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Read more to find out the details about Rio Hondo Women’s Volleyball’s victory against ELAC on Wednesday, September 27. Thursday
FOLLOW US! @elpaisanomedia Vol. 67 Issue 2
October 5, 2023
ROADRUNNERS, YOU ARE NOT ALONE DEFERRED DREAMS TO DEAN THE SUPPORT GROUP “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” ON CAMPUS IS AVAILABLE TO ALL ROADRUNNERS DURING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH SIERRA URIBE @s3erra
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s October begins, many jump start to the excitement of the holidays beginning with Halloween. But in October many around the world honor the beginning of a month filled with awareness surrounding Domestic Violence. At Rio Hondo College, the You Are Not Alone Support Group is one of the many programs offered at the campus. This program is partnered with the East Los Angeles Women’s Center. It is a non profit organization that has been a great resource for survivors of both domestic violence and sexual assault. They provide counseling, peer support as well as therapy. The East Los Angeles Women’s Center started as a response by female latina community members who saw there was nothing that could be offered by victims besides law enforcement,” Daniela Herrerra, Rio Hondo Campus advocate, said. The non-profit Women’s center created the first bilingual crisis hotline that has been continuously running for 47 years. People are allowed to connect 24/7, one on one with trained advocates through a completely anonymous call. Callers are not asked to reveal any personal information such as their name. If callers seeking help want to mention that they go to Rio Hondo College they can and become linked to the support group on campus. “This is a place for them to talk if in crisis, victims can use it to get information or refer-
GIOVANNA HERNANDEZ @giovannahernandezofficial
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rals if needed” said Herrerra. The crisis center helps in other areas such as human trafficking and guides other groups such as youth, males, mothers or abusive families. The You Are Not Alone Support Group provides both sexual assault and domestic violence resources. “They are usually separate but here we put the two together, ‘we are unique’” said Herrerra. The workshops and events on campus are held in room SS207 and is led by East Los Angeles Women’s Center Therapist Madelin Melara. During every session, paintings and artwork are provided as topics discussed can be very harsh.
“We understand that everyone is diverse and we feel that art is universal and it allows a transfer of an energy onto a medium which can be produced into something beautiful”
- Herrerra.
This therapy can allow
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Monday, October 2. The Rio Hondo Source Room located on the upper quad of campus provides information for housing, food and referrals.
individuals to feel as if they can turn something so ugly into something beautiful or vice versa. The support group will meet every first and third Tuesday of every month for the rest of the semester. The You Are Not Alone Support group is in partnership with the Violence Intervention Program. They are under a federal grant called the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services which helps colleges provide services for students who have been impacted by sexual assault or domestic violence. With both the grant and the Violence Intervention Program coming into play, services become added such as basic needs support and extended to not only students but faculty on campus. “We know that individuals are going to be facing other challenges as well,” said Herrerra. The support group is open to any student on campus. “We want to make sure every student feels comfortable sharing their experiences before entering the support group,” said Herrerra. The group is “super trauma informed, incredibly inclusive and we do not just service women but all genders” said Herrerra. It is a safe space where students are welcomed to talk about their experiences or release traumatic experiences if they choose to. With the data and research showing that the numbers of domestic violence and sexual assault cases are extremely high for college students, the group was started with the hopes that students can bring their experiences to a judg-
hen you think of your school’s Dean, you think of the person who runs the division, your professor’s boss, but who are these people? Not their name or position, not even what their job description tells us who they are or how they got to where they are today, but, who they are? What is their story? Rio Hondo College’s Dean of Communications and Languages, Dr. Alice Mecom doesn’t only run the largest division on campus, she resembles what a true educator and now leader is, however, her story to success has been quite the journey. Dr. Mecom was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She’s the oldest of three children living with her. Both parents were educators. Her father was a high school art teacher, and her mother was a thirdgrade teacher. She attended Saint Joseph’s Academy, an allgirls high school that led her to continue her education attending Louisiana State University. Dr. Mecom said, “When I was young I didn’t want to be an educator because I wanted to be different and my parents were already teachers.” She found her own, true passions at a young age, being acting and cultural diversities. She mentioned, “I wanted to be a stage actress and study French so I got a bachelor’s in French and Theater.” During her college career, she was in plays, learned the language of French, and even studied abroad in France, there having no type of technology. With that, many life-changing opportunities arose including one that would have shifted the course of her life but was declined to pursue her relationship with her then-boyfriend. Dr. Mecom decided to get a Bachelor’s in ESL, saying, “Since having kids, I wasn’t planning on traveling to France or doing any acting on stage, so I completed my ESL career and pursued that with all my
Sierra Uribe
heart”. Dr. Mecom mentioned her love for traveling saying,“It’s so fun meeting different people and cultures from around the world”. Her dream location would be Montreal, Canada. She graduated college in 1994 and moved to Dallas, Texas, working as a community college instructor there as well. Then, in 1997 she and her then-husband packed and moved to Los Angeles, “it was extremely exciting in 1997 it was such a big spontaneous change” she said. After landing her first job at Los Angeles City College, Dr. Mecom found out she was pregnant with the first of two beautiful boys, Luke and Michael. After a divorce at 34 years old, she took a step starting her long-term job at Glendale Community College as a professor, working there for 15 years. “I really enjoyed working there, but I used to think my boss could do a better job so I went back to school to get my Doctorate and become the boss”, she said. Instead of complaining about how she could do a better job, she decided to go to school and do something about it. Dr. Mecom believed she was able to be a good leader so she used that and achieved her doctorate degree in 2011. Shortly after, she got her first big job with her degree at Pasadena City College. After conflicts with the job, she applied to her current post at Rio Hondo College in October of 2016. “My favorite thing about my job is being a part of a leadership role, a team, helping students, in a positive and productive way”, she said. Dr. Mecom is in charge of supporting the faculty here at Rio Hondo College. She creates schedules, hires and evaluates faculty, solves any issues, or anything that needs attention, and resolves any sort of conflict. She is responsible for the largest division on campus which is anything related to, communica(continues on page 4)
News
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ADULTING: ESSENTIAL LIFE SKILLS A SEMINAR TO PREPARE RIO HONDO STUDENTS FOR ADULTHOOD
Angelica Diaz at the Rio Hondo Adulting Seminar
Chris Castanon Christopher Castanon
Angelica Diaz, Rio Hondo Therapist, explains stamina and edurance during her Adulting 101 lecture the LRC building in room 128.
CHRIS CASTANON @chriscast3194
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hursday, September 27, Rio Hondo hosted a workshop in hopes that students would be able to know about what adulting. This workshop worked to bridge the
gap between student life and adulthood for students, some of whom find themselves unprepared for the outside world and all the challenges they’ll face as they enter this new stage of life. Webster’s Dictionary describes adulting as an informal term to describe the behavior
that is seen as responsible and grown-up. People see this behavior as being able to meet mundane demands of independent and professional living, which include paying bills, taxes and running errands. The term, though having several words similar before, increased
LA GALAXY ’S NEW TAKE ON MEXICAN CUISINE ARIANNA MORALES @tentwentytw0
I
s the LA Galaxy stepping up their game? Tired of the same old hotdogs being served at every stadium that you can even find at gas stations? Tables have turned here at the LA Galaxy stadium located in Dominguez Hills. Not just every stadium is living with this dreamy new food, LA galaxy has totally stepped up their game for the food lovers. Out with the old and in with the new. Introducing the new LA style stadium food that will leave you wanting to come back for just the delicious food and amazing family friendly ambiance. Leaning towards the
Arianna Morales
Arianna Morales
Chef Matthew Lindblom & Reporter Yaileen Ramos at the LA Galaxy stadium.
end of September 2023 Matthew Lindlom, the head Chef came up with these delicious plates that satisfy the cravings of sports fans. They have made many new plates for all of the nation to enjoy here at the LA Galaxy stadium. They have partnered up with avocados from Mexico to create all these yummy plates for us. Living in socal we know how expensive avocados can get. An extra scoop can cost $2 extra; realistically we could be paying the price of $3 when we go out for food. Here in Galaxy stadium we don’t believe in paying high prices like others. Not only do they keep their prices low but you’re getting the lovely delicious serv-
ing of avocados from Mexico which is double the reason to go try it out for yourself !! Matthew Lindlom has grown up with his mother making this delicious guac salsa, growing up in LA it has been hard for him to match the same salsa as his mothers in other LA spots so he has used the same recipe as hers to top off what delicious guac salsa tastes like. Lindlom has introduced Pizza Tacos. What you picture in your mind is definitely right!! Think of it as a pizza full of colorful taco toppings. This is such a good delicious plate for your kids to enjoy and shareable between them as well. Goes great with his all new Quesadilla, which uses
in popularity in 2015 and 2016 as the age of the standards of adults began to dwindle. Of course, this word stemmed from the rise of the millennial generation which were at the time going through major life changes. It’s important to note that this word has not yet lost its hold on generations who have not been prepared for the challenges they were to face in the years after they graduated High School In hopes to help students feel more confident about themselves when entering adult life, RHC’s Therapist, Dr. Angelica Diaz and Counselor Guadalupe Villagas hosted this workshop called Adulting 101. Diaz believes that being an adult would be considered difficult, that this event can be a good help in giving students just what they need to be mindful and responsible when it comes to the real world. Villagas, the co-host of this workshop, made sure to give her expertise and shared experience. The first thing this workshop did to its students was take a few moments to just close their eyes and relax in the quiet room. This was one of the many self-soothing
large flour tortillas, topped off with of course guac salsa, pico de gallo, and some carne asada if asked to be included. On behalf of all the players’ favorites, Matthew Lindblow has also introduced all time favorite esquites, mixed in guac salsa held in a blue coned tortilla topped off with crumbs of parmesan cheese. Now this is what’s going to have all the necks turning in the stadium. Ultimately what the people will love the most. Last but not least we know how hot it can get here in southern california and we know how irritating it is watching a game in the middle of the heat so that is why Matthew Lindblow had the creativity and kind heart of sharing his avocado ice cream recipe with all of us. This is not just any avocado ice cream, this is homemade creamy soft ice
techniques that Diaz had stated were good to do in times of stress or overwhelming experiences to keep calm. As for this experience, some of the students were a bit confused with the activity, one of which expressed that “it was… something.” Diaz’s lecture was mainly about the things that we as students or people will go through every day. She called it an area of wellness, from emotional to societal these 8 areas we focus on that make who we are who we are. “Of course, all of us like to focus more on some areas more than others,” Diaz said, “it is the reason as to why we would falter on the areas that aren’t as focused on.” Adulting 101 had a good mark on people who had joined the workshop to learn about stress in the adult world. Even to the people who had gone there who weren’t even students. “It really makes you think,” Vanessa Cerano, A student success coach who had attended the workshop, said, “as an adult it’s important to be mindful of the practices you can learn.”
Arianna Morales
cream that you don’t have to bite into but dissolves in your mouth leaving a tasty flavor of freshness. Very new as LA continues to be very different, coming up with creative treats this avocado ice cream fits right in. Very neat as it’s held in a blue waffle cone matching the colors of our favorite MLS team. That wraps up all of the new tastiest food here at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Arianna Morales
Miscellaneous
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CAL STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IS RAISING TUITION COSTS
El Paisano Staff Sierra Uribe
Editor-in-Chief
SAMANTHA MARIN
Giovanna Hernandez
@sammarin4
Executive Editor
I
t has recently been announced that the California State University (CSU) system has approved a proposal to raise tuition for all incoming and current students. The CSU Board of Trustees approved the plan, which states that all schools in the CSU system will be increasing the tuition cost by 6% for all students for the next five years. The proposal will start at the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year and finish at the end of the 2028-2029 year. This plan aims to help increase and stabilize all the universities’ budgets. With the money they expect to generate with the tuition increase, they plan on using it for academic and student services support, new facilities, mental health services, enhanced financial aid, and compensation for faculty and staff. Some are wondering why they need to raise it in the first place. What are they spending money on that is making them lose their budget? “If they need more funds, that means they’re not using their current funds efficiently,” said James Gallardo, a third-year student at Rio Hondo College. This proposal will sig-
Luis Martinez
Managing Editor
Alyssa Esquivel Christopher Castanon Co-Copy Editors
Christopher Araujo Online Editor-in-Chief
Robert Jimenez
Broadcast Director
Arianna Morales Video Editor
Victoria Ortiz College of Engineering and Computer Science building at Cal State Fullerton.
nificantly affect students planning on transferring to a CSU as it can make them rethink their decision. “One of the benefits of the Cal States was the affordability of it so I’m sure that’s gonna create a barrier for the community college students that are transferring. Especially if they don’t get financial aid”, said Gabriel Amaya, a student services assistant at the Rio Hondo transfer center. The increase will affect not only students who are
transferring but also students currently enrolled in a CSU. Justin Cuadra, a thirdyear student at California State University Northridge, said, “One of the main reasons I chose to attend a Cal State was because I could afford the tuition cost compared to the UC system or private schools. Now I have to look for another job to pay for the increase”. With this new change, can this cause students to rethink their education and potentially cause an in-
Samantha Marin
Samantha Marin crease in dropout rates? “This definitely makes me think about taking some time off. I would have to focus all my time into working in order to save money to pay for the tuition for when I would go back“, said Karolina Sanchez, a thirdyear student at California State University Long Beach. The CSU system will start implementing the increase in tuition at the start of the next academic year.
DEBATE TEAM’S FIRST COMPETITION THIS SEASON
Grant Tovmasian
The Rio Hondo Forensics Speech and Debate team competed at the first competitions of the year this past weekend. 2023 PSCFA Warm-Up held at El Camino College. With 19 colleges and universities present, Rio Hondo is off to a great start. This was a great season opener for Rio Hondo Forensics Speech and Debate. Please join us in congratulating the following students in their achievements:
Podcast Editor
Excellence in Impromptu Speech Ashley Garcia Excellence in Parli Debate Zack Day Karney Okuma Superior in Dramatic Interp Katelyn Ayala Students were led by: Coordinator: Patricia Hughes Coaches: Grant Tovmasian and Edward Minasyan. Next in team’s view is travel tournament at Point Loma Nazarene University October 20-22, 2023
Rio Roundup Host
“wProfe” Carrera Instructor
Aarón Martínez Instructor
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Miscellaneous
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mental free group where they can connect with one another. “We acknowledge that trauma is this ‘invisible wound’ and if not met with support, empathy or sympathy it can lead to this invisible infection that can take over the body and hurt it” said Herrerra. This month, the Violence Intervention Program is inviting students to two of their Safety Awareness and Basic Self Defense workshops during the month of October. Students will learn basic self defense tactics. “They can learn about things we know but don’t
often think about such as always paying attention to your surroundings” said Herrerra. A scenario like walking through an empty parking lot at night can be discussed at these workshops and safety tips will be provided. Unsure? You Are Not Alone. The groups on campus are created to provide comfort and are accessible to anyone who is looking for guidance during any challenging time. Anyone that has any questions or that is interested can email Daniela Herrerra, dherrera@elawc.org.
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THE OVERTURNING OF DACA WHAT IT MEANS FOR RIO HONDO STUDENTS
VICTORIA ORTIZ
I
@vo.mediastudies
n September, Texas Federal judge, Andrew Hanen ruled DACA to be unlawful. The US government is now barred from allowing any new applicants to be approved into the program, however it is still intact for any existing recipients during the appeal process. DACA is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals that allows people who were brought to the United states as children to receive deferred action from deportation. DACA recipients are allowed to renew after a two-year period and are eligible to receive a work permit. Many Rio Hondo students are DACA recipients and for them, this new legislation could have a huge impact on their livelihood. The
overturning means that for students who are not enrolled, there is no clear pathway to work. There will not be any work authorization cards to hand out so this puts limits on jobs and choices available for undocumented students. “Students who are currently enrolled in DACA are in a state of limbo because they are not sure if it will continue to be overturned or if they will be able to continue to renew in the program”, Kae Reinoza is a Student support assistant in Rio Hondo’s Dreamer’s Resource Center located in the Learning Resource Building. The Dreamer’s Resource Center is a sort of hub filled with information and resources for Rio Hondo’s undocumented
students and DACA recipients. Some of the services offered here are free legal services, scholarship assistance and mental health groups, among many other helpful features. Reinoza encourages students to stay informed about any changes with the legislation and to continue to inform the community about what is happening. They recommend sources such as Immigrants Rising to stay on top of the latest updates. “Students should encourage other undocumented students to reach out to the Dream Center”, Reinoza suggests that students should advocate for each other during these times of uncertainty.
ROADRUNNERS RUN OVER COMPTON Sierra Uribe
tions, languages, or ESL. Dr. Mecom makes it a point to help as many people as she can. She continues to give countless hours to our institution, making so much progress. She is an inspiring professional who keeps a positive attitude despite the losses in her life. She’s been through many hardships, including a divorce and the loss of her oldest son, but continues to lay excellentwork on the table. She’s capable of everything that’s waiting for her in her bright future. Her overcoming every obstacle in her life should be an example to everyone
to keep moving, success will come with hard work. Dr. Mecom is the most genuine example of how coming back stronger after life brings you down, of positivity, and it’s very easy to understand why she is where she is today. She never gave up. If you see Dr. Alice Mecom in the halls, give her a wave or a smile because she’s not just our dean, she’s someone who can impact your life in a positive way, you can count on her knowledge and determination for helping others because that’s exactly what she does at Rio.
The Lady Roadrunners gained a shut-out victory over Compton 5-0 at home Tuesday, October 3. With a clean sheet, the home team scored four goals in the first half and one in the second half. Jackie Marin, Ashley Rios and Jeszel Moreno contributed with one goal each and Jay Gallardo shined by scoring two goals.
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Sierra Uribe
@s3erra
RHC Men’s soccer defeated Compton 2-1 at home Tuesday, October 3. The home team struck first with a goal by Ulises Depaz, followed by the equalizer from the visitor’s team striker Juan Salazar in the first half. Ariel Solano scored the second goal which gave the Roadrunners the win over Compton.
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ROADRUNNERS RUNNERS PAST BY THE HUSKIES IN A SWEEP CHRISTOPHER ARAUJO @chris_ jrnlsm
R
io Hondo College women’s volleyball beats ELAC on Wednesday September 27, in a clean sweep beating them in all sets going 3-0. The first set ended in 2516. The second set score was 25-18. The final set score was 25-20 with the roadrunners going for the sweep. First Set ELAC started off the game with some great defensive blocks to run up the score. With immediate response number RHC’s number14 Madison Mader tied up the score 2-2. The Huskies server was helping the away team to put them back in the lead. The Roadrunners had a slow start but number 7 for RHC Jade Fuentes sparked the home team to put them up in the score. Fuentes contin-
ued her dominance with the score going up being assisted by Mader. RHC had good defensive plays to help the team take the first set of the night. Second Set. The roadrunners started the second set scoring first. They began the set strong just like they ended their first set. Number 12 Maria Bejines with a great kill being assisted by number 17 Carly Kejmar. Fuentes began her takeover stepping up with some great offensive plays earning the home team some points with the score being 8-2. Fuentes continued to rack up points for RHC. Number 13 Loren Forster and number 16 Jayleen Garcia had great blocks making ELAC have some trouble trying to get some over passes. Garcia continued to help RHC maintain the lead in the
Christoper Araujo
Number seven Jade Fuentes with an attack attempt versus East Los Angeeles College at Rio Hondo College
middle block position. The Huskies attempted to start a comeback but Fuentes continued her dominance by scoring points for the roadrunners. The final score for set number two was 25-18 only needing to win one more set to sweep. Third Set The third set started off with a great defensive effort by Bejines and Fuentes try-
ing to keep the ball alive but unable to, resulting in the huskies first point of the set. ELAC came out this third set doing everything they can to stay in the game. Taking advantage of RHC’s mistakes and capitalizing on them. Bejines made an effort to help her team not fall behind by stepping up early for the roadrunners.
ELAC kept the pressure up against RHC keeping up with the score 11-9. The roadrunners pushed back in offense as the huskies kept trying to cut the lead. Bejines made great blocks to run up the score helping RHC go up 22-18 as ELAC was not going down easy. RHC wins the third set 25-20 sweeping ELAC in all sets.