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“RHC had fought all the way through the end of the game and came short”.
The Benefits of FAFSA
And Why You Should Apply!
By: Aaliyah Avila Reporter
Doubtful about applying for Free Application for Federal Student Aid because the process may seem too difficult?
On Feb. 20, RHC Hire UP hosted a FAFSA ‘25-’26 Workshop via zoom, where they shared helpful FAFSA application information. RHC Hire UP representative Vanessa Cerano states, “Students should register with FAFSA or the CADAA to receive aid to help students pay for college. The application
can make students eligible for grants, federal work study, loans, state aid, and qualify for support programs on campus that require students to have a FAFSA or CADAA on file.” The priority FAFSA deadline is March 2, and there are different ways to gain knowledge on how to complete your forms. The application process may seem difficult at first glance, luckily there are ways to get help and your questions answered fast.
Cerano gave a simplified overview of the meeting by stating, “The workshop gave
a general overview of the FAFSA/CADAA applications, why it’s important to complete, what information is needed, and how to access Financial related information on their AccessRio. We also provided time at the end for students to ask questions or join a breakout room with the a financial aid technician to get 1:1 support.”
The presentation also includes information concerning the different grants available for each individual; from grants for low-income students to state grants based
on income as well as a student’s GPA, there is information available for everyone. At the end of the presentation, there is an opportunity for students to ask any questions that went unanswered within the presentation. Although this thorough process may seem difficult to some, attending these workshops makes the process run smoother than imagined. Though the workshop is not long, the informational presentation and the thorough explanation of each slide gave a better understanding of the FAFSA process. Attending just one meeting can make all future application processes easier as well as give students more
information on how to receive more aid if needed.
Scholarship opportunities and grants are listed, therefore student’s have a better chance at going further into their education. Interested students have an upcoming opportunity to attend a workshop and apply soon. As Cerano highlights, “...“OEOPS is collaborating with NextUp/Guardian Scholars and the Dreamers Resource Center on hosting a CADAA/ FAFSA workshop on Feb. 25 from 10am-2pm where students can get assistance and ask any questions.” said Cerano. Take advantage of this opportunity and make the FAFSA process easier for you throughout the ‘25-’26 school year.
Nominated Rio Hondo Thespians Compete in
Prestigous Regional Theater Conference
By: Frank Seijas Reporter
Rio Theater students were invited to compete in the Region 8 Kennedy Center
American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Mesa, Arizona from Feb. 11-15.
The 5-day KCACTF regional conference was held at Mesa Community College, where students from Arizona, Central and Southern California, Hawaii, Southern Nevada, Utah, and Guam competed in various areas of theater, like performance, design, directing, and others.
Theater Professor, Matt Schleicher, accompanied and advised the RHC students. He shared that he believes the students benefit more than just competing at KCACTF. “I would say it is not a competition, but more of an audition for scholarship opportunities. A conference where we are gathering and appreciating each other’s work, said Schleicher.”
Among the students from RHC were, second year student, Isabel Luna, and third year students, Noah Baldwin and Marie Molina. The three theater majors were specifically nominated to attend. “This was my second time participating, but first time as a nominee.
During the Summer show --at Rio Hondo-- a theater respondent came to watch us perform and chose me as a nominee,” said Luna.
Luna spoke about her
experience at the festival, “I didn’t make it to the second round, but I felt like I learned more. I didn’t feel defeated. I gained more experience.”
This was also Baldwin’s second opportunity at auditioning for the festival. Last year was however a bit unconventional, as the first part of the conference was done by video audition. “This was my first time having an in-person preliminary round. One of the things I liked most about it being in person is that the message came across clearer. It felt more real. I learned a lot more from this. It gave me more enthusiasm,” said Baldwin.
In the preliminary round, students audition in front of a panel of judges.They receive feedback on their work, and depending on their performance, they advance to the next round. “When I wasn’t performing, I got to hear all of the feedback for others. It gave me clarity on what I need to focus on and apply. Gave me a newfound appreciation for this kind of performance,” said Baldwin.
Aside from competing or spectating, the students can attend workshops and master classes. Participants have long and productive days learning, networking and perfecting their crafts. “I think it’s really good to be in this type of setting. Great way to start off by practicing your auditioning. And then you get to go to workshops and look at everything from different
perspectives. All of it is different from where you are right now. It’s good for your career and yourself,” said Molina.
Furthermore, Schleicher shared, “It’s the single most significant educational experience they get out of our program here. Because it is crammed in a week. They
prepare for it. They perform. They get evaluated. They get training, and they’re also assessing what they’re learning. All the things we try to do in our classes during the 16 weeks, it’s happening all in 1 week.”
Winners of the regional conferences are then invited to the KCACTF National Festival
in Washington, D.C. the week of April 15. KCACTF provides these students with roundtrip transportation to the festival, as well as shared hotel accommodations and per diem allowances for each day of travel and attendance.
Photo Courtesy by Matt Schleicher
TAIKOPROJECT Shows Rio Hondo College How to Drum, The Taiko Way!
By: Matthew Murillo Reporter
The TAIKOPROJECT group visited the Rio Hondo campus on Thursday Feb. 20 at the L-Tower Breezeway to a crowd of 30 or so people with more people trickling in as time
Photo by Matthew Murillo / EPM
passed by. The group were the first performance of a string of shows and kicked off the lineup of said shows.
In the 2000’s a group of drummers in Los Angeles founded the TAIKOPROJECT,
aiming to blend together its ancient Japanese play style with an American style of taiko along with other genres. TAIKOPROJECT consists of 17 members, however only five of them had attended the event and performed. One of the members, Doug Sakamoto, spent most of the time speaking with the crowd, the other member speaking was Liz Au.
When researching the ensemble of drummers, the group has previously played with Japanese J-Pop group, Atarashii Gakko! at Coachella last year and provided even more energy to their already killer set. However, only five members of the 17 had performed.
The event wasn’t the first time the ensamble had played for the campus as they had previously played for the college sometime in 2021. However, they had stated that they were playing on a “large field of grass” located at the lawn of the lower-quad and were glad to be playing at a better venue setup and hoped to play at the newly built venue sometime in the near future.
The set consisted of four songs that mashed together choreography with its vast variety of instruments such as bamboo flutes, cymbals and of course taiko drums. A song that was played during the short set aimed to capture the style of fast paced beats found within hip-hop and blended it in together with the taiko drumming pattern.
Near the end of the group’s set, they invited a small handful
of the crowd to come up onto the stage and learn how to play taiko. Teaching them moves like the don, a forceful strike in the center of the drum, also teaching the volunteers correct timing to hit the drums together as a group.
Once the volunteers had left the stage, Au jokingly said “So we have our [new] Rio Hondo Taiko Club!” When the event wrapped up, many of the volunteers that went up said that playing the taiko had given them some sort of rush and if there ever was an official taiko club on campus, they would sign up for it.
TAIKOPROJECT thanked everyone for coming out to see them and encouraged the audience to attend their 25th anniversary show on July 19 which will be featuring a much larger group than there was at the campus event.
How Community College Led to an Emmy Award
By: Wendy Garcia Reporter
Rio Hondo College welcomed Emmy award winner Augie Max Vargas on Wednesday, February 19 to the boardroom in the L Tower for a Master Class in television production tailored for mass communications students and open to campus in general. Vargas is a producer, director and speaker who has over 25 years of experience in the television industry and has received a Primetime Emmy award.
Vargas discovered his passion for story-telling and television production growing up in Burbank, California, where he was “exposed to a lot of Hollywood” since many major movie studios are based in Burbank and are constantly filming on site at malls and throughout the city. Being exposed to this, it inspired him to begin his journey into the television industry and Vargas started creating homemade movies with his brother to tell stories.
As he began his journey taking production classes in
Producer
Mount San Antonio College a “brown kid trying to make it in the industry,” began to work tirelessly from early mornings to late nights in hopes to break into the industry. Through internships, networking, and
Max Vargas Inspires RHC Students
created working relationships that lead him to work on live events such as: The Super Bowl, The Grammys, and The Oscars.
During the master class, Vargas offered essential tips and information for students who wish to become part of the industry.
“If you carry a positive attitude and energy with you, that will take you in a very long direction,” said Vargas.
He elaborated how being the first one in the office and the last one to leave at night can give students a chance to create an opportunity through their passion and dedication in going above and beyond.
Vargas went on to explain that in an industry so cut throat, it is important for students to put in the legwork and create a good representation for themselves so when future opportunities present themselves, they may be considered first.
The master class was well received by the audience composed of students, educators, and visitors. A few students participated during
the Q&A to ask questions about artificial intelligence (A.I.) impact on the industry and Maggie Moe, a council member, voiced their support for diversity within the field and on campus. Many students hung around afterwards for the meet and greet portion to get one-on-one time with Vargas and network. Vargas continues to work
in the television field while still making time to speak at schools for students. He wishes to inspire students through his presentations and teaches students the inner workings of the television industry in hopes that one day students, who have attended one of these seminars, will approach him out in the field and perhaps collaborate.
The Mock Trial Team No Longer the New Ones on the Block
By: Omar Lopez Editor in Chief
Rio Hondos Mock trial team has shown why they belong in the field that they are in. They had their regional competetion earlier this month on February 1st and 2nd at the Claremont Mckenna Regionals for the Ameircan Mock Trial Association. Holding their own against the other schools and other teams.
The team had spent the entire winter break honing their craft and skills. Dedicating so much
time and effort in order to push themselves to the next level. Not missing a single day of practice in order to improve on overall techniques. After their competetion in November they showed hunger for more and set themselves up to succeed.
“Everytime they compete they get much better, it’s like a totally different team,” Connie Isais, Mock Trial Team coach, said. Isais would also go on to mention that with them having more experience this time around they were full of
confidence. She would aslo go on to say, “They absolutely all belong.”
Even with them putting in the effort and showing amazing results, coach Isais mentions that there will always be room for improvement. This time around they still felt like the underdogs but the main difference was the way they presented themselves. Showing a new sense of confidence and pride in the work they have put in.
Whatever advanatges any of
the other teams had Rio Hondos Mock Trial Team would make up with it in spirit and would even at times challenge them head
on. Proving that they belong in the same room as their competitors.
Photo courtesy of Mock Trial coach Connie Isais
Photo by Marissa Chavez / EPM
Emmy award winner Augie Max Vargas taking the time to answer a students question after his masterclass presentation.
Augie
word of mouth, Vargas began collaborating with other producers on projects giving him more experience and
Photo by Omar Lopez / EPM
Are You Involved With Student Activism?
By: Estefany Cardenas Reporter
Student activism takes many forms at Rio Hondo College. Activism can be done digitally, financially and in person.
Amber Rodriguez states “When students are out here giving petitions, they hand out flyers we mostly only see that type of activism like in the beginning of the semester I never really personally see like a student well there was the activism when they were handing out the little red cards for the immigration…definitely feel like we need a little more activism on campus”
Students are lacking activism at RHC, it is very important to voice concerns or bring awareness to changing policies as they affect the students the most. Rodriguez believes that one of the main “obstacle that
Cobra Kai Finale, the End of a Chapter in the Karate kid Universe
I attended the premiere of the final five episodes of the acclaimed television series Cobra Kai. The premiere took place on Hollywood Boulevard at the Egyptian Theatre. The cast of the show began arriving at the red carpet premiere at approximately 5:20 PM, with Gianni DeCenzo, who portrays Dimitri, being the first to arrive. Upon exiting the vehicle, he promptly approached the fans to sign autographs and take photographs with as many as possible. Upon his entrance onto the red carpet, additional cast members, including Dallas Young and Anthony Lasrusso, began to arrive. However, the pinnacle of the evening occurred when Ralph Macchio made his appearance, eliciting an enthusiastic response from the crowd. From their arrival until my father and I checked in, the red carpet was congested with fans attending the premiere, as well as those present to see them and obtain autographs.
we face is that we do not get a lot of funding”. Although we are in community college most of the materials are provided by the students but there is also a question of where our money is going. In several classes we rely on the school to provide certain materials or hand on training and we don’t seem to have enough for the entire class to benefit from these lessons and experiences throughout several departments.
Students feel the need to advocate for their school, they consider how to be a good activist. Rodriguez mentioned how she mostly sees activism in the beginning of the school year and we also see it as trends but activism is more than that.
Sergio Vega believes being a good activist means “not treating school like a 9-5 taking outside of your classes, being
active…and being a part of your community.” RHC could greatly benefit from a student advocacy union. In order to do more and see change you have to put effort in outside of the normal school schedule and connect with your community to see what issues others might be facing. Creating a club could help students organize in person and not have to wait for the next trend.
Some students at times find student activism intimidating. Alex Bueno believes that “just allowing students the freedom to protest without any punishment, hosting advocacy clubs and educating the campus police and what not and have a little bit more diversity in clubs” would help student activism on campus. Recently there was a protest where students were
encouraged to miss a day of school in protest of the mass deportations and ICE targets but engaging in this protest would have negative effects on many students’ class attendance which would overall affect their grades and GPA. These obstacles make many hesitant to participate in protest as they almost always have a punishment no matter how peaceful.
They believe there is a lot of power in activism but their generation might be afraid of the negative effects. Activism takes many forms and could be done digitally, financially, and physically if you worry about how these protests might affect you talk to your teachers, fellow students and community to find solutions that work for you. Every student deserves to be heard.
As I queued, 1iota staff distributed posters and Cobra Kai headbands to all attendees of the premiere. We relocated from the Egyptian Theatre to the Chinese Theatre due to the actors and crew occupying the main theater. The theater was densely populated, and the palpable excitement was unmistakable. The directors of the show, Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg, welcomed
us just before presenting the final five episodes (or so we believed). Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg welcomed us and expressed gratitude for our attendance and support for the event. Upon concluding their discussion regarding the filming of the final five episodes, the filmmakers revealed that they would only be viewing two of those episodes. The collective reaction mirrored my own,
questioning the rationale behind this decision. However, throughout the two episodes presented, the entire theater was highly enthusiastic, even engaging in chants throughout the film.
The two episodes were beyond my expectations, prompting a desire to return home and view the three episodes that were not aired. They were released on February 13th.
By: Brandon Nevarez Intern
EPM
Rio Hondo Womens Tennis Team Secures First Victory
By: Edwin Ramos Reporter
The Rio Hondo Women’s Tennis team secured their first win of the season against El Camino College by a score of 6-3. It was a gritty win for the Roadrunners who are trying to change their approach to the game.
The Roadrunners showed their resilience and hard work under head coach Karen Unger who has been vocal for her expectations for the team this season. She emphasized how important commitment, teamwork, and being consistent in practice is huge for them as a team.
“Obviously be committed, be a team player, practice the way you want to play. Run things down at practice first how you want to play, do not save it for the game.” said Unger. Her focus on being mentally prepared proved crucial for the team win.
The RHC team won the game
by a total of 6-3, claiming five out of six singles matchups. Although they lost two of three doubles matches, the showing the team had was overall strong.
RHC team members Makayla Glover, Sophia Chavez, Lana Young, Jennifer Diaz, Kaitlyn Dominguez, Abigail Madrigal, Mayumi Lemus, and Princess Arevalo worked hard for the win.
One of the singles matches that had RHC Lana Young facing El Caminos Robyn Wong was the hardest back and forth match from all of them as both competitors went to the limit with Young coming out on top with the win.
Freshman players Glover and Chavez talked about their respective match performance at the end of the match.
“I think I played really steady and really strong and I stayed calm… to stay mentally stable is something important and to me personally being more
aggressive during the game will help me.” Chavez said.
Chavez had confident words after her victory in singles action. For Glover she had promising strong words for herself.
Glover expressed “I think I played to the best of my abilities in my singles match, I did lose but I am not upset about it… It is more of a mental game and not thinking you are down but staying mentally stable all around.”
As the Roadrunners celebrate their first win, they will have to carry this game plan to their next challenge. The Roadrunners will be on the road looking for their second consecutive win against College of the Desert on Thursday, Feb 20.
With Coach Unger’s leadership and the importance of mental toughness, the RHC Roadrunners will be looking forward as to what the next game has in store for them.
Lady Roadrunners Battle LA Trade Tech to Qualify for Playoffs
By: Marissa Chavez Reporter
The women’s basketball team at Rio Hondo College played against LA trade Tech on Feb. 21, 2025. The game took place at the RHC gymnasium starting at 5pm. The score ended up being 70 - 74. The lady roadrunners had lost by four points to LA Trade Tech.This was one of the last games in order to make it to the playoffs. The crowd was very intense throughout the whole game and wanted the best for the lady road runners. Most people in the crowd were cheering on every player on the court. Some even shouted negative comments to the referee.
One member of the crowd, Cynthia Herrera, felt this was a
very close game and claimed “both teams did a really good job”. Cynthia also stated that “RHC had fought all the way through the end of the game and came short”. “ Referees could have been better at refereeing, but the Rio Hondo girls gave it all they had”.
Cynthia explained.
Cynthia happens to be the wife of head coach Rene Herrera. Head coach Rene stated “this game was a meaningful one because a win would give the RHC team a chance to qualify for the playoffs”. He also says “now the team has to wait and see if their record is strong enough to make the playoffs”.
Some advice Rene gives to his team is “to play consistently,to play every possession, and
Roadrunners Shutout Against Pasadena City 6 - 0
to take advantage of every opportunity”. Rene Herrera claims that his favorite game from this season would have to be the previous game against LA Trade Tech and Rio Hondo College.
Rene says “‘The RHC team was down by twelve points with about seven minutes left in the game and came back allowing the team to win at the buzzard”. He says “this game was going to go down to the wire due to the previous game”. One player of the team, Maryjane Contreras, has been a part of the Rio Hondo Women’s basketball team for two years. Some goals Contreras has for the team is to make playoffs and to improve on their games and their plays, and to build a team with chemistry. She also says that her fellow teammate Gabby inspires and pushes her the hardest. Contreras claims she almost quit last year but because of her teammates, she came back.
Another fellow teammate of Rio Hondo’S basketball team is Audrey Campos. Campos is a freshman at Rio Hondo and this is her first season playing on the Rio Hondo team. She says she’s most excited to play up North. Some advice Campos gives her team is to keep their head up, it’s not the end, and to just keep pushing. Campos says she chose to play at Rio Hondo College over any other community college because the coaches were going to give her a chance to play and to improve herself as well as the environment the team provides.
By: Alexander Almendarez Reporter
The Roadrunners took the field Tuesday afternoon to host Pasadena City as the teams began the first of their three game set.
Starting pitcher Matthew Leyva started off the game strong retiring Pasadena City’s first seven batters before allowing a baserunner. The Birds threatened the first couple innings with multiple runners in scoring position, even loading the bases in the first, though were unable to scratch across a run. Pasadena City’s Bryan Richman opened up the scoring in the third with a single and bobbled ball in the outfield that allowed a run to cross, however Leyva was able to limit the damage, retiring the next batter.
The Roadrunners kept up the pressure in the fourth as designated hitter Marcus Hernandez led off the inning with a single. Catcher Izaak Fernandez then followed with a shot to left field for a double though lead runner Hernandez was thrown out trying to advance to third. The Dirty Birds were still threatening with a runner in scoring position, unfortunately though luck was not on their side as the next two
batters lined out to both corner infielders.
Despite allowing a pair of doubles in the 5th, Leyva continued to attack hitters, setting them down 1-2-3 in the sixth and seventh innings. In the bottom half of the inning shortstop Diego Helguera put a jolt in the Roadrunners offense with a leadoff double to left. However a bunt by third baseman Matt Covarrubias resulted in a bang-bang play and a collision at first which the umpires ruled as runners interference stalling the Dirty Birds momentum once again. Leyva looked to continue his strong start through the eighth but was unable to make it through the inning after a pair of singles and a balk put the Lancers up another run making it 3-0. Leyva then exited the game after seven strong innings, posting nine strikeouts. Sophomore Angel Flores was called in relief and despite a sweaty situation with runners on, was ultimately able to make it out of the inning unscathed. The game was put away in the top of the ninth when Pasadena City exploded for three runs putting the Roadrunners at a six run deficit heading into the bottom of the 9th where they went down quietly 1-2-3.
Up Next
The Roadrunners evened up the series Thursday with a 9-8 victory but dropped the rubber match Saturday with a 11-8 loss. The Dirty Birds will look to get off to a better start Tuesday as they start the first of a three game set against Long Beach.
Graphic by Christopher Villasenor / EPM
Photo by Marissa Chavez / EPM
Photo by Alexander Almendarez / EPM