STUDENT ART SHOW
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Volume 76, Issue 19 | www.elaccampusnews.com | Wednesday, April 17, 2019 | Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents
Concerns rise over student homelessness assembly bill BY LUIS CASTILLO Staff Writer
CN/STEVEN ADAMO
Library offers laptop rentals BY ANDREW AYALA Staff Writer The Helen Miller Bailey Library at East Los Angeles College has began offering three-hour Chromebook rentals to ELAC students this semester. Antonio Ng, a professor of library science and a librarian on the main campus said that the program has been going on for about two weeks now. The Chromebook students can check out is an HP Chromebook x360. The laptop has no programs installed, but students can connect to the Wifi on campus without logging in and use programs such as Google Docs or Office 365 to take notes or type papers up.
The Chromebook can be used as a laptop, folded to be a tablet or even connected to the televisions in the study rooms in the library to project what is displayed on the small screen. This can be a tool for students to use when practicing presentations or working on a group project. “We try as much as possible to provide the technology for students. We try to stay up to standards, I guess, as far as providing state-ofthe-art technology,” Ng said. The library has about 50 Chromebooks available for rent, but at the moment they are doing 10 at a time. So far only a couple a week have been rented out due to the lack of awareness of the program. “Every so often we conduct a library survey. We are running one
“We do take comments very seriously, as far as how we can improve our services and this was one of them.”
ANTONIO NG
Library Science Professor and main campus librarian
as we speak until May 3. So far we have received 3,000 responses already. We do take comments very seriously, as far as how we can improve our services and this was
one of them,” Ng said. In order to rent one of these, students must have a valid student ID and fill out a Chromebook borrower agreement which states the terms and conditions that the students must abide by. “Students would check them out and return them to the tech help desk…They can only be checked out when our IT person is on duty,” Ng said. “He is the expert and he is the one that will make sure that everything is working and functional before it gets lent out to the student. We don’t want to get into any problems between the library and the patron.” The Chromebooks have a tracking software which will prevent them from being stolen or lost. There is a replacement fee which starts at $500. The laptops are not
allowed outside of campus but are not restricted to library use only. “I think it is easier and a better update to the computers that we have here. The Chromebooks and these computers offer the same services they just add more accessibility, like when finals come up,” said Cristian Perez, a student aid at the library. The program was funded through lottery funds and is still in the pilot stage, which is why there are so few being rented out at once. Ng said he has bigger plans to expand the technology in the library by hopefully adding updated scanners and printers which would have the ability to actually scan textbook pages and convert them into downloadable PDFs. The Chromebooks are available all semester and only on the main campus.
Assembly Bill 302, which would allow homeless students to sleep in their cars on campus parking lots, is gaining momentum. The East Los Angeles College Budget Committee discussed, on Monday, how it would fund AB 302. President Marvin Martinez said his main concern with the bill was that it was not as simple as just opening the parking lot to students. There are questions about how additional security and sanitation for the lots would be funded. The committee said that if AB 302 were to pass, the campus would also need to keep bathrooms open at night for students. Liability issues were also a concern the Budget Committee discussed. If a student were to get injured while in a campus parking lot, the the college may have to deal with a lawsuit. The committee said that AB 302 shouldn’t be mandatory, because if the bill were to become a law, ELAC would be forced to comply. It also said that the people pushing the bill aren’t taking into consideration the costs they would have on colleges. If AB 302 were to pass, ELAC and other California community colleges would have to pay for expenses themselves. President Martinez said he wanted the Budget Committee to be prepared in case AB 302 passes. “It’s gaining momentum,” President Martinez said. “There are a lot of things we’re not anticipating and we have to be ready for them.” The Budget Committee also discussed ELAC’s budgeting plan, the Student Success and Support Program (SSSP) and it’s progress since its implementation in 2012. The committee said the plan is coming to an end on June 30. Dean of Student Services Paulina Palomino said the new budgeting plan, called the Student Equality and Achievement Program will include all the funding of the old plan along with additional funds. She said that under SSSP, ELAC had the funds to hire more counselors which resulted in more students transferring and graduating. The committee said their goal with the new plan was to continue where SSSP left off.
Transfer center to help undocumented students BY JUAN CALVILLO Staff Writer The East Los Angeles College Transfer Center will be holding an undocumented student transfer workshop today from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in D-7. The workshop is a chance for undocumented students, like those that have AB 540 status, to come in with questions and concerns about their scholastic futures. AB 540 is an assembly bill that allows undocumented students the chance to be charged in-state tuition and fees instead of being charged out-of-state fees when it comes to college coursework. The workshop is similar to the center’s Transfer 101 workshop, but with the addition of information that targets the specific challenges that come with being an undocumented student. Transfer Center Director Kirby Dominguez said that when it comes to transferring, some undocumented students miss opportunities to submit transfer documentation to
News Briefs
private out-of-state institutions. Information on transferring out of state is just one example of information that is available when it comes to the transfer workshops. Dominguez said that students tend to assume that transferring is something to think about when the last semester or two is on their plate. Dominguez stressed that these workshops give students, “an application timeline, as to when they should start considering applying, the process of applying and all the documentation they’ll need.” Being timely is very important in the transferring process. Dominguez said that when transferring, it’s important to keep up in a timely fashion for all students and that the added documentation that is asked of AB 540 students means that these students really need to get on it early. He said that just because the documentation has gone through for ELAC doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be issues or the need to update documentation for other institutions. “The classification of being AB
540 doesn’t follow them unless they provide that documentation,” Dominguez said. Again, getting all documentation to the schools students want to transfer to in time is extremely important. Dominguez said that the fact that AB 540 allows students to pay in-state fees and even apply for the California Promise, which was previously known as the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, is a huge deal. Not turning in paperwork in time could lead to students paying out-ofstate fees and many of these schools can be very black-and-white when it comes to deadlines. He used Cal State LA, where students would pay more than $6,000 in tuition and madatory fees, as an example. In contrast international or non-resident student would pay more than $16,000 for tuition and mandatory fees. “This is where this assembly bill is incredibly beneficial for our students. “So what ends up happening is
ASU Scholarship Deadline extended
The ASU scholarship deadline was extended to April 25 by 7 p.m. for the main campus and 10 p.m. for the South Gate campus. Applications are available at the Student Activities office and SG at the front desk.
“Undocumented students should always look for nonprofit organizations, they are always offering scholarships, many specifically for undocumented students.” JUDITH ARGUELLO
Dream Resource Center
that sometimes students forget, they’re like ‘Oh I’ve been classified or categorized as AB 540,’” Dominguez said. “When they apply and transfer to, let’s say, a Cal State, if the documents weren’t done upfront and in a timely manner they might start that first semester being charged that $16,000,” Dominguez said. Having qualified for AB 540 also qualifies students for the California
Loving with Consent: A conversation about safer sex and HIV prevention
Dream Act which Dominguez says is similar to the Cal Grant in the amount of money dispensed, which are both state financial aid. Students should also fill out the paperwork for the FAFSA, despite the fact that they won’t get any money federally. Dominguez pointed out that doing so allows the information to be compiled so that they can be awarded the Dream Act and the California Promise Act, and that transferring increases the amount of money dispensed. Other forms of money for continuing education when transferring could come from scholarships. “Undocumented students should always look for nonprofit organizations, they are always offering scholarships, many specifically for undocumented students. The Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas (COFEM) organization, offers a scholarship every year for undocumented students,” said Judith Arguello from the Dream Resource Center.
The workshop on HIV prevention and safer sex is open to all on Thursday between 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in F5-211.
Taco Giveaway
She also mentioned that students should always apply despite maybe not meeting the GPA requirements. She said that many students see that the requirements asked for when applying is something they can’t meet and don’t apply. Arguello said that sometimes so few apply that these organizations end up giving the scholarships to anyone who has applied. Dominguez also said that sometimes students may fear the cost of schooling, but they shouldn’t worry about the cost until they get award letters. This fear often leaves student feeling like they don’t have choices. He said that there are plenty of challenges that are valid when transferring. Taking note of that he also pointed out how hard these same students work when it comes to school and that all the hard work these students have put in needs to be honored. Dominguez said that one of the most important things students need to have is someone, a teacher or a counselor or an ally, to get support from and not do the process alone.
ASU will give away free tacos or quesadillas for the first 420 students today in the E3/E7 quad. This giveaway will take place between noon and 2 p.m. ELAC IDs are required.
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OPINION
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2019
Disabled students need additional resources BY JOHANNA CALDERON Staff Writer Attending school in a power wheelchair, especially during a rainstorm, is very difficult. I’ve used a wheelchair since I was 14 years old, because when I was one year old I sustained a brain injury that affects the left side of my body. When it’s raining really hard, it is very difficult to drive the wheelchair because one must hold an umbrella while trying to see and drive, all while also trying to avoid tipping over. Another issue is the powerchair battery. Sometimes the battery dies too quickly, even if the chair was left to charge all night. If the battery needs to be replaced, a doctor’s prescription is required. The doctor then has to fax it over to the vendor, which makes the process very time-consuming. Students sometimes need to have a spare battery on hand in case it
needs to be recharged, but what if you are in a place with no outlet? If you are stuck, then you are forced to ask somebody to help push the wheelchair. Unfortunately, there is the possibility that there’s nobody around.The worst part is waiting for a insurance to approve a repair. It makes it very difficult to get another wheelchair since it isn’t always covered by insurance. The next option is to use a broken wheelchair with precaution. If the insurance company approves the repair, it might take two weeks to get the wheelchair back. In addition, disabled students might not have someone to take them to school. Disabled students can’t call Uber or Lyft because they don’t have ramps to enter their vehicles. The app says these services are available, but upon request, they never are. It can be very frustrating. One solution is using Access Services to
Recently, it happened again, the get picked up at home. Students have to make a reservation a day before shuttle didn’t have a ramp, but this and check if the time they need time the owner of the bus company is available. kindly came to campus and took There have me home. been a couple option times where ELAC needs to improve is Another taking the bus, drivers have ways for disabled left me. A but when it rains it s h u t t l e f o r students to get to school can be dangerous students to because the chair so that they don’t get take them can slide and tip from the over. injured during crazy South Gate I would have to weather. Campus to the know what the bus main campus schedule is and if is available, there’s space for but the major a wheelchair in problem with it. Sometimes if this is that the shuttle keeps breaking there are two wheelchairs one down, and the company often sends student will have to wait for another another bus with no ramp.It is bus. Not all professors understand frustrating when disabled students the situations their students are in. aren’t provided with a ramp. What is For example, some professors only concerning is that the owner knows allow three absences. that disabled students are using it. When students max-out available
absences, most professors deduct points. There was one occasion where I failed my final, because I missed class due to the rain. There are solutions, like a power wheelchair that folds so that it can be put in the trunk of a car. But, those cost a lot money, money that I do not have. There’s a company, EZ Lite Cruiser, that has a Deluxe Regular DX12 chair. The cost of this type of wheelchair is $2,595. Disabled students find it difficult to save up for the cost of this wheelchair if they are receiving Social Security benefits and cannot have more the $2,000 in their bank account. ELAC needs to improve ways for disabled students to get to school so that they don’t get injured during crazy weather. One solution can be increasing the number of outlets on campus for disabled students, this would give them more places to charge their batteries.
Assange arrest attack on freedom of press BY MIGUEL BARRAGAN Staff Writer
Exotic dancers misplace blame on ruling BY CHER ANTIDO Staff Writer Exotic dancers from Los Angeles gather in Hollywood to voice their opposition to the California Supreme Court ruling changing their status from independent contractors to employees. This decision is being opposed by both dancers and club owners, causing protests and lawsuits to be filed. This should not be a battle against the ruling. It should be a fight against their employers. Soldiers of Pole is an exotic dancers union responsible for organizing the protest. The change to their employment title is just one of their complaints. They also demand fair wages and a safe work environment. The state court ruled in Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles in April 2018 to limit the of classification of independent contractors. The ruling puts exotic dancers, among other occupations like delivery drivers, as regular employees. This change would have these people paying for income tax, social security taxes and health insurance. Independent contractors, however, are devoid of those until they have to report their taxes at the end of the year. For years, exotic dancers have had freedom in their line of work. They can go to work when they want to, allowed to be picky with their customers and keep the tips they get from customers. With the new ruling, they would
be placed in the club’s payroll and be required to give a percentage of their earnings to the club. “We have a right to force management to come to the table, and abolish stage fees, and wage theft, and racist business practices, and make a safe and sane work environment for dancers,” Antonia Crane said, according to Los Angeles Magazine. She is one of the organization leaders. Strip clubs charge their dancers house fees before or after they start their shifts. Dancers claim that the club owners have been increasing house fees in addition to taking a large sum of their tip earnings. “They are literally stealing from us,” Domino Rey, a member of the Soldiers of Pole, posted on Instagram @dominoinla. The change to regular employees, however, have some benefits for the dancers. They now have legal protection that they didn’t as independent contractors. This is one of the reasons why they can file so many lawsuits against their employers for lowering their wages in the first place.This is a battle between employees and their employers, not against the court ruling. Due to the changes club owners have to provide hourly income, offer job benefits and overtime pay. It’s costing them a lot more money than before. Dancers are saying they’re purposely cutting their wages to make up for the loss. BSC, a company that manages most strip clubs in San Francisco, revealed to the SF Examiner that it’s costing
them several million dollars a year. Of course this would be the case, because club owners have been saving millions of dollars not having to pay taxes by misclassifying their employees as independent contractors. The Government Accountability Office stated in a 2009 report that the misclassification cost $2.72 billion in federal revenues in 2006. Without the Dynamex decision, dancers would continue to be misclassified, allowing for situations like wage theft to not have legal repercussions. Exotic dancing is a dangerous line of work. They are exposed to sexual harassment, but as they are now classified as regular employees, they now have legal recourse as an option against it. Having this new status also grants them overtime pay and health benefits. One of the main concerns for dancers is being unable to be picky with their customers, but that goes for all types of jobs. Not everyone in the workplace is comfortable with dealing with difficult customers. They are forced out of their comfort zone and are required to do what they don’t want to. It’s one of the downsides of a job. It’s in the hands of the employers to regulate conflicts in the workplace. While it is admirable that exotic dancers are unionizing and fighting for their rights, the Dynamex decision goes beyond their line of work but also to other workers that have been victimized by the misclassification.
People should protest the arrest of Julian Assange. Julian Assange was arrested at the Ecuadorian embassy after staying there for years. He was in danger of being prosecuted for revealing that the American government was committing war crimes. A 2007 video leaked from the Iraq War showed the military killing twelve innocent civilians, including children and two Reuters journalists. The leaks also revealed tens of thousands of previously unlisted civilian deaths. Assange worked with Chelsea Manning to publish on Wikileaks, the website Assange founded to leak information, and show the world that the American military was killing civilians including journalists and first responders. Under President Barack Obama’s administration, Manning was in prison for seven years and in solitary confinement for months, until Obama finally exonerated her.Now she is back in prison being held in solitary confinement again, because she refused to testify in front of the grand jury without her lawyer. The indictment against Assange speaks for itself. Assange tried to help Manning crack a passcode on United States Department of Defense computers that would help keep Manning’s identity a secret, so she wouldn’t get in trouble. That’s not a conspiracy to get information. He was just protecting his source, which is
considered ethical journalism. Obama even set up a grand jury in 2011 the review case of Assange and the 2010 leaks. In 2013 the DOJ concluded it could not prosecute Assange, because Wikileaks was practicing ethical journalism by trying to hide their source’s identity to publish classified documents. The indictment also says, “Prior to the formation of the passwordcracking agreement, Manning had already provided hundreds of thousands of classified records… including the Afghanistan Warrelated significant activity reports and Iraq War-related significant activity reports.” In other words, Assange wasn’t cracking a passcode to get information, because he already had all the information he needed. The American government is trying to criminalize simple journalistic practices because they don’t like how the leaks make them look. This is a shame and should be spoken out against. Assange and Manning both knew the risk they were taking by leaking the information which should be considered a heroic act. When the government tries to punish those that tell the harsh truths about the government, our free speech and free press rights are in danger. Without a free press, we don’t have a truly democratic society. In a time when journalism is constantly under attack by the government, specifically the Trump administration, people should fight for their rights to say the truth.
CN/STEVEN ADAMO
ELAC student cartoon accredited at JACC
EDITOR IN CHIEF Andrew Ayala MANAGING EDITOR Steven Adamo ONLINE EDITORS Kevin Camargo Adam Robles Alex Handy FRONT EDITORS Miguel Barragan Melody Ortiz OPINION EDITORS Juan Calvillo Giselle Arroyo NEWS EDITORS Melisa Valenzuela Maria Marroquin Monroy FEATURE EDITOR Luis Castilla ARTS EDITORS Cher Antido Julie Santiago SPORTS EDITORS Sonny Tapia Mariana Montoya CARTOONIST Ivana Amaral COPY EDITORS Gustavo Buenrostro Stephanie Guevara Diego Linares Ivan Cazares STAFF WRITERS Noe Ortega, Steven Cardona, Vincent Austin, Erick Villarreal, Vicky Nguyen, Kelly Vasquez, Johanna Calderon, Samantha Iniguez, Alejandro Ambriz ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Steven Adamo Gustavo Buenrostro ADVISERS Jean Stapleton Sylvia Rico-Sanchez Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues. Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the property of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 300 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Writers must sign submissions and print their names and a phone number where they can be reached. Letters should be addressed to the editor of Campus News. Submissions can be made at the mailroom in building E1 or the Journalism department office in the Technology Center in E7-303. East Los Angeles College Campus News 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez E7-303 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 265-8819, Ads (323) 265-8821 Fax (323) 415-4910 The East Los Angeles College Campus News is published as a learning experience, offered under the East Los Angeles College Journalism program. The editorial and advertising materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The opinions expressed are exclusively those of the writer. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, East Los Angeles College, or any officer or employee thereof.
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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2019
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Workshop educates men on sexual harrasment BY SAMANTHA INIGUEZ Staff Writer
The Women’s Center held a workshop on Thursday to discuss the role of boys and men in the fight to end sexual assault. Outreach and advocate specialist Luis Mendoza encouraged all attendees to participate at their own leisure. He started the conversation by asking the participants why they felt it was important to include boys and men in the discussion of domestic violence and sexual assault. “It is important to include men and boys in the conversation because they need to be educated on what is healthy and acceptable behavior and what is not,” Jonathan Cortez, a student at East Los Angeles College said. Mendoza said because men are role models to boys, it is important they educate and correct themselves
before they influence the younger generation to follow in the wrong footsteps. Along with the responsibility to correct oneself comes the responsibility to correct other men that are participating in sexual or domestics violence. Attendees also discussed the danger of enforcing gender roles and expectations. Mendoza said that passing on old beliefs like “boys don’t cry,” “be a man,” and “pink is for girls” become negative teachings that later reflect in life when men repress their feelings of empathy adding on to the problem of abuse. Mendoza said that using phrases like “toxic masculinity” to describe men participating in abusive behaviors, induces categories of masculinity. In a Power Point presentation, Mendoza wrote when toxic masculinity is used, men find themselves making up excuse excluding themselves from what
they might consider toxic. boys by visibly supporting gender When men are given an outlet equality and other forms of equality. to push themselves away from Cortez said because of this the problem because they think responsibility to learn and teach they’re not as bad as the next acceptable behavior, men are also guy, they relieve accountable in themselves of the correcting their responsibility to friends and peers “Men must be allies to when they are speak up. Turning a blind buting women by being conscious ctoo nthet r iproblem eye reinforces privilege and no matter how of their male privilege reinforces awkward the and support words the collective conversation is. socialization Mendoza with actions by taking ,which allows shared with a l l f o r m s o f responsibility for creating the room that violence and honorable leadership.” violence against discrimination women, children against women and other men LUIS MENDOZA to continue is also a man’s Outreach and advocate specialist because all men issue. So why are share the same men so afraid to values. talk about sexual harassment? Mendoza said because men He said men are not sure about never know who is watching them what to say when it comes to abuse, and idolizing them, it is their therefore, they often stay silent on responsibility to teach younger the issue because they don’t see
other men modeling this behavior and they’re afraid of speaking up and being made fun of. He said men should speak up and encourage others to speak up against abuse. Mendoza said because men are the ones committing most of abuse, it is not until men take ownership of their involvement directly and indirectly, the situation will never improve. He also said it is only when men stop allowing other men free passes because they’re peers, colleagues or family there will be a shift in gender norms and the way society values women. He said in order for men to have a positive impact they must increase their capacity to be able to identify, learn and live the values that promote healthy relationships, provide spaces that are conductive to healthy dialogue and growth, as well as create spaces for boys and men to heal from their experiences. Mendoza said most importantly
men should always look for consent. He said to keep in mind the acronym F.R.I.E.S., which stands for “Was the consent freely given, reversibly, informed, enthusiastic, and specific.” Introducing consent at an early age is important. This means teaching a child that “no” means “no” and it doesn’t mean “convince me.” Adults should also respect children and ask for their consent before hugging and kissing them to teach children that consent goes both ways. “Men must be allies to women by being conscious of their male privilege and support words with actions by taking responsibility for creating honorable leadership,” Mendoza said. The Women’s and Men’s Support Center is located at F5-315 and is open Monday through Thursday. Their hotline number is 800-5856231, it is bilingual and available 24 hours.
Event re-introduces programs, benefits available to students BY ALEX HANDY Staff Writer East Los Angeles College hosted the “Student Life Orientation” event, which consisted of four presentations of different programs that benefit new and current students. The Associated Student Union gave information about upcoming events such as the election for new ASU members. The two fees students need to pay in order to join ASU are $7 for Spring and Fall semester and $3 for Summer and Winter. ASU benefits include 30 copies per semester, snacks during finals week, community discount card, promotional items at ASU events, flash drive for Dean/President’s list, 30 scantrons/green books (Fall/ Spring), 15 scantrons/green books (Summer/Winter) and entrance at ELAC football/basketball games. The Learning Center and Language Lab also had a presentation in which they explained upcoming workshops and cultural events. They offer tutoring in about 70 different courses and although they do offer walk-in tutoring, recommend scheduling an appointment for peer tutoring. The Language Lab also has a computer lab available for anyone who needs access to a computer. The Dream Resource center is a program that works with homeless, foster youth and undocumented students. They provide food, legal services and housing. Employee Reyna Hernandez gave more information about an organization called “PennyLane.” This organization offers free
CN/STEVEN CARDONA
FUN FOR ALL—Students receive knowledge, gifts and free pizza after filling out a questionnaire scavenger hunt on the side of F5, courtesy of the financial aid office.
CN/SAMANTHA INIGUEZ
CUTTING DOWN—Students listen as fianancial wellness representative Allouette Salazar shares tips on how to cut back spending at Wednesday’s student-life orientation. transportation, housing and mental health programs. “Our staff has gone through intense training with multiple situations for students. Most of our members attended ELAC, so we have the same perspective,” said Hernandez. The Financial wellness program works with students to analyze the their current financial situation and to develop long-term financial management habits that will help them meet their financial and personal goals, like saving up for a car or paying rent. They also hand out coupons for fast food and grocery stores. The program has been up since
2015 and has grown since. Student worker Adaena Aviles joined the program in December. “I’ve always been good with money. I managed money at a young age, so I figured I can help people who are having money problems,” Aviles said. “Students come in and pay off loans. We help you spend your money wisely,” Alouette Cervantes Salazar, financial coach said. “You must ask yourself, you’re in a relationship with your money, how’s it going?” For any questions contact Salazar at (323) 415-5458 or email her at cervana6@elac.edu.
Financial Aid office distributes free information, food BY JOSE CABRERA Staff Writer East Los Angeles College Financial Aid office held its Financial Aid Awareness Day last Wednesday. Advisers were there to answer questions students had about financial aid and provided helpful information about some services the office has to offer. Financial Aid helps students who have trouble covering expenses that are needed throughout the students college journey. Programs such as CalGrant and PelGrant provide money for students attending college and do not need to be paid back.
Federal Work Studies is another program that helps students who are in search of work and will provide working hours on school grounds. Financial Aid also helps out students by offering the California College Promise Grant, formerly known as Board of Governors Grant. This grant helps by paying for the classes students are taking. “Financial Aid has helped me with my expenses throughout my college journey,” ELAC sudent, Alan Ayala said. Financial Aid helps students for six years as long as they meet these requirements: a 2.0 grade point average and complete 67 percent of classes.
Once the requirements have been met, students will receive an email to their Los Angeles Community College District account to notify them if they’re eligible or not. “We encourage students to come and take advantage of these programs because it will help you in accomplishing your dream and, who doesn’t love free money?” Gladys Rodriguez, financial aid advisor said. Students can stop by the Financial Aid Office located at E1 building room 135 for further questions or to get help filling out their applications. Students can also call at (323) 265-8738. Applications are now being accepted for 2019-2020.
Adelante program supports students beyond their first college year BY MARIANA MONTOYA Staff Writer First year college students from the Adelante First Year Experience program had a special event called Power Majors on Friday. It was created by the career center and transfer center to help students gain confidence going into their second year. The program also helps students realize all the resources available to them. This event gave them an
opportunity to choose a major. The event started with a game of Kahoot as an icebreaker, followed by a career panel, a chance to network, a workshop, a chance to talk to a counselor about summer classes and some food to end it all. The event was a superhero theme. The career panel, which was composed of school counselors, gave students insights on different characteristics that they may have, and which career paths they could take within those characteristics.
“I represent enterprising. Enterprising means that you are a person that likes to be business savvy,” Jennifer Tan, an FYE counselor said. “You like to be around people but in a business sense. You like to sell things to people. You like to persuade people to think in a different way,” Tan said. Students also had the chance to ask various questions on a rotating activity which was focused on the different characteristics that were
presented in the panel. One of the panels was dedicated to giving information about transfer requirements for both Universities of California and California State Universities. “This was a helpful event I was able to get my summer class, which was pretty awesome,” ELAC student, Mariana Lopez said. Students also learned how to obtain internships and scholarships to help pay for schools. “Overall, I liked the event it was fun way to network,” said Lopez.
ALL Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) events are FREE and are open to all students, faculty, staff, and the public, so please invite your family & friends! WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 Film: The Mask You Live In 12:00 – 2:00pm F5 – 201 • Main Campus THURSDAY, APRIL 18 Biopsychosocial Effects of Trauma: Diagnosis and Treatment 4:00 – 5:00pm E3 - 425 • Main Campus Loving with Consent: A Conversation About Safer Sex & HIV Prevention 12:15 – 1:30pm F5 – 211 • Main Campus The Men’s Circle A safe & secure space for MEN to support each other through the process of healing from trauma. 5:00 - 6:30pm • F5 - 213 SATURDAY, APRIL 20 Wake Up Stand Up Seminar 8:30am - 2:30pm College of the Canyons Santa Clarita, CA
COURTESY OF /STEPHANIE ZAMORA
SUPER—Speakers of the Power Majors career panel talk about what super hero relates most to their career field during the event held last Friday.
For more information contact: Andrea Owens: owensas@elac.edu Eileen Ie: IEEF@elac.edu
MONDAY, APRIL 22 Understanding Youth Sexual Assault, Boundaries, & Consent 12:15 – 1:30pm F5 – 209 • Main Campus Healthy Relationships 3:15 – 4:15pm E9 - 114 • Main Campus TUESDAY, APRIL 23 Health Fair 10:00am – 2:00pm E3 – Quad • Main Campus Empowerment Through Self-Defense 10:35am – 12:00pm F5 – 209 • Main Campus Ribbon Making Workshop Raising Awareness 12:15 – 1:15pm E3 – 270 • Main Campus Banner Making Workshop 12:15 – 1:15pm E3 Quad • Main Campus Take Back the Night 6:00 – 8:30pm AuditoriumMain Campus
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Arts
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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2019
Game of Thrones kicks off fiery new season At the end of season seven, the audience saw these three powerful Staff Writer players have a meeting where they discussed putting their differences aside to fight a greater threat. The problem is, Cersei is Winter is finally here in the world of HBO’s award-winning television untrustworthy and has been known show “Game of Thrones,” and the to deceive those who put their trust first episode of the final season hit in her. The season premiere begins in the the audience with the intensity and northern land of Winterfell, which is heat of a fire-breathing dragon. Over 500 days have passed since controlled by the Starks, and shows the last episode, yet this chapter of Daenerys and Jon riding in with her the story adds just as much, if not army, her hand Tyrion Lannister, played by Peter Dinklage, her male more, excitement to the series. For those who are unfamiliar with advisor Varys, played by Conleth the series, “Game of Thrones” is a Hill, her female advisor Missandei, drama-filled medieval series full played by Nathalie Emmanuel and of fantasy, action, love, deceit and the leader of her unsullied army, Grey Worm, played some of the biggest plot by Jacob Anderson. twists on t.v. Although Jon is The story takes place For being just doing everything in Westeros and Essos which are the western the first episode, h e c a n t o m a k e sure Westeros is and eastern countries. the creators protected, tensions Throughout the lands, there are many manage to keep begin to rise higher Daenerys meets kingdoms which are audiences just as as Jon’s sister Sansa either strong enough to standalone or are so entertained and Stark, played by Sophie Turner. weak that they must While most are pledge an allegiance to interested as they a major family. have for eight worried about who the true king or Although there is an years. queen is, Jon, his internal war between council of advisors, these kingdoms, there is Daenerys and her an even bigger external council of advisors threat which can destroy seem to have the bigger picture in all of Westeros, the undead. Viewers last saw the undead mind. They are focused on surviving the forcing their way through the northernmost wall with a fully long winter and ensuring the defeat functional army. The wall separates of the undead army. Although many questions are the kingdoms from the wild people answered, there are many more that and creatures beyond it. The newly acquired dragon which are unveiled, which may affect the was captured by the dreaded Night series in multiple ways. The episode felt like more of a King, played by Vladimir Furdik, proved to be the undeads secret movie than a television show due weapon during their attack on the to the way certain parts were filmed and the way they reintroduced the wall. Just as quick as families rise to characters. There was a perfect balance of power, they can crumble to nothing, which is a factor that makes the drama, violence and love which made the episode flow smoothly. show interesting. The locations in this episode The biggest players in the game for the throne are House Targaryen specifically revolve around the represented by Daenerys Targaryen snowy setting of the north which or Khaleesi, played by Emilia shows the cold and troubling times Clarke, House Lannister represented that every house is facing. Most of the lighting in the scenes by Cersei Lannister, played by Lena Headey and House Stark matches the overall mood of what represented by Jon Snow, played by is going on and that helps execute the emotions they are trying to relay. Kit Harington.
BY ANDREW AYALA
COURTESY OF HBO
READY TO RIDE—Daenerys Targgaryen (left), played by Emilia Clarke and Jon Snow, played by Kit Harington, visit Danaerys’ remaining dragons as they get away from all of the troubles going on in Winterfell and prepare for a romantic ride in the sky. The attention to detail that they have with their shots is shown in the most important scenes, because they manage to keep certain items or people in the frame either blurred out or barely visible. The costumes looked beautiful and very detailed, as well as the settings and backgrounds. The show never fails to give a realistic look to a mythical world. The issues and situations that the characters go through make the show relatable. Whether it’s a love web, a plot for power or even a betrayal, these are the things that show the humanity behind the violent battle and lustful sex scenes.
The reunions between characters can get so emotional and intimate that viewers who have been following the show since the first season may get a bit teary-eyed or sentimental because it’s been years since many of them have seen each other. The way the actors portray their characters seems so natural and real especially since they have been working together on this series since 2011. It is amazing to see characters such as Bran Stark, played by Isaac Hempstead Wright and Arya Stark, played by Maisie Williams grow up as the show progresses. Most of the characters mature and
find their own paths, but somehow end up uniting or crossing paths once again. For being just the first episode, the creators manage to keep audiences just as entertained and interested as they have for eight years. There are still so many unanswered questions and unknown facts that continue to make the show entertaining and suspenseful. It is rare for a show to have such longevity, but with a plot as rich as this one it is no mystery as to why “Game of Thrones” has won and been nominated for so many awards. Those who are barely hearing about the show, but are interested,
should watch the previous seasons to understand it in its entirety. It is possible to enjoy the episode and still understand what is going on, but gaining a connection to the characters and actually understanding how far the show has come is self-rewarding. This episode reached a new high in viewership as it was viewed by 17.4 million viewers, which is about a million more than the season seven finale. Season eight will be six episodes long with the longest having a runtime of 82 minutes. Episode two releases next Sunday on all platforms that support HBO and will be rated TV MA.
Students showcase piano skills in master class recital prepare his Danza de la Moza Donosa piece. Staff Writer The piece,created by Alberto Ginastera, has come a long way from when Lopez first began East Los Angeles College practicing. “I’ve had this piece for about a Music Department showcased a Piano Master Class led by Nadia year and a half, maybe two years,” Shpachenko, a concert pianist and Lopez said. He says he has an emotional piano professor at Cal Poly Pomona. In this master class, Shpachenko connection to the piece and said that worked with ELAC students while he normally tries to perform a piece that he has a Daniel Lopez and connection with, it is Shan Jiang on their always possible. respective pieces and The intention of not“Sometimes we critiqued them in front of an audience last the master class have to choose a piece that its just Wednesday. is to provide gonna benefit my This scenario differs a learning technique,” he said. from a traditional class setting and opportunity for f iAn fi tsehr e dL o ph ei zs often presents the performers with new performers as p e r f o r m a n c e , hpachenko concepts expressed well as observers. Sapproached him on t h r o u g h d i ff e r e n t stage and gave him methods. some suggestions. The intention of The audience got the master class is to provide a learning opportunity for to see Lopez improve his skill in the span of minutes. performers as well as observers. Shan Jiang performed Frederic Performers, audience members and instructors all benefit from the Chopin’s Scherzo No. 1, Op. 20. She said she enjoyed playing her master class setting. “I like to also teach my process to piece because “it is dramatic and has students and demonstrate to them... a middle part that is soft.” Shan has been playing piano so they can constantly get inspired,” for nearly twenty years and has Shpachenko said. In addition to teaching the attended piano classes at ELAC for students, Shpachenko believes two years. The piano makes her feel relaxed every student is a new learning experience because everyone reacts and is a form of support. “It’s my career,” she says. differently to the compositions. Lopez says it all depends on the “Some things are easier for some students and harder for other person and the professor. “Professors motivated me a lot, students and you have to finds ways they helped me learn of course, but I to help them,” Shpachenko said. Both performers have been guess it all comes from within too,” playing piano on a professional Lopez said. The music department’s piano level for several years. Daniel Lopez, who has played master class was one of many piano for five years, allocated ways for students to showcase their a significant amount of time to abilities.
BY ALEJANDRO AMBRIZ
COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.
ELECTRIFYING TOUCH—Freddy (left) meets Billy in his Shazam form for the first time and touches the lightning bolt crest on his chest.
‘Shazam!’ transforms future of DC BY KELLY VASQUEZ Staff Writer It’s no secret that DC has had trouble with its films over the past few years, especially with their competitor, Marvel. “Shazam!” changes that same old formula and delivers a refreshing movie filled with light-hearted laughs and charm that is perfect for the whole family. The film opens with the old wizard Shazam who is looking for someone to replace him and guard the earth from the monsters known as the seven deadly sins. The catch is he needs to find someone who is pure at heart, which proves to be quite difficult. We then meet 15 year old Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a foster child searching for his long-lost mother. After running away from several www.ELACCampusNews.com
foster homes, he’s forced to move in with a new foster family filled with diverse and innocent children. The wizard Shazam has Billy reluctantly take on the role of Champion to protect the world as a last resort because of a new threat. By saying “Shazam,” Billy is able to turn into a super strong, flying, lightning-zapping and much older superhero (Zachary Levi). This delights his new foster brother, Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer), who is witty and obsessed with superheroes. Together, he and Billy discover Shazam’s powers and learn valuable lessons. The actors are all incredible in the film and absolutely delightful. Asher Angel plays the role of rebellious teenager Billy perfectly. He plays well with the other kid actors in this film especially his new best friend Freddy. Grazzer is magnificent as the
disabled foster kid nerd. He is perfectly sarcastic while also showing how much of an innocent kid he is. The other foster children, Darla (Faithe Herman), Mary (Grace Fulton), Eugene (Ian Chen), and Pedro (Jovan Armand) are all equally as amazing. The children all interact so well with each other that you can’t help but root for them all. The main star of the film was definitely Levi. Not only did he look the part of a buff superhero, but he equally had the boyish charm that went with playing a 15 year old. He captures the giddiness of a teenage boy discovering he has super powers for the first time. He also connects well with Grazer when they are together on screen. The villain, Thaddeus Sivana, played by Mark Strong is wonderfully evil. He is corrupt and filled with vengeance.
The story is just like your typical origin superhero film, except it isn’t. Instead of trying to build itself up into a much grander and bigger universe, like past DC films, it gives us a great stand alone film introducing us to fun characters. It’s a nice change of pace and restorative to the DC film franchise. The story is sweet and enthralling. The audience is immersed into the world of these foster kids that are all trying to be apart of a family. It’s heartfelt and delivers hilarious laughs. Even when the plot is tugging at your heart strings, it also tickles your funny bone. This film gives moviegoers hope for future DC films. It’s an excellent ode to past superhero films, but paves the way for new ones. It’s an enjoyable film that leaves viewers finding their inner child as they leave the theater.
Sports
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2019
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ELAC baseball pitches to victory BY SONNY TAPIA Staff Writer Baseball beat Rio Hondo College 12-11 in a close game at home on Saturday making the Huskies 15-18-1 overall and 8-10-1 in the conference. ELAC was able to put up 12 hits in the game, while Rio Hondo had 16. “There’s no one to pick you up. You gotta do this now.” Hines said to freshman infielder Daniel De La Pena during his at bat. Pena laid down a bunt to be called safe at first and scoring the game tying run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Rio Hondo started the game off early with four hits, including three runs batted in by freshman left
fielder Jordan Salgado, freshman center fielder Sal Tabullo and sophomore designated hitter Carl Hudson. ELAC sophomore right fielder Ruben Hernandez got his first hit of the game in his first at bat by singling to the right center gap. Freshman first baseman Aj Gama doubled to right field recording two RBIs after sophomore catcher Gabriel Jimenez walked in his at bat to load the bases. The Huskies were down by one run at the end of the first inning. ELAC head coach James Hines made the first pitching change of the game by replacing freshman pitcher Steven Villagran for freshman pitcher Michael Mendoza after Villagran gave up four runs. Rio Hondo took a three run lead in
the second inning but ELAC quickly to five after a two RBI hits by shrunk the lead to one before the end freshman catcher Jesus Maldonado. A three-run homerun to right field of the second after two RBIs came from sophomore third baseman by Jordan Salgado immidiately f o l l o w e d Andy Rodriguez Maldonado’s hit. and Villagran. This surge of Freshman “There’s no one scoring resulted pitcher Alex in the final Castellanos took to pick you up. pitching change the mound as the third pitcher You gotta do this now,” f o r E L A C , putting freshman of the game for pitcher Mario ELAC, he threw Huizar in the a pitch that JAMES HINES game. caused Gabriel ELAC Head Coach He gave Jimenez to lash up a walk and out. “What are recorded a you looking at? strikeout to end C’mon let’s go,” the top half of the fifth inning. Jimenez said. James Hines came out to argue In the top of the fifth inning the lead for Rio Hondo was stretched a call that was overturned by the
BASEBALL -The Huskies will play Fresno City College at Elks Field tomorrow at 1 p.m.
MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD -The men’s track and field team will be active in the South Coast Conference prelims at Cerritos College April 23 all day.
SOFTBALL -The girls will take the field tomorrow against Chaffey College at home in a conference matchup at 3 p.m.
BADMINTON -Lady Huskies will take the court on at home in the North Gym Friday against El Camino College.
umpire, calling the Rio Hondo runner safe at first saying Gama’s foot was off the bag. “That’s really bad man, that is bad,” Hines said. Before the start of the seventh inning the home plate umpire had to deal with heckling and personal opinions from ELAC fans. He quickly dispersed these comments by telling the fans he did not want to hear it from them. Two runs were added to the board for the Huskies when sophomore second baseman Anthony Soto hit the ball past the outfielders for a RBI triple. The Huskies were down by one run going into the final three innings of the game.Rio Hondo was shut down for the rest of the game when ELAC’s defense recorded two consecutive one-two-three innings.
Mario Huizar caused Rio Hondo to fly out four times and groundout twice in the seventh and eighth innings. ELAC took the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning by starting the inning with a single up the middle by freshman center fielder Erick Espinoza. Soto had discipline at the plate by walking in his at bat. ELAC took the lead off of a RBI by Ruben Hernandez with two outs in the inning. Huizar closed out the game only giving up one hit in the top of the ninth and ending the game with a flyout to center. ELAC will play its next game today against Allan Hancock College at Allan Hancock at 2:30 p.m.
SWIMMING AND DIVING -The swimming and diving team will compete April 18, 19 and 20 in the South Coast Conference swim championships at Mt. San Antonio College all day.
ASIAN AMERICAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISES, INC. A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO EMPLOYEMENT, EDUCATION, ENTERPRISE AND EXCELLENCE
AAEDE Internship Opportunity!!! AAEDE Internship Under the general supervision of the Executive Director, and Administrator, Administrative Assistant, the interns have primary responsibility for the summer planning of AAEDE’s 8th Annual Job/Career Fair. Secondarily they are expected to support the local Bruggemeyer library and their Reading Rockets Program by tutoring elementary school students in order to hone their literacy skills. Also, interns may potentially be expected to help organize another seminar that will be taking place in the latter part of the year. We expect interns to be strong individuals, self-starters, and leaders that preform at a professional level. We are looking for excellent team players who possess positive professional attitudes and have the skill set to manage multiple projects. Interns will have the opportunity to learn and assist in all logistical aspects of event planning and marketing. We hope this opportunity will help you grow personally and professionally.
This is a paid Internship. Duties include but are not limited to: -Preparing or assisting in preparation of proposal to potential companies attending the job fair. -Developing, and compiling, promotional literature for distribution such as newsletters, brochures or flyers; coordinates process from development stage through the final printing and distribution of materials. -Interaction and maintenance of open communication channels with vendors and outside agencies. -Conducting research for vendors, venue selection, outsourced services, creative marketing ideas, etc. -Creating job fair materials, such as name badges, diagrams, signs, etc. -Accurate accounting of logistics such floor plans, attendee rosters, etc.
CN/STEVEN ADAMO
Badminton takes hard loss at home BY SONNY TAPIA Staff Writer
-Cold calling as necessary. -Miscellaneous office support: processing documentation, filing, reporting, data entry, responding to emails, answering the phone, etc.
Instructions for Applying: Please submit RESUME by Friday, May 24th, 2019, 5:00 p.m. via -Email: aaedeinfo@gmail.com Subject Line: AAEDE Internship
For more informaƟon, visit aaede.info and check under internships
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Badminton lost to Pasadena City College 11-2 in both matches during its double header on Friday. Those wins provided PCC with its 15th South Coast Conference title in the program’s history, and the fifth straight title win for head coach Jen Ho. PCC and ELAC played in multiple singles and doubles matches throughout the day in the North Gym, but few stood out for the Huskies. Freshman team captain Gabriela Naranjo played in singles matches against Pasadena sophomore Xiaoming Yao, in which they volleyed back and forth before Naranjo lost the matches 21-9.
PCC (Pasadena City College) and ELAC played in multiple singles and doubles matches throughout the day in the women’s gym, but few stood out for the Huskies. Despite this loss, ELAC head coach Qui Nguy thought the captain played well in her matches and felt she is a favorite to be involved in the playoffs. “Gabby played well in her matches, I thought. She will
probably be in the playoffs to play in singles matches,” Nguy said. Yao also swept ELAC freshman Amber Huang in their singles matches 21-2 and 21-6. Pasadena freshman Sophia Nguyen also defeated Naranjo and Huang 21-7 and 21-6. Nguy had an idea that PCC would be a challenge for them because Pasadena are the regning state champions. ELAC badminton is 1-5 overall and in the conference after its loss on Friday. “This wasn’t the usual lineup. This was modified for today,” Nguy said. The Huskies next match will be another double header against Compton College at Compton at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. today.
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Arts
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2019
CN/VICKY NGUYEN
THE UNTAMED SHREW—Petruccio, played by Christopher Barajas, struggles to restrain Katherina, played by Angel Juarez, who adamantly refuses to be wed.
CN/VICKY NGUYEN
THE ANGRY BRIDE —On their wedding day, Kate, played by Angel Juarez, is angered by her groom, who shows up late and drunk.
ELAC actors tame their characters Staff Writer The East Los Angeles College Department of Theater Arts did an amazing job in its production of William Shakespeare’s comedy The Taming of the Shrew (A Comedy of Masks), directed by Ramon Ramos and Vanessa Mizzone Pellegrini. The story is set in the year 1645 in Padua, Italy. It revolves around two wealthy sisters, Katherina, played by Angel Juarez, and Bianca, played by Fernanda Coria. Bianca, the younger sister, is sweet, soft spoken and gentle while her sister, Katherina, is the complete opposite.
Bianca’s pleasant demeanor earns her many suitors, but her mother, Baptista, played by Ronda Thomas, will not let her marry until her older sister weds first. Petruccio, played by Christopher Barajas, comes along and happens to be looking for a wealthy woman to marry. He is introduced to Katherina and after some witty back-and-forth banter, the couple is wed. Petruccio eventually “tames” his wife by starving and mentally tormenting her. By the end of the play, Katherina is transformed into the gentle woman and wife that her husband and society always wanted her to be. This play is said to be one of
Shakespeare’s best comedies, and these actors did not disappoint. The audience laughed and giggled throughout the play. All of the actors did great. Not one of them forgot their lines and the weeks of hard work it took to get to this point definitely showed and paid off. Juarez and Coria made a believable pair of sisters. There was a scene where they were pulling each other’s hair and pushing each other to the ground, which made the audience laugh. Joseph Darby played old man Gremio and did a great job of speaking and walking like his character. Saul Rodriguez who played
Biondello and Arthur Armenta who played Grumio were also a good source of comic relief throughout the play and did their own stunts, including falling and crawling on the stage and somersaults. Some standouts were Thomas as Baptista and Robert Gutierrez as the faithful servant Tranio. They were the loudest and most articulate and they seemed to grasp the essence of the characters they portrayed. Thomas’ voice and body language were consistent throughout the performance. There were moments where she would stick her tongue in a teasing manner and it added personality and humor to her scenes. Gutierrez’s facial expressions
and gestures were full of life, which made his character pleasant to watch. The set consisted of a dark backdrop and a big old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon in the center. Even though this was the background for the entire play, it worked because it was not flashy nor did it distract from the actors. The lighting was kept relatively dark but when it brightened up, it was concentrated on the actors at the appropriate moments. This play is recommended for anyone who loves Shakespeare and wants to help support a group of young, talented actors. However, people not familiar with Shakespeare’s work or language
might not understand what is going on, especially in the beginning. The beginning is a bit confusing because there are a lot of characters to keep track of and it takes time to adjust to the Shakespearean language. Since the story is about a man “taming” a woman, that plot might be offensive to some people. It suggests that women are wild animals that need a male master to teach them civility. There are also a few sexual innuendos which makes the play not suitable for children. The production runs until Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets and information are available at Elactheatre.org. CN/STEPHANIE GUEVARA
BY MELISA VALENZUELA
Cal Poly Ensemble assembles at ELAC BY MELODY ORTIZ Staff Writer The California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Piano Ensemble performed a small concert at East Los Angeles College Tuesday afternoon. The ensemble was lead by Nadia Shpachenko, a professor of music at Cal Poly and Grammy nominated pianist. Shpachenko performed with the ensemble at the concert. The concert included four pieces: “Bounce” by Adam Schoenberg, “Airdancing” by Lewis Spratlan, and “Time’s Up” and “Six Rags” by Tom Flaherty. Instruments included pianos, a toy piano, electronics and percussion instruments. During the piece “Time’s Up,” two performers used sticks to play the piano strings and rolled a small metal ball across the strings that sounded like a violin. The piece was chosen by the ensemble to be associated with growing movements and events such as the MeToo movement, BlackLivesMatter, women’s rights, school shootings and other major current struggles. The red and yellow toy piano
was accompanied by a child’s chair for the performer. Some may have thought this a nod to the school shooting, but these pianos have been used in past performances as well. “Six Rags” was a piece made for Shpachenko. She performed it solo as a preview before its world premiere. The concert’s program said it is made up of six pieces that are “linked with a prominent geographical feature in New England.” ELAC student, Jesus Lopez thought the performance was a bit too “strange” for his own taste. “I like (music) structured...this wasn’t really structured. It was kind of all over the place,” Lopez said. “This was more modern... contemporary.” The ensemble was made up of Shpachenko, Marissa Aronson, Ilka Bradvica, Katherine Cabula, Amelia Kaufman, Sophia Lin, Joshua Tessler, Michael Tran, Long Yu and former ELAC student Melinda Hovsepian. Their next performance is on Thursday at Palomar College in San Diego, before their final concert on April 23 at Cal Poly in Pomona.
CN/JULIE SANTIAGO
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FALLING—Visitor immerses in “Frefall,” a collapsed balcony, large-scale sculpture by York Chang. It proposes a state of perpetual falling, referenced to the loss of a person’s bearing in a collective social horizon line.
VPAM exhibition to encourage self-care BY SAMANTHA INIGUEZ Staff Writer The Vincent Price Art Museum collaborated with artist Edgar Fabian Frías and York Chang to open two new exhibits. On Saturday, Frias’s “Perpetual Flower” and Chang’s “The Signal and the Noise” became open to the public. In his first solo museum exhibition, Frías uses video testimonials, digital imagery, flower essences and interactive elements to encourage alternate states of awareness. He said his goal for the exhibition was to send a message of self-care and encourage understating between one another. Frías sent this message through therapy, healing practices and ceremony. Including knowledge of his indigenous heritage, Frías drew inspiration from Wixarika culture. He used the colors associated with the sacred directions including music videos of his personal vision entwined with reinterpreted cultural dances.
“What is something you wish you would’ve heard growing up?” is the title of a video included in the exhibition. The video shows people talking about messages they wish adults would have shared with them when they were younger, encouraging them to embrace who they are instead of forcing themselves to fit the gender norms. With participants from both Los Angeles and Tulsa, the artist’s new home, Frias created ties between his past home and his new one. This gave visitors the opportunity to relate to the people sharing their experiences on the screen, as well as the methods they used to heal from past traumas. Frías worked with artist and herbalist Saewon Oh to create the flower essence charged with natural elements native to East Los Angeles: Chickweed, Rue, Datura and some quartz crystal in a base of spring water and brandy. The exhibition has a bottle of the essence on display along with a pamphlet to guide visitors through the
experience. Frias said that although it is safe to consume the flower essence, it’s not necessary in order to feel its effects. People can simply rub it on their clothing or their arm. Alicia Mora, a visitor of the exhibition, said the smell of the flower essence was calming. She said that it all comes together when paired with the colorful videos displayed on the walls, offering an amazing experience. In York Chang’s “The Signal and the Noise,” he uses mixed media strategies, newspapers, graphic displays, found images and sculpture to start the discussion on how information is disseminated and consumed in today’s fast media. Chang includes a piece called “Fractographic Fields” where he said he grappled with finding himself in a new age of propaganda, where war pictures can be found on the same media feed as celebrity gossip desensitizing the public. Director of VPAM, Pilar Tompkins Rivas said Chang’s message is a very important one in a day where real
world issues are being overshadowed and diluted by petty celebrity gossip. A piece titled “Shortwave” displays a shortwave radio that is broadcasting two different transmissions in an endless loop. On one wavelength, there is a preacher giving a sermon on the socio-religious nature of truth. On the other one, two men argue about the nature of existence. The message of both transmissions gets lost in between the static and overlapping of the two. Another piece called “Freefall” is a large collapsed balcony. Chang said his message with this piece is about the loss of a universal cultural horizon. Society consumes everything too fast without filtering out the important information, resulting in a loss of information. Rivas said she is proud to have to work with both Frías and Chang and is honored to be able to house their powerful messages at VPAM. The exhibits will be on display until July 20.