2020 Spring Los Angeles Collegian

Collegian ollegian

PANDEMIC RESISTANCE ISSUE III

Los Angeles

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The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Volume 184 Number 5

COMMUNITY

POLICIES

Student Press Gets Answers on Coronavirus from State Chancellor

Campus News and the Collegian Produce COVID-19 Team Coverage

By Angela Johnson

Campus News: 75th Anniversary The Collegian: 90th Anniversary Partnership Celebrating 165 Years of Scholastic Journalism in the LACCD

Collegiate journalists from throughout California queried California Community College Chancellor Eloy Oakley about available supportive resources for students struggling with COVID-19 related problems during a teleconference on April 14, 2020.

Photo by William Torres People relax without masks or social distancing on April 25, 2020 in Huntington Beach. Los Angeles County beaches are closed to the public, but Orange County beaches are open.

Warm Weather Lures L.A. Residents, Visitors to Orange County Beaches

ELAC Becomes Coronavirus Testing Facility

By William Torres

Reprint from Campus News

Residents of Los Angeles county experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can get tested for free at the drive-up site at East Los Angeles College. The testing center, located in the parking lot on the west end of the campus, is part of a countywide effort to increase testing availability in East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. The center opened on April 8, becoming one of more than 30 locations residents can go to get safely tested for COVID-19. Residents who are experiencing symptoms can schedule an appointment at coronavirus.lacity.org/-testing or call 211. Testing is available 9 a.m. to5 p.m. seven days a week and tests are booked for the following day.

The site is operated through a partnership with LA county, the Los Angeles Community College District, and the Edward Roybal Comprehensive Health Center in East Los Angeles. “The drive up sites provide individuals in East Los Angeles, Monterey Park, and the surrounding communities with a quick and safe way to get tested in order to slow the spread of the virus”,said county supervisor Hilda Solis in a COVID-19 update April 8.

Currently, tests are prioritized for residents with COVID-19 symptoms who are at most risk. The LA county website defines this as people with the virus’ symptoms who are 65 and older. Also anyone with symptoms and an underlying condition are included in this prioritization. Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to fever, shortness of breath and now loss of taste or smell.

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ith Los Angeles County Beaches closed, thousands of people headed to Orange County beaches for sun, fun and pandemic relief.

Despite the “Stay at Home” or-

A tourist stands in front of an exhibit in the Armenian Genocide Museum in Yerevan, Armenia on Oct. 1, 2018.

He reflects on the images of scores of Armenian children who became orphans during the genocide which claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenians.

Reporters Notebook

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News Sports

By Angela Johnson

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Photo by Ghegham Khekoyan

Custodians Finish Power Wash, Cleaning Facilities

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Emma Halfenberg and Madison Tanap have been quarantined together in Seal Beach, Calif. They decided Saturday was a great day to come out of quarantine and go to the beach.

“It’s a beautiful day,” Halfenberg said. “The beach is a place we

April 24, 2020 marks 105th year of Armenian Genocide

INDEX Resources

their lives. Groups of two or more were tanning, swimming, playing volleyball, and hundreds of surfers were riding the waves. It was a perfect weekend to be out at the beach despite California coronavirus cases surpassing 42,000 and the death toll at 1,700.

SEE “BEACH” PAGE 6

SEE “COVID TESTING” PAGE 6

Opinion & Editorial

der Gov. Gavin Newsom issued on Mar. 19, California’s sweltering heat encouraged thousands of people to leave their homes and enjoy their weekend at the beaches of Orange County.

Everyone at the beach seemed like they were having the time of

Photo by Rebecca Grazier Custodians clean and disinfect hallways and classrooms to stop the spread of COVID-19.

anitize and disinfect. That was goal No. 1 for the team of custodians who moved into action in response to COVID-19 at Los Angeles City College. Their sole purpose is to make sure the grounds and facilities are clean and safe for students and faculty to return--whenever that will be.

The crack team of 27 virus hunters combed through the 175-acre campus to track and kill harmful pathogens on floors, walls, desks and all “high-touch” areas. These individuals are the barrier between students and faculty and the possibility of being infected with the coronavirus.

The health and wellbeing of the

Facilities staff must be protected while they do this potentially dangerous, very necessary work. City College President Mary Gallagher says the custodians received N95 masks, gloves and gauze coveralls.

“It’s very important to us for the staff ... who are needed on campus every day, the facilities folks, they have been provided with personal protective gear,” Gallagher said.

LACC campus is not officially closed, although classrooms, facilities and offices have been locked and sealed with tape. Nor are there services offered for students onsite while the campus was being sanitized and disinfected.

President Gallagher says campus is open to staff and faculty who need access to conduct essential business.

As of April 10, however, a mask or face covering will be required of anyone who wants access to campus. No one will be allowed on the grounds without it.

“The sheriff ’s office will make sure you have the proper covering you need to go on campus,” said Gallagher.

President Gallagher says the sanitization process is complete.

There is the question of how to prevent recontamination before face-to-face instruction resumes.

Gallagher says the District has developed sanitization standards that are in place now and will be maintained once public gatherings resume.

“We do not have any further guidance on when there is a possibility of a return to campus,” Gallagher said.

SEE “STUDENT PRESS” PAGE 7

Pass/No Pass Grade Option to End May 10

By Juan Mendoza Students may exercise an option to help them stay in class this semester with the Pass/No Pass or Excused Withdrawal instead of a letter grade for the spring semester.

L.A. City College President Mary Gallagher announced that students may opt for either the Pass/No Pass or the excused withdrawal until May 10 by contacting the college admissions office during her virtual town hall meeting on April 9.

Both options will benefit students as they continue their studies this semester after the sudden shift to online instruction in March because of the pandemic.

Many students were not prepared for the sudden change because they did not have access to technology, or they did not own a computer. Some will welcome the opportunity to withdraw by May 10 or exercise the option for no grade.

“Students either pass or no pass the class, but there is no grade. The Pass/No Pass classes will count toward your transfer,” she said. “Also, students have the option to get an Excused Withdrawal [EW] that does not count toward your GPA.” Students must initiate the request.

The form can be downloaded from the LACC website page. The guidelines are also posted on the college website.

The colleges have expanded the number of courses allowed to use the P/NP option. All courses including general education, major and elective courses are eligible.

“Colleges and universities across the country are using this, so they know exactly what it is,” Gallagher said.

Colleges have lifted any restriction on the number of courses a student can take for P/NP this semester. The courses will not count toward the maximum number of P/NP units the student can apply toward a degree or certificate.

For veterans, nursing majors and STEM students, the option is not advisable. These students should seek the advice of a counselor. The Pass/ No Pass petition form can be downloaded from the Academic Year Calendar on the LACC website.

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OPINION & EDITORIAL

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Collegian

Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE III EDITORIAL

Immigrants Pay Taxes, But Reap Few Benefits

By Iliana Salguero

I was shocked a couple of weeks ago when I talked to Christian Ramírez, Policy Director of SEIU, for the United Service Workers West. He explained to me that more than two million undocumented people who live in California will not receive any government benefit during this COVID-19 pandemic. It is like they do not exist.

I was heartbroken to learn this. It is wrong. The undocumented work hard for this country and they are being ignored once again. This time, it is in the middle of a health and humanitarian crisis. We are talking about a community that

contributes over $3 billion in taxes in California every year, but in Washington, they think that they are not good enough to receive help as we face the coronavirus. People who are under the Temporary Protected Status, or are a DACA beneficiaries did not receive a cent of the $2 trillion stimulus package that the Senate approved on March 25. At least 70% of these people have lived in California for a minimum of 10 years. And that is not all. Many of the taxpayers are also essential workers who are risking their lives during this pandemic.

These people clean the hospitals, and they are supermarket cashiers.

They make deliveries, and most

COVID-19 Exposes Lack of Democracy In L.A.

By Paul Keith

This pandemic has laid the true agenda of City Hall bare.

From rent control to harassment of the homeless, activists across Los Angeles have battled landlords and developers for years, and the current crisis is just the latest round.

One local tenant and activist identified only as Kevin called into the April 22, L.A. City Council meeting over Zoom to eviscerate council members over the number of landlords they have given a platform to.

“So, I’m hearing from the concerns of landlords quite a bit on this meeting and previous meetings,” he said. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to be putting the concerns of landlords over the concerns of tenants at this point.”

It’s a fair complaint. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates only 36.8% of Angelenos are homeowners, which implies a super majority of the city renters are housing insecure.

A study conducted by USC Dornsife Center for Economic Research found the employment rate in L.A. went from 62% in mid-March, to 45% in mid-April. Given such rates, one would expect aggressive action from City Hall to meet the basic needs of its citizens.

While there has been no shortage of headlines about relief from City Hall, activists in Los Angeles remain critical.

Healthy LA is one of the organizations to spearhead the grassroots pressure on City Hall.

“We are a network of 300 advocacy organizations, worker centers, labor unions, service providers, religious congregations, community groups, affordable housing developers, public interest lawyers, public health and safety organizations, and many more uniting to propose concrete solutions to the many hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a statement on their website.

On March 27, Healthy LA sent a letter to City Hall that outlines where COVID-19 related ordinances fall short. Concerns included paperwork requirements, which a working-class person with little legal training and subject to sudden termination is unlikely to possess, and the limited scope of the evictions actually banned. At the April 22, City Hall meeting, these suggested measures were voted down again.

It is a shock that elected representatives would refuse to support when a majority is in dire need, but less so when we consider at least seven City Council members have been shown to be landlords themselves.

A system of government that prioritizes the wealth of a small number over the health of the majority, cannot legitimately be called a democracy?

Flip the Script on Meat

By Angelia Coyne

I am not in agreement with cruelty on any scale, man or beast, but what is the process for getting life-sustaining products such as beef, poultry, pork, turkey and fish to people? An animal activism group called Watch1000eyes.com offers a clear depiction of animal cruelty that is not for the faint at heart in YouTube videos and Facebook posts. But is what you are seeing cruelty and neglect from the individual, the company or allowances by the government? Sentient Media is a nonprofit organization in San Francisco that covers the welfare of animals and reports on “global factor farming.” In an article called, ‘Factory Farms Are Awful for Animals, People and the Environment,” Sentient reported on what happens on “Factory Farms,” or what others would call slaughterhouses. Sentient’s co-founder and author of the article, Grant Lindel lives in Brazil and he has missed the point: that death must happen so that life can continue.

It’s called interdependency. Some facets in life are necessary like interdependency. We consume them alive and they consume us when we die. From plate to grass. From grass to plate. The real problem does not

lie with the so-called factory farms or slaughterhouses. It lies directly with the individual. People know what they want from the process, not what the process entails, for this would challenge one’s ethics and morals. Is death OK for others if it keeps you alive, in spite of the process used to sustain your life?

Why then can a lion kill for food?

That is considered a natural event, but humans cannot kill for the same reason? Perhaps the problem is not that animals are being killed, rather the manner in which they are being killed for consumption. People have to be clear about what they want and why they want it. Some people want to eat, but don’t want any part of the process required to produce their meat. We want righteous officials, yet elect a lewd man with open indiscretions. People want voting rights, but they will not vote.

Take a position and make a stand.

People must make a decision about what they want and why. After I watched a video on factory farms, it seemed to me the logical thing to do is to stop the suffering and murder of animals for human consumption. But, at what cost? If we closed all factory farms, what would happen to the food and medicines (Zootherapy) that are derived from animals? Humans get a portion of

importantly they are farmworkers, the ones who put the food on our tables. Undocumented families are suffering, and they are also in need. They have children of their own. We are the ones who need to raise our voices and fight for them.

They are a vulnerable community, and most of them cannot even afford medical insurance. If they are fired or there are layoffs, they cannot apply for unemployment benefits, but as I said above, they pay taxes every year and every paycheck. They have obligations, but not benefits. I applaud Mayor Eric Garcetti for helping the undocumented community last week with the Angeleno Card. That money

will help undocumented families pay rent and survive this difficult time. Sadly, it is not enough. We need more help for them. We must call our representatives, and ask them to help this community, my community. Ramirez also told me that his organization with many other non-profits sent a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom to urge him and the California State Legislature to allow access to benefit programs, regardless of immigration status. The initiative would also permit people to apply for EDD benefits. I ask you to support undocumented immigrants. They are hardworking people, just like you. They too deserve to feed their

family, to have food on the table and access to water and medicine.

They should have $8.99 a month to pay Netflix and entertain their kids.

Remember that all quarantines are not the same. You may have an easy one, with food deliveries, wi-fi, movies, boardgames and all your loved ones safe. But undocumented families are afraid. They don’t have money. They lack health insurance, and most of them don’t have a car.

They have struggled every day they have lived in this country, but now, they are struggling even more because the government is treating them like they are ghosts. Americans, we can change course. Be their voice. Be their help.

protein, carbohydrates and minerals called macronutrients from animals, as well as from plant sources.

Rather than castigate factory farms, go directly to the source, the people who want the product. Give them fact-based information that clearly spells out the benefits and risk associated with the consumption of animals and the process required

to get it. Instead of producing a silent video without pointing out the real culprits of animal slaughter, play a video with people in the store shopping for meat hearing the bleating of sheep as they pass by, or eating it at the table with their family. Broadcast the sounds of animal cries while they are being slaughtered with every bite the smiling

animal-killers take as they masticate and ingest the chicken whose neck has been wrung. Or the lamb whose throat is slit to bring you those ¼ pound juicy lamb chops.

Or how about the horrific squeal of pigs as they are ground up alive as they run on a metal treadmill. Show consumers what they are eating, not just how they got to eat it.

By Tupac Zapata

I Hate My Love for Meat

Harrowing images on my phone from an Australian slaughterhouse had an immediate impact on me during my morning coffee routine.

The four-minute clip was quite disturbing.

Hundreds of pigs in crowded spaces that do not allow them any mobility, spend their short lives in horrific conditions being tortured and eventually led to their deaths.

My eyes began to well up more with every passing minute of that footage, and I felt awful. I felt guilty of perpetuating the suffering and extermination of these creatures because pork is my favorite meat, and I know that throughout my lifetime, I have probably eaten the equivalent of one of those slaughterhouse rooms. One of my goals in life is to one day be a vegetarian.

The first 33 days of this year I was a vegan since I decided to try out the “veganuary challenge” with my wife and I felt great. The plant-based diet yielded good results and even helped me shed almost 10 pounds. It is time to retake that challenge and eventually convert it to a lifestyle. I gave up alcohol four years ago, and I would like to do the same thing with meat.

When I lived in Honduras, meat was expensive, and we only ate it on certain occasions—one or two times per week. So, we mostly were vegetarian albeit for economic reasons.

We mostly ate meat on special occasions like parties and holidays.

Meat is so cheap in this country. It saddens me when I look at the price tag whenever I buy a whole chicken.

We have given animal lives very little value. Profits matter more than giving an animal space to walk around freely and get a glimpse of dignity.

I’m horrified and outraged when I hear of dogs and cats being eaten in other countries, but I’m aware of my double standards.

Americans eat four ounces of meat per day and all that consumption

does have an impact on our environment and society. Too much meat can lead to serious health risks like heart disease, diabetes, food poisoning and many other ailments. The COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have come from a wet market in China, where wild animals are sold and slaughtered for consumption.

I can only imagine how desensitized the workers at these death ranches must be, and I wonder if any of them own pets. The nightmares of squealing pigs as they die must haunt some of these people. Seeing thousands of headless chickens flapping their wings everyday has got to suck, unless that person is a psychopath or just someone with not too many options. It definitely has to be one of the toughest jobs that someone has got to do and I feel for them.

It is impossible for all humans to adopt a vegetarian diet, but it is possible to raise those animals in much better conditions. Allowing the animals to have space to move and play and live full lives can justify paying higher prices, thus reducing how often people would eat meat.

What We Must Do When Freedom Comes

By Paulette Meza What will we do with newfound information?

Time has lost all meaning. If you’re reading this, it means you followed protocol and reached freedom, finally!

A moment of silence for all those who perished because of the incompetence of one president, the inefficiency of an entire government, and the greed of corporations. But, at least, we are here together.

We endured weeks of self-isolation in the name of our loved ones and neighbors. We learned community comes before anything else. That good people can be found in the face of crisis, people who would risk their own lives to save others.

We learned that we are all interconnected with the planet and each other.

We learned that without kindness and empathy, this could have been

so much worse. We also learned that some of our lowest paid workers are essential to our survival.

Perhaps now, we can discuss an actual living wage. We learned that corporations cannot run America. In fact, they need our tax dollars to bail them out — many times over.

They will also continue to abuse and exploit their workers, as long as there is money to be made. We learned that we can cancel rent and mortgage payments and essential utilities, including Internet access. Who knew?

Paid leave is necessary and accessible for any job. Sick hours can be cashed in whenever the employee chooses — without a doctor’s note.

We learned that many industries are precariously built and collapsed at the beginning of the quarantine — namely, the restaurant industry.

We learned schools can provide free computers and internet providers

can provide free internet access to students. Ebooks can be accessed freely, instead of paying $100-plus, for one textbook.

In fact, the list of what we have learned during this quarantine can continue on and on, but the important thing now, is to discuss what we will do with this information.

Above all, we cannot let ourselves fall back into life before the quarantine. We cannot go back and we should not want to.

Our best days, individually and as a nation, are not in the past, they are ahead of us. Armed with this new knowledge, gathered over hours upon hours of scrolling and #SaferAtHome, we can forge a better society. One that takes into account our most vulnerable citizens. We have been given a doover, at an impossibly high cost and body count. Let’s make it worth something more.

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NEXT ISSUE: September 23, 2020 EDITORIAL DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2020

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE III INK STYLE

A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT

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RESOURCES

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE III

Find Available Resources Compiled by Angela Johnson and Izquierdo Coronavirus global pandemic or COVID-19 sucker punched the City of Angels when it infected hundreds of Angelinos and caused Mayor Eric Garcetti to issue the “Safer at Home” emergency order that mandates residents stay at home and most businesses close.

The purpose of the order is to prevent further spread of the deadly virus. Gov. Gavin Newsom projected that 56% of Californians (approximately 25.5 million people) could be infected with the virus over the next two months.

While Los Angeles is on lockdown to protect the health of its residents, life must go on. The Collegian has assembled a list of resources and services to help LACC students and members of the community locate healthcare and mental health support, food banks, free services and basic resources they need to be safe and healthy at home.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti set up a website devoted to Coronavirus updates and latest developments. https://corona-virus.la/ LAist.com is a website devoted completely to Los Angeles that offers a comprehensive list of resources and services in its “Your No Panic Guide to the Coronavirus in L.A.” https://laist.com/2020/03/23/coronavirus-covid-los-angeles-help.php The Los Angeles Times is providing a free news link devoted to Coronavirus/COVID-19, which they update twice daily. https://www.latimes.com/california/coronavirus-everything-to-know-right-now One Degree is a technology-driven nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families access the resources they need to improve their lives and achieve social and economic mobility. Their One Degree COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resource Guide has information about helpful resources throughout L.A. County, particularly Metro, East, South and West Los Angeles.

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program provides unemployment benefits to individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of a Presidentially declared major disaster.

Check if you are eligable. https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/597#Eligibility_Checker The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides grant funds to states and territories to provide families with financial assistance and related support services. State-administered programs may include childcare assistance, job preparation, and work assistance. https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/613#Eligibility_Checker The coronavirus affects all of us. In many countries, schools are closed, and parents are expected to be replacement teachers. This presents families with enormous challenges. Many students are in need of modern Office productivity software so that they can work on material provided by the schools.

All pupils and students can now use SoftMaker Office NX Home for Windows, Mac and Linux free of charge. The software can initially be used for six months. If the crisis continues, we will extend the license accordingly. https://shop.softmaker.com/shop/shop. php?go&products https://about.1degree.org/COVID-19-la-en Southern Smoke is a nonprofit 501c3 charitable foundation. Our Emergency Relief Program provides emergency funding to those employed by or own restaurants or bars or are employed by a restaurant or bar supplier that are faced unforeseen expenses that cannot or will not be covered by insurance. We stand with those in our community and are committed to “taking care of our own”.

Please fill out the following application if you believe you meet the necessary criteria for Southern Smoke’s Emergency Relief Fund. Please only apply if insurance is not providing you with compensation for your emergency. https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/covid19faq

FOOD

Uber Offers Discount Trips to LAUSD Grab-AndGo Food Centers—LAUSD schools will remain closed until at least May 1. Uber will give discount trips to families traveling to any of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s 64 Grab-and-Go food centers through April 3, in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The discounts are for 25% of the per-ride cost, up to $10,

on UberX and UberXL. Enter the code LAUSD2020 in the payment section of the ride-hailing app, which can be used between 7 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday. Anyone younger than 18 who uses the discount must be accompanied by an adult.

Food centers list: https://achieve.lausd.net/resources.

Uber: https://www.uber.com/ Food Oasis—Food Oasis pantry locater shows all the food pantries in your area and gives directions. https://foodoasis.la/locations/?type=food-pantry Los Angeles Regional Food Bank—Food Bank locator shows a map of pantries near your residence. https://www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/ California Association of Food Banks—This food bank network works to ensure that vulnerable communities have consistent and safe access to nutritious food.

Food bank locator: http://www.cafoodbanks.org/ COVID-19 Hollywood Food Coalition—Free packaged evening meals are being provided by the Hollywood Food Coalition nightly. No seating available.

Hours: Monday through Sunday 6:15 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: 5939 Hollywood Blvd.

Phone: (323) 462-2032 for more information.

CalFresh Emergency Application—Students and families with low income can access CalFresh benefits to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-nutrition/calfresh My Friends Place offers to-go meals. Click the following link for information: http://www.myfriendsplace.org.

Address: 5850 Hollywood Blvd, LA, CA 90028.

Food Pantry at Blessed Sacrament distributes groceries. Click the following link for information: http://www.blessedsacramenthollywood.org.

Address: 6657 Sunset Blvd, LA, CA 90028.

L.A. LGBT Center offers to-go meals. For more information click the following link: http://www.lalgbtcenter.org Address: 1118 N McCadden Place, LA, CA 90038.

Dream Center Food Truck For locations call or email Phone: (213) 273-7042 Email: foodtruck@dreamcenter.org Students can recieve. $50 gift card for groceries from Kroeger (Food for Less) on their student portal

HOUSING/SHELTER

Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department—LAHCID lists housing resources, details about the COVID-19 eviction moratorium and pages for renters, low income residents, special-needs residents and accessible housing. https://hcidla.lacity.org/Homeless-Persons Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority—LAHSA is a portal to resources if you need shelter, are experiencing a housing crisis, looking for a safe place to sleep in your car at night, need general and/or mental health services and so much more. Additional resource lists have been added in response to Coronavirus/ COVID-19.

Phone: 213 225 6581 www.LAHSA.org/get-help https://www.lahsa.org/news?article=678-covid-19-additional-resources https://www.lahsa.org/news?article=676-winter-shelter-program-update-shelter-extensions 211 LA County—The 211 Housing Page is a search engine for housing support, homeless prevention and rental assistance services. https://www.211la.org/housing EcoBear—This biohazard cleaning company devoted several pages of its website to a comprehensive list of various services and resources for homeless people in the greater L.A. area, including everything from emergency shelters to medical centers. https://ecobear.co/homeless-encampment-cleaning/ services-available-homeless-los-angeles/ Dolores Mission Catholic Church—This place of worship provides temporary shelter to homeless people, particularly families in the vicinity of the parish.

The parish school maintains specialized programming for homeless students. The church is described as a “beacon of hope” for the Boyle Heights community.

Click the following link for information: http://www.dolores-mission.org/ Address: 171 South Gless Street; Los Angeles, California 90033 Phone: (323) 881-0032 Jovenes, Inc.—This nonprofit provides comprehensive services to homeless young people between the ages of 18 to 25. These services include an emergency homeless shelter as well as various programs and associated services to aid these young people in breaking the cycle of homelessness. The organization assists immigrant young people. For information click the

following link: http://jovenesinc.org/ Address: 1208 Pleasant Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90033 Phone: (323) 260-8035 San Fernando Rescue Mission—A community institution that has operated for more than 40 years, the San Fernando Rescue Mission provides shelter to homeless men, women and children. In addition, the organization offers different services and resources to assist homeless people in achieving personal growth, employment, and housing. For information click the following link: https://sfvrescuemission.org/ Address: 13422 Saticoy Street, North Hollywood, California 91325 Phone: (818) 785-4476 For LACC and LATTC students ages 18 – 24, please contact: ntiare@lalgbtcenter.org cmajano@lalgbtcenter.org Make an appointment via email to chat and find assistance. Please use an email you check regularly.

HEALTHCARE

CVS Pharmacy—CVS will deliver prescribed medications to customers for free to ensure those most vulnerable to the disease don’t have to venture out. Aetna, a CVS company, will also waive early refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for medicines typically needed to address chronic conditions like hypertension and asthma.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health— LACDPH set up a comprehensive website “Learn More About Novel Coronavirus” to arm the public with information, including background on the virus, its symptoms and available resources to those affected. http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/# http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ California Department of Public Health—CDPH COVID-19 information website lists the symptoms and risks, testing and treatment, financial resources, help for small business and even safe volunteer opportunities when you are tired of being cooped up indoors. www.covid19.ca.gov Phone: 916-558-1784.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html California Department of Social Services https://www.cdss.ca.gov/#covid19

MENTAL HEALTHCARE

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources, https://www.nami.org/getattachment/ About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-UpdatedGuide-1.pdf?lang=en-US Coronavirus Update: Mental Health Tips, Public Health News and Resources, https://namila.org/ coronavirus-update-mental-health-tips-public-healthnews-and-resources/ Project Return Peer Support Network Non crisis support line What to do Next instructions: Call 1-888-448-9777 Toll free M-F 5-10 PM, Saturday 11-4 PM http://prpsn.org/services/warm-line/ Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event, https:// emergency.cdc.gov/coping/index.asp Managing Anxiety & Stress, https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Disaster Distress Helpline, https://www. samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/ dmh/1069578_CommunicableDisease-StrategiesforCoping-FinalEnglish.pdf Yoga for the Mind and Body—This is a 10-week video series featured on LAUSD’s Health and Wellness Fitness Channel. https://fast.wistia.net/embed/channel/kqxyyjogmr Relaxing Oceanscape—Watching a tranquil seascape can help calm the spirit and relax the mind and contribute to your overall health and wellness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVkADAwOXnU https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/ live-cams/coral-reef-cam/ https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams

ONLINE CONNECTIVITY

Los Angeles Community College District—LACCD activated an Online Learning Call Center to help students and faculty with specific online education questions or concerns. The Online Learning Call Center will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, using the toll-free number: (844) MyLACCD or (844) 695-2223. http://www.laccd.edu/About/News/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx Keep Americans Connected—Verizon, as well as AT&T, Cable One and Cox Communications, signed a pledge issued by the Federal Communications Commission to keep Americans’ internet connected for the next 60 days, even if people cannot afford to pay. More than 50 communications corporations agreed to the pledge. https://www.verizon.com/about/news/our-response-coronavirus https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected Comcast—Comcast announced additional steps to help ensure people stay connected to the Internet as universities, colleges and schools suspend classes and companies encourage employees to work from home due to the Coronavirus. New families who connect will get 60 days of Internet service for free. The Internet Essentials program is normally available to all qualified low-income households in Comcast’s service area for $9.95/month. https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/ internet-essentials-low-income-broadband-coronavirus-pandemic Adobe—Adobe is making temporary at-home access to Creative Cloud available until May 31, 2020 for schools and colleges who currently have only lab access for students, at no additional cost. https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/ COVID-19-education-labs.html Spectrum—Spectrum will provide free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. Installation fees are waived.

Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspots are also currently open and free for anyone to use.

To enroll, call 844-488-8395.

Zoom—Zoom video conferencing platform is available for free to K-12 schools in the U.S. https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/covid19.html

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

L.A. Jobs Portal—Coordinated by the City of Los Angeles for those whose jobs have been impacted by COVID-19, here list of links and resources that can connect you to current job openings in L.A. Employers in sectors providing essential services under the “Safer-at-Home” order, such as grocery stores and food delivery, need help to meet demand for their services. https://lajobsportal.org/ CalJOBS—This is an employment portal administered by the Employment Development Department that offers a variety of resources for job seekers. With the new mobile app available on Apple and Google Play stores you can job search on your smartphone.

Information on upcoming job fairs and workshops is listed as well. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com. geosolinc.caljobs https://www.caljobs.ca.gov/ https://www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/Job_ Fairs_and_Workshops.htm ALDI—This grocery chain is continuing to hire more people each day to keep their doors open and shelves stocked. The company currently has nearly 5,000 openings, mostly based in retail stores. There are a handful of openings in specialized fields such as human resources, public relations and IT. https://corporate.aldi.us/en/newsroom/aldi-covid19-updates/ https://careers.aldi.us/ Kroger—The Kroger family of companies aims to hire 10,000 workers in stores, manufacturing plants and distribution centers nationwide. Candidates may apply online and could be placed for employment within several days of applying. Click the following link for information: https://jobs.kroger.com/ PepsiCo—PepsiCo recently announced it will hire 6,000 new, full-time, full-benefit frontline employees throughout the United States in the coming months to help maintain the supply of foods and beverages. https://www.pepsicojobs.com/main

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Foundation has grants for students who are

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 29, 2020

5

Illustration by STEPHANIE KO

B

By Paulette Meza

In Praise of Public Libraries

oth of my parents are immigrants to this country. Working-class but educated and well-aware of the importance of literacy, my parents sought out resources to help give their children more opportunities.

My father worked all day and left our upbringing to my mother. Of all the activities, places, and distractions she could have chosen for us, it was the public library that she favored most. We had a limited budget, but my mother made our local library trips one of my most treasured childhood memories.

I longed to enter the cool, brick building, built like a castle in the middle of a suburban city. I would breathe in the scent of books, both old and new. It was within that public library that I fed my hunger for literature.

When my father made the decision to move to Victorville, Calif., in the abundantly sunny High Desert, it was the library that I missed most of all. I remember the joy I felt when I learned that there was a public library near our new home.

How disappointed I was when I discovered it sat in a repurposed strip mall, its collection no more than 10 stacks.

Later, it moved to the new city hall, and its old location became a real-estate office. Even so, it held invaluable resources.

Just as I had spent my favorite childhood days discovering new worlds, from a far-off kingdom full of magic and fell creatures, to exploring the depths of our oceans and the creatures held within, so I found myself in this new library, except now with the internet as an unending source.

In a time when my parents could not afford to buy

us a computer with which to finish our assignments, or the books required by our school because they simply did not have enough copies, the library once again had become this bottomless well of resources. I began to apply for jobs. I returned to the library again and again to figure out how to create a perfect resume. I went there to apply to college and to learn about financial aid.

Throughout these countless visits to different branches, there was always a reference librarian, ready to answer any question I could possibly ask. There were countless clerks, waiting for me to check out my next adventure.

I never received a short or curt response. No matter how many questions I asked, I was always given a satisfying answer. As a child, I remember thinking of these librarians as real-life wizards. They represented much more knowledge than I could ever hope to

gather.

I have come to understand much more about the importance of public libraries. They provide books, CDs, DVDs, comics, graphic novels, computer access, adult literacy programs, computer literacy programs, after-school programs, story-time for children, book sales, hot meal programs during schools’ off-seasons, knowledgeable and reliable staff, art access, and more, more, more for all, but most especially low-income members of our communities.

In Los Angeles, we have the opportunity to see all of the problems faced by people all over the country in one place. But in the midst of these issues, we find the public library system: they provide a place where those who are homeless can find the resources to help them along their path.

They patiently allow all who come to learn, work and grow to enter unbothered, ready to help.

Top Secrets and Tips of the MLK Jr. Library “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library,” said Albert Einstein.

colleges and universities are available to assist you after hours should you have any questions with your research.

Students love using the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, and while most know where it is located, there are a lot of services we do not realize are available to us. In this list, learn some tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of your experience, and set you up for success. · Request books for purchase Did you know that any student can request a book that the library does not have in stock, and they will purchase it for you?

You can send your request to the Library Department Chair Barbara Vasquez at vasquebj@lacitycollege.edu and she will forward it to the librarian responsible for purchasing books. If it is a new textbook that the library has not acquired yet, they will purchase it directly from the LACC Bookstore and it will be available to you inside the library for two hours. Also, in your request let them know the reason you want a certain book to be stocked That will help the staff to decide whether they should purchase it or not.

· Use OneSearch for all your searches The OneSearch engine that the library now offers will make your life easier and save you a lot of time. Instead of going to one database to search for journal articles and another to search for print books, OneSearch will allow you to search multiple library resources in one place. Simply go to MLK Library homepage where you will find a link to OneSearch engine in the left corner.

· Get help from a librarian online Get help from the convenience of your own home with 24/7 online library support. To access it, go to Resources & Services on www.lacitycollege.edu where you will find the link Ask a Librarian - 24/7 chat in the left corner. LACC librarians are there to answer your questions during library hours, and librarians from other

· Access Los Angeles Times and the New York Times Get access to Los Angeles Times articles dating all the way back to 1985 through ProQuest database. Each issue of every newspaper is indexed thoroughly so you can find detailed information on politics, art, culture, etc.

Your Public Library card will give you access to the digital edition of The New York Times. If you do not have a public library card, apply for an e-card and get immediate access to their online resources. · Ask “the walking card catalog” Dorothy Fuhrmann started working at the LACC library as a student worker, and has been here for over 40 years. Her fellow co-workers call her the walking card catalog. If you ask her about a book, she will tell you where to find it, what the cover looks like, the color and the size. Also, do not hesitate to approach librarians with any questions. Forget the old stereotypes of what you

think librarians are - they love to help! · Learn new skills with Lynda.com for free Did you know that you had access to online classes on Lynda.com at absolutely no cost? Lynda.com offers high-quality online classes in business, design, technology and many more. All you need to do is to log into the website with your L.A. Public Library card number. · Take Library Science 101 What better way to learn about everything the library has to offer and improve your research skills, than to take LIB SCI 101! The class is usually offered twice a year in fall and spring, but it is also being taught this summer for the first time ever. Learn how to do college-level research utilizing all library resources. · Improve your writing and reading with Read and Write Gold Read & Write Gold is a software program that supports students with reading, writing and research, and it is offered to all LACC students for free.

Los Angeles City College acquired a software license that now allows students to download this product and use it at home. Go to https://www.lacitycollege.edu/Students/For-Students and find the Software Section that will take you to the link where you will be able to download the program. · Follow Martin Luther King Jr. Library on Facebook

You can get news and updates, leave a comment or ask a question on MLK Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/lacclibrary/ · Read e-books anywhere MLK Library offers over 220,000 ebooks, which is more than physical books (over 150,000). You can download and cite e-books, save pages for printing and emailing or export pages to google drive. Over 220,000 ebooks and over 150,000 books in print is like having two libraries - very few of these books are in both collections. · Listen to audiobooks on the go at no cost You have access to hundreds of thousands of audiobooks through platforms like RBdigital, hoopla, overdrive and Libby. Just have your Los Angeles Public Library card to register or use your e-card that, as was mentioned above, you can apply for on their official website lapl.org. · Free textbooks Through May 25, as a response to the COVID-19 situation, publishers have made their textbooks available to students. Check https://studentresponse.redshelf.com and https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/user/signin for the textbooks you need. The instructions are provided on MLK Library homepage on how to log in.

6

FEATURES

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE III FROM “BEACH” PAGE 1

L.A. Workers Line Up for Unemployment

By Xennia Hamilton

Photo by William Torres People appear to enjoy the beach in spite of the threat of COVID-19 on April 25, 2020. They walk and bike in the crosswalks and disregard social distancing measures without masks or personal protective equipment.

Angelenos Travel to Orange County Beaches to Relieve Cabin Fever Los Angeles County Beaches are closed, but not neighboring Orange County. Beachgoers took advantage of idyllic weather as the temperature hovered around 75-degrees.

“Yeah, it’s a place we like to spend time together and today was a perfect day to do it,” Tanap said.

From the outside point of view, it seems visitors are not worried about contracting the virus, but Emma and Madison are still taking the coronavirus seriously.

“Of course, we’re scared,” Halfenberg said. “You hear coronavirus every day on the news, radios and conversations, but we have to take precautions when we go to public places” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published guidelines for preventing Covid-19.

This includes six feet distance from other people and wearing a mask in public places at all times. Unfortunately, on Saturday, some people were not following the six feet rule. No one was wearing a mask at the beach, and bathrooms were open to the public.

“It’s not the worry of us, it’s the

worry of other people who don’t follow the guidelines that scares us.”

Tanap said.

Since Covid-19 has become a global pandemic, it has claimed the lives of over 205,607 people around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) states the virus spreads mainly from person-to-person, causing flu symptoms and death. Anyone with respiratory problems should not be exposed to the virus.

Seventeen-year-old Madison suffers from rumination syndrome, a condition in which people repeatedly and unintentionally regurgitate undigested or partially digested food from the stomach, and then either re-swallow it or spit it out.

She is more at risk of contracting the virus because rumination syndrome lowers her immune system, yet, she was out with Anderson, another teen, enjoying the 93-degree weather with thousands of other people.

Madison wasn’t the only one willing to take the risk. Ten-thousand people went to Huntington Beach on Saturday, April 25, according to the

If you take extra precaution and prevent yourself from being around other people who could give it to you, it’s a risk we were willing to take.

-Madison Tanap L.A. Times.

But why did so many people flock to Huntington Beach?

“It’s the only beach that is open,” Anderson said.

Most of Southern California has done a great job flattening the curve

of the virus by keeping parks and beaches closed. Orange County and Ventura County have Both counties have kept their beaches open during quarantine with guidelines and restrictions, including keeping parking lots closed to discourage outside visitors and limit crowds According to CNN, authorities in both counties reported excellent behavior by beachgoers.

Lifeguard battalion chief, Brain O’ Rourke has been working five days this week at Huntington Beach and hasn’t seen anyone break any rules.

“People are being very cooperative and observing the social distance rules,” O’Rourke said.

A few miles away from Orange County, beaches in Los Angeles looked abandoned. The L.A. County Sheriff reminded everyone on twitter that enforcement is in full effect.

“My compliments to our community for staying away from the beaches in LA,” Los Angeles Police Chief Michael Moore said Saturday on twitter. “From Malibu, Santa Monica, to Dockweiler- All Clear!”

FROM “COVID TESTING” PAGE 1

250 People Can Be Tested Per Day at ELAC Lot

Photo by Campus News

DRIVE-THRU TESTING—Medical professionals instruct drivers where to go to get the testing utensils for the COVID-19 test. The site is located on the west side parking lot and accessible via appointment only.

Residents who arrive at the testing site will be instructed on how to self-administer the oral swab testing kit by healthcare staff, which include workers from the Royal Health Center, the fire department and the lifeguard. Once people complete the test, they drop off the sample in blue bins. At this time, residents may only show up to the appointment by car and only people who have the appointment will be tested. The process is contactless in order to protect healthcare workers from possibly being exposed to COVID-19.

It takes between five and 10 minutes and waiting times vary. Robert Garcia, an ELAC student and resident of Monterey Park, went to get tested recently and said the process was straightforward. He found out about the testing site through an ELAC Facebook group. “They had me cough in my car and then asked me to swab the inside of my cheeks for like 30 seconds...ended up taking about half an hour in total,” Garcia said.

The county website instructs people to not eat food prior to showing for an appointment as it can interfere with the results. Solis said the site is capable of treating 250 residents a day, with results being ready in two or three days. If the result is positive, residents will be contacted by phone and emailed if negative.

The coronavirus pandemic has left many people unemployed. Many students and Californians have not only found themselves without a job or paycheck to pay rent or any other bills.

More than half of the population of Los Angeles is now unemployed, according to a national survey from the USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research.

To file for unemployment in California, workers must contact the Employment Development Department.

If you have recently become unemployed or have not worked, you may file a claim online or by phone.

To qualify, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, totally or partially unemployed and ready and willing to accept work.

California is currently leading the number of unemployment claims in the country with a little over 3 million unemployment claims filed since the start of Covid-19. New York, Florida and Texas follow California in the number of claims filed.

“This is the vacation we didn’t need or want,” said Mariaela Lopez, a part-time worker who was recently furloughed from her job. “Some of us have to pay bills and take care of our kids or family members.”

Researchers found that only 45% of L.A. workers are still employed, compared with 61% in mid-March as 1.3 million people have lost their jobs during the coronavirus crisis.

"In L.A., there was a certain level of insecurity to begin with, and it has increased a little bit more than it has in

the national average," USC's Jill Darling, survey director for the Understanding America Study, said recently according to LAist.

The unemployment process usually takes three weeks to receive benefits, yet with this pandemic emergency, Gov. Gavin Newsom has executed an order waiving the one week waiting period to allow applications to be processed faster.

"We are seeing certainly an unprecedented demand for these benefits, more of a sudden slam of demand, as you can well imagine," said EDD Spokesperson Loree Levy, in an interview with KQED.org. “"So for that reason, we have got all hands on deck here at the EDD, trying to do everything we can to streamline the processing of these claims."

Many feel the strain of quarantine and are eager to return to work and school.

“It just feels as if there is nothing to do. We are bored just sitting home with everything being closed,” said Antonio Nedison, a part-time worker. “You even get tired of sleeping and unemployment will only cover so much.”

Workers can also use EDD services to file for disability insurance, if you or someone you know has become unemployed because they have been diagnosed with Covid-19.

To file for Unemployment Insurance online, visit EDD at www.edd. ca.gov and to contact them by phone 1-800-300-5616 seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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NEWS

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 29, 2020

7

Coronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE III FROM “STUDENT PRESS” PAGE 1

Student Reporters Question Chancellor at Zoom Conference The group of 91 student media representatives attended the livestreamed press conference via Zoom. com. Editors and reporters who chimed in with questions were from Chaffey College, Citrus College, San Joaquin Delta College, Laney College, Sacramento City College, Riverside City College, Santa Monica College and Santa Barbara City College.

Chancellor Oakley and Executive Vice Chancellor Marty Alvarado fielded questions about monetary, instructional and technical resources; the safety of nursing students; maintenance of education quality; support for undocumented and international students; help for students with disabilities and veterans.

Reporters also posed questions about colleges’ compliance with AB705 and the sanitization of the California Community College (CCC) system classrooms and facilities.

Oakley praised the campus press for its work to keep students and the community abreast of updates from his office in Sacramento, Calif.

“Obviously this is a very unprecedented crisis, which has impacted not only our colleges, our faculty, our staff, and students,” Oakley said. “I want to thank all the student reporters, all the student newspapers for the excellent work that you’re doing to inform your college and your community.”

Brittany Cruz-Fejeran who is editor-in-chief of the Southwestern College Sun asked how University of California and California State University systems will handle the pass/ no pass grades for transfer students.

Students have the option to petition for a pass/no pass grade for any class this term. Petition deadlines vary according to the individual institution.

The UC’s and CSU’s allow some leeway and will work with students who want to transfer in the fall, according to Alvarado.

“In addition to the immediate support for students anticipating transfer,” she said, “there is also additional support for students who may be impacted this semester but are look-

ing to transfer in a future semester...

There is a lot of flexibility that both systems are applying or providing.”

James Duffy who represents the Citrus College Clarion questioned how the health and safety of nursing students will be protected while they complete the clinical phase of study at hospitals.

Chancellor Oakley says that not only do California Community College nursing programs have the personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary, but they have enough to spare.

“Matter of fact, they’ve been donating excess PPE to many of our hospitals, as well as ventilators and other equipment,” Oakley said. “The safety of our students is something that I know is paramount to our faculty and program directors and all of our nursing programs.”

Oakley described different types of clinical experience nursing students could participate in while they maintain their safety. Those included clinical simulation and telemedicine.

Additional safety measures include modifying courses to accommodate smaller groups of students, having smaller groups use the simulation labs and auxiliary facilities.

James Millett, who is managing editor of the Laney College Tower asked how the transition to online instruction has affected the colleges’ ability to remain compliant with AB705.

The measure, which took effect January 2018, requires that California community colleges ensure students enter and complete transfer-level English and math courses within one year.

“AB 705 is the law,” Chancellor Oakley said. “In a remote environment, I’m sure we are finding some places where it’s challenging. But we’re working through those challenges. We have an expectation that AB705 continues to be implemented.”

Vice Chancellor Alvarado added that colleges also have funding for tutoring/supplemental instruction options that can help them stay in compliance with AB705 requirements.

“Online tutoring is fully available.

Photo by Christopher Ahn Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley discusses the future of California Community Colleges with Student Press via Zoom.com on April 14, 2020. He says that California Community Colleges will help students with supportive financial and educational resources.

And existing tutors, on-campus tutors, can transition online and utilize that platform to continue to engage with students,” Alvarado said. “We have made the online tutoring platform fully available to all 115 institutions.”

Mike Gonzales at San Joaquin Delta College’s KWDC Radio asked Oakley to forecast how funding for California community colleges might be impaired by the looming recession because of COVID-19.

The chancellor says the pandemic will leave a deep impression.

“The serious and significant impact … continues to ripple,” he said. “The bottom line is we don’t know how big of an impact this is going to be because we’re not through this crisis yet.”

There will be budget cuts. But Oakley said he would work to lessen their severity.

“We’re going to be advocating hard to mitigate the cuts to community colleges,” Oakley said. “But we’re going to try hard to make sure that they don’t cut into access to education, like what happened last recession.”

Eric Galicia who is news editor at Riverside City College’s Viewpoints

wanted to know what the state is doing to address the needs of undocumented students.

About $150 million in federal money that has been allocated to California colleges through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is specific to student need, according to Chancellor Oakley. And there are no restrictions on those funds right now.

“We have asked our colleges to prioritize our resident students,” he said. “And what we mean by resident student, is every student that attends our college. We’re not going to make a distinction,” Oakley said.

Jun Starkey who is editor-in-chief of The Channels newspaper at Santa Barbara City College asked Oakley to talk about the relationship between students being accurately counted in the census and funding for community colleges.

Oakley says not being counted in the 2020 Census could bring significant consequences for the next decade.

“We have the great fortune of having both the Speaker of the House of Representatives from California, as well as the Minority Leader,” Oakley

said. “That wouldn’t happen if we don’t have an accurate census count to ensure that we continue to have the large representation in Congress that we have currently.”

Federal funds for higher education and the Department of Labor, which helps retrain students who are unemployed, are all tied to an accurate count in the 2020 Census.

“If we’re not getting an accurate count, we will see less resources over the next 10 years,” Oakley said.

Eric Spencer from the Chaffey College Breeze said the coordinated response to COVID-19 revealed weaknesses in the current education system. Particularly, the transition to online learning has been troublesome for students and faculty alike.

Spencer asked if students will be less prepared to either enter the workforce, if they’re in a job training program, or less prepared to enter a four-year college.

Chancellor Oakley expressed strong faith in the resilience of community college students.

“Whatever happens to our students this semester, you will be prepared to transfer, and you will do great at the CSU the UC or wherever you go,” he

said.

Oakley admitted there were some hidden flaws in the system that were brought to light.

“Clearly, this episode has exposed the problems we have with the digital divide,” Oakley said. “Many of our students don’t have quality broadband or any wi-fi at home or they lack the technology necessary.”

Chancellor Oakley says if there is a silver lining in all this COVID-19 craziness, it is that the most technologically advanced state in the nation has been shown to have some of the worst access to broadband in the country.

“And that’s maddening,” Oakley said. “The major issue is…how we close the digital divide and ensure that we have equity.”

Chancellor Shares Plans for Remote Learning with Student Journalists

By Christopher Ahn

Courtesy photo by Pixabay

Community College Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley talked to student reporters about plans for remote learning in the coming months. The college system will support students wherever possible, but not everything is clear.

California Community College Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley hosted a teleconference on April 14, 2020 to talk to representatives of student media. More than 90 journalism students across California hopped on Zoom.com to participate in the media teleconference. They wanted answers about the pandemic and the future for Community Colleges.

Most in-person college classes shifted to online by the end of March. The challenges presented by COVID-19 are expected to last until Fall 2020. Oakley is unsure of what the future holds, but he says that colleges will be prepared.

Colleges may open, but the courses will be online or hybrid. Students might be at home more than on campus.

“I want to make sure the distinction is clear that none of our colleges will close offerings,” Oakley said. “We are going to educate no matter what happens.”

Remote education creates stress for students and faculty members. The transition made it hard for students to receive a quality education.

The students who depended on the school’s resources might struggle.

“Many of our students don’t have quality broadband or any Wifi at home,” Oakley said.

“The most technologically advanced state in the nation has some of the worst access to broadband in the country, and that’s maddening because it not only affects community college students, but it’s affecting K to 12 students as well.”

Students on the verge of transfer are stressed about the application processes, but the University of California and California State University systems accept pass/no pass grades . Students who find this situation frustrating have special support from the Community College.

“In response to the transition from in person into online instruction, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office has announced several executive orders to allow for flexibility to better support students,” Oakley said.

The first executive order temporarily suspended student withdrawal regulations, such as allowed for more lenient withdrawal dates and providing refunds for students who withdraw.

The second executive order temporarily suspended specific grade related regulations. The third made the grading policy more flexible.

The flexibility gives students a cushion and helps them adjust to this crisis without being penalized if they withdraw from their classes.

The support also consists of covering essential needs.

Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and President Trump signed it on March 27, 2020. It allocated $14 billion to higher education. California community colleges expect $300 million

in aid for students. College enrollment population determines how the money is distributed to the colleges by the federal government.

“The flexibility allows these funds to cover the cost of attending college, including food, housing course materials, technology health care needs and child care related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Oakley said.

This year students are encouraged to be counted in the 2020 Census. Federal aid and resources are dependent on the census. The resources help students attend college in a crisis like this, and it is important to prepare community colleges to provide funds for students.

This is going to impact the students’ education and community members who will start school in the next 10 years. “If we do not get an accurate count, we will see less resources over the next 10 years,” Oakley said. “This is incredibly important because the resources that we need and the representation that you deserve as students will be impacted by how many people are counted in the census.”

One-hundred-fifteen Los Angeles City College students dropped all of their classes and 1,507 others have withdrawn so far this semester. However, community colleges will continue to support their students. Stayenrolled.com lists resources.

“We will continue to see through our commitment to serving our students and supporting them in every way we can and continuing to advocate,” Oakley said.

SPORTS

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, April 29, 2020

9

CCoronavirus: RESISTANCE ISSUE III

Quarantine with a Keyboard

RODRIGO PORTILLO Major: Communications “Around this time last year, I was watching the UEFA Champions League, which is one of the top soccer tournaments along with the World Cup. Going forward though, I think it will be tough, especially since this tournament is held throughout big stadiums in Europe and seeing how bad the coronavirus has gotten in the countries where the big teams play like Spain, Italy, and England. But I would think looking ahead, they might play without fans or some serious distancing in the stadium, which sounds crazy, but could be done.”

LESLIO OSORIO Major: Undecided

Compiled by Brian Perez It was exactly a year ago when the 2019 NBA Playoffs were up and running along with so many new players fulfilling their dreams to hear their names being called in the NFL Draft. The UEFA Champions League was nearing the final in May along with the MLB season finished with the first 25 games.

But this year, the 2020 NFL draft

was called from Commissioner Roger Goodell’s living room. The NBA is still on hiatus. It’s been more than a month now, and every top league and sport has been canceled across the globe. For the time being, most sports fans wait and wonder how this pandemic might make sports look, one day in the future, when this is all over.

“Last year, I was watching the NBA Playoffs and wasn’t going for anyone since the Lakers didn’t make it last year into the playoffs. But I would watch it with my older brother who loves basketball and I work at a shoe store so I wanted to get involved with basketball. I’ve only been to an NBA game when I was small and don’t remember much. But if they were to resume with fans, they could only let a numbered amount into each section of the arena, but at the same time they’re losing money. So like they said on ESPN, maybe they play

BRYAN SANTOS Major: Kinesiology

ANDRES CRUZ Major: Psychology “I always watched soccer, mainly the big leagues around Europe and the MLS, which is the soccer league here in the U.S. They all got canceled around the same time, especially the ones in Europe, France, Germany, Spain, England and Italy, but my favorite team to watch was Barcelona, usually on Saturday or Sunday evenings with my grandparents since my grandmother is a diehard fan. In my opinion I believe some countries will handle it better and be back before other leagues. I assume most of these clubs want fans at the stadiums but some matches before the quarantine were played behind closed doors, so when they resume again, they might keep doing that.”

AARON MCCAIN Major: Engineering I was watching the 2019 NBA Playoffs a year ago around this time. And currently, this year, they would have already started which wasn’t possible due to this outbreak.

I have never really been to NBA games recently within thepast few years, but I have seen the commissioner of the NBA say if they were to start back up it would be with no fans in the arena, which sounds weird because most players like for example LeBron James said they wouldn’t play without fans.

So, I feel other players might feel the same way. So, if it started back up, it would be with no fans and maybe in a facility, and not the NBA arenas since they’re massive and I can imagine all need to be cleaned.

“A year ago today, I was watching the Clippers vs. Warriors playoff series. I would also watch the Dodgers since I believe they were in like their third or fourth week of the season.

The NBA might follow most venues and places that have people in crowds and play withoutfans especially baseball since I don’t hear much about them starting up anytime soon.

I think baseball might be the toughest to resume if they could because for example Dodger Stadium is massive and so many people go to the games, but I could see a scenario where they limit people in certain sections.

But I honestly don’t know. It’s all confusing to start sports back up like normal, which might never be normal again.”

SPORTSBIN

Sports Fans May Take Timeout After Pandemic

By Anastasia Obis

T

his year has been an unprecedented time in sports.

With thousands of sporting events postponed or canceled, sports enthusiasts are all wondering when things will go back to normal.

The reality is we most likely will not be attending any sports events until 2021.

Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business conducted a poll on how fans felt about resuming the games with an audience in attendance. Among 762 responders, 61 % said they won’t attend any sporting events until there is a vaccine, and 12% said they would go to sporting events if social distancing is maintained.

Some sports will return at some point in 2020, but this year will be marked as a year in sports with no fans in attendance. It will give us a chance to analyze what kind of role fans play in our sports.

Is a game-winning touchdown going to be as dramatic without the roar of the crowd? Are the final seconds of a tied basketball game still going to be full of suspense if there isn’t an arena full of people collectively in the clutches of anticipation over what might happen?

This year will take both a financial and emotional toll on sports. Sports teams without their fans in attendance, and sports fans that will not have this experience is half of the battle. Another battle in and of itself is coming. What are sports going to look like post coronavirus?

It is too early to tell, since we are dealing with something no one has ever experienced before. One thing is clear - it is not going to look the same for some time.

To maintain six feet on all sides means it will bring stadium capacity down to 25-30%. Obviously, no high-fiving, let alone hugging.

What about the fans who are over 60, or those with preexisting medical conditions? Will we have to discourage them from attending sporting events until a vaccine is developed?

These are the questions that are on our minds all the time, but as Governor Cuomo said: “ How do you get across the swamp? Stone to stone across the morass. One step at a time, and make sure you’re on firm footing, and then you look for the next stone.”

Compiled

by Brian

Photos Courtesy Creative Commons, 2.0, CFB on Fox University of Oregon Quarterback Justin Herbert prepares to face the Utah Utes on Sept. 9, 2018. Herbert now heads for the LA Chargers where he will earn $26.5 million over the next five years in his rookie contract.

NFL second-round draft pick Cam Akers visits University Hospital in San Antonio in 2017. The LA Rams signed the Florida State running back to a four-year, $6 million contract.

NFL Draft Brings First Round Talent to L.A.

By NelsonCruz Draft day, it is a day when dreams come true for college athletes from schools around the United States.

This year, the draft format was a bit different because the coronavirus pandemic affected the process. It was supposed to take place in Las Vegas, Nev., but because of the coronavirus, it was canceled.

Teams used a setup with monitors and computers from their homes.

They did not have access to face to face interviews with any players who were part of draft day. The 32 NFL teams had a time limit of 15 minutes to an hour. Per league rules, a team can talk with a prospect a maximum of three times per week.

The Los Angeles Chargers had six draft picks. The notable players they picked up were Justin Herbert and Kenneth Murray. With the first round pick, the Chargers picked up Justin Herbert, Quarterback from Oregon, at number 6.

Herbert finished with 10,541 yards, 95 touchdowns, and 827 completions with 1293 attempts. The Chargers saw this as an opportunity to bring in a QB that can develop or start with the absence of Phillip Rivers. The Chargers selected Kenneth Murray, linebacker from Oklahoma, at number 23. Murray ended with 176 solo tackles and 149 assisted tackles. The Chargers can place Murray in as soon as the season starts. He adds another key piece for the Chargers defensively.

The Los Angeles Rams had nine draft picks. The players that can make an impact for this team are Cam Akers and Van Jefferson. The Rams didn’t have any first round picks, but did have other draft picks in the second, third, fourth, sixth, and seventh rounds. With their second round pick the chargers selected Cam Akers, a running back from Florida State, at number 52. Akers finished with 2875 yards and 27 touchdowns for Florida State. He also averaged 4.9 yards per run. The Rams can plug him in and he’ll get productive minutes with Todd Gurley going to the Atlanta Falcons. They also picked wide receiver Van Jefferson from Florida with the 2nd round pick 57 overall pick. Jefferson finished with 84 receptions and 1160 yards. He also put up 12 touchdowns in his time at Florida.

L.A. City College kinesiology major Osvaldo Mendez says he thinks the Los Angeles Chargers will have a promising QB behind the scenes.

“I think the chargers are good in the long run if they don’t start him right away,” Mendez said. “Tyrod Taylor is good enough to win us some games with our defense backing him up. They just need to let Herbert develop while the season goes on, just like Kansas City did with Patrick Mahomes.”

He also mentioned the Rams draft picks being depth picks. “The Rams went ahead and added some depth with their picks. They added a receiver and a running back,” he said. “They have Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods.

But with them adding Van Jefferson it means they can give them plays to rest while having confidence in the receiver in the field.”