020426 by Cerritos College Talon Marks

Cerritos College vows to protect student privacy amid ICE concerns

information can and cannot be disclosed.

Concerns from students in immigrant or mixed-status families were addressed at President’s Hour on Jan. 20.

Cerritos College President Dr. Jose Fierro said the college follows strict privacy policies and limits the sharing of student information.

“The Board of Trustees has been very adamant that we don’t share student information with federal agencies,” Fierro said.

“That is part of our policy and only applies in cases of valid judicial orders. Campus police are here to protect students and the campus, not to police them. Supporting students who may be impacted by immigration enforcement is a top priority.”

Fierro added that faculty and staff have received training on how to distinguish valid judicial orders and understand what

“There is a layered communication process so that information is first shared with those who need to know, before any campuswide communication is sent out,” he said. “That balance helps keep students informed without creating unnecessary fear.”

Students raised questions about campus construction, including the recently demolished bookstore.

Fierro touched based construction is ongoing and said the new bookstore will be rebuilt near Old Falcon Way, with overall renovations expected to be completed by the end of the year.

He also expressed optimism for the semester, noting that attendance has returned to prepandemic levels

Iran protests surge amid economic crisis

Jenny Nicole Varela Staff Writer

Iran is facing some of its biggest protests in years as the country’s economy continues to fall apart.

Prices for food and basic goods have gone up fast, the value of the Iranian rial has dropped and many families can no longer afford what they need to survive.

Inflation has climbed so high that even middle-class families are struggling.

In response to the growing anger, the Iranian government has shut down the internet in many areas, arrested thousands of people and used deadly force against protesters.

The internet shutdown is being used to hide unlawful killings and stop people from sharing videos or asking for help.

Students and staff without family in Iran may feel the situation raises important questions about rights and government power.

“I don’t have relatives in Iran, but it’s disturbing to see a government shut down the internet to silence people,” Camila Guerra, a sociology major at Cerritos, said. “It shows how fast rights can disappear. We forget our freedoms aren’t guaranteed.”

Alfonso Ramirez, a business major, said the violence in Iran made him think about similar problems in the United States.

“Hearing about protestors being attacked makes me think of what happened to Renee Good in Minneapolis,” Ramirez said.

“It showed me that force from authorities isn’t just something that happens in other countries. We’ve seen it here too, and it makes you pay attention differently,” he added.

Although overwhelmed by global crises. students believe the situation in Iran warrants attention as it prompts them to consider fairness, safety, and government power.

The crisis makes it clear that no place is guaranteed freedom.

The Big Bill: New grants, harder hurdles

Kassandra López News Editor

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed July 2025, which included major tax cuts, mainly to social programs, including SNAP and historic funding for border security.

This act was a significant part of President Trump’s second term agenda.

In terms of California Community Colleges, this new bill will offer new Workforce Pell Grants while also implementing stricter rules and requirements for students.

This bill will offer more workforce opportunities while also having a big impact on students’ daily lives and financial stability.

As California Community Colleges prepare for the 2026 rollout, leadership is warning that the bill’s new data-tracking and work-eligibility rules will force a massive change in how campuses support their students.

Linda Vazquez, Assistant Vice Chancellor of State and Federal Relations, said, “ This legislation could impact institutional operations, student services, and federal compliance requirements across the California Community Colleges system.”

Student enrollment and accessibility will look different while relying on stricter requirements.

A bill that will have a major impact on introducing government education programs and social policies has not been presented in decades.

Some students believe the tax cuts appear to benefit the higherincome groups, which can result in further limiting opportunities for those with fewer resources.

Jocelyn Cervantes, a Business Administration major at Cerritos College, believes that this new bill would give some people an advantage over others.

“Although border security is an issue, financing it through cuts to social programs such as SNAP places an unfair impact on the low-income and foodinsecure populations,” she said.

The majority of the new conditions will go into effect in California starting July 1.

Federal Pell Grants will be accessible through short-term career programs, but colleges have to prove that this program is effective, with high percentages of completion and finding their next step within the program.

Community college programs must prove that their graduates earn more than a typical high school graduate to remain eligible for federal student loans.

For many students, the July 1 rollout also introduces a strict cost-of-attendance cap that eliminates federal Pell Grants for those who already have their tuition covered by the California

College Promise or other state scholarships.

The bill’s 80-hour monthly work or education requirement means that part-time students who drop below six units risk an immediate loss of their Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits.

United States House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington authored the bill, intending to prioritize border security and national defense.

“After four years of incompetence, lawlessness, chaos, and overreach, a new day has dawned in this great country, and hope is on the horizon with the One Big Beautiful Bill,” Arrington said.

Republicans see the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as a way to restore order and come back from government failure.

With more workforce program opportunities came the increased risks of food insecurity and social inequality, which create higher costs for society overall.

The success of this massive policy shift will ultimately depend on whether institutions can bridge the gap between these heightened federal expectations and the practical needs of their local communities.

“Big changes are on the horizon for federal financial aid, and the college students who rely on it,” Columbus Dispatch journalist Sheridan Hendrix said.

ESMERALDA TORRES

Patricia Mercado Staff Writer

LA Food Bank & Falcon’s Nest tackles food insecurity

Ashley Melendez Staff Writer

On a cold, sunny day, hundreds of people, including students and residents, gathered on Jan. 28 in parking lot one of Cerritos College to participate in an event that takes place every fourth Wednesday of the month.

The event is a food distribution organized by the LA Regional Food Bank in collaboration with the Falcon’s Nest.

Among the participants were entire families, mothers with their children, fathers with their children and even the eldest members of the household.

The activity involved more than two dozen volunteers and the atmosphere was very lively.

A police presence was on hand to maintain order as attendees moved through a line that stretched across the parking lot. The organization of the event was crucial in ensuring that attendees moved quickly, especially given the large number of participants.

Zuleyka Rodriguez, an intern social worker at the Falcon’s Nest and a participant in the event, highlighted the impact food distribution events have on the community.

“It’s a really great event. We’re here to help the community

members, you know, with food insecurity, and we give them free food,” Rodriguez said.

She added, “A lot of people love coming to this event. They tell us how big a change it makes in their lives to get this kind of support, so anyone who can help with the event makes a really big difference.”

Rodriguez was assigned the task of assisting people with disabilities.

“I’m helping at the table with our people who have disabilities.

Those who can not wait in line, we give them a ticket, and others will kind of take their place meanwhile so they can still pick up food today,” she noted.

Manuel Ramirez, a Norwalk community member, expressed that this type of support is essential for families who do not have stable incomes.

“This food distribution is helping me a lot because many of us don’t have a fixed income. The economy isn’t very good, and unexpected expenses aren’t

The Scholarship Specialist: Eric Calderon’s role in changing lives at Cerritos College

Eric Calderon has to deliver both hope and disappointment as part of his job at the Cerritos College Scholarship Foundation: encouraging students to tell their stories for scholarships while knowing many strong applicants won’t get the award.

“It’s always sad when you have to turn people down,” said Calderon, the foundation’s scholarship relations specialist.

“You read some very impactful stories, some beautiful stories.”

Calderon manages and administers the foundation’s scholarships, working behind the scenes with donors and on the front lines with students. His role spans donor relations and fundraising, including onboarding new scholarships and maintaining those that have existed for decades, and student support that can make the difference between an application started and an application submitted.

The foundation uses an online platform called AwardSpring, which Calderon said typically

opens the first week of each semester. Before applications go live, he coordinates with campus partners such as the Career Center and other departments to host workshops that walk students through the process, from creating an account to completing their materials.

For many students, he said, the most difficult piece is also the most personal: the essay that is required.

“I feel like that’s the hardest part for a lot of people,” Calderon said. “That’s typically where we see a dip in terms of application completion. People read that they have to write a 400 to 600-word essay about themselves, and that can be overwhelming.”

Calderon’s job, in his view, is to make that requirement feel less like a gate and more like a bridge. He offers prompts and guidance meant to help students translate lived experience into a clear narrative, the kind selection committees can understand quickly.

But even strong essays can not change one reality: scholarship dollars are limited. Calderon said he tries to be candid with

students about that constraint while also widening their sense of what’s possible.

“We have a certain number of scholarships that we can offer,” he said. “I also try to encourage folks to seek opportunities elsewhere.”

He points students toward scholarships beyond the foundation, including awards offered through transfer pathways and major corporations.

He noted that many businesses have community outreach funds that function as scholarships, sometimes as a way to support local students.

enough to cover everything. So we need a little help, and that’s what helps you get by,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Faustina Arias, shared that the distribution allows her to access basic products that she can’t always afford.

“I was able to get potatoes, apples, and many things that will help me at home. I’m disabled, so I can’t work. It helps me a lot,” she said.

Arias added that this type of support “is essential; it’s not monetary, but it’s necessary help at home.”

The overall coordination was handled by Pamela Sepulveda, Falcon’s Nest case manager, who supervised volunteers and ensured that each distribution station was functioning correctly.

“The main goal of this food distribution is to ensure that students and local community members have access to food. Many of our students and community members are facing food insecurity with the rising price of groceries, job losses and many other issues. We just want to make sure nobody goes hungry,” Sepulveda said.

Among the food distributed were fresh produce such as potatoes and apples, frozen chicken, yogurt, sliced bread and a variety of canned goods, rice and beans.

The were also volunteers like Simonette, who handed out bread and yogurt.

“I think it’s a good cause,” she said. “You should do it because it is a lot of fun and very rewarding.”

“The Falcon’s Nest’s and the LA Regional Food Bank have been collaborating since 2016 and currently benefits approximately 700 families each month,” Falcon’s Nest program assistant Angelica Profumo said.

Join the fun: Spring Club Rush

college applications.

Kicking off the 2026 semester with Club Rush, where students can explore, be informed and build new connections with clubs and organizations at Cerritos College, located in the student center.

Club representatives welcome new members every semester, creating a space where everyone feels included and excited to join.

Jared Agaon, a music major, was told about Club Rush by a friend. “I loved it, coming back after a gap from high school, it feels nostalgic, it feels good to be back,” he said.

Agaon said a club really stands out when the person at the front desk is confident and gives a warm introduction.

He had mixed feelings when being approached by club representatives. He felt pressured, but nothing negative.

Zoey De Las Alas, a computer science major, went to Club Rush to walk around and see if a club caught her attention.

She said every club seemed cool and would like to join a club that would look good for her

Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society focuses on community events, offers scholarships and exclusive event awards only for members. Zaira Mora, president, and Lindsay Lara are staff members for the AGS Honors Society.

Mora said it is the only club in the Community College institution that has been here the longest. Their goal is for students to transfer into a four-year college.

The K-pop club focuses on bringing students together who share the same musical interests. Hannael Quirarte, a studio arts major, president of the club said she would describe the K-pop club as engaging, inviting and fun.

The club focuses on bringing students together who share the same musical interests. It is the only club on campus that is music-centered.

Club Rush is held once each semester, and it continues to bring students together and highlight the variety of communities available on campus.

ASHLEY MELENDEZ

Falcon’s Nest volunteer places a bag of wheat into a cart during a food bank distribution event at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

ASCC Winter Dance

Terra - Album Release Concert Love Yourself First Event

Big Feelings Club Meeting President’s Hour

Eric Calderon from the Cerritos Scholarship Foundation on Jan. 30.

Jenny Nicole Varela Staff Writer

Karina Soriano Editor in Chief

KARINA SORIANO

A new spin for the OC Record Show

said it was busy as soon as the doors opened.

Record Slight said she liked the updated hours.

The OC Records Show kicked off the new year with a packed event at the UFCW Union Hall in Buena Park, drawing millennials and Gen Z shoppers hunting for old favorites and new vinyl to add to their collections.

Carly Dinh, who recently started collecting records, attended her first vinyl expo and said she was excited to find her own picks.

“My uncle was into records as well and he’s got a really big collection, but he doesn’t want to share,” Dinh said. “So I’m like, OK, let me see what I can find.”

Vendors said the crowd came in strong from the start.

Buffy and Phillip Guerrero, who run Far West Record Supply,

“It’s overwhelming. We’ve been super busy from the moment the doors open, but it’s really great to be back in the new year,” Buffy Guerrero said.

Show owners Ryan and Cynthia Blavout said they made a key change this year by adjusting event hours, aiming for a schedule that fits both sellers and a younger audience.

“For us personally, waking up at 3 a.m. wasn’t doing it, so we changed it, and so far we’ve had good reception on it,” Ryan Blavout said.

“Early morning at events is kind of slowing down,” he added.

“At this point, younger audiences sleep in more, so it just made more sense to push it back.”

Gail Gramlich of Setting the

“I love it so much better. It’s just the getting up part I have to get up very early, and I’m kind of a night owl,” Gramlich said. “I’ve been bartending forever, so I just do nighttime hours. Even when I price records, I do it at night, like late at night, because that’s when nobody’s bothering me, so I can just zone out.”

Blavout said promotion through social media and word of mouth helped bring people in.

“I think the Instagram ads and Facebook ads and just kind of word of mouth it just kind of paid off,” he said.

Some attendees said Gen Z has been leaning into physical media because it feels more personal than streaming.

“I think it’s a really good thing,”

Sophie Seman said. “Everything is so widely accessible now that it just feels a little more special when you have something physically.”

Attendees like Dominick Macebonio and Stephanie Medina said they came looking for new records, with Medina describing her taste as wide-open.

“I like indie folk, pop, rock, thrash, metal I feel like I’m an all-around kind of genre person,” Medina said. “I’m pretty much free will when it comes to music and also just be interested in other stuff I’ve never heard of as well.”

The next OC Records Show is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22, with special guest Derek Riggs, the Iron Maiden artist and creator of Eddie, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Gen Z finds escape in underground raves

shutdowns.

A Boston based production team, Bostongabbers, hosted a free underground rave in an Los Angeles tunnel Jan. 17, drawing dozens of Gen Z attendees seeking affordable community and political refuge amid economic and social instability.

The secret location was disclosed only hours before the event, a standard practice that helps organizers avoid police

Its natural isolation beneath miles of road and surrounding trees allowed organizers to bypass typical venue costs associated with clubs or warehouses, making the event completely free to attendees.

Inside the tunnel, five stacked speakers served as a DJ booth with strobe lights illuminating LA inspired graffiti on the walls.

Attendees geared in bright, maximalist clothing danced atop the massive speaker stack while

the DJ performed from behind the booth.

Underground rave culture has surged in popularity among Gen Z in recent years, particularly within communities of color and LGBTQ+ populations who view these events as safe spaces for free expression and affordable socializing.

“As a queer person, I’m constantly being judged by people, but here I’m never judged because everyone else is like me,” Sunni Huang said, 21, a college student who attended the event.

For others, affordabilty plays a bigger role in attendance.

“Sometimes I can’t attend these events since I’m always working,” Emmaly Bustos, 20, said. “But these raves are a cheaper alternative compared to stuff like Hard Summer.”

Bustos, who called off work the day after her birthday to attend, cited additional motivations beyond cost.

“I come to distress from the pressure of work,” she said. “I also come to forget about the things going on in my community like ICE.”

Agatha Christie’s ‘Go Back for Murder’ takes the stage

The question of whether a murder was committed drives Agatha Christie’s “Go Back for Murder,” which runs Jan. 10 through Feb. 7 at the Long Beach Playhouse.

More than 16 years after a man’s death leads to his wife’s conviction for murder, his daughter refuses to accept the verdict.

Written in 1957, the play follows Carla Crale as she gathers those present on the day of her father’s death and asks them to return to the scene of the crime.

As each character retells their version of events, the story shifts between past and present, revealing how memory, bias and time can distort the truth.

Directed by Philip Brickey, the production highlights what sets “Go Back for Murder” apart from Christie’s more traditional whodunits: its fluid movement between decades.

Brickey said the play’s structure creates both technical and storytelling challenges.

“Having actors who play two characters or two different versions of the same character in different decades made for an interesting challenge,” Brickey said.

The play moves between 1948 and 1964, requiring precise coordination across staging and design.

Brickey said the transitions relied on projections, lighting changes, sound effects and voiceovers with quick costume and hairstyle adjustments to guide the audience through shifts in time.

Bustos indicated that recent ICE raids occurring in the city have created anxiety that these underground spaces help alleviate.

She also noted she tries to attend protests as frequently as possible.

Attendees bond over shared values rooted in 1980s rave movements: Peace, Love, Unity and Respect, commonly known as PLUR.

These core principles reflect marginalized communities gathering together to rebel against government forces and corporate America values that remain central to modern underground rave culture.

For many ravers, issues of rising cost of living, political uncertainty and social alienation remain daily realities that these free gatherings help address.

The rise of underground raving culture demonstrates how youth organize collectively during times of social and political instability, building meaningful connections outside traditional power structures and commercial gatekeeping.

Shifting between eras also required careful pacing. The script includes a character who delivers monologues directly to the audience to help bridge the gaps between timelines.

Despite its midcentury origins, Brickey said the play remains relevant for modern audiences.

“I think this play is still relevant today because most people can relate to family history and the stories they were told and the secrets they weren’t told,” Brickey said. “And mysteries are a very popular theatre genre.”

At the center of the story is Carla, who steps into her mother’s past in an effort to understand how her mother was perceived and judged.

As witnesses revisit their memories, contradictions start to surface, raising questions about whether truth is objective or shaped by personal loyalty, prejudice and time.

Brickey credited stage manager Dylan Boggan and the technical design team with helping the production’s transitions feel seamless.

Patricia Mercado Staff Writer

Rose Nunez Staff Writer

Dominick Macebonio and Stephanie Medina surprised at the vinyl they found at the OC Records Show on Jan. 25, 2026.

DURAN VENTURA

Duran Ventura Contributor

ROSE NUNEZ/TM

Hardcore DJ that goes by the name of Munequita performing her set on Jan. 17, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA.

Cerritos student bands chase recording dreams

Karina Soriano Editor in Chief

Two bands, Shade and Psycho Kittens, will open for program lead Dr. Andrew Maz and his new album, Terra, at the upcoming concert on Feb. 7.

Both bands will be showcasing original material as they work toward recording their debut EPs.

Shade and Psycho Kittens were both formed through the college’s Commercial Music program, which focuses on developing performing artists.

Each band has been tasked with writing six original songs to qualify for studio recording time and a spot in future college performances.

“Dr. Maz gave us the goal of an EP,” Alberto Rodriguez said, Shade’s keyboardist and primary songwriter. “If we get six songs by the end of the semester, we can go into the studio and record.”

Shade’s five-member lineup includes vocalist Destiny Garcia, guitarist Brandon, drummer Mario Angel, keyboardist Alberto Rodriguez and bassist David Morales, who joined the group just two months ago when they needed to fill the position.

The band, which formed

in summer 2025, draws from 1980s influences to create their synthesizer-driven sound.

The Psycho Kittens brings together four students with an industrial metal approach, blending heavy rock with electronic elements.

The band includes commercial music majors Bea Vazquez, Johnny “Joy” Vazquez and drummer Mario Angel who pulls double duty in both bands alongside computer science major Diego Toscano.

“Music is always there. It’s just constantly running through 247,” Joy Vazquez said, noting his Spotify listening topped 160,000 minutes this year.

Both bands emerged by connecting with Dr. Andrew Maz. The program lead actively identifies promising musicians, encouraging collaborations that extend beyond coursework.

“We had really great chemistry for the band, and we performed really well,” Rodriguez said of Shade’s initial formation. “A few months later, Dr. Maz said, “Hey, I might be having a show. I’m looking for openers.”

Mario Angel’s involvement extends beyond performing.

After fixing a loose drum kit

component on his own initiative, he became Dr. Maz’s drum technician, even designing and building the electronic drum kit for the upcoming show.

The bands face challenges common to emerging artists, particularly with recent venue closures like Chain Reaction, which historically provided stages for local acts.

“It really gives smaller bands a chance, local bands and all

that, to have a stage to perform on,” Joy Vazquez said. “It’s just really unfortunate that they had to shut that down because then it kind of closes in for everybody’s opportunities.”

In response, both groups emphasize social media presence and unconventional performance spaces. Vazquez recalled seeing bands perform at Denny’s restaurants, while Shade’s Morales stressed the importance of drive

TALON MARKS REVIEWS

The Dreamer Cinderella: fairy tale into a fight for belonging

“The Dreamer Cinderella,” the 2026 modern reimagining starring Anakaren Chable, refreshes the familiar fairy tale by centering it around an immigrant fruit vendor turned movie star.

While it carries the Cinderella name, Xochitl is the film’s true protagonist, trading a glass slipper for the promise of citizenship. Director and screenwriter Jose-Luis Ruiz makes it clear that this story has love but focuses more on survival, ambition and belonging.

His mission to represent the Latinx community with dignity and grace is evident throughout the film, shaping both its narrative and visual tone.

Chable’s performance as Xochitl is the film’s greatest strength. Her ambition and self-determination radiate off the screen as her character navigates obstacles, family pressure and the unpredictability of fame.

Chable brings emotional depth to Xochitl without veering into melodrama, grounding the character in realism even when the story leans toward fantasy.

Another standout performance comes from Anthony Preston as Andrew Goldblum, whose comedic timing and grounded presence provide balance to the film. Preston’s portrayal avoids cliche, offering a charming yet restrained counterpart to Xochitl’s intensity.

His humor feels organic rather than forced, allowing moments of levity to emerge naturally within the heavier themes.

The plot itself is solid in places but uneven in others. While the film’s central message comes through clearly, some moments feel overexplained, as if the story does not fully trust the audience to grasp its themes.

When the film allows scenes to breathe, its emotional impact is strongest. When it rushes to make a point, the message can feel heavy-handed.

The antagonists, meanwhile, verge on cartoonish. Their motivations are thinly developed and their schemes lack the nuance present everywhere else in the film. While their exaggerated nature occasionally adds humor, it ultimately weakens the stakes and feels out of step with the film’s otherwise grounded tone.

Artists turn the 2026 Grammy Awards into a stand against ICE

the UNDER RATED

The 68th annual Grammy Awards turned political as artists and celebrities used the stage to speak out about ICE and immigration issues during music’s biggest night.

Many celebrities took the chance to advocate and encourage others to speak out about the injustice that is happening.

Apart from winning three Grammy Awards and making history for being the first Spanishlanguage artist to take home the Album of the Year award for his latest album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” Bad Bunny continued to make his mark at the Grammys with a speech that went far beyond music.

Following his win for Best Música Urbana Album, Bad Bunny proceeded to give a heartfelt speech about ICE.

“Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ICE out. We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we’re humans and we are Americans.”

Later on, he continued to deliver another powerful speech after his big win for Album of the Year.

“I want to dedicate this award

to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams, to all the people who have lost a loved one and, even so, have had to move forward with a lot of strength,” Bad Bunny said.

During the red carpet, many celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Finneas, Samara Joy, Helen J. Shen, Kehlani, Brandi Carlile, Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber wore white pins with “ICE OUT” in black bold letters written on it.

They were later joined by other artists like Amy Allen, Kamal Wilson, Joni Mitchell, Alan Pierson, Lady Gaga and Carol King.

This pin served as a symbol of protest to call for the ending of abuse by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and show solidarity with immigrant communities affected by ICE’s actions.

Kehlani was the first artist to speak about ICE in her speech following her win for Best R&B Performance for her song “Folded.”

After thanking her team and everyone who’s helped her make this possible, she finished her speech by encouraging every artist to join her in using their voice to speak about what is happening in the world.

“What I wanna make sure that I say is that everybody is so powerful in this room and in this room later, and together we’re stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now,” Kehlani said.

The Song of the Year award was given to Billie Eilish for her song “Wildflower.” As grateful and honored as she was to receive this award, Billie shifted the focus of her speech to a different message.

“I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything, but no one is illegal on stolen land,” Eilish said, “I feel really hopeful in this room and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting and our voices really do matter and the people matter and F*** ICE is all I want to say.”

Another artist who used the stage to speak out about the immigration and deportation issues happening was Shaboozey, who became emotional after he won the Best Country Duo/ Group Performance award.

He thanked his mother who was an immigrant and worked multiple jobs to provide for him and his four siblings.

From promised land to police state

Paul Repreza Staff Writer

Mariana Alonso Staff Writer

America is in an extreme crisis. Innocent immigrants and even U.S. citizens who have lived here their entire lives are being separated from their families and homes by ICE agents.

In states such as California and Illinois, and now in Minnesota, tensions tied to immigration enforcement are escalating, and people say the consequences have turned deadly.

In Minneapolis, often described as the cultural heart of Minnesota, the situation has drawn national attention after reports involving the death of Alex Pretti, 37, identified as a VA nurse.

A video shared online appears to show Pretti being shot multiple times while unarmed and not posing a threat. Another reported fatal incident involved Reene Nicole Good, 37, a mother who was shot in the head during an encounter involving an ICE agent while she was inside her SUV with her daughter.

After those deaths, people have come together to show their discontent. Yet it feels like their voices are meant to be

drowned out instead of heard.

The Trump administration continues to label civilians “terrorists” for exercising their First Amendment rights, while twisting the news to protect ICE agents who, in my view, are abusing the power of their positions.

Having Trump remove ICE agents from Minnesota after two deaths is not enough. Demoting Commander Greg Bovino is not enough. The question is simple: Why aren’t the agents involved being detained and investigated for justice?

This is not only about shootings in Minnesota. Since Trump’s presidential termbegan, families have been torn apart, and immigrants have gone missing with no due process. Immigrants are also being dehumanized through terms like “illegal aliens” and “criminals.”

That language paints an image that is inaccurate. Not all immigrants are criminals. These are hard working people who contribute to the economy and come to the land of the “free” for a better life.

In a matter of months, America has become an unrecognizable country that does not hold the same values it once did. The America our parents sacrificed everything to reach the “promised land” reputation we were taught is not living up to it and hasn’t for a long time.

Love, money, and the February pressure

Dayanara Arroyo Staff Writer

You’ve probably heard about that special day when chocolates and gifts get exchanged for that special person, and suddenly it’s all lovey-dovey… and spend, spend, spend. People go overboard, then finally see the price tag after the purchase.

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a warm gesture of love and affection, but prices have increased over the years and a lot of that money ends up in the hands of multi-billion-dollar corporations worldwide.

The good news: there are plenty of financially friendly ways to celebrate while still spending quality time with your sweetheart.

Take an evening stroll and enjoy the scenery. Go for a hike and get your blood pumping. Pick flowers. Cook a meal together. Set up a picnic at the park. Go stargazing at night under the sky. If money is a must, use online coupons for gifts or keep it simple: stay home, stream movies and make popcorn.

A lot of Valentine’s spending also comes from social pressure. That’s why people wait in long lines for perfume, chase sales for handbags, and panic-buy anything that looks “romantic enough.”

It turns into a never-ending cycle of “what ifs.” What if they don’t like it? What if it’s not enough? What if someone else got something better? That’s how people keep spending with no clear answer for what the other person actually wants.

But all that should matter is the love people share not the item in the bag. Items always circle back to consumerism.

Honestly, Valentine’s Day can feel like the fastest way to check off a Christmas list except it’s February.

Flowers wilt. Jewelry gets sold for less later. A lot of gifts end up in storage, and they’re never as exciting as the moment they were bought.

If Valentine’s Day is about spending time with loved ones, make a list of affordable activities and stick with it as the day goes

America was built on foundations that promised freedom of speech the belief that people have inherent rights to life, liberty and property that no government can take away and a structure designed to prevent tyranny.

That structure that claims to “prevent tyranny” is on its last knees, with Trump at the forefront alongside thousands of ICE agents who are harassing, deporting and killing innocent immigrants and now U.S. citizens to show authority.

They want us to think we have no voice, that they can do anything they want

because they are “above the law” or “just doing their job.” But is that job supposed to deport a 5-year-old, Liam Conjeo Ramos?

These “jobs” ICE agents have been tasked with have become harassment, entering homes without a warrant, and arresting civilians who fit someone’s description of an “illegal alien,” even if that person is a U.S. citizen.

America isn’t the land of the free we were promised. It is turning into a hellhole where fear is used to take advantage.

The high cost of live music: Fans cry foul over ticket prices

Shylah Featherstone Staff Writer

As live music continues its post-pandemic resurgence, concert ticket prices are climbing so fast that many fans are asking the same question: Is this just demand or is it starting to look like price gouging?

Major artists like Bruno Mars, Harry Styles and Ariana Grande have become flashpoints in that debate. Their shows still sell out in minutes, but the cost of getting in the door has jumped sharply, often putting “average fan” seats out of reach.

Styles’ “Love on Tour,” which wrapped in 2023, was praised for its production value and global reach. But many fans said they paid hundreds of dollars for standard seats, with resale prices climbing even higher.

And with Grande’s next tour, fans have reported prices surging well beyond the original face value, driven by high demand and limited availability.

Industry analysts point to multiple reasons ticket prices are rising. Inflation, higher

production costs and increased labor expenses have made touring more expensive across the board. Large-scale concerts now rely on elaborate staging, advanced lighting and nonstop travel costs that stack up long before a single ticket is sold.

But the biggest source of anger isn’t just “tours cost more now.” It’s how tickets are priced.

Resale markets make it worse. Tickets bought at face value are often flipped at steep markups on secondary platforms, leaving fans unsure who to blame: the artist, the promoter, the ticketing company or the resellers.

Fans have taken to social media to vent, with many saying they feel priced out of supporting artists they’ve followed for years.

Dynamic pricing models which adjust prices based on demand are increasingly common. Supporters say it reflects market realities. Critics argue it prioritizes profit over accessibility and makes fans feel like they’re being squeezed in real time.

Portland Avenue and 34th Street in South Minneapolis, showing ICE agents after the shooting.

RICHARD ERIKSSON The Scalpers Are Cheating The Music Festivals.

Birds walk-off winner

Ángel Sánchez Managing & Sports Editor

Coming off a 6-0 shutout loss in their first game of the season, the Cerritos College Falcons baseball team returned home on Jan. 24 and walked-off against the Mt. San Jacinto College Eagles with a final score of 5-4 to split the short series.

“Big team win. There’s still so much room for us to grow, but I think we take this [and] build from here,” Cuellar said.

Sophomore Brody Cuellar came up to bat for the Falcons with one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. With the infield playing in, he hit a ground ball to the second baseman and forced the Eagles defense to make a throw to home plate which resulted in an errant throw, allowing the winning run to score.

Falcons head coach Nate Fernley said, “I thought we played well enough to win. I don’t think that was our best game.”

The Falcons, who were shutout by the Eagles and mustered only three hits on Friday, were held hitless for their first 2 2/3 innings until second baseman Zee Gutierrez’s single to left field.

Gutierrez came up to bat with one out in the bottom of the ninth and walked. A walk and a hit by pitch by the following batters set up the ninth inning comeback for Cuellar and the Falcons.

“We had some issues with the bunt defense which normally we’re pretty good at, our approach wasn’t very good at the plate and I thought we pitched well,” Fernley added. “AJ had a struggle there but Mateo came in and kind of

closed that door and we found a way to win.”

Sophomore pitcher AJ Gonzalez entered the game in the top of the eighth with the game tied 4-4 before loading the bases and handing the ball to Mateo Heredia who got out of late inning trouble without allowing a runner to score.

Heredia pitched the final two innings in relief without allowing a hit and struck out three batters.

“My mentality on the mound was to just pump strikes, get as many outs as I can,” Heredia said. “But I just had to punch strikes and just do my job.”

Cuellar finished going 2-for-5, including his sixth inning tworun triple that gave Cerritos a 4-2 lead. Catcher Jose Perez went 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base

Falcons basketball rally past Warriors

minutes left in the second half.

Cerritos College men’s basketball team rallied in the second half to comeback to win with a score of 64-59 against El Camino College on Jan. 30 where they extended their winning streak to three games.

“We maybe took too many 3-point shots and didn’t attack the basket. I think the second half we did a better job of attacking the paint and getting the ball inside,” Cerritos head coach Russ May said.

Cerritos offensively struggled in the first half as they tried to keep up with El Camino in a close game.

Cerritos would struggle to keep the lead in the first half and go into the second down 30-25.

Cerritos’s offense was more consistent and allowed them to catch up with El Camino.

Both Guard DJ Holt and Forward Dorian Tate for Cerritos made their free throws to help the team take a 52-48 lead with 6:43

“Well, in the previous days, I knew I was gonna have a moment like this, so I got plenty of reps in the days and practices coming up to this. I was just ready to step up and knock them down,” said Holt on what was his mentality while he was on the free-throw line.

Dorian Tate made two free throws to extend their lead by three with 45 seconds left in the second half.

Dorian Tate scored 21 points with 11 rebounds and two steals. Holt finished with 11 points and a perfect 6-for-6 free throws.

Holt later added about his role, “Well, I knew our first half wasn’t the great. We gave up a lot of open shots to some great shooters coming into the second half. We just needed to fight. That’s all we did. We came out slow. We need to pick up our energy.”

Coach Russ May said that the bench was the biggest takeaway from the game and is something to prepare for their next game on Feb. 4 as they will play against Long Beach City College.

and two runs scored.

As a collective, the Falcons offense managed eight hits in 33 ABs with four walks and six strikeouts.

Cuellar referenced the team’s pitch selections as one of the things they are still working out as a team, echoing the head coach’s statement about the team’s approach at the plate.

“Just little things like that. Playing baseball better than the other team because we have all the talent and everyone wants it. So, it just comes down to playing better baseball,” he added.

The pitching side allowed nine hits, struck out six, walked two and allowed four runs with two of them being earned and an error by the Falcons defense in the top of the fifth that followed with the

Eagles taking the lead proved insignificant as the Falcons came back to win.

Heredia said, “We came into the game [with] really high energy. We know what we had to do. We had to come in and, definitely, for sure get a win, but with yesterday’s loss, it kind of gave us that reality check that we need to actually hone in and lock and we did that today.”

The Falcons traveled up to Stockton where they lost all three games against San Joaquin Delta College.

They will face Bakersfield College on the road for a threegame set beginning Thursday, Feb. 5.

The Falcons baseball team goes into the series with a 1-4 record as they look to improve.

FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked rage and anger from fans all over the world as U.S. politics have gotten involved in the tournament. This is a disgraceful moment as people gear up for the event in June.

President Donald Trump and his recent political actions have resulted in fans cancelling their tickets for the World Cup to boycott the event in the U.S.

“The World Cup boycott campaign has begun for the sake of humanity, and I am proud to be the first to cancel. I thank you all for supporting and for canceling your tickets, which I believe have reached nearly 20,000 tickets so far,” Mohamad Safa said on the social media platform X.

The rise in ticket prices have also made soccer fans upset and due to the expensive costs, they are not able to afford to buy tickets.

With the prices of a single match for the World Cup really high, it may concern fans around the world if they can even go to a single game and people who already bought tickets are already cancelling them because of immigration policy concerns.

Another X account named WTFGOP said, “World, Please Listen Up, I am, an American Citizen & until the trump regime is gone here in the U.S. Cancel your World Cup tickets. Cancel your Olympic Tickets. Cancel your travel plans here. Don’t do business with companies here. Do whatever you have to do to protect yourself.”

This statement from X is telling other people to boycott not just the World Cup, but everything else that is scheduled to happen in the U.S. in order to protest against Trump.

Trump had declared that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would deport immigrants who have been living in the country illegally.

This has sparked controversy against Trump and ICE which has led to protests against the government.

Trump has restricted immigration visas from various countries. Four of those countries qualified for the World Cup.

The countries are Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast and Senegal.

Political tensions have been rising in the U.S. due to President Donald Trump and it can be bad for soccer fans as the World Cup could be at risk of being pulled out of the country.

ANGEL SANCHEZ/TM

Brody Cuellar stands on first base line looking at Falcons teammates rushing out of dugout to celebrate walk-off win against Mt. San Jacinto College at Kincaid Field on Saturday Jan. 24, 2026.

ELIJAH MENJIVAR/TM

Cerritos Forward Dorian Tate attempting a shot as he drives toward the basket at Cerritos College on Friday, Jan 30, 2026.

Elijah MenjÍvar Staff Writer

Falcons take OCC Invitational head on

The Cerritos College track and field team opened its spring season Jan. 30, at the OCC Season Opener hosted by Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, marking the Falcons’ first competition of the outdoor season.

Cerritos entered more than 100 athletes across a full slate of events, including sprints, distance races and field events, competing against Orange Coast College, Soka University, Chapman

University, Bakersfield College and several unattached athletes. Chapman led many of the running events throughout the meet, but Cerritos remained competitive and produced strong performances across multiple disciplines.

The meet began with the 4×100-meter relays, where Cerritos did not field a women’s team, but the men’s relay squad placed third overall. In the women’s 800-meter run, Cerritos placed three athletes in the top five, led by Viviana Martinez, who

finished second with a time of 2:36.06.

Teammates Samantha Thompson and Deona Standifer followed closely, placing fourth and fifth, while Jessica Jordan added a sixth-place finish for the Falcons.

The men’s 800 meters proved to be one of Cerritos’ strongest events of the day, as Axel Rebolledo-Ynostros and Johan Perez claimed first and second place with times of 1:59.98 and 2:01.98, respectively. Joshua Chazari and Alexander Reyes

added depth to the performance by finishing fourth and fifth. Distance runners also delivered solid results for Cerritos. In the women’s 5,000 meters, Esther Gonzales placed second with a time of 20:16.32, while Joshua Morales earned a victory in the men’s 5,000 meters, crossing the finish line in 15:58.95.

On the sprint side, the Cerritos women’s 4×400-meter relay team of Angel Corral, Nyla Nolan, Jayla Barnwell and Standifer captured first place with a time of 4:03.56, finishing nearly seven seconds

ahead of Chapman.

Cerritos dominated several field events, particularly in the throws. Damian Salas and Francisco Arechiga finished first and second in the men’s hammer throw with marks of 48.52 meters and 46.71 meters.

Both athletes also placed among the top three in the men’s shot put, where Dang Tran earned first place with a throw of 14.06 meters.

The Cerritos track and field teams will compete next on Feb. 5 at the Reno Invitational.

Women's basketball score first conference win

shots and baskets. I want to keep my composure and make sure the other team can’t read me,” Nakamura said.

Lauryn Nakamura, point guard on the Cerritos College women’s basketball team, finalized an end to the Falcons 14game losing streak by making a free throw in the last four seconds of the game, securing the team’s 3-point lead and defeating El Camino College 53-50.

Nakamura ended the game with an impressive 15 points, three offensive rebounds, three defensive rebounds, one assist and four steals.

“I kept being a leader and I further helped my team win our

"My girls deserved this win. Talking, communicating, and being disciplined on defense, I think was huge today," head coach Trisha Kozlowski said.

Injuries and a shrinking roster have contributed to the team’s performance thus far.

“I had 11 girls on my roster, but one is sick who should be playing, and five more girls had season ending injuries. That’s just the cards that we’ve been dealt this year with injuries. It’s been an odd year,” Kozlowski said.

However, Kozlowski also

said she’s proud of her girls for working hard and not giving up.

“It hasn’t been easy but that’s sports. You have to choose to work hard. You have to choose to grow resiliency. It’s a trait that makes you a better player and a better person,” Kozlowski said.

Dual-player Emily Gonzalez who plays both forward and center, displayed her resilience and hard work with her hustle and aggressiveness throughout the game.

“I always keep looking forward. I always focus on my form and where the basket is. Especially if I am contested, and there’s an open player near me,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez ended the game with 4 points, a match-high 13 rebounds- 12 defensive rebounds and one offensive rebound- and one steal.

She also stated that she hopes this victory builds up the team’s chemistry. She said she wants her team to keep working together, and encouraging each other positively and to just keep hustling.

Along with Nakamura, Cerritos guard Justine Lucero played all 40 minutes and tied Nakamura's 15 point total.

El Camino guard Maya Kelley led all scorers in the match with 17 points and added 13 rebounds in her double-double performance.

El Camino ultimately fell short as the Cerritos women's basketball team pulled out a narrow victory.

The women's basketball team played a non-conference game on Feb. 2 against LA Mission College that was rescheduled from Dec. 19, 2026.

The game saw the Falcons lose by a score of 71-41.

Nakamura finished with 10 points and Gonzalez contributed 16 rebounds in the match against LA Mission.

The Falcons overall record now sits at 3-19 and 1-3 in conference play. The next conference match for the women’s team will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 4 against Long Beach City College.

SAMANTHA THOMPSON/TM

Cerritos College track and field teammates Jayla Barnwell and Deona Standifer with the final 4x400 hand-off Costa Mesa, California Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.

Samantha Thompson Staff Writer

Marina Gutierrez Staff Writer