Edición de Mujeres Women's Edition
First Amendment on Campus p.4
Q&A with Monique Harper-Desir p.12
Society of Women Engineers p.15
Dificultades con FAFSA p.3
Subsidio Centro Del Pueblo p.9
Opinión: ¿En dónde están las hermanas? p.18
marzo 2024 Vol. 22 Edición 2
13 12
LIFE & ARTS NEWS
03 Low-income and Latine families affected by 2024-2025 FAFSA application
04 Students protest against the discipline of students who violate Cal Poly Humboldt protest rules
07 University hires coordinator to begin the repatriation of Indigenous item collection
09 Centro Del Pueblo's “Underserved Communities Fund”
10 11 Soy Artista: Flilipina dancer expresses fluidity through dance
12 Q & A with Monique Harper-Desir
15 Women’s engineer club
OPINION
18 Where Are Our Hermanas?
19 Staff Picks: BIPOC Women lead Movies, Shows, Series
ESPAÑOL
3 Familias latinas y de bajos ingresos son afectadas por FAFSA
9 Subsidio para Centro de pueblo
11 Soy Artista: Kris-theja Love
13 Entrevista con Monique Harper-Desir
16 Club de mujeres de Ingenieria apoyan a estudiantes
18 ¿En dónde están nuestras hermanas?
El Leñador is an English and Spanish newspaper produced by Cal Poly Humboldt students. Our staff cover and provide news to Latinx and other diverse communities on campus and in Humboldt County. We are committed to providing relevant news and expanding the representations and stories told about people of color and other marginalized groups. Our work helps create more social, political and cultural diversity in local media.
El Leñador es un periodico en español y inglés producido por estudiantes de Cal Poly Humboldt. Nuestro personal cubre y provee noticias a la comunidad Latinx y otras comunidades diversas en el campus y en el condado de Humboldt. Estamos comprometidos a brindar noticias actuales y ampliar la representación y las historias que son contados sobre la gente de color y otros grupos marginados. Nuestros esfuerzos ayudan a crear una diversa presencia social, politica y cultural en los medios locales.
Editor in Chief
Peyton Leone
Spanish Editor
Maria Hernandez Coosemans
Managing Editor Maryanne Casas-Perez
Copy Editors
Tanya Gonzalez
Celeste Sandler
Layout/Design
Kimberly Alexsandra
Madrigal
Ben Hernandez
Alexis Sarmiento
Lila Salinas
Writers/Contributors
Jacqueline V. Espinoza
Ben Hernandez
Kimberly Alexsandra Madrigal, Jordan Pangelinan
Lila Salinas
Alexis Sarmiento
Translators
Clari Gomez
Georgina Munoz-Villa
Marisabel Perez Moreno
Jennifer Reyes Yocelin Rios
Lila Salinas
Distribution
Guillermo Noe Salazar
Faculty Advisor
Andrea Juarez
Front Cover/Primera Página:
Foto por Lila Salinas
Photo by Lila Salinas
To advertise with us, email ellenador.ads@gmail.com
El Leñador staff can be reached at el-lenador@humboldt.edu
Low-income and Latine families affected by the 2024-2025 FAFSA application
by Jordan Pangelinan
As the new semester has begun, students are now preparing for the next school year, and with that comes the FAFSA application. While normally the application opens on Oct. 2, this year's 2024-2025 FAFSA application had a rocky relaunch with multiple glitches and setbacks. Students and families went into the winter break and were still waiting for answers.
The application fully launched on Jan. 8. As students and families are filling out applications, many delays and errors have prevented them from completing their applications. According to an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, the issues facing the FAFSA application disproportionately affect low-income families.
Eric Hoover, the reporter from the article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, wrote about the many issues students face when filling out these applications.
“...In low-income communities, it’s easy to find parents who don’t have an email account, who don’t know how to use a computer, who don’t have reliable internet access, who don’t read in english…”, said Hoover.
On top of these problems there's also been a “glitch” that makes it so parents
without a Social Security Number are locked out of completing the application.
Peggy Metzger, the Director of Financial Aid and Executive Director of Enrollment Manager, said that while some students can finish the application with no problem, others are unable to complete the form due to glitches in the system.
“Once students are in there and have finished, they are not able to go back at this time and make corrections until March,” said Metzger.
As for the “glitch” that has been affecting the low-income and Latine students and parents, Cal Poly Humboldt's financial aid department is aware of the problem that is occurring for these students and does not know when it can be fixed.
“From what I understand, it isn’t about ‘I’m low-income, and therefore I can’t do it,’ it’s more about students with individual special circumstances. Some of the unusual circumstances/methods are not fixed yet. So, those can be low-income students, those can be underrepresented minority students but it’s not because of that,” said Metzger.
Though the low-income and Latine students are still left with no answers, Cal Poly Humboldt’s financial offices are flexible for
those students who are still struggling to get their application in.
“What I can tell you is that we will be as flexible as possible with aid packages, what I can’t tell you is when the Department of Ed will be able to fix it,” said Metzger.
Cal Poly Humboldt’s financial aid website has student service availability hours for guidance on their application. They also have services for Spanish-speaking students and parents.
Familias latinas y de bajos ingresos son afectadas por la solicitud FAFSA 2024-2025
por
Jordan Pangelinan traducido por Marisabel Perez Moreno
Con el inicio del nuevo semestre, los estudiantes se están preparando para el próximo año escolar y con ello, llega la solicitud de Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA, por sus siglas en inglés). Normalmente la solicitud se abre el 2 de octubre, y este año la solicitud FAFSA 2024-2025 ha tenido un relanzamiento problemático debido a múltiples fallas y contratiempos. Los estudiantes y sus familias pasaron las vacaciones de invierno esperando respuestas.
La solicitud se lanzó el 8 de enero. A medida que los estudiantes y familias completan las solicitudes, muchos retrasos y errores les han impedido completar su solicitud. Según un artículo publicado por
Chronicle of Higher Education, los problemas que enfrenta la solicitud FAFSA afectan desproporcionadamente a las familias de bajos ingresos.
Eric Hoover, el reportero del artículo de Chronicle of Higher Education, escribió sobre los muchos problemas que enfrentan los estudiantes al completar estas solicitudes.
“...En las comunidades de bajos recursos, es fácil encontrar padres que no tienen una cuenta de correo electrónico, que no saben usar una computadora, que no tienen acceso confiable a internet, que no leen en inglés…”, dijo Hoover.
Además de estos problemas, también ha habido una “falla” que hace que los padres
sin Número de Seguro Social sean excluidos de completar la solicitud.
Peggy Metzger, Directora de Ayuda Financiera y Directora Ejecutiva de Administración de Inscripciones, dijo que mientras algunos estudiantes pueden completar la solicitud sin ningún problema, otros no han podido completar el formulario debido a fallas en el sistema.
En cuanto a la “falla” que ha estado afectando a los estudiantes y padres latinos y de bajos ingresos, el departamento de ayuda financiera de Cal Poly Humboldt está al tanto del problema que está ocurriendo para estos estudiantes y no saben cuándo se podrá solucionar.
“Por lo que entiendo, no se trata de ‘Soy de bajos ingresos y por eso no puedo hacerlo’, es más sobre estudiantes con circunstancias especiales. Algunos de los métodos/circunstancias inusuales aún no están arreglados. Entonces, estos pueden ser estudiantes de bajos ingresos, estos pueden ser estudiantes de minorías subrepresentadas, pero no es por eso,” dijo Metzger. Aunque los estudiantes latine y de bajos ingresos aún no han recibido respuestas, la oficina financiera de Cal Poly Humboldt es flexible para aquellos estudiantes que aún tienen dificultades para presentar su solicitud.
“Lo que puedo decir es que seremos lo más flexibles posible con los paquetes de ayuda, lo que no puedo decir es cuándo
Students disciplined for violating CPH protest rules
Other students protest against the disciplinary actions related to Time, Manner and Place policy
by Maryanne Casas-Perez
Two students were punished for their involvement in a protest on Jan. 23 that took place outside a donor event at the Reese Bullen Gallery. They received disciplinary action for violating the campus free speech policy. As a result, they were put on deferred probation and warned not to break this policy in the future or they would face harsher consequences. Mary Mangubat, Rick Toledo and other students gathered to protest high administrators salaries and benefits while other faculty have low wages.
On Jan. 23, Dean of Students Mitch Mitchell and Associate Dean of Students Molly Kresel responded to the protest outside of the Reese Bullen Gal-
lery. Kresel approached Toledo asking if this was a CFA-related event. He explained that this protest was not linked to the CFA, it was for people who were upset with President Tom Jackson for avoiding students, staff and faculty. Although the protest was student-led, CFA Vice President Tony Silvaggio made it clear that CFA members helped organize this protest along with students.
Some of the students protesting outside the gallery went inside to see if there was an event taking place. Toledo explained he went around the back of the building to check, it was at this point that another member of their group handed him a megaphone. Toledo
walked back to the front of the gallery building with the megaphone around his shoulder. Mitchell, CFA Field Representative Maureen Loughran and UPD Lieutenant Peter Cress were seen talking. Toledo said Mitchell stopped him and grabbed his arm saying, “There’s no sound allowed.” While Loughran said, ”It’s not on, It’s not on!” Mitchell continued,“I don’t care if it’s not on, you can’t have that out here.” Toledo tried to explain it wasn’t on, he wasn’t doing anything with the megaphone at the moment.
Loughren and Silvaggio were the two CFA members present during the protest and witnessed the escalation be-
tween the student protestors and Dean of Students Mitch Mitchell. Loughren felt that Mitchell was,“Super intent on using his power and privilege to come down on students.” Students were upset at Mitchell’s initial behavior, trying to shut the protest down and telling students they could not proceed with the protest. Mitchell called UPD on the students protesting, the service log recorded that the protest was logged at 4:46 p.m.
“The policy limits us to do anything effectively, the entire point of protesting is to disrupt the activities happening, if people in power aren’t listening you can force their ear by disrupting the activ-
Indigo K. gives a speech on how student voices are being limited at Cal Poly Humboldt Student Activities Center Quad on Feb. 8. Photo by Maryanne Casas-Perez
ities they rely on for their paycheck,” Toledo said.
When asked about the events of the protest Dean Mitchell stated, “We will misconstrue falsehoods as if they are the truth to push an agenda. It troubles me because, me being a newcomer to the system, being an advocate for those BIPOC students, and being Black in a historically predominant white institution, newness is different for some of our students.” He explained that he was walking to his car when he saw people organizing. He wasn’t sure if these were students or people from the Humboldt community. He went up to the group and identified himself as a member of the administration.
Mitchell warned student protestors, “I don’t want matters to be worse for you.” Going into the building after being told not to was failing to comply with Dean Michell, which was one of the disciplinary charges. He didn’t want to say exactly what the students projected to him except that they were, ”unbecoming things.” The group of protesters began to “boo” Mitchell once they realized the cops had been called on them, this upset Mitchell and he left.
“Instead of leveling with students before it escalates, they pour gasoline on it by threatening with the time, place, and manner policy and sending police out. They met the aggression with more aggression,” Toledo said.
Subsequently, Mangubat and Toledo received an email outlining the violations: utilizing a megaphone outside
the restrictions of the Time Place and Manner Policy time frames, disruption of classes in Art B and Music B due to sound amplification, failure to comply with the Dean of Students request as a university official and blocking the entrance of the Art B building.
“They are targeting the organizers or any outspoken people. It was a predominantly BIPOC group of people,” Mangubat said.
Mangubat and Toledo received this disciplinary notice on Feb. 2 via email notifying them that they would have to appear in response to the donor meeting protest. Mangubat felt fear because only two people were being singled out; she didn’t expect the school to pursue disciplinary action. In the hearing, it was concluded that Mangubat and Toledo would be on deferred probation, meaning that if she is involved with any future protests that violate the campus policy she will be sent to another disciplinary hearing and there could be consequences depending on the situation. This initial hearing was just a warning and she will have to write a reflective paper on how she would handle future protests.
Humboldt sent out an email on Feb. 7 reminding students of the “Time, Manner and Place Policy and Free Speech Activities Policy.”
The protest seemed to be organized by multiple groups of students. Some of the protestors broke away from the main protest to chant in Founders Hall. They were followed by two members of the administration and a UPD officer. During their detour, they made other students aware of Mary and Rick’s disciplinary hearing.
“Mary has no idea who’s organizing
“The policy limits us to do anything effectively, the entire point of protesting is to disrupt the activities happening..."
- Rick Toledo
or who did the posters or anything but it sucks because they are white guys so they can’t get persecuted for doing the same thing she did,” said Isabel Acosta, a coworker of Mangubat.
“unbecoming things” student protesters yelled there was no clear answer, only his statement, “Doesn’t matter how I perceived it, it was what transpired.”
To clear up some misconceptions from the flyers, the protest, and rumors, Mangubat confirmed she did not interact with the UPD during the donor meeting protest, she does not identify as Indigenous, she didn’t know about the protest held on Feb. 8 beforehand, and in no way did Cal Poly Humboldt tell her that she couldn’t have legal representation during the disciplinary hearing.
Toledo and Mangubat learned in their disciplinary hearing that Mitchell wanted them to have probation, marks on their record, and write him a personal letter of apology. Kresel who was in the disciplinary hearing confirmed that all protests whether planned through the student life office or unplanned must abide by the campus Time, Manner, and Place Policy and Free Speech Activities Policy.
A group of students gathered in the SAC Quad on the day of their hearing to protest the disciplinary action taken against these two students. In response to the planning of the protest, Cal Poly
“Student advocacy is important, student voices need to be heard, we welcome those, but there’s a right way to do things that’s why we have policies in place to protect us,” Mitchell said. He explained that the policy is to also protect other students who want to focus on their education and not be a part of the protests.
However, when asked about the
After the protest and the disciplinary hearing, Mangubat is grateful to the students who showed their support and worry for her well-being. Despite this whole ordeal, she is not upset with the administration and is not deterred from helping students voice their opinions.
“There is less and less students can do to express their beliefs and concerns,” said Silvaggio. “As a result, at least three CFA members have filed incident reports to challenge the disciplinary action taken against Mangubat and Toledo.
Students conceal their identity during the protest with "Free Mary" signs to avoid being identified by administration at the Feb. 8 protest. Photo by Maryanne Casas-Perez
Protestors gather around CFA President Marisol Ruiz and push back against being silenced.
Photo by Maryanne Casas-Perez
Regrow
With Us!
Run for Board Membership:
Transform ideas into action. Paid positions (10-15 hrs/week) available. Help shape our campus community!
Join a Committee:
Your input matters! Receive meal stipends for every meeting attended.
Ready to bloom?
Like the lotus rising from the mud, you can rise to leadership in our student government. Scan this code to fill out an interest form today!
Candidate
Filing Period opens 3/6 & closes 3/29! associatedstudents.humboldt.edu
Regrow
With Us!
Postúlate para ser miembro de la junta
¡Hay posiciones remuneradas (10-15 horas semanales) disponibles!
¡Ayúdanos a compartir nuestra comunidad universitaria!
Únete al comité
Recibe estipendios de comida por cada reunión a la que asistas. ¡Tu opinión es importante!
¿Estás listo?
Como el loto que surge del barro, puedes ascender al liderazgo en nuestro gobierno estudiantil. ¡Escanea este código para completar un formulario de interés hoy mismo!
¡El periodo de presentación de candidaturas abre el 6 de marzo y cierra el 29 de marzo!
“Latine” replaces “Latinx”
El Leñador Style Guide Change
El Leñador’s Style Guide has been changed to adopt the term “Latine” to refer to people from Latin American countries and descendancy. “Latine” is gender neutral and, in the Spanish language, is easier to read and pronounce; it can also be used in the plural form. We are neither the first nor the last newspaper to make this change. Language is a tool that adapts and changes to the needs of society.
Exceptions to usage will be for official names and in direct quotations.
“Latine” reemplaza “Latinx”
Cambio a Manual de Estilo de El Leñador
El Manual de Estilo de El Leñador fue cambiado a adoptar el término “Latine” para referirse a personas que son de países latinoamericanos y descendencia. “Latine” es una palabra con género neutro y, en español, es más fácil de leer y pronunciar; también se puede usar de forma plural. No somos ni la primera ni la última publicación que ha hecho este cambio. El lenguaje es una herramienta que se adapta y cambia a las necesidades de la sociedad.
Las excepciones se harán a nombres oficiales y a citas exactas.
University hires coordinator to begin the repatriation of Indigenous item collection
by Peyton Leone
Cal Poly Humboldt hired Megan Watson as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act coordinator. Her role is to facilitate the transfer of legal ownership of cultural items collected by the anthropological department with oversight of a council chosen by the Native American Heritage Commision.
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act was passed in 1990 and required federally funded organizations to return human remains and objects stolen from burial sites of Indigenous peoples.
In 2001, CalNAGPRA was passed and required state-funded groups to begin the process of returning items that fall under four categories.
According to the Native American Heritage Commision (NAHC), a California committee that was created to facilitate the protection of Indigenous cultures and religions in the state, NAGPRA requires repatriation of:
-Human Remains
-Items from funeral sites
-Sacred objects (Items of cultural significance)
-Objects of cultural patrimony (Items meant to be passed down through gen-
erations)
Watson said the school does not believe items in their collection meet the definitions of CalNAGPRA and they have made it clear that those determinations are not to be decided by themselves, but through guidance and knowledge of the Indigenous peoples.
Recent CalNAGPRA legislation was passed to specifically address the stagnation of repatriation on California State University campuses.
Next steps toward repatriation
The collection is to remain sealed until CPH has established a committee to oversee the process of cataloging each item and establishing communication with all affiliated tribes.
"The official campus committee will be made up of members of tribes as well as faculty members from the campus," Watson says.
"Everything that has any potential for tribal affiliation we included those in the inventories, regardless of whether or not they met the strict definitions. Tribes should have a say as to if those items are important and what should happen to those items and where those items should go," said Marrissa Ramsier,
department chair of anthropology and formerly the interim NAGPRA coordinator before Watson.
A summary list is to be created with the oversight of a council created with the help of NAHC. THis was not previously done here at Cal Poly Humboldt. The oversight of tribal members is legally required for the process.
"When we first started looking at the collections we should've had tribes come in before we started looking and doing our summary and consulting on the process that should happen around looking at that," said Ramsier.
Under CalNAGPRA, colleges need to set up consultations and oversight committees for their collections and cannot use them for teaching or research purposes.
"I consider CalNAGPRA to be more inclusive because there's also the consideration that non-federally recognized tribes have to be repatriated as well," said Kayla Begae, an associate professor in the Native American Studies department.
"Everything that has any potential for tribal affiliation we included those in the inventories regardless of whether or not, if they met the strict definitions.
Tribes should have a say as to if those items are important and what should happen to those items and where those items should go," said Ramsier who formerly worked as the interim NAGPRA coordinator..
The process starts with creating preliminary summaries of items in the collection with tribes with the Native
American Heritage Commission. Tribes have 30 days to review, object or dispute in order for the process to start. Afterwhich, additional tribes can visit the collection and ensure that all affiliated people have been contacted. A final 90-day period takes place where the summary list is open to objections. After the 90 days, repatriation begins.
Since repatriation is to return legal control of the items, it is fully dependent on the will of each tribe to determine what they want to happen.
"Some tribes may also want the physical return of those items, some tribes may not have a space for those items to go right away and they may want them housed on campus still, and we can facilitate either of those," said Watson.
The College of Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences has funding set aside for travel costs for Indigenous people who have affiliation to the items in each collection. People who are unsure if they are affiliated with items in the collection are also invited.
"We have an open invitation to tribes to visit our collection anytime. Right now the collections are in a secured climate-controlled collections facility," Ramsier said.
Megan Watson in her office a month after being hired. Photo by Peyton Leone
Centro
Del Pueblo offers Underserved Communities Grants up
by, Alexis Consuelo Sarmiento
Centro del Pueblo invites individuals from underserved communities to propose creative projects. Topics that address a range of areas, including but not limited to, awareness, education, visibility and representation. Grants can range from $500 to $5,000.
"El Centro is encouraging people to share their talents and bring back some inspiration from their hometown and culture,” said Brenda Perez, main coordinator of CDP.
These funds became available when Humboldt Creative Alliance (HCA) worked with Humboldt County's Board of Supervisors to put $50,000 towards supporting projects from diverse backgrounds. Including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities and other underserved communities.
The money is entrusted to groups by HCA to manage and decide how funds get dispersed.
Daniel Chaidez AKA "Ashy," a senior at Cal Poly Humboldt studying botany, has been working as a liaison for CDP since September and helps out with gardening initiatives.
Chaidez says that one only needs a rough draft for the project, and can be
to $5k
able to provide a timeline budget for it. Chaidez hopes that this funding can be brought back yearly because of the legislation that is supporting it.
“I hope that culture can be celebrated and shared amongst the community through this wonderful project,” Chaidez says.
All activities related to the Underserved Communities Fund should benefit the community and be free of charge to anyone choosing to attend. Applicants must live in Humboldt County and the proposed project must be located in Humboldt County. It's encouraged for members of historically marginalized communities, residents, and immigrants in rural locations to apply.
“Regardless of the terms this grant will bring justice to the people who have been deprived from accessing grants like these,” Perez says.
The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024. If approved, applicants will need to submit a report including photos and a statement about the use of their grant by November 15th, 2024
Visit CdPueblo.com for updates and contact grants@cdpueblo.com for more information.
El Fondo para Comunidades Desatendidas del Centro Del Pueblo otorga hasta 5k
por Alexis Consuelo Sarmiento, Traducido por Jennifer Reyes
El Centro del Pueblo invita a personas de comunidades desatendidas a proponer proyectos creativos sobre diversos temas, incluyendo, pero no limitándose a, concientización, educación, visibilidad y representación. Las subvenciones pueden oscilar entre $500 y $5000.
“El Centro anima a las personas a compartir sus talentos y traer algo de inspiración de su ciudad natal y su cultura”, dijo Brenda Pérez, coordinadora principal de CDP.
Estos fondos se hicieron disponibles cuando Humboldt Creative Alliance (HCA) trabajó con la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Humboldt para destinar $50,000 para apoyar proyectos de orígenes diversos. Esto incluye a personas BIPOC, LGBTQ+, personas con discapacidades y otras comunidades desatendidas.
Los fondos son confiados por HCA a grupos para administrarlos y decidir cómo se distribuyen los fondos.
Daniel Chaidez, también conocido como "Ashy", estudiante de último año en Cal Poly Humboldt estudiando botánica, ha trabajado como enlace para CDP desde septiembre y colabora con iniciativas de jardinería.
Chaidez menciona que solamente se necesita un borrador del proyecto y pro-
porcionar un presupuesto con un cronograma para el mismo. Chaidez espera que este financiamiento pueda ser renovado anualmente debido a la legislación que lo respalda.
“Espero que la cultura pueda ser celebrada y compartida entre la comunidad a través de este maravilloso proyecto”, dice Chaidez.
Todas las actividades relacionadas con el Fondo para Comunidades Desatendidas deberían beneficiar a la comunidad y ser gratuitas para cualquiera que decida asistir. Los solicitantes deben vivir en el condado de Humboldt y el proyecto propuesto debe estar ubicado en el condado de Humboldt. Se alienta a los miembros de comunidades históricamente marginadas, residentes e inmigrantes en zonas rurales a que apliquen.
“Independientemente de los términos, este subsidio traerá justicia a las personas que se han visto privadas de acceder a subsidios como este”, dice Pérez.
La fecha límite para presentar una solicitud es el 15 de marzo de 2024. Si se aprueba, el solicitante deberá presentar un informe que incluya fotografías y una declaración sobre el uso de su subsidio antes del 15 de noviembre de 2024.
Visite CdPueblo.com para actual-
Picture on the left shows Brenda Perez, Second on the right, with 3 peers infront of Humboldt County Court house on Jan. 19 after HCA accepted use for grants, picture courtesy of Daniel Chaidez
Picture on the right shows Brenda Perez and peers at info. session on Jan. 19, picture courtesy of Daniel Chaidez
Soy Artista: Filipina dancer expresses fluidity through movement
by Lila Salinas
The chromatic lights of the stage illuminate the ceiling and the dancefloor. Hues of purple, pink, blue and green geometric patterns interweave around the room. She hypnotizes her viewers with chiffon scarfs and fans as she gracefully moves creating elegant visuals that represent love, freedom and fluidity. The crowd is fueled by her energy as she performs once more because she is a dancer.
Kris-theja Soliman, also known as Kris-theja Love, has been a resident dancer of Humboldt County for the last two years. Originally from Sacramento, Soliman's connection with Humboldt’s arboraceous landscapes and scenic coastal views influenced her decision to move to Humboldt and grow as a member of the arts community.
“Humboldt was calling me in to find myself and reveal parts of myself that had the potential to grow, and here I am now constantly blossoming into the woman I have always wanted to be and meant to be,” Soliman said.
Soliman is also a part of various troupes and teams throughout California.
“I dance with the Vagabond Dancers here in Humboldt and fire dance with Lost Coast Flow Fusion. The Vagabond Dancers were started through Arcane Artistes and the team has grown so much! Filled with amazing local flow artists and Cal Poly Dance Major students!” Soliman added.
Ako ay mestiza na dancerina
Kris-theja is a first generation American of Filipino descent. Her father, who also had interests in breakdancing as a young adult, supports her art and continues to teach her about Filipino culture and language.
“My family used to choreograph these cute little dances and film themselves, and my dad was a pretty good break dancer back in his day,” Soliman said.
Her family’s traditional values intersect with Soliman’s art in modern culture. There’s a question on how the two viewpoints can harmoniously coexist within her family unit.
“As a mestiza, my grandma is very proud but also she’s a little hesitant just because of the atmosphere of where I dance it’s up for interpretation and perception but for the most they’re very happy for me and they love to see that i'm living life to the fullest and I’m loving myself while I’m doing that and i think that’s very important for them,” Soliman said.
Healing through Dance
“The feeling when dancing is so ethereal and elevating. I feel very free, I feel very present, I feel very aligned with my body and self as a whole, and
this all collectively feels amazing! Sometimes I’m feeling pain when I dance, and through that movement can be so healing and allow me to process my emotions.”
Venues and Style of Dance
Soliman's style of dance ranges from high energetic to free-form dancing.
“During my performances, I dance classic go-go, tutting, hip hop, and contemporary based on the different genres of music. Fire dancing can be more fluid and flowy movements and can also be very technical.” Soliman said.
She connects to her roots and kinship through her dance.
”I’ve been dancing all of my life. I have a dance background from since I was a little girl. I think what got me into it was that I have a family who placed such importance around music and dancing.” Soliman said.
Dancing for Tomorrow
Soliman hopes to continue her education and return to school to finish up her degree in Liberal Arts. Soiman says, “I would like to go back for Arts - photography and dance. I would like to be at a point in my dancing career where I could teach others.”
Kris-theja’s versatility and adaptability towards different styles of dance give her opportunities to dance at public festivals, like Northern Nights or private parties.
“In 10 years, I would like to have heightened my skills and definitely be higher on the professional dancer ladder, having performed for bigger festivals and travel out of the country and do those kinds of things,” Kris-theja said.
For information about upcoming dance events or Kris-theja’s performances, you can follow on her social media @Kristhejalovecontent or her dance groups @loco.flowfusion and @vagabond_dancers.
From Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
Click this QR Code to watch Soy Artista Video
Photos of Kristheja Solomon | Photos courtesy of Dakota Cox, former Lumberjack and Cal-Poly Humboldt Alumni.
Soy Artista: Bailarina Filipina expresa fluidez a través de movimiento
escrito y traducido por Lila
Salinas
Las luces cromáticas del escenario iluminan el techo y la pista de baile. Tonos de morado, rosa, azul y verde se entrelazan en patrones geométricos alrededor de la habitación. Ella hipnotiza a sus espectadores con pañuelos de gasa y abanicos mientras se mueve con gracia creando imágenes elegantes que representan el amor, la libertad y la fluidez. El público se alimenta de su energía mientras actúa una vez más porque ella es una bailarina.
Kris-theja Soliman, también conocida como Kris-theja Love, ha sido una bailarina residente del condado de Humboldt durante los últimos dos años. Originaria de Sacramento, la conexión de Soliman a los paisajes arbóreos y las vistas pintorescas de la costa de Humboldt influyeron en su decisión de mudarse a Humboldt y crecer como miembro de la comunidad artística.
"Humboldt me llamaba a encontrarme a mí misma y revelar partes de mí misma que tenían el potencial de crecer, y aquí estoy ahora, floreciendo constantemente en la mujer que siempre he querido ser y que estaba destinada a ser", dijo Soliman.
Soliman también es parte de varios grupos y equipos en todo California.
"Bailo con los Vagabond Dancers aquí en Humboldt y bailo fuego con Lost Coast Flow Fusión. ¡Los Vagabond Dancers iniciaron a través de Arcane Artistes y el equipo ha crecido mucho!. ¡Lleno de increíbles artistas locales de flow y estudiantes de danza de Cal Poly!", agregó Soliman.
Soy una bailarina mestiza
Kris-theja es una estadounidense de primera generación de ascendencia filipina. Su padre, que cuando era joven también tenía interés en el breakdance, apoya su arte y continúa enseñándole sobre la cultura y el idioma filipino.
"Mi familia solía coreografiar lindos bailes y se filmaban a sí mismos, y mi papá era un bailarín de break dance bastante bueno en su época", dijo Soliman.
Los valores tradicionales de su familia se entrelazan con el arte de Soliman en la cultura moderna. Surge la pregunta sobre cómo pueden los dos puntos de vista coexistir armoniosamente entre su familia.
"Como mestiza, mi abuela está muy orgullosa, pero también está un poco renuente solamente por el ambiente en donde bailó, el cual está sujeto a interpretación y percepción, pero en su mayoría están muy felices por mí y les encanta ver que estoy viviendo la vida al máximo y me estoy amando a mí misma mientras lo hago y creo que eso es muy importante para ellos", dijo Soliman.
Sanando a través de la danza
"La sensación al bailar es muy etérea y estimulante. Me siento muy libre, me siento muy presente, me siento muy alineada con mi cuerpo y con mí misma, ¡y todo esto colectivamente se siente increíble! A veces cuando siento dolor, bailo y ese movimiento puede ser muy sanador y me permite procesar mis emociones".
Lugares y estilo de baile
El estilo de bailede Soliman varía de bailes enérgicos a bailes de forma libre.
"Durante mis actuaciones, bailo go-go clásico, tutting, hip hop y contemporáneo según los diferentes géneros musicales. La danza del fuego puede ser más fluida y también puede ser muy técnica", dijo Soliman.
Ella se conecta con sus raíces y su parentesco a través de su danza.
“He estado bailando toda mi vida. Tengo una formación de baile desde que era una niña. Creo que lo que me llevó a esto fue que tengo una familia que le da mucha importancia a la música y al baile", dijo Soliman.
Bailando para el mañana
Soliman espera continuar su educación y regresar a la escuela para terminar su licenciatura en Artes Liberales."Me gustaría volver a las Artes: la fotografía y la danza.
Me gustaría estar en un punto de mi carrera como bailarina en el que pudiera enseñar a otros",dijo Soliman.
La versatilidad y adaptabilidad de Kris-theja hacia diferentes estilos de baile le brindan la oportunidad de bailar en festivales públicos, como Northern Nights, o en fiestas privadas.
"En 10 años, me gustaría haber mejorado mis habilidades y definitivamente estar más arriba en la escala de bailarines profesionales, habiendo actuado en festivales más grandes y viajar fuera del país y hacer ese tipo de cosas", dijo Kris-theja.
Para obtener información sobre los próximos eventos de baile o actuaciones de Kris-theja, puede seguirla en sus redes sociales @Kristhejalovecontent o sus grupos de baile @loco. flowfusion y @vagabond_dancers.
Q & A with Monique Harper-Desir, Humboldt media creator and community organizer
By Jacqueline V Espinoza
Monique Harper-Desir (She/Her/ They/Them), 33, is a community organizer and Co-Founder of Black Humboldt (BH). Coming from the east coast she’s committed to uplifting the Black community here in Humboldt. Below is a Q&A discussing a bit about who she is, what her work consists of and her inspirations.
Q: Where are you from?
A: born in Western Massachusetts have lived in New York, North Carolina and Florida but spend most of my upbringing in Springfield and Amherst, Massachusetts. Moved to Humboldt to be a part of the cannabis culture and industry, I was especially interested in living outside of capitalism for as long as I could.
Q: What organizations/groups are you currently connected to?
A: Black Humboldt, Queer Humboldt, The Ink People, Access Humboldt, Open Art Organization, Cal Poly Humboldt and a number of local schools. I also find myself supporting a number of BIPOC groups and gatherings as a community member.
Q: How was your experience at Access Humboldt?
A: I really enjoyed my admin and development role at Access Humboldt and will continue to foster opportunities and collaborations with the staff and projects they’ve got going on. I value the AH mission and the work they’re putting in for access! I will continue connecting them with community voices through their solutions journalism project that I helped design, The RLP.
Q: What does community mean to you?
A: I’m big on community, which there’s always levels too. Being in the community at large is really a series of meeting folx and creating a web for how we’re all connected and can support each other. But on a personal level creating and maintaining a safe and supportive, joyous and authentic relationship with the folx around me who are in similar walks of life as myself is meaningful. This is my community but a lot of these people have become my chosen family. Especially as I live so far away from where I grew up and my blood family. I’ve always been surrounded by people - it takes a village and that’s so true. It can be easy to surround
yourself with people who don’t fill you in the right ways. So I want to add that the community is not stagnate or fixed but ever changing and evolving.
Q: What are your sources of inspiration?
A: Over time different things have inspired me. A lot of my work is inspired by the people and the struggle that I am connected to, but I have found a new found inspiration in ease which is something I feel I’ve been able to connect with after starting and being intentional with my personal healing journey. It has inspired me to really think back on the times I was in survival mode or any fast paced part of my life that I never got to analyze and really deconstruct who that person was. I am also really fascinated by the migration of my ancestors and folklore stories as well as new uncovered truths I am able to learn as new histories are revealed.
Q: You’re the director of Admin and Development for Access Humboldt, what has your experience there been like?
A: I am no longer the director of admin and development at AH but work closely with their solutions based journal-
ism project The RLP. I very much enjoyed my time at AH and was driven in that position to bring as many unheard voices to the resources they have available there.
Q: What would you want to say to BIPOC up-and-coming graphic/web designers?
A: Keep it up, design and decolonize the field. Digital media is lacking our stories so I want you to recognize how much you’re needed and necessary in those spaces and how keeping your voice and your vision your own is also vital.
Q: Are there any recent or future events you’ve collaborated with or helped plan out?
A: Look out for Juneteenth in June, Pride month is also in June. I hope to release a new art project that includes music and visual art in April. Also my website has a great collection of fun local art things going on.
Photos courtesy of Monique Harper-Desir
Entrevista con Monique Harper-Desir, creadora de medios y organizadora comunitaria de Humboldt
Por Jacqueline V Espinoza
Monique Harper-Desir (ella/ellas/ ellos), 33 años, es una organizadora comunitaria y cofundadora de Black Humboldt. Procedente de la costa este, está comprometida en mejorar la comunidad Negra aquí en Humboldt. A continuación se presenta una entrevista en forma de preguntas y respuestas en donde se describe quién es ella, en qué consiste su trabajo y sus inspiraciones.
P: ¿De dónde es usted?
R: Nací en el oeste de Massachusetts y he vivido en Nueva York, Carolina del Norte y Florida, pero pasé la mayor parte de mi crianza en Springfield y Amherst, Massachusetts. Me mudé a Humboldt para ser parte de la industria y cultura del cannabis, especialmente estaba interesada en vivir fuera del capitalismo durante el mayor tiempo posible.
P: ¿A qué grupos/organizaciones está actualmente conectada?
R: Black Humboldt, Queer Humboldt, The Ink People, Access Humboldt, Open Art Organization, Cal Poly Humboldt y otras escuelas locales. También me encuentro apoyando a varios grupos y encuentros BIPOC(persona Negra, Indígena o persona de color) como miembro de la comunidad.
P: ¿Cómo fue su experiencia en Access Humboldt?
R: Realmente disfruté mi papel como administradora y de desarrollo en Access Humboldt y continuaré fomentando oportunidades y colaboraciones con el personal y los proyectos en los que ya están trabajando.Yo valoro la misión de AH y el trabajo que están reali-
zando para el acceso. Continuaré conectándolos con voces de la comunidad a través de su proyecto de periodismo que ayudé a diseñar,The RLP.
P: Para usted, ¿qué significa comunidad?
R: Me apasiona construir una comunidad fuerte. Estar en una comunidad realmente implica una serie de encuentros con personas y crear una red para entender cómo todos estamos conectados y cómo podemos apoyarnos mutuamente. Pero a nivel personal, crear y mantener una relación segura y de apoyo, alegre y auténtica con las personas a mi alrededor que están en situa-
ciones similares a la mía, significa mucho. Esta es mi comunidad, pero muchas de estas personas se han convertido en mi familia. Especialmente porque vivo tan lejos de casa y de mi familia de sangre. Siempre he estado rodeada de gente; como dice el dicho, que se necesita todo un pueblo y eso es muy cierto. Puede ser fácil rodearse de personas que no te llenan de las maneras correctas. Así que quiero añadir que la comunidad siempre está cambiando y evolucionando.
´
P: ¿Cuáles son sus fuentes de inspiración?
R: Con el tiempo, diferentes cosas me han inspirado. Gran parte de mi trabajo está inspirado en las personas y la lucha a la que estoy conectada, pero he encontrado una nueva inspiración en un estado de calma, algo con lo que siento que he podido conectar después de ser intencional con mi viaje personal de sanación. Me ha inspirado a reflexionar realmente sobre los momentos en que estaba en modo supervivencia o cualquier parte acelerada de mi vida que
nunca pude analizar y realmente descifrar quién era esa persona. También estoy muy fascinada por la migración de mis ancestros y las historias del folclore, así como las nuevas verdades descubiertas que puedo aprender a medida que se revelan nuevas historias.
P: Usted es la directora de Administración y Desarrollo de Access Humboldt, ¿cómo ha sido su experiencia allí?
R: Ya no soy la directora pero aún trabajo estrechamente con su proyecto de periodismo, The RLP. Disfruté mi tiempo en Access Humboldt y estaba comprometida en ese puesto en tratar de ayudar aquellos que tienen dificultad para encontrar recursos que tienen disponible en AH.
P: ¿Qué le gustaría decir a los diseñadores gráficos/web BIPOC emergentes?
R: Sigan adelante, diseñen y descolonizen este campo de estudio. Los medios digitales carecen de nuestras historias y quiero que ustedes reconozcan cuánto se les necesita y que tan necesarios con estos espacios, y también lo importante que es mantener sus voces y visión propia.
P: ¿Hay algún evento reciente o futuro en que haya colaborado o ayudado a planificar?
R: Estén atentos a Junio, el Mes del Orgullo también es en junio. Espero lanzar también un nuevo proyecto de arte que incluya música y arte visual en el mes de abril. Además, mi sitio web tiene una gran colección de cosas divertidas de arte local que están sucediendo en Humboldt.
MONDAY - THURSDAY
FRIDAY SATURDAY
THE UMOJA CENTER FOR PAN AFRICAN STUDENT EXCELLENCE WELCOMES YOU! 10AM - 6PM 10AM - 2PM 11AM - 2PM
FOR OUR STUDENTS, WE OFFER ACADEMIC ADVISING, PEER ACADEMIC COACHING AND TUTORING, FREE PRINTING, ONGOING WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, A HOME AWAY FROM HOME!
NELSON HALL EAST RM 206
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING OUR SERVICES, CONTACT: UMOJA@HUMBOLDT.EDU OR 707-826-4588
INSCRIPCIÓN
ABIERTA
11 de enero al 3 de abril
Escuela pública gratuita Grados Pre-Kinder a 5to grado
Enseñamos en español e inglés
Ofrecemos arte y música
Valoramos la cultura y el lenguaje
Prácticas restaurativas
Aprendizaje socioemocional
Los padres pueden ayudar en clase
Fuente Nueva es una escuela chárter pública y GRATUITA situada en el distrito de Arcata
1730 Janes Road, Arcata para más información llame 707-822-3348 www.fuentenueva.org
OPEN ENROLLMENT
January 10 to April 3
Pre-Kinder to 5th grade
Instruction in Spanish and English
Cultural arts and Music
Value community and belonging
Restorative practices
Social Emotional Learning
Before and after school program
Family involvement
1730 Janes Road, Arcata For more information call 707-822-3348 www.fuentenueva.org
Fuente Nueva is a FREE public charter school located in the Arcata School District
Women engineer club supports students in their major
Society of Women Engineers club to host networking event March 25
By Ben Hernandez
Cal Poly Humboldt’s student club, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), will host a “Chat with Professionals” event for students to network with both faculty and local women in engineering on March 25 at 5 p.m. at a location to be determined and announced on their Instagram, @swe_humboldt.
SWE seeks to create a safe space as well as foster a community for female scholars within the School of Engineering and STEM as a whole. SWE is a national nonprofit organization that strives to highlight the achievements of non-male individuals as leaders and engineers, according to their website. Cal Poly Humboldt’s educational chapter of SWE was established in 1997 and is a part of the larger national organization.
Claire Cason is a sophomore studying Environmental Resources Engineering at CPH and is the SWE club president. Cason emphasized the club's importance as a place where women can come to feel a sense of inclusivity and belonging, as well as get support from peers and faculty.
For Cason, she admits that one of the main benefits of SWE is retention, in the sense that it keeps women, who otherwise might switch majors due to a lack of support, in the engineering program.
“I know a couple of girls who’ve already left the program and moved onto different majors because either it was too hard, too demanding, or they just didn’t feel supported,” Cason said. “When I was a freshman, and I would see the senior girls in the club and they were all so cool and so smart, and I was like, ‘I can do this’ because they want people to continue to do engineering even though it sucks and it's hard.”
In the fall semester of 2023, 86 students (31%) out of 274 undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Engineering identified as female, according to Cal Poly Humboldt’s Institu-
tional Research, Analytics, and Reporting (IRAR) enrollment demographics.
“It’s a little tough sometimes,” said Neeshelle Jaimes, a sophomore also studying environmental resource engineering, and SWE student officer.
“The important thing we really want to emphasize about SWE is the safe space aspect.”
At the time of publication, engineering program faculty gender demographics were unable to be confirmed. For engineering students overall, 51% identified as white, and the number of BIPOC female students in engineering is unclear, according to the same IRAR data.
“The faculty who are women have definitely helped out,” Jaimes said. “I think many non-women in engineering
have a lot of people to look up to and to admire, and sometimes it’s harder to find that with women, especially how pressured it can feel.”
Christa Meingast is an assistant professor in the School of Engineering and faculty advisor for SWE.
“I really do like what SWE is doing,” Meingast said. “As a woman engineer, a lot of the times all we really need is to feel confident, and have a community, and to feel supported, and that's what SWE does for women engineers.”
For Meingast, SWE’s true benefits lie not only in the club’s platform for open discussion amongst peers but also in opportunities for students to meet and network with real women engineers who work within the community.
“If you look at the statistics of wom-
en engineers in the United States, there’s around 17% women engineers and the rest are men, and women make up [about] 50% of the workforce,” Meingast said. “We should have a larger percentage of that be engineering women as well…and I think that is changing.”
SWE hosts an array of different events throughout the year including study sessions, team-building activities, time-management courses, goal-setting workshops and the occasional holiday party.
SWE meets every other Monday in Alistair McCrone Hall (AMH room 5) at 5 p.m. They can be reached via email swe@humboldt.edu or through their Instagram @swe_humboldt.
Read translated story on page 16.
SWE club members. Left to right: Neeshelle Jaimes, Claire Cason, Jenna Crum, Zoë Banks. Photo provided by Claire Cason.
El club de mujeres de Ingeniería apoyan a estudiantes en su carrera
por Ben Hernandez y traducido por Yocelin Rios
El club estudiantil de Cal Poly Humboldt, la Sociedad de Mujeres Ingenieras (SWE, por sus siglas en inglés), estarán organizando un evento llamado “Chat with Professionals” para que los estudiantes establezcan contactos tanto con profesores como con mujeres locales de ingeniería el 25 de marzo a las 5 p.m. en una ubicación que todavía no se ha determinado y será anunciada en su página de Instagram, @swe_humboldt.
La SWE busca crear un espacio seguro y fomentar una comunidad para académicas dentro de la Escuela de Ingeniería y STEM en su totalidad. Según su sitio web, la SWE es una organización nacional sin fines de lucro que se esfuerza por resaltar los logros de individuos no masculinos como líderes e ingenieros. El capítulo educativo de la SWE en Cal Poly Humboldt fue establecido en 1997 y forma parte de la organización nacional más grande.
Clair Cason, es una estudiante de segundo año de Ingeniería de Recursos Ambientales en CPH y es la presidenta del club SWE. Cason enfatizó la importancia del club como un espacio donde las mujeres pueden sentir inclusión y pertenencia, así como recibir apoyo de sus compañeras y profesores.
Para Cason, uno de los principales beneficios de SWE es la retención, en el sentido que mantiene a las mujeres, que de lo contrario podrían cambiar de carrera debido a la falta de apoyo en el programa de ingeniería.
“Conozco a algunas compañeras que ya abandonaron el programa y se cambiaron a carreras diferentes porque era demasiado difícil, exigente, o simplemente no se sentían apoyadas”, dijo Cason. “Cuando yo era una estudiante de primer año, y veía a otras mujeres en
su último año de escuela en el club y ellas eran geniales e inteligentes, yo pensaba ‘Yo puedo hacer esto’ porque ellas quieren que la gente continúe en Ingeniería aunque sea difícil y complicado”.
En el semestre de otoño de 2023, 86 estudiantes (31%) de 274 estudiantes universitarios de pregrado y posgrado en la Escuela de Ingeniería se identificaron como mujeres, según las estadísticas de inscripción de Cal Poly Humboldt.
“Es un poco difícil a veces”, dijo Neeshelle Jaimes, también estudiante de segundo año de Ingeniería de Recursos Ambientales y oficial estudiantil de SWE. “Lo importante que realmente queremos enfatizar sobre SWE es el aspecto de un espacio seguro”.
En el momento de la publicación, no se pudo confirmar las estadísticas de género del cuerpo docente del programa de ingeniería. Para los estudiantes de ingeniería en general, el 51% se identifican como blancos, y el número de estudiantes mujeres de ingeniería BIPOC no está claro, de acuerdo a los mismos datos del Institutional Research, Analytics, and Reporting (IRAR) de Cal Poly Humboldt.
“Las profesoras que son mujeres definitivamente nos han ayudado” dijo Jaimes. “Creo que muchas personas que no son mujeres en ingeniería tienen muchas personas a quienes admirar, y a veces es difícil encontrar eso con mujeres, especialmente con lo presionadas que pueden sentirse”.
Christa Meingast es una profesora asistente en la Escuela de Ingeniería y la asesora de facultad para SWE.
“Realmente me gusta lo que SWE está haciendo”, dijo Meingast. “Como ingeniera, muchas veces todo lo que en
verdad necesitamos es sentirnos seguras, tener una comunidad y sentirnos apoyadas, y es lo que SWE hace por las ingenieras”.
Para Meingast, los verdaderos beneficios de SWE no solo están en la plataforma del club para la discusión entre compañeras, sino también en las oportunidades para que los estudiantes conozcan y establezcan contactos con mujeres ingenieras reales que trabajan dentro de la comunidad.
“Si ves las estadísticas de mujeres en ingeniería en los Estados Unidos, hay alrededor de 17% de ingenieras y el resto son hombres, las mujeres componen más o menos el 50% de la fuerza laboral”, dijo Meingast. “Deberíamos tener un porcentaje más grande de mujeres como ingenieras también… y yo creo que
eso está cambiando”.
SWE organiza una variedad de eventos durante todo el año, incluidas sesiones de estudio, actividades de formación de equipos, cursos de gestión de tiempo, talleres de establecimiento de metas y ocasionalmente una fiesta de vacaciones.
SWE se reúne cada dos lunes en Alistar McCrone Hall (sala 5 de AMH) a las 5 p.m. Se pueden contactar por correo electrónico en swe@humboldt. edu o a través de su Instagram @swe_humboldt.
Members of SWE at ENGR Club Day, Fall 2023 | Photo courtesy Claire Cason
t
Where Are Our Hermanas? And why can’t I
By Jacqueline V. Espinoza
To be considered a Hispanic-serving institution, enrollment for undergraduate full-time Hispanic students must be at least 25%. According to the Institutional Research, Analytics, and Reporting for Cal Poly Humboldt, CPH has a percentage of 29.3% of Latine students. Why does this matter?
Well, as a Latina who’s going to a Hispanic Serving Institution, I don’t feel there’s been much served to us. It’s my final semester and throughout my four years of being here, not only have I noticed a lack in uniting the community but as well as support and representation for us. 1,026 Latinas accounted for 30% of all women-identified students in fall 2023 and 58% of the Latine population on campus in fall 2023. Even though we are one-third of the female student population on campus we have little to no guidance in the institution. There are no active clubs or organizations helping us to connect to one another.
“I came to a Hispanic-serving insti-
find us on campus?
tution hoping I could get some guidance from my community but all of my professors have been white men; except for in EOP, I had one Latina instructor,” said sophomore Ahtalya Ramirez who majors in Mechanical Engineering. Of course, some programs such as
EOP connect us to students with the same issues, such as being underserved, but is that it? El Centro Académico Cultural de Humboldt has had little support from our institution with still no professional coordinator since June of 2023 and Hermanxs Unidas has been inactive
for almost a year now. We need to do better for this community if we want to be labeled as a Hispanic-serving institution, otherwise, why claim the title?
When we make up over half of the Hispanic/Latine community on campus, it’s pretty confusing when we don’t see that representation amongst our faculty. With only 20 Hispanic female faculty members out of the 531, there’s only 3.77% of faculty that we can confide in when it comes to challenges that regard our cultural background.
“I came from Los Angeles where there’s tons of Latinos and I was hoping to feel that same sense of community coming to an HSI but it’s been really hard making friends or connections that can understand the cultural context I’m coming from,” said sophomore Jazmin Alcocer who majors in Cellular and Molecular Biology.
The Hermanadad rarely asks for anything from this institution. The least it could give us is recognition, and here I am asking for it.
¿En dónde están nuestras hermanas? ¿Por qué no puedo encontrarnos en el campus?
Para que una universidad pueda ser considerada una institución de servicio a la comunidad hispana, las inscripciones de estudiantes hispanos de tiempo completo de licenciatura de primer año deben formar un mínimo del 25%. De acuerdo a la Institutional Research, Analytics, and Reporting para Cal Poly Humboldt, la universidad tiene un porcentaje de 29.3% de estudiantes latine. ¿Por qué importa esto?
Bueno, como latina que asiste a una Institución de Servicio a los Hispanos (HSI, por sus siglas en inglés), no siento que exista mucho servicio hacia nosotros. Este es mi último semestre y a lo largo de mis cuatro años aquí, no solamente he notado una falta de comunidad sino que también de apoyo y representación para nosotros.
1,026 latinas conformaron el 30% de la población de mujeres en el otoño de 2023 y el 58% de la población latine en en ese mismo año. A pesar de que conformamos un tercio de la población femenina estudiantil, no tenemos suficiente guía dentro de esta institución. No hay clubes activos u organizaciones que nos ayuden a conectar entre nosotros.
“Vine a una institución que sirve a la comunidad hispana con la esperanza de poder recibir orientación de mi comunidad, pero todos mis profesores han sido hombres blancos; excepto en el Programa de Oportunidades Educativas (EOP, por sus siglas en inglés), tuve una instructora latina”, dije Ahtalya Ramírez, estudiante de segundo año que se especializa en Ingeniería Mecánica.
Por supuesto, algunos programas
como el EOP nos conectan con estudiantes que tienen los mismos problemas, como ser desatendido, pero ¿es eso todo? El Centro Académico Cultural de Humboldt ha tenido poco apoyo por parte de nuestra institución y continúa sin un coordinador profesional desde junio de 2023 y Hermanxs Unidas ha estado inactivo durante casi un año. Necesitamos hacer algo por nuestra comunidad si queremos ser etiquetados como una Institución que sirve a la comunidad hispana si no, ¿pará qué reclamar ese título?
Cuando representamos más de la mitad de la comunidad hispana/latina en el campus, es bastante confuso cuando no vemos esa representación entre nuestro cuerpo docente. Con únicamente 20 mujeres hispanas entre los 531 profesores, solo hay un 3.77% de
profesores en el que podemos confiar cuando se trata de desafíos relacionados con nuestro origen cultural.
"Vengo de Los Ángeles, donde hay un montón de latinos y esperaba sentir el mismo sentido de comunidad al venir a una HSI, pero ha sido realmente difícil hacer amigos o conexiones que puedan entender el contexto cultural del que vengo", dije Jazmin Alcocer, estudiante de segundo año que se especializa en Biología Celular y Molecular.
La Hermandad rara vez pide algo a esta institución. Lo mínimo que podría hacer es reconocernos, y eso es lo que estoy pidiendo.
Jacqueline V. Espinoza hopes to see more unity amongst Latinas. Photo by Peyton Leone
Por Jacqueline V. Espinoza
Staff Picks: BIPOC Women in film
Ben Hernandez: Jackie Brown (1997) Crime Drama/Thriller
Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) is a flight attendant who gets busted for trying to smuggle a half a million dollars cash for her arms dealer boss (Sammuel L. Jackson). She has two choices: stay silent and face jail time or cooperate with the police and die. She decides instead to swindle both the police and her gangster boss, and hatches a plan to keep the half a million for herself.
This is a classic 90s Tarantino movie, not as well known as his other films, but just as smooth and dialogue-heavy. With a solid cast, and vibes reminiscent of a classic blaxploitation film, this flick will keep you glued to your TV screen as you listen closely to hear what characters will say next.
Jacqueline V. Espinoza: Bottoms (2023) Satirical Teen Comedy
Directed by Emma Seligman, Ayo Edbiri and Rachel Sennott play high schoolers Josie and PJ, two virgin lesbian BFFs who start a feminist “self-defense club” after rumors circulate that Josie and PJ went to juvie after accidentally bumping Jeff, the school star quarterback and Isabel's boyfriend, which result in a broken knee and everyone gossiping that they fought him. The two girls respectively plot on getting with popular cheerleaders Isabel and Brittany after gaining attention. With a continuous lie and a violent club troubles arise and heroes are recognized after getting into drama with the school's football team. I love Bottoms as it’s not only funny but up to date with today's social commentary. This movie is exactly what we need for today's generation. It brings back classic teenage comedy from early 2000s movies such as The Hot Chick or Not Another Teen Movie but with a queer twist. Finally, our generation gets to be seen on the big screen without any backhanded compliments. Plus, Ayo Edibiri, why wouldn’t it be great?
Kimberly Alexsandra Madrigal: Real Women Have Curves (2002) Comedy/Drama
Ana Garcia is a first generation Mexican-American girl from East LA and recent Beverly Hills High graduate, played by America Ferrera. She struggles with wanting to attend college, though her father and sister support her, her overbearing mother Carmen doesn't approve and wants her to begin working and providing for their family at their familiar textile shop and soon become a wife and mother. I loved this movie because of how close to home it hits. It's Latina-led, LA based and emotionally showcases the honest truth and reality for many first gens who struggle with having to leave their close-knit families' and “their plans” for us, to create our own path. This film was also the first latina directed film to be selected by congress to be preserved in the U.S National Film Registry in 2019.
Lila Salinas: Destilando Amor (2007) Drama/Telenovela
Angelica Rivera plays a strong woman who is a Jimadora (Agave Harvester) living in poverty with her mother. She falls in love with a plantation owner’s son and despite the differences in wealth and class, he falls for the Jimadora.
Destiny and his family take part in separating the lovers due to the inequalities of their social class. After finding out his plans to marry a woman within his social class, she moves to London, gets an education and eventually becomes a self-made successful woman in the Tequila industry. The two cross paths again but she is scornful about their separation and his decision to marry someone else. Eventually, the truth comes to light about his family’s manipulation to separate the couple and his wife’s financial motivations to divorce him. The couple reunite and form a beautiful family. The novela also depicts and describes the process of Destilando (production process) Tequila - which is a rare process to see from Seed to Distribution. Angelica Rivera is a successful Mexican Actress. She was also first-lady of Mexico from 2012-2018. I admire her philanthropist endeavors and beauty.
Maryanne Casas-Perez: Killing Eve (2018)
Spy Thriller
Security Operative from Britain, Eve Polastri becomes part of a secret service team tracking down an international assassin. She becomes obsessed with
finding this assassin and when she does they engage in a love/hate relationship. I loved this show because it gave a different perspective on how sometimes the people outside of your relationship know you better than your current partner. The relationship dynamic between Eve and the assassin is funny and to some point relatable.
Peyton Leone: Abbot Elementary (2021-2024) Seasons 1-3
Comedy/Drama
Abbot Elementary is a comedy series about a public school in Philadelphia. The show is centered around Janine, played by the show's writer Quinta Brunson (who just won an Emmy for her role), a new teacher at Abbot Elementary. Along with laugh out loud jokes there is a moving story about personal development, navigating a new career and what it means to work in a school that is underserved. I loved this show because watching Janine level up and grow into a new person was really inspiring. I rewatched the show with my mom and we enjoyed each episode together.
Directory Resources for the Latinx Community | Recursos para la comunidad Latinx
Bilingual News
El Leñador
Distributed in Fortuna, Eureka, Arcata, McKinleyville and Trinidad
Social Services Education
Paso a Paso
Provides FREE programs and services, including CalFresh and Healthy Kids Humboldt, childbirth education, breastfeeding support, and parenting classes. Call for an appointment.
Proveyendo a las familias con programas y servicios incluyendo CalFresh y Healthy Kids Humboldt, educación sobre el parto, apoyo a la lactancia materna y clases para padres. Llama para una cita.
2200 Harrison Ave, Eureka (707)441-4477
Food for People
Offers food assistance programs including food pantries, produce markets and nutrition education.
Programas de asistencia incluyendo despensa de alimentos, productos agrícolas y educación sobre la nutrición.
307 W. 14th St., Eureka (707)445-3166
Sacred Heart Church
Catholic mass
Misa católica 2085 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka (707)442-6151
St. Joseph Parish
Catholic mass
Misa Católica 14th and N St., Fortuna (707)725-1148
Chabad of Humboldt
Synagogue
Sinagoga 413 Bayside Ct., Arcata (707)633-8770
Temple Beth El
Synagogue
Sinagoga PO Box 442, Eureka, CA 95502 (707)444-2846
College of the Redwoods (CR) Offers free ESL courses at Eureka, Fortuna and Del Norte sites.
Ofrece cursos gratis de ESL en sus sitios de Eureka, Fortuna y Del Norte. 525 D Street, Eureka (707)476-4500
English Express
Free ESL and citizenship classes for adults in person and online. Registration not required.
Clases gratis de ESL y ciudadanía para adultos en persona o en línea. La Registración no es requerida.
(707)443-5021
Fuente Nueva Charter School
Bilingual school K-12
Escuela bilingual K-12 1730 Janes Rd., Arcata (707)822-3348
Cal Poly Humboldt Cultural Centers
Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence
Nelson Hall East 206 (707)826-4588
El Centro Académico Cultural
Nelson Hall East 205 (707)826-4590
Native American Center (ITEPP)
1 Harpst Street, Brero House #93 Arcata, CA 95521 (707)826-3672
Asian, Desi & Pacific Islander Collective (ADPIC)
Nelson Hall East 215/216
Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Center (SJEIC)
1 Harpst Street NHE 215 Arcata, CA 95521 (707)826-3364
Entertainment/Arts
Arcata Playhouse
A cultural art hub for the community. Un centro de las artes para la comunidad. 1251 9th St, Arcata, CA 95521 (707)822-1575
Latino Outdoors
An inclusive community that empowers people to explore the outdoors. Una comunidad inclusiva que empodera a la gente a explorar la naturaleza
North Coast Repertory Theatre
300 5th St., Eureka, CA 95501 (707)442-6278
Grocery Markets
Little Japan 2848 F St., Eureka
Oriental Food & Spice
306 W Harris St., Eureka
Asia’s Best 2085 Myrtle Avenue #8, Eureka
La Pasadita Market
420 N St., Eureka
El Pueblo Market Panaderia
312 W. Washington St., Eureka
La Chaparrita Market
520 Summer St., Fortuna (707)617-2570
El Buen Gusto
802 Broadway St., Eureka (707)798-6290 1640 Main St., Fortuna (707)725-8880
Legal Services
The Superior Court of California | County of Humboldt “Self Help Center” Legal rights information regardless of income.
Información sobre derechos legales a pesar de ingreso. 421 I St., Eureka CA 95501 (707)445-7256
Legal Services of Northern California
Serving clients with civil legal issues. Ayudando a clientes con asuntos de la ley civil. 123 3rd St., Eureka (707)445-0866
Scholars Without Borders
Cal Poly Humboldt club that supports undocumented, DACAmented and AB540 students
Balabanis House 55 Room 203 707-826-3368
California Indian Legal Services
Deliver effective, high-quality services to uniquely respond to the needs of the Native American community.
324 F St., Eureka (707)443-8397
Cal Poly Humboldt Student Legal Lounge
Center for peer mentoring and legal resources for academic, activism, discrimination, housing, Title IX and DACA Centro
1 Harpst St, Arcata, CA (707)826-4221
Community Groups
True North Organizing Network
Supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
517 3rd St., Suite 16, Eureka
Seventh Generation Fund
Devoted to Indigenous peoples selfdetermination and the sovereignty of Native Nations
2355 Central Ave., Suite C, McKinleyville
Centro Del Pueblo
A safe space for the raza/indígena community to prosper culturally, politically, and practically on the North Coast cdphumboldt@gmail.com
HAPI
Humboldt Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity builds and empowers community. hapi.humboldt@gmail.com
NAACP
Working to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.
P.O. Box 1434, Eureka, CA 95502 707-502-2546
Black Humboldt
The mission is to enlighten, empower and entertain our Black community. 627 3rd St Eureka CA 95501 (707)-840-4641