The Corsair Spring 2024 - Issue 2

The Corsair Staff

Editor-in-Chief | Cebelihle Hlatshwayo

Managing Editor | Reneé Bartlett-Webber

Photo Editor | Danilo Perez

Design Editor | Alejandro Contreras

Copy Editor | Taylor Smith

Arts & Entertainment Editor | Ava Cyr

Culture Editor | Carolina Romero

News Editor | Sohrab Pourjavady

Multimedia Editor | Amber Guerrero

Assistant Multimedia Editor | Gio Sosa

Opinion Editor | Brianna Johnson

Social Media Editor | Megan Meadows

Assistant Social Media Editor | MyDari Baker

Sports Editor | Ryan Abazari

Faculty Advisors

Sharyn Obsatz | Journalism Adviser

Gerard Burkhart | Photo Adviser

Samantha Nuñez | Social Media Adviser

Staff Photographers

Chavez Keirin | Dondonyan Maya Anna | Florencio

Soares De Souza Libna | Martinez Luca Francisco |

Nosov Alexey | Rahn Laurel Speir | Shotomide Jamael Rashod | Williams Saiya Rena

Staff Writers

Ryan Abazari | Annabel Agustin | Manuela Almeida|

Avila Genesis | Berrios Jeffrey Imanol Fierro Ash Eve | Fujimoto Makaela Elle Harris Blake | Johnson Brianna | King Bunker | Lighton Catherine Carole Lopez

Karen | Elaina Mendez Sara Namala Karuna Kristina | Reyes Hazel Alejandra | Seals Caylo | Song Sofie

Clemente | Washington Chrissy Tierra | Wolf Jeremy Nathaniel | Mccall Nicholas

Contact

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

Front & Back Pages

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking to the press after he approved a ballot measure addressing the state’s mental health system at Los Angeles General Medical Center, in Los Angeles, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. Senate Bill 326, reforming the Mental Health Services Act, and Assembly Bill 531, a $6.38 billion bond to build new behavioral health housing and treatment locations, will be in the March 2024 ballot as Proposition 1. (Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

This Page

Evan White poses for a portrait as he holds out his "I Voted" sticker after casting his vote on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 for the California Presidential Primary in the Cayton Center of Santa Monica College at Santa Monica, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

My Grandmother Told Me...

The Oxford English Dictionary defines coming of age as "an age at which a person passes from childhood to adulthood and assumes various rights and privileges. Coming of age is a journey not defined by one single moment but by a series of significant points that serve as signposts of how far you've veered off from the nirvana of adolescence into the bittersweet, uncharted realm of adulthood.

Maturity's charm, at first, lies in the exhilarating promise of independence, and its lack of appeal comes from the uncertainty of the newly inherited responsibilities of independence. Many milestones signify entry into one prime. Getting our first job, earning a driver's license, buying a car, moving away for college, being approved for a credit card for the first time, or securing our very own apartment, but there is nothing quite like the momentous occasion of casting your first vote. It doesn't require proof of financial competency, significant experience, or involuntary sacrifice of money or time. It is one of the few voluntary rites of passage as an adult.

Your first vote is a significant moment in your life. It symbolizes your preparedness to have a say in shaping the future of the community and country you belong

to. It is a declaration of your commitment to contributing to your government's continued promise to uphold the power of the people, their voice, and their future. It is a profound moment of realization that your voice matters, that your opinion carries weight, and that your choice will change the lives of millions and will forever be part of history. It is a tangible expression of the rights and privileges inherited as a citizen and a new adult.

As we did every other weekend, we drove 3 hours to see my grandmother who lives in the township of Ngodini, South Africa. I remember her asking me, as she giggled, who I would vote for. I told her I was not voting because of politicians' lie. She told me, matter-of-factly, "Everyone lies; they are not the first, nor will they be the last." I asked why she was voting if she knew they would not deliver on any promises she so desperately hoped

It is a profound moment of realization that your voice matters, that your opinion carries weight, and that your choice will change the lives of millions and will forever be part of history.

I remember being in the same place I imagine most Americans at present are in South Africa’s General Election in 2019. Feeling like I don't want to vote, that I’m too uninformed, that my vote wouldn’t make a difference, and that the options of candidates on the ballot were less than desirable. I didn't want my voice to empower any of the list of candidates because I'd be stuck with the consequences of that decision. Even after multiple lectures from my more informed friends and adults, which always sounded like an infomercial I had involuntarily subscribed to, I still was not convinced to vote.

they would provide. She said, "They might be liars, but I can finally vote, my vote can go towards putting a stop to one liar. My vote in 1994 made sure your mom could have a job that is helping support her, her siblings and her kids, and my vote made it possible for me to have a say in my family's future." It suddenly dawned on me that not to vote was an active choice to dishonor their sacrifice and take for granted a privilege my grandmother finally received at the age of 58 and my mother at the age of 27.

It was then when I realized that voting was more than just a checkbox on the list of adult responsibilities that

I'd get to when I felt like it. It was a profound act. Whenever an election comes, I am filled with a sense of purpose to reaffirm that my voice and the voice of the many people who did not live to exercise the privilege of voting matter It is also an acknowledgment of the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape our communities and a pledge to uphold our rights. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of those who have and continue to champion its cause.

So, as you prepare to cast your vote in the fall, remember the significance of that moment. Embrace the opportunity to make your voice heard and to play your part in trying to shape the world according to your vision of justice, equality, and progress. Always remember the privilege and responsibility of the right to vote.

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo Editor-in-Chief

Voters join on the Santa Monica College campus to vote in Santa Monica, Calif., on March 5, 2024. (Corsair Photo: Saiya Williams)

2024 Super Tuesday

Sohrab Pourjavady | News Editor

Santa Monica College (SMC) students, staff, and local residents came together to vote in the primary elections on March 5 on the main campus, not only to determine their nominee for the upcoming general election but also to weigh in on important legislation.

The faculty lounge at the Cayton Center served as a hub for both traditional voting and a convenient dropoff point for ballots. According to the Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder, 76.14% of Los Angeles voters opted for mail-in ballots in this election, highlighting a significant preference for this method of voting over the more traditional vote centers.

Voters, like SMC student Brandon Benitez, found the on-campus drop-off box essential, stating, "I come here for school, I go to work, so usually I don't have the time to come and vote." He utilized his break to drop off his ballot.

The voting centers also attracted many non-SMC affiliates, such as local resident Bill Thill, who chose the campus ballot drop-off for its convenience. For Bill, SMC was appealing due to its proximity to his home and the lively atmosphere created by the presence of young people on campus.

Despite the popularity of drop-off and mail-in voting, others, like Andrew Tucker, an SMC student, were drawn to the experience of tradi-

tional voting. "Especially as a first-time voter, it is a good experience," Tucker said, “I didn’t know all the candidates, but I did try to do the best I could."

Despite the difference in backgrounds and voting methods, a common sentiment shared among those who took advantage of voting on campus was a lack of enthusiasm for the candidates, particularly those on the presidential ticket. This year’s primary election voter turnout rate was 24.67%, nearly 15% less than the 2020 election and 18% less than in 2016.

"I’m not excited to vote for the actual election in the fall,” said Emerson Meyer, expressing dissatisfaction with the presidential candi-

dates as she chose to do a write-in instead of selecting from the listed candidates.

Other voters, like student Ray Nuñez, chose not to vote but did say that “it’s definitely good to have some political knowledge.” Nuñez said, “I live a decent life. I have the things that I need, so therefore, I don’t necessarily think of politics as much of a thing for me.”

In addition to voting for their party’s presidential candidates, California voters also had the chance to select their U.S. senator, district representative, and state senator and decide on various proposition bills, among other things.

A Close Contest

The Californian Primary Elections show a divided public opinion on Proposition 1.

Renée Bartlett-Webber| Managing Editor

On the busy Venice Blvd., Pat Raphael has parked his home in front of an arts center near a patch of grass in the sidewalk. He bought his van for $400 after his RV was victim to a hit-andrun a few months prior. Sitting on his makeshift couch sheltered from the sun, he said, “We need every type of expansion in housing that we can come up with.”

Homelessness in California has been the center of many political campaigns for decades. The most recent state-wide effort comes from Gov. Gavin Newsom in the form of Proposition 1“Treatment not Tents.” This almost 70-page bill has two parts: to repurpose funds from the Mental Health Services Act (MSHA), also known as the “millionaire’s tax,” and borrow $6.4 billion in bonds to fund facilities

and housing.

According to the Legislative Analyst's Office, the measure could build places for up to 6,000 people to receive mental health and drug abuse treatment and 4,350 housing units, with 2,350 dedicated to veterans, turned from hotels, motels or other buildings. However, it will require counties receiving MHSA funds to allocate funds away from treatment and towards housing

and personalized support starting in 2026.

“It is a massive proposition,” said Elan Schultz, Director of Policy and Strategy at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH). “The biggest shift is that it takes 30% of funds from the counties and compels the county to spend that on housing, mainly in the form of rental subsidies.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom approving a ballot measure addressing the state’s mental health system at Los Angeles General Medical Center, in Los Angeles, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. Senate Bill 326, reforming the Mental Health Services Act, and Assembly Bill 531, a $6.38 billion bond to build new behavioral health housing and treatment locations, will be in the March 2024 ballot as Proposition 1. (Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

The bill will also require MHSA funds to be used to treat substance use disorders (SUDs), however there is no additional funding for those services. Schultz said, “There’s a big question about how we are going to find funding to pay for those new substance use disorder services that would be required under Proposition 1.”

As of January 2023, there were an estimated 181,339 people experiencing homelessness which is 28% of the total homeless population in the U.S., according to the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR). Despite the state’s efforts to reduce homelessness through funding, the number of people experiencing homelessness in California has also increased by more than 51,000 since 2018. In 2022, the state allocated $7.1 billion towards reducing homelessness while those without housing grew 3%.

Homelessness in Los Angeles County has been on the rise with a 9% increase in 2023 despite placing more than 20,000 people in permanent homes annually. In a press conference in July 2023, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed an enhanced emergency declaration on the homelessness crisis.

The University of California San Francisco released a study that showed 82% of people who experience homelessness have reported a serious mental health con-

dition in their lifetime.

Enki Health Services has been providing mental health services to Los Angeles county for 40 years and receiving funds from the MSHA for the last 20. “We’re talking about a massive reduction in our core programs of over $300 million,” Dr. Michael Zelman, Director and Vice President of External Relations at Enki, said. “Prop 1 really ends up pitting housing against mental health… We need to address housing access as a separate issue.” He said the two are related in outcome and should not be conflated.

Raphael, who has been living out of his vehicle for the last ten years, said,

“There’s people who become homeless, and then while they’re homeless, their mental health degrades.” He said that while all housing is a positive step, “[when] we choose to address just the problems, it becomes another way of enabling them.”

Raphael has been on the Venice Homelessness Committee, has assisted in political campaigns and is a registered voter, but he does not vote. “I feel like my not vote is a vote as well.”

A “Yes” vote on Prop 1 means counties will reallocate MSHA funds to support housing efforts, that 5% of their funding will go to the state for drug prevention programs and the state will

borrow up to $6.4 billion in bonds to build beds for those experiencing homelessness.

A “No” vote on Prop 1 means that there would be no change with the existing MSHA, and the state will not take out $6.4 billion in bonds to build more beds for those experiencing homelessness.

California residents who voted in the primary election, cast a “yes” or “no” for Proposition 1 on March 5. As ballots continue to be counted, results for the proposition remain close with “yes” leading at 50.3% as of March 11. Results will be certified by April 12.

Pat Raphael, 44, poses sitting on the entrance of his car made home, Los Angeles, Calif. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. Pat lives in his car and talks about Prop 1. (Libna Florencio | The Corsair)

Illustration by Reneé Barlett-Webber

Disruption at The Oscars

The

Academy Awards Ceremony is delayed due to hundreds of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Hundreds of protesters marched their way to Dolby Theater, the venue holding

The Oscars, shutting down major streets in Hollywood.

The crowd chanted, “While you’re watching, bombs are dropping,” and held signs that read “You stars receive awards while starving children receive bombs” and “No Oscars during a genocide.”

Pro-Palestine supporters called for a ceasefire as the award show neared its red carpet at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, and ultimately caused a

delay of the award ceremony.

Due to streets being packed with protesters, many Oscars attendees and A-list celebrities were delayed on arrival. As the protesters got closer to the red carpet, many police officers holding batons and wearing riot gear formed a wall around the carpet and gave the crowd an order to disperse. As protesters began getting closer to the fence and attempted to tear it down, police rushed to hold up the fence.

In other protest areas, protesters and officers were face to face and police began

to rush through the crowd jabbing them with their batons and making a few arrests. As tension between both protesters and officers grew, various Oscar attendees opted to walk their way to the venue in order to make it in time.

Celebrities, such as siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, arrived at the red carpet wearing red Artists4CeaseFire pins. Actor Rammy Youseff, who also arrived at the carpet dawning the red pin, told Variety, “We’re

ing for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

We’re calling for peace and lasting justice for the people of Palestine,” summarizing it as a universal message of “let's stop killing kids.”

Actor Mark Ruffalo entered the red carpet late alongside his wife, and was recorded saying, “The Palestinian protest shut down the Oscars tonight,” calling it a win for humanity as he held up his fist.

Despite everything, the Oscars was delayed only six minutes.

call-

Demonstrators, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, move towards The Oscars, Dolby Theater, Sunday March 10, 2024, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Calif.

Photos by Laurel Rahn

Danilo Perez| Photo Editor

Demonstrator demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, Sunday, March 10, 2024, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Calif.

Police formal wall as photographers are detained in the back at Sunday's demonstration demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

Demonstrator speaking at a demonstrason for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Pro-ceasefire demonstrator holds up a sign reading ceasefire now.

Police and a demonstrator face to face at a demonstration for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Demonstrators demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, Sunday, March 10, 2024 Holywood, Los Angeles,Calif.

Photos by Laurel Rahn

Demonstrator moves towads The Oscars,at The Dolby Theater, Sunday March10, 2024, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Calif.

A Story of Metamorphosis

Taylor Smith | Lead Copy Editor

Anna Conley’s “The Invisible Man” opened at Santa Monica College’s (SMC) Emeritus Art Gallery on Jan. 18. The exhibit features nineteen pieces that weave together a story of human metamorphosis. Her work catches the eyes of passersby walking Second Street in Downtown Santa Monica, and entry is free.

For two years, “The Invisible Man” has been Conley’s passion project. Conley paints her subject, the invisible man, in different stages of his life, including in his youth, the present, in death, and reborn again as a man free from illness. Conley did not initially know where the inspiration for her character came from and had no end goal in sight for the story that was brewing on the canvas.

Unbeknownst to the artist, Conley’s friend was grappling with a serious diagnosis while she was painting the series. When she became aware of her close friend’s illness, her paintings began to make sense to her.

“I didn’t know he was so sick,” she explained. “He was sick from the day that I met him, and I started doing these paintings of a sick person. Then it turned out he had glioblastoma brain cancer and nearly died.”

She described the experience as “bizarre,” for the character she created with paint mimicked her friend’s own journey. Conely painted a cancer-free man, and soon after, her friend got better.

Though the paintings mirrored her friend’s journey, the work is truly about the artist herself. “You create, and it’s about you. It’s

not about the other person,” Conley said. “He was just a catalyst because it kept developing. As I painted, it kept developing.”

Conley never sought formal art training and preferred to approach art the way she approaches everything in life. “I just do what I do,” she said.

As a child, she remembers painting with her father. “He had 30,000 paintings

when he died, so he painted a lot,” Conley said. “He also sculpted. He would take people apart, and then at night, he would come home and put them back together in this crazy way with clay.”

One day, her father took a look at her art and suggested she “find something else to do.” That comment stuck with Conley, and for some time, the artist heeded her father’s advice. However,

years later, the artist could no longer keep her creative itch at bay.

After her father's passing, Conley was tired of looking at the paintings she had inherited from him. “I said, ‘Okay, that’s it.’ I went to the paint store, and I got drop cloths and paint. I painted over all of my dad’s paintings,” Conley shared.

That cathartic day was a tipping point for the artist,

Artist resident Anna Conley has her gallery at SMC Emeritus presenting her printings "The Invisible Man" which depicts her battling cancer. Santa Monica February 24,2024.

who, from then on, couldn’t keep herself away from the canvas. Her apartment soon became overflowing with art.

“I incessantly started to paint. I painted myself out of that apartment,” said the Santa Monica local.

Despite her complicated relationship with her father, Conley appreciates all the gifts he gave her. She attributes painting and her musical abilities to him. She explained that after some time, “whatever it was, my resentment, my anger, my craziness, turned into gratitude.”

But, in 2016, Conley found her passion left her feeling isolated. She began searching for art classes online, where she came across the SMC Emeritus program.

SMC Emeritus offers noncredit classes to older adults looking to learn new skills and explore the arts. They provide classes both online and in person in Santa Monica and on their Malibu campus. Emeritus is where Conley found her artistic community.

“I go to Jesse’s online classes, and I like the company,” the artist said. “For me, it

was an avenue of getting my confidence and my style.”

Jesse Benson is an Emeritus Art Gallery curator and instructor. Conley says Benson is “like an angel” who creates an exploratory environment and exudes generosity toward everyone he meets. She also cites Adam Harrison as another teacher from whom she has learned a lot throughout her time at SMC Emeritus.

Since the gallery’s opening, the artist has already sold three pieces, including “Wildebeest,” an acrylic on canvas that Conley said she would miss the most.

In the work hung neatly along the gallery’s white walls, observers will see the use of both oil and acrylic paint. Conley experiments with the use of layers and textures, with many of her pieces having an acrylic base with oil on top.

“I like the way oil looks,” Conley explained. “It’s creamy. It never dries. It’s manipulated and lush looking.”

“Invest in your creativity. It’s the one God-given thing that you can give and explore that will widen your life,”

Conley said. “The Invisible Man” can be viewed for free at SMC Emeritus or online via a Zoom virtual launch, during which Conley speaks about her work with Benson. The showcase will close on March 22.

Conley continues to create art and see where the stories take her. “I think stories drive everything. I just paint, and something’s going to happen,” Conley said. “I create out of inspiration. I don’t create from a plan.”

SMC Emeritus artist resident Anna Conley presents her work called "The Invisible man."

Anna Conley, "Long Grass."

Photos by Alejandro Contreras

Building Communities Through Art

Annabel Agustin | Staff Writer

Through his work, Lucas Rivera has been able to bring communities together. Rivera believes that while we might not always be able to change minds, we can try and change hearts. He said, “I want people to feel so that they can understand.”

On Feb. 28, Lucas Rivera held a performance featuring poetry from his book “My AfroRican State of Soul'', on the Malibu campus at Santa Monica College (SMC). Rivera, an Afro-Puerto Rican artist and Philadelphia native, has been able to feature the different parts of his identity and culture through his painting, poetry, music, and dance. Rivera holds a Master of Fine Arts in drama and dance teacher education.

Rivera’s poems recount his childhood in Philadelphia and the Bronx; the cities that he grew up in, which ultimately shaped him into the artist he is today. Rivera has showcased all sides of his identity and has used art to express himself. When speaking on the impact, Rivera said he hopes his art will allow people to see all parts of him.

Diving further into why art and identity connect, he reminds others that “there’s art in the way we dress, there’s art in the way we speak, there’s art in the way we put on makeup, and do our hair.” Rivera also mentions the history of African

Tribes and Native American communities who have been known to adorn their hair and bodies for various reasons, including self-expression.

When speaking of his creative process, Rivera said, “I go through a series of dialogues with myself.” Through this process, he thinks about what message he wants to send through his art, as well as the purpose behind it.

As an example, Rivera talks about one of his projects, a set of paintings titled “Yo Soy and I Am,” which represents both his African and Puerto Rican roots. Both pieces took inspiration from his book “My AfroRican State of Soul,” as well as his experiences as a Black man.

Rivera discussed one of the reasons why he thinks it’s important to showcase his culture and identity through his art. “One of the things that I’ve been extremely passionate about is bringing thousands of people together to experience a feeling. To experience art from their people, from their community,” said Rivera.

Rivera pointed out that BIPOC artists have been able to carve a place for themselves in small communities and that’s one of the reasons why he continues to create art. Whether it’s through an art piece or a poem, he hopes to continue to inspire and bring communities together.

"I want people to feel so that they can understand"

— Lucas Rivera

Author Lucas Rivera with his book, "My AfroRican State of Soul," after doing a reading at Santa Monica College's Malibu campus on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Malibu, CA. (Nicholas McCall | The Corsair)

Playoff Loss to Saddleback College

Jeremy Wolf | Staff Writer

The calendar may have said “February”, but there was no shortage of madness Wednesday night in the Corsair gym at Santa Monica College (SMC). The Corsairs (16-12, 9-5) entered the contest as the 13 seed in the 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoff and faced off against 20 seed Saddleback College (15-13, 8-8) in the first round of the tournament. The Corsairs were led by Malik Bray, who was named interim head coach in early January after previous head coach Joshua Thomas was placed on administrative leave. From that point on, Coach Bray helped get the Corsairs into playoff form, and they came into the game riding a 3-game winning streak.

It was immediately clear that both teams were well-prepared for the win-orgo-home mentality of a playoff basketball game, as each offense took turns trading blows throughout the first half. The Corsairs utilized excellent ball movement to open up lanes for cutters and drives to the basket, as well as isolated post-ups for freshman power forward, David Solomon. Defensively however, SMC was in a 2-3 zone for the majority of the first half, which Saddleback was able to counter by reversing the ball from side to side and getting into the middle of the Corsair zone, resulting in plenty of open shots for the Bobcats.

Saddleback was able to capitalize on those opportunities, shooting 7 of 18 from three and 54% overall from the field in the first half. With the Corsairs making only 1 of 11 from downtown, the threepoint shooting would prove to be the difference in the first half, and the Corsairs went into the locker room trailing 35-41.

Following some halftime adjustments from Coach Bray, the Corsairs made the switch to a man-to-man defense, in an effort to limit the effectiveness of Saddleback’s three-point shot. This change proved to be successful, as the Corsairs were able to limit Saddleback to just 1 of 3 from behind the arc in the second half. Saddleback made a few adjustments of their own, turning to forward John McFadden to pick up the slack from inside the paint. McFadden

had 13 points and 7 rebounds after halftime, and he finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Offensively, the Corsair’s three-point woes continued, going 1 for 8 in the final frame. Regardless, SMC battled hard to stay in the game, using the offensive glass and opportune defense to always keep it within reach. However, every time SMC was able to cut the lead down to a basket or two, McFadden was able to make a big play and prevent the Corsairs from taking the lead. With four minutes left to play, and their season hanging in the balance, SMC found themselves down 6067. The Corsairs refused to yield though, following a couple of three-pointers from Raymond Watts and Jahveon Medearis, Brooklyn Caldwell made a tough layup and was fouled. After Caldwell nailed the free throw, the

Corsairs found themselves down 70-71 with 40 seconds left. Both teams traded putbacks on their ensuing possessions, and the Corsairs quickly fouled to extend the game. After two made free throws, the Corsairs got the ball back with 4 seconds left, trailing 72-75, and a chance to send the game to overtime. Coming out of a timeout, Coach Bray drew up the perfect play, but a mishandled pass prevented Raymond Watts from getting a clean look as time expired, resulting in an unpredictable end to the Corsair’s season.

The Corsairs were led by freshman guards Raymond Watts, who finished with 14 points on 7/16 shooting; and Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander, who stuffed the stat sheet with 8 points, 9 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block. Freshman point guard Mike Hill and

SMC Corsair point guard Mike Hill(R) gets past Saddleback Bobcat player on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Corsairs lost the playoff game against the Bobcats 75-72 at the SMC Pavillion.

freshamn forward Jason Hillard also made solid contributions off the bench, chipping in 10 and 6 points respectively. As a team, the Corsairs grabbed 20 offensive rebounds and ended the game with a +13 total rebound margin, which was a big part of what allowed them to stay within striking distance throughout the game.

Ultimately, Saddleback was able to use their hot three-point shooting to

build a lead in the first half and maintained it by getting to the foul line much more than the Corsairs in the second half. SMC finished the season with a 1613 record, while Saddleback improved to 16-13 and advanced to face Chaffey College in the second round of the 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoff.

The Corsairs enter the offseason facing some uncertainty as to who will be the head coach next season. Ac-

cording to Athletic Director Reggie Ellis, “[SMC officials] still need to make a decision regarding the status of [previous head coach Joshua Thomas] before determining the next steps.'' Mr. Ellis declined to comment on the reason for Coach Thomas being placed on leave and was unable to give a timeline for when these decisions could be made.

SMC Corsair power guard Thomas Gilgeous-Alexander(11) attempts to get past Saddleback Bobcat players.

SMC Corsair men's basketball interim head coach Malik Bray gameplans during the playoff game against Saddleback College.

Santa Monica College(SMC) Corsair power forward Elijah Scranton(5) passes Saddleback Bobcat guard Jackson Gray(3) on Wednesday Feb. 28, 2024. SMC fell short three-points from advancing on in the playoffs with a final score of 75-73 at SMC Pavillion in Santa Monica, Calif.

Photos by Danilo Perez.

Election

2024 subjected to a popularity contest. Is Sweden in support of the Dems? | OPINION |

Brianna Johnson | Opinion Editor

Illustration by Danilo Perez

The State of the Union Address: Awkward.

It’s not the worst assessment of the State of Union Address as the divide was blatantly clear, the reds versus the blues.

Congress lacked team spirit, and it disappointed any concerted efforts to bring them together. As if the parents of the House had forced Republicans to go to school, the Democrats were all too eager to seem like a unit, making it cringe-worthy to watch every time Vice President Kamala Harris hit another chair squat as the Speaker of House seated next to her avoided her every movement so as not to laugh.

Then, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson showed support, officially joining NATO. Whose idea was it to bring over company during a family affair? However, Biden addressed the following matters: war in Ukraine, COVID-19, Abortion rights/IVF Treatments, Jobs, Healthcare, Education, and Scientific Research.

President Biden Addresses the Predecessor and President Putin and Sweden?

The war in Ukraine has continued, and Biden expressed his concerns about his colleagues as members of Congress blocked funding efforts. Biden said, “It wasn’t long ago when a Republican president named Ronald Reagan thundered, ‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.’” Republicans were unmoved, and whoever wrote the president's speech needs

a spanking because anyone could have seen that coming a mile away—crickets. Although, it did get a wince out of the Speaker of the House.

Biden kept referring to a “former republican predecessor” with no mention of his name, which was a huge mistake. Either address the opponent or don’t. Too many young voters are confused and caught in mouse traps, lured in with promises or incentives during campaigns and then left with unaddressed questions when issues arise. This can trigger misinformation and discourage potential voters, leading to more non-voters. Young people are better off reading a book and paying close attention to their local elected officials so they may instinctively discern for themselves and choose wisely.

At last, Sweden’s presence is aloof and mysterious at best. It is uncertain if they are a poster child for potential voters or if they are simply visiting America at the right time and place. Whatever the case, this isn’t the time for the Democrats to show off their foreign connections.

Women’s Issues: Roe v. Wade, IVF Treatment.

The president addressed women’s issues as the most important. It is, after all, Women’s Month. These issues almost seem timeless, and not for good reasons. Biden invited Laytorya Beasley, a female victim of IVF Treatment restrictions, after her state shut down treatments upon the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Also in attendance was

Kate Cox, who had her rights infringed upon when she was told she needed to receive an emergency abortion due to complications and, due to the ruling, was forced to move her family out of state to receive care. In an attempt to uplift all women, the President said, “If you, the American people, send me a Congress that supports the right to choose, I promise you I will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again!”

How Body Language Tells a Different Story

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson did his best to minimize his facial expressions, and impressively so, but I caught on to it and wish to take a deep dive into what he may have been thinking.

At the time of the ceremony, Johnson seemed on board with his lofty applause but stood out immediately as he showed little movement compared to Vice President Kamala Harris, who repeatedly stood for applause during the speech. Now, what does this have to do with anything?

Well, it speaks to people in the audience, like myself, who were able to hone in on some of the features resting on his face.

The slow, controlled eye blinking indicates a person trying to control their movements. Or the pressed lips, which at moments tightened, an indication of distrust, disapproval, or distaste. The closed posture and slightly hunched shoulders suggested unfriendliness, hostility, and anxiety. This body language contrasted with Harris’ relaxed posture when seated.

It just goes to show that the optics aren’t always what they appear to be. Americans must do their due diligence and go to the bathroom before talking to the entire nation.

Popularity Will Win the Election Come November

Two words: charisma and transparency.

The election lacks the youth, character, and representation that is indicative of America. What it doesn’t lack is a sense of humor, hence why we should all tune into the next episode of “The Simpsons” and “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” to find out who will win in November.

Did you know that on an episode of “The Simpsons,” former President Donald Trump, who just recently won the Republican Primary, had approximately 91 criminal charges stacked up against him—another first in nationwide history.

The Simpsons have made wild accusations for years and even went to great lengths to suggest a rerun election of the former President. We’ll have to tune in for the results.

American Spirit Needs Some Work

American representatives lack team spirit. If only there were a way to gather everyone together where they could participate in team activities, cohabit for about a week or two, and develop a...oh wait, our nation leaders need a Build-a-Bear retreat.