Since an initial round of economic blows between China and the United States in 2018, the national economic conversation has turned to a single question: is a trade war with China looming? As both nations double down on their positions, and the United States committed to an increase in existing tariffs last week, many in both economies serve to lose, and the consequences could be severe to everyday consumers. Speaking to his feelings on the increase in trade tensions between the worlds' two biggest economic powerhouses, United States President Donald J. Trump said, “I love the position we’re in,” and added, “taking in billions of dollars in tariffs,” but not all agree with the U.S. President. Almost immediately after the announcement, representatives from the Retail Leaders Association (which represents Best Buy, Target, and Walmart), declared the increase in tariffs as a “self-inflicted wound,” on the U.S., later stating the long term implications of such an escalation could be “catastrophic,” and asserting, “Americans’ entire shopping cart will get more expensive.” A trade war, defined as “a situation in which countries try to damage each other's trade, typically by the imposition of tariffs or quota restrictions,” has arisen as a thoroughly modern way through which to wage conflict and project the power of nations and their economies. As it pertains to the U.S.-China relationship, the turn towards trade war represents a deterioration of trust and trade that has been developing between the two powers for decades, and perhaps projects a deeper motive of containing one another as China’s global influence regains its form. In 2017, at the request of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Trade Officials launched an investigation into China’s intellectual property policies, seeking to determine what Gary Hufbaur from the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington called a “forgone conclusion,” that unfair economic practices would be found. This investigation led to the U.S. imposing three rounds of tariffs on China in 2018, culminating in $250 billion in tariffs imposed, against a total of $539 billion of Chinese exports to the United States. China would shortly retaliate against the United States’ imposed tariffs, levying a tariff of their own on targeted American goods, totalling $110 billion in United States exports to China, of a total $120 billion. In this initial salvo, the U.S. targeted a range of industrial and consumer items, from handbags, to heavy equipment, while China took a more targeted approach. In a direct response to Republican leadership, and a perception of the parties involvement in passing these tariffs, China targeted specific industries in the states of representatives that lobbied and voted for these economic actions. China targeted soybeans, coal, medical equipment, beer, and more, which underlined the gulf between Chinese and American economics, but also illustrated the vast ideological differences between the two ruling parties. Last Friday, President Trump announced a new tariff on an added $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, and has begun a process to begin taxing almost the entirety of China’s imports from the United States. President Trump suggested that this escalation in the now generally fully-acknowledged trade war between the U.S. and China sprouted from an attempt by Chinese officials to renegotiate portions of a new trade deal which has been in the works. The U.S. administration's decision to raise tariffs to 25 percent on nearly a third of China’s products marks one of the most significant trade decisions the current U.S. administration has made. Awaiting a promised response from China, President Trump signalled confidence in this escalation, but it is unclear how this rise in tensions stands to benefit consumers and citizens on either side of the equation. It would not be long before China would retaliate, and on Monday, May 13, Chinese officials announced their retaliation to the U.S. President’s actions on trade, unveiling an increase in tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. produced goods imported into China. Along with this announcement, President Trump’s administration unveiled detailed plans to increase taxes on Chinese sneakers, computers, dresses, and handbags. With delays of several weeks before the measures are implemented, both China and the United States are hoping to allow time for negotiations to bare fruit and avoid the actual implementation of these tariffs, but if the past few weeks are any indication, it appears doubtful that a deal will be reached on time. As these nations continue the downward spiral of aggressive and hostile escalations, the world at large stands only to lose as the Earth’s two largest economies come into greater conflict. It is almost undoubtedly true that Americans will feel a not-insignificant financial pinch as our Nation comes into more direct conflict with our largest trade partner. While there is no doubt and ample evidence of bad faith economic practices on both sides, increasing tensions between China and the United States signal a dangerous paradigm approaching, beyond just economics. To quote Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who spoke at the World Economic Forum on this very subject last year, “The fundamental principles of free trade should be upheld, the interests and concerns of all parties be accommodated, and the broadest possible consensus on reform be built up. Taking a unilateralist approach will not solve any problems."
N E W S Dr. Nancy Grass Resigns as Associate Dean of Stu-
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Deep, faltering breaths, teary eyes, and a heartfelt standing ovation—these were the responses from the Associated Students (A.S.) board as Dr. Nancy Grass announced her decision to step down as Associate Dean of the Student Life at the A.S. board meeting on May 6. Student Life is the department that oversees the A.S. and Inter-Club Council (I.C.C.). “Many of you who know me know that at my very deepest core I am a teacher. I am an academic,” said Dr. Grass to the crowded Cayton Center. “I am here to announce that I am stepping down as Associate Dean of Student Life as of June 30, and I will be heading back to the classroom this fall.” The room fell silent as Dr. Grass began to express her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Associate Dean of Student Life. For four years, Dr. Grass has worked with many A.S. boards on various projects addressing food security, civic engagement, student homelessness, and many other issues. Despite her accomplishments, Dr. Grass was candid about the position’s struggles. “Last year was probably the most difficult year of both my personal and my professional life,” Dr. Grass said. However, the
current A.S. board helped alleviate the emotional toll she had faced over the past several years. “This year with this board was one of the best, and it was really healing for what I’ve gone through in the last few years, you guys really helped to repair that damage, and I thank you for that,” Dr. Grass said to the student representatives sitting on the board. The following day, at the Board of Trustees meeting, I.C.C. ViceChair Paniz Karimpour gave a public comment expressing gratitude toward Dr. Grass. “She is the kind of advisor who looks you in the eye and touches your heart. I’m not sure words can explain how Associate Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Nancy Grass, during the Associated Students (A.S.) budget meeting on Monday, grateful I am to have an advisor May 13, at Cayton Hall on the main campus of Santa Monica College. (Yasamin Jtehrani/The Corsair) who is incredibly dedicated and supportive, but I’m going to give it a shot,” opportunity to practice her passion without in teaching she would literally turn happier. judgment. “As an administrator, my motives She’d get this light in her eyes. I think for said Karimpour. Dr. Grass expressed excitement about as an educator were frequently suspect,” Dr. her personally, this is probably the best move,” returning to her role as a communications Grass said. “In the classroom they are assumed said Allen. Nevertheless, Allen considers Dr. Grass’ professor in the fall. “The communication only to be purely educational.” Although Dr. Grass’ decision surprised resignation to be the loss of an important classroom allows students and instructor to some students in the Cayton Center, Direcasset to Student Life, and by extension, the work through the material together to uncover tor of Activities Jabria Allen expected Dr. A.S. board-elects. “They’re really gonna truths about people and our relationships,” Grass’ return to the classroom. “I noticed have to rely on each other more than ever,” she said. whenever she would talk about her old days said Allen. Dr. Grass was also optimistic about the
Board of Trustees Approves Goals to Fight Racial Inequality Theo Greenly | News Editor
The Santa Monica College (SMC) Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Tuesday, May 7, to adopt goals aimed at aggressively combating racial inequities among students. A crowd of students and faculty members spilled into the overflow room and erupted into applause when the measure passed. A new state law, AB 1809, Chapter 33, requires all colleges to set goals for the number of students who earn degrees or certificates, transfer to four-year colleges, or find employment in their field of study. SMC voted to go beyond the minimum numbers required by the Chancellor’s Office in their plan, known as the Vision for Success Goals. The goals outlined in the proposal are heavily influenced by SMC’s Student Equity Plan, which aims to close, and ultimately eliminate equity gaps between white, Asian, African-American, and Latino students. The Student Equity Plan must be submitted to the state by June 31. The timeline was originally agreed on by a joint committee who planned implementation for the 2021-22 academic year. However, members at the school’s executive level pushed the dates back to the 2026-27 school year, an act that left some students and faculty members anxious that the school was turning their back on the fight against
The target goals listed in the 2026-27 column of the graphic were moved into the 2021-22 academic year, a more ambitious plan that the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to pursue. (Graphic courtesy of Santa Monica Community College District Board of Trustees).
racial inequities. Sherry Bradford, program leader of the Black Collegians Program, addressed the board. “I have worked at SMC for nearly 22 years. In those 22 years I have never made a public comment at a board meeting,” Bradford said. “But tonight the stakes are extremely high for our African American and Latinx students.” As word spread that the vision goals were being postponed, rumors began among students that SMC was reducing some services, including eliminating the African American Collegian Center and the Latino Center. “Unfortunately the students got the message...that there was the possible elimination of the Black Collegian Center and
the Latino Center,” said Trustee Dr. Margaret Quinoñes-Perez. “They see this stuff and their deductive reasoning says, ‘Oh that means elimination of those things.’” Those rumors were unsubstantiated and Dr. Quinoñes-Perez asserted that no plans to eliminate the centers had ever been discussed. The board eventually voted to respect the more ambitious 2021-22 timeline, but many board members still remained skeptical. “For me there are goals, and there are reachable goals backed up with money,” said Trustee Dr. Susan Aminoff. “So can someone tell me how we are to meet these very lofty goals within the constraints of our budget?” Hannah Lawler serves as Vice Chair of
the Institutional Effectiveness Committee which put the plan together. “Do we think that we can achieve them? We understand that these are really aspirational. They’re more symbolic than anything,” Lawler said. “By setting lofty goals without figuring out all the mechanics of how we’re going to achieve it, I think we’re using these goals to motivate us.” Trustee Rob Rader raised concerns that the vision goals were oversimplified. “When we don’t parse our data more accurately and control better for the numbers, we end up treating each group as monolithic,” Rader said. “We treat all African American students as just the same, we treat all Latinx students just the same. And different students come from different backgrounds, they have different experiences coming in, and they may require very different strategies.” “I’m very happy to go for aspirational goals,” Rader added, “but I do think that goals without mechanisms are better characterized as wishful thinking.” Not every board member agreed. Trustee Barry Snell commended the plan. “This is the first time that I’ve sat on the dais that I really believe we can do this,” Snell said. “We can do this. This is not a dream. This is an action plan... this is something that can be achieved, and I’m all in from a trustee standpoint.” Still, the proposal only serves as a set of goals. Budget and implementation plans don’t have to be submitted until next year.
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CALIFORNIA Tensions Rise Amid Housing Crisis Debate
Martha Ramirez | Staff Writer
On Thursday, May 9, Santa Monica College's (SMC) Public Policy Institute hosted a panel discussion on potential solutions to California's housing crisis. The keynote discussion, which took place in the Broad Stage at the Performance Arts Center, was the culminating event of this year's Spring Symposium. The three speakers were state senators Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), and Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis. At the heart of the discussion was a debate over the controversial Senate Bill (SB) 50, which if passed, would override local zoning laws to allow for the construction of denser housing near transit stops. Proponents of the bill argue that it is designed to make housing more accessible, while opponents argue that more housing does not necessarily mean affordable housing. "In 80 percent of California, it is illegal, prohibited, to build any type of housing except for single-family homes," Weiner explained. SB 50, Wiener argued, would allow for different types of housing, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, and multi-unit housing. Audience members were overwhelmingly against SB 50. Some carried signs decrying Wiener, the author of the bill, as being bought off by developers. "There are a lot of different opinions on housing," Wiener acknowledged, "but I think it's so important when we talk about housing to always remember that this debate is about real people and the effects on real people's lives when
Lesley O'Toole from Hollywood, by way of Hampshire, England, holds a sign opposing SB 50 and tries to engage with California State Senator Scott Weiner (SD11 – San Francisco), the author of SB 50, but Weiner does not acknowledge her presence as he walks swiftly into the SMC Broad Stage, on Thursday, May 9, 2019. O'Toole said she was attending tonight because, "I want to try to save my neighborhood from destruction." (Glenn Zucman/The Corsair)
we have housing crisis." At the crux of the argument was the question of local versus state government. Proponents of the bill argue that although SB 50 is extreme, such measures are necessary given the gravity of the situation. "Local control is good when it delivers good results," Wiener said. "And I would posit that California, our approach to housing of almost pure local control with almost no state role has not worked out."
SMC student Lucia Aguilar-Cole, a political science major, expressed support for the bill. "Of course there are problems with it, but…we can't just hope that developers are going to be incentivized to build lowincoming housing," she said. "The city that we have built doesn't function, that's why there's 60,000 people without homes…If you go to downtown Los Angeles, it looks like an apocalyptic site. That is inhumane." Detractors of the bill argued that SB 50
Buttigieg Talks Measure EE Dakota Castets-Didier | Editor in Chief
Mayor of South Bend, Indiana and Democratic Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg, as well as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, spoke in the Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles to a crowd of union representatives on May 9. The unions that gathered included the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), the Southwest chapter of the Carpenters Union, and Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Supporters of Buttgieg’s Democractic primary canadidacy were also in attendance. The gathering, located across the street from a local school, was in support of passing Measure EE in Los Angeles, which aims to expand Los Angeles’ public school budgets by levying a 16 cent parcel tax on each square foot of owned and built property in Los Angeles for the next twelve years. In practice, Measure EE aims to attract highquality faculty and support, lower class sizes, provide higher quality curriculums, enhance vocational training, provide increased budgets for preschools, and add counselors, nurses, and disability support staff across the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Janet Berverra, a member of SEIU Local 99, spoke to her desire for Measure EE to
pass. She said, “We’ve been underfunded for many, many years. Right now, because of the teacher’s strike, Measure EE is something that came up, and there was more of an urgency. Not just from the teachers, or us as workers, but also the community.” Berverra continued, “Our schools have been in deficit for many, many years. There’s a lot of need, in terms of classrooms, in terms of materials, building and grounds workers, and maintenance workers. If you walk around and do a tour of [LAUSD] schools, you will see how dirty the schools are. Sometimes we don’t even have things such as toilet paper and paper towels.” Along with SEIU, the Southwest Carpenters Union attended in support of Measure EE, chanting their namesake and holding “Yes on EE!” signs. Los Angeles local and member of the Southwest Carpenters Union Martin Castillo explained, “We understand that our classes are too full right now. There are too many students in each class room. This would eliminate that. I am a homeowner, I am a taxpayer, I’m all for paying more taxes if it means it’s going to better schools.” Preceding Mayor Buttigeig, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti took the stage. He led a call and response with the crowd, exclaiming, “Whose schools? Whose city? Whose
is a case of state government overreach and that its one-size-fits-all approach would prove to do greater harm than good. "At the end of the day, the idea that we're just going to take away so much of the basic, fundamental power of understanding the local dynamics associated with development and kind of give it to a by-right system run out of Sacramento just doesn't feel right to me," Allen, who opposes the bill, stated. Davis, like Allen, expressed concerns with the bill. "We are working on this issue locally," she said. "First, we actually have been investing as a community in the production and preservation of affordable housing. And second, we have used our local control, regulatory mechanisms to support the creation of housing with an emphasis on affordable housing." Another concern about SB 50 is the potential threat it poses to historical neighborhoods. Lesley O'Toole resides in a small neighborhood near Hollywood which is designated as a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. "When the film industry started here, all the silent actors and directors lived here," O'Toole said. "We're tiny little houses. We're a hundred years old…This bill will destroy all of our historical neighborhoods." The atmosphere in the Broad was tense throughout, but when Wiener left before the Q&A portion could begin, the audience turned near mutinous, shouting in anger and dismay. SB 50 is currently in the committee hearings stage. Students interested in learning more about the bill may visit the California State Legislature website. At Left: Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg (left), Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti, speak to the media during a press conference on an overcast Thursday, May 9, in Los Angeles. Mayor Buttigieg said, “Freedom is about building things, and you are building the platform that will allow our kids to live a better life.” (Yasamin Jtehrani / The Corsair)
country?” to an enthusiastic crowd response of, “Our schools! Our city! Our country!” Mayor Garcetti declared, “[Measure EE] brings us all together. These are the days that mark history. These are the moments in which we write the chapter of our destiny, or we let others.” Mayor Garcetti then introduced Mayor Buttigieg, who took the stage before an enthused crowd. “I come from South Bend, Indiana, I’m running for President, and I’m here because our future is at stake…Measure EE is about making sure that the local resources are there. We are standing up for this, because our values are at stake.”
Emphasizing an importance on personal engagement, Mayor Buttgieg described how education fits into his campaign, saying, “In our campaign we talk about three issues: freedom, security, and democracy. Every one of those issues is at stake when it comes to Measure EE, and when it comes to supporting the men and women who make public education work. Our freedom is on the line, because education is what gives you the freedom to live a life of your choosing.” The special election date for Measure EE in Los Angeles will occur on June 4, 2019.
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Below: Eleanor Geballe performs as the First Witch during the tech rehearsal for Flamenco Macbeth on the SMC Studio Stage, Tuesday, April 23, in Santa Monica. (Glenn Zucman/ The Corsair)
At Right: Rebecca Simon (Sound/Projection Operator), Regina Shabanova (Stage manager), and Natalie Mancu (Light Board Operator) run through cues during the dress rehearsal for Flamenco Macbeth on the SMC Studio Stage on Thursday, April 25, 2019.
Julia Michelle, as Lady Macbeth, finds her husband Ángel Ádan after he has killed King Duncan, during the rehearsal for Flame Stage, Thursday, April 25, in Santa Monica. (Glenn Zucman/Th
Ángel Ádan Salas, as Macbeth, is enticed by the witches as he con rehearsal for Flamenco Macbeth on the SMC Studio Stage, Thurs Zucman/The Corsair)
Theater Departm Innovat with “Flamen Macbeth
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n Salas (Macbeth) with bloody hands enco Macbeth on the SMC Studio he Corsair)
ntemplates killing King Duncan, in a sday, April 25, in Santa Monica. (Glenn
r ment tes
nco h!”
Ángel Ádan Salas, as Macbeth, rehearsing the title role in Flamenco Macbeth on the SMC Studio Stage on Tuesday, April 23, in Santa Monica. Flamenco Macbeth is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth,’ by SMC Theatre Arts department chair Perviz Sawoski. Performances were held in the SMC Studio Stage on April 26, 27, 28, and May 3, 4, 5.(Glenn Zucman/The Corsair)
Ana Duraes Peixoto | Social Media Editor Extravagant Baroque-inspired suits, Spanish Flamenco music, and colorful uninhibited witches. At first, the audience wonders if they are in the right theater. The play begins with a Flamenco performance, where the traditionally very Scottish General Macbeth looks like a Spanish Torero as he shouts a loud "Ole!" It does not resemble a Shakespearean tragedy until the three witches begin Act I, creepily plotting to meet with Macbeth “in thunder, in lightning, or in rain.” Santa Monica College’s (SMC) Studio Stage production “Flamenco Macbeth!” manages to combine Flamenco with the classic Shakespearean theater; two very distinct art forms delivering a fiery, exotic, and thrilling show. Whether the viewer is a long admirer of Shakespeare or attempting to analyze a monologue for English class, “Flamenco Macbeth!” delivers an enjoyable interpretation of what director Perviz Sawoski imagined Macbeth's Scotland would be while infused with the sorrow and power of Spanish Flamenco. The Flamenco, as defined by UNESCO since becoming a World Intangible Cultural Heritage, is an artistic expression which features dancing, singing and musicianship. It has its roots in Andalusia, Spain, coming particularly from the Roma ethnic culture. "There is a lot of symbolism in Macbeth and we used Flamenco to bring out the symbolism in it," adds director Perviz Sawoski. "Macbeth is one of the most passionate of Shakespeare's plays. There are all these murders, these witches, these ghosts, everything you can throw in, and Flamenco has this sense of Cante Jondo, heavy, dark, and passionate, so in that way it connects." The Studio Stage is a compact, 100 seat thrust stage, allowing for a 270 degree view of the play. Those seated in the first row are often so close to the action they can almost immerse themselves in it, as spectators in Macbeth’s court. This closeness between the audience and the performance requires an incredibly detailed costume and makeup design. Macbeth and company abandon their Scottish warrior gowns and embrace more modern outfits. The leading male characters often wear statement formal suits which are the very exact opposite of minimalism, almost resembling Dolce
and Gabbana’s Spring 2019 collection. For the women, long dress gowns are substituted by pant skirts. The color palette features the usual red and black. The balance between the fiery red and grievous black is constant in Macbeth, which was visually pleasing and complements the play, as it shows how the lust for power comes with permanent suffering and insanity. The witches are often present in the vomitoriums for visual element and constant frenzy. In this production, they have a slight touch of Hocus Pocus, setting the tone for the play’s madness motif. The three of them are dark yet colorful, laugh very loudly and find pleasure in creating chaotic mischief. Their first encounter with Macbeth and Banquo traditionally seems fearful and melancholic; in “Flamenco Macbeth!” it becomes somewhat flirtatious and playful, a feeling that remains until the very end, making the witches perhaps, the characters who are most enhanced by Flamenco and most enjoyable to watch in this production. Flamenco Macbeth showcases the many talents of SMC’s Theatre Arts Department. The leading actors delivered sharp and emotional performances, and for a young group who had no prior Flamenco experience, they successfully conveyed the intensity of emotions who are part of this artistic expression.
Director and SMC Theatre Arts department chair Perviz Sawoski gives notes to the cast and crew of Flamenco Macbeth after the tech rehearsal on the SMC Studio Stage, Tuesday, April 23, in Santa Monica. (Glenn Zucman/The Corsair)
CULTURE Money Makes the World Go Around:
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Personal Finance for College Students Martha Ramirez | Staff Writer Money. It's a five-letter word. It's a word everyone is familiar with. Seemingly simple, it's the nucleus of modern society. It's like the Cabaret song goes, "money makes the world go around." It's also the thing college students are most concerned about. According to Ohio State University's National Financial Student Wellness Study, over 72 percent of students feel stress regarding their personal finances, and nearly 60 percent of students worry about not having enough money to pay for school. Forbes reports that student loan debt in the US is now at over $1.5 trillion, the highest it’s ever been. Alongside student loan debt, the high cost of living, stagnant
wages, and increasingly expensive housing has led to a financially-stressed student population. Santa Monica College (SMC) has taken several steps to provide assistance for students. In addition to offering several courses on personal finance, the business department has a Personal Finance Resources page, which has a list of links to budgeting tools, information about managing credit, advice about banking and loans, and a debt calculator. For students unsure of where to begin, Professor Jenny Resnick, who teaches accounting at SMC, suggests students start by understanding their financial situation. "Keep track of how much you make and how much you spend, what you own and what you owe, and set financial goals for yourself. Get started
now with financial planning. It is never too early or too late to get started." Resnick also warned students not to compare themselves to others, as everyone has a unique life situation. Perhaps one of the most valuable resources the business department offers are the free personal finance workshops, which take place during the spring and fall semesters. "In each one-hour workshop, we try to expose students to two vital topics in financial planning, anything from banking, savings and budgeting, credit card debt, auto loan, managing your credit, investing basics, tax planning," Resnick said, who organizes and oversees the workshops. The second workshop, for example, covered credit card debt and investing. "We
need to be disciplined," said accounting professor Gregory Brookins to a lecture hall full of students. "You have to know what you want versus what you need." The final workshop of the semester, which took place on Thursday, May 9, offered advice on tax planning and budgeting. "Most people always think about making money, but they don't think about the tax consequences," Professor Cesar Rubio said. "If you want to become a very financial literate person, you need to understand tax. You need to understand what tax is all about." The personal finance workshops will be offered again during the fall semester. Students may visit SMC's Personal Finance Resources web page for further information.
War. Facing unspeakable brutality, Flyora is stripped to the deepest recesses of his subconscious, facing the terrible truth of the deeply unromantic but necessary struggle he has become part of. The combat depicted isn’t fun or exciting. It is relatively sparse until the end and terrifying. The spaces between violent moments are incredibly tense. Flyora faces an enemy he almost never can see directly; machine gunners many yards away shoot tracers across the dark wilderness; what appears to be little specks in the sky are really planes ready to drop thunderous bombs; and any clearing between the dense
Byelorussian forests can be a treacherous minefield. Any comrades Flyora makes along the way are quickly killed or separated from him. The only comrade Flyora reunites with is a teenage girl named Glasha, who is subjected to a fate worse than death. Released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, colloquially known as the Great Patriotic War, “Come and See” meticulously recreates the barbarism used by the Nazis against the peoples of the Soviet Union. Klimov demonstrates that it wasn’t abstract patriotism and/or loyalty to the “Grand Marshal Comrade Stalin” that led millions of Soviets to fight against Nazism. Klimov depicts the war for what it was: life-or-death struggle. “Come and See” works on all levels. It is a beautifully honest homage to the ordinary Soviet people who struggled against fascism, a frightening coming-of-age tale, and a beautifully shot technical masterpiece. In honor of the 74th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, it is worth watching.
to Los Angeles or Arizona … and practically everywhere is unsustainable water wise," explains Couper. "Taking water out of the ecosystem constantly and sending it around the world to sell for a capital gain, that is going to screw your own system.” The visual influence in Couper's artwork in this exhibition comes from Mexican folk art. Couper’s work pays homage to Mexican history, noting that prior to 1848, the modern southwest region of the U.S. was a part of Mexico. The group show in the next room is called “Onward.” Michele Melcher, one of the artists featured in that exhibit, flew to Los Angeles for this art opening. "Some big
artists come through this gallery, so it is pretty much an honor to be included. I am following in their footsteps, or I hope so," says Melcher. Melcher often works as an illustrator and participates in gallery shows. Some of her inspiration for her paintings comes from folklore, legends, history, natural science and the supernatural. There are plenty of other free art shows coming up at La Luz de Jesus. Starting on June 7, they will feature Symbiotics, an exhibit where five artists will use language, and symbols to tell stories in their paintings. La Luz de Jesus is located at 4633 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027.
"Come and See" Is an Apocalyptic Vision of the Past Evan Minniti | Opinion Editor
The teenage boy’s ears are blown out, and blackish crimson is flooding out of his nose. A Nazi paratrooper is ensnared in the trees above him, struggling to grab a hold of a machine gun and spray the boy down with bullets. The teenage girl, her grip limply holding the strap of her rifle, once so eager to fight the enemy, has the opportunity to take her shot and defend her new friend. In a profoundly human moment, she grabs the boy and runs away rather than (justifiably) kill the fascist invader, because to take a life would mean too dramatic a change in their already horribly uprooted lives. This is just one pivotal scene in Elem Klimov’s 1985 Soviet masterpiece “Come and See." A key piece of Soviet cinema, Klimov’s film follows Flyora, a young peasant boy living in the Nazi-occupied Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (modern-day Belarus). Finding a rifle one day while digging in the sand, Flyora is conscripted into the partisan resistance movement. “Come and See” invites the audience to be strangers in a strange land. Many Amer-
icans aren’t aware of the sacrifices made on the Eastern Front, with as many as 25 million Soviets dying. Facing not only the invading German forces, but also armed returning White Russian emigres and other collaborators, many ordinary Eastern Europeans who couldn’t immediately join the Red Army formed partisan guerilla units to fight back. Named after a passage from the Book of Revelations, the apocalyptic final book of the New Testament, “Come and See” depicts Flyora’s dark odyssey through the savagery of the Second World
Illustration by Janet Ali
Free Art Opening at La Luz de Jesus Art Gallery
Stan Misraje | Staff Writer
Art gallery La Luz de Jesus' new art opening debuted on May 3, and runs through June 2. One room features a debut solo exhibition by Matthew Couper, and a second room holds a group exhibition titled “Onward.” Free art openings at La Luz de Jesus take place on the first Friday of every month. Some of their past art exhibits have featured Robert Williams, SHAG, and Manuel Ocampo. La Luz de Jesus is a champion in the lowbrow art community, and has been displaying art in the Hollywood area since 1986.
This month's solo exhibition by Matthew Couper features one room full of his paintings, all inspired by ecological water systems. The gallery's director Matthew Gardocki says that Couper is from New Zealand, and currently resides in Las Vegas. The exhibit is titled "In Memory of Water." Couper explains that one of the issues the Southwest faces is water conservation, sustainability, and rights. His choice to live in Las Vegas landed him in the center of the water rights debate. "Las Vegas is a desert, which is not sustainable. Lake Mead, the biggest humanmade reservoir [in the USA] has its water being distributed from that, and it is going
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Country Music Band Gone West Takes the Stage at Troubadour Casey Contreras | Culture Editor “Sailin’ off to search the islands/ Gone west for somethin’ new/ Found paniolo and wave riders, but choose neither,” sings American singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat to a full house at the Troubadour in West Hollywood on May 10. The audience stands in the middle of the room cheering, dancing, and singing along to the country bop, “I've gone west, rollin' down the highway like a tumbleweed/ I've gone west, where the canyons fall into the deep blue sea.” After much success as a pop-folk solo artist, Caillat returns to stages with Gone West, a band composed of long time friend
Nelly Joy performs in the band Gone West's first performance at The Troubadour on Friday, May 10, in West Hollywood. (Glenn Zucman/The Corsair)
and collaborator Jason Reeves, Country Music Television award winner Nelly Joy, and her fiancé, Hawaiian recording artist
(From right) Justin Young, Colbie Caillat, Nelly Joy, and Jason Reeves perform as the band Gone West, on stage at The Troubadour on Friday, May 10, in West Hollywood. (Glenn Zucman/The Corsair)
At Right: (From left) Jason Reeves, Nelly Joy, Colbie Caillat, and Justin Young perform for a packed house at The Troubadour on Friday, May 10, in West Hollywood. Gone West is a new Nashville-based band featuring two time Grammy Award Winner Colbie Caillat, multi-platinum singer and songwriter Jason Reeves, four time Hawaii Music Award Winner Justin Kawika Young, and Academy of Country Music and Country Music Television nominated artist Nelly Joy. (Glenn Zucman/The Corsair)
Justin Kawika Young. The country group takes us down a feel-good journey with their contagious self-titled upbeat bop “Gone West,” a song explaining why they ultimately came back to the west coast after living in Nashville, Tenn., for about two and a half years. Guitars, banjos, and tambourines fill the intimate mini-concert room at the Troubadour, a different sound for Caillat known for her melodic pop style. Keeping the audience engaged and asking for more, the band played for about an hour and a half non-stop, delighting those who came for a good time. “Confetti,” the third recording on their EP titled “Tides,” kept the ambience going with a message of empowerment. “Yeah, my heart didn't break/ When I broke into that old bottle of fancy champagne/ I’ve been saving for the perfect time/ You can't rain on my parade/ Got my freedom, gonna celebrate/ When you left I was so damn ready,” they belt out in impeccable harmony. “This Time” encouraged listeners to take
a minute to appreciate the things, people, and moments they are given, “I'm gonna stop right now and call my mama/ Gonna take a sick day when I'm feelin' gray.” The song was beautifully stripped down to an acoustic guitar that made it all the more meaningful. Joy and Caillat’s voices implored the audience to live life at its fullest, because no one knows what will happen tomorrow. Toward the end of the night, the group surprised the audience with a few throwback tunes individually. Caillat picked up an acoustic guitar and performed her first hit “Bubbly” from her debut album “Coco” back in 2007. The audience chanted along with the American songstress. Young also took the stage performing one of his own songs in his native Hawaiian. Gone West kicks off the start of their tour with a bang and is set to release an album in June. Their next performance will be May 11 in Phoenix, Arizona. Their EP “Tides” released on January 18 is available on iTunes.
OPINION
You’re Not as Dumb as a Rock Clyde Bates Jr | Staff Writer You may be wondering what I mean when I say dumb as a rock. There is a lot of shame around learning disabilities. People might be ashamed that they have a learning disability. Like me. I have a learning disability. I didn’t think that I would be able to make it in college, and now I am preparing to transfer to a four year university. Sometimes when you hear the word disabilities, a lot of people think that they are dumb as a rock. I’m here to let you know that you’re not dumb. You might have more obstacles than some, but you’re not dumb as a rock. How did I get here? It’s from all the hard working people and the tools provided by Santa Monica College’s Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) at the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). DSPS is designed to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all program activities on campus. Its primary goal is to encourage and promote independence in students. Stephanie Schlatter, the director of
DSPS, told me that they have over 1,800 students in their program. There are many different parts to the disability center. They have specialized services for different learning disabilities. Some of these include post-stroke and acquired brain injury, deafness and hardness of hearing, and substance abuse. If you have a problem with substance abuse they can help you with anonymous meetings located on the campus. One of the things they say in a 12-step program is that a closed mouth does not get fed. What I’m trying to say is that if you need help, ask for it. One of the most important programs that they have is the High Tech Training Center (HTTC). The program is run by Thomas M. Peters who told me about some tools they have to work with, like smart pens, Kurzweil 3000, and Dragon speech recognition software. Smart pens take notes for you so you don’t have to record an entire lecture. Kurzweil 3000 is a program that reads books from your classes to you through your computer. Aaron French works at the HTTC as an Alternate Media Specialist. He scans books to make sure they are readable on Kurzweil 3000. The
Dragon program picks up your voice and writes it down. I use it to take notes, write essays, and to write articles like this one. One of the reasons why I wanted to write this story is to say thanks to the CSD for allowing me to be me and that is why this story was so important to me. My name is Clyde Bates Jr. and every one of these tools helped me get to where I’m at today. If you’d like to know more about these different services they offer, you can contact the Center for Students with Disabilities. Disabled Student Programs and Services can be found at Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Boulevard Student Services 101, Santa Monica, CA 90405. They are located on the north side of the main campus, near Pico Blvd and the Admissions Complex.
Illustration by Janet Ali
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SMC Soccer Forward Filippa Struxsjo Commits to Aquinas College
SPORTS
Sophomore Jacqueline SMC Soccer Player Renee Escobar Signs Montepeque Earns with Cal State Scholarship to Kansas Dominguez Hills Wesleyan University Chelsea Tailfeathers | Staff Writer
Danica Creahan-Mueller | Staff Writer Filippa Struxsjo is a sophomore midfielder for the Santa Monica College (SMC) women’s soccer team. Struxsjo moved to Los Angeles from Finna, Sweden to play soccer and attend SMC. As the leading goal scorer for the Corsairs, Struxsjo was named MVP of the Western State Conference and made the dean’s list. She recently signed a letter of intent to play at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich. to continue her undergraduate education with a full-ride scholarship. Playing since age five, Struxsjo has learned to balance her responsibilities as a student-athlete “I feel like you have to know how to manage your time because you don’t have a lot of time left when you’re playing soccer. You have to know how you’re going to make it all fit together, it’s a puzzle,” said Struxsjo. That is not to say that her experience made juggling academics and athletics any less challenging, but the support from the athletics department definitely played a role in Struxsjo’s success. “I started going to the athletic counselors… they’re really good and helpful,” Struxsjo recalls, citing her teammates and coaches as invaluable resources. “I got all my support from the athletic part of SMC.” As the sun sets on Struxjo’s time at SMC, she reflects on the past seasons. “Obviously the fact that I won conference both my two years in college is a really great achievement and I’m happy,” Struxsjo said. “I’m happy to be part of the team.”
Santa Monica College (SMC) Sophomore and defender Jacqueline Montepeque has earned a scholarship to Kansas Wesleyan University. An early childhood education student, Montepeque is a back-to-back Western State Conference champion with the SMC Corsairs women’s soccer team. She arrived at SMC in 2017 not knowing what position she would play and, then was placed as a defender. Her soccer influence came from her father, who played in his home country of Guatemala, and her older brother. They all share the number 11 on the field because it’s a family favorite. Montepeque has been playing soccer since she was six years old and says, “if soccer was not a part of my family I feel like I would be a different person.” After two successful soccer seasons with the Corsairs, Montepeque earned her way to a scholarship at Kansas Wesleyan University. She will begin training this summer with the new team to prepare for the fall season. The coaching and experience with the Corsairs has helped her prepare for the new journey. “Being a part of the Corsairs was about working together to accomplish something big, and the coaching from Aaron Benditson helped us to work hard and not get over our heads.”
Cristian Vasquez | Sports Editor Santa Monica College (SMC) soccer player Renee Escobar has received a full-ride scholarship to Cal State Dominguez Hills. As one of the older members of the team, Escobar didn’t anticipate being a great asset to the team. “I honestly never expect it,” said Escobar. Escobar began her endeavor in Upland, Calif. She attended Upland High School back in 2008 where her team won the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Championship. After high school, she took a few years off and finally returned to school in 2015. She enrolled at SMC and quickly made her way onto the team. She began her career as a center defender and was then moved to left defender in her second year. She praises Head Coach Aaron Benditson for never giving up on her. Escobar faced a handful of injuries during her time as a Corsair. She tore her ACL in 2017 which led her to sit out the rest of the season. She made a comeback in 2018, but again suffered an injury this time tearing her menisci mid-season. “I get my crutches off next week and I continue going to therapy,” said Escobar. She is expected to be cleared to play by the time she sets foot at Dominguez Hills. Her ultimate goal is to be either a doctor or a nurse anesthetist and care for people in impoverished countries. Her inspiration comes from her parents’ home countries of Honduras and Guatemala. “It’s not about the money, for me, it’s about making a difference in my community,” says Escobar.
SMC's Swimming Season Ends with a Splash
Martha Ramirez | Staff Writer
The Swimming and Diving State Championships took place from May 2-4 at De Anza College in Cupertino, Calif. In spite of injuries, Santa Monica College (SMC) placed seventh on the men's side. Matt Holt, who was the top-seeded swimmer in the mile event, was out with a concussion, while Alonso Escobido had a shoulder injury. The Corsairs won second place in the 400-medley relay, and third in the 200medley relay. All five freestyles were AllAmerican. Oliver Kabilka won third place in the 100-meter butterfly. Colin Casey won second place in the 100-meter butterfly and first place in the 200-meter butterfly. Head Coach Brian Eskridge said, "That's his [Kabilka's] best event...He's been really close to winning a state championship and he finally does in his last event. So the
200-butterfly, he finally pulled it off. Had an amazing swim. And, you know, got his state championship that we've waiting for for two years." On the women's side, the Corsairs placed sixteenth. "They did really well," Eskridge said. "Best girls’ team we've had in a while." Shayna Simmer won second place in the 400-meter individual medley, and Melissa de la Cruz became SMC's first female diver to qualify in years. "It's my second year with the girls. We're rebuilding, and just for them to just be all part of it and just have a really good year. It's been a really special year for me," Eskridge said. In addition to being selected as the Western State Conference Head Coach of the Year last month, Eskridge has been offered a full-time aquatics position at SMC after ten years of being a part-time staff member.
Eskridge offered a positive retrospective on the season. "It was really, really successful...It was kind of what we've been building to the last few years, just kind of getting better and better each year and the kids just
put in a ton of work. They know, for the guys, how close we were last year to winning conference and they just put in the work to make sure we got the job done this year...A nice ending to real special year."
At Right: Santa Monica College Swim Coach Brian Eskridge at Santa Monica College on May 14, 2019. (Tanya Barcessat/ The Corsair)