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November 4, 2026

Spooky Season at SMC Read on Pg. 8

Corsair Staff

November 4, 2026

Sofia Kieser | Editor in Chief

Manuel Brooks | Culture Editor

Vicki Mehdizadeh | Managing Editor

Amaya Chism, Eliette Hyde | Arts & Entertainment Editors

Elizabeth Bacher | Photo Editor Jordi Garcia Sosa, Tom Rosholt | Assistant Photo Editors

Paola Carrasco, Madison Taylor | Opinion Editors Victor Estrada, Mia Whitlock | Sports Editors

Patrick Conlon | News Editor

Christine Muñoz | Social Media Editor

Caelen Perkins | Assistant News Editor

Kollin Zullo | Digital Editor

Staff Writers: Adrian Ibarra, Allison Hyun, Ashley Gomez, Victor Estrada, Caelen Perkins, Daniela Tapia, Jerritt Clark, Rebecca Merida, Patrick LoBuglio, Milo Ochoa Garcia, Diego Carrillo, Lisa Williams, Thia Doenges, Adelfo Aguilera, Marissa Matias, Elliot Leary, Ella Rothman, Manuel Mateo Staff Photographers: Guillermo de la Barreda, Andy Garcia, Juliana Frame, Jose Hernandez, Eojin Seo, Lisa Whitmore Jared Bojorquez, Demi Ramirez, Jiayi Jiang, Ruby Grossman-Sartain, Azael Rios Ramos, Azael Rios Ramos, Marshon Allen Gonzo, John Orihu, Masanori Aguayo, Christopher Conelly, Jason Purisima, Silke Eichholz, Steve Lopez, Gong Yu Social Media Staff: Gisselle Martinez, Monique Strong, Chasity Alexander, Carlo Jones, Daniel Weinblut, Sepalle Nseke, Adelina Rico, Jasiah Jimerson, Faithani Fox, Maurice Jacobsen, Cherrish Thomas, Kenya Gittens, Simon Gonzalez, Maya Gonzalez, Samuel Kim, Natacha Vilson Faculty Advisers: Sharyn Obsatz || Writing Adviser Gerard Burkhart || Photo Adviser Samantha Nuñez || Social Media Adviser

Cover: SMC student Judy King (center) poses for a photograph with fellow students during Club Row on the SMC Main Campus Quad on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Santa Monica, Calif. King is a member of both the Japanese Language and Culture Club Association and the Chinese Culture Club. Guillermo De La Barreda | The Corsair

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Inside cover: Kicker Jack Mallov (37), Santa Monica College (SMC) Men’s Football Corsair, sends the ball towards the West Los Angeles College Wildcats during the Homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Corsair Field in Santa Monica, Calif. The Corsairs defeated the Wildcats 51–18. Silke Eichholz | The Corsair

November 4, 2026

Did You Vote??? Today is Election Day, and with it comes an opportunity to vote on decisions that shape our community. As college students, we often find ourselves at the center of conversations about the future of education, affordability an the resources available to us. Yet when it comes to elections, local races can sometimes get overlooked in favor of the larger, more widely publicized ones. But some of the decisions that affect us most are made much closer to home. On the ballot are candidates running for the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees. While their positions might not receive the same attention as those in higher-profile, their influence on our college is significant. The board is responsible for making decisions that help determine the direction of SMC, from its budget and educational priorities to the opportunities and resources available to students. These are the people who help build our experience as students, which makes it all the more important to know who they are. Its crucial to take the time to learn about the different candidates, their priorities, their values and what they envision for the future of the college, and consider whether those goals align with the kind of place you want SMC to be. Voting is one of the most direct ways we can make our voices heard. It’s also a responsibility that goes beyond only showing up for national elections.The decisions made in our own communities matter too, and we should treat them that way. As students, we deserve a say in the direction SMC takes. Whether you voted for the first time or have participated in every election since you were eligible, don’t underestimate the influence of your ballot.

— Sofia Kieser

Editor in Chief

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News

November 4, 2026

Silke Eichholz | The Corsair SMC Superintendent-President finalist Dr. Candace D. Jones smiles at her sister after her last one-on-one conversation at the Superintendent-President Finalist Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, in the Orientation Hall at SMC Main Campus, Santa Monica, Calif.

Candace Jones appointed new superintendent-president of SMC SMC announces the appointment of Candace Jones to replace retiring superintendent-president Kathryn Jeffery in 2027. Written by Patrick Conlon

MC announced Wednesday that Candace Jones will replace retiring superintendent-president Kathryn Jeffery on Jan. 1, 2027, following Jeffery’s retirement Dec. 31. According to a statement from SMC public information officer Grace Smith, the college’s board of trustees voted 6-0, with one board member absent, to confirm Jones during a closed-session meeting on Wednesday. According to a statement sent to the SMC community, Jones brings more than 18 years of community college and higher education management experience to the college. She currently serves as vice president of administrative and business services at Long Beach Community College and previously worked at Pasadena City College. Jones became the sole candidate selected by the hiring committee to replace Jeffery after the other candidate withdrew this summer for reasons SMC has not made public. Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Sion Roy, said in a statement Jones “is the ideal person to lead Santa Monica College at a time when we face challenges as well as great opportunities.” Jones will take charge of SMC at a difficult time after the college

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was placed on enhanced financial monitoring by its accrediting body and laid off 45 full-time employees this summer amid financial difficulties. “I believe great colleges are built by people who share a commitment to something larger than themselves,” Jones said in a statement, adding that she looks forward to working with the board, faculty, staff and students to build upon SMC’s legacy as a leading institution of higher education. SMC is currently negotiating a new contract with its faculty union, led by Peter Morse, who said in a statement about Jones’ appointment, “I look forward to working closely with her and I wish her all the best for a very successful tenure here at SMC.” While Jones did not rule out more layoffs in a previous interview with The Corsair, she pointed to her track record at LBCC and said she had helped close the college’s budget deficit without laying off anyone. Smith said Jones’s starting salary and benefits will be made public and voted on by the Board of Trustees at its next public meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Room 117 of the Business Building on SMC’s Main Campus.

November 4, 2026

News

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News

November 4, 2026

At Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Calif. Fellow SMC students listening Vic Blends barbering crash course with their barbering uniforms on.

SMC teamed up with Hollywood producer Scott Budnick, celebrity barber and influencer VicBlends and the Barry J. Nid

SMC Brings Barbering Program Behind Bars

MC teamed up with Hollywood producer Scott Budnick, celebrity barber and influencer VicBlends and the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall to provide incarcerated people the opportunity to obtain a barbering certificate prior to their release. Within the towering, barbed wire and brick walls of Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility in Los Angeles, a high-security rehabilitation program for youth who commit serious or violent offenses, sits a brand-new, state-of-the-art barber shop.

“Gentlemen, take a good look around this room because as of today, this game has officially started. You are not just sitting in a classroom, you are not just passing Written by Ashley Gomez and through time. We are in a facility but our Caelen Perkins mind is not. We are in SMC college,” Barry Photos by Marshon Allen and J. resident youth and student John RobDoruk Sen inson said, addressing the other students as they waited to see their new classroom barbershop.

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On Oct. 24, the red ribbon was cut by Hollywood producer Scott Budnick, known for films such as “The Hangover” and “Project X”; celebrity barber Victor Fontanez, known professionally as VicBlends; SMC president Kathryn Jeffery; Sen. María Elena Durazo; and college and facility faculty who worked for three years to establish what they described as the first college-certified barber program in a juvenile detention facility. “This school is a representation of hope, rehabilitation and second chances,” Fontanez said. Fontanez has amassed 16 million followers on TikTok and 4.5 million followers on Instagram for his combination of barbering and motivational speaking. Fontanez and Budnick previously worked together to create the first barbering program within the prison system at Valley State Prison.

Budnick first came to B when he taught a writin moved by the people h nearly every week sinc years, I believe very st body’s worst act should for the rest of their live they’re young,” Budnic

SMC President Jeffery mission of equity and s ed open arms to the st fornia State Gov. Gavin for rehabilitation.

“As demonstrated by th and research, college a in prison and juvenile d not only combat recidiv port our communities a one,” Jeffery said.

The program aims to c rates among juvenile o

News

November 4, 2026

Doruk Sen | The Corsair An unidentified incarcerated youth sees celebrity barber VicBlends before the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new barbering program at Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility in Sylmar, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. The program, a partnership among Santa Monica College, the Los Angeles County Probation Department and VicBlends, is scheduled to begin Oct. 26 with 12 participants. It aims to support rehabilitation and employment preparation through classroom instruction, hands-on training and a pathway to a state barbering license.

Left photo. At Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Calif. Scott Budnick and an SMC student roughhouse with each other. Doruk Sen I The Corsair Right photo. SMC Barbering Program at the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, 16350 Filbert Street, Sylmar Calif. Oct. 24, 2026, at Vicky Waters Communications Manager with SMC President Kathryn E. Jeffery, going over information before the event starts. Marshon Allen | The Corsair

Doruk Sen I The Corsair

dorf Juvenile Hall to provide incarcerated people the opportunity to obtain a barbering certificate prior to their release.

Barry J. in 2004, ng program and was he met, returning ce. “For the last 22 trongly that somedn’t define them es, especially when ck said.

y cited the school’s success, and extendtudents, citing Calin Newsom’s initiative

them a pathway to a career immediately upon being released. Senator María Elena Durazo led the LA county federation of labor, including 800 unions, building trades and community organizations. “We can’t expect a different outcome if we send young people back into the same circumstances without giving them the tools,” Durazo said. “I’ve seen firsthand how a trade and having a good, paying union career can change someone’s life.”

he California Model and career programs detention facilities vism, but also supand safety for every-

The program is one year long, and students who are released before their program is finished will be transferred to SMC’s campus to pick up directly where they left off.

cut down recidivism offenders by offering

Enrique Lopez is a Barry J. resident youth and student who is planning to be released by March, and will continue his certification

on campus. Unlike his classmate Robinson, Lopez did not have an interest in barbering until the opportunity presented itself. He looks up to Budnick, who has taken on a role as a mentor over the last two years that Lopez has been incarcerated at Barry J. “Sometimes that’s all somebody needs is a little push to keep them pushing forward,” Lopez said. A shared sentiment among facility faculty, SMC faculty, Budnick and Fontanez is the importance of second chances and the ability for young people who have been convicted of crimes to get a head start in building their lives before reentering society.

Marshon Allen | The Corsair SMC Barbering Program at the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall 16350 Filbert Street, Sylmar Calif. October 24, 2026. At the new barbering school the Logo is displayed on the walls.

“Your past doesn’t define you. Things you’ve done before don’t define your future. The only thing that defines your future is what you do today,” Fontanez said.

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Arts & Culture

November 4, 2026

Club Row 2026

SMC students and International Student Forum Club members Joanna Shen (left), Tifffany Kyan (center), and Scotty Davies (right) pose for the camera. The International Student Forum Club serves as an inclusive, supportive, and connected hub for international students at SMC.

Spooky Season at SMC

Students explored campus organizations

Written by Eliette Hyde Photos by Guillermo De La Barreda SMC students and Eco Action Club members Juliana Govatsos (left), Brooklyn Duncans (center), and Miles Bunnell (right) pose for the camera. The Eco Action Club raises awareness about sustainability issues, organizes events related to the environment, and works on initiatives to educate and act on environmental issues.

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Arts & Culture

November 4, 2026

(LEFT) SMC Adelante Club members Miranda Casas (left) and Franco Rallo (right) pose for the camera. The Adelante Club advocates self-awareness within the Latino and Latina community.

(BELOW) SMC Cheer Club members Junnie Taganap (front, center), Jazmine Aguirre (back, left), Natalia Ramirez (back, center), and Isabella Cotrufo (back, right) scream for a chance to win free matcha drinks from the Women In Business Club.

s, Halloween-themed activities and collected candy during Club Row. just two days Students welcomed especially important and requires counselor “We want you With left until Hallowstudents to Club Row, in today’s state of the recommendations and een, holiday excitement setting up a booth at the world,” Sanchez said. approvals, Sanchez guys to join as filled Santa Monica front of the quad along- Associated Students wants students to know much as you College’s main campus side Black Collegians. holds a public meeting that “the process isn’t for Club Row. Vice President Gabriel every Monday from 3 as hard as it seems, Sanchez explained the to 5 p.m. on the secand we want you guys guys would On Oct. 29, from 11:15 role Associated Stuond floor of the Cayton to join as much as you guys would want to join want to join a.m. to 12:45 p.m., club dents plays on campus. Center. members dressed in us, so please don’t be us, so please costumes set up and “Associated Students “That’s where all 16 of afraid to say hi, we’re decorated their booths is essentially the stuthe board directors hold here to make this prodon’t be afraid along the quad, filling dent government here their business meetings, cess easier for you guys cauldrons with smoke, at SMC. It’s composed and it’s always open in the future.” to say hi.” hosting screaming con- of 16 directors who all to the public, and we tests and passing out

- Gabriel Sanchez candy to attract stuAssociated Students dents to their clubs. Vice President SMC’s Associated

have their own responsibilities like vice president, president, budget management, equity and diversity which is

always welcome public comments in the beginning,” Sanchez said. Although Associated Students is not a club

READ MORE OF THIS STORY AT THECORSAIRONLINE.COM

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Arts & Culture

Thrift and Sustainability

November 4, 2026 Written by Thia Doenges | The Corsair

The Treasure Hunts: SMC Goes Secondhand

Jiayi Jiang | The Corsair Thrifted Treasures Club president Justin Goldstein on the left, and vice president Grayson David holding the club’s sign during Club Awareness on the Main Quad at Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The club encourages students to shop secondhand to save money and reduce waste.

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Affordable, Sustainable, and Stylish - Bodega, Crossroads and Thrifted Treasures Offer It All.

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Arts & Culture

Santa Monica College’s (SMC) key food security service, Bodega’s clothing section, inside the bodega office at SMC Oct 20.

“This is a great option for fashion lovers in college to get access to higher-end pieces that are higher in quality.” - Hayden Bartholomew Crossroads sales associate Doruk Sen | The Corsair

alking past the Bodega, you might see a student browsing the clothing racks in green pants, a layered grey wool hoodie, and white sneakers. At SMC’s main campus, you might see a shopper wearing a white wool skirt with side buttons and a floral silk tie-top bought at Crossroads. You might see a student showing off a versatile black dress found at the Bodega or a vintage red wool coat sourced through Thrifted Treasures. From production to being bought, worn, and resold, garments travel a long journey that ends when Santa Monica College students give them a new life.

Bodega. Set up right outside, multiple clothing racks hold free clothing. To pick out these free clothes, you have to simply be an enrolled student and check in with your student ID number, which is available on Corsair Connect. Hannah Mock, a Basic Needs Project assistant, said the clothing program serves practical and personal needs. “Part of what we give out here at the Bodega includes professional clothing,” Mock said. Students can find casual attire that allows them to express themselves, as well as professional clothes for job interviews and other formal settings.

anything that’s gross,” Mock said. Items that are accepted include shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, jackets and baby clothes. Despite those efforts, student experiences with the racks vary some are disappointed, while others see it as a valuable resource. Gregor Reti is one of the students disappointed by the garments’ quality. “It really feels like putting up abused and third quality garments, which I would not put on myself,” Reti said.

However, for Taylor Buffington, the clothing racks offer a resource as she rebuilds her life after losing her belongings. “Right As fast fashion is on the rise and Seasonality plays a role too — now I’m actually homeless, and clothing waste grows, Santa Mon- coats and cold weather items that was due to a mental epiica College students are turning are reserved for fall and winter. sode, and I lost everything. So secondhand clothing into a life- The clothes you see at the Bo- I am starting over,” Buffington style. They rely on initiatives like dega come from the SMC Foun- said. She goes on to explain the Bodega, communities like the dation, which supplies clothes that the Bodega offers a judgThrifted Treasures club, and re- regularly with weekly arrivals. ment-free zone where she can shop freely. She also encoursale spots like Crossroads. ComThere are also clothes donated ages others to stop by: “Don’t bined, all of these resources allow SMC students to build a wardrobe by community members from hesitate. It’s a judgment-free Buffington noted. of their personal style while priori- around Santa Monica. These zone,” are checked by Bodega staff for tizing affordability and sustainability. their condition before being dis- Demand for the program reAt Santa Monica College, you can tributed. “We sort through them mains high.“ We move through find more than just groceries at the and just make sure they’re good. one or two racks of clothes evWe don’t want to give away ery day,” Mock said, noting

that most visitors stop by the racks to pick out a few clothes. The two purposes of the program are helping students access free clothing and keeping these clothes out of the waste stream. By offering clothes at no cost, students can find pieces that fit their personal style or experiment with new looks. It makes shopping for clothes even more fun when you can give them a new purpose. “It is nice that we can… give these clothes a second life to students,” Mock said. The best thing about the Bodega is that it distinguishes itself from regular thrift stores. “We have a unique opportunity here where we can give away the clothes for free,” Mock said. If you like the concept of the Bodega, you should check out the Thrifted Treasures Club at Santa Monica College. Through the club, you can skip traditional retail stores altogether and go thrifting instead.

MORE OF THIS STORY AT THECORSAIRONLINE.COM

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Arts & Culture

November 4, 2026

Living Echoes: When Experience Becomes Art Writtten by Thia Doenges | Photos by Guillermo De La Barreda

SMC student Charlie Bysshe-King looks at a painting during the opening reception for the Art Department “Living Echoes” exhibit on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at the Pete and Susan Barrett Gallery. Bysshe-King is currently taking sculpture and art history classes at SMC.

he Barrett Gallery has developed into a playful symphony of colors and textures. The canvases pulse with intricate patterns and vivid hues, pulling you into a surreal tapestry of embroidered yarn. Meanwhile, the tactile textures give the sculptures an earthbound finish, seamlessly linking natural materials with artistic form. Living Echoes brought together twenty-eight artists whose work was selected and arranged by student curators. The exhibition explores artists’ personal experiences and their responses to a rapidly changing world, con-

Behind the mycelium sculptures and embroidered textiles work Earth Looks Back (2015),

made of acrylic and punch-neeof Living Echoes lie stories of loss, identity and renewal. dle embroidered yarn on monk’s cloth. The textile portrait comnecting memory, identity, ma- other natural materials. She col- bines faces, tears and personal terials and place. This transfor- lected these materials before symbols. The work imagines the mation of lived experiences into the Palisades fires and decid- Earth looking back at humanity. art is a key element of the ex- ed to use them afterwards. She hibition, from Margaret Oakley’s hoped to convey ecological “Look at us, we are out of mycelium sculpture to Liv Aan- loss, intimacy with nature and control,” Aanrud said, referring rud’s mixed-media textile work. the possibility of regeneration. to the destruction of the Earth “I’m trying to create a sense by humans. She explained that It is not only the art on dis- of intimacy with the natural she usually allows her work to play that matters, but materials that gives people a unravel through associations, also the stories behind it. chance to engage with nature memories and experiences. Margaret Oakley's sculpture in an art gallery,” Oakley said. Dispersal (after the fire) (2025), Behind the exhibition lies brought together mycelium, for- Another important message lies a lengthy process of reaged seed pods, berries and behind Liv Aanrud’s textile art- search, selection and install-

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Arts & Culture

Attendees engage in discussions during the opening reception. The exhibit was curated and mounted by students in SMC’s Art 80/82/84 Gallery Exhibitions & Display course, taught by Kim Garcia.

SMC student Carlos Eretza looks at art professor Liv Aarnud’s artwork “Earth Looks Back.” Eretza is currently taking Figure Drawing 2 at SMC, hoping to transfer to Otis College of Art and Design in one year.

It is not only the art on display that matters, but also the stories behind it.

ing on the process of curating. Kim Garcia explained that the exhibition's theme grew out of class discussions about how artists process their environArt professor Kim Garcia poses with her students after receiving their flowers ment. “Art is a way of thinkduring the opening reception. ing through and digesting our ation led by student curators. “The challenge was finding a surroundings," Garcia said. common thread among such Michael Sanchez, a student diverse works,” Sanchez said. Garcia, who teaches Art 80, 82, and 84, guides students through from Art 80 with instructor Kim Garcia, gained hands-on expe- For Joy Watanabe, the project curating and installing exhibirience in art handling, curation marked her first time curating an tions, writing press releases and and exhibition planning. He and exhibition. Watanabe is a pho- developing educational materithe other students visited facul- tographer, so taking this course als. Having attended community ty artists in their studios, where and working with sculptures and college herself without knowing they learned about their differ- other three-dimensional pieces what resources were available, ent artistic practices. During made her think beyond display- a museum studies course the exhibit,some artists pre- ing flat, two-dimensional images. helped her open doors, and now she wants others to have sented recent work while others brought back older pieces “What do I want to do as an access to the same resources they wanted to exhibit again. artist?” Watanabe said, reflect- — an opportunity she now works

SMC student Cesar Berben (left) and former student Kaili Stafford (right) discuss art professor Rebecca Frantz’s artwork “You are my sunshine,” created this year.

to provide for her students. Kaili Stafford, a visitor and emerging artist, felt an immediate connection to the art on display. “It's inspiring to see our mentors' work in these spaces,” she said. Her favorite piece was Rebecca Frantz’s Compulsion no. 6, which made her reflect on anxiety around time, deadlines and obligations. “We live in a society that demands us to stretch ourselves beyond our capacity to function,” Stafford said. She left the gallery inspired by the different artistic practices on display, challenged to explore new directions in her own work.

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Arts & Culture

November 4, 2026

“Kerwin at SMC: Live on the Quad”

(L-R) Santa Monica College student Ariana Sulaiminkhia laughs with John Kerwin, veteran broadcaster and SMC Media Production student, while being interviewed during the “Kerwin at SMC: Live on the Quad” on SMC’s Main Campus Quad

Sike Eichholz | The Corsair

SMC student and celebrity interviewer John Kerwin brings his latest project to the Main Campus quad. Written by Eliette Hyde | Photos by Silke Eicholz & Tom Rosholt

n a particularly hot Thursday afternoon, Oct. 20, dozens of cameras, student crew members and performers gathered on Santa Monica College’s Main Campus quad. A line of students stretched across the walkway, waiting for a chance to sit down with talk show host and first-semester SMC student John Kerwin for his latest project, “Kerwin at SMC: Live on the Quad.”

Second-year SMC students Ariana Sulaimankhil and Luna Gomez happened to wander into the production area while walking to their afternoon classes. When asked whether the event could have been advertised better, Sulaimankhil pointed to a flyer used to promote it.

“Oh yeah, we didn’t even know about the event, and then you have this Kerwin, a celebrity interviewer, host of “The John Kerwin Show,” is AI generated flyer with some information that’s just like ‘Hey!’” she also the author of “Talk Big: How to Interview Celebrities and Make said. Them Love You!.” Currently taking Professor Gail Fetzer's Media 46 class, Kerwin took a class production assignment and turned it into a The flyer, which featured AI-generated material, was printed on copy full-scale campus production. paper and distributed across SMC campuses. “I don’t love it, I’m not really a fan of generative AI,” Gomez said. Students approached crew members to sign up for interviews, many of them experiencing their first conversation with a professional talk Despite their concerns about the promotion, Sulaimankhil enjoyed her show host. Kerwin, who has interviewed celebrities such as Olivia Ro- conversation with Kerwin. She said his interest in her life as a student drigo, Steve Wozniak and Dick Cavett, said bringing his work to SMC made the interview feel natural.“He asked about my major, then slowly offers something different. we talked about politics, debate; I just loved the way he interviewed, it didn’t feel like a set,” she said. “Its the authenticity… it’s unprepared, and it’s unplanned, anything can happen,” Kerwin said. SMC meteorology major Mathias Ramirez, Kerwin’s first interviewee, Despite the long lines and eager participants, many students had not also described the host as personable and easy to talk to.Ramirez said heard about the event until they came across the production on cam- the conversation began casually, with Kerwin introducing him to the pus. Some also questioned how the event was advertised. band performing at the event.

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Arts & Culture

“He talked about the band, he told me they were called Meowls,” Ramirez said.

“In the beginning of the semester people are unsure about how it operates, but once they see how it's done and they get their hands on it's like driving a car!” Fetzer said.

As the conversation continued, Kerwin gave Ramirez room to speak freely while guiding the discussion with questions about his back- For Kerwin, working alongside a younger generation has also shaped ground and academic interests. the message behind the project. “He asked me about my origin, why I liked my major, and how I’m He hopes to highlight students’ and everyday people’s successes, pasdevoting my life to it.” sions and dedication, and challenge the stereotype that Gen Z is lazy Like Sulaimankhil and Gomez, Ramirez hadn't known about the event or unmotivated. before seeing the camera crew on campus. After asking the crew what was happening, he was invited to participate. Behind the cameras, students from Media 46 and Media 48 helped bring the production together. Fetzer praised both Kerwin’s initiative and the students who stepped up to support the project.

Kerwin said, “It’s all bullshit, and that's really what I want to get to, that is not the case! If you're on your phone and you're absorbed in it, you're ruling the world with that phone. You’re doing business, you have social contacts, it’s ridiculous!”

Silke Eichholz | The Corsair SMC student and designer Hayleigh Smith, surrounded by a group of models.

Tom Rosholt | The Corsair John Kerwin walking onto the set for “Kerwin at SMC: Live on the Quad”

Silke Eichholz | The Corsair

(L-R) SMC student Mathias Ramirez shakes hands with John Kerwin

during his interview on set of the “Kerwin at SMC: Live on the Quad.”

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Sports

November 4, 2026

Corsairs Claw their Way to Homecoming Victory against West LA College Wildcats The Corsairs extend their home undefeated streak while celebrating sophomore night and their homecoming game in a heated battle against the West LA Wildcats. Written by Mia Whitlock | Sports Editor Photos by Jared Bojorquez, Silke Eichholz & Tom Rosholt

n Saturday, Oct. 24, Santa Monica College’s football team faced off against the West Los Angeles Wildcats in their homecoming game, which also happened to be sophomore night. The win was important for the Corsairs because it shaped what their playoff run would look like. Before the game, Santa Monica’s athletic department hosted a student-athlete mixer and invited all student-athletes to attend, eat food and play games. People played basketball, dodgeball, ping pong and more. Food and drinks were provided as well. Ahead of kickoff, the Corsairs recognized their sophomore players. Each sophomore had their name and number announced, and they walked through a tunnel with their freshman teammates. Ledwith mentioned the team’s struggles in their back-to-back losses before this week. “We didn’t play the same style of football that we had played earlier in the year,” Ledwith said. Both losses were road games, meaning SMC still held its title of being undefeated at home. The Corsairs aimed to clean up mistakes and outplay their opponents ahead of the game. “Too many mistakes and you just didn’t see the consistent out-running and out-hitting of the other guys,” Ledwith said, “And that’s what we’re looking to get back to today.” The Corsairs received the opening kickoff. During their first drive, quarterback Pierce Clarkson was unable to connect with his receivers. After three incomplete passes, including missed opportunities to connect with running back Dylan Franklin and receiver Braydon Sanford, SMC kicker Jack Malloy kicked a field goal to put the first points on the board. Ahead of the game, Ledwith was sure there would be clean play between the teams. “I think you’ll get the intensity but it’ll be between the whistles. I don’t think you’ll see any unsportmanlikes or anything,” he said. Ledwith’s prediction did not hold true. Throughout the game, both teams were verbally taunting each other and physically getting into each other’s faces. West LA racked up three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and Santa Monica had its share of personal fouls, including a few unnecessary roughness calls.

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The Santa Monica College Corsairs’ wide reciever Sean Grier dances after the Corsairs score.

Jared Bojorquez| The Corsair

The Corsairs continued to find Franklin on the ground, with his repeated runs helping SMC advance down the field. A pass interference penalty by the Wildcats’ defense set up Clarkson and the Corsairs on the 5-yard line. Clarkson threw to wide receiver Lamont White for a 5-yard touchdown. SMC and White’s first touchdown of the game brought the score to 10-0 with 9 minutes and 26 seconds left in the first quarter. White led the Corsairs in receiving yards with six catches for 130 yards. When talking about the feeling of scoring a touchdown, White felt a strong sense of joy that reminded him of childhood. “It feels like a little kid again, you feel young again like you’re playing ball in the backyard.” White ended the game with three touchdowns, matching Franklin, who also scored three. Franklin led the team in rushing yards with 203 yards. JUCO All-American and SMC football alum Carson Cox came back to cheer on his old teammates. “D-Frank, he’s a beast. I love that kid, since he came out of high school,” he said. “I always thought he was a dog and it’s cool to see how good he’s doing this year too.” The Wildcats’ first touchdown came after a miscommunication between two of the Corsairs’ defenders.

Sports

November 4, 2026

Santa Monica College Men’s Football Corsairs gather and pray together before facing the West Los Angeles College Wildcats.

The Santa Monica College Corsairs’ running back Dylan Franklin hurdles over defenders into the end zone.

Silke Eichholz | The Corsair

Jared Bojorquez| The Corsair

“If we win today and next week I’m pretty sure we host a first round playoff game. So our guys are fired up.” - head coach Kelly Ledwith Reading the pass early, both defenders jumped to intercept the ball but collided. The ball bounced up into the hands of Wildcats receiver Andrew Washington who caught it and ran 73 yards for a touchdown. With 11 seconds left in the half, SMC looked to add an additional six points to their already 23-point lead. Clarkson threw to White for a last second touchdown. After Jack Malloy’s successful extra-point kick, the Corsairs led 30-6 at halftime.

Head coach Kelly Ledwith of the Santa Monica College Men’s Silke Eichholz | The Corsair Football hugs Carson Cox, a JUCO All-American and Santa Monica College alumnus.

In the second half, Clarkson didn’t stray from the passing game. He found and connected with his receivers, including throwing another touchdown pass to White at the end of the third quarter. West LA wasn’t able to stop Franklin from running the ball. The last points of the game came from Franklin leading the Corsairs down the field. Seven out of eight plays went to Franklin on rushing attempts, as he took the team from its own 40-yard line to the Wildcats’ endzone. The final score was 51-18, with the Corsairs on top. The Corsairs will face off against the San Bernardino Valley Wolverines on Nov. 7 in their last regular-season matchup.

Santa Monica College Corsair running back Dylan Franklin celebrating his rushing touchdown during the Homecoming game with the West Los Angeles Wildcats.

Volume 129 | Issue 4

Tom Rosholt | The Corsair

Sports

November 4, 2026

The Corsairs Cruise Past The Owls 3-1

Santa Monica College Corsairs Santiago Veizaga (7) kicks the ball toward the goal .

Corsairs defeat the Owls 3-1, improving to 5-0 in conference play. Written by Adelfo Aguilera | Photos by Jason Purisma

he Santa Monica College Corsairs won 3-1 against Citrus College on Friday Oct. 23. The Corsairs held the Owls scoreless until a late penalty in the 80th minute ended their shutout bid. Going into the game, SMC head coach Tim Pierce talked about how he wanted his team to take advantage of the wide areas and get in behind against Citrus College’s defense. “They play a narrow back line, try to get in behind the wide areas and get cross balls in. I think we score a lot of goals off cross balls and stuff,” Pierce said. The Corsairs had a dominant first half, switching from defense to attack, which led to their two goals. Three minutes into the game, SMC earned a corner kick. They played it short and crossed the ball into the box, where it was cleared by the Owls’ defense. The Corsairs won the ball back, and midfielder Rani Noff sent a long ball over the Citrus back line to midfielder Noah Johannes, who chipped the goalie to give SMC a 1-0 lead. Johannes said scoringl boosted the team’s momentum.

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“I think for me personally, the momentum shifted before the game. I knew my parents flew all the way from home just to come watch me play. So I knew I had to perform,” Johannes said. “As soon as the whistle blew, I knew I had to make a big move. Then I got a goal, and I think the first goal gave a boost to our momentum.” The Corsairs continued to control the first half with possession and created the majority of the scoring chances. SMC added its second goal after recording two shots on target. Noff scored a goal after winning the ball back when he tried to pass to a teammate but was blocked, leaving Noff one-onone with the goalie. He finished by shooting between the goalie’s legs, giving SMC a 2-0 lead.Both teams had opportunities to add to the score before halftime but couldn’t find the back of the net. In the second half, SMC and Citrus continued to play aggressively despite the Corsairs’ two-goal lead. During the first 22 minutes, both teams had opportunities to score, while defensive fouls led to a yellow card for Citrus.

Sports

November 4, 2026

Corsairs Melvin Santa Cruz (19) looks to dribble past Citrus College Owls Landon Flores (3) .

‘It’s not a penalty. We’re trying to keep a clean sheet too, and he gave life to the game for no reason.’ - SMC Coach Tim Pierce Corsairs Melvin Santa Cruz (19) controls the ball with his chest as defenders look on.

The Corsairs scored first after creating multiple opportunities. Noff reacted to a rebound from a shot saved by Citrus goalie Steven Clayton and quickly put the ball in the net, giving SMC a 3-0 lead. Midfielder Leo Blanchet said that despite scoring three goals, the Corsairs worked hard against Citrus’ formation. “They were overloading the middle, there were a lot of guys in the middle so we had to run a lot. I don’t know if you guys saw me, but I was running a lot,” he said.

The game came to an end with a 3-1 Corsairs victory, improving their conference record to 5-0. “We need to improve our finishing. But we also made the game too transitional at the end. Maybe we could have just got on the ball more and just kind of gone into buildup and pass the ball around a little bit, and kill the game off,” Pierce said. Corsairs Aydin Leyva (22) battles with Citrus College Owls Ethan Sells (30) for the ball as he pushed for the goal.

In the 80th minute, the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Citrus. Citrus defender Dominick Padilla converted with a panenka-style shot, chipping the ball down the middle of the net to give the Owls their first goal of the game.Pierce received a yellow card for arguing the call. Pierce argued the call because of goal differential, and the fact that the Owls gain momentum. “It’s not a penalty. We had two way worse plays in the first half,” Pierce said.” We’re trying to keep a clean sheet too and he gave life to the game for no reason.”

Volume 129 | Issue 4

Opinion

November 4, 2026

I Was Swallowed By A Whale. A movie review of Brian Duffield’s Whalefall

Graphic by Paola Carrasco

Written by Paola Carrasco

halefall, a novel written by Daniel Kraus, debuted as a film adaptation directed by Brian Duffield on Oct. 16. The film begins with protagonist Jay Gardiner, played by Austin Abrams wanting to search for the remains of his father in the ocean, after he passed away. What begins as a search for his father quickly takes a wrong turn, leaving Jay to fight for his life with little to no oxygen. In the beginning of the film, Jay’s father Mitt, played by Josh Brolin, always wanted to spend time together diving with Jay because he wanted to be close with his son again.

As Jay grew older, he began to distance himself from his father. Jay, young and caught up in college life, rejected many of Mitt’s attempts to connect, and rather spent his time with friends. Internally, Mitt struggled with the guilt of disappointing his son. Mitt felt as if his son would follow in his footsteps and repeat every single mistake he made in the past. It is revealed that his father wassick with mesothelioma, a form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, otherwise known as the thin layer of tissue that covers a person’s internal organs. Jay’s mom would always tell him to

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spend time with his father because he didn’t have much time left and talked about Jay all the time. Jay’s sister would tell him, “You are what keeps him alive.” Jay’s father commits suicide, overwhelmed with his health, not wanting to spend his final days in hospital beds with invasive and draining life-saving procedures. Mitt wanted to spend his last moments in the ocean, what he loved most. He tied weights to himself, jumped into the ocean, and sank to the bottom. Jay, distraught and lost after his father’s death, drives to the beach one morning to search for his dad’s remains.

November 4, 2026

The sperm whale just wanted to eat. It swam towards a large, dark red squid. In a panic, the squid attempted to escape the whale but its tentacles grasped Jay by his foot. The whale swallowed them both. Jay was stuck inside a sperm whale’s mouth with a squid. It was intense as Jay tried to escape from both the squid and the whale. The soundtrack was the icing on the cake. As this was happening, tensions were high as people were either gasping, laughing, or even crying.

“It was incredible and made me feel all the emotions” I found this movie experience deeply engaging because it was a thriller that had me grabbing onto my seat, yet so emotional it made me cry. One of the most intense moments came when Jay was inside the whale with the squid that also wanted to eat him. The squid was able to bite his neck, but Jay was able to escape. It also bit and hooked onto his hand, which was very terrifying and painful to look at.

Opinion

or fourth time, he stabbed the whale from within and caused the whale to scream, and dive deeper into the ocean. When it reached the pitch-black depths of the ocean, a pod of orcas surrounded the whale. As the sperm whale called for help, all the orcas ripped his short flippers apart. Then, all the other whales came to help and were able to fight them off, but it was already too late. Jay was still inside the whale when this was happening. The family of whales brought Jay’s whale to the surface. Here, Jay ultimately makes his escape, using his airtank and batteries he had on his person to create a chemical reaction that explodes the whale. He escapes to the outside and is rescued by people on a boat. Jay’s sperm whale sinks to the bottom of the ocean.

I was completely blown away by Austin’s Abrams acting throughout this film. It was incredible and made me feel all the emotions he felt. When he was inside the whale, he was having a panic attack and it showed in the expressions he was making, and it also made me feel claustrophobic seeing him in the tight space. I enjoyed the cinematography all throughout the movie because it looked very realistic. From Jay being inside the whale’s stomach, to him being in its esophagus. It was fascinating how they created these sets for each scene and looked very detailed. The film had a relatively limited color scheme, making use of deep blues, turquoise, reds, and purples. Despite the movie focusing on Jay inside the whale, Duffield made use of flashbacks that provided moments of Jay’s life with his father on the outside. As an audience, it was touching and really evoked sympathy for Jay’s circumstances.

This film was about more than Jay being stuck inside a whale. It was about how Jay had an absent relationship with his father and was trying to reach for that. Their relationship wasn’t a loving bond, and once his dad died, he wanted to find his remains to connect with his father. At the end of the film, it was clear to the audience that the whale represented Jay’s father. While inside, it was as if the whale was speaking to Jay through his father’s voice. While ultimately sad that the whale passed away, it provided closure to Jay, as though he had found his fathers remains.

Near the end of the film, Jay was still inside the whale, and was remembering a conversation he had with his dad about whales. His dad told Jay when a whale dies so many organisms come to life in the blink of an eye and “they call it Whalefall.”

“When a whale dies so many organisms come Jay suffered injuries, flashbacks, When Jay was trying to escape, and trauma—all throughout while to life... he screamed from inside.“Help, I’m being inside the whale. He rememstuck in a whale,” he said. Then the bered all the things his dad taught audience started to laugh because him about diving, which helped him “they call it he was screaming, but the lifesurvive. “You’re what remains of guards clearly couldn’t hear him. me,” Mitt said. Eventually, Jay was Whalefall.”’ able to feel connected to his father When Jay tried to escape his third

through the voices from the whale.

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Silke Eichholz | The Corsair Santa Monica College (SMC) student Pigeon Lee Spera dances during the transition between interviews while filming “Kerwin at SMC: Live on the Quad” at SMC’s Main Campus Quad129 in Santa Volume | Issue 4 Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.

November 4, 2026