Was That Harrison Ford on Our Soccer Field?
Why Your Morning Commute was Interrupted
By: Wendy Garcia Reporter
Students may have stumbled into some unexpected traffic coming in through the main entrance, on College Drive, into Rio Hondo College from February 21-26. Campus
Facilities sent out an alert to notify students of parking lot and soccer field closures just one day prior to the start date for a filming production. The alert included the areas that were scheduled to be temporarily closed which consisted of the soccer field and parking lots four, five, and six. The areas were scheduled to be completely closed to students and faculty with security providing traffic control from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The alert cautioned that there would be increased traffic patterns due to the film production equipment and team moving about. “Please plan accordingly and allow extra time for parking and commuting”, warned RHC Facilities and Campus Safety.
On the way up the main entrance, students may have seen the production taking place on the soccer field. To the left hand side on parking lots four, five, and, six the parking was used to make space for the production team and their equipment, leaving students to locate parking elsewhere. Some students may have experienced minor traffic delays while other students like Maria did not, “I have class at like 10 a.m. so I
get here around 9:30ish and I didn’t really see much of a difference on my way in”. There was security conducting traffic control so students wouldn’t see major delays.
Few students may have been impacted from the closed lower parking lots on campus that were used to store the production equipment. RHC President and Superintendent, Marilyn Flores, commented on the production by explaining, “As with all filming requests, we review to ensure minimal impact to our students and/ or services before approving and we send out facilities alerts to inform the college community”. This comes after RHC announced the filming of
a McDonalds commercial last week.
The soccer field was used to film a scene with actors portraying soccer players for an episode of “Shrinking” which stars “How I Met Your Mother” actor Jason Segal and “Star Wars” actor Harrison Ford. RHC Dr. Flores, who earned a Doctorate degree for Institutional Leadership and Policy studies, was given the opportunity to meet both actors while she visited the film crew on our campus and said “they are incredibly talented, friendly and hilarious”. Students should be on the lookout for their soccer field in Season 3 of “Shrinking” on Apple TV.
Are You Stressing Over Midterm Season?
By: Estefany Cardenas Reporter
With midterms fast approaching many students may face stress around this time. Business major Alexander Bueno shared his experience with midterm stress “I try to organize myself so like make sure I get my homework done accordingly so I have like 3 or 4 days to study. Once I’m done with that, just take a break and decompress. Finish studying then like go out go get coffee go for a run go spend time with my family because if you are just constantly thinking about it its gonna weigh on you and then you’re going to overthink.” It is best to keep organized and stay on top of your extra tasks like homework with enough time for you to study. There is no right or wrong way to study but it is important to set yourself up for success. As
Bueno stated make sure to, “just take a break and decompress” after you studied. Accounting
Major Sandra Salgado said “I honestly of course study and stay organized as much as I can but I also try to do things like self-care, and just make sure I am taken care of before going into the test.” Not only should you study but remember to take care of yourselves! that you don’t add on to the pile. One way you could organize your time is to create a calendar separating work, school, and study times and adding in breaks. At times it helps if you tell family or friends that you will be studying during a certain time as it helps to make you accountable for that time. Take advantage of Office hours with your professors and visit the LRC for tutoring! Use all resources possible and study with friends. It may seem silly or cliché
but eating and getting a good night’s sleep are cliches for a reason. You want to give yourself the best chance you can and that is not possible if you have not rested enough or eaten a meal. The last thing you want is to be too focused on your stomach rumbling instead of the actual test.
Self- care! Do not burnout, make sure you take a step away after studying and just take a nice shower or go meet with friends for coffee. Take that time to relax and take care of yourself, if you stay studying the same thing over and over you will go insane. You know when you have studied enough do not overthink it.
Make sure you are fed, rested, and understand the material before going into the exam. These sacrifices now will be well worth your success in the future!
A Collection of Whittier History on Display
By: Frank Seijas Reporter
From art, to artifacts, archives and photographs, the Whittier Museum has over 100 years of local history on display. The museum, which first opened in 1983, is owned and run by the Whittier Historical Society. Most importantly, the museum offers free admission. “It is our founders, 42 years ago, who put together the Whittier Historical Society; they are the ones who raised the money to pay cash for this building. And it is only because of their leadership that we can be open for free,” said David Williamson, Whittier Historical Society Board President. However, even though the museum is rich with history, it is in continuous need of support to maintain its doors open for free to the public. Board members are volunteers, dedicating time towards the preservation of Whittier’s history. “The museum has always strived to collect, preserve and display all things relevant to the city of Whittier, surrounding area, and California history. Our goal has always been to revisit that history and see what has been overlooked or not paid much attention to and try and piece together that history. A lot of it from the local communities, indigenous history and areas that have been ignored,” said Nicholas Edmeier, Curator for the Whittier Museum.
In order to continue to offer free admission, the museum is in need of financial support. “We are a free admission museum, but do ask if people can leave a donation. We are non-profit based. Our main source of income has been
membership dues, donations, grants, sponsorships. This affects what exhibits or events we host,” said Edmeier. “The other thing that’s important for people to know is that those who become members, and people who come to our fundraisers like our upcoming tea, it’s those funds that help us keep the doors open. It costs us about $12,000 to stay open for free to the public,” said Williamson. An upcoming Wizard of Oz themed tea fundraiser will be held on April 12.
Whittier Museum has much to offer to students. Edmeier started as a Whittier College intern; an opportunity that led to him becoming a board member and now the curator, who has been involved with the museum for a little over ten years. “We always have volunteer opportunities and internships. Helping out with archives or research, events or with the museum as a whole. We never turn down volunteers. Volunteers can do so for school credit or community service hours. Can come and use the archives for in-person experience or research projects. We try and include and give back to our community. We are community based and want to do much for our neighbors,” said Edmeier.
The board is currently looking for volunteers wanting to add Social Media Manager to their resume. Individuals interested in managing weekly Facebook and Instagram posts featuring artifacts with the museum and their history, or go out and cover history within the Whittier community.
Currently exhibiting: Dennis McGonagle’s “His Life in Paint” and “The Art and Life of Madi Comfort” McGonagle lives in Whittier and studied Art at Rio Hondo College. He has painted murals at various local schools, including the large mural on the exterior of the Whittier Museum. Comfort’s family was the first black family to move to Whittier, where she lived until her death in 2003. A popular jazz singer and model who appeared on the cover of LIFE magazine in 1955, and was also notably connected to the Black Dahlia murder.
Free entrance to the museum is available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
MORE ON PAGE #2
Uptown Whittier’s newest Mexican restaurant, Super Mex!
Photo Courtesy by Matt Schleicher
Photo by Frank Seijas
Security providing traffic control to students making their way to school through the lower parking lots.
New Restaurant in Uptown Whittier
They Claim to have “The
By: Frank Seijas Reporter
A colorful balloon arch and the vibrant sounds of mariachi welcomed patrons to the grand opening of Uptown Whittier’s
Best Salsa North of the Border”
sole owner of the Whittier restaurant. However, the whittier location is only one of ten Super Mex restaurants owned by his family. “My grandparents started it. My dad, my aunt and my uncles owned
by Marissa Chavez
newest Mexican restaurant, Super Mex. The celebration on Thursday, Feb. 27 garnered much community attention, as the restaurant had a waiting list of new patrons wanting to try the restaurant for themselves. The event further catered to those who attended with raffles and food deals. Super Mex is located at 6554 Greenleaf Ave. and has a seating capacity of three hundred. Aside from dining-in, the restaurant also offers a take-out area with its own entrance.
Jerahm Orozco is the
it for many years, and now I do. I own 6 locations, and there are four franchise locations. It has been fifty one years since our first location in Downtown Long Beach.”
When discussing what sets the new location apart from the other ten, Orozco said, “This one is bigger and nicer. Still traditional but also modern. A lot of people that see it from the street or walking by would not realize that it’s not just the restaurant in the front. It also has a huge bar cantina. People don’t know about the banquet
hall in the back either. Everyone that has walked in has been like ‘Woah, I had no idea it was this big!’ We invested a lot into the speakers and sound. We are gonna have DJs on the weekends. We have a full liquor license. We’ll be open until one in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays.”
In regards to the choice of opening a location in Whittier, Orozco said, “I like the area. The people, the demographic is great. And we just kind of looked where our potential customer base is and this seemed like a good area; a great location. And it has been. So far in the process, the people coming in have been great.”
Uptown Whittier has quite a few options when it comes to dining and bars. But what makes this place stand out?
“I think we are very different in the sense that all the new Mexican restaurants that are opening are actually very much the same, duplicating each other. Everyone is so focused on how the food looks, and we are focusing on how the food tastes. What we’re really known for, and our slogan, is ‘Best salsa north of the border,’ you won’t find a better salsa. Our carnitas are very traditional michoacan style, slow roasted for many hours. My favorite are the crispy shredded beef tacos, and the way we do our tacos is
just different from most,” said Orozco.
Amongst some of the first patrons able to dine at the restaurant were Whittier chamber of Commerce members, Ashley Arce, Julio Rivas and Mario Romero. “The location is good. It adds to the area. The food was great. I had the carne asada plate. The meat was great. There are no complaints about it. Inside is beautiful, very inviting,” said Arce. “It is much bigger than it looks. The bar area is very nice. Will definitely be coming back for some drinks,” said Romero. “Their Mexican ranch dressing was really good, I had that on my salad. The guacamole was
very fresh and chunky. And the environment and decor is very welcoming.”
“I was pleasantly surprised. The margaritas, guacamole, the atmosphere. It is the minimum needed, a good tequila and guacamole. It looks really nice in there. Uplifting happy place. It is a really good addition to Whittier,” said long-time Whittier resident, Corinne Medina.
The grand opening weekend continues through Sunday, Mar. 2. For further information about Super Mex you can visit the restaurant website at www.supermex.com or their Instagram page using the @ super.mex handle.
Graduation Came Early? You can Graduate Sooner Than You Think!
By: Aaliyah Avila Reporter
Have you wondered if you are able to graduate this semester?
If you have completed 60 units you are eligible for graduation at the end of this Spring 2025 semester. In order to find out if you are eligible there are several easy steps to take to complete the graduation petition. With the eligibility to graduate this semester, you also are eligible to transfer. All of this knowledge can be obtained easily through students’ Access Rio accounts. The deadline for this petition is fastly approaching, ensuring the proper steps are taken can help you succeed faster than planned.
Although the step-by-step process can be easy for some, there is extra help that can be received. Graduation petition assistance will be available from March 10-15 in the Counseling Center. The center is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and no appointment is needed!
Take advantage of the
resources available and easily accessible. If you are, however, unable to attend any assistance meetings, you are able to contact the Counseling Center via phone number. The flyer attached from the Rio Hondo College email provides all the information needed to see if students are eligible for graduation. All students should receive this email, however make sure to check the junk or spam folder if it is not enlisted in the main inbox.
In turn for completing the 60 units, students will receive either a certificate or the degree they are receiving. With this, if the proper units are completed, students will be able to transfer to a University for the remainder of their college education. Even if students do not have their 60 units completed, gaining knowledge on how many remaining units students need can be beneficial to the upcoming school year. With this recognition, students can verify they are on the correct path for graduation by the upcoming spring semester.
The Graduation
Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 23 at 9 a.m., which is fastly approaching. Make sure to be prepared beforehand to know beyond any doubt whether or not you are eligible to be a participant in the ceremony. Do not be intimidated by the steps needed to complete in order to successfully submit the application form. However, if students find themselves at crossroads, there are always several options to receive more help.
If students need more information on how to successfully complete the steps for the application, make sure to check emails for a step-by-step guide. The deadline is Saturday, March 15, therefore make sure to complete by this date or before then.
Photo
Photo by Marissa Chavez
Whats New With Spring Fashion 2025
By: Marissa Chavez Reporter
As the weather starts heating up here in LA, we can prepare to see a lot of styles changing in our winter wardrobe. We will be hanging up our rain jackets and long layers of clothing to switch up to a more comfortable and breathable style. Although we still will be wearing our long pants and long sleeve shirts, they will be styled in a different way.
For example, women can incorporate a long sleeve shirt paired with a dainty skirt and or cute pair of shorts. Influencer Addison Rae was recently spotted out wearing a long sleeve denim style cropped blouse paired with a light blue micro mini skirt. This is one out of many ways you can pair a long sleeve shirt to still remain warm but still have a sort of warmth tied to your outfit.
As for men, be prepared to see long flared denim pants coming back in style. Men’s flared jeans were a big fashion trend through the 1960s-1970s. With artist Kendrick Lamar performing this year’s halftime show, he paired his custom varsity jacket made by Martine Rose with a pair of flared jeans from the brand Celine. That’s not all we can prepare to see as far as trending styles. Be sure to be on the lookout for
different patterns on clothes such as polka dots, stripes, floral designs, and glitter sequins on clothing. One designer brand Miu Miu revealed their latest designs for the Spring 2025 season with many floral and glitter sequins. The models strut down the runway in Paris for Paris Fashion Week.
A knee high to ankle length high boots will also continue to be a trend for most fashion brands. Any pair of boots can be worn by both men’s and women’s wardrobe.
These boots are a staple for anyone’s wardrobe and can really elevate any look you are trying to achieve. Whether you are going for a more casual look or a more formal look.
Be on the lookout for colorful clothes and shoes for the spring season, such as pastels and super bright colors. Shoes are typically made with basic colors such as black, white, and grey. Although now for the spring season, more shoes are branching out with more vibrant colors such as red, orange, and brown. Same goes for winter clothes during the spring. Most winter colors include navy blue, white, grey, and black. Now for the spring, we can expect to see colors such as lilac, rose pink, and orange.
Planets, Stars, and Beyond: A Night of Wonders
By: Alana Calhoon Reporter
Rio Hondo College offers many fun activities and events, including the Gordon D. Crowell Observatory night. An expense-free night on campus is welcomed to be enjoyed by Roadrunners and all other guests on Feb. 28. With one of the largest telescopes open to the public in Whittier, a Meade 16-inch Schmid-Cassegrain telescope, participants were able to view planets and stars with perfect visibility.
A few minutes prior to the event,staff asked participants to wait by the Child Development Center so the hike could be done as a group for safety reasons. The man leading the group was the director of the Rio Hondo Observatory, Christopher Toby.“I used to work at the Griffith Observatory, but Rio’s telescope is slightly bigger and it’s free. I might be biased, but that seems better to me,” Toby told visitors.
Toby cautioned because of cloudiness,that not all the planets might be visible. The group decided that it was worth a try, and with that the hike began.After an uphill half-mile hike, the observatory was in sight. The small, domeshaped building glowed red. The lighting choice wasn’t just
for aesthetics—it allowed eyes to adjust to the darkness and made viewing through the telescope easier.
The first planet viewed was Venus. With a rotating roof and telescope, the ability to look anywhere in the sky was endless. Visitors “oohed” and “ahhed” when given the opportunity to glimpse through the lens.
Throughout the experience, Toby shared interesting facts about everything in sight. “We will never see a full Venus. For that to happen, it would have to be on the other side of the sun,”
Toby explained.
After everyone got their chance to see Venus, the clouds had begun to clear over Jupiter.
With a quick change of direction of the telescope, there it was. Luckily, three out of four moons surrounding Jupiter were visible—a sight Toby said visitors were lucky to see.
“Last week, we were able to see all four, but this is still fantastic!” he said.
Stories about different star constellations, such as Orion’s Belt and The Bullseye, were shared. Nebulas, the origin point where stars are born, were also visible. Though the sky remained cloudy, the stars were still an outstanding view.
The last planet seen was Mars, which the clouds had cleared
away from just in time. Peering through the lens, two small captured moons were visible on either side of the planet.
After everyone had their turn, the group hiked down the hill together, talking about the wonders they had just viewed.
Mary Lopez, a first-timer at the event, shared her excitement: “I would definitely come back to an event like this.
I’ve never seen planets so close up before.”
The observatory is the perfect place for families and friends to come together and share an
experience like no other. Seeing planets like Jupiter, Mars, and Venus in such detail is an experience most are unlikely to forget.
This won’t be the last opportunity to attend an event like this. Additional dates to experience the telescope include March 7 and 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., as well as April 4, 18, and 25, and May 2 and 16 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Be sure to check out this hidden gem at RHC and enjoy the wonders the solar system has to offer.
Photo by Marissa Chavez
Photo by Marissa Chavez
Photo by Alana Calhoon
RHC Softball Falls Short Against El Camino College
By: Marina Gutierrez Reporter
In a 11-2 losing effort, the Lady Roadrunners went head to head with the No.2 team in the state, El Camino College.
“It doesn’t matter to us what the team’s ranking is, we go into every game with the mentality that if they’re in our league we should be able to compete with them,” infielder Natalie Sosa said.
The first inning of the game seemed promising when Roadrunners’ pitcher Denise Sanchez started off strong, with 0 runs and 0 hits, retiring the side of El Camino.
In the bottom of the first, Rio Hondo scored its first run due to an RBI by Sosa. Dual-player Alexia Mayorga who plays both pitcher and outfielder, doubled to left field. Due to a pitching error by El Camino, Mayorga successfully stole third base. Sosa then singled to right-field and Mayorga scored, giving the Roadrunners a 1-0 lead.
“When I go up to bat, unless it’s
a ball I don’t want, it’s always go, go, go in my mind,” Sosa said.
The Roadrunners quickly lost their lead when they allowed 2 runs in the top of the 2nd inning.
RHC had an opportunity to catch up when El Camino pitcher Mahlio Espino walked both infielder Giselle RamirezHuerta, and Mayorga back to back. However, El Camino then switched Espino for pitcher Lexi Ramirez who has an extremely strong, fast pitch. Ultimately the Roadrunners couldn’t compete and the score at the end of the second inning remained 2-1.
In the top of the third, an RBI gave El Camino their third and only run of the inning. The Roadrunners quickly recovered by gaining an RBI themselves. Infielder Abby Ramirez doubled to left center field. Sayuri Marquez also doubled to left center field and Ramirez scored. Unfortunately, these were the only two runs the Roadrunners scored the entire game. El Camino scored three more runs
in the fourth inning, two runs in the fifth and another three in the sixth and final inning to close out the game. Lack of hits and runs, pitching errors and lack of communication between the outfield all contributed to RHC’s demise.
“Going into the next game
our team plans to work on our confidence and on completing routine plays to the point where we make it look easy,” Mayorga said
Although it was a tough loss head coach Bianca Urquidi is proud of her team.
“I think every time we make an outing we improve by 1%, and that’s exactly what we’re working on. My team makes progress every single time we step onto the field,” Urquidi said.
The Lady Roadrunners next game is tomorrow at home, against Cerritos College at 3:00 p.m.
Honor Women’s History Month Through Tin Box Activity
By: Alana Calhoon Reporter
The Month of March celebrates Women’s History, and it was welcomed by Rio Hondo College by a tin box decorating station being hosted in the library on Tuesday. This creative event is a part of the Hecho at the Library program at the RHC library, which is designed to draw students’ attention beyond traditional academic resources.
Upstairs in the library foyer, a few tables were arranged with an array of stickers, tin boxes, and a variety of snacks. Stickers with empowering messages such as “The Future is Female” and “Empowered Women Empower Women” were laid out alongside butterflies, flowers, and gem stickers, allowing creations to be personalized. The tin boxes were decorated in any way that Road Runners wished, encouraging artistic expression and fun.
Janet Garcia, an RHC employee, was asked to provide insight into the importance of the event and why it matters. “This event is held to promote self-care here at the library and to show that more than books are offered,” was shared. The library is often associated with a quiet, studious space, but efforts are being made to change that perception. Through such activities, a welcoming environment is being created that no student will dread. “Here at Hecho at the Library, students are invited to
get together and do something fun throughout the semester,” Garcia shared.
Events like these are not only about providing students with a break from their studies, but also about the power of women working together and uplifting one another being celebrated.
Women’s History Month is a time to recognize one another and to remind everyone of the importance of empowerment and resilience. Beyond simply decorating tin boxes, this event became a moment of shared joy and relaxation. Engaging in hands-on activities like this can help alleviate stress and provide a much-needed mental break.
Participant Gabriella Aguirre shared how meaningful this event was to her, highlighting its positive impact. “It’s good because it helps women feel special. When a tough time is gone through, something like this can help us,” Aguirre said with a smile. Her words capture the essence of what Hecho at the Library aims to achieve— joyous moments are created for all to enjoy. An inviting space is served, where students can gather, unwind, and express themselves in an environment that promotes community and kindness.
For those who missed this month’s event, there’s no need to worry—more exciting activities are lined up by Hecho at the Library. Mark your calendars and head to the library on April 15, from 11 am1 pm, to take part in the crafting of an Earth Day Wreath! This upcoming event will provide
another opportunity for Road Runners to come together and enjoy a creative experience. To stay updated on more future events, be sure to follow Hecho at the Library’s Instagram page (@Riohondolibrary).
Whether it’s Women’s History Month, Earth Day, or any other occasion, meaningful memories are continuously created for students, creativity is promoted, and empowerment is encouraged on campus.
Oscars Recap: From ‘Wicked’ Singing to Jokes and Succeeding Films
By: Edwin Ramos Reporter
The 2025 Oscars came to a close this year in the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California with one big winner and memorable moments for it to show.
The main headline of the Oscars was the success of ‘Anora’ to a special music performance and a quick cameo from a celebrity.
The Oscars showcased a night of excellence for the hard work each celebrity gave to films they starred in and were nominated for.
Beginning with a strong opening from ‘Wicked’ stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo showcasing their talent to a medley performance from the film and honoring another film which was ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ by singing some of the film’s songs.
The host for this year’s Oscars was Conan O’Brien who is a well known host as he had his “Conan” talk show.
This year’s Oscars included more of a humour side compared to previous years with many jokes from the host.
One of the most memorable parts of the show was when O’Brien had a little fun bit with actor Adam Sandler during his monologue for his outfit at the event. Sandler who is well known for dressing in casual clothes everywhere like basketball shorts and hoodies
was a surprise to the audience and viewers watching. He appeared wearing a hoodie, shorts, and shoes to the show.
O’Brien expressed his curiosity with what Sandler was wearing. “Adam, what are you wearing?” Sandler responded with “Nobody even thought about what I was wearing until you brought it up!” After this Sandler stormed off the venue but before he did he delivered his now famous “Chalamet” catchphrase.
The talk of the night was the success of ‘Anora’ by taking 5 Oscars which included Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay.
The film which had actress Mikey Madison awarded Best Actress at the event had her surprised.
“It’s a huge honor, one that I think will soak in later down the line, I really did not expect it at all,” Madison said backstage at The Oscars.
This year’s Oscars looked like a turning point for the show as it may have found its host for the future going with O’Brien. Now with the amount of good things that happened during the show it is a possibility the Academy wants to top this year with more things to come next year when the event takes place.
Photo by Alexandder Almendarez
Graphic by Omar Lopez
Don’t forget to show support to all the special women in your life throughout the month of March!