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Victims and survivors of domestic violence honored at Mujeres de Paz vigil
Polytonal piano recital captivates audiences
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Volume 74, Issue 6
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Wednesday, October 19 , 2016
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Latino youth culture celebrated through art, style and music BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer
More than 70 years of Los Angeles youth culture in the form of candid art, music and photography is on display at the Vincent Price Art Museum until February 25. Tastemakers and Earthshakers: Notes From Los Angeles Youth Culture opened to the public Saturday. The exhibit cites Latino youth experiences post-World War 2 to present time and display a correlation between Los Angeles youth culture, important social movements and countercultures in the postwar era. The exhibit also includes elements of mass media and the visually and striking painting called the Three Horsemen by Salomon Huerta. The exhibit focuses on Latino youth culture, however, VPAM Director Pilar Tompkins Rivas said there are intercultural connections that make the exhibit relatable across cultures. Rivas also said the diverse minorities and cultures of Los Angeles face many of the same social economic issues. For example, zoot suit attire was not only popular among Latino youth in the postwar era, but among African American, Japanese and Filipino youth as well. The exhibit displays the visual and musical acoustic forms of these cultures’ self expression, using television monitors to showcase the style and music of youth post-World War 2. “I wanted our fall show to be something very relatable for our students. I also wanted to bring different generations of artists whose art reflects different moments in time,” Rivas said. It also focuses on the criminalization of youth and its categorization as a social class. The exhibit displays organized and unorganized forms of youth resistance against discrimination, police brutality, war and other social issues. The photography on display captures the lives, styles and culture of the people of Los Angeles in great detail from 1943 to 2016. Huerta’s Three Horsemen is an oil on panel painting that depicts the angst felt by youth after the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. Other equally striking paintings showcase the Zoot Suit Riots and provide social commentary on police and civilian interactions. “I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to tell these stories (stories of adversity). Identity is everything. I believe one of the most radical ideas is the idea of seeing ourselves as people of color in a positive light,” Juan Carlos de Luna. Luna also runs a photo archive on Instagram under the name “Barrio Dandy.” Luna worked on the Pachuco men and women's clothing display at the exhibit. He said the style is a form of unorganized resistance against oppression and a form of expression that helped establish a sense of identity among youths. Luna said the exhibit was a good opportunity to recount the history of social justice movements in our country and the roles youths played in them. He also said many of the social injustices those movements fought against are still being challenged by movements like Black Lives Matter. Admission to the VPAM is free, but visitors must arrange a tour. The VPAM is open Tuesday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. To schedule a tour or for more information call (323) 265-8841.
PHOTOS BY IVAN CAZARES
Schurr helps build ELAC enrollment of new students BY BROOKE GEMINA Staff Writer
George Miller Schurr High School brought East Los Angeles College 239 first-year student enrollments fall 2015, making it the number-one school for new enrollment. Schurr is known a feeder school. ELAC President Marvin Martinez explained, that a feeder school is one of the surrounding high schools that brings new students in every term.
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“What that specifically means, is there are a number of high schools that surround the college. From certain high schools, we get more students than we do from others,” Martinez said. ELAC gets the most students enrolled during the fall term, in which Schurr High School placed as number one for incoming high school graduates. While Garfield Senior High is located down the street from ELAC, the amount of students coming from there has dropped. In spring 2015, Garfield contributed 107 students of the total 1,159 first-
year students enrolled. In more recent years, Roosevelt and Garfield's placements have fluctuated. "For a long time, the second biggest feeder used to be Roosevelt. What happened was at one time Roosevelt and Garfield had about 5,000 students enrolled, so the district had to break them up," Martinez said. Martinez attributes this to a change 25 years ago, when the Los Angeles Unified School District had to break up enrollment at the two schools. “The district began to break
Food and clothing drive
The Adelante with Your Dreams Club in collaboration with The Green Party and Chicanos Latinos for Community Medicine will host a food and clothing drive. Donations can be dropped off at E7-210 until Nov.17.
them up because they thought it was unmanageable - 5,000 was too much. It’s not like those 3000 students just left and vanished. The district created magnet schools and other schools,” Martinez said. While a large majority of the incoming students are from Schurr High School, there is diversity in the districts. “Most of our students come from high schools on the east side, out of the Los Angeles district, like Alhambra and Montebello Unified. Our students are diversified as opposed to other colleges where a lot of their students come from
Children’s Halloween parade
LAUSD,” Martinez said. George Miller Schurr High School, as an example, is in Montebello Unified School District. “Our enrollment continues to be good, and that isn’t happening by accident,” Martinez said. Several high schools within the district have their graduation ceremonies at Weingart Stadium. In addition, ELAC hosts several other events such as Senior Day and Summer Bridge Programs. The Summer Bridge Programs are courses that students can take on campus during summer.
The Child Development Center will host a children’s Halloween parade on Oct. 31, and will walk around campus collecting Halloween treats starting at 10 a.m. For more information contact Mia Castro at Castom@ elac.edu
Correction
These programs allow incoming students the opportunity to view the campus and experience the environment. "We're creating a college-going culture. We’re creating a culture where students have plans to go to college. We are creating a culture where students say, ‘Hey, I want to go to college," Martinez said. Some of the top feeder schools include Alhambra High School, Montebello High School, Bell Senior High School and Mark Keppel High School. The enrollment reports are compiled at the end of every year.
In the last issue, Ivan Barranco was mistaken for Alexis Castellanos in “Men’s soccer remains winless in conference.”
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Opinion
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2016
Film brings conflict for viewers BY JAVIER LOPEZ Staff Writer Sexual abuse and rape are very serious crimes and those who commit them must be held accountable. Our society and criminal justice system treats the abuse of women and others too lightly and that needs to change. It is detrimental to women in our society and anyone who faces sexual assault, causing them to live in constant fear. This issue is the reason why deciding whether or not to watch the new film “Birth of a Nation” which holds historical importance, has been incredibly difficult. Nate Parker, the director of the film was charged with rape in 1999. This is a serious offense and it is harmful to anyone who has ever faced sexual violence. Parkers college roommate Jean McGianni Celestin, who is also given credit in the film, was charged along with him. This all occurred during their time at Penn State University. Parker was never held accountable and the charges filed against him were dropped. Once Parker launched the films campaign, the rape case was brought to light once again. The fact that the victim committed suicide in 2012 was released as well. It is fundamental to analyze the situation and understand the validity of the victim’s experiences. The victim, whose name has not been released, dropped out of Penn State University after the incident. Her life was completely. Although the case took place years ago, this is not an isolated incident. Sexual assault victims feel like they are voiceless because rapists are constantly set free without being held accountable. This happens on
college campuses all of the time. An example is Brock Turner who was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at Stanford University. Turner was charged and released early because of good behavior. This was before completing less than half of his already short sentence. There are sexual assault cases involving celebrities such as Donald Trump and Bill Cosby are all over the media. Even with all of this coverage, no one is willing to accept that we live in a society where rape culture exists. On Sep. 8, a police officer named
James Larry Robinson was charged for raping a woman. Other police officers have been accused of doing the same. We need to address the issue and find solutions rather than become desensitized by how often sexual abuse occurs in America and all over the world. It is infuriating how lightly sexual abuse and rape cases are treated in our society when in reality it destroys victims lives beyond repair. Being a student at East Los Angeles College, I want to stress the importance of these issues in order to create a campus and
society that protects their students and community members from any harm. If this was the only factor in deciding whether or not to watch the film, I would instantly say that we need to boycott it. However, there is more to this messy situation. The film, itself, has historical importance. Understanding our history as a nation is fundamental to our growth. We must revisit our history and see how the past is affecting our future in order to begin healing and work towards a future in which we
are all valued and seen as equals. The story is set during Nat Turner’s rebellion. It tells history from the point of view of the oppressed. Which in turn challenges mainstream history (historical perspective) as written by the oppressor. Turner uses the film to show the resilience of slaves and their resolve to fight for justice, even under oppressive circumstances. It is meant to empower the African American community in our present time as well. The film was also created to override the original Birth of a Nation, directed by David Wark which is filled with white supremacist ideals. It was released in 1915. This is why it has been such a difficult decision. The controversy itself is stuck between two very important social justice issues. One is the importance of acknowledging rape culture in our society and dismantling it and holding those accused of rape or sexual violence accountable for their actions. The other is the importance of revisiting our history and understanding all the damages that society has caused. I will personally not be watching the film. However, it is up to each individual to decide whether to watch it or not. Having said that, it is key not to choose one issue over the other. It is important to understand that both of the issues within the controversy are significant. “Birth of a Nation” was highly acclaimed at the Sundance Film Festival, before the case was released, because of its message. The family of the victim wishes to be left out of the controversy out of respect to the family member.
Tax raise unaffordable for smokers BY GIL MILANES Staff Writer Proposition 56 intends to increase sales tax on tobacco products by $2, which is unfair and unaffordable for smokers. Prop. 56 can potentially put tobacco companies out of business if passed. The State of California would increase sale taxes on electronic cigarettes and any products that contains tobacco. The increase on sale taxes will hurt the pocket of tobacco and electronic cigarette users. One tactic that people who support proposition use, and strengthening Medi-Cal numerous health risks to smokers, 56 are attempting to use is to claim and the California Department of their families and those around them that the $2 increase will allow the State of California to invest in Health Care Services’s existing when they choose to light up. health care programs. The more than 7,000 chemicals programs to prevent tobacco usage. The State of California has The No on Prop. 56 ads are paid and chemical compounds found for by Philip Morris USA Inc. and inside tobacco products have the second lowest percentage of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. been proven to cause cancer, residents who smoke among the Philip Morris USA Inc.’s brands cardiovascular disease, respiratory 50 states. Proposition 56 is aiming include Marlboro and Virginia disease, and numerous other health to take the right of tobacco users by bumping up the taxes to make Slims, while R.J. Reynolds Tobacco problems. Company produces Newports and According to the 2014 “Surgeon it almost impossible to afford to Camels. General’s Reports smoke. Tobacco usage should be optional It’s easy to on Smoking and see why the Health,” no amount and users should not be punished if Tobacco causes No on Prop. numerous health risks to of tobacco is a safe they opt to smoke. There are a lot 56 stance is amount and damage of other products in the market that hard to take smokers, their families, f r o m i n h a l i n g harm the health of consumers, yet seriously. and those around them tobacco smoke is proposition 56 directly discriminates against tobacco users for choosing As it is, almost immediate. when they choose to California Since 1964, when to smoke. Smoking brings people together has one of the first “Surgeon light up. the lowest General’s Report by enabling users to socialize as tobacco taxes on Smoking and they go through a pack of cigarettes. in the country H e a l t h ” w a s Compared to alcohol and other at just 87 cents per pack.New York released, 20 million people had drugs, smoking will not interfere holds the highest at a whopping already died because of tobacco use. with a persons five senses and make $4.35 per pack. Of those 20 million people, 2.5 an individual get in a car accident The state of California is missing million were non-smokers who died for smoking too many cigarettes. People argue that tobacco only out on a substantial amount of of secondhand smoke pollution. money, even with raising the tax If this information doesn’t deter has negative effects but some by just $2. tobacco users from attempting to tobacco users smoke in order to Although monetary gain is a large quit, they can pay the price, literally, control anxiety problems. A benefit found in the nicotine in portion of why this proposition for harming themselves and those tobacco is the appetite suppressant, should be passed, keeping California around them. families healthy and safe should be For more information on how to which translates to lower risk of the biggest reason. Tobacco causes quit smoking, visit Smokefree.Gov. obesity. www.ELACCampusNews.com
Prop. 56 a beneficial source of revenue BY ANASTASIA LANDEROS Staff Writer Everyone knows the commercial. A young woman stands at a liquor store counter and hands over some money in exchange for a pack of cigarettes. The clerk tells her that it won’t be enough so she gently peels the skin off her cheeks and places it on the counter. It’s gross and, if you’re like most people watching, an audible “Ew” escapes as the narrator warns “What’s a pack of smokes cost? Smooth skin.” Now, that pack of cigarettes could cost smooth skin plus an extra $2 if voters pass Proposition 56 in November. Voting yes on Prop. 56 would amend the current tobacco tax to increase the tax on cigarettes by $2 per pack. Other tobacco products and e-cigarettes will also be subjected to the $2 tax with an estimated total revenue of more than $1 billion by 2018. Despite what the No on Prop. 56 ads are saying, that money will go toward increasing the workforce in the medical field, educating kids on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine
The United States is among the top countries with the highest obesity population. Perhaps tobacco usage should be promoted among adults in order to fight obesity. Tobacco also helps users stimulate the mind and body, helping users to feel awake, alert yet calmed for whatever problems they must confront. Tobacco provides an emotional state of fitting in and belonging. The nicotine in tobacco is equivalent to caffeine in coffee. Both help the body feel better when stimulated. At some point caffeine was treated as a drug that eventually became part of the norm and now Starbucks makes millions in revenue. Tobacco should have the same treatment that caffeine does, available at every corner and accessible for all people who choose to consume it. Increasing taxes will make it difficult for tobacco users to smoke as often as they normally do. Restaurants and bars owners that currently make a living out of smoker clientele will be affected, as the crowd that sustains the business will decrease over the high taxes. Supporters for proposition 56 also claim that the increase of the $2 tax on tobacco will save thousands of lives by lowering the amount of Californians from being diagnosed with lung cancer. Supporters fail to mention that smoking can help protect users against Parkinson’s disease. The usage of tobacco like everything in life has its pro’s and con’s but the ultimate decision should be left to the consumer to make. Proposition 56 will incline residents of California to stop smoking due to the high prices and that in a way is taking our right to choose. Vote “no” on Proposition 56.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Stephanie Guevara MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Cazares ONLINE EDITOR IN CHIEF Rogelio Alvarez ONLINE EDITOR Dan Gudino ART DIRECTORS Julie Santiago Marcus Camacho FRONT EDITOR Megan G. Razzetti
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News
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2016
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London trip to explore historical theater roots BY FRANCISCO PORTILLO Staff Writer Students have the opportunity to take a trip to London starting on July 26, 2017. Coordinated by professor Kelley Hogan, the purpose of this trip is to learn about London’s history through the perspective of theater. Students who are majoring in English and History may also want to consider going on the trip. “English majors will go crazy because they get to see three productions, with two of them more than likely being Shakespeare,” Hogan said. Hogan believes that going to London is like walking within history because of the historical landmarks that are still around. Portions of the city from World War II and medieval London will be great attractions for history majors. “The Beatles’ London is still there. You can go to the nightclub where Paul (McCartney) met Linda (Eastman). You can take them to the Indica Gallery where John (Lennon) met Yoko (Ono). You can go to Abbey Road to see the studio and walk across the famous street,” Hogan said. In 2005, Hogan and a group of students from East Los Angeles College were able to take a trip to London. Ever since then, she has been trying to the opportunity back to campus. On the first trip, Hogan and the students visited the British Library where notable historical documents like the
COURTESY OF: KELLY HOGAN
LONDON CALLING--Students from the 2005 London trip, led by Kelly Hogan, visit poet, playwright and actor William Shakespeare’s birthplace in Warwickshire, England. Magna Carta and John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics are found. Hogan believes that this trip will offer students a new perspective on theater, education and career perspectives for students. Being a kid from Phoenix, Hogan attended drama school in London, where her perspective on theatre and learning changed forever.
Besides the academic aspects of the trip, students will also be able to enjoy some leisure time in London, like visiting pubs and sightseeing. This time around, the trip will be much more expensive, but students will experince a more comfortable trip. The price of the trip is $2,900. Students have three payment
options. They can either pay in full at the time of enrollment, pay a $95 deposit and have automatic deductions made from their bank account, or create a manual payment plan, where they pay the deposit upon enrollment and $500 are due 30 and 90 days after enrollment. “The trip actually includes three dinners. They take you out to the
theater, and that is included in the travel expense. All the theater tickets will be included, whereas the students on the last trip had to pay for all of their shows,” said Hogan. Students can visit the Financial Aid Office and speak to Julio Alvarado, the Financial Aid Technician, to learn how to use financial aid to cover the expenses.
Festival showcases short films
“I want the viewers to understand the struggles of a muxe, and that Staff Writer muxes are their own society and their own culture,” Caballero said. The East Los Angeles Film He also said he hopes the muxe Festival featured international film culture comes to Los Angeles. directors and local artists at the East Reina Vela de la Muxe 2016’s Los Angeles College on Oct. 14. [Queen of the Muxe 2016] birth Miguel Hernandez directed one name is Aldo Cruz, and his artist of the short films screened called muxe name is Cicadu Cruz. “Tag!” He said he can relate to the This film is about a little girl who documentary because like Tino, stands up for her friend when she’s one of the boys from the film, he pushed by a bully. had dreams of becoming Queen of The bully chases her down, and the Muxe. when he catches up to her, he taps Throughout the screenings, there her shoulder and starts to run. It turn was a segment called Project Safe, out he was playing tag. Storytelling for Empowerment. The following film was called Some of the short films screened “Cowboys and Indians,” directed by were written Emilia Ruiz. and directed It’s about a little by children boy who is playing from the arts “I want the viewers with two action p r o g r a m to understand the figures. One of Casa Cultural them is a cowboy struggles of a muxe and Saybrook. The and the other is an that muxes are their own paintings that Indian. were displayed society and their own were created by The boy asks multiple times, the children as culture.” “Where have you well. been?” The arts EDSON CABALLERO TRUJILLO He then starts p r o g r a m Film Director to cry and yells t e a c h e s “Mommy!” many children art, times. filming and His mother is shown dead on the acting. bed behind him. Their short films addressed He is reenacting the acts of his different issues that they wanted to mother’s murder with his action discuss, including autism, pollution, figures. how to save water, stranger danger, The screenings then ended with how sports keep people healthy, the documentary “Atempa Sueños a how exercise benefits people and Orillas del Río,” directed by Edson animal abuse. Caballero Trujillo. “The idea [of the film festival] Caballero traveled from Mexico is to use stories to empower you, to be a part of the ELAC film whether it's mentally, physically, festival. emotionally, spiritually,” said The documentary demonstrates Escobedo. the life of muxes in San Blas, The festival organizers also Oaxaca, México. aimed to promote conscious In Oaxacan culture, a muxe is thought and inspire solutions to a biological male who behaves in social issues. ways associated with the female “The important thing to take away gender. from this event is that some of the “It is my third time visiting this children were really shy. After the marvelous state, and I am very film program, their parents are honored and thankful for being saying ‘Oh my god, they used to invited to this film festival,” said be so shy and now they're on stage Caballero. talking.’ I think it's a beautiful The filming process took him thing that they've come out of their eight years to complete. shells,”said Escobedo.
BY DANIELA JALTECO
COURTESY OF: LILIANA URRUTIA
AROUND THE WORLD—The Havana skyline as seen from history proffesor Liliana Urrutia’s hotel room window during a study abroad trip she helped organize for the summer.
Students to help children in Dominican Republic BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer Elans have the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic and make a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children during spring break 2017. Participants will work together with nonprofit organizations in the Dominican Republic to tutor local children, educate community members about health issues and mentor children through after school activities. The eight-day trip is being organized by professors Raeanna Gleason, Liliana Urrutia and Luis Orozco in collaboration with Education First College Tours. The trip costs $3,105 and includes a round-trip flight, meals, local ground transportation and lodging. Students can apply for an
independent study program through any of the participating professors. They can earn one or more credits, depending on the projects they take on during the trip. Participants are required to make $750 payments. There are automated payment options available that allow participants to choose between monthly or bi-weekly payments. Those who choose to make their payments manually will be charged a $50, fee and participants that sign up before the end of October will receive a $100 discount. To sign up, visit efcollegestudytours.com and enter 1897547UE in the designated tour number search bar. For financial aid advice, contact financial aid consultant Julio Alvarado at alvarajc@elac.edu. It is the first study-trip abroad available for East Los Angeles
College Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. DACA students interested in the trip should contact Urrutia at urrutil@elac.edu to be directed to a specialized legal adviser. “We just wanted to do (offer a study-trip abroad) it again, because the students got so much out of it,” Urrutia said. ELAC has been offering an increasing number of travel opportunities to students. Urrutia and Gleason took a group of 16 Elans on a trip to Cuba during the summer. Urrutia said students learned about a different culture’s art, history and how people with less resources approach community building. Orozco said students would benefit from studying abroad when they apply to universities because it sets them apart from other
applicants. “It’s an experience they can write about (in their personal statement). I think it's extremely beneficial,” Orozco said. EF Tours reports that less than 10 percent of U.S. students study abroad. Urrutia said students would benefit from visiting the Dominican Republic because it’s a historically rich country with correlations to U.S. history. Both Urrutia and Orozco agreed that interacting with underprivileged children would help students appreciate the opportunities offered to them at home. “It puts things in perspective. This (colonization) is why society is what it is today,” Orozco said. For more information contact Urrutia, Gleason at gleasorl@elac. edu, Orozco at orozcolr@elac.edu, or call EF Tours support line at (877) 485-4184.
Interested in French Club?
contact
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When students sign up and start making their monthly payments, they will be given a link to their own personal GoFundMe page. They can then share it with friends and family to raise money for the trip. When students reache their financial goal, any money that is left over will go straight to the students to be used as spending money for the trip instead of refunding it or taking a percentage. Students will be picked up from the airport by a bus and taken to a hotel with private bathrooms, as opposed to the shared hostel restrooms. “A lot of these students never had a passport, they’d never been on a plane. Most of them had never been outside of Los Angeles even,” Hogan said. Students can receive a discount of $100 by registering for the trip by Oct. 31. To apply for the trip, students can email professor Hogan at hogankm@elac.edu. There is a workshop on Oct. 28. and students interested should RSVP with Hogan by email. “I know what an amazing city it is. It’s set up for tourism and to welcome people. The exposure you get as a college student is amazing, as students can walk in history,” Hogan said. Those who attend the trip will get credit for a History of World Drama class, which can be transferred as a general education class. For more information about the trip, visit: www.eftours.com/ educational-tour/london-theater.
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Feature
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2016
CN/JORDAN ELIAS
BELIEVE— Dulce Gimenez, Ana Torres, Sofia Giron and Sonia Rodriguez carry a telephone number for women who suffer from domestic violence during the candlelight march by the S2
building Thursday night.
Domestic violence victims honored with march and candlelight vigil BY JOHANNA CALDERON AND JACQUELYN GONZALEZ The march of Mujeres de Paz down Avenida Cesar Chavez Thursday night included survivors speaking out on domestic violence and honored victims with a candlelight vigil. Susana Espinosa spoke about her decision to flee from Mexico to California. Her ex-husband was a powerful man who wouldn’t be charged if she reported he had abused her. She said that the day she left was the day she saw herself in the mirror after being beaten and knew she had to leave. Espinosa will always carry those scars, but by sharing her testimony, she hopes to help other victims. Maria Ortega has experienced domestic violence within her own family. “When we heard the car in the driveway, (We) would know my dad was drunk and going to hit us,” Ortega said. Armando Lawrence works with men and youth. His work includes male domestic violence victims. He noted a few situations that some of his clients have been in. "Sometimes when the police came out, they would give men attittude like 'Really? You called me out here for this?" Lawrence said. "In one of my client's cases, the police officer actually showed the husband how to beat his wife without leaving any marks. He said that he (the police officer) did the same thing to his own wife." Lawrence believes the reason many people don't report domestic violence or report it sooner is because nobody wants to get involved. "To me, when I was a kid, I had seen a big change in society where on the one hand people are interested in individual rights and who they are as a person. On the other hand, (people) have a lack of mutual respect for society," Lawrence said. Not all domestic violence victims are women. However fewer men report their experiences than women. CN/JORDAN ELIAS
MARCH—Youth from the community gather together for
For more on this story, visit elaccampusnews.com
CN/JORDAN ELIAS
YOU ARE NOT ALONE—Community members unite in march against domestic violence.
domestic violence awareness.
CN/JORDAN ELIAS
NO MORE PAIN—East Los Angeles community members assemble at the candlelight march before guest speakers speak of their experiences. www.ELACCampusNews.com
Arts
5 ‘Den of Thieves’ provides suspense
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2016
BY RUSSELL ZAZUETA Staff Writer
CN/DIEGO LINARES
MUSIC READY—Andree-Ann Deschenes (left) introducing her next song, while special guest Anita Garay provides percussions during their performance in the S2 Recital Hall on Thursday.
Pianist captivates audience members BY BROOKE GEMINA Staff Writer Andree-Ann Deschenes captivated audiences Thursday afternoon with a polytonal piano recital in the S2 Recital Hall. P o l y t o n a l i t y, D e s c h e n e s explained, is when two sonorities or notes are combined that may not usually be associated or paired with one another. "By the sixth or seventh piece, you'll get used to it," Deschenes said. Deschenes played "Saudades de Brasil op. 67," a suite of songs by composer Darius Milhaud. Saudades refers to the Portugese term meaning a deep sense of nostalgia or melancholy. A few of the saudades jarred the ears and drew attention to the unpleasant mix. True to Deschenes' words, however, the music soon became more pleasant.
The fourth song, "Copacabana" started off strong, hard and loud followed shortly by a crash. Lower piano notes followed a buh, dum, bum pattern played at a faster tempo. Fast pace and loud volume created a busy atmosphere similar to the region which is the song's namesake. "Copacabana" does fall into a very soft and gentle lulling variety of notes that make for a pleasant switch and show the time in between the hustle and bustle. "Gavea" however, captured the feeling of melancholy promised by the suite's name-saudades. The song comprised mostly of a mix of high and low notes played slowly. Each of the notes lingered and blended into one another much like memories of a place or time that simply will not go away.
Deschenes faced difficulties with polytonality during her training. "I had to get over that it (the song) doesn't have to sound pretty," Deschenes said. For the second half of the recital, ELAC Alum Anita Garay, accompanied Deschenes on percussion. Deschenes and Garay played two Cuban danzas composed by Ignacio Cervantes. A danza is a 32 - count measure usually intended for play in front of an intimate group of people in somebody's living room. The first danza, "Invitacion" gave off a regal feel with distinct, emphasized notes every fourth or so count. The beginning gave a very fitting specific group as one befitting a scene with nobility in film. Toward the middle, the tempo sped up, and Garay began to use a brush to hit the cajon that she
sat on. Deschenes has been playing the piano since she was 6 years old and has followed music since. “It was never a question. I just never asked myself what am I going to do (in life)?” Deschenes said. Her interest in Latin American classical music came about in college. “That was actually an accident. I went to see my professor and she got me into the Latin ensemble,” Deschenes said. Garay has been playing percussion for 10 years and realized music was the passion she wanted to follow in school. “I just found myself here (on stage) playing instead of in class. I’d have gigs that would be during my class schedule,” Garay said. Garay attended ELAC as a parttime student from 2004 to 2011.
Opening night for “Den of Thieves” at the Black Box Theatre proves director Rodney Lloyd Scott has a talent to keep an audience alive with suspense. When ingredients such as stupidity, guns, money, sex and desperation are mixed together to create a story about thieves, the biggest risk in the plot is to not get caught red-handed. The show takes the audience back to New York in the mid 1990s, when Nirvana posters were hung on every living room wall and compact-discs were used with every portable stereo. Paul, played by Johnny Matthew Ortiz, is a sponsor of a recovery program for kleptomaniacs and shows up to his client’s cluttered apartment to check up on Maggie, played by Jasia Alyezza Topete. She is donned in a flannel jacket and dress and looks like a wreck with her eyeliner dripping down her cheeks. Much to the audience’s delight, Scott chose a Bronx-style dialogue that gives the actors a comedic edge in silly situations. There is something funny about Maggie’s personality. She inadvertently reveals that she’s a compulsive eater after she embarrassingly continues to pull two tomatoes, parmesan cheese, candy and an air freshener out of her purse. G i v e n h o w b a d M a g g i e ’s kleptomania is, the audience is left to decide whether everything Maggie owns in her apartment is actually stolen property. Her obsession reminds us that stealing is immoral while Paul appears to be her guardian angel. He is a former kleptomaniac himself, and is 682 days clean. The first half of the show also introduces the audience to Maggie’s ex-boyfriend Flaco, played by Joe Robert Mejia, as he clobbers Maggie’s apartment door, demanding her to let him in. He is the out-of-control-type and bad influence that Maggie cannot afford to be around. The audience
will be amuzed by his plot to steal $750,000 from a safe in a nightclub. He conspires with his sexy and voluptuous current girlfriend Boochie, played by Raeya Young, as well as Paul and Maggie. When brave and desperate people are money-hungry, they make moronic decisions no matter what the risk. The actors do a magnificent job in convincing the audience that they are no masterminds of crime, but instead are idiots who buy into a gross fantasy, which is all the making for a comedy. Scenes with mobsters who are nasty, eager and fearless startle the audience with a raging chainsaw and loud gunshots. A warning appears in the beginning pages of the program about the use of loud noises. The audience finds humor in their act, as they should, because who can take a mobster’s whiny voice seriously? There are risque scenes that the audience will never see coming. Boochie, tied to her chair, tries to cast a sexual spell on Paul. She promises she will perform a sexual favor if he volunteers to die. This scene will have the audience laughing and gasping and showing signs of gusto. It doesn’t look good for the four tied-up conspirators, and how this situation ends depends on the mob boss, Big Tuna, played by Mitch Feldman. His presence is powerful and steals the show. This is a great and simple live show to experience with friends and loved ones. The show, however, may not be suitable for kids because of its explicit content. “Den of Thieves” was originally produced in April of 1996. The performance’s estimated runtime is about an hour and a half to two hours long, with a 10 minute intermission. Matinee show times are at 2 p.m., Oct. 21-23. Evening shows are at 8 p.m Oct. 21 and 22. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12.
‘The Accountant’ delivers solid, non-linear film BY GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO Staff Writer A non-linear story with lots of action and good performances, “The Accountant” is a film audiences may be split on. This film is not for everyone. Some elements of the film may deter some of the audience with its pacing. The film starts of very slow with exposition. However there is a point to this as the film is trying to establish who Christian Wolff is, played by Ben Affleck, Wolff is someone with autism. For Wolff the autism is directed towards math, which is why he became an accountant. Wolff’s father, played by Robert C. Treveiler, wants Wolff to grow up already and to take life head on, so he has Wolff and his brother Braxx trained to protect themselves. The film spends a lot of time setting up characters but doesn’t reveal their motivation until later in the film. Ray King, played by J.K. Simmons, is looking for Wolff because Wolff’s clients are dangerous criminals and King wants to know how Wolff is tied in with them. But that is what he tells Marybeth Medina, played by
Cynthia Addai- Robinson, an agent King blackmailed into helping find where Wolff is. King’s motives are revealed much later in the film to be more personal than previously thought. The fight choreography in this film is well done. Toward the ending of the film, Wolff is looking for someone and has to fight through half a dozen men to get to that person. The shootouts are done nicely and the fights feel real. There is a scene where Wolff is fighting with one of the mercenaries and the mercenary begins to gain the upper hand. The close-up shots of Affleck’s face make the fight feel claustrophobic. The performances all around were solid. Almost every character was given a motivation, giving the actors something to work with. Affleck especially did a great job portraying an autistic person. Whenever Wolff wouldn’t finish something, he would start having a breakdown and get angry, which Affleck played very well. Anna Kendrick also had a strong performance. Many times her character, Dana Cumming, brings some light-heartedness to the film’s more serious moments to bring the
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AUTISTIC KILLER—Ben Affleck, as Christian Wolff, getting into tactical position to execute his target. audience back. Kendrick has great chemistry with Ben Affleck. When they first meet, the awkwardness between the two was humorous at times because of Wolff being antisocial and Cummings being overly enthusiastic.
One of the faults the movie has is the pacing. The pacing is slow in the beginning but then it picks up with all the action, before then slowing down again. The movie feels longer than it should be because of the pacing. When the film slows down, it’s
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to add more exposition so the audience can care more about characters action. It seemed like the director Gavin O’Connor wanted to make sure the audience cares about the characters but didn’t want to hold down the film with all the exposition being in the beginning of the film.
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While it is an interesting idea, the film suffers because of it. Overall this film is fun to watch with some audience members even enjoying the exposition because the characters are written well. The film is rated for strong violence and language throughout.
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SPORTS
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2016
Win rejuvenates men’s soccer BY STEPHANIE GUEVARA Staff Writer Men’s soccer recorded its first win in regular season play by defeating El Camino College 4-0 at home on Friday. The play of freshman goalkeeper Joshua Moreno was essential in East Los Angeles College’s second clean sheet of the season, having six saves on goal. “It’s been a long season and we have been working very hard. It feels good to win. I feel like their lucky charm. I don’t want to say I’m the key to the game, but I do feel confident in the back, and the team does as well,” Moreno said. Sophomore forward Cesar Alvarez opened the scoring for ELAC with two goals early in the first half. “I feel good, but not because I scored two goals, but because we got the win. After losing and losing, it feels like a new start for us,” Alvarez said. The first goal came in the 12th minute of the game when
ELAC freshman left back Salvador Ramirez sent a crossed pass from the left wing to the center, where Alvarez scored a header. ELAC played differently than other games. This was due to a change in the system of play. In previous games ELAC played with a 1-4-4-2 system,in this game it played 1-4-3-3. ELAC assistant coach Ricardo Raygoza said he finds this alignment more effective. “We switched up the system today. We went on the offense. We played with three guys on the top. Our mindset was to attack. Yes, we were going to give up some stuff on the wings, but we were set to attack. And the score shows it,” Raygoza said. Alvarez scored his second goal in the 22nd minute on a pass from freshman midfielder Andres Martinez on an ELAC attack that started on the right wing. “We came prepared for this game. We came knowing we would play under a new system,” Alvarez said. ELAC continued its dominant performance in the second half.
Husky sophomore Ernesto Rubalcaba scored the third goal in the 57th minute off an aerial pass from sophomore winger Martin Oregel. Ramirez led the game in assists as he provided the assist in the fourth goal that sophomore midfielder Jorge Chavez scored. “We came out and did what we had said we would do. We got this win that we deserved, and that the school deserved. In this
game, we had players play in their positions. We stuck to our system and everyone followed through. I think we played with our hearts and our head,” Chavez said. ELAC players said they felt good to win and that the team needed to step it up for the remaining games. “I think it was a game to win after everything bad that is happening right now. I was good to finally get
a win. We just have to keep it up and win,” ELAC midfielder Alvaro Torres said. ELAC defender Agustin Barros said that the game was intense, but the team performed well overall, and every player put in their part to help get the win. The Huskies ended in a 1-1 draw on the road at Long Beach City College yesterday. Rubalcaba scored the only goal for ELAC in the 40th minute on a deflection from Long Beach defender Irving Alvarado.
REJOICE—Sophomore midfielder Jorge Chavez celebrates the last goal in a 4-0 victory for East Los Angeles College against El Camino College on Friday. CN/RUSSELL ZAZUETA
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Softball
BY FRANCISCO PORTILLO Staff Writer The softball team beat Los Angeles Valley College 7-1 with an early offensive barrage. Head coach Erika Blanco was pleased with the team’s performance. The team exuded confidence as they performed well offensively in the second and third innings. Blanco said players did a great job of pitching out of the stretch, keeping the opponent’s score low. “We have a great pitching staff that is working hard everyday. We have five pitchers who are really busting their tail these days,” Blanco said. The game ended early after an agreement by both head coaches. “I’m really happy. This is our fall season and we’re trying different defenses and lineups, but I’m really happy with how athletic we are. (The team) is able to move positions pretty quickly and adapt,” Blanco said. Although the players performed well, Blanco believes the team can still make some improvements with the talent on the field. “When you bring in so much talent, they have to work on really buying in and playing as a team. I think it’s hard sometimes for (players) to come from highschool, who are used to playing every game and being the top player, to come into a team with 23 top players,” Blanco said.
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PRECISION PASS—Sophomore quarterback Jonathan Santos (right) steps into a throw to freshman running back Marquis Arnold (middle) on a playaction pass in the first quarter of a 47-14 win at Weingart Stadium on Saturday.
Football stays atop conference after win BY DIEGO LINARES Staff Writers
A championship run was the conversation in the huddle after a 47-14 win by the football team against Los Angeles Southwest College at Weingart Stadium last Saturday. After the convincing East Los Angeles College win, offensive coordinator Art Hoomiriatana said he felt the team was far from where they needed to be. “We’ve got to improve a lot. Just execute better and watch the film. It’s a good score, but we have to look at what we did, you know. We could’ve scored 70, and we should be scoring 70,” Hoomiriatana said. The ELAC offense started out
hot, and put the game away in the first half. Sophomore quarterback Jonathan Santos put 21 unanswered points on the scoreboard for the Huskies by throwing a touchdown in the first three possessions of the game, all to sophomore wideout Cemaj Douglas. Douglas credited the execution to proper preparation leading up to ELAC’s fourth consecutive win, and third in the American Metro Conference. “All week we (the offense) knew they were vulnerable in the middle of the field. We just attacked it,” Douglas said. The sophomore duo managed to connect for five completions, gaining 52 yards and scoring three touchdowns in the first two quarters. “Our focus all week has been to
start fast. We’re a second-half team. We haven’t been scoring much in the first half, but all week we tried to get out fast,” said Santos. The ELAC offense doubled the yardage their counterpart amassed throughout the game, ending with 488 yards compared to LA Southwest’s 178. “We stunk today offensively. We didn’t really play well at all. Horrible,” said LA Southwest head coach Henry Washington. The Huskies won on Saturday with a rotation of running backs that wore down the LA Southwest defense, even though an injury struck early.
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