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CORSAIR OCTOBER 4, 2017 | VOLUME 114 ISSUE 02 | SANTA MONICA COLLEGE FIRST COPY OF THE CORSAIR IS FREE, EACH COPY AFTER IS 25
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NEWS CONTENT
VOLUME 114 ISSUE 02 •OCTOBER 4,, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
EDITORIAL STAFF MARISA VASQUEZ........................... Editor-in-Chief
corsair.editorinchief@gmail.com
RYANNE MENA............................. Managing Editor
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DANIEL BOWYER.......................... Managing Editor
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ROSANGELICA VIZCARRA............. Co-Photo Editor
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JAZZ SHADEMAN......................... Co- Photo Editor
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ZANE MEYER-THORNTON........ Social Media Editor
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EMELINE MOQUILLLON.................... Digital Editor
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MICHELLE AYALA....................... Multimedia Editor
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LAUREN LABEL................................ Design Editor
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EDWARD LEE...................................... News Editor
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TREVOR SCHOCK..................... A&E/Culture Editor
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............................... Sports Editor
DANIEL FARR
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OSKAR ZINNEMAN...........................Opinion Editor
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CORSAIR STAFF Josue Martinez, Madison Makely, Ethan Lauren, Jos Cashon, Nicolas Johnson, Roy Garza, Diana Parra Garcia, Justin Han, Jayrol San Jose, Jessica Zermeno, Ripsime Avetisyan, Brian Quiroz, Catherine Lima, Christopher Floyd, Clyde Bates Jr, Damien-Micheal Williams, David Sterin, Earl Agustines, Harry Philips, Ingrid Martinez, Jessica Uhler, Julia Connolly, Kimberly Estrada, Maya Toolin, Omar Pe ñ a, Rosario Lopez, Ryan McGowan, Thane Fernandes, Willow SandoMcCall, Yuki Iwamura, Sid Sidibe
FACULTY ADVISORS ASHANTI BLAIZE-HOPKINS
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gerard burkhart.........................Photo Advisor
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FRONT COVER Top: A group of musicians formed a small marching band to play music throughout the closed streets of Santa Monica during COAST and paraded along Main Street playing songs. The second ever COAST was held in Santa Monica, California, on October 1st 2017. Photo by:
Justin Han Bottom Right: Santa Monica College students Zechariah Symonds (Left) and Madeleine Khanzadeh (Right) climb an indoor wall during a Rock Climbing class at the Core Performing Center in Santa Monica, California, On September 18th 2017. Photo by:
Ethan Lauren Bottom Left: Santa Monica College Corsairs middle linebacker Chris Wein poses for a portrait at Santa Monica College on the Corsair Field in Santa Monica, California. September 28th 2017. Photo by:
Josue Martinez
Fernanda Rivera Anthony Tringali (left) as George, Meredith Arps-Bumbera (center) as Charlotte and Nicholas Ferguson (right) as Howard in the performance "Moon Over Buffalo" at the Santa Monica College Theater Main stage on September 27, 2017 in Santa Monica, California
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Marisa Vasquez Editor-in-Chief
Dear Readers,
As students of Journalism, news excites us and motivates us to continue our work of storytelling. It is our firm belief that it is the people’s right to know of the current events of their surroundings and outside communities. When the news itself becomes too much to bear, we tend to bury ourselves back into our work to produce more content for viewers to read, watch, and listen to. Today, The Corsair News team did just that. Though there is no shortage of difficult news, The Corsair has every intention to bring to light what the Santa Monica community is doing to make its streets safe and accessible for those who tread its sidewalks. Two articles, in particular, discuss the pro-pedestrian and cycling changes that the city of Santa Monica has been offering. The Big Blue Bus article explains the implementation of sensors that allow bus drivers to be more aware of their surroundings and help keep the community safe. In another article about the COAST event that was this past Sunday, Mayor Ted Winterer walked from the 17th Street Expo Station to the Santa Monica Civic Center and talked to citizens of this
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city to help promote the idea of open and safe streets for all who choose not to drive. The thought of a city that continuously caters to the safety of its community is one that I value now more than ever. As students of Santa Monica College, the articles discussing the interesting exercise classes that SMC has to offer is most intriguing. Personally, I have the usual excuse of not having time to break a sweat. Although, if I were to break a sweat I would prefer it to be in an odd class that I could attend on the daily. The Wellness Center’s reaction of hepatitis A is also an important issue for students to be aware of. SMC’s Wellness Center describes ways to stay safe from the infamous disease and provides a safe space for students to find information on the subject. All in all, I believe that this issue in particular is fully rounded with articles that students themselves can relate to directly. With the size of the news team that is available to us today, we have the unique opportunity to produce, yet again, a twelve-page issue for the second time in a row. With that said, I am proud to present the second issue of our fall semester. /THECORSAIRNEWS •
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NEWS
VOLUME 114 ISSUE ISSUE 02 • OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
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Fall 2017 Club Awareness Day MADISON MAKELY STAFF WRITER
On Thursday, September 28th, 2017, Club Awareness Day attracted Santa Monica College students to scout out the array of clubs along the main campus quad. Club members set up tables and festivities next to the palm trees as they promoted their clubs to their fellow peers. The diverse range of clubs that SMC each brought their own distinct and unique characteristics, bringing a visual variety to spectators. The event even included a large dance party in the middle of the SMC campus with a live disk jockey. Fuchs also noted that while Representatives from the clubs each gave a pitch to students the group does receive some to help explain what their club funding from the Associated Students, they do not like to had to offer. use it because their club stands
Ripsime Avetisyan Co-President of the club Turning Point USA Liberty Fuchs (left) informs Faraz Moallemi (right) about the stand the club takes during Club Awareness Day at Santa Monica College.
Turning Point USA Club immediately held much of the attention, as many students entered a debate on the club member's beliefs. Liberty Fuchs, the co-president for the club, gave a description of the club's mission statement. “The motive of our club is to provide an alternative message," Fuchs said. "We feel that on most college campuses, there is only one kind of ideology, and we want to provide another perspective."
against government funding. The club prefers, and intends to receive donations from organizations that would contribute to the club. One of the tables showcased numerous amounts of exotic taxidermy animals which were brought to represent the Natural History Club. Sepanta Jozani, the co-president of the club, opened up about the club and how it fascinates him. “My major is Evolution Ecology, so my favorite part about the club
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Ripsime Avetisyan Cheerleader Winnie Marcelin performing with the SMC Cheer Club during Club Awareness Day at Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, Calif., September 28, 2017.
is, well, all of it." Jozani said "You can really use this club to build your skills, so it helps a lot and the opportunities that come with it. Jozani also said the club's target audience are students who are interested in fields like zoology and Earth's history. According to him, the club members go on a lot of field trips such as whale watching, or anything else that they are interest in studying. Finally, he mentioned that the club uses a lot of their funding to bring in guest speakers to teach students on ways they can also study the living world. Another club that caught a lot of attention with their loud music, maracas, and colorful flags was the Scandinavian Club. The communications director of the club, Lucia Vallejo, talked a lot about what got him involved, what it partakes and the club's overall goal. “What personally got me involved with the club was the curiosity for wondering what the culture is all about," Vallejo said. "I have met some amazing people, and it has been a great experience.” Vallejo also said that the club has many fun activities planned, such as the Solvang Julefest, an event at Solvang, a previ@THE_CORSAIR •
ously Danish settlement, at the beginning of December. They also are hosting Kubb Social, a Scandinavian game played with two separate groups. When asked about the overall goal of the club as a whole, Vallejo said,” The goal is that we want an imprint of the culture here at SMC, because so many of Scandinavian people are coming over from the country and making this place their home. So, we want to make it a legacy to stay here and to open new perspectives amongst the students.” There is no doubt that Santa Monica College has an incredible range of club's for all different types of students to partake in. After their shifting directions from different semesters, this Fall 2017 semester entails that the cheerleaders have formed a club, rather than making a team. This way, any SMC student is able to join, without being obligated to try out. This situation goes for all of the clubs at SMC. the SMC club community has a wide range of clubs for student to choose from, whether they want to learn about a different culture, get more involved with their major, or meet new people and make friends.
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NEWS NEWS
VOLUME 114 ISSUE 02 •OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
THE BIG BLUE BUS SAFETY SENSORS KIMBERLY ESTRADA STAFF WRITER
NICOLAS JOHNSON STAFF WRITER
The Santa Monica Mobility Division worked with the Big Blue Bus to install sensors on Big Blue Buses three months ago in an attempt to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The company stated that they made these changes in response to multiple incidents that occurred between March and April of this year, when five pedestrians were killed by oncoming traffic. These installations are part of a new initiative called the Collision Avoidance System Pilot Program. According to the company's website, the system consists of four sensors placed on Big Blue Buses that will warn the drivers 2.7 seconds in advance before an imminent rear-end collision. They also immediately give an auditory and visual warning if the bus exceeds the speed limit, departs from its lane without a turn signal, or is about to collide with pedestrians or cyclists. One of the drivers, Deborah Morrison, has already experienced driving with the new system. "I mean I keep my eyes moving anyway, but it is helpful to the bus system that it beeps," Morrison said. "If somebody is crossing in front of the bus, you might be focused on something else or a passenger, so it's very helpful." Quinton Johnson, a bus passenger who has been using the Big Blue Bus to
Dianna Parra Garcia Santa Monica College students wait for the Big Blue Bus on Pico and 18 th Street in Santa Monica California, at the Santa Monica College’s Main Campus.
commute for about ten years, was also familiar with the sensor system. Johnson thought these recent collisions with pedestrians happened frequently because he often sees passengers put their safety at risk to catch the bus. "People try to come out sometimes. Usually they're mentally ill or just got out the hospital," Johnson said. "They are trying to stop the bus from missing them." According to the LA Times, traffic accidents have risen nearly 43 percent in 2016 compared to the previous y e a r. S a n t a M o n i c a administrators hope that this
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newly developed system will times has happened when reduce the number of I make eye contact with the collisions in the area. driver on the left side and he starts coming in front of me." "I FIND IT KIND Having lost a friend hit by OF SAD HOW a semi truck two years ago, Justin Okubo, a third member WE NEED SENof the bike club, agrees that reckless driving is the main SORS TO HELP issue behind traffic collisions US SAY, 'THAT'S with cyclists. He brought up a recent incident that A HUMAN BEING happened last Wednesday, RIGHT THERE.'" on September 27, 2017, when a charter bus hit his Cyclists at Santa Monica friend. "He was riding, and College had mixed opinions there was some debris in about the new initiative. his way, so he had to move Joshua Bonilla, President of out to avoid it," Okubo said. the SMC Bike Club, "The bus passes him too complimented the efforts of closely... then the draft of the Big Blue Bus and Santa the bus just pulls him into Monica. "It's obviously for it." the safety of the pedestrian Although he approves of and also for the bus drivers the new system, Okubo to avoid collisions... it's a says, "I find it kind of sad benefit for everyone," Bonilla how we need sensors to said. "Pedestrians now feel help us say, 'That's a human safer knowing there is a being right there. This is system that will help prevent someone's life we can future incidents." possibly endanger'...until However, the Vice- they [drivers] see us as President of the SMC Bike human beings that have Club, Ali Narimi, thought the families and just want to get sensors are not addressing home safe, I don't think the real issue cyclists face. anything is going to change." "They should teach their However, Okubo does drivers to care more about conclude that the changes pedestrians first rather than are "a step in the right just adding something to the direction." bus," Narimi said. "A lot of @THE_CORSAIR •
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NEWS
VOLUME 114 ISSUE 02 • OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
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LA and SMC Health Officials Warn of Hepatitis A Outbreak JOS CASHON STAFF WRITER
What can students and faculty do to help prevent the spread of the virus? Santa Monica College Student Health Services is raising awareness and urging prevention of Hepatitis A since the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced an outbreak of 10 cases on Tuesday September 19, 2017. The news first broke that Tuesday at a presentation to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer confirmed that the county had officially met the definition of a local outbreak. Two of the ten cases could not be traced back to existing outbreaks in San Diego or Santa Cruz. Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus and is highly contagious. Cases can last from a few weeks to several months, and most people recover completely without lasting liver damage. However, some cases can lead to hospitalization, liver damage, and death. Patients over 50 years of age, underlying medical conditions, or compromised immune systems are higher at risk, according to Ferrer’s presentation. She cited touching contaminated surfaces or objects, having sexual contact with an infected partner, and consuming virus-contaminated foods or drinks as the most common ways that Hepatitis A spreads. In response to the county’s announcement, SMC Health Services sent out a mass email to all faculty with details about the virus and how it spreads, as well as tips for prevention. According to the Health Services email, the hepatitis A virus is “transmitted primarily by the fecal-oral route; that is, when an uninfected person ingests food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person.” Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To prevent infection, the email recommends simple precautions. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Only using carbonated bottled water for brushing teeth. Avoid unclean food and water, or under-cooked meat and fish. Avoid purchasing food from street vendors. Eat hot food right away. Be weary of sliced fruit that may have been washed in contaminated water. One notable absence from the recommendations sent to faculty is a suggestion for students to
Illustration By: Diana Parra Garcia
consider vaccination. In stark contrast to Ferrer’s warnings at the Board of Supervisors meeting that vaccination is, “the most important prevention for Hepatitis A.” The Corsair followed up in an interview with Student Health Services staff, seeking clarity on this issue. “It's a personal decision,” said Kasiani Gountoumas, Student Health Services Nurse Practitioner. "But since we've been having a couple of outbreaks, especially down in San Diego, and here because of poor sanitation and increased number of homeless, I don't think there is harm for someone, especially students, to get [the hepatitis A vaccine]." Gountoumas explains how Hepatitis A can spread among students, which she says can be prevented primarily by washing your hands. "Let's say you go to the restroom and someone is infected with hepatitis A," Gountoumas said. "They go to the bathroom, they don't wash their hands, then most likely you can get it." “Especially with the outbreak, it's good to speak to their personal doctor to see if the insurance covers it,” she continued. “There's no harm or side effects to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine, so you can be on the safe side. And it depends on the person, if they want to do the Hepatitis A [vaccine] they can always come over here. We provide it, and I think it's a very low cost, 30-40 dollars per vaccine, which is not a bad idea.” SMC Health Services does indeed offer the Hepatitis A vaccine as a series of two injections costing a total of $70. For information about low or no-cost vaccination, LA Public Health recommends dialing 211 to be directed to appropriate resources.
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NEWS PHOTOSTORY
VOLUME 114 ISSUE 02 •OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
Zane Meyer-Thornton Sophia Nordby (center) dances along to the performance of Las Colibrí, an all-string female mariachi band who performed on Main Street during the City of Santa Monica's Open Streets Festival which took place on October 1, 2017.
A New Vision For Santa Monica Streets ZANE MEYER-THORNTON STAFF WRITER
With the additions of more bike lanes and the expo train from Downtown Los Angeles to Downtown Santa Monica, the city of Santa Monica has more methods of public transportation that are easily accessible to civilians. The city of Santa Monica’s Open Streets Festival, known as COAST, gave attendees the opportunity to gather information on other modes of transportation as well as the benefits of using cars less frequently.489 A multitude of aromas filled the air from different street-food vendors as tunes from across the globe played
throughout the day. Along with the food and music, workshops on sustainable living were scattered across almost the 2 miles of Main Street which were blocked off for the event. There were a plethora of booths that ranged from gardening techniques to bike repair while exemplifying to the Santa Monica community different ways of life that are much easier to maintain than its current system. When asked about what COAST means to the city of Santa Monica, former Mayor Kevin McKeown said, “We do Coast for two primary reasons; in my point of view, the first is to demonstrate
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what life is like when you free yourself from the automobile... And the other part of this is it’s a community festival. It's a chance for us on the city council to speak directly with constituents as they walk by... While they’re on bikes or on foot in a way you could never connect with people through cars.” When asked about the future of public transportation in Santa Monica, Mayor McKeown said, “Along with Bikeshare we’ve put in something like 140 to 150 miles of bike lanes... It doesn’t mean everybody is going to be riding a bike all the time. There are some people who will never ride @THE_CORSAIR •
a bike. It means that people have a choice. I think that’s what the future of mobility in Santa Monica is going to have to be about.” McKeown then followed up by talking about a plan for pedestrian safety called “Vision Zero”, stating, “Vision-Zero is a plan to reduce the accidents, fatalities and injuries that happen with transportation. Particularly cars and pedestrians crossing the streets. We’re really serious about this. We’re going to make changes in this city, in terms of engineering and how the streets are laid out. in terms of education, in how we teach people how to safely use the streets and the old fashioned one, enforcement.”
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VOLUME 114 ISSUE ISSUE 02 • OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
PHOTOSTORY NEWS
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Zane Meyer-Thornton Members of the “Superbroke Brass and Tin and Strings Marching Band Ensemble” perform on Ocean Avenue in Downtown Santa Monica as part of the City of Santa Monica's Open Streets Festival (COAST) which took place on October 1, 2017.
Zane Meyer-Thornton Ofeck Sharon tries to play the drums after the performance of "Mayaztek". Their performance was one of many at the City of Santa Monica's Open Streets Festival (COAST) which took place on October 1, 2017.
Sid Sidibe Mayor of Santa Monica, Ted Winterer walks along with Santa Monica residents along Michigan Ave. and 4th street in Santa Monica, Calif. On October 1, 2017.
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NEWS CULTURE
VOLUME 114 ISSUE 02 •OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
MUSIC ARTISTS USE THEIR SPOTLIGHT FOR MENTAL HEALTH JESSICA ZERMENO STAFF WRITER
Logic's recent single "1-800273-8255" helps shine a light on suicide prevention. According to Psychology Today, "Some people have a vulnerability to psychological struggles. This vulnerability seems to be in the areas of people dealing with themselves, others, and their environment." The article goes on to state that "as people age and stressful experiences mount. their psychological problems often increase, manifesting in different ways." Those struggles become so extreme that they sometimes lead to self harm, or even suicide. According to an article by Emory University, titled Suicide Statistics there are more than onethousand suicides on college campuses per a year with suicide being the second leading cause of death among people aged 25-34, and the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24. For many, one escape is music. Whether it's playing a melody or listening to someone else’s melody the sound of instruments, vocals, or just the lyrics can affect a person's mood. Songs - the art of someone else’s thoughts and feelings displayed in a melody - are one way people are reaching out to others, and to trying and prevent suicide. This is evident in Logic’s recent single "1-800-273-8255". Since the release of Logic’s single, calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are up thirty-three percent when compared to 2016 with three times the activity on Facebook. Google searches in regards to suicide prevention have gone up one-hundred percent and continue to increase by twenty-five percent consistently. The National Suicide Prevention website visits which were getting around 300,000 visitors a month, have since reached over 400,000 as Logic uses his platform to spread the word and defend the rights for suicide awareness and equality, according to an article in Variety. In rapper Logic’s recent music video for his single "1-800-2738255" the video is a story of a teenage boy dealing with unacceptance from others and balancing the decision between living life or ending life. The lyrics to this song and visual story telling
within the video brought attention to many people ultimately resulting in shining a brighter light on an already important topic. Well known actor, Luis Guzman, was approached to play one of the leads in the "1-800273-8255" music video. He took the role as the high school track coach and school teacher. “You think of a coach , you think of a teacher, and they are in their own ways, they can be lifesavers,” Guzman said in a phone interview. “I heard the song, saw the title. It really hit a nerve in me. I felt honored I was asked and I wanted to make a statement on behalf of humanity.” As Guzman openly spoke, the importance of the song he shared “We live now in what I consider to be a very stressed society, especially for young people…a lot of this stuff puts people in a dark place.” Logic’s music video is about a young man coming out as gay and having to deal with the rejection of not only his father but his peers. “ It’s a hard thing, you find yourself alone when that stuff happens …they can find themselves in a dark place,” says Guzman. “We live in a different world…It was once taboo to be transgender, gay, lesbian. It was taboo to even have physical challenges, walk with a limp, or be blind. People didn’t know how to handle it. The alienation that people face was ‘oh my God its a terrible thing,’but we are human. We have to show the best of our humanity. That’s why all this stuff is so important. I wish more videos were made and promoted humanity, understanding, knowledge, love, caring. And I wish people would do those things, we need it.” According to Psychology Today, every year, over one million people die by suicide. A separate article by Psychology Today also states that “For every successful suicide, there are ten men and women who attempt suicide, and for every one of those, there are ten who think of ending their life, but do not.” People struggle with conflicts daily, coping with issues of this world can be taught, and continually reminding people of options other than giving up, is important. “I am not an expert,” says Guzman, “but I have had friends
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Illustration By: Andrew Khanian
I have had to talk out of suicide. People need to talk to people, people don’t look for opinions, they want to be listened to, they want to be heard.” Whether you or somebody you know is dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts there are always helpful sources available. One of those being SMC’s Center for Wellness and Wellbeing, located on the main campus in the Liberal Arts building in room 110. “I think with music it’s kinda like a universal language it just connects with everyone and there’s certain people that have the same feeling or reaction to the song because they have probably been through the same situation,” says Bianca Barraza, 18 and a first year student at Santa Monica College. Pain and suffering is felt by many people whether people admit it to each other or not. In the article "The Scientific Benefits Of Music" it states that, music reduces stress and eases anxiety as well as helps you heal. The article goes on to state that "Music connects with the automatic nervous system (brain function, blood pressure and heartbeat) and @THE_CORSAIR •
the lambic system (Feelings and emotions.)" Dr. Roxana Zarrabi, Staff Psychologist at the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing says, “The Purpose of the Center for Wellness is to provide support to students through short-term therapy and referral assistance in order to promote the psychosocial development, personal wellbeing, and academic achievement of students.” Support groups like Share Culver City, who have a wide variety of different support groups, can be contacted at 1-877-SHARE-49to inquire further about the groups. There are always people and resources to turn to that can make a difference. From websites to phone numbers, such as the Santa Monica College Suicide Prevention Center at spec.org, and much more. Guzman concludes his interview with explaining that the worst feeling a person could have is when they weren’t able to be there for someone, when you have to say to yourself, “I wish I could have known his pain, her pain. I wish I would have took the time. We must take the time.”
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CULTURE NEWS
VOLUME 114 ISSUE ISSUE 02 • OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
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UNUSUAL ATHLETIC CLASSES AT SMC ETHAN LAUREN STAFF WRITER
In a classroom within the Core Performing Center, at Santa Monica College's Main Campus, is where a class of students dress in a range from typical exercise clothing to a traditional karate gi can be found. This is a class of students who have signed up for a Karate class. They start the class by going through the Junbi Undo which is a routine that consists of many stretches and warm-ups to get them ready for the class. Kobushi no Ude-Tate Fuse is one part of the process and is a type of push-up where you use your knuckles instead of placing your palms on the floor. After finishing every step, they pair off as the professor shows them the moves they will practice for the day. SMC offers a variety of kinesiology classes, which are worth one unit, that are not something you’d typically experience but are ways to get some exercise and learn something new. Being the newest building on the main campus, the CPC has some of the most modern equipment around including general weight-lifting equipment. A student needs to be signed up for a class to utilize the facilities. The Karate class this semester meets every Monday and Wednesday from 3:45 PM to 5:05 PM in room 218 of the CPC. It has three levels depending on experience and they currently meet at the same time so students can learn alongside people with varying backgrounds. The professor or Sensei of the class, Garen Baghdasarian teaches Marine Biology at SMC but also been teaching Karate
classes for around three years now at SMC with his 26 years of martial arts experience. Yael Sagi, a Karate student says, “It’s a class that involves also an awareness and a connection of not only the body but a lot of wisdom as well. It’s also great exercise. You get fit and you get to face your edge and you always go two-steps ahead because it’s a big challenge.” The class itself teaches the traditional style of self-defense such as grabbing and kicking. It also teaches breathing and meditation. Sensei Baghdasarian believes that the class is not just about the physical act of learning Karate, but it also helps outside of the class. He says, “Along the course I teach students how to meditate, how to focus, how to calm themselves down and be observant of things. There’s a huge mental aspect of all of this. It’s about getting students to come in and showing them something that they know they can’t do and yet two to three weeks later they are doing things they thought they’d never be able to do.” Edward Nagao-Itano, a Mechanical Engineering major, has prior experience with martial arts and says, “Come watch and see that it’s pretty fun. What I like is that it allows contact to some degree. It’s not fake Karate where you are punching in the air the whole time. It’s not watered-down. You learn a lot more than just Karate. You learn general self-defense.” SMC is also currently offering a beginner rock climbing class for the first time in the CPC, which has a two-story rock wall. It is being taught by Professor Blaine Eastcott who has been teaching at SMC for 11 years. The class meets in room 201 in the
Ethan Lauren Santa Monica College student Yael Sagi (left) is shown how to execute a move by instructor Garen Baghdasarian (right) who teaches a Karate class at Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California on September 26th.
CPC with three sections. The class is small, with around 24 spots. The rock climbing class teaches proper belaying which is a system of ropes that allows the prevention of serious falls when done correctly. Professor Eastcott says, “People have a perception that you have to have a really strong upper body and be in shape to do this and that’s not the case. The class can be for anybody.” Josh Hodges is currently taking the class and is in his first year at SMC. “It sounded really interesting and I’ve never done it so it sounded a lot more interesting than weight
lifting.” Hodges says regarding his experience with the class, “I had zero experience before I started and I was climbing the top of the wall by the fourth week of semester.” While the class teaches proper training to make sure that safety remains the most important, there are also several trained instructors in addition to the professor to make sure the class can protect its students. Hodges says, “It definitely gives you confidence. You’re literally putting a life in somebody else’s hands. It’s a lot of fun and an adrenaline rush. I haven’t found one person who isn’t enjoying this”
Cheap, Healthy, and Whole ETHAN LAUREN STAFF WRITER
Whole Foods 365 posses as a new lunch spot for SMC students Located on the intersection of Pico and Cloverfield is a Whole Foods 365, the newest grocery store in the Santa Monica neighborhood. It is within walking distance of Santa Monica College, and has a bus stop conveniently in front of the building. The store officially opened August 9, 2017 in time for the fall semester. Whole Foods 365 is a specialized branch of Whole Foods which is meant to have a cheaper selection of more essential goods and have a bigger selection of items that are already prepared. Located in a corner of the grocery store is a Groundwork Coffee which also has locations on Main St. and Sunset Blvd. The coffee shop has a selection of drinks and sandwiches. The space also contains a restaurant called Asian Box Street Food. Sitting in an outside patio area with pizza, Meagan Pruden, a Santa Monica College Nursing major lives on Pico close to the Whole Foods and its arrival has been beneficial to her. “You can get a lot of similar food here a lot cheaper. The salad bar at SMC is cheaper, but if you want to get pizza or something hot then it’s cheaper to come to Whole Foods. I do all my shopping here. It’s a lot cheaper than Trader Joe's or Ralph's where I used to shop. It’s like a miniature Costco.” Another student of SMC, Mohannad Kishta purchases a salad to eat outside.
“Really good food in there. Really cheap and it’s very close and it’s healthy. They have so many options. Well maybe it’s not all healthy but they have a lot of healthy options. Prices are a bit lower and they have more diverse sections where you can grab food.”
can be bought for $1. Aside from the pizza, the hot food selection includes soups and several Indian dishes including samosas and tikka masala. For those that do not have a lot of time, a person can grab something to eat and check out in the express lane with a very
Jayrol San Jose A man fills his container in the hot foods section of Whole Foods Market 365 in Santa Monica, CALIF on September 28th, 2017.
The store itself has a wide variety of options for students who are looking for a place to quickly grab something to eat. Two slices of pizza are $5, a salad and hot food bar charges you based on weight. A selection of sushi averages around $9 and soda or sparkling water
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short wait. It takes about five minutes to walk from campus to the grocery store. For the typical SMC student, having the Whole Foods near campus appears to be another option for them to get something to eat. Ziv Nissimov is new to college but has been using the grocery store. @THE_CORSAIR •
“I needed some coffee to wake up so I went there and got some coffee. Got some sushi, and it wasn’t bad. Prices are a little high but I think it’s what you get when you pay more for higher quality food.” Amazon bought Whole Foods earlier in the year and cut prices overall. On August 28, 2017, Amazon finalized the purchase of Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. Amazon also announced that over the upcoming months they will be reducing the prices of typical grocery items. Nissimov is interested in the dynamic that the companies have and says, “Since Amazon just bought Whole Foods I like the brand a lot more than I used to. I like going to Whole Foods and seeing how the merge will make their technology better and the experience faster.” Hesham Jarmakani is a student at SMC who recently shopped at the Whole Foods for the first time. “I liked the fact that it was really organized. You get to pick what you eat. You can pick healthy options or more savory options. It seems like a nice place to chill out. You can take your laptop and study for a midterm. If Whole Foods is pretty closeby and it’s a healthier alternative then I would think that other companies would have something to worry about.” Other restaurants around campus such as Grey Block Pizza where you can get two slices of pizza for a dollar more or Subway still see students getting food from there every day. Whole Foods 365 is yet another option for those looking for a place to eat or grab some quick groceries.
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10
NEWS OPINION
VOLUME 114 ISSUE 02 •OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2017 REFLECTS A WORLD OF COMPLICATION UN calls for togetherness and resilience against fear of “The Others” ZIN CHIANG
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats,” says United Nations Secretary-General António Guterress, in an article posted on the UN website regarding the International Day of Peace. Guterress continues on, urging that “We must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbours as ‘the other’. Discrimination diminishes us all. It prevents people — and societies — from achieving their full potential.” This statement comes at a time when the world is experiencing simultaneous setbacks from war, internal conflict, displacement, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and legislative disputes fought in courtrooms and beyond. Since September 11, 2001, the United States has been directly engaged in 6 wars and indirectly involved in countless armed conflicts around the world. In contrast to when the United States' deployment was at its peak, the nation's military presence overseas has now dipped to its lowest level in decades. 193,442 – or 15% of the 1.3 million active duty personnel are currently stationed abroad. With calls for the end of boots-on-the-ground engagement in conflict zones resonating on both sides of the party line, the focus has now shifted towards home, bringing the ramifications of war to every American’s doorstep. Both Former President Obama and President Trump, despite the former’s frequent use of drone attacks and his successor’s recent pledge to increase deployment abroad, have both heavily relied on economic sanctions. Sanctions and military intervention have created tens of millions of migrants and refugees, often difficult to distinguish under the politically charged interpretations of who qualifies as a "refugee" and where the bottom line is from a humanitarian per-
Zin Chiang A student protester taunts Greek riot police with comical theatrics in front of the Hellenic Parliament during a demonstration at Syntagma Square, Athens on Friday afternoon 17, 2012. A few hundred students organized on Facebook and gathered at Syntagma square to protest issues such as unemployment, tax rate, and the government's inability to provide free textbooks. At least one police member was injured by stones thrown by protesters, one tear gas grenade was fired, but no civilian was reported injured.
spective. For those coming from Latin America, imposing sanctions as a means to curb the drug trade or increase political pressure often leads to violent conflict and poverty within the country of origin. For those coming from the Middle East, the migrants often face yet another round of discrimination, if not barred from entry altogether. Since 2005, the number of people migrating from the Middle East has more than doubled, from 25 million to 54 million people, who have moved to either escape regional conflict or search for economic opportunities. The Pew Research Center’s report in October 5, 2016 found that 1 in 100 people worldwide were forced to leave their homes. Despite this alarming fact, the number of refugees seeking asylum and being resettled in the US have only decreased in 2017. Opponents of migration argue that some refugees are not in fact migrating due to persecution or violence, but for economic reasons. Wooldy Louidor, Professor
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of Migration and International Law at Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, argues that those suffering from extreme poverty are no less deserving of assistance than those in immediate physical danger. As of 2011, a study found the number of immigrant population residing in the United States has grown to 40.4 million -- a trend that conservatives and whitesupremacists see as a threat to their racial majority. What was not mentioned in NeoNazi rhetoric was that the same report published by Pew Research Center points out that while the immigrant population continues to grow in the U.S., the number of illegal immigrants entering the country has stalled. Despite the decrease in illegal immigration and acceptance of refugees dropping in 46 states in the U.S., the fear of the United States being at risk of inundation by foreigners persist in the country's political climate. As of Sep 5, 2017, Congress has six months to come up with a replacement for DACA. @THE_CORSAIR •
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy ruled on Sep 12, 2017 that the travel ban against Muslim-majority countries can continue. With “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” or DACA phasing out after Trump’s order to halt the Obama-era program in six months, as well as refugees fleeing from conflict-torn countries like Myanmar and Venezuela, it appears that the argument against immigration is not a matter of facts but of sentiment. With the conservative right looking towards hard-line bans against immigration and sanctions against perceived threats from abroad as a show of force, the international community have expressed concerns. A study by Yale University claims that the United States' current approach has shaken. To this effect, the United Nations Secretary General Guterress says, “Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear into hope.”
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OPINION/SPORTS NEWS
VOLUME 114 ISSUE 02 • OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
11
IPHONE X: A SCREEN TOO PRICEY FOR $1000 ROY GARZA
STAFF WRITER
Are you happy without a headphone jack in your new iPhone? Well guess what, Apple is coming for your home button too. Your wallet is still in jeopardy of course, but most Apple consumers have come to terms with that fact for years now. This year’s Apple showcase revealed two new phones, the iPhone 8 that we’d been expecting for a while, but also an anniversary edition iPhone X (It’s pronounced "iPhone 10"). The iPhone X comes out 10 years after the original iPhone changed the world, but history will not be repeating itself here. It’s definitely more ambitious than previous models, but fails to move that much farther than our current crop of smartphones. Aside from the new edge-toedge organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display and tweaked cameras on both sides, the iPhone X isn’t all that different from the iPhone 8. Both devices even run
on the same A11 Bionic chip, but the X model costs over $200 more. With a price tag of $1000, no one should drop that kind of cash for features like "animoji," where your face can literally become a piece of crap, as well as a few other animals. There is some new technology behind the idea though. It is part of what Apple calls their TrueDepth camera hub, and will make the art of selfies that much more elaborate. But do you really need animojis or TrueDepth cameras? Probably not. There is already a large array of filters and other editing tools available on current models, and Snapchat offers a series of face-altering filters similar to the animoji gag.
One new feature that actually does meet a need is the implementation of Qi wireless charging technology. Samsung introduced this to the market previously, but it is far from perfect. Apple’s new AirPower system can charge up to 3 devices at a
time (phone, watch, earphones), but will itself need to be plugged into a power source to work, which defeats the purpose entirely. The add-on does not launch until next year, and likely will not come cheap either. A charging case still seems superior to this tech, until it becomes more ubiquitous in public places, something that could happen in the future. The future is now for Apple’s screens however, as the X does away with the iconic home button in pursuit of a nearly all-screen front. Why do away with the home button for what seems like a move in line with Android phones? The change also marks the end for Touch ID. Face ID is set to replace it, allowing users to unlock their device by simply looking at the screen. Some have raised questions about the security of this system (twin siblings anyone?), but if the execution is there then this could be just as good if not better than Touch ID.
Illustration By: Andrew Khanian
The X as a whole strikes a similar tone -- it could be a great product but is most likely just the start of a new generation of iPhones, one that has yet to be perfected. For now, one's best bet would be to choose something less extravagant, until Apple delivers their phone of the future in a fashion that the masses can actually afford.
QB Change Not Enough for Corsairs as Comeback Falls Short NICOLAS JOHNSON STAFF WRITER
SMC Corsairs now lose four in a row in 28-21 loss against L.A. Harbor. Fighting to end a three game losing streak, the Santa Monica College Corsairs traveled to take on the L.A. Harbor Seahawks at Los Angeles Harbor College in Wilmington, California on September 30, 2017. Both teams came in with the same record, sitting at 1-3. Once again, the first half was anything but fruitful for the Corsairs. The Seahawks first struck on an 8-yard rushing touchdown by Jalin Scott that made it 7-0 in the first quarter. Then the Seahawks made the game 14-0 on a 45-yard pass from Scott to Andre Washington. On the kick return for the Corsairs Trevor Nofoa, had a solid 29-yard return, but fumbled the ball and allowed L.A. Harbor to recover with field possession.The Seahawks continued to pile it on, scoring on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Demetrius Reed to Jonathan Mudd which expanded their lead to 21.The first half ended with the Corsairs trailing by three touchdowns. To begin the second half the Corsairs caught a break, on special teams Santa Monica's Amos Arrington forced a fumble and recovered the ball at the L.A. Harbor
Daniel Bowyer The Santa Monica College Corsairs Men's football wide receiver Eric Bet (83) (white,right) beats a tackle by LA Harbor College Seahawks safety Logoleo Tulafano (blue,left) (13), Saturday, September 30th, 2017, at LA Harbor College in San Pedro, California. The Corsairs loose to the Seahawks 28-21.
8-yard line. The Corsairs offense took advantage, and quarterback Nick Hutchins scored on a oneyard quarterback keeper. The score was then 21-7 in favor of L.A. Harbor. The Corsairs defense forced yet another turnover, and SMC's Chris Wein who had 15-tackles this game, recovered the ball. A familiar theme this season, Santa Monica's offense was unable to capitalize and had to punt. SMC's defense caused yet another turnover, this time on an interception by Jordan Lawrence. The offense could not
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capitalize once again, this time kicker Vitor Sambugaro missed yet another kick. A 27-yard touchdown catch from L.A. Harbor's Washington made the score 28-7 in favor of the Seahawks. For the Corsairs, a quarterback change took place. Paul Davis was subbed in for Hutchins. With the new quarterback change, SMC's offense sustained a rare drive. Davis completed multiple passes to Eric Bey, and the drive was capped off with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Davis to Trevor Nofoa. @THE_CORSAIR •
The Seahawks were trying to run the clock out, but an incomplete pass on third down gave the Corsairs a chance to comeback. Starting at their own 22-yard line, the Corsairs struck back. Davis made big completions to Nofoa for 25-yards, Christian Franklin for 22-yards, and Elijah Boykin for 29-yards respectively. Davis then scored on a quarterback keep from 2-yards out to bring the Corsairs back to within one touchdown. With 44 seconds left L.A. Harbor recovered the onside kick, which ended the game 28-21 L.A. Harbor. This now makes four consecutive losses for the Corsairs. When asked about the near comeback, Interim Head Coach Kelly Ledwith stated, "We just got to come out and start faster, that's kind of what we've been missing in the first half." When linebacker Wein was asked about the game, he said "I just got to get on film and we as a team just need to improve." Jordan Lawrence who had an interception, said "Right before that play I was telling everybody we need a turnover .. and it just happened to be me." The Corsairs have a bye week and will try and regroup and put a halt to this four game losing streak. Afterwards they will take on Cerritos College at home, on Saturday, October 14 in Santa Monica, California.
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12
NEWS SPORTS/ADS
VOLUME 114 ISSUE 02 •OCTOBER 4, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
SMC's Star Football Player, Chris Wein Nicolas Johnson STAFF WRITER
Santa Monica College gets an inside look at Chris Wein, linebacker for the Corsairs football team. "Believe in each other!" That is the saying of Interim Head Football Coach Kelly Ledwith. Coach Ledwith tell his Corsairs football team this before every single game. This is an old saying not only meant to help out football players, but this could be why one player in particular is having such a superlative season.
"He puts in as much work as anybody that
I've been around."
Interim Head Coach: Kelly Ledwith Meet Chris Wein, a sophomore student at Santa Monica College, and middle linebacker, is having his best season yet. After sitting out last year due to an injury, he is now averaging an eye-opening 15-tackles per game and has 76-tackles overall. Wein leads his team and the state of California in tackles this season. When asked about his spectacular play this season, Wein said, "I've made a big priority to put God above all things in my life, and my father and mother who instilled me with a
work ethic from the time I was young." A native from Oklahoma, and a high school student from Tennessee, Wein shares how he became fascinated with football. "Growing up I would throw the football around with my six brothers and my sister, so that's where my love of football began." When asked what brought him to SMC, Wein said, "after high school, I took a year off figuring out where I wanted to go. I was on Google looking at different routes that I could take. I knew I wanted to keep playing football. I stumbled across Santa Monica ... and I fell in love with California, and I moved from Tennessee a month later." In his first year at SMC, Wein was apart of the Corsairs' 2015 Football team ran by former head coach Gifford Lindheim, who now coaches at El Camino College. The Lindheim-led team went undefeated and played in the Conference Championship in 2015. When asked about what it was like under Lindheim, Wein said, "all of the coaches were really great coaches, and I was very fortunate to be on that team. It was really fun playing for them." Coach Ledwith described the work ethic of Wein as an athlete. "He puts in as much work as anybody that I've been around," said Ledwith. "He does all those things that successful players do, but what separates him from a lot of guys, he goes full speed the whole time just fanatic effort all the way through." Wein's teammate Tyler Ricchiuto, a strong safety for the Corsairs,
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Josue Martinez Santa Monica College Corsairs middlelinebacker Chris Wein poses for a portrait at the Corsair Field.
describes his role as an ultimate team player and a leader. "He's characteristic, and an exciting guy to be around with, and on the field he's explosive, and exciting to watch. Chris is like probably the best athlete I've ever played with." Another one of his teammates who was also one of the few players who was coached under Lindheim, Devin Cox, an outside linebacker, shared his experiences playing with Wein. "[He is] a hard worker and very dedicated, very humble at that," said Cox. "Real
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down to earth. If you need anything he has you, be it on and off the field." Wein said that after SMC, he plans to follow his dreams. He is aiming for a shot at the NFL, a dream he had since he has been a young child. "I feel like the turning point in my life with football and everything for me, was the ability to start a relationship with God, and I just maybe want to motivate anybody that's looking for something more in this world, with God all things are possible."
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