Día de los Muertos tradition
Cerritos College held its 70th anniversary Dia de los Muertos: Noche con la Familia, welcoming families to participate in creating ofrendas- altars- all types of art, a live DJ, vendors and a movie screening on Nov. 7.
“This year’s theme, ‘Noche con la Familia,’ celebrates community and shared traditions,” said event coordinator Vanessa Salas. “We’re honoring the memory of loved ones while creating space
for reflection, joy, and heartfelt acknowledgment of those who paved the way.” The celebration focused on remembrance, culture, and the beauty of life.
Anthropology major Sam Bravo attended to honor loved ones and connect with the culture she celebrates yearly. “This event is definitely a way for me to connect posthumously and be more connected to the campus,” she stated.
Vendors added to the cultural immersion, including Fresca Signature Flavors, owned by Rene
Pulido, known for their elevated agua frescas with flavors like café de olla. Pulido noted their drinks are inspired by Hispanic culture and impress customers with unique, natural mixes.
The Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx De Aztlan Service Club also ran a booth, raising money to go to a conference in Texas by selling conchas, café de olla and scrunchies.
The club president Monica Palacios touched on why they were participating in the event, “We are out here because we want
to promote our culture... we just want to be a part of the people.”
Kevin Vasquez, a Business Administration major expressed his appreciation for the event’s atmosphere. I just appreciate everybody’s creativity and for the school letting us do this. I like seeing how everyone taps into their culture and makes me feel like connected to my own culture.”
The attendees at the event immersed themselves in the tradition, participating in creating ofrendas and watching
the movie Coco. Importantly, this year’s event also served a higher purpose: it will help raise funds through the Cerritos College Foundation to support scholarships for the Puente and Undocu student communities.
This 70th anniversary “Noche con la Familia” highlighted Cerritos College’s commitment to cultural celebration and remembrance while investing in its student community’s future.
Honoring Student Resilience with Scholarships
Soriano Editor in Chief
The Cerritos College Foundation transformed the Performing Arts Center into a celebration of persistence and community on Nov. 6, recognizing students whose paths to graduation are driven by hard work, family commitments and donor support.
Families, faculty, alumni and benefactors packed the PAC to applaud recipients across dozens of awards that translate generosity into opportunity.
Talon Marks Editor-in-Chief Karina Soriano stood out among honorees, earning two scholarships that reflect both academic momentum and service.
Soriano received the Cheryl A. Epple Memorial Scholarship one of two $1,000 awards supporting students with an enrollment in at least 12 units, and active participation in community service or volunteer work as well as the Norwalk Women’s Club Re Entry Scholarship, one of two $500 awards for re entry students age 23 or older who are new to college or returning after a break of three or more years.
Together, the awards underscore a theme throughout the night that leadership is shaped by life experience and a real commitment to give back.
The evening’s impact came into focus through the stories of both recipients and donors. Student Darlene Madison described how scholarships help her balance school and caregiving. After enrolling two years ago, she shifted from full-time to part-time when she began working and took on more responsibilities at home.
With her mother serving as a full-time caretaker,
Madison helps raise her younger sister and brother, from cooking to cleaning. “I’m so glad Cerritos has opportunities like this, besides financial aid,” she said. “The scholarship lets me focus on my family and push my education forward.” She expects to graduate in the spring and transfer to Cal State Long Beach in the fall. She has already read up on the campus’s Japanese garden.
Longtime supporters Marie Downey Jackson and Thomas Jackson traced a lineage of giving that predates many of the current students.
The couple, retired since the early 2000s, has backed Cerritos for roughly two decades. Thomas, a former faculty member, trustee and early donor who once contributed part of his paycheck to the Foundation, helped launch the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter.
“We started the original Phi Theta Kappa here with over 200 students, 206 when we chartered,” he recalled.
Jhovani Rojas Staff Writer
KASSANDRA LÓPEZ/TM
This vibrant ofrenda (altar) honors several notable figures: richly decorated with marigold flowers, colorful table runners and traditional elements like pan de muerto and sugar skulls on Nov. 7, 2025.
Kassandra López News Editor
Karina
Night of tribute and honor
Jane Guadalupe Cisneros Staff Writer
The Veterans Resource Center and the Student Veterans club at Cerritos College hosted the Annual Military Ball on Nov. 14, honoring student veterans, activeduty service members and alumni in the Studenåt Center.
The evening served as a celebration of service, sacrifice and community pride, bringing together those who have served.
Organizers transformed the Student Center into an elegant and intimate venue complete with a DJ, photobooth and a buffetstyle dinner prepared by Cerritos College culinary arts students.
Traditional jazz music was played, with its smooth harmonies and improvisational melodies, welcomed guests as they arrived, which established sophisticated, warm, and dignified tone that perfectly matched the atmosphere of the event.
Throughout the night, the event does a beautiful job of highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served.
Guests came dressed in formal attire, with many veterans and service members proudly wearing their uniforms, creating a meaningful blend of ceremony and celebration.
A solitary “Missing Man Table” was set up as a solemn
tribute to service members who are no longer with us a simple yet powerful symbol.
The night of the event had opened proceedings with solemn dignity, the stirring presentation of colors was performed by the Warren High School Army JROTC color guard, expertly commanded by cadet Lt. Col. Iris Ramirez.
Although a bit late due to a flight delay, Dr. Jose Fierro, president of Cerritos Community College, made it his mission and priority to attend, emphasizing
the significance of the event.
“If it’s important for you to be here, it is important for me,” said Fierro in a heartfelt speech he gave during the night.
Following Fierro’s speech, the traditional cake-cutting ceremony took place. The patriotic fullsheet cake designed to resemble the American flag was baked by culinary arts students.
In keeping with timehonored military tradition, the oldest and youngest veterans present at the ceremony stepped forward to ceremonially cut the
commemorative cake together, wielding a polished sword to perform the task, thereby powerfully symbolizing unity, respect and the continuous bond of service across all generations of those who have defended the nation.
As the evening progressed and the festivities reached an end, the main stage welcomed several notable speakers, that included student leader Gabriel Martinez, who offered poignant reflections on the importance of community and remembrance.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the Veterans Resource Center,” Martinez said in a heartfelt speech.
Martinez elaborated on the center’s impact on his journey at Cerritos College.
“They help every step of the way. They show you the path,” he shared, expressing his gratitude for the program.
The culminating moment of the ceremony was the heartfelt recognition of the many accomplished students who are successfully completing their studies this semester, alongside those who are on track to graduate in the upcoming spring term.
Attendees captured memories at the photo booth, dance laughed and enjoyed one another’s company.
As the night reached its final hour, guests gahtered on the dance floor,and even memebres of the culinary arts joined in on the fun.
Attendees had a good time, by participating in activities and mutual support visible throughout the Military Ball event. The event distinctly highlighted the close, family-like bond that flourished among all program members.
For many Cerritos College students, the Veterans Resource Center is more than a place to adjust to civilian life; it is a family, navigating the challenges together with support and camaraderie.
VRC Spotlight Students gather for MRE taste testing
Entering the Cerritos College Veterans Resource Center, a row of university pennants signals a “mission accomplished” for the center dedicated to helping military-affiliated students reach their academic goals. Each flag was given by a student who transferred from Cerritos to that school.
The VRC, located between the Student Center and the Falcon’s Nest, is a one-stop shop of services, advocacy and connection for veterans, military reservists, active-duty military, and dependents.
“The most satisfaction is definitely when I see my students transfer, graduate, and accomplish whatever it is they set out to do,” said Katie Mishler, VRC program facilitator. “My first year, I had a student who went to Princeton. That was his goal. And I was super proud of him.”
Several services are offered at the center, including academic counseling, certification of VA educational benefits, tutoring,
work-study opportunities, and the Student Veterans Club. A veterans service officer provides further help to understand and access VA benefits.
Mishler noted that challenges faced by these students can range from the unique, such as navigating the complexities of the VA’s benefits system, to common issues like food or housing insecurity.
The keynote feature of the VRC is the camaraderie. Giselle Aguilar, a pre-nursing student and Army reservist, valued the opportunity to connect with others who understand “coming home from a deployment or coming home from a mission and getting back into civilian life.”
Lui Amador, dean of student equity and success and Marine veteran, who oversees the VRC, said the center and its lounge serve as a safe space.
“Not necessarily around physical safety, but just being able to reconnect with others who also operated from a sense of community, a sense of mission, a sense of honor and obligation.”
Jhovani Rojas Staff Writer
Cerritos College held its third MRE taste-testing that offered students the opportunity to get a glimpse of military field life on Nov. 13.
This event was a part of Cerritos College’s Veterans Week events and organized by the Veterans Resource Center; in which it showcased a variety of meals ready-to-eat used by U.S service members.
Students and faculty gathered around to try these entrees, such as a maple pork sausage, chili mac and chicken chunks.
“Our main goal with the MRE taste testing is to share with our campus community a snapshot of what that military experience is like,” said Katie Mishler, program facilitator for Cerritos College’s Veterans Resource Center.
The Veterans Resource Center also received multiple donations from the campus and community.
Counseling member Vanessa Salas gave the apple butter a shot and rated it a seven out of 10.
She mentioned how MREs are
not comparable to homemade meals and are more like college dorm food.
“If I were super hungry and this is all I had, shoot, I’ll be thanking god every single day for this stuff, I can’t complain,” she added.
U.S. veteran member, Bryan Dominguez touched on how MREs do a good job replicating the same taste of a homemade meal.
Attendees also had a chance to throw a pie at Military veterans for the simple cost of trying an MRE, which made a fun way to engage everyone while still keeping the honor towards the veterans.
Veterans from all branches decided to participate in getting pied and make people laugh every time somebody threw a pie at them, which quickly became a fan favorite thing for the crowd.
The MRE taste testing drew more than 30 students and faculty members across campus and was part of the two-week Veterans Day activities.
Other Veteran’s Week events included a military ball, a flag ceremony and a special breakfast honoring our female veterans.
The Military Ball concluded this year’s Veterans Week events and will be on Nov. 14. at the Student Center.
JANE GUADALUPE CISNEROS/TM
Veteran’s ball guest at Cerritos College, celebrating and honoring those who have served on Nov. 14, 2025.
JHOVANI ROJAS/TM
Katie Mishler pieing a smiling veteran at MRE testing on Nov. 13, 2025
Vivien Angelus Contributor
Lost dogs but not forgotten Zohran Mamdani makes history
moved once again. This time 25 miles down the coast to the city of Long Beach.
The Long Beach Ice Dogs were born in the 1996-1997 season, there they would find success.
Ice Dogs played at the Long Beach Sports Arena from 1996-2007.
Jeff Elliott, a Long Beach native, recalls the time going to the arena and watching the Ice Dogs play.
Elliott said, “I remember the tickets were five bucks and going to the games was fun and there was not a bad seat in the house”.
team to the West Coast Hockey League where they played in until 2003 when they moved to the East Coast Hockey League.
The Ice Dogs future was uncertain after having the lowest attendance in the league.
Kemp sold the team to Ted Foxman, his goal was to keep the team in Long Beach but also wanted to promote boxing at the Long Beach Arena.
On April 20, 2007 the ECHL announced suspension of operations for the Long Beach Ice Dogs.
Former goalie Jaroslav Halak was the last Long Beach Ice Dogs to make it to the NHL in 2007-2008 season.
Throughout the NHL’s history in Southern California there has been a total of six players that came from the city of Long Beach.
Today, the Long Beach Bombers are the only professional hockey in the United States Premier Hockey League at the ice rinks in the city of Lakewood.
Rise of progressive leader, his campaign focused on economic justice and workers rights, navigating a complex landscape of political endorsements and party dynamics.
Today in the city of Long Beach residents await the arrival of their new baseball team. Their was one team that called the city home from 1996 to 2007, that team was the named the Ice Dogs.
The franchise was founded in 1990 in the International Hockey League as the San Diego Gulls.
After five seasons the Gulls moved to Los Angeles and rebranded and became the Los Angeles Ice Dogs for the 1995-1996 season. Due to poor attendance at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena that season. The team
In its first season the Ice Dogs finished with 54 wins to top south division and first place in the western conference.
In the Turner Cup playoffs the Ice Dogs beat the Milwaukee Admirals, Utah Grizzlies and Houston Aeros to win the Ken Ullyot Trophy as western conference champion.
In the Turner Cup Finals the Long Beach Ice Dogs lost to the Detroit Vipers in six games.
The following year the Ice Dogs won the Fred A. Huber Trophy for best record in the 1997-1998 season.
In 2000, owner Barry Kemp moved the
Long Beach native Brain Mantooth and forward for the Bombers started playing hockey when he was two years old. His family are Los Angeles Kings fans and remember rooting for the Ice Dogs.
Mantooth likes that he can play hockey close to where he grew up.
“I love it, the community is pretty cool and it’s just pretty cool playing for family and friends real local and just not having to travel too far to play for this level,” Mantooth said.
With the Long Beach Arena getting upgrades for the 2028 Summer Olympics, there is an opportunity for a professional hockey team to call Long Beach home.
“Yeah, that would be awesome. I’d love for it to happen again,” Mantooth said.
College students pursue entrepreneurship instead of the typical part-time job
Brand logo keychains that can be seen on their instagram @d.orobrand
Two brothers from Cal State Long Beach are among a growing number of Gen Z college students turning to TikTok and online entrepreneurship to combat rising costs from inflation and tariffs while building real-world business skills.
Francisco Arguello, 25, owner and founder of the small online business D’ORO Brand, balances his heavy civil construction major and construction engineering minor with running his growing merchandise company.
“It’s not just about making money, it’s about building a brand and learning real-world skills that college doesn’t always teach
directly,” Francisco said. “People often think it’s just a side hustle or something small. They don’t realize the level of planning, creativity and responsibility it takes.”
Francisco, a Cerritos College alumn, began his journey as a small business owner in the beginning of 2023 as a way to not only find more time and financial freedom as a college student, but also explore many of his personal interests.
Currently, he sells caps, sombreros, clothing items, footwear and other accessories, but is always adding new merchandise to his store. “I wanted to build something of my own that combined my interests in fashion, culture and entrepreneurship.
Starting D’ORO while in college allowed me to take what I was learning in my construction and business courses like management, budgeting and marketing and apply it to something real.”
Having just left his previous part-time shipping job at apparel company VF Corporation, Francisco was determined to succeed in his new endeavor.
Although his academic performance wasn’t impacted on paper, he said he definitely had to put in a bit more effort to keep up with schoolwork and consistently work on customer orders and social media for his business.
“Sometimes you have to sacrifice free time or sleep to make
sure both sides succeed. Social life gets limited sometimes, but it’s worth it because I’m building something long-term,” Francisco continued.
Despite some of his struggles and risks when it comes to starting a small business, Francisco said he definitely recommends other college students look into starting their own and sees it as an opportunity for not only flexibility, but also learning new skills.
Following in his footsteps is Francisco’s younger brother Daniel Arguello, 19, who is the owner and founder of the small online business Hat Department & Apparel Co. and sells a variety of apparel and accessories as well. Read more on TalonMarks.com
When Zohran Mamdani won New York City’s mayoral race, he didn’t just make history as the city’s first South Asian mayor.
He also ushered in a new era alongside his wife, Rama Duwaji, a 28 year old Brooklyn based artist who is redefining what it means to be a political spouse in the digital age.
Duwaji, a Syrian artist, took an unconventional approach to her husband’s campaign, quietly steering strategy from behind the scenes while maintaining what observers described as a low key public presence.
Unlike traditional political spouses, she avoided joint television appearances and very notably refrained from posting about her husband on social media throughout the campaign.
Despite this low profile, insiders credit her with playing a pivotal role in Mamdani’s victory over New York’s political establishment.
The couple’s love story began in the modern way that so many relationships do today on the dating app Hinge.
What started as a digital connection then blossomed into a partnership that would eventually lead them to City Hall.
Mamdani’s victory represented a significant triumph for progressive politics in America’s largest city.
Running as a democratic socialist, the 34 year old state assemblyman successfully challenged the city’s political elite, positioning himself as a rising star within the Democratic Party’s progressive wing.
His campaign focused on issues of economic justice, affordable housing, and workers rights.
The mayoral race drew notable political endorsements, including from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who backed Mamdani in late October 2025.
Jeffries emphasized the need for party unity in the face of what he characterized as an “existential” threat from President Trump.
However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer notably declined to endorse Mamdani, highlighting ongoing tensions between the Democratic establishment and its progressive wing.
Karina Soriano Editor in Chief
Duran Ventura Opinion Editor
Abigail Luna Staff Writer
DURAN VENTURA/TM
Long Beach Ice Dog home jersey being hung outside Long Beach Arena parking lot on November 8, 2025
COURTESY OF D’ORO BRAND
D’ORO
Fall Dance Concert 2025
Alexa Lopez Staff Writer
The Cerritos College Fall 2025 Dance Concert, scheduled for November 20-22 at 8 p.m. in the Burnight Center Theatre, will feature a diverse array of original choreographic works by faculty and students.
“We love creating works that represent our cultures, explore identity, and help us process and heal,” said Christine Gregory, director of the dance concert.
“The dance concert is a time to celebrate the hard work of our students and the creative process that allows us to bring such innovative live dance to the Cerritos community.”
The showcase will include seven faculty and two student choreographers, presenting a range of styles including tinikling, Polynesian, African, Latin, Hip Hop, modern and ballet.
According to Gregory the main theme of the concert is “dance is for everybody,” welcoming all bodies, experiences
and perspectives.
“We want to share with our audience that dance is not just about performance, but about community and connection,” she said.
The concert will feature a range of unique stories and characters from classic ballets to modern interpretations of social issues.
Gregory noted the importance of collaboration in the creative process, stating that dancers are encouraged to contribute their own ideas and experiences to the choreography.
“Dance has the power to bring people together and transcend cultural boundaries,” Gregory said. “We’re excited to share this celebration of diversity and creativity with the Cerritos community.”
The production timeline for the concert has been rigorous with 8-12 weeks of rehearsal leading up to the performance.
Gregory praised the dedication and talent of the students and said, “I am so proud of the hard
Fall dance concert to highlight faculty and student choreographed dance pieces at the Performing Arts Center.
work and creativity they have brought to this project.”
The Cerritos College Fall 2025 Dance Concert is a testament to the power of dance to bring people together and celebrate diversity.
The three-day event is open to the public, with general admission
tickets available for $10 and will begin Nov. 20.
“Students who are interested in showcasing their own work are encouraged to attend the Informal Showcase and submit a proposal for next semester’s concert,”
Gregory said. “We’re always looking for talented and creative
TALONMARKS REVIEWS
students to join our program and contribute to our community.”
The Informal Student Choreographers’ Showcase will take place on December 17th at 6 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center featuring student work and class demonstrations.
Predator: Badlands finds honor in the hunt and makes you care
Karina Soriano Editor in Chief
I’ve watched the other Predator movies without ever getting fully invested in their stories. “Predator: Badlands” changed that.
Seeing it at Milagros Cinemas in Norwalk, the film hooked me not with a narrative that rethinks what the Predator means on screen.
“Badlands” builds on its characters it felt purposeful from the opening frames. Instead of treating the Predator as a jump scare trophy hunter, the story slowly threads in motive, code and consequence.
On Yautja Prime, Dek is the runt son of a ruthless clan leader, Njohrr. A test of loyalty costs the family dearly and sends Dek into exile with something to prove. His proving ground is Genna, a lethal world where the environment tries to eat you first.
There he crosses paths with Thia, a
damaged Weyland-Yutani synthetic who needs help as much as he does, and a native creature nicknamed Bud that complicates every assumption about “the hunt.”
A larger corporate threat comes into the plot, turning a survival mission into a question of code: What does honor demand when winning means becoming the thing you hate?
The film moved like a survival thriller, but the tension isn’t just who survives it’s why anyone is fighting in the first place. Each reveal narrows the gap between “monster” and “being with a history,” and that shift pulled me in deeper than any previous movie from the predator series.
What stood out is how the film frames the Predator’s choices. There’s discipline in the pursuit, limits to the violence and a logic that reads less as bloodlust and more as ritual.
The script doesn’t overexplain, but it gives you just enough to ask different
Book Review: Signs Preceding the End of the World
Abigail Luna Staff Writer
In the novella Signs
Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera, translated by Lisa Dillman, Herrera crafts an evocative story, blending topics of immigration, ancient mythology and self identity in a poetic journey. Despite the novella being short of 100 pages, the author still manages to build a sort of surreal and tenacious feel in the book that keeps the reader attentive. He uses the philosophy of less is more to simplify his writing, yet manages to give readers the
ability to interpret it in different ways.
The story follows the protagonist Makina who is a multilingual young woman that operates her small town’s telecommunication switchboard in Mexico.
Her journey begins when her mother Cora sends her across the border in search of her older brother, who went to the U.S. in search of land that his family allegedly owned.
Herrera uses border crossing as a metaphorical symbol to start Makina’s journey.
What’s special about this book is that it is only nine chapters long, which
was intentionally done by the author. Each of the nine chapters is meant to represent one of the nine stages of Mitclán, the Aztec underworld.
In Aztec mythology, those who died of natural causes would go on a four year journey to their final resting place, Mitclán. In those four years, the souls would go through nine levels, facing many challenges along the way. Herrera combines the stages of the journey to Mitclán with the challenges and risks that immigrants face when crossing the border to create Makina’s compelling story, who in the end, finds the place
where she is meant to be and can essentially rest.
On her journey across the border, Makina also receives guidance and assistance from many other characters in the book. These helping characters are supposed to embody the helpers that help guide souls through the nine stages to Mitclán.
Chuco, one of the prominent helpers in the book, acts as a coyote that helps get Makina across the border by water using an inner tube. Chuco is meant to embody the Xoloitzcuintle dog, who helps souls in their first obstacle, crossing the Apanohuaya river.
questions: What does honor look like to a species built on the hunt? What does loss look like when power is a given? That perspective turns encounters into conversations, even when nobody speaks.
I found myself wanting more context, more backstory, more time seeing how this code was forged.
The action benefits from that clarity. Growing out of conflicting values rather than a simple good versus evil plot. Stakes land because the Predator’s struggles to balance duty, pride and survival are visible. For the first time in this franchise, I felt sympathy for the Predator. Not approval, but recognition.
I have been a casual watcher until now. “Predator: Badlands” made me care about the lore behind the mask and left me genuinely excited for the next chapter, eager to learn where this code and this character came from.
Courtesy of 20th Century Predator Badlands movie poster
COURTESY OF CAROL M. HIGHSMITH Cover of the book, Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera.
Saburnia Brings Unfiltered Sound to LA Music Scene
MALAYA
Fuck Ya Name
With a powerhouse voice from Southfield, Michigan, MALAYA finished in eighth place on the thirteenth season of American Idol. In 2022, she was featured on the track “Joing 3” with Cisco Swank and Luke Titus, which was named one of the years best songs by NPR.
Geese 100 Horses
The third single from the New York band’s forthcoming album Getting Killed. This time around, the band is locked into a rambling, groove-driven melody. It was recorded with renowned producer Kenny Beats.
In an era dominated by meticulously produced tracks and auto-tuned perfection, Suburnia arrives like a breath of fresh air, offering something increasingly rare in today’s music landscape this pure, unprocessed human expression.
The band’s performances pulse with an electric energy that transforms everything from their home to backyards into sacred spaces where musical imperfections aren’t just accepted, they are celebrated.
Formerly known as the Thistle brothers, the sibling duo behind Suburnia chose their new name to reflect their artistic evolution. “At the core of it, it’s about art,” they explained. “Initially, we were thinking about the title, but then we looked at it as an artist name, and just how much more openended it felt.”
This openness extends to their creative process, where the brothers have embraced a refreshingly analog approach.
In a bold departure from industry standards, Suburnia records without click tracks or digital grids, building songs from live takes captured during latenight sessions.
“We decided to do this whole
album without a click track and based off of live takes,” they shared.
“It feels scary because we want to be successful, but probably every song on the Billboard Top 100 was recorded to a click track. It’s a risk, but it’s been rewarding.”
What truly distinguishes Suburnia is the palpable chemistry between the siblings, who balance healthy competition with profound mutual respect.
When creative differences arise, they find strength in collaboration rather than compromise.
“When we butt heads, we get even more excited because we know the idea that will come from the two coming together will be better than what we could have done as one,” they explained.
This collaborative spirit extends to their impressive roster of supporting musicians, including Cisco Swank, Josh Porter, Solo Smith, and Trey Graves. Rather than micromanaging, the brothers create space for each performer’s unique voice.
“We don’t want to be the dictators of this thing,” they emphasized. “We trust you with your vision.”
The result is a dynamic live show where spontaneity reigns supreme. One night might feature extended improvisational sections another could showcase
stripped-back arrangements that highlight vocal harmonies.
This unpredictability has cultivated a remarkably devoted following in Los Angeles.
Their most recent performance drew 700-800 RSVPs despite never being announced on social media a real testament to the word of mouth buzz surrounding their shows.
Audiences don’t just listen they participate in a communal experience centered around what the band describes as “love and family.”
When asked about their sound, the brothers offer culinary metaphors rather than genre classifications: “homemade and handmade” like “mama’s chocolate chip banana bread” that’s slightly undercooked but made with love.
It’s “Sunday dinner where some pieces of pasta are a little too al dente, but that doesn’t matter because we’re with all the people we care about.”
With multiple recordings mastered and awaiting release, Suburnia plans to gradually introduce their music to streaming platforms while continuing to nurture their live performances.
Reggie Sometimes
The new single Sometimes by Reggie Helms Jr. is definetly worth listening to. The song is from his upcoming album, UNDRA, out on Jan. 23.
Saburnia Run it Back
Written by Cameron Thistle, Devin Thistle, Ken Yates & John Mark Nelson, this song by our feature artist Saburnia captures their unique sound. Get familiar with the name because you will be hearing it a lot.
Teedra Moses
Be your Girl-Colors Edition
Taeko Onuki 4:00 A.M. A classic song that didn’t become familiar to listeners until the viral Kaytranada track. Teedra Moses originally released her song in 2004, but the version she did for COLORS is so well done. If you enjoyed her tiny desk, then this is a must to listen to.
Capturing the city pop era in her song 4:00 A.M. is singer-songwriter and musician Taeko Onuki, who achieved success and popularity in the 70s and 80s. It is a great listen for those getting into city pop.
New on HBO Max, the characters from the show I Love LA seem to represent a modern Los Angeles stereotype within the first two episodes. If you are someone with a love for Erewhon smoothies and La La Land matcha, this is a must watch for you.
A new beginning for Saburnia in their natural element.
COURTESY OF SABURNIA
Karina Soriano Editor in Chief
Editorial: Inflation’s grip on holiday cheer
As the holidays begin to settle in, society is left with the disappointment of the economy being too expensive for the expectations during these times.
The spirit of giving is being faced with the continuous rise of high prices, having Americans rethink when, how and what they buy during the holiday season.
Reporter for CNBC Select, Jasmin Suknanan wrote, “On top of the usual stress related to snagging the perfect presents for loved ones, a recent rise in the cost of everyday items has many would-be shoppers rethinking their holiday spending strategies — and how much they can really afford to spend on gifts.”
Americans usually struggle with trying to find the perfect gifts for loved ones but also have to strain their budgets.
Compared to recent years, consumers are considering spending less on average for gifts.
Some families are even looking to cut back on overall spending to have money for the holiday season.
Worrying about costs overshadows the holiday joy, and looking to please everyone. The outside influence of finding the perfect gifts and hosting the perfect meal can fill one with regret and worry.
The focus of this season will shift from “holidays with the family” to “how will I pay for this?”
Inflation has not necessarily stopped spending, but it has forced consumers to take into consideration economic costs.
In recent years, the impact of inflation has made buying a holiday tradition for many households.
Inflation during the holiday season is expected to contribute to sales growth: paying more for the same amount of goods or even paying more for less.
Dealing with the high cost of living can make holiday budgets unsustainable for many.
The ongoing rise in consumer prices due to inflation is making a traditional holiday celebration financially prohibitive for many Americans.
Lower-income households have to be mindful of their spending, while higher-income households can spend more freely.
Many lower-income households have more necessities including SNAP benefits to worry about this holiday season amidst the government shutdown.
Inflation during the holiday season will have shoppers looking to maintain financial stability or maintain holiday traditions.
The National Retail Federation believes that holiday spending
will top $1 trillion this year.
Major retailers have also set their holiday expectations from expecting the best to preparing for uncertainty.
Off-price retailers are said to be more successful than major retailers this holiday season.
Shoppers are waiting to shop during sale times, being cautious of their spending.
This holiday season is going to be filled with financial stress instead of excitement.
With the continuous financial anxiety American families face every day, President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of inflation being way down create a false narrative.
The president claims that inflation is very low, but shoppers’ wallets tell a different story.
Since the beginning of his new term, President Trump has promised something that consumers have yet to experience.
“Starting on day one, we will
end inflation and make America affordable again, to bring down the prices of all goods,” Trump said at a rally in Montana.
His persistent insistence that the economic crisis is over brings no comfort to consumers who have not experienced any change.
Political statements on the country’s economic status do not reflect its economic data.
Many of President Trump’s economic promises were not things that could be completely promised and assured.
The Trump administration will take credit for any success in the inflation issue while blaming others for the higher costs.
With the impact of inflation on this holiday season, consumers will have to choose meaning over materialism when their budgets are suffering.
Democratic Socialist: A Turning Page for America
Emily Astudillo Staff Writer
Socialism is not dangerous. It’s simply a moral response to a system that has normalized exploitation.
It has been ingrained into the minds of many Americans that socialism is a political concept incompatible with capitalism, a system deeply entwined with the roots of the United States, that
any alternative is often dismissed before it can be understood.
For decades the mere mention of socialism has carried a stigma, conjuring fears of government overreach, loss of freedom and economic collapse.
These fears have not arisen by accident but through decades of political rhetoric and media framing designed to equate socialism with tyranny.
Socialism has been portrayed as a threat to the political establishment, especially to politicians sponsored by massive corporations and wealthy donors who benefit from maintaining the capitalist status quo.
Figures funded by industries such as oil, pharmaceuticals and finance have often positioned socialism as a danger to American values, knowing that the redistribution of wealth and public control over key services could disrupt their own financial
power.
But what does it mean to be a socialist? And more importantly, what does it mean to be a democratic socialist?
Zohran Mamdani, the mayorelect of New York City, represents a new wave of American politicians reclaiming that label.
Democratic socialism, as embraced by Mamdani and others centers on the belief that political democracy must extend into the economic sphere.
In other words, it’s not enough for people to have the right to vote; they should also have a say in how wealth is distributed and how workplaces, housing and public resources are managed.
Socialism seeks to balance the power of markets with the public good, advocating for universal access to healthcare, education and housing while maintaining democratic institutions and individual freedoms.
Bearista cup chaos
Jasmin Hernandez Multimedia Editor
When Starbucks released its new “Bearista” cup alongside the Hello Kitty merchandise this month, both items immediately went viral.
The clear bear-shaped glass cup with a tiny hat and Starbucks logo became the most sought after piece of merchandise, appearing across TikTok and Instagram feeds within hours.
Customers lined up early hoping to grab one but most stores sold out almost instantly.
The excitement quickly turned into frustration.
Customers flooded social media to complain about limited stock and accused Starbucks employees of taking first dibs on the merchandise before it reached the shelves. But the anger toward baristas is misplaced.
Starbucks employees should not be blamed for the shortage, nor should they be criticized for wanting to buy products from the company they work for.
These are the same workers who face daily stress from demanding customers, sudden price increases backlash and ongoing staffing shortages.
If anyone deserves a chance to purchase the popular merchandise, it is the employees who keep stores running and deal with the consequences of corporate marketing strategies.
The real issue lies in how Starbucks built the hype.
The company promoted both the Hello Kitty collaboration and the “Bearista” cup heavily on social media, generating massive attention while knowing supplies were extremely limited.
His campaign thrived not on corporate donations but on grassroots organizing, mutual aid networks, and a massive mobilization of social media.
Mamdani’s message resonated because it did not rely on abstract theory, but on tangible demands: rent control, climate justice, communityled policing alternatives, and equitable public services.
If anything, this moment calls for a shift in perspective. Rather than fearing socialism, Americans should question who benefits from that fear.
Democracy cannot exist when economic power is concentrated in the hands of a few. To build a society rooted in fairness, we must look beyond the myths and reclaim the conversation about what we owe each other as citizens.
The limited supply of both the Bearista cup and the Hello Kitty merchandise exposed how corporate marketing can pit workers and customers against each other.
Instead of setting purchase limits or reserving a small portion of items for employees, Starbucks left stores to manage the chaos on their own.
The company gained buzz and publicity, while employees bore the blame for a situation beyond their control.
Some customers lucky enough to get the Bearista cup called it “adorable” and “worth the wait.” Others expressed frustration, saying Starbucks “baited fans” and “let workers take the fall.”
Scarcity sells but it also strains staff, creates resentment, and undermines trust in the brand.
Read more at TalonMarks.com
Zohran Mamdani after winning the mayoral election in the east coast metropolis on Nov. 5.
FRANKIELEON
OPINION
Holiday games back on network TV
Ivan Llata Staff Writer
The NFL and NBA are turning its backs on its fans.
Major sporting events should remain on network television during the holidays.
It’s putting its holiday games on streaming services. This sets a horrible precedent due to the economic situation in the United States.
When families gather to watch a sporting event after enjoying dinner they shouldn’t have to download a streaming service to watch a sports game.
These two major sport entities should show more consideration instead of getting greedy.
Cable TV is becoming extinct. However, situations like this can turn people away from the product.
Why should someone spend additional money when they shouldn’t have to?
People still have to pay their bills every month and buy their groceries. Anyone with common sense will keep the most important stuff in mind rather than spend $14.99 per month for Amazon Prime or $17.99 per month for Netflix.
The biggest issue that arises is that the video quality is nowhere near at its best when compared to Network TV.
The next issue is Amazon is still mainly used for online shopping while Netflix is being used for movies.
There are still a significant amount of non sport fans in the country that will ignore the game and just continue to shop during the holidays.
If the NFL and NBA continue with this business practice its consumers will boycott and turn away from the products.
The NBA is nowhere near as popular as it was during the 1990s-2000s while the NFL, still the number one sport in America, has catered toward the offense which has led to controversial calls against the defense.
As long as people don’t have to pay to watch the NBA Finals or the Super Bowl, fans will continue to watch and pour money into the product.
If that day does comes then these two major sports have reached a new level of greed they will never return from.
Fans can voice their opinion on social media outlets, not buy any of the merchandizing and lastly, as difficult as this will be to do, they should not watch the game entirely no matter how enticing the matchup is
This was never a big issue in the past.
The fact that TV rights can be sold to the highest bidder sets a really bad example.
Falcons fly to 3C2A
at a 2-0 lead.
The Cerritos men’s soccer team took a 3-1 win at the South Coast Conference Tournament fifth place game against Pasadena City College on Nov. 13.
Cerritos set the pace and struck early in the game. In the seventh minute sophomore Pedro Reyes made an early statement scoring his first goal of the season.
“I’m happy I scored my first goal, It’s been a weight on my shoulders so it feels good”, Reyes said, reflecting on the moment.
As the first half was coming to an end freshman Giancarlo Morales scored the second goal of the game that put the Falcons
As freshman goalkeeper Anthony Gomez stepped out a bit while attempting to block a shot, Pasadena capitalized on a small but costly mistake.
The men wasted no time. Within two minutes after Pasadena’s goal, Sophomore Gustavo Arias took advantage of a wide open net and scored the third goal of the game.
The Falcon men have shown their bond has strengthened so much that they developed a clear understanding of each other’s playing styles making their communication on the field quicker, smoother, and more natural.
Although the Cerritos men are a strong team, something they
Falcons finish fourth in South Coast Conference
Duran Ventura Opinion Editor
In the South Coast Conference women’s third place game on Nov. 13 the Pasadena City College Lancers defeated the Cerritos College Falcons 4-1 at Robinson Stadium.
“It feels good. Obviously we were hoping to be playing for the championship game but I thought the girls did a good job coming into this game and still stay in focus,” Lancers head coach Terryn Soelberg said.
Soelberg added, “it’s actually a good way of going into playoffs, you know, with the win, and a convincing win.”
Pasadena City College Lancers had four different goal scorers in the game and goalkeepers Marycarmen Olvera Gomez and Gaioi Mahe had a combined six saves in the win.
With the suspension of Falcons midfielder Samara Gonzalez against the Long Beach City Vikings. The offense failed to click.
Cerritos Falcons head coach
Yvette Vascones said, ” She’s a big part of our middle, she’s a big part of the program.”
“We just made adjustments by putting Christine Rodriguez in the midfield.” Vascones said.
Falcons Aiden Ochoa scored her first ever collegiate goal in the game and the last goal for the team season.
Soelberg commented on the game’s physicality.
“I told the girls that they were doing a good job the first half being physical, winning their one versus one battles and winning the first and second ball and we just simply told them to continue with that,” she said.
“I feel like practice this week after the Mt. SAC game was a lot more mentally focused just because it’s hard losing by such a large margin in such an important game towards the end of the season,” Lancers forward Iris Pollard said after the game.
have been and continue to work on is finishing.
“We played well, we created chances but something that has plagued us the entire season has been our finishing”, head coach Benny Artiaga said, “ If we could finish more consistently we would be blowing out a lot of teams.”
While talking to coach Benny he really emphasized that the team has all the ingredients to be having better games and scores but the men really need to work on finishing and not creating chances for the opposite team.
He’s confident in the team’s efficiency and knows they play and defend well but finishing is something they need to execute before the playoff games.
This game was crucial for
Cerritos as a win would help them keep a high seed and increase its chances of earning a first-round bye in next week’s 3C2A regional playoffs.
The Cerritos College men’s soccer team will enter the 3C2A regional tournament as the eighth seed with a first round bye. The 3C2A regional playoffs is set to begin Nov. 19 with the top 24 teams in both the northern and southern regions facing off in a bracket style single elimination tournament
The Falcons still await its first opponent for the second round of the 3C2A tournment between the victor of the matchup between the Bakersfield College Renegades and the Glendale College Vaqueros for Nov. 22.
Falcons Melaina Pech gains possession at Robinson Stadium November 13, 2025.
“So we really worked on it mentally this game and we came back together as a team,” she added.
This loss for the Falcons marks its fifth consecutive season missing the playoffs.
Many of the Falcons players were emotional after the game knowing that Hypasha Garcia, Jessica Arroyo, Jenna Santos, Ariana Rivera, Jewel Scott, Sariah Sanchez and Maiya Garica played their last game in the Cerritos College Falcons women’s soccer program.
“It was fun being part of the team and I wish it lasted longer,” Rivera added.
Pasadena City College Lancers await their first round opponent in the Southern California Regional Playoffs set to begin Nov. 19 as the Falcons finished in 26th place in the South Coast Conference.
“Playing at Cerritos for two seasons definitely had it’s ups and downs,” Rivera said. “But I learned a lot from the experience. I gained a lot of great friendships and the coaching staff taught me so many valuable things.”
JANE GUADALUPE CISNEROS/TM
Falcons Pedro Reyes celebrating with his team after scoring his first game of the season against Pasadena City College at Cerritos College on November 13, 2025.
DURAN VENTURA/TM
Jane Guadalupe Cisneros Staff Writer
Cemented in Cerritos history
A race is not just about speed; it is about endurance in the final stretch. For distance runners, victory can be a wide margin or a dramatic photo finish.
The adrenaline rush and the wait to see if that final push pays off define the Cerritos College Men’s Cross Country team, one of the state’s top community college programs with numerous titles.
Joshua Morales is a standout student-athlete and a humble yet great leader on the team. He is making history on the course while maintaining a high GPA in pursuit of a Business Administration degree.
His hard work led to a historic moment on Oct. 18.
He saw the finish line and focused on the time, “I saw my time and I saw that I was I was on pace to run what I wanted to run.”
His finish was enough to break a record that has been untouched since 2012.
Morales initially did not know that he had broken the record. “It feels pretty good. I didn’t even know about the record, but then when I finished, the coach told me that I had broken that record,” he said.
Joshua Morales is now cemented in Cerritos College history.
Morales may have broken an individual record; he says one of the reasons he is successful is because of the team’s powerful brotherhood.
An example of this was at the Oct. 3 race, with him finishing first and two of his teammates claiming second and third.
He sees them more than just teammates, “I see them as my brothers.” This connection transpired in their course success.
Bryan Ramos, cross country coach, spoke on Morales’ leadership, “Joshua leads by example and is very humble in his accomplishments. He is a quiet leader but speaks up when needed. When he races well, it leads to team success!”
Everyone on the team shares the same driven goal of winning the state championship this year.
“Seeing how hard my teammates work just drives me to want to do better for everyone around me as well,” Morales said.
The team’s chemistry helped them finish second at the South Coast Conference Championship on Oct. 31, with Morales finishing second in the four-mile course.
Being a record-breaking runner and a committed student requires immense daily discipline.
Morales balances his days by relying on his time management.
He wakes up early to do his school work before heading to campus and doing his training runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., including intense running for miles. After practice, homework and his job keeps him busy until midnight.
He manages cross-country travel and school by planning, knowing class assignments are often due on weekends.
“That’s why I like to do my work early in the week, get it all done, because I know during the weekend, that’s when we’re all like all we’re focused on is the race.”
His dedication helps him both in school and cross-country, tackling it all.
He expressed, “The mental strength that I’ve gained from the sport has definitely helped me persevere through things that are not related to the sport.”
Morales is not finished making history at Cerritos. He is focused on bringing more attention to the program and setting a higher bar.
Focused on his sport, “ I want to go for more score records as an individual. I have my eyes on like three more records and be on the podium as an individual as well.”
He has individual goals and wants to use that platform to promote the cross-country program.
As a Business Administration major with a concentration in Computer Information Systems, he strives to make a long-term career out of it.
“I want to go into a field where I can work around like those computers and also be like the manager, the lead of that, so I can foresee the whole thing,” Morales said.
One of the biggest decisions he faces is finding the best university to transfer to that will allow him to grow as a student and a star cross-country athlete.
“I just want to transfer to a good school, and that one that’s best for me, and I can continue my academic and athletic career and grow, just keep growing as a person over there.”
From breaking a more than decade-old record to leading the pursuit to the State Championships, Joshua Morales represents the determination of a true champion.
With a disciplined vision for success, he is running toward a promising future.
The Dodgers won, but their silence was a loss for LA
mix.
Kassandra Lopez News Editor
As the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their World Series win, many are left conflicted about celebrating with their team or holding them accountable for being silent during the intense ICE raids across Southern California.
There were Los Angeles sports teams that spoke out and expressed that they stand with the immigrant families while others with a big immigrant fan base did not.
Some say that politics and sports will not and should not
But when a community that helps run a huge franchise is affected by an organization that the franchise has donated to in the past, fans can not help but feel angry about not feeling supported.
British-born journalist for The Guardian, Andrew Gumbel, wrote, “When the Trump administration began conducting aggressive immigration raids in Los Angeles in early June… two of the city’s soccer teams quickly put out statements of solidarity with immigrant families but not the Dodgers.”
Yes, it is just a sport, but how can a community that gives so much to a franchise not be hurt by a team that supports
an organization that harms the community?
The team’s initial silence, particularly given its deep roots in the Latino community, was not just a missed opportunity; it was a profound failure of moral leadership that turned a shared victory into a divisive wound.
It is said that Latino fans make up almost 50 percent of the Dodgers’ fan base.
Dylan Hernández, a sports columnist for the LA Times, said, “The Dodgers boast that more than 40% of their fan base is Latino, but they can’t even be bothered to offer the shaken community any words of comfort.”
Jane Guadalupe Cisneros Staff Writer
COURTESY OF BRYAN RAMOS
The runner speeds along a sunny trail. He shows excellent form and focus during the cross-country race.
Kassandra Lopez Staff Writer
REUTERS/VIA SNO SITES/DANIEL COLE Baseball – MLB – World Series – Los Angeles Dodgers Victory Parade – Los Angeles, California, U.S. – November 3, 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers fans before the victory parade REUTERS/Daniel Cole