The Corsair Spring 2024 - Issue 4

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NEW BEGINNINGS.

Spring has always been a cherished season across cultures worldwide. From the vibrant hues of the Holi festival to the introspective fasting of Ramadan, the resurrection celebrated at Easter, the fresh start of Nowruz, and the liberation commemorated during Pesach, this season is fondly recognized as a symbol of new life, new beginnings, and renewal.

Just like the birth of a child, society has always marveled at the wonder of spring's arrival. It brings the promise of hope from the despair of the trials we face day to day, waiting for our fresh start.

come more frequent during this season. Festivals like Rolling Loud and Coachella celebrate the transformative power of music and the artists who create it. Their melodies have provided solace and strength to many, guiding them through both good and bad times. These festivals unite people from all walks of life, allowing them to bask in the joy

in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.” Sports bring people together, fostering pride and loyalty beyond numbers on a scoreboard, uniting us in our love for the game.

Togetherness is the true gift of Spring. Its splendor inspires an undeniable urge to bask

"Togetherness is the true gift of Spring. It's splendor inspires an undeniiable urge to bask in it's embrace, creating memeories with others."

of music's existence.

Spring is also an era of reflection and gratitude for the path that led us to our new beginning. We reflect on the moments and choices that helped us prevail amidst life's chaos and celebrate our resilience as we embrace our own Renaissance.

Music festivals be-

Sports has the same unique effect, being able to rise above boundaries of language and culture, uniting us in ways that few other things can. Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth

in its embrace, creating lasting memories with others that we will cherish long after the Spring and Summer seasons draw to a close. We eagerly await the return of Spring and its promise of hope.

As we return from Spring break, hopefully, refreshed, use your renewed energy to finish the semester strong. Reflect on your experi-

ences in the first half of this semester to learn from them, and embrace this as a new beginning. Most importantly, remember you are not alone on this journey. Many walk this campus from diverse backgrounds and corners of the globe, each with their own hopes and dreams, seeking to get through the trials of education and to get to the other side of what that promises. We will triumph together, celebrate together, and walk into our new beginnings, waiting to do it all again.

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo Editor-in-Chief

Dancer Saleena Khamamkar performs during the second annual Venice Holi Celebration at Penmar Park in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday, April 7.

Photo by Caylo Seals

Holi-day in Venice

Music, laughter, and colored powder filled the air on April 7 during the second annual Venice Holi Celebration at Penmar Park in Los Angeles. Children and adults alike ran around transforming each other's clothes from white to rainbow and enjoyed the music and dance performances.

“Holi is such a beautiful festival of spring, of color, of dance, of joy, and innocence and fun,” said Mayuri Bhandari, one of the dance performers. “I think it is great that more people are becoming aware of events like this.”

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring, is a Hindu festival celebrating the love between the deities Radha and Krishna. The colored powders symbolize different things, for example, red symbolizes marriage and blue represents the color of Krishna’s skin.

There are many legends explaining the holiday’s origins. One of the more popular ones says that it began when Krishna was young, and he was worried that Radha would find his skin color unappealing. To ease Krishna, his mother suggested he and Radha throw dye at each other's faces, so they both have matching, vibrantly colored skin. Legend says the two lovingly did this, leading Holi to recreate the moment each year.

Los Angeles City Council member Traci Park (Dist. 11) presented Venice Holi Celebration organizer Ireesh Lal with a formal thank you from the city. The event was hosted in partnership with her office.

As chair of the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics Games Committee, Park said that events like these get Los Angeles

excited and prepared to showcase the city’s arts and culture to the world. “It makes us all better as a city, as friends, and as neighbors,” said Park.

"Holi is such a beautiful festival of spring, of color, of dance, of joy, and innocence and fun."

- Mayuri Bhandari

Photo by Caylo Seals

Children throw Holi powder at each other during the second annual Venice Holi Celebration at Penmar Park in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday, April 7.

Caylo Seals | Staff Photographer

A child picks up more blue and red Holi powder at the second annual Venice Holi Celebration at Penmar Park in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday, April 7.

Photos by Caylo Seals

Eric Valadez throws his child into the air at the second annual Venice Holi Celebration at Penmar Park in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday, April 7.

A child picks up more Holi powder second annual in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday, April 7.

throws Holi powder on another child during the second annual Venice Holi Celebration at Penmar Park in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday, April 7.

annual Venice Holi Celebration at Penmar Park Artist Norton Wisdom, inspired by the music currently playing, paints during the second annual Venice Holi Celebration at Penmar Park in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday, April 7.

Eric Valadez throws Holi powder on a child at the second annual Venice Holi Celebration at Penmar Park in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

The biggest hip-hop festival in California returned for another year following its successful 2023 run, which headlined some of Los Angeles’s top artists. The weekend festival in Inglewood began March 15 at SoFi Stadium. This year's Rolling Loud headliners were Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, and Future x Metro Boomin. Not all was good, however, as two of the three Latino artists, Junior H and Natanael Cano, were canceled by Rolling Loud just four days before the festival began.

Rolling Loud released a statement on their Instagram in response to the outrage that read, “Natanael Cano did not obtain the necessary work permits or visas to enable him to perform at the festival. Junior H will not be performing due to several breaches of contract, including the festival’s radius terms.”

Jimmy Humilde, owner and CEO of the record label for Junior and Cano, claimed in an Instagram post that Rolling Loud was “racist” and believed his artists were used as a ploy to sell tickets.

Rolling Loud organizers allowed fans who desired to see the remaining Mexican American artist, Fuerza Regida, switch their Friday and Sunday single-day passes to Saturday. Unfortunately, on the day of their performance, Fuerza Regida canceled their slot and was then replaced by rapper OhGeesy.

Fuerza Regida posted on an Instagram story on the Saturday they were to perform, March 16, saying, “Angelino, we apologize for not being able to present today at Rolling Loud. We had a personal emergency come up that doesn’t allow us to do the show.” Fuerza Regida also expressed that the cancellation was on them and not Rolling Loud, who left open arms for them in the future.

Minaj, who is currently on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour, headlined the first day, calling it her “#GagCITY show on steroids” on X, formerly known as Twitter.

People with a three-day festival pass were able to attend

the newly added fourth day performed by TY Dolla $ign and Kanye West as “¥$” on Thursday. TY Dolla $ign was originally scheduled to perform in a slot during Saturday’s event.

Rolling Loud also included various events around the lot, including arcade rides, basketball pick-up games, 3-on-3 basketball pick-up games, and a skate show.

Many first-time goers called Rolling Loud “lit” and “wild.” When asked about their favorite part of the festival, Andrew Gonzalez and Leoncio Gonzalez responded that the crowd's “vibe” was one of the biggest factors in their enjoyment.

Rolling Loud will return to Southern California in 2025, beginning on March 14 and concluding on March 16. The lineup has yet to be announced.

Danilo Perez | Photo Editor

Post Melone dancing to his own song "Zack and Codeine" at Rolling Loud Hip-hop festival at Inglewood, Calif., on March 17.

Photo by Alejandro Contreras Mesaia Smith smoking marijuana at Rolling loud 2024 hip-hop festival, at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. on March 17.

Photos by Alejandro Contreras Skylar, who is a rapper that specializes in drill beats and had just moved to California from Philadelphia to start her modeling career, is attending her first Rolling Loud Hip-Hop Festival ,in Inglewood Calif. on March 17.

Dominique (left) and Britney (Right) are both sitting on a curb at Rolling Loud 2024 as festivals goers flood to the main stage to see Future x Metro Boomin, at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood,Calif, on March 17.

Photos by Alejandro Contreras

Ruby da Cherry from the Suicide Boys addresses the audience at Rolling Loud raising his arm in the air for a moment in Inglewood, Calif., on March 17.

Rolling Loud festival goers roaming the Sofi Stadium grounds in Inglewood, Calif., on March 17.

Festivals goers are riding the Swing ride chairs at Rolling Loud hip-hop festival in Inglewood, Calif., on March 17.

Photo by Alejandro Contreras

Cisernos's Instrument of Change”

Showcasing a potent art piece in its prime.

Gio Sosa | Assistant Multimedia Editor

"Ride of the Kali Yuga" by Nehemiah Cisneros at the "Never too Late" exposition in the Performing Arts Center at Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, Calif. onFeb 24.

Nehemiah Cisneros, a former Santa Monica College (SMC) alumnus, successfully communicates his desire for change in his painting “Ride of The Kali Yuga,” which is currently on display at the Pete & Susan Barrett Gallery in the SMC Performing Arts Gallery until April 22. The gallery proudly showcases this painting among many other powerful works of his, sharing a similar artistic theme throughout.

The exhibition, Never Too Late, is holding some of Cisneros' best work during his time at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). “Another Day In Paradise,” “Summer Of Seneca,” “Southern Comfort,” as well as “Ride of The Kali Yuga” are among some of the paintings being displayed.

Nehemiah said, “Ride of The Kali Yuga is one of my favorite pieces. I am thrilled it is in my survey show, Never Too Late, at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center's Barrett Art Gallery. I'm honored to return back to SMC. It's a full-circle moment for me.”

“Ride of The Kali Yuga” speaks to society about change, overthrowing oppressors, and empathy for victims, as well as giving insight into objects that are sentimental to the artist. The work depicts an upside-down police car with five figures placed on top, two under, and three standing next to it.

The event is depicted in the Belmont Tunnel in Los Angeles. The tunnel was once one of the most popular subway terminals, but is now boarded up and used for graffiti practice. This specific location not only functions as the place where Cisneros would practice art, but also symbolizes change.

Wedged underneath the police vehicle are two figures, one blue and one yellow. The crushed, blue man on the left is sporting a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) shirt and is spray-painting the vehicle. “The ‘D.A.R.E: To Resist Drugs and Violence’ shirt is a nod to Reaganomics, which the D.A.R.E program was born out of:, a period where the crack epidemic was devastating Los Angeles, which I draw parallels to the fentanyl epidemic we are facing today,” Cisneros said.

The woman with a yellow tone is seen on the ground, with a piece of the shattered glass from the car window, driven into her leg. Both the blue and yellow figures are depicted as victims of the authority element in the painting; They are both hurt and their kin, depicted by the same skin and hair color, are triumphing over the oppressor in retaliation.

"I'm ecstatic to engage with currently enrolled SMC students about their work."

~ Nehemiah Cisneros

Cisneros has painted various other pieces, and the color blue stays consistent with the characters he depicts. “The consistency of adorning my figure's skin with the color blue is my way of canon

Art students and friends at Nehemiah Cisneros' "Never Too Late" exhibition on March 16. Photo by Maya Dondonyan

izing, making the work recognizably joined together in a grand narrative, a universe,” he said. “Blue skin is an archetypal stand-in for blackness; it's a powerful color, endless, like the sky or ocean.”

The presence of the Beverly Blvd. sign is a powerful symbol in the painting that calls attention to the Rodney King riots of 1992 and how it affected the African American community. The corruption within the Los Angeles Police Department is linked to the sign, as well as a portion of a red flag with the image of Christopher Dorner, who was also a corrupted cop.

The underlying, but potent, message of this painting, as well as other works of his, is uprising. According to Cisneros, he took inspiration from the

Rodney King and George Floyd riots of 2020 to create this specific piece. Both instances were caused by the cops’ use of extreme force on King and Floyd, ultimately killing Floyd and leaving King with permanent brain damage.

In the case of King, tensions in Southern Los Angeles were already on the rise due to dangerous neighborhoods and unfair treatment from the criminal justice system. Additionally, drug abuse was an apparent burden, as the DARE shirt implies. After the initial acquittal of the cops, riots followed where buildings were set aflame, stores were raided, and a city curfew was set.

“It's surreal to walk through this exhibition and see Ride of the Kali Yuga, paired next to works from SMC and KCAI. I'm ecstatic to engage with cur-

rently enrolled SMC students about their work and plans for their art practice after they transfer to their desired institutions,” said Cisneros.

Despite there only being one tippedover police car, the painting gives us insight into significant events of the past with an artistic, creative twist. The majority of this artwork has shown itself to be about rebellion, victims, and teamwork.

"Never too Late" exposition featuring Nehemiah Cisneros.

Photo by Libna Florencio

Midterm Motivation Returns in the Quad

In the midst of a chaotic week filled with studying and exams, Santa Monica College (SMC) hosted its traditional Midterm Motivation event on the main campus quad on Wednesday.

In between classes and cram sessions, students gathered to take a coloring break, play games, and pet the furry four-legged friends that were brought onto campus.

Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP), an organization that volunteers at LAX to provide stress relief for anxious flyers with the help of emotional support dogs, brought along two furry friends. Aiesha Colvin, a PUP member, stood beside German Shepherd Mufasa proudly. “He’s been doing really good,” said Colvin. “This is his first time as a therapy dog moving out, so we are having a great time.”

Azusena Mateo stopped to pet Mufasa on her way to take an exam and immediately felt calmer in his presence. Rachel Lando, another SMC student, had a similar experience as Mufasa quickly took a liking to her. “This dog literally sat in my lap, and then all the stress just washed off,” said Lando, who found out about the event through the SMC GO app.

Kitty of Angels, a non-profit that provides resources for homeless cats in Los Angeles, parked their van on campus as well and provided kittens for students to cuddle with. The line to see the kittens stretched in front of the library, where a gaming area with corn hole and Connect Four was set up for students to play.

On the opposite side of the quad, the art department provided a massive coloring page splayed out across a folding table, which a student had created. “Destress. Take a second, and just do

some coloring," Dana Wise, administrative assistant in the art department, said as she explained the purpose of their booth.

De-stressing is exactly what Bryan Lara, a graphic design student at SMC in the middle of his midterms week, did as he doodled on the canvas alongside his friend Ervin Alexander Escalante. “The outlet that the art department has provided for us to draw is amazing,” Lara said. “I love to create and express, and what better place to do it at than at the place I’m going to school.”

All the while, live music drifted across campus as four SMC music department students, two jazz piano majors, a music major, and a jazz trumpet performance major, played smooth jazz for the crowd.

Lara left Midterm Motivation Day excited to take on the rest of the midterm week. “Definitely with the support that SMC has provided online and also in physical support and career counseling has been tremendous, and I feel super ready,” said Lara.

Taylor Parise| Copy Editor

Photos by Taylor Parise

Azusena Mateo petting Mufasa before going to take her exam on campus on April 3.

Bryan Lara and Ervin Alexander Escalante coloring at SMC's Midterm Motivation.

Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA) flanker Jason Damm catches the ball during a line-out in the first half of a game at the Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium, in Carson, Calif., on April 15. The Seattle Seawolves won 29-5.

LA’s New Rugby Team Defeated By Seawolves

Los Angeles’ new rugby team, Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA), was defeated in a tough match against the Seattle Seawolves, 29-5, on April 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium in Carson.

The Seawolves were the strong favorite heading into the match with a 5-0-1 record and tied first in the Major League Rugby’s Western Conference. RFCLA’s record was 1-3-1.

The Seawolves defense was strong, not allowing RFCLA to gain much territory throughout the rainy game. RFCLA also had a solid defense, however, several mistakes and penalties allowed the Seawolves to break through.

RFCLA’s next home game is against the New England Free Jacks on April 28, and tickets can be purchased on the Rugby Football Club Los Angeles website.

(Above) Seattle Seawolves lock Jean Droste falls as the scrum collapses in the first half.

Seattle Seawolves scrum half Juan-Phillip Smith kicks the ball down the field in the first half.

(Left) Seawolves scrum half Juan-Philip Smith introduces the ball into the scrum in the first half.

Photos by Caylo Seals

Caylo Seals | Staff Photographer

Seattle Seawolves flanker Haini Pagopagohokma (left), fly half Samuel Windsor (upper center), and scrum half Juan-Phillip Smith (right) tackle and attempt to steal the ball from Rugby Football Club Los Angeles lock Semi Kunatani (lower center) during the second half of a game at the Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium, in Carson, Calif., on Sunday, April 15, 2023. The Seattle Seawolves won 29-5.

Clasico Tapatio Ends Early Due to Safety Concerns

Danilo Perez | Photo Editor

For the first time in its history, Clásico Tapatío, the oldest Mexican football rivalry, which started in 1916, made its way to Los Angeles at the Bank of Montreal Stadium (BMO) on Sunday, March 24.

The intense rivalry between Club Deportivo (C.D.) Guadalajara and Atlas and slow-moving game led fanatics to make the excitement themselves by setting

off fireworks and flares on the field. This forced referees to call the game at the 90th minute before going into extra time with both teams yet to score.

C.D. Guadalajara, also known as “Rojiblanca” (Red & White) and more famously as “Chivas,” faced off against their rivals, Atlas F.C,” Rojinegros” (Red & Black), who also play in Guadalajara, Mexico, with their stadium just 12

miles away.

This game would have marked the return of Mexican National Team all-time leading scorer, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, after departing from the LA Galaxy. However, due to injury, Chicharito was nowhere to be found on the roster. His absence made no difference in the atmosphere, as fans continued to “roar” in the rain as if it were an official

league game.

Both teams clashed back and forth with various accidental and intentional fouls, heating up throughout the game. Atlas had the opportunity to get the first goal of the match after being awarded a free kick just outside of the penalty box but ultimately shot too wide.

Possession of the ball alternated for the remainder of the game, up to what fans

Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) defender Gilberto Sepúlveda (#3, lower center) falls after he and Atlas Fútbol Club forward Eduardo Aguirre (#19, upper center) both attempted a header during the first half of El Clásico Tapatio 2024 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. on March 24. The friendly game ended in a draw, 0-0.

Photo by Caylo Seals

may say was the most exciting part of the game: smoke and flares. As the match neared its end, Atlas fans standing behind the Chivas goal decided to throw canisters with black smoke onto the pitch, which obstructed Chivas goalkeeper Óscar Whalley’s view. The referee paused the game, and fans continued to throw debris on the field.

Once play resumed, it took only a couple of minutes for Chivas fans to respond with their own canisters of red smoke. The fans also threw their canisters onto the pitch, along with other items such as single sticks of firecrackers and popped flares. Staff members quickly picked it up and put it in a bucket, which then caught fire. Fans later began shooting Roman Candle fireworks into the air. After some time, play was resumed but ultimately ended early by the referee due to safety issues.

Players left the field frustrated as neither team was able to get a point on the board. As players made their exit, various fans invaded the pitch to get their attention. An older fan resisted with a security member, who then was secured by the aid of two other guards.

Both clubs return to Mexico to continue their quest for the league title in the Liga MX Clausura [Closing] season.

Chiva fans shoot Roman Candles and pop open smoke canisters before the end of the Chiva-Atlas game.

Photo by Danilo Perez

Atlas F.C. midfielder Edgar Zaldivar(left) losses balance after getting passed C.D. Guadalajara midfielder Carlos Cisneros(right) at BMO Stadium.

Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas)

Chivas right-back Jesus "Chapito" Sanchez scans the field for an open teammate before throwing the ball back into play.

Photo by Danilo Perez

Photo by Danilo Perez

(Right) Event staff put smoke bombs and flares into a bucket after Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) fans threw them onto the field, disrupting the game, during the second half of El Clásico Tapatio 2024. (Photo by Caylo Seals)

(Chivas) defender Gilberto Sepúlveda (#3) watches the ball just after a pass during the first half of El Clásico Tapatio 2024. The friendly game ended in a draw, 0-0.

(Left) Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) midfielder Carlos Cisneros (#24, left) stepped on the back of Atlas Fútbol Club midfielder Edgar Zaldivar (#6, right) leg, tripping him, after attempting to take control of the ball. (Photo by Caylo Seals)

Photo by Caylo Seals

Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) fans hold flags, signs, smoke bombs, and flares during the second half of El Clásico Tapatio 2024 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sunday, March 24, 2024. Many flares and smoke bombs were thrown onto the field, disrupting the game, and filling much of the stadium with colored smoke.