Cerritos sleighs the holidays
Cerritos College brought the holiday spirit to campus by hosting this year’s Santa’s village on Dec. 6.
Welcoming families for holiday activities, crafts and pictures with Santa.
The event kicked off with a free screening of the movie Elf, perfect for families to relax together while waiting for Santa’s arrival. It also offered Christmas-themed snacks, treats and everyone’s favorite hot cocoa.
For many families, the free event offered an affordable way to enjoy holiday activities close to home. Cerritos College has hosted similar community events in the past, but this year’s Santa’s Village is expected to bring families during the holidays.
”It’s free, it’s out in the open. There’s free parking!” said Jacqueline Delgado, a local resident who attended with her children.
She expressed her emotion by
praising the event for offering the experience to the children of the community. “I’m so happy that they’re sharing this type of joy with our community. And now as a mother, as a parent, I’m here a part of it,” she added. Families lined up together outside of the performing arts center, awaiting Santa, as children quickly moved between craft
tables, color sheets and paper activities, allowing them to make their own Christmas decorations.
The free treats and hot cocoa quickly became a popular stop among the children. The children’s faces lit up when they spotted the table of snacks, where volunteers handed out cookies and hot cocoa.
Some were more interested in
the bucket of tiny marshmallows as they approached the table to ask for one, but were met with a handful of them as they left with widened eyes and joy. Justin Andrews, a local resident, mentioned he loves seeing a smile on his kids’ faces; it brings pure joy to him seeing his kids have a good time bonding and enjoying what there is to offer.
“Getting a good cookie, getting frosting all over their faces, throwing some marshmallows in some hot chocolate, you know, I love it,” he said.
Justin Andrews Jr. attended the event with his father and mentioned that this Christmas, he asked Santa for the video game Super Smash Bros. “My favorite thing that I’ve seen is the decorations and hot chocolate,” he said.
Andrews Jr. expressed how events like these introduce us to one another and can create bonds with each other.
The event was a place where the local community could spend the holiday season with family and friends, as well as come together and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Cerritos College has also hosted other free community events, such as the most recent events: Dia de los Muertos and movie nights that bring families together.
Cerritos College lifeline: Daily walk-in help
practitioner.
The Student Health Services at Cerritos College continue to provide enrolled students with daily mental health crisis walkin hours from 11 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., where students can have one-on-one time with a therapist or nurse
Introduced in 2017, the crisis walk-in hours have helped many students overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, assault, abuse, grief, psychosis and many other crisis issues.
Since the service’s inception almost eight years ago, the Student Health Services have seen
an increase in students seeking support and have expanded the designated hours available for walk-ins.
In 2023, the Student Health Center had 47 student crisis visits throughout the entire year, and that number jumped to 93 in 2024, almost doubling. As of Dec. 8, there have been 81 visits in 2025.
Bernadette Ferrell, assistant manager at the Cerritos College Student Health Services and licensed clinical social worker, said that they see an increase in visits during specific times of the year.
“So there’s an increase after the first two weeks of a semester. This is usually because transitions are difficult, or maybe someone has been in the work field for a really long time and now they’re coming to school. So that’s a tough transition. You’re also adjusting to all your different professors having different teaching styles
and assignments.”
Although there are allocated hours for students to walk in for the crisis hours, Ferrell says that students are free to walk in at any time to get crisis support or utilize any other resources provided by the Student Health Center.
Students who walk in seeking support will be greeted by the front desk staff, who will guide them personally through the process. The wait time is usually short, but a student will need to sign consent forms.
Depending on the severity of the crisis, the length of the session varies. Students can expect privacy and confidentiality when attending, these sessions unless a more serious factor, such as self-harm or harm to others, is apparent.
A lot of students who used the walk-in crisis hours said that they have felt calmer and more grounded after the session, but the effectiveness of the sessions
depends on the student and their goals.
“So it can be a one-time visit, or it can be like, ‘oh, well, check in once.’ A stabilization plan can be created for the student during the session, or if appropriate, we can refer students to someone on the team for short-term therapy.”
The biggest challenge they face is letting students know about the services offered and getting students to get out of their comfort zone when seeking support, but would definitely recommend the crisis walk-in hours as an option for support.
“I think it’s important to know that we all go through difficult things in life and that it’s okay to ask for help when you’re in a crisis, and it’s really encouraged. Something else I want students to know is that just because you come in for a crisis visit doesn’t mean you have to keep using our services so that you have to participate in therapy.”
Jhovani Rojas Staff Writer
Dad and daughter share a moment smiling next to Santa Claus at Santa’s Village event on Dec. 6, 2025.
JHOVANI ROJAS/TM
Abigail Luna Staff Writer
JOHNS HOPKINS STUDENTS IN BALTIMORE Benefits of Therapy for college students.
New photo club captures vision
Kassandra López News Editor
Photography, at its core, is about seeing the world differently, capturing a quick moment and sharing a unique perspective.
At Cerritos College, a group of students is translating their love for photography into a mission to create connection and community across campus.
The new Photography Club, currently in its developmental phase, is hoping to offer a focused, yet inclusive, outlet for students who like to express their art by capturing an image.
“As of right now, I am the president of the up-and-coming photography club in Cerritos College,” says Victor De La Rosa, who, along with his peers, began formulating the club’s vision.
The initial inspiration for the club was the desire to build a supportive network after the founding members connected during the summer semester.
The initial motivation was simple: friendship and the desire to extend that bond. “As many of us made friends throughout the summer semester, we wanted to
create a community for people who don’t necessarily major in the fine arts,” he explains.
The goal is to show how a “niche club, like photography, can create relationships.”
The club’s main goal is to attract a diverse membership and inspire new photographers.
The president notes their aspiration to be a source of growth for all involved. “We also want people to become better at taking photos as we want to strive in teaching members of the club new styles that they can improve on or even expand their style,” he continues.
The future of the club is filled with practical, engaging activities designed to hone skills and foster collaboration.
While many ideas are still being finalized, the core will involve hands-on projects.
These planned activities are central to the club’s educational mission and will ensure active skill development.
“Many of our activities would consist of weekly or biweekly mini projects trying to photograph in a certain style, time of day, or including certain objects or
subjects,” the president outlines. This hands-on, objective-based approach will ensure members are actively practicing and experimenting.
Flexibility and member inclusion are key principles for the emerging organization.
The leadership is “actively hearing out suggestions that can help include more member participation as well as positivity for the club as a whole,”
emphasizing that they want to be fully ready for an anticipated launch in the spring semester.
The current members are creating and planning many ideas that will benefit the club, all with the hopeful establishment date in mind.
They are currently seeking board members to solidify a leadership structure.
Though new, the ambitions are clear. The club aims to be highly
visible and successful, providing a welcoming space for both new and established students.
“All in all, we are still new to the club, though we hope it can be one of the most popular clubs in Cerritos College and hopefully can make new and already established students join the club and be part of a friendly community that wants the success of its members,” the president concludes.
Pottery, Plants and Community Art meets Earth classes
Jane Guadalupe Cisneros Staff Writer
Cerritos is hosting a dual campus sale of ceramics and plants on Dec. 11-12.
The first event, the Cerritos College ceramic sale, will take place Dec. 11, 2025, from 1–3
p.m. in the Fine Arts building, room 140.
The sale will be organized by the Cerritos College’s Ceramics Department.
The funds will benefit the Cerritos College Ceramics Department. and the Native Plant Sanctuary.
All purchases must be made with cash or check, and the event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available in lot 10.
The second event will take place on Dec. 12. The Pottery & Native Plant Sale from 10-12 p.m. at the Cerritos College Native Plant Sanctuary.
This event expands beyond pottery, offering visitors the chance to purchase native plants such as milkweed for monarch butterflies and more.
In addition to shopping, guests can enjoy a range of activities that highlight culture, community, and environmental stewardship.
The event will be offering free food, be entertained by a performance by Indigenous dancer, Cheyenne Phoenix, a local Indigenous cultural display, children’s activities and raffle giveaways.
Ceramics students will also have additional pottery pieces available for sale.
People are invited to attend one or both events to support student artists, explore the plant sanctuary and take home unique, handmade pieces.
Both events showcase the collaborative spirit between campus arts programs and environmental initiatives.
Kassandra López
Cerritos College is launching a new Learning Community next semester.
This pairing consists of Introduction to Ceramics (ART 150) with Environmental Geology (GEOL 104).
It promises both academic challenge and a lot of fun through interdisciplinary exploration, connecting the artistic act of working with earth materials to the science of the planet itself.
The faculty are especially excited about mentoring students through these diverse but complementary courses.
Professor Donna Robinson will teach ART 150. This is an in-person course, giving students essential hands-on studio time for pottery and sculpting, which is important for developing practical artistic skills.
Students will gain experience shaping clay and other materials, transforming them into finished works.
GEOL 104, including its required lab, will be taught by Professor Nicole Iwaz. This entire course is delivered fully online, offering a lot of flexibility for student schedules by eliminating the need for regular campus commutes.
The goal is to guide students through understanding complex environmental issues and geological processes.
This Learning Community is an excellent strategy for students planning to transfer to a four-year school.
Both ART 150 and GEOL 104 provide valuable transferable credits that will be helpful in university requirements.
The program allows students to accelerate their progress toward a degree or transfer goal. With this, GEOL 104 fulfills a required General Education laboratory science requirement, which can often be challenging to fit into a student’s schedule.
By taking these two courses together, students can easily satisfy both a humanities/arts and a foundational laboratory science requirement at the same time.
The combination of in-person ceramics and fully online geology was intentionally designed for student convenience.
Students interested in this unique blend of creativity and vital earth science should look for the combined course listing during registration.
Do not miss this opportunity to complete two requirements at the same time next semester.
Illustration of camera in detail.
COURTESY OF CERAMICS DEPARTMENT
Flyer providing information for the ceramic sale on Dec. 11.
Holidays gift while ICE takes
Karina Soriano Editor in Chief
In Los Angeles, the holidays are supposed to be a time of reunion, families cooking together, kids out of school, lights going up on apartment balconies and front porches.
But for many immigrant families, this season also brings something harder to talk about, the constant fear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can show up at any time and take someone away.
Across Los Angeles County, ICE continues to detain people from our neighborhoods, including parents, workers, students, and longtime residents who have built their lives here. For them, the “season of joy” comes with a layer of anxiety that most of the city never has to notice or experience.
In the middle of this, L.A. TACO, an independent local news outlet, has been doing crucial work.
Daily stories, social media updates, and photo essays, their reporters have been documenting how immigration enforcement plays out on the ground in Los Angeles.
‘Tis
They’ve covered everything from ICE pick-ups outside courthouses and workplaces to the way detention affects families emotionally and financially.
For many Angelenos, especially younger readers and those from immigrant communities, L.A. TACO has become a trusted source of information about what is really happening beyond official statements and press releases. Their coverage often highlights the voices of people
the season for vinyl records
Duran Ventura Opinion Editor
The Original Farmers Market held its second annual Vinyl Fest in the Fairfax District on Dec. 6-7, drawing crate diggers, holiday shoppers and curious passersby.
Many people shopping next door at the Grove said they were surprised to stumble onto rows of vinyl vendors set up at the market.
Samantha Anrem, who lives nearby, said she and a friend were just out for drinks when the records caught her attention.
“I live really close by and my friend and I were just grabbing some drinks and we were walking through, and as soon as I saw anything with vinyl my eyes just peered right through it, so I’m buying a lot of vinyls,” Anrem said.
Vendors and partners including Jazz Is Dead and KCRW were on display at the market, offering a wide range of genres and collectibles.
Aaron Gaitell, who created Vinyl Fest last year, organized this year’s event.
“I just love the vinyl culture, and it’s a resurgence of vinyl culture,” Gaitell said. “As the world goes more digital, we just believe analog has got so much to offer the world. It’s very tactile. It’s very experiential. You have an experience of really feeling what an artist is all about.”
“There’s a great tie-in to the Original Farmers Market having
that same kind of ethos,” Gaitell said.
Among the many vendors, Philip and Nurit Smith, who run House of Records, said they noticed growth since the first year.
“This year there are more vendors. It’s pretty good,” Philip Smith said. “I am getting a little personally disturbed by the cross currents of audio coming at me from different directions.”
“The DJ is fantastic, the crowd is great, our customers have been great, the weather is perfect,” Smith said. “Couldn’t be in a better venue to sell things to people who are Christmas shopping, so I am very pleased to be here.”
The Farmers Market and Gaitell plan to host a third annual Vinyl Fest and hope to draw more attention and participation from both vendors and local residents.
During the time of the event, the space was a mix of vinyl sellers and other business booths, which some vendors felt affected how targeted the audience was.
The Farmers Market and Gaitell plan to host a third annual Vinyl Fest and hope to draw more attention and participation from both vendors and local residents.
Mauricio Lopez, representing Jazz Is Dead, said the event went well but could grow.
“I was surprised to not see as many vendors as other vinyl fairs,” he added. Read more
most directly affected, family members waiting for loved ones to call from detention, neighbors who watched an arrest happen, and organizers trying to respond in real time.
The timing makes this all feel especially harsh right now.
During the holidays, a single detention can mean an empty seat at the dinner table, a child suddenly missing a parent, or a family scrambling to pay rent without the main provider.
The trauma doesn’t end
when the raid is over it lingers in the form of fear, silence, and uncertainty.
For students at Cerritos College and other campuses across the region, this isn’t an abstract policy debate.
Some drive to school carefully, about every turn they make. Others work late into the night at jobs where enforcement is always a possibility.
While we study for finals or plan winter breaks, we also are quietly planning backup plans
who will pick up the kids, where important documents are, who to call if something happens.
News publications like L.A TACO and LA Public Press matter because they refuse to let these stories disappear through reporting.
By putting names, faces, and streets to what could otherwise be just “immigration news,” they remind us that this is a human issue, not just a legal one.
Their work also shows how local journalism can fill gaps left by larger outlets that may only cover immigration in big national moments, not in the everyday reality of raids, detentions, and court dates.
As Los Angeles puts on its festive image, another truth exists alongside of this city, families are spending this holiday season wondering if it will be their last one together.
Pay attention to local reporting and support community newsrooms to hear directly from impacted people.
In a city that loves to call itself a “sanctuary,” we have to decide what that really means, especially when the holidays come, and ICE is still knocking on our neighbors doors.
Bellflower’s festive tree lighting
Kassandra López News Editor
Hundreds of Bellflower locals flooded Friendship Square on Dec. 5 for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, which featured carolers from Bellflower and Mayfair high schools, real snow sledding, activities for kids and a special visit from Santa Claus.
The event focused on celebrating the start of the holiday season and bringing locals together to share the spirit of the season.
One of the event-goers was Bellflower local Delores Jackson.
She loves to go to the tree lighting every year and secure front row seats. She always arrives early to soak up the atmosphere.
“I have been coming for so many years. It is always wonderful bringing together the community,” she said.
“The things that make me feel most festive have to be the tree lighting, of course, and the snow,” she continued. The presence of snow, she added, made the atmosphere feel truly magical, especially living in Southern California.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Angela Higuera discussed the process and time it takes to bring this whole event together.
She was one of 60 people who helped plan the big annual event, which starts planning in August. It takes six hours on the day of to have everything ready for local attendees. It takes a lot for this specific day to come together, but always worth the outcome.
Bellflower Mayor Ray Dunton and other city council members touched on the meaning of the city’s tree lighting and gave a big thank you to everyone who came out.
“We are going to do this annual tree lighting with special enthusiasm. Tonight, we are here to celebrate something truly magical: the lighting of our community Christmas tree. We are very proud of all the work and thought that went into this holiday season.”
Another event attendee was a surprise appearance from California Senator Bob Archuleta. He wanted to share his admiration for Bellflower’s festive spirit and everyone’s sense of community.
Senator Archuleta declared, “I am going to go back to Sacramento and tell everybody that if you want an all-American city, if you want God and country, come to Bellflower, am I right?”
It was not only the people of Bellflower who showed up, it was the people of California.
The event was a place where people could immerse themselves in the joy and spirit of the season and the community tradition of the annual tree lighting ceremony. Families lingered long after the main event, sharing hot chocolate and laughter.
There were many free activities for everyone to enjoy, and families got the chance to meet the Grinch. It was mentioned multiple times that attendance increases each year. The lighting of the tree officially started the beginning of the holiday season, leaving the Bellflower community united in festive cheer and ready for the joy of Christmas.
KASSANDRA LÓPEZ/TM
Bellflower Mayor Ray Dunton and more celebrate the lighting of the community Christmas tree on Dec. 5, 2025.
People hold banners as they gather near a General Services Administration (GSA) parking lot to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from leaving for an immigration raid in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., November 29, 2025.
REUTERS/DAVID DEE DELGADO
Meet director Diane Lozano
Jane Guadalupe Cisneros Staff Writer
At 23 years old, Diane Lozano is a student director at Cerritos College pursuing her dream of working in theater.
Though she describes herself as shy outside the stage doors, something shifts when she walks into the theater. Inside, she feels like her most confident and authentic self. It’s here, through the arts department, that Lozano discovered both her voice and her passion.
Before theater, Lozano had envisioned a different creative career. At Warren High School, she immersed herself in video game design and animation courses, including 2D animation, 3D animation, and organic modeling.
Her plan was to continue that path at Mt. San Antonio College, which offered a strong program in the field.
But the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“Covid started to happen and I really lost interest in it,” Lozano
said as she explained how her motivation faded during the pandemic.
She was so set on going to Mt. SAC that she didn’t really think to apply anywhere else but eventually it led her to Cerritos College.
Not knowing where her path was leading her she randomly picked theater as her major as she found it intriguing even though she didn’t have experience.
Lozano started as an actor.
Around the end of her second year at Cerritos Jerry Prell, a director at Cerritos College, recognized her leadership and saw potential that led to him offering a stage manager position for his next show.
She accepted it and fell in love.
Her favorite part of stage management is calling cues, but she enjoys the entire process. Even when she isn’t in a specific role, being part of building a production from nothing into its final form feels special to her.
Lozano has lots of gratitude towards Prell and Tina Kennedy,
her mentor, who she claims is a huge inspiration for her.
She can’t imagine going back to acting now that she has had the experience of being a director and stage manager. For her it’s more than being in charge it’s about getting to see something go from nothing to its
final form on the stage.
Being at Cerritos also exposed and opened her eyes to discover her love for the arts such as music, dance, and theater.
Lozano has taken part in dance productions at the school. She has performed in campus dance productions as well, an
TALONMARKS REVIEWS
experience she says expanded the way she views movement, staging, and storytelling in theater.
Lozano’s first experience in theater was a field trip in middle school. She found it intriguing but it never crossed her mind it was a career she could possibly do.
Read more at Talonmarks.com
An emotional duet, the friendship that led ‘Wicked: For Good’
Kassandra Lopez News Editor
Viewers who haven’t experienced live theater will find “Wicked: For Good” a compelling entry point, a movie musical that intertwines political intrigue with deeply personal, intimate stakes.
The film captivates through its portrayal of a luminous, complex friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, two characters navigating divergent destinies and competing public images with devastating grace.
Rather than presenting a single villain, the narrative gently unravels misconceptions surrounding various characters and their experiences throughout Oz’s turbulent landscape.
This approach dramatically showcases the emotional consequences of Elphaba’s exile as the Wicked Witch of the West a scarlet letter painted across her very
Book Review: ‘No Longer Human’
Abigail Luna Staff Writer
In the 1948 short novel “No Longer Human” by Osamu Dazai, translated by Donald Keene, Dazai explores themes of social isolation and the stigma of mental illness through the protagonist Yozo, who struggles all his life to connect with the world and other humans, making him feel no longer human.
Having been translated from Japanese, the story felt incomplete at times, especially when transitioning between the different notebooks in the book, and the dialogue was
hard to follow at times, but the imagery was something done very well.
The story follows the protagonist, Oba Yozo, through parts of his life.
In the first notebook, we learn a bit about his childhood and personality at the time. Starting at a young age, he felt like an outcast, even to his family.
Written in the first person, Yozo describes how his buffoon personality came to be. He used it as a way to create and maintain relationships with others, but never shows his true personality. He does this because he
identity and Glinda’s complicated rise to prominence as the Wizard’s spokesperson, culminating in their ultimate, bittersweet sacrifice of public friendship “for good.”
Glinda’s arc unfolds as a tragedy wrapped in pastels and glitter.
As the Wizard’s chief spokesperson, she becomes a propaganda tool, her public image weaponized to vilify Elphaba and harm the Animals.
Prince Fiyero’s arc proves equally heartbreaking his love for Elphaba drives him to protect her until the very end, when he reluctantly agrees to marry Glinda, only to confess the truth at the altar itself.
The narrative functions as serious political drama delicately wrapped in magical elements.
What matters isn’t which witch title characters claim it’s why they claim them, what they sacrifice to hold them.
The blurred lines between villainy and righteousness deepen the emotional weight
by Osamu Dazai
can’t understand humans and uses his clown likeness as a mask to shield who he truly is.
The first notebook is when Yozo felt the most relatable as a person. Putting on an act in front of the world to hide who one truly is because of the fear that we will be judged or misunderstood. It seemed like it felt easier to Yozo to perform in a way that is enjoyed by others than stay true to himself and try to understand the behavior and social norms of others.
The second book is where Yozo’s life took a turn. He is sent off to Tokyo for university, which is where he meets one of
his classmates and fellow artist, Horiki. He is easily influenced and starts his new life with drinking and smoking.
He meets a woman named Tsuneko, who he not only uses to continue his alcoholic ways because of his lack of money, but also becomes part of the reason for her death.
This part of the story is when Yozo becomes insufferable as a character.
Throughout the story, he seems to become misogynistic and uses multiple women to help him get alcohol and drugs.
considerably.
Glinda’s journey receives particular focus, her pursuit of the “Good Witch” title involving a tough discipline that limits her political honesty, reading less as simple ambition and more as a desperate ritual to maintain control while concealing her most tender feelings.
When duty and friendship collide, Glinda faces the terrifying realization that the price of fame could be her soul itself.
Elphaba, meanwhile, ultimately embraces her “wickedness” after failed attempts to do right, deciding that Oz needs someone wicked so the people can believe in someone good.
Her transformation crystallizes in “No Good Deed,” a show stopping anthem that showcases the powerhouse vocals and emotional devastation audiences have come to expect from her performance.
Read more at Talonmarks.com
JANE GUADALUPE CISNEROS/TM
Diane Lozano poses for a photo for her feature story for Talon Marks on Dec. 3, 2025.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on press run.
OSAMU DAZAI. Book cover of the English translated version of “No Longer Human.”
Talon Marks Top 5 Christmas Films
Collage of Christmas films voted on by staff at Talon Marks on Dec, 8 2025
With the holiday season upon us, Talon Marks newsroom staff cast ballots for the ultimate Christmas movie lineup. After a spirited debate over which film should top the list, this is our top five.
No. 5 — “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
Directed by Ron Howard; starring Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen and Jeffrey Tambor.
Jim Carrey’s expressions and energy breathe new life into Dr. Seuss’s iconic Grinch. The staff loves the unique Whoville costume designs, its message about community and Christmas spirit and of course Carrey’s charisma during his performance as the Grinch. Whether for its humor or the tender moment when the Grinch’s heart “grows three sizes,” this live-action retelling is a holiday must see.
No. 4 — “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
Created by Charles M. Schulz; directed by Bill Melendez.
This stop-motion TV special has warmed hearts for generations, backed by Vince Guaraldi’s jazz soundtrack. Charlie Brown’s journey for the “real meaning of Christmas” continues to resonate. At just 25 minutes, it proves that sometimes the simplest things are the most meaningful. No. 3 — “The Polar Express” (2004)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis; starring Tom Hanks in multiple roles.
The animation transports you on a magical midnight train to the North Pole as a thrilling adventure awaits. We love its breathtaking visuals and the sense of wonder it gives us. From dancing waiters to children singing “Hot Chocolate,” to the moment a bell confirms belief, the film captures what Christmas Eve is all about.
No. 2 — “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
Produced by Tim Burton; directed by Henry Selick.
Defying categorization, a personal favorite the musical has a devoted following. Danny Elfman’s darkly whimsical score and the collision of Halloween Town with Christmas Town. Jack Skellington’s holiday identity crisis and Sally’s support show that different does not mean incompatible. It is the perfect crossover for those who prefer their Christmas with a little bit of gothic edge. No. 1 — “Home Alone” (1990)
Directed by Chris Columbus; starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.
The Talon Marks newsroom staff crowned it the ultimate Christmas classic. Kevin McCallister’s booby traps, the heartwarming family reunion and John Williams’s joyous score have made it a Christmas staple. From defending the house against burglars to the tender scene in which Kevin shares pizza with Old Man Marley, the film balances humor and heart better than almost any holiday movie before or since.
Whether you cheer on Kevin’s clever antics, empathize with the Grinch’s lonely heart or drift off to the gentle strains of “Linus and Lucy,” this countdown offers something for every kind of Christmas fan.
the UNDER RATED
Gwen Stefani Hot Cocoa
Released in November 2025 as part of the deluxe version of her album “You Make It Feel Like Christmas”, Gwen Stefani’s song “Hot Cocoa” brings a new sound to Christmas songs. It is a catchy and fun band pop song that will get listeners up and dancing.
Chance the Rapper and Jeremih Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama
Not sounding like a typical Christmas song, “Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama” blends hip-hop and R&B vibes to bring a new feel to the holidays. It is commended for its relatable lyrics and focuses on offering a soulful
Justin Bieber Mistletoe
A favorite among Beliebers, Justin Bieber’s song “Mistletoe” features a pleasant and catchy melody that will have listeners feeling warm and cozy during the holidays. It is a staple christmas song for many and loved for its theme of love and romance.
Mariah Carey
All I Want for Christmas Is You
Marking the start of the holiday season, you know it’s time when you hear Mariah Carey’s whistle note and song “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” It’s a popular Christmas song that will be on repeat for its nostalgic feeling and festive cheer.
Wham!
Last Christmas
“Last Christmas” by Wham is a classic 80’s Christmas song that will be played during the holidays for many years to come. Concealing its message of heartbreak with its upbeat electro/synth pop sound, it is reconcognized by many as one of the top Christmas songs.
Mariah Carey
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Part of her 1994 album “Merry Christmas,” Mariah Carey’s song ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” captures the feeling of longing during the holiday season with her soulful music and strong vocals.
Die Hard 20th Century Fox
Some might not consider this a Christmas movie, but it definitely is to us here at the Talon Marks newsroom. The 1988 action movie takes place on Christmas Eve and it’s essentially dad struggling to be reunited with his family on Christmas Eve that is as Christmassy as it gets.
KARINA SORIANO
Another year, another failure on gun control
The United States cannot afford another year of inaction on gun control. The evidence is overwhelming, the tragedies relentless, and the public’s demand for reform undeniable.
Yet year after year, lawmakers fail to act, and families pay the price.
Instead of laughter and light, too many families are left trying to piece together the remains of broken homes and shattered communities during the holiday season.
On Dec. 1, a shooting at a children’s birthday party in Stockton, California left four people dead—three of them children—and 11 more injured. Balloons, cake, and gifts were replaced by police tape, sirens, and grief.
Just days earlier of the Stockton shooting, on Nov. 28, Black Friday shoppers at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in California fled in panic when gunfire erupted, injuring three people.
What should have been a day of holiday bargains became another reminder of how easily violence intrudes on public life.
These shootings are not anomalies. They are symptoms.
The U.S. continues to stand apart from other developed nations in its tolerance for widespread gun ownership with minimal regulation.
Countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia enforce strict licensing and background checks, resulting in gun homicide rates far below America’s. The U.S. has nearly 120 civilian-owned guns per 100 residents as well, far more than any other nation.
As a result, tens of thousands of lives are lost to gun violence each year.
The Gun Violence Archive recorded more than 11,000 shooting deaths through September 2025, while the CDC reports that the United States experiences one firearm-related death every 11 minutes.
These are not just numbers.
They are empty seats at dinner tables.
They are unopened presents underneath the Christmas tree.
They are childhoods stolen before they had a chance to begin.
They are families torn apart in seconds, left to carry grief that will last a lifetime.
They are communities forced to gather
Time for 8-week class-
es at Cerritos College
immediately move into a second eight-week course with the same professor.
During my time at Cerritos College, I have taken classes during the fall and spring semesters, mostly 18-week, inperson courses on campus, often with the same professors.
While Cerritos still follows an 18 week semester model, several nearby community colleges have started offering more flexible in person schedules.
Long Beach City College has added eight-week, in-person courses during the fall and spring, which have seen significant success with students trying to balance graduation timelines, work schedules and personal responsibilities.
El Camino College and Mt. San Antonio College have also followed suit by adding eightweek, in-person classes on their campuses.
Chaffey College offers several session lengths: full-term classes, early 14-week classes, regular 14week classes and “Fast Track I” and “Fast Track II” classes.
In the fast-track structure, students take an in-person class for eight weeks and then
For example, a student might take English 101 for eight weeks with one instructor, have a short break and then transition directly into English 102 with that same instructor for the next eight weeks.
This creates continuity and allows students to complete key course sequences in a single semester.
From my perspective, inperson classes are often more effective than online classes because the professor is physically present, and students can ask questions in real time and build a stronger connection with the instructor.
One example from my own experience is Spanish 101 with Professor Irma Vejar. Many students appreciated her teaching style and the clear examples she used to explain the material.
When we found out that Spanish 102 was only being offered online at that time, several of us felt strongly that we wanted to continue in person with Vejar
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at candlelight vigils instead of holiday parades.
Every statistic is a story cut short. Every “incident” is a family shattered. And every delay in reform is another year where lawmakers choose silence over courage, leaving Americans to pay the price in blood and memory.
Reforms such as stronger background checks, closing loopholes in private firearm sales and restrictions on high-capacity weapons have been debated for decades.
However, opponents of stricter gun laws often argue that regulations infringe on constitutional rights. But the goal of gun control is not punishment, it is prevention.
As Congress prepares to reconvene in January, the surge in holiday gun crimes should not fade into another news cycle. It should be the final wake-up call.
Each failure of reform sends the same message to every citizen of the nation: that this status quo is acceptable.
It is no longer a question of whether solutions exist. The question is whether lawmakers will find the courage to act before another year passes.
Gun violence is not an unavoidable part of American life. It is the result of choices.
And until different choices are made in the halls of power, the price will continue to be paid in blood, memory and loss.
Therapy matters: Finding support and growth during the holidays
The holiday season, often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, can also bring stress, anxiety and emotional overwhelm.
As people navigate family gatherings, social expectations and year end responsibilities, therapy becomes even more important.
Therapy provides a safe, confidential space where clients explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors while working through challenges that affect daily life.
During the holidays, it can help manage stress, anxiety and depression that may intensify with seasonal demands.
One of therapy’s greatest benefits is teaching coping strategies for holiday related stress.
Licensed therapists help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier habits. Over time, these techniques improve relationships, boost self esteem and foster overall well-being.
Therapy also supports those dealing with holiday trauma, relationship conflicts or major life
changes.
It offers a nonjudgmental environment for processing emotions and confronting difficult experiences.
Beyond emotional support, therapy teaches people to set realistic boundaries, prioritize self care and maintain healthy communication. Seeking help reflects a proactive approach to mental health, easing seasonal pressures and building resilience.
Heightened social pressure during the holidays can trigger feelings of inadequacy or loneliness.
Therapy gives clients room to examine these emotions
and develop plans for meeting personal needs.
Investing in therapy is an investment in mental health and well being. As awareness of mental health grows, therapy deserves recognition as a vital component of overall health.
It delivers benefits ranging from stronger relationships and increased self awareness to improved mood and greater life satisfaction.
Whether you need emotional support, practical tools or a space for personal growth, therapy remains an invaluable resource for navigating life’s challenges and improving mental health.
Alexa Lopez Staff Writer
Duran Ventura Opinion Editor
COURTESY OF SHAE HAMMOND/BAY AREA NEWS GROUP
Families leave the Westfield Valley Fair mall in Santa Clara, CA while police secure the area on Nov. 28, 2025.
REUTERS/VIA SNO SITES/EDUARDO MUNOZ People visit a Christmas store in a holiday market in NYC Nov. 16, 2025.
Cerritos crowned champs
The Cerritos College Falcons men’s soccer team were crowned 3C2A state champions on Dec. 7 after besting the Harnell College Panthers 2-1 in extra time on Cerritos midfielder Gustavo Arias’ 17th goal of the season in the 103rd minute of the match.
Arias was named 3C2A tournament MVP with three goals in the tournament including his game-winner against Hartnell to give Cerritos its fifth state championship in program history.
“This feels amazing,” Arias said. “Two years for this, We worked so hard. Last year, quarterfinals. This year, all the way. I’m proud of all of these boys.”
This is Cerritos’ first state championship since 2018 and head coach Benny Artiaga is now a perfect 5-0 in 3C2A state finals appearances with his first state title coming in 2006.
“This is one of the most amazing feelings. It doesn’t get old,” Artiaga said. “The reason it doesn’t get old is because some of my coaches have never won one, obviously the team has never won one. So, I have to approach it, even though I’m 5-0 in finals, like it’s my first.”
On his deciding goal, Arias noted an opportunity to shoot the ball during regulation where he opted to pass and the Falcons did not finish and said, “When I got the ball right there, I said ‘I’m going to take the goalie’, I did and I scored. That’s it.”
Hartnell had a total of 16 shots with eight shots on goal as Falcons goalkeeper Eduardo Enriquez recorded seven saves while Cerritos totaled 10 shots with 5 shots on goal.
“I didn’t lose focus, I was always on my toes, I know I had it in me,” Enriquez said.
He added, “A year ago I told Benny, once last season finished, I was going to get him a championship. He told me that usually keepers my height, nobody trusts us, but he trusted me, coach Chris trusted me, everybody trusted me and gave me that hope and that feeling to win.”
The match between the Falcons and the Panthers saw both teams in a scoreless tie to end the first half with both teams locked in a defensive and physical contest.
Falcons forward William Rodriguez, who won his second state championship in as many years after winning in 2024 with Cuyamaca College, opened the scoring with his goal in the 71st minute.
It was a tightly contested game until that point and Rodriguez said, “Once it hit the back of the net I knew it was game, like the game could have been over.”
Hartnell College had not allowed a goal in 437 minutes since their match against Cañada College on Nov. 11 until Rodriguez found the net.
Artiaga said, “Cañada hadn’t allowed a goal all tournament and we put three. So, Cerritos, we figure it out.”
Hartnell College’s Edwin Moreno scored the equalizer with his penalty shot in the 83rd minute that would eventually take the game into extra time with a 1-1 tie.
Artiaga said, “We had six minutes to hold on to be state champions and they scored. A lot of teams could break down in those moments and this team was far from it, we didn’t budge.”
The decisive goal for Cerritos came on a play started by forward Allan Gonzalez who found himself in the middle of multiple key plays throughout the match to help keep the game close.
“I just have to be there for
my team. I’m a captain, so it’s my standard. I have to show up and show out when my team needs me,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez’s ball to forward Alejandro Oropeza eventually found Arias who scored on an empty net after creating space from Hartnell defenders and the goalkeeper in the box.
“Allan’s our captain, our leader, dude is just something else,” Artiaga said. “You can’t match his heart.”
The Falcons defense was able to keep the Panthers scoreless until the final whistle, claiming the 3C2A state championship.
“Being a part of this team is
very special. It’s not for the weak, it’s not easy. You’ve got to put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears, so I wear that with a passion," Gonzalez said.
The Falcons officially finished the season with a 17-6-3 record and Artiaga completed his 21st year as head coach of the soccer team.
“This is one of the most resilient groups I’ve ever seen,” Artiaga said, “and I think I have one of the most amazing staffs. There’s just no way we could do it without them.”
In 2-1 win over Hartnell College, head coach Benny Artiaga and the Cerritos College Falcons claimed the fifth state title in school history.,
Cerritos College Falcons men's soccer team pose for a team photo after its 2-1 state finals victory over Hartnell College and receiving awards at Saddleback College on Dec. 7, 2025.
ANGEL SANCHEZ/TM
DURAN VENTURA/TM
Cerritos midfielder Gustavo Arias poses with tournament officials after receiving tournament MVP honors at Saddleback College on Dec. 7, 2025.
Ángel Sánchez Sports Editor
All roads lead to Abu Dhabi
NFL teams should stop tanking
With five weeks left in the season we know which teams are heading to the playoffs and which teams are at the bottom of the league.
One of the teams at the bottom of the league, the Tennessee Titans, New Orlean Saints and New York Jets will end up having the number one pick in the upcoming draft.
Fans of these teams are actually hoping to tank the rest of their games for the pick. This is a bad mentality for fans of these teams.
The players on the bad teams are not trying to lose, they take pride in their profession.
They are just trying to win the game, the last thing on their mind is the number one overall pick of the draft next offseason. Fans should respect and admire that.
If teams such as the New Orleans Saints and the New York Jets are consistently bad, showing no improvement whatsoever year after year it means these teams have a bad general manager.
For example, Matt Millen, the general manager of the Detroit Lions from 2001-2008 just couldn’t draft the right players. Wide receiver Charles Rogers only played 15 games with 36 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns.
Quarterback, Joey Harrington only completed 56.1% of his passes. A good average is just above 70%. Why should fans encourage tanking when their general manager constantly drafts the wrong player year after year?
The penalty for tanking is severe if the NFL catches a franchise trying to lose games on purpose. In 2023 it was discovered that the owner of the Miami Dolphins Stephen Ross attempted to bribe head coach Brian Flores to throw games for better draft position.
As a result of an investigation, the Dolphins had their first round pick taken away. Stephen Ross also had to pay a fine of $1.5 million.
Fans should just want their team to do better when they’re struggling instead of hoping they'll tank. It’s embarrassing for the bad teams and their fans to end up picking in the top of the draft in consecutive years.
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Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Dec. 7, but Lando Norris claimed his Formula One driver’s championship by finishing third and holding off a late challenge from Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen led from pole and crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 26 minutes, 7.469 seconds. Piastri was second, 12.594 seconds behind, while Norris finished 16.572 seconds back to secure the title by two points.
"This is an incredible feeling," Norris said in victory lane. "I can't believe it. It's a dream come true. I'm so proud of the team, they worked so hard all season."
Norris, 26, started the titledeciding race from second on the grid, knowing that finishing in the top three would be enough to secure the crown.
He navigated the pressurefilled race, managing his tires and staying focused despite attacks from Charles Leclerc and Yuki Tsunoda.
Norris made crucial overtakes, including a move on Tsunoda, to secure his third-place finish.
Verstappen, who had dominated the season's final stretch, won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but it wasn't enough to catch Norris in the championship
standings.
“We can be really proud of our fightback,” Verstappen said after the race. “I know you’re disappointed, but I’m not disappointed. We gave everything, I’m proud of everything we did.”
Piastri, Norris's teammate, finished second, just 12.594 seconds behind Verstappen.
The result ended Verstappen’s run of four straight championships and gave McLaren its first drivers’ crown since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
McLaren has already clinched the constructors’ title, powered by 14 victories between Norris and Piastri.
“This is a moment we've been working towards for a long time,” Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal, said. "Lando's talent and determination have been key to our success this season.”
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished fourth, George Russel was fifth for Mercedes and Fernando Alonso took sixth for Aston Martin.
The 2025 Formula 1 season delivered one of the most competitive campaigns in recent memory.
Before Abu Dhabi’s winningdefining race, Norris had led the standings with 408 points, followed closely by Verstappen with 369 and Piastri with 391.
Verstappen kept his title hopes alive with a decisive win at the Qatar Grand Prix, capitalizing on
a rare McLaren pit error.
Both McLaren cars were disqualified in Las Vegas for failing skid wear inspections in November.
As the sport prepares for sweeping regulation changes in 2026, Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sets the tone for Formula 1’s next era.
Norris’ breakthrough has been widely seen as the start of a new
chapter for McLaren.
With both Norris and Piastri delivering consistent podiums the team’s resurgence has raised expectations of the beginning of McLaren’s domination in the 2026 season.
The 2025 campaign now heads into winter break. Teams will prepare for the next season, which begins with the Australian Grand Prix in March 2026.
Falcons on full display in home opener
Washington led all scorers with a season-high 19 points. Washington also recorded six rebounds and two steals.
The Cerritos College Falcons men’s basketball blew out the Cypress College Chargeres 74-46 in a fully offensive and defensive display on Nov. 19
“I was just happy our guys came out and executed what we practiced, shared the basketball and played together,” Cerritos head coach Russ May said. “It’s a good home win for us, so we’re going to enjoy this and move on to the next one.”
The Falcons have since gone 2-1 in its matches and now hold an overall record of 6-2.
Cerritos will now turn its attention to the Santa Barbara City and El Camino College Holiday Classic beginning Dec. 11.
The next Cerritos home game will be on Dec. 17 as the Falcons host the East Los Angeles College Huskies in a non-conference match.
Sophomore guard Kamaury
Washington said, “I’m just going with the flow, there is no overthinking. I play in the offense, I understand I don’t got to do too much.”
“Coach gave us all the keys, so I’m in the flow. Just go with it, don’t deviate and play together,” he said. “It came to me and I took my opportunity and along with my guys, I just contributed.”
Forward Dorian Tate turned in a double-double performance with 12 points and 12 rebounds including a match-high five assists and two blocks overcoming an intense matchup.
Off the bench, freshman guard Elijah Gelin added 13 points and his first of three 3-pointers in the first half helped his team pull away with an early 11-2 lead that turned into a 22 point lead at the half for the Falcons
Forward Isaac Sowell provided six rebounds off the bench.
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Alexa Lopez Staff Writer
Ángel Sánchez Sports Editor
Emily Astudillo Staff Writer
Ivan Llata Staff Writer
REUTERS
Lando Norris holding his trophy after winning the 2025 Formula One Championship on Dec. 7, 2025.
ANGEL SANCHEZ/TM
Cerritos forward Blake Brewer attempts a shot over Cypress player at The Aviary on Nov. 19, 2025.