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Utilizing the First Amendment since 1956

Volume 69 | Issue 6

www.TalonMarks.com

March 5, 2025

Students walkout for immigrants Natalie Gonzalez News Editor

Cerritos College students walked out for immigrant rights on Feb. 25 from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The walkout was planned in partnership with ASCC, the Humanitarian Club, the Psychology Club, the Immigrant Student Alliance and the Helping Hands Project.

Students and faculty members who wanted to participate in the walkout gathered in front of the library.

Posters and red cards were handed out to the protesters at the start of the protest to make sure everyone participating had something to show.

The red cards were to inform those who are undocumented of their rights.

“Defund ICE,” “Nobody is illegal on stolen land,” “ No human is illegal,” and “All families who have immigrants are

NATALIE GONZALEZ

Students and faculty protesting for immigrant rights, marching between the library and Math/CIS building Feb. 25, 2025.

welcome,” was written on some of the posters.

“Education is a right, not a privilege,” Amanda Monterey, president of the Helping Hands

Project club said.

She continued, “Cerritos College stands with undocumented students wholeheartedly, hears them,

sees them and stands with the undocumented.”

Dr. Jose Fierro, Cerritos College president, was not present for the walkout.

Iveth Diáz, a facilitator for the UndocuFalcon Scholars Program, attended the walkout and said, “I’m here for students to feel validated and supported.”

Oscar Oliva, a political science major, took a stand during the protests with emotion and shared some words to inform all the attendees, “What’s going on in today’s world is nothing new, we’ve been here before.”

Oliva also shared that he is an immigrant and that these new policies affect him directly.

During the walkout, the crowd shouted, “Defund ICE,” “Immigrants are here to stay” and “Donald Trump has to go.”

Aiden Christalino, a biology major, said he came out to support the walkout because he cares for his people and has love for our community – for those who build us a foundation.

Christalino felt inspired to see so many people willing to take a stand and make a difference.

LA Food Bank returns to campus College updates Title IX policy Felix Palencia

Claudia Arias

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Cerritos College hosted the LA Regional Food Bank on Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in parking lot one.

The event is hosted on the fourth Wednesday of every month Pamela Sepulveda, the manager of Falcon Basic Needs, known as Falcon’s Nest, said, “The food distribution in partnership with La Regional Food Bank was started almost 10 years ago.”

Sepulveda continued, “It started out with a basic needs task force before Falcon’s Nest existed.

It was dedicated staff, faculty and managers on campus who wanted to help feed students who had food insecurity issues.”

The food bank was initially held in Falcon’s Square but was moved to the parking lot one as a drive-thru system since COVID-19.

Some of the volunteers were students, staff on campus and community members who wanted

Sports

CLAUDIA ARIAS

Volunteers and attendees at the LA Regional Food Bank distribution in Cerritos College’s parking lot 1 next to Alondra Boulevard on Feb. 19, 2025.

to help out their community.

There are at times civic organizations, such as the Lions Club who were there today, that come out to help.

The event was very well organized, families stood in line to check in and receive a ticket to be given their food.

Within the two hours of the food bank, there were 700-740 households served.

At the beginning of the event, tables were filled with boxes of full story on page 7

Falcons drop first conference game vs Long Beach

Arts

supplies, towards the end of the event some tables were empty.

The food is donated by several organizations to the LA Regional Food Bank.

They then bring it to the food distribution here at Cerritos College and then give it to the families.

The food that was provided to the families were pantry items, canned goods, cheese, frozen chicken, fresh produce, apples, and hygiene items.

Cerritos College announced upcoming changes to its Title IX regulations, which will impact students and faculty.

An email was sent out to students on Feb. 3, 2025, where the college stated that while its 2024 Title IX regulations took effect on Aug. 1, 2024, a recent court ruling overturned those policies.

The changes affect policies regarding gender identity, sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, domestic abuse and others.

Erin Miles, director of diversity, compliance, and Title IX coordinator, said government administrations significantly influence these regulations.

“There are some significant differences between the 2020 regulations and the Biden administration regulations,” Miles said.

A major change is how Title IX hearings are conducted.

full story on page 4

New window art dressing in Fine Arts Building

Opinion

When a complaint is filed, the accused individual, or respondent, faces allegations of misconduct, such as sexual harassment, assault, stalking or domestic violence.

Both the complainant and respondent have the right to present evidence, call witnesses and be heard.

Evidence often includes text messages, app interactions and other digital records.

Previously, an investigator reviewed all evidence and determined whether the allegations were valid.

However, a recent court ruling reinstated the 2020 regulations under the Trump administration requiring a formal hearing process.

Now, a neutral third-party hearing officer will oversee these cases, listening to both sides, reviewing evidence and making a final decision on whether the allegations are upheld.

Read more at Talonmarks.com

full story on page 6

The cost of dying shouldn’t be a huge expense

2 - NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025

Wide active shooter drill Felix Palencia Staff Writer

Cerritos College hosted an active shooter drill remain to stay prepared for any attacks.

Cerritos College conducted an active shooter drill on Feb. 26, with exercises taking place across the campus.

Campus and local police focused their training in the newly constructed Health Sciences building near Lot 9.

Students were notified in advance to prevent unnecessary alarms, but they were still expected to take the drill seriously by barricading doors, turning off lights, and following lockdown procedures.

At about 9:37 a.m., the drill officially began on the southern side of campus. Officers carried training munitions, including replica rifles and pistols loaded with simunition rounds, to create a realistic scenario.

Actors portraying victims ran from buildings with their hands raised, screaming as loud gunfire and thick smoke filled the air, simulating the chaos of an actual active shooter situation.

Hundreds of public safety officials attended this intensive drill, which aimed to enhance emergency responders’ familiarity with the building and campus

layout.

Donald Mueller, chief of campus security, emphasized the importance of preparedness, “This drill helped sheriff ’s deputies familiarize themselves with our campus so they can respond even faster when backup is needed.”

As part of ongoing campus safety efforts, the drill sought to prepare students, faculty, and staff for emergencies and ensure they understood how to react effectively during such an event.

Mueller stressed, “If we don’t think about it ahead of time, then when it comes time to act, people panic.”

“We want students and staff to go through the motions, learning how to lock down a classroom or office, so they know what to do in a real emergency,” Mueller said.

Cerritos College President Dr. Jose Fierro highlighted the collaboration among various agencies, “One of the key objectives is ensuring a strong partnership between campus police, the sheriff ’s department, and emergency responders.”

A recurring sentiment throughout the drill was the unfortunate reality that shootings have become increasingly common in California and the U.S. “People always say, ‘I never thought it would happen here.’

But that mindset is dangerous and naive. There are just too many guns out there,” Mueller cautioned.

Fierro echoed this concern, “Unfortunately, active shootings occur too often. We have to be prepared.”

The drill also served as a test for campus emergency systems.

Felipe Luis, executive vice president of business services, noted, “It allows us to evaluate many of our systems, from communication planning to the initiation of RAVE (Rapid Alert and Notification System for Emergencies) alerts and response procedures.”

Robert Villa, a simulated victim, commented on the deputies’ quick response time, “They were quick at getting in and immediately gathered a description of the shooter.”

Rodrigo Mauricio, another simulated victim, described the intensity of the experience, “My heart was beating fast. It felt pretty real.”

He also noted that helmets were provided for protection, ensuring that no one was injured despite the use of simulated ammunition.

As campus officials assess the outcomes of this drill, the hope remains that these exercises will never have to be applied in a reallife situation.

FELIX PALENCIA

Actors portraying victims running out the Health Science building at Cerritos College for the active shooter drill on Feb. 26, 2025.

FELIX PALENCIA

Police try to unarm suspect with munition guns that they use for the Cerritos College shooting drill on Feb. 26, 2025 outside Health Science building.

Black Female Fireside Chat community celebration Karina Soriano Staff Writer

This event was a celebration of community, and the lived experiences of the phenomenal women at Cerritos College Cerritos College hosted the Black Female Fireside Chat event, in the Conference Center on Feb. 20.

Those in attendance came together to hear powerful stories from black women across campus.

The event began with introductions from the panelists a diverse group of women, who shared their roles and contributions.

Professor Brittany Hampton, an Africana Studies professor at Cerritos College; Dr. Sherryl Carter, PAACE Manager; Dr. Shelia Hill, Counselor and Director of the UMOJA Success Program; Danylle WilliamsManser, a member of Project HOPE; and Dawn Green, a trustee on the Cerritos College Board.

Each panelist highlighted their unique impact on the college and community.

We Put in Work, seemed to be what the event centered itself on really focusing on the dedication and strength of black women in education, leadership, and personal growth.

One of the most heartfelt moments came from Professor Brittany Hampton, who is an African American and Ethnic Studies Instructor.

KARINA SORIANO

(From left to right) Professors Brittany Hampton, Dr. Chelena Fisher, Dr. Sherryl Carter, Dr. Shelia Hill, Danylle WilliamsManser and Board of Trustees Vice President Dawn Green at the first Black Female Fireside Chat at Cerittos College Conference Center on Feb. 20, 2025.

Emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive “village” in balancing her roles as a mother and professor.

Her village includes her family, her mother and two sisters, who provide crucial support.

She highlighted how leaning on this network allows her to manage her demanding schedule, that includes teaching at four community colleges.

As an educator and mother who teaches, she spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing motherhood, teaching, and self-

care.

Hampton admitted that asking for help was initially uncomfortable but has become essential for her well-being and her daughter’s.

She encourages others to build their own villages, whether through family, friends, or community, to navigate the challenges of parenting and professional life and not being afraid to ask for help.

She added, “I had to teach myself that for baby to be good, I have to be good. I have to make

time for myself,” reminding everyone that self-care is not selfish but essential when taking on such powerful roles.

Another powerful story came from Dr. Shelia Hill, as she described how she went above and beyond her role to create programs that addressed the unique challenges students face.

“Sometimes it’s easier to get forgiveness than permission,” Hill stated on how important it is to take bold steps.

She shared, “At times I have crossed the line, but my students

got what they needed. That’s what mattered.”

Touching on the impact educators can have when they prioritize their student’s well being.

When it came to the subject of community, Amelia Moseley, an UMOJA counselor, spoke about the role of programs like UMOJA in creating spaces where students feel a sense of belonging.

“We believe that feeling at home increases your overall success in college,” she said.

She also encouarged students to connect with programs like UMOJA and Puente, adding, “We share that space with our Puente program, and we just believe that students who want to feel at home, that feel a sense of belonging, that really increases your overall success in college.”

As the event came to an end, the panelists offered advice in five words or less: “Find your tribe,” “You’re worth it,” and “Faith and focus.”

As Danylle Williams-Manser said, “We have been fighting and overcoming for many years. This is just another barrier, but the work can still be done. We just have to be creative and innovative in how we rebrand it.”

The Black Female Fireside Chat was a celebration of the women who are making a difference in the community and inspiring the next generation.

COMMUNITY - 3

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

LA communities unify in march against ICE Isaac Cordon Editor in Chief

In response to the recent ICE raids, an organized march against ICE and deportations took over the streets of downtown Los Angeles on President’s Day. Latino and West Coast rap music blared as crowds of people demonstrated unity in efforts to organize more resistance to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

The protesters met at Olvera Street to then march up Alameda Street, down 1st Street and finished the march on Spring Street.

“This speaks to our commitment to defend our community against the attacks that ICE, the Trump administration and all these terrorist organizations have been committing against our communities,” Mecha de Santee sponsor, Angélica Reyes, said.

Mecha de Santee is one of the over 60 member groups that make up the Community Self Defense Coalition that were in attendance at the march.

The organization with the most present attendees was Unión del Barrio – Ron Góchez and Desiree Gaytan shared the key goals of their organization. “...If you are not a member of an organization, join one –

ISAAC CORDON

Group of protesters marching down Alameda Street during the march against ICE and deportations on Feb. 17, 2025.

no matter how amazing we are as individuals, you’re only an individual and no one individual has the power to make the changes that we need,” Góchez said.

Góchez also stated that these organizations will be prepared to defend the community from ICE raids.

Gaytan added, “Ultimately the power lies within us. If I could say anything to our Pueblo, it would be to stand up and show each other love and unity in organizing, around our collective liberation – find our place in that long struggle of resistance.”

Before the march began, a

group of young women dancers of Danza Divina de Los Ángeles set the atmosphere as they performed a list of danzas (dances in English).

These danzas were danza Mexica, which is an acknowledgment of the four elements that give us life, a

warrior dance dedicated to the jaguar and lastly Itzapapalotl which is dedicated to women and babies who have passed away during childbirth.

“This was a perfect example of young women being empowered it has been a beautiful experience,” Jeniffer Sanchez, Director of Danza Divina de Los Ángeles, stated.

Another attendee, Maria Flores dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume covered in political statements as well as being in handcuffs and a dollar used as a blindfold.

Some of the political art was Trump as a Nazi, ICE taking away a boy, an American flag with a swastika, Elon Musk controlling everything with big corporations, and Musk using his son as a human shield.

Gaytan shared her thoughts on how she felt about the people who attended and expressed themselves.

“I’m inspired that the masses are beginning to wake up and defend themselves and organize with each other to take the streets and respond to the attacks that our communities are facing.”

She finished, “As the original peoples of this continent, of these lands, it’s our responsibility to invest in our freedom struggle because we can’t wait around for anyone to do it.”

OC Records Show draws crowds searching for vinyls Duran Ventura Community Editor

Music lovers gathered for the Orange County Records Show in Buena Park to check out vinyl records on Feb. 23 from 7:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The OC County Records Show is one of the biggest in Southern California with over 90 vendors selling vinyl records in the UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) Union Hall building.

Ryan Blavout, one of the organizers for the show, said, “It’s something I’ve been a part of for 25 years as a vendor and customer, so I just wanted to keep it going. We’ve been doing more signings more and more vendors” Blavout runs the OC Record Show with his wife, Cynthia Blavout.

The OC Record Show started in 1986, but Ryan Blavout took it over from the original organizer in 2022.

“I specifically like jazz records so we saw that there was an ad for the OC Show so we decided to come,” said Zoei Ma, who brought her cousin Julianne Chen along.

Ma was one of the customers perusing the show where vendors such as Manuel Rosales’ Vinyl Rose Records were selling their products.

“I started collecting records back in 1992 at the Salvation Army about my first CD player.

They happened to have a record player and U2’s Joshua Tree. I

started my passion and love for U2 as well,” Rosales said.

Rosales is also a teacher at South El Monte High School, he brings in his record player to play vinyl for his students.

Romain Del Bello from Paris brought his daughters Chiara Del Bello and Sienna Del Bello to the event.

“I’m happy because we share something they [his daughters]… listen to so that’s a family thing – plus it works on vinyl,” Romain said.

Besides vinyl, there were CDs, DVDs, vintage toys and T-shirts being sold.

Liliana Mallow, who came from Mexico, got some RV, rock, Spanish rock, blues and classical music vinyl. Mallow spent $800 at Tomas Navarro’s Discos Lo Nuestro booth.

Navarro mostly sells Latin American vinyls from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, El Salvador, Venezuela and Mexico.

“I try to come out every month when it happens. I’m a big collector of a lot of different stuff, and I am a huge fan of Japanese city pop vinyl,” Buena Park resident Steph Yi said.

“I just love records and am really into vinyl,” Adriana McCauley said, “I love the sound of the music and the cover art.”

The next OC Record Show will be at the UFCW Union Hall again on March 30, according to Ryan Blavout.

4 - ARTS

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

New take on advertising Melanie Salguero A & E Editor

The window dressing outside of the fine arts building by Curt LeMieux and Marley Van Peebles was installed from Feb. 23 - March 8, 2025.

It is presented as a sequel of sorts to That Which Animates which is a recent two-person exhibition at Launch LA. The installation is taking a new perspective on advertising, with the way it is reimagining the body with bold and unexpected forms.

At its center are large, stretched mannequins with human-animal features, dressed in custom clothing with unique patterns and hand-drawn designs.

It also had bulging eyes, swollen fingers, and dynamic limbs, the display challenges how we see and present bodies.

Director, James MacDevitt explained that this installation is their first attempt at moving their usually two-dimensional practice into a three-dimensional one.

“While also playing with the history of fantastical window displays that regularly appear in more traditionally retail environments, like shopping malls (hence the emphasis in

this installation on their images displayed on t-shirts),” said MacDevitt.

Curt LeMieux shared the inspiration for this project.

“Marley and I have been making collaborative work together off and on for several years. We share a compulsion towards anthropomorphic and distorted human-like forms.

LeMieux continued, “We also like art that is somewhat awkward and lighthearted. So I think I’m a lot of ways we inspire each other,” “For our show “That Which Animates” at Launch-LA, we printed a bunch of T-shirts via a sort of DIY screen printing process. With a sense of urgency and restlessness, we manipulated the T-shirts using drawing, appliqué and soft-sculpture techniques.”

“Ultimately attaching shapely and bulbous appendages and creating a set of rough and clumsy beings. That is the work now on view in the vitrine outside of the gallery.”

Moreover, speaking to LeMieux about what they hope that people or students might be able to take away from this project.

“Marley and I want people to have fun and to laugh a bit

MELANIE SALGUERO

The visual reference of the mannequin with human-animal features dressed in custom clothing on March 3, 2025.

when looking at the work. We all live and work in mediasaturated environments. Flashy imagery is everywhere enticing us with notions of convenience, entertainment, and satisfaction,” he explained.

The window dressing is something that catches the attention of students.

The message within is something that feels almost unexpected, something that would be difficult to guess on the first try or at first glance.

REVIEW

LaMieux also explained why they feel students should be encouraged to take a look into window dressing from their perspective.

“Marley and I encourage young people to approach contemporary art with an open mind. As students, they should see as much art as humanly possible.

They should talk with each other about what they see.

“They should formulate opinions and articulate criticisms.

But above all, they should

recognize that art is a language structure in and of itself,” he said.

“At best, it facilitates access to the esoteric and complex. Art allows people to lean into what is not immediately understood or familiar.

“Maybe the collaborative and lively nature of “You Are All Animals” will inspire art and design students on the Cerritos College campus to engage in creative processes that are experimental, playful, and communal,” LaMieux finished.

REVIEW

Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR come The monkey: a blood bath together for $ome $exy $ongs 4 U Melanie Salguero

OVO SOUND

Drake’s new album cover released on Feb. 13, 2025.

Karina Soriano Staff Writer

Drake is back with his signature blend of vulnerability and an extension of his Certified Lover Boy era but with a moodier edge courtesy of PARTYNEXTDOOR’s R&B sensibilities with his newest release $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. The 21-track collaborative project is somewhere in between sultry late-night confessionals and fleeting moments of filler.

The album opens with “CN Tower,” with a hazy, heavily synthdrenched opener that sets the tone.

Icy keys over a muted trap beat as Drake shares about fleeting connections and midnight regrets.

It’s a strong start, but the sheer length of the tracklist becomes apparent early on.

With 21 songs, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U sometimes feels stretched thin.

“Crying In Chanel” has a crisp percussion, but the track struggles to resonate emotionally; it just feels overly technical despite its polished production.

This disconnect might come from its repetitive melodies or lyrics that lack the rawness of Drake’s earlier work.

Meanwhile, you have “Meet Your Padre,” the fusion of norteño-inspired accordion melodies and trap rhythms that disappoints further, and this is no fault of Chino Pacas.

“Meet Your Padre” just sounds disjointed in its pacing.

It’s a very rare misfire in Paca’s discography, highlighting how even strong artists can create lackluster music when creative visions clash.

Then there are tracks like “GIMME A HUG.” Drake opens with a spoken word cadence, a shift from his usual melodic flows and auto-tune, featuring two iconic samples.

The track begins with a sample of Terrell Grice’s “Sing”, its gospel harmonies set a nostalgic tone.

Later into GIMMIE A HUG, you get into a moodier territory with

Aaron Hall’s “I Miss You” sample which is done extremely well.

The contrast between these two samples mirrors Drake’s real lyrical tension between vulnerability and arrogance.

Another stand-out track, “Pimmie’s Dilemma” really shines with its standout production and Pimmie’s angelic vocals.

While it is very obvious that Drake anchors $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, it’s PARTYNEXTDOOR who elevates the project with his shadowy, whispered ad-libs.

Layering that with muted 808s, his solo track “DEEPER” is truly the album’s spiritual core.

This isn’t just a standout moment; it’s the thesis statement for this album.

While Drake switches between bravado and regret, PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “DEEPER” proves why he’s remained on top with his mood-driven R&B. PARTYNEXTDOOR’s ability to turn emptiness into art is what he does best.

With all the controversy Drake has been involved in these past couple of months, turning that off and listening to, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, unbiased, the album ultimately argues that true artistry isn’t about resolution it’s about staring into the void, mic in hand, and finding rhythm in the chaos.

A & E Editor

The Monkey, a fresh new take on Stephen King’s short story hit theaters on Feb. 21, and it is one of the better horror comedy movies out there right now.

The film follows a set of twin brothers who stumbled upon a toy monkey that ends up being the cause of random shocking deaths around them.

It was paced very well and you can spend enough time with different characters to understand their motives without it feeling like a drag, as well as maintaining a specific tone that stays consistent throughout the film.

The film holds a significant message that death is inevitable and inescapable.

Something to also note is that deadbeat fathers were a constant throughout the film.

It’s something subtle and hard to catch at first watch, but by paying more attention, we see the way it affects them in different ways.

Compared to other horror films out currently, most notably Heart Eyes, the film smoothly maintains the horror comedy dynamic far better by having an authentic script, which makes the dialogue feel fitting, and gives life to these characters.

It seems as though horror

films are embracing more gore incorporated throughout films, but we see the different ways each movie approaches it.

Horror films in the modern era tend to one-up each other when it comes to gore and kills, most of which involve an attempt at making everything more realistic.

However, The Monkey does the complete opposite and tries to make the kills as unrealistic as possible, which ends up being so shocking it’s almost hilarious.

In an interview with the director, Osgood Perkins, he says that he deliberately wrote every death to be as unrealistic as possible.

Watching the film, you see how successful he was at bringing that idea to the screen.

From having a head be cut clean off with a small hibachi knife, to literally blowing up after leaping into an electrified pool.

It’s very clear what Perkins meant when he said he wanted the kills to be the most absurd thing you’ve ever seen.

Overall, the film is fun to watch but can also give you something to think about once you leave the theatre.

It’ll leave you thinking about your family and understanding that nobody is gonna live forever.

It’ll leave you thinking about your family and understanding that nobody is gonna live forever.

AMPED - 5

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

the

UNDER RATED

the best of what you have(n’t) heard

g... n i c u d intro

Don Toliver, Speedy, J-Hope LV Bag (feat. Pharrell William) They gives us catchy hooks and beats that stay on our minds long after the track is over. This track is letting us know summer is coming and we need to get ready.

KARINA SORIANO

Drum machines that artist use for creating their complex sounds.

Music is lowkey complex Karina Soriano Staff Writer

Beneath what might seem as something simple, there is a massive amount of real technical precision to it.

At first glance, your favorite songs, those beats you hear, might seem straightforward.

Focusing on beat makers or music producers across hip-hop, R&B, pop, and electronic music who have found a way to master the art of creating the rhythms you hear behind some of your favorite songs.

When you listen to music, there is a long process that happens before it hits the listener’s ears.

A genre that, not until recently, started getting recognition for being complex in more ways than one is Hip-Hop. It is thriving on beats that sound simple but are engineered in such a structured way.

Take the legendary producer J Dilla; his rhythms changed the sound of Hip-Hop. His way of making music created a hypnotic groove that, at the time, no one was creating.

Tracks like Donuts released in 2006 are built on precise timing adjustments.

Inspired by J Dilla’s style, Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak (2008) used a drum machine to tap into real raw emotion, making

the layering of synths with live percussion seem simple.

J Dilla shaped the style of a lot of your favorite Hip-Hop tracks that are made today.

Producers like Metro Boomin and Hit-Boy continue this tradition that J Dilla created.

Metro’s trap beats, as heard on HEROES & VILLAINS (2022), rely on sparse 808 patterns that became a staple for J Dilla.

Even when moving into genres like R&B, there are artists like Timbaland.

A groundbreaking producer who built his career on polyrhythms, layering conflicting time signatures to create grooves that feel both familiar and like nothing you have ever heard before.

A clear example of this is in Aaliyah’s Are You That Somebody? (1998) but R&B also leans on something known as a swing rhythm.

It is a style of music production that creates a bouncy feel.

This style is used by producers like Kaytranada, who create this mix of soulful, breathing rhythms that are his signature style.

Genres like electronic, house and techno are where producers like Fred Again use granular synths.

Which they use to chop vocal samples into these rhythmic elements, blurring the line between melody and percussion.

Which they do in such a way that you can hear the human imperfections in the samples.

Then you have the legendary Carl Craig, whose musical style balances repetition with subtle shifts in rhythm.

Craig has found this way to transform straightforward techno into a journey that is sometimes somewhat emotional.

Tracks like At Les (1997) have live instrumentation and modular synth patterns that prioritize groove over anything else.

A genre that is the best at creating an illusion is pop music.

While pop was sometimes dismissed as being very formuladriven.

There are modern pop icons like Chappell Roan and her track Pink Pony Club (2020).

The song opens with a very punchy four-on-the-floor kick drum and handclaps as well.

The track finds a way of bringing together retro elements like glam-rock guitar riffs and 80s synth pads but with the modern hyper-pop style she is known for.

A “simple” beat is often carefully created. Producer No I.D. once said, “A simple beat is just a complex one with the right elements removed.”

Next time you nod your head to a catchy beat, remember the real magic lies in what you don’t hear.

LOCAL COLOR shows • concerts • exhibits • performances • etc.

•MUSIC• CALIFORNIA LOVE @ BETRUE STUDIOS MARCH 8 ANAME @ SOUND MARCH 14 ROLLING LOUD @ HOLLYWOOD PARK GROUNDS MARCH 15 & 16

•EXHIBITS• XINGONX FEST @ LA PLAZA DE CULTURAS Y ARTES MARCH 8 BEST IN LOW @ PETERSON MUSEUM NOW - APRIL 2025 SONIC PLAYGROUND @ GRAMMY MUSEUM MARCH 3 - APRIL 13

•ART• LETS FLY @ ACE MISSION STUDIOS MARCH 3 - APRIL 13

•THEATER• CHICAGO @ CERRITOS CENTER MARCH 16

Calling all Cerritos College artists, actors, musicians, photographers, performers, etc.

Do you have an upcoming exhibit?

Show? Concert? Album release party?

aMPeD

Get listed on:

You can contact us by e-mailing us at editor@talonmarks.com by calling us at (562) 860-2451 x2618 or by visiting us at Talon Marks Newsroom in the Fine Arts building FA245 (2nd floor)

on

ge... r e v the Grave Secrets S2L Coming in with that nostalgic rock sound, this single is giving a style that is completely their own but feels very familiar.

The Thistle Brothers Afford The Thistle Brothers are a talented duo that continue giving us a sound that fuses Americana with Classic Rock and the spirit of Soul music.

...

ous m a f ost

alm

Rae Khalil CRYBABY Her most recent release, is such an incredible listen. Each song is a hit and her voice is one of a kind. This album is vulnerable but vibrant and has a groove that listeners will enjoy.

ice... o h c ssic

cla

KAYTRANADA BUBBA One of the greatest releases in the past years. It’s heavy on the features but that’s what makes it a powerhouse.

Paramore Paramore Their self-titled reinvention, which blends alternative rock and pop. It embraces themes of resilience and reinvention.

y...

nd eye ca

The Monkey starring Theo James A horror comedy following two twin brothers haunted by a deadly cursed monkey linked to mysterious deaths.

Companion starring Sophie Thatcher A horror-comedy following an AI robot discovering her true nature after a violent incident at a lake house.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

6 - OPINION •Editorial•

Talon Marks is a First Amendment publication.

Editorials express the views of the Editorial Board.

Other opinions express the view of the author & are not to be considered opinions of the publication’s staff, the Editorial Board, the advisers, the Cerritos College Associated Students, the college administration or the Board of Trustees.

Production & printing of Talon Marks is funded by the Associated Students of Cerritos College (ASCC).

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Dying shouldn’t be a huge expense There’s no reason why anyone should pay nearly the same amount as a used car to say their final goodbye to their loved one.

A used 2012 Honda Civic is about $10,000 and according to Clarity Funerals, it can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000 and possibly more to say your final goodbyes to your loved ones in California.

The cost takes into account getting a casket, embalming services, and professional fees.

This is unfair to the average American who doesn’t have a lot of money to spend on a funeral with the average median income in California being $75,000.

According to SoFi, a funeral can pile up on other expenses such as taxes, car payments, housing, health care, etc.

This takes a toll on the average American as they have to deal with the grief of losing a loved one on top of managing these insane funeral expenses.

It doesn’t help that funeral homes and services price gouge which is a common practice.

According to CNN, the US government has warned funeral homes to stop misleading bereaved customers about pricing.

The Federal Trade Commission went undercover on a phone sweep and they found out for 38 calls, the agency said the funeral homes either refused to answer questions about pricing or gave inconsistent

information about identical services.

Many funeral homes get away with price gouging due to loopholes for example the state of California where it’s a law that requires funeral homes to disclose their prices, either online or in person.

However, according to the Consumer Federation of America, California funeral homes exploit a loophole by

DERRICK TELIX

only listing a vague overview of services on their websites, forcing consumers to contact them directly to get detailed pricing.

This impacts buyers at their most vulnerable due to the lack of transparency of the funeral can lead to consumers being unaware of the full cost of a funeral service, potentially causing them to pay more than

necessary.

For example, the funeral company, Service Corporation International, paid $23 million in a settlement after they deceived customers in the Bay Area with prices and false advertising according to Kron 4.

This is only one of many stories where people have faced horrible financial hardship often due to the fact of unexpected costs, a lack of sufficient insurance, or situations where a pre-paid funeral plan company went bankrupt, leaving them with no funds to cover the funeral expenses.

It’s extremely unfair that we the people who just want to mourn the death of a loved one can’t do it without it being a financial roadblock.

Whether it’s paying thousands of dollars on top of the thousands people already pay to live yearly with the risk that the funeral home will misuse funds.

It’s time to crack down on funeral homes running up prices to people in their most vulnerable state.

The NFL should not go international

Editors Editor in Chief Isaac Cordon News Editor Natalie Gonzalez Community Editor Duran Ventura Arts & Entertainment Editor Melanie Salguero Sports Editor Jonathan Diaz Staff Writers Claudia Arias Angie Campos Brenden Gonzales Ivan Llata Felix Palencia Karina Soriano Faculty Adviser Christian Brown Instructional Lab Tech I Alicia Edquist Cerritos College Talon Marks are collegiate and professional members of Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) California College Media Association (CCMA) California News Publishers Association (CNPA) College Media Association (CMA)

How do you feel about schools implementing active shooter drills?

Ivan Llata Staff Writer

The NFL is the most watched sport in the United States, it generated a revenue of 20.5 billion dollars last year alone but the NFL is greedy by having their international games every season which should not be happening.

Understandably, the NFL is trying to grow its fanbase but it’s like the league doesn’t care about its core fanbase or players and coaches.

Our version of football is nowhere near as popular across the world except for tourists visiting those countries as countries such as England or Germany most watched sport is soccer so why expand over there It also makes it difficult for the coaches and players involved due to the amount of travel these teams will have.

Both New York teams would have to travel an additional 3.451 miles on a seven-hour flight, which is almost a quarter of the day.

As popular as the NFL is, the television ratings for an international game may start to down as US fans have already had discourse online that they don’t want to wake up at 6 a.m. or earlier to watch a game.

However, there are alternatives for the NFL to continue with these international games Two options are to have them less often and to keep the international games in North America such as Canada and Mexico.

For example, instead of having them every single season hold them every 3-5 years, to make the scheduling of games easier making the travel less stressful for the players and coaches.

When it comes to keeping the games in North

Compiled by: Angie Campos “It’s sad but a necessary thing. We wouldn’t have these drills if we didn’t have people buying guns freely.

There should be a little bit of control on that. But I also need to tackle the main problem, which is mental health.”

REUTERS/VIA SNO SITES/STEPHEN LEW

Oct 16, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo on the field after the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Cincinnati Bengals at Caesars Superdome. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

America a lot of the California teams have a very strong fan base in Mexico along with the 2 Texas teams. East Coast teams such as all the New York teams also have a strong fan base in Canada.

Not only will these options make it easy on the players and coaches, they will most likely, make it easier for the fans here in the States.

The fans wouldn’t have to spend money on a plane ticket, hotel or any other additional expenses not including the price of admission to the game, should at least some of the NFL fans here in the States be so adventurous to do so.

I’m sure, NFL fans would rather travel to Canada or Mexico by bus or train to watch their favorite team play instead of anywhere else overseas and the fans should continue to make that known.

Jonah Rodrigo (He/Him) Marine Biology major

“I think it’s important to be prepared but it did kinda mess up my schedule a bit.

I think it’s important for safety.”

Luis Valadez (He/Him) Psychology major

“I feel like it’s a good thing.

It helps us practice on the occasion that it does happen on campus we know what to do and how to act.”

Jacqueline Perez (She/Her) Accounting major

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS are welcome. They may be submitted both onlin and in person. In all cases, letters must be signed with real names before they will be considered for publication, either online or in print. Campus related issues are given priority. Talon Marks attempts to publish every letter it receives except those judged to be an invasion of privacy, libelous, obscene, or plagarized. Letters may be edited due to space and clarity. You may deliver letters to Fine Arts & Communications Building - second floor - room FA245 Talon Marks newsroom or contact the editor by email at editor@talonmarks.com

SPORTS - 7

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Track and field athletes take ‘big leap’ Isaac Cordon Editor in Chief

Cerritos College track and field team competed at a "lowkey" Cerritos Open event as two athletes had a "big leap" in Falcon Stadium on Feb. 15.

Head coach of the Cerritos College track and field team Christopher Richardson said, Cerritos athletes learned lessons from this meet as it was "lowkey" because only Orange Coast, Porterville and Santa Ana were the colleges that competed.

"For this time of year, it's kind of weird because usually, these meets have about ten teams, but just the way the timing worked this year with other competitions, in the Southern California area, it was less attended," Richardson said.

Though it wasn't as highly attended Richardson said it was the perfect competitive opportunity.

"Even when there were mistakes or shortcomings where people thought they should have done better, I think it was still a great opportunity to learn," Richardson said.

Richardson pointed out athletes George Flores and Luke Johnson as the athletes who made a "big leap" at this event.

ISAAC CORDON

Cerritos College men's track and field team running the 1,500-meter race during the Cerritos Open event on Feb. 15, 2025.

"They are guys that were here last year and they really took a big leap forward today...I've watched them spread their wings today, not just like it like from a competitive standpoint, but just like technically and being leaders and everything," Richardson said.

He continued, "They really forged ahead and like showed what they're capable of, so that was really awesome because those guys are going to be huge contributors for us when we're trying to win a state championship this year."

Flores placed seventh in men's 800-meter, with his squad placed second in men's 4 x 100-meter relay and his squad placed first in men's 4 x 400-meter relay.

Flores reflected on his performance, "I'm on schedule to run a good time this year, so

based on my time today, I'm right on schedule to hit those times, so I feel good about my position in the season.”

Flores will compete in the Rossi Relay at Claremont College on Feb. 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Johnson on the other hand was in more field events as he placed second in men's pole vault, eighth in men's discus, fourth in men's javelin and also was on the track as he placed second in men's 60-meter hurdles.

"I did pretty good today could have done some better things, like just a longer warmup time," Johnson said, "I kind of went through the motions a bit today, but I felt pretty good."

Johnson will be at Mt. SAC competing in the decathlon on Feb. 22-23.

Richardson stated that the team is on the right track all that needs to be done is for his athletes to trust their training as he wants to aim them towards being in their best shape when March comes around as the team will be headed to Arizona to face big competition.

"We're against a lot of big-time four-year schools so, that's what we're trying to do is get ready for those showcases,” Richardson finished.

Falcons fall short against rival Vikings Falcons drop first conference game of the season against LBCC Jonathan Diaz Sports Editor

Michael Delgado Contributor

The Falcons first conference game of the season ends in a loss to the LBCC Vikings.

Cerritos College beach volleyball teams lose their first conference game of the season to rival Long Beach City College Vikings, 4-1.

“I’m a little bummed because we always build up these Long Beach games and get excited to play them but we played not to the best of our ability.

We did some things and made some mistakes that we have made all year, so it’s frustrating because we know we are a lot better than we played today,” head coach, Kari Hemmerling said.

The game started with two of Cerritos' pairs winning in their best of three sets with the duos being Leeya Rubio and Josie Navarro, along with Brisa Cortez and Nayeli SalasOrtiz.

But LBCC responded and won three of the five first sets giving them the upper hand early on in this match-up.

It was at this point of the game that LBCC had taken full control winning three of the five total pair matchups and declaring victory over Cerritos on the day.

Despite the score sheet showing a 4-1 victory for LBCC, Cerritos showed some fight with three of those matches being lost in the final sets.

Cortez and SalasOrtiz were

MICHAEL DELGADO

Aiyana Sierra spiking the ball with Abby Gutierrez behind her in matchup against the LBCC Vikings on Feb. 28, 2025.

the one duo who brought Cerritos one win on the day, helping the Falcons avoid a sweep loss.

“We work well with each other, a good connection and I think that’s important for us, especially on the court, I know I could trust her at getting certain balls, and she could trust me too,” Cortez said.

The most competitive matchup of the day involved the duo of Rubio and Navarro as their match ended in a nail-biter.

Both Cerritos and LBCC went toe-to-toe in the final set but the Vikings would come out of this match victorious.

“We did good in the first set, we adjusted to both players, where

they were standing on the court and where they were playing on the court, and I think we took some good shots.

And in the second and third sets they kinda pick it up a little bit, I think we could’ve done a better job on getting on our toes and not getting so comfortable, they are a great team, a great pair, and they came together in the end,” Rubio stated.

This loss gives the Falcons an 8-4 record on the season and a 0-1 start in the conference.

They hope to bounce back on March 7 as they take a road trip to Walnut, CA to take on Mt. San Antonio.

Cerritos College women's basketball team played the final game of their regular season against Long Beach City College.

The Cerritos College Falcons women's basketball team fell short against the Long Beach City College Vikings on their last game of the season to a score of 68 to 48 as they continued to struggle with limited bench options on Feb. 19.

Early in the season, the Falcons had to deal with many injuries that limited their bench options.

“I hope I never have this many again in my career I've been coaching for 20+ years and this is the most season ending with a couple of knee injuries and concession,” said head coach Trisha Kozlowski.

The Falcons trailed against the Vikings the whole game but although playing from behind the Falcons had multiple offensive runs that got them closer to the Vikings.

After trailing 17 to 9 in the first quarter, the Falcons continued to show heart in the second quarter with a three-pointer from sophomore guard, Jayden Estrada, who finished the game with 9 points 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

Another stand-out player was freshman guard Lauryn Nakamura who led the team in scoring with 14 points alongside three rebounds and three assists.

The 3rd quarter started with the Falcons down 32-20 but the

Falcons brought that scoreline closer with Nakamura scoring a basket and freshman forward Jazzmin Briggs scoring a layup and two free throws making the score 35 to 27.

Briggs made her presence on the court known with her always getting into position to steal the ball and dive for rebounds with her leading the team in rebounds with 8 alongside her 6 points and an assist.

“Playing for our sophomore it's the last game and the season was rough so I feel like even if we lost or a win game I feel like we were playing with our heart out was what we did tonight,” Briggs said.

The Falcons continued to put up shots and weren't scared to drive into the paint although being undersized these factors did play a part in the Falcons' loss.

“We got killed in the paint just with their size and stuff and we kept them off the boards in the first half, which is hard to do then," Kozlowski said.

Kozlowski continued, "I think the boarding differential was because we missed so many shots we didn't shoot well enough to win a game “50% from the free throw line is beneath us."

The Vikings have now snapped the Falcons four-game winning streak and making the Falcons' final record 12-14.

Although the Falcons had to deal with so much coach Trisha Kozlowski praised the team, “Couldn't be prouder of our kids all year long representing all of Cerritos in the best way possible.”

8 - SPORTS

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Meet Darron Henry Michael Delgado Contributor

On Christmas Day in 2006, a 2-year-old Darron “Boodah” Henry was given his first basketball from his father.

It was on this day that Boodah discovered the sport of basketball, outside dribbling and shooting the ball.

“I already had a hoop outside, a big and little one. I wasn’t able to shoot on the big one at first, didn’t have enough strength but I was outside dribbling and shooting as much as I can,” Henry said.

At the age of 10 he transitioned into a more organized style of basketball, AAU (Amateur Athletic Union).

Boodah described his time playing AAU basketball.

“I was shell shocked, the pace was more fast and rapid, kids were a little bit bigger than the park ball kids, more skilled, higher IQ, and more finesse.”

He added, “I was solid, where I was smart enough to know the ins and outs of hoops but the little things like being fundamentally sound, knowing when to shoot, I think that’s was the biggest change for me.”

Growing up Boodah’s biggest inspiration to play basketball was his grandfather.

His grandfather was able to see Boodah play in two games, with one of them being his first 20-point game.

Boodah approached his grandfather after his game and instead of immediately praising him for his 20-point performance, he called out Boodah for not having the ability to score with his left hand.

“I just scored my first 20-point game ever and I’m all hyped and

excited, I go see him in the stands after and he’s like, ‘You ain’t got no left hand.’

“And I’m like what? Did he not just see me score 20 points and how we just won?” Henry said.

This was a reality check that Boodah needed at a young age to know that there is always room for improvement.

Sadly this would be the last game his grandfather was able to see him play as he passed away when Henry was 10 years old.

Boodah called back to that moment, “My dad got the phone call, and he said what happened and I saw how he had broken down, I seen how my mom broke down, my sister and as a kid when I got that news I was sick to my stomach.

“I remember his funeral was an open casket, and that was my first time seeing a lifeless body, and when I saw him, I just broke down,” Henry expressed.

As the years have passed Boodah still deals with the pain of losing his grandfather but now as he’s gotten older, he uses it as motivation.

“As I’m getting older, I’m guided by him, my faith is stronger and sometimes I just talk to God about it because he can solve all the When Boodah went into high school he continued to be in AAU but noticed a significant difference between the two.

High school for Boodah was more structured and was the stepping stone of a systematic style of play while AAU was more freelance than anything.

He started to understand that there was more to basketball than just scoring, as he believes that playing in high school a good foundation is needed to have

success.

Boodah found himself on the varsity team in his sophomore year but he didn’t see much playing time compared to his freshman season.

“I wasn’t playing as much, shoot I damn near wasn’t playing at all and that change was for sure eye-opening, just letting myself know like I gotta get better, and I’m not behind but a lot of guys are a little more advanced than me,” Henry said.

Going into his senior year, he felt he had broken out into the player he wanted to be, but right before the season started he broke his foot and was in a walking boot for five months.

Boodah was able to fully recover from his injury and lead his team to the CIF championship game.

But he views his days in high school as a tenure that built who he is today.

Going into college, Boodah started in Oklahoma, at a school called Langston University.

He started five games on the JV team but things didn’t go as planned for Boodah with being away from home for the first time made it a lot harder.

After spending one season in Oklahoma, he decided to come back home and committed to Cerritos College.

In the 2023-24 season, it was a rough start as the team saw some growing pains.

But as the season went on the team improved massively and Boodah played a significant role.

Averaging 9 points, two rebounds, and three assists.

Growing up, Boodah says his upbringing was great and credits both his mom and dad for being

ISAAC CORDON

Falcons guard Darron Henry at the slot of the court during the Cerritos vs. Mt. SAC men’s basketball game on Jan. 10, 2025.

supportive and doing everything they could to make his childhood easier.

Boodah says he was always a dad’s boy, his father was there for all the highs and lows, and he’s been there with him every step of the way.

“If anything he’s the standard and the motto of how to be an outstanding dad, and you could never take anything away from him,” Henry said.

As for his mother Tamara, “My mom is a strong woman, she saw me at my lowest and highest,

she was there for me when I needed her and even if I didn’t, if I needed to talk she was always there, she’s been a nurturing and caring mother,” he stated.

With his time in Cerritos coming to an end, he thanks all his coaches and teammates for welcoming him with open arms.

As the years of Cerritos basketball continue we will see many players come and make their mark, but one thing is for sure there will only ever be one Boodah.

Cerritos Falcons dominate Compton Tartars in a 30-point victory Isaac Cordon Editor in Chief

Falcons baseball ended their series against the Compton Tartars in blowout fashion with a score of 32-2 as they were able to have a great stretch of scoring from the third to sixth inning along with great pitching.

The offense for the Falcons started slow in the first couple of innings only scoring one unearned run.

That wasn’t for long as they heated up in the third inning scoring four runs and didn’t stop scoring at least four runs until the sixth inning.

“They did a really good job at the plate,” Falcons head coach Nate Fernley, said.

He continued, “They were super patient, and sometimes in a third game of a series where you’ve had some, good fortune, you try to do too much and I thought they did a really good job of just sticking to the approach.”

One of the biggest contributors to the high scoring was designated hitter Brody Cuellar, as he had six RBIs on the day.

ISAAC CORDON

Cerritos College starting pitcher, Derrick Valdez, winding up for a pitch against Compton College on March 1, 2025.

Cuellar felt good about his performance today but he was more excited about his team and them moving forward in the season.

“I think we could take it all the way.” Cuellar said, “I’m calling it now since we came together in the fall I’ve been saying we have a

good squad.

“Our head coach has been training us well and keeps us in shape, and I’m just ready to go,” Cuellar stated.

According to Fernley, the team emptied the bench after the sixth inning but they were still able to score 10 more points between the

as he went five innings with three strikeouts and no earned runs for his sixth win of the season.

“Feel like I could have done better, obviously, happy for the win. My offense did a great job helping me out on the mound but I always, always could do better,” Valdez shared about his

performance.

Fernley also made comments on his starting pitcher, “He’s an All-American from last year, and has been good for us.”

Valdez overcame getting cold with his pitching as he had long breaks from being on the mound due to his offense scoring so much.

He shared that he was using J bands and some heavy ball work to keep him warm.

“It’s tough sometimes to sit on the bench, and there’s long halls and some a half hour in between when he went back out. So I think he did a good job, throwing strikes and got us through five,” Fernley stated.

Fernley also shared his thoughts on the score, “You never go out thinking you’re going to score 32 runs but, we’ll take it and, uh, credit to them for being locked in all series.”

He also commented that the team’s mind is already focused on the tough stretch of conference series games against Pasadena City and Long Beach City.