Garage shop supports skaters
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Batman/Superman films at ELAC
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Volume 71, Issue 5
Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
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Run, Hide, Fight Active shooter drill prepares Elans for crisis Brian Villalba Staff Writer Responding to a possible active shooting threat similar to last semester’s Santa Monica College incident, ELAC will stage a lockdown drill to ensure campus safety The drills will be held on Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. and 6:10 p.m. The increase of active shooter incidents inspired the 25 minute drill. “The Santa Monica College shooting was too close,” Deputy Francisco Velasco said. The drill will be a coordinated effort between the sheriffs, faculty and administration, who will direct students to the appropriate course
of action. “One of the goals of the drill is to have people thinking now, so they can have a plan. It is too late to plan during a crisis,” Velasco said. During the drill, ELAC will use four emergency systems to alert students and instructors of the event. They will receive an email alert and text message of what is happening on campus. The fire safety intercom and speaker phone system will alert the people on campus. Students and instructors who want the text message alerts would need to sign up for the program. Sheriff deputies will guide people walking on campus to a safe
Assembly bill may raise units cost Augustine Ugalde Staff Writer A bill designed to help alleviate the demand for classroom space by raising community college fees as much as $200 per unit awaits gubernatorial approval. Assembly Bill-955, the Community Colleges: Intersession Extension Programs 2013-14, passed both the state assembly and senate last month and is now on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk. The legislation written by Assemblyman Das Williams has met resistance from the California Community College District because it contradicts the community college openenrollment policy. The bill would create a pilot program authorizing community college districts to establish and maintain extension programs for summer and winter sessions at six California district schools as early as January 2014.
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Pasadena City College, Oxnard year institution or graduate faster. Opponents say the high cost College, Solano College in Fairfield, College of the Canyons in Santa would create two classes of students, Clarita, Crafton Hills College in those who can pay the higher costs, Yucaipa and Long Beach City and those that cannot. The program is a revisit to last College are the designated schools year’s attempt by Santa Monica for the pilot program. It has also been met with College to offer a summer extension resistance by five of the six schools program for core classes at higher rates. It’s was drafted for the shot down program. Only by the states Long Beach has “It’s just not fair c h a n c e l l o r ’s come out in full for those students office. support of the that have to pay the East Los program and is reportedly ready fees out-of-pocket – Angeles College Vice President for a Jan. 1 that’s ridiculous.” of Academic start-up. Raymond Madrid Affairs Richard The increased student A. Moyer, Ph.D, costs per unit are stops short of limited to highdemand classes such as English, supporting the program opting to algebra and history that currently take a “wait and see” posture to see do not meet student enrollment how the pilot schools fare. demands at many of the states’ 112 “When this idea was first thought schools. of, community colleges were cutting Proponents of the bill say it will way back. It was impossible for us allow students to transfer to a four- to offer these classes,” Moyer said.
Music Department presents student recital
East Los Angeles College will host a free student recital in the S2 Recital Hall today at noon.
One theory supporting the bill is that, by providing extension courses in high demand class space will be created during regular sessions. This will give all students the ability to complete their education faster. The bill cites California’s demand for an educated workforce for an estimate one million new jobs that require a bachelor’s degree by 2025 as support for its enactment. It also cites a projected 19 percent growth of new jobs requiring an associate degree by 2018, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ I t ’s a d i f f e r e n t k i n d o f opportunity,” Moyer said. ELAC student Raymond Madrid disagrees with the bill because of the increased fees. “It’s just not fair for those students that have to pay the fees out-ofpocket – that’s ridiculous,” Madrid said.
Bill Continued on page 3
ELAC Violence Intervention Team host film screening and discussion The ELAC Violence Intervention Team presents a film screening and discussion for “M is for Misogyny” on Thursday from 12:10 to 1:30 p.m.
area for the duration of the time. The administrators have the ability to lock down the campus remotely, but that system was only updated in the new renovated buildings on campus including E1, G1 and F7. The remote lockdown system would lock the buildings’ outside doors. A supervisor will lock down most older buildings, including the E7 Technology Center manually. The lockdown will restrict entry to the building from the outside, but allow people to exit.
Lockdown Continued on page 3
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Online Scoop
CN/BRIAN VILLALbA
Former East Los Angeles College student Cherry Lai claims her lost $300 on Monday. Lai lost $300 while walking in the P4 parking structure four months ago. Lai received her money from Deputy Ericc Roman, Deputy Francisco Velasco and Lieutenant Tony Osterman were witness to the exchange.
Puente Program searches for mentors
The Puente program is searching for mentors for the 201314 school year. The program will host a mixer to provide information about becoming a mentor. The mixer is in the G3 Foyer on Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
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Opinion
EASt LOS ANGELES cOLLEGE cAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, October 9, 2013
California passes extension program Alejandra Carrillo Staff Writer Community college students throughout the state are facing an issue involving a state-plan that allows two-year colleges to charge more for classes in highdemand during the summer and winter sessions If this bill is signed by Gov. Jerry Brown a pilot program will be created at six California schools that will be allowed to offer extension classes at a rate of $200 a unit beginning as early as Jan. 1 2014. Students will have to pay $200 a unit rather than the $46 that is being paid now. For some students balancing time and money between school, work and paying bills is hard enough. According to the Los Angeles Times, student trustee in the Long Beach Community College District, Andrea Donado, said “Long Beach City College has one of the largest
populations of poor students in the state.” Paying for classes as they are now adds an extra bill to students who
don’t receive financial aid which leads to students dropping out of community colleges. If community colleges start
CAMPUS VOICE:
charging like Cal States or UCs the population of students wanting to earn a higher education will decrease because their possibilities
of transferring are going to be less likely The L.A times said that Long Beach City College believe that this plan will help students move faster toward transfer and graduation. In reality, are officials really thinking about students being able to afford it? The reason why most students decide to attend a community college is so they can save money and $200 a unit for a three or four unit class means not saving any money at all. Students need to voice their opinions in an educated manner and be more aware of changes threatening their long-term goals with their education. One thing students can do is talk to their school officials. Students should come together as one so that the Los Angeles Community College District can open their eyes and realize that if this bill is put into effect would only hurt our education.
What do you think about tuition being increased to $200 per unit during the summer and winter semesters?
EDITORS IN CHIEF Erik Luna Lindsey Maeda MANAGING EDITOR Liliana Marquez ONLINE EDITOR Freddy Monares ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR Brian Villalba FRONT EDITOR Danny Vasquez OPINION EDITOR Luis Vasquez NEWS EDITOR Jesus Figueroa FEATURE EDITOR Liliana Marquez
ARTS EDITOR Sergio Berrueta SPORTS EDITOR Diego Linares PHOTO EDITOR Manny Miguel COPY EDITOR Augustine Ugalde VIDEO EDITORS JC Casarez Jesus Figueroa
“It’s ridiculous. It’s even more that it takes place in a low income area.”
Liz Gonzalez Business
“It’s a good idea. If tuition is high, students will take the class more serious.”
ShaoJin Wei Business
“Students don’t have that kind of money.”
Andrew Beltran Undecided
“It’s too expensive. You wouldn’t be able to afford to take a class.”
“Its bad. A lot of students work to make money for classes they will not afford.”
David Ybarra Music
Ilena Alimenti Journalism
Streaming websites help artists find recognition streaming sites, especially Pandora and Spotify. The fact that I’m able to listen to Remember when we would run thousands of tracks for free on my out to a record store to buy the phone/iPod is fantastic. Radiohead front man Thom Yorke hottest new music release. Well, forget about that. Now has publicly criticized Spotify. He we’re in a world of iPhones, laptops blames them for the decline of the music industry. and Androids. During a recent interview with We can now stream any album/ song that we want without leaving Mexico’s Sopitas.com, Yorke said in the comfort of our house and visiting a statement: “I feel like as musicians we need to fight the Spotify thing. an overcrowded store. Stop and ask yourself…”What’s I feel that in some ways what’s happening in the mainstream is the the last record I bought?”. To be honest, the last record that last gasp of the old industry.” It may seem as if I bought was Capital Spotify is killing the Cities “In A Tidal “Stop and music industry, but in Wave of Mystery”, reality it’s helping it. back in June. ask yourself, Yo u c a n s t r e a m The only reason what’s the music, discover new why I bought it was, last record I artists and create because it was on sale playlists, which you and the artwork is bought?” can share with friends. pretty awesome. We live in a world Most music fans in which music fans find it hard to head cannot afford to spend out to record stores $9.99 on an album that and buy a physical features only one great single. copy of their favorite CD. I certainly can’t afford it. Instead They instead turn to the next best thing, music sites. Some sites offer I pay Spotify the $10 a month and free music streaming (Pandora, stream an unlimited amount of Soundhound, Napster, Spotify, music and the best part is that I get Rdio) while others offer free to choose what I want to hear. Yorke is a phenomenal musician, downloads (Soundcloud and Last. fm) and of course there are illegal but to go and publicly criticize a music streaming site that helps music download sites. Pandora is an Internet based artists expand their audience is a bit childish. music streaming site. If he hates the streaming Most of us use the free version that includes commercials and site so much then he should go if you can afford it there’s the ahead and have them remove the commercial free version that costs entire Radiohead discography from streaming. $36 a year or $3.99 a month. In the end it’s up to us the music Spotify is a United Kingdom based internet streaming site. You fans to decide who we give our can stream songs for free, but for money to. I choose to give it to a site based $9.99 a month you can stream any in the UK that allows me to stream song/album you want. Many music industry insiders any album I want. Next time you’re at the record criticize music streaming sites, because they “hurt music sales” and store getting ready to purchase an cause record labels to lose money. album, stop and ask yourself “Is it I on the other hand love music really worth it?.” Ruben Perez Staff Writer
Students should consider their enrollment, think before dropping Diego Olivares Staff Writer For an East Los Angeles College student, dropping a class could be a bad choice. Yet, why do students do this during the semester? Many Students believe that dropping classes will not affect them in the long term. However, this is an irresponsible form of thought. When I started attending ELAC in the spring, I made the foolish mistake of enrolling in six classes. During that semester, it became so much that I dropped two of my classes. Of course, I didn’t give it too much thought when doing this. I should have been aware of this though. Now, I’m paying for this mistake as I have two W’s on my official transcript. This has made me become a lot more careful about enrollment and dropping classes. I’m a student on financial aid; and I was informed that if I were to get a D or W mark, I would be cut off. This is something that I have to deal with for the rest of my time at ELAC. Enrolling in those classes and dropping them without thought is a huge regret.
With this experience now in the back of my mind, it frustrates me to see students carelessly drop their classes. I keep thinking to myself; “Do these students realize they are slowly ruining their educational goals?” For some, they never give any thought about its after effects. When they do drop, why did they enroll in the class to begin with? I feel that some of these students are going to make the mistake as I did. However, there are ways to avoid this situation. For starters, students should really think about their class enrollment. They should only take courses that they know they could complete. Students who simply add classes for no reason often end up dropping them. In order for them to properly select their classes, they need to have an educational strategy. This could be done with an educational plan. They should discuss this with a counselor and check what classes best accommodate their educational goal . It would save them a lot of trouble, and even take stress off their shoulders. In addition, if a student receives
financial aid, they must discuss these matters with them. Students have to consider the consequences that could occur if they drop their classes. This needs to be done well before the beginning of every semester. During the enrollment process, students should also check on possible drop deadlines and the effect they have towards their transcript. They should know what the drop dates are and what the consequences will be. Also, students should not drop their classes even if they have a D as their grade. They should stay in the class and learn as much as possible. They will eventually have to retake the class. This way they can have a head start in the class and perform better. When a student enrolls in class, they should be 100 percent sure that they stay enrolled. Adding classes during the enrollment process is the best time to decide to keep them. If a student needs to drop, they should do at a proper time that won't affect them in the long run. Students should be conscious that space is limited, therefore their actions affects other students enrollment.
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CARTOONIST Bryan Pedroza Anthony Tran STAFF Carlos Alvarez, Alejandra Carrillo, Micole Guevara, William Hernandez, Yesenia Martinez, Diego Olivares, Laura Parral, Ruben Perez, Ricardo Pimienta, David Rios, Evelyn Sanchez, Karina Soto, Elide Valdez PODCAST Sergio Berrueta Jesus Figueroa ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Augustine Ugalde ADVISER Jean Stapleton Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues. Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the proper ty of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 250 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. A n o ny m o u s l e t te r s w i l l n o t be printed. Writer s 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, of fered 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. PRINTING BY NEWS PUBLISHERS PRESS
News
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2013
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Batman, Superman step onto the field Danny Vasquez Staff Writer Warner Bros. Pictures new untitled Superman/Batman project comes to film at East Los Angeles College Weingart stadium during halftime of the Oct. 19 Husky football game. Zack Snyder who directed films such as this past summer’s blockbuster “Man of Steel,” and other movies like “300,” “Watchmen” and “Sucker Punch,” directs the upcoming film. ELAC and Victor Valley College will kickoff the game at 6:30 p.m. At halftime, the stadium will transform into Gotham City University home stadium. Warner Bros. Pictures announced through a press release that Snyder and producers of the film are looking for people in the Los Angeles area, preferably ELAC students, to be extras for the upcoming film. The stadium will be made into the backdrop for a football game between Gotham City University and rival Metropolis State University. The first 2,000 people who sit in the filming area of the stadium will receive T-shirts designed by Snyder for those participating in the filming and prizes will be raffled throughout the night. The crowd will sport Gotham Citys colors, black and gold. The film will shoot three takes of three plays during halftime. The crew will be capturing the actors and crowd’s reactions. ELAC’s College event and Venue Coordinator, Ernest Burnett, said that the filming will be about 20 minutes during halftime. The second half of ELAC’s game will follow the film shoot. Snyder decided to use ELAC’s stadium to support ELAC and the community. “They could have done this on a night when we didn’t have a home game. They wanted to support the school,” Burnett said. ELAC has approached the feature film industry to gain revenue for the college. Features films want to use ELAC because it’s a film friendly school. “Our visibility among the film community is higher than a lot of schools and I have to give a lot of credit. The experiences of the people that have come and shot here are very good. Because students know the deal now, like they notice the production truck and then move on to class, it’s more common,” Burnett said. “Feature films don’t usually use community college campuses, because feature films’ schedules change and we can’t accommodate. But we want their business because they come for weeks not just a day. We want to make a lot of money over a small smaller amount of time,” Burnett said. “It’s also a big opportunity for us (ELAC), and to cheer on our Huskies. Victor Valley is not a bad team,” Burnett said.
Bill: AB-955 causes concern Continued from page 1
CN/EVELYN SANCHEZ
marching for awareness—Members of the community, students and victims march down Avenida Cesar Chavez in support of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, last Thursday.
Domestic violence vigil unites community Evenyn Sanchez Staff Writer Hundreds of students, domestic violence victims and member of the community walked down Avenida Cesar Chavez last Thursday while chanting on behalf of those who were victims of Domestic violence. With October being National Domestic Violence Awareness month, the East Los Angeles Women’s Center presented its Mujeres de Paz 16th annual vigil. This was the third year the program collaborated with East Los Angeles College. Every nine seconds in the United states a woman is either assaulted or beaten. Domestic violence or interpersonal violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship by one partner, with
the intent of gaining or maintaining power and control over another person as stated by ELAWC. The ELAWC has designated an area for victims of domestic violence to receive counseling, HIV services and parenting services. “It has been 16 years and the program started very small,” ELAWC Sexual Assault Program Director Sonia Rivera said, “But now, if you look around there are families, kids and a lot of male participants.” “Actually this is the first year we see the ELAC football team and that brings a lot of hope,” Rivera said. ELAC Football player Jose Giyen said “I don’t support domestic violence. I support this event because I don’t agree with domestic violence and I do not think women should go through being beat or hurt.” Once a year ELAWC collaborates
with ELAC students to produce the ceremony. The evening began with a march with people holding signs which read “Violence is not the way” and people shouting “no more violence.” The walk ended at ELAC’s courtyard where the majority of the event was held. “The marching is powerful, but I think the most powerful part is at ELAC when they (Victims) give the testimonies,” ELAWC’s Development Associate Stephanie Mesones said. The ceremony began with a powerful introduction speech given by ELAWC Executive Director Barbara Kappos emphasizing that violence within a household is never okay. There was also an emphasis on the fact that help is always available. Whether it is through the women’s
shelter or through local schools within their women’s department. ELAC’S “Let’s Dance Company” performed and choreographed routine with Aztec performers dancing a prayer ritual followed by a flower ceremony. The prayer ritual consisted of forming a large circle around the quad. Everyone at the ceremony then followed the dance step-bystep as instructed by the Aztec dancers. ELAWC’s participation with ELAC wouldn’t be possible without the help from former ELAC Health science Instructor Marilyn Ladd. On the board of directors for the women’s center for 10 years, Ladd was able to transition the ELAWC annual event to cooperate with ELAC. Because of the transition, this is the third year that ELAC has participated in the walk and candlelight vigil.
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He also said he would consider paying a higher fee, if that fee was within reason. “I understand the situation and would be willing to pay $75 max, but $200 is gouging students,” Madrid said. Student Alma Cardenas returned to school to get a better education so that she could improve her chances of getting a better job. She said many people have returned to college because of the recession and are either unemployed, or underemployed. “I see a lot of older adults in my classes who are not working, or are working part-time. If they want to charge $200, it makes me want to stop. It’s almost hopeless,” Cardenas said. Cardenas is well aware of the difficulties associated with trying to add math classes at ELAC.
She tried adding three math classes this semester, but ended up taking the class at Los Angeles City College after a friend told her of an opening there. One of the stipulations of the bill is that one-third of the revenue raised through extension courses must be set-aside for financial aid purposes. “I know full well that many students cannot afford the higher fees. It’s a different kind of opportunity,” Moyer said. He said the Cal State Universities and the UCs have had extension programs in place for years. The chancellor’s office reported in a Sept. 11 press release that after years of declining enrollment due to budget cuts, colleges are making progress in restoring section offerings. Much of this progress is due Proposition 30 passing, which infused the state with much-needed funding this year.
Lockdown: Drill
test new procedures Continued from page 1 Because of the lockdown procedures, older buildings are getting updated, but these updates have yet to be completed for the drill. The lockdown drill is being held in response to the Santa Monica College shooting and the increase in school shootings across the country. “There has been a big increase in active shooter incidents,” Velasco said. The procedures and instruction were assembled by the Sheriff Department and the Department of Homeland Security. The procedures to follow in case of an active shooter on campus are to stay calm and follow instructions of faculty staff and law enforcement. If possible, exit the building or
area through the safest route away from the threat. If it is not possible to get to safety, then everyone is instructed to find a safe room, lock the doors, shut off the lights, move to a safe area of the room, and turn mobile devices to silent. If the door cannot be locked, barricade the doors by any means possible. In the case of the Santa Monica active shooter, the shooter tried to gain entry to a classroom by impersonating an officer. “He (gunman) said ‘this is the police, open the door,’ just before he was taken down by the authorities,” Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Ernest Burnett said. Burnett is also the College Event and Venue Coordinator. To sign up for the emergency alert go to elac.edu/collegeservices/ alertme//.
Feature
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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2013
Garage shop sponsors SK8 4 Educate Sergio Berrueta Staff Writer The Garage Board Shop and Lounge’s SK8 4 Educate” program has been a part of the shop since 2009 bringing a beacon of hope for inner city skaters that want more than what they have now. The shop was founded by Jerry Carrera and his son Christian with the idea of being a safe haven for the skating youth in the community, as well as to allow their freedom of expression in art, music and dance. In 2009, Jerry and Maria Ramblaz started to run the garage to be more involved in the community, which lead to the beginning of the SK8 4 Educate program. “Skaters were my high risk kids. These kids come from broken homes and family problems. “We have a lot of skaters in East LA. You would think it would be Venice Beach or Huntington Beach, but they come from the inner city,” Jerry Carrera said. Many of the skaters who come to the garage are part of the shop’s skate team, which was ranked No. 1 for 18 months and is still undefeated in the Southern California region and the California Amateur Skateboard League (CASL). Carrera combined CASL with SK8 4 Educate in order to create The Garage Board Shop and Lounge Scholarship Program along with the On Deck Fundraising Program. “We work the inner city to raise $36,000 to keep these kids on deck, but if we are going to keep them on deck, we have to keep them on grades,” Carrera said. Carrera started to work with different companies to help sponsor the organizations from McKenna to Wal-Mart to raise $67,000 for the scholarship program. Carrera is introducing his program to 21 skate parks in Southern California to help spread the word.
CN/JESUS FIGUEROA
Motivated—Skateboards and skating accessories, designed by the youth of East Los Angeles, on display and for sale at the Garage Board Shop and Lounge on Atlantic Blvd. to raise money for the skating community which visit the shop. He saw this as an incentive to get skaters to not only get educated and to be a part of the team, but to broaden their outlook beyond the concept of skating as any coach on a sports team would do. “It’s a leverage. It is like ‘if you do good, I am going to let you play this week. If you don’t do good, I am not going to let you play this week,” Carrera said. Skaters, who range from ages 12 to 20, have the opportunity to succeed in their educational life while going to the shop. Carrera also delivers the tools to help them express themselves through art or music and teaching the value of a dollar. Carrera said that the first thing he does is give the kid a tool before he gives them a dollar.
n A T I O n A L
“It is amazing the things they create from t-shirts to the boards. Whether it’s skateboarding or art, I will give you a tool, but not a dollar. “I will show you how to get the dollar. I rather let them keep the money they make and continue on their dream than have them on the streets drinking and smoking weed,” Carrera said. Despite its small size, the shop has a silk-screening studio, a recording studio, a DJ room and dance studio with multimedia in the works. The members of the SK8 4 Educate have created everything in it. The unique artwork and displays make the shop itself a marvel to behold. Thirteen year-old Eric Diaz appreciates the creative aspect and
u n I V e R s I T Y
what it has done to benefit him. “I had a lot of trouble with homework. I came here for skating, but the more I stayed here, I discovered what they had. “Many people ask me ‘Why do you come here. It’s lame,’ but I tell them they just haven’t given it a chance,” Diaz said. Diaz has his own in-house clothing line called “Los Angelitos” created in the shop, via a silkscreening machine. “I got a good inventory with a clothing line and learning how to have a little business. I told Jerry I had a job and he said I should invest, so I got $400 in a week and now I have about $4000 and $5000 in merch (merchandise),” Diaz said. Mentor and ELAC student Sara Alvarez has been under Carrera’s
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CN/JESUS FIGUEROA
Young talent—Eric Diaz, known as “Cholo” at the Garage Board Shop, works on one of his latest prints for shirts sold at the shop to support the Sk8 4 Educate program.
wing since 2011 after coming in only to buy art supplies. Alvarez said that once she started talking to Carrera, he told her there were some volunteering opportunities at the shop. Alavarez started volunteering everyday to help kids with their homework. She prepares the kids for the next step in SK8 4 Educate like those she tutored when they were 10 and are now heading into high school. “I tell them ‘here are the classes you should take’ to prepare them
for college and get their A-G requirements so they do not waste time. I am like their counselor as well,” Alvarez said. The shop’s door is open to the inner-city skaters and kids to express themselves and give them an opportunity no one else can give. “I give them that push and incentive to be more than just a skater and become a better person,” Carrera said. The shop is located on 759 S. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90022.
Arts
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2013
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Guest artists delight in special recital Sergio Berrueta Staff Writer
CN/Danny Vasquez
Jamming out—Patrice Rushen on piano, left, and Edwin Livingston on bass displayed a raw-gut-busting emotion playing the blues portion of the concert. The Rushen Trio shared a mixture of styles from modern jazz to emotional meaningful blues. The trio kicked off the First Friday Jazz Series in the S2 Recital Hall last Friday.
Trio brings pure jazz sounds back to ELAC Danny Vasquez Staff Writer With a passionate and soothing sound, the Patrice Rushen Trio took the stage at the First Friday Jazz Concert in the S2 Recital Hall last Friday. Throughout the night, the trio went through the history of jazz, expressing the beauty and raw-gutbusting emotion of all jazz styles to the audience. Rushen lead the trio with her quick hands on the piano and her ability to show emotion, passion and drive in her music. Right beside Rushen, Edwin Livingston expressed the deep emotion while playing the upright bass with Ralph Penland, who dominated the drums. Kicking off the concert, the trio played the modern stylings of jazz from Thelonious Monk. The song began the concert with Livingston taking the lead on the bass. The number was soothing and
relaxing, but it also consisted of life and joy from the piano and drums. The trio had a great ability of changing the atmosphere and the mood in the recital hall and some songs had a somber or lively sound. They shared a mixture of all styles of jazz from modern jazz to the blues. In the second song, the group performed ‘All Blues’ by Miles Davis. The number started off slow and continued to raise in tempo. The song captured a somber sound and slowly picked up in pace and became a great song to tap your foot to. During the song, Rushen’s fingers were dancing the piano keys as she hits every note in the song. The song was constantly changing pace until the piano slowly faded and left a duet between the bass and the drums. Livingston showed intensity while playing, as he was closing his eyes and throwing his heart onto the stage. In another song, “In a Sentimental
Mood” by Duke Ellington, he showed a vulnerability and peacefulness to the trio. The mood of the song was emotional and the mixture of the piano, bass and drum helped make a hopeful tone to the piece. It felt light and had a consistent slow pace. Changing up the tempo, the trio continued with a more playful number called ‘Five-Miles High’ by Armando “Chick” Corea. The song showed off the trio’s diversity and explored a more upbeat sound in comparison to their set list. The song had all instruments playing at rapid pace and had a sort of groove to it. The song sounded happy, loud and had an uplifting mood. It was one of the songs that could make people stand up, dance and have a good time. The trio not only played music from other artists, but played a few of their own original songs. One the songs that was fantastic was a song called ‘Troopers.’ The song resembled a cool jazz
sound and was soft in the beginning and changed in pace and became fast. Rushen looked to be in her element and entertained the audience with her great technical skills on the piano. Instead of playing just one song, the trio took a journey to the Blues era. They performed two different parts of blues, the gut-bucket blues and drums solo that got the audience riled up. Rushen and Livingston poured their heart on the stage. The crowd was screaming with contentment and it told a story that captured the era of the blues. Penland’s drums were amazing and each beat expressed a different emotion. He played with passion and a smile on his face. The concert told a story of the past without even saying a word. The music showed a great balance of passion and emotion and uplifting tempo. The Wire Choir will continue the First Friday Jazz series on Nov. 1.
Violinist Darin Qualls and pianist Chie Nagatani excited the audience of East Los Angeles College in the S2 Recital Hall last Tuesday playing classical standards. Qualls is a soloist and chamber musician who has performed throughout Europe and Asia as well as The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic and the New World Symphony. Nagatani is an award-winning soloist and performed throughout the United States, Canada, Japan and Europe collaboarating as a pianist with a wide variety of musicians. In this duo performance, Qualls and Nagatani presented a suite and two sonatas for the music fans in the audience. Starting off with Igor Stravinsky classic ‘Suite Italienne,’ Qualls delighted with the sweet and breezy sounds of his violins against the cheery chords of Nagatani’s piano in the ‘Introduzione’ section of the piece. As the suite continues, the music grows somber in ‘Gravota con due Variazioni’ section as the tempo gives way to Qualls and the violin played at a slow pace entering into a dazzling crescendo to raise the suite back into a happier tone. Nagatani’s piano work shone as well constructing a fluid ascend into the delightful tone represented in the beginning. The violin and piano delivered a manic and crazed atmosphere heading into ‘Scherizo’ with Qualls’ violin along with Nagatani raising the mania on the piano with the chords rising in volume. In the end of the suite with the somber tone back as the piano trickled away under Qualls’ violin rising above, the suite comes to a dramatic and intense end. Qualls and Nagatani take a bow and proceed on with Gabriel Faure’s
‘Sonata No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 108’ starting with a calm and collective performance of ‘Allegro no troppo’ with Nagatani’s piano stealing the show by setting a chilling mood to the piece. Qualls’ violin played away with a determined yet broken tone as it cries along Nagatani. Qualls gave his all into his performance with a look of focus each note was hit with expert precision. Heading into ‘Andante,’ the sober tone of the sonata continues on with Qualls’ violin delivering a gutwrenching blow of solace. Nagatani’s piano work shined as it weaved in and out giving a bleak backdrop. ‘Final’ ends the sonata as Qualls continued to let his violin cry out with Nagatani’s piano bringing on the soothing ‘calm after the storm’ near the end of the sonata. The final piece of the performance is Maurice Ravel’s ‘Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Minor.’ It gives both artist time in the spotlight to shine with Qualls delivered a magnificent performance on ‘Allegretto.’ Nagatani’s piano’s small spurts of notes comes into set a dark and eerie tone giving the heartfelt longing of the violin’s tone into one of despair. ‘Blues: Moderato’ carries the same structure and pace into ‘Perpetuum mobile: Allegro’. The dramatics built with the violin raged on never skipping a note in a fast-paced race of crescendo with Nagatani racing behind to catch up building to a thrilling and compelling climax Qualls delivered an assualt of notes that never seemed to stop as Nagatani tried to break from the violin’s swells. The performances were a delight bringing an exciting and thrilling experience to a close. Qualls and Nagatani ended the performance by taking a final bow for a one-minute standing ovation.
Local cafe celebrates voices at open mic Ricardo Pimenta Staff Writer Café and Crepes is a delectable little eatery tucked away on Caesar Chavez Avenue. A beautifully vintage two-story Spanish bungalow with wooden floors and ceiling fans, it has a cozy feel is only enhanced by its many open windows that allow a cool breeze in. Before even entering the bistro, the smell of their ham and cheese crepe will call to the senses. Diners can enjoy sipping on a warm coffee served in what seems like a bowl for a cup while enjoying the sounds from the open mic night that is held every other Friday. The sounds of applause can be heard from the second floor as artist David Jesus Ybarra strums his guitar holding the last note of his song “Black Roses.” Artists of every spectrum can unleash their gift unto the world via this stage on the second floor of Café and Crepes. Armando Flores Jr, Beatriz Magaña and Ybarra are the driving force behind this artistic outlet of the masses. Being ELAC students with experience in both music and the performing arts, all of whom have a respect for the art, are mirrored by their dedication to their cause. Jose Vasquez first brought up the idea of this project. After Vasquez left, Ybarra and Magaña continued on with the open mic nights. Sometime after Armando appeared, taking great caution and pride for his instruments he continued to offer his contribution and sets them up for each show. Their mission statement is “Providing a venue for anyone to
show their art.” The owner of the bistro is Victoria Chavez who often hosts art exhibits at her restaurant; she agreed to let them host the repetitive event whenever possible. All three of the hosts have a piece of work to share. A gripping alternative rap piece called “Dear Hera” by Armando can keep an audience silent, hanging on what follows next. Poets include Magaña, who remained calmed and took a few breaths before delving into her emotions and reading her poem before jumping into a cover by Nat King Cole. Newcomers Josue Fraticelli and Dylinn Nelson had the room at a standstill with Fraticelli reciting a powerful poem and Nelson narrating a remarkable short story. Though some acts were not as talented or touching as others, the power and support this open mic group has is unwavering. Every act is enjoyed and given support, practice makes perfect. Among each other, there is an unspoken acceptance of all art over all levels. Be it someone barely taking interest into spoken word in front of their first audience, or covering a song from their favorite artist until they got it down. There is no shortage of applause, and help all along the way. The open mic night has a variety of acts like harmonica with blue/jazz feel, to short stories taking shape and form for the first time. Café & Crepes located at 4545 E Cesar E Chavez Ave Los Angeles, CA 90022. The next open mic night event will be held on October 18th.
COurtesy of Regency EnterTainment
An Unlikely Pair— College student Richie Furst, portrayed by Justin Timberlake, and online poker giant Ivan Block, portrayed by Ben Affleck, form an uneasy alliance.
‘Runner, Runner’ bores audience Diego Olivares Staff Writer
“Runner, Runner” is one of the most boring movie-going experiences audiences will experience in quite a long time. A college student named Richie, played by Justin Timberlake, loses his money on an online poker game website. Feeling cheated and ripped off, he decides to travel to Costa Rica and confront the wealthy head of the website, Ivan Block, played by Ben Affleck. Driven by the wealth and power under Block’s control, Richie is slowly pulled into this life. That is until the F.B.I. becomes interested and Block slowly reveals his true self, putting Richie’s life in danger. For starters, the movie’s running
time is 91 minutes, yet it flet like it went on longer than that. When a movie starts to make the viewer worried more about the time than what’s happening on screen, then something’s wrong. Much of the bore is due to a poor, underdeveloped screenplay. What sounds like an entertaining premise is let down by a heavy use of cliches, stock characters, and an uninteresting storyline. At times, watching the movie, there was not a care about anything that was happening to the characters. The movie felt like it was only part of a bigger movie. Maybe if they developed it more, it could have been better. If only the story focused on the characters rather than tired archetypes seen in previous features. The film deals with the subject of illegal gambling, yet it doesn’t really examine it at all.
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The storyline itself is a very familiar one; an ambitious young man is taken under the wing of a charismatic, yet shady guy with sinister intentions. There are ways to take a cliché and make it feel flesh, but the movie never does that. It doesn’t make any attempts to try or take a risk. Another element that brings the film down is the waste of the cast with poor dialogue and very little material to work with. Justin Timberlake brings a slick charm, but at times, it is hard to picture him as a college student. Gemma Arterton is given little screen time, making her character a one-note love interest. Anthony Mackie, who plays the F.B.I. agent, is able to give a fine performance, though he is stuck playing a by-the-basics character and not at fault.
Ben Affleck gives an entertaining performance, and at times made the film watchable, though the direction should have given him more to work with. On a visual and technical level, the film is shot nice and slick. It fits the tone that the story is trying to convey. “Runner, Runner” is a waste of a film and a cinematic blunder. If it wasn’t filled with a clichéd storyline, stock characters, and an underdeveloped plot, the movie could have been at best an engaging thriller. Unfortunately, the film relies on the old cliches that most Hollywood thrillers tend to stray away from. “Runner, Runner” is another runof-the-mill thrill ride that is best left to direct-to-video features on Netflix or Redbox. “Runner, Runner” is rated R for language and some sexual content.
6
SPORTS
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2013
Volleyball loses due to communication breakdown as in the third set when Mt. SAC capitalized on four consecutive serve-receiving errors. Walker called for an audible in Facing a tough road challenge, the Huskies blocking defense, but the East Los Angeles College the players misinterpreted it for a women’s volleyball team fell different scheme. to Mt. San Antonio College last “The confusion related to a Friday in three sets. blocking scheme that they were Friday night also marked the familiar with but related it to a first conference game backrow attack. Now of the season for the I realize that we have Huskies who fell to to communicate 1-8. “Now I realize more efficiently and “Despite the tough that we have to practice things more loss, I’m proud at regularly in our how the ladies played communicate repertoire,” Walker tonight. They really more efficiently said. stuck to the game plan The third set and practice coming in, showed played out to be the determination and worst period of the things more played calmly,” said game for ELAC. ELAC Head Coach regularly in our C o m m u n i c a t i o n Elliott Walker after the broke down repertoire.” game. for the Huskies The Huskies will try making them more and bounce back from Elliot vulnerable for Walker this loss as they take on mishaps in the final ELAC Head Cerritos College at the set. Coach Women’s gym today at “When we start 6 p.m. making mistakes, Though the Huskies lost in three we lose communication straight sets with scores of 25-19, because we tend to get down on 25-21 and 25-16, they played ourselves. That’s what hurts us with a controlled temperance and the most is when we get close, never let the game get too out of we lose communication and hand. instead we need to keep up our In the beginning set and second communication and energy so we set the action went back and forth can finish off strong and put away between Mt. SAC and ELAC, our opponents,” said ELAC setter but it was in the latter portion of Nissa Gamez. those sets that Mt. SAC got the The Huskies remain optimistic best of ELAC. despite the cold welcome to the Playing with momentum, the regular season. Huskies took an 18-16 lead in the “It’s still early in the season, second set. Mt. SAC then pulled so we can’t get too down on away with the set outscoring the loss. It wasn’t that tough of ELAC 9-3 on the next 12-points a loss, since it was over early, off of savvy tips and rejecting but we can easily rebound from blocks. this by continuing to work hard However, what proved to be at practice for the next game,” costly for the Huskies were the said ELAC outside hitter Jessica repeated failures on defense, such Castillo. William Hernandez Staff Writer
CN/Lindsey Maeda
keep away— ELAC’s Justina Sandoval, left, gains ball possession and struggles to move past Mt. SAC’s Stephanie Catone and Lauren Orosco during yesterday’s game at Weingart Stadium.
Goalie red-carded in Husky loss Erik Luna Staff Writer
The Huskies women’s soccer team was left at a disadvantage when their goalkeeper Briana Aguila was tagged with a red card during the second half of yesterday’s 3-2 loss to Mt. San Antonio College. At the beginning of the second half, Aguila, being the last defender, stepped out of the penalty box and handled the ball – causing the referees to give her the red card. “It takes a lot of courage for the referees to call something like that – those are the rules and a lot of people wouldn’t want to take that heat,” head coach for the
Mounties Melinda Bowen said. “It’s unfortunate because the kid is a good athlete.” Aguila was ejected from the game and freshman Bobbie Perez was called in to replace her. The Huskies were left with a 10-person-team. “This game could have gone any way,” Bowen said. “At the end of the game, it’s hard to play with 10 (people) and we just had that little advantage. It was more about the numbers – they scored a goal on us with 10, which should never happen.” During the first half, Husky freshman Gladis Reyes took control of the ball and scored to tie the score at 1–1. According to Head Coach Tessa Troglia, her team wasn’t capitalizing
on the opportunities during the first half. “In the first half, we had chance after chance after chance and we couldn’t finish – that just hurts us,” Troglia said. At the top of the second half the Mounties led 3–1 as Stephanie Catone, Samantha Orodpour and Samantha Cabrera, scored goals for their team. At the 9:20 mark of the second half, Husky Sophomore Tabitha Valdez was awarded a penalty kick and brought the game’s final score to 3–2. “I (knew) I had to score this goal to get us back into the game,” Valdez said. “We’re a very offensive minded team, so we have to focus on becoming a defensive minded team as well.”
According to Bowen, the Mounties were taking a myriad of risks throughout the second half. “We let them back in the game, which we shouldn’t be doing,” Bowen said. “We took risks. We can’t be doing that. We defend as a team and we attack as a team, instead of putting the ball in the middle and passing it back in a dangerous area.” This loss brings the Huskies to a South Coast Conference record of 0–2–1 and their overall record stands at 4–5–1. The Mounties have won all their conference games so far and have brought their overall record to 6–1–2. The Huskies will travel to Cerritos College on Friday to face the Falcons at 4 p.m.
Wrestling East Los Angeles College finished the Santa Ana Community College Wrestling Tournament in 15th and 21st place with two squads scoring 35.5 and 20 points respectively. Hugo Perez was the only wrestler from the two Husky squads to place top-four in any weight class. Perez placed fourth in the 125 pound class as he defeated five athletes including teammate Davit Hovhannisyan. ELAC will take to the road as they compete in the Rio Hondo Dual Meet held at Rio Hondo College today at 7 p.m.
Water Polo ELAC traveled to San Diego Mesa College to compete in their Water Polo Classic Tournament over the weekend. Irene Young highlighted the Huskies play as she scored seven points in total on Friday in losses to Sierra College (19-7), San Diego Mesa College (15-3) and LA Trade Tech (18-10). In Saturday’s lone match the Huskies fell to San Diego Miramar College 13-7. Cerritos College will host the Huskies today at 5:15 p.m.
Football The Huskies offense failed to get on track as they gained 135 yards to Southwestern College’s 295 last Saturday in a 35-10 loss. ELAC’s running game struggled as they totaled -7 yards throughout the game. Husky Head Coach Steve Mojarro will have extra time to prepare his team as they have an upcoming bye week. ELAC will host Victor Valley College at Weingart Stadium on Satruday Oct. 19, at 6 p.m.
Corrections In last week’s paper volleyball was inserted under the water polo section incorrectly. The water polo team traveled and lost to Mt. San Antonio College.
CN/Lindsey maeda
rundown— Flying down the field, ELAC’s Cristian Aguilar, left, starts a counterattack move while Mt. SAC’s Mykal Riley tries to regain ball possession, yesterday at Weingart Stadium.
Men’s soccer falls to state champions Liliana Marquez Staff Writer The state and South Coast Conference men’s soccer defending champions, Mt. San Antonio College condemned East Los Angeles College to a 6-1 defeat yesterday at Weingart Stadium. ELAC’s Jose Garcia-Aranda and Mt. SAC’s Xavier Corona were sent off during the game. As a result, Husky Garcia-Aranda will miss Friday’s game. Garcia-Aranda left the field when the referee showed him a direct red card after a foul he committed against Mt. SAC, which resulted in a free kick awarded to the Mounties. ELAC will host Cerritos College this Friday at 6 p.m. in hopes of coming out with a second
conference play victory. Juan Ortega’s opener put Mt. SAC in the lead 15 minutes before halftime. A goal by teammate Alex Piceno and braces by Armando Ochoa and Luis Arellano completed Mt. SAC’s victory during the second half. The Mounties scored two goals back-to-back at the beginning of the second half to make the score 3-0. The Huskies had a chance to minimize the difference when they were awarded a penalty kick during minute 63, after the Mounties committed a foul inside the penalty area. Amaury Ruelas took advantage of this and scored the consolation goal for the Huskies, who struggled to retain a foothold in the game.
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ELAC’s goalkeeper Salvador Falcon was back in action after missing last week’s game against Pasadena City College due to a shoulder contusion. Falcon prevented the Mounties from scoring most of the first half, until Ortega’s goal. Despite having chances to turn the score around, ELAC was left with its second SCC loss. The Mounties, who achieved their fourth consecutive state and conference championships last season, suffered a 4-2 defeat last week against El Camino College. Their Head Coach Juan Sanchez, 2012 SCC All-Sports Coach of the Year, said that it was good for the team to score a win after their loss to El Camino. “We were able to finish the opportunities we had, but Against
El Camino, even though we lost the game and there are no excuses, we didn’t finish our opportunities. That was the difference today,” Sanchez said. Sanchez also said that he hopes that yesterday’s result would help the Mounties for Friday’s game against Long Beach City College. This result brings ELAC’s SCC record down to 1-2 after yesterday’s loss and a 3-0 loss to PCC last week. ELAC Head Coach Eddie Flores said that the problem with ELAC was that they had chances to score, but were not able to capitalize. Flores also said that they will talk to the players and that in a positive note, ELAC is 1-2 in conference play, so they still have a lot of games to play and to recover from yesterday’s loss.