Campus News Spring 2017 Issue 23 Pup Edition

Volume 75, Issue 22

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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

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51 employees to retire this June BY MELISA BIVIAN Staff Writer 51 East Los Angeles College employees will be retiring this upcoming June. The Supplementary Retirement Plan passed on Wednesday, May 10 after the Board of Trustees came together with the Public Agency Retirement Services. On January 11, the board authorized Los Angeles Community College District’s chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez to enter into an agreement with PARS to create the SRP. A letter written by chancellor Rodriguez in December said that the Board of Trustees wanted to recognize the employees of the LACCD for their hard work and

dedication over the years. The SRP was offered to district employees that are eligible to retire under the California Public Employees’ Retirement System or the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS). The CalPERS website states that they manage pension and health benefits for more than 1.6 million California public employees, retirees, and their families. The CalSTRS website provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for California’s prekindergarten through community college educators. District employees who have been part of either retirement system were able to retire before turning 60 years old. As stated by the chancellor’s

letter, the terms and conditions for eligibility to retire are based on CalSTRS or CalPERS requirements. CalSTRS retirement eligibility states that an employee must be at least 55, with five or more of CalSTRS service credit or be at least 50 with 30 years or more of CalSTRS service credit. CalPERS retirement eligibility states that an employee must be at least 50 years old with five years or more of service credit. Through the SRP, employees will be able to retire sooner than they expected. The SRP states that the district will fund the annuity for each participating employee. Each annuity is to be funded in an amount equal to 75 percent of the participant’s base salary. Approximately one month after the

participant’s resignation from the district, they will receive monthly or annual installments over a period of five or more years to obtain their annuity. Financial and organizational goals had to be met in order for the SRP’s approval as seen on the chancellor’s letter. After working on the SRP agreement for several months, staff realized that by implementing the SRP, the District will in fact meet its financial and organizational goals. The SRP passed because of the projected fiscal analysis based on enrollment. The enrollment demonstrated that 1,595 employees in the LACCD are eligible to enroll for the SRP. There are 364 actual retirements in the district.

District employees were given the opportunity to submit an SRP package for the 2016-2017 fiscal year in which ELAC teachers and faculty would also benefit. By implementing the SRP, the District must accept the resignations of the employees who have submitted their package. On Tuesday May 16, vice president of administrative services Ann Tomlinson discussed the SRP at The State of the College Presentation for the fiscal year of 2017-2018. Tomlinson said that approximately 1600 people are eligible to retire, with only 362 retiring this year. E L A C ’s p r e s i d e n t M a r v i n Martinez said that the vice presidents are working on a staff plan to replace the retirees.

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

Broadcasting professor makes best of dwindling classes BY DYLAN DIXON Staff Writer East Los Angeles College broadcasting professor, Jason “Mr. B” Beaton started working in radio approximately 30 years ago at KRLA. There he began his career playing oldies to those living in East Los Angeles at the time. Mr. B said ELAC is of great importance to him because the community was so accepting of him as a native Canadian. At the start of his ELAC career he used to assist students in running the campus radio station, KELA.

However, in the past two years the radio has been silenced. The studio connected to a broadcasting classroom is full of equipment that could be used to give students a hands-on experience, but instead collects dust as it becomes quickly outdated according to Mr. B. Mr. B said that ELAC offers four broadcasting classes. One is Broadcasting 015, a lab class that is associated with the radio station as well as television production. Despite having been successful in the past, the class has not been available for the past two years, and the studio equipment for that class

has rarely been used Mr. B said. in broadcasting in regards to Mr. B supervises a directed population and jobs. study class, M r. B s a i d Broadcasting radio, television, 185, where internet and “Every student today should have a other multimedia students are given the chance basic audio and video class...it should companies are to produce and hiring qualified be considered a general education host shows with requirement due to everyone’s use of applicants with him. basic knowledge social media.” “My teaching in audio and method is hands editing. on and my motto “Every student is students come today should have first,” Mr. B a basic audio JASON BEATON Broadcasting Instructor said. and video class According and it should to Mr. B, Los be considered a Angeles is the number two market general education requirement due

to everyone’s use of social media,” he said. Mr. B believes ELAC could help community college students become prepared for the social media world and it has the potential to increase attendance in broadcasting classes. M r. B s a i d h e f i g h t s t o o ff e r m o r e c o u r s e s f o r h i s students because he knows they successfully land students jobs in the industry. Mr. B still works in radio, and has placed dozens of students in internships every semester. He said he also teaches at Los Angeles Valley College where several more broadcasting classes

are offered. According to Mr. B, broadcasting and journalism belong together, especially in community college. He believes students that are trying to figure out what type of media they want to work with may want to participate in both broadcasting and journalism. It is a goal of his to collaborate with journalism, and have students help produce the stories and features in Campus News, and convert them into video and audio formats. Although broadcasting classes on campus have decreased over the years, Mr. B said he hopes to continue his career at ELAC. w

Men’s Leadership Club takes first place at 4th Annual Husky Bowl BY MELISA BIVAN Staff Writer East Los Angeles College’s Associated Student Union approved clubs came together last Thursday in the quad in front of the S2 building to compete for first-place at the fourth annual Husky Bowl. Competitors raced against the clock to get the fastest time against their opponents by running into the obstacle course jumper. Clubs participated in ASU’s events while the students in attendance cheered on their friends and family that competed. After two hours of competing, contestants used the games and photo booth as the scores were tallied. The Men’s Leadership club won first place, by a large margin with 65 points. In second place was the Sociology Club with 35 points and in third

News Briefs

place was the Administration of Justice club with 30 points. With only two months since being founded, MLC raised their first-place trophy. “We wanted to get our name known and to build our reputation. The Husky Bowl was the first chance we had, and we took it,” MLC member, Uriel Gonzalez said. MLC hope to return to next year’s Husky Bowl to defend their title. “We literally told them we have nothing for this upcoming week. So I’m going to sign y’all up for the Husky Bowl. That was it, no prior training,” Vice President of the Sociology Club Juliette Moore said. It was the first time that the Sociology Club participated in the Husky Bowl. VP Moore said she hopes that next year’s members will participate once again as this was the last year for the participating members of the club.

Transfer workshop

The Husky Bowl consisted of six different events which were obstacle course, matching huskies, panty hose bowling and dunking a person in water. Points were only awarded to the top three winners of each event. First place earned three points, second earned two points and third earned one point. ASU gave those in attendance free nachos, popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. “It was fun,” ASU’s executive vice president Brittany Ramirez said. “Two games were brought back from last year. Next year it’ll depend on the new EVP. It could be completely identical or different.” The games for next year’s event may or may not be the same as this year’s events. Many of the clubs that participated in this year’s games said they hope to participate next year.

ELAC is hosting a financial aid workshop with representatives from California State Los Angeles and University of California at Los Angeles. The workshop will be located in E1-189 on Thursday from noon to 2 p.m.

CN/MICHAEL DOMINGUEZ

SPRING FUN— Club participants of annual Husky Bowl compete against one another in the water relay. This was one out of the six events.

Let’s Dance Company

ELAC’s Let’s Dance Company presents the 12th annual Repertoire Dance Concert. Tickets will be $15 and will be located in the Performance Arts Cetner, S2 Recital Hall on Friday and Saturday.

Pup Edition This issue of Campus News was produced by the Journalism 101 students.

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Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

What the food!? A crisis on campus GISELLE PALOMERA Staff Writer The Grab n’ Go on campus promotes unhealthy eating habits and limits healthy choices. With available food such as microwave burritos, instant ramen and chips, students’ only options are to eat unhealthy. Martie Trevino, a first- year East Los Angeles College student, said, "I think there definitely needs to be better options, for example more vegan options or even just healthier options and not just microwave food.” It begs the question: Who is responsible for such limited options? In charge of ELAC’s cafeteria and Grab n’ Go is the Los Angeles Community College District board of trustees, which fail to recognize the health risks associated with junk food. The board refuses to assign staff members to run the kitchen in the cafeteria because if the board has one kitchen running, they have to have all nine colleges operating their kitchens. An update regarding construction on campus was posted to ELAC’s website on June of 2014. In the update, the section on the Campus Student Center/ Bookstore Complex said the project was approximately 38 percent completed, and the budget cost was $26,565,056. With more than a $26 million budget, shouldn’t it seem like students should have better quality food to eat than Hot Pockets and basic salads? Students have different diets, like those who don’t eat meat, are allergic to peanuts or who need a kosher meal. The Grab n’ Go has a predominant selection of chips, candy bars, sugary drinks and breakfast breads.

These selections are not enough for those students spending hours on campus with a limited amount of time between classes to eat. Selling snacks at ELAC is not a bad thing. Snacks are an easy way to slightly hold students over for a brief moment, especially if in a hurry. A food truck is on campus nearly everyday. However, if a student is forced to go to a food truck often, or walk down the street and spend too much on lunch, students might ask, “why does my school have a brand new cafeteria with an empty kitchen and only sells snacks?” There is a perfectly good cafeteria space located in the F5 building on campus. Posted on the college website is this message from President Marvin Martinez:"As you walk around the campus, you will see several new complexes that house our… cafeteria, bookstore and Associated Student Union. These buildings are designed to provide students with access to the latest technology and equipment that will support them in their studies and prepare them for university programs and careers." President Martinez says that these buildings are here to ensure the success of students. However, with no staff running the kitchen, it shows board of trustees lack of interest in feeding ELAC students healthier food. The board of trustees fails to recognize it is not all about success but also about having a healthy lifestyle. Some students are only on campus for one or two classes, but others are here all day and deserve a wholesome and healthy meal. ELAC appears to have the resources to provide that. Dylan Dixon contributed to the article.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017

EDITOR IN CHIEF Megan Razzetti PUP EDITOR IN CHIEF Dorany Pineda ONLINE EDITORS Jennifer Rodriguez, Melody Ortiz PODCASTERS/VIDEO William McMahan, Andres Herrera ART DIRECTOR Steven Adamo FRONT EDITORS Julio Sanchez, Samantha Moreno

OPINION EDITORS Melisa Bivian, Rene Rauda, Erick Alfaro, Diana Garcia NEWS EDITORS Gisselle Palomera, Joseph Dargan FEATURE EDITORS Michelle Mercado, Dylan Dixon ARTS EDITORS Lucy Luding Lu, Tremaine Hampton SPORTS EDITORS Michael Dominguez, Ja’Rodd Jones SOUTH GATE EDITORS Edgar Rodriguez, Crystal Escobedo, Kevin Camargo PHOTO EDITORS Andres Herrera, Steven Garcia

CN/GABRIELA REVELES

POOR CHOICE—A variety of junk food options in the Grab N’ Go cafeteria is available to students, leaving them without healthy food .

Designated smoking areas would improve student health BY MICHELLE MERCADO Staff Writer Students who are caught smoking outside the designated area should be cited to enforce the seriousness of this issue and the safety of East Los Angeles College students. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says secondhand smoke from a cigarette is a serious health hazard that causes more than 41,000 deaths per year. Many public places like the Los Angeles International Airport, Disneyland and college campuses offer designated smoking areas for those in need of a cigarette. A designated smoking area is something that ELAC needs to provide on campus because, let’s face it, the non-smoking rule at ELAC is basically nonexistent. Toxic nicotine fumes can be found in the parking lot, around the benches and even on campus staircases. Students who smoke at ELAC are putting other students at risk with the toxic fumes. According to the American Lung Association, “There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and even short-term exposure potentially can increase the risk of heart attacks.”

CN/GABRIELA REVELES

UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE—Cigarette butts are seen scattered on the floor of a non-

designated smoking area in the E3 building of the third floor. Every year, second hand smoke causes 41,000 deaths in the United States. In other words, when students walk to class and pass by someone smoking, they are being exposed to something extremely life threatening. The American Cancer Association says, “Secondhand smoke is known to cause cancer. It has more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 that can cause cancer.” This life-threating toxin is so

harmful, and yet no one is doing anything about it. Supposedly, this is a smoke-free campus, but there are smokers everywhere. The Sheriffs on campus are dealing with the non-smoking rule lightly. Students ignored the previous designated smoking area, smoked everywhere and the Sheriffs did

nothing to keep smokers in the designated area. Sheriffs givew warnings and administrators, tell students to put out their cigarette. What good does that do when the smoke of that cigarette reaches the lungs of an innocent bystandard? At that point, the damage has already been done. Many mothers bring their children

to campus and expose their children to the dangers of second-hand smoke. The CDC says, “Wheezing and coughing are more common in children who breathe secondhand smoke.” Since there is no safe amount of smoke that can be inhaled, students’ health will continue to be at risk when they pass by someone who is smoking on campus. Secondhand smoke greatly affects expectant mothers. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “Some of the health conditions associated with being exposed to secondhand smoke are miscarriage, low-birth weight, early birth, learning or behavioral deficiencies in your child, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).” If ELAC is not going to enforce the non-smoking regulation, then it should provide a designated area for students to smoke. By providing this area, people will be able to avoid the secondhand smoke. Although this will not eliminate the toxic smoke, it does contain it to a small section on campus. This designated smoking area can really help lower the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. The area also gives students a place to smoke and not be cited.

Safe transportation to Gold Line can help students BY EDGAR RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer

The Gold Line is not a convenient transportation option for students. If the school were to provide a shuttle bus to go back and forth from the Gold Line station, then transportation would be more convenient for students who use it. Several students rely on the Atlantic Gold Line Station which opened November 5, 2009 to get to East Los Angeles College. There are many buses that stop at the ELAC Transit Mall that transport students to and from ELAC that is conveniently located

on campus. because students have to cross But this is one entrances and exits bus that many off the Pomona students still Freeway. need. There is already This walk is very When the a shuttle that goes dangerous because to the South Gate station opened, many students students have to cross Educational Center. started to use the entrances and exits off Hypothetically, a Gold Line to get Gold Line shuttle the Pomona Freeway. could use the South to campus. According to Gate shuttle bus Google Maps, stop at the transit students will mall, or it could use spend approximately 16 minutes a bus stop at ELAC’s main entrance. By providing a shuttle bus, walking from the Atlantic station students will not have to walk to to campus. This walk is very dangerous the Gold Line anymore. They would

instead hop on and off the shuttle. The shuttle bus should also be free for students. If enough students that use the Gold Line write to ELAC president Marvin Martinez and to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority, students mightt get the shuttle. President Martinez could work with the Los Angeles Community College District board of trustees and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority to get a shuttle running to the Gold Line for ELAC students as soon as possible. Students should also attend the

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board of trustees meetings to speak with board officials. Since there is strength in numbers, one student will not be enough to convince the board that a shuttle is needed. Students who use the Gold Line should form a group and go to the board of governor’s meetings together to speak with the board about a getting the shuttle. The meetings are held in the district, which is located in downtown Los Angeles at 770 Wilshire Boulevard. A board meeting will be held on June 7 at Los Angeles City College from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

COPY EDITORS Diego Linares, Rogelio Alvarez, Russell Zazueta CARTOONISTS Jorge Vasquez, Andrea Hernandez STAFF WRITERS Iomara Guzman, Dominique Vargas, Rebekah De La Pena, Gloria Orellana, Bridgette Velazquez, Leticia Muro, Alejandro Alonso, Clementina Arias, Dy’mond Dozier, Angelica Leal, Cheyenne Lopez STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Gabriela Reveles, Steven Garcia 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

Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017

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Gender courses introduce new perspectives to students BY MELISA BIVIAN Staff Writer Throughout the school year, students are given the opportunity to attend workshops or events that inform them about gender studies. Unfortunately, only a few students choose to participate in learning more about the problems and solutions that women face in our society. According to the National Women’s Studies Association everyone should have the ability to learn about women and gender. NWSA was established in 1977 and they want to “promote a just world in which all persons can develop to their fullest potential— one free from ideologies, systems of privilege or structures that oppress or exploit some for the advantage of others.” Association’s like NWSA formed to promote the importance of gender studies in the community. Unfortunately, not all community colleges have implemented gender courses as a requirement. At East Los Angeles College, gender studies courses are currently not a requirement. For a student to receive an Associate Degree at ELAC, students are required to take certain courses, but a gender studies course is not one of them.

CN/ANDREA HERNANDEZ

At this present time in society, students often hear about rape and domestic violence. Students know the general characteristics of what they should and should not do to others, but there is more information that students should be learning.

During the month of April, the Sexual Assault Awareness Violence Education Team at ELAC held several workshops and events to promote sexual assault awareness. Students learned about healthy consent, sexual assault how to report sexual assault, and

other things. October is domestic violence awareness month. Just like the month of April, SAAVE allows students to attend other events that will inform them in detail about domestic violence and what should be done if they or others they know

are experiencing it. The problem with these workshops and events is that they only happen twice a year on campus. A solution to the lack of knowledge on gender studies should be adding gender studies to

the social and behavioral sciences or the humanities requirements as a general education requirement. ELAC should implement a new requirement for students when receiving their Associates degree. Students should at least take one course of gender studies to become aware of the issues that society has failed to address. When looking for information about gender studies, students realize that there is not much to look at. Alissa Kristine Stoehr, a graduate student at Iowa State University wrote her thesis on “The Present Status of Women’s and Gender Studies Programs at Community Colleges.” Stoehr wrote, “Most scholars who study the relationships between women’s and gender studies programs and community colleges assert that student characteristics, teaching and learning techniques and relevant pedagogy, and the involvement of community make women’s and gender studies courses an ideal addition to the community college curriculum.” By adding gender studies to the general requirements, students will be able to see the world through a different lens. They will be aware of the misconceptions that society has brought and what should be done to resolve the inequality that exists.

Counselors must improve motivation methods BY SAMANTHA MORENO Staff Writer “Unfortunately you aren’t eligible to graduate at this time,” said the counselor who shall not be named, but almost ruined this year’s graduation for me. ELAC counselors have the ability to give you all the wrong information in those wonderful 30 minute appointments. Little did I know I was going to have to be my own “academic adviser” my last two years of school. At the start of my ELAC career, I was excited to finish my last units at a new school. It was closer to home, considering I was attending Santa Monica College for the two previous years. My first experience meeting with a counselor went better than the others, he seemed genuinely nice. As soon as those 30 minutes were up though, let me tell you, he

was definitely in a hurry to get me out of there. Every other time I have met with a counselor, been a waste of my 30 minutes and left me wanting to make another appointment with a different counselor in hopes of having a better experience and understanding of my future. At the start of every appointment, which they are always running late and don’t add that time to your appointment, they start bombarding you with questions. Everything is rushed from the time your rear sits on their fancy chair that they have in their offices. At first all these questions used to intimidate me, but I’ve gone so many times that it’s nothing now. I basically have go to see what accurate information they do give me. I have been told to take classes that I did not need plenty of times. One counselor told me I needed to take two biology classes with a lab in order to get my credentials. While another one told me I was

fine and didn’t need it. The only if they had ever had misguided reason I found out what I actually information from a counselor. needed was because I figured it out My poll resulted that 4 out of 5 students said they had been taking on my own. I looked over the graduation classes they never needed and how itinerary and my transfer schools unhelpful the counselors were. My recent requirements, which train wreck never seemed to appointment, was line up with what the counselors were the last straw for telling me. me. During one I needed experience a female my petition counselor was not to graduate, only rude, she told so I made an me that I would not appointment be getting a degree with a counselor, but, “If you want to which I thought ELAC COUNSELOR walk with everyone was going to be else you can if you easy. want, you’re just I filled out going to be at the back of the line,” the petition and was so excited she said with a look of pity. to finally tell myself that I would I decided to see if I was just never have to come back to these having bad experiences with these offices. counselors, or if other students There was a lot of hand on mouth were experiencing the same things. gestures and tsk noises. “You’re not I chose a handful of students from eligible to graduate this semester, one of my classes and asked them so you’re not going to need this

“You’re not eligible to graduate this semester, so you’re not going to need this petition.”

petition,” she said while ripping the form from my hand. I felt embarrassed and disappointed I felt at that moment, I knew I had every class I needed, there had to be a mistake. According to her, one of my classes from Santa Monica College wasn’t equivalent to a class here at ELAC. I had looked over that so many times previously and made sure every class I took was equivalent to one here and they all aligned, so I asked her to check again. She pulled up the itinerary for “Santa Monica College,” and showed me that the classes didn’t line up. I had already started packing up my things when I noticed that her computer browser said Pasadena College, not SMC. So I told her she had been looking at the wrong school the entire time and she went back to check at the right school and I was going to be graduating this semester after all. “Sorry, it’s been a long day,” she

said. I was not about to graduate because she was having a long day, that’s real great. It made me wonder how many other students this has happened to, and how many of those missed out on graduation and for their family to see them because a counselor was having a “long day.” This is my second and thankfully last year having to deal with the misguided information that I have received from every counselor here at ELAC. It not only upsets me that my family wasn’t going to be a part of such a huge experience, but something I’ve been working towards for the past 4 years wasn’t going to happen all for a mistake that I didn’t make but that an “academic advisor” made. I’m graduating June 6 and transferring to Cal State Long Beach, no thanks to the counselors here at ELAC, but I do give myself a pat on the back for doing someone else’s job.

Unpaid fees can halt transfer students BY ALEJANDRO LARA Staff Writer Students who are ready to move on to the next level of education and have completed all requirements will have to wait until all fees are paid. There is one thing that all East Los Angeles College Students look forward to, and that is moving on from ELAC. Whether it’s to start an undergraduate program at a California State University of California, or private university the possibilities are endless. In order to be done students need to pass their classes, have a good GPA depending on your mayjor and pay your fees. Students make preparations to move forward with their education and getting hit with unexpected fees like paying off your current student fees, classes, then paying acceptance fees and orientation fees. A majority of students have jobs while they go to school and need to make money to survive.

Having to worry about all of that and then having to pay fees just to be able to attend a school is ridiculous.

Having to worry about all of that and then having to pay fees just to be bale to attend a school is ridiculous. ALEJANDRO LARA There are steps to the application process in attending a university. Some students qualify for grants that pay for application fees, but a majority of students have to pay that out of pocket, and each of those school applications are over $50. On top of that, the next step is to wait to see if students get accepted and wait for an acceptance letter with an admissions fee. After students get their acceptance letters, they are hit with hidden fees that one may not be prepared for and can affect enrollment and possible

withdrawal from the undergraduate and graduate programs. These fees include the intent to attend the college and orientation fees. The admission fee for example, is a $100 nonrefundable fee charged by California State University, Los Angeles making students pay this amount before they can attend school there. Then the school asks for transcripts from the current school the student is attending in this case ELAC students. Before students can send their transcripts they have to pay their fees off first. To top it all off, the mandatory student orientation at Cal State LA is $70. So as students from ELAC who has aspire to make something out of life and follow his dreams where does the school system draw a line and start helping out the people that will shape the future? Schools need to provide more aid students, instead of adding more hurdles like unreasonable fees that make the schools richer and the students poorer. www.ELACCampusNews.com

ILLUSTRATION BY:JORGE VAZQUEZ

News Budget revision proposes higher education funds 4

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017

BY RENE RAUDA Staff Writer

The new budget revision released by Governor Jerry Brown on May 11, revealed a proposed total of $33 billion to be invested in higher education. These new funds will be distributed among all California Community Colleges, California State Universities and Universities of California. The May revision mentions California Community Colleges will not raise tuition for the 2017-18 school year. In January, UC President Janet Napolitano presented a two and a half percent tuition increase for California’s universities that was approved in by the board of Regents. In addition, the Board of Trustees also approved a five percent tuition increase to all Cal-States presented by the CSU Chancellor’s office, in March. “This May revision is the same as January’s proposal and it will benefit the college students even more,” Jeffrey Hernandez, vice

president of the Academic Senate at East Los Angeles College, said. “The more students that attend [ELAC], the more funds we will receive.” Proposition 98, which passed in 1988, appoints an annual increase in education for the California Budget. Community Colleges that witnessed a decline in enrollment recieved $28.5 million over the lat three fiscal years. The May revision states that an increase of $23.6 million will reflect towards unused enrollment. President of ELAC Marvin Martinez said, “because students continue to come to [ELAC], there is a seven percent increase in student growth in 2017.” The middle-class scholarship program was created help ease student debt to those who are having trouble receiving financial aid. The program is on the verge to be phased out to accommodate the new budget. New applications will no longer be accepted and students who renewed their scholarship will only be covered for the 2016-17 academic year.

To qualify for the scholarship, a family must makes than $156,000 in both income and household assets.The candidate must also be a permanent California resident and maintain at least 2.0 grade point average. AB-540 students who attended high school for three years or more with a high school diploma and planning to go to a CSU or UC also qualify for the scholarship. The amount for the scholarship varies on the number of accepted students who receive the scholarship and based on the statewide budget.“It would be good for students if the middleclass scholarship stays intact,” Hernandez said. Guided Pathway is a program that is implemented in a community college to assist students in meeting requirements for a degree and help to increase student completion rate. As stated the January budget proposal, “is to improve completion rates, reduce time-to-degree, increase California students’ employment opportunities, and reduce student debt,” as well as increase funding. The extra $160 million investment will bring the

CN/ STEVEN ADAMO

total to $184 million for guided pathway, according to the May revision. ELAC will receive $4

million toward Guided Pathway. If the proposal passes legislation and Governor Brown signs,

California’s new budget will take effect in July.

Students for Political Awareness Club helps fight poverty BY REINA AGUIRRE Staff Writer The Students for Political Awareness Club at East Los Angeles College is teaming up with organizations to help those in poverty in the community and abroad. The ESPA club organized a shoe drive where people can help, by donating their used shoes to the non-profit organization Soles4Souls. Their mission is to create sustainable jobs and provide relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing. The used shoes will help finance the distributions of new shoes to people in the community whom may be living in poverty. ESPA is collaborating with Soles4Souls and will be collecting shoes from May 1 to July 31 in the main campus. The Social Science department will collect the donations in F7-303, office #307 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and at 3:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. “We’re pretty happy that people are collaborating and that these shoes will be given to the less

fortunate, those who are low income and it’s a great way to give back to the community and also a good way to spread benevolent,” Daniel Ortiz, president of the ESPA club, said. So far, ESPA has collected over 100 pairs of shoes over these past few weeks. At the end of the semester professor and ESPA club advisor Natalina Monteiro will be collecting the shoes to give to the Soles4Souls organization. They will then help spread out the shoes to those who are less fortunate. The ESPA club is also collecting schools supplies to send to a school called Benito Juarez in Cuba. “Last summer, summer of 2016 a couple of ELAC students went to Cuba they were some of the first American students to go to Cuba, and spent about a week there and advisor Monteiro was also there, they went to a school called Benito Juarez and in that school a lot of the children lacked school supplies,” Ortiz, said. The club has been collecting school supplies over the past two semesters, and people have been donating backpacks and school supplies.

CN/ ANDREA HERNANDEZ

The club is currently working on getting the boxes of supplies sent to Cuba but due to an issue with funding there has been a delay with sending the supplies to Cuba.

“It’s been somewhat of a mission to get it send from here to Cuba,” Ortiz said. Additionally, the ESPA club will be giving out two scholarships by

the end of the semester in honor of Geeta Chowdhry, a political science professor in Arizona, who passed away in 2014. “She was a big influence in my life

and in my daughters,” Monteiro said. Two $500 scholarships will go to two club members who have shown the most passion and dedication to the club and the community. The winners will also be picked based on who will be benefiting from the scholarship the most, which will be a person who will be using it properly towards college for instance. Lastly, the club is also working on getting the library hours extended again so students can access the library’s resources after the last class on campus ends. Former club President Christopher Cruz, co-lead a campaign last year at ELAC to extend the library hours and succeeded, the library stayed open until 11pm Mon-Thurs but after two semesters the library revoked the extended hours. ESPA welcomes students in any major who would be interested in helping the community to join the club. They have a variety of events coming up and are in communication with American Federation of Teachers an opportunity to apply for an internship that helps develop organization and community skills.

Psychology Department hosts open house featuring student film BY GISSELLE PALOMERA Staff Writer The Psychology Department hosted its fourth annual open house featuring a student-made film last Thursday at the G3 Foyer. The 10 minute film highlighted how addiction can affect anyone at any time. The film begins with a student named Marlon being pressured to party and drink by his classmates. Marlon is uninterested in this and refuses because he wants to focus on everything he’s been working so hard for in school and as a star football player. Marlon gets home to an abusive and alcoholic father who treats him poorly and does not recognize all of Marlon’s efforts to do good. Hurt by his relationship with his father, Marlon agrees to going to the party his classmates invited him too. At the party he drinks and quickly becomes addicted to that lifestyle. Later in the film, Marlon becomes a seven year addict and then a ten year addict. He drops all of the offers from universities to play football and

stops going to school. He becomes an addict while his friends continue their lives, ignoring the fact that they were partially responsible for enabling Marlon to party and binge drink. This was made clear throughout the movie when Marlon shows up at the house of one of his former classmates and asks to hangout with him but they refuse since they had moved on from that lifestyle. The short-film ended with a student from The Addictions Program at ELAC extending her hand towards Marlon as she helps him get the help he needs. “We were so short on time I thought we weren’t going to pull it off, but everyone worked so hard and put in their time that it came out far better than I expected,” Javier Perez, the film’s director, says. Perez is a psychology major and is part of the Psychology Club. The film was directed by Perez and written by Professor Randy Ludwig. Students from National Alliance on Mental Illness and Students Against Substance Abuse also collaborated for the film. Students seeking to be Addiction Counselors can join the Addictions Studies Program on Campus.

The Psychology Department wanted to make this video to raise awareness for the Addiction Studies program on campus which trains students to become Addictions Councelors. The Psychology Club: South Gate and Main Campus as well as the Sociology Club, Statistics Club, Vision Club, Students Against Substance Abuse, Psi Beta, National Alliance of Mental Illness all collaborated to make this open house possible. Also present were representatives from the Career Center, the Transfer Center, The Women’s and Men’s Support Center, Veterans Center and Health Center. Two students shared their transfer success stories one year after transfering from ELAC. Vanessa Ramirez, who transferred to California State University Los Angeles and Karen Moreno, who transferred to University California Los Angeles shared their transfer success stories as Psychology Majors. Ramirez and Moreno encouraged the attendees to pursue the career they are most interested in and to not feel discouraged by the amount of work.

CN/ GABRIELA REVELES

PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOS— Psychology Club Co-presidents Amy Enriquez (left) and Anthony Roblez alongside spokesperson Randy Ludwig, rocked out in the name of psychology last Thursday at the G3 Foyer. “I had to retake classes when I transferred and I know a lot of things didn’t turn out the way I wanted... don’t let that stop you,” Ramirez said. “Talk to your professors now. It’s so hard to stand out to them once

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you transfer because you’re in a class with 296 other students just like you,” Moreno said. Perez encouraged students wanting to learn more to use the resources available. “Students interested in the

addiction program can pick up a pamphlet from the Psychology office,” Perez said. The addiction program is lead by Chairman Lisa Vartanian, Ph.D. Psychology Department 323-2658741 located in F6-316A.

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017

VPAM hosts pottery class BY LETICIA MURO

In the

SPOTLIGHT

ELAC Jazz Band performance powerful, lively

Staff Writer The Vincent Price Art Museum will host workshops on the last Saturday of every month in conjunction with the Chinese Ceramics from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art from now through July. VPAM hosted another successful Family Day workshop over the weekend. Those who attended had the opportunity to learn about Chinese ceramics, and create their own pottery pieces. The families that attended the workshop gathered in one of the galleries where the installation of Chinese ceramics was displayed. Gloria Westcott, the tour guide from LACMA, began by explaining what they would be seeing. She encouraged the children to sketch whatever symbols they found to be inspiring. She said the 50 works of art were from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art storage, and not from works on display. “The collection spans from the Neolithic period to the present,” Westcott said. “The gallery has been curated so that it is divided into three segments: technology, symbols and export,” Westcott said. Westcott explained things with ease, having worked at The Museum of Contemporary Art and LACMA as an art educator. When the first half of the tour ended, attendees were escorted to another part of the museum where they had the opportunity to create their own pottery. Marvella Muro, the community engagement manager for the Education & Public Programs for LACMA, guided children and parents attempting to create pottery by air drying clay. “As of last November, a focus group consisting of faculty, students, residents and museum curators gathered to create a series of workshops that would correlate with the exhibition, and reinforce

5

BY JORGE VAZQUEZ Staff Writer

CN/LETICIA MURO

ARTS OF OBSERVATION—A child draws the statue of a Chinese ceramic horse during a workshop hosted by the Vincent Price Art Museum. Workshops will be held until July. symbols, ideas, and techniques of the works,” Muro said. Muro wanted to bring awareness to residents and neighboring communities of the free activities that would be offered. “I reached out to the Nueva Maravilla Senior Service Center, The Maravilla Foundation, neighborhood committees and countless other institutions,” Muro said. The community’s response was so great that they had to request the assistance of an East Los Angeles College student to help with translation to Mandarin, since many of the people who were attending only spoke Mandarin. Muro said the turnout to many of the workshops has exceeded her expectations. It didn’t take much encouragement

from Muro before the children began to poke, stretch and smooth their fingers over their mound of clay. In attendance that afternoon was Claudia Villegas with several of her seventh grade world history students and their parents. “I explained to my students that we would be coming to the museum to get a closer look at the ceramics that they had seen in their textbooks. I told the parents that the event would be free, and would be a great opportunity to share in an educational event with their children,” Villegas said. Villegas, an ELAC alumna, knew of the event at VPAM through notifications sent by the museum. Sitting at the head of another table was Niane Greene, a grandmother and museum goer. She was

accompanied by her grandniece Hope and grandnephew Joshua. “I asked Hope what she would like to do the following time we got to see each other, and she said go to a museum,” Greene said. Greene, who worked in education, explained the importance of exposing children to varying forms of art. “Museums are such a vital part of what a child should experience while growing up. Art encompasses so many things and can broaden a child's horizons,” Greene said. For listings people can visit vincentpriceartmuseum.org. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday noon-4pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. For additional information on other programs at other locations please visit lacma.org.

Upon entering the S2 building, the 17 members of the ELAC Jazz Band were already playing with conductor and director Bob Dawson. Though the Jazz performance was free, patrons were encouraged to donate to the music program afterwards. The band also had their 2 CDs for sale at $5 each, buyers could choose from the Eastside Jazz album or their seasonal Christmas album. Despite never being to that venue, the ELAC Jazz Band was welcoming to regulars and newcomers alike. The set consisted of 13 songs with playful, well-spirited banter with the audience between songs. They played covers of such artists as Bob Florence, The Beatles, Tower of Power and Thelonious Monk. The song “Round Midnight” by Monk was faithfully recreated by the band. They managed to capture Monk’s unusual style and rhythm oriented solos. For their performance of “Fool on the Hill” by The Beatles, Tenor sax, Arturo Gallardo showed off his versatility by playing the flute portion of the song. The show ultimately lasted two hours and at the end, Dawson announced his possible retirement and possible successor, trumpet player Bobby Chavez. After the announcement, Chavez showed his musical talent by taking lead in the second to last performance, “Black Orpheus,” originally by Luiz Bonfa. Throughout the concert, musicians that took lead on a song stood up while the rest of the band sat. The band would play lower to amplify the passion filled solo that would receive a well deserved applause. This made the visually predominant musician(s) for all the songs seem more powerful and lively. Pianist Stephen Alvarez along with tenors Ivan Romero Bautista and Arturo Gallardo are three of the younger members who are part of the applied music program at ELAC that allowed them to gain their musical experience. Two of the applied music teachers Justo Almario, saxophone, and Steve Goomas, piano attended the performance in support of their pupils. The next performance held in the S2 hall is an ELAC Student Piano Recital scheduled for Monday, May at noon, which will be free as well.

Let’s Dance Company to host 12th dance concert BY IOMARA GUZMAN Staff Writer Let’s Dance Company from East Los Angeles College will host its 12th Repertoire Dance Concert on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Dance Recital Hall. Kimberly Denise Rabins is co-directing the dance concert with Kristin Chew Reutimann. Rabins is the artistic director and was a former member of the San Diego State University dance team. Reutimann is a member of the Los Angeles Community College District Dance Committee and a

University of Arizona graduate, where she received her masters of Fine Arts in Dance, and is working together with Rabins on the coordination of the dance event. Rabins said she is excited to share the passion for the art of dance with ELAC students and the surrounding community. Fifteen dancers will be in the performance. Among those dancers will be 11 women and four men. Students will have a variety of different acts during the show. “The dancers have been rehearsing for over six months for this concert. They rehearse four days a week,”

music. Every concert is different,” Rabins said. An audition is held annually Rabins said. There are new to select the choreographies to dancers in order expect this Friday. to be part of the “The dancers have said the show. Half of the been rehearsing for Rabins event will be members dancing over six months for under two hours. this weekend will Among the be new to the this concert.” styles of music company. and dance in the “The twelve show that will dance acts that be performed will be presented KIMBERLY RABINS on the show will are ballet, jazz, Co-Director modern and hipbe in a variety of hop. different genres and styles of The mission

statement for the Let’s Dance Company, as stated on their webpage, says that it represents a group of dancers with multicultural backgrounds who prosper by taking an enthusiastic approach to learning, bonding, and gathering experiences. The program teaches students through the process of disciplinary skills to prepare them to perform in front of an audience, which is the objective of the Let’s Dance Company. According to the Let’s Dance Company website, the confidence and flexibility gained in the team allows the students to feel positive

in their performances. The years of discipline for each member are demonstrated by his or her rehearsals and contribution to the team. The event will have an admission charge of $15 dollars. Anyone interested in joining the Let’s Dance Company for the next 2017-2018 dance show can audition on Thursday, May 25 at 3 p.m. in the ELAC Performing and Fine Arts Complex S2-106 dance studio. For more info, visit www.ldcweb. com or contact Rabins at 323-2658740.

Modern retelling of King Arthur’s story fails to satisfy BY ALEJANDRO LARA Staff Writer “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword,” directed by Guy Richie, is a film filled with action, adventure, computer generated images and comedic sequences. Starring Charlie Hunnam as King Arthur, who is well known for his role as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, and Jude Law as Vortigern. This film has everything that an action-seeking moviegoer can imagine. The comedic scenes are sometimes untimely and awkward, but it fits the type of directing that Guy Richie portrays in his films. The struggle for power between the two characters, Hunnan as the antagonist and Law as the evil uncle, had the audience captivated. The story of King Arthur of Camelot tells of the struggle that Arthur goes through. He rises up from the ashes after his uncle usurped the throne from Arthur’s father and his brother, Uther Pendragon. Arthur was raised in a brothel and grew up in the slums while protecting his friends. Having nightmares every night, Arthur

uses the hatred towards his uncle as motivation to take back the kingdom from the tyrannous rule of his uncle. It wasn’t easy for Arthur because he had to find the courage to fight back with the help of his companions. There are certain parts of the movie that are cinematic masterpieces thanks to the technology being used. There are a lot of different sceneries from mountains, to towers, to forests that were used to set up key scenes in the film. What this movie portrayed was the director's vision in the story of King Arthur, with Richie adding in his own directing style. Some people would feel a little weary about the way the movie was made. It was a fast-paced film with a lot of CGI and action sequences. The lead actor’s physique helps tell the story of the struggles he had to overcome growing up from a scrawny young boy to a strong dependable man. His cocky and arrogant attitude proved that. King Arthur really cared about the well-being of his friends and the safety of the kingdom when it was time to take action and step up. Some of the scenes were all over

COURTESY OF WARNER BROTHERS

THE RAIN HAS FALLEN—King Arthur is played by Charlie

Hunnam in director Guy Richie’s “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.”

the place and they dragged out a bit too much. What is done really well is the use of the CGI and the acting by the lead roles. Jude Law was magnificent as the evil uncle taking the crown at any cost, while Charlie Hunnam does a good job at portraying a boy who grew up to save the kingdom. “King Arthur: Legend of the

Sword” is a fun movie with a lot of action and little hints of comedy. It is flashy with a star-studded cast that works well together. For people who don’t like obvious endings and a lot of camera movement, this film is not for you. For a movie with a $102 million budget, it gets the job done.

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Features

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017

Game club welcomes new gamers to level up BY MELODY ORTIZ Staff Writer ELAC’s Game Club was made as a safe haven for gamers of all kinds to bring, play, watch and discuss games. They play games from video to board and card games. During the meetings, members can play games on projectors connected to computers or any console provided by other members.. Jorge Ivan Macias, the club’s community manager, said the Game Club’s main goals are to allow students some stress relief and help turn hobbies into careers. It is a place for students to take a break from the piles of work and pressure of midterms, finals and have fun relaxing, he said. Macias explained that the club gives members opportunities to make connections with game developers and help get their foot in the door to build a career. It can also help those who want to read about, write about, watch, or participate in any kind of gaming. Those who simply enjoy watching the action are welcome as well, Macias said, “Gamers are shy.”

He believes the club is a good place for those who share the interest of meeting others but also a great environment for those who keep to themselves. Macias says benefits include friendships, networking, and social events, including fundraisers, tournaments, and club outings. Super Smash Bros. is currently the most popular and active game among members. Up to eight players can play at a time. The club is open to anyone bringing games they'd like to play or share, such as card games, like Uno. Others like Jenga are often played also. The gaming consoles commonly used in the club are the Play Station 4, the Wii, and the new Nintendo Switch, however, other consoles are also welcome. Games like Lara Croft, The Legend of Zelda, and Elder Scrolls include the poplar bow and arrow. Macias hopes to take members to an archery range on Wednesday evenings. He wants members to experience the actual thrill of it. Macias would like to use the connections he has to give club members as many opportunities as he can.

These opportunities include anything from catching a movie, to touring a gaming studio. He would also like to get members into gaming conventions like Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Macias says what he enjoys most about the club are the fun and interesting people. There are currently a little more than 20 active members that visit. He believes the club can inspire teamwork and imagination. He wants it to be a place where students don't have to worry about being judged their interest in gaming. Whether for a casual or avid gamer, he thinks everyone should feel comfortable and welcome. He, and other members, are willing to explain any game to anyone who may want to start playing. This is the Game Club’s first semester as a club on campus. Macias admits one of the difficult parts of managing the club is all the “firsts” and mistakes, but it helps him learn and improve. The club meets Tuesdays from noon to 1:35 p.m. in E3-331. They also meet on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in ASU 209.

CN/MELODY ORTIZ

GAME ON— Damion Olivares, left, William Chiao and Jorge Ivan Macias compete in a suspensful round of Jenga and Uno simultaneously.

Student faces struggles while chasing aspirations BY SAMANTHA MORENO Staff Writer The struggles of being a Latino, Bisexual, film student at East Los Angeles College is something that doesn’t faze Dreamworks employee, and ELAC student Charles “CJ” Sanchez. T h e 2 1 - y e a r- o l d b i s e x u a l aspiring film actor, who works within the same breathing space as Steven Spielberg, has figured out many positive things about himself by coming to ELAC. He has also had his fair share of struggles just by coming to ELAChe attends a school that doesn’t even have his major. Sanchez said he wants to become a screenwriter, director and actor. He has acted in numerous plays on campus, most recently, “Measure for Measure” in April 2016. Sanchez also directed a production on campus in 2016 titled, “The Lover.” Sanchez was 18-years-old, fresh out of high school and trying to figure out the next step in his life. He took a year off, visiting

CN/COURTESY OF ELAC THEATER ARTS ACTING PROGRAM

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION—Charles Sanchez, right, acting

alongside Mario Arciniega in “Much ado about Nothing.” Mexico and Las Vegas, to figure out what he wanted to do. “After

doing that I got bored, so I decided to come to ELAC because it was

the closest thing to my house,” Sanchez said. He wanted to start his college experience with a “fun class,” so he started off with Theater 100. Sanchez said this was the seed that sprouted his love for acting and helped him come to terms with what he was hiding within himself. At ELAC, Sanchez didn’t have a problem making friends but still didn’t feel comfortable telling his peers who he truly was until he started branching outside of ELAC. Although there is a Queer Straight Alliance Club on campus, he said the club is rarely advertised compared to clubs like the Administration of Justice Club or Psychology Club. The only way to find out about the club is to search for it on the ELAC website, and the only way to contact the club is through an email address, said Sanchez. Sanchez decided to contact the club, but upon sending an email to that address, the ELAC email system advised that the address was not valid. Even after finding out about the club, Sanchez said he still wouldn’t feel comfortable going. “The club is still somewhat of a secret, and my

sexuality is still a secret to some. Coming here, I want to feel like we can be just as respected ... and make changes, rather than just talking about how we feel about being gay,” Sanchez said. Sanchez soon realized that ELAC was not the best choice after all and that his love for film and acting would not be fulfilled here since film classes are not offered. He wishes to become a screenwriter one day, and has studied many great playwrites, such as Shakespeare, in an attempt to gather inspiration. Sanchez has a love of musicals, and hopes to write his own original musical that will be as great as, “Chicago.” Sanchez also wants to be more than an actor on a school stage in front of locals, so he has begun branching out on his own and creating his own path by getting a job with Dreamworks Studios, with Steven Spielbeg working upstairs. Sanchez said he caters at Dreamworks, and frequently brings snacks to Spielberg’s pet bird. He not only caters at Dreamworks, but also at major award ceremonies such as the Screen Actor Guild

awards, Indipendant Film Spirit Awards and an Oscar’s after party. Sanchez said that people often believe theater directing and film directing are the same, and that theater acting is the same as acting in a film. He said, however, they’re completely different. That doesn’t bother Sanchez much, he said he enjoys the theater program at ELAC, and hopes that he will gain the skills to one day win an Oscar. He has not acted in any plays this past semester, but he said he plans on returning to ELAC’s Proscenium stage in the Fall. Sanchez understands that ELAC doesn’t offer film classes, but continues to attend for financial reasons and sees it as a transfer school. He also sees ELAC as a great place to gain acting experience. Sanchez said he has got his foot in the door at Dreamworks, and is greatful he gets to work among film makers. He said it motivates him everyday, and hopes to one day be in the office with Spielberg talking about their upcoming project.

S.A.S.A club helps ELAC students fight against substance abuse BY LUCY LUOLING LU Staff Writer The Students against substance abuse club is an ASU chartered club within the Chemical Dependence Certification Program at East Los Angeles College. S.A.S.A stands for Students Against Substance Abuse. The club is run by the students of East Los Angeles College with the help of psychology professor Dr. Lisa Vartanian. Although the S.A.S.A. club is part of the Chemical Dependence Certification Program, many of its club members are students outside of the program.

“Many people have profound suffering sometime during their lives. S.A.S.A encourages the individual to make positive changes in their lives,” said S.A.S.A president Kristen Ayala. The S.A.S.A club not only helps East Los Angeles College students make friends and connect with others, it teaches its members skills to cope with everyday stress in a healthy manner. Club members attend board meetings where guest speakers, usually East Los Angeles College alumni, share their experiences. "The S.A.S.A club promotes awareness of substance and addiction on campus and within the community.

“We try to inspire personal growth, encourage recovery, and support," said Ayala. Members of the club are encouraged to attend conferences and workshops that promote substance abuse awareness and treatment through club fundraisers. Fundraising Coordinator Raelyn Aragon said, "We do several fundraisers on campus every month. We are usually located near the G5 parking lot on campus selling pizza, soda, and snacks." However, not all of the money from the S.A.S.A club fundraisers are used for conferences and workshops. "We also raise money so that the club can do outreach in the

community," said Aragon. The S.A.S.A club has a long standing relationship with Phoenix House Academy in Los Angeles. Club members, along with Dr. Lisa Vartanian, have made several visits to the Phoenix House Academy throughout the year. Phoenix House Academy is a residential treatment facility for teens affected by substance abuse and/or mental health disorders. "We go to Phoenix House Academy to encourage its patients. They're there all by themselves so often times we bring them snacks and toys. For Christmas, we have members write Christmas cards for them," said Ayala. CN/JORGE VAZQUEZ

Writer’s Society: ELAC’s new literary outlet on campus BY JENNIFER RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer The Writer’s Society is a new club that started this semester. The club is sponsored by English professor Obed Silva and current students from his fall 2016 creative writing class.

One of his former students, and club member, Eva Finlay recalls how this club came about. “For the class final, we had to go to, like, a poetry slam and perform pieces we wrote such as plays and stories,” Finlay said. During finals, the creative writing class decided to develop this class into a club. It is a club where people are able

to write pieces and perform them. It is also meant for anyone who wants to share or listen to pieces of literature. They open up meetings by talking about upcoming events they are organizing. One upcoming event is called “Drop the Mic Night,” which will happen May 18 from 7 p.m. to 10

p.m. in F5 201. The event is being planned by the Writing Society along with small contributions from many school clubs helping out with selling tickets, performing at the event, and promoting and displaying their artwork. Clubs like the Delloro Club and the Puente Club will have a booth

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set up at the event to promote the services they provide on campus. The Writing Center is also promoting the event. Clubs such as the Art Club, Poetry Club, and the Speech Team are among other clubs that will participate. This event is not only for the writers here on campus. It is also an event to show that the East Los

Angeles Community can work together. The club has roughly 25 members and the number is growing. The Writer’s Club meets Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in E3 307. For more information about the club, contact Silva at (323) 7805323.

SPORTS 7 Walker splashes in on athletic scholarship

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017

NBA superstar James Harden has helped mold Walker’s game due to Staff Writer the leadership skills displayed on the court and the ability to take over Sophomore guard Sequan Walker when needed. earned a scholarship to California Walker is the first of his family State University of Los Angeles to graduate from college. He also Division II men’s basketball team. has aspirations of being drafted and Walker was one of four players playing in the NBA. to average double digit points this He could possibly achieve that season at East Los Angeles College. dream with the help of his soon to be Walker averaged 13.6 points head coach at Cal State LA Jim Sala. overall and 16.3 points per game Sala ,who coached such NBA in the South Coast stars like Conference - North. Nick Young He was one of “They (coaches) kept and Baron the key players for Davis was me going to class. ELAC this season also an who led the team to I will miss the people a s s i s t a n t 23 wins overall this coach at at ELAC.” season and made it University to the third round of of Southern SEQUAN WALKER playoffs. Sophomore Guard California Walker averaged L o s 6.9 points per game Angeles. with two starts last Wa l k e r season and started 30 games this said he felt he would have to adjust season. to the speed and physicality of being His hard work earned him a spot at a Division two school. on the Cal State LA men's basketball Walker also said that the coaching team next fall after he graduates this staff at ELAC has made him a better spring with a degree in sociology. player on and off the court. “Sociology has helped me see the He feels he could be a leader for floor better and knowing how react his team once he arrives at Cal State to different situations and help me LA and can improve his defensive continue to be a better player,” said skills and conditioning. Walker. “He's a pretty good shooter and I Watching Los Angeles native and felt he was a team leader for us this

BY MICHAEL DOMINGUEZ

season. I feel he’s going to do a good job at Cal State LA next season,” said Walker’s teammate, freshman small forward, Frank Bertz. In a feature done on Walker by Tyler Hendrickson to Cabrillo High School basketball head coach Dwayne Williams on the Long Beach Gazette on Jan 13 2015 said, “Walker has been a target of criticism and trash talk. That’s a mistake, since it only gets Walker fired up to play harder.” Walker said he doesn’t think he is a trash talker, but is just very competitive. Walker says he plans on earning a doctorate degree when his basketball career is over. “Great kid! It was a pleasure to not only have him be an integral part of our men’s basketball team’s success, but he was a tremendous student in my Health class. We can never have enough kids like him in our Athletic Department, or on our campus,” said Athletic Director Allen Cone. Walker said he would like his time at ELAC to be remembered as being a great person on and off the court. “They (Coaches) kept me going to class. I will miss the people at ELAC,” said Walker. Walker will finish his time as a Husky on June 6 as he walks across the stage to receive his degree in sociology.

CN/ DIEGO LINARES

TRANSITION POINTS—Sequan Walker picks up his dribble as he looks to rise up against an El Camino Compton Center defender in the March 3 win in the Southern California Regional final game.

Softball player heads to the Midwest BY KEVIN CAMARGO Staff Writer Alexis Lazaro received a softball scholarship to Midland University to study physical therapy after two years of playing at East Los Angeles College. “Once I decided to go to ELAC and play softball here, I knew that was going to happen,” said Lazaro. According to Lazaro, this is the hardest moment in her life. “(The) stress of just transferring (is a lot, because of) the nervousness I (have) to pass my classes,” said Lazaro. Lazaro’s family is very supportive of her decisions, because she is the first in her family to attend a private

university at her age. Lazaro’s athletics skills are something that has been passed down for generations. “I found out last year that my grandpa was a minor league professional baseball player in Mexico,” said Lazaro. She also added her grandpa was a boxer,” said Lazaro. Lazaro finds it amusing that she is seen as a miniature version of her grandpa, because she followed her grandpa’s path without even knowing. Lazaro started playing softball at the age of eight. She was not always a softball player. Before she played softball, she played soccer, football and boxed. Lazaro’s father supported her at a

young age. He never forced Lazaro own apartment and now living in to play a particular sport. our own house,” said Lazaro He wanted Lazaro to discover her “Now we’re moving to San favorite sport by Francisco herself. because he got a Lazaro, being “I felt like i didn’t need promotion.” the only child, According to sees her father to have to be a captain Lazaro, aside as a role model, to show my place. i did from her family even though her my job. People listen struggles, her father may not passion for to me. People asked s o f t b a l l h a s notice it. She sees me for advice [and] I always impacted how much her her life. gave it” father struggled “When I because he had was younger ALEXIS LAZARO to worry about it [softball] Softball Player influenced my Lazaro at a very sleep, because young age. I always had “ We w e n t practice. In high from living in our aunt’s [home], to living in our school it influenced my talent.

Dual threat athlete runs down scholarship BY JULO SANCHEZ Staff Writer Shiloh Jordan is on his way to Chowan University in North Carolina with an athletic scholarship three years after leaving his home and moving to California. At 21, Jordan, realized that if he stayed in Baltimore Maryland, there would be no progress towards his goals in life. “It was an unpleasant situation, where I felt like I wasn’t living up to my full potential. That’s when I decided to leave to California,” said Jordan. Jordan became a member of the East Los Angeles College football team. Jordan plays the running back position, as well as the punt and kick return specialist. Jordan has seen both sides of winning and losing. He played a season where his team had a record of two wins and eight losses. Conversely, the next season, Jordan’s team had nine wins and two losses. “Jordan would contribute a lot to the team,” said Jordan’s teammate,

Antiose Fields. “He would contribute in more ways than one. He’d complete touchdown runs, blocks, interceptions, but the main thing he would contribute to the team is energy.” “Every time we’re in the huddle, he would know what to say to make us feel energized and ready to go.” Jordan’s love for the game has him exceeding his limits and expectations. Jordan gives his blood, sweat, and tears to the game, because he knows that it’s what he has to do in order to become a great athlete. He is currently creating the life he

wants to live even though there has been some hiccups along the way. Jordan has had to struggle with the costs of being an out-of-state student and not having a place to live. Jordan also had the misfortune of being exploited on more than one occasion by his roommate who would take his half of the rent money and use it for his own personal use. He said his struggles have helped him stay motivated and dedicated to move forward. That is why he rides his bike for eight miles from downtown Los Angeles to ELAC just to make it to football practice to keep improving his skills. “The whole situation of being offered a scholarship seems too surreal. Having someone call you and say ‘I want you to play for me,’ is crazy,” Jordan said. Jordan said that he is trying to go “all the way.” He is hoping to get drafted to the NFL. “This whole situation has made me feel thankful, blessed and humble. I know I put in a lot of hard work, but I can always put in more because there is always room for improvement,” said Jordan. Shiloh Jordan is set to leave for Chowan University in North Carolina on June 10 after graduating from ELAC this spring. www.ELACCampusNews.com

In college, it truly influenced my education. It just influence [d] [me] my whole life,” said Lazaro. According to Lazaro, coaches and fans have doubted her as a softball player because of her size, but she did not let that overtake her. In high school, she was the first freshman on the varsity team. “It really wasn’t intimidating because size really doesn’t matter. If you just have enough fundamentals, you don’t have to have all the muscle,” said Lazaro. “[People would] end up going to the nice field and see me with all these tall 18-year-olds and here comes this little 14-year-old about to go up against her.” It was at this moment where Lazaro found her true skills for softball.

Lazaro noticed that she does not need to be given the title of a captain to make a difference in the team. “I felt like I didn’t need to have to be a captain to show my place. I did my job. People listen to me. People asked me for advice [and] I gave it,” said Lazaro. From not knowing what to do after high school, to playing at ELAC for two years, Lazaro is on her way to following her dreams in the Midwest. Although growing up was a nightmare since a young age, she finds it [growing up] scary, yet exciting. “I know it’s really scary. Knowing that the only way that you really succeed [is] when you’ve actually had enough responsibilities to say that you are grown,” Lazaro said.

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South Gate

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017

Elizabeth’s bakes best conchas BY CRYSTAL ESCOBEDO Staff Writer

As you enter Elizabeth’s Bakery parking lot you will notice an elderly man guarding and greeting customers as they approach. Manuel Parra, owner of Elizabeth’s Bakery, migrated from Cuba to the U.S when he was a young man. Parra had a great deal of ambition and determination. The menu has expanded since Elizabeth’s first opened. For example, they now serve tamales, tortas cubanas, pastries, smoothies, fresh fruit salads, bionicos and much more. The conchas remain the draw. Parra’s organization has been in operation for approximately 35 years. Although Parra is Cuban, the style of pan dulce (sweet bread) is Mexican. Although the bakery is 12,000 square feet, it is still not big enough for the long lines that form everyday by regular customers. According to Parra, Celene Chavez is the longest working employee at Elizabeth’s Bakery. Chavez and her brother Noel Chavez, have the closest relationship to Parra. “I’m here every morning picking

BREAKFAST TIME—Hot conchas alongside coffee is the go to breakfast at Elizabeth’s Bakery in South Gate. bread for my mother, before heading to work. Conchas and bolillo are my favorite things to order here at Elizabeth’s Bakery,” said Rachel Beltran, a young woman standing in line to choose her bread. Beltran was taught to have conchas (sea shell shaped sweet bread) alongside a cup of hot coffee

from her mother, who has been a customer for ten years. “I also love their cakes. We typically get our cakes here for any family birthdays or special events,” said Beltran. Maria Cisneros, an elderly woman waiting in line, said she loves Elizabeth’s Bakery for its Mexican authenticity. Cisneros comes in for

pan dulce to take back home and share with her two granddaughters. On the days she has extra time, Cisneros has a seat and enjoys a green sauce chicken tamale. According to Cisneros, she has not found a better bakery in town. “The moment I was handed my pan dulce, I quickly searched for

an empty table where I sat with my granddaughter to have our first bite and I was immediately reminded of bread I bought from a little corner store in Nayarit, Mexico called La Esquina del Pan Dulce Mexicano,” Cisneros said. The busiest days at Elizabeth’s Bakery are Friday, Saturday, and

CN/CRYSTAL ESCOBEDO

Sunday. The busiest hours of the day are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Elizabeth’s Bakery is located at 2828 Firestone Blvd. South Gate Ca, 90280. The bakery is opened from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and it is opened 7 days a week. Their contact number is (323) 566-3834.

Local restaurant serves unique sushi rolls BY ERICK ALFARO Staff Writer

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LUNCH TIME—Crunch roll and teriyaki chicken with a side of salad are a great combination for an even greater price in South

Gate.

Boba teahouse brings tasty galactic drinks BY JOCELYNE ROMO Staff Writer The Milky Way Teahouse opened close to East Los Angeles College’s South Gate Campus on Firestone Boulevard, bringing a new theme to town. A collection of space is relative through the small dessert spot, creating a cozy atmosphere. Milky Way offers a variety of drinks, each with a galactic name. Two of the Milky Way’s signature boba floats are Nebula which consists of taro, black milk tea, vanilla ice cream, captain crunch packed on top, honey boba and caramel syrup drizzled over the drink. The Galaxy Cow, another signature float, consists of peach, rose, green milk tea, vanilla ice cream, fruity pebbles, honey boba and caramel syrup. Customer Daisy Ponce said she enjoys this spot. “Not only do they have an aesthetic theme, they have great customer service, promising to remake the drink if it doesn’t satisfy the customer,” Ponce said.

The interior of the establishment is made up of grey chalky walls, with one wall that is visible to the customer as soon as they walk in with the sign “Milky Way Teahouse.” Out of the decorations, there is one that stands out. It’s a hot pink neon sign that says “milking cows from another galaxy.” There are also wooden benches for the customers to sit while they wait for their dessert drinks. Milky Way has made its opening a promising addition to the Downey Ave plaza with their many boba floats, attentive customer service and unique theme. Hours of operation are Sunday through Monday 11:30 a.m.to 9 p.m., and Friday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. John Apelacio, one of the many managers, says “One of my partners came up with the idea and we thought it’d be cool, the galaxy theme. If I didn’t work here I would still come in for a couple of drinks such as Stratosphere or Constellation.”

Teriyaki Sushi House, a sushi restaurant in South Gate, offers a wide variety of delicious traditional and modern sushi and teriyaki dishes. Located at 9807 Long Beach Blvd, Teriyaki Sushi House is a great place for lunch on the go or a nice dine-in meal. All combination plates come with a side of salad, macaroni salad, and miso soup. All sushi orders come with a side of ginger and wasabi. The restaurant offers self-service fountain drinks and also has a wide selection of canned and bottled drinks. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include the chicken teriyaki, orange chicken plate and beef teriyaki. There is an order of chicken or beef teriyaki with your choice of any sushi roll.

Other dishes include fried shrimp with new and unique sushi rolls. A popular sushi roll is the dragon roll which consists of crab, cucumber, and avocado topped with fresh water eel. Another great roll is the crunch roll which consists of shrimp tempura, crab, cucumber, and avocado topped with a ‘crunchy’ topping. The Crunch Roll has a perfect combination of texture with crunchy flaky exterior and a fresh and delicious center. The sticky white rice is steamed to perfection to give the rolls an excellent texture. The sushi rolls are all made to order with the freshest ingredients to ensure the best quality. The restaurant is clean and has tables available for dine-in. Teriyaki Sushi House is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The restaurant earned a whopping four out of five stars on Yelp and over 70 positive reviews.

Dragon Loco serves up savory delights BY DIANA GARCIA Staff Writer Dragon Loco, a Chinese restaurant tucked into the corner of Long Beach, in South Gate, has both great service and mouth watering dishes. Although it is a small restaurant, the workers and the amazing food are enough to please any customer. Crispy, bone-in wings, topped with spicy, green jalapenos and followed by a side of delicious white fried rice may be the perfect meal to ease off after a long day, or you may be in the mood for a bowl

full of freshly prepared chow mein. Dragon Loco will treat customer hunger and won’t hurt their wallet. Dragon Loco offers a huge variety of food to their customers, all ranging affordable prices. The highest price for a meal is $30.99, a family meal that feeds five to six people, possibly more. One of Dragon Loco’s most famous appetizers are the 8 piece chicken wings which customers love because they are only $6.99. Customers also have the opportunity to choose from beef, chicken, or shrimp, served with steamed rice for $7.99. Everything

else on the menu is $9.99 or below. Roselynne Lam, 25, the daughter of the current owners, has been working at Dragon Loco for two years, and she always takes orders with a bright smile. Lam, like other employees, care about their customers and is always sure to ask how their meals are, even on their busiest days. “I love how the Chow Mein here is always freshly made with love, you can just taste it. You simply can’t compare it at all to the one at Panda. I love it how I can just call to take my order and once I pick it up it’s still nice and warm,” Jennifer

Castillo, a customer at Dragon Loco, said. “I come to Dragon Loco at least three times a month because the food is so good. I love the chicken wings. I would rate this restaurant a nine because there’s great service and great food,” Javier Herevia, a local customer, said. Dragon Loco is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.. It offers the opportunity for customers to order online for pickup or delivery. Once you try Dragon Loco, you will want to go back and try everything else.

CN/DIANA GARCIA

WINGIN’ IT—Dragon Loco’s delicious chicken wings with jalapeños on top. This plate is usually followed with a side of freshly prepared chow mein. www.ELACCampusNews.com