Fall 2017 volume 114 issue 01 by Santa Monica College Corsair Newspaper

THE

CORSAIR

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 | VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 | SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

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THIS LITTLE PIG WENT... ACTIVISTS BID THE SLAUGHTERED FAREWELL (P.6-7)

TRUMP STEPS BACK ON EQUAL PAY (P.3) PENNYWISE ON THE BIG SCREEN (P.5) 1 IN 800,000; MY DACA STORY (P.8) THE CORSAIR • THECORSAIRONLINE.COM • 1900 PICO BLVD. SANTA MONICA, CA 90405 • (310) 434-4340

NEWS CONTENT

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 •SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

EDITORIAL STAFF MARISA VASQUEZ........................... Editor-in-Chief

corsair.editorinchief@gmail.com

RYANNE MENA............................. Managing Editor

corsair.managing@gmail.com

DANIEL BOWYER.......................... Managing Editor

corsair.managing@gmail.com

ROSANGELICA VIZCARRA................... Photo Editor

corsairphotoeditor@gmail.com

ZANE MEYER-THORNTON........ Social Media Editor

thecorsair.socialnetwork@gmail.com

EMELINE MOQUILLLON.................... Digital Editor

corsair.designteam@gmail.com

MICHELLE AYALA....................... Multimedia Editor

multimedia.corsair@gmail.com

DANIEL BOWYER.............................. Design Editor

corsair.designteam@gmail.com

EDWARD LEE...................................... News Editor

corsair.newspage@gmail.com

TREVOR SCHOCK..................... A&E/Culture Editor

corsair.culture@gmail.com

DANIEL FARR

............................... Sports Editor

corsair.sportsppage@gmail.com

OSKAR ZINNEMAN...........................Opinion Editor

corsair.opinionpage@gmail.com

CORSAIR STAFF

Santa Monica College Chief of Police Johnnie Adams escorts S.E.M.I.L.L.A. protestors as Estephanie Guardado holds a Megaphone and protesters march through Santa Monica College Main Campus' Quad. Santa Monica, California. Thane Fernandes

Thane Fernandez, Harry Phillips, Andrew Khanian, Diana Parra-Garcia, Julia Connolly, Jessica Zermeno, Jayrol San Jose, Ryan McGowen,Yuki Iwamura, Jessica Uhler, Ruth Iorio, Rosario Lopez, Damian-Micheal Williams, Nicolas Johnson, Josue Martinez

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Marisa Vasquez Editor-in-Chief

FACULTY ADVISORS ASHANTI BLAIZE-HOPKINS

...... Journalism Advisor

gerard burkhart.........................Photo Advisor

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FRONT COVER A pig is seen through the hole of the steel truck that transports them into Farmer John, a slaughterhouse in the city of Vernon, California. Photo by:

RUTH IORIO

Dear Readers, As I sit here in the courtyard of the new Center of Communications and Design campus, the babbling fountain and soft wind act as form of stress relief from the pressures of The Corsair’s first production day. Like most worthwhile experiences, it is a welcomed form of stress. This Fall semester has been delegated as my responsibility to be Editor in Chief. Even now, the title “Letter from the Editor” still feels slightly surreal to be typed from my hand. I have known and befriended several EICs while working at the Corsair, but it was not until the end of this past Spring semester that I could envision myself as one. Today, I am here at the Corsair’s new home, writing to our audiences of the stories that our writers and editors have put so much time and effort into. Welcome to the first Falls semester print edition of the Santa Monica College Corsair. Every semester there are hurdles to face for our staff. In the past, we have endured fights, minimum staff crises, and history happening right before our lives. This year is no different. We now have a new home. Santa Monica College’s new CMD campus has been our “residence” for the past three weeks. This location is as beautiful as it is modern. Ever since my news team and I set up camp, we

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have treated our new newsroom just like our last: like home. Moving boxes from the previous main campus building are still piled on top of each other and laying to the sides of the newsroom’s wall, but we still manage to add our personal flairs to make our workspace much more lived-in. Even with the distance from main campus, our staff members have managed to report on relevant and timely issues to use as content not only for this print edition, but for our news website as well. According to one of the Corsair’s most trusted advisors, Professor Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, this will prepare our reporters for the professional journalism world. That is my hope for The Corsair’s staff for this semester, that we work together to produce content that will prepare us for our futures. With that said we have a lovely lineup of articles for this Fall’s first print, starting with this issue’s photo story, a depiction on loving vegans at a decollate slaughterhouse, a personal take on the gradual elimination of the DACA program, and a factual read of the Trump Administration’s step-back on former President Obama’s Equal Pay Rule. This semester’s group of student journalists are bright and ready to bring you the latest on SMC news, and are ready to take on any challenges that come next.

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NEWS

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 • SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

White House Halts Equal Pay Rule Efforts to Adress Gender Wage Gap Derailed Julia Connolly STAFF WRITER

Efforts towards providing equal pay between genders were set back on August 28, 2017, when the Trump administration halted an Obama-era rule requiring businesses to report their employees' wages by gender, race, and ethnicity. The administration argued that the data collection requirement would be both "enormously burdensome" to companies and ineffective in addressing the gender wage gap. Obama established the rule back in 2016 in his efforts to address a wage gap between genders, or a gender-wage gap, in the workplace. Activists have long advocated for regulation in closing the wage gap, often citing a 2015 Pew Research Center study which reported that women earned 83% that of men in median hourly earnings for both full-andpart time U.S. workers. This rule, set to take effect in 2018, would have provided the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) a report with concrete data and insight on the gender-wage gap, in order to effectively detect and tackle income discrepancies between gender, race, and ethnicity. Santa Monica students have spoken out against the administration's decision. “This is their

way of dismissing the issue of a pay gap," said Jennifer Estrada, a philosophy major. "Society wants proof, and stopping the data collection goes against the will of society, and by keeping the information secretive, they’re protecting the evidence that the gender wage gap exists.” Yet others understood the administration's reasoning behind the decision. "Trump is going to look for ways to make businesses' lives easier, whether that's right or wrong is a whole other story," said Samantha Carpenter, a nursing student. "Trump is from big business, and he's all about cutting costs for big businesses. Again, not sure that I totally agree, but that's where he comes from." Halting the rule has put the spotlight on the the president's daughter, Ivanka Trump, who, while often expressing support for gender equality, supported the decision. "Ultimately, while I believe the intention was good and agree that pay transparency is important, the proposed policy would not yield the intended results," Ms. Trump said. "We look forward to continuing to work with EEOC, OMB, Congress and all relevant stakeholders on robust policies aimed at eliminating the gender wage gap." Many have criticized Ms. Trump's support for the measure, including president of the non-

profit National Women's Law Center, Fatima Goss Graves. "We have seen her say the words 'equal pay' and that she supports equal pay," Graves said. "But halting an equal pay policy, which would have brought transparency and improved enforcement and made employers more accountable - that shows her rhetoric doesn't match reality.” Others have sympathized with her situation, including Carpenter. "It must be so hard, I can't imagine being in that position, not only because you're working under that presidency, but because it's your father," Carpenter said. "I know that she probably only has so much that she can do, but at the same time I think she does have a fairly big say on things. She seems like she's got her head screwed on and she seems like she cares, but a lot of things have to be let go of because it's her dad, how much can you do?" The decision was made while advocates allege that the Trump White House itself has a notable gender-wage gap. The Pew Research Center reported on their website the existence of an income discrepancy between Trump's female aides, who make a median salary of $72,650, and his male aides, who make a median salary of $115,000. This 35% pay gap between White House employees, the report

Illustration By: Andrew Khanian

states, is more than double the nationwide 17% wage gap, and is, according to the American Enterprise Institute, triple that of former president Barack Obama. Carpenter looked at both administrations' sides on equal pay. "I have no idea if it's a pro or con, it really comes down to the company and how big it is... then I could see why they would argue it would take too much time," Carpenter said. "But at the end of the day, it needs to come back to everybody's rights, people need to be treated equally, and it needs to be documented that people are doing that."

TEXTBOOK ECONOMICS

As The SMC Textbook Buyback Program Confuses Students, Many Seek Alternatives. JESSICA ZERMENO STAFF WRITER

Every student knows the feeling when experiencing one of the worst parts of starting a new semester paying for textbooks. Their high prices make it difficult for students to justify their purchase, but students often find some solace by reselling them after the semester is over. Oftentimes, students from Santa Monica College learn that trying to sell back their books is often confusing and frustrating. Mzera Halilu, 25, an Economics Major, preferred to sell back her books to the SMC Buyback location, feeling that they provided better deals. Halilu said that the SMC buyback is confusing because there are times that she “purchased expensive books , but the program won’t buy them back, it’s annoying”. Assistant Bookstore Manager at Santa Monica College, Jaime Recinos, explains why the bookstore may not buy back textbooks from students. "One of the reasons might be because the instructor no longer uses the edition that was used the previous semester," Recino said. "The bookstore no longer has a need to purchase any more textbooks because it's no longer using the title." Jessica Melara, a 21-year-old

student studying Women's Studies, shared her experience selling back her books to the buyback program. Although Melara said the customer service was good, she was frustrated with the bookstore's low buyback offers. She said even though her books were in perfect condition, "... all they offer you is 1/3 of what you paid for, and you don’t even use the book.” She concluded by wishing that there was more information given to students regarding the process. The SMC Bookstore website did not provide any information that would have prevented these misunderstandings from happening. The website only provided information on the store's hours of operation and location. With these roadblocks to the school's buyback process, many students have turned to alternatives, most prominently Amazon. Cynthia Tellez, an 18-year-old freshman, planned to put her textbooks for sale on the website, as the process seemed easier to her. Daisy Marie Vargas, a 20-year-old student studying Social Work who already sold her textbooks to Amazon, said she had an overall good experience with the website.

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Illustration By: Dian Parra-Garcia

Others have turned to the local book store, A&R Textbooks, located on Pico Boulevard and 17th Street. The store offers textbook buyback program year round for students who want to sell back their books at any time. Their website www. anrtextbooks.com provides details on their buyback program, textbook rental agreement, and refund policy. Finally, textbook rentals have quickly been displacing textbook buybacks as the way most students manage textbooks. SMC's Bookstore Assistant Manager, Recinos has @THE_CORSAIR •

praised this development which simplifies the process for both the bookstore and students. Renting books would have prevented setbacks like Halilu's, who did not expect the bookstore to not offer any buyback for her textbooks. "What we used to do when purchasing at the end of the semester, those books are now being returned as rentals," Recinos said. T he SMC Bookstore Assistant Manager, Recinos explains that renting textbooks works as an alternative to the school's traditional buyback system.

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NEWS NEWS

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 •SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

CHANGE IN VENICE BOULEVARD DIVIDES COMMUTERS HARRY PHILLIPS STAFF WRITER

"It makes it a lot less a highway and more a parking lot," Gigi Grase. Meet Clayton Chancy. Chancy has lived in Venice for two years and commutes on Venice Boulevard to his work in Calabasas every day. That changed, however, when Venice Boulevard lost a driving lane. He now drives up through Mar Vista to get onto the 10 Freeway, which adds between 15 to 20 minutes to his daily commute. “This really adds up and takes me away from my wife when I’m off work,” Chancy said. Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin and the Great Streets Initiative worked together to remove one of the three traffic lanes on Venice Boulevard between Inglewood Boulevard and Beethoven Street three months ago, aiming to improve safety for bicyclists. The city replaced the removed lane for parking space, and designated the old parking space next to the curb as a bicycle lane enclosed with plastic barriers. These changes were made in addition to four new stop lights and a pedestrian crossing that were created on Venice Boulevard at the cross streets of Mountain View Avenue, Ocean View Avenue, Boise Street and Meier Street. The Great Streets Initiative is a program founded by Mayor Eric Garcetti, which, according to their website, aims "to help re-imagine neighborhood centers, one main street at a time." The website also includes information on the investments they made to date on Venice Blvd. These investments included installing Mar Vista Great Street streetlight banners, conducting sidewalk and tree maintenance, initiating weekly overnight street sweeping, and installing 14 new bike racks and 13 new trash and recycling bins. According to the Great Streets Initiative, the changes are estimated to cost $1.8 million. Like Chancy, many disliked the changes that happened on Venice Blvd, including John Saletra, the manager of Tattoo Lounge on Venice Blvd. Saletra has been a member of the tattoo shop for 17 years, while the shop has been a presence in the Mar Vista community for 24 years. The Tattoo Lounge has giant glass windows in front of the shop, where most of the artists can see the traffic 24/7. While Chancy is only inconvenienced by the newly

installed bike lane, the tattoo shop suffered tremendously, with its business dropping 30 percent after the changes took place. Saletra has also noticed that these changes have increased the likelihood of accidents between bicycles and pedestrians. He documented this change by taking pictures of these accidents, because they often go unreported if nobody calls an ambulance. He has even seen cars drive in between the barrier and the curb and enter the enclosed bike lane. Clients have let the tattoo shop employees know that they come in less often due to the changes in Venice Boulevard. Saletra mentioned receiving complaints from clients who can no longer access the shop. "They can’t get to us, or they are trying to find us, or Waze is rerouting them different streets to try and find us.” He has even talked to Councilmember Bonin personally. Saletra brought up the lane reduction causing only one drivable lane when someone is trying to park, causing massive traffic. In response, Bonin told Saletra that he has data proving that Saletra is wrong. The Tattoo Lounge was not the only business affected by the lane reduction. Shane Gudlow is the business owner of Time Warp Music and Time Warp Records, A man rides down Ocean View Ave on the new bike lane that runs down Venice blvd. in Los Angeles, California. both of which are on Venice Jayrol San Jose Boulevard. The lane reduction has negatively affected both of Selena Inouye and Sheri Odere, his businesses. He also had parking lot," Grase said. Even cyclists felt conflicted collected signatures for a petition numerous customers telling him with the changes. Luis Jauregui, while informing people about how that they are avoiding the area an SMC Student Services the lane reductions are harmful, Specialist at the Bundy campus, Others, however, like the “The life and safety of is a bicyclist and a motorist. As change. Enzo Loconte, a volunteer pedestrians and people a bicyclist, Jauregui felt that the at Bikerowave for seven years, who use the sidewalk enclosed bike lane made him safer is in favor of it. “The life and should take priority [over] commute time.” from cars, but could be annoying safety of pedestrians and people when he is driving, especially who use the sidewalk should take Enzo Loconte when he is in a rush. "I like the priority [over] commute time,” idea, but it could be worked on," Loconte said. He also mentions and not coming in as often because said Jauregui. "I do like the idea that unless people can show hard of a bigger bike lane or a buffer evidence about traffic and of increased traffic. Gigi Grase, a Venice local for zone, but it doesn't seem that emergency vehicle response times 20 years, felt that the lane practical right now." Instead of being slowed, he doesn’t want to reduction was not well-thought creating a buffer zone between hear people complaining about out, saying these changes would bicyclists and cars, he felt it. Many are indifferent or neutral have been much more useful if installing new bike lanes on streets that currently do not have any on the topic. Andrea Diaz, a SMC implemented on Washington business major, is personally not B o u l e v a r d . " Was h i n g t o n would be more productive. bothered by the change because People's frustrations have Boulevard is wider and a little bit motivated them to form a coalition it does not affect her but is aware less trafficked," Grase said. In contrast, Grase said that in order to reverse the changes. that other individuals are. The "Venice Boulevard ... is our only Restore Venice Blvd is a coalition Venice Neighborhood Council conduit from the beach to the city." of individuals who are opposed has not taken a position on the She argued that these small to the lane reduction on Venice matter. The Los Angeles Police changes to only four city blocks Boulevard. Their website states, Department, Los Angeles Fire have an extensive impact. "The "We don't want a great street, we Department, Councilmember repercussions go for miles, and want a smart street!" During the Mike Bonin, and Mayor Eric it makes it [Venice Boulevard] a Mar Vista Art Walk on Thursday, Garcetti did not respond to a lot less a highway and more a September 7th, two volunteers, request for comment.

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CULTURE NEWS

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 • SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

NEXT STOP; BERGAMOT STATION RYAN MCGOWAN STAFF WRITER Stepping off of the Expo Line to arrive at SMC’s new Center for Media and Design, it could be easy to mistake Southern California’s largest single collection of art galleries for yet another satellite campus. With its numerous bungalows and open spaces, Bergamot Station’s official website itself refers to the grounds as “campus-like." Yet not only has Bergamot Station served as a sanctuary for art and cultural affairs for over two decades in Santa Monica, it may prove a welcome location for students from the CMD campus and beyond to relax and take in the impeccable selection of exhibitions Bergamot Station has to offer. Whether they're a seasoned art lover or a curious passerby, Bergamot Station is quite the hangout. The history of Bergamot Station dates back more than a century, with the name itself originally referring to a trolley station established in 1875 that ran west to Santa Monica for several decades before closing in 1953. For the next few decades, the station served as everything from a celerypacking plant to a water-heater factory. By 1993, the station had fallen vacant, and the city turned to developer Wayne Blank. Blank was responsible for converting a hangar at the nearby Santa Monica Airport into a space for artists and the city, pleased with the result, asked Blank to find an artistic use of the empty property. The official reopening took place on September 17th, 1994. Though housed on a quiet stretch of

Olympic Boulevard between Cloverfield Boulevard and Stewart Avenue, an area with very little foot traffic, Bergamot Station boasts an estimated 600,000 visitors each year, numbers likely to climb with the completion of the Expo Line early last year. Directly adjacent to the 26th St. Station for the CMD campus, the complex is impossible to miss. Parking nearby Bergamot Station is not as bad as other areas of Santa Monica. With an

usage. The complex is laid out in stylish disarray, with corrugated metal roofing, exposed structure and minimal windows. One needs only to step inside one of the numerous gallery spaces to experience the inviting, tall ceilings and low lighting. The art on display at each gallery ranges in styles and backgrounds, showcasing a variety of different voices and cultures from throughout the art world. "There's such a diverse group of gal-

Attendees at the William Turner Gallery view paintings by San Francisco based artist, Gustavo Ramos Rivera at the Bergemont Station Arts Center in Santa Monica, California. Yuki Iwamura

SMC parking pass, students can simply park at campus and walk a single block. The architecture of Bergamot Station retains the industrial feel of its historical

leries," says Stephanie Mercado, assistant director at Bergamot’s Latin American Masters gallery. "I think one of the major strengths is because there’s so many gal-

leries, not many people know about our gallery. Even though our gallery has been open for thirty years, a lot of times visitors will come to see another gallery and say, 'Oh, well I didn’t know you were here. I think that’s very significant. No competition because everyone has their own thing going." Diversity is quintessential to Bergamot Station. Each gallery presents a different focus: the Latin American Masters gallery, for instance, exclusively shows the work of Latin American artists. Currently on display is the work of Olga de Amaral, a Colombian textile artist whose genius incorporation of various materials and cultural influences results in astonishing art that blurs the line between the second and third dimensions. Elsewhere in the complex, Revolver Gallery is an establishment concerned entirely with the work of Andy Warhol. The Gallery owns more than 250 pieces of his work, and is currently showing a collection specifically curated for the 30th anniversary of Warhol’s death. If patrons are hungry, thirsty, or just in need of a break from the art, Bergamot Cafe provides a quaint location for lunch. They offer sandwiches, salads and variety of beverages, with an outside patio that makes an excellent place to get a coffee and relax in the afternoon. Overall, Bergamot Station is a worthwhile investment of one’s interest. Whether old or young, a dedicated patron of the arts or just looking for a good way to spend an afternoon, community members should consider hopping off the train a little early to see the best that Santa Monica has to offer in arts and entertainment.

Stephen King's "It" Review JESSICA UHLER STAFF WRITER

Just when it was safe to go back to the circus, Stephen King’s It arrives in theaters and Pennywise dances back into our nightmares to give a whole new generation a bad case of coulrophobia. The much anticipated New Line and Warner Bros. adaptation of King’s horror classic about a homicidal clown terrorizing a small Maine town, broke box office records this past weekend having the third largest opening of 2017. Fans of the book and the original movie were not disappointed, giving the film an 88% Fresh rating on the review website Rotten Tomatoes. Apparently, audiences love hating clowns. The film centers around seven kids from a small town in fictional Derry, Maine during the summer of 1988. Children in the town start to go missing including Georgie, the little brother of one of the seven friends, Bill Denbrough (played by Jaeden Lieberher). Bill becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to Georgie and soon has his friends obsessed as well, especially when they each begin to have visions of a dagger-toothed clown. They soon find out the visions are real and that Pennywise the Dancing Clown has a long murderous history in Derry. The film only touches on the town’s history with Pennywise, but reports from the sequel seem to indicate that all will be revealed in part two of the two-film series. The seven friends bond over their awkward and prepubescent weirdness forming, what their bullies call, the "Loser’s Club". Together they protect

Pennywise Terrifies a Whole New Generation of Audiences. each other and try to find out what is haunting their town. The film was the perfect updated version of the original. What worked in this film would not have worked in 1990 and vice versa. In the 1990 madefor-TV miniseries, the story took place in the summer of 1960 and the kids had

has her as the tough girl, a loner who believes she does not need anyone to take care of her (probably because she has always had to protect herself). In another example, Ben Hanscom (played by Jeremy Ray Taylor) gets caught by the town bullies in a scene that is almost exactly the same in the original. Right

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an innocence about them true to that era. This newer version is much darker. For example, Beverly Marsh, the token girl of the group, lives alone with her physically abusive father. In this new version, her father is much worse. Beverly shows a strength in this version, though, that she did not have in the original. Played by the red-haired beauty, Sophia Lillis, this new version of Bev

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up until lead bully, Henry Bowers (played by Nicholas Hamilton), pulls out a Swiss army knife and threatens to carve his name into Ben’s belly. In the 1990 film, Ben flips over the fence the bullies are holding him against before Henry starts cutting him. In this version, though, Henry gets almost a full "H" carved into him before Ben kicks him and rolls down an embankment. Between the violence and the language, the kids @THE_CORSAIR •

from the '80s are more hardcore than the kids from the '60s. It works, though, especially with the cult appeal of the '80s and shows like Stranger Things. Finn Wolfhard, one of the stars of Stranger Things, even plays the smart mouthed Richie Tozier. Pennywise the Dancing Clown also went through a makeover for this film. The late Tim Curry played Pennywise in the 1990 version and he was truly terrifying. The clown in the 2017 film, played by creepy Bill Skarsgård, is terrifying as well but in a completely different way. Curry was terrifying in his simplicity. He could make the audience scream just by a look or how he walked down a flight of stairs. Skarsgård’s Pennywise was terrifying in his absurdity. He appeared in the most creative ways possible, contorting his body in ways that would make a gymnast cry. Both live up to the Stephen King fans’ high expectations. Stephen King’s It will give horror movie lovers something to go back to the movies for. After the disappointment of the Dark Tower, another King novel adaptation that had high expectations, but did not live up to them. Fans should be pleasantly (or horrifyingly) pleased. Just in time to get audiences into the Halloween spirit, It will leave scary movie lovers in high anticipation for part two of the series. It may make you think twice about hiring that clown for your kid’s next birthday party, but it will be well worth the sacrifice.

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NEWS PHOTOSTORY

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 •SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Pigs huddle in the metal truck taking them into the slaughterhouse known as Farmer John. Ruth Iorio

RUTH IORIO Contributor

ONE LAST ACT OF KINDNESS

Every Sunday night a dedicated group of vegan activists gather outside a gaudily painted factory depicting fat, happy pigs rolling around in meadows while clown-like farmers wearing overalls trip over wheelbarrows and tractors trying to catch these naughty animals. Above these painted walls, ominous smoke billows from chimneys and a thick, feral smell lingers. Clutching signs, water bottles, cameras, LED lights and iPhones, the activists greet each other with affection, though their faces show trepidation: it will be a long night ahead. Within minutes of their arrival, a Vernon PD car drives up and parks, lights on. Corporal Anthony Encinas exits his car, walks over to Amy Jean Davis, the head of the Los Angeles branch of the ‘Save’ movement. They exchange quick words with a smile. He then retreats to his car, leaning against the hood, and observing the activists silently. It's estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 pigs are trucked into Farmer John on a daily

basis, and for the past year Los Angeles, Animal Save has vigilantly ‘held witness’ outside the gates of the slaughterhouse, stopping trucks in order to feed pigs who will shortly be killed, their last drop of water.

week after week, sometimes staying outside the gates until 3 am. “The emotional toll is there, but it is totally outweighed by my sense of obligation to bear witness. To look in the eyes of someone you can’t save is sad, but the idea that no one ever showed up for them...the idea

Jenny Rad reaches into the truck to stroke a pig destined for slaughter. Ruth Iori

Amy Jean Davis, a former contestant on ‘American Idol’, explains why the activists continue to show up for the pigs

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that slaughterhouses remain places where none of the humans that are there are for the animals...that thought is a far greater tragedy.” @THE_CORSAIR •

The first truck arrives, and Corporal Encinas stirs. It’s his role tonight to ensure that some trucks stop and that no activists get crushed beneath the wheels of the three-tier metal vehicles. As the truck rolls to a stop, the activists rush forward and water the thirsty pigs, who receive no food or water on their journey to the slaughterhouse. No flash or strobes are permitted: they are deemed too distressing to the already disoriented animals. The animals are lit only by flashlights and the eerie glow of an iPhone screen. The activists live-stream the vigil to their social media pages, hoping to alert more people to the horrors of the meat industry, and convince more people to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Davis believes “a vegan world will exist someday. And the stark majority will view unnecessary suffering as intolerable. The majority of humans will view sentient beings as having rights to their own safety and their own lives. The idea of hurting someone just for pleasure will be as horrific to everyone as it is for the vegans of today.”

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VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 • SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

PHOTOSTORY NEWS

A pig is fed water by nozzle attached to a hose through a trucks hole by a vegan activist. Ruth Iorio

Christina Sewell, a senior campaigner for PETA, cries silently as the trucks containing pigs destined for slaughter drive slowly in through the gates of Farmer John. Ruth Iorio

Pigs huddle in the metal truck taking them into the slaughterhouse known as Farmer John. Ruth Iorio

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NEWS OPINION

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 •SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

MY DACA NIGHTMARE ROSARIO LOPEZ STAFF WRITER

As recent judgment to end DACA, presented by The Trump Administration, continues to marinate; Santa Monica College, citizens worldwide, and I are committed to take actions necessary in disapproval. On Tuesday, September 5, at exactly 7am, the sun began to rise and the average person was headed off to work or school. What seemed to be a normal day in Los Angeles, known as the land of dreams for me and 800,000 other Dreamers in the United States of America, became a day of broken promises and discouraged futures. The Trump Administration was scheduled to announce their decision to terminate DACA. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an immigration policy mandated by the Obama Administration in 2012, that provides deferred action from deportation and work permits to those who entered the country illegally as minors. I arrived at CHIRLA (the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, an organization of leaders that combat and advocate immigrant rights along with social change, civil and labor rights, to name a few) where the announcement was being broadcasted live. You could feel the tension and distress among the few people already there. I was undoubtedly sharing the same emotions in conjunction with anger and fear. Heart pounding, I rushed into the conference room where I recognized Angelica Salas, executive director of CHIRLA and an outstanding leader in our community who impacts many individuals worldwide. Alongside Salas were a couple reporters and photographers who were also awaiting the announcement, and ready to report the aftermath following the DACA news. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the termination of DACA. As the news broke I immediately felt broken hearted, helpless, and quite scared. It is hard to even try to explain feelings and thoughts that were going through my mind. Days before the announcement I somewhat sensed what was coming for myself and other Dreamers, but after official revelations I realized this was veritably happening.This was real. Still at CHIRLA, in shock, I remained seated but motionless and as everything was sinking in. I hear a reporter ask me for an

Rosario Lopez, a DACA recipient poses for a portrait in Santa Monica, California on September 19th, 2017. Jayrol San Jose

interview as he shared an act of sympathy towards me. In tears, I respectfully declined and rushed out of the building. I was not ready to announce my thoughts and feelings just yet. Today I take this platform and share my story. I have become vulnerable and continue to express words of encouragement that have helped me and will uplift others. It was 1996 when my mother decided to migrate from Mexico to the U.S, bring me with her. I was around two years of age, innocent and incapable of understanding why we were doing

"You could feel the tension and distress among the few people already there." this. People like my mother and I typically do not willingly want to leave their place of origin. Unfortunately, many countries are not safe or fail to provide liberty and a lifestyle that fulfills their citizens' everyday needs. Optimistic to find better opportunities in America, the land of dreams, my mother and I left everything and everyone behind. Till this very day I have not returned, and I am here to stay. I don't know any other country besides this one. California is all I know. I went to grade school, completed middle school, and graduated high school. I am now a college student, expanding my education and pursuing a career.

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I have learned the national anthem as well as the pledge of allegiance which I recite devotedly. I defend this country and show patriotism. I work, contribute to the economy, and pay taxes, yet I am told to leave. I am told that I do not belong here. I question what is to come for me, for my education, my work, and my security in the U.S. Many fail to realize that our jobs, education, health benefits, degrees and safety are on the line, others putting their homes and families at risk too. The Trump Administration’s decision to appeal DACA shows their true colors and proves they don’t support diversity nor equal opportunity but instead display acts of discrimination towards humanity. Moreover, we are in a crisis. We must say no to hate. We must encourage environmental, social and civil justice for everyone. We must fight for our rights. We have the right to obtain higher education. We have the right to decent employment. We have the right to receive affordable health care. We have the right to be citizens and vote for a fair democracy. Most importantly we have the right to resist, be vocal, and protest. On that account, with the leadership of organizations like CHIRLA and other people who believe in justice, we peacefully marched that fateful Tuesday evening to proclaim our commitment to fight the system and ask for permanent change. Such appalling news evoked people worldwide to rally into the @THE_CORSAIR •

streets of California, New York and Denver to name a few. Here at SMC, many students and school officials also decided to protest as they gathered in front of the college library two days after the announcement to express objection. Moving forward, I have converted my feelings of hurt and fury into power and ambition to achieve a better future for Dreamers and all citizens of this country. We, the people are in control. We must stay informed, share information, stay connected and take action. I am not alone. People care and will share this fight with us. It amazes me to have so many people reach out. People that I haven’t spoken to in ages have shared positivity, many I least expected to. Plenty are not directly affected by DACA, yet they offer alliance. So in the name of all Dreamers I would like to thank everyone for continuing to demonstrate support including family, friends, coworkers, professors, politicians, and even celebrities. Once again, I can’t emphasize this enough, we are not alone. To the 800,000 Dreamers you are not alone. Permanent solutions are in the works and we must remain optimistic. As they say: God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. Today, I proudly take my brown-colored fist, and raise it in hopes that humankind continues to uphold the idea that we will one day secure a peaceful world where society exists without injustice.

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OPINION NEWS

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 • SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

40 YEAR OLD FRESHMEN DAMIAN-MICHAEL WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

I have realized that I am not the only more seasoned person on campus. When I applied to SMC I quickly thought that I would only see young and energetic people on campus. However, on my first day I viewed many people on my level of life. Whenever I make eye contact with a fellow SMC student my age or older, there always seems to be two quick reactions: A huge grin and a sudden hello as if to say, "Wow! There is someone else who looks like me!" Now of course we older SMC students not only have life experience underneath our belt but we also have a totally different views on life and educational goals. Earlier this past April, I was at a place in my life where the old “schedule as usual” was no longer working for me. I took a wide look over my life and realized that for the past 3 years I was on the path of dead-end jobs both temporary and permanent. I was in a place of constant frustration and feeling incomplete due to not being able to hold a job. Even though I am well educated with professional skills and experience, it seemed that I just couldn't catch a break. One afternoon while writing in my own personal diary, I had an epiphany that made sense to me. Knowing that I have been writing since I was a child, both songs and poetry, I then realized and affirmed within myself that it was time to tap into my natural gifts as a writer that have been with me the whole life. In that moment of awakening I was challenged to move forward to a greater place in life. I knew that I had to disrupt my personal comfort zone and break forth into a higher place of consciousness. Finally, after the answer came to me and I then decided to apply for college. You may think that I was lost in my emotions thinking about how I would be perceived or viewed by a plethora of young people that are full of life, energy and vitality, as opposed to a saltand-pepper-haired older gentleman that would stick out like a sore thumb on SMC’s

college campus. Surprisingly, I really didn’t have time to worry about such things. All I knew is that there was only time for making a move towards great success through the many doors of education. Time was of the essence and I knew that spending time thinking rather than making things happen was only going to hold me back. Moment Of Inspiration: While walking on SMC’s campus, my attention was captured by this vibrant yet seasoned woman with neon pink hair. I spoke to her and introduced myself. As we continued to exchange words I found out that this high-spirited woman, Rotonda Maunu, was not only a college freshman, like myself, but she is 53 years of age. Rotonda is majoring in photography and graphic design. The more that we conversed the more we inspired each other. Rotonda has a background in the medical field (R.N.) which had burned her out. She decided to venture out of her comfort zone and embark upon new grounds. Rotonda told me that becoming a student here at SMC was one of the greatest decisions that she ever made and that she feels alive again.

always dreamed of. While in the process of applying for college and talking with the wonderful counselors here at SMC, the goals for my journey in education

Take advantage of every opportunity. became clear. I am now majoring in journalism and I am also one of the writers for The Corsair here at Santa Monica College. My goals are to become an entertainment journalist as well as a published author. I'm so excited because I can finally see the sun at the end of my life tunnel. For so long I lived in the realm of “survival” just to get by but now as a student at SMC, the sky is no longer the limit and my opportunities will be endless. I want to encourage all the other seasoned students here at SMC; We have made the choice and we have taken the proper steps to unveil a new and improved

greater world for ourselves. We know that age is not a factor and the only person that can block or stop our dreams from coming true is us. We hold the power to completely transform our lives in a positive yet major way. Take advantage of every opportunity. Study like crazy and enhance yourselves with every ounce of knowledge and education that you can. Write the life plans for your lives with every class and association that you involve yourself with. Make positive connections with the people who are going in the same direction as you. Even at this age and level of our lives, see yourself everywhere you need and want to be. Most of all, take the limits off, reach higher and grow stronger on purpose and by design. Become so engulfed in building your new future that by the time you have reached the finish line you will have become more than what you dreamed of. See you on graduation day!

Out of all of the great words of wisdom and inspiration that she shared with me there was one phrase of words that rung aloud within my soul. Rotonda said to me, “If You’re Not Growing, You’ll Die”, meaning that education is key to life and that we should continually feed ourselves with knowledge. Meeting Rotonda inspired me beyond words and revealed to me that I was not alone. Now of course I had many questions about my major, if was I ready or not, how many classes I could handle, time management, transferring, etc. My reply to those questions would always be “I don’t know.” For in my 40 years of living I have found out that it’s okay not to have all of the answers, but just as long as we keep moving forward our feet and our consistency will lead us to our greatest purpose and destiny fulfilled. Now that I am here I feel like I am in the right position to elevate myself in the field of education and pursue the world like I have

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Photo By: Daniel Bowyer / Graphics By: Diana Parra-Garcia

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NEWS SPORTS

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 •SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

THE CORSAIRS MOUNTED AT HOME NICOLAS JOHNSON STAFF WRITER

The SMC Corsairs drop two in a row after 41-6 thrashing against the Mt. San Antonio Mounties. Coming off of a loss at home to the Palomar Comets last week, Santa Monica College's own Corsairs took on the Mt. San Antonio College Mounties, at The Corsair Field on Saturday September 16, 2017 in Santa Monica, California. The struggles from last week's game continued into this game, as the Mt. SAC Mounties jumped out to an early 21-0 first quarter lead, thanks to a one-yard run by Jamario Elliot, a Jaiave Magalei 10-yard pass to Cameron Coleman, and a 12-yard run by Asfunso Elam. The Corsairs' defense made some improvements in the second half forcing the Mounties' offense to two three and outs, and three key turnovers. However, the offense was unable to capitalize on any of these opportunities. On two separate occasions they were deep in enemy territory, but a missed field goal from kicker Vitor Sambugaro, along with a missed fourth and goal opportunity took any sort of momentum away from the Corsairs. The Mounties added another score on the board with a 20-yard touchdown run from Canaan Chandler to make it 28-0 with under a minute to go in the first half. The Corsairs had multiple opportunities to score in the first half, but were simply unable to execute them. The game proved to be out of reach for the Corsairs when the Mounties added another touchdown in the third quarter. A Richard Stammetti 16-yard pass to Austin Griffin made it 35-0 Mt. Sac. The Mounties' Chandler sealed the game on a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 41-0. The Corsairs would

Canaan Chandler (3) (left) escapes a tackle from Corsair Shaquan Stridiron (11) (right) during the 2nd quarter on the Corsair Field at Santa Monica College. Jose Lopez Lopez a DACA recipient poses for a portrait in Santa Monica, California on September 19th, 2017. Jayrol San Jose

avoid being shut out once again, with less than nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter, quarterback Nick Hutchins connected with Jordan Herrera from 30 yards out. Santa Monica's kicker Sambugaro, missed the extra point and the game ended with a 41-6 final. With the Corsairs losing back to back games to start the season and falling to 1-2, Corsairs head

coach, Bill Laslett, said, "yeah we're disappointed, you know you always prepare to win. But that was a good football team we played, but we did a lot of things on our end not to help ourselves."

a touchdown. He also added 44 yards on nine rushing attempts. Wide receiver Jordan Herrera had 2 catches for 35 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Rick Hambright caught 3 passes for 39 yards.

Mt. SAC's quarterback John Martinos completed 10 passes out of 32 attempts and had 75 passing yards. While SMC's Hutchins went 2 for 7 with 61 passing yards and

On defense, linebacker Chris Wein accumulated an outrageous 21 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Tyree Fryar had two pass breakups, and Chimechi Oparanozie had an impressive interception that was returned for 42-yards. Bryce Harvey reeled in a sack, while Iuta Mailoto and Richard Harbor III each had half a sack. When asked about his team's expectations and having a record of 1-2, Laslett responded, "Well, we're not excited about being 1-2, and you know we're in a situation right now. We're playing Orange Coast and we're looking to even things up." The Corsairs will try to find a way out of this slump, but coach Laslett remained upbeat and said, "We got next week and we don't think about what's behind us or what's beyond that... We're still trying to find our identity on offense, so we saw some things today, but maybe a little bit too late, but it's gonna help us throughout the season." Santa Monica takes on the Orange Coast College Pirates at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday September 23rd, at Dick Tucker Field in Orange County, California.

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SPORTS NEWS

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 • SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE COLLEGE

CARLOS RINCON: SMC MEN'S SOCCER STAR DANIEL FARR

SPORTS WRITER Coach Tim Peirce enthusiastically follows the play from the sideline and tells his players, “Do not play casual!” Carlos Rincon, Santa Monica College’s Men’s Soccer center midfielder, hears him loud and clear. He proceeds to score seemingly at will. Sophomore, Carlos Rincon returns this Fall semester as a center attacking mid and left wing. Currently, after three games, Rincon has fives-goals and plans to add to that total. Rincon’s history with soccer stems all the way back to his grandfather. “Everyone in my family plays soccer, I have three younger siblings and we all play. My dad used to play and he was even a professional referee in Mexico.” Rincon said. He is passionate about soccer and credits his love for the game. It keeps him wanting to improve. “The only motivation I have for soccer is the fact that I love it so much." he said. Rincon believes that it is not about him, but the team. “A successful season would be to help the team as much as I can whether its goals, assists or helping off the field. “I believe this team has the potential to win our conference." Rincon said. Although Rincon is quite the team player, he has many accomplishments coming into SMC. “After high school, I was a top recruit, I had many offers" He said. Out of high school Rincon had offers to play soccer at Georgetown University, The University of Pennsylvania, and West Point Military Academy. Rincon was thank-

ful for those offers, but decided to take a different path. “All I want is the chance to play at a Division I program, I should have taken this chance a long time ago.” said Rincon. This year Rincon plans on taking the best offer he gets. “I love everything about soccer," Rincon’s support from his family and his love for the game have solidified his dedication. “.There is nothing like scoring a goal. It’s honestly one of the best feelings in the world and you just can’t beat that.”

Santa Monica College Corsair Attacking Midfielder Carlos Rincon poses for a portrait at the Corsair Field in Santa Monica, California. Josue Martinez

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NEWS

VOLUME 114 ISSUE 01 •SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 • SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

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