out the door” upon President Biden’s election. Another core campaign promise pledged a raise in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. It was effectively killed when the Senate Parliamentarian advised against its inclusion in the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. It would be bad faith not to include the brutal murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist who multiple reports from our own intelligence agencies have concluded was carried out under orders by Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman who labeled Khashoggi a political dissident critical of the authoritarian regime in Saudi Arabia. To preserve economic relations, the Biden administration has chosen to do nothing about Khashoggi’s murder. The criticisms leveled against the progress of this administration are not meant to be portrayed in moral absolutists terms. These issues are colored with shades of gray that do not mix in with the palette of every American reality. Those who have not experienced the mass unemployment of low wage workers may not view delayed stimulus payments as urgent, just as some might view Biden’s response to Saudi Arabian conduct as policy that is sensible and pragmatic. But what most of the American people can agree on is that the world has changed, and any incoming administration must rise to meet the moment. The political and social realities of the post-Cold War, pre-Trump era has in 2021 given way to a new post-Covid reality. It includes increased access to information, stark increases in economic inequality and social division. Each one brings its own set of challenges that require an updated framework of domestic and foreign politics. The path is forward, not back. The long-promised “return to normal” is simply no longer obtainable.
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REPORTERS NOTEBOOK
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Black History Month: What’s to Celebrate? Even though police continue to kill us in cold blood with impunity, some of us still rise to high positions in this country. This begs the question: Is the true measure of progress success for a few or equity for the masses?
Top photo: George Floyd Memorial, South Minneapolis, May 31, 2020. Photo by Chad Davis Photo 2 On March 3, 1991, four LAPD officers beat Rodney King in front of the Lake View Terrace Apartments where George Holliday captured this scene. Photos 3 and 4 Protesting against police brutality, violence and maltreatment targeting Black people has a long history in this country from the summer of ‘65 Watts Riots, to the summer of 2020 Black Lives Matter marches.
BY ANGELA JOHNSON Black History Month 2021 seemed to pass me by with barely a whimper. Not because I’m not filled with pride that Kamala Harris is the second most powerful person in the U.S. -the first Black woman to serve as vice president. Not that I don’t celebrate Barack and Michelle Obama and lift them up as beacons of achievement. Black people have a robust roster of famous scholars, business pioneers, filmmakers, entertainers, actors, athletes and celebrities who are “evidence” there have been some wins for the race. But a hefty price has been paid by the masses despite the success of a relative few. The 30th anniversary of Rodney King’s violent beating on March 3, 1991 by four LAPD officers, their acquittal of wrongdoing by a mostly white jury, and the ensuing 1992 L.A. Riots bring a barrage of hard questions to mind. The memory of George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis policeman who knelt on his neck for nine minutes is still fresh. It makes me wonder what we have learned in the 30 years since the beating of Rodney King. Has anything improved for Black people in this country? Have we made any progress toward the elimination of violence against Black people at the hands of police who “feel” threatened by our very existence? Some sign up ostensibly “to protect and to serve,” but their goal is to kill Black people. It is not clear if we have moved the needle toward equality even a smidge, or if we are at a standstill. It is possible that the accomplishments of our “shinning stars” have lulled us into a sense of complacency. Floyd’s murder is juxtaposed against the success of Madame Vice President Kamala Harris. However, her victory is bittersweet because it seems like the more things change, the more they stay the same. Black Americans are still fighting the same old stark disparities in housing, employment, education, health care, and practically every other aspect of life in the U.S. There are a couple of obvious differences I see in the past 30 years,
though. In 1991, the four cops who beat down King did so in the dark with only their vehicle headlights beaming. The four officers who killed Floyd, including the one who knelt on his neck, saw people with their phones out and aimed at them, making snuff videos that went viral. Instead of enduring a beating like Rodney King, today Black people in general are three times more likely to be killed by police than white people, according to mappingpoliceviolence. org. The police watchdog website reported that between 2013 and 2020, 98.3% of killings by police did not result in officers being charged with a crime. Thirty years later, white supremacists call themselves “white nationalists,” and Donald Trump is their president. A throng of proud nationalist marauders showed their faces and smiled for the camera when they stormed the nation’s capitol building on Jan. 6. I don’t feel like celebrating Black History Month because of the
wholesale murder of my people at the hands of modern-day slave patrols. Americans should never forget the names of the fallen: George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Casey Goodson, Philando Castile, Breonna Taylor, Alton Sterling, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Rayshard Brooks, Elijah McClain, Jacob Blake, Tony McDade, Botham Jean, Stephon Clark and Michael Brown. There are thousands of unnamed Black men, women and children who police killed in the 30 years since the Rodney King video went viral, and no one was there with a cell phone to record it. Considering all of that, no, I do not feel like celebrating. But I do still have hope. George Floyd’s murder sparked mostly peaceful protests across the nation demanding justice in the summer of 2020. There were reports of burning and looting here and there, that were attributed to outside agitators who wanted to shift the focus from the legitimate reason for the protests--demanding justice for unarmed Black people killed by white
police officers. The Black male civil rights leader paradigm is extinct. That mold has been broken for many years, now. All respect is due to the civil rights leaders who gave their lives to the struggle for the past 30 years and beyond. The shards of light I see cutting through the darkness at the end of the tunnel who give me life are Tamika Mallory, Benjamin Crump, Stacey Abrams (the Georgia voting rights activist who delivered the state to Joe Biden on a silver platter); Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Melina Abdullah, Black Lives Matter movement cofounders; Black and Latinx freshmen progressive members of the House of Representatives known as “The Squad,” Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. These are fearless speakers of truth to power. They are doing big things. Check for them. NBC Nightly News’ Lester Holt interviewed Bryan Stevenson, social justice activist, founder/executive
director of the Equal Justice Initiative, and a law professor at New York University School of Law. They talked about Black achievement and racial justice in America on Feb. 10. Stevenson says until we understand the trauma, injury and harm done to Black people, we will not be able to fully celebrate Black achievement or success. “We can’t look at Barack Obama’s election and say ‘Oh! Now we are post-racial,’” he said. “It’s so important to understand the nature of the problem . . . that there were two million people who died during the Middle Passage and their bodies are at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. And we’ve done nothing to acknowledge that.” Only when the pain and blood that was paid is honestly acknowledged, and amends made, only then will real progress be achieved. “If communities across this country say, ‘Never again will we tolerate white supremacy, racial violence, lynching, hatred and segregation,’” Stevenson said, “then we can get some place that we haven’t gotten to yet.”
PHOTOS 2,3 COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA AND PHOTO 4 UNSPLASH
CAMPUS LIFE
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 10, 2021
CALIFORNIA POLITICS
CAMPUS SAFETY BY ALLIN ERIS
Gov. Gavin Newsom PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE CREATIVE COMMONS
Newsom Receives Support From Voters on City College Campus A polarizing campaign to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom is in the works. Who benefits?
FROM “LACC” PAGE 1
College Makes Top 10 List LACC ranked among the top 10 community colleges in the nation according to the college ranking system, which uses artificial intelligence technology to measure an institution’s impact and influence. AI’s first-ever ranking of the 50 best American community colleges surveyed a field of 839 institutions in the U.S. LACC ranked sixth in the nation and second in the state. College of Marin, which is located in one of the most affluent counties in the nation, ranked first in California. Data scientists and academics provide an “objective, non-gameable influence-based ranking for people, schools, and disciplinary programs that make up higher education,” according to the Academic Influence website. College and university rankings are important, and the group says it gives students reliable information to help them compare and select schools. Part of the ranking includes “faculty members and alumni with influential ideas that become the foundation of influential degree programs,” the website states. Academic Influence lists the late Lawrence Klein, who won the Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences among the most influential alumni or faculty, as well as actor Mark Hamill, and the late Esther Williams, Alan Arkin, Charles Bukowski, Gene Roddenberry, and Maulana Karenga, best known as the creator of the African American holiday, Kwanzaa.. Los Angeles City College is known for influential faculty and alumni in literature, business, chemistry, communications, psychology and sociology among other disciplines according to the Academic Influence rankings.
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Both Republicans and Democrats are frustrated with the leadership of Gov. Gavin Newsom as California struggles to stave off the coronavirus pandemic, which has surpassed 54,000 deaths to date statewide. California is one of 19 states with provisions to recall a sitting governor. This is the sixth attempt to recall Newsom since he took office in 2019, but the first to gain solid traction. Much of the criticism for logistical failures, like mishandled vaccine distribution and fluctuating plans to reopen the state, has landed squarely on Newsom’s shoulders. Supporters and detractors have clashed over whether the state has been too slow to reopen businesses or too lax with pandemic safety measures. Personal choices have also harmed the governor’s public image. In November, Newsom attended an indoor, non-socially distanced birthday party, contrary to state guidelines. The gathering occurred at upscale restaurant French Laundry in Napa Valley, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. He has since apologized for the incident. City College students and faculty shared their views on the apparent disconnect between public policy, private behavior and what’s good for Angelenos. “I feel like a lot of people are angry with him,” said Jasmine Lee, who is a music major. “A lot of the restaurant owners were just like really, really pissed about how he’s handling the pandemic right now.” State officials lifted the regional stay-at-home order on Jan. 25. Outdoor dining resumed in Los Angeles later that week and received a mixed response. A February episode of Saturday Night Live described him as “hated by every single person in California except those ten people he had dinner with in Napa that one time.” L.A. City College Communications Chair Sarah Crachiolo-Garcia is confident that Newsom can get back on track. “He needs to stick to his guns,” Crachiolo-Garcia said. “For a long time, California did well in the pandemic. Then when he bowed to political pressure and started allowing things to open, that’s when the cases went up.”
The petition needs 1,495,709 signatures to appear on the next ballot. According to RecallGavin2020.com, they have already collected more than 1,825,000, but those signatures still need to be verified by election officials. A state report from early February authenticated 83% of the signatures. That puts the petition drive on schedule to make the March 17 deadline. Despite interest from both parties, the petition to recall Newsom is primarily Republican-driven. Many firearms and tactical gear stores serve as the Los Angeles sites for signature collection in the county. The effort has also attracted significant donations, including $250,000 from the Republican National Committee. “I have a couple of friends who moved to Idaho because they thought Gavin Newsom was like, this authoritarian,” LACC sociology and gender studies double major Tara Timberman told the Collegian. “They’re Democrats, but they are like anti-masker, anti-COVID, anti-vaxxer people. I mean . . . I feel like a lot of those signatures are probably coming from people like that.” If the ballot initiative is successful, Newsom will face Republican opposition funded by donors ready to spend big after losing the White House. Democrats hoping for better management could end up with a wild card candidate. The last governor recall resulted in the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2003. Professor Crachiolo-Garcia says it is unlikely that California voters today would elect another Republican governor. “They might have a strong candidate, but I don’t think he’s going to get replaced by a Republican governor,” she said. “I don’t think he should be recalled.” Even if Newsom were to be ousted, political divisions aren’t going anywhere. In the end, it might be safer to side with ‘the devil you already know.’ Once recall organizers signatures are verified, an election date must be set within 60 to 80 days according to the voter and political information site, Ballotpedia. “I would love a governor that is less stupid,” said one student who asked not to be identified. “But I guess we can’t risk it if we might get someone worse.”
PHOTO BY LUOIS WHITE A sheriff’s cruiser is parked in front of the Administartion Building at sunset before winter break on Dec. 2, 2020.
District Extends Contract with L.A. County Sheriffs Security services for the nine campuses in the Los Angeles Community College District will continue under a six-month contract with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. BY JUAN MENDOZA A districtwide public safety assessment is underway for each of the colleges, and a new request for proposals (RFP) will be issued with the goal to have a new contract in place by Jan. 1, 2022. The L.A. County Sheriff ’s Department (LASD) has provided security to Los Angeles Community Colleges (LACCD) for nearly 20 years. There was a quiet transition at the end of last year. The LASD continued in charge of security at the nine college campuses as the contract expired on Dec. 31, 2020. “It was not renewed and expired naturally,” William H. Boyer, director of communications and external relations of the Los Angeles Community College District stated in an email. The district was seeking a private temporary security agency before the expiration of the $25 million per year contract. The sheriffs and the LACCD negotiated for five months before they ended talks
and the contract expired. “The Board of Trustees approved an extension of the L.A. Sheriff ’s contract for six months while the district hires a consultant to assess the needs of the colleges,” said L.A. City College President Mary Gallagher. “There were two bidders for the contract extension.” Approximately 150 LA County Sheriff ’s Department employees work on the college campuses of the LACCD. This includes 24hour, seven-day-a-week security at all nine colleges and facilities. The terms of the previous contract did not represent what the district was paying for safety and security during the pandemic, according to President Gallagher. “A firm has been selected to complete the assessment,” she said. “Once the assessment is completed, a request for bidders for a new contract will take place.” Gallagher says the contract could be extended again if the selection process stretches past six months.
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NEWS
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 10, 2021
FROM “VACCINE CHASERS” PAGE 1
FROM “CRIMES” PAGE 1
PHOTO BY LOUIS WHITE A diverse crowd gathered to show support and alliance at the Japanese American National Museum, for the “ Love Our Communities: Stop Asian Hate” rally held in the Little Tokyo/Arts district of Downtown Los Angeles, Saturday,March 13, 2021
Asians Suffer More Assaults During Pandemic
KEDREN HOSPITAL OFFERS
COVID-19 VACCINE
PHOTO BY JOHNATHAN MONTES
On March 2, President Joe Biden promised there will be enough vaccine for all adults to be inoculated by the end of May. L.A. County public health reports indicate the vaccine will be free for everyone who wants it and will be offered to different groups in phases. However, the general public does not have access to the vaccine yet. There are some who do not fit the at-risk profile but want to get the shot now. They are vaccine chasers. Vaccine chasers go to any location where Moderna, Pfizer or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is being disturbed and wait for leftovers at the end of the day. A 10-foot wall of ivy with crimson flora blooming on top provided shade for vaccine chasers, as they waited at the Kedren Community Health Center. They talked to the Collegian about their efforts to get the COVID-19 shot. Claire Martin is 40 years old and lives in Los Angeles. She says she suffers from an underlying health condition, and it is vital that she get the vaccine. She waited 15 minutes in line on her second attempt. “I don’t want to get COVID-19,” Martin said. She has been on a serious hunt to get vaccinated, and it has not been easy for her. “Very frustrating,” she said. “Between trying to get it through doctors, trying to get it by signing up on the County’s website -- it has been very frustrating.” One man in line was a long way from home. Charlie Coleman is from Liverpool, England. He waited 25 minutes in line before he gave up. This was his first attempt to get vaccinated. He says a shot in the arm would simplify his life. “I mean, it would just be easier for me to just be vaccinated earlier upfront,” Coleman said. “It’s just easier for work, that’s all, and ultimately for travel.” Native Angeleno Eddie C. is also in pursuit of protection from COVID-19. The 39-year-old has tried twice before to get the vaccine. He says the line is shorter today, and the odds may be in his favor.
He told the Collegian that trying to get the vaccine is a whole process in itself. “I’m not over 65 and a health worker. I’m just in the bottom of the bucket,” Eddie said. “But if there’s an opportunity to get it, like a standby line, I’m going to do the best I can to try and get it. Just so I can see loved ones again and . . . go back to regular life.” He says he knows there are people who are skeptical about taking the vaccine. “. . . People are going to have their own opinions.,” he said. “Just do your own research. Follow the science . . . We don’t want any more deaths or more hospitalizations.” Working conditions on the job drove 47-year-old Christoph to the healthcare center in search of the vaccine. He asked to be identified by his first name only. He is from Belgium. He waited a half hour in line on his second try. He says it is important that he get the vaccine because of the close quarters of his work environment. “I have not stopped working since the beginning,” he said. “I work with 120 people in construction ... If 25% of us get COVID-19, I think we should all get vaccinated. And if we’re not front-liners, we should be behind them.” Since COVID-19 vaccine distribution began in the United States last December, approximately 9.5 million doses have been given in California. The number of Angelenos who have been vaccinated in L.A. County is just under 2.3 million. On the national level, there is an infusion of new energy to make sure all Americans are vaccinated. To that end, 78 million doses have been distributed throughout the nation to date, according to CDC reports. Christoph says he understands that some will still be skeptical about taking the vaccine. “. . . From all the numbers to date, it seems to be very safe,” he said. “Just look at Israel whose numbers have plummeted down because so many people got the vaccine. So, it seems to be working.”
Connie Chung Joe is CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a Los Angeles group that advocates against violence that targets Asians and Pacific Islanders. “Unfortunately, we’re a year into this pandemic, and we are starting to see again a rise in anti-Asian hate and some very violent attacks that have occurred in our community in the last month or two,” Chung Joe said in a recent article in the L.A. Times. Police say the crimes are a national problem. Former President Donald Trump fueled xenophobia against Asians when he attributed the COVID-19 to Asians, calling it the “Chinese Virus” and “Kung Flu,” a play-on-words referencing the Chinese martial art, Kung Fu. These derogatory monikers not only played on a racist stereotype, but also stigmatized communities during a pandemic that already affected a disproportionate number of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) within the United States. Other disturbing acts of violence
against Asian Americans include the murder of Vicha Ratanapakdee, an elderly Thai man. He was violently pushed to the ground during his morning walk in San Francisco on Jan. 28. Ratanapakdee died days later from his injuries, causing public outrage from the unprovoked attack. San Francisco police have charged a man in Ratanapakdee’s murder. According to CBS News, since COVID-19 hit the United States, anti-Asian hate crimes have risen by 1900%. As of February 2021, more than 2,800 incidents of discrimination had been reported since the pandemic began. “I think the most devastating thing is the fact that there are people in America who have the audacity to target minorities, even in the midst of a pandemic,” said Emily Flores, a Thai student who attends LACC. “Some part of me believes, though, that some of these assaults are committed by people who use the COVID-19 misconception to justify explicit discrimination and racism.”
In Chinatown, the Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays of the year. It is a time for fresh starts and spending time with family. More than 1.5 billion people celebrate around the world according to USA Today. In years past, L.A. Chinatown was a destination in February. Street vendors and local stores would sell ornate, red and gold decorations that depict the zodiac animal of the year. Lines form to get into the local dim sum eateries. Residents dress in their festive best, and revelers pose for photos against the vibrant backdrop of Chinatown’s painted buildings and strung lanterns. The Thien Hau Temple kicks off the new year with incense burning, lion dancing, and the crackling of 500,000 firecrackers. The pandemic gave the Lunar New year a different look. This year, Chinatown remained silent. Thien Hau Temple’s doors were closed, though the local markets were still selling Lunar New Year decorations.
No firecrackers this year, and what few popping sounds there were left wisps of confetti paper blowing in the wind like dust and tumbleweeds in Wild West ghost towns. The Chinatown Bike Patrol flanked the handful of shoppers running errands in the neighborhood, on high alert. “It’s not just the pandemic, we all feel like targets this year,” said lifelong resident Bill Poon. “So, we don’t feel safe celebrating Lunar New Year even if social distancing measures are in place. Violence obviously crosses social distancing boundaries.” Gifting red envelopes that contain cash is a Lunar New Year tradition. It symbolizes good wishes and luck for the new year ahead – and was motivation for someone who assaulted and robbed a 64-year-old grandmother in San Jose at the beginning of February. The attack prompted city leaders to publicly recommend not walking around with red envelopes as it could be seen as a target for easy money by criminals.
FROM “MR. LOS ANGELES” PAGE 1
Residents Remember LaBonge for His Caring and Generosity LaBonge was an avid adventurer who logged countless hours hiking in Griffith Park or riding his bike along the L.A. River. Much of his work on the city council focused on Los Angeles’ public spaces. He was often spotted picking up trash, as if the streets of L.A. were his own backyard. This love for the city permeated everything he did. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn worked with LaBonge for more than 10 years. She says they worked together as colleagues and neighboring councilmembers. “Nobody loved this city more than Tom LaBonge and I don’t know if anyone ever will,’’ Hahn said on Twitter. “He was and will always be Mr. Los Angeles. May my dear friend Rest In Peace.’’ Online and around Los Angeles, there is no shortage of stories about him rolling up his sleeves and doing
his part, often in the form of physical labor. These stories are told by friends he met along the way—from mayors and actors to the people of Los Angeles he proudly represented. They paint a picture of a man who worked tirelessly to polish the city he knew was a gem through optimism and elbow grease. There were the news conferences and ribbon-cuttings of course, but there are also social media posts and hundreds of comments on his online memorial page. He was known for his friendly and passionate demeanor and for one telling question he always asked: “How can I help?” He was also known for handing out pumpkin bread as he cruised around the city because sometimes a snack is the answer. LACC professor Henry Ealy said the one word that most succinctly
describes LaBonge is gener-ous. For years, Ealy’s African American Studies class had a standing engagement every semester at City Hall. LaBonge initiated this partnership with Ealy and then-mayor Tom Bradley as an opportunity for students to “engage in the process.” “He was very generous and caring, particularly for students,” Ealy said. “Not only with time but also with resources.” Journalist and LACC alumni Ande Richards enrolled in that class and described meeting LaBonge for the second time at City Hall. She says he impressed her because he remembered her name from meeting her years before. They formed a friendship that endured many years. She remembers him as someone who would do what he could to help her with anything she brought his way. Richards says
his legacy is in the city itself. “If you’ve ever been to lunch at Larchmont, if you’ve ever hiked, or walked around the reservoir, you see his work,” Richards said. “It’s there for you to see.” Countless city projects around L.A. bear his touch. The Silver Lake Meadow, Griffith Park, and the Hollywood sign are just a few of the places he had a role in improving over the years. In that way, to remember and pay tribute to ‘Mr. Los Angeles’ one might stop to marvel in all the beau-ty and promise L.A. has to offer, to try to see the city through the same rose-colored glasses as Tom LaBonge. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Brigid and their children Mary-Catherine and Charles. He will be remembered for a legacy of hard work, public service and above all, a deep love for the city of Los Angeles.
COMPILED BY THANDI CHIMURENGA
POLICE WIRE
The only incident to report for the month of February Is a grand theft of a generator from the campus central plan. Unknown suspect. No force entry. Construction workers left the security gates open. No cameras at location. Report number under file 921-00037-8714-087. No other incidents to report. It is worth noting that during 2020,the sheriffs office assisted the school with the distribution of several equipment,books and computers to students and staff. Currently we continue to be the central point of distribution and return.
SCHOLARSHIPS/RESOURCES SCHOLARSHIPS
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 11,10, 2020 Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 2021
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Three City Students Compete for $40,000 Scholarship JAMES By JamesBYDuffy V DUFFY V
Transfer Sorina Szakacs named semiTransferstudent student Sorina Szakacs named finalist for Jack Kent scholarship semi-fi-nalist for Cooke Jack Kent with Cooke two other L.A.with City College students scholarship two other L.A. City College students.
Last year a City student funded her Yale tuition with the award. This year, 16 LACCD students with high GPAs have the same opportunity.
Three jobs helped a former Los Angeles Collegian and Collegian Times editor-in-chief pay tuition and rent for her Hollywood apartment. Sorina Szakacs completed the requirements to earn her associate degree in journalism from LACC. Until recently, she was bracing for the costs of transferring to competitive and pricey undergraduate journalism programs. Szakacs hopes to shore up tuition costs with the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. She applied with the common application that many colleges and universities use. Now Szakacs is one of three City College students who are semi-finalists for the award that pays tuition annually for up to three years. “I would recommend all transfer students apply for it,” Szakacs said. “Because it’s not small – $40,000 they apply to your tuition.” She is among 16 students in the District, and more than 400 across the nation, who are competing for the scholarship. About 50 winners will receive the award. Rufino Perea and Christine Nguyen are also semi-finalists from LACC. The other 13 LACCD students hail
from East, Valley and Pierce College. Last year, LACC graduate Mariam Alaverdian won the scholarship and transferred to Yale. She studies financial engineering. Szakacs says she maintained a 3.95 GPA at LACC while she served as editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper and magazine, the Collegian and Collegian Times, respectively. Currently, she also works as a tutor and office administrator for a transportation company and writes for the Los Feliz Ledger community newspaper. Since she became a semi-finalist for the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, Szakacs says she received several letters from Ivy League colleges encouraging her to apply. “I hope that means they’ll admit me,” she said.
DREAM, DREAM, APPLY APPLY AND AND SUCCEED! SUCCEED!
Los Angeles City College Foundation Bestows Academic Scholarships By Angela F. Johnson BY ANGELA JOHNSON The LACC Foundation is offering scholarships to all LACC deserving students who meet the scholarship requirements. For this spring 2021 ONLY, the full-time requirement has been waived. So, if a student is not enrolled in 12 units and wish to apply for the LACC Foundation scholarships the student can click on the following link to start the application. Attached is a flyer with all the important information needed. Please don’t forget to share this information with all your students. https://laccfoundation.scholarships.ngwebsolutions. com/CMXAdmin/Cmx_Content.aspx?cpId=755
Open to any male or female student of any major attending a two or four year college or university in Los Angeles county. There is no fee to apply, but you must be a U.S citizen, a permanent resident of Los Angeles, attending a 2 or 4 year educational institution in Los Angeles county, be a full time student, have completed at least one year of college, obtained a 3.25 GPA, and can demonstrate financial need. Scholarship deadline is April 2nd, 2021 Can apply at ebellofla.com
Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is open to currently enrolled students working toward a degree in a field of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics from a group underrepresented in their field of study. Minimum 3.0 GPA Apply at AfterCollege.com before December 31.
$500-$1000 scholarships awarded to young Latino students pursing careers as journalists. Must include an autobiographical essay explaining your family background, including any hardships you’ve experienced, why you want to be a journalist and what you believe is the role, if any, of Latino journalists in the mainstream news media. Deadline April 30th, 2021 Can apply at ccnma.org
National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Be Bold No Essay Scholarship
After College STEM Inclusion Scholarship
Transfer scholarship students pose at Scholars Weekend hosted by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
Ebell/Flint scholarship
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACK KENT COOKE
Photo the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfercourtesy schoolarshipofstudent pose at Scholars Weekend hosted by the Jack Cooke Foundation.
Scholarships The Alliance/Merck Ciencia(Science) Hispanic Scholars Program is a partnership to improve Hispanic student access to higher education and degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Apply at alliancescholars.com before September 27
$25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant whose profile is most bold. You must create an account online at bold.org Deadline is March 31st.
The SPROWT (supporting and promoting real opportunities for women to thrive)
Liberty Power Scholarship - $10,000 The Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship provides an opportunity for college students engaging in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with an interest in pursuing careers in the fields of energy or the environment. Apply at libertypowercorp.com – deadline TBD.
LACC Spring 2021 Foundation Scholarships
Students from across the U.S. meet for Scholars Weekend hosted by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
Photo courtesy of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
RESOURCES
Resources
Food resources for students and families World Harvest located at 2227 3100 VENICE BLVD. LOS ANGELES CA 90019 MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM TO 6PM SATURDAY 8AM TO 3PM The World Harvest website states: “Each family is provided with one grocery basket full of food items each time they visit Los Angeles World Harvest Food Bank for a simple donation of $40.00. The family is also given the option of volunteering for 4 hours during the same month he/she received groceries/food items in lieu of a financial contribution and is 100% tax deductible.”
Free COVID-19 testing Go on Curative.com to book an appointment closest to you.
Co-living in Koreatown for students SOTA co-living (gosota.com)
Assisted living resources PATH epath.org | People Assisting The Homeless
Mental health resources LACDMH 24/7 help call 800-854-7771.
Provided by Los Angeles City College Foundation for continued excellence in pursuit of education. Apply at laccfoundation.org before March 28. http://w w w.l accfoundat ion.org/students/apply-for-scholarships/
scholarship for women
The $2,500 scholarship is to empower California women who are following a non-traditional educational path following the criteria of meeting one or more; part time college student, works full time, has dependents other than a spouse, is a single parent, does not have a high school diploma. Requires an essay, deadline August 31st, 2021. Can apply online at unigo.com
$1000 Cappex No Essay Monthly scholarship $1000 Cappex “No Essay” Monthly Scholarship at Los Angeles, California | Uloop For more information: https:// scholarships360.org/scholarship/cappex-scholarships/
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SPORTS
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, March 10, 2021
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
BEAUTIFUL GAME
Tokyo 2020 Summer Games prioritize health and safety protocols amid uncertainty.
J
BY MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ apan – In any other time, the host country of an Olympic event agrees to an enormous logistical undertaking. Playing host country during a global pandemic is at turns both reckless and admirable. With less than five months until the rescheduled 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, Olympic officials are standing firm that the global event will go on as planned with athletes from 206 countries competing. Fresh concerns from Japanese citizens of a surge in COVID-19 cases spread by athletes are being weighed against the multibilliondollar investment of hosting the biggest sporting event in the world has Tokyo 2020 committee officials scrambling. “The people’s passion was there,” said Seiko Hashimoto, the head of the Tokyo Olympics at a press junket on March 5. “We want to bring back this feeling, so that we can turn their concerns into excitement and expectations for the Summer Games.” says Hashimoto when pressed on a lack of support from the Japanese public for moving ahead with the event during the pandemic. An opinion poll published by Yomiuri newspaper showed 58% of people in Japan directly oppose holding the games this year. A surge in COVID-19 cases this past winter, the worst surge since the pandemic began, has since dampened enthusiasm. The release of four “playbooks”: international federations, athletes
SPORTS BIN
Returns to L.A. City College Cubs and Lady Cubs suited up in City College red and blue will not see action yet, but spring is near, and the Cubs’ hibernation should end soon.
L
BY TUPAC ZAPATA
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
and officials, press, and broadcasters by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games outline the cautions and safety measures each group must follow to ensure safety this year. Here are the main rules for athletes and officials. Before arriving in Japan, playbook guidelines require all athletes and officials to monitor their health 14 days prior to departure for Japan, provide an itinerary for all activities, and obtain a negative COVID-19 test certificate. Athletes will also take another COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure. Additionally, athletes and officials also are required to download a contact tracing smartphone application on their devices as well as provide a list of all the people they are expected to have close contact with during their stay. Upon entering Japan, athletes must present all relevant documents and evidence of a negative COVID-19 test to immigration authorities where they then will take an additional test, moving quickly through the airport with minimal activity and avoid the use of public transportation throughout their stay. At the games, participants agree to be screened and tested for COVID-19 at different intervals throughout the event, following only the activities in their 14-day activity plan. They are also asked to keep displays of athlete support to clapping only and isolate if any are experiencing symptoms or told do so by a contact tracing application. These specified guidelines are all meant to be followed under social distancing and public hygiene
guidelines of social distancing, frequent handwashing, and masks worn at all times when in contact with others as recommended by the World Health Organization. With regards to spectators in the stands this year, no official agreement has yet been reached to allow foreign fans for the games. Despite numerous conflicting statements from Tokyo 2020 officials who hope to reach a decision by the end of March, the risk already involved in receiving athletes from across the globe makes foreign travel for fans unlikely. “If the situation is tough, and [having foreign fans] would make the [Japanese] consumers concerned, that is a situation we need to avoid from happening,” Hashimoto said when questioned by reporters after a meeting with Thomas Bach, head of the International Olympic Committee. The Olympic Games will provide an optimal breeding ground for infections like SARS-CoV-2 to spread due to the fact alone of people coming from all corners of the globe. Safety measures during the Games will likely be insufficient: most infections will be transmitted before, after, and adjacent to the Games. Although the athletes may be protected, the host community will not be. Temperature checks are next to useless in detecting or preventing transmission of the virus which render the above precautions little more than hygiene theater. Moreover, we do not have a firm grasp on the dangers of the new variants of SARS-CoV-2. Whether they are more transmissible, more dangerous, or resistant to vaccines is still unknown. This type of mass
BY JONATHAN GUZMAN
Stand up and Cheer for Live Sports
Sports fans have been shut out of live games in California since the pandemic began a year ago. I am a big sports fan, and I had to watch my favorite teams win championships from my house last year because of the COVID-19. I used to attend many Dodgers and Lakers games each year, but with COVID-19, I’m unable to be there live to see my favorite team play. I miss being at the stadiums and cheering
gathering certainly encourage the virus to spread and any novel variants will be quickly taken back to the athletes’ home countries. There is no doubt surrounding the hefty price tag of an already costly summer games in which its delay last year costed Olympic organizers an additional $2.8 billion on a $26 billion event, the most expensive summer games on record. The loss of ticket sales and tourism cash flow will also cost organizers and could spell trouble for Japan’s economy if the games are cancelled outright. Global supplies of vaccines around the world still limited to essential workers and the vulnerable, athletes are encouraged but not required to vaccinate. Japan, having just started its own rollout of citizen inoculation, will not have achieved herd immunity before the games begin. A global event in a global pandemic with global consequences does contain a great degree of recklessness. Yet, these events deserve to go on. The feats of the best physical specimen’s humanity have to offer from 206 countries across the globe after a lifetime of training that for many results in this one chance for the gold, competing against all odds for their country. The aspiration and perseverance of continuing the games can’t be denied. However, it will be those most unable to afford the consequences, namely the unvaccinated Japanese population and those of athletes’ respective home countries, that will pay the price. Aspirations aside, it would be foolish to assume Tokyo 2020 will be left unscathed. Only time will tell.
on my team with my family, friends, and of course the fans. It’s something that makes me really happy, and I enjoy it so much. My favorite teams, the Dodgers and Lakers were champions in 2020, and I was not able to be there in person to watch them win. Recently, Texas and Florida opened up every major sporting event like the Super Bowl, and they welcomed fans to games. Of course, there are safety guidelines and social distance in the seats. Why aren’t fans here in California attending sports games? There’s one simple answer.
os Angeles City College men’s and women’s soccer teams planned to return to the field last year and compete after a decade since LACC dropped its sports teams in 2009. Administration hired two new coaches and things looked promising for the Cubs, as they scheduled their first soccer clinic for March 14, 2020. But then the pandemic hit. The number of soccer teams that South Coast Commissioner Rich Kollen would schedule for conference play included L.A. City College for the first time in over a decade with Mount Sac, El Camino, Pasadena City College, Cerritos, Harbor and Long Beach City College. Coronavirus stopped everything. “The pandemic interrupted the South Coast Conference play for the first time in SCC history,” Kollen told the Collegian. The SCC added soccer in 1976. The order for the brand-new uniforms was placed on hold, and a new generation of LACC student footballers had to wait for what initially was to be a few weeks to “flatten the curve.” The weeks turned into months, eating up the entire 2020 season for the South Coast Conference. “Widespread coronavirus tests were initially far too costly for our South Coast Conference,” Kollen said. COVID tests are something only professional sports like the NBA, MLB and division leagues could afford. The beautiful game would have to wait a year before LACC’s Be True Nike Field could finally welcome the Cubs and host its first soccer match. Many smaller colleges coast to coast grapple with the cost of virus testing. At some schools, officials first canceled practice sessions to save money on testing, and they eventually dropped the entire season.
COVID-19 has presented problems in California with the number of cases and deaths. California has over 3 million cases and 50,000 deaths, which is one of the reasons why the state has no fans in the stadiums. The upcoming baseball season is almost here, and I would love to again attend live games that include the safety guidelines. It’s something we all miss and want back, especially with other states already opening their stadiums to fans. The Dodgers are working with state officials to hopefully have fans again in the stadium.
There was a glimmer of hope for the basketball team at Northern New Mexico College when that state relaxed COVID rules in late January. But the requirement that athletes, coaches, and staff be tested three times per week did not get players back on the hardwood. “Realistically, it doesn’t bring back sports for us because we can’t afford it,” said Ryan Cordova, the head men’s basketball coach in an interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican. “None of us can. We can’t even practice.” There is hope for the program and others like it as the cost of COVID tests drop. Larger schools with bigger budgets like the University of New Mexico that are NCAA members have less to worry about with a $30 million budget for athletics. Now that mass vaccinations are well under way, the 2021 soccer season looks more certain with each passing day. LACC men’s soccer coach Javier Aguiniga Campos is optimistic about assembling a competitive team that will represent the college and instill pride. “We have about 70 new recruits who are eager to make this a winning program,” coach Aguiniga said. A former center back, coach Aguiniga guided teams at East Los Angeles College from 2010 to 2013, and he coached at Rio Hondo College from 2013 to 2019. Aguiniga hopes to host the Cubs’ very first soccer practice on April 12. Players must be full-time students and have a 2.0 GPA to play. There will be mandatory testing for all the players and team staff for the 24-game season that kicks off in the last week of August and ends in November. Coach Aguiniga shared some of his soccer philosophy. He wants his team to defend well. “The goal is to be six feet away from our opponents while we have the ball at all times, especially during a pandemic,” he said.
“I hope, by opening day, we are finally going to have some fans in the park,” said L.A. Dodgers President Stan Kasten recently. This is a step forward. If it happens, Dodgers fans will be able to celebrate the 2020 championship with a ceremony on Opening Day in April. It would be an amazing moment. There will definitely be safety guidelines with social distance, wearing masks and no packed stadiums. L.A. fans are ready to go to games again and cheer on their teams.