The Corsair Fall 2023 - Issue 3

CONTENT

News | pg. 4

Arts & Entertainment | pg. 5-11

Photo Story | pg. 12-13

Sports | pg. 14-15

Media Column | pg. 16

EDITORIAL STAFF

Victor Chambers | Editor-in-Chief

Conor Heeley | Managing Editor

Caylo Seals | Photo Editor

Mikey Duro | Lead Copy Editor

Renee Bartlett-Webber | News Editor

Nicholas McCall | Sports Editor

Taylor Smith | Arts & Entertainment Editor

Bunker King | Arts & Entertainment Editor

Samayia Kirby | Culture Editor

Blake Harris | Opinion Editor

Amber Guerrero | Multimedia Editor

Desiree Ihde | Digital Editor

Danniel Sumarkho | Design Editor

Akemi Rico | Social Media Editor

CORSAIR STAFF

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo | Lucas Weiss | Anais Mann |

Danilo Perez | Nube Gamer | Desiree Fabian | Callie Yiu | Marcela Iraheta | Jorge Devotto | Antoineé

Jones | Maria Lebedev | Josephine Fischer | Danniel Sumarkho | Josh Hogan | Rebecca Hogan |

Brian Dockins

FACULTY ADVISORS

Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins | Journalism Adviser

Gerard Burkhart | Photo Adviser

Samantha Nuñez | Social Media Adviser

CONTACT

Editor-in-Chief | corsair.editorinchief@gmail.com

FRONT PAGE

Megan Winberg as Milady de Winter attempts to strangle Saba Asgari, playing Sabine, on stage at the Santa Monica College Theater Department Main Stage on the Main Campus in Santa Monica, Calif. during the opening weekend of Ken Ludwig's The Three Musketeers on Thursday. (Photo by Akemi Rico)

PAGE 2

Malin Anderson, a young Santa Monica local, checks out the pumpkins made of glass on the display tables during the Santa Monica College Glass

Pumpkin Sale at Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica, Calif. on Saturday. (Photo by Akemi Rico)

I met Camila Lopez while working at the Peer Navigator program. We both were responsible for the newsletter and one of my favorite things every week would be to see what she had come up with for the design. She works in various mediums such as digital, canvas, and resin.

ART -ispower

Iused to think that saying a certain movie, album, or book saved one’s life was quite an exaggeration. How could a single piece of art possibly mean that much to someone that it could drastically change the course of their life? Art is fundamentally subjective and what might be considered masterful to some might seem insipid to others.

It was growing older that allowed me to understand what prompted others to hold that belief. I have realized that it was not a single song or film that has influenced who I am, but the process of making art. The impact that artistic expression has had on culture and society has been well documented, but I believe that its impact as an emotional outlet for its creators is not discussed enough. I have been writing poetry and lyrics from a young age, but only recently have I seen how that practice helped me work through the most difficult things I have experienced in life, experiences that are common to all of us. Whether it’s heartbreak, disappointment, or loss, tragedy becomes catharsis in the hands of an artist.

I urge my fellow students to regard art as a tool of spectacular therapeutic value that is available to any of us. After all, one of its most incredible characteristics is that it can spring out of nothingness. A literary epic can be born from a blank page and a masterpiece from a white canvas. Antagonistic to this nature, the making of art had become increasingly inaccessible by the end of the 20th century, largely due to the attempts of elitist circles at dictating who could be an artist or not. Technological advancements in the past two decades, however, have turned those efforts obsolete.

Today, a Grammy-award-winning album such as Billie Eilish’s “When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” can be entirely recorded and produced in the bedroom of a 19-year-old. This democratization has ultimately resulted in more people having access to platforms where they can express and exercise their creativity even if they are not in-

terested in being artists themselves. Digital mediums such as TikTok, Instagram, and Canva have allowed millions to become creatives in their own right.

We should take advantage of all these tools available to us and explore our creativity as a vehicle for expression and emotional release. They allow us to not only be spectators and consumers but also creators. Whether one wishes to become a doctor, a teacher, or a finance analyst, art can still serve as a lifelong instrument of transformation. It can make us feel a little less alone, a little bit happier, and a little more hopeful, irrespective of who or where we are.

For these reasons, I wanted to have this issue honor the power of art and spotlight some of the incredible events that have taken place at SMC recently such as the screening of a powerful documentary, a fundraising photo exhibit, and, of course, the premiere of the “The Three Musketeers.” With the productions of “By The River Rivanna” and “Avenue Q,” and events led by authors, visual artists, and musicians planned for the next few months, we are certain to continue to bear witness to more art that will influence and transform us.

Victor Chambers Editor-in-Chief

Illustrations by Camila Lopez

“Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change - it can not only move us, it makes us move.”

– Ossie Davis

A Snapshot of Budget Cuts

Bunker King | Arts & Entertainment Editor

SMC is experiencing a $7.8 million budget deficit, and one of the ways the administration is tackling it is by cutting faculty and courses. Students have been some of the first to speak out about how this is affecting them, especially the ones in the photography department.

At the September 12 Board of Trustees meeting, the sole public comment was photography student Ren Klein, who voiced concerns about the impacts these cuts are having.

Klein feels that whatever operating costs will come from these cuts, they ultimately won’t be good for the student body. After naming professors Steven Moulton, Steve Anderson, and Natasha Calzatti, Klein said, “these budget cuts will, in effect, cause all of these amazing adjuncts to be fired.”

One of the strategies implemented by the administration is the theory of “one hundred percent class efficiency,” which, by monitoring student responses to reduced course offerings, will be able to find a better way to manage expenses. In order to comply with budgetary concerns, this means that some highly qualified professors and coveted classes will no longer be available to students.

After Klein’s comment, Peter Morse, the President of the Faculty Association, gave a speech addressing the cuts to class listings for the fall semester. Morse largely echoed the concerns of Klein, saying, “we support the college trying to be more thoughtful and mindful about what sorts of programs they’re offering… But not at the cost of getting students where they need to be.”

Monica Lopez, another photography student, arrived at the Board of Trustees meeting intending to voice support for her department, but was unable to because she was too late to submit a request to address the Board directly. Requests to read a written comment must be submitted at least a half-hour before meetings, emailed to the Recording Secretary Lisa Rose.

Lopez pointed out that not only were classes missing, but that some of the most critical and important classes weren’t available. “It’s frustrating. They cut the portfolio class. People are getting a certificate without the portfolio class.” In the photography world, portfolios – collections of photographs intended to show the photographers skill, range, and specialties – are one of the main ways that people are able to advertise themselves and get employed. Losing a class that creates such a valuable asset can be a major setback to students hoping to make a career in the field.

Lopez continued, “People are stuck here longer because they have to wait a semester. They’re only running [required courses] every other semester.”

Lopez believes that these cuts are particularly unfair to international students, whose student visas might not be able to be extended, and even if they are, will have to spend extra time and money to finish their education in the United States.

As a stop-gap measure to prevent issues for international students and others who don’t want to or can’t wait for Spring, Photography Department Chair Josh Sanseri sent out an email to students saying that he would al-

low students to receive their Associate’s Degrees this semester even if they hadn’t taken the class by substituting an elective photography course.

Klein and Lopez both feel there aren’t enough faculty left to be able to help them achieve their academic goals and succeed in their chosen fields. The administration’s goal, as outlined in the July presentation to the Board of Trustees, was to save five million dollars from these budget cuts and students don’t believe it is worth the savings.

Sean McDonald, a photography professor, also believes that this system isn’t ideal. “[The administration] wants the classes to be the same size as an English class or a Math class… That’s not tenable.” McDonald believes that even if the administration’s goal of efficiency can be met, there was a better, more measured way to approach it.

“I think that the short-term financial gain of not having to pay the teachers as much… was not considered balanced against the impact that that would have on students,” Morse stated after the Board meeting. Morse’s primary responsibility is to make sure that the faculty is being treated appropriately, ostensibly so that they can in turn take care of student needs and nurture them for the future. He believes that with these and future cuts, they won’t be able to fulfill that mission.

Beyond that, Morse believes that this action will wind up making the budget problems even worse down the road.

Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, the way that SMC gets funding is going to change. The Student-Centered Funding Formula, adopted in 2018, dictates what districts get what share of

state funding. The more students that are enrolled, the more those students are graduating or transferring, and the greater the percentage of those students that are on financial aid, the more money that district will receive. When the budget is calculated in 2025, the school will no longer be under a ‘hold harmless’ provision that has previously prevented the school from receiving penalties to its funding based on declining numbers.

The Faculty Association’s opinion is that these cuts to faculty and classes will make SMC seem less and less appealing to students, causing less students to attend and lead to the college’s funding to fall drastically in 2025.

Chris Bonvenuto, the Vice President of Business and Administration at SMC, was responsible for the July presentation that detailed the budget amendments that would help alleviate the budget crisis. When asked for comment, he stressed that the administration has had the well-being of its students as a major consideration when deciding what to do.

Bonvenuto also stated, “we will continue to look for alternative areas of savings, but as our expenditures are 91% salaries and benefits, our options are limited. Our hope is that as the year progresses, we realize increased revenue or decreased expenditures and can restore some of the reductions that have been necessitated by our fiscal situation.” Bonvenuto feels that, although nobody wanted these cuts, the administration had to take action, and that this was the only way to prevent the college from shutting down in the middle of the 2024-2025 school year.

Santa Monica College (SMC) Board of Trustees members at a public meeting at the SMC main campus, Santa Monica, Calif. on Sept. 12, 2023.

Photo by Danniel Sumarkho

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Glass Pumpkins Blow Through Santa Monica

Desiree Fabian | Staff Writer

Amid each Fall semester, the SMC Art Department hosts its annual glass pumpkin sale to raise funds and showcase intricate handmade pieces by students and faculty. The deep-rooted tradition behind the sale has been around for over a decade, supporting SMC and its surrounding communities, and signaling the beginning of fall. From multicolored blown pumpkins to bug-inspired jewelry, each piece created is unique in style, showcasing the personality of each artist.

For over 40 years, the glassblowing program has expanded and evolved to the needs of students, staff, and the department. In the past, SMC only offered glass sculpting classes during the fall. Now, with more recognition and support accumulated from the glass pumpkin sales, the Art Department offers courses in the Spring.

Terri Bromberg, an SMC Art Department Faculty member who teaches the glassblowing and glass-fusing classes, was present at the event held on Sept. 30 and shared the allocation of the funds raised.

“30% of the sale price is donations,” Bromberg said. “We’re donating 15% to the SMC Art Department, and 15% goes to the friends of the Santa Monica library, the Pico branch, and the Virginia Avenue Park to do activities together and when we’re at different locations, we partner with different groups and 70% goes back to the artist for their time and work.”

Through fundraising, the Art Department also sends one student on a scholarship to Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington where the student can explore a deeper understanding of glass art.

Though materials and maintenance

are expensive, glass is impressive. The time and thought that goes into the process and creation of these complex pieces reflects the passion behind the artists. Jess Hamada, a glassblowing student at SMC, had her craftwork showcased for sale.

“We begin with a bubble, and we go into a mold that gives it these really pretty ridges. We then blow into a pipe to inflate the bubble into this gorgeous shape, and then we add the solid stem,” Hamada said. “As an artist participating in this sale, if 30% of my sales go into maintaining this program, I’m more than happy. I love blowing glass here. I think it's so much fun.”

The character that shines off every art piece lies in the details, and it is reflected in the feedback from the community. Santa Monica resident Lily Sutjitpo received the invite sent widely throughout the community. She saw

the pictures of the glass pumpkins attached to the invitation and thought, “I want to go see those. They are so pretty.”

Lisa Cantero Riddle, a born and raised Santa Monica resident, was delighted by the art display and shared her perspective on the arts and the event.

“It is art anxiety because there is too much, and everything looks gorgeous,” Riddle said. “Art is extremely important, it brings out the creativity in children and adults. All you have to do is look, and all of a sudden– boom– you get an idea, not only from what you see and what you buy but also from what you can do yourself.”

The SMC Art Department will have three more events held throughout the month of October. The next event will take place at Temescal Gateway Park Simon Meadow in Pacific Palisades on Oct. 8.

Pumpkins made of glass in multiple colors grace the display tables at the Santa Monica College Glass Pumpkin Sale at Virginia Ave. Park in Santa Monica, Calif., on Saturday.

Photo by Akemi Rico

Historic Strike Comes to an End

Taylor Smith | Arts & Entertainment Editor

It has been a grueling 148 days for Writers Guild of America (WGA) members this summer on the picket lines during the second longest writers strike in history. After racking up thousands of steps daily, marching alongside the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the WGA has finally reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP).

“We’re incredibly proud of the deal that we earned. With gains in streaming, increases in wages and protections against AI, writers in every sector of the business are excited about what we achieved together,” stated Travis Donnely, a WGA member and board member, in a followup with The Corsair.

After much back and forth, the AMPTP and industry leaders sat down with the WGA negotiators and presented their “last and final offer” as scribes across the country held their breath awaiting the outcome.

Co-founders of Dean’s Coffee, a small business which serves coffee to picketers on the line, Andrea Alba-Von Buren and Oliver Alerte were among

those eager to see a deal made.

“Like many, we understood what was at stake and that it would take a lot of sacrifice to get it done, but it would ultimately be worth it. We were right,” the entrepreneurs said in a joint statement.

The WGA struck a tentative agreement with the AMPTP on Sunday stating, “this deal is exceptional—with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership.” The board and council voted on Tuesday to authorize the contract and end work stoppage as of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday.

Through negotiations, the WGA has hit the mark on the major terms they have been vocal about seeking during their fight.

Beyond a standard raise, a “success-based bonus” was secured for made-for-streaming films and shows, as well as an increase in foreign residuals. In addition, the studios have agreed to streaming data transparency, both domestically and internationally, contingent upon a confidentiality agreement.

A groundbreaking addition to the

agreement includes its restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI). AI will not be permitted to write literary material and essentially replace the job of a writer, nor can its use be required when providing writing services.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t come without pain. Writers traded their offices and laptops for the uncertainty of a picket line for 148 days. It was hard and even scary, but we never wavered,” continued Donnely.

Writers are now dusting off those laptops and gearing up to get back to work. But while the finalization of this new contract between the WGA and AMPTP is a major step for labor unions, the fight is not over.

The WGA deal will now stand as a bargaining tool for the actors’ union, who recently voted on Sept. 25 to issue a strike against videogame companies as well if their Interactive Media Agreement negotiations fail.

“We are still out there in the SAG-AFTRA picket lines for now, so we’re not quite done yet, but we offer the WGA our heartfelt congratulations on this feat achieved by the unity and sacrifice of its members and everyone

who honored the picket lines, and our most sincere thank you for welcoming us into their lines and supporting us every step of the way,” expressed Alba-Von Buren and Alerte.

SAG-AFTRA will now meet with the studios to continue their own negotiations on Monday, Oct. 2. Until an agreement is made, actors will remain on the picket lines. In their statement, the WGA encouraged its members to continue supporting actors out on the line.

“The next day, I saw them back out walking with us too,” said actress Amber Martinez on the lines. “We support each other. Everyone deserves to survive in this town.”

While the road to a fair deal was a long one, Donnely could not be prouder of what his guild has accomplished.

“Writers reached a crossroads where our livelihoods were at stake, not just in our industry but also in the broader picture of labor in America, and our union met the moment and stood in solidarity, with a passion and resolve that could not be denied,” Donnely stated.

Writers from Writers Guild of America (WGA) marches alongside Screen Actor's Guild–American Federation of Television Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) members in solidarity in front of the Warner Bros. Studio, Burbank, Calif., on Friday. While WGA had struck a deal with the studios already earlier in the week, its members are still showing up to the SAG-AFTRA strike to support the actors.

Photos by Danniel Sumarkho

"We understood what was at stake and that it would take a lot of sacrifice to get it done, but it would ultimately be worth it."

– Andrea Alba-Von Buren and Oliver Alerte

Actors Ernie Hudson (left) and emelle (right) recording on her phone during a SAG-AFTRA strike.

Actress and SAG-AFTRA member Melvina Starks poses with a picket sign with "DON'T SCAN ME! $$" written on.

An International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employeesmember holding up a sign with "PEOPLE OVER PROFIT" written on.

All For One

and "The Three Musketeers" production

On Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, the SMC Theatre Arts Department held a premiere showing of Ken Ludwig’s “The Three Musketeers”. The play was adapted from a French historical adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas in 1844, and directed by Theatre Arts professor Dr. Adrianne Harrop.

According to Harrop, “It’s a typical story of ‘The Three Musketeers’, but it was adapted by a very good comic writer. And there are so many adaptations of this story: old movies, new movies, and many other plays. But Ludwig’s narrative puts a new and easy twist on Dumas’ masterpiece.”

As described by Ken Ludwig’s site, “The Three Musketeers” is “a tale of heroism, treachery, close escapes and above all, honor.” Soon after D’Artagnan, the protagonist, and his younger sister Sabine reach the city of Paris, they meet the famous Three Musketeers. Together, they accompany their heroes in defense of their country’s honor.

The set design for this production was rather simple: the only decoration being a wooden bridge with two staircases running down to the center stage, and two additional staircases hidden behind the curtains that led backstage. According to set designer Lacey Anzelc, “This play goes to a lot of different places very quickly, so in this case the inconvenience of moving set pieces is distracting.” The backdrop had various scenery from French and English locations and interiors projected onto it.

Anzelc said this was one of to be finished ahead of schedule Theatre Arts Department in 2010. use this set literally on the very is a luxury that I have never experienced really helped the actors, especially choreography,” said Anzlec.

The cast did not have a lot opening night. Stage manager hearsals started about a week that short amount of time, the job, especially with the stage combat. they made it safe, and made entire rehearsal process.”

Theatre major Zachary Howard, lead, said, “For my audition, I read as possible. When getting into want to copy from so many other agnan. I wanted to put my own preparation mainly consisted of my character’s lines.”

Quite a few cast members ever performance in this staging. got the part of Constance, I

theatre major Jazzy

Associate’s in theatre, Terell is

was

Skjold-Terrell.

Keelin Jayne, Simon Oviedo, and Alex Cole stand with rapiers drawn above the heads of Zachary Howard and Saba Asgari in the last act before intermission.

Keelin Jayne (left) as Aramis smiles at Saba Asgair (right) as Sabine as her character becomes drunkenly enamored with him.

From left to right, the three Musketeers, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis, played by Alex Cole, Simon Oviedo and Keelin Main Campus in Santa Monica, Calif. during the opening weekend of Ken Ludwig's The Three Musketeers on

Maria Lebedev | Staff Writer

and One For All production

premieres at SMC

of the first sets that was able schedule since she joined the SMC 2010. “The actors were able to very first day of rehearsal, which experienced before. And I think it especially when it came to the fight of time to practice before the manager Claire German said, “The rebefore classes began. And in the cast has done a phenomenal combat. They made it look real, it consistent throughout the Howard, who played the male read the script as many times character, I didn’t necessarily other actors who played D’Artown twist on the role. So, the of me analyzing the heck out

members ended up having their first staging. “When I found out that I was so shocked and happy,” said Skjold-Terrell. In addition to getting her also attending nursing school.

This is her first SMC production.

Terrell is not the only cast member for whom this was a debut performance. Theatre major Dereck Gallardo said, “This is the first time I’ve done any acting or anything related to theatre in my life.” Gallardo played four different characters: the father of D’Artagnan, Treville, Guard 2, and the Innkeeper.

Even though he was nervous to be playing four different characters, Gallardo pushed past his anxiety. “Dr. Harrop saw so much potential in me. And I’m very grateful to her for it, because in the end playing these four roles was really fun,” said Gallardo.

Another SMC production first-timer, Keelin Jayne, played the role of Aramis, a musketeer who is studying to become a priest but has a hard time resisting beautiful women.

When he found out he got the part of Aramis, however, Jayne said he was delighted. “Last time I was in a play, it was my senior year of high school, back in 2017. So, in a way, this feels like my first official production. I’ve never been a part of anything like this.”

Howard’s sister, Emma, came to support her brother and was in awe of his performance. “He just grows and grows every single time I see him perform,” said Howard.

The production will run for a total of six shows over the next two weekends. The shows will take place at the SMC main campus at 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.

Keelin Jayne, respectively, on stage at the Santa Monica College Theater Department Main Stage on the Thursday.

Photos by Akemi Rico

Jack Lindermin, in the role of Cardinal Richelieu, threatens Rochefort, played by Remi Jouffroy.

Megan Winberg, (L) taunts Jack Lindermin (R) by holding a valuable box above his head.

Emmy-Winning Filmmaker

Gives Exclusive Q&A

Nik Venet and Maria Lebedev | Staff Writers

As part of SMC’s continuing Social Justice Lecture Series, Emmy-Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ann Kaneko performed a Q&A with students and faculty after screening her film “Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust.”

The SMC Social Justice Series explores the topic through lectures, discussions, and screenings of various media. Kaneko’s Sept. 14 presentation of her film in the Humanities & Social Science building comprised all three.

The documentary premiered at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in 2021 and has since been an official selection in dozens of festivals worldwide.

The film catalogs 150 years of events and the lives of three intergenerational circles in the Owens Valley. First, the displaced indigenous peoples who first inhabited it, then the Japanese Americans who were forcibly moved there during World War II, and ultimately the local rancher communities that, while perhaps complicit in the displacement of indigenous people generations ago, became allies to the valley and its other stakeholders in the present day.

Kaneko makes a directorial choice to tell a non-linear story, which dis-

tinguishes the film from its peers. The beauty lies not in the historical telling of dates and facts, but rather when and where these groups overlap and commune.

Kaneko elaborated on these choices while responding to SMC students during the Q&A:

“It really was about these threads and tracking these stories, being very vigilant about what really resonated with what this film was about.”

Ann Kaneko is an award-winning, independent filmmaker based in LA. She has created works such as “A Flicker in Eternity” (2011), “Overstay” (1998), and “100% Human Hair” (2002). Her projects have been funded by numerous foundations, including the Hoso Bunka Foundation, the Japan Foundation, and the Center for Cultural Innovation. She received her MFA in Film Directing at UCLA.

The film features breathtaking photography portraying how the distant valley of Manzanar is inseparably tied to Los Angeles. Filmed over five years, “Manzanar, Diverted” intimately showcases the gorgeous scenery of the place, accompanied by the in-depth research to narrate this monumental story.

Documentary filmmaker Ann Kaneko answers audience questions in the Humanities & Social Science building at Santa Monica College after screening her film, “Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust” to faculty and students on Sept. 14, 2023 in Santa Monica, Calif.

Photo by Nik Venet

Photos For Funding

On the second floor of Drescher Hall on the main campus of Santa Monica College (SMC), there is a brightly lit room with brilliantly painted white walls against which hang various photographs in many styles and of many subjects. Every photo is different, has a distinct style, and are all produced by the faculty and staff of the SMC Photo Department.

“This is personal work from the faculty and staff within the photo department. We haven’t had the show since before the pandemic, so it’s nice to see what everyone has been doing during that time and to see it up on the walls,“ photography professor Josh Withers said.

The opening reception was held Saturday, Sept. 23rd, when staff, faculty and guests gathered in the gallery to see the art and place bids as part of a silent auction fundraiser. The exhibition, typically an annual event, is the first one back after a three-year hiatus. Madison Singleton, a photography student, was feeling enthusiastic about the event, stating, “I’m currently taking Photography 1. All of this is super exciting to learn about and see what I could do in the future with photography.”

There are 39 images in total being shown, and they are all up for auction on the website. David Mendoza, administrative assistant for the photog-

raphy and fashion department, reports that proceeds from the auction go to the photo department to fund guest speakers, professional development for instructors and student activities such as the annual photo department picnic.

The pictures on display depict many themes including landscapes, portraits, abstract art and street scenes. Professor Ed Mangus shows contact sheets from an intimate stage show of Prince during his early years.

“These have never been seen by the public. They’ve been in the archives,” Mangus said.

Rafael Lainez, photography student and onboarding and recruiting clerk at the SMC Welcome Center, said, “It inspires me to go out and capture history. That’s really what photography is, right? Capturing a piece of history.“

Julia Dean, an adjunct photography professor, shares, “It’s an honor. It’s the first time I’ve gotten to share my work with my colleagues. I get to see all the work that everybody does outside of school, and I haven’t seen most of it so it’s super exciting! It’s like a self-portrait from each of us.”

The show is located on the second floor of Drescher Hall on SMC's main campus and will be available until Oct. 20. Those interested in placing bids for the silent auction can visit the photography department auction page.

Photos by Akemi Rico

Photography student Kevin Mendoza observing the photos displayed in Drescher Hall at Santa Monica College main campus in Santa Monica, Calif., at the opening reception of the annual Faculty & Staff Exhibition and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Sept. 23, 2023.

Akemi Rico | Social Media Editor

Photography professor Ed Mangus observing the photos displayed.

La Fiesta de Oaxaca

On Sept. 28, the SMC community celebrated Guelaguetza, an event meant to celebrate the Oaxacan community and the practice of gift-giving. The SMC main quad was filled with vibrant colors and invigorating music. The Latino center held the event at the quad on the main campus as a part of Latinx Heritage Month. The celebration consisted of food and dance that are indigenous to the Oaxacan culture. Additionally, painter Oscar Lopez and Quiadaiyn Restaurant were in attendance. Groups from the community, such as Grupo Estudiantil from UCLA, a student Oaxacan group, and Comunidades indígenas en Liderazgo (CIELO), an indigenous women-led non-profit, were also present.

The celebration of Guelaguetza comes from Oaxaca, Mexico. The word Guelaguetza originates from the Zapotec language, which can be interpreted as the reciprocal exchange of gifts and services. This was the first student-led Guelaguetza celebration SMC has held on campus. The event highlights the growing Oaxacan community at SMC.

Christina Marcial, one of the coordinators for the event, shared a poem responding to the discrimination Oaxacans face.“There is beauty in our traditions, there is beauty in our creativity, and there is beauty in our appearances,” Marcial read aloud during the recitation of her poem.

The day was filled with various performances including one by SMC students from the Oaxacan club. They performed the “Flor de Piña” dance that was choreographed by Paulina Solis in 1958 while reciting the poem of same name written by Felipe Matias Velasco as a homage to the indigenous roots and people of the Papaloapan region. The performers wore a traditional Oaxacan dress called a Huipil and held pineapples which are of great significance to the culture since they are commonly grown in the region. Performer Lucelia Vasquez describes what it felt like to perform at the event:

“Performing at this event allows me to, most importantly, embrace and just learn not to be ashamed of my culture and just bring it here and present it here at SMC.”

Marcela Iraheta | Staff Writer

Oaxaqueña holding a basket filled with flowers and a cross shaped flower arrangement over their head during La Jarabe del Valle in held at Santa Monica College, on Thursday in Santa Monica, Calif.

the Guelaguetza event, the first

Oaxacan event

Trombone music sheet of two seperate Oaxacan songs on Thu. Sept. 28 at Santa Monica, Calif.

(Left) Christina Marcial, staff administrative assistant at Santa Monica College, recites a poem she wrote in response to an incendiary comment recorded in city hall last week. She is surrounded by Oaxacan dancers that will be performing the next dance during the Guelaguetza event. (Photo by Akemi Rico)

(Above) Oaxacan dancer performing during the Guelaguetza event and first Oaxacan event held in Santa Monica College. (Photo by Danilo Perez)

Photo by Danilo Perez

Photo by Danilo Perez

A group of seven women holding pineapples on their shoulder perform a Oaxacan dance during the Guelaguetza event.

Photo by Akemi Rico

Corsairs Outlast Vaqueros in Volleyball Showdown

The Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs’ women's volleyball team faced off against the Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Vaqueros in an exciting match on Wednesday at Corsair Gym. The match was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for both teams. The Corsairs triumphed in an extremely close game, winning 3-2.

The Vaqueros started off the match strong, taking the first set with a score of 25-19. However, it was clear that the Corsairs were not going down without a fight.

In the second set, the Corsairs roared back to life, dominating with a convincing 25-17 victory. They showcased resilience and teamwork, setting the stage for an intense battle ahead.

The most thrilling set of the match was the third one. The Corsairs began strong, building a consistent lead. Refusing to back down, the Vaqueros called a timeout and rallied back. The two teams managed to tie the score at 19-19, then at 20-20, and again at 2121, keeping the audience on the edge of

their seats. The Corsairs ultimately prevailed with a score of 25-22.

The Vaqueros managed to make a full comeback in the fourth set, keeping their lead throughout the entire set. It seemed like the Corsairs might have lost their momentum since the Vaqueros took the set with a score of 25-15.

With the match tied 2-2, the fifth and final set determined the winner. It was a tense battle, but the Corsairs came out on top with a score of 15-12, winning the match.

“It was nice to see us stick with it; it was kind of up and down. We hung in there together and did enough in the end,” said assistant coach Chris Chown. “We should be confident throughout a whole match against any team. We can beat anybody, but we have to make sure we bring the right mentality.”

Both teams played with heart and determination, making it a memorable match. “It was definitely a tough fight up until the end of the game,” said opposite Zarha Stanton. “I’m really proud.” In the end, the Corsairs emerged as the winners, showing their strength in the decisive final set.

Callie Yiu | Staff Writer

Santa Monica College Corsair opposite Zarha Stanton scored the most points of the game against the Vaqueros.

Photo by Nicholas McCall

Outside hitter Maiella Riva hits the ball across from the Vaqueros' Alexis Zevenbergen and Nevaeh Tillet during the women's volleyball match on Wednesday, Sept. 20. The Corsairs won 3-2.

Firing On All Cylinders

Lucas Weiss | Staff Writer

O

n Sept. 29, an overcast Friday afternoon, the Santa Monica College Corsairs women's soccer team beat the West Los Angeles College Wildcats by an impressive margin. The final score was 5-0.

Throughout the match, the Corsairs shined on both sides of the ball. With two goals in the first half, one from forward Tia Lucas and another from middle Vashti Zuniga, their offense was firing on all cylinders.

In the second half, they kept up the scoring barrage, with forward Roz Tauvaa putting in two goals and forward Amarah Martinez adding one more. When asked about her mentality on the offensive end, Amarah explained that this game was personal to her.

“I feel like I tried my best at this game because I used to go to West LA. So, playing them, I gotta go my hardest. But that’s with every game that I play. I just play with heart,” she said.

Arguably more impressive was the Corsairs’ defense. When asked about his team’s performance on that end, Head Coach Aaron Benditson said, “I thought we actually defended really good for our frontline. They did a really good job of pressing and sustaining control of the game high up on the field, which was nice. So it limited what our backline really had to do.”

Benditson’s praise for the defense was well-deserved. Throughout the entire game, the Wildcats never even attempted a shot on the goal.

Whatever Could Go Wrong…

The Corsair football team suffered a crushing 49-3 defeat at Eddie West Field in Santa Ana on Saturday against the Santa Ana College Dons. Not only did their score suffer, but over half a dozen Corsairs were injured during the game.

One of the main issues that the SMC team dealt with was unnecessary turnovers. Between two fumbles in the first quarter, a surprise onside kick that ended with the Dons recovering the ball, and a sack at the end of the first half, there was little opportunity for them to get their offense going.

With Dylan Moreno starting at quarterback for the injured Michael Cruz, the passing attack only managed 3 yards per pass play, for a total of 70 yards in the air. When paired with a paltry 33 total rushing yards, it all added up to a faltering offense.

Those 33 yards were nearly tripled by Santa Ana in a single play, when runningback Alton Mikes made a 95-yard rush for a touchdown. The Dons ran for a total of 360 yards, over ten times the amount the Corsairs managed, and earned 543 yards overall.

The medical team on the sidelines hardly got a break all night. With seven injured players needing to leave the game, it was a difficult night on nearly every front.

Head Coach Kelly Ledwith was disappointed with the performance. “We made way too many mistakes. We had more turnovers in the first quarter than we’ve had all season… It set us behind, and we didn’t recover,” he said.

Ledwith remains confident that the team would be able to rebound for their next game, against the Pasadena City College Lancers on Oct. 14.

Corsair forward Tia Lucas keeps control of the ball, with Wildcat Giselle Vela closely behind her, during the women's soccer match on Friday at Wildcat Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. The Corsairs won 5-0.

Cosair forward Amarah Martinez scored the fifth and final goal in the 90th minute of the match.

Bunker King | Staff Writer

Santa Monica College sports medic Olivia Higby tends to Corsair tight end Neeko Wagner's injured ankle during a time-out.

Photo by Bunker King

’Tis the season for reality television!

Taylor Smith | Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Golden Bachelor

The Bachelor universe goes geriatric with new Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner. The show trades out its sexy young adults with dapper seniors looking for a second chance at happily ever after.

The first episode of the new series is set up similarly to traditional seasons, with cheesy entrances and awkward introductions, and feels like ABC’s newest attempt to win back a larger audience. Turner is a sweet 72-year-old widower who audiences can easily fall in love with, as long as they can get past watching grandparental figures entangled in steamy make-out sessions. New episodes of The Golden Bachelor air on Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Bachelor in Paradise

Just when you thought this summer couldn’t get any hotter, past Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants landed on the coast of Mexico for the 9th season of Bachelor in Paradise and the vibes are vibing. What was the hot topic in this first week of paradise? Sucking toes. On day one, a love triangle between three previously unremarkable contestants has already begun to unfold. Fans can expect to see plenty of “lick-able abs'' and more of Brayden’s fabulous dangly earrings. Not only does host Jesse Palmer promise a wild and dramatic season, but also shocks viewers with the news that this summer will not only end in engagements, but also in a wedding. With six couples already starting off the season strong, more drama surely awaits on this season of Bachelor in Paradise on ABC. New episodes of Bachelor in Paradise air Thursdays 8 p.m. central after The Golden Bachelor.

Love is Blind

The hit Netflix dating show has released the first eight episodes of its fifth season, and Vanessa and Nick Lachey are once again forcing lonely singles into the pods, this time in Houston, Texas. In this season, the eligible singles who are sick of being judged on their fit physiques and gorgeous faces are taking to the pods to find what has been difficult for them to attain on the streets: love.

After 10 days of blindly quizzing the opposite sex and diving deep into personal trauma, unlike previous seasons, only three couples manage to get to an engagement in time for a quick getaway in Mexico. This season is full of jaw dropping bombshells, sycophantic characters, a walking American flag, and plenty of scandals making it a binge-worthy watch. New episodes of this chaotic season will be released on Oct. 6.

The Kardashians

Cheers! America’s royal family is back for season four in Hulu’s The Kardashians, and they are off to Cabo. The new season picks up with the fight heard around the world between Kim and Kourtney, who have suddenly realized talking behind one’s back in front of a camera is not a smart move. Kourtney is looking for good vibes and declaring her independence from the United States of Kim. Meanwhile, the rest of the family ships off to enjoy a nice vacation where Khloe tries her first beer and attempts to overcome her fear of whales. Overall, this may just wind up being the most un-relatable season yet, and America is ready to eat it up.

Great British Baking Show

Rhubarb and genoise and jiffy cakes,

oh my!

Paul Hollywood, The Breadfather and judge, brings those dazzling blue eyes back for season 14 of The Great British Baking Show alongside Prue Leith. Host Noel Fielding is joined by a new counterpart, actress Alison Hammond.

Twelve new amateur bakers rise to the season's first challenge with cake week, and for the first time in the show’s history, Tasha Stones becomes the tent’s first deaf baker. Episode one brings back the iconic cringe-worthy skits layered with the lighthearted competition that the fans know and love. This episode is jam packed with tedious vertical roll cakes, a famously rich technical challenge, and an animal themed showstopper that proves to be ruff. While Hollywood does not dish out one of his rare handshakes, he does give an even rarer hug. New episodes of this sweet confection are released every Friday on Netflix.

Illustration by Victor Chambers