October 22, 2025 | Volume 128 Fall Issue 3 | Santa Monica College
Corsair Editors
Editor in Chief
Katie Easterson
Managing Editor
Mollie Bishop
Photo Editor
Jake Crandall
Social Media Editor
Nathan Hanson
Digital Editor
Tom Rosholt
Arts & Culture Editor
Kyla Downey
Assistant Arts & Culture Editor
Nastassia Melendez
News Editor
Kayjel Mairena
Sports Editor
Ciara Burris
Multimedia Editors
Jared Blair
Jenna Tibby
Assistant Multimedia Editor
Tim Sim
Opinion Editor
Jeffrey Berrios
Design Editor
Scarlett Mendez
Copy Editors
Jacqueline Martin
Sophia Kieser
Corsair Liaison
Gregory Hawthorne
Faculty Advisors
Gerard Burkhart || Photo Advisor
Samantha Nuñez || Social Media Advisor
Sharyn Obsatz || Writing Advisor
Staff Writers
Christian Chan, Diego Villalobos, Carlos Perez, Christine Xolotl Munoz, Dillon Stafford, Neal Hebrard-DeFrance, Kollin Zullo, Catherine Lighton, Daisy Juarez, Rafael Lopez, Wynn Blas, Michael Diebert, Ty’reka Ray, Jordy
Emanuel Mar, Patrick Conlon, Thais Bunai,Raymond Watts
Social Media Staff
Andrew Starnes, Sebastian Mathews, Daniela Landaverde, Shaylee Guerrero, Zander Vega, Aleli Amores, Robert Ruckett, Maryeloise Samoya, Eve Huerta, Seth Sirmenis, Andrea Castillo, Verna Jones
Photographers
Elizabeth Bacher, Jordi Garcia Sosa, Katy Santa Cruz, Micah Wilson, Juliana Frame, Fai Fong, Masie Najafi, Louis Ballard, Ana Sanchez Venegas, Danny Sanchez, Jayne Pitchford, Michael Knox, Kiros Nzuriw
Front Cover
A protester wears Handmade’s Tale costume in the front of the Metropolitan Detention Center, after the conclusion of the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.(Jake Crandall | The Corsair) Back cover
Santa Monica College (SMC) orsair OL (58) Sabastian Santana Rubio pregame on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Santa Monica, Calif. The Corsair won 61-0. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)
Inside Cover
Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair Player Anthony Minoletti (20) attempted to pass the ball while LA Harbor College player (32) blocked his shot during the SMC men’s basketball match againt LA HArbor College at Corsair Gym, Santa Monica Calif., Oct. 17, 2025. The Corsair lost 78-71. (Masie Najafi | The Corsair)
Letter From the Editor Katie Easterson
Confining to the norm
In this letter from the editor, I want to take a brief moment to acknowledge Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Awareness Week, which takes place from Oct. 12-18. I’ve struggled with OCD for as long as I can remember. As a child, impulsive and intrusive thoughts made me believe that something was wrong with me; that I was screwed up or a freak of nature. I felt isolated and trapped inside my mind. I tried reassuring myself that nothing was wrong with me, but I got tired — so tired that I confined myself to normalcy.
A doctor diagnosed me at 17 with OCD in the Spring of 2023. At times, anxiety has run my entire life: I let it control me and seep into every fold of my brain. It felt like a toxic relationship that I let myself sink into. I felt like I was endlessly floating through space alone,
surrounded by a vast nothingness. I constantly dealt with the anxiety and “what-ifs” my brain creates to mess with me. What kept me going were the friends I’m surrounded by: they’re bright stars in a dead-end galaxy.
On a more positive note, on Saturday, Oct. 11, the Corsair staff attended the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) Southern California conference and won 21awards. The awards range from first place for online photo essay to honorable mention for feature photo. I could not be prouder of our newsroom. I know we’ll continue to work hard, and hopefully, win more awards next time.
Editor in Chief
Illustration by Katie Easterson
‘Personnel Matter’ Settled: Jeffery Gets $250K for Retirement
Kayjel J. Mairena| News Editor
On Oct. 7, the Board of Trustees approved a $250,000 post-retirement supplemental income plan for Santa Monica College’s (SMC) President and Superintendent, Dr. Kathryn Jeffery, amid a multi-year structural deficit.
In a unanimous vote, the Board of Trustees ratified an amendment to Jeffery’s employment agreement, which provides her with medical benefits afforded to academic retirees with 10 years of district service and two paid 30-day sabbaticals in addition to the $250,000 post-retirement income plan.
According to Tuesday’s Board of Trustees’ meeting agenda, the money is “in recognition of the below-market salary earned by the Superintendent/President.”
SMC will evenly distribute $250,000 over five years, following Jeffery’s retirement in December 2026.
The proposed amendment passed through the consent agenda along with a group of non-controversial items, which were voted on as a block. Before the vote, the Board of Trustees listened to public comment on the amendment.
During the meeting, Academic Senate President Dr. Vicenta Arrizon said, It’s a deeply stressful time for the college community, tightened by news of Jeffery’s employment agreement and the budget reductions that directly affect the students.
To maintain fiscal stability, SMC has cut $8.6 million from the budget, but still requires an additional $14.8 million in budget actions to ensure a 5% fund balance in 2026. The 2025-2026 Proposed Adopted Budget presentation states that the college curtailed counseling and classes by 5%, reduced faculty and consolidated positions on campus as of September.
Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, the President of The Santa Monica College (SMC), speaks during a Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
During September’s Board of Trustees’ meeting, Vice President of Business and Administration Chris Bonvenuto, who oversees SMC’s fiscal stability, stressed the importance of curtailing the budget.
“We don’t have time anymore to wait,” Bonvenuto said.
According to Bonvenuto, Jeffery’s post-retirement income plan was developed between the board and the president, with no involvement from him. It’s a “‘Personnel matter between the board and the president,” Bonvenuto said.
Critics of Jeffery’s post-retirement plan raised concerns about the optics, long-term financial strain and the effect on students during public comment. “We are in a structural deficit, yet the proposed contract amendments introduce long-term liabilities without a fair cost-benefit framework,” said Joan Kang, a SMC senior career services advisor who’s “deeply concerned about institutional direction and priorities.”
“The optics of approving a supplemental compensation package and two sabbaticals during a deficit sends a wrong message, especially while departments face cuts, students lose access to classes and staff have waited years for a meaningful staffing plan. CSEA is still waiting for the district to honor the me too clause provision on wages. Optics matters. Those decisions reduce our financial and operational flexibility at a time we need them most,” Kang said.
Only a few people spoke during the public comment section of the Board of Trustees meetings due to ongoing contract negotiations. Cindy Ordaz, the Chief Negotiator of the California School Employees Association, spokes= as a representative for her union members.
“We’ve had to cut classes and counseling hours, and the lowest employees at this college, or classified staff, are told that we cannot be afforded,” Ordaz said.
Ordaz raised concerns over the Board of Trustees’ decision to instruct the district’s negotiating team not to authorize any wage increases, SMC’s hiring freeze and declining enrollment. According to Ordaz, administrators received $8 million in raises over the last three years, with many set to retire soon.
“ That’s not a bit of a budget issue, that doesn’t seem like one, that sounds like a value issue, and you can’t say that we’re at a $14 million deficit and then approve financial perks for the highest paid employee at this institution,” Ordaz said.
Rob Rader, a member of The Santa Monica College (SMC) Board of Trustees, presses a hand against his face during a meeting at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
Dr. Nancy Greenstein, the chair of The Santa Monica College (SMC) Board of Trustees, presses a hand against their face during a meeting at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.
Jake Crandall | The Corsair
Anastasia Foster, a member of The Santa Monica College (SMC) Board of Trustees, clasps her hands together during a meeting at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
“It’s
a deeply stressful time for the college community, tightened by news of Jeffery’s employment agreement and the budget.” said Academic Senate President Dr. Vicenta Arrizon.
Dr. Vicenta Arrizon, the Academic Senate President Advisor for Santa Monica College (SMC), addresses the SMC Board of Trustees during a meeting at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
“Meanwhile, we are still waiting on the completion of an ed plan. We’re still waiting on a meaningful staffing plan. Still waiting for resources, for resource decisions tied to actual priorities,” said Ordaz, during the Board of Trustees’ meeting.
The Corsair reached out to Jeffery for an interview, but the request was declined.
According to the state controller’s website, Government Compensation in California, Jeffery isn’t only the highest-earning worker at SMC, but one of the most profitable college district employees in the state. Out of the 39 districts that reported, she’s at No. 20.
In 2024, Jeffery earned $362,680 in regular pay, $24,000 in “other pay” and $111,797 in cost of employer and retirement benefits, totaling $498,478, according to Transparent California, the state’s largest public pay and pension database.
“You can continue approving spending that deepens our crisis and widens the gap between management and the workers who keep the college running, or you can say no, not tonight, not this time,” said Ordaz to the Board of Trustees before they passed the amendment. “Not when our frontline workers are still waiting for fairness, respect, and the bare minimum contract compliance. We are all watching, and our members are paying attention.”
Dr. Sion Roy, the vice chair of The Santa Monica College (SMC) Board of Trustees, speaks during a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
Joan Kang, Senior Career Services Advisor for Santa Monica College (SMC), addresses the SMC Board of Trustees during a meeting at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.
Jake Crandall | The Corsair
Fall 2025 Job Brings Career Opportunities to SMC Students
From social work to tv entertainment, SMC’s job and internship fair offered students career oppertunities across many diffrent industires
Sofia Kieser | Copy Editor
On Thursday, Oct. 2, the Career Services Center hosted its Fall 2025 Job and Internship Fair at the Santa Monica College (SMC) main campus, aiming to connect students with employers, as many people struggle to find work.
The job fair offered students the opportunity to explore different careers and meet with 23 employers from across multiple industries, including ChildCare Careers, the Television Academy Foundation and Jakks Pacific.
Most businesses sought to fill entry-level positions or paid internships. They conducted open interviews, offered sign-up opportunities, and walked students through their different missions and available positions. Some companies also offered candy, water bottles or drawstring bags as incentives.
In August, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the national unemployment rate at 4.3%. But
many students still struggled to land interviews this past year, a challenge compounded by the need to balance their job search with schoolwork.
“I’m a transfer student, so it’s been harder to find job opportunities online,” said Shelly Reid, a SMC student.
“Having them right where I’m at and everybody just right in my face is pushing me to really get out of my comfort zone and handle all my business in one spot.”
The Career Services Center (CSC) was also present to answer questions and link students to a variety of career-building resources.
“At the career services center, we’re the ones who engage students. We’re helping them build their resumes and write their cover letters, and we want them to be prepared for different opportunities,
whether they’re in their first year, second year, or wherever they’re at,”
CSC Faculty Liaison Esmeralda Martinez said.
According to Martinez, “Sometimes the challenge for students is like, how do I even apply, where do I look? This job fair is an opportunity where the employers are coming to the students, not the other way around, so it takes away the challenge in that aspect, and we hope students will take the opportunity to see these companies out here looking to hire them, even if they don’t have a lot of experience.”
For students who missed the job fair, the CSC posted a full list of all the participants online. Students can also visit their office, open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., for more employment advice and resources.
Dillon Waskow, a representative for Invisible Narratives, a company that works with YouTube creators to build out their intellectual property from physical products to content creation, shows Santa Monica College (SMC) students examples of the company’s work Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, on the main SMC campus in Santa Monica, Calif. Nathan Hanson | The Corsair
Nancy Robinson, director of the internship program for the Television Academy Foundation, speaks with Santa Monica College (SMC) students at a job and internship fair on the SMC main quad Elizabeth Bacher | The Corsair
A protester dresses up in a Donald Trump costume during the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Jake
Crandall | The Corsair
NO KINGS TWO
The 50501 Movement held their second “No Kings” protest on Oct. 18. Kayjel Mairena | News Editor
Millions gathered across the world for a second “No Kings” protest on Oct. 18 to denounce the Trump administration.
The 50501 Movement, a coalition of advocacy groups, organized the event and held demonstrations nationwide and in numerous global locations, including the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia.
According to the 50501 Movement’s Instagram page, the global “No Kings” protest drew an estimated 7 million people. Yet U.S. President Donald Trump remained unimpressed.
“I think it’s a joke,” said Trump, while addressing the press on Air Force One. “They’re not representative of this country, and I looked at all the brand new signs. I guess it was paid for by Soros and other radical left lunatics.”
Organizers held multiple protests in Los Angeles County. Approximately 1,000 people went to protest in Santa Monica, at Palisades Park, while hundreds attended another demonstration in Woodland Hills.
According to Stephanie Prange, a mother who attended the protest with her daughter, she started protesting because she saw more people becoming politically involved with every Trump administration misstep. Since then, she’s attended six protests.
Protesters began worrying about their rights, safety and quality of life after nine months under the Trump administration. “We oppose the Trump administration’s actions and policies on healthcare, which will lead to millions of Americans losing their health insurance coverage and put people at risk for future pandemics,” said Dr. Stephen Tarzynski, M.D., a retired pediatrician and former president of the California Physicians Alliance.
Dr. Tarzynski said, “We’re going backwards; fewer people are going to have insurance. More people are going to get sick and our emergency rooms will be flooded by people without insurance. This will affect everybody’s costs; everybody’s premiums are going to go up. Even if you have private insurance, you’re going to have to pay for people who are losing their insurance.”
Although thousands of people attended the downtown protest, there were fewer attendees than June’s “No Kings” protest. People dressed as clowns, monarchs and historical figures; some even went dressed as inflatable animals.
Most protests on Saturday ended before 5 p.m., but more protests are expected in the near future. 50501 is a national movement that addresses racial disparities, affordability and social progress. No Kings is only one of several demands the organization has.
Los Angeles County Sheriff ‘s Mounted Enforcement Detail team guard crowds during the second “No Kings” Protest in Palisades Park in Santa Monica, Calif. Fai Fong | The Corsair
A child hits a Trump piñata during the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
A protester waves an American Flag during the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.Jake Crandall | The Corsair
A protester holds up a sign during the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
People participating in the No Kings protest in Woodland Hills on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Woodland Hills,Calif.. (Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)
Protesters hold up a banner calling for a general strike during the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.Jake Crandall | The Corsair
A protester holds up a sign during the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
People participating in the No Kings protest in Woodland Hills on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Woodland Hills,Calif.. Tom Rosholt | The Corsair
‘No Kings’ Day Ends In Violence — AGAIN
The LAPD violated a preliminary injunction, hit a protester with a car and trampled people with horses after a “No Kings” protest.
Protesters shouted, “medic, we need a medic,” as they formed a circle around a person sprawled out on the street after being hit by a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) squad car. Others screamed at night when mounted police arrived, swinging bokkens at people’s heads.
“This happens at all the big protests here in L.A. since June, since the raids began,” said a protester named Kuali, who omitted their last name for safety reasons. “They bring the violence to us; we’re just peacefully protesting.”
After the Oct. 18 “No Kings” protest at the L.A. City Hall, people walked to the Metropolitan Detention Center, a migrant holding facility, where the LAPD hit a person with a vehicle, assaulted journalists and kenneled protesters.
The Corsair emailed the LAPD about the second “No Kings” protest, but at the time of publication, the department had not responded.
A large group of around 150 people walked toward the ICE Out of L.A. protest encampment at the detention center after the “No Kings” protest, as has become the norm after major demonstrations downtown.
However, on Oct. 18, the LAPD established its command post for the protest at the detention center, despite the headquarters being across the street from City Hall. Police closed the block and established a skirmish line at the corner of North Alameda and East Aliso streets.
Musicians, a small army of women in clown costumes and individuals in inflatable animal suits helped keep the crowd peaceful. People danced, chanted and waved their signs for hours. But tension rose after an LAPD squad car drove into the crowd and hit a protester while trying to reach the command post, despite there being an entrance on Temple Street.
“He hopped out, threatened to run us over, and we didn’t like that,” said Ellie, who omitted their last name for safety reasons.
“We surrounded the car. I was waving my flag, and he pointed at me and just pressed the gas and hit me straight on,” Ellie said.
Ellie fell to the street, motionless and surrounded by panicked faces shouting for a medic. Most protesters and journalists dove to avoid the car that parted the sea of people. But a few individuals hit the vehicle, threw water bottles and a man struck the window with a flagpole.
The injured protester went to the emergency room but later returned, only for authorities to shoot them with kinetic projectiles.
Kayjel J. Mairena | News editor
LAPD uses officers on horses, wielding bokkens and less-than-lethal launchers to disperse protesters, after declaring a group of protesters who gathered at the Metropolitan Detention Center an unlawful assembly, following the conclusion of the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
Los Angeles Police Department officers on horses charge into protesters, swinging bokkens after declaring a group of protesters who gathered at the Metropolitan Detention Center an unlawful assembly, following the conclusion of the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Jake
Crandall | The Corsair
Officers ordered a dispersal at 6:55 p.m. and began firing projectiles into the crowd at 7:34 p.m. According to the LAPD Central Division X account, protesters used lasers and industrial-sized flashing lights on officers and the pilot of a police helicopter.
Protesters organized a plan to meet at Olvera Street after officers issued the dispersal order, but few left. As people made plans, an out-of-breath man sprinted down East Aliso Street around 7:25 p.m. to warn everyone that mounted police were inbound.
The mounted unit pushed people off North Los Angeles Street and waited at the East Aliso Street intersection to move. At 7:34 p.m., an officer fired a kinetic projectile into the crowd and another at a woman from pointblank range.
“Move,” an officer shouted, as mounted police armed with bokkens, a Japanese wooden sword, galloped toward the crowd.
Protesters started screaming, “You’re hitting people in the head” and “You’re hitting the horses,”
as police separated the crowd into two groups. One cluster ran down East Commercial Street into a kettle — a police tactic where they corral people to arrest them — and the other half went toward Union Station on North Alameda Street.
“Press, do not obstruct us. You must move forward,” an officer said through a bullhorn as the police line marched down Commercial Street.
Protesters tried to walk away, but police shot them in the back with kinetic projectiles. The mounted unit charged those who walked backward, striking people as they retreated. Those who couldn’t keep up were trampled.
A protester holds up a balloon sword to Los Angeles Police Department officers blocking the street to the Metropolitan Detention Center, after the conclusion of the No Kings protest in downtown Jake Crandall | The Corsair
At 7:40 p.m., police instructed the press to move behind the skirmish line and stand behind several parked armored vehicles while officers closed the kettle.
The LAPD didn’t kettle the protesters who ran toward Union Station, but mounted police and armored vehicles carrying officers with less-lethal munitions still followed. Police littered the street with numerous less-lethal rounds as people hid behind utility boxes, dumpsters and traffic.
William Gude, known on social media as Film the Police LA, recorded an officer directing a subordinate to shoot L.A. Taco reporter Lexis-Olivier Ray with a kinetic projectile at a close distance.
“That’s press, you’re shooting the press. That’s all press right there. They are exempt from dispersal orders,” Gude said.
as per U.S. District Court Judge Hernan Vera’s preliminary injunction.
An officer directed Gude to get on the side through a blowhorn and said, “You have been warned.” Then another officer accused Ray, who had his credentials visible and wore an L.A. Taco shirt with press labeled on it, of being a fake journalist.
Officers moved the crowd with kinetic projectiles, and people cowered.
“I went to Afghanistan. I know what combat is like. This is not safe for civilians,” said Steve, a veteran and protester who omitted his last name for his safety. The LAPD shot him four times on Saturday.
Steve said, “Unarmed civilians should not be targeted in this manner. This is an excessive use of force that any military or police law enforcement protocol should not be upheld by, and should also not be accepted by the mayor.”
The LAPD stopped at the intersection of East Cesar Chavez Avenue and North Alameda Street and faced off with protesters one final time before returning to the detention center. Some protesters followed, raising their middle fingers and cursing at police. They walked until realizing they had been kettled, then jumped a railing onto the freeway ramp.
Officers arrested six people and lined them up against the detention center. Protesters stood with their heads resting against the wall, hands cuffed behind their backs, and silent as police searched and loaded them into a small white van. The LAPD made nine confirmed arrests, but countless others were apprehended.
At 10:30 p.m., most of the street had cleared, leaving behind only trash, the command post and scattered horse manure. A protester required stitches on their head after being hit with a bokken, and multiple journalists suffered injuries and had their protective equipment damaged.
The statement said, “It sends a chilling message about the lengths to which authorities will go to silence peaceful assembly,” and they called for the city, its officers and the equestrian professionals in law enforcement to prohibit the use of mounted units for crowd control.
Officers often use tear gas for crowd control during protests, but they didn’t on Oct. 18. Still, the painful screams from protesters, police misconduct and fear in the air were reminiscent of June’s “No Kings” protest.
According to the L.A. Press Club Press Rights Chair, Adam Rose, the LAPD had five weeks to address their training and discipline officers who violated protocol. But he still received around 15 cases of officers violating state law, department policy and the judge’s preliminary injunction on Saturday — some officers even mocked the judge.
Rose said the issue lies beyond the officer’s gross misconduct; the blame belongs to Mayor Karen Bass. “She’s been the mayor for a couple of years. She appointed the Chief of Police; it’s her police commission,” he said. “It’s her department, it’s her responsibility.”
Mayor Karen Bass held a press conference and issued a statement calling for an investigation into Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s alleged abuse of migrants and U.S. citizens on Monday, Oct. 20, where she denounced the federal agents, but omitted the LAPD’s role in suppressing dissent and the police’s conduct towards the press.
“I was born in Los Angeles. This has been my home for many years and it’s sad to see LAPD act the way it does,” said Rose. “This is not every officer and I feel bad for the officers who do want to make it a better city, who are trying hard, and to have their badge tarnished by bad actors — I would feel failed by the command staff, by the leadership of the city. I would say, why can’t we get rid of these knuckleheads who shouldn’t be on the force?”
s
downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
A protester climbs a stoplight on Commercial Street waving anmerican flag in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center, after the conclusion of the No Kings protest in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Jake Crandall | The Corsair
No handshakes, No mercy
Corsairs tame Brahmas in homecoming blowout.
Kayjel Mairena || News Editor, Rafael Lopez || Video Editor
The Corsair football team continued its season of blowouts, beating the Los Angeles Pierce College Brahmas 61-0, at Santa Monica College’s homecoming on October 10.
SMC’s offense completed 31 first downs, gained 532 offensive yards and possessed the ball for 35 minutes. Their defense recorded 3 sacks, 2 interceptions and held the Brahmas to 4 first downs and 43 yards.
Corsair quarterback Dylan Moreno found his target 12 of 22 times for 150 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He connected with wide Receiver Elijah Aaron 4 times, averaging 15.3 yards per catch with 1 touchdown.
SMC coupled a dominant passing game with a strong run. Moreno scrambled 10 times for 77 yards, and running back Christopher Washington carried the ball 8 times for 94 yards and 1 touchdown.
“We talk all the time about the three most important things we got to be able to do,” said Corsair coach Kelly Ledwith before the game. “Outrun them, out-hit or out-block them, and then stick together as a team, and that’s the mentality our guys have here tonight.”
The Corsairs took an early commanding lead, scoring 31 unanswered points before the half.
To start the second half, Moreno threw a 22-yard dime to the wideopen Corsair receiver Ramon Galvez III. The play ended in a personal foul by Pierce’s two-way player, Tavion Blackmon, after he grabbed Galvez by the facemask and ripped his helmet off his head.
L.A. Pierce College (#9) running back Mark Wilson being tackled by a group of Santa Monica College 9th 2025. SMC Corsair won against L.A. Pierce College Brahmas 61 to 0, winning their first conference
(Tom Rosholt | The Corsair)
Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair QB (13) Dylan Moreno running the ball on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. The Corsairs won 61-0.
“Outrun them, outhit or out-block them, and then stick together as a team, and that’s the mentality our guys have here tonight.”
-
Kelly Ledwith
Blackmon immediately facepalmed, and the referees threw their yellow penalty flags as Dayawn Brown, a Brahmas defensive back (DB), tackled the helmetless Galvez from behind. Boos immediately rang from the homestands.
A blowout turned into a lopsided dogfight. Moreno threw a 13-yard pass to wide receiver Braydon Sanford for a touchdown, and kicker Jaiden Espadas nailed the point-after attempt to put SMC up 38-0.
Pierce College continued to battle, punt after punt, but ended every drive scoreless.
According to Pierce College Head Coach James Sims, the Brahmas entered the game missing nine starters on defense and five on offense, multiple of whom are sophomores. They’re also missing three coaches from their staff: defensive line, quarterback and special teams. “It’s like every time we turn around, two or three players are missing,” said Sims.
Players from both teams chirped, pushed and drew unsportsmanlike penalty flags. Brahmas defensive lineman Alex Figueroa tried to punch Corsair DB Jason Anderson in the back of the head after a scuffle, but missed. Anderson turned around and struck him, resulting in a Corsair ejection.
SMC lined up in victory formation to end the game. Both teams walked away afterwards without shaking hands.
The Corsairs extended their win streak to three and earned their first conference win after beating the Brahmas. The Corsairs are scheduled to play the Wolverines in San Bernardino on Oct. 18, before returning home to face the Grossmont College Griffiths on Oct. 25.
(SMC) Corsairs players during a match at SMC Corsair Stadium, Santa Monica, Calif., on Oct conference game at homecoming.
(Jordi Garcia Sosa | The Corsair)
(Tom Rosholt | The Corsair) Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair RB (4) Mckenzie Parks breaking through the line on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Santa Monica,Calif. The Corsairs won 61-0.
Basketball Is Upon Us
Ciara Burris || Sports Editor
For a first look into what is to come this upcoming season, the Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs men’s basketball team hosted the Los Angeles (LA) Harbor Seahawks, at the Corsair Gym on Friday, Oct. 17 in a scrimmage.
The Corsairs lead the scoreboard until the final 10 minutes -- ultimately ending in a 78-71 loss. Both teams had consistent fouls and traveling calls made on them throughout the entirety of the game.
Solid ball movement around the court was demonstrated and the chemistry of the Corsairs flowed consistently throughout the game with positive communication.
Key players Micahel Kalu finished with fifteen points, Jerrell McCready followed up with twelve and Sage Church secured ten points leading the team offensively and are players to look out for this upcoming season.
Jordi Garcia | The Corsair
Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs basketball player Jerrell McCready dribbles away from LA Harbor Community College Seahawks player Ahmed and Amari during a scrimmage against LA Harbor Community College Seahawks at SMC Corsair Gym, Santa Monica, Calif., on Friday, Oct 18th, 2025.
Corsairs’ Michael Kalu blocks Amari from LA Harbor College.
Masie Najafi | The Corsair
Corsairs’ William Brenner secures rebound over Zach Starbro from LA Harbor College.
Masie Najafi | The Corsair
Corsairs’ Michael Kalu defends LA Harbor Cesar (L.N)
Masie Najafi | The Corsair
Corsairs’ Ka’Mari Johnson dunks on fast break up the court.
Masie Najafi | The Corsair
A Reanimation Story Comes to Life on the Main Stage
By Wynn Blas
Santa Monica College (SMC) Theatre Department lit up the stage with a reanimation story of the classic story, “Frankenstein.” Writer and director Terrin Adair added a fiction-inspired twist of the life and work of Mary Shelley in the production of “iFrankenstein” from Oct. 3-5 and 10-12 at the SMC Main Stage.
“iFrankenstein” follows the life and work of Mary Shelley, an English novelist. Shelley’s background as the daughter of philosopher William Godwin and feminist pioneer Mary Wollstonecraft exposed her to early political and societal ideas, which caused her to put these ideals into her creative works.
Director Terrin Adair’s modern take on “Frankenstein,” explores the consequences and ethical responsibility about the human knowledge of creation.
Before the dress rehearsal, Adair shared what drew her to “Frankenstein” besides the wants to honor
Shelley. Its science fiction genre fits the month of October for Halloween and gives her students a venue to perform.
“The Creature,” played by Abdi Beyle, said, “I think a sense of honesty about yourself is what I pick up, and also what I want for the audience when they leave the show.”
Adair said the age of most of the SMC students inspired her to bring this story to the stage. “She (Shelley) was very young when she wrote this story, and had a very strenuous, hard life, which helped to inspire the work,” Adair said.
While Shelley’s message from the novel was to warn society about the dangerous implications of reanimating and creating your own life, Adair focused on the novel’s original message connecting to the modern state of the world.
“I wanted to tie that into students and modern society, the ramifications of artificial intelligence and dangerous science, and that we need to be careful in its use,” Adair said.
Kai Tesan, one of the main cast members, who plays two characters, “Victor Frankenstein” and “Percy Bysshe Shelley,” also shares the same thoughts as Adair. They hoped the audience would be compelled to think about the question of what path people are willing to condemn others for.
He said, “I think the story itself talks about, you never know what you’re unleashing in the world until afterwards, because you’re driven by an insane passion for something, and blinded by a lot of
Ginger Simpson(Left) as Claire Clairmont and Taos Pressma(Right) as Lord Byron in iFrankenstein put final touches on their costumes backstage. (Danny Sanchez Photos | The Corsair)
ARTS AND CULTURE
things.”
A prevalent theme within the story is the consequence of misused knowledge and how it leads to suffering from one’s own endeavor. “The Creature,” played by Abdi Beyle, said, “I think a sense of honesty about yourself is what I pick up, and also what I want for the audience when they leave the show.”
When asked for a walkthrough on how the preparations went, the “iFrankenstein” cast exchanged smiling glances as they recalled working on the play. Jane Amador, who plays the character of “Mary Shelley,” showed appreciation for their director Adair’s leadership throughout the production’s process.
Amador said Adair is a genius and this show in particular showcased that, “She speaks her mind and when she has a creative vision, she really pushes it.”
“I wanted to tie that into students and modern society, the ramifications of artificial intelligence and dangerous science, and that we need to be careful in its use,” Adair said.
Adair wrote the entire original piece, and additionally, curated the whole production set, costumes, makeup and the mask.
“I want people to see Terrin throughout the whole show, because she’s extremely hands on with everything,” Amador said.
The iFrankenstein theater play featured a large cast of more than 26 actors, with some playing two characters.
“We have a large cast, very talented actors who really dedicated themselves to putting on this show, and their dialogues are not easy,” Adair said.
Adair and the production team said the show is one of the most technically complicated shows the SMC Theatre Department has staged in a long time, with more than 600 lighting and music cues.
(Above) Costume props on a deck backstage of the iFrankenstein production.
(At Left) Abdi Beyle(L-R) as The Creature and and Jane Amador as Mary Shelley dress forthe performance.
Leo Rosenblood-Cappe as Sir Percy Florence who also plays William Frankenstein in Act II of iFrankenstein in a dressing room.
Return to your arms again
Families reunited with the support of Raices del Sur, an organization dedicated to bringing together relatives from Mexico to visit their loved ones in the United States (U.S.).
Christine Xolotl Muñoz & Jordy Mar | Staff Writer
It was a warm and sunny day in Los Angeles, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. The weather was much like the warm embraces between family members who are able to see each other once again after years of being set apart. For many families here in the U.S., it is usually the best of times when a family reunion is initiated, but what if your family is in another country, where the odds look different? Where you want to see them so badly but you currently can’t.
Raices del Sur, a program dedicated to reuniting family members by applying for visas, successfully completed its mission again this month. Uncles will be meeting nephews, brothers meeting sisters, and most of all, elderly parents reuniting with their children again after being separated for a long time.
Luis Aguilar, President of Raices del Sur, started in 2017 by turning his dream of reuniting Mexican, Central and South American families into a reality. “It’s an honor to be able to make dreams come true,” said Aguilar.
Aguilar’s team is motivated by that same desire. When asked what is the purpose of this program, a majority of the staff members said the same thing, “unite families.”It's a labor of love and joy that keeps them going. Ricardo Velazquez, an employee of the program, dedicated himself to the mission after successfully reuniting with his parents after 21 years.
Their staff consist of coordinators and representatives., To start the process, relatives here in the United States are interviewed. Then, they gather all the information needed to begin the application
process for a visitor visa for their loved one.
Coordinator Mayra Perez said, “Honesty is crucial.” Applicants are quickly rejected when the information they are providing does not match the content of the application
submitted. “Appointments for visitor visas used to take six months, now it takes anywhere between 12 to 18 months to schedule.” stating that delay grew during the pandemic and doesn’t show signs of changing. Perez also said, “It all depends on the embassy, we support the families in the application process, but ultimately, the decision, it’s up to the embassy.”
Perez said, “We have found ourselves with many cases of people who have already attempted the process with an immigration lawyer, only to be misinformed. Despite it being a lawyer, they lose their money and lose their time. Regardless if they’ve attempted the process with a lawyer we advise everyone the
same way, you have to speak the truth.”
Family members drove in from all over California, including the Alegreia family from Temecula, a city in the Riverside Country. Gabriel Alegreia, one of the lucky family members receiving his uncle said, “I haven't seen him for
20 years” and “I feel nervous because I haven't seen him for so long,” when reflecting on how long he had not seen his uncle and how he was feeling at that moment.
Many other families were eager to see their loved ones. While waiting, a bus
A daughter and her mother cry while reuniting for the first time after a decade of separation during Raices del Sur welcoming ceremony Sept. 20, 2025 in Los Angeles. Raices del Sur is an organization dedicated to obtaining visitor visas for Mexican and Central American families. Christine Xolotl Muñoz | The Corsair
came up the street and families began cheering. It turned out that the bus did not carry any of the family members that were coming to see their families and was actually making a stop on that street before heading to the Hollywood Bowl. False alarm, however, everyone got a good laugh out of it.
Mariana Diaz, visiting from Fresno, is also here waiting for her grandmother Isabel Flores Robles. She says it has been “about 25 years” since she was last with Robles. “I met her when I was three, but I don’t remember.” Diaz is accompanied by two of her sisters, their mom, two aunts with their husbands and three cousins. For everyone in the family it's similar to Diaz; a 20 year average since they last shared space with Robles.
“I think, you know, during these times it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and [have] hope, but this definitely gives me and my family a little bit of hope, to see a family member that we have never met. So definitely hope and that, you know we are going to get through this and we’re able to ‘superarlo,” Diaz said.
‘Superarlo’ means “overcome it” in Spanish. Diaz explains that this experience is even more impactful given the ongoing prejudice against the Mexican and Latino community.
“It’s a tough time right now, but I’m glad that we’re able to embrace these little moments and be happy for now, and just you know, enjoy it. And be excited and happy about it”. Diaz shares that she is most excited to celebrate her recent engagement with her grandma, smiling and says, “I’m happy to share that with her and that she’ll be able to come to my wedding in the future.” “I’m really grateful for the organization as well, [Raices del Sur] is a superb help and support.”
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for, the arrival of the family. Two large vans pull into the parking structure, hearts begin to pound, eyes start tearing up, and families are about to be united once again. The staff members tried to organize a circle but the family members were too excited.
The wait is finally over and the mission of helping these families reunite has been completed. As families loaded up their vehicles, the Raices del Sur welcoming team hugged each other, and the sun began to set on the caravan of the cars as they drove away.
Raices del Sur’s mission moving forward, continue to increase the success rate of applicants approved for their visitor visas and do what they know best, reunite families. If you are interested in Raices del Sur mission and services you can contact them at Facebook| Raices del Sur to support their efforts, get involved or connect families in need.
OPINION
Raíces del Sur’s organizer Ricardo Velazquez (left to right), stands with staff members , Karla Valadez, Francisco Vargas, Mayra Perez, during a reunification event on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles County, Calif. Raíces del Sur is a nonprofit organization that helps adult children obtain visas for their elderly parents to visit from across the border after decades apart. Fai Fong | The Corsair
An elderly woman (right) embraces her daughter (left) after more than 20 years of separation on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles County, Calif. The reunion was organized by Raíces del Sur, a nonprofit organization that helps adult children obtain visas for their elderly parents to visit from across the border after decades apart. Fai Fong | The Corsair
