NEWS
SPECIAL
ELAC hosted the 81 annual East Los Angeles classic. See page 3
Volume 73, Issue 8
ARTS
Students celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with altars and traditional dances.
Muralist Råul Anguiano’s artwork celebrated.
See page 4
See page 5
Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
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üüü
Former Elan arrested for domestic battery BY BRYCE RONQUILLO
ELAC works on accreditation BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer The fourth draft of East Los Angeles College’s self-evaluation summary is due Dec. 9 as part of an accreditation process ending in spring 2016. Representatives of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) will visit ELAC in to finalize the evaluation. There are four main standards that ELAC needs to meet. It must have a clear mission statement, ensure academic quality, institutional effectiveness and integrity. It must have effective student learning programs and support services. Its resources must be well organized. It must also have a well organized and involved leadership and governance. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that institutions of higher education provide students with an education that meets acceptable levels of quality according to the United States Department of Education. Accreditation is handled by private educational associations. The Secretary of Education is required by law to publish a list of nationally recognized agencies. Agencies must apply for recognition through the Department of Education and must be reviewed by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity. The summary is more than 300 pages long and the four main standards consist of 120 standards. ELAC received a warning in 2009. However, it was fully accredited in June 2010. The accreditation process is repeated every six years. This is a significant reference point in the current summary. Faculty Accreditation Chair Barbara Dunsheath said that SLOs are a challenge, because they are “hard to measure.” The SLO process is meant to increase student success through the improvement of basic skills classes, general education and transfer programs. Course Learning Outcomes are a part of the SLO process, and 98.6 percent of full time staff participated in a CLO assessment in the spring. The ACCJC requires schools to break
down and analyze data on its performance and progress. During an open meeting on Thursday, a faculty member expressed his concern with this requirement. He said some are concerned that they will be singled out during analysis. Dunsheath assured him that the analysis and surveys conducted during this process are meant to identify departments that need improvement and student subgroups struggling to perform. Based on data collected by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Advancement, Latinas have been identified as taking longer to transfer to a four-year university than other subgroups. In response, the ELAC Equity formed the Latina Completion and transfer academy. Entry-level math was identified as a significant obstacle for a large number of students. Dunsheath and Dean of Academic Affairs Carol Kozeracki explained that if students place higher in mathematics, they are more likely to succeed in college. They explained that a large number of students are signing up for classes and not gaining any credits. “We need to study students’ high school backgrounds. We must better prepare students for the assessment test,” Kozeracki said. A page highlighting some of ELAC’s successes will be included in the draft. “It’s like brag sheet,” Dunsheath said. Submissions include the Architecture Department’s participation in the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Design Village Competition. Los Angeles College Faculty Guild President Joanne Waddell sent out an email saying ACCJC “has failed to meet expectations. It no longer meets the needs of the California Community College (CCC) system.” She recommends investigating options for establishing a new model for accreditation. She recommends presenting a recommendation of action to the Board of Governors by spring 2016. This won’t affect the current accreditation process. All nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District will be visited by the ACCJC within a few weeks of each other, and must continue to meet the standards it sets.
ACCREDITED • Confirms institution has met educational standards • Students have access to federal, and sometimes state, financial aid • Assists with going into a profession • Degree holds value
UNACCREDITED • Quality of education is questionable • No financial aid eligibility • Unable to transfer credits to another college or university • Degree holds no value to other institutions or employers
Staff Writer Former East Los Angeles College and current University of Miami defensive tackle, Michael Wyche, was arrested last Wednesday by South Miami Police on charges of misdemeanor domestic battery. Wyche, a redshirt senior for the Hurricanes, is suspended indefinitely from the team and awaiting trial. He has a hearing scheduled for Nov. 18, and is facing a maximum of one year in jail if convicted. This incident occurred on Wyche’s 23rd birthday. An article written by Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post states that Wyche was arrested at 4:50 a.m. after an argument with his girlfriend of five years Michael turned violent. According to the police, the argument was over sleeping arrangements. His girlfriend told police that she was pushed against the wall by Wyche and thrown on the bed multiple times. Her clothing was torn and she was treated for minor injuries on the scene. The two have a young daughter. It is unknown whether the child was present during the altercation. Wyche was a three star recruit according to 247sports.com and played at ELAC during the 2013 season. He recorded 26 tackles, four sacks, five tackles for loss and one interception as a sophomore. Former ELAC head coach and current offensive line coach at EL Camino College Compton Center,Steve Majarro said he was very surprised to hear about this because of Wyche’s personality. “Michael was nothing but a great kid while he was here (ELAC). He was always so happy. He would do community service with
us (football team) and acted as a father figure with the kids,” said Majarro. Wyche did not have a consistent home growing up and was involved with drugs and street life as well. “Michael had every right to be a bad kid because of his rough upbringing, but he wasn’t. He came to ELAC, got his degree and transferred to a great football program that typically doesn’t take players with a bad background. That’s why I’m so surprised to hear this news,” Majarro said. Wy c h e h a s played in games this season and has yet to record any statistics. He has spent a majority of his time on the practice squad. H e h a d originally committed to the University of Southern California, but Wyche after head coach Lane Kiffin was fired midway t h r o u g h t h e s e a s o n , Wy c h e committed to UM. In an unpublished interview with Campus News, Wyche explained his decision to decommit from USC. “I think it (UM) is a better situation for me,” Wyche said. “I would go in as a veteran, which means I could be helping others. It is also close to my family.” Wyche also held full-ride scholarships from Arkansas State University, Troy University, Oregon State University and Washington State University. According to Majarro, Wyche was considering going to University of Louisville as well because it was very close to his girlfriend and daughter. Wy c h e i s o r i g i n a l l y f r o m Chesapeake, Virginia where he attended Oscar Smith High School. Before coming to ELAC, he attended College of the Canyons and Mt. San Antonio College.
ASU officers delegate budgets, plan for future events BY STEPHANIE GARIBAY Staff Writer Associated Students Union officers held a meeting to discuss funding requests, the food giveaway for ASU students and to charter in clubs. The transfer center made a funding request for its Transfer Student Success Conference being held on friday. The Transfer Student Success Conference is a one-day student preparation event for students interested in university transfer. The event will include workshops for students that can help them with their personal statement and their transfer applications. “When you’re sitting in front of
News Briefs
the application, it’s hectic, you’re nervous, but the Transfer Center makes it really easy. I had a low GPA and they made the process so much easier for me,” Paola Herrera, a representative for the Transfer Center said. Last year 150 students attended, and 327 students attended last semester. This year, an estimated 350 students will attend. “I’m really hoping ASU can support us not only in some of the funding, but by being involved and collaborating with us because I look at ASU as a mechanism to help students get motivated,” Maunel Haro, a representative for the Transfer Center said. The Transfer Center originally asked for $4,886, but settled for
$2,428 at the Budgetary Affairs be involved just as they have been Committee meeting in the past, which is f o r u n s p e c i f i e d “I’m really hoping why we are asking reasons. for your help,” Haro ASU can support said. The ASU board members had the The money given us not only in ability to change the t o t h e Tr a n s f e r some of the amended amount, Center will be used funding, but by but could not go over for food given at the the original amount being involved.” event to attract more of $4,886. students to attend. “I know this is ASU board a Transfer Center members also event, so my discussed this year’s MANUAL HARO question is why ASU food giveaway. Transfer Center doesn’t the Transfer This year’s give representative Center fund this?” away will include ASU Executive Vice burritos and aguas P r e s i d e n t Yo r e l i frescas. Contreras said. An unspecified “Because we really want ASU to vendor will be bringing in the food
Veteran’s Day The Veterans Resource Center and Veterans of ELAC Club will host a Veteran’s Day celebration on Nov. 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the G3-Auditorium Foyer, and a flag raising ceremony on Nov. 12 from noon to 1 p.m. next to the football stadium.
Choreography project
and it is the responsibility of the ASU board members to prep and hand it out. Because of this, the board members participating in the food giveaway will be required to receive their California food handler’s certificate. “Everyone who wants to help has to watch a video, take a test and pass in order to be able to participate,” said ASU president Romel Lopez. The giveaway will take place on Nov. 10 for the main campus and Nov. 18 for the South Gate campus at 11 a.m. The exact location was not specified. The meeting also helped charter in ELAC clubs. Some of the clubs included the ELAC Amateur film club, that will help teach its members the
The Dance Department is presenting a concert choreographed by members of the Let’s Dance Company on Nov. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. in the S2 Recital Hall.
essentials of film. The club meets every Monday and Thursday from 3:30-5:30 in room P2 201. Another club chartered in was the Adaptive Innovative Perspective. The purpose of this club is to take students out of their comfort zone and meet new people to become more sociable. “We recently did an event called speed meet which is like speed dating, but without the dating. We got a chance to meet with a lot of people. About 50 people showed up,” Fernando Hernandez, one of the club’s representatives said. The club meets every Thursday in room B2 112. The time was unspecified. The next ASU meeting will occur on Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. in room G1301
Dia de los Muertos
The fourth annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival will be held between S1 and S2 today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Opinion
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Anxiety distorts students’ education BY DELIA DIAZ Staff Writer Taking exams can be the most stressful time for a college student, but there are many tools and practices they can use to help relieve anxiety. Anxiety can cause many students to lose focus while studying. It often causes them to forget important material. Ways to overcome anxiety are also hard to find. This becomes more stressful when there are one or more exams to study for. One resource many students use while studying is listening to music. Any type of music can help, whether it’s heavy metal, rock or hip hop. Getting eight full hours of sleep can also help students cope with anxiety. Students who find it difficult to get a full eight hours of sleep should at least try to find time throughout their day to relax. Taking power walks around campus or even sitting and enjoying a snack can also help relieve tension Students should also avoid using their cell phones before bed. This is a big distraction and can even cause headaches due to the brightness of the phone. Exercise is another way to relieve anxiety. It doesn't have to be excessive either. One effective activity is grounding. Grounding is a technique often used by therapists when helping a patient with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, otherwise known as PTSD. Grounding techniques often use the five senses (sound, feel, taste, touch and sight).
EDITOR IN CHIEF Marcus Camacho MANAGING EDITOR Jade Inglada ONLINE EDITORS Diego Olivares Megan G. Razzetti ART DIRECTORS Jade Inglada Danny Vasquez FRONT EDITOR Ivan Cazares OPINION EDITOR Stephanie Guevara NEWS EDITOR Stephanie Garibay SPECIAL EDITOR Bryce Ronquillo ARTS EDITOR Julianne Obregon SPORTS EDITORS Rogelio Alvarez Daniel Gudino PHOTO EDITORS Nina Chin Cassandra Isidoro
One grounding technique that can be used is as simple as looking around the room. The student can observe t h e d i ff e r e n t o b j e c t s i n t h e class, which can be from the number of people in the class to the different shapes and colors in the room. This can distract students from their anxious feelings.
Having a cold drink can often help, too. Focusing on the flavor of a beverage may sound odd, but it’s also an easy way a student can distract himself from anxiety while taking his exam. Stress balls can also help if a student needs a physical release. Applying as much force as possible can release the anxious and pent-up feelings.
Gripping the side of the desk can also relieve stress. If the professor allows breaks during the exam, student should avoid using their cell phones. Instead students should go for a walk around the surrounding area of the classroom’s building for fresh air. All these tools can help any
student struggling with stress, not only with exams and studying, but any time anxious feelings arise Students have resources on campus that can help, too. The Student Health Center can answer any question regarding mental health. They also provide services in person at the G8-11 building or be contacted at 323265-8651.
CAMPUS
VOICE
DISTRIBUTION Ivan Cazares
“I’M A KICKER FOR THE FOOTBALL TEAM, SO I JUST GO TO THE FIELD AND KICK SOME FIELD GOALS.”
“I DISTRACT MYSELF WITH SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCHING NETFLIX OR JUST READING A BOOK.”
VICENTE LUISJUAN
MARITZA REYES
JANE CORONADO
Health benefits from gym accessibility Making all gyms and fitness centers at East Los Angeles College accessible to students could benefit their health and the school. Students have to go off campus if they want to work out, unless they are taking a health class or are on a sports teams. If the gyms and fitness centers at ELAC become available for students, it could provide them with a closer place to work out. Having accessible gyms on campus could encourage students to attend the gym regularly, which would benefit their health. Students who are interested in playing basketball or volleyball while they wait for their next class, or just for fun could use the basketball and volleyball gym. It would be a more affordable option for students. The average cost of a monthly gym membership is $55 according to coolefitness.com. There are
STAFF WRITERS Guadalupe Barriga, Delia Diaz, Kristen Garcia, Jacquelyn Gonzalez, Cesar Gutierrez, Cuauhtemoc Hernandez, Diego Linares, Javier Lopez, Diego Olivares, Bryce Ronquillo
ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha
“I SUFFER FROM ANXIETY ATTACKS AND MUSIC HAS HELPED ME SINCE I WAS A KID.”
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CARTOONIST Kristen Garcia
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Nina Chin, Samantha Diaz, Joshua Inglada, Cassandra Isidoro, Julianne Obregon
What do you do to relieve stress and anxiety?
BY JAVIER LOPEZ
COPY EDITORS Ivan Cazares Jade Inglada Joshua Inglada Elizabeth Toy
students who cannot afford to spend that much for a gym membership. The gyms are currently reserved for health classes and athletic teams. In order to use them, an instructor, adviser or coach must be present, to ensure everyone is using the machines correctly for safety purposes. The lack of advisers overseeing students who want to use the school’s fitness facilities was an issue brought up by ELAC’s Athletic Director Allen Cone. Cone stated that there is a liability issue. If a student gets hurt, the school would have to face t h e c o n s e q u e n c e s if no adviser was present. This issue can be solved. Students who want to use these facilities can be charged an $18 health fee for a gym membership instead of $11. Students who are not interested can just pay the regular health fee. The cost of the membership can help cover the expenses of hiring advisers to supervise the fitness
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 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
facilities. The school could also have students sign a contract as part of the gym membership that makes the students responsible for their own safety. Health classes and athletic teams have a set schedule for when they can use the
fitness facilities. The time that the facilities become available can be reserved for students who are interested in working out in ELAC’s fitness centers. If many students become interested in getting a gym membership, there would be more money
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available for new machines or the expansion of the gyms and fitness centers. This would make it easier for students at ELAC to attend the gym and improve their health. It would also create an alternative and cheaper option for students who like to go to the gym.
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
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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015
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Elans learn California drought causes BY STEPHANIE GARIBAY Staff Writer
CN/STEPHANIE GARIBAY
EQUAL ACCESS—Paul Grossman, chief regional civil rights attorney for the U.S. Department of Education, speaks to the
staff and faculty of the Los Angeles Community College District at ELAC’s S2 Recital Hall about the importance of utilizing the American with Disabilities Act when teaching.
Disability summit shows equal-access importance BY STEPHANIE GARIBAY Staff Writer The Los Angeles Community College District helped shed light on equal access to LACCD educational opportunities for disabled students with a disability summit Friday morning. Faculty and staff from all LACCD schools were invited to East Los Angeles college’s S2 Recital Hall to learn about the American With Disabilities Act, and how they can best apply and understand essential practices with the ADA mandate. The ADA mandate is a federal civil-rights statute protecting the rights of people with disabilities. “The ADA means acceptance to me. A person’s disability is an ability not yet recognized,” Michael Jordan Griggs said, a student with a disability and a former student trustee. In the 2014-2015 fiscal year, there
were 271 students with learning disabilities in the LACCD schools. Carilla Clements was one of the students. Clements was diagnosed with three learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder. Because of her learning disabilities, Clements was never able to pass a math or science class which lead to her dropping out of school for 25 years. “I always considered myself an academic failure,” Clements said. After 25 years, Clements decided to give school another try. She started attending East Los Angeles College and utilized the tutoring services as well as the Disabled Student Program and Services department (DSP&S), which helped her transfer to California State University Los Angeles. “I graduated this summer with a bachelor’s of science degree from CSULA in rehabilitation services
counseling and my GPA is 3.7 at the age of 46,” Clements said. Clements did not have much confidence in herself when it came to school, but when speaking with the counselors at ELAC, she felt more hopeful. “They sat me down one day and they said ‘Carilla, we believe in you so much that we will not let you give up on yourself and one day we will be there at your graduation’ and that is exactly what happened,” Clements said. Key note speakers included Paul Grossman, a chief regional civil rights attorney for the US department of education. Grossman suffered dyslexia and was counseled in a non-college that would be a vocational program in high school. Due to the impact of his dyslexia on his academic performance, he eventually dropped out of college. As an attorney, Grossman focused on educational discrimination and
disability law. “Individuals with disabilities who do not obtain a college degree are going to have a really hard time gaining employment,” said Grossman. Individuals with a psychiatric disability who do not obtain a college degree have a 90 percent unemployment rate in the U.S. “No individuals benefit more from going to college than those with disabilities” said Grossman. Growing up, Grossman faced many obstacles because of his disability. In a meeting with a counselor, his parents were told he was not college material. “They told my parents ‘Your son is not college material, but we know of a good auto body shop that we think would be perfect for your son to work at,” Grossman said. Grossman ended up dropping out of college, but later decided to give it one more try and graduated at the top of his class.
A meeting designed to teach students water conservation by the California Department of Water Resources drew nearly 100 students on campus, Wednesday morning. J e ff Wi n c h e s t e r f r o m t h e California Department of Water resources, Southern Field Division shared his insight on problems caused by the drought, and offered alternate plans the department can implement to ease the water crisis. Winchesters concluded during his time at the Vista Del Lago Center, that the number one problem that California and its southern inhabitants have to take into account is the population growth. California’s population has increased from 6.4 million in the ‘60s, when current reservoirs and water projects were first implemented, to more than 38 million today. Since population growth has not stopped, the water being funneled to Southern California, which was built for a smaller population, has dramatically changed the way Californians need to start using water. “We actually did cut back the25 percent usage the governor wanted,” Winchester said. Although this is a good start, according to Winchester, it is still not enough. “In order for you to understand the State Water Project, you need to know that we are snow dependent,” Winchester said. Winchester explained that not enough rain falls along the Sacramento line, which is why we are snow dependent. In order for the rain to be useful, it must fall in the right places or in water sheds. If not enough rain falls with the
upcoming El Niño, snow will save the water supply. “We need two good El Niño years, with cold temperatures in order to get the reservoirs starting back up,” said Winchester. There are currently four main water projects in California, three of them specifically with the purpose of transporting water to southern California, since 80 percent of rainfall comes from north of Sacramento. The fourth is the Central Valley Project which started in the 1930s and its primary goal was flood control. T h e C a l i f o r n i a Wa t e r Project proposed seawater desalination as a water management strategie. The desalination process itself is complicated and uses a technique called reverse osmosis that pushes seawater through filters to remove salt and other particles. The leftover, extra-salty seawater is pumped back into the ocean. The project took five years to build, but took 15 years to complete due to permiting process Due to lack of funds, the technology necessary to utilize ocean water for farming and civilian sectors has not been pushed forward in California. “It could take years to be approved. Anything that was started today is still a plan. We are talking decades for it to build. In fact, this is not a plan that will help immediately save the severe drought,” said Winchester. Winchester has dedicated the past eight years to working with the state Department of Water and Resources.
Rhandi Fang, Rudy Ojeda, Matthew Saracho and Patricia Medina contributed to this story.
CN/STEPHANIE GUEVARA
CHARGE—Garfield line up offensively while Roosevelt try to defend their position and stop
the play.
High school football game unites community BY JAQCUELYN GONZALEZ Staff Writer The 81st annual East Los Angeles Classic football game took place last Friday at Weingart Stadium, with Garfield High beating Roosevelt High 39-14. Having been two of the first schools established in the East LA, the rivalry between Garfield and Roosevelt has a reputation of being one of the oldest and best-known rivalries west of the Mississippi River; this year drawing out over 15,000 attendees from East LA and communities all throughout the country. Despite Garfield’s sixth straight classic victory, Roosevelt continues to lead the all-time series 40-35-6. The evening kicked off with Garfield’s junior varsity team beating Roosevelt’s 44-0. Expressions of tension and excitement could be seen on the faces of the fans as the Garfield Bulldogs and the Roosevelt Roughriders took to the field. G a r f i e l d ’s s o p h o m o r e quarterback Adam Polanco successfully completed a nine-yard pass to junior tight-end Oscar Vega, who scored the first touchdown of the game. Polanco led the way for Garfield www.ELACCampusNews.com
with an impressive performance of six touchdowns. Completing 11 of 13 passes for 164 yards and four touchdowns, adding two more scores on the ground on 96 yards. Missing the extra point, the Bulldogs kicked off to the Roughriders who took over at the 28-yard line, a possession that didn’t last long. Ricardo Cordero, sophomore linebacker for the Bulldogs, made an interception, causing a turnover with five minutes to go in the first quarter. And with three minutes to go, quarterback Polanco scored a rushing touchdown followed by a failed two-point conversion adding an additional six points to the board for the Bulldogs. The first quarter ended with the Bulldogs leading 12-0. 11 minutes left in the second quarter, Bulldog Polanco completed a 17-yard pass to senior wide receiver Marquis Williams, who scored a third touchdown for the Bulldogs. Garfield’s senior kicker Aaron Rocha made the extra point, leading the Riders 19-0. After kickoff, the Roughriders maintained possession of the ball for a short two minutes before fumbling and turning the ball back over to the Bulldogs.
Five minutes allowed enough time for Bulldog senior wide receiver Jordan Palmer to score a passing touchdown, followed by an additional extra point, leading the Riders into halftime 26-0. Jordan Palmer, wide receiver for the Bulldogs proceeded to score the first touchdown of the second half followed by a failed two-point conversion leading the Riders 32-0 with eight minutes left in the third quarter. With under one minute left to go in the third quarter, Bulldog quarterback Polanco scored a 59-yard rushing touchdown, followed by an extra point. After a couple of turnovers, Roosevelt’s senior quarterback Andrew Gallegos completed a 55-yard touchdown pass to senior cornerback Jonathan Garcia. The touchdown was followed by an extra point scored by junior kicker Hector Gomez adding seven points for the Riders. And with two minutes left to go in the fourth quarter and a fumble recovery made by the Riders, Roughrider quarterback Gallegos completed yet another 12-yard pass to senior wide receiver Daniel Alvarado. Roosevelt’s touchdown was followed by an extra point, sealing the score at 39-14 Bulldogs.
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Special
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015
CN/ELIZABETH TOY
QUINN FOR THE WIN—Guests read about the life and achievements of Anthony Quinn, a
Mexican painter, writer and actor best known for his role as Alexis Zorba in his film “Zorba the Greek.”
Dia de los Muertos Students honor Mexican artists BY ELIZABETH TOY Staff Writer
CN/ELIZABETH TOY
THE GOOD DIE YOUNG—A student made altar at the Vincent Price Art Museum dedicated to Selena Quintanilla Perez, better known by her stage name Selena, was honored for her singing career and greatly lamented when she died at the age of 23 in 1995.
People filled the Vincent Price Art Museum Saturday to observe altars created by students at the Dia de los Muertos Altar Exhibit. Angelita Rovero-Herrera, Professor of Chicano Studies, had her students build altars to commemorate MexicanAmerican artists, writers, musicians, actors, athletes and political activists to better understand the culture and traditions behind Day of the Dead. This year’s theme is Legendary Chicanos and Chicanas in the arts. “I feel my students learned a lot because I go over Chicano history and traditions, indigenous relations and connections and where we come from, even though we all have different backgrounds,” Rovero-Herrera said. Students spent more than 30 hours collaborating in groups from the beginning of October to construct altars dedicated to famous Mexicans such as Selena, Anthony Quinn, Jenni Rivera and Richie Valens. The annual altar exhibit is an ongoing tradition started in 2003 by the former Chicano Studies Department Chair Sybil Venegas. Some students don’t have much knowledge about the holiday because their families do not have big celebrations for Dia de los Muertos. “Honestly, here, it’s not a big deal. Halloween is the big thing. If you go more into Mexico, November 1 and 2 are really important to them,” student Brenda Renee Altamirano said. “It’s a celebration of life. November 1 and 2 are the two days of the Day of the Dead. The first is for kids and the second is for adults,” student Joel Rodriguez said. For many students, the assignment provided an opportunity to understand the meaning of the holiday. “Personally, this is something new to me. I’ve never built an altar before. I really liked it and it does influence me to learn more about my heritage; it’s a side (of my culture) I never really experienced before,” Chicano studies student Jorge Manuel Sanchez said. Altars were constructed with four tiers to represent the four cardinal directions and four seasons of the year. Students incorporated their subject’s biography, quotes, achievements, photos, favorite foods, beverages, and colors in the altars along with common items such as Calaveras (skulls made of sugar), candles and flowers. “The idea is to pay homage. Especially in a department like Chicano studies with literature, art, history and music. This is a great way to remember those who placed their mark in history,” said Rovero-Herrera. “It’s a whole other sort of gratification (for) college students to learn that they can affect people through something so simple,” Rovero-Herrera said. Day of the Dead is not simply to commemorate the famous but to celebrate the lives of every person. Students stood by their exhibits as visitors came in to view the altars. Like many, Chicano studies student Emmanuel Enriquez Luiz didn’t know ELAC held the exhibit prior to the project, “We feel really proud. This is my first time being here and I feel like it’s something I would want to keep coming to and seeing,” Luiz said. Luiz hopes that future generations of students will do even better and continue to spread the culture of Dia de los Muertos. The exhibit will run through December 4. Visit http://vincentpriceartmuseum.org for more information.
CN/ELIZABETH TOY
CN/ELIZABETH TOY
LA GRAN SEÑORA—The Diva of Banda Jenni Rivera was a successful Chicana singer, actress and fashon designer, who inspired many woman in a male dominated Latino-culture.
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LA BAMBA—Richie Valen’s family was deeply touched by
the altar built in his memory as they took photos and met the student who constructed the altar.
Arts
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015
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CN/KIM MATTHEWS
FINAL ARTWORK—Muralist Raúl Anguiano works
CN/GUADALUPE BARRIGA
on the last mural of his career, “A Biography of Mexican Painting,” at the G3 Ingalls Auditorium March 8, 2002. The artwork captures both the culture of Mexico and the United States in one mural.
FAMOUS PAINTING—Raúl Anguiano’s most famous painting, “La Espina,” also known as
“The Thorn,” 1952, which depicts a Mayan woman digging a splinter out of her foot with a knife, was on display last Thursday at the G3 Ingalls Auditorium.
Muralist Anguiano artwork celebrated BY MARIA ISIDORO Staff Writer The Mexican muralist Raúl Anguiano, was honored for his art collection with about 50 paintings and drawings in a slideshow last Thursday at Ingalls Auditorium. As part of the second generation of Mexican muralists, East Los Angeles College commemorated Anguiano’s 70-square foot mural that was painted in 70 days, illustrating a biography of Mexican artwork throughout the years from influential artists. The mural was installed in 2002 as part of Anguiano’s permanent collection. With support from private donors, the event had a great turnout at the opening with more than 60 guests, including Anguiano’s wife Brigita. Brigita supported the event by signing books of Anguiano’s art collection, which include his paintings and art designs, worth $60. Brigita said that she was very happy to see that Anguiano’s mural was being honored at ELAC.
“I know that he painted this mural with a lot of love. He had four student assistants and he enjoyed doing his work,” Brigita said. She said that Anguiano’s work would inspire students to get to know the most recognizable artists of Mexico, such as Diego Rivera. Visually and orally, the audience was transported to the greatest years of Anguiano’s life with the glories and injustices of life in Mexico. Anguiano excelled at portraying his work with ideas that reflected indigenous groups in Mexico from the forest regions of Lacandon Maya. This provided him a new vision in his artwork. Anguiano created a variety of artwork displaying the inequalities of the economy of his country as well as portraying the supportive mother that he had in his childhood. Anguiano’s work involves paintings of the prostitution of women, anticlerical themes and antifascist drawings of Mexico. Most striking about his work is the way in which Anguiano introduces some of his nightmares in his paintings as part of a surrealist form. During the slideshow, one of Anguiano’s paintings showed him killing his brother and throwing him into a dark hole with a hand extending in
the short distance. Anguiano started painting at age five when one of his professors in elementary school said he could use his work for greater causes. He is the last Mexican muralist who is an internationally known artist with his work reproduced in several countries, such as Mexico and the United States. Anguiano painted until he was 87. The most famous painting is “La Espina,” meaning “the thorn,” which portrays a Mayan woman digging a thorn out of her foot with a knife. Anguiano was born in 1915 during the Mexican Revolution. He died in 2006 at age 90. As an expert on Mexican and Latin American art and culture, Gregorio Luke provided information discussing Anguiano’s work during the slideshow. In celebration of the centennial event honoring Anguiano, the images projected onto the screen will be donated by Luke to ELAC’s Library. “Today was an opportunity for us to highlight the (mural), to let (people) know and now they’ll spread the word that we have this incredible treasure here,” Martinez said.
La Azteca Tortillería offers appetizing burritos BY MARIA ISIDORO Staff Writer The best burritos with freshly handmade flour tortillas, among neighboring local restaurants, are just a two-minute drive from the main campus. Located on Cesar Chavez Avenue just east of the Long Beach and Pomona freeway, La Azteca Tortillería restaurant serves breakfast and lunch burritos. There is no sign on the sidewalk, and the restaurant is tiny with few tables for two or four people along with a counter against the wall. La Azteca Tortillería has a counter at which customers order from a black board menu located above. There are more than five staff members working in this fast-paced
environment, folding and wrapping up tasty burritos between $5 and $7. L a A z t e c a To r t i l l e r i a h a s reasonable prices for college students who are looking for food on-the-go. Choosing among several burritos such as a chile relleno burrito with asada, a bacon, potato burrito with egg, and a asada, egg, and beans burrito becomes an obsession when ordering. La Azteca Tortillería burrito with freshly handmade flour tortillas wrapping the asada, egg and beans is mouth-watering compared to eating the traditional rice, cilantro, beans and meat burrito. There is more than one burrito to order on the menu, including the option to add cactus or cheese for 50 cents more. Apart from the irresistible
burritos, the tacos with handmade corn tortillas stuffed with carnitas and tomatoes dissolve in your mouth in a fatty tasty base, but are slightly too salty. It also serves quesadillas, tacos and tamales. Making the trip to La Azteca Tortillería is worth the experience to return and taste other burritos. The service is undoubtedly great, except for the lack of parking spaces causing customers to search for street parking around the neighborhood. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. La Azteca Tortillería promises to increase hours for the holidays and will open seven days a week from 6 a.m.-3:30 p.m. starting November 23.
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REBEL DROID—Members of the R2-D2 Builders club showcase their custom built remotecontrol models from the “Star Wars” franchise.
Fans celebrate pop culture at Comikaze BY ROGELIO ALVAREZ Staff Writer Fans paid tribute to multimedia pop culture and celebrated Halloween weekend in style with artistic and creative costumes at Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo last weekend. Independent artists, writers and comic book booths sold various items ranging from collectible action figures, autographed books and artwork, movie posters and swords. Despite nearing 90 years of age, Stan Lee was animated and entertained the crowd with his personality and witty humor. The Hollywood Science Fiction and Horror Museum had the biggest booth at Comikaze with iconic cars on display. Fans posed next to the cars from films and television series. BumbleBee from the “Transformers” movie franchise, the shaguar from “Austin Powers” and DeLorean, the time-traveling car from “Back to the Future” were some of the cars present. Huston Huddleston, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Hollywood Sci-fi museum, was delighted to bring famous pop-culture memorabilia to
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the convention. “There’s no sci-fi museum in the world that’s exclusively sci-fi, that teaches real science through sci-fi, space and film-making,” Huddleston said. The museum’s displays received the most visitors in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. “It’s wonderful, but getting to meet people who love what we’re doing as much as we do, you can’t pay for that and that’s really magic to me,” Huddleston said. R2-D2 Builder’s Club had several R2-D2 models from “Star Wars” on display. Each replica was built by a member. Almost one hundred panels offered attendees informational and entertaining panel discussions. The “Battle of the Batmans: Which Dark Knight is the best?” panel was one of the last panels on Friday. Seats were immediately filled with Batman fans eager to hear the panel members debate over which version of Batman is better. Another popular panel was the Funimation Peep-Show. At the end of the screening, audience members participated in a quiz based on the anime video clips and were awarded prizes for correctly answering a question.
Saturday’s activities included a national cosplay championship for adults and kids, respectively. Participants had the opportunity to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes. Superhero comic book fans saw a special screening of the film “The Death of Superman Lives; What happened?” followed by a Q and A with the film’s directors, producers and editors. Some panels offered support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender geek community. Panelists shared their experiences in the geek community and how he or she overcame discrimination. “Queersplay Cosplay” had a booth that was aimed at providing a safe oasis for queer and transfandom. Founders Kimber Brightheart and Lilyana Fey’s booths sold huge hair bows and colored drawings. Some of the funds raised were to provide resources for disadvantaged youth in the trans community. “It’s a been a really positive experience,” Brightheart said. “I think that in general it can be really hard for queer people to find safer space in conventions.” “We want to really make sure that people that are under represented have a safe place they can go and get away from some of the gross things people run into,” Brightheart said.
6
SPORTS
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015
ELAC VS San Bernardino College
at Mt. San Jacinto Saturday, November 7 1 p.m.
at Weingart Stadium Saturday, November 14 1 p.m.
2 0
END OF SEASON
ELAC VS Mt. San Jacinto College
1 0
Football loses fifth consecutive game BY DANIEL GUDINO Staff Writer A four-game losing streak for the football team, turned into a fivegame losing streak on Saturday at San Diego Mesa College after a 26-25 loss. Turnovers, two blocked punts, and a safety were all in favor for the Huskies, but were not enough to close out the game. ELAC, for the second straight week lost by a point, and for the second straight week missed an extra point kick which proved to be costly. ELAC was up 25-20, with four minutes left in the game, when the Huskies allowed Mesa to comeback
after two costly and controversial pass interference calls, on freshman cornerback Deangelo Buchanan. The Huskies were flagged on the winning go-ahead drive on a 4th down, which could have closed the game for ELAC. Instead, it gave an automatic first down to Mesa allowing the drive to continue. Mesa continued at the 21-yard line, then a second pass interference call placed Mesa in the red zone (20-yard line). This set up the one-point win and its backup freshman quarterback Nick Plum to throw a 7-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver Desmond Simmons. Many of the football players took their helmets off and threw their
helmets out of frustration. There was arguing and banter among the Huskies as they walked off the field. Two unidentified players had to be separated twice as the team headed to the locker rooms. No one commented on exactly what was said or why a small altercation occurred. The costly penalties, and an inability to close its second game in two weeks finally caught up with the Huskies. ELAC sophomore receiver Iheanyi Obinna blocked a punt and returned it himself for 30 yards in the first quarter. Obinna was also not available for comment after the game. He took off his pads, and threw his helmet in anger on the final drive
for the Huskies with seconds left in the game. ELAC sophomore cornerback Ryan Cisneros had a tremendous game with an interception, three pass deflections and two tackles for loss. He commented on the Huskies loss: “It’s real frustrating. I don’t know what to really say, I’m just trying to help my team whatever way and anyway I can. I’m tired of these losses, all we can do is work throughout the week.” Although he’s not fully recovered from his injury, Husky freshman runningback Shaq Shelton contributed to the team effectively. He rushed for 98 yards on 23 carries and recorded two touchdowns in the loss.
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Shelton has missed two games this season and in the six games Shelton has played in, he has hobbled off the field at one point of the game. “I still have a sprained right ankle. I’m limited in practice,” Shelton said. Shelton offered his ideas on what needs to happen for ELAC to improve. “I think we need to tighten up on the mental mistakes. That played a major role in the game. Communicate a little better, overall toughness and I think if we clean up those three things, I think we’ll be OK,” Shelton said. The ELAC Head Coach Eric Marty era in its inaugural season after a decent 2-1 start to the season, has gone down hill and hasn’t won
a game since Sept. 26 against El Camino Compton Center, 37-12. “We’ve put a lot of effort and a ton of energy to this season. When you work really hard and don’t get results, it’s frustrating. It’s the critical plays. We threw an interception, we lost two fumbles, we muffed a punt, we missed an extra point for the second straight week in a row.” “There are so many chances where we can make a play and close out the game and we haven’t been able to do so,” Marty said. ELAC is now 2-6 overall and is in second to last place in its conference, with two games left ELAC will travel to the Inland Empire to face Mt. San Jacinto College (4-4), on Saturday at 1 p.m.