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Volume 71, Issue 1

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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

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New president settles in office Liliana Marquez Staff Writer Marvin Martinez assumed his post as the new permanent president last July, two years after former President Ernest Moreno’s retirement. Martinez was named permanent This is a campus that president on Jan.1 by the Los Angeles was built to provide a Community College service to this community. District Board of The community leaders Trustees after an extensive search. and officials still see ELAC He was serving as has that center of cultural president of Los Angeles Harbor and political activities. It is College at the time. an honor and a privilege A memo from LACCD Chancellor to be part of that history. Daniel J. LaVista said, “He brings a wealth of leadership experience to his new post. I am confident that ELAC students, staff, faculty and administrators will appreciate his insight, collaborative leadership as ELAC president will be to style and commitment to student rebuild on top of what Moreno success in the months and years accomplished during his 18 years as president. to come. “Ernest Moreno is part of “I am very glad that he will remain with the district, though I ELAC’s history. He is responsible suspect that the Los Angeles Harbor for the way the campus looks, and College community will miss him.” it looks great. “To me, my challenge is to Martinez said that for him, being the new ELAC president is connect or reconnect with the local community. They want to be part a privilege. “I was honored. I felt that it was of this campus. I want to rebuild a privilege to serve as the president on top of what he has already of a campus that has an incredible accomplished,” Martinez said. As of now, Martinez has a lot of tradition. You have a big number of people that have been students and plans to improve ELAC as well as have left their mark in Los Angeles the South Gate Center. “A great community campus to as well as nationwide This is campus that was built me is a campus that graduates and to provide a service to this transfers a lot of students. That’s community. The community where I think we need to go. We leaders and officials still see ELAC need to do everything possible to as that center of cultural and accomplish this. “We have a great campus that political activities. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the at works wonderful. We have some of the best facilities for a community history,” Martinez said. For Martinez, his challenge college. We also have a great

“

On the Move—Monterey Park Special Response Team

attends to burglar suspect barricaded in house on Hammel Street last Friday.

Monterey Park officials capture house burglar Erik Luna Staff Writer Police officials from the Monterey Park Police Department arrested Jorge Meraz, a Monterey Park resident, for residential burglary last Friday after a ninehour standoff. Meraz was found hidden in the attic of a home, which was located in the 600 block of Hammel Street after police tear gassed the house. Meraz was found by a K-9 unit and was treated at Monterey Park hospital for dog bite wounds. MPPD responded to a call from a witness that saw Meraz burglarize a home on the 1900 block of Bradshawe Avenue at around 11 a.m. Meraz then barricaded himself in the Hammel Street house.

Officials set up a perimeter and surrounded the house within minutes. They started checking the backyards, because Meraz had fled from the first house through the backyards. Arthur Flores, the owner of the house, was on the scene and was cooperating with officials. “I told them to give me two guys and to let me go knock on the door to let whoever is there know that they (wouldn’t) get hurt, but that they have to get out,” Flores said. According to a news release from MPPD, Meraz had been out on parole since July, also for residential burglary. Police officials received information that Meraz was possibly armed, so they sent in the Special Response Team.

CAPTURED Continued on page 4

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CN/Danny Vasquez

faculty and student body, as well as outstanding administrators and classified staff,” Martinez said. One of the things that the school introduced to ensure that students have the opportunities to succeed is The Adelante, First Year Experience Program. The purpose of this program is to work with incoming freshmen to provide them with services and instruction needed to be successful. Martinez is also beginning to meet with local high schools. By working with these schools, he wants to ensure that when the students come to ELAC, they come as prepared as they can. He also met with superintendent Roberto Martinez, from the East area of Los Angeles Unified School District and Monica Garcia, a board member of LAUSD who represents Board District 2. Martinez talked to students about possible ways of creating a “college-going culture,” therefore,

by the time students start attending college, they can take collegelevel courses. “We need to help them get it done in two years, so they can move on and transfer. That will help us increase the number of students who graduate and transfer. We want to provide students with the best counseling and instructional services, as well as teaching facilities,” Martinez said. The goal for any college is to have all the students who enroll, graduate and transfer. This is also Martinez’s goal. He also wants to help those students who have different plans. “There are also students who don’t come to graduate or transfer, but who want to take courses to get a better job and have a better life. Once we can help them, then we will be moving in the right direction,” Martinez said.

President Continued on page 4

LACCD faculty receives three percent raise in salary

News News Briefs Briefs

10 years later, 20 years later or health benefits. The raise is the first step in a four- when we’re getting ready to retire to-five year plan of the guild, with – our salaries were at least at the bottom third or bottom the end result being an 11 fourth quartile in percent raise. e r b s comparison “One of the m nu statewide.” reasons we went e Ornelas for this raise said. was not only V i c e because the President economy 2008 was getting of the less than better, but Academic one percent our salaries Senate (compare Jeffrey 2014 to) other Hernandez three percent districts in the said that he state,” Ornelas didn’t know said during a faculty what to expect from meeting in the F7 building. the LACCD Board of “We measured it six-years later, Trustees. He heard there were other

(process). We tried to get this resolved by July 1, but we couldn’t because we had to wait for the two new board members to come on board,” Chapter President for East Los Angeles College and the Chief Negotiator for the guild Armida Ornelas said. In addition of former ELAC President Ernest Moreno and Assemblyman Mike Eng to the LACCD Board of Trustees in midMarch, negotiations between the district and the guild were delayed by two months. The guild is in charge of making sure that faculty in the nine LACCD campuses have a good work environment, that their wages are being met and if they are up-to-date with the changes in their

Erik Luna Staff Writer After a four-month-long negotiation between management in the Los Angeles Community College District, the American Federation of Teachers Local 1521 Los Angeles College Faculty Guild was able to obtain a three-percent raise for full-time and adjunct faculty. This will be the first raise faculty members in the LACCD will receive since 2008, which was less than one percent. Faculty members will retroactively be paid starting from July 1 and will come out in their paychecks during the September paydays. “It was a difficult negotiation

ELAC Foundation offers Scholarships The ELAC Foundation is offering $136,000 worth of scholarships for full-time students attending Fall 2013. To apply, students must have completed 24 units. Deadline submission will end on Sept. 28. To apply or receive more information go to elac-foundation.org.

Raises

districts that were giving raises in the previous years and that they were considering a higher raise this year. “The raise and the plan for additional raises helps ensure ELAC is successful in hiring new faculty and that supports the goals of the Academic Senate,” Hernandez said. “We all owe a big debt to the hard work of our AFT leadership in negotiating the raise and building support for raises in future years. It is not easy for the district to manage these expenses with so many colleges relying on their balance (like ELAC) or running a deficit.” Hernandez said. According to Hernandez, if the district does not implement the additional raises, the nine campuses

South Gate Shuttle moves to Transit Center The South Gate Shuttle will start picking up and dropping off student in the ELAC Transit Center off of Collegian Avenue. For more information on the South Gate Shuttle Schedule, go to elac.edu/southgate/.

in the LACCD would be in danger of having the lowest paid faculty members in the state, which would make it harder for colleges in the district to recruit the best faculty for students. “Our contract has a salary reopener. Every year we negotiate our salary with the district for the following year,” Ornelas said. “However, given the recession of the past five years, it hasn’t been an ideal time for anyone to get raises.” According to Ornelas, the faculty had to make sacrifices to what was the bare essentials. “Even before, when the district had money it was all going to construction for more classrooms for the students. That has always been the main priority,” Ornelas said.

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Opinion

EASt LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAmpUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, September 11, 2013

Heat affects students negatively Liliana Marquez Staff Writer

Over the last couple of days California has been experiencing a big increase in temperatures. Summer might almost be over, but it seems as if the closer fall gets, the heat increases, causing people to get violent and aggressive. I always tend to pay attention to my surroundings. Over the last days I took some time to observe how people behaved under these extreme temperatures because I noticed that I felt cranky especially when the temperatures reached their peak. One day at around 3 p.m. I walked into a grocery store located near my house. I found the owner in a heated argument with a customer. My first thought was that maybe the customer had tried to steal something, but to my surprise, and that of the other customers at the store, the argument was due to the fact that the customer opened a bag of chips before paying for it. Thinking about it, this was not a big deal. It would have been resolved without difficulty, but

for some reason they were close to hitting each other. I have known the owner of the store for about nine years and he is always in a good mood. That’s why I was so surprised. As I walked home, I started thinking that it was possible that the heat was resonsible for them to get

angry and for my crankiness during these hot summer days. I’ve heard before that the weather affects people’s mood and I believe it now. The heat not only gets people sweaty, tired and thirsty, but also affects the way they interpret another person’s points of view.

I commute to ELAC using public transportation and I also have noticed how people are even less polite on the bus during these heat waves. Even some of the bus drivers act aggressive when people ask them something, and yes, I’ve noticed that this happens more frequently when the temperatures increase. According to “Eternal Sunshine of the Springtime Mind,” an article published by the Wall Street Journal in 2001, “Extreme temperatures make people hostile and aggressive, and violent crimes occur more often in the hotter months.” For this reason, people need to be careful, not only for the risks of dehydration, sunburns, etc, but also because these high temperatures can prompt them to be violent and do things that they wouldn’t do under pleasant weather conditions. In an article published by South Source in 2011, a publication of Southern University, Tracy Siska, executive director of the Chicago Justice Project, A nonprofit organization devoted to help people understand the criminal justice system said that there is a relation between violent crimes and high temperatures. “Violence increases, especially

street violence, muggings, assaults, battery. Across the boards most crimes increase,” said Siska Up to now there are still arguments on whether temperatures affect our mood or not. From my personal point of view and after the things I’ve seen, I think there is a connection. The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department is trying to provide relief during these heat waves by using senior centers, libraries and recreation and parks centers as cooling centers. The department also recommends to: • Drink a lot of fluids even if you are not thirsty. • Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (This is the time when the heat is at its peak). • Wear light colored clothing when you are outdoors. • Reduce physical activity. Maybe people can’t have the power to change the weather and make it rain, but they do have the power to learn more about the weather and how it affects their mood. This will help them attack the problem and prevent violent things from happening.

As the new semester begins, many students promise themselves to get good grades on their classes. At first, we feel like we will do anything it takes to pass a class, as the workload is light at the beginning of every semester. However, after a few weeks into the class, many students fall short on their promise. In order to get a good grade, we must be fully focused on our classes and give100 percent in order to reach our academic goals. A few ways to reach our academic goals are paying attention in class, study, and attending every meeting. For many students, distractions are all around them, which prevents them from reaching their academic goals. The distractions could be during, or outside of the classes. During class, students are easily distracted, either by classmates or by themselves. Classmates might enter the class late and cause the student to lose their focus, other times students have conversations with each other, which impedes their ability to pay attention to the instructor. On the other hand, students are more likely to distract themselves. For instance, instead of giving

their undivided attention to the professor, many students hide their phone under the desk to text. Others find themselves spacing out, or thinking about their plans for the weekend. The class does not end after it is over because students must continue their studies at home to be able to understand the material better. However, sometimes home is not the best place to study. Even though home is where many students feel most comfortable, it could also mean they could easily lose focus. At home, we are surrounded by distractions that could slow us down and impede our studies. For instance, while we are about to study, our favorite show has begun and we think that we could watch it and study at the same time. However, after the program has ended we realize that we are still on the first page and do not remember any of the material we studied while watching the show. Also, most of the students that multi-task at home believe that they are successful. However, multi-tasking is just another obstacle that prevents us from studying. In research by Clifford Nass, a professor at Stanford University proved that multi-tasking is not the best course of action, because it could not be completed successfully. Another reason why students fail

C A M P U S

their classes is because they fail to attend class. Even arriving a few minutes late could mean a difference in your grade. Although absences are worse, being late could mean a deduction on your grade as well as missing important material that was explained by the instructor. On the other hand, there are students who try to do their best to pass the class, but are unable to succeed because they have other things to attend to. They have kids to nurture, work responsibilities, and anything else that impedes studying, There are other ways they could accomplish their academic goals by making a study schedule that best fits their schedule. For example, going to the campus library, which is silent and has various places to study privately, or studying late at night for an hour and then going back to sleep. The factors that keep us from getting good grades are preventable, and is our choice if we decide to do them or not. The simple question to making that decision is asking ourselves “Do I want to pass or fail this class?” After all, the Los Angeles Community College District only allows you to take a course three times, so students must take advantage of every opportunity given to us.

V O I C E :

MANAGING EDITOR Liliana Marquez ONLINE EDITOR Freddy Monares ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR Brian Villalba FRONT EDITOR Danny Vasquez OPINION EDITOR Luis Vasquez NEWS EDITOR Jesus Figueroa FEATURE EDITOR Tadzio Garcia

ARTS EDITOR Sergio Berrueta SPORTS EDITOR Diego Linares PHOTO EDITOR Manny Miguel COPY EDITOR Augustine Ugalde

New semester inspires students to perform better Laura Parral Staff Writer

EDITORS IN CHIEF Erik Luna Lindsey Maeda

CARTOONIST Bryan Pedroza Anthony Tran STAFF Carlos Alvarez, Alejandra Carrillo, JC Casarez, Micole Guevara, William Hernandez, Yesenia Martinez, Diego Olivares, Laura Parral, Ruben Perez, Ricardo Pimienta, David Rios, Evelyn Sanchez, Karina Soto, Elide Valdez

Construction leads to detours at ELAC William Hernandez Staff Writer Along with facing roadblocks in getting their classes, community college students at East Los Angeles college are now having a hard time physically getting to class. No longer is the walk to class an easy route, with half of the campus being under construction, a typical two to three minute walk to class is now stretched to a five to seven minute hike because of the numerous detours. Construction for the current projects began last year during October, and the completions dates for some of these projects aren’t expected until the end of the Fall 2014 semester. What used to be a straightforward pathway between the E1 and E3 buildings, is now a narrow construction road that was the scene of a prospective ELAC student being sexually harassed on orientation day July 8. It’s a great thing that ELAC is investing millions of dollars

into providing new resources for its students. Therefore a project of this size that has already started, isn’t going to be shut down for the sake of student safety. Instead, students will need to plan ahead before coming to campus to avoid any dilemmas in getting to class and avoid any awkward or dangerous confrontations. Arriving to campus an hour or two before class starts, instantly reduces the stress and risk of being late. Also, a good strategy to avoid a risky situation is by pairing up and walking with a friend. Walking to class with friends and classmates enhances your safety. Campus construction has caused us all endless headaches. So learn to adapt to the situation, and find your spots to sit and study with friends on campus. Plan ahead, and accordingly to your class schedule and personal life, so that the construction doesn’t interfere with school and nor with the experience.

How does 9-11 affect your life today?

PODCAST Sergio Berrueta Jesus Figueroa ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Augustine Ugalde ADVISER Jean Stapleton Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues. Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the proper ty of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 250 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. A n o ny m o u s l e t te r s w i l l n o t be printed. Writer s must sign submissions and print their names and a phone number where they can be reached. Letters should be addressed to the editor of Campus News. Submissions can be made at the mailroom in building E1 or the Journalism department office in the Technology Center in E7-303. East Los Angeles College Campus News 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez E7-303 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 265-8819, Ads (323) 265-8821 Fax (323) 415-4910 The East Los Angeles College Campus News is published as a learning experience, of fered under the East Los Angeles College Journalism program. The editorial and advertising materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The opinions expressed are exclusively those of the writer. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, East Los Angeles College, or any officer or employee thereof. PRINTING BY NEWS PUBLISHERS PRESS

“The event definitely altered my overall thinking because I have a heightened sense of awareness which stems from my prior military experiences and the events that unfolded from September 11, 2001.”

“I feel empathy for the lives that are affected, but I am not directly affected by 9-11.”

Anthony Mancha Philosophy

“I don’t feel safe. Anything can happen. I feel uncertainty.”

Eduardo Vargas Business Administration

Jade Wong Business Administration

“It influenced my decision to join the military. The Patriot Act is a result of 9-11 and is a double-edged sword. It gives us security, but at the same time our information is out there.”

Nick McKnight Business Administration www.ELACCampusNews.com

News

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

ELAC’s new president opens Garden Danny Vasquez Staff Writer

In his first official appearance as the new East Los Angeles College president, Marvin Martinez opens up the newly constructed ELAC Garden before the first football game of the season on Saturday. Martinez said that the garden will open up future opportunities and support the athletic programs. The garden is located by the score board in Weingart stadium. The ceremony kicked off the first football game of the season against Los Angeles Valley College after the ribbon cutting ceremony. “It’s a facility we wanted to build, so we can hold receptions and events to support athletic programs,” Martinez said. At 10,000 square feet the garden was built to accommodate outdoor seating and adds 400 people to the stadium capacity. “We were all working very hard to get this facility completed, and it

wasn’t until a couple days ago we received the green light,” Martinez said. “I think the garden is awesome. It is just another reason to think and truly understand how ELAC is the top school in the LACCD,” Athletic Director Al Cone said. Martinez said the garden is designed to add a place where formal events can be held before a game at the stadium which would help the athletic department. “As far as helping the Athletic Department, I’m not sure it will, but it is certainly a great place to watch a soccer or football game and possibly a concert,” Cone said. Martinez said that any department, not just the Athletic Department, can take advantage of the garden. “It (the garden) can be used for fundraisers. Let’s say the ASU wants to have a fundraiser, maybe before a football game or a homecoming. I am happy to partner with you so we can invite people to come in and donate to any specific student cause. From generating more money for scholarships, books and things like

that,” Martinez said. Los Angeles Community College District Interim Chancellor Adriana Barrera, Ph.D., and LACCD Board of Trustees and former ELAC President Ernest Moreno joined Martinez. Monterey Park Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian presented a certificate of congratulations to ELAC for the full construction of the garden at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Martinez said that the garden was originally Moreno’s vision and it was his vision started the development which lead to construction of the project. For future plans for the Garden, Martinez wants the plaza to be of use for the East Los Angeles Classic, Garfield versus Roosevelt high schools football game. “I’m going to be meeting with the ELAC Foundation tomorrow (Tuesday) to ask them if they want to have a mixer event there. I go to a lot of mixers and you meet with other business people, corporate people or people who have resources. They can become familiar with the

CN/Danny Vasquez

welcome— East Los Angeles College’s President Marvin Martinez, left, LACCD Board of

Trustees Ernest Moreno, LACCD Interim Chancellor Adriana Barrera, Ph.D., and Monterey Park Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian open ELAC’s Garden last Saturday. campus and donate,” Martinez said. “We already had a conversation with Garfield and Roosevelt High school programs, they asked if

they can use the facility as a VIP reception,” Martinez said. During the ceremony guests were served by Los Angeles Harbor

College Culinary students. ELAC’s Latin Jazz Ensemble and marching band performed live music for the festivities.

YouTube helps ELAC counseling office connect with students Sergio Berrueta Staff Writer The Counseling Department has added tutorials on YouTube to help new and continuing students with online services from the Los Angeles Community College District Student Information System. On YouTube, ELAC Counseling videos give detail descriptions on how to handle certain tasks such as how to add and drop classes, to access to the LACCD student e-mail and to view upcoming counselor appointments. Counselor Chris Garcia and the Orientation Committee created the new YouTube channel to extend services beyond the office.

SCreenshot—ELAC’s counseling office post YouTube videos to help make students life easier. Garcia was the one who started the YouTube idea. “The YouTube channel came about because we wanted to have something up for students to tap

into,” Garcia said. “It was developed as more of an extension from the student orientation. If they have a question a week or two after the orientation, then they have

something there to answer it.” Garcia said that the video tutorials are a major step for the department expanding into the world of multimedia. As for plans

expanding into social media, there are no current plans to enter other social media at the time. “For now, we are just working with YouTube. It depends with the different medias that come out,” Garcia said. “If we can incorporate other media and use it effectively, we are open to it.” “We found innovative ways on how students can access their information and the channel was a really good idea,” Counselor Alicia Perez said. “We hope this is the first step in finding ways on how we are able to communicate with students and make things much more accessible for them.” ELAC student Daniel Jaramillo said the new service is useful, y e t i t ’s n o t a r e p l a c e m e n t

for human contact. “The fact that the department came up with the idea to deliver help (in a new way) benefits us. Yet, it may not be as great as actually talking person to person,” said Jaramillo. “What would be nice to see is a Facebook page so we can post questions and have the counselors answer through comments.” In a few months, there will be a survey to provide feedback on the service and suggestions for future video tutorials. The YouTube channel has five videos uploaded that provide steps to using the LACCD SIS. The channel can be access by searching ELACCounseling or at youtube. com/user/ELACCounseling.

Captured: Special Response Team called in to deal with burglar Continued from page 1 The Special Response Team helped with the evacuation of Hammel Street with the use of an armored truck. Along with the SRT, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiation Team attempted to get in contact with Meraz – they

called out to him and threw a phone inside, so that they could communicate. Resident Joseph Palos, who went out for a bike ride, said that if he had left a minute earlier, he would have seen the suspect running away. “I’m very protective of my community, especially because my sisters walk around here,” Palos said. “If I would have ran into him, I probably would have done

some damage to him first, then called the police.” According to Palos, there have been a string of burglaries happening around that area. “It’s messed up. You expect to go to your home and be safe,” Palos said. “You don’t mess with someone’s place of rest.” Due to the situation, police closed off Riggin Street at Gerhart Avenue and Findlay Avenue to

President: Martinez plans for ELAC’s future Continued from page 1 Regarding the South Gate campus, Martinez wants to make them feel a part of ELAC, since a lot of people tend to forget about the satellite campus. Part of his plan includes the construction of the new South Gate campus on the land that was purchased across the street from the current campus. “Right now we are in discussions and negotiations with the city of South Gate to be able to start constructing the new campus,” Martinez said. According to Martinez, the current campus serves about 4,500 students. Once the new campus is built, it will serve 9,000 students. The plan also includes to construct a parking structure for about 1,600 cars. “We are going to double the number of students that we serve. We will be able to hire more faculty, counselors and other staff,” Martinez said. Martinez also wants to schedule some of the committee meetings in South Gate. He asked the Associated Student Union to consider having at least a meeting there, to allow the students who attend there, to participate. During his first day as ELAC president, Martinez took some time to meet staff, faculty and students during a reception for him.

For Martinez, it is crucial to be active with students and faculty. He also considers it important to get to know people and their concerns. Martinez wants to create a spirit on campus where students support each other. He encourages students to go to the sporting and arts events held at ELAC to support their classmates. Martinez, who was born in El Salvador, comes from a working class family. His father drove trucks, while his mother cleaned houses in order to support their family. “Like many immigrants, they sacrificed everything to come to this country in order to help their kids,” Martinez said. They came to the United States in 1972 when he was nine years old. He arrived to this country with his family of eight. They lived in Brooklyn, New York for six years and then moved to Long Beach. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson Classical High School. He earned a Master of Arts in Urban Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of California, Los Angeles. During his time at UCLA he was editor in chief of their newspaper and president of MECHA. Martinez was also involved in student government. He helped his friend and colleague Dean Florez to become the first Latino student

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body president at UCLA. Besides being president of LAHC, some other of Martinez’s previous jobs include: Dean of Business and Industry at Cerritos College, Vice President of Planning and Development for the Santa Monica Community College District and vice chancellor of Economic and Workforce Development for the Los Angeles Community College District. Martinez said that his previous jobs have helped him by giving him the necessary tools to be the ELAC president. “Having that network of contacts with district staff and having a good relationship with the board has helped me and has allowed me to hit the ground running. Something that also helps me is the fact that I love working with students,” Martinez said. Martinez has four children. Two of them graduated from community colleges. One of them graduated from Cerritos College and got a certificate in Cosmetology, while TRINITY LAW SCHOOL the other graduated from Santa 2200 North Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Monica College, and transferred 800.922.4748 | www.TLS.edu to the University of California, Berkeley where she graduated in Political Science. Martinez said, “I am a real firm believer in community colleges and how much they help young people. Education for me is very important.” www.ELACCampusNews.com

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Sports

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Runners earn top-10 spot Tadzio Garcia Staff Writer Freshman Laura Aceves won the women’s individual title at the Rio Hondo College Cross Country Invitational in a time that was rarely surpassed last season by anyone in the state. South Coast Conference rival LA Trade Tech College won the women’s team title snapping twotime defending champion East Los Angeles College’s consecutive title streak in the process. The Huskies settled for fourth place out of eight teams, sandwiched between SCC rivals Pasadena City and Long Beach City colleges. Aceves blew by the competition finishing in 18:23 minutes, winning by 13 seconds over Andrea Contreras of Oxnard College. Vanessa Martinez of Oxnard College took third place. “It was a good race for me, but my goal is to improve each week,” Aceves said. “Last year, Martinez won the Invitational women’s race in 19:22 and only took third this year with a time of 18:39. We’ll take it,” said Geno Sharp, 14-year head coach of Oxnard College. “These times are very fast,” said Gayle Watkins, head coach of host Rio Hondo. Evelyn De la Luz of LATTC took fourth place in 19:06. She placed 14th at last year’s state finals in 18:55.58. “The course is flat and fast,” David Loera, ELAC assistant cross country coach said. Aceves is the second women’s champion at the Invitational in two years. Johana Ceja won the 2011 race in 18.56. Ceja graduated from ELAC in June and transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where she plans to walk on the cross country team. All-American Megan Magdaleno, who took third at last year ’s

CN/Tadzio garcia

STAY FOCUSED— Guadalupe Yanez ran ahead of the Husky pack mid-race, to stay behind Southwestern’s Bailie LeDesma (not pictured) the entire race. Yanez’s strategy was to pace herself with enough kick to edge LeDesma at the Rio Hondo Invitational yesterday in El Monte Invitational, was on hand to support the team. “Everything they learn here at ELAC is important to their future,” Magdaleno said. Magdaleno now runs for Cal State Northridge. Freshmen Ruby Padilla and Guadalupe “Lupe” Yanez sprinted to close wins at the finish line in

front of screaming fans. Padilla edged Destini Hernandez by less than a second. Yanez beat Baillie LeDesma of Southwestern College by less than two seconds. “I sprinted with more than 100-meters left. I pushed to pass her and keep the lead at the line,” Padilla said.

Sophomores and team captains Karina Toribio and Briana Lewis rounded out the Husky scoring. “We are an exciting team. It was a good start for both the women’s and men’s team. The race identified some problems we need to fix, such as bringing up times of our three, four and five runners,” Head Coach Louis Ramirez said. Aceves was named to the Rio Hondo Invitational Women’s Top-10 Team. Gonzalo Ceja, top Husky for the men’s team, was named to the Men’s Top-10 Team after posting a lifetime best mark. “The personal record is great, but I was disappointed with only placing seventh. I ran with the lead pack the entire race. However, guys passed me near the end. Each runner that passed me was like a slap in the face,” Gonzalo Ceja said. Southwestern College won the men’s title by taking the first four spots. ELAC placed sixth behind PCC (third place), Oxnard and San Diego City. The Huskies beat Golden West, Long Beach City and Rio Hondo colleges. Gonzalo Ceja sprinted ahead of Brendan Greene at the finish line also by less than a second. Afterwards, in a spirit of collegiality, Greene congratulated Gonzalo Ceja. “I told him he did a nice job,” said Greene. Kris Chacon was ELAC’s No. 2 runner taking the No. 23 spot. Cristian Flores, Jesse Bonilla and Rene Flores rounded out the Husky scoring. Adrian Gaytan, who will compete for the track team, placed third at the 2011 Invitational. The Huskies men’s team won the title that year taking the first three spots. “The meet has grown so the times get faster,” Gaytan said. Sophomore Andrew Torres, who won highest GPA at 3.58 last year, finished out of a scoring position. “We stress education first important to each student’s success in life,” Ramirez said.

Men’s soccer

Women’s water polo

The men’s soccer team earned their second win of the season after defeating Taft College 2-0 on the road.

Coach Matheson has his hands full as the water polo team starts off the season today at home against LA Trade Tech at 3 p.m.

The Huskies have played four games so far and hold an overall record of 2-2. Their next game will be this Friday at Weingart Stadium against Fullerton College at 6 p.m.

They will cap off the week at the Saddleback Invitational both Friday and Saturday at Saddlebadk College.

Football fails in home opener David Rios Staff Writer

East Los Angeles College struggled to stop Los Angeles Valley College this past Saturday in a game where Breeon Moreno had a record breaking night. ELAC was unable to stop the Monarch’s offense in the 59-34 loss. The Huskies took the field on opening night with Interim-coach Randy Sanchez taking the reins as Head Coach Steve Mojarro was away for the week attending to a personal matter. ELAC cornerback Breeon Moreno tried to keep his team in the game as he set a school record returning a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Communication problems were evident on the defensive side for the Huskies. At the end of the first half ELAC middle linebacker Deandre Nelson and defensive tackle Mike Wyche got into an altercation regarding their play. This did not help fire up the often

torched secondary. Regardless, the Monarchs’ offense would not let up. Throughout the game LA Valley running-back Malcolm Thomas scored on two handoffs and helped wear down the Husky defense as quarterback Tyler went on to throw for five touchdowns of his own. The Monarchs’ defense got in on the action to as cornerback Zack Kelley took an interception from Husky quarterback Gilberto Rivera 45-yards for a pick-six. “Things didn’t go our way. (The) team was just talked to about this. It’s one game. We will keep working hard. We will get better. LA Valley, they played better. They executed.” Sanchez said. Luck was not on the Huskies’ side as LA Valley was close to committing a turnover. Unfortunately they were able to recover their own fumble and ran it in for a touchdown. “We’re excited about the opener; excited about the outcome. Hats off to ELAC. We have huge respect for them. They are tough kids,” said Larry Kerr, the Monarchs’ head coach.

Wrestlers prepare for acclaim A smarter phone deserves a smarter plan.

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Tadzio Garcia Staff Writer To win a wrestling state title you should sport a strong team with veteran experience and top recruits out of high school. The Huskies have done just that. Ralph Valle, 19-year East Los Angeles College head coach, had a great recruiting off-season and returns veterans from three past seasons. ELAC will begin with the Green and White Dual next Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the men’s gym. “We have the potential to be a real good team. We return several (Huskies) and have CIF place winners out of high school,” Valle said. One recruit adding to the Huskies strength is heavyweight William Amelong from Long Beach Wilson High School who took fifth place in his weight class at the CIF finals last year. Amelong is an athlete born without his left forearm and hand. “I suppose it can be a disadvantage, but it doesn’t affect me when wrestling because I never had them. It can be intimidating to my opponents, who don’t have at least one hand or arm to grab onto,” Amelong said. Amelong also spoke on his decision to come to ELAC. “This is a strong program with Ralph Valle as the coach. I met him while in high school and decided joining the team is the best move for me,” Amelong said. The Huskies will host four games this year in their quest for another top-10 finish at the state finals. “We are deep in each weight class. We wrestle each other (at the Dual), which gives us a chance to see where we are,” Valle said. “We are wrestling for starting positions. It is an exciting match in front of many fans including the cheerleaders and alumni,” Husky Omar Ochoa said. Other recruits include: heavyweight Lavante Chism from Long Beach Poly High School, who took fourth at CIF last year; three-time city champion Josh Adad; Warner Quevedo from Monroe High School, who was

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CN/TADZIO GARCIA

standup MOVE— Husky Francisco Aceves tries to escape a lock from Sergio Guerrero of Mt. San Antonio College at the Southern California Regionals held at ELAC last December. ranked second last year at 275 pounds from The California Wrestler; and Davit Hovhannisyan at 125 pounds. Returning for their sophomore seasons are Hugo Perez, who was a state finalist last year at 125 pounds, and Omar Ochoa, who missed out on the state finals last year by one point to Santa Ana College’s Nathan Matteo. “My goal is to win state, not just qualify. It takes determination and dedication every day,” Ochoa said. If rankings are any indication, Ochoa, who was ranked all season last year, will be a favorite in his weight class at 149 pounds. Also returning are sophomores Francisco Aceves, Travon Harper, Andrew Reel and Michael Zaragoza. Aceves is a wrestling coach at Bell High School. Husky Veterans returning to the mat also include Rafik Hovhannisyan who took sixth place at the 2011 state finals and

2008 state finalist Josh Quesada. Last year two Huskies cracked the statewide record books when Gonzalo Vargas edged Gerardo Aranda, 55-54 in overtime, in front of a large crowd at the ELAC Brawl. The match pulled in fans and coaches from other teams while two other matches were taking place in the tournament hosted by ELAC. Vargas and Aranda did not return to the team this season. The Huskies also lost two competitors who advanced to last year’s state finals and led ELAC to a 10th place overall finish at state; Joshua Newman (174 pounds) and Michael Middlebrooks (184 pounds) both brought home fourth place nods. Also gone are heavyweight Julian Zuniga who placed sixth at state (2012), state finalists Victor Cisneros (2012) and Adrian Virgen at 157 pounds (2011).

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Stylistic contemporary art on display at VPAM Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer Two artists show their unique styles to the Vincent Price Art Museum in two exhibits that showcase artwork yesterday. The detail and fine art of Shizu Saldamando get displayed in the Small Gallery in her exhibit “When You Sleep: A Survey of Shizu Saldamando,” her first solo museum show. “Karen Rapp had been following my work for a while and attended my first solo exhibition at Tropico de Nopal gallery a while back, before she was director at VPAM,” Saldamado said. “So when she started working there, I think she had it in her mind that maybe I would show there one day,” she said. The portrait drawings and paintings on display are of her friends and family in unposed scenes. Her work depicts party scenes, club interactions and their private life. “Karen approached me with the idea of doing a sort of retrospective of work spanning from the time I was an art student at UCLA to the present, so there wasn’t a lot of pressure to make an entirely new body of work,” Saldamando said. “We agreed that because of the nature of a retrospective I would only need to produce a few new pieces. There are three new paintings and one drawing in the show that have never been exhibited before,” she said. The artwork on display shows raw un-posed slice of life drawings, which viewers can appreciate. Each artwork is intricate and detailed with a sense of realism that make the art pop. “Shizu’s friends, the subjects of many of her portraits, convey a stark beauty, made all the more powerful by the restrained backgrounds against which they’re depicted,” Director of the Vincent Price Art Museum Karen Rapp said. “It’s as if Shizu uses the absence of contextual information, such as a room, color or tableau, to evoke

In the

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A Slice of life— Shizu Saldamando displays a detailed

Infectious— The germ inspired style of Jaime “Germs” Zacarias on display as paintings, sculptures and on the walls of the Hoy Space at the Vincent Price Art Museum.

presence. And it’s effective. Her subjects present themselves to us, revealing and holding back in equal measure,” she said. The incredible work that Saldamando exhibits leads to branching out to see what else could be done to further exhibition. “We also decided to produce a book of work to coincide with the exhibition, so that in itself took up a tremendous amount of time and resources in terms of fundraising and editing,” Saldamando said. “We spent about a month culling online donations and another two months editing and designing the publication,” Saldamando said. “We also decided that the catalog wouldn’t be an exact representation of the exhibit in that there would be some work in the catalog not in the exhibit and vice versa. “But we also knew we wanted it

time, I am really honored menacing reality. When and happy to exhibit I go to see work, I place with such skilled artists,” a lot of importance on “I admire Saldomando said. what sticks with me. both of their Germs stuck with me. I “ J o h n Va l a d e z h a s practices and saw his next solo show been one of the biggest influences and inspirations last year and I knew I really feel to me as a younger artist, like the work wanted to offer him an so the opportunity to be exhibition,” Rapp said. compliments showcased alongside Zacarias gets his itself in him is always really nickname from his high incredible,” she said. school days when he different The germ-inspired was a skater. ways” artwork of Jaime “Germs” “‘Germs’ was a Karen Zacarias gets displayed in nickname given to me Rapp “La Luz de Germs” exhibit back in high school. Director of at Hoy Space. I would say back in VPAM The exhibit came to be 1998 or 1999. It was after the Rapp attended given to me as a skating one of Zacarias exhibits and the art nickname. We use to skate around stuck with her. and everyone in the crew had a “His iconography, the germ, dumb name,” Zacarias said. was memorable to me because it “When I started painting, I applied conveyed humor and a distorted, germs into my artwork, infecting

portrait of a smoker painted on a wood panel as one of the pieces on display in the Small Gallery of the Vincent Price Art Museum.

Spotlight :

VPAM, Theatre continues throughout summer Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer Summer has fewer students around the East Los Angeles College campus, but the Art Department kept on going with artist Carmen Argote’s exhibit “720 Sq. Ft.: Shape Seeps Through,” a Shakespeare workshop and the world premiere of the music video for “Luna Lovers” by Las Cafeteras. The Large Gallery, located on the second floor of the Vincent Price Art Museum, housed the large carpet installation from the childhood residence of Argote. The center of the carpet is painted 10 inches from the perimeter having all the stains seep through the paint. “It’s like the history of the house,” Argote said. Accompanying the exhibit, Argote held an artist talk that took place on the installation, the painted carpet. Once the Argote’s exhibit closed, the events at the VPAM kept going through out the summer with the large gallery of the VPAM filling with fans of Las Cafeteras to celebrate the first professional music video for the Latin group. “Luna Lovers” stands out as one of the softer songs on Las Cafeteras’ album and now also becomes their first music video. The premiere had Latin artist Maria Del Pilar, former Los Abandoned front woman.

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“Before, I think they were just friends hanging, playing, which is beautiful, but now they are really committed to be a band and get better at their instruments and at their stage performance,” Del Pilar said. The night had a large turn out with a line outside the door in anticipation for the event. The Theatre Department opened the Proscenium Theater doors this summer to showcase the Shakespeare summer students talents. For the first time, admission to this two-day show was $5 to raise money for the Theatre Department. The nights showcased the new Shakespearian acting students. Some of the scenes were a huge hit with the audience as they were emerged into the experience and cheered and some scenes did not quite get to that level. Many different instructors, one of which is Kelley Hogan, taught the students. “Our goal is to create Shakespeare actors, or at least actors, even if they never want to do Shakespeare again. But they understand the process of working as an actor, the process you have to go through, “So, we give them all these different teachers with all these points of view, and then they have to make the choices. That’s how they become actors, cause that’s all acting is, making choices,” Hogan said.

finished in time to be available at the opening reception,” she said. The crowd-funded book could not have been possible if not for crowd funding. “The realization of this catalogue is due to enthusiastic and committed friends, family and admirers of Shizu,” Rapp said. “I thank the more than 100 individuals who generously gave and exceeded the financial goals of the online fundraiser that made possible this publication,” she said. The “When You Sleep” exhibit, which opened along side “La Luz de Germs” exhibit of Jaime “Germs” Zacarias in the “Hoy Space,” is one of three exhibits at the VPAM opening this month. John Valadez opens his exhibit in the Large Gallery later this month. “It’s a bit intimidating to show with those guys, but at the same

walls,” he said. The designs on the wall are part of the spectacular display that will fill the exhibit, which will include, for the first time in a Zacarias exhibit, sculptures made specifically for this exhibit. For the first time, Zacarias brings his artwork off the walls and onto a new medium. “I am a full time artist. This is what I do for a living. I’m usually pairing, either walls on the street or in the studio,” Zacarias said. This exhibit has given Zacarias a chance to reach beyond his comfort zone and gain a new experience. He unveils sculptures that are inspired by his canvas work. “Jaime has worked so hard planning out all the details of his installation, even having work specially produced overseas employing incredible woodworking skills. “Jaime is young (31 years old), largely self-taught, increasingly successful and talented. I think our students benefit from meeting artists who are going for it,” Rapp said. From month to month, Zacarias has fluctuated his schedule, so he can dedicate his time to making the best artwork for this exhibit. He has dedicated long hours to preparing and carefully putting everything together. “The ‘Hoy Space’ is intended for artists to create a project that isn’t necessarily suited for a commercial gallery. “It gives artists an opportunity to focus on one project and realize it in a museum setting with freedom,” Karen said. Zacarias and Saldamando have displayed at a show together. “Germs and I were in an exhibit curated by Cristina Ochoa at SHG a while back called ‘13x13,’ so I feel like it’s fitting we get to be showcased here together as well,” Saldamando said. “I admire both of their practices and really feel like the work compliments itself in different ways,” she said. “When You Sleep” and “La Luz de Germs” close December 7th.

‘Light in the Darkness’ shines bright at Casa 0101 Ricardo Pimenta Staff Writer Casa 0101, a creative safe haven for the youth of Boyle Heights, introduces a powerhouse of a play with “Light in the Darkness.” Written by Victor Tamayo, then adapted and directed by Ramon “Monxies” Flores, who with the help of Producer Emmanuel Deleage, “Light in the Darkness” ventures deep into the life of a gangster in Boyle Heights “Light in the Darkness” offers audiences a window into the struggling gang life of Carlos “Shotgun” Alvarado, a tough southsider portrayed by Johnny Ortiz. Along with 18 other actors, this group of thespians brings about an amazing performance complete with humor, sorrow, mystery, resentment and joy. The production team who created an ambience of true talent, bringing the audience into each scene of the play. With a backdrop of a sunny afternoon at Hollenbeck Park, Sandman, played by Aurelio Yeiyotal Medina, enters and starts making drug deals at the park, setting up a character who continually meddles in the story. Medina portrayed his role exceptionally well, depicting “Sandman” as a hothead of a man taking advantage of the people who surround him, always claiming “it’s business.” After a murder by Carlos’ own hand, his life is thrown into a struggle between his mind, body, and spirit. With each life he takes he c o n t i n u a l l y f a c e s o ff w i t h “Tezcatlipoca.” The duality of the play is great, having an aztec god/warrior coming in contact with a modern day gangster/warrior.

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forgive me— Carlos “Shotgun” Alvarado, portrayed by Johnny Ortiz, cocks his shotgun as he looks up to prays for forgiveness for what he is about to do during the play ‘Light in the Darkness,’ at Boyle Heights’ Casa 0101. Carlos continually battles with his drug usage, choosing the dangerous and seductive life of a gangbanger over his girlfriend Liz, played by Sara Aceves. An exceptional depiction of Carlos’ inner demons would have to be a scene where he brings out a belt and wraps it around his arm. He tightens and bites down on the belt, holding it in place to stick the needle in his vein. It’s clear that he’s trying to escape his personal demons. Ortiz masterfully shows off the impotence of his character’s nature,

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retreating to drugs as an escape from the problems that constantly rear their ugly heads. “Light in the Darkness” ventures deep into the life of a gangster in Boyle Heights as the life of a gang member is cut short, from being killed in a shootout, locked up in prison or left strung out on a chair by yourself. All of Carlos’ choices affect the people around him, and every action he takes creates a reaction from the world he lives in. The production inspire the lives of troubled youth, giving them an

insight into the life that their path may lead to. Gang problems are ever present as this production looks deep into the pain and regret the lifestyle can inflict on their loved ones. It takes a harsh and realistic look on how choices can affect one’s life. It never strays away from the message it conveys. “Light in the Darknesss” runs two hours with a 10 minute intermission and will run until Sept. 29. Casa 0101 is located at 2102 E. First Street, Los Angeles CA. 90033.

SPECIAL

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

under the sun— Participants in the Mexican Independence Day Parade walk and dance nearly two miles to their destination.

CN/Erik Luna

Wave— A crowd of spectators wave the Mexican flag and cheer as floats pass by.

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Largest U.S. Latino parade draws crowd Dancers of all types, musicians and a myriad of floats made their way down Avenida Cesar Chavez last Sunday as part of the 67th annual East Los Angeles Mexican Independence Day Parade. It is the largest and oldest Latino parade in the nation. As participants made their way down the parade p a t h w a y, s p e c t a t o r s continued their yells of support. With short outbursts of “Arriba Mexico!” and “Arriba las Chivas!” the crowd got reactions from the participants of the parade. East Los Angeles College participated in the celebration as students and faculty rode on a doubledeck Starline bus with a Cumbia band accompanying them. The crowd responded enthusiastically. CN/Erik Luna

- Erik Luna

DOUBLE DECK— Members of East Los Angeles College’s Associated Student Union participate in the parade on a double-deck bus with a Cumbia band accompanying them.

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Surprise— One of the youngest participants in the parade smiles for spectators.

Arriba— Mariachi players get the crowd excited as they yell out “Arriba Mexico!”