Los Angeles Collegian - Issue 6 Spring 2014

Collegian

SMILE, UNCLE SAM SAYS CHEESE!

LACC

WEATHER FORECAST WEDNESDAY

70/57

THURSDAY

70/57

FRIDAY

77/63

SATURDAY

75/64

SUNDAY

75/64

MONDAY

75/62

TUESDAY

79/62

Los Angeles

Wednesday, May 21, 2014 Volume 172 Number 6

Living in an age in which the world is a stage.

The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929

NEWS BRIEFS

Former Math Professor Featured in L.A. Weekly

Forensics Team Accepting New Members

Classes Still Open for Summer Session More than 100 classes remain open for enrollment for the summer session. Registration for new students began May 8. Registration for high school students begins tomorrow, May 22.

Trying to Stay On Top in the Urban Jungle of Los Angeles The Sun Porch Gallery, a fiction narrative by LACC cinema major, P.Y. Wilkes, tells the story of the Sun Porch Hotel and the people who survive there. The book is available at peterzero25@yahoo.com, www. lulu.com, and Eso Won Books.

Auditions Open for 'Studio Hour' Students who have a passion for dancing are invited to audition for "Studio Hour" in the Women’s Gym Room 202 on May 23 at 6 p.m. and in Room 204 on May 28 at 4:30 p.m.

Studio Hour will feature the works by LACC dance students on May 30.

Artists' Star Quality Showcased at Talent Show Comedians, musicians, dancers and singers performed in a talent show organized by the Associated Student Government and the LACC Programming Board. To view a video of the show, scan the QR code or follow the link below. youtu.be/ Z1VvLm_nGnE Subscribe to CollegianWired Compiled by Jessica Brecker, Rocio Flores Huaringa, Krystle Mitchell and Rashid Pineda

INDEX

Opinion and Editorial .......... 2-3 Campus Life ...................... 4-5 News .................................... 6 Scholarships ......................... 7 Sports ................................... 8 Features .......................... 9-10

Math Club Divides the Competition

For the fifth time since 2004, LACC students multiplied victory in math by bringing home a prestigious award from the American Mathematical Association of TwoYear Colleges.

Cristina Garcia was featured in L.A. Weekly’s People issue for her work fighting corruption in Bell and for currently serving in the California State Assembly.

Garcia stopped teaching Math at LACC when she took office in Fall 2012.

Auditions are being held in the Communications Building Room 185 on May 29 for a position on the Forensics Team. Candidates will prepare two minutes of their best oral performance from any medium.

Auditions will run from noon to 3 p.m.

PAGE 4

By Felicia Allen

End of an Era: City College’s 1930s Old Library

Bill Knudson /COLLEGIAN

Comes Tumbling Down

By Jessica Brecker Demolition finally began last week on the old MLK Library, a building whose majestic columns have been a fixture in the quad since it was built in 1936.

Originally set to start in midMarch, the delay spared students

and faculty a semester of bulldozers and pounding. In addition to the building coming down, the scope of work includes the demolition of concrete, asphalt, irrigation system, lighting, benches, sod, shrubs, trees, root barriers, and more.

A new Student Services Cen-

ter with brick similar to Da Vinci Hall, and a glass curtain wall that will let in lots of light, will go up in the old building’s place.

According to the Los Angeles Community College November 2012 Building Program Monthly Progress Report, there will be “construction of a new three-story

Student Services Building on the footprint of the old MLK Library that will house administrative offices for the campus Admissions & Records, Assessments & Orientation, Business Office, Cub Card, Financial Aid, Student Assistance, and Transfer and Counseling functions.”

Foundation Awards Thousands in Scholarships and Grants

See Math Winners Page 6

Leaving a Legacy: Cherokee Williams died of cancer on March 8, 2014.

Those who worked with her, remember her talent as a jazz saxophonist and scatter. Her daughter used money collected for William’s funeral to form a scholarship in her memory.

By Sean Kozma More than 200 students received scholarships and grants from the Los Angeles City College Foundation during a ceremony at the Camino Theatre on May 15.

Established in 1968, the LACC Foundation exists to develop philanthropic support to help LACC students succeed.

"It’s awesome,” said Jonathan Gibson, an LACC student who just completed his associate degree in paralegal studies and was awarded multiple scholarships at the ceremony. “At times, you have a tendency to get your head down. This lets you know that somebody besides you is paying attention to really encourage you, to go just a little bit further.”

Gipson says he plans to transfer to either Cal State Northridge or Cal State L.A. and use his scholarship funds to pay off student loans.

The Foundation, in conjunction with the Walt Disney Company, also awarded scholarships to several veterans attending LACC. First-time applicant, computer science major John Warren was among the recipients.

"There were a lot of hurdles,” Warren said. “You had to fill out a lot of essays, get your picture taken, get copies of your transcripts and all that. But it was all worth it."

Many of the recipients say they plan to transfer to four-year institutions. For some, like Charles Campbell, film and television major, the money will allow them to buy some new supplies. He says he is transferring to Central Michigan Univer-

Five-time winners of the most prestigious math award in the nation from the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, LACC’s Math Club dissolved the competition to come up with another first place win for the team recently.

Math or engineering majors sometimes comb through the hallways of Franklin Hall, perusing the award cases and viewing all the plaques and certificates that the City College Math Club has received over the years.

Directly across from classes, a professor affixed a handwritten results flyer to the math offices doors. Printers were down and anxious math students were gathering in anticipation. Professor Ronald Kendis pointed out the professor who helped guide the team to victory, Anatoliy Nikolaychuk.

“Come see my student, he is the number two in the nation,” Nikolaychuk said of Vu Minh, who beat out the competition this year with

Lost but not Forgotten: Williams’ Legacy Lives on in Scholarship

By Clinton Cameron

Bill Knudson /Collegian John Warren, computer science major, receives the Marvin Hoffman CSIT Scholarship from Debbie Thaw Valera, executive vice president of the National Notary Association. Warren was also awarded the Walt Disney Company Veterans Award and the LACCF Veterans Scholarship.

sity to pursue his master’s degree in film, and that he will be buying a new MacBook Pro with his scholarship money.

"It’s very exciting," Campbell said. "I also earned a scholarship in Michigan to get my master’s in film.

I’ll be leaving in a few weeks."

While for others, the scholarships they earned will cover the costs of moving closer to the universities, like physics major, Melike Dewey, who says she is transferring to UC Davis.

"I’ve already been accepted," she

said. "Now I can buy a ticket to Davis and cover moving costs."

Not to be outdone, psychology major Chris King has some big plans for his scholarship.

"I’m getting married in June," King said. "So, it’s probably going to go towards that."

This year, the Foundation handed out more than $565,000 in scholarships, book awards, emergency loans, stipends and grants. The Foundation also provides funds to help faculty and programs at the school.

Three songs before the end of a Studio Jazz Band concert, Music Director Barbra Laronga took the stage to announce that tenor saxophonists Owen Flannagan had been selected as the recipient of the Cherokee Williams scholarship.

This all came as a surprise to Flannagan, who says he knew nothing of the award. However, for Flannagan, it is not just about the award money, it is about honoring a fellow classmate who recently died.

“I plan to use the money towards things for my saxophone,” Flannagan said, “By that I mean reeds, maybe a mouth piece or something along those lines. I think Cherokee would appreciate that.”

For three out of the four semesters that he has been enrolled in the jazz band, Flannagan says he sat one seat to the left of Williams, who died of cancer earlier this year. He says her influence on him went beyond saxophone playing, and that she encouraged him to start scatting.

“I would say that my playing has definitely been improved, because of her influence,” Flannagan said.

“Playing with people who are that passionate is always a learning experience. My scatting still pales in comparison to Cherokee, but I try to

channel her when I do scat.”

Her Scatting partner for jazz band concerts was Maria Osler, and together, they put their own signature on Duke Ellington’s American jazz classic “It Don’t Mean A Thing If it Ain’t Got That Swing.”

“Working with Cherokee was so much fun,” Olsen said. “I worked with her up close and personal for the first time last semester when we had a scat off. Her humor and smile was always welcoming. She had to share the mic and trade scats. We would laugh because our timings were always off but we had fun so that's all that matters.”

It was after attending the last jazz concert of the semester that Williams’ daughter; Lynea Wynese Williams decided to donate the money Laronga had raised for the funeral to a scholarship fund.

Beverly Milner shared the stage with Williams on several occasions, and says she remembers how badly she felt when she had to go on without her.

“I had to play alto all by myself, and I was mortified,” Milner said. “I do miss her. I will come back in the fall of 2014; it won’t be the same without her. She was a kind person and loved music. “I'm thankful to have met someone like her and will never forget her smile.”

2

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Opinion & Editorial

Los Angeles COLLEGIAN

Editorial

Collegian

LACC: Foundation for Success For many students, LACC is the starting point for bigger and better things in their life. Careers begin to take form and students begin to develop the skills they will need to become the professionals they hope to be.

We commend the teachers at LACC for doing their best at keeping students interested. All of the instructors we have here do a great job of engaging students and conveying knowledge. The classes are very informative and easy to manage. It’s a really great atmosphere that makes it easy and comfortable to learn.

Students seem interested and embrace what they are taught. Classes are more fulfilling for all of the students when most of them are actively communicating and being a part of the class.

LACC has a great sense of community, and it shows. There’s always something going on some-

where on campus; from the theater and music departments’ plays and concerts, as well as various other school-sponsored events.

The Transfer Center and counselors are great and give students the guidance they need to continue with their careers, whether they are planning to transfer or not. We are excited to see the amount of students who are graduating and succeeding.

It lets us know that taking classes at LACC is the right decision.

We all have a lot of plans and things we want to do, whether it be getting a degree or transferring to a four-year university. After talking to students and seeing how courses and academic plans are set, it’s apparent that coming to LACC is the right route to becoming successful. There are a lot of great stories coming from the students at LACC; needless to say it is a great foundation for student achievement.

MEDIA ARTS DEPARTMENT, CHEMISTRY 207 Los Angeles City College 855 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029

We also commend all those whose hard work over the course of their time at LACC earned them scholarships like the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship and the more than 200 LACC Foundation scholarships awarded last week.

When students have an incentive to work harder, more overall progress is made. The scholarships are a great way to let students know that there is support and appreciation for their hard work. It’s a reassuring feeling knowing you’re chasing your dreams and being rewarded for it. LACC is doing an excellent job at rewarding its students.

With so many students planning on transferring to a 4-year university, LACC is the launching pad for those students. The opportunities and advantages at LACC will continue to aid individuals in making their dreams and aspirations become reality.

Editor-in-Chief Rocio Flores Huaringa Richard Martinez Graphic-Layout Editor Beatrice Alcala Multimedia Producer Dave Martin Opinion/Editorial Felicia Allen Graphic Designers Beatrice Alcala Rocio Flores Huaringa

Jaleen Wedlow /COLLEGIAN

Photo Editor Luca Loffredo

Letter to the Editor Many of us who lived in South Central

the late ’50s and early ’60s came to Remember and Move On inLACC on the “V car”. The trolleys started

By Henry Walton

Illustrator Jessica Brecker Jose Tobar Jaleen Wedlow Steffen Williams

at Alameda and continued west on Vernon to Vermont, where it made a right turn and continued to the end of the line at LACC. It was not the end, but the beginning for thousands. Some said the “V” stood for Vernon, some said it was for Vermont, but in my heart that “V” stood for victory.

After reading the article in the Collegian last week, I believe I need to clarify my position in reference to the negative comment made by a professor over 50 years ago. (To the effect – Photography is for white people. You cannot take a good picture of a dark skinned person.) If you saw my photography exhibit at the Da Vinci Gallery earlier this semester, you will note that it was about recent history.

In this case, from 1965 until 1975.

Roughly 40 to 50 years ago. This period was about the time of the incident that I experienced at LACC. My focus was the historic “Then and Now,” as things were and as they are now. I do not seek any retribution from the past. I only state what happened as an illustration of historic truth.

Nothing can change past realities. However, the past can serve as a foundation to give new hope for a better future.

I first met Professor Daniel Marlos at UCLA. I was installing a photo exhibit and Marlos was called in as a consultant to advise [on] how best to display artwork Photo Courtesy of Bob Schmolze /COLLEGIAN in this new space. We engaged in a con-

versation and he mentioned that he taught photography at Los Angeles City College.

I told him that I once started a photography class at LACC, but never finished it. As we talked I revealed the story of what happened. Marlos [then] invited me to come back to LACC to finish the class. I saw this as an opportunity to learn more about my passion, photography.

It has never been my intention to receive any recognition because of an insensitive and inaccurate statement made by one man. I have no ill feeling for the man, or the institution. We must remember the condition of race relations at that time. We are no longer in an educational environment that allows something of this nature to go unchallenged.

LACC was an opportunity for me, and thousands like me, to fulfill the first step in a successful life; an education. I went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree. With that I have been able to serve the community, the state, and the nation in which I reside.

I take pride in having had the opportunity to work with the leaders of human and civil rights, health care, labor, education, communication, political administration and legislative forums. I have planned and strategized with them; I have marched and even gone to jail with some them in order to seek the progress, dignity and respect that all people deserve. I hosted the radio program, “Working L.A. and Labor Review” for 19 years. I served as political

director for over 52,000 L.A. County and special district employees, and I served as an employee advocate in administrative law cases for California state employees, and various boards, and committees local, statewide, and national.

Therefore, there is no need for a symbol to indicate the defeat of a misdirected, insulting comment. While at LACC we can just look around and see the diversity of our campus. Here is living proof that hate cannot stand in the face of truth. It doesn’t matter today, that he had it wrong 50 years ago. There are still areas of deep need with respect the human condition, but a casual look at photographic, print, electronic, or film representation makes it obvious that skin tone is not the determining factor in photographic quality.

So if it is felt that I deserve an honor bestowed upon me from LACC, please, let it be for what I have been able to achieve in the past 50 years thanks to the beginning I received at LACC. If an honorary degree is to be offered to me, because of an insult by one isolated voice 50 years ago, I would have to refuse it. I do not wish to highlight this error, but, if I can receive recognition for what I have been able to accomplish in concert with my LACC beginning, then I would accept with pride. Still, whether or not there is any kind of award, I have been awarded a better life through educational opportunity, and for that I thank LACC and the Los Angeles Community College District.

Photographers Jessica Brecker Nicholas Cervantes Bill Knudson Byron Umana-Bermudez Reporters Fellicia Allen Jessica Brecker Clinton Cameron Sean Kozma Gloria K. Lee Krystle Mitchell Rashid Pineda Lorenzo Quintana Byron Umana-Bermudez Advertising Staff Inae Bloom Clinton Cameron Advisers Rhonda Guess Robin Guess

Has LACC been successful in guiding students toward the next level of higher education?

City

Deadline Schedule NEXT ISSUE: May 21, 2014 Editorial deadline: May 17, 2014 For all submissions including letters to the editor and publicity releases send materials to Collegian office: Chemistry 207

VIEWS Compiled by Byron UmanaBermudez

losangeles.collegian@gmail.com For all insertion orders and advertising questions.

Email: pr.collegian@gmail.com

“They teach you well rounded skills.

They teach you everything, even about opportunities and keep you [up-to-date] about the changes in the industry.”

Sean Avery - Television Production

“It has, in the sense that we have to research information, like programs such as EOP&S [and] TRIO. It’s up to the student to make the best of it, to look for resources, for grants [and] scholarships.”

Marilyn Castillo - Criminology

“I know they have a bad reputation, but the counselors here are doing their best.”

“It’s up to the student. I have been lucky enough to have professors who see me struggle and they push me forward. I have that support system from them. We have resources here, and it is just getting better. The school is doing its part so it is up to the student to complete the deal.”

John Salvador - Geology

Edwin Juarez, Communications

The college newspaper is published as a learning experience, offered under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff.

Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles City College, or any officer or employee thereof.

Collegian © 2014. No material may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Collegian.

Los Angeles COLLEGIAN

Opinion & Editorial

Possible E-cigarette Ban, Smoking Areas Could Be Next

By Kelly Chapman

City College is contemplating moving forward with a smoking ban on campus beginning in the fall of 2014. The ban will include ecigarettes as well as vaporizers, and will call for the removal of all smoking areas throughout the college.

If this ban goes into effect, smokers will have to venture off campus to light up for a quick drag before class.

The dangers of cigarettes are well documented and eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke could indeed create a healthier environment for everyone on campus.

Why should a non-smoker be victimized by the decision of others to smoke? Cigarette smoke is harmful.

I am offended by the smell of it, and would really prefer not to be around it whenever possible.

However, there is no evidence to support the theory that the vapor from e-cigarettes and vaporizers are harmful to the user or those around them.

So, why is LACC considering extending the ban on these devises, when they are clearly alternatives to the real thing?

Contrary to popular belief, we are stepping into uncharted waters when it comes to the rapidly growing vapor phenomenon. It is something that has seemingly came out of nowhere, has grown at a ferocious pace, and has yet to be regulated.

According to The Economist, ecigarette sales doubled from 20112012, and sales numbers for 2013 are expected to show even more

growth. As of now, there is a considerable amount of fear behind the lack of regulations, because the long-term effects of these devices have yet to be determined.

In response to this issue, city governments and businesses across the U.S. have decided to place e-cigarettes in the same category as traditional cigarettes. Although we know that these devices can’t be great for you, because they do contain nicotine, they are most likely safer than the alternative.

How much safer are e-cigarettes?

Well they could actually be saving people’s lives, since the carcinogens that are found in cigarettes are absent in e-cigarettes. There you have it, lives saved.

I am a former heavy smoker who now uses vaporizers as an alternative to cigarettes. Smoking was nearly a part of my identity. I would receive curious looks from friends if I did not have a cigarette in my hand when greeting them.

I tried to quit several times, and would always return to my old habit.

After switching to the vaporizer, I noticed drastic improvements in my health almost immediately.

My morning cough disappeared, I could taste food, and suddenly had enough energy to exercise.

My personal battle with smoking makes me reaffirm that the vaporizer is far less harmful than cigarettes.

Before vaporizers, I had made several attempts at quitting cigarettes but was unsuccessful.

I am very concerned that bans in public places such as parks and colleges may encourage e-cigarette users to return to traditional smoking methods, because they have no alternative to smoking cigarettes.

Shouldn’t we ease up a little? Where is the consideration for those trying to kick the habit?

LACC needs to reconsider the effects of a campus-wide smoking ban would have on its students.

Theater: Ready for a Close-up

By Sean Kozma In his April 10 story for Vanity Fair, Jimmy Im gives a review of “For The Record Live: Tarantino”, a cabaret show now playing in West Hollywood. Before the review begins in earnest, Im criticizes the production and in the process, discredits the Los Angeles theater scene.

In the first sentence, he calls out L.A. theater for being bad even though, “they have such a huge pool of talent to work from”, Im said.

As a working theater professional in Los Angeles, I have to take issue with Im’s assessment. First off, like so many others, he seems to think of theater in L.A. as an afterthought,

which is a common misconception, thanks to its richer, glitzier cousins, the film and television industries.

This type of thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. With more than 1,500 productions annually, Los Angeles has more theaters and theater companies, and mounts more theater productions than many other large metropolitan cities in the world. If you do the math, those are enough productions to rival the numbers done in New York, Chicago, or London.

We have a higher concentration of actors, and one of the highest concentrations of writers, directors, designers and other technical theater professionals.

The vast majority of those theaters operate under the Actor Equity Association’s (AEA) 99-Seat Plan, a unique contract created to address the situations faced by productions in Los Angeles. Under the Plan, actors are paid a ridiculously low stipend.

Theater in Los Angeles won’t pay the bills. So, why do theater if it doesn’t pay? The answer is simple, because Los Angeles mounts some of the best productions in the world.

Bold, daring, challenging material, both for the actor and for the audience, is being presented all the time in this city. Right here at LACC, Theatre Academy recently presented an adaptation of George Orwell’s

Live Off the Greens of the Land

By Nicholas Cervantes

I did not know it was possible to feel this good. I had more energy, stamina and even my self-esteem improved.

How? Well, I don’t eat for a fix anymore.

It’s simple. I abstain from eating any red meat, poultry, or seafood. A raw, plant-based diet is anything but a new concept. I adopted this lifestyle with an open mind, and accepted its challenges head on, and I haven’t looked back since.

Well, to be completely honest, I have had the privilege to indulge in steak tartare, and to this day I still catch myself craving a big juicy

double cheeseburger.

I slipped, it’s too late, it happened, but it’s all in the past. Vegetarianism is not easy, especially when friends and family beg you to conform to the typical dining habits preferred by most. But, I’m not alone. It is all a matter of bumping elbows with the right people, and Los Angeles offers a wide array of options for the veggie enthusiasts who wants to get their grub on.

So, what possessed me to shun meat? I ask myself that question every now and again. Long story short, I have no specific reason for my conversion. My journey has only begun and I strive to eventually become a vegan, meaning I would abstain from the use of all animal products. This includes eggs, honey and all dairy products.

Some vegans say they stopped using animal products in an attempt to make a stance for the environment, while others say they do it for ethical reasons. Meanwhile, others

say they turn to veganism for it’s health benefits.

Do not let all the confusing terminology intimidate you. There is a lot to learn, and the best way to start is avoiding all meat. If it has a spine or eyeballs, don’t eat it. Everyone should try a vegetarian, or vegan diet at least once in his or her lifetime. Simply turn to kale, collards, Swiss chard, spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens, and beets when avoiding all meat.

Not everyone likes to go out of his or her comfort zone. It’s simple to follow a routine and avoid trying new things, but we are in school to learn new concepts and to improve our well-being. The college requires we take foreign language classes, bizarre art courses, participate in strenuous sports activities, mind-bending philosophy classes and maniacal math courses.

Do not forget you are in school to learn and try new things, so why not try a new diet?

“1984.” With the country and the world facing problems like pervasive state surveillance, increasing militarism, and the heightened and divisive use of language in our political discourse, I cannot imagine a more timely and important show.

“For The Record Live” is a fine cabaret show, featuring talented young actors singing and acting out scenes from Quentin Tarantino movies. While I’m sure it’s entertaining, I doubt it is very challenging, or has much to say about the world we live in today.

Perhaps the problem isn’t that theater in Los Angeles is bad, but that Jimmy Im just doesn’t like theater very much.

For the Record In the April 23, 2014 issue of the Collegian, Volume 172, Number 4, it was reported that physics major John Niroula received a $90,000 scholarship and would have all his expenses paid for three years while attending any four-year university.

In actuality, he received a scholarship of up to $30,000 per year depending on the financial aid package awarded by the school he transfers to.

In the April 23, 2014 issue of the Collegian, Volume 172, Number 5, the picture for “Artwork of Scholarship Winners Showcased at Da Vinci” was attributed to Jessica Brecker. The picture was by Inae Bloom.

We regret the errors.

Extend ASG Program for Printers Michael Sam Came Out, I know it is not ASG’s fault that That Doesn’t Change How He Plays By Jaleen Wedlow the machines malfunction, but if

By Damon Taylor Michael Sam made history at Radio Music City Hall in New York City when the St. Louis Rams drafted him earlier this month. In that moment, he became the first openly gay player to be drafted into the league.

Of course, controversy arose when Sam came out early this year.

However, being gay does not hinder a professional athlete from bringing his all to the field. We should not judge him on decisions he makes in his personal life.

I think it is fantastic for the NFL to have accepted Sam into its ranks regardless of his sexual orientation. Sam’s decision has knocked down countless boundar-

ies and opened the door for more college athletes that want to come out. Some have the courage and some do not.

For example, a few months after Sam’s announcement, University of Massachusetts basketball player Derrick Gordon came out as well.

Fans should accept and support these courageous men and women equally.

Therefore, we can criticize Sam’s sexual orientation because of the religious beliefs around the world but we cannot criticize what he produces on the field. With that being said, I want to congratulate Michael Sam for being the first openly gay professional football player and I wish him the best in his career in the NFL.

Several students, including myself, have this issue with the printers in the Student Union Building only working sometimes.

ASG membership is a brilliant program to help out students. It only cost $7, and provides members with 20 copies a week, a scantron and a blue or green test booklet.

The ASG program helped me when my printer wasn’t working.

It saved me from spending my little pocket change that I use for emergency bus fare on something already inclusive of my membership to ASG. Sometimes I wish that the ASG printer-using program was also accessible in the library because some days it’s extremely hot to walk back and forth across City campus to print material for class.

it’s for the students, it should not only be accessible but fully functional as well.

If ASG is going to continue this program with the free copies, then I believe they should keep a constant maintenance on the printing machines. It is only fair.

Why should students continue to lose money in non-working printers and copiers and only get the discount in one area of the campus?

In this day in time when money is scarce, it is important for students to hold on to their money even if it is ten cents.

It may seem cavalier to some.

However, the student government is doing well with this program, but they should extend it even further by maintaining the upkeep of the printers.

3 CHRONICLES OF A NOBODY Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Mulatto

Jose Tobar /COLLEGIAN

In response to “Pet Peeve, Racism Finds Life in America” by Shehu Usuman published in the last edition of the Collegian.

By Byron Umana-Bermudez It was a normal Thursday afternoon here at City College. The sun was out. Everything seemed as bright as day, and people of every culture came together to form a melting pot of diversity with different colors, cultures and backgrounds.

Nothing could have made a community better than the unity City College provided. So, it was shocking to me to find that the idea of community and the respect of people’s voices were lost for one of our own fellow cubs.

I am the first to say that when looking at a person, we may get the wrong perception. It is taken too far however, when a person feels free to take one’s identity away, because someone does not look like them.

I make it very clear to those who I meet that not only am I of Central American descent, but I am also a mixture of many other cultures.

I find it annoying when a person instructs me to fill in only one box, to pick and choose what culture, race or even country I identify with.

I have to make a decision, because my image is not the typical image of what my race looks like. I would like someone to ask before urinating on me, which side I would prefer.

It is common knowledge that our president is half-white and black.

Everyone from media, even people at school, refer to him as the first black president. If we look at the facts, Obama is technically the first black president, and, yes he is the first president to be black and white.

It is unfortunate that people will not consider him to be the 44th white president, and this is because his skin isn’t porcelain. But what is also unfortunate is that the general population does not want to consider his mixed background as a race.

People are more focused on those who are of pure blood.

My life growing up being mixed can be summed up into one line found in one of my favorite movies, “Selena.” In the famous words spoken by Abraham, played by Edward James Olmos, “We have to be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American that the Americans, both at the same time! It’s exhausting.”

Being of mixed culture, you have to succumb to the realization that many people will only recognize one part of you, because of the color of your skin. While I’m used to having to tell people I am not Mexican and that there are in fact other countries below Mexico, I have to live with the fact that just because I am tan and live in L.A., I will always be seen as Mexican.

Being put in a box can be a little frustrating. The mere fact that even the way I think can be analyzed because of my race is frustrating. Just because I say that Obama is the first black president, doesn’t mean there is ignorance on my part.

Racism, I feel, happens when people purposely try to inflict a stereo-

typical view on someone based on their race, to belittle and make that person feel inferior. I do not believe for the most part when someone who is Caucasian says Obama is the first black president that they are deliberately trying to belittle the black community. Nor do I feel that it is a subtle way of keeping racism alive.

In fact, making assumptions about a person because of their ethnicity to justify a theory: That is racist.

Racism is alive and well in America. It might be subtle to some people, but when you grow up being half of one race and half another, you’re not blind to what racism looks like.

I have seen it not just in the community, but also in my family.

Whenever I did something wrong, one side of the family would blame it on the fact that I had the other race in me. As my uncles would say “that’s his salvi [El Salvadoran] side.”

However when I did something good, they would take pride in it.

I am one person; one human being. I cannot just choose to be one thing. I am all of me. So, why does society make it a point to tell someone like me that we cannot take pride in a particular part of ourselves?

Growing up I had to choose which part to take pride in, rather than taking pride in all that encompasses me.

In fact, if I would go back to my parent’s place of heritage, I would not be considered one of them. Here in America, many people do not consider me one of them. So I have become a nobody without a place to call home. It’s funny, because my very family has tried to hide their heritage because of how the world views race.

My grandma grew up having to hide her African and Mayan roots, because of racism. It was a form of survival when she was growing up.

Mulattos in Central America were considered impure. Even in today’s society, some still regard them as unwanted.

Mulattos are those who are part white and part black. A lot of people from Latin America are considered Mulatto. When Obama became president, I didn’t see a Mulatto.

What I did see was hope. Hope that racism could end, because for once in our society people voted for someone on the basis of their character, not their skin. I am a part of the crowd that has highlighted his race not because I am ignorant, but because it was reality that has come to pass. Finally, we can live in a society where anyone from any background can become whomever he or she truly wants to be.

Obama isn’t of my ethnicity, but he is a person of my race. The race I belong to is the human race. Seeing him, I see a hope that one day I do not have to pick which side of me I have to highlight. Seeing him I see a future where my children will not have to explain their culture when they meet a person. I may not be 100 percent Black, Latin or White, but I am thankful I am 100 percent me.

Campus Life Questions about Privacy, Drones Swirl at Book Program Event

4

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Big Brother may not be watching you, but Uncle Sam is.

By Jessica Brecker Government surveillance in “The Drone Age,” was the focus of two guest speakers invited by the Los Angeles City College Book Program in its ongoing se-

ries of events dedicated to “1984,” George Orwell’s classic novel on May 6 and 7.

Pepperdine University law professor and national security expert Gregory S. McNeal spoke in the Faculty and Staff Center on May

‘Big Brother is Not Here (Yet)!

Understanding Surveillance’

McNeal, who is also a counterintelligence writer, a commentator, and a consultant, says he is against the federal legislation of privacy.

He says America’s political climate is a far cry from Orwell’s imagined future.

“To put a telescreen in your home would be illegal,” McNeal said. “It would not happen.”

According to McNeal, even if such a thing were to occur, the evidence it recorded would never stand up in court.

“Even if you killed people, your children, that evidence would not be able to be used,” he said.

However, he also pointed out that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy behind a fence

of any height in one’s own back yard. If it can be viewed from the air overhead, it is subject to surveillance. And although it is illegal for the police to use technology to see through walls, if the blinds are open he says that is a different story.

McNeal told the audience that what the average person thinks is a reasonable expectation of privacy does not always match up with what the court thinks. For instance, there is no legitimate expectation of privacy for records turned over to the police by a third party. Anyone can take this information, and it is not possible to use the Internet or a cell phone without involving such a party.

“It’s like being in your home and opening up your blinds,” McNeal said.

McNeal’s main concern is the banning of cameras and drones in public parks. He told the story of a young boy using a drone to create an aerial map of a park. According to McNeal, the boy was threatened with six months in prison.

“To me, that is actually the Big Brother I’m scared of, one that prevents drones,” McNeal said.

To view Boghosian's Power Point presentation, scan the QR code, or follow the link below youtu.be/Y5-0lc5il1o Subscribe to collegianWired on YouTube.

6. On May 7, Heidi Boghosian, the executive director of the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) and author of “Spying on Democracy: Government Surveillance, Corporate Power, and Public Resistance,” spoke in the Multi-Pur-

pose Room of the Student Union.

The two lawyers offered opposing views to capacity crowds on issues concerning privacy rights and the political, legal and ethical implications of government surveillance.

'The Dangers of Surveillance to Our Privacy and The Future of Democracy Itself' “On a typical day, your image is caught on surveillance cameras at least 200 times,” said Boghosian, who is also a First Amendment expert and radio host.

The NLG Executive Director has what she calls a “very special job.” Part of her job involves going to protests and monitoring police treatment of activists.

Boghosian recalled the events of the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles during her presentation in the Student Union. She told attendees how police fired rubber bullets into a crowd and beat people with batons. A spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union at the time described the event as “nothing less than an orchestrated police riot.” The NLG filed lawsuits that eventually changed police policy.

Boghosian’s book was written with the treatment of protestors in mind. She says there is a distinct relationship between the First Amendment and the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution since she has seen many cases where FBI agents have infiltrated certain groups.

“I have seen first-hand, a lot of stories of infiltration agents provocateur, going into grassroots organizations and really trying to disrupt the work of activists, especially those involved in animal rights and environmental

causes,” Boghosian said. “Those two activists have been labeled the top terrorist threat in this country by the FBI. They are specially prone to infiltration.”

She then told a story about how the NLG was infiltrated. Agents went through their garbage, an agent posed as a staff member in their Washington DC office, their phones were tapped, their mail read, and an attempt was made to label them a subversive organization. The FBI did not succeed, however, because the NLG, after being monitored for 30 years, sued them and won. She feared for journalists in particular, though.

“That has a chilling effect on free speech. When you know that you being watched closely, it necessarily impacts how you act with others,” she said.

She made clear that she was afraid of a country where a reporter could be arrested and tried for espionage.

Los Angeles COLLEGIAN

'1984' in 2014: heeding Orwell’s Warning Before it is too Late

By Jessica Brecker Technology, privacy, torture, war, psychological manipulation and control of history and information were the main talking points at the Book Program’s series of discussions based on George Orwell’s “1984.” The discussions explored the novel’s protagonist Winston Smith, his experiences, his family and his motivations.

Ignorance is Strength “You become so detached you don’t know the history anymore,” said Student Service Assistant Bessie Love, who led the Wednesday discussion along with Evaluator Glenda Foster.

Love started the session by reading aloud Orwell’s 1944 letter to his contemporary, Noel Willmett.

“Already history has in a sense ceased to exist, i.e. there is no such thing as a history of our own times, which could be universally accepted, and the exact sciences are endangered as soon as military necessity ceases to keep people up to mark,” Orwell wrote in the letter.

In Orwell’s novel the protagonist, Winston Smith, works at the Ministry of Truth, falsifying documents and rewriting history on a continuous basis. As the book says, “whoever controls the past controls the future.”

“History is very important, because it is a tool to teach us what happened in the past, so it is not repeated in the future,” said Eric Sherman, theater major.

Sherman has spent three years portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in a one man show designed to expose historic figures to elementary

school students. He says he was surprised at how little the children knew about King’s life, and even how much he learned himself just preparing for the role.

“When you revamp, or you destroy that which has already been formally done, what happens is it brings people into a state of mind of ignorance,” Sherman said.

“Once ignorance sets in you are 90 percent if not 100 percent of the time going to repeat something devastating, or a catastrophe from the past.”

Freedom is Slavery Attendees also said the novel reminded them of the recent Supreme Court decision declaring that Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act was unconstitutional. Many of the students gathered at the “1984” discussion said that the decision weakened the rights granted by the 14th Amendment.

Foster says she remembers a time before voter protection laws were in place, when her mother would face problems when at the polls.

According to her, many people in small towns never had a voter ID, completely excluding them from the voting process.

“It just amazed me that this is an Amendment in the Bill of Rights and they are trying to take that away, just like in the novel,” Sherman said. “Just like in the novel when they were slowly, but surely taking things away … If you don’t know your rights, if you don’t know what belongs to you, it’s easy for someone to come along and tell you ‘oh, well this is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s supposed to be like this.”

To view Heidi Boghosian's lecture, scan the QR code, or follow the link below youtu.be/IRmydPVqSBM Subscribe to collegianWired on YouTube.

We All Dream of Midnights in Paris

By Nicholas Cervantes Jorge Ponce / Collegian Left to Right: Jessica Shulman, Jennifer Tolman, Carey Schwartz, Alex Reid, Natalie Hayden, Jesse Daniels, Robert Schwartz were special guests at the "Young Guns" entertainment panel at the El Camino Theatre on the night of May 8.

Young Guns Say ‘Get Yourself Out There,’ Succeed

By Gloria K. Lee “Young” and “upwardly mobile;” that was how the six panelists at the “Young Guns” entertainment panel on May 8 were described.

Jesse Daniels from Maverick Productions, Paramount Music’s Natalie Hayden, screenwriter Alex Reid, Creative Artists Agency’s Carey Schwartz, Jessica Shulman from Baer Bones and Jennifer Tolman a talent agent at Paradigm Talent Agency shared their stories in the entertainment industry, offered their advice on a variety of topics regarding success and answered questions from the audience.

“I learned a lot,” said Maria Gina Chellali, cinema major. “I think it was very interesting to see how young people from the industry did it and made their way … There was a lot of diversity. There were [many] different people from different departments. It was very impressive.”

Daniels told students they should always follow up with the people they meet while networking, because if they do not, they can easily be forgotten in the fast pace of the entertainment industry. Attendees were also told it was important to network with their peers as well, because people working in entertainment usually move up together.

“The theme of the night was ‘get yourself out there, network, be passionate about what you do and have

thick skin,’” Daniels said.

The panelists told students not to give up and shared many anecdotes meant to inspire and encourage the audience.

“Don’t get defeated by rejection or by the fact that you’re a certain age,” Tolman said.

They also talked at length about what it takes to break into the industry and how much work it took without having connections already in place.

“We’re just a little bit further down the road than they are,” Schwartz said.

“Hard work will definitely pay off and create those moments of luck and good fortune that allowed us to get to these points in our lives right now.”

Schwartz also said that prior to graduating from USC; he made friendly cold calls to businesses to ask for advice. He said most people he contacted gave him positive feedback and even agreed to meet with him to dispense advice.

The advice given to performers ranged from telling them to “perform, perform, perform,” to asking them to embrace sites like YouTube, Facebook Twitter, Instagram and Vine to promote themselves. Agents also said they push their clients to make cameo appearances on television shows because TV is “the new radio.”

Panelists also told actors to join troupes and perform in local plays and student films, while writers

were encouraged to take, among fiction writing, classes that interest them and that will help them become well-rounded individuals. The panel also expounded on the benefits of copywriting their work and registering it with the Writer’s guild of America.

Panelists told students to intern at agencies, studios or production companies and work their way up, – even if they have to start in the mailroom.

“Honestly, the best new information was where to go for internships and actual places to look for networking,” said Jason Vogel, mechanical engineering major.

Writers were also told to get an agent to read what they have written; it may take at least a year of working as an intern. Reid told them to take their time before handing in a script, because having a reputation as a good writer is important.

“You only have one shot,” he said.

Entertainment professionals have made appearances at the El Camino Theatre in the past and the college continues to host them in an effort to provide students with valuable information from inside the industry.

“I wish that I had this when I was going to college,” Shulman said.

“To have this guideline and kind of a broader confirmation about the industry.”

For more information of future events, visit the college website.

We all dream of the day we can enjoy a double espresso right outside an old bohemian café, or we may even fantasize ourselves in front of an Eiffel tower backdrop late night in the most romantic city in the world. This summer, 13 LACC students will make their dreams a reality.

The French Study Abroad Program offers a wonderful experience for students who want to explore La Ville-Lumière (The City of Light) also known as Paris, France.

Professor Rozenkopf, head of the French Language Department at LACC, has worked alongside Dean Scott who is the driving force in building and reviving the program.

Paris is one of the oldest cities with a rich history waiting to be discovered by interested travelers.

“A dream come true, with college credits!,” said professor Rozenkopf, native of Paris and also one of the professors in attendance for teaching abroad.

There are many ways to customize your summer trip for your personal liking.

If you prefer a dorm, you can room with peers smack dab in the middle of the city where most tourists have to pay a small fortune given for its proximity to all the wonderful local attractions. These dormitories are in the heart of Paris, so getting around is simple for exploring and adventuring.

Zach Peskin and Cynthia Cabrera, a couple who will be returning to France for a second time around, are very excited to return and apply their improved French banter.

Karen Martinez, a student who is truly taking advantage of her stay, has committed herself to a total of eight units aside from living with an actual French family this summer.

The last and final orientation before everyone’s departure was provided by Dr. Tom Blair and Dr. Terri Nelson on May 15. Both have traveled to Paris about 50 times and look forward to returning every year. The

orientation consisted of reenactments of pickpockets who prey on tourists. Some first-hand experiences were shared so that students would know just what to expect upon arrival.

Dr. Blair, the director of the European Studies Association since 1977, has been recognized by the French government for his contributions to French Education by being awarded the prestigious “Ordre des Palmes académiques,” a French order of chivalry for distinguished academics in the world.

He said a total of 100 students will be in attendance this year and from various schools such as East LA College, LA Valley College, Cal State San Bernardino, City College of San Francisco, San Jose State, and San Diego State.

Students will be departing June 30 and will be expected to endure a 12-hour flight. They will return home August 1. They also have the option to stay additional time at their own expense. Many students said they are planning to travel to neighboring countries in Europe.

For the many who haven’t traveled outside the United States, this once in a lifetime opportunity will offer students the opportunity to grow as individuals and learn about other cultures and societies with different modes of living.

We continue dreaming of the time we get to experience a midnight in Paris; be you an artist, photographer, writer, or vagabond. Paris holds a special place for a romantic, creative soul. Well, there's always next summer.

Nicholas Cervantes / Collegian French students show the Paris guide books that were given in the last orientation for the France Study Abroad Program in FH, Room 114.

Campus Life

Los Angeles COLLEGIAN

Star Sightings on Campus A Night to Remember

By Jessica Brecker Astronomy Club members and other students came to the Science and Technology Building on the evening of May 3 to take apart City College’s 28-inch telescope – nicknamed “The Webster” – and transport it to Oak Canyon Community Park. The destination was chosen for its proximity to campus and its low light pollution, for a star viewing party.

“I would estimate 60 or 70 folks from LACC in all, plus another 70 or 80 other folks,” said astronomy professor Dean Arvidson.

The Oak Canyon Community College Astronomy Club was also in attendance, and they brought several large telescopes with them.

However, “The Webster” was clearly the largest telescope there, and was soon surrounded by a crowd of surprised park-goers.

“If you wait for about 20 minutes, the sky is [going to] get dark, and you can look through the telescope,” Arvidson said to the attendees.

According to Arvidson, “The Webster” is the biggest telescope in the Los Angeles Community College District, and on this particular evening it stood poised with its eye focused on Mars. To the naked eye, it was a pale pink glowing ball to the southeast.

“It’s not as red as I thought it would be,” said Ayame Vest, a music major, after viewing it through “The Webster.”

The Red Planet has been in the

news lately, as NASA is currently devising a plan to get astronauts to Mars within the next 15 to 30 years.

“Sending people to Mars is a very expensive prospect,” said Paul McCudden, an astronomy professor at LACC. “That money might be better spent sending unmanned missions to parts of the solar system. [However,] anything that gets people excited about Astronomy is A-OK with me.”

Arvidson says he supports efforts into space exploration, and that efforts should be made into exploring Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons.

Europa is entirely encased in ice, and according to NASA, there could be an ocean under the ice that could be warmed by tidal interactions with Jupiter. If this is the case, this could also mean the moon has a geologically active core, which would create hydrothermal vents in the ocean floor. These phenomena are often said to be key ingredients for life. This is probably why NASA is trying to get American astronauts there.

“They have an ion powered space craft and that seems to be one of the possible ways to go,” Arvidson said. “And, [it’s] solarpowered.”

It’s a long trip to Jupiter and its moons, however. Due to the elliptical orbits of both planets, that distance is always changing. At its closest, Jupiter is 365 million miles away.

“It’s a very tricky problem,” McCudden said. “How do you drill through ice and send messages and information back? I don’t have any idea. We will leave that to the engineers.”

Astronomy Club Vice President Leonard Mejia says he believes life could exist on other planets.

“There are so many stars like our sun, so there is a big possibil-

Upcoming Events

Distinguished UCLA chemistry professor, Dr. Richard Kaner, kept a huge crowd of students riveted to their seats May 13 in Room 3 of the Chemistry Building basement, during the Walter O’Connell Memorial Lecture.

Kaner spoke about the benefits of graphene, a two dimensional, flexible material consisting of a single layer of carbon. According to Kaner the extremely light weight material is bio-degradable and non-toxic,

Rodolfo Pineda, a history major, looks through Astronomy Professor Dean Arvidson’s handmade telescope during City College’s Astronomy Department’s annual star party, Saturday, May 3.

ity there are other planets like our own that will have life,” said Mejia. “Who knows [if they would be] as intelligent as us, or less, or more, it’s all a ‘what if.’”

Mejia is not in a huge hurry to get to these planets, however.

“I would rather take care of our Earth and our environment rather than doing all that,” he said.

Jupiter and its moons were out and positioned very close the Earth’s moon in the southwest sky. Jupiter is more exciting to look at through a telescope than Mars due to its four moons, and a large telescope isn’t necessary to view it either. Just about any small telescope will show Jupiter and its moons, including Europa.

With larger telescopes one can

Jessica Brecker / Collegian “The Webster,” with its 28 inch mirror, dwarfed all other telescopes in Oak Canyon Community Park during the LACC Astronomy Department’s annual star party.

make out the strip of clouds Jupiter is known for.

“You could actually see moons,” said Rodolfo Pineda, a history major. “It looked [kind of] like a striped marble; you could see the gas bands.”

In spite of a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitos, most club members, students, and park-goers stayed until midnight, when “The Webster” was once again dismantled and driven back to its permanent home inside the second floor observatory dome of the Sci-Tech Building.

“The Webster” is often brought out to the Quad for students to use. To find out future times and dates, visit the Astronomy Club in the Science Building in Room 208 at 5 p.m.

May 21 – May 24 "Lil’ Abner." The Camino theatre is featuring "Lil’ Abner," a play based on a comic strip. This musical satire on American politics will be at LACC for one week only.

Compiled by Lorenzo Quintana

May 21 – May 29 Student Show at the Da Vinci Gallery. The gallery is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m.

May 5, 2014, 4:45 p.m.: Student reported an injury while performing her clinical hours at California Hospital Medical Center. Report taken.

May 23 LACC Philharmonic Choir and Chamber Choral with LACC Percussion Ensemble. LACC’s music department is hosting a free evening of music composed and performed by the school’s music faculty and students. The music starts at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Student Union Building.

May 6, 2014, 12:20 p.m.: Student was using sewing machine when the needle stroked her thumb penetrating straight through her nail.

Paramedics responded and transported student to Hollywood Presbyterian.

May 5, 2014, 12:30 p.m.: Employee reported theft of his laptop. Report taken.

May 27 Information on LACCD potential paid district internships will be available during workshop hosted by the Career Center in AD Room 109 from 1 to 3 p.m.

May 7, 2014, 12:40 p.m.: Student reported a fellow student challenged him to a fight. Report taken of incident.

May 7, 2014, 2:30 p.m.: CDC incident involving parent. Report taken.

May 28 LACC Applied Music Recital at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Student Union Building.

May 30 Studio Hour. Visit the Women’s Gym Room 202 for an informal studio hour featuring works by LACC dance classes. Mango & Coins and Mandala DanceWorks are guests in the show.

May 8, 2014, 2:20 p.m.: Verbal dispute between employee and student. Report taken.

May 9, 2014, 8 a.m.: Student incident. Report taken.

the THEATRE ACADEMY presents

Li’l Abner

Book by Norman Panama & Melvin Frank

music by Gene De Paul and lyrics by Johnny Mercer directed by Bruce Kimmel musical direction by Wayne Moore choreography by Kay Cole Tuesday May 20 Wednesday May 21 Thursday May 22 Friday May 23 Saturday May 24

@ @ @ @ @

7:15 PM - Preview 7:15 PM - Open 3:00 PM & 7:15 PM 8:00 PM 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM

THE CAMINITO THEATRE INFORMATION AND TICKETS: 323-953-4000, x 2990

$15 General, $12 Students/Seniors/Veterans

scenic design by Tesshi Nakagawa costume design by Roxanne De Ment Natalya Shahinyan lighting design by James Moody sound design by Vern Yonemura production stage manager Victoria Chediak

5

UCLA Professor Drew More Than 100 Students to Memorial Lecture

By Jessica Brecker

Police Wire

Compiled by Rocio Flores Huaringa

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

and holds a tremendous amount of energy. Kaner believes graphene could be the answer to the world’s energy and environmental problems.

The Kaner group, which is composed of Dr. Kaner and his students, has been researching graphene, and has come up with a “solution-based method for the large-scale production of graphene.”

To find out more about Dr. Kaner and his student’s project go to www. chem.ucla.edu/dept/Faculty/kaner/ Karner kept a huge crowd of students riveted to their seats on May 13 in room 3 of the Chemistry Building basement, during the Walter O’Connell Memorial Lecture.

“I like the idea of a device that can be charged again and again and it won’t wear out,” said Ayami Vest, music major (front row, first from left), “and I also like the idea of a battery that is biodegradable.”

Dr. Richard Kaner chatted up Astronomy Professor Dean Arvidson during the LACC Physics and Engineering Department’s Spring 2014 Walter O’Connell Memorial Lecture, "Exploring the Synthesis and Applications of Graphene" in the Chemistry Building basement.

6

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

News

Los Angeles COLLEGIAN

Cubs Measure Up

Scholarships add up for LACC’s brightest math students during campus ceremony in Franklin Hall.

Bill Knudson /Collegian Minh Vu, second place in the nation for mathematics, receives the Wolf Family Award from math professor Ronal Kendis.

By Felicia Allen Faculty and math students gathered in the largest math lecture room in Franklin Hall 117 on May 15, in anticipation of receiving scholarships from donors and foundations that support Los Angeles City College’s math scholastics and academic achievement.

Professor Ronald Kendis was acting master of ceremony. He provided background on the various donors and the significance of their generosity.

Math chair Roger Wolf is among the donors. A scholarship has been named in his mother’s honor, in recognition of his continued support of

students and the math department at LACC. Kendis informed the audience that the Wolf Family Scholarship began as a result of contributions made by staff members into the fund.

“It was kind of a pass the plate around, if you will, was sort of how it all began,” Kendis said.

Now the Wolf Family Scholarship is one of the most prestigious, because of the scholastic criteria a student must meet to be eligible for the award.

Administrators filed in and took their seats to show support for the honorees.

President Renee’ Martinez shared her thoughts on math and her own upbringing.

“I have always had a deep respect for math and those who do well in it,” Martinez said. “My mother used to tell us how important it was for us to count money and study hard to achieve success.”

Math Club adviser Anatoliy Nikolaychuk handed out 20 certificates to students for special recognition of “Outstanding Achievement” for their participation in the American Mathematical Association of TwoYear Colleges competition.

The Ghani/Hyon Award, the Sam Skolnik Scholarship and the Rosella Kanarik Scholarship along with the Wolf Family Award are among some of the scholarships awarded.

“The amount of the scholarship is not as important to me, as whom the person is that is giving it, and who they chose to give it to,” Professor Kendis said in answer to a question regarding the scholarship amounts.

Even though male students dominated the math scholarship winners in numbers, several women won awards, including Ana Karmela Alcantara, and Sara Darella.

One of the most touching moments came when the second highest ranked mathematics student in the nation, Minh Vu accepted his scholarship and thanked all of his professors and mentors.

“Education is important, but one thing I have learned is to develop relationships with people, and yes education is good, but friends and caring about people is just as important too,” Vu said.

Math Winners From Page 1

MATH CLUB BEATS MORE THAN 140 SCHOOLS IN CONTEST

problems relating to logic and number theory.

Out of 12,000 students nationally, and 190 two-year colleges, LACC had three of the top ranked students as its winners, including Kramer Jake who was ninth, Li Lin who was sixth, and Vu Minh in first place.

“This award is [a] very important award, LACC has won 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010, and now 2014,” said Nikolaychuk as he pointed to a photo of himself with Mayor Eric Garcetti when he was still a Los Angeles 13th District councilman, posing alongside former City College AMATYC winners.

The professor is reluctant to accept praise for the team’s accomplishments in his Math Club adviser role. Instead, he redirects the attention to his students and points those around him to the statistics on the

Student Math League Scorecard.

“I’m really shy, I don’t like taking pictures,” said Kramer when being photographed during math class following his ninth place win.

Most of the winners are very shy when approached and reluctant to discuss their achievements publically with any of their fellow classmates according to members of the math staff.

Los Angeles City College sent 42 Math Club members to the competition and came out with the highest honor, being ranked number one once again.

Professor Nikolaychuk has been the adviser for the Math Club for more than 14 years and has seen the success of students first hand. Many students have gone on to very distinguished colleges and this year, students will choose from the likes

of MIT, Cal Tech, UC Berkeley, and all of the Cal State.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here at LACC,” Minh Vu said. “The professors help me a lot to be successful, and they are my mentors.

Students at LACC have not scored very well in math, according to the Student Success Scorecard that was published last year. But when asked what the achievement of the winners says about the Scorecard, President Renee’ Martinez said that things are looking better, but the college still has a way to go.

For those who would like to explore the Math Club and see what it has to offer, contact Professor Anatoliy Nikolaychuk at extension 2822, or in Franklin Hall, Room 101E. Math club meets every Friday at 9:30 a.m.

Results are in: New Student Government Announced

By Byron Umana-Bermudez With a click of a mouse, LACC students voted to appoint their representatives in the Associated Student Government (ASG) and the results of the election were announced on April 28.

Victoria Boutros defeated her opponent Shamir Moorer for the ASG president position. Anna McKinley and Carmen Olvera ran

unchallenged for the executive vice-president and vice-president of finance positions, respectively, and won. Jessica Shifflett also ran unchallenged for the vice-president of clubs position and won, as did executive secretary candidate Lidia Bernal.

All five candidates for the nine senatorial positions, Lisa Bao, Andrea Dominguez, Patricia Green, Onitra Johnson and Robin Stuart

won.

LACCD Student Trustee was decided with an official counting of the ballots May 9 during the Student Assistance Center (SAC) meeting.

Students who participated in the election were automatically placed in a raffle for a laptop or tablet. Ten winners will be notified at the ASG leadership banquet on June 9.

Ferocious Blaze Erupts While 350 LAFD Workers Unemployed

By Jessica Brecker Photo by Bill Knudson Despite the rapid response of over a hundred firefighters, a fierce blaze destroyed several businesses at 1096 North Western Avenue, just 0.9 miles from LACC’s campus.

A phone call was made to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) at 7:09 a.m. on May 6, and three minutes later fire fighters were on the scene. It took one hour and 38 minutes for 153 firefighters to extinguish the blaze.

"The structure is considered a total loss,” said Katherine Main, spokesperson of Los Angeles Fire Department. "The cause of this destructive fire was categorized as undetermined and accidental in nature. No injuries were reported.”

LAFD lost four ambulances, nine paramedic units, and eighteen fire companies due to budget cuts last summer. LAFD left 350 people unemployed while Los Angeles is experiencing its worse drought on record, according to the National Weather Service.

Scholarships

Los Angeles COLLEGIAN

scholarships information Compiled by Rocio Flores Huaringa For more information on how to apply to these scholarships, visit their websites.

Bruce Lee Foundation Scholarship Award: $1,000 Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old and attending a two-year college or a four-year university. Applicants must show proof of enrollment prior to disbursement of the scholarship. They must also submit two letters of recommendation with their applications.

Deadline: June 13 Visit bruceleefoundation.com The Brad’s Deals Scholarship Award: $2,000 Eligibility: Applicants must be high school seniors or undergraduate students. They should also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and write a 500-word essay.

Deadline: June 15 Visit bradsdeals.com/scholarship Internet and Education Scholarship Award: $1,000 Eligibility: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

They must be a current student and have at least a 2.5 GPA. Students must also be enrolled full-time. Applicants must write a 500-essay answering the question, “What are five ways you utilize technology to be a better student?”

Deadline: June 22 Visit attsavings.com/scholarship Castle Ink Paperless Scholarship Award: $1,000 Eligibility: Current and prospective undergraduate students who are legal U.S. residents. Applicants must explain how they reduce, reuse, and recycle in a YouTube video clip, tweet, photo, blog entry, or Facebook wall post.

Deadline: July 1 Visit castleink.com/category/717/ Castle-Ink-Paperless-Scholarship. html IP Video Contest Award: $5,000 Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 13 years old and be enrolled full-time in an accredited secondary, college level or trade school. They must create a video of no more than 90 seconds answering one of four questions related to patented inventions.

Deadline: July 1 Visit www.ipvideocontest.com Military College Scholarship Award: $2,500 Eligibility: Applicants must be a mother or father serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forced.

Military students currently enrolled in a college may also apply. They must complete an online application. If the student wins, he or she must use the money only towards tuition or books at an accredited col-

lege or university.

Deadline: July 4 Visit lowvarates.com/military-college-scholarship The Console and Hollawell Legal Leaders Scholarship Award: $1,000 Eligibility: Applicants must be pursuing a degree in pre-law or paralegal studies. They must also be U.S. citizens and be attending an accredited institution of higher education.

Students must demonstrate proof of enrollment and have at least a 3.0 GPA. All applicants must complete the Legal Leaders Application and submit a 500-word essay on how he or she intends to impact his or her community through the law.

Deadline: July 15 Visit consoleandhollawell.com/pages/legal-leaders-scholarship/ Media Fellows Scholarship Award: $5,000 Eligibility: Applicants must be college juniors or seniors that have at least a 3.0 GPA. Students must be seeking a major or minor in mass communications, journalism, marketing, business, or political science.

Any other majors related to strategic public policy advertising research, management, planning and buying will also be considered.

Deadline: July 16 Visit mediascholars.org/media-fellows-program/application/ My Mentor Was Me Scholarship Award: $1,000 Eligibility: Applicants must be college students pursuing a degree at an accredited college in the U.S. in fall 2014. Contestants are required to produce and upload an original video identifying and describing the impact a mentor has had on their pursuit of success and the importance of mentor-mentee relationships.

Deadline: July 31 Visit mymentorwasme-challenge. com Platt Family Scholarship Award: $500-$1,500 Eligibility: Applicants must be fulltime undergraduate students during the spring semester. They must write an essay on “Lincoln and the Hard Hand of War.” Deadline: July 31 Visit thelincolnforum.org/scholarship-essay-contest.php Sonic Electronix's Audiophile Scholarship Award: $1,000 Eligibility: Applicants must plan to pursue a career in the audio industry.

Students whose academic careers will involve automotive, mechanical, electrical engineering, or have passion for DJ equipment or understand the intricacies of headphones are also welcome to apply.

Deadline: July 31 Visit sonicelectronix.com/audiophile-scholarship.php George Watt Prize Award: $250 Eligibility: Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students.

Students must submit an essay or

thesis chapter about any aspect of the Spanish Civil War, the global political or cultural struggles against fascism in the 1920s and 1930s, or the lifetime histories and contributions of the Americans who fought in support of the Spanish Republic from 1936 to 1938.

Deadline: August 1 Visit alba-valb.org/participate/essay-contest Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Education Support Awards Award: $3,000

Eligibility: Applicant must be a woman who is at least 17 years old.

She must also be a mother with minor children. She must be pursuing a vocational degree/certificate, associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.

She must be enrolled in an accredited institution or program during the 2014-2015 academic year. The student must also be low-income and complete an application. The application must be mailed at the Foundation's address.

Deadline: August 1 Visit patsyminkfoundation.org/edsupport.html

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

ARTBA’s Student Transportation Video Contest Award: $500 Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in any school. Applicants must create an original two-to-fourminute video examining any aspect of transportation in the United States. The winners, may be shown at the ARTBA National Convention.

Entrants may work in teams, but only one prize will be awarded per video. Submitted videos may be featured on the ARTBA website.

Deadline: August 1 Visit artba.org/video-contest/

7

did you win a scholarship? do you have a scholarship to share? tell us about it!

Write to losangeles. collegian@gmail.com

FINAL ExAM SCHEDULE

Los Angeles City College Spring 2014 Final Exam Schedule Tuesday, June 3rd - Monday, June 9th, 2014

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

2:30-4:30 p.m.

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Classes starting June 3, 2014 between 7:00 – 7:55 a.m.

Tue/Thurs or starting between 7:00-8:55 a.m.

Tuesday only

Classes starting between 10:00 – 10:55 a.m. Tue/ Thurs or starting between 9:00-10:55 a.m. Tuesday only

Classes starting between 11:00 – 11:55 p.m. Tue/ Thurs or starting between 11:00 a.m.-12:55 p.m.

Tuesday only

Classes starting between 1:00 – 2:55 p.m.

Tue/Thurs or starting between 1:00-3:15 p.m.

Tuesday only

Classes starting between 3:20 – 4:55 p.m. Tue/ Thur or 3:20-5:55 Tuesday only

Classes starting between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tue/ Thur or Tuesday only

Wednesday, Classes starting June 4, 2014 between 8:00 – 8:55 a.m.

MTWTh, Mon/ Wed, Wed/Fri, or starting between 7:00-8:55 a.m.

Wednesday only

Classes starting between 9:00 – 9:55 a.m. . MTWTh, Mon/Wed, Wed./Fri, or starting between 9:00-10:55 a.m.

Wednesday only

Classes starting between 12:00 – 12:55 p.m., TWTh, Mon/Wed, Wed./ Fri, or starting between 11:00 a.m.-12:55 p.m.

Wednesday only

Classes starting between 1:00 – 2:55 p.m.

Wed./Fri, or starting between 1:00-3:15 p.m.

Wednesday only

Classes starting between 5:00-5:55 Mon/Wed or Wed Fri, or 3:20 – 5:55 p.m.

Wednesday only

Classes starting between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Wed/Fri or Wednesday only

Thursday, Classes starting June 5, 2014 between 8:00 – 8:55 a.m.

Tue/Thurs, or starting between 7:00-8:55 a.m.

Thursday only

Classes starting between 9:00 – 9:55 a.m Tue/Thurs, or starting between 9:00-10:55 a.m.

Thursday only

Classes starting between 12:00 – 12:55 p.m. Tue/ Thurs, or starting between 11:00 a.m.-12:55 p.m.

Thursday only

Classes starting between 1:00-3:15 p.m.

Thursday only

Classes starting between 5:00-5:55 Tue/Thurs or 3:20 – 5:55 p.m.

Thursday only

Classes starting between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday only

Friday, Classes starting June 6, 2014 between 7:00 – 7:55 a.m. Wed/ Fri or starting between 7:00 – 8:55 a.m.

Fri/Sat or Friday only

Classes starting between 10:00 – 10:55 a.m. Wed/Fri or starting between 9:00 – 11:55 a.m Fri/Sat or Friday only

Classes starting between 11:00 – 11:55 p.m.

Wed/Fri or starting between 12:00 – 2:55 p.m.

Fri/Sat or Friday only

Classes starting between 1:00 – 2:55 p.m. Fri/ Sat, or starting between 3:00 – 4:55 p.m.

Fri/Sat or Friday only

Classes starting between 5:00 – 5:55 p.m. Fri/Sat or Friday only

Classes starting between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Fri/Sat or Friday only

Saturday, Classes starting June 7, 2014 between 7:00 – 8:55 a.m.

Saturday only

Classes starting between 9:00 – 11:55 a.m Saturday only

Classes starting between 12:00 – 2:55 p.m.

Saturday only

Classes starting between 3:00 – 4:55 p.m.

Saturday only

Classes starting between 5:00 – 6:55 p.m.

Saturday only

No exams scheduled

Time

7:00-9:00 a.m.

Monday, Classes starting Classes starting Classes starting Classes starting Classes starting Classes starting June 9, 2014 between 7:00 between 10:00 – between 11:00 between 1:00 between 3:20-4:55 between 6:00 – 7:55 a.m.

10:55 a.m. MTWTh, – 11:55 p.m..

– 2:55 p.m..

MTWTh, or Mon/ – 8:00 p.m.

MTWTh, or or Mon/Wed, or MTWTh, Mon/ MTWTh, Mon/ Wed, 3:20 – 4:55 MTWTh, or Mon/ Mon/Wed, or starting between Wed, or starting Wed, or starting p.m. or 3:20-5:55 Wed, or Monday starting between 9:00-10:55 a.m. between 11:00 between 1:00Monday only only 7:00-8:55 a.m.

Monday only a.m.-12:55 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

Monday only Monday only Monday only Please note: • Each examination is scheduled for two hours. Final exams for short-term classes shall be administered during the final two hours of the last class period.

• Every instructor is required to give a final examination following the schedule above. Deviations from the final exam schedule ARE NOT PERMITTED because of the potential conflict within students’ schedules. If students indicate that a conflict is occurring, instructors are advised to contact their supervising dean immediately.

• Every student is required to take a final examination.

• Final examinations are held in the room in which the class is regularly scheduled.

• In case of a conflict, please consult your instructor.

LACC 2014 Spring Semester Classes Schedule

25

Monday, February 10, 2014 – Monday, June 9, 2014

8

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Sports

Los Angeles COLLEGIAN

Features

Los Angeles COLLEGIAN

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

9

Streetcar Desires Resurface Slick electric trains once dropped students off on Monroe Street, right in front of what is now is the Student Union Building. Those tracks, while paved over, are still visible through the blacktop.

By Jessica Brecker

A

ngelenos love their cars, so it is no surprise that the city has long had a reputation for having a poor public transit system. Yet, it was not that long ago when slick electric railways brought students straight down Monroe Street and dropped them off in front of what now is the Student Union.

“The placing of the Student Union seems to confuse some students,” said Herri Capela, a math student at LACC. “It’s at the edge of campus, so its function is diluted.

People have to travel more.”

According to the map on the 1938-39 college catalog, students came onto campus via “three Yellow Car lines, one Red Car and a motor bus line.”

The cars that stopped on Monroe Street were the Vermont Avenue line, or the “V” yellow cars.

The 1962-63 catalog map shows changes since the last train ran in 1961, but a dotted line still marks the path of the “V” car line. The map also shows there were four additional bus lines at the time.

“The map I saw had the car line ending on Monroe Street,” said Dorothy Fuhrmann, librarian at the Acquisitions and Reference department of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library.

One can still see an obvious and neatly marked set of lines coming from Vermont Boulevard, down Monroe Street, which turn at New

Hampshire and run down to Melrose Boulevard. This is where the “V” trains made their final stop.

“The "V" car line terminated on Monroe and the car turned back to allow its return,” said Duncan Still, a LACC student from 1958 to 1960.

“Monroe was a quiet, backwater type of street, so the streetcars could park to allow their operators a few minutes of rest without disrupting auto traffic. The track was right next to the curb on Monroe so I had ‘curb service’ going to school.”

According to the college’s 75th anniversary website, the land upon which LACC currently sits was farmland owned by Dennis Sullivan.

In 1909, following the construction of the Pacific Electric Interurban Railroad, which connected downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood, the L.A. Board of Education relocated the Normal School – which, by providing graduates with credentials to teach grades K-12, was L.A.’s only institution of higher learning at the time – to the site of the farm.

In 1919, because of heightened demand for a local university in Los Angeles, the Normal School became the southern branch of UC Berkeley, only to become UCLA a few years after. UCLA moved to Westwood in 1929 and the L.A. Board of Education purchased the campus grounds to establish the Los Angeles Junior College, which opened its doors to 1,350 students on Sept. 4, 1929.

Photo illustration by Jessica Brecker /COLLEGIAN Pacific Electric Railway's Yellow Car (V line) made its last stop on Monroe Street, right in front of the Student Union (old cafeteria building). The Pacific Electric Railway ran from 1901 to 1961.

The Pacific Electric Railway preceded City College by about 20 years, but the service would not last.

Around 1920, Los Angeles began to develop a “car culture.” Multiple grade crossings and automobiles often slowed down fast streetcars, and buses began to fill the streets, as they were cheaper to run. Then in 1939, came the Arroyo Seco Parkway, the very first freeway in the nation. People began to buy cars, lots of them.

By 1953, Pacific Electric turned

over operations to Metropolitan Coach Lines and the last route was put out of service in 1961.

“It’s really too bad how GM and Firestone Tires had [the rail lines] ripped out,” said Ayame Vest, music major.

Contrary to popular belief, most tracks are still intact, since it costs a lot less money to pave over the tracks than to rip them out. They are often uncovered when streets are prepared for resurfacing.

Twenty years later, attitudes are changing and many are advocating for the return of the rail service, particularly the Yellow Line that serviced areas from North Hollywood to Downtown Los Angeles.

“We want them back,” said John Ulloth, a local activist.

A similar movement swept the Port of Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners in 1995, when they proposed to renew use of the Pacific Electric Railway’s Red Cards to link

a series of attractions in San Pedro.

According to railwaypreservation. com, the line re-opened in 2003 with an original 1907 electric car and two replicas fashioned from a 1909 Red Car design.

One of the V line Yellow Cars that escaped being demolished for scrap metal is currently on display at the Orange Empire Railway Museum.

For more information, visit www. oerm.org/collection/yellow-cars-larailway.

10

Features

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Cubs Gear Up for June Graduation

By Krystle Mitchell

Caps and gowns are flying off the shelves as graduating LACC students are getting ready for the June 12 ceremony at the Greek Theatre.

Many students will be the first in their families to get a college degree.

“Given the fact that a high percent of LACC students are the first to receive a degree in their families, it’s incredibly important not just for the students, but for all the family members to see,” said Robert Schwartz, executive director at the LACC Foundation.

Spanish major Tatiana Lopez even kept her graduation a secret from her family and friends until last month.

“The family didn’t see it coming,” she said. “I didn’t tell them I was trying to get an AA or anything, I just told them I was graduating next month. I was trying to keep it a surprise. I will be going to Cal State Long Beach to obtain my B.A., and grad school for nursing to become an anesthesiologist.”

Some students say they are especially proud of achieving graduation status, because it means they overcame one of life’s obstacles.

“There were times when it was hard being a full time student,” said Angela Bonilla, who is getting an associate degree in French. “Especially since I worked for so long and being broke again was hard.

Sometimes I had second thoughts.

Now that graduation is here, I’m glad I didn’t give up. It marks an

accomplishment.”

Although LACC students are graduating, many say they are not done with their studies, because they plan to transfer and work to receive bachelor and master’s degrees.

“I feel like it’s a huge accomplishment in my life,” said Alexandra Rose, English major. “I’m proud to receive my [associate] degree. I am looking forward to going to UCLA to continue my studies. Hopefully I’ll get into law school after that.”

Two graduation rehearsals are scheduled for May 28 at 2 p.m. and May 29 at 5 p.m. on the third floor patio at the Student Union Building. Caps, gowns, tassels, and the option to purchase announcements are for sale at the bookstore.

cool-off tournament Gives rookie a taste of success

Jessica Brecker /COLLEGIAN

Marlon Monico shows off the second place trophy he won for Extemporaneous Speaking last March at the Pacific South Coast Forensics Association Cool-off Tournament.

The Cool-Off tournament is unique in that it is a contest for novices and rookies only, allowing students with little experience to com-

pete with others at the same level.

This was Monico’s first win.

“They have a ceremony at the end of the tournament,” Monico said.

“To my surprise I made it into finals.”

According to Monico, the speeches have to be made up on the spot with only a few minutes to prepare.

“There’s one more round, they give you their verdicts, and unanimously they chose me to be the second speaker,” Monico said.

Monico will be transferring soon, and was accepted into UC Irvine, but says he has plans to attend Occidental College if he gets accepted there.

Los Angeles COLLEGIAN