The Hornet Fall 2015 Issue 4

Page 1

Patience is the key for football player “Pop” Thomas. See SPORTS Page 6

FC symphony pleased the crowd with their impressive performance.

The Hornet See ENTERTAINMENT Page 9

Fullerton College

Serving Fullerton College since 1922

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Volume 101, Issue 4

NEWS BRIEFS

Cheer team walks

ON CAMPUS

Kwanza celebration planned for this week

Emjoa and the Ethnic Studies Department will host a Kwanzaa celebration in the Wilshire Auditorium, Thursday, Dec. 3. There will be singing, dancing and a discussion on unity led by Dr. Dawn Peterson, the professor of Educational Leadership at CSU Fullerton.

The future of the Fullerton College spirit squad is up in the air as the entire group walked away after a coaching shakeup. JASON BURCH Sports Editor

ON CAMPUS

Over 100 military care packages collected

The Veterans Resource Center created 123 care package to send to military over seas with items from their previous donation drive. The center is still taking names and addresses of active service members to send the care packages to. If interested, please send names and addresses to Aghabi Rangel at arangel@fullcoll.edu. ON CAMPUS

Workshop will prepare students for job fairs

The Workforce Center will hose a workshop Wednesday, Dec. 2 to show students how to present themselves in a job fair atmosphere.

INDEX News.............................2,3 Opinion........................4,5 Sports............................6,7 Entertainment...........8,9.10

La Antorcha............11,12 The Hornet FCHornet @FCHornet FCHornet @FCHornet

hornet.fullcoll.edu

PHOTO BY SUE HWANG

Members of Fullerton College’s Associated Students were seen protesting the prospect of a special election at the District before the planned meeting in September. The special election is set for February 6.

Special election planned for January Al Salehi, now running with the first name Alan, accumulated enough verified signatures for a special election for Trustee Area 3. STEPHANIE GORMAN News Editor

Fullerton College and Cypress College Associate Students expressed disapproval of the special election due to high cost. However, Alan Salehi stood his ground and said there can be “no price put on democracy.” Now, the district is expecting four candidates for the special election, challenging the popular idea that a special election would stand without reason.

On the ballet, voters can expect not only Daniel Billings and Alan Salehi, but also two additional candidates Steven Hwangbo and Steven Blount. Several students, including Associated Student President Thor Roe, challenged the “student-oriented” mantra by Salehi, stating that “forcing” an election at such a high cost is the opposite of student-oriented. However, with two additional candidates on the ballot, it seems that Salehi wasn’t the only one looking for a special election, just the one willing to take the heat. The most contributing factor of opposition was the high cost of the special election. According to Interim Chancellor Fred Williams, the initial

estimate stated the process could cost anywhere between $240,000 and $270,000. However, in lieu of Salehi accruing enough petition signatures, the budget has been re-evaluated. On Oct. 27, the Board of Trustees voted to approve a mail-in election for the special election that would significantly lower the cost. The new estimate falls between about $168,000 and $197,000. However, this number still accounts for 100 percent voter turn out. Statistically, according to district records, voter turn out typically caps at about 20 percent.

See ELECTION Page 2

After Fullerton College suddenly decided to replace cheer coach Katie Bowers with former coach Alix Plum-Widner, the entire cheer team has decided to walk away from the program in solidarity, to support their former coach. The end of the semester has been tumultuous for the Fullerton College cheer team. According to Bowers, two weeks ago she received a call from the athletic director, Scott Giles, informing her of the news that Plum-Widner would be taking over the team. “Scott called me on Wednesday morning and told me that he was giving Alix the class back, he said it was nothing that I did and there were no complaints from the athletes, it was purely based on Alix wanting the class back, so they gave it to her.” As a full-time faculty member, Plum-Widner had the authority to replace Bowers, who was in her first semester at Fullerton as a part-time instructor.

See CHEER Page 7

Challenging the community college stigma JAYNA GAVIERES Editor-in-Cheif

Kayla Briët, an 18-year-old self-taught musician, aspiring filmmaker and student lives an extremely busy life, but shared the things that make up “K.A.I.A.,” her stage name. Briët, now in her second year at Fullerton College, is formally declared as a computer science major because she has always loved the academic field of science and technology, but she is also eagerly pursuing her more artistic side with music and film. Being a current STEM student, she also grew up on the

AP and Honors track throughout her time at Cypress High School. She was even accepted into Cal Poly Pomona as well as UC schools to study computer science. With the help of Michael Matsuda, superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, she strategically made the decision to attend community college first. “She’s an incredibly talented young lady with a really bright future,” Matsuda said. “She wasn’t that aware of community college as an option and all the advantages that going to a community college has.”

While serving as a member on the Board of Trustees for the North Orange County Community College District, Matsuda met Briët at one of the board meetings she presented at while attending Cypress High School. During that time, he invited her to present one of her award-winning original videos on water sustainability at the Partnership for 21st Century Learning conference in Fullerton in May 2014. “Kayla is learning what a great option community college is… With someone like her capacity, they’re really going

to value a student like that.” Matsuda said. He believes that she has a great story not only for community colleges but for high schools as well. Briët believes there’s heavy pressure from peers to go to a university, even though for some the price tag is too high. Her parents offered to take out loans to help cover university expenses, but for her it didn’t feel right to put them through the hardships of debt for her education.

See STIGMA Page 3


NEWS

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CAMPUS INCIDENT REPORT EVENTS CALENDAR Your listing of events on and off campus

November 16 through November 29

MONDAY, NOV. 16

Wednesday, Dec. 2

WARRANT ARREST HOMELESS MAN Wilshire Park, 434/438 Chapman Properties

Study Abroad Dublin Informational Meeting

Room 224 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Job Fair Workshop

Room 224 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOV. 24

Thursday, Dec. 3

MEDICAL AID Staff Lot W

Kwanzaa Celebration

The Fullerton College Ethnic Studies Deparment and UMOJA Program invite the campus community to join them in the annual Kwanzaa Celebration. Wilshire Auditorium 12 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 28

VANDALISM OF DISTRICT PROPERTY Various locations along the perimeter of the campus.

Symphonic Winds

The Fullerton College Symphinc Winds will perfrom their most recent set. Adults $10, Students & Seniors $7, Children $5 Campus Theature 7 p.m.

Campus Safety encourages students to report any wrong doing they may happen to witness. Contact them at (714) 992-7080.

“Blood Wedding”

PHOTO BY POLITICS , PA

ELECTION: Four candidates expected on ballot in January Continued from Page 1 Even in the most publicized election, the ballot with Measure J brought out a record-breaking turnout of nearly 30 percent of registered voters. Given that estimate, the special election will realistically cost the district around $60,000. People also questioned the necessity for a special election, given the planned election for November 2016. The appointment of Daniel Billings would only have lasted until the open election. The winner of the open election would serve a full four-year term, rather than the one-year appointment. Pat Ganer, professor of communications studies at Cypress College who served with Salehi for the Buena Park Library District Board of Trustees, communicated with him directly via email expressing her concerns about his filing for the special election. “I have heard nothing about the person who was chosen by the board [Daniel Billings] that would lead me to believe that this person would be a disastrous decision for that one year,” Ganer said. “I thought if Al wants to run a year from now, he certainly has that right. He has the right to do so now, but I couldn’t see the necessity of going through two elections in less than a year for this position.” However, Salehi expressed the concern over the success of incumbents in elections for the district. Historically, no one has won an election against an already seated board member in this millennium. Open elections will only commence in the event that a candidate files against an incumbent, and that happening is rare. For example, the open election for

November 2016 will happen only if a person decides to run against a seated member on the Board. Moreover, he questioned the Board members’ historical tendencies to step down shortly after an open election, rather than before. According to Donna Miller, District 3 Trustee prior to stepping down in August, the Board made five appointments during her time since 1995. No one has won an election against an incumbent during that time period. With this strategy, Salehi argued that the district strategically chooses the trustees and removes the democratic vote. The only current member of the Board is Leonard Lahtinen, who was elected in 1990. Associated Students of both Cypress College and Fullerton College signed resolutions encouraging Salehi to wait for the November 2016 open election. Some members of FC’s Associated Students were seen protesting the election at the district meeting in September. However, according to Salehi, a lot of his petition signatures came from students at Cypress College, the college more representative of District 3. “This money was not ever designated to any student program of any kind. If no one runs in November the same funds are then put back into the general fund,” Salehi said. “With this logic it would stand to reason that we should never ever have any elections of any kind because all that money can always be saved and used somewhere else.” The vote-by-mail ballots will be available Jan. 11, and the last day to request a ballot is Feb. 2. The date of the election is Feb. 6.

Saturday, Dec. 5 Big Band and J Train

FC Brass Choir, French Horn Club, Student Brass Quintets, Trombone Choir, and Barbershop Brass Singers will play music ranging from classical to pop. Adults $10, Students & Seniors $7, Children $5 Recital Hall 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 7 Wellness Week

Come releive any finals stress with free refreshments, tai chi demonstrations, essential oils therapy, and more. Quad 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 American Red Cross Holiday Blood Drive Room 224 9 a.m. - 3 p.m

The play by Federico Garcia Lorca and translated by Lillian Groag, will be presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. The play will be performed from Thursday, Dec. 3 to Saturday, Dec. 5. Tickets are $15 at the door, and $12.50 presold. Dodson Theatre Thursday, Friday Saturday 7 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 11

Friday, Dec. 4

Saturday Dec. 12

Come and enjoy the sounds of the holiday as the choisrs of Fullerton College usher in the spirit of the season with holiday classics. Aduls $10, Students & Seniors $7, Children $5 Campus Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Last day of the semester.

A Holiday Concert

Applied Piano Recital

Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. (FREE)

Comedy Improv Class Performance

$5 Bronwyn Dodson Theatre 7 p.m.

Veteran’s Resource Center Packing Party

VRC will be packing donations to send to troops for the holidays. Room 518 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Have an event coming up?

Get it listed in the calendar! Send information to: hornet@fullcoll.edu

Interested in journalism or media? Want to meet and network with people who share similar interests? Want to be a part of a national professional organization?

JOIN

Meetings are every other Monday in Room 706 @ 1:30 p.m. Next meeting is 11/16 For more info contact jseidel@fullcoll.edu


NEWS

STIGMA: Kayla Briët against the masses

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Continued from Page 1

She said choosing to go to a community college before a university is one of the best decisions she’s made in her young life. She’s learned so much from everyone and feels safe with the genuine people that she’s surrounded by daily. “[Community college] is definitely stigmatized. It’s so silly, but it’s real,” Briët said. “People believe that’s where the delinquents go, where the ‘no-gooders’ go, where people who failed go, and once I heard that, I said I have to go to community college now and prove them wrong.” “It doesn’t matter where you go; it’s what you do. You can accomplish anything if you just reach out to people and work hard.” And that is the motto that Briët lives by and strives to inspire others with. Her financial situation greatly contributed to her decision to start at a community college. She received the Osher Scholarship from the Fullerton College Foundation. These financial opportunities made it possible for her to attend events and buy supplies to help her further her academic goals and professional career. It helped her with textbooks, camera gear and the opportunity to invest in creating and traveling more. She believes there is so much support out there and says that finances are “totally a boundary.” All students need to do is ask questions and take advantage of the resources they’re surrounded by. Jeannie Abutin-Mitsch, FC counselor for the Engage in STEM & CCPT Teacher Pathway Program and advisor for the Robotics team, has been involved with the school for many years and is currently Briët’s STEM counselor. “Scholarships are an amazing opportunity for students. Not only is there financial support, but students are recognized in their field and that can lead to future internship/employment as well as expanding their professional network,” Abutin-Mitsch said. Since Briët is a member of the STEM First Year Experience Cohort and Robotics team, she and Abutin-Mitsch have a close relationship. Briët ensured that her decision to apply for scholarships was definitely influenced by her STEM counselor. “Kayla is an amazing student and I encouraged her to apply for any and all scholarships for which she is eligible,” Abutin-Mitsch said. “I told her that sponsors want to support and reward students who are driven and taking the right steps towards their future academic and career goals.” Briët considers herself lucky to have maintained a trusted relationship with a counselor at FC, and contributes it largely to the tight-knit atmosphere available to community college students. There is nothing like the relationship between a child and his or her parents, though. Briët spoke about her parents with full admiration because of the life they’ve provided for her. They never wanted to shelter her from things and have always showered her with unconditional love. Kids have their own spirit and personality, and Briët’s parents guided her through an educational process of right from wrong, and most importantly, they’ve always trusted her. “My mom, she’s a boss,” she said and laughed. “Every time I feel stressed, I think about her and how lucky I am to have parents who inspire me to give back and help others in any way I can.” Briët’s confidence can be seen in the way she presents herself to others, and she thanks her parents for the beauty they instilled in her. She holds much pride in her heritage and ethnic background as well. Her father is of the Prairie Band

Potawatomi Native American heritage, and their family is direct descendants of Chief Abram B. Burnett. In addition to that, her Chinese-speaking mother is not only Chinese, but also Dutch, Indonesian and French. “His presence is so powerful. His smile is ‘so-Obama,’ so cool, and his mannerisms, he’s so polite and charismatic and warm,” she said in response to meeting the president at The White House.

“People believe that’s where the delinquents go, where the ‘no-gooders’ go, where people who failed go, and once I heard that, I said I have to go to community college now and prove them wrong.”

—Kayla Briët FC Student

This was the moment Briët knew she wanted to pursue film and make an impact. Just recently, Briët returned from a conference in New York City called The Future of Storytelling. She described this experience as humbling being the youngest “Youth Fellow” winner there. It gave her the opportunity to meet influential people such as Disney animator Glen Keane and former Vice President of the United States Al Gore on an all-expenses-paid trip. Being a full-time student whilst pursuing all of her dreams definitely keeps her busy, but one might wonder how an 18-year-old finds the time to do anything else. “I never like to complain, but it’s not easy!” Briët said. “Even if you are super passionate about what you’re doing, it does get tough. I just try to take care of myself as best I can.” She explained that it’s all a learning process. Just like anything else in life, people have to experience something to understand and grow from it. Many people don’t see the personal struggles that come with consistent hard work. It’s a battle, though, and it’s a challenge to keep up with creative energy, but Briët is constantly pushing herself and is somewhat driven by her fear. Although she identifies as a pop culture nerd and has a video game guilty pleasure, Briët doesn’t think about what’s going to happen next. She doesn’t even know what’s going to happen tomorrow. She’s taking it step-by-step and focusing on the beauty of creating art and following her passions. She continues to win awards and honors for the films she creates and has no plans on stopping any time soon. Her artistic creativity knows no bounds and her ability to inspire can be heartwarming to witness. Kayla Briët is a prime example of the motto she strongly lives by, “It’s not where you go; it’s what you do,” and for now, one can only imagine the places she’ll go as she continues to pursue her goals lovingly and passionately.

Photo Courtesy of Kayla Briët

Kayla Briët,

an 18-year-old student, musician, and filmmaker, is in her second year at Fullerton College. She expresses and explores herself through film and music, and uses her success to challenge the stigma put on to community college students.


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OPINION

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL: The Hornet Serving Fullerton College since 1922 Editor-in-Chief Jayna Gavieres Managing Editor Stephanie Lara Opinion Editor Sarah Espiritu News Editor Stephanie Gorman Local Editor Oscar Barajas Entertainment Editor Kim Cisneros

The future is in our hands Election Day is less than a year from now, so there’s still time to learn about what each potential presidential candidate can do for the United States of America. That means college students, who are the future of this great nation, should really dig deep when selecting candidates who fight for the betterment of tomorrow, rather than what’s good for only right now or for those who are well off. In a country where freedom rings, not as many people use this freedom to its full potential in a positive way. The voting turn out, especially among young voters, isn’t very great considering its population is the highest in numbers. Those who are voting the most are the ones who have lived a full life, but (as morbid as it sounds) may not even be present to see any changes take effect. Regardless of what political party students may affiliate with, or even

which ever one their parents do, they should take a look at the big issues at hand and see what each candidate has to say. One may be looking out for the middle class in particular or those who have a high amount of debt with student loans; the other candidate might prioritize giving upper class tax breaks and helping big businesses and banks instead. The generation of voters between the ages of 18-29 can truly make a difference. Being an ever growing population of people, this is the age range that can be the oil that gets the machine going again to make America about the majority of the people and not just the few who make enough to live easily in their freedom. Encouraging young voters can help show a true representation of what citizens truly want and feel about problems that occur within the government. Getting involved

will also open the eyes of students and allow them to become aware of and understand issues that can affect them directly. Before the final candidates are chosen from each party, the best that students can do is let their voices be heard and ask the hard and sometimes uncomfortable questions. If a movement of students push through and demand that candidates be asked what can be done for our generation and those to come, then perhaps our cry for positive change can be strong enough to make a difference. Citizens of the United States of America are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to let their voices be heard, especially since not everyone around the world is offered that same kind of privilege. College students are an integral part of whatever state of being the future can end up in, so let’s make the government listen by voting.

Sports Editor Jason Burch Assistant Sports Editor Teren Guerra Photo Editor Christian Fletcher Staff Reporters Matt Anderson Michael Anderson Justine Banal Bobby Belleville Madison Brown Katelyn Chavez Neddie Facio Chelena Gadson Cristina Garcia Bianca Granado Sue Hwang Emily Jett Jhony Juarez Danny Lee Joshua Mejia Christina Nguyen Patrick Quirk Andrea Ramos Megan Showalter Christopher Toland Javier Tinajero Adviser Jay Seidel The Hornet is a proud member of the following associations: Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges The Hornet is published as a learning experience, under the guidance of Fullerton College’s journalism program. The editorial and advertising published herein, including any opinions exprsesed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate and federal court decisions and California law, college newspapers are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Accordingly, information published in this newspaper, including any opinions expresssed, should not be interpreted to represent the position of the North Orange County Community College District, Fullerton College, or any officer or employee thereof. THE HORNET 321 E. Chapman Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832 714-992-7134

This chart shows the percentage of different age groups of vioter turnout throughout the years.

Social media sings for world peace Sarah Espiritu Opinion Editor @sarahespiritu

The tragedy of the events that took place in Paris on Friday, Nov. 13 are reminiscent of the terrorist attacks that happened over 14 years ago in the United States. No one saw it coming, and allies of the U.S. responded immediately with their support. That fateful day forever went down in history as “9/11” and the world will never forget. In this world of social media, news spreads in such a different matter than it did 2001. The way people found out about the attacks to the World Trade Center, Pentagon and the attempted aim at the White House was through the news broadcasts on TV and radio. All channels covered the various locations that were affected by the tragedies and all anyone knew was that many Americans were killed that day and it was at the hands of terrorists. Now in 2015, Twitter is one of the biggest resources that people have access to that allows them to find out how a war is playing out in the opposing country. Especially since all that’s being covered in popular media is how Paris is standing strong and fighting back as well as propaganda for what side citizens of the United States should be on. Trending on social media is #prayforSyria, the country on the other end of France’s retaliation that occurred just two days after the Paris bombing. However, the posts aren’t necessary pro-Syria or against France, it’s about the innocent lives that have been lost due to the bombs striking down on the city of Raqqa. Most of the tweets, featuring that hashtag, have been attached to images of bodies of children who were killed or children crying for their loss of their parents. Not every person in Raqaa is evil and deserves this sort of punishment, just how not everyone in Paris, or even Beirut, Lebanon (a city that was attacked by bombers the day before Paris) deserved to die either. There are terrorists and down-right bad

people throughout the world. Extremists are the ones who get televised the most, but it’s only when they target a major city. Places that aren’t seen as a tourist destination are known as a third-world country and aren’t brought to light in major news, but social media has been all over it lately. Even President Obama stood up primarily for France saying that there was an “attack on the civilized world.” Does this mean that places such as Beirut and Raqqa are not civilized or seen as human beings? On Twitter, presidential candidate Donald Trump has taken to speaking out against people seeking a safe haven from the war they did not ask to be a part of. “Refugees from Syria are now pouring into our great country. Who knows who they are - some could be ISIS. Is our president insane?” tweeted Trump to his 4.91 million followers. Perhaps this sort of behavior is common in the Middle East so it comes to no one’s surprise when war breaks out, but what the world needs to know is the reality of what these citizens go through on a daily basis. Although it’s understandable why France would want to fight back, an eye for an eye isn’t always the best solution. In avenging the deaths of innocent people,

Electproject.org

more innocent people die as well. ISIS and other extremists do not care about the lives of people who are affected by their attacks, especially since they are fully willing to explode themselves within the masses. They only care that the death toll causes further turmoil and a future war for them to continue to fight in. The lack of news showing the innocent lives lost in battle from the side of the “enemy” is something that has been going on for many years. Fortunately, social media has allowed the world to become more aware of the effects of war instantly. Yes, hundreds of innocent lives have been lost in Paris, Beirut, the United States and many other countries affected by ISIS, but how many more people need to die just because they’re in the wrong environment? Perhaps news from social media is the type of cry for help this generation needs to hear in order to fuel the fire that yearns for world peace. If people see the unnecessary casualties from both sides of a war, it may help with bringing the world closer together. Social media already does that for the most part, so now bigger differences can be made. Let’s bring these realities to light by praying for the world instead of just what the our side of the news tells us.

A portrayal of world media vs. social media views on the tradgedies around the world that went viral.

Twitter.com


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OPINION Why should students vote during elections?

“A lot of students think that their voices aren’t heard if they vote... So if we all voted we could make a difference in things we don’t agree on that go on in the government.”

Melissa Escamilla Criminal Justice

Have an opinion you want to share with our readers? Want to respond to a story? Have a complaint about Fullerton College that may affect other students? Email the opinion desk at fchornet.letters@gmail.com

“I feel its important for students because its going to directly affect their lives in both the short term and the long term.”

John De Long Music

Driving under a new influence Megan Showalter Hornet Staff @meggsandbacon2 In the past, when a driver on the road was driving erratically the thought might be that the person was drunk or under the influence of something, but today the thought is that they’re most likely texting or on their phone. This distraction while driving that is considered socially acceptable is causing many more accidents on the road than people are thinking. According to the National Safety Council, 1.6 million car accidents a year involve cell phone use. Thirteen percent of drivers age 18-20 involved in a car accident admit to either texting or using their phone at the time of the accident. Though making phone calls and texting while driving are both illegal in the state of California, drivers believe that as long as they are not caught by police or highway patrol they are in the clear. Thirty-four percent of Americans say that they have texted while driving, and 77 percent of young adults believe that they can text safely while driving. However, this is not the case. Even with laws in place, the awareness of how dangerous texting and driving is is very low. Here in California, things that are put in place for our safety while driving are often ignored unless there is a police presence in the area. Californians are famous for the

“California roll” at a stop sign and for ignoring speed limits. Drivers believe they are completely safe doing unsafe things until they themselves experience an accident and at that point, it may be too late to change. One group in Belgium has started an awareness campaign about texting and driving where they convince drivers that in order to pass their driving exam they

“Mainly if there’s certain things, certain issues that they are passionate and care about, if they want to have a say in it then they need to vote.”

Michelle Lopez Biology had to safely text and drive at the same time. The results were humorous but also eye opening. Since this campaign other groups have followed in the same vein, AT&T created a similar ad-campaign. Many people may think that while this all might be true, it doesn’t apply to them. They believe they’re able to get away with it because they have a certain trick for doing it. People should never fool themselves into thinking that this doesn’t apply to them. Texting and driving affects more than

Texting and driving causes drivers to not pay attention to their surroundings on the road.

“It would add more numbers to important laws and bills. If we’d gather everyone to vote it would make a bigger impact for things we’d like, lower taxes, things that would benefit us and the school.”

John Basa Business Administration just the individual who texts. The child who watches their parent text while behind the wheel grows up to think they can do it too, and then has an accident as a teenager. Another person texting on the road thinks he or she is safe from other drivers, but the truth is that other drivers are not safe from them. Drivers who are distracted can cause accidents and it’s not only them who are affected. The person on the other end may have to pay for the consequences as well.

Photo by: Christian Fletcher

How to: maintaining weight during the holidays Jayna Gavieres Editor-in-Chief @msjaynarose

It’s that time of the year again to cozy up with loved ones and enjoy all the seasonal pleasure that the holidays bring. This could include anything from a plethora of leftover Halloween candy, turkeys both roasted and fried, warm and rich hot chocolate, candied and mashed appetizers and even a long list of delicious holiday desserts that haunt your dietary conscience months before the holiday season even begins. Most find it difficult to maintain weight on a consistent basis, but the holidays seem to be the biggest battle of the year for a person’s diet. According to The New York Times, several studies showed that the statistic of people gaining about 7-10 pounds during the holiday season was actually closer to one pound. This might sound like good news but one pound is still significant and let’s face it, the weight gain doesn’t stop there. So how does one maintain weight during the holiday season that is often labeled as the most wonderful time of the year? By following these five advice tips that are often overlooked but essential to maintaining weight, you can bypass those extra pounds

that sneak its way into your body. 1. Eat in moderation. If we were able to eat however much we wanted, an article like this would be of no interest and serve no purpose. The fact that people gain weight during the holidays is inevitable but also maintainable. Eating in moderation is a step in the right direction to keeping those extra pounds off, and this can be done mainly by not going for a second plate of food. Now, that doesn’t mean pile the goods all on one plate! Getting another scoop of those addicting sweet potatoes that are caramelized from melted marshmallows might take your taste buds to euphoria, but simple carbohydrates do no good to your health and body figure. 2. Exercise frequently. Exercising shouldn’t be new in one’s mission to weight loss, but it’s definitely something that needs to be reiterated. Taking frequent walks around the block, parking in spaces that are farthest away from your destination, and most importantly, by keeping commitments with those gym dates that often get rain checks, will definitely contribute to this. Exercising helps maintain one’s metabolism that is directly related to the imperative energy that the

body uses, which correlates to the amount of calories being burned while at rest and sleeping. In other words, exercising is very important, don’t skip this one! 3. Opt for healthier substitutions. People tend to believe that the holidays are filled with comfort food, and while this belief is most often true, there are other foods that can provide comfort if given the opportunity. Instead of getting a heaping scoop of buttery mashed potatoes filled with stringy cheese, make a less starchy side of mashed cauliflower. Choose white meat over the dark and at all costs, avoid that fatty skin roasted and crisped to perfection. You can do it. 4. Drink less sugar and cream. The desire to drink soda and other refreshments filled with sugar and fat comes naturally when eating comfort food like those served during the holidays. “I eat like a bird any other day, and during the holidays I eat like a pig. I tend to eat and drink way more than usual,” said Shelby Santillan, a Fullerton College graduate. “I tend to eat more tamales towards the end of the year. Also, hot cocoa tends to taste better [during the holidays].” You’re not alone. But fighting that urge to have a cup of coffee every day that is

filled with sugar and cream can significantly help one’s diet. Try caffeinated black tea or simple black coffee sweetened with honey or a natural substitute. Many don’t realize the amount of calories that are being consumed solely from what people are drinking. By choosing water over soda and juice, you give your body the opportunity to reach the recommended daily water consumption also to avoid the devil that sugar is for health. 5. Just say “NO” to Halloween candy. This one is simple. Just say “No.” Don’t say “maybe,” “just this one time” or anything that sounds remotely like you’re trying to convince yourself that Halloween candy isn’t the aunt of weight gain because it is. If extra help is needed, just read the previous tip about sugar again. Many feelings of joy and excitement come as the holiday season approaches, which can sometimes trick people into overly embracing the season itself. Be mindful of the resources that are available to help one get through the season not only happily, but also healthily. Find the fun in choosing healthier options and doing something different and active every day and make this holiday season one like it’s never been before (sans excess sugar and fat)!


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SPORTS

B R E A K I N G T H R O U G H JASON BURCH

Sports Editor

With the thickest, yet friendliest of Southern drawls routinely slipping “yes sir” and “no sir” into every conversation, freshman running back Kentavious “Pop” Thomas’ Georgia roots are more pronounced than the bleached blonde locks draped past his brow. The tousled dreadlocks sporadically shielding his eyes befit Thomas’ selfeffacing disposition, deflecting attention from his new unfamiliar and at times unfriendly Southern California confines. In stark contrast, his audacious onfield temperament demands undivided attention. Thomas will probably never be mistaken for a Southern Californian, but his skills on the football field transcend geography. His uncanny ability to run the football has turned heads since he first picked up a ball at three years old, when his grandfather first started calling him “Pop-Pop.” Now 16 years later, those transcendent skills have transplanted Thomas all the way across the country from the small town of Milledgeville, GA about 100 miles Southeast of Atlanta. From getting acclimated to the gauntlet of practices, college classes, film sessions, position meetings and games-- to sharing minutes in the backfield for the first time in his life and dealing with a nagging wrist injury that kept him sidelined for a few weeks-- Thomas’ transition out west has been anything but smooth. Early in the season Thomas struggled to get playing time, but without fail he would do something incredible and leave an indelible mark with at least one of his carries. After flashing brief glimpses of greatness, it seemed like only a matter of time before Thomas would take on a more prominent role. As the 2015 season wore on, it became increasingly befuddling when the freshman running back whom many around the Fullerton College football program were buzzing about wasn’t getting more time on the field. Especially after averaging hearing multiple teammates candidly state that Thomas was the best running back they have have ever seen. It sounds like an overstatement, until you see Thomas carry the ball a few times. His uncanny ability to break tackles with a cat-like balance and accelerate through the hole is something to behold, as evidenced by his abnormally high 7-yards-per-carry average. Unfortunately, unlike playing in Milledgeville where Thomas was the workhorse and averaged over 200 yards rushing per game-- college provided much fewer opportunities for Thomas to work his magic. Entering the final week of the season, Thomas had missed four games and carried the ball just 29 times total in the previous eight games. Sharing a backfield with other talented ball-carriers and nursing the aforementioned injury forced Thomas to bide his time. Whether coaches were

making the freshman pay his dues or just being overly cautious with his injury, Thomas was for the majority of the season underutilized, relegated to cheering on his backfield counterparts Phillip Butler and Anthony Wood from the sidelines anxiously waiting to hear head coach Tim Byrnes call his number. For the first time in his life, Thomas wasn’t the focal point of his offense. “It was hard to get used to because you’ve got other great players at running back too,” Thomas said. Like a big fish from a small pond being thrown into the ocean, Thomas struggled to acclimate. The lack of activity had Thomas frustrated and even contemplating whether he made the right choice about coming all the way out to California. “I had a lot of injuries and it was just going through my mind and I couldn’t take it, but after a while I started thinking maybe it was meant to be like this,” Thomas said. Prior to the final regular season game against Palomar, Thomas had a breakthrough. He realized that his reserved nature came across to coaches as reticent, so he started opening up about his frustrations and vocalizing his hunger to get more playing time. After a season filled with more downs than ups and a painstaking amount of frustration, Thomas broke out with a monster performance in the final game of the Hornets’ 2015 season at the Western State Bowl. Thomas finished the game with 16 carries for 148 yards and scored all three Hornet touchdowns, earning him the Player of the Game award afterwards. “Maybe it was good for me to sit out. It humbled me and now when I’m on the field, I want to eat, I’m way more hungry,” Thomas said. “Next season, I think that I will have a break away season. I look at this year like a pre-season because I wasn’t taking as many reps.” Thomas said the biggest takeaway for him this season was learning the importance of being more vocal towards his teammates and coaches. “Everybody will help you if you ask, but if you just sit on the sideline and don’t say anything then the coaches won’t say anything, they’ll just [assume] you don’t want to play,” Thomas said about his transition to the college atmosphere. It took some getting used to, but Thomas feels the backfield competition will make him a much improved player next season. He plans on working with all the backs during the offseason to help the group get stronger and faster. “When I got here, I didn’t know how anybody was, so I was just gonna keep to myself and do my workouts and everything on the field 100 percent,” Thomas said. “After I got to know all the players, they pushed me to go 110 percent because if one guy gets 100 yards in the game, the next guy is trying to get 200, that’s how we compete.”

Kentavious “Pop” Thomas

Photo by Chelena Gadson

Hometown:Milledgeville, GA Year: Freshman Pos: Running Back Height: 5’11” Weight: 200 lbs Yards: 507 YPC: 6.8 TD: 4 Awards: Western State Bowl Player of Game 148 yards-- 3 TD


SPORTS

Hornet’s basketball off to a fast start

The Fullerton men’s basketball has started 7-3 in their quest to rebuild Fullerton basketball. TEREN GUERRA

Asst. Sports Editor

Fullerton men’s basketball is off to a hot start after finishing second place at the Bakersfield Tournament. The Hornets lost to host and eventual champion Bakersfield 72-65. The Hornets have been apart of three preseason tournaments and have not failed to at least place third in either one. Their lone tournament championship came at the Fullerton Classic, where they went 3-0 and their average margin of victory was 20 points. When you take into consideration the history of Fullerton College basketball this year’s hot start should come as no surprise. But after consecutive substandard seasons, this year’s team looks to restore the reputation of Fullerton basketball. After already surpassing last season’s four wins the team has given Hornet fans something to cheer about. First year head coach Perry Webster and his staff are leading the way to the new attitude of the team. “As a staff this is when we have to make sure the team is not complacent and ready to play,” said Webster. “There is always room to improve and we need to keep improving if we want to be competitive not only in conference play but to make a postseason run. Fullerton has taken down some successful teams in the process. One of their more prominent victories was over previous unbeaten Mt. San Jacinto College who was in last years So Cal

Regional semi-finals. The recent success can be accredited to the Webster but also the influx of new players. Hornets Julian Richardson and Ian Fox are new additions to the team but have taken leadership roles. Richardson is leading the Hornets in scoring with 16.4 points per game. “Julian can score from all three levels and is getting better defensively,” said Webster. “He has taken a leadership role with the guys and as a coaching staff we can rely on not only for basketball, he has been a really good Hornet for us.” Fox has run the Hornet offense from

the point guard position. He is averaging 12.1 points per game and leads the team in assist and steals. The Hornet’s fast start has not gone unnotice, the CCCAA released new rankings and put the Hornets at No. 18 in the state. If the Hornets plan on making a run at the postseason they will have their challengers. Conference rival Saddleback College is ranked No. 1 in the state. It looks to be a big game as Webster returns to his alma mater and where he coached last season. Webster knows the struggles of a

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long season being apart of two state championship runs. Hopefully the coaches and keep the players hungry for more success this season. “We are not satisfied we know what this team can do, we like winning but we are not too high or too low, we want more,” said Webster. The Hornets will compete in one more preseason tournament at Riverside City College Dec. 8-12. After the tournament they will go on their winter break before their last preseason contest against El Camino College. The Hornets will begin conference play Jan. 6 at Irvine Valley.

Fullerton men’s basketball is off to a fast start with the team led by first year head coach Perry Webster who looks to continue the climb back to prominence

Photo by Patrick Quirk

CHEER: Spirit squad is shaken over decision to replace beloved coach (From Page 1)

Later that afternoon, Plum-Widner and Bowers informed the team of the decision, prompting a response that Bowers characterized as chaotic. “I tried to do my best to calm them down, but they were yelling, screaming, crying— it was not a pretty sight,” Bowers said. Plum-Widner confirmed on Tuesday evening that all of the girls have officially left the team. Bowers as well as multiple members of

the team said that the decision came as a complete shock and in their opinion, the move was unwarranted. According to Plum-Widner, she decided to take the team back because she felt Bowers wasn’t giving 100 percent to the program, citing Bowers not showing up to football games and cancelling practices occasionally. Bowers and the cheerleaders acknowledged that she wouldn’t attend all the football games but saw the practice situations much differently. “[Alix] said that Katie didn’t go to

practices, but I cannot remember a single practice that she missed,” said cheerleader Jamilyn Henry. “Alix was actually rarely at practice and when she did come, it would be at the beginning then she would leave for an hour.” Plum-Widner also said that she felt Bowers was gearing the team more for competition than to support FC Athletics and events. “The team wasn’t going in the direction that we wanted it to,” Plum-Widner said. However, the cheerleaders felt the team was finally going in the right direction.

Photo by Ricardo Zapata FC cheerleaders Sara Miller, Stephanie Wallace, Johanna Flannery and Jamilyn Henry showing off their leaping skills at Shapell Stadium after a Hornet football game earlier this season.

According to cheer captain Stephanie Wallace and her teammates Tori Yrungary, Johanna Flannery and Henry— Bowers was an incredible coach that pushed them to be the best they could be. “Katie made us a better team,” Wallace said. “Last year she came in the middle of the semester and basically saved us because our old coaches left us out of nowhere.” “We started literally from the bottom. We were terrible, and over two months she has dramatically changed us,” Wallace said. According to Wallace and Henry, one of the main grievances about Plum-Widner is that she is a pilates instructor, not a cheer coach. “To be a cheer coach, there are a certain set of qualifications that you need, and Alix doesn’t have them,” Wallace said. Bowers said that she has used the same coaching methods to win three national championships at the high school level, and her influence was already beginning to pay dividends at Fullerton. At the first cheer camp with her new team at UC Santa Barbara, the girls took first place in four different categories and won best overall team at camp. According to Bowers, it was something that Fullerton College had never accomplished before. Dean of Physical Education David Grossman said that because it was a personnel issue that he could not discuss the details and that the girls should have brought their concerns to him. “At the end of the day, it is a class that they are enrolled in, and they are expected to attend and continue,” Grossman said. “The cheer program has a coach, class is going to be offered in the Spring, and we are going forward.”


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ENTERTAINMENT

Theater Arts Major, Austin Baran Takes Center Stage Although this theater arts student takes on different characters and roles, at the end of the day he is nothing but himself. CHTISTINA NGUYEN The Hornet

Kind, humble and always willing to lend a helping hand, these are the qualities that most would seek out in others. Austin Baran, a theater arts major at Fullerton College, embodies all three characteristics. He has immersed himself in the Fullerton College Theatre Arts Department and is greatly passionate about his craft as well as assisting the craft of others that are pursuing goals in theater. Baran’s initial interest in theater arts developed towards the beginning of his high school career where he attended La Mirada High School. What started out to be just an elective course ended up being the start of an extensive journey of self-discovery. Baran was awarded “Most Outstanding Student” in theater when he graduated and found full support from both family and friends. “I was fortunate enough to have people around me who supported me. The fact that they’re willing to acknowledge that it’s something I enjoy and are willing to support me in my endeavors is one of the big things that help me,” Baran said. After high school Baran ultimately decided to attend FC because of its theater arts program. This is where he found many opportunities to better himself and his craft. Timothy Espinosa, an instructor in the theater arts department is an influential figure to Baran, as well as Kevin Clowes, the scene designer who helps build sets for performances. Baran describes Clowes as his biggest mentor since he started his college career at FC. “When I first met Austin, I was immediately impressed by his maturity and professionalism,” Espinosa said. He also stated that other students can learn about respect for the craft, honoring commitments and seeing things through to the end from him. Matthew Caballero, a theater major at FC who works closely with Baran, expressed how fortunate he was to have met Baran when they both started as college freshmen. “It’s awesome finding people who are passionate about all the same things you are. It’s even greater when they’re willing to push you to constantly better yourself as a performer, as a director and as a person,” Caballero said. “Austin loves what he does, and I can tell you that he has grown substantially over the last two years.” Many of Baran’s hobbies are centered around college. He is treasurer and a member of the Writers and Readers Club on campus as well as the vice president of Ambassadors, a group of student representatives for the theater arts department. “Getting to be vice president, getting to inspire those to never stop working harder and harder everyday to achieve their goals, that’s something that I can take pride in every single day,” Baran said. His helpful spirit doesn’t stop after college. Baran intends to transfer to Cal

Austin Baran, a theatre arts major student at Fullerton College poses for a portrait.

Photo by Christina Nguyen

Theatre arts student Austin Baran goes over his scripts and notes.

Photo by Christina Nguyen

State Fullerton to earn his teaching degree and credentials in order to become a high school theater arts teacher. “Everybody wants to have their moment in the spotlight, but at the same time there’s something rewarding by helping people younger than you grow and have their time in the spotlight. Somebody taught us, so it’s our duty to teach them,” Baran said. Although challenging, Baran finds time to partake in different productions and performances all while juggling classes and his job as an usher at the La Mirada

Theatre for the Performing Arts. Just having finished playing the role of Antonio in “Twelfth Night,” a production by FC’s Theatre Department in early Oct., Baran is now focused on a role that is outside of Fullerton. He was cast as Sheriff Ted, a character in the musical “Bonnie and Clyde,” which will take place in early February at the Curtis Theatre in Brea. Baran says that he had access to the audition because of the recommendation from the musical theater class and is thankful for all the opportuni-

ties that he’s been presented with through the theater arts department. “In the near future I would like to prepare myself to take the step out of Fullerton College and take everything that it has given me and humbly accept the lessons that I’ve learned and apply those to my next step in life,” Baran said. For someone just starting college who is interested in theater arts, Baran’s advice is to immerse yourself as quickly as you can and to take the opportunities that are offered because every opportunity is a chance to grow.

Another successful Jazz Combo Night for the books Musicians take the stage for the 17th annual Jazz Combos Night. AMBER VAUGHN The Hornet

The halls of the Fullerton College Theatre were definitely alive with the sound of jazz music on Thursday Nov 12. The show started off with a bang when the first combo of the evening gave their rendition of Miles Davis’ “Milestone” directed by Mike Scott. The song featured many solos for all seven members of the group. These solos allowed the musicians to really showcase their talents. Scott’s Combo kept the air light and the audience buzzing for more. “They were able to play a large variety of sounds” said Gianina Guillot, who went on to describe the performance as going from a very “jazzy café sound” to “something you’d hear on a late night show.”

CONCERT REVIEW

Dr. Joe Jewell’s Combo came in strong with the song, “Optimism.” Drummer Eddie Mijares lead the beat behind the kit. The eight piece group pulled off a smooth, low lighting feel topped off with a wonderful saxophone solo by Jonah Stoffers. “It gets better and better each year.” said Dr. Joe Jewell in between songs while directing the second group of the evening. This is the 17th year that the Fullerton Music Department has put on its Combos Night. Pianist, Tara Ortiz-Payne, tip-toed in for the group’s final piece of the evening – a beautiful horn and flute driven cover of T.S. Monk’s “Around Midnight.” Director of the final group of the night, Bruce Babad, explained that his combo had only been practicing together for two days a week since the beginning of the semester. “That’s all they get” said Babad, which didn’t seem to affect the seven-person

combo that didn’t disappoint. The group’s first song featured a savvy solo by Deandre Grover on tenor saxophone. He even stepped out of line and played to the crowd. The audience loved it and cheered Grover on. Babad’s group stood out from the rest, playing not only jazz but fusing in a very rock-like sound throughout the show. “All music should communicate” explained Babad, going on to say that the music needs to find a way to reach out to the audience. “In this case, I chose music that fits the group, but also music that would touch the people.” The third song titled “Cry of the Waters” in English really pulled on the heartstrings with a sad, French-like sound. The song featured a beautiful harmony from Stacy Hwang on the piano and Alexander Goldman on the accordion. The combo ended the night with an actual bang when Nico Vasquez shinned

through with his incredible drum solo during their cover of John Patitucci’s, “Baja Bajo.” Vasquez really had the audience cheering him on. “As Joe mentioned, this is our 17th year having Combos Night”, said Babad. “This one by far is the best one for all three groups.”

Jazz Combo Groups Directed by; Mike Scott, Dr. Joe Jewell, and Bruce Babad Nov. 12


ENTERTAINMENT

Woodwind music fills the FC Recital Hall

Music filled the Fullerton College Recital Hall for an evening of woodwind ensembles. AMBER VAUGHN The Hornet

A night of musical wonder was in store for everyone in the Fullerton College Recital Hall on Monday, Nov. 16. As the audience settled into their seats, musicians were ready with their instruments finely tuned, patiently awaiting for the moment to finally show off all their hard work. The air that night was definitely filled with nothing but beautiful sounds of woodwinds. The performance consisted of three groups directed by David Lopez: a Clarinet Trio, the Woodwind Ensemble and a Faculty Wind Quintet. The Clarinet Trio started the show off in a light mood with Joseph Hayden’s short and sweet “Allegro.” Lead by Lopez’s clarinet styling, the group played earning a round of applause by the audience. The trio moved into a much slower and melodic sound with the piece, “Adagio Sostenuto” by Kaspar Kummer, which felt almost like a lullaby. The clarinetists slowly built up the sound to curl it off in a wonderful harmony, and there wasn’t a moment when the three weren’t in sync with each other. The show continued with the Wind Ensemble. Lopez, his baton poised in the

air, readied the group of eight musicians before starting into a sweet tune featuring flutes and clarinets leading the melody in another piece by Hayden, “Minuetto and Trio”. “It’s been a great semester,” said Lopez. He revealed that the ensemble has only been practicing one day a week since August. But despite the long days of classes and work, he says his students were still able to come in and focus every week. The group’s second song, “Andante Grazioso” by August Klughardt, brought a lazy Sunday morning feel to the hall with the rich baritone saxophone styling of Jimena Orozco, which was accompanied by the higher woodwinds’ dance-like melody. “We’ve been preparing for this concert since the semester began,” Orozco said. The saxophone player revealed that she has been practicing a lot on her own, as well as during the rehearsals with the ensemble. “If everyone has their parts down, it’s going to come together nicely.” The third and final group of the evening was the Faculty Wind Quintet, where the instructors presented everyone with an extraordinary performance. Despite their very busy schedules, the faculty members made their part of the show happen. “It was not always easy to do so, but I’m really glad we did it” said Lopez. The quintet’s first piece, “Aires Tropicales,” consisted of four movements. They first brought a very morning, day-break sound with Lopez’s gentle clarinet melody,

Patricia Tran, Endy Ramirez and David Lopez also known as Clarinet Trio performing at Woodwind Ensemble at Fullerton College in Fullerton on Nov, 16.

then the mood soon changed into a salsa-like rhythm with flautist Patti Maggs flowing between the flute and piccolo, which really showcased her talent. What really got the audience’s attention was the quintet’s foot stomping beat near the end of the arrangement. This resulted in a cheerful applause from the crowd. The group ended the night on a high note with their rendition of the jazzy piece “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin. The overall sound of this piece was very bright

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Photo by Neddie Facio

and dance-like. Audience member Lindy Huynh described the final song as “having a very Disneyland-like appeal.” “It was like walking down Main Street,” noted Huynh, who went on to say that it was her favorite part out of the whole performance. Overall, the woodwind ensembles seemed to have a successful performance, which reflected their hard work and dedication to music.

Woodwind Ensemble performing at Woodwind Ensemble at Fullerton College in Fullerton on Nov, 16.

Photo by Neddie Facio

The FC Symphony brings power in the form of music

Fullerton College’s Symphony comes together to put on a powerful performance for their Fall concert. MARISSA GONZALEZ The Hornet

A cool, quiet ambiance filled the Fullerton College Campus Theatre Monday, Nov. 23 evening as the audience waited for the FC Symphony's unexpected powerhouse performance. The symphony performed seven pieces including the popular piano piece, "Claire de Lune," from Claude Debussy and a rendition of the popular HBO show's theme song, "Game of Thrones." Alexandre Yo, a violinist who originally is from Brazil, has been playing classical music for ten years. This year was his first Fall concert performance with the FC symphony. "The symphony began practicing in August and we meet every Monday for our class," Yo added, "some of the pieces were suggested by the symphony members and other pieces were chosen by the director. Everything seems to be working great tonight for the show." Another audience member, Priscilla DiNaplli, who happens to be the girlfriend of one of the clarinet players, Vince Padilla, stated that she has been attending a lot of concerts this semester and is more familiar with woodwinds, so the Fall concert has been a nice change in sound. "The concert feels pretty intense compared to the way the Wind Symphony concert was." DiNaplli also added, "The intensity makes me feel emotional and it pretty cool how moving it is."

FC student, Linette Vooker, had a similar feeling towards the performace. "I think it's been romantic and powerful. There is a little bit of both. It was smooth in the beginning and it had some powerful moments, so I think it's a little bit of a mix," said Vooker. The concert opened up with a softer, dainty piece from Wolfgang A. Mozart, an overture, "La Clemenza di Tito" and Debussy's "Claire de Lune" gave the intention that the concert was going to be headed toward romance. It wasn't until the the symphony moved into it's next couple of pieces did the audience realize that the night's performance was going to be filled with powerful pieces of music. The audience's favorite piece of the night seemed to be Ramin Djawadi's "Game of Thrones Suite." This piece happened to be arranged for the symphony by timpani player and FC student Sho Fujieda, who happened to be playing that night with the symphony as well. The 39 piece symphony and was led by Music Director, Zun-Hin Woo, who attended the University of Oklahoma and obtained his B.M. in violin performance. In addition to his B.M., Woo also received his M.M. degree in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Missouri. The FC Strings, who are led by Dr. Mira Khomik, performed a small piece prior to the concert's intermission. Khomik is an award-winning violinist who has competed in various international competitions and has appeared as a soloist in orchestras in various countries such as Ukraine, US, and even Thailand. With both directors having these achievements under their belt it's no wonder the performance was so powerful and enjoyable for the audience.

Cellist from the Fullerton College Symphony performing on Monday, Nov 23 at the FC Campus Theatre for the Winter Showcase.

Photo by Marissa Gonzalez


10 ENTERTAINMENT Review: Jessica Jones shines Marvel’s darker side Should Marvel’s Jessica Jones be your next Netflix binge? MARISSA GONZALEZ The Hornet

“Jessica Jones" gives Marvel fans a refreshing look into the Marvel Cinematic Universe through a semi-action packed, dark humored but nonetheless, drama filled Netflix series based on an ex-superhero turned private investigator. Marvel had been under scrutiny due to its lack of female-ledbased television series until its debut of "Agent Carter" and now “Jessica Jones." Jessica Jones, who is played by Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad), is a moody, emotionally-complicated alcoholic who is hired by lawyer Jeri Hogarth, played by Carrie-Anne Moss (Matrix Trilogy), to do her dirty work and find any evidence of foul play for her clients. Her powers include strength, endurance, speed and a loose interpretation of flight (jumping very high). The series begins with two clients coming to visit Jones in hopes of her agreement to find their missing daughter, Hope Schlottman, only to have Jones find out that the man Schlottman is with was Jones' antagonist, Kevin Thompson. Thompson, who is referred to as Kilgrave in the series, is played by actor David Tennant (Doctor Who). Now, when it comes to villains, there really isn't anybody more terrifying than Kilgrave due to his abilities. He is a skilled manipulator, is highly intellectual and can control the mind.

Throughout the series, he makes people his slaves by sending them off to relay messages, house him, kill others and even kill themselves. While Jones was under his control, she was his sex slave, pet, and hitman. Marvel does a brilliant job with creating a villain who is so evil. One begins to despise him, but you cannot help empathizing and somewhat caring for him as the series progresses. As the series continues, it introduces Trish Walker, played by Rachael Taylor (Transformers), who happens to be Jones' best friend. Walker was a child actor abused by her agent who is also her mother. The series goes on to introduce characters such as the man with unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Netflix series due 2016), and Will Simpson, a New York cop who had been under Kilgrave's control and Walker's love interest. The series undoubtedly brings an entertaining number of twists throughout the show such as Jones' tie in with Cage, but there are some questionable decisions when it comes to the storyline and character developments. For example, there is an abrupt introduction of Simpson and his past history with Dr. Kozlov, a doctor who ran a secret program responsible for giving out performance enhancement pills and for Simpson's sudden addiction. There is an obvious wink at the infamous Marvel villain, Nuke aka Frank Simpson, with this plot, but it seems to be very sudden and forced compared to the rest of the series, which does a careful and even subliminal job of other introductions. Marvel has done a fantastic job keeping the Marvel Universe intertwined seamlessly and subtly

Colby Minifie, Krysten Ritter in the Netflix original series “Marvel’s Jessica Jones”

through its different series and Jessica Jones does not falter. Jones is based off of the original comic book character who made her first appearance in Alias in 2001. She actually is married to Luke Cage, who is a part of the Defenders. Now, Kilgrave has a little more history within the Marvel Universe. He makes his first appearance in Marvel's Daredevil comic book in October 1964. His name is originally Zebediah Killgrave and his alter ego is Purple Man due to his purple skin. The small changes Marvel makes to Kilgrave's appearance in the series is minor due to the overshadowing accuracy of the character's powerful and terrify-

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ing demeanor. Another interesting add-in of Marvel's is the introduction of Trish Walker. Trish Walker is known as Patricia Walker or Patsy within the comic books. She happens to be one of Marvel's oldest characters and has been with Marvel before it was even called Marvel. Her history is a little bit more complex due to the extent of character building through various comics such as "Miss America" and "The Avengers." In the series, Walker has an obsession with wanting to be a super hero just as the comic book character does but in the comic book, she then becomes Hellcat. It will be interesting to see Walker's development in the se-

Photo by Myles Aronowitz/Netflix

ries since she is trained in martial arts and has the need to fight alongside Jones. Marvel seems to be immersing itself into unfamiliar territory by creating a complex series with not only a relatable female lead but also shows realistic problems that heroes endure. The series dips into themes humans endure everyday such as fatigue due to the need of trying to do the right thing. It even ties in themes of addiction and PTSD from abuse and rape. Superheroes aren't real but in this fantasy world Marvel has immersed us in, we sometimes forget those little details and when they do make an appearance, that is what makes a hero much more humanistic.


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NOTICIAS

Gabriel García Márquez y el realismo mágico Por: Aristarco Rivera LA ANTORCHA En las palabras de Gabriel García Márquez, periodista, escritor, novelista, cuentista y guionista, “El realismo mágico es un género de ficción. Nos muestra la realidad narrativa con elementos fantásticos y fabulosos, no tanto para reconciliarlos como para exagerar su aparente contrariedad. El reto que esto supone para la noción común de la “realidad” lleva implícito un cuestionamiento de la verdad que a su vez puede socavar de manera deliberada el texto y las palabras, y en ocasiones la autoridad de la propia novela”. García Márquez detesta la fantasía porque “cree que la imaginación no es sino un instrumento de la elaboración de la realidad y la fantasía, o sea la invención pura y simple a lo de Walt Disney, sin ningún asidero en la realidad, es lo más detestable que pueda haber”. (…) “porque a los niños tampoco les gusta la fantasía. Lo que les gusta es, por supuesto, la imaginación. La diferencia que hay entre la una y la otra es la misma que hay entre un ser humano y el muñeco ventrílocuo”. Influencias literarias García Márquez en su discurso de recepción del Premio Nobel de Literatura menciona a William Faulkner a quien llama “Mi maestro William Faulker” de quien recibe una influencia reconocida explícitamente. Otros escritores leídos son Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Virginia Woolf . También estudio en profundidad obras clásicas, como las de Edipo Rey de Sófocles admirado por sus tragedias y utiliza una cita de Antígona al principio de su obra La hojarasca cuya estructura se ha dicho también tiene la influencia del dilema moral de Antígona. Pero quien definitivamente le interesó para hacerse escritor fue Franz Kafka, el escritor de origen judío nacido en Bohemia, contaba las cosas de la misma manera que

su abuela. “Cuando leí a los diecisiete años ‘La Metamorfosis’, descubrí que iba ser escritor. Al ver que Gregorio Samsa podía despertarse una mañana convertido en un gigantesco insecto despreciable (una cucaracha?), me dije: Yo no sabía que esto era posible hacerlo. Pero si es así, escribir me interesa”. Después de leer a Kafka comprendió que “existía en la literatura otras posibilidades que las racionalistas y las muy académicas que había conocido hasta entonces en los manuales del liceo, era algo así como despojarse de un cinturón de castidad. Con el tiempo descubrí, no obstante, que uno no puede inventar o imaginar lo que le da la gana, porque corre el riesgo de decir mentiras y las mentiras son más graves en la literatura que en la vida real…” Críticas a favor y en contra García Márquez, crea un mundo tan semejante al cotidiano pero al mismo tiempo totalmente diferente a ello. García Márquez reconoce que fue su abuela Tranquilina Iguarán, con sus cuentos y métodos los que le inspiraron para escribir “Cien años de Soledad”. Muchos eruditos elogian el estilo y creatividad de Gabriel García Márquez. Pablo Neruda (chileno) sobre Cien años de soledad: «es la mayor revelación en lengua española desde el Don Quijote de Cervantes». Carlos Fuentes (mexicano): «Al este del Atlántico Cervantes, al oeste García Márquez, dos baluartes captaron la realidad honda de su momento y dejaron una visión encantada de un mundo no soñado, a flor de tierra». García Márquez ha respondido las críticas en contra. Algunas críticas arguyen que a García Márquez le falta la experiencia adecuada en la arena literaria y que solamente escribe de sus experiencias personales e imaginación. De esta manera, dicen que sus obras no deben ser significativas. “En respuesta a esto, Márquez ha mencionado que él está de acuerdo que a veces su inspiración no viene de libros, sino de la música”. Foto: Facebook

Gabriel Garcia Marquez le sonria a la camara.

LA MUJER PERUANA, LOGROS Y DESAFIOS Por Delia Rivera LA ANTORCHA

Las mujeres reclaman igualdad en los entornos donde se les niega, derechos en las culturas que se los arrebatan, reconocimiento en los países donde son invisibles y su papel simplemente como personas en todo el mundo. La mujer peruana a través de la historia a luchado para lograr conseguir algunos derechos como: el derecho al voto, tener acceso a la educación, acceso a la salud, lograr igualdad en el medio rural, no ser discriminada en el empleo, igualdad en las remuneraciones, no ser violentada. El tema “mujer” es muy amplio, se podría escribir muchos libros para desarrollar todas las variantes. Este pequeño trabajo de investigación solo incluirá algunos aspectos referentes a los logros y desafíos de la “Mujer Peruana”. “Durante mucho tiempo las mujeres han estado olvidadas de la historia del Perú, tal como ha sucedido siempre, en todos los países del mundo, y en todas las sociedades… En primer lugar la invisibilidad que la dominación masculina ha impuesto a las mujeres, confinándolas a un espacio privado, dedicadas a la reproduc-

ción material y doméstica, algo poco valorizado y no merecedor del discurso” nos dice Michelle Perrot en el prólogo del libro “Mujeres Peruanas. Logros Pese a que en el Perú aún impera una cultura machista, en los últimos años las mujeres peruanas han dado “un salto tremendo” al haber incursionado con éxito en los diferentes campos de la vida social, destacó la ministra de la Mujer y Desarrollo Social del Perú Carmen Vildoso. A modo de ejemplo, Vildoso subrayó los logros alcanzados por mujeres peruanas destacadas como la joven boxeadora Kina Malpartida, quien recientemente logró el título mundial de su categoría; además de Claudia Llosa, triunfadora en el prestigioso Festival Internacional de Cine de Berlín con su película “La Teta Asustada”, y la campeona mundial de surf Sofía Mulanovich. Añadió que es importante que la mujer ingrese sin dificultades al mercado laboral y en igualdad de oportunidades, para que así pueda generar sus propios ingresos y alcanzar la absoluta independencia económica frente al esposo, padre o compañero. En la entrevista a Doris Herencia, administradora de la Empre-

sa de Servicios de currier, quien reside y trabaja en Lima nos dice: “ la educación de la mujer es fundamental para hacer valer sus derechos. El Perú ha firmado y ratificado varias convenciones entre ellas del Comité para Eliminación de la Discriminación contra la mujer (CEDAW), que recomienda el avance en la eliminación de la violencia contra la mujer, acceso a la salud sexual y reproductiva de las mujeres, condiciones indispensables para el empoderamiento de la mujer” Discriminación en el empleo y Desigualdad en las remuneraciones La situación laboral de la mujer en el Perú ha evolucionado en forma considerable los últimos 35 años. Según el Ministerio de Trabajo, la tasa de actividad femenina en Lima Metropolitana, pasó de niveles cercanos al 35% en los años setenta a un nivel superior al 60% en la presente década. Sin embargo, la investigación “Nuevo siglo, viejas disparidades” del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) revela que aún persisten diferencias significativas con respecto a la situación liberal de los hombres. Una de las más saltantes –y de la que se habla con mayor frecuencia- es la salarial. Hugo

Ñopo, autor principal del estudio del BID, señala que en el Perú el ingreso salarial de las mujeres es (en promedio) 19,4% más bajo que el de los hombres de la misma edad y nivel de educación. “En el mercado ejecutivo la diferencia es menor, porque la mujer tiende a tener un grado de educación superior al del hombre”, explica. Pero,¿ qué lleva a que una mujer gane menos que un hombre o a que no siempre sea tomada en cuenta para tentar las gerencias de las empresas? Para Ivonne Maccassi, coordinadora del Programa de Derechos Humanos de las Mujeres, de la ONG Flora Tristán, la respuesta radica en la maternidad. Existe el prejuicio que la condición de madre afectará negativamente el desempeño laboral. Violencia contra la mujer Cada año, en nuestro país se denuncian alrededor de siete mil violaciones y cerca de 100 mil casos de violencia familiar. Si bien estas cifras oficiales son altas en comparación a otros países de la region, hay que tomar en cuenta que el número total es mayor puesto que no están incluidos aquellos casos que no son denunciados. En el boletín correspondiente

a mayo, el IOP-PUCP encuentra que el 67,5% de las personas encuestadas considera que la violencia contra la mujer ha aumentado muchísimo a nivel nacional en los últimos cinco años y que solo el 24,5% cree lo mismo en relación a su barrio. La socióloga Jimena Sánchez Barrenechea, magíster en Antropología por la PUCP, señala que siguen vigentes mitos y estereotipos que justifican la violencia y no permiten comprender que este es un fenómeno que atraviesa a toda la sociedad y que tiene implicancias para la vida e integridad de las mujeres. Por su parte, el antropólogo Jaris Mujica, profesor del Departamento de Ciencias Sociales de la PUCP , considera que la violencia contra la mujer no es un sobresalto estadístico inusual ni un problema reciente, sino algo más terrible: es un fenómeno estable que tiene mucho más tiempo del que se piensa. Para Mujica, este no es producto del crimen organizado o la delincuencia común, sino que se debe más a la continuidad y permanencia de una compleja estructura de desigualdades.


El Dia de los Muertos vive en Santa Ana

Mitzi Rodriguez Torres y Patricia Rangel LA ANTORCHA

En el sur de California se celebra el Día de los Muertos con mucha alegría. La fecha exacta de esta tradición es el 2 de noviembre pero por cuestiones de trabajo, es siempre durante el fin de semana que las familias típicamente lo celebran. Con deseos de conocer más allá de esta tradición que se ha festejado en el sur de California for ya doce años, mi compañera Patricia Rangel y yo, Mitzi Rodriguez, viajamos a la ciudad de Santa Ana para participar en su noche de altares. El Día de los Muertos es celebrado en todo Latinoamérica, es un día en el cual se celebra la vida de nuestros seres queridos que han fallecido. Por esa razón, noviembre es una época de fiestas y de tradición que nos ayudan a recordarnos de nuestras raíces hispanas. A pesar de que es un día de celebración con raíces hispanas es interesante ser testigo a cómo se celebra aquí en los estados unidos. En el sur de California, Santa Ana es una de las ciudades más tradicionales con una gran población hispana. Nos dimos la tarea de ir primero al panteón de esta ciudad para ver cómo es celebrado este día. A Patricia y a mí nos interesaba conocer cómo los hispanos recordaban y celebraban la vida de sus seres queridos y ver si en realidad el Día de los Muertos sigue siendo una fecha recordada en este país. Visitamos el panteón de la ciudad el 2 de noviembre y encontramos un panteón alegre y lleno de vida. Desde lejos se escuchaba el mariachi y se veían las flores alegres y coloridas; había mucha comida, arreglos y globos. Nos sorprendimos al ver tanta gente allí, vimos a algunas personas llorar y otras cantar pero todos con el propósito de recordar a sus seres queridos. Josefina Sosa fue una de las personas que entrevistamos, una madre que se encontraba en el panteón visitando a su hijo difunto. Ella decoró la tumba de su hijo con flores tradicionales, dulces vino y unas naranjas, cosas que le gustaban a ella en vida. Josie también puso un cuadro de ambos para celebrar y recordar a su hijo en ese día. Nos comentó que ella estaba allí esa tarde para recordar la memoria de su único hijo pero también para celebrar la tradición de la fecha. Ese mismo fin de semana fuimos al centro de Santa Ana para ver cómo se celebra la noche de altares en esa ciudad. Vimos banderas de todos colores y nos alegramos al ver como varias cuadras fueron cerradas al tráfico para que esta noche se llevará a cabo. El evento tomó lugar en una plaza del centro de Santa Ana donde la cultura hispana es evidente porque hay comida, colores y música típica que reflejan a los hispanos. Desde bebés hasta ancianos tomaron parte de esta celebración. Nos topamos con varias personas vestidas como “la catrina”, símbolo icónico de la fecha. Había comida típica de todo Latinoamérica y altares dedicados a ciertos estados mexicanos. Había música y danzas aztecas, el viento olía a incienso y velas había flores de todos estilos y colores. Tuvimos la oportunidad de conversar con varias personas que compartieron con nosotras sus razones por la que celebran la tradición y su opinión sobre la importancia de conservar una tradición hispana a pesar de vivir en otro país. Para muchos las respuestas eran las mismas, habían ido a celebrar y recordar la vida de sus seres céridos pero Magdalena Gutiérrez nos comentó algo distinto. Ella estaba allí con sus dos hijas y sus nietos, nos comentó de que a ella se le hacía como un evento especial en el cual ella podría compartirles a sus nietos las tradiciones que ella celebró de niña y para dejarles ese recuerdo a ellos de ella cuando ella ya no esté. Para nosotras fue una gran experiencia poder caminar entre tanta gente orgullosa de sus raíces todos celebrando una misma tradición en un mismo lugar. Es importante recordar que no estamos en Latinoamérica, pero es refrescante saber que aunque estemos lejos geográficamente de nuestras raíces aún podemos llevar a cabo nuestras tradiciones con el apoyo de nuestra comunidad. Para muchos hispanos en California igual que en todo el país es imposible salir a su tierra natal y celebra fiestas como estas. Lo bueno es que tenemos la oportunidad de celebrar nuestra cultura a pesar de la distancia.

Mitzi Rodriguez Torres entrevistando a Jossefina Sosa en el pation de Santa Ana.

La tradición vive de generación a generación en la comunidad de Santa Ana.

Foto: Patricia Rangel

Foto: Patricia Rangel


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