Christian Chavez joined the Los Angeles Collegian newsroom as a photographer. He did not consider himself a writer but became one by learning the strict rules of AP style cutline writing. He later joined the magazine publication class (Journal 220) with one ideal story in mind. His late grandfather, an activist from Mexico, hijacked a plane and made the California news. Chavez’ reporting brought him a first place award for feature writing from Columbia Scholastic Press Association. He is now MVPD Coordinator for the National Hockey League (NHL). He says that the magazine class cancellation will further shrink enrollment in journalism classes at L.A. City College.
“It seems counterintuitive to me that a college is willing to take away opportunities for students who want to have a much more comprehensive study for journalism,” Chavez said.
Chavez does not agree with the Visual and Media Arts (VAMA) chair’s decision to rotate the yearly magazine class once every two years.
“News happens every single day. Why begin to pretend it happens once every two years?” he said. “Keeping students from taking classes is acknowledging that you don’t really care about the journalism department. You can spin the corporate narrative however you wish. I see it as a reason for a student to go to a different school to have a chance to be a part of the newsroom.”
But the journalism classes cancellations are not the only problems the program faces. Changes to the fall 2025 schedule left the newsroom staff wondering what to do next.
Enrollment was low two years ago after COVID-19, so the adviser decided to offer hybrid classes, which are online and in person simultaneously. Professor Guess said this was a way to increase enrollment.
BY ARELY VALENCIANA
t seems like every day the college is expanding into something new. As students, it is always fascinating to see a new construction site. It gives students a sense of wonder about how a space will look when it is complete. Some might disagree and become annoyed with the
sounds and sights of campus construction. Students provided a mix of reviews about the construction in the Quad. There are complaints about the blocked pathways. Frustrations arise during a simple walk to class when the only thing on most students' minds is getting to class on time.
“It’s so weird, the school can see how jammed it gets with all the students on campus," said Kimberly Gomez. "Why do they plan it when they know it can disrupt the students, and not when we’re on summer or winter break?”
BY LEIF HAWK
Members of the East Hollywood Armenian community gathered and marched to the Turkish embassy brandishing Armenian flags on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24.
A caravan of more than 15
cars prepared to make the journey to the Turkish Embassy in Beverly Hills. Cars packed with families made their way to the site to advocate for their cause as bystanders blared horns in support.
Los Angeles observed Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day officially in 2022. Former
President Joe Biden recognized the event in 2021 on behalf of the United States. At least 34 countries acknowledge the solemn history from Austria to Sweden and Vatican City. This specific rally was focused on Turkey, the de-facto successor to the Ottoman Empire, which perpetrated the genocide
during World War I.
“We’re here to demand justice, demand that they [Turkish officials] recognize the genocide, and demand that they stop aiding and abetting Azerbaijan to continue the genocide [in Artsakh] ,” media representative Nareg Huyumjian of the Armenian Youth Federation told Collegian reporters.
Artsakh is a breakaway region of Azerbaijan, with an Armenian majority ethnic population. The Armenian Youth Federation specifically brought up the 2022-2023 blockade of Artsakh, the region that was invaded and blocked from the rest of Armenia by Azerbaijani forces with the intent of isolating the local Armenian population.
Turkey was not the only nation called to account. The United States is accused of complicity. Some in the Armenian community take a dim view of U.S. military aid packages sent to Turkey and Azerbaijan in the past.
A sign on the side of an event coordinator’s vehicle read “RELEASE OUR POWS,” which refers to Armenian prisoners of war held by Azerbaijan. That nation is accused of continuing the Armenian genocide in Artsakh, supplied by Turkish funds and U.S. military aid.
“We would like to see the U.S. be held accountable in sending money to Azerbaijan and Turkey who are sister nations—and sending money to a genocidal na-
BY JUAN MENDOZA
A coalition of organizations and pro-immigration rights advocacy groups kicked off the day for the annual May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, with a rally and a march. There were rally events in the afternoon at Boyle Heights and McArthur Park. The main rally began at Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard around 10 a.m. The lineup of speakers energized the rallygoers.
The thousands of demonstrators marched down East Olympic Boulevard, and they headed north to Los Angeles Street. The march ended at the Federal Detention Center on Alameda Street, in solidarity with the immigrant communities where hundreds of immigrants are detained.
As the march progressed, people chanted traditional political slogans, including: “What do we want? Justice. And if we don’t get it? Shut it down.” The protesters decried low wages and poor working conditions.
“We worked too hard and have to pay 80 to 90 percent of what we make to our rent,” said Dorcia White-Brake, chapter chair of CD 8 ACCE, Los Angeles. “Many times, when I do not have enough money to pay the
tion,” said Ani Ghazaryan. Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s administrations aided and abetted Azerbaijan’s genocide in Artsakh, according to the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention. Anthony Hroyan highlighted this point.
“In the statement ... from President Trump, he did not use the “Genocide” term-- There’s still progress to make regarding how we talk about the Armenian Genocide in the United States and in the western world,” Hroyan said. He also used the term "Meds Yeghern," rather than genocide, which roughly translates to “Great Catastrophe.” Planes flew overhead with a banner that read “Genocide ignored is genocide repeated.” It was a main slogan for the event. This quote rings even more true in the present day, where ethnic cleansing continues to be perpetrated in all corners of the world. Garnik Azar points to WWII and the Jewish Holocaust.
“Adolf Hitler said ‘nobody recognized [the] Armenian Genocide, nobody is gonna care for the Jewish.’ This happened because Armenian Genocide wasn’t recognized. Still Genocide is happening as we [speak] in different countries.”
Some people call for more than just accountability. Sasoon Zargarzan wants the return of
SEE “GENOCIDE”
The Student Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
PHOTO BY DAVE MARTIN
PHOTO BY DAVE MARTIN
OPINION & EDITORIAL
BY ANGEL A JOHNSON
u o u s p u b li c
t i o n Yes. It can happen if we the students, do not respond Journal 217 (Publication L ab), Journal 218 (Practical Editing) and Editors) are in danger of low enrollment in the fall because Visual & Media Arts (VAMA) Dean Vi Ly has changed the schedule from TBA to set in-person hours. She says this will prevent low enrollment in the fall It will not. She tells the adviser it will help students to be committed We already are of L.A. City C ollege and scholastic that has sur vived nearly a centur y can claim two Pulitzer Prize winners the late L.A. Times reporter Dick Turpin and L.A. Times reporter Julia Wick, who attended for a semester and shared her impeccable training and design skills with the C ollegian Tercius Bufete made his mark at the C ollegian as a teenager in 2008, by winning an Honorable Mention
C ommunity C olleges ( JACC) competition and later transferred to Cal State Chico Today he is an executive
BY ERIKA R AMIRE Z
President Donald Trump and Health and Human S er vices S ecre -
tar y Robert F Kennedy Jr have promoted false claims that the rise in autism diagnoses is due to childhood
is misinformation, and it stigmatizes autistic individuals by reducing their existence
cine sentiment also increases the risk factors of not vaccinating children by encouraging parents to unnecessarily fear their children developing autism.
Since 1998, there has been a myth
editor at USA Today B eatrice Alcala's work on the C ollegian led her to for C oronavirus Roars into 2020," winning in the professional categor y for layout and design by besting a team of eight magazine designers from Variety, the behemoth which has been published since 1905. Tyler Lowell came to the C ollegian from the Ivy League in 2017. He earned a degree in theater arts from Brown University He studied for one semester at City 14 units and was accepted to the graduate program at the Newhouse S chool of Journalism at Syracuse University He most recently produced the Katie Pham Show at MSNB C. Deans at Syracuse now look to LACC to recruit journalism students.
LACC with an A.A. degree in 1946, passed through some of the most hallowed corridors of power in New York and Washington D.C. Fine went to the United Nations and became the press secretar y for U.N. S ecretar y General Dag Hammarskjöld L ater, Fine worked for President John F Force
phenomenal broadcast journalist from KTT V (FOX 11 Los Angeles), earned his A.A. degree at City and years later would trek to the C olleELAC with scholarship checks from the 8-Ball Foundation for journalism students.
from successful LACC journalism students to mention them all here The Logic Behind TBA Hours
going around that vaccines havebunked claim was introduced by a British former doctor by the name of from practicing medicine and is now an anti-vaccine activist.
tween autism and the MMR vaccine, based on the parents of eight children reporting that their child’s vaccinedependent evaluation of the parents’ claims.
cause an uproar of conspiracies that there is a link between vaccines and autism. Kennedy and Trump are
to college but there is unanimity in the way newspaper publication classes are scheduled at ELAC, Valley, Pierce and City for to be arranged," (TBA) hours.
Investigative research, working a beat, conducting inter views, tracking down facts, fact checking, covering campus events, reporting writing editing and designing the C ollegian does not all happen during in-person hours on campus, I assure you
by Dean Ly creates a schedule contively decrease enrollment in the then be cited as a good reason (in her mind) to cut those courses. Ly has made these changes and published this revised schedule online without consulting with students or Professor Rhonda Guess, the faculty adviser
It is alarming that President Gebru and Chair Khanna say they support the journalism program in public and inter views, but they are doing nothing, not one thing that I can see to keep the course schedule in -
minimum stop the bleeding VAMA and the administration decided that the award-winning C ollegian Times magazine should publish once ever y two years, instead of once a year as it has done for more than a decade Gebru knew about it. He did nothing to stop it.
I m aware of the elements of what’s happening in the program,” Gebru said And in the next breath he emphatically insisted “I want the
continuing this misinformation and plan to fund research about vaccines and their ability to cause autism.
As an autistic woman, I know it to be true that vaccines do not cause autism. I was diagnosed later in life at the age of 24 and have since accepted being on the spectrum. Autism is not a disorder or a disease; it s not something where a simple blood test can determine if you have it or not. Autism is a spectrum, and many individuals have their own experisigns of autism. is genetic.
Kennedy spews the conspirac y theor y that because of vaccines, there has been a rise in autism diagnoses, from an estimated 1 in 50 children in the 2000s to 1 in 36 today But ac -
students in the journalism program to be successful I just want to make to dismantle, get rid of the program or any of that ”
Since last fall, 15 hours of journalism courses have been cut — Journalism 185, 285 and 220 werewinter session (although Khanna she accepted). PR was not scheduled numbers.
Chair Khanna seemed surprised when asked why the C ollegian Times was canceled Nothing s been cut,”ing concern, is still viable as long as it meets the minimum number of students to be enrolled in the semester that it’s held ” old C ollegian student newspaper, Los Angeles C ommunity C ollege District, is in grave danger of being canceled, and low enrollment will be used to justif y this deathblow, unless students do something about it.
We the students, don’t have to lie down for this. We can stand up and tell Dean Ly Chair Amarpal Khanna and LACC President Amanuelpaper publication courses the way students want to study, the same way journalism students at the other colleges study
We, the students, can tell Ly, Khanna and Gebru and all the claqueurs that we want complete restoration of the Journal 220 (magazine produc -
cording to health and science journalist Liz Szabo, research suggests that much of that increase is due to increasing awarenessand screening for the condition;tions of autism to include milder conditions on the spectrum that weren t recognized in previous years; as well as advances in diagnostic technolog y”
Szabo also addresses the genetic basis for autism, pointing out that doctors have long known that genes play a large role in autism simply by noting that autism can run in families.
I know I have relatives who could be autistic but never had a proper diagnosis. For example my brother shows clear signs of autism while also having ADHD Hearing that Trump and Kenne-
tion) courselegian Times is a beacon of Los Angeles C ommunity C ollege excellence and must be allowed to shine bright. It is our outward-facing publication to the community and the nation. Students must see this for what it
classes is an attack on Free Speech and an attempt to smother the student voice It is time for the LACCD B oard of Trustees to act in favor of student stop to this madness. Note to Chandoes not cost $30K per year You are being fed misinformation.
is what did they do with the money saved by not publishing the magazine this year?
vice president, student ser vices vice president and college president. We see what you are doing to support or hamper ; to augment or take away from journalism.
We will not be silenced We have megaphones to amplif y our voice and techniques to pierce the darkness.
over what is happening to journalism at L.A. City C ollege We will make sure we are heard We will tell at the state level We will tell the accreditors. We will report ever y misstep and illegal move you make We will tell anyone who cares about student press, the Leonard L aw and free speech.
dy want to continue research on the connection between vaccines and autism is ver y harmful to me and to the community
No matter how many times a study is conducted to research this myth, it is still debunked each time
Kennedy Jr and Donald Trump create fears in parents who are worried about their child being autistic. Funding this research will cause more harm than good I think there is more to worr y about from vaccine-preventable diseases than wondering if your child will end up autistic or not.
Exposing this problem can bring awareness that autism is not a defect or a disease created by vaccines, but something that needs more understanding and acceptance
Administrators Chop Classes, Hobble Collegian
OPINION & EDITORIAL 3
CITY VIEWS
ARINI CROFTS
CINEMA MAJOR
“Two big thumbs down, I don’t think its going to, its not going to help anybody, especially with the division that’s going on in politics today, um honestly I think it’s disgusting.
CHRISTINE SONCO LACC STAFF
KEVIN MAGAÑA COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR
ELIZABETH MACKESSY
THEATER
ARTS & EDUCATION
TONY GONZALEZ THEATER ARTS
COMPILED BY:
LEIF HAWK & EMILY GONZALEZ
PHOTOS BY:
BEATRICE ALCALA & LEIF HAWK
it’s (the DOE) helped me thrive in furthering my academic knowledge in transferring to another university, another chance at life.
I don’t know what he’s thinking so I hope he gets impeached or something I hope they implement the 21st amendment (laughs). It’s (the DOE) helped everybody I’ve ever met here, as a returning student it’s helped so many people I can’t even… and professors too its so helpful and uh I mean every resource that is available to students that are much younger than I am, absolutely."
“Uh very upsetting, not only because I do work in the educational department but I do think it’s going to a ect our students a lot since we are a community college, um I don’t think it’s a smart idea but I’m hoping that we still have people in o ce in our government who believe and don’t want to dismantle our education.”
“I don’t think I’d feel well because nancial aid helps a lot of people and some people who are very intelligent, at times, don’t have great nancial ability to go to school and pay for classes so nancial aid is de nitely something that everyone needs.”
"It makes me sad for our country because we are already in (a place of) not enough support for educatione current administration- they're actually dismantling every part of what made this country good. Sad to be an American right now."
"I think that's kind of stupid, I do know that people are dependent on nancial assistance to come to college- but- this is my rst time hearing about this."
A Visual Representation of The World As We Know It
BY ANDRE SOTO
Artificial intelligence is no longer a thing of the future or a science fiction movie. It’s a reality that is reshaping industries, economies and everyday life. From self-driving cars to ChatGPT and AI-powered technology, the impact of AI can no longer be overlooked.
While some fear its impact on jobs, society and privacy, there is no question that AI is here to stay.
We are at a pivotal moment in history where we should embrace AI with optimism and work on shaping how this new technology will evolve and help society.
One of the most powerful traits of AI is its ability to process information at incredible speeds, faster than any human.
When most people think about AI, they think of machines taking their jobs and putting them out of work, but this is not necessarily the case. It can be used in countless ways to benefit society.
AI has been proven to help medical professionals predict cancer before a human would have detected them. It can improve climate change research, predict financial trends, increase productivity, reduce human error, enhance decision-making, increase efciency in automation and the list goes on.
There are countless ways to use AI to our advantage.
AI is also improving how we interact with technology on a much more personal level.
AI virtual assistants such as
Siri and Alexa have already been making our everyday lives easier. So have the intelligent algorithms used by Spotify and Netflix, which recommend the best movies and new songs, or the old songs that you thought you’d never find again. Little by little, these AI systems are already being integrated into our lives. Despite its benefits, AI is often met with fear and criticism by many people — perhaps mainly because of concerns about job losses and its potential to have negative impacts on society.
A 2024 survey conducted by Pew Research found that only 17% of U.S. adults thought the impact of AI on American society over the next 20 years would be positive, while 35% expected the impact to be negative. At the same time, it is important to point out that AI is also creating new job opportunities and industries. Consider how people felt about the internet in the 1990s. Some people were apprehensive about how the internet would affect society, but now we can’t function for a day without it. If we tried, we would be doomed. So, why should you care about AI? Because AI is not shaping the future, it is shaping your future. Whether you are a student, professional, entrepreneur or part of a corporation, AI will eventually play a role in your career and daily life. Understanding its potential and how it works will allow you to stay ahead in a constantly evolving world. The AI revolution is here, and we are the lucky early adopters right now. So, do not fear or criticize it. Instead, try to understand how it works and keep an open mind about the possibilities and opportunities you can begin to create for yourself.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
REVIEW
third-person journey seamlessly blends sci-fi and fantasy realms.
It requires synchronized platforming prowess, coordinated enemy takedowns and unified strategies against colossal bosses. For those who crave a genuinely engaging co-op experience, look no further.
BY SHELBY SAXTON
s someone whose affection for interactive entertainment rivals only their penchant for meticulously cataloging it, the first half of 2025 has delivered a compelling array of video game experiences.
Forget arbitrary rankings; instead, consider this a passionate recommendation of five titles that have already left a significant mark and deserve your attention. Leading the pack is Split Fiction, a cooperative adventure that demands partnership. If you share your living space with anyone, consider this a mandatory bonding exercise. This
While technically a late 2024 release, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle’s recent arrival on PlayStation 5 warrants inclusion. Stepping into the shoes of the iconic fedora-wearing archaeologist in first-person is a revelation. The puzzles evoke the classic tomb-raiding spirit, and the narrative feels like a genuine, thrilling chapter in Indy's adventures. For longtime fans and those who appreciate immersive exploration, this is the definitive Indiana Jones experience.
Having grown somewhat disillusioned with recent iterations, Assassin's Creed
BY ANTHONY HERNANDEZ
sense of revulsion, disbelief, and utter disappointment enveloped me upon the reveal of the much-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 console’s game format—Game-Key cards.
The official reveal of the next generation Switch model and its first lineup of games was released via a livestream last month on April 2. Although the starting price of the model was to be expected at around $450, that was the least of the worries for fans.
I, along with much of the audience watching the news live, were shocked at the real eye-catching information in the news: the new game-key card format and its price. The official price of these games ranges from $80 and goes up to $90 without tax.
Putting the price increase aside, which would be expected of Next Gen games, the real kicker lies in the fact that the game-key card format will be the dominant and prevalent form of purchase. The issue derives from the
Shadows has been a welcome return to form. The feudal Japan setting is visually stunning, but more importantly, the game embraces a more traditional structure, emphasizing focused assassinations and a satisfying list of targets. This entry feels revitalized, offering a compelling blend of stealth, action, and a captivating historical backdrop. It’s the best the franchise has felt in ages and comes highly recommended.
Acknowledging its niche appeal, Xenoblade Chronicles X earns a spot through sheer dedication. This sprawling Japanese role-playing game, with its undeniable anime influence, demands patience and a willingness to grind. Yet, its vast open world, populated by colossal robots, and its undeniably unique charm have kept me engrossed for over 100 hours this year alone. If you appreciate epic scale and are not afraid of a bit of
unconventionality, dive in.
Finally, the year’s surprise gem: Blue Prince. This firstperson puzzle game seemingly materialized out of thin air and has proven utterly captivating. Its brilliance lies in its enigmatic nature; the less you know going in, the more rewarding the experience. The intricately designed house you explore feels alive, and the puzzles linger in your thoughts long after you’ve stopped playing. For puzzle aficionados or those seeking something truly special and unique, Blue Prince is an essential experience.
These five titles represent a diverse snapshot of the compelling gaming landscape of 2025 thus far. While anticipating future releases, these experiences offer a rich and varied palette for any gamer seeking adventure, challenge and genuine immersion. Until next time, happy gaming.
Classicist Emily Gowers places art into perspective on a small scale in her book, "The Small Stuff of Roman Antiquity,” for a lecture on June 3, 2025. She underlines the importance of “small things” revealed by Roman writers and ancient artifacts, including some of the tiny artworks in the Getty Villa’s collection. Learn what these objects tell us about the physical and emotional needs of Romans who once owned them.
Zoom lecture is free, but registration is required in advance. There is a fee for parking. https://www.getty.edu/calendar/power-smallthings/
Queer Lens: A History of Photography open June 17 at the Getty Center, and it is free. Many images that depicted queer life have been destroyed over the years. This exhibition explores photography's role in shaping and reflecting facets of the LGBTQ+ community. Tickets are available in advance. Located at the Museum, West Pavilion, lower level. There is a fee for parking. https://www.getty. edu/exhibitions/queer-lens/
“cartridge,” which contains no actual game data, as one must download the entire data from the internet. Put simply, these key cards serve as an access code that allows the user to download and play the game.
It differs from a digital copy via the fact that a person cannot play the game without the access code being inside the game slot.
Considering that I am a collector and an individual who has an inclination toward merchandise that is tangible, this strikes me as unfavorable for there is no joy in a cartridge that is essentially hollow.
According to Joelle Daniel’s article entitled: “Nintendo’s Game-Key Cards Are ‘Disheartening’ for Game Preservation,” the CEO of Nightdive, a studio that focuses on modern remasters of older games, offered his insight on the matter.
“Seeing Nintendo do this is a little disheartening," CEO Stephen Kick stated. "You would hope that a company that big, that has such a storied history, would take preservation a little more seriously."
In the article, Joelle Daniel dives into the notion of game preservation by making the proposition that this new system would be vulnerable to the shutting down of live servers. Gamers are reminded of the case behind the Wii U and 3DS consoles and the termination of their servers. Digitally purchased Wii U and 3DS games are no longer able to be downloaded for that same reason.
While collectors of tangible items may be biased, the truth of the matter is that the issue goes beyond personal preference for stocking games on a shelf or the excitement of unwrapping a gift and seeing a game. As is alluded to in the article, once Nintendo opts to pull the plug on a console, it is over. There is no turning back.
The key card will be rendered useless as they can essentially take it away from gamers at any time. You will never truly own the game. You will never truly own anything, because you are living on borrowed time, and it will soon catch up.
The aftermath of an explosion in the Port of Beirut in 2020 revealed a lost masterpiece in the wreckage. It was an unknown painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, the most celebrated woman painter of 17th-century Italy. The theme is Donne Forti: Strong Women. The damaged painting was brought to the Getty for restoration. There are four additional paintings by Gentileschi in the exhibit. Located in the Museum East Pavilion, Upper Level. The exhibit runs through Sept. 14, 2025, and it is free. There is a fee for parking. https://www.getty.edu/exhibitions/artemisia/
Museum visitors will not pay a penny to learn how three dollars relates to queer life at an exhibit that opens on June 10, 2025, at the Getty Center. $3 Bill celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists in the last century. It covers queer life in the first half of the 20th century through liberation movements and the challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemics and beyond. It is located at the Research Institute Galleries and runs through Sept. 28, 2025. https://www. getty.edu/exhibitions/three-dollar-bill/
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
CAMPUS LIFE 5
COLLEGIAN STAFF
Students flocked to a lunch event in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Month, which is observed during the month of May.
The luncheon on May 11, drew a large crowd. The Race Equity and Social Justice Center and AFT and WEC hosted the luncheon for students, faculty and staff on the third floor of the Student Union in the Multipurpose Room.
One of the cultural highlights included information on the history of leis, which are a Polynesian garland of flowers. They represented royalty and wealth in ancient Hawaii. It is considered a symbol of love, friendship, honor and celebration. A collection of colorful leis adorned a table in the MPR Room during the program.
BY DANIELLA SANCHEZ
a Vinci Hall came alive, May 14, as more than 100 students, faculty and families gathered to celebrate the LACC Visual and Media Arts Department’s awards ceremony and student exhibition.
Over 40 pieces of artwork — from ceramics and photography to digital illustrations and sculptures — filled the room with creativity, each telling a different story and reflecting diverse talents.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with proud smiles, applause, and heartfelt speeches as students received over 30 awards, including scholarships up to $1,600. The crowd celebrated not just the technical skills, but deep personal growth and artistic evolution, with many students expressing their gratitude on how their work and time at LACC had changed their lives.
This annual event highlights student achievement across categories including Studio Art, 2D and 3D Studio Art, Photography, Graphic Design, Game Art and Design, Illustration Storyboard, and Art History. Special honors like the Henry Walton Award —recognizing the beauty in photography and journalism, and the Fine Artist Kerry James Marshall Award are among the most prestigious.
Professor Amarpal Khanna, the chair of the VAMA Department, praised the event as a celebration of passion and perseverance.
“This exhibition and ceremony represent the best of the department and the hard work of the students,” he said.
PHOTOS BY LOUIS WHITE
PHOTO BY JEREMY CUENCA
Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 14 2025
Dean Vi Ly wrote in an email that she was open to ideas on April 28, 2025, but she published new class times and ended remote learning in most courses for the fall 2025 schedule without discussing any of the changes with Guess or asking the students.
“Hello Rhonda, [i]n an attempt to avoid low enrollment cancellation, I made some changes to the Journalism fall 2025 schedule,” Ly wrote. “As you will see in the attached screenshot, I built in set on-ground hours to help students manage time commitment as well as TBA hours for flexibility. Please take a close look at your fall 2025 schedule and let me know if you want to shift some of the on-ground meeting times. I am open to ideas.”
Journalism Students Speak Out
Emily Gonzales arrived at LACC with a B.A. in finance. She lives in Orange County but chose the program because she wants to become a reporter.
“This is the school of my choice; the hybrid option helps me when I’m not able to commute to campus,” Gonzales said. “If I’m having a health issue or something else happens that I have to take care of, it also helps a lot being hybrid. I’d like to continue taking more journalism courses and eventually would like to learn magazine writing.”
Journalism opened different doors for Erika Ramirez, an English major who hopes to edit books one day. She produced her first podcast on anime in the Collegian newsroom.
“Journalism helped me put myself out there,” Ramirez said. “I am very socially awkward, and I do not like going up to people for questions when it comes to stories, but it's also a good thing because I am coming out of my comfort zone. … I prefer to be physically present in class, but I like the hybrid class as well. It's convenient to be online in case I'm sick or not feeling up to going in person.”
Ramirez says she enrolled in journalism classes because she believed they align with her major.
“I found it unfair that they canceled 219 and the magazine because they make it seem like the class is unimportant,” Ramirez said. “The class is very much important. … It's also a great way to get the people’s voices heard. That's the point of journalism. The professor has gained the respect of students and told us stories of past students thanking her, so I don't see how trying to remove a class is going to help anyone.”
Doreen Sanchez is not a traditional student. At 66, she has an associate degree in humanities. This is her first year as a journal-
ism student. She says she struggled to find a program where lifelong experience is a plus.
“I met Professor Guess during an outreach event she was conducting in the student services building,” Sanchez said. “I have had such an ‘aha’ moment in this class and plan to continue in this field.”
Sanchez lives in Hollywood and says that parking is a real issue in the area. She says that hybrid class options saved her a lot of parking fees.
“Having the hybrid class options has been extremely helpful especially now, when all the construction trucks take up most of the available parking spots around the campus and the school parking lot feels unsafe to me,” Sanchez said. “I live on a fixed income and at the end of the month I have to consider how much I drive to keep expenses down for myself.” She considers class cancellations an attack on journalism and journalists.
“I find the behavior of the administration covert, unsupportive and disheartening to students like me who struggle to reach personal goals and yet still strive to achieve once we meet educators like Professor Guess,” she said.
Amy Shank is training for the newspaper’s editor position. She says she enrolled in journalism classes because she needed a new direction in life.
“The journalism classes have reignited not only my passion for writing, but for the world in general,” Shank said. “There’s real purpose here and Professor Guess is so encouraging. I believe the work we’re doing means something and have no doubt that I’ll take these skills into whatever career I have for the rest of my life.”
Shank says that hybrid classes are the way to go for her.
“I enjoy and need the hybrid model for class,” she said. “Between job interviews and my other life as a performer, I’m not always able to make class or need to work from home. Hybrid allows me to stay on top of my life and not fall behind in class. I’m really bummed about the magazine being cancelled because that’s a skill I was really excited to learn.”
For Anthony Hernandez, a Journalism 101 student, things are different: he prefers in person classes. He says he is interested in journalism because it helps him learn different writing styles.
“I am a visual learner and have a learning style that is traditional,” Hernandez said. “Within an in-person environment, I can immerse myself in the subject, which paves the way for increased productivity levels. I am not a journalism major; I just thought that I should expand my reper-
toire and get exposed to different perspectives, methodologies, and structures.”
Hernandez says that current and future students will be impacted by the cuts because the limited number of available courses will push them away from the journalism major path.
Louis Primavera is an award-winning journalist. He found out about the magazine production class cancellation when he tried to enroll before the start of the 2025 spring semester. He says he was disappointed and the news was “devastating.”
“I was very confused about why the college would cancel J 220 as well as other classes when the LACC journalism program produces award-winning work,” Primavera said. “Our magazine and newspaper compete with Ivy League schools and are considered elite by many institutions, as well as media professionals around the world. Rhonda Guess has not only been a professor, but a mentor to me and many other students, and has worked countless hours to shape us to become recognized, award-winning journalists.”
Primavera’s work for both publications has been nominated by the L.A. Press Club as well as by Columbia University Scholastic Press.
“I would not have been able to hone my skills and build my portfolio without the classes that were cancelled, especially J 220,” Primavera said. “I very much hope the City College administration recognizes the monumental impact Professor Guess has had on students' lives as well as how nonlogical it is to cancel and gut such a successful program. It is equivalent to what is going on in Washington D.C. right now. There is no sense to it, and it is simply not the answer.”
Schedule Changes, Cuts Could Cause Irreversible Harm
Shuffling the class schedule of J 217 (publication lab), J 218 (practical editing) and J 219 (techniques for staff editors) for the fall 2025 semester might have the effect of shutting down the 96-year-old Los Angeles Collegian student newspaper. The administration, VAMA dean and chair cited low enrollment for their decisions to cut classes. Their actions weakened the foundation of the program; and left several students unable to apply for the Golden Globe Foundation Fellowship because they lacked the necessary number of units required for the application.
At the same time that President Amanuel Gebru says he favors the journalism program, he still stands by the decisions Dean Ly and Chair Khanna made.
“I support the students in the journalism program to be suc-
rent, I have to sell stuff. I work two or three jobs. I’m tired of being that person, I’m tired of watching my people suffer around me,” she said.
As the Trump administration completed its 100th day in office, demonstrators expressed anger and concern about the direction the country is heading. Civil rights are being violated through the discriminatory deportation of immigrants.
“I'm just disappointed in the way our nation's gone,” said Ed, a veteran from Whittier who decided to hit the streets instead of sitting around and waiting for a change. “As a veteran, it's heartbreaking, and I’m disappointed
cessful,” Gebru said. “I just want to make sure that’s clear.”
With respect to the schedule changes Ly and Khanna made, Gebru said, “The department chair and the dean have the right of scheduling the classes,” either with or without the professor’s input. “That is the purview of the dean to schedule classes that aligns (sic) with course offerings, demand and needs.”
Even though the administration cites low enrollment, LACC has more journalism students than most of the colleges in the district, data from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s office shows.
Pierce College enrolled 180 students in their journalism program in 2023, while LACC enrolled 114 the same year. Pierce had around 4,000 more overall students and 22 journalism sections offered. City’s journalism program had 12 sections two years ago.
Last year, LACC placed third. Pierce College had the highest number of journalism students, 165. East L.A. College placed second with 153 students. L.A. City had 83 students enrolled in journalism classes, along with overall lower enrollment numbers--30,834–compared to East’s almost 67,000 and Pierce’s more than 40,000 students. Comparatively, LACC had 12 course sections, East had 15, and Pierce had 21.
Angela Echeverri, the president of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Academic Senate wrote a personal note about the public comment during the March 5, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting. It was a revelation.
“The outpouring of public support expressed for City’s Journalism program, Collegian newspaper, and magazine was inspiring and remarkable,” Echeverri wrote. “At a time when the free press is under attack at the national level, community colleges should be a bastion of free speech. The many concerns voiced about suppressing first amendment rights, and undermining an outstanding academic program, as well as the unfair treatment of faculty advisor Rhonda Guess, and City students were very troubling. The irony of seeing two women of color, Professor Rhonda Guess and Maisha Jones, addressing the Board to defend their jobs and protect academic programs during Women’s History Month (and after Black History Month in February) was a terrible spectacle. I can only hope that once a permanent Chancellor is in place, decisive action will be taken to remedy the failures of HR and address the troubling situations at Southwest and City College.”
in friends and family that still support a pathological liar and a felon.”
The March theme, “One Struggle, One Fight — Workers Unite,” resonated deeply with the protesters.
“El horizonte es donde viven nuestros sueños pero el presente es donde vive nuestra realidad, (the horizon is where our dreams live, but the present is where our reality lives)” Alberto Cabreras, president of the Community Coalition in South Los Angeles said in Spanish “The members of this regime, its oligarchs, and their supporters celebrated, but the working class and the supporters of democracy did not.
PHOTO BY BEATRICE ALCALA
The majority of complaints appear to come from newbies to LACC, who are not yet familiar with the layout of the campus. They get lost and they are late. Parking difficulties are always an issue. However, there is a silver lining to all of this. The Quad improvements are scheduled for completion in the third quarter. The new look will include blue security phones, improved WIFI and upgraded ADA access. The nearly $10 million project promises a design that creates inviting spaces in the Quad. It will provide a safer environment with two emergency phones and better lighting. Some students are looking forward to the completion of the Quad. and are excited to see any upgrades, like Zilma Vasquez.
“It can get tricky with all the construction, but it’s nice knowing that the school is always investing in long-term improvements," Vasquez said. "Yes, it can be inconvenient now, but just imagine when everything is all done and set."
The Collegian could not confirm with facilities if construction for the Quad was on schedule for third-quarter completion. However, that is the projection published on the Build LACCD site. “I’ve been here for two years; construction is always being done," Vasquez said. "Yes, it’s annoying because the parking is always affected with all the workers. I like to remember that once everything’s done. It will be beneficial to students.”
Armenian land to greater Armenia.
“Our people fight to get the land back—They need to bring that back ... better relations, [give] more land, more opportunity to work,” said Zargarzan, who tries to make a difference through his art. “I do songwriting—to [make] a difference between the ... landowners and not owners."
The recent actions and the refusal to recognize the genocide
FOR THE RECORD
only embolden the Armenian community globally. Showing the multi-generational nature of this struggle, youth choirs sang songs dedicated to Armenians of the Artsakh region. Armenian motorcycle groups and car clubs circled the block in support of the cause. One man even blocked traffic, blasting music from the top of his car to attract attention. The community is still strong in ensuring that the Armenian genocide is not forgotten.
The Collegian strictly follows the tenets of balanced reporting. We provide the opportunity for individuals and entities we report about to have their proverbial say.
We quoted Academic Affairs Associate Dean Dan Wanner from his Feb. 14, 2024, email to Anna Badalyan, dean of institutional effectiveness, regarding the Collegian Adviser, Professor Rhonda Guess.
“Many years ago, we decided as a school that Rhonda is getting an ‘appropriate load designation’ of 9 additional hours … But it doesn’t have to be that much and it doesn’t have to be that approach … It’s an ongoing negotiation … (which) can fluctuate every semester, based on how many hours is Rhonda really spending overseeing the newspaper and how many students are being served … We can also give her a $100 stipend a day for doing the work if we decide that’s a better approach. Something to discuss with Vi when things aren’t so chaotic.”
Although Dean Wanner did not respond to requests for comment in time for the previous publication, he shared his point of view with Collegian reporters in a recent interview. Scan the QR code on the right to listen to the entire conversation.
INTERVIEW: DEAN DAN WANNER
PHOTO BY JUAN MENDOZA
RESOURCES
Scholarships
laudio and Ayane’s love for their family is at the root of the inception of Skate Massimo, and that’s why it has remained a pillar in their community.
Pico-Union’s Skate Massimo first came about 17 years ago, born from Claudio and Ayane’s eldest son’s love for skating. By the time the business opened, their youngest son was a year old, which led them to name the store after him.
Claudio says the family’s strong connection is reflected through their connection to their community.
"There are kids that were our customers, now they are fathers, and they come with their kids to buy skateboards and things like that -- because we have been here for 17 years," Claudio said. "That’s a long time.”
A longtime customer of Skate Massimo’s, a graffiti artist named Wendy stopped by the afternoon of the Collegian visit to pick up some deco color markers.
“I came to this store since I went to Berendo [Middle School], but I used to get my paint here, and I just came by and seen that they were still around,” she said. Wendy smiled. She seemed excited and turned around toward Claudio and Ayane briefly.
“Yeah, I grew up in Pico Union, born and raised … I came around to see if they had s*** still and they do," she said. "All in the same place. I hope they never leave, man. I used to make bracelets back in the days.”
Ayane is the brilliant artist behind all of Skate Massimo’s merchandise. She taught young people how to create their own beaded bracelets and jewelry during the height of their store's business. The shop also had
another sideline apart from the usual skate decks and oddities.
“We used to do raves,” Ayane said.
Fans appreciated Skate Massimo for the rave-related merchandise. A Yelper named Jasmine gave a five-star review to the Pico Union shop in 2018.
"The merchandise at this store is off the hook," Jasmine wrote. "I can't wait to come back again to buy my raver goods for TAO! You can find anything you need ... from Candi cuffs to neon-colored sneakers! The owners of the store are the nicest and coolest people ever as well!"
Nowadays, Ayane leaves out coloring pencils and markers for the children that pass by the shop. Skate Massimo also sells skate decks with no graphics on them at a cheaper price. Art deco markers are provided to encourage skaters to personalize their own skateboards.
“I’m trying to inspire them to be a little bit creative," Ayane said. "When you try to get a board that has all the graphics on it--it's really cool and everything, but it's more expensive, and I try to inspire them to create on their own board.”
Some may find inspiration in Ayane’s investment in the creativity of the children in a Central Los Angeles neighborhood.
The skate deck is such a personalized part of a skater: what brand their board is, the graphics on it, the stickers or lack thereof. And that is only if you can make out what used to be on it--if it's not worn away and littered with scratches from the copious amounts of grinding. But lately the rising cost of living and the neighborhoods. Like Ayane, their youngest son and the shop's namesake--Massimo is also a gifted artist. There are examples of his artwork on the decks that are hanging up in the shop. Many
of them are reflective of his taste in music, MF DOOM and Tyler, The Creator are the main subjects.
Many businesses in the area struggle with rising costs and a huge decrease in sales.
“As a skate shop, it’s tough if you [only] do skate stuff, so now we have school uniforms and of course her art, that’s the biggest thing in here,” Claudio said.
Skate Massimo has expanded their catalogue beyond just skate gear to match the needs of the community.
“During the pandemic, people got used to buying online. Now it’s less for shopping for every business, not just for us," Claudio told the Collegian. "But slowly, it’s coming back. People walk, see and try.”
Yelp shows Skate Massimo has a dedicated following and plenty of five-star reviews. A customer made the quick bus ride down Vermont from the USC campus and raved about the stickers, art and clothing at "great" prices.
"Skate Massimo is a beautiful shop owned by a beautiful couple," wrote 'Joseph I,' a USC student. "I'm a complete newbie when it comes to building skateboards, but the owners, Claudio and Ayame helped me every step of the way. There's a good selection of parts and decks here but Claudio didn't hesitate to tell me what's the best for my budget. After selecting parts, [Ayane] assembled my board on the spot free of charge. They even gave me water free of charge cuz it was hot! ... The owners really love what they do, and it's a great vibe!"
As the weather gets warmer and summer gets closer, it may be worth your while to give Skate Massimo a visit and get yourself a customized belt, some pro club, a new deck or one of Ayane’s beautiful, stylized clothing pieces. You may even gain two new friends along the way.
