The Corsair Spring 2023 - Issue 4

News | pg. 3

Photo Story | pg. 4-5

Culture | pg. 6-7

Arts & Entertainment | pg. 8-9

Opinion | pg. 10

EDITORIAL STAFF

Sasha Funes | Editor-in-Chief

Conor Heeley | Managing Editor

Anna Sophia Moltke | Photo Editor

Antoineé Jones | News Editor

Baleigh O'Brien | Arts & Entertainment Editor

Taylor Smith | Arts & Entertainment Editor

Michael Zavala | Culture Editor

Sydney Partyka | Opinion Editor

Dylan Dayton | Sports Editor

Ryan Watts | Sports Editor

Jackson Tammariello | Copy Editor

Katheryne Menendez | Digital Editor

Christina Torres | Social Media Editor

Callie Yiu | Multimedia Editor

Presley Alexander | Multimedia Editor

Caylo Seals | Design Editor

Alejandro Contreras | Design Editor

CORSAIR STAFF

Bryan Antunez | My'Dari Baker | Victor Chambers

| Ashley Chinchilla | Damond Collier Sr. | Rafaella

Cruz Ramaciote | Vanessa Daily | Daniel De Anda |

Jorge Devotto Ordonez | Claude Epperson | Ilayda

Gercek | Shaylee Guerrero | Jehrid Hale | Josh Ho-

gan | Rebecca Hogan | Torrie Krantz-Klein | Maria

Lebedev | Isaac Manno | Nicholas McCall | Richard

Mendez | Danilo Perez | Akemi Rico | Tyler Simms |

Kevin Tidmore | Sebastian Villamil | Amanda Villamil-Solano | Aaron Wiria

FACULTY ADVISORS

Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins | Journalism Advisor

Gerard Burkhart | Photo Advisor

Samantha Nuñez | Social Media Advisor

CONTACT

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

Managing Editor | corsair.managing@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter | the_corsair

Instagram | corsairnews

Facebook | thecorsairnews

YouTube | thecorsaironline

WEBSITE www.thecorsaironline.com

FRONT PAGE

Illustration by Katheryne Menendez ( The Corsair)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

In 2020, I turned 18 years old. It was a rough year due to the pandemic, but I was excited about finally being able to vote. I’m also the oldest kid in my family so I wanted to set an example for my siblings and cousins.

Since the 2020 presidential election, I’ve been able to vote in two other elections. Gavin Newsom’s recall in 2021 was the first, and the second came in 2022 for the California midterm elections. I’ve always enjoyed voting because I understand it’s a right that not everyone has.

Throughout my educational journey, I’ve encountered countless Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, who unfortunately don’t have that privilege when it comes to voting. I’ve also met students who are children of immigrants but are citizens themselves, so they exercise their right to vote for their parents.

This week at Santa Monica College (SMC), the Associated Student (A.S.) election is coming up. The elections started April 3 and will run until April 6. It may not seem like an election that matters because it’s a community college election and most of us are here for only a couple years, but it can affect other students in the long run and voting for these elections should matter to students.

Students, whether in high school, community college or at the university level, should care about their institution’s politics. Schools are constantly having elections because students come and go yearly. School politics are a good way to start exercising one's right to vote.

Even though not all of us have the right to vote in federal elections, those of us who do should do so for those people in our lives that can’t. We can give them a voice through our ballots. Right now there’s a lot happening in Congress that not many students I’ve met agree with, but they can’t really do much about it since they can’t vote. That’s why it’s important for those of us who can vote to do something about it.

I vote not only to set an example for my siblings and cousins, but to also give a voice to the voiceless. I hope one day they can follow my example and I hope those who can’t vote today will one day have that experience they rightfully deserve.

Katheryne Menendez | The Corsair

Corsair Holds 2023 A.S. Candidate Forum

agreed with each other’s responses on the need for greater awareness in A.S.

we serve — as a whole board, serve in students' best interest,” said Liu.

On Tuesday, April 4, candi dates for the Santa Monica College (SMC) Associated Students (A.S.) were invited to an online Candidate Forum on Zoom hosted by The Corsair.

The forum was moderated by Cor sair Editor-in-Chief Sasha Funes and Managing Editor Conor Heeley. Can didates were given two minutes to an swer each question, and touched upon issues concerning student outreach, accessibility of student resources and the on-campus publicity of A.S.

The A.S. is the student-run government of SMC with the goal of representing the interests of the student body. There are currently 14 students running for 10 A.S. leadership positions. Four of these positions are contested, which include the A.S. Pres ident, Director of Basic Needs, Director of Instructional Support, and Director of Publicity.

The remaining six positions — Sec retary, Director of Student Outreach, Director of Equity and Diversity, Direc tor of Student Affairs, Director of Sus tainability, and Student Trustee — fea ture only one candidate.

Every candidate was emailed an in vitation link for the forum, but only a handful attended. According to Funes, candidates were emailed in advance regarding the candidate forum multi ple times. Four out of the 14 candidates appeared: Cecilia Jeong and Justin Liu for A.S. President, Doris Huang for Director of Student Outreach, and Lina Fuellemann for Director of Publicity.

Candidates remained civil and

needs to be more accessible, because many students have trouble efficiently navigating the site. He also suggested educating student clubs more on the funding process.

“This is something that we definitely would have to improve to ensure that

make sure we try our best to deliver our message,” said Huang.

Huang brought up the idea of surveys and responding to online questions on social media, and Jeong suggested merchandise incentives such as

hoodies to catch students’ attention. Liu said he would collaborate with the Director of Activities to organize events on satellite campuses during the Activity Hour, which is Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Fuellemann suggested that SMC professors notify their students of A.S. and its benefits. She added that if professors brought up A.S. in the beginning of a semester, it would be very

“People can hear about the A.S., but most of the people don't even know what it is,” said Fuellemann. “If a professor would talk about it, I feel like people will really take it serious and be like, ‘oh, OK, this is like a good thing to do

The election opened voting on Monday, April 3 at midnight, and the virtual polls will close on Thursday, April 6 at 11:59 p.m. The results will be announced in the A.S. Election Committee meeting on Friday, April 7 at 1:30 p.m. Students can log in to their Corsair Connect account and click on the animated banner at the top of the page to begin voting. The full recording of the forum can be watched on The Corsair’s YouTube channel, TheCorsairOnline.

Jackson Tammariello | Copy Editor

Illustration above by Katheryne Menendez Illustration below by Alejandro Contreras

Daniel De Anda / The Corsair

Isaac Mano / The Corsair

Isaac Mano / The Corsair

Isaac Mano / The Corsair

The Corsair requested to interview each candidate. Candidates without photographs did not respond to our requests.

Candidate List

Daniel De Anda / The Corsair

Isaac Mano / The Corsair

Isaac Mano / The Corsair

Infographic by Victor Chambers, Jackson Tammariello. Sasha Funes, Katheryne Menendez

Corgi Beach Day: “The Biggest 'Paw-ty' On The Planet”

On Saturday, April 1, hundreds of dog lovers gathered at Huntington Beach to attend the Corgi Beach Day. Thousands of pet enthusiasts brought their companions to compete in contests and play with each other. The event’s website described the Beach Day as the “biggest corgi paw-ty on the planet.”

The festival hosted a variety of corgi contests, welcoming canine-lovers and dogs of all breeds. Gourmet food trucks, interactive experiences, and dozens of vendors selling pet-themed merchandise were also featured.

The competitions began at 10:30 a.m. with the Cutest Cardigan Corgi Contest. Owners lead their dogs oneby-one down a small runway set up in the main arena. After each of the candidates performed, they lined up on the platform and the audience cast their vote by cheering as loudly as they could

for their preferred contestant.

The winner of the first contest is Popcorn. Owner Christina Pruchyanimit said that Popcorn attended the Cutest Corgi contest twice before, but this was his first time winning.

“I’m so excited,” said Pruchyanimit. “At first we weren’t going to join but changed our minds at the last minute. Popcorn has done it before, but he never won, so this win was very surprising.”

The event continued with the Corgi Musical Chairs. As pop music played from the speakers, each owner walked their leashed dog around in a circle. When the music stopped, the owner commanded their corgi to sit. The last dog standing was eliminated, and the contest continued until only one winner was left.

The lucky pup who took home the Musical Chairs trophy is Kilo. His human partner, Cynthia Lasley, said Kilo

belongs to her friend Josephine Sosa.

“My dog won’t listen to me, and Josephine’s dog won’t listen to her,” she said. “Kilo and I make great partners.”

Lasley has been attending the biannual Corgi Beach Day event since 2014.

This year marked the third time Kilo participated in the Musical Chairs contest, and his first time winning. “It was fantastic! When it got down to two people I started to really hope” said Lasley.

The corgi tournaments continued until 2:30 p.m. The games included the Best Momo (AKA Corgi Butt) Contest, the Best Corgi Costume Contest, and the Corgi Coconut Cream Pie Eating Contest. The Best Costume Contest consisted of two parts: the Tiki Theme and the Anything Goes Theme.

The winner of the Best Costume Contest was Mazi, dressed in a bright blue loofah outfit adorned with plastic bubbles. “This is our third costume

win,” said owner Traci Blue. “We just really enjoy this community, and Mazi loves competing.”

The Corgi Beach Day came to an end at 2:50 p.m. with the Bacon Bubble Spectacular. Festival attendees enjoyed a last minute hang-out as thousands of bacon flavored bubbles blew out of machines set up in the main competition area.

The next SoCal Corgi affair is the 2023 Corgi Nationals, which will take place on Sunday, May 28 at the Santa Anita Park. In addition to dog races, the Corgi Nationals will feature corgi-centric vendors, carnival rides, and lots of pet and family-friendly activities. More information on SoCal Corgi festivals can be found at socalcorgibeachday. com/events.

Maria Lebedev | Staff Writer

Gustaff catching a ball and scoring a point in the Fetch Fanatic Contest during Corgi Beach Day. The Corgis had 60 seconds to catch as many balls thrown by their owners as possible.

(Above) The crowd waiting for the next event during Corgi Beach Day. There were over a thousand people in attendance with over 100 Corgis competing.

(Right) Milo, dressed in a shark costume for the anything goes part of the Best Corgi Costume Contest, rolls on turf during Corgi Beach Day at Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington Beach, Calif., on Saturday.

(Above) Mazi dressed as a loofah for the anything goes part of the Best Corgi Costume Contest. Mazi won first place for this contest.

(Above) Christina Pruchyanimit (left), her children, and her dog, Popcorn, after winning the Cutest Corgi Cardigan Contest.

(Left) A corgi attempting to catch a ball and scoring a point in the Fetch Fanatic Contest.

(Left) A corgi attempts to 'limbo' for the Corgi Limbo Contest. There were over a thousand people in attendance with over 100 Corgis competing.

Photos by Caylo Seals

“The Hunchback Years

Taylor Smith | Arts & Entertainment Editor

Santa Monica College (SMC) Theater Arts and Music Departments brought majestic hymns and Roma culture to the main campus with their production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” The musical ran its first three performances from March 31 to April 2 and is a spectacle filled with a grand cathedral set, colorful costumes and Flamenco inspired dance numbers.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is based on the Victor Hugo novel and the Disney animated film and tells the story of Quasimodo, a deformed and captive orphan who dreams of the outside world.

“I grew up with the Disney movie,” said Tayla Sindel, who plays Esmerelda. “And I love how this musical is kind of in-between the Disney movie, the source material, and I think it’s just beautiful.”

When Quasimodo meets Esmerelda, an enchanting woman who protects him from an angry mob, his life turns upside down. The outsider gains the courage to protect his new friend and escapes his captor Archdeacon Frollo, played by Levi Booker. The musical explores the question that is stated throughout the show, “What makes a monster and what makes a man?”

The the making, ki originally hearsals ning forced cast, ter three “I weren’t is dedicating late mother. feels great back. love my mom.”

The hunchback played SMC Elliott and Brayden dents ing each

“It’s estly said. another been

The the diverse Quasimodo’s stature

Elliott Moore plays Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of

Tayla Sindel playing Esmeralda in the musical production, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," during dress rehearsal on Thursday at Santa Monica College Theare Arts and Music Departments Main Stage.

Akemi Rico | The Corsair

Hunchback of Notre Dame” Three Years in the Making

The production is three years in making, as director Perviz Sawosoriginally auditioned and began rehearsals on the musical at the beginof 2020, before production was forced to be put on hold. Half of the including Booker, is returning afthree years.

was really bummed when we weren’t able to do it,” said Booker, who dedicating his performance to his mother. “It great to be This is my letter to mom.”

The titular hunchback is played by two students, Elliott Moore Brayden Handwerger. Both stuwill alternate playing the role, giveach actor three nights to perform. “It’s certainly different, but I’ve honenjoyed the process,” Handwerger “It’s kind of cool to get to see how another person takes the role on. It’s a nice process.”

The musical tragedy is balanced by diverse performances of its leads. Quasimodo’s high spirit and hunched stature contrasts Frollo’s controlled

rigidness and elongated posture. Sindel brings a generous heart guarded by sultry charm to Esmerelda.

“Every character has their own little micro-themes. They leave no stone unturned in that regard,” Handwerger said.

SMC Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Jeremiah Selvey, stands behind a sheer screen adorned in red cloaks as they sing the chorus throughout the show. Sawoski explained this was the choir’s first time collaborating with the theater department since she has been at SMC and said “it’s a dream.”

“It’s kind of exciting because we all work in our own individual bubbles all the time, and it’s nice to see the work that each other is doing with the students,” Selvey said.

While “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is filled with flashy dance numbers and an intricate score, it is also embedded with history. The leading lady, Esmeralda, is referred to as a “gypsy” in the show which has now been deemed a slur. The correct term, as explained by

Sawoski, is “Roma.” Sawoski, who was born in India, writes the history of the Roma in her director's note located in the program.

“They are not that much discussed, so it’s important to me that they are acknowledged,” Sawoski said. “I’m not that culture, I just happen to be born in that country, but, you know, I feel sort of connected with that.”

Booker said he is excited to play a complex villain, and feels the tale of Quasimodo and Esmerelda is a story that everyone can relate to. He believes that the musical is a great introduction into the theater world for any newcomer looking to see their first show.

“This is one of the most talented casts I’ve seen for a local production,” Booker said. “I feel like if you’ve never seen a theater production before, this is probably something that would make you fall in love with theater.”

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will have its final three performances on Friday, April 7 and April 8 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on April 9 at 2 p.m. The production will be in the Theater Arts building on the Main Campus, and tickets can be purchased at www.smc.

edu/tickets or at the Events Box Office.

“It feels great to be back. This is my love letter to my mom.”

- Levi Booker

of Notre Dame during dress rehearsal.

At their dressing room SMC students fix their costumes before the second performance at the SMC Theater Arts venue on Saturday.

Tayla Sindel (left), playing Esmeralda, sings while Joseph Martinez (right), playing Captain Phoebus de Martin, buries his head in her lap in light of the tragedy they have found themselves in, during dress rehearsal.

Levi Booker playing Dom Claude Frollo, Archdeacon of Notre Dame Cathedral, during dress rehearsal.

Akemi Rico | The Corsair

Jorge Devotto | The Corsair

Akemi Rico | The Corsair

Akemi Rico | The Corsair

The Importance of Coping With Stress

My'Dari Baker | Staff Writer

As college students, we tend to pile a lot onto our plates. It can be difficult to balance work and school, maintaining a social life while getting a degree, and one’s home life. These are some of the many contributing factors to stress. Being able to cope with stress in healthy ways is extremely important.

Stress can have negative effects on our physical health, such as increasing risk of heart-related diseases, asthma, and gastrointestinal problems. Mental health can be affected by stress as well, as stress increases the likelihood of developing anxiety, depression or sometimes substance abuse.

The physical, mental and emotional effects of stress often make it harder for students to learn. One of the behaviors that can be caused by stress is procrastination. Because of stress, we may become unmotivated to attend classes or complete assignments.

Santa Monica College (SMC) student Julia Lozano explains the negative impact of stress on her life, saying it causes her to have “low energy” and “feel drained a lot of the time.”

"I feel like it’s caused me to have an overthinking problem,” said Lozano. “And it also leads me to procrastination.”

Lozano also said that obligations outside of school have contributed to her stress levels. Lozano has two jobs,

and works 30 hours a week while taking two classes at SMC.

“I feel like I don’t have the healthiest habits, but I’m learning to have healthier habits,” she said.

Despite feeling like she didn’t have healthy coping methods, Lozano gave examples of what she does when she feels stressed. “I go to therapy on the side. But I also try to, you know, I try to meditate,” she said. “Sometimes I also like to read because I feel like it de-stresses my mind. Sometimes I just like to exercise, like that helps me go to a happy place.”

According to a 2022 study by The American College Health Association, 77 percent of college students experienced a state of stress, 35 percent experienced anxiety, and 27 percent experienced depression during their spring semester. The American Institute of Stress reports that “eight in 10 college students experience frequent bouts of stress.”

As a first-year college student here at SMC, I also struggle with maintaining a healthy balance between work and school. I work five days out of the week, am enrolled in three courses and often have to go to work directly after class.

So how do I cope with my stress while being a student and working fulltime?

I read as an escape from my life any chance that I get. Although my schedule is jam-packed, I squeeze in time for cardio at my local gym. Another stress

reliever that I find helpful (for me, not my wallet) is retail therapy. Amazon, Sephora and Target are my kryptonite. Books and skincare are two of the things that help me unwind after a long day at work or school — which is why I tend to head to all three stores when my paycheck hits. It doesn’t help that there are new books, skincare and makeup lines coming out every two weeks either.

Of course, there are days when I don’t cope with my stress well. When I do experience days where the stress wins, I notice the effects that it has on my behavior. Although I’m usually a positive person, I get noticeably grouchy and negative. It takes a toll on my body. I feel drained of energy, as if I haven’t been getting the proper rest that I need.

Recently I have realized that I have more bad days than good. The more work and school-related tasks that I take on, feels like another load added onto my stress. Some days I make the decision to skip a class or two and spend the day resting for my mental well-being.

I have also learned that it is OK to take time for yourself and recuperate. It is OK to miss a few assignments here and there. Yes, those assignments may be important, but so is my mental and physical health.

Finding healthy ways to cope with stress can help us put our best foot forward and have a positive outlook on life.

Katheryne Menendez | The Corsair

Taylor Smith | The Corsair