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Spring 2015, Issue 19

Page 1

Volume 72, Issue 19

Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

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ELAC Alum inducted into National Film Registry BY JESUS FIGUEROA Staff Writer

UNITED

CN/IVAN CAZARES

Domestic violence court closing sparks protest BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer Members of the Feminist Club put on a puppet show on April 24 outside the West Covina Courthouse in protest of the closing of a courtroom dedicated to domestic violence cases. “What do we want? Reopen the court,” the protesters said. Nicole Castro, a Feminist Club member, said this issue is important to her and the rest of the club. She also said they wanted to support some of their members who live in the community. Domestic Violence cases have been spread among all judges since February 9. The domestic violence court was initiated in 1994. It has received awards and praise from officials across California. “The National Organization for Women is in disbelief that the judges have dismantled the Domestic Violence Model Courtroom,” Darby Mangen, San Gabriel Valley and Whittier chapter president of NOW, said in a recent newsletter.

The judges at Citrus Municipal Court disbanded the courtroom in 1999. The decision was highly criticized and the court was reopened a year later. For the last 15 years, the Model DV Court provided victims and their abusers with experienced judges and prosecutors. Judge Rolf Treu presided over at Citrus Court while Judge Peter Meeka presided over at Rio Hondo Court. A single courtroom in each courthouse was dedicated to domestic violence cases. The DV Court ensured that a victim advocate accompanied victims for emotional support. “Diane Franklin with the West Covina Police Department is the first advocate of her kind in the country,” said Mangen. Franklin continues to accompany victims to their court hearings. However she can’t accompany as many as she could in a courtroom dedicated to this crime. If convicted, defendants would be placed on supervised probation that would include frequent monitoring by the judge, mandatory counseling for the defendant and protective orders for the victim.

Another judge may still implement this. However, the DV Court would ensure it. “Judges are trained to handle all crimes including domestic violence. However, the experience that a judge and prosecutors gain in a dedicated courtroom is indispensable,” said Mangen. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon said “judicial burnout” is the reason the court closed. President of the San Gabriel Valley chapter of NOW Michelle Geil proposes rotating judges as alternative solution. “Domestic violence is a complex social problem that affects each individual in society, either directly or indirectly, amounting to economic costs of billions of dollars each year in medical costs. These costs are eventually passed on to the taxpayers through Medicare and other health agencies,” Los Angeles Supervisor Michael Antonovich said in a resolution passed in 1999. “The uniquely successful courtroom is a model for all domestic violence courtrooms, and should be opened immediately,” Denise Brown, advocate against domestic violence and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson whose murder made headlines, said.

East Los Angeles College alum Efrain Gutierrez used his reallife experiences to inspire his nationally recognized film “Please, Don’t Bury Me Alive” (1976). The film was inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry as the first Latino-directed feature film. The film will be shown at the Vincent Price Art Museum, S1-room 112 on Thursday at noon. Gutierrez will be helping out his son to produce a new film, written by Gutierrez about 20 years ago, by touring the west coast screening his films. “This is a film I want to see made, even if it’s not me directing it,” Gutierrez said. Latinos filmmakers in Hollywood have gained recognition in recent years. For the past two years the Academy Awards’ movie-of-theyear recipients have been movies directed by Latinos. “I don’t see anything different,” Gutierrez said. Gutierrez said that even now the same actors are always representative of the Latino culture and the same stories get told over and over. UCLA professor Chon Noriega searched for the Gutierrez film for many years to be able to archive “Please, Don’t Bury Me Alive” in the UCLA Film and Television archives. Noriega finally found the film in 1996. “Please, Don’t bury me alive,” once thought to be lost, was found in 16mm format by luck and just in time. “The film was in a garage at a friend’s house,” Gutierrez said. He said the film was recovered and archived about a month before the friend’s garage burned down. If Gutierrez had not been contacted by Noriega, the film might have been lost in the fire.

FILM Continued on page 4

Architecture Club members exceed expectations BY IVAN CAZARES AND STEPHANIE GARIBAY Staff Writer For the first time, members of the East Los Angeles College Architecture Club were awarded the most habitable award at the 2015 Design Village. The winning team Circadian Rhythms included members Ivan Hu, Saul Navarro, Matthew Rivera, Eddie Ramirez and Thomas Gin. Circadian Rhythms was one of three ELAC teams included in the competition, but was the only team to win an award. The Design Village, held this year from April 17-19, is a yearly competition hosted by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s prestigious undergraduate architecture program. Design Village is held in the natural environment of Poly Canyon. The competition takes place on Poly Canyon Village. The site is full of experimental structures built by previous Cal Poly San Luis

News Briefs

Obispo students. Participants choose a site on a first come first serve basis, but they may not incorporate any of the existing structures into theirs. The teams must assemble their structure on the first day of the competition. They must have a poster board explaining their structure ready to present to the judges the next day. They must clean their site and remove any stakes, wires or any other material before they leave on the third day. Competitors are required to hike up a mile long trail while carrying the shelters they built. They are not allowed to use any type of transportation besides their two feet. Shelters can be carried up assembled or unassembled. “It was a lot of teamwork. We had five people working in tandem. Perfect teamwork, I would say that’s why I love my teammates,” Ivan Hu said. “We had one person in the front, one person in each corner

Take Back The Night

and one person in the back holding their spring break doing. They both corners and then we walked might have spent a couple weeks up the mile long trail.” before coming up with a plan, Teams must consist of 2-6 but their spring break was students, and they must all check building this,” Adviser James in before any of them enter the Kawahara said. canyon. A l t h o u g h They are not Kawahara is the allowed to alter adviser for the club, “We had five the site by grading he has minimal or excavating, but people working involvement in the they are allowed projects. in tandem. to reposition rocks “This is all the Perfect and flatten tall grass. students. Of course They may not I can tell them teamwork, I use a gas-powered no this idea is not would say that’s good, or something generator and no outlets are like that, but why I love my provided. However, ultimately this is teammates” participants are all the work of the allowed use of students,” Kawahara IVAN HU batteries, or solar said. power. The current board Team Captain The shelter or judges of this created by Circadian year’s design village Rhythm took the team two weeks consists of third year architecture to complete, which they did majors. during their spring break. “When everything is on “These guys didn’t have a spring display and all the pieces are break. This is what they spent being judged, we cannot show

The East Los Angeles College Women’s Center will host “Take Back The Night” at the G3 Auditorium foyer on Thursday from 6-8 p.m.

First Friday Jazz Series

our school name. They only give us team numbers, which makes it fair for all of us. There (were) a lot of third and four year students so it was a really tight competition. (It was) really excruciating, but a lot of fun,” Hu said. Each year the competition has a different theme, but its main focus is for competitors to design and build shelters in which they must live in for two days. This year’s theme was called clockwork. As the design village’s website describes it, clockwork “explores the changing perceptions of time and space and the dialogue between organic systems and the technological ones developed to situate humanity within the environment,” Hu said. “Every team has to do their own (interpretation) of clockwork and ours was about time. And what time means to every individual, which is daylight and nighttime. So we built a structure that controls how much sunlight and wind a person gets.”

The Music Department will host the First Friday Jazz Series on Friday at 8 p.m. at the S2 Recital Hall. Admission is free.

Correction

Design Village is a nationwide competition where the architectural department of any school can participate, although most of the schools in the competition are schools in California, such as the University of Southern California. For the members of Circadian Rhythms this was their last year being able to represent ELAC at the Design Village. “We are all transferring in the fall, so this was our last representation for our department and to see what our skill level is compared to other schools,” Hu said. This year was particularly special for the Architecture Club, since all the funding came from family, friends, some ELAC alumni and some advisers. “We want to thank a lot of our families, friends, professors and some ELAC alumni. With all their support, we have been able to fund enough money to support this project,” Hu said. The total cost of the project was an estimated $4,300 to build and construct their piece.

In last issue, the story “Badminton’s Conference woes continue” identified Head Coach Qui Nguy as Qui Mgui.


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Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015

Students fail to take advantage of resources BY ALEXA SANTANA Staff Writer The Financial Aid Department provides students with the resources they need, but students are not taking advantage these resources. Students failed to attend the last financial aid town hall meeting, that provided important information about the upcoming school year. Starting in the fall there will be adjustments to Board of Governor’s waiver that many students use to pay for tuition. Students will need to keep a 2.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters or earn at least half of the units attempted to qualify for the 2016-2017 BOG waiver. The town hall meeting was located in the parking area outside of E1. The department offered free pizza to students who attended; yet hardly any students were there. Folders with loads of financial aid information were also being provided. Beside me, there were about five others. It was shocking to see how many students seemed uninterested. It’s understandable if students had class or work, but if students aren’t attending these meetings, they will never know about these updates. Students have a responsibility to keep up-to-date with what goes on on campus. “We have presentations like this every once in a while where students can come in and see what's going on. If they don’t come in, we don’t know what else to do. We can only do so much,” Finacial aid technician Carmelo Navichoque said. As a student I’m constantly surrounded by my peers who have problems with the Financial Aid Department. Although most problems have to do with reimbursements, it’s not entirely the Financial Aid Departments fault. It’s the student’s responsibility to check the student information system for any missing documents.

CAMPUS

VOICE

I know people personally who don’t check it at all. By the time they check with financial aid, they’re frustrated that they have to wait even longer for reimbursements. “We ask all students to check their LACCD email account. If the school or our office needs to let them know something right away, we send them an email,” Navichoque said. At a California State University, it was the students’ responsibility to check when documents were due. If for any reason a document is submitted after the due date then reimbursements will be delayed. For something as simple as reimbursements, students have to be responsible. Students can also find helpful information on the ELAC website. Financial aid advisers were there at the meeting to answer any questions students had. Not only are meetings provided for new information, but they’re there to clear any confusion students have. It’s never too late for students to get informed. If for any reason students feel that the workers at the counter are not helpful, they have the option to talk to the director, supervisors, and financial aid technicians. Financial Aid office hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. Staying in contact with the department can be a great help to students and can prevent any further confusion.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Jade Inglada MANAGING EDITOR Jesus Figueroa ONLINE EDITORS Darlene Galvan, Andrew Ruiz, Danny Vasquez

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ART DIRECTOR Lindsey Maeda FRONT EDITOR Marcus Camacho OPINION EDITOR Rogelio Alvarez NEWS EDITOR Julianne Obregon FEATURE EDITOR Megan G. Razzetti

ARTS EDITOR Stephanie Garibay SPORTS EDITORS George Maldonado Bryce T. Ronquillo PHOTO EDITOR Alexa Santana

How do you receive information about financial aid?

COPY EDITORS Ivan Cazares, Jesus Figueroa, Kristen Garcia, Joshua Inglada CARTOONIST Anthony Bosque STAFF WRITERS Carlos Alvarez, Cortez Cruz Serrato, Cardling Del Real, Maria Isidoro, Joseph Ovalle, Amber Paramo, Jose Rojas, Juan Ramirez STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jesus Figueroa, Roderick Justin Quebral, Julianne Obregon, Danny Vasquez VIDEOGRAPHERS Bianca Garcia, Stephanie Guevara ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha

Crystal Shantel

Juan Alvarado

“If I have questions, I usually go to the financial aid office.”

“I get my information through word-of-mouth from classmates or professors.”

Emily Rodriguez “I receive help from the financial aid conselors.”

Energy drinks jeopardize student health BY AMBER PARAMO Staff Writer Before reaching for an energy drink, there are some healthy alternatives that students should consider. Instead of consuming unhealthy energy drinks, students should replace it with healthier alternatives such as green juices/smoothies, green tea, and water. Green vegetables such as spinach and kale are used in drinks for energy. These vegetables are a good source of vitamin B. Vitamin B improves the performance of the body’s metalobism. Another alternative for consuming vitamin B would be to take vitamin B-12 tablets. From personal experience, taking vitamin B-12 can give the same amount of energy as drinking an energy drink. Green tea contains a smaller amount of caffeine than coffee does, and it is a healthy alternative to an afternoon cup of coffee. Too much caffeine has been known to cause jitters, chronic stress and a racing heart. Most of the time when someone feel sluggish, it is because they are dehydrated. Sometimes drinking water is boring. Adding fruit slices or some blueberries or strawberries provides some carbohydrates and vitamin B for an

extra nutritional ‘punch.’ College students are vulnerable to energy drinks’ side effects. Some of the side effects are: upset stomach, chest pain, dizziness, seizures, insomnia and even heart attacks. Most energy drinks (as advertised) include excessive doses of caffeine and other stimulants that increase a person's heart rate and blood pressure. Just because they are easily available does not mean that they can’t do some serious damage. The image of an overworked student in the library late at night, sitting at a desk stacked with textbooks and several empty cans of 'Red Bull' littered all over the floor may just be a stereotype, but there is indeed some truth to it. "Students use it as something to keep them awake and wire them into study mode. Drinking them keeps me up so I can cram more information into my brain. However, I don’t feel that caffeine actually helps with improving focus or concentration, but it does help with staying awake,” said ELAC Student Brian Flamenco “You may feel energized for an hour or so and then a couple of energy drinks also yield a variety of ingredients, including taurine, creatine, inositol and antioxidants,” said Flamenco. The amount of healthy substances

contained in energy drinks is far below standards. “Hours later you crash and feel worse than you were prior to the energy drink." Although energy drinks claim to boost a person's energy level, most of the time the effects only last for a short amount of time. A quick look at the labels of various energy drinks would be needed for any therapeutic benefit. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar. Some drinks are known to have an average of 15 teaspoons of sugar. If reaching for an energy drink to get over the mid-afternoon burnout, consider that a 24 oz. can of Monster contains 81 grams of sugar, about the same amount as 17 Oreo cookies. Today students are pretty much strapped for cash. The average energy drink can cost between $3-5 depending on size, flavor and brand. The money spent on energy drinks would be best used to buy new shoes, clothes and other items. Next time when looking for ways to get energy, think about alternative ways before buying energy drinks. Consuming excess amount of unhealthy ingredients is harmful and especially in drinks. So instead of solely relying on sugar and caffeine to get through a busy day, take a walk or drink water to feel more natural energy. www.ELACCampusNews.com

DISTRIBUTION Jesus Figueroa 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

CN/JESUS FIGUEROA


News

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015

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CalWorks recognized as top program BY STEPHANIE GARIBAY Staff Writer The CalWORKs staff’s initiative to create a video on behalf of the program led to the department’s recognition as one of the top programs in California. The staff was recognized at the 2015 CalWORKs association conference in San Diego on April 14. The YouTube video caught the attention of Vice Chancellor o f C a l i f o r n i a ’s C a l W O R K s departments Denise Noldon as she was searching online for student success stories. The recognition came as a surprise to the ELAC CalWORKs staff in attendance. “It was an honor for (Noldon) to even mention us at the conference. We oversee the CalWORKs Department

at ELAC, but she oversees the CalWORKs departments throughout all of California. So she’s a pretty important person to impress, and we are honored,” CalWORKs director at ELAC Gina Chelstrom said. The video includes the success stories of two previous CalWORKs students, including Michael A. Rivera. “I was actually able to get a job, through CalWORKs, over at the women’s physical education department. It’s a part time job, but it helps me out a great deal,” Rivera said. CalWORKs, which stands for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids, is a timelimited Welfare-to-Work (WtW) program, that assists eligible lowincome families. CalWORKs students have a limited time to be in the program, 48 months total in a lifetime for

most adults. Due to the time limit, CalWORKs students are on a strict schedule to complete their goal. CalWORKs provides training and education as well as help with job searches and job opportunities. Single parents must participate in these activities for 20 or 30 hours a week. Two-parent households must participate 35 hours per week. CalWORKs’ students must meet the requirements to establish and continue eligibility in the program. “Our program’s focus is preparing CalWORKs students for the workforce. Our ultimate goal is to lead them to self-sufficiency and independence,” Maria T. Navarro said, a case manager for ELAC’s CalWORKs Department. CalWORKs at ELAC serves around 600 students per semester, making it one of the biggest

CalWORKs Departments in Southern California. “We’re a really big operation. We’re bigger than many of our sister colleges. We get a lot of students who come in here and say this feels like a second home to them. And that makes me feel really good,” Chelstrom said. Although they serve a lot of students, CalWORKs tries to make each student feel comfortable. “We want them to have a very different experience than when they walk into a county office, because unfortunately when you walk into a county office, they may or may not get good treatment,” Navarro said. “I’m very proud to work here. We have a very good team,” Chelstrom said. “We are fortunate to have our Vice President, Laura M. Ramirez, who fully supports us in our efforts to make the workforce connection for our participants.”

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AAEDE Internship

Under the general supervision of the Director and Administrative Assistant, the intern has primary responsibility for the summer planning of AAEDE’s 4th Annual Job/Career Fair and secondary responsibility to support our local library and their Reading Rockets Program by tutoring elementary school students in literacy. We expect interns to be individuals, self-starters, and leaders. If you’re the type that has no interest going beyond what you are told, this is not for you. We are looking for an excellent team player who possesses a professional attitude and have the ability to manage multiple projects. You will be expected to perform at a professional level, to own up to your mistakes, and to grow personally and professionally. The intern will have the opportunity to learn and assist in all logistical aspects of event planning and marketing. This is a paid Internship.

SR-710 North Study Public Hearings May 6 & 7, 2015

Duties include but are not limited to:

Learn the facts. Get involved. Be part of the solution.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 5 pm – 9 pm La Cañada High School Auditorium – Building B 4463 Oak Grove Dr La Cañada Flintridge, CA, 91011 5 pm – 6 pm: Map Viewing 6 pm – 9 pm: Public Hearing

Thursday, May 7, 2015, 5 pm – 9 pm Los Angeles Christian Presbyterian Church – Multi-Purpose Room 2241 N Eastern Ave Los Angeles, CA, 90032 5 pm – 6 pm: Map Viewing 6 pm – 9 pm: Public Hearing For more information, please visit metro.net/sr710study.

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-College students pursuing an Associates/Bachelor’s Degree in any subject. -3.0 GPA or above -Academic students seeking professional training within an office, business environment. -Analytical, relationship building, and interpersonal skills are essential. -Strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills. -Attention to detail and strong follow-through. -Punctual, reliable and patient. -Passionate about the mission and values of our organization. -Flexible self-starter who can work both independently and in a team environment with a positive can-do attitude and ability to multi-task. -Comfortable developing resources and cultivating sustainable relationships internally and externally. -Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher and WordPress

All Metro meetings are held in ADA accessible facilities. ADA accommodations and translations are available by calling 213.897.0357 or the California Relay Service at 711 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. 323.466.3876 Español Tiếng Việt 한국어 日本語 русский 中文 Հայերէն

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Metro is evaluating transportation options to reduce tra;c and improve mobility in the western San Gabriel Valley. We have recently released the draft environmental document that looks at five possible alternatives equally. You are invited to provide comment on the proposed alternatives at any of the upcoming public hearings:

-Prepares or assists in preparation of proposal to potential hiring companies to attend the event. -Develops, compiles and writes communications and promotional literature for distribution such as newsletters, brochures or flyers; coordinates process from development through printing and distribution. -Interacts and maintains liaison with vendors and outside agencies. -Conduct research for venue selection, outsourced services, creative ideas, etc. -Create collateral materials, such as name badges, diagrams, signs, etc. -Help assure accurate reporting: rooming lists, attendee rosters, etc. -Some cold calling as required. -Miscellaneous office support such as processing documentation, filing, research, reporting, data entry, responding to emails, etc.

Please submit RESUME by Friday, May 29st, 2015 via -Email: info@aaede.org Subject Line: AAEDE Internship -Mail: 216 W. Garvey Ave. Ste. #E, Monterey Park, CA 91754-1688 -Fax: 626-572-6533

216 W. Garvey Ave. Ste. #E, Monterey Park, CA 91754 • Tel 626-572-7021 • Fax 626-572-6533 • Email: info@aaede.org • www.aaede.org

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Feature

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

oral history

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015

“I learned that soldiers are all motivated by very different reasons. The ones I met had a strong sense of respect for people, including their enemies.”

Ivan Cazares ELAC student

Veterans share stories for future generations BY JULIANNE OBREGON

V

Staff Writer

eterans share their war experiences for the Library of Congress Veterans’ Oral History Project at Bolsa Grande High School April 25. Interviews were held in the school cafeteria, while a commermoration ceremony for Black April, the Fall of Saigon was held on the football field. It’s been 40 years since the Fall of Saigon Volunteers were asked to conduct a video or audio recorded interview of veterans so that future generations can hear from veterans directly. Among the veterans interviewed, East Los Angeles College student Jesus Figueroa came across ELAC alum Manuel Perez Serrano. According to Figueroa, Serrano is a Navy Reserve Veteran who enlisted in 1962 and was called to duty sometime in 1966. Serrano attended ELAC in 1963 until 1966 and was unable to finish the semester. It wasn’t until Serrano finished serving in the Navy that he was able to complete his schooling at ELAC. The oral history project was coordinated by Veteran of the United States

Film: Chicano stories leave mark on silver screen Continued from page 1 In 1970, Gutierrez needed a change of scenery and he was thrilled when his aunt in California offered to help him move from Texas to get an education in Los Angeles. Gutierrez said that while at ELAC, he wanted to be an actor, but quickly learned it was difficult to become one. Hollywood wasn't looking for real Chicano actors, they were looking for replicas of Chicano stars. There were opportunities that opened up for Gutierrez as he was able to get auditions in major studios. When auditioning for a western film at Twentieth Century Fox, he realized what Hollywood wanted from their Latin actors. He auditioned for an Americanized western cowboy role, but was told they wanted him to be more Mexican. "At the time 'Yo soy Joaquin,' I am Joaquin, was very popular. So I read 'Yo soy Joaquin' by Rodolfo González," Gutierrez said. "It's a very strong piece, so I liked it. That's the one I'm going to present." Gutierrez said the casting director wanted him to tone it down and do another version of Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez.That was not who Gutierrez was. After figuring out that acting wasn't for him, Gutierrez looked for support from other prominent Latinos in Hollywood to help tell real latino stories, but nobody showed interest. In 1971, Gutierrez, was inspired by the Chicano movement and Luis Valdez, who had a Chicano theater in LA. He went back to San Antonio and started the Chicano theater there. "Luis Valdez invited us to join Theatro Nacional de Aztlan, which was a loosely organized organization of all the Chicano theaters in the United States," Gutierrez said. Gutierrez began to ask prominent

Chicanos in theater and Hollywood, references getting probation and I such as Ricardo Montalban, Luis thought, 'wow that's their first time Va l d e z a n d and it's Alex's Anthony Quinn, (too),'" Gutierrez about making a said. "Then Chicano film. when he came They all thought down, there it would be too was three of hard. them (were "I told Sabino sentenced), they (Garza), 'let's just all got 10 years." film it, Sabino.' Although it I want to film was difficult something about to get Chicano the Chicano films seen, in the Efrain Gutierrez movement," Texas theaters Gutierrez said. the film outsold "Please, Don't Bury Me Alive" is the award-winning "All the Kings based on the injustice Gutierrez saw Men." when his best friend Alex was arrested for drug possession. When Alex went to court, the discrimination was apparent in the way he was treated. "I started seeing white people with

Navy Ralph J. Ortolano Junior. “I organized (the oral history) project because it is a good opportunity to archive memories of people who participated in an amazing historic event and to pass these recollections down to future generations,” Ortolano said. A volunteer learned that each veteran had a different experience and motivation during the war. “Listening to stories about an important moment in history from people who witnessed the event in person was really interesting and informative,” ELAC student Ivan Cazares said. “I learned that soldiers are all motivated by very different reasons,” Cazares said. “The ones I met had a strong sense of respect for people,including their enemies.” For other volunteers, this project was an opportunity to get more experience interviewing and receive class credit. “I didn’t know what to expect because I knew there was (another) event going on,” Pomona College student Maria Alamilla Ochoa said. The history project originally was to take place at Camp Pendleton, but due to objections from the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department by raising of the Saigon flag and playing the national anthem, the event changed venues. Camp Pendleton was a refugee sanctuary for Vietnamese fleeing to the U.S. when the South Vietnamese president surrendered Saigon in 1975.

Summer Success!

2015

Summer Session at CSUSB Take Summer Classes at CSUSB • Offering high-demand courses – Get the classes you need! • Save on tuition – Classes for summer session are only $220.00 per quarter unit! • Choose from two convenient locations – Classes at both San Bernardino and Palm Desert Campuses!

Cover art for “Please, Don’t Bury me Alive”

Registration for visiting students starts

May 21st Visit: summer.csusb.edu For more information, call (909) 537-3978 or email summer@csusb.edu

www.ELACCampusNews.


Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015

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Student recital delivers captivating performances BY ROGELIO ALVAREZ Staff Writer East Los Angeles Applied Music Program students delivered a soulful performance at the S2 Recital Hall on April 22. As the end of the semester nears by and students are fighting to maintain or improve their grades, the Applied Music programs offers an escape from life’s daily troubles with a free student recital. The hour-long recital was part of the students’ requirements for the Applied Music Program. Students had to choose a song or have a song assigned to them by an instructor. Each performance featured was a cover of a classical piece. Students are also required to practice for at least five hours a

week before their performance. The recital hall became a time machine as the audience was taken to a time when classical songs from Europe were all the rage. The performances featured 13 music students singing or playing musical tunes of yesteryear. Most students were accompanied by ELAC instructor and pianist Dr. Lucy Nargizyan. ELAC students Hector Serrano and Daniel Jimenez sang in the tenor vocal range; whereas Ramon Guerra sang in a baritone range. ELAC students Angelene Storey, Beatriz Tasha Magana, Michelle Ranalli and Selene Fernandez all sang in the soprano vocal range. Each of their performances was unique. These students were covering classics, but they sang them as if

“It’s interesting to try something they wrote the songs themselves. Although most people are not new as a musician. You need to learn how to usually exposed deliver to your to such vocal audience.” Xie talent, the student recital presented “You need to get into said. X i e ’s s o l o a u d i e n c e the composer’s head performance members with refreshing takes and interpret their song l e f t m o s t o f the audience on classical with your own touch.” members in awe. songs. Her fast-paced, ELAC student Yu n t i n g X i e upbeat piano showcased playing, amazed DANIEL JIMENEZ ELAC student her impressive many audience piano skills by members. covering Ludwig J i m e n e z Von Beethoven’s covered Antonio Sonata No. 18 in Cesti’s “Intorno E-Flat. all ‘idol Mio”. According to Xie, her musical After performing his first student piece was assigned. It was her fourth recital, Jimenez said that, “it’s an recital. honor to be part of the Applied

Music Program.” Jimenez also showed gratitude to Dr. Nargizyan. “She sees what is good for development, helps with your instrument, and with interpreting songs.”Jimenez said. All the students that sang in a different language are obliged to interpret their songs and practice the language they’re performed in. “You need to get into the composer’s head and interpret their song with your own touch,” Jimenez said. One interesting classical song interpretations was ELAC student Priscilla Ortiz covering Niels W. Gade’s “Adantino con moto” on her clarinet, accompanied with Dr. Nargizyan playing piano. ELAC students Cesar Clemente and Erick Jimenez opened up the

student recital with solo classical guitar performances. Both students covered classical guitarist Matteo Carcassi, whose songs are best described as melancholy yet peaceful. A four-student ensemble covers John Sebastian Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.” The mini-ensemble featured ELAC students Alexander Tu and Miguel Lopez playing the violin, Erika Salas playing the viola and Daniel Morales playing the double bass. The student recital was rewarding, with many of the audience members listening to old songs for the first time. The next student recital is scheduled for May 6 at noon in the S2 Recital Hall. Admission is free.

‘Avengers’ sequel takes a different direction BY JESUS FIGUEROA Staff Writer

CN/CARDLING DEL REAL

LET’S SALSA—Zumaya’s offers delicious ice cold Horchata and free delicious chips and salsa as an appetizer to each customer.

Zumaya’s provides flavorful cuisine BY CARDLING DEL REAL Staff Writer Along with many small mom and pop restaurants in Uptown Whittier is Zumaya’s Mexican Café, a threegeneration family owned restaurant that serves Mexican dishes. The wait to be seated is no longer than five minutes. Zumaya’s offers a variety of entrees, from carne asada plates, tacos, sopes, burritos and a few specials. Chips and salsa are offered while the customer waits for their order to be taken. The chips are fresh and have a good amount of crunch to them. The salsa is packed with flavors of onion, tomato and cilantro. The “Pollo a la Parilla” charbroiled chicken is served with pico de gallo, freshly cut avocado, beans or calabasita (zucchini) soup, rice and the customer’s choice of Caesar salad or sopa de macaron. The ceasar salad is fresh and crisp. The taste of the parmesan cheese drizzled on top, compliments the dressing. The chicken has a lemon taste to it and blends well with the seasoning. The rice has a fluffy texture and is an explosion of flavor within each bite. The customer has the choice between whole beans or refried beans for their meal. The calabasita soup has zucchini, corn, and mozzarella cheese. The 3 flavors do not overpower each other

but blend together nicely to create a rich flavor within the trio. The pico de gallo is fresh, it can do with less onion but overall is very good when accompanied by either the chicken or rice. The café is a good place to grab some breakfast, lunch, dinner, or maybe even a drink with friends. Zumaya’s has happy hour daily from 3-7 pm. The priciest item on the menu is $16 but is definitely worth it for the portions and flavor. The restaurant has a comfortable at-home feel. It is a family friendly environment. The interior is inspired by Frida Kahlo. The décor is bold and colorful. Zumaya’s serves enjoyable food they also display good art, and provide great service. Many of the paintings hung up on the walls at Zumaya’s are up for sale by the artist. Zumaya’s has both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor ambience is relaxed and casual. There is a small mini bar to the left upon entering the restaurant. The outside is very relaxed. There is a large mural painting that takes the Hispanic look of the restaurant to the outside. Zumaya’s is located in Uptown Whitttier at 7317 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier For hours and more information Zumaya’s phone number is (562)698-5442

The highly-anticipated action film “Avengers: Age of Ultron” takes the Marvel Studio sequel in a different direction. The fantastic action-packed sequel to “Avengers” keeps Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., as the main focus and continues to add depth to the already troubled character. D o w n e y J r. e m b o d i e s t h e personality of Tony with his charisma and his nervous mannerisms. The opening fast-paced battle scene introduces the viewers to Iron Man, Captain America, played by Chris Evans, Black Widow, played Scarlett Johansson, Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth and the Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo. The battle scenes are epic, fastpaced and over-the-top, like good fight scenes usually are, which give it a superhero feel. Evans is uptight and lacks personality which may cause audiences to disconnect from his character. Overall, his performance was dry. Johansson got much more screen time giving her a chance to add charm to her character. Her flirtation with Ruffalo flowed well.

Renner shows some age, but doesn’t seem to slow down as he is able to bring about a sense of leadership. Hemsworth is boring and is not able to make his character relatable. He looks fit and strong, but his physique is the only thing he adds to the film. Ruffalo is less comical than in the first “Avengers” movie. He has less banter with Downey Jr., but he has more romantic interaction with Johansson. The first battle ends with the Avengers obtaining Loki’s staff from the first film and with the introduction of Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olson, and Quicksilver, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who have a score to settle with Tony Stark. Olson has a beauty that makes her both likable and intimidating. Her attitude is fierce and brings another strong female character to the “Avengers.” Taylor-Johnson does fantastic transitioning from mischievous to heroic, both physically and with his attitude. Scarlet Witch unleashes the fears of Tony thinking that she will get an end to the power hungry billionaire, but all that causes is for Tony to think about what he can do to help bring peace to the world.

The reason behind creating Ultron comes from Tony’s fear that he doesn’t do enough to protect the world. Tony and Bruce Banner try to create artificial intelligence with the help of supercomputer J.A.R.V.I.S. Ultron, voiced by James Spader, is created and becomes more cognitive than anticipated. It becomes more destructive than anticipated by Tony and Bruce. Spader has a quality in his voice which sends chills through the listeners’ bodies. Ultron would not have seemed as menacing without the voice being just right. The film touches on the fears of each Avengers member. The fight scenes are grand and fantastic to watch. The 3D effect is subtle and well used. The big reveals of the film change the feel and possibly change the way future films will be made. The social commentary the film makes that the world’s reliance on technology will be its downfall is seen many times throughout the film. The more the film continues on the more the trouble seems to grow, as Ultron, who was made to protect the world and end the need for the Avengers becomes misguided and corrupt.

The machine-like technology becomes a problem, much like the problems the world faces now with more and more technological discoveries. The altered programming leads to trouble and dispute within the group. Unity also becomes a major issue with the Avengers and Hawkeye comes forward as a team leader and brings together veteran members as well as the new members. Captain America hints at troubles with soldiers needing wars to continue on. Throughout the film his fears get brought up and, unlike the others, they are of a calm peaceful life. The peaceful life seems to frighten him because he would lose his purpose. Banner starts to believe that he himself is the monster and that, although the world has benefitted by having the Hulk on the Avengers’ team, the destruction he brings may be more harmful than good. The story’s finale shows the franchise booting up to take the series in a different direction. The end once again gives a small glimpse on whats to come in future Marvel movies. “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is out in theaters on Friday and is rated PG-13.

DESIGN CLUB Tuesdays | E7-203 | 12pm COURTESY OF MARVEL MOTION PICTURE STUDIOS

designclubatelac@gmail.com

HULKBUSTER—Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr. reveals his new massive suit which he used to fight against the Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” out in theaters Friday. www.ELACCampusNews.com


6

SPORTS

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015

Team effort pushes badminton into playoffs BY GEORGE MALDONADO Staff Writer The Husky badminton team took second place in the South Coast Conference 8-4, by defeating El Camino-Compton Center 18-3, on April 24. East Los Angeles College’s top players for this game were sophomore Chuyan Lao, freshman Li Ting Wu and sophomore Loi Kwan Ho (Phyllis), all earned much needed wins in singles games defeating Compton’s top four players. ELAC won nine out of 10 games in singles and three out of four games in doubles play. The Huskies’ number one player Lao had a decisive win defeating Compton’s top player Laura Rosas Morales 21-3, 21-7. The Huskies’ second top player Wu, won her matches 21-7, 21-9 in her singles game. Phyllis went 21-9, 21-9 and 21-7, 21-7 in her two singles games. Lao and Wu especially had competitive matches even though the score doesn’t show it, they rallied constantly with their opponents. According to ELAC Head Coach Qui Nguy the Huskies were able to play the eighth and ninth players on the badminton roster. He decided on resting his fifth and sixth top players because Compton only had five players available for the game. ELAC head coach Nguy said, this game was played really well, although one of the main issues that he feels the team needs to address is its endurance. During the doubles matches, ELAC continued its consistency of winning. The Huskies’ top group of players, Lao and Wu got huge wins over Compton’s Morales and Ana Echavarria 21-9, 21-8. ELAC’s only loss in doubles came by losing 20-22 and 16-21. Having the bigger team on Friday really helped the team, according to head coach Nguy, because it became about team unity. Nguy said, the inexperienced players gained more knowledge of how to compete. ELAC heads into the SCC individual playoffs this Friday, 10 a.m. at Manhattan Beach Badminton Club.

CN/JULIANNE OBREGON

FASTBALL—East Los Angeles College sophomore pticher Gabriel Ramos pitches against El Camino College in a South Coast Conference game on April 23.

Baseball moves past failed season BY CARLOS ALVAREZ Staff Writer The baseball team finished the 2015 season on a four-game losing streak. They lost a three-game series against El Camino College. The Huskies lost the first two games of the series, with identical scores of 10-4, on April 21 and 23. ELAC finished off the series with a 9-6 loss, to El Camino on April 24. ELAC ends its season in last place in the South Coast Conference with an overall record of 12-24, 6-15 in the SCC. In its last home game of the season, ELAC failed to produce, with runners in scoring position. The Huskies left nine runners in scoring opportunity. "We battled, but we didn't take advantage of our scoring opportunities," ELAC assistant coach Phillip Valdez said.

Husky starting sophomore pitcher Gabriel Ramos, in his last game, pitched five and two-third innings. He allowed seven runs (six earned runs) and nine hits. "I wanted to go out with a victory, but El Camino is a good hitting team," Ramos said. Trailing 3-0 in the fifth inning, the Huskies tied the game at 3. ELAC benefited from sophomore first baseman Cesar Murillo’s timely hitting and some sloppy El Camino defense. El Camino wasted little time to regain the lead against ELAC. Ramos scored seven total runs in the sixth and seventh inning to take a 10-3 lead. ”I was trying to keep my team close, but I missed with my location and El Camino took advantage,” Ramos said. ELAC went on to score in their last at-bat on a sacrifice fly ball by sophomore shortstop Anthony Mendoza, that scored freshman

second baseman Javier Garcia. Garcia was two-for-four, scoring two runs while playing solid defense at second base. "Its been a long season. Obviously we haven't played up to our abilities, but all I can do is continue to work," Garcia said. ELAC struggled with lack of run support and run prevention all season. In the last 12 games of the season, the Huskies were outscored 84-40. ELAC fielders committed one or more errors in 31 of its 36 games. "We won't win many games if we can't score and worst if we let them score. Our pitching was definitely our strength," Valdez said. With the season over, and the majority of the team made up of sophomore's, Garcia hopes to lead next years team to better results. "We have all offseason to get better. I'm returning next year and I want to take more of a leadership role. We will be better," Garcia said.

Dreamt is the only word that ends in a-m-t. With 1,025,108 other words in the English language, what are the odds? One in 1,025,109, actually. Learn even more earning a bachelor’s degree at National University. Online. On campus. Non-profit. Don’t think you have time to learn something new? You just did. Los Angeles Campus 5245 Pacific Concourse Drive (310) 662-2000

Keep learning at nu.edu/transfer © 2015 National University NU15_2341

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Spring 2015, Issue 19 by Editor in Chief Campus News - Issuu