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FACULTY, STUDENTS FROM LACCD MARCH ON SACRAMENTO
BY JEREMY CUENCA
More than 500 demonstrators from around the state and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) with union support from the L.A. Chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT 1521) met in Sacramento for the annual "March in March" protest on March 4, 2025. Nearly 350 participants came from the nine colleges in the LACCD, and 150 others represented Northern California campuses like San Francisco City College. L.A. City College Political Science Professor Chris Cofer also made the trip.
ADMINISTRATORS TARGET JOURNALISM FOR DEEP CUTS
PART I
BY ANGELA JOHNSON AND SORINA SZAKACS
TikTok and YouTube content
creator Jemeryas Jordan is a cinema major at Los Angeles City College. He enrolled in the Journalism 219-2 (Techniques for Staff Editors) class to sharpen his skills as a staff member of the Los Angeles Collegian newspaper. He is one of many students who lost that opportunity when the Visual and Media Arts (VAMA) Department Chair Amarpal Khanna and Dean Vi Ly canceled the Journal 219-1, Journal 219-2, Journal 220, Journal 185, and
Journal 285 classes. These courses were removed from the schedule either three months before the spring semester started or on Feb. 10, 2025, the first day of class. The last day to add a course was Feb. 23, 2025. Some of the canceled courses are required for journalism degree completion. Jordan brought the issue via Zoom to the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees (LACCD) during public comment on March 5, 2025. “I was one of the students that was actually removed from the journalism class because I'm a non-journalism major,” Jordan said. “The journalism courses helped me refine my voice and
helped me become a better writer, journalist, content creator and even filmmaker.” He told Collegian reporters that he received an email from Dean Vi Ly on Feb. 10, at 7:04 p.m. Ly wrote that Jordan had been dropped from the J 219-2 because the class had been canceled. She advised Jordan to consider open classes in his major.
Professor Rhonda Guess—Collegian newspaper and magazine adviser—says she looked at the class schedule and noticed many other low-enrolled courses were allowed to continue to add students after the first week of class.
“There was an unprecedented rush to cancel Journalism 219,”
Guess said. “It is an advanced class and Feb. 10, was my first chance to meet and interview with students who wanted to add the course. Journalism is changing. We welcome students like Jordan who have taken J 219-1 and J 101 and have been published in Vogue and Esquire magazines. He covered the election at HBCUs in North Carolina for the Collegian in the fall. He is a wonderful student.”
Chair Khanna, Dean Ly, Vice President Carmen Dones and others in the VAMA department argue that a student should be a journalism major to enroll in
Millennials Push Back Against ICE Arrests
BY JUAN MENDOZA
Student Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
(Top) L.A. City College Collegian alumnus Jason Piskopus addresses the LACCD Board of Trustees about cuts to the 96-year-old journalism program on March 5, 2025. (Lower) Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) Co-President Eleni Gastis Economides speaks via Zoom to the LACCD Board of Trustees on March 5, 2025. She says that a Jan. 31, letter to LACC President Amanuel Gebru about concerns over the journalism program was not answered.
Congresswoman Started Here Former U.S. Congresswoman and LACC Alumna Diane Watson visited campus and the LACC Foundation. Watson represented the 33rd Congressional District for 11 years and served for a year as U.S. ambassador to Micronesia. She stopped at the Collegian offices where she shared a message for LACC students.
SCAN ME
PHOTO BY JEREMY CUENCA Students and faculty from the LACCD and across the state attend the "March in March," with support from the American Federation of Teachers on March 4, 2025.
PHOTO BY JUAN MENDOZA
The More Things Change, the More the Fight for Free Speech Stays the Same Sixteen years ago, 23 studentrun publications across the nation signed a joint editorial published in each of their newspapers, including the California State University, Northridge Daily Sundial. They stood in solidarity with The Los Angeles Collegian to fight for Freedom of Speech and an unfettered student press. Today the battle is the same. We have reprinted the editorial here to remind ourselves we can never give up — we must fight tirelessly, lest our precious rights be stripped away.
Los Angeles City College’s student-run newspaper, the Collegian, is an award-winning publication that has been in continuous print for 80 years. Its staff of approximately 30 students works tirelessly to publish high-quality content while adhering to rigorous journalistic values. The Collegian is a training ground for writers, reporters, columnists and editors, as are thousands of other student-run publications that hold to the same principles, standards and ethics.
But LACC’s president, Jamillah Moore, has made calculated attempts to hinder the students’ right to a free press. She has tried to forbid a company working with the college from speaking to the student press; she has tried to pressure student reporters to sign releases for recording public meetings; she has violated California Open Meeting Laws by requesting that reporters identify themselves; and she has attempted to silence the Collegian
by slashing its budget by 40 percent — when the budgets of other student organizations were cut only 15 percent. Adam Goldstein of the Student Press Law Center said that if he had to choose the biggest First Amendment offender in the country, he would most likely choose Moore. And now, Moore is attempting to move the Collegian under student services, where the administration would have the option to edit all content, monitor stories and determine the direction of the paper.
An attack on free speech anywhere is an attack on free speech everywhere. That is why we, the undersigned, have come together to universally condemn the actions of Jamillah Moore and the actions of any administration that makes deliberate efforts to break the free speech of student publications.
As students, we have been taught to expect an environment where freedom of speech will go uncontested. And as student journalists, we expect our administrations to understand that we strive to be an objective voice of reason. But we also recognize that any publication that disturbs the comfort of the comfortable will
be challenged. Student journalists at the University of Pittsburgh, the University of New Mexico and the University of Oregon, as well as countless untold others, have seen such assaults on their rights. This cannot stand.
We, as student journalists, come together today with a single message: We will not tolerate administrations that, for their own benefit, try to silence the voice of the student free press. We will continue to rebuke those in power who attempt to diminish that freedom, and we will not be silenced.
For more coverage go to: http:// is.gd/41OcZ, http://is.gd/41Oqb
This editorial was published in and endorsed by the following student-run newspapers:
The Collegian, Los Angeles City College; The Cornell Daily Sun, Cornell University; CU Independent, University of Colorado; The Daily Orange, Syracuse University; The Daily Princetonian, Princeton
Mahmoud Khalil Fights for Free Speech
BY AMY SHANK
University; The Daily Sundial, California State, University, Northridge; The Daily Titan, California State, University, Fullerton East Los Angeles Campus News, East Los Angeles College; FSView & Florida Flambeau, Florida State University; The GW Hatchet, George Washington University; The New Hampshire, University of New Hampshire; Oregon Daily Emerald, University of Oregon; The Rocky Mountain Collegian, Colorado State University; The Roundup, Pierce College; The Stanford Daily, Stanford University; The University Daily Kansan, University of Kansas; Washington Square News, New York University Editor’s note: The Daily Sundial is supporting The Collegian in their fight for collegiate freedom of speech. It is our duty as journalists to fight for our freedoms under the First Amendment.
ICE arrested a student activist in the 2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus occupations last month, despite him being a green card-carrying permanent resident not charged with a crime. Mahmoud is a master’s graduate and was living in university housing with his 8-months-pregnant wife.
This is a big deal.
The Trump administration is attempting to revoke Khalil’s green card and deport him on grounds that he “organized group protests” that disrupted classes, allegedly harassed Jewish American students, and “distributed pro-Hamas propaganda.” The latter claim was rejected by his lawyers who say there is no evidence that Khalil provided support of any kind to a terrorist organization.
If this is not sounding an alarm for our right to free speech, it should. The First Amendment of our Constitution protects freedom of religion, press, and most relevantly, assembly and speech.
Revoking green cards without evidence of a crime but over speech and assembly the government dislikes, is a direct violation of constitutional law and “would be an enormous change from historical practice,” according to law professor and immigration expert at New York University, Adam Cox.
Protest against Israel’s attack on Gaza is a stance backed by almost all sovereign states aside from the United States.
The United Nations declared Israel’s occupation in Gaza as being in violation of humanitarian law in 2024, and yet the Trump administration is threatening deportation for Khalil’s pro-Palestinian protest.
This approach is not new. In the 1950s, Sen. Joseph McCarthy used the fear of communism to persecute hundreds of individuals with varying left-wing views, labeling them as “Soviet Sympathizers.”
I believe Trump, who has a completely pro-Israel cabinet, is using Israel’s occupation in Gaza to do something similar.
The U.S. was founded on the right to exist, speak and express without interference or retribution from the government. What the Trump administration has done is already silencing the voices of university students, a group that has historically been on the right side of his-
tory. Thousands of people in the hundreds of protests nationwide demanding Khalil’s release now must fear unlawful arrest, persecution or deportation, regardless of resident or citizen status, merely for exercising their First Amendment rights.
In his first 60 days, Trump has been seeing what he can get away with. We cannot let him get away with this. Khalil’s case is going to court and the decision will determine the fate of free speech and democracy in America for the next four years, if not the foreseeable future.
It is imperative now that we question, criticize and challenge what we are told by this administration, not only about this case, but about everything. Ask yourself what reasons, other than the ones we’re given, this administration has for its actions. What is the long-term vision of this administration and how do we, the majority, fit into that vision?
To take action and get involved, sign the letter at https://action.aclu.org/ send-message/free-mahmoud-khalil, download 5calls and call your representatives, or join one of the hundreds of protests going on across the country. Links courtesy of @raytrospectively from The Conscious Citizens.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ZARA ALEKSANYAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 16, 2025
A Visual Representation of The World As We Know It
Do Not Put Extra Paywalls on Homework
BY VANESSA KOLB
Students should not be forced to pay for online learning platforms like Cengage Unlimited or McGraw-Hill in addition to the regular course tuition. These are online educational services created by textbook manufacturers that not only provide an e-book, but also move most homework, quizzes, and study aides away from the classroom and onto their website.
This might seem like a useful service at first glance, but in practice it is a way for textbook publishers to capture even more money from college students while simultaneously degrading the quality of education that
students receive. Let’s address the price first: at LACC, it can fully double the cost of class. A three-credit course at $46 per credit costs $138, while Cengage Unlimited costs $140 for one semester, regardless of the number of courses it’s being used for. McGraw-Hill’s Connect service ranges from $100$200.
While this price might not be so bad for students in programs that use the service for every core course (like the Cybersecurity certificate program), it can feel like a huge, unexpected expense when it’s only needed for one course. Unlike a textbook, there is no way to find this service at a lower price by purchasing the used version, and if you want a physical textbook to use just for the semester, you’ll have to pay even more to ship it each way.
All of this additional expense might be worthwhile if it pro-
vided an improved educational experience, but that is sadly not the case. Talking to students or looking at any online forum where college students post reveals the same issues over and over: these online learning platforms work poorly, wasting hours of people’s study time trying to troubleshoot the website or re-enter the same answer in slightly different ways because the website expects, but does not ever specify, some certain type of formatting. A set of questions that could be typed up in 20 minutes turns into an hourlong exercise in frustration.
The final problem with these services is that they degrade the relationship between students and professors. In the most extreme cases, these services are basically the entirety of a course, providing lecture slides and lab practice, reducing the professor to someone who is only ever contacted via email if
AI Ushers in Death of Creativity
BY JADEANN VILLANUEVA
It is 11 p.m., and your paper is due in 59 minutes. Believe me, we have all been there. By then, the idea of clicking your search bar to start up ChatGPT is tempting. In reality, this entire AI trend is a procrastinator's dream. But it makes us lazy, and that is what this generation has come to.
AI is ruining our generation.
I see this daily. I run into a lot of teachers explaining how the use of AI is not tolerated in the class. To my understanding, it is because students do not want to write essays anymore or even do research on their own.
Most AI models do not conduct research for each specific query. They only predict the next words in a sentence based on the data used to train them. The results can be impressive, but they are not intelligent in the same way that a student can be. But students might think that it's a credible source and that it might help them get an easy "A."
But is laziness worth the "F" you might get because a robot writes your essay? Teachers are tired of seeing it, so why do we still choose to do it?
questions arise. How are students supposed to build any kind of relationship with their professors given such limited face time? If courses are going to be taught this way, then the tuition should cover the cost of the online service, because the online service IS the course. I’m sure these services are sold to schools with the promise that they’ll improve students’ learning, but in reality, they just turn education into yet another subscription service. Two standard ways to actually improve educational outcomes are to provide individualized attention from instructors and to let students go at their own pace. By reducing the interaction between students and professors, and by forcing students to waste time getting the website to work correctly rather than focusing on the actual content, these online learning platforms fail to deliver a better learning experience.
Screenwriters and directors worry that AI could generate an entire screenplay in a few seconds, costing many their jobs. Journalists have expressed their fair share of hate against AI as well.
“Hollywood writers aren’t the only ones with a beef about this picture," said Michael Ashley in a Forbes magazine article last June entitled, 'AI & Screenwriting: Cinematic Dream or Celluloid Nightmare?' "Journalists from many newspapers have collectively sued Open AI and Microsoft for infringing on their rights by allegedly training AI using their work without permission."
Yet many students will happily allow an algorithm to take over their own original and creative work. We derive benefits from thinking critically as we write.
The opinions that we develop as we formulate ideas for an essay are important and represent original thinking. Overreliance on AI is a race to the bottom. It is sad that we have even come to this. AI is the death of creativity and production.
AI technology is not embraced everywhere. Students at Harvard University Summer School and Harvard Extension are required to produce their own work and the use of AI for writing or editing is prohibited, according to a January 2025 article from Harvard.edu blogs, "Should I use ChatGPT to Write My Essays?"
Courts Depend on Jurors to See, Speak Truth
BY CASEY WHIELDON
In Courtroom #104 of Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, a day is spent in voir dire.
A group of prospective jurors gather before Judge Clay Jacke to be questioned by the prosecution and defense attorneys for jury selection. Ultimately in this court, 12 jurors and several alternates will decide the guilt of a man who is accused of criminal sex trafficking.
In voir dire, it is the entire justice system that is on trial.
“It’s going to be difficult to find jurors who are able to give six to eight weeks of their time, and doubly hard because it’s the holiday season,” said Judge Lisa Lench of nearby Courtroom #110, during another trial earlier the same day. “I’m going to do the hardship dismissals first, so we don’t waste time doing voir dire for people who won’t be available.
But the jurors in 104 have moved past that phase already. All have stated that they are willing and available for the trial for which they have been summoned, Now proceeds the voir dire.
Students of high school French may think they know the translation. Voir is French for “to see,” and dire is French for “to speak.” However, the phrase defies expectations. It is in fact Old French for “to speak the truth,” a remnant from the 1066 French invasion of England, which led to several centuries of English court proceedings in the French language. America follows England’s lead in many court customs, and the survival of voir dire is one of them.
So, what truths are the defense and prosecuting attorneys asking the jurors to speak? A primary question is, what experiences do you have with police, positive or negative?
“I work at a laboratory and had some cops come in for training once,” says Juror 52.
“Was that a positive experience or a negative experience?” asks the defense attorney.
“Oh. Positive,” Juror 52 answers. “Very positive.”
“I was walking my kid through the park in her stroller about 15 years ago, with my wife, and out of nowhere came 5 cops with shotguns aimed at my face. They handcuffed me, and after about ten minutes they uncuffed me and left without saying sorry or anything,” says Juror 40.
“And do you think this will make it hard for you to be unbiased in determining the truth of what an officer on the witness stand is saying?” asks the prosecutor.
Juror 40 shrugs, “I guess not.
But I’ll admit, I feel fear when I see police officers.”
“I’ve also been profiled, pulled over, guns pointed at my face,” says Juror 34, “but my brother [is] in the Sheriff’s Department, so I don’t have anything against cops.”
Voir dire tests our entire justice system. These citizens are reporting on what they’ve seen of that system. The Los Angeles County prosecutor’s office must work every day to find impartial juries for criminal cases. But on this day, jurors must evaluate their deepest feelings. The jurors who are the most marginalized, who have had the worst experiences with police, will likely not make the final selection.
They were asked to come to court and speak the truth, but for the prosecutor’s office, these are very inconvenient truths. If the citizens are biased against police, it is the police who are to blame.
COLD WAR PICNIC BRINGS FULL HOUSE
BY KAT THEADORA HAMPTON
An intimate theater, a dynamic light show, sharp choreography all night, and a soundtrack to groove along welcomed audience members for the performance of “Cold War Picnic” by the LACC Theatre Academy.
The story carries the viewer through snippets of clever dialogue and dance, as it follows the lives of a handful of diverse characters.
The one-act play is set during the tension of the Cold War, and the actors portrayed the complex emotions anyone would feel in wartime.
The soundtrack is reminiscent of retro futurism similar to “The Jetson’s,” and elevated the entire experience matched only by the cast’s ability to move with the sound.
The show ran from March 13 to 15, and sold out all three days. Catch up with the theater department for their next production “Primitive Roots” on April 25 and 26.
BY CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ
Latina women living in Los Angeles was the focus as Casa 0101 celebrated the kickoff of its 25th anniversary season and four playwrights presented original oneact plays with themes of love, friendship, selfworth and unexpected turns in life. CASA 0101 stands among the top arts organizations on L.A.’s east side.
One play unfolded with the story of former pachucas –women who once wore zoot suits and their surprise reunion
to settle a decades-old feud. In another play, a resilient business owner must choose between her work and a relationship. The demands of caregiving sidelined the dreams of one woman, while another woman's lifetime of addiction unravels at a holiday gathering. “Mujeres on the verge” cleared the way for the celebrations of Women’s “HER”story Month in March in a profoundly uplifting way.
“The stories we want to tell are not conventional because they are not about men, they are about women," said Josefina Lopez, founding artistic director of CASA 0101. "They are about celebrating being LGBTQ, Indigenous, or people who are told we do not belong. We want to say, 'no we are going to create our own stories where we are the heroes.'" In each one-act play, the audience stands witness to
shattered gender norms. Women put themselves first, and women who support each other are valued.
The production's biggest strength lies in the personal connection everyone involved shares with life in Los Angeles as a Chicana. Abuelita’s bed in the living room, the liveliness of L.A.’s beloved Mexican restaurants, and the remnants of a Dia de los Reyes party exist as core memories to the Chicana experience. Scenic designer Audrey Szot pulled off a fantastic job in bringing these backdrops to life. Instead of the usual stereotypical and out of touch portrayals of the Latino community in Hollywood, the creators behind “Mujeres” offered firsthand experience. Lindsay Haley wrote “Pleito,” and she says it relates to her
Top: Actresses gather center stage to flirt and fawn over unseen men in the L.A. City College Theatre Academy production of "Cold War Picnic," on March 15, 2025.
Bottom left: The femme side of the cast reaches out in emotional choreography as the soundtrack beats along in the L.A. City College Theatre Academy production of "Cold War Picnic" on March 15, 2025.
Bottom right: In a recurring interlude, Nadaya Soe charms the stage as "Miss Martini" to well-timed steps and drums in the L.A. City College Theatre Academy production of "Cold War Picnic" on March 15, 2025.
PHOTOS BY KAT HAMPTON
SCAN ME
VIDEO GAMES: MARCH
TO MAY AND BEYOND
BY SHELBY SAXTON
The new year is well underway, and the gaming landscape is already buzzing with exciting releases. While we've seen notable titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, and Avowed by the end of February, the coming months promise an even richer selection.
March kicks off with a highly anticipated co-op action platformer, Split Fiction, from Hazelight Studios, the creators of the award-winning It Takes Two. This title launched on March 6, 2025. Later in the month, on March 20, gamers took a dive into the immersive worlds of Assassin's Creed Shadows and Xenoblade Chronicles X.
April brings a pair of intriguing releases. On April 8, South of Midnight arrives, promising a captivating "Gothic fantasy deep south" experience. Then, on April 24, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which generated significant buzz at last year's Xbox Games Showcase, makes its debut.
May culminates with the highly anticipated Elden Ring:
Nightreign, a multiplayer reimagining of the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, launching on May 30, 2025.
While June currently lacks confirmed major releases, the gaming community remains abuzz with anticipation for titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and the Nintendo Switch 2, both of which have yet to receive firm release dates. These unknowns contribute to the perceived quietness of the later part of the year.
Looking further ahead, July 11 sees the release of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, followed by Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater on Aug. 28. Sept. 23 brings the highly anticipated Borderlands 4.
Beyond these confirmed titles, a slew of eagerly awaited games remain without release dates, including Death Stranding 2, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, Ghost of Yotei, Grand Theft Auto 6, Metroid Prime 4, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Additionally, the gaming world eagerly anticipates the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.
In the coming months, we can expect a flurry of announcements, revealing a wealth of titles slated for release by the end of 2025.
first-hand experience as a chola, a woman who belongs to a subculture linked to street gangs and love for the history of 1960s Chicano culture.
“I related to a lot of the journeys of the women in this play," said Karla Ojeda, director of “The Fan Club. "It really is about these women breaking cultural and societal barriers about doing something that is not expected of us.”
"Mujeres on the Verge” offered laughter, love, authenticity and sisterhood.
“Maria’s resistance to remedy the situation addresses her overwhelming stress and anxiety that many caregivers experience. My personal experience taking care of my mother was my inspiration in writing this play,” Maria G. Martinez, writer of “La Noche de Anoche,” said about why she wrote the piece.
ILLUSTRATION (A) ROCKSTARGAME ILLUSTRATION (B) COURTESY OF HAZEL LIGHTS STUDIO
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ
Not even the shiniest gold crown from Columbia Scholastic Press Association could save the Collegian Times from cancellation.
journalism classes. Khanna wrote in an email from Feb. 10, 2025, that even though J 219 is required for the major, “only one of the three students enrolled is a Journalism [A.A.] major.”
On the same day, Ly left a voicemail for Guess. The dean and chair notified the adviser that J-219 had been canceled because of low enrollment. Ly also said, “Only one [student] is a journalism major.”
Dones used the same argument in her email communications with the newspaper adviser and Faculty Senate President Anna Le.
“It is my understanding that the students who enrolled in the classes were neither Journalism majors, nor had they completed the first level sequence of classes but were allowed to enroll in the Journalism 218 sequence of classes,” Dones wrote in an email to Guess on Feb. 28, 2024, in response to the adviser’s questions on why five students were dropped from J- 219. In fact, Khanna, Ly and Dones demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of how enrollment works. All classes at LACC, and all California community colleges, are open to any student who has the prerequisites without regard to major.
The administration’s actions violate Title 5 §51006.
Instructors have the discretion to allow students to file a petition to prove they have the skill to succeed in a course.
Administration Cancels Spring Magazine in Fall
Fifteen journalism alumni and current students attended the Board of Trustees meeting to protest the cuts to journalism classes. Some joined via Zoom, even from New Jersey and from the Philippines where an alumnus is writing a book on Ferdinand Marcos and his authoritarian regime.
Jason Piskopus stood at the podium and faced the trustees. The LACC alum, tutor and counselor said he will no longer recruit students for his alma mater.
“Today, I've come here because of the near constant onslaught certain individuals at LACC have launched against the journalism program,” Piskopus said. “In a time of fake news and Donald Trump, a school actively trying to
destroy its own journalism program cannot be trusted.”
Piskopus sounded frustrated when he told trustees that seven students he tutors wanted to enroll in the magazine class, J-220 for the spring semester but were denied the opportunity.
The Collegian Times magazine class is 11 years old. This is the first time that students will not produce the nationally recognized publication. Khanna and Ly retroactively canceled the spring 2025 magazine course based on low enrollment numbers from spring 2024.
Guess told administrators she could recruit three months before the spring semester began.
“It was canceled, and I was not advised or consulted,” she said. “I told Vice President Dones and President Gebru in a letter that I could fill the class with the three months head start. I told them that cutting the magazine before I have a chance to attract students is betting on failure.”
Later, Guess was surprised by the idea of a caucus between the college president and VAMA chair where they discussed the future of journalism without her input.
In an email obtained by The Collegian under a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request dated Oct. 31, 2024, Khanna asked for a meeting with President Amanuel Gebru and Vice President Carmen Dones.
Khanna wrote: “I would like to schedule some time to meet at your earliest convenience [r] egarding faculty member Rhonda Guess, the journalism program, and the Spring schedule. Do you have availability on Monday?”
Another FOIA email shows tensions within VAMA. When Guess and another faculty member asked for a Zoom link to a department meeting on Dec. 6, 2024, Khanna responded in an email copied to 12 people within the department:
“As you are aware, our regularly scheduled monthly department meetings are held in person. Your colleagues, the other members of the FT VAMA faculty, do actually attend the regularly scheduled monthly department meetings in person. For the Spring semester and moving forward can we all agree to honor the collective
effort?” Attending meetings via Zoom was not an uncommon practice, according to Guess. She said other professors did it as well.
Guess was not aware of what the previous VAMA chair wrote to Khanna later that same day about his response to the Zoom link request.
“Once again YOU ARE MY HERO (save this in a big non-collegial file),” Professor Alexandra Wiesenfeld wrote to Khanna, referring to the exchange.
Guess sent an email to the Board of Trustees on Dec. 12, 2024, detailing the issues within the department. On Dec. 16, Chancellor Alberto Roman wrote to President Gebru in an email that was obtained by the Collegian. Roman asked Gebru to touch base before he wrote a response to a ceaseand-desist letter from attorneys retained by Guess. The professor had complained in writing to the administration and the board that Khanna allegedly made defamatory remarks about her at senate and committee meetings.
Gebru offered the chancellor an explanation in his email.
“The Vice President of Academic Affairs [Dones] attends Academic Senate meetings and confirmed that she did not hear disparaging remarks by the Chair about Professor Guess,” Gebru wrote. In the four-page letter, Gebru continues to cite low enrollment, auditing and costs as reasons for gutting the magazine and offering it once every two years.
Student Journalists Lose More Courses
The Collegian newspaper was without a printing contract for two years. Guess says that the 30-day quotes she provided to Dean Ly were allowed to age out over and over. She also says that the printer had not been paid for six months and was owed $6,700 at the end of March 2025. The printer would not print The Collegian until the outstanding debt was paid. The check arrived on April 1, 2025. The printing of the newspaper is paid for with lottery funds.
Guess says it is soft censorship.
The Collegian contacted Chair Khanna and asked him to explain why the magazine production course was canceled.
“Ah…I’m not sure where you got that information,” he said. “Nothing’s been cut, the magazine, as an ongoing concern, is still viable as long as it meets the minimum number of students to be enrolled in the semester that it’s held.”
Khanna also told the Collegian that money had nothing to do with the decision to remove J-185 and J-285 (Directed Study) courses from the schedule.
“It’s not a matter of the cost,” he said. “Right now, journalism, and this is before I even came on as department chair, journalism is under a viability study. So, with that, the focus is 1000% on degree completion required courses.”
Khanna’s statement does not explain why he and Dean Ly canceled two required courses on the first day of class. The Journalism A.A. degree includes J 219-1 and J 219-2 as required courses for degree completion.
This is not the first time the journalism program (along with the newsroom) has endured class cuts by the administration.
Representatives from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) have reached out to President Gebru to offer guidance on how to support the Journalism program. The LACC administration did not reply to the Jan. 31, letter as of March 31, 2025.
Dominic Coletti, student advocacy program officer at FIRE, says the organization has been concerned about the state of journalism at LACC for a few years. “This is the latest in an ongoing string of indignities forced upon the program by not just President Gebru, but predecessors, others in VAMA and throughout LACC,” Coletti said. “We are deeply concerned about the fact that LACC is really ignoring our attempts to work with them. We reached out to President Gebru to meet with him. We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to understand what the right of journalists in terms of access is, in terms of protection from retaliation, and in terms of content control.”
Reporters' Note: End of part I in a series.
BY JEREMY CUENCA
(Lower) Representatives from AFT 1521 include President James McKeever who leads the crowd from the podium at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on March 4, 2025.
Professor Says Political Engagement Makes Lawmakers Aware of Students' Needs
"I feel great about the trip and the March in March of 2025," the professor said. "We increased participation by our students and included more state officials than last year. We hope to improve on this in the March of 2026."
Faculty and students marched toward the capitol. They shouted chants they had practiced at Southside Park, the rendezvous point. They carried banners and picket signs, waved cowbells and blew whistles.
"Organizing and coming together for education is so important, it's the most important thing we can do," said Pierce College, AFT Faculty Chapter
President Angela Belden. "We can show our [legislators] that we are here, that we care, and that we can bring people out to do what matters, right? And I'm here walking with students for my students, right? We're here hand in hand because students matter. Class size matters."
Belden explained funding matters, and that nothing happens in education without adequate funding. AFT 1521
President James McKeever explained when he ran for president, he wanted the march to return because it is crucial to the future of education in the state. He encourages students to learn to advocate for themselves.
"I would say you have to work on creating coalitions with other students and other groups and with faculty, too, because there are a lot of faculty that are on the side of students," McKeever said. "But you need to fight for your rights to make your voice heard and get young people out to vote. I mean, the reason why Social Security never gets cut is because old people vote."
According to McKeever, the cost of education is too high, and education in the 1970s was nearly free in the state of Cali-
fornia until the Brown v. Board of Education landmark case.
The march began at 1 p.m. and started from Southside Park, then flowed into both residential and commercial areas which eventually led to the front of the State Capitol. The sound of students and other supporters' voices roared through the streets of Sacramento. Local police escorted the marchers and made sure that the streets were closed off by blocking them with their motorcycles. David Orellana has experienced roadblocks to a quality education in the LACCD. He is one of the coordinators for the student internship program for AFT that brought supporters together to march in Sacramento.
"Sometimes people only want somebody else to believe [in] them," Orellana said. "Somebody tells them, you know what? I see some potential in you. Go ahead and continue. Sometimes the only thing that you need to hear is that. I didn't have any family members around here, so my family was in my community. So that's why I do these types of events, because I know how important community building is, and sometimes it saves lives as well."
On arrival at the capitol, demonstrators met with other protesters, state legislators and faculty from other colleges. The March ended around 5 p.m. Students and staff assisted with cleaning and organizing the area. Students regrouped and caught their flights back to Los Angeles.
"Political engagement helps decision makers and representatives to be aware of you and your interests," Professor Cofer said. "In the case of public education, political engagement ultimately affects funding which impacts educational access and your opportunities."
(Top) The "March on March," in Sacramento begins at Southside Park. Participants practice chants and carry banners and signs to the steps of the capitol on March 4, 2025.
PHOTOS
Dean Vi Ly Voice Mail to Professor Guess
SCAN ME
Daniela, Millennial Marcher
The new demonstrators gathered at the intersection of Main Street and Arcadia. The group occupied the entire block.
“We came to protest to support the immigrants and the Mexican Culture,” said Daniela, one of the millennials who came to protest. “It's not OK the way they're doing it, and it's not just about deporting criminals; they're going after everyone, and that's not OK, so I’m here to support them.”
Thousands of young demonstrators, many of them first-generation and the sons and daughters of undocumented immigrants, convened at the historic Placita Olvera to protest President Donald Trump’s mass deportations, the anti-Mexican sentiment, and actions against the undocumented Latino community. Latino millennials also took to the streets across the nation. They protested the Trump administration’s hostility toward undocumented immigrants and targeting of the Mexican community.
Thousands of undocumented immigrants have been arrested nationwide since the day Trump took office. He signed an executive order that gives ICE agents the power to target immigrants and carry out raids at schools, hospitals and churches.
“I’m here because my grandparents are immigrants and need my support,” said demonstrator Monica Ramirez. “We should stand up for our people, always be grateful and proud of them, and never forget about that.” Young people joined the march to support their friends and relatives. The voices of en tire families have been silenced by fear of the current raids in their communities.
Rustles of Spring Bring Fight from Millennials, Hands Off Protesters
Warmth from the sun en veloped the protesters under blue skies. Protesters sang and danced traditional songs. They shared family stories at the podium and expressed pride in their Mexican roots. They spoke of the resilience of their parents and grandparents.
“I’m here to support my people," said Joselyn Carrillo. "I'm very grateful to my parents and grandparents for their sacrifice for us to have a better life.”
The crowd was fired up, and two fronts of marchers formed: one headed north of Cesar Chavez Avenue to City Hall and the other to the Federal Detention Center on Alameda Street. People held their heads high and displayed handmade posters that expressed resistance against the ICE raids.
NICK BECK LECTURE SERIES TO WELCOME NBC'S JACOB
The plaza buzzed with energy as a crowd of protesters stretched to Los Angeles Street. They formed two long lines and happily guided traffic in the area. Many cheered for the drivers as cars passed. At the intersection of Grand Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, demonstrators exited the freeway and marched along Cesar Chavez toward Placita Olvera. Demonstrators burned rubber. They danced and sang regional Mexican songs and waved Mexican flags. They ate traditional churros, raspados, which is a
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The Nick Beck Investigative Lecture Series will feature NBC National Correspondent Jacob Soboroff whose writing is informed by reporting on the fate of immigrant children at the U.S.--Mexico border. The event is free for students, faculty and staff. RSVP is required.
Soboroff wrote a book that is based on his observations, "Separated: Inside an American Tragedy." The film “Separated,” is based on Soboroff’s book. For more information and to RSVP, click below to secure your spot. You are not going to want to miss out on this experience! Light dinner will be provided.
Date: May 15, 2025 Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Los Angeles City College – Camino Theatre inside the Theatre Arts Building RSVP at: http://tiny.cc/JSoboroff
VOTERS TO SELECT NEW NEIGHBORHOOD
Los Angeles Neighborhood Council elections are set for April 16, at each of the 99 councils in the Los Angeles
The elections offer a chance for residents to become involved in the communities where they live. Voters choose the people who make decisions in their neighborhood. Find more information about the election at: https://clerk.lacity.gov/clerkservices/elections/neighborhoodcouncil-elections
PHOTOS BY JUAN MENDOZA
(Top) Thousands of millennials gather in Downtown Los Angeles to voice their opposition to anti-immigration policy and mass raids and to advocate for their relatives on on Feb. 2, 2025.
(Left) Las Catrinas, an iconic symbol of protest and political satire, participate in a march on Feb. 2, 2025 in Downtown Los Angeles.
(Right)
Millennials carry handmade signs with protest messages along Alameda Street near the Immigration Detention Center on Feb. 2, 2025.
Judges Recognize Collegian Across 5 Platforms
Collegian represents in design, video documentary, photo illustration, in-Depth News and art illustration portfolio at Gold Circles.
Video Documentary: Second Place Beatrice Alcala, Juan Mendoza.
“CAMILLE CLAUDEL.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1aIciVLWlY&t=22s
DM29. Video Feature package
1. Adam Duran and Ben Zuk, “Highlife (Scroll down for video),” OR Magazine, University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, Eugene, Oregon;
2. Connor Ward and Ben Zuk, “A Century of Sweets (scroll down for video),” OR Magazine, University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, Eugene, Oregon;
3. Adam Duran and Mariana Marquez, “Crab Shack (scroll down for video - outlined in red box),” OR Magazine, University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication,Eugene, Oregon;
CM. Beatrice Alcala, Juan Mendoza, and Louis White, “LA City College President Amanuel Gebru's Investiture,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles,California;
CM. Ian Belton and Nolan Nguyen, “Introducing Loyola Rugby: Meet the captain and coach,” Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California;
CM. Lizzy Lee, “Emelina Reyes Salgado,” Sonidos de Colombia, University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, Eugene, Oregon.
DM30. Video Doumentary
1. Nathan Kuczmarski, “Is 'defund the police' dead?” Los Angeles Loyolan, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California;
2. Beatrice Alcala and Juan Mendoza, “Camille Claudel,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California.
M12. Cover Design for General or Feature Magazine
1. Staff of Flux Magazine, “Spring 2024 Issue Alternative Cover,” Flux Magazine, University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, Eugene, Oregon;
2. Beatrice Alcala and Tia Shipman, “A.I Takes the Runway,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California;
3. Staff, “Spring 2024 Issue Cover, Flux Magazine, University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, Eugene, Oregon;
M13. Table of Contents page
1. Staff, Flux Magazine, University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, Eugene, Oregon;
2. Salma Gonzalez, Miambiance Volume 34, Miami Dade College Kendall Campus, Miami, Florida;
3. Jacqueline Cheung, Saltman Quarterly, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California;
CM. Beatrice Alcala, Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California;
CM. Gabriela Estrada, The Independent, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida;
CM. Staff, Curb Magazine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
M23. Photo Illustration: Portfolio of work
1. Priscilla Du Preez, David Pennington, and John Schnobrich, “The Danger In Censorship,” The Independent, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida;
2. Cassandra Munoz, “Ink Style,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California
Video Feature Package: Certificate of Merit, Beatrice Alcala, Juan Mendoza, and Louis White.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebqlKGZ3pOQ
N02. In-depth news/feature story
1. Beatrice Alcala, Michelle McCree, and Jessica Vazquez, Chelsea Ramon, Bryan Leonlara, “TONGVA RISING,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California;
2. Ellie Montemayor, “Majority of interim student suspensions stemming from oncampus pro-Palestinian protests lifted,” The Tech, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts;
3. Louis Primavera, “‘BLACK STAR LINE’,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California.
N20. Alternative Story Form
1. Iyarie Murguia, “Century Of Sewage,” The Sun, Southwestern College, Chula Vista, California;
2. Samira Felix and Sarah Van Buskirk, “New President Mahdavi shares personal story and plans for the university,” Campus Times, University of La Verne, La Verne, California;
3. Tia Shipman, “Fashion Disrupts Technology Era,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California.
N23. Art/illustration: Portfolio of work
1. Cassandra Munoz, Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California;
2. Juliette Albert, Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana;
3. Carla Labto, The Sun, Southwestern College, Chula Vista, California.
N35. Page One Design
1. Juan H. Estrada, Morgan Jacobson, and Julio Rodriguez, “‘Boyhood Dream Come True’,” The Sun, Southwestern College, Chula Vista, California;
2. Marianna Souriall, “Wrapping up Centennial,” The Daily Toreador, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas;
3. Lexi Lindenmayer, “No confidence,” Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana;
CM. Beatrice Alcala, “Front Page News,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California;
CM. Ellie Montemayor, “2023 Year in Review - Front Cover,” The Tech, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts;
N46. Single Subject News or Feature package, SinglePage Design
1. Beatrice Alcala, “MURALIST ‘BACPAC’,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California.
N47. Single Subject Feature Package, Double-truck (twofacing pages)
1. Ellie Montemayor and Alex Tang, “2023 Year in ReviewNews in 2023,” The Tech, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts;
2. Beatrice Alcala, “Women Shape History,” Collegian Times, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California;
3. Sheridan Lambrook and Amanda Torres, “University of La Verne inaugurates 19th president,” Campus Times, University of La Verne, La Verne, California;
CM. Staff, “Spirit of Revolution Animates Chicano Park,” The Sun, Southwestern College, Chula Vista, California;
CM. Sarah Van Buskirk and Lindsey Pacela, “Sex Workers: Stepping Out of the Shadows,” Campus Times, University of La Verne, La Verne, California.
RESOURCES
Cal Grant Awards
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 2, 2025
Email:studentsupport@csac.
ca.gov
Phone: (888) 224-7268
This is a competitive award and limited 13,000 awards each year. To be considered for the award, you must meet the general Cal Grant eligibility requirements and complete a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. Only students who are not awarded a Cal Grant Entitlement Award can be considered. The scoring components are: GPA, parent education level, access equalizer, student or parent household status, family income and household size. Only the students who get the top 13,000 scores will receive an award. To receive this award, students must submit their financial aid information by the first deadline and the application by the due date. Dollar amounts will vary. Students are encouraged to create the WebGrants for Students account to manage their Cal Grant award. Students are selected for this award based on a score that is generated from information obtained from their FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, and their GPA. Cal Grant A is for low to middle income students with 3.00 High School GPA minimum, or 2.40 College GPA minimum. May be used for a program that is at least two academic years in length resulting in an associate or a baccalaureate degree of forty-eight semester units or the equivalent and can only be used for tuitions or fees.
Cal Grant B is for low-income students with a 2.00 High School and College GPA minimum and may be used for a program that is at least one academic year in length resulting in an associate, baccalaureate or certificate of at least twenty-four semester units.
INCIGHT
Amount: $500 Deadline: April 15, 2025
Website:https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/incight-scholarship
Since 2004, INCIGHT has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to students with disabilities pursuing higher education. These scholars are enrolled in community college, university, vocational and graduate programs. Applicant must be a current Washington, Oregon or California resident. Applicant must have a disability. This may include, but is not limited to: Autism, Deaf, Blindness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Orthopedic Impairment, Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, or Traumatic Brain Injury. Applicant must be attending higher education during the funding cycle following your application. The INCIGHT scholarship is unique in that it does not consider the factor of financial need when evaluating applicants. This scholarship is intended for students with disabilities who have demonstrated outstanding community involvement and motivation to attend higher education. Grades are taken into account during the evaluation process but are not a deciding factor. Winners may reapply.
Ramblers Scholarship for LGBTQI Student Athletes
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May, 01, 2025
Website:https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/ramblers-scholarship-for-lgbtqi-student-athletes
The Ramblers Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIPS
supports student athletes pursuing an undergraduate eduction who self identify publicly as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI), or as demonstrated and committed straight allies. Awardees will receive a one-time scholarship, paid directly to their school to cover tuition fees. Up to two scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded publicly each summer. The application process is open annually from January 1st to May 1st. Amongst other things, the ideal applicant will have a clearly described need for financial support. An eligible applicant is: an athlete (all sports and athletic activities qualify); an open and self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex person; or a demonstrated and committed ally; a graduating high school student who plans to attend a recognized undergraduate college or university in the United States or is an already matriculated U.S. undergraduate college student; and is between the age of 15 and 22-years-old (depending on age at time of high school graduation).
The Collegiate Inventors Competition
Amount: $100,000
Deadline: June 3, 2025
Website:https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/the-collegiate-inventors-competition
If you are a part-time or fulltime student enrolled in a U.S. college or university, you are eligible to enter. You must have been enrolled at least part time over the year prior to applying. Open to part-time or full-time students enrolled in a U.S. college or university between June 2023 and June 2024. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible if they meet student enrollment requirements. Team entries must have all members meet the enrollment criteria. Inventions are ineligible if: They
have already been patented or disclosed by another party and the applicant has held a patent for the invention for more than one year prior to submission. Complete the online application form. Provide student information and details of your invention. Submit an essay including a brief description or abstract of your invention. Include a letter of recommendation from a faculty adviser or professional reference. Conduct and provide a literature/patent search and summary. Submit any supporting materials such as charts, graphs, videos, or articles. Your entry will be ineligible if (1) your invention has already been patented or disclosed by another party/inventor, or (2) you have been issued a patent for the invention more than one year prior to the date of your submission to the competition.
Hawaii Pacific University Esports Scholarship
Amount: $24,000
Deadline: May 01,2025
Website:https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/ hawaii-pacific-university-esports-scholarship
Esports scholarships are awarded to a select number of incoming undergraduate students interested in joining Hawaii Pacific University's esports team. Qualified gamers can earn scholarships valued between $1,000 - $6,000 per year. Hawaii Pacific University is honored to have the first esports arena in the state of Hawaii. Only those who have submitted both a complete admissions application and a eSports Scholarship application will be considered. Scholarship deadlines are generally at the beginning of May, August and December, as it depends on which semester is being applied for. Hawai‘i Pacific University’s esports
of Legends club of 12 dedicated students across our three campuses. Overseen by Campus Recreation these students consistently arranged practices and scrimmages against other universities on the mainland. Now HPU is in full support of esports and our athletes, which includes facilities and resources to properly compete. We are proud to be the first college in Hawaii to offer competitive scholarships for Esports athletes and support our teams competing in Open and Invitational Tournaments, Collegiate Valorant and local tournaments in addition to the Peach Belt Conference.
META Foundation
Scholarship
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Website:https://www.meta-foundation.org/scholarships
META's Platinum Scholarship provides students up to $6,000, payable over four years, to entering college freshman attending four-year colleges and universities or students attending community college with plans to transfer. Recipients of the Platinum Scholarship will also be provided mentorship and access to workshops. Applicants must be applying, accepted or enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing an academic discipline. Students enrolled in community or junior colleges are also eligible to apply provided they intend to enroll in and obtain a bachelor degree from a four-year accredited institution. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be in good academic standing. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen of Hispanic origin (defined as having minimum one Hispanic parent or two Hispanic grandparents) and must be graduating (or have graduated) from a high school in Southern California. Preference is given to
students who have demonstrated leadership or mentoring qualities through their record of involvement and participation in civic activities in school or in their communities.
MLF (USA)
Scholarship
Amount:$5,000
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Website: https://www.mlfcare. org/domestic-student-scholarship
Based in Los Angeles and founded in 2005, Morning Light Foundation (MLF) is a non-profit charitable organization (IRC501c3 exempt organization) dedicated to helping students with financial need both in China and in Southern California. More than 5,000 university students with financial need have benefited from its scholarship program in China, hundreds of student-teachers are sponsored to teach in rural villages, and 30 elementary schools have been built in Guangxi, Jiangxi, Anhui and Hunan Provinces in China. To be eligible for the MLF Scholarship, applicants must: be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of Chinese decent; demonstrate financial need; be enrolled at an accredited 4 year college, university or community college full time (No less than 12 units/semester or no less than 8 units/semester for students in a Master’s program) in the United States (high school seniors and community college students are also eligible); have at least a 3.5 GPA (if an undergraduate) or a 3.7 GPA (if a graduate student); and reside in eligible Southern California counties.
SKATE PARK'S FREE, WHO KNEW?
SKATERS FIND SOCIAL CONNECTION, AND IT'S FREE.
BY KENIYAH KING
What if I told you the cure to your adult loneliness is the skate park.
Most adults are looking for third spaces that are cost effective.
One may not want to spend $7 to buy a coffee or boba to sit in front of their laptops for a few hours and have small talk with their favorite barista.
Many people resort to the gym, Pilates or Hot Yoga, knocking out two birds with one stone. Socializing while also getting fit! However, gym memberships and Pilates classes can be up to $100 a month. The skate park? That's free.
Within "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation," according to the National Institutes of Health, “Our connection with others and our community is also informed by our neighborhoods, digital environments, schools, and workplaces. Social connection— the structure, function, and quality of our relationships with others—is a critical and under appreciated contributor to individual and population health, community safety, resilience, and prosperity.”
No matter the day of the year, you will never, ever pay for a membership to the skate park. The most you will pay for are your skates or skateboard and fortunately for you and your wallet, you can buy those things
New Stars Emerge in Wake of March Madness
BY KODEE HOLLOWAY
March Madness is always a time when anything can happen, and this year’s tournament has already shown that. From buzzer-beaters to unexpected upsets, it’s clear this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. As an athlete, you can feel the energy every time you watch a game, and this year, it’s not just the usual suspects stealing the spotlight – new stars are emerging, and there are some surprises that nobody saw coming.
When talk turns to emerging stars, a couple of names really stand out. Jaden Ivey from Purdue has been making huge waves. This guy has a serious next-level game, and his ability to dominate when the pressure’s on makes him a fun player to watch.
Jabari Smith from Auburn is another player who’s definitely on NBA scouts' radar – his versatility and skill set are crazy. As an athlete, you respect that kind of talent because you know how much work goes into getting to that point. These
used from "Offer Up" for as little as $20. Sometimes, it's even free. I can attest that I have never bought my own skateboard. I am on my third skateboard, and I have never had to purchase my own deck or wheels or trucks. Every single one has been given to me. Two of them were used!
Most skaters are more than happy to pay it forward and give away their gear!
OK, so now you have your skates. Do you purchase friendship and community with them? You may be facing some anxiety wondering, ‘what if no one wants to be my friend because I suck?' Being bad at skating is the best part. How else will you learn to be good without practice?
How else will you finally find your tribe in that third space, if you’re not frequenting it every week or other week? When you frequent your local skate park you’re not just getting better at skating, you’re getting closer to your community.
Ronnie Toms talked about how skating helped them strengthen their community. The sponsored skateboarder lived in Seattle for a while then moved to California.
“I connected all the Black skaters together — we got other organizations and other skate shops to sponsor us," Toms said.
"I went to different skate shops and even "Skate Like a Girl" helped. They donated a lot of stuff. I was able to connect with the Black [people] up there because there’s not a lot of Black [people] up there at all—- there’s about 150 of us out there that’s
into skating."
Toms says most of the skaters would show up. She says they would rotate days to connect people. Even matchmaking happened at the park. Skaters became couples, and not just Black skaters, but other people of color, according to Toms. "Non-black and not white, Brown and Black to be real," Toms said. “Out in SoCal I got to connect with more girls--female skaters in SoCal.”
guys are showing that they’re ready to take over the game, and it would not be a surprise to see any of them making serious noise in the NBA soon. But it’s not just the powerhouses like Duke or Kentucky that are grabbing attention. The tournament has been full of surprises with teams like Loyola-Chicago and St. Peter’s coming out of nowhere. There's an excitement to seeing underdog teams rise to the occasion. It’s always great to see programs that people sleep on making a deep run, proving that
talent can come from anywhere. These Cinderella stories are what make March Madness so unpredictable and so fun. On the women’s side, don’t sleep on the UCLA Bruins. As someone who understands the grind, it’s impressive to see how well they’ve been playing this season. Led by Charisma Osborne, they’re a force to be reckoned with in the Pac-12 and have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. Watching them play, it’s clear they’ve got the chemistry and talent to compete for a national
title. UCLA women’s basketball deserves more of the spotlight, and if they keep playing the way they are, they might just bring home a championship. March Madness is only getting started, and with new stars rising, unexpected teams making a splash, and UCLA’s women pushing for greatness, this is shaping up to be one of the best tournaments in recent years. As athletes, we know how much this tournament means, and it’s exciting to watch the next generation of players leave their mark on the game.
top assists
CUBS' SEASON RECAP
The L.A. City Cubs wrapped up their season with a 13-15 record. While the finish wasn't ideal, it was a hard-fought season. Unfortunately, they couldn't get over the hump in the final two games, both narrow losses — falling to Mount SAC by 1 point and Pasadena by 2 points.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
Ronnie Toms, a skateboarder who finds community.
STAND OUT CUBS
AJ Robinson Season's high point scorer Season's
Kodee Holloway Season's top 3-point shooter
Makael Reynolds Season's highest blocks
BASKETBALL
SPORTS BIN
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH