OPINIONS Privacy laws protect our safey
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Volume 73, Issue 20
FEATURES
SPORTS
A walk to raise sexual assault awareness and violence prevention
ELAC’s number one sport fan cheers through adveristy
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See page 5
Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
www.elaccampusnews.com
l a i r o t Edi
r o f s e r a p e r p ELAC l a v i r r a s ’ n o t n Cli
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ith the arrival of United States Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton at East Los Angeles College on Thursday at 4:45 p.m., the campus will be buzzing with supporters and non-supporters. With rumors of protests attempting to block Clinton from speaking at the ELAC Men’s Gym circulating on campus and social media, it is important that the campus as a whole respectfully exercises the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The First Amendment grants the right to freedom of speech. Both Clinton’s supporters and non-supporters have the right to respectfully exercise this amendment. The amendment also grants the freedom to peacefully assemble, which is a human right, a political right and a civil liberty. This is not a Campus News or ELAC endorsement for any of the 2016 Presidential Candidates, but rather a reminder that having events such as this are intended to benefit our community. ELAC has been privileged to have welcomed influential people on campus from artists to politicians, such as award-winning author and journalist Hector Tobar and former U.S Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy. In 1992, former U.S. President Bill Clinton also spoke at ELAC during his first presidential campaign. As many have seen in the recent news, violence only hurts those who try to express themselves through protest. With plans of protest by groups that are not affiliated with ELAC, it is essential to maintain a peaceful and safe environment on campus. However, for those who are not affiliated with the school, it is difficult to determine their intentions and this only brings a level of unpredictability. Their lack of ties with the school do not give them a
solid reason to maintain respect and safety. ELAC does not deserve violence or destruction on campus by participants, whether they are students, faculty or outsiders. We have a beautiful campus that should be respected. Aggressive forms of protest damage the reputation of not only the school, but also the reputations of other presidential candidates, whose supporters are often the ones who are at these events, rather than getting a point across. Students who oppose Clinton should take this opportunity to open a peaceful dialogue with the candidate instead of fueling rage and hatred to a guest of our campus. Hosting events like this on campus creates a space for discussions about issues that affect a community college campus. If you are one of the few who managed to get a ticket in, think of questions to ask Clinton during the event. The college experience is about engaging with various viewpoints. People attending this event are not just supporters of Clinton. They will include people who wish to experience something as interesting as having the woman coming closest to occupying the presidential office of the United States speak in their community. Not everyone gets an opportunity to do that. Supporters of other candidates may also take the opportunity to attend so they can understand all sides of the political platform. If you are planning to protest, you have every right to do so, but just be safe and smart. Educate your fellow classmates and community members on issues that are important to you and engage in sharing ideas rather than dismissing them.
Presidential candidate to visit ELAC BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer Former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton will speak at East Los Angeles College tomorrow about her policies on family income. It will be the former Secretary of State's 11th visit to the Los Angeles area since the beginning of her presidential campaign. Clinton is currently projected to be in the lead with a large number of delegate support by several sources. Delegates attend the Republican and Democratic national conventions to vote for the candidate they have pledged to on behalf of voters. There is no standardized way of selecting delegates. California votes for a candidate using a primary election. Voters cast a secret ballot at designated locations, which delegates use to decide who they will support. “They (Clinton’s campaign team) had to go through the same process as anyone else. ELAC is only acting as a venue,” ELAC public information officer Alejandro Guzman said. Former United States President Bill Clinton paid ELAC a similar
‘El Bracero’ brings history to performances BY ROGELIO ALVAREZ Staff Writer
East Los Angeles College will host two of “El Bracero,” a one-act mariachi opera, highlighting the hardships of the Bracero Program. It will take place tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m in the Ingalls Auditorium. “We’re proud to bring ‘El Bracero’ to East Los Angeles as part of our Cinco de Mayo festivities. ‘El Bracero’ dramatically portrays the obstacles legal farmworkers faced in the United States,” ELAC President Marvin Martinez said in a press release. The play will be in Spanish with English subtitles. will feature Ballet Folklorico Mestizo dancing to the music of Mariachi Aguilas de Mexico. “Our community really supported our production,” director Miguel Orozco said. The play is about a grandfather retelling the stories of his life as a farm worker to his grandson, who’s
News Briefs
Scholarship Banquet East Los Angeles College will host a scholarship banquet next Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m at the ELAC Garden. Tickets will be $25 until Tuesday. By Tuesday tickets will be $35.
visit while campaigning in 1992. His speech focused on his plans to improve the country's education system. ELAC was also the venue for a democratic rally where former U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy spoke in favor of Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale in 1984. ELAC was commended for being the cultural, social and educational center of its community by Representatives of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges earlier this year. A large portion of that population is Hispanic. According to a survey conducted by the Center for American Progress, Hispanics are projected to represent 24.2 percent of eligible voters in California. Hispanic influence is also growing on the national level. The event will begin at 4:45 p.m. in the men's gym, and doors will open at 3 p.m. Attendees will be using parking structure 3. It will not be reserved. However ELANs should expect heavy traffic and high levels of security. Additional parking will available at the Corporate Center. A shuttle will be transporting attendees from and back from corporate to the Transit Center in front of parking structure 4 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
doing a family history research project. ELAC Associated Student Union members Gilbert Vasquez, Adrian Caceras and Angel Gonzales have a role in the opening piece, portraying braceros and reading the names of their family who were braceros. “It’s a story of a lot of sacrifice and hard work. The braceros were legal farmworkers, not illegal, legal. They were brought from Mexico to the United States to help the United States, when they were in World War II. There was a lack of farm workers in the United States to pick the crops. The braceros played a huge role in making sure the United States kept its food supply and the agricultural business afloat,” Orozco said. The 2:30 p.m. matinee, sponsored by ELAC ASU, is free for all students. East Los Angeles College Foundation is hosting the 7:30 p.m performance to raise money for scholarships.
BRACERO Continued on page 3
Child Development Center
First Friday Jazz series
The East Los Angeles College Child Development Center has immediate openings for an all-day pre-k transitional/kindergarden programs and afternoon program. Children have to be from three to five years old.
East Los Angeles will host First Friday Jazz series on Friday at the S2 recital hall at 8 p.m. Enterance is free. The fourth floor of the parking structure next to S2 will be open for parking.
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Opinion
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016
Privacy laws protect our safety BY BRYCE RONQUILLO Staff Writer Americans today are concerned about protecting privacy rather than protecting our national security. In case of an investigation, law enforcement has the right to present a search warrant to access private property. However, that is not the case with data encryptions. All electronic devices have data encryption codes that are made to protect consumer privacy and rights. These codes are accessed solely by the companies that produce the device. Phone companies are not obligated to give up this information to law enforcement, even with a warrant. This puts our security, as a society, at risk. In the events of the San Bernardino attack on Dec. 2, Apple refused to give the FBI access to the data of the suspect shooters, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik. The FBI eventually hacked the phones without the help of Apple. The search would have been easier if they had access to the dataencryption. Apple considered suing the FBI for hacking the phone, but did not follow through. Criminals are able to operate freely behind the privacy of dataencrypted phones and computers and our law enforcement can’t stop them. Giving local police this power would be even more beneficial. The Internet is used every day to commit crimes like drug-trafficking and child pornography. If law enforcement had access to this data, they could easily convict these criminals and keep them off the streets. The common fear is that by giving the federal government access to
EDITOR IN CHIEF Ivan Cazares MANAGING EDITOR Marcus Camacho ONLINE EDITOR IN CHIEF Julianne Obregon ONLINE EDITORS Stephanie Garibay, Diego Olivares Bryce Ronquillo ART DIRECTOR Jade Inglada FRONT EDITOR Stephanie Guevara
OPINION EDITOR Christopher Jimenez NEWS EDITOR Rogelio Alvarez FEATURE EDITOR Diego Linares ARTS EDITOR Megan G. Razzetti SPORTS EDITOR Dan Gudino
their personal texts, emails and phone calls, people are at risk of being hacked by cyber-terrorists. The truth of that matter is that we are already at risk of that. We are preventing our government from protecting us from these threats. Another fear is that the government will abuse this power and snoop through everyday citizens’ private conversations, unregulated. This is isn't an irrational fear. Once the government is given power, it's
difficult to get it back. However, this isn't a problem if citizens aren't breaking federal laws. They are interested in catching criminals, not harassing good American people. On Nov. 24, 2015, there were two active shooters on the East Los Angeles College campus. It’s no secret that schools are a target for people seeking to harm others. Safety from these people should be a primary concern for
students. If local law enforcement has access to these criminals’ phones and personal information, we’d be a lot safer. On April 13, the Sacramento Bee reported that a California phone decryption bill was defeated unanimously. The bill would have allowed courts access to phone data and penalized the companies that don’t comply with them. In the state of California, the
technology industry is so prominent, the Judiciary committee wouldn't dare vote against them. Strong data-encryption is important to prevent access by hackers and cyber-terrorists. In a perfect world, companies like Apple could create products that protect the people. This allows the federal government and law enforcement to protect its people as well. Sacrificing privacy to save lives is worth it in the long run.
Writer’s block spreads during finals month BY DIEGO OLIVARES Staff Writer Students with writer’s block have a living nightmare during finals week or a big assignment. That statement might sound like it’s not really a big deal. However, if you’re a student getting ready for the final month of school, it’s hell on earth. Finals are fast approaching for the students of East Los Angeles College. Stress is going to be spreading like wildfire for the next few weeks. We’re going to end up doing a lot of classwork just to pass. This is going to be really troublesome for students.
Students are going to begin to work on final essays and other assignments. Although, this is where a problem begins to occur. Any of the students working on one of these final assignments could end up getting stuck on it. A form of writer’s block starts coming around as it causes further trouble. This is going to be tough for students who are behind in their classes; believe me, I know the feeling. As semesters have come and gone during my time at ELAC, there’s always finals month. It is during that time that I’m more stressed out, becuase I’m assigned
extra class work in an attempt to raise my grade. During this time, I would find it hard to think of ways to finish my assignments. This would eventually lead me to writer’s block as most of my assignments were writting-based. I feel that this is due to exhaustion from working throughout the whole semester, and maybe even a bit of personal issues as well. With the school semester ending, the last thing a student would want to do is more work. It makes it hard for students to think of how to complete many of their assignments. The thought that runs through my head is wanting to go on vacation
already, which could be a thought shared by other students as well. Whether we’re stressed out by school, we have to, of course, overcome it. There are ways to overcome it. Students need to find time to breathe and relax to clear their thoughts. Relaxing allows students to refresh and clear thier minds and makes it easy to continue the assignments they’re stuck on. Another way of overcoming writer’s block is to find inspiration. This can be done by going through the material that your assignment is based on. Even not thinking about the assignment at hand can be helpful
for many students. This is something that I sometimes do myself, because a student were to overthink an assignment for too long. The students tend to lose focus of it what is going on with their work and that is how he or she fail the class. If a student just stops thinking about the given assignment, sometimes the idea comes to them when least expected. There are ways to overcome writer’s block during finals week. In writing this article, I was dealing with writer’s block of my own. I decide to take advantage of this situation. I wrote an article about writer’s block of course.
Letters to the editor Veterans turned into first priority Accounting Club clarifies racial statement
A move that did not take into account the needs of this special population . . . our veterans. We need to do much better for our veterans. These men and women have put their lives on the line for us and need our full support. Our veterans have endured so much. Their needs must be our number one priority. Unnecessary campus obstacles, barriers, and difficulties are added hindrances and produce unwanted complications. A reasonable space to study, that offers privacy, a working elevator, and a place to share the camaraderie of a fellow veteran is applauded. This is something that should concern everyone. Let come together for our veterans. Please join the effort to ensure that our veterans regain their original location, Veterans Resource Center, E1-142. The best of East . . . Duplication of work effort, manpower, time, and resources is what we do best at East. The Enrollment Center is the point of contact for new students, applying online and in-person, serving as our Welcome Center. Another Welcome Center is the works? It would be more advantageous to provide adequately trained personnel and strive toward a better working environment. Working through a tangled maze and quite by accident I found the Transfer Center, resembling a cold basement area, relocated to a small back office in F5. The college’s increasing rate of students transferring is directed related to the hard working efforts of the Transfer Center and the Career Center. The work relationship shared by both offices complement the function and responsibilities in their achievements. To separate and to divide, is to not triumph. Let’s relocate the Transfer Center to its previous E1 location.
On the April 27 edition of Campus News, Mr. Henry Jimenez made some controversial statements about race. Since Mr. Jimenez is the current president of the Accounting Club, we feel there is a necessity to clarify that Mr. Jimenez has the freedom to express his own personal opinion. However, the statements he made were of his own accord and do not reflect the views and opinions of the Accounting Club. The Accounting Club welcomes all students here at ELAC, regardless of race or any other distinctions. -Professor Yeung on Behalf of The Accounting Club
PHOTO EDITOR Eddie Garcia, Julie Santiago COPY EDITORS Kristen Garcia Elizabeth Toy CARTOONISTS Kristen Garcia STAFF WRITERS Gustavo Buenrostro, Johanna Calderon, Fernando Cervantes, Cesar Gutierrez, Bryan Hernandez, Daniela Jalteco, Christopher Jimenez, Patricia Medina, Dorany Pineda, Gil Milanes, Jose Rojas, Julie Santiago STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Diego Linares, Julie Santiago Mayra S. Ventura ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Ivan Cazares ADVISERS Jean Stapleton Sylvia Rico-Sanchez Campus News encourages letters to the editor relating to campus issues. Letters must be typed and double spaced. Submitted material becomes the proper ty of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 250 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. A n o ny m o u s l e t te r s w i l l n o t be printed. Writer s must sign submissions and print their names and a phone number where they can be reached. Letters should be addressed to the editor of Campus News. Submissions can be made at the mailroom in building E1 or the Journalism department office in the Technology Center in E7-303. East Los Angeles College Campus News 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez E7-303 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (323) 265-8819, Ads (323) 265-8821 Fax (323) 415-4910 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
S. Tonoian Counseling Department www.ELACCampusNews.com
Features
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016
Take back the night
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Open mic, march create awareness BY DIEGO LINARES Staff Writer More than 200 people attended and participated in the seventh annual Take Back the Night event last Thursday to spread sexual assault and violence prevention awareness. For health professor Andrea Owens, having a space for people to share their stories, then spreading a positive message by getting the crowd outside and active was a gratifying experience. “Oh my gosh, it is so satisfying,” Owens said. “To see an event like that come together, and to see people feel safe enough to share their stories, and then just get to go crazy and march around the campus, that was a lot of fun.” Members from the East Los Angeles College Women’s and Men’s Support Center, East Los Angeles Women’s Center and ELAC Sexual Assault Awareness and Violence Education Team organized and participated in the Survivor Speak-Out open
CN/DIEGO LINARES
SPEAK OUT—People march and yell chants to raise awareness for sexual assault and violent prevention awareness on the East Los Angeles College campus last Thursday. mic held in Ingalls Auditorium and Candlelight March around the ELAC campus. Owens said that the speak-out
was meant to be a space where people can have a supportive environment when opening up about their experiences or things
witnessed. “It gives students, and really anybody who wants to attend, the ability to empower themselves by
sharing their story,” Owens said. “This year, it was kind of unique. Usually it’s just students that do it, (but) this was the first
year I remember professors sharing a story.” Prevention Specialist for ELAWC Osvaldo “Ozzie” Cruz understands how difficult it can be for any sex to divulge such personal information. “What’s important to acknowledge and recognize is that in male-dominant culture, men are not encouraged to speak out,” Cruz said. “It’s really creating an awareness that spaces are created for men to be able to share, just as they are being created for women.” Cruz is part of a Men’s Circle presented by the ELAC Student Health Center and ELAWC designed to help males affected by sexual and family violence. The group sessions started on Feb. 9 and will run until May 24 from 4:40 to 6:40 p.m. in room 131 of the G8 building. Owens is a member of the ELAC Women’s and Men’s Support Center who holds meetings Monday through Thursday in room 127 of the G8 building.
Player of Australian football strives for national team BY DANIELA JALTECO Staff Writer
CN/DIEGO LINARES
RECEPTION—Gabriel Del Campo catches the ball during drills for the LA Dragons on the Lincoln Middle School football field on April 17.
East Los Angeles College student Gabriel Martin Del Campo is pursuing his interest to join the United States national team as he plays for the Australian football team the Los Angeles Dragons. The L.A. Dragons is one of the top teams in the United States and will be playing nationally against 40 different teams. Prior to joining the Australian football team, Del Campo played Rugby for 10 years. “Back in 2014 while I was competing for a Rugby tournament in Sydney, Australia, I went out to a local bar and started watching an Australian football game they had on TV. That’s when I discovered my interest for the game,” Del Campo said. He also said that when he came back to LA, he looked at different Australian football teams and found the LA Dragons. Del Campo decided to join the team in 2014. “Gabriel has very good skills. He sees the field very well, he’s a great teammate and overall, a really great player,” teammate Donald Lee said. The regular season started on
April 24 when the team played Riverside, and will end on June 12 with the Metro Grand Final Weekend. The LA Dragons will then compete against the San Francisco, Seattle and Sacramento teams in the Western Regional Tournament starting July 16. Tom Ellis, the US national coach, will attend the tournament in Portland to scout for players. Ellis will determine whether Del Campo makes the national team or not. “Gabe’s a really fast learner and that was something that really impressed me, how quickly he picked up the game and how he loves the challenge,” LA Dragon’s coach John Fragomeni said. Gabriel will be informed if he makes the US National team on October 14, based on his performance throughout the games and Western Regional Tournament. Fragomeni said that if Del Campo makes the cut, he will have the opportunity to go to Australia in November. CN/DIEGO LINARES
For the full story go to elaccampusnews.com
PUNCHY—Gabriel Del Camp punches the ball toward a teammate on April 17 during LA Dragon practices.
Braceros: Play to help celebrate Cinco de Mayo BRACEROS Continued from page 1
Rosalinda Verde, writer, was inspired by the stories she heard from her great-grandfather and her friend’s father, who were both in the Bracero Program. “It has three different families woven into one storyline. It’s really close to the heart and fun to watch,” Verde said. First premiering at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center, “El Bracero” has sold out each of its performances. Tomorrow’s performances will be the first time the play is shown inside a theater. “It was first performed outdoors. When we perform inside the theater, we can add different elements to it, like more lighting,” Orozco said
Taste of ELAC, a food-tasting event, will include food, tequila and wine tasting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ingalls Auditorium before the play. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance can be purchased for $15 for a seat in the back section, $20 for center and $25 for front section online at elacfoundation.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Learning Assistance Center in room E3-280, ELAC Corporate Center and ELAC South Gate Educational Center. “The immigrant story touches everybody, whether you’re Hispanic, Chinese or Japanese,” Verde said. “(This is) the story of how we came here, and maybe this is the Hispanic viewpoint, but I feel these stories are very universal, the need to take care of your family.”
IMAGE COURTESY OF NUEVA VISTA MEDIA
STORY OF SACRIFICE—Cast and crew of “Braceros” sit on the set of the play. www.ELACCampusNews.com
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Arts
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016
‘Voluma’ delights with psychedlic sounds BY DORANY PINEDA Staff Writer
PHOTO COURTESY OF OPEN ROAD FILMS
FOR THE KIDS—Single mother Sandy, played by Jennifer Aniston, center, adjusts to her husband’s remarriage along with her two sons, Mikey, played by Caleb Brown, left, and Peter, played by Brandon Spink, in “Mother’s Day.”
‘Mother’s Day’ gives a sentimental look at family BY JULIANNE OBREGON Staff Writer
Diversity in “Mother ’s Day” creates an entertaining storyline with drama, heartbreak, reconnection and moving forward. All of the characters in this film are trying to overcome an obstacle that forces them to reevaluate their lives. The film is enjoyable and shows that not all families are the same, and despite whatever is going on in their lives, they’ll always find their way back to each other. S a n d y, p l a y e d b y Jennifer Aniston, is a recently-divorced mother who
keeps a close friendship with her ex-husband, Henry. She is hopeful that one day, she and Henry, played by Timothy Olyphant, will get back together, especially since they still have a close relationship Those hopes are shattered when Sandy finds out that Henry got remarried to a younger woman, and finds her life turned inside-out. Aniston, shows Sandy’s fear of losing her sons to Henry’s fiance, Tina, and her childish antics just to irritate Henry. Sandy purposefully held a party for her kids the day Henry was scheduled to visit with the children in order to compete for their love.
Another character in the film is the underrepresented “Mr. Mom.” Bradley, played by Jason Sudeikis, recently lost his wife and is celebrating his first Mother’s Day without her. Bradley still suffers with the loss of his wife while raising two daughters. He doesn’t realize how much he has let this loss run his life. Mother and daughter, Miranda and Kristin, were separated the day Kristin was born. Due to the circumstances, Miranda, played by Julia Roberts, throws herself into her career while Kristin grows up with insecurities about family.
Mexican psychedelic indie rock artist and composer Leon Larregui recently launched his second, mindaltering solo album titled “Voluma.” “ Vo l u m a ” i s t i n g e d w i t h dreamy, other-worldly sounds that are accompanied by sometimes existential, emotional and deeply personal lyrics. The musical arrangements and rhythm in “Lattice” makes it a standout track for its psychedelic pop sounds. Its celestial lyrics,“Un habitante y su melancolia/ observan el cielo/ esperando el dia,” that Larregui sings, translate to “an inhabitant and his melancholy/observe the sky/ waiting for the day,” and are well written. The track is an ethereal combination of music and words that carries the listener through a musical wormhole. In “Cero no Ser,” Larregui sings in Spanish about the majesty and illusion of love , while contemplating
the insignificance of it within the incomprehensible vastness of the cosmos. The song is melancholic and romantic in its musical composition, and philosophical and nostalgic in its poetic lyricism. “Visiones,” track eight of 12, begins with the classic sounds of a Mexican ballad, then transitions into a full pop sound complete with bouncy synthesizers and fuzz guitar. “Somos diferentes versiones del mismo ser y algoritmo” sings Larregui, saying that we are different versions of the same being and the same algorithm. The sweet melodic voice of Larregui can also be heard in the Latin Grammy Award-winning rock band ZOE from Mexico. Larregui’s first solo album “Soltis,” which was released in 2012, went double platinum despite fans of his band Zoe’s skepticism about its announcement. However, the solo project that is “Voluma” demands the attention of listeners if not for its music, which is sometimes very formulaic in its genre, then for the poetry and depth of its lyrics.
Kristin, played by Britt Robertson, is a young mother herself,who is looking to connect with the mother she never knew. She lets this need to meet her mother hinder her relationship with her boyfriend, Zack, by pushing him away when he wants to get closer to her. Robertson portrays the fears Kristin is consumed with. Kristin’s sorrow is evident and Robertson created a character worth rooting for. The cast successfully enacted their characters and displayed the pain and fear that overwhelmed each of PHOTO COURTESY OF LEON LARREGUI them. PSYCHEDELIC MELANCHOLY—Latin musician Leon This film is currently in Larregui creates a unique sound of psychedelic indie rock in his latest release, “Voluma.” theaters and is rated PG-13.
‘Keanu’ brings sketch comedy to the big screen BY JULIE SANTIAGO Staff Writer
PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROTHERS
CATCH THAT CAT—Rell Williams, played by Jordan Peele, right, and Clarence Goobril played by Keegan Michael-Key, go on a strange quest to find Rell’s cat in “Keanu.”
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele of Comedy Central’s Key & Peele show deliver one big comedy sketch on the big screen with “Keanu.” This sometimes silly, but overall hilarious movie succeeds in giving audiences a fun time at the movies. This movie includes crude comedy that would appeal more to a college-aged audience that is able to appreciate Key and Peele’s satirical style. In “Keanu,” the two comedians play middle-class cousins from Los Angeles. Michael Key is Clarence, a husband, father and Honda mini-van-driving George Michael fan. Peele plays Rell, a John Wick
Chicano rock ‘n’ roll comes to life in musical BY DORANY PINEDA Staff Writer “The Eastside Heartbeats: A New Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical” will be rocking the house at Casa 0101 in Boyle Heights from tomorrow to May 29. The Eastside Heartbeats is inspired by a true story and tells the story of four charming MexicanAmerican teenage boys in 1965. They achieve fame as a vocal group in their Boyle Heights neighborhood. The dissatisfied and ambitious lead singer, Jimmy Ramirez, played by Kenneth Lopez, is not content with being a local celebrity. His aspirations are of a much larger scale, akin to the status
of The Beatles. After the singing group quartet records a single that stirs and excites Boyle Heights and its neighboring communities, Jimmy’s dream begins to unfold into a reality. What started as a book by David Reyes and Tom Waldman titled “Land of a Thousand Dances: Chicano Rock and Roll from Southern California,” turned into the idea for the musical. The improbable true story of the 1960s East Los Angeles band, Cannibal and the Headhunters which the book was based on, helped put the production into action. Cannibal and the Headhunters was a four-man band of Chicano teenage boys whose level of success
granted them the opportunity to tour with The Beatles. Ultimately, Cannibal and the Headhunters opened for them at the Hollywood Bowl in 1965. Waldman, who wrote the play and several of the lyrics, was so taken with the Cinderella ending of Cannibal and the Headhunters, that he decided to adapt aspects of their story and write a musical. What ensued would be a full musical performance led by four Latino actors, starring Jesse Maldonado, Matthew Ramos, Marco Infante and Kenneth Lopez, complete with a live on-stage band. The band playing original rock ‘n’ roll music is influenced by the raw, impassioned, sensual sounds of 1960s Chicano rock.
The director of East Los Angeles College’s Learning Assistance Center, Maria Elena Yepes, as executive producer and founder of the production company, Brown Productions, as well as a charismatic cast and crew, “The Eastside Heartbeats” pays homage to Chicano music and is sure to leave the audience full of emotion and energy. “If people that lived that moment in history don’t tell it, it’ll die,” said,Yepes, who was in the audience at the Hollywood Bowl the night Cannibal and the Headhunters opened for The Beatles. For tickets and information about “The Eastside Heartbeats” musical, visit www.casa0101.org or call (323) 263-7684.
superfan and weed-smoking nerd. When Rell gets dumped by his girlfriend for being a loser, Rell is heartbroken and becomes a hermit. Somewhere in between bong hits and grown man cries, Rell hears a noise at his door. That's when a cat appears on his doorstep. Rell falls instantly in love and names him Keanu. When Rell’s home is broken into by mistake, Keanu is kidnapped. Rell is hysterical and recruits his cousin Clarence to help him find Keanu. Keanu has a history of gang owners and has found his way back into the hands of a thug.This time, by a thug named Cheddar, played by rapper Method Man and the leader of the “17th Street Blips,” who are the rejects of the Bloods and Crips
street gangs. In order to get Keanu back, Rell and Clarence pretend to be hardcore gangster assassins. These two unlikely and not at all intimidating thugs are forcibly employed to help Cheddar pull off a kill job with his crew in exchange for what they call a “gangster pet,” Keanu. They start acting gangster, shoot people and make drug deals in order to get the cat back. Even though this whole movie is about a man’s quest to save his cat, it falls short of feline appearance. There’s not enough of cute Keanu that really drives home the point of how adorable he is and how even the most ruthless of people want him. Keanu is rated R for for violence, language, drug use and nudity.
DOERS DO CSULB 2016
Summer Sessions Two 6-Week Sessions May 23–July 1 (S1S) July 5–August 12 (S3S)
One 12-Week Session May 23–August 12 (SSD)
More than 75 Online Summer Classes Earn units toward your degree No formal admission to CSULB required Enroll on a “space available” basis
Register Now! (800) 963-2250 | CCPE-info@csulb.edu www.ccpe.csulb.edu/summer #DoersDo @CSULBInterSessn
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EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office Service Center is relocating to:
E1-135 On May 2, 2016
Type of financial aid service available: Intake center for all financial aid applications:
• Start date for intake of 16-17 FAFSA application is on May 2, 2016
• Summer 2016 BOG Fee Waiver
• Scholarship Information
• Questions pertaining to the financial aid application process
• Financial Aid Appeal submission
Priority deadline for 16-17 will be May 27, 2016. Start your campus selection process online now at Student Information System at: http://www.laccd.edu/Students/Pages/Current-Students.aspx and submit your additional documents starting from May 2, 2016 in our new Service Center: E1-135 www.ELACCampusNews.com
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SPORTS
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016
“The Army taught me three things, discipline, respect and survival.”
DAVID CANDELAS ELAC sports fan
CN/DAN GUDINO
THE AMBASSADOR—David Candelas watches afternoon football practice at East Los Angeles College’s Weingart Stadium.
Huskies superfan cheers through adversity BY DAN GUDINO Staff Writer It doesn’t matter what sport you talk about, David Candelas, 74, will be there - women’s water polo matches in the fall, a badminton tournament in spring and in the stands at all the mainstream sports. Originally from Madera, California, Candelas is an East Los Angeles College sports enthusiast and alumni, who graduated with an associate degree in Liberal Arts
in 1997, years after his first run on campus in the ‘60s. Dubbed “Superfan” by fellow ELAC fans, he can be seen dressed in Huskies gear on Atlantic Boulevard. and on Cesar Chavez Avenue. He’s always seen in ELAC t-shirts or a sweatshirt and an occasional ELAC baseball cap. A hat he’s most proud of is his Army Veteran baseball cap which he flaunts with pride. “The Army taught me three things, discipline, respect and
survival,” Candelas said. Candelas put emphasis on the last, survival. Candelas has been homeless since 2012. Cellulitis, a bacterial infection that typically affects the skin on the lower parts of legs, put Candelas in the hospital for 10 days. During his stay in the hospital, he lost the room he was renting in Monterey Park. The person who rented to Candelas kicked him out for a family member. “Being out in the streets is an
experience and-a-half. All the stuff I see and have seen, I would have never thought or believed,” Candelas said. Candelas claims he has avoided sleeping on the streets. Instead, he jumps on late night buses and rides them to their end. Then he jumps back on in the wee hours of the night and rides them back their opposite way to stay out of the cold or rain. When his Social Security check is deposited, he says he has money for about three weeks.
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He can then afford to stay at local $60 per day Monterey Park hotels, yet not every day. Four years of the late-night bus routine, has taken its toll. He sleeps in spurts when he rides the bus, but on a bad night, he gets three hours of sleep. “I just listen to my body. I know when I have to rent a (hotel) room and rest my body. The bus routine is hard. I sleep very little,” Candelas said. “In the service, I learned to survive. I also have a lot of help. I sometimes go up north (to Fresno) where I have family and stay a few days or I stay with my daughter sometimes,” Candelas said. His relationship with his daughter is as shaky as his sleeping routine. Grandfather of two, Candelas loves to visit his grandchildren but is not allowed to constantly see them because of a personal fallout with his daughter years ago. Nonetheless, he continues to try to mend things. “I occasionally visit my daughter and my grandchildren, but not all the time.” “ D i ff e r e n c e s h a v e m a d e things hard for me to see them. I sometimes spend a night, but I always pay my daughter when I do,” Candelas said. Born on a Friday the 13th, Candelas’ luck has not stopped him from being a fan of sports. His devotion to ELAC sports has given him purpose and recognition.
The ELAC women’s basketball team has returned to Candelas the same support he gives. Women’s head coach Bruce Turner mentioned how Candelas personally went to Monterey Park’s City Hall and suggested the women’s team should be recognized. On April 19, Monterey Park Mayor Peter Chan presented the ELAC women’s basketball team with a city recognition award and the Huskies were brought on stage for their state final runner-up season. Coach Turner, in his acceptance, speech called Candelas a community leader. “An ambassador to ELAC and ELAC sports. He’s the ambassador. He personally went to city hall and told them about us. Since then, we have been recognized,” Turner said. Candelas helped this past basketball season by coming up with sponsors to help distribute monthly player awards. One of the awards players received was the Most Inspirational Player of the Month Award. Despite his situation, Candelas continues to give any way he can. An inspiration to many, he carries his belongings in a personal pull dolly and showed off the clothing he was donating to a homeless man. He mentioned that this homeless man hangs out in front and around ELAC in only a small t-shirt and Candelas, with a humble heart, recalls understanding being cold. “I been there done that. I’ll soon retire from the streets, too,” Candelas said. A veteran’s three-day event at the Los Angeles Convention Center in December called Honor a Hero organized by Standdown L.A., is giving Candelas a chance to get off the street. Conversations with Candelas, no matter what, turn to good and back to ELAC sports. For complete story go to ELACCampusnews.com
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