Campus News Spring 2019 Issue 24

Volume 76, Issue 24 | www.elaccampusnews.com | Wednesday, May 22, 2019 | Single copy free - additional copies 50 cents

ASU presidential candidate disqualified BY JUAN CAVILLO Staff Writer The Associated Student Union elections results announcement was moved to Friday due, to the investigation and disqualification of Jose Pelaez, an ASU presidential candidate, on May 10. Adviser and Dean Sonia Lopez said that she had no comment but that the matter had been handed over to President Marvin Martinez’s office. Pelaez has appealed his disqualification by ASU. His campaign is accused of using school equipent, which violates ASU election code CB/2. In an email informing Pelaez of his disqualification, ASU wrote that Emiliano Escobar was photographed using ELAC equipment for campaign purposes. ASU identified Escobar as a campaign volunteer, which Pelaez refutes. “It is highly alarming that the committee and Dean Lopez stated that the person mentioned was a campaign volunteer even though I never included him in the list of campaign volunteers, provided by Anthony Dominguez,” Pelaez wrote in his appeal. ASU Vice President of Advocacy, Anthony Dominguez said that any further information as it pertains to the election results would come directly from Martinez, and as of this writing, ASU does not know the results of the election. After the investigation was concluded by ASU, their findings were sent to Martinez so he could render a verdict, but the candidate involved was told of the situation. Thus giving Pelaez time to file an appeal to the president’s office. Pelaez has said that the violations his campaign has been accused of

DISQUALIFIED—Evidence photo used against ASU presidential candidate Jose Pelaez, claiming he was using ELAC property (tables and chairs), which is against campaigning code. have no valid argument to them. “It seems that the committee was just trying to fit any argument with any material, without really having valid arguments or proof,” said Pelaez in his appeal to Martinez. Pelaez said that Escobar was just one of the many students who approached him and showed support by not just voting for him but by doing something more. He said that these students supported him because they identified with him, not because they were volunteers in his campaign. Pelaez is also accused of posting unauthorized flyers in his campaign. ASU requires that all campaign material be approved, which

would put Pelaez in violation if the accusation is true. Pelaez said that the post was not even done on his account. He said it was a friend who was supporting his cause and posting pictures of support. “What I found absolutely incredible is that I provided actual flyers with the account name visible of other candidates, that were not approved,” he said. Pelaez said that despite filing an appeal, he no longer cares what comes from the decision made by the administration. He said that since May 9, he had already noticed something was amiss. He saw, on ASU’s Instagram, a post that said that the election results were going to be held back until May 24.

Minutes later he said that same post was deleted. He said that he was later sent an email informing him that the results would be postponed until a future date. Dominguez said that he had hoped that the situation would be resolved so that the election results could be revealed the on May 17, but that was not the case. He said that due to the investigation, Pelaez was given time to file an appeal of the situation. In his appeal to Martinez, Pelaez wrote how his opinion of ELAC, its ASU and the administration has taken a nosedive. He said that he feels isolated for speaking up about the racist things written on his campaign poster during the election.

One of Pelaez’ posters was vandalized during the election process. The poster had his campaign slogan and other information for his campaign. The vandalization said, “You need to speak english first.” Dominguez said vandalization of the poster was looked into. With ASU asking the sheriff ’s department to look into any footage nearby cameras may have captured. Dominguez said the IT department told ASU that only one of the cameras in the area is in working order. Pelaez said that there was very little done in the form of investigating this very blatant campaign violation compared to the intense investigating that was done

in his case of campaign violations. Pelaez said the way people interact with him at ASU and on campus has changed as well. He feels that he is being seen as a troublemaker simply for bringing focus to the discrimination he felt when his election poster was vandalized. Pelaez said he even thought the Dream Resource Center was told to no longer associate with him. Brian Henderson Barrick, a DRC student services specialist, had no comment on the matter. Pelaez felt that him making something out of it has caused people to see him differently. He said the happy faces he saw at ASU before the election, were replaced with somber reactions to his presence. Pelaez said that he thought the idea was if a student saw something they didn’t like they needed to speak out. He said that he once saw ELAC as his home, but now that has changed. Pelaez said he will wait for the decision on his appeal but has lost faith in the current administration’s ability to handle situations like this one. He said the inaction of school leaders to the racist vandalization of his poster has left a bad taste in his mouth. Pelaez said that he will not be returning to ELAC. He said that in the end he hopes that this process will remind people of the struggles undocumented people still go through. “This situation, it will be a reminder that life for undocumented people is not easy. And we need to struggle everyday, even in our own community. And it’s just a reminder, like to keep pushing everyday. I just don’t want to push anymore at ELAC,” Pelaez said.

Transferring students receive awards Honors Program BY LUIS CASTILLA Staff Writer Behind teary eyes, Nadine Bermudez, Honors Program director, announced the names of the students who will transfer to four-year universities at the Honors Program Certificate Reception yesterday. “This is your moment because you earned it,” Bermudes said. About 30 East Los Angeles Students were awarded certificates and graduation cords for completing the Honors Program. Students of the Honors Program Fast-Track Certification Program were also awarded certificates for their completion of the program. Aside from receiving certificates, these students will also receive priority consideration from universities and a special mention at the ELAC graduation ceremony. To receive their certificates, students had to complete 15 units in honors classes. Bermudez said there are currently about 600 students in the program. Honors Program student Yesenia Sanchez said she will transfer to the University of Southern California in the fall.

She said she was given a taste of what university courses were like. “The classes were challenging,” Sanchez said. “They make you think outside of the box.” Bianca Trevizo, another Honors Program alumna, said she will transfer to the University of California Los Angeles in the fall. She said the program allowed her to take classes that were more rigorous. “I’m happy to see all my hard work pay off,” Trevizo said. Miranda Reynoso, Honors Program Alumna said she will also transfer to UCLA in the fall. Although she is transferring, Reynoso said she would have liked to join the Honors Program sooner than she did. She said she would have liked to enter the program right after high school. Despite this, Bermudez said she is happy to be done. “I feel accomplished. The goal that I set for myself was fulfilled,” Bermudez said. Bermudez said that about 75 percent of students in the Honors Program who apply to UCLA are accepted into the university. Marvin Martinez spoke to the Honors Program students, telling

Featured Artist: Sand One PAGE 8

CN/NOE ORTEGA

HONORABLE HUSKIES—Honors Program rewards East Los Angeles College students for completing the program. All present students are transferring to four-year universities. them to always keep their next goal in mind. Bermudez said the Honors Program focused on two things;

scholarships and getting students transferred. She said the classes in the program emphasize critical thinking

and teach students in ways that will prepare them for university courses. “It’s education with a purpose,” Bermudez said.

Black Student Union returns from inactivity Staff Writer The ELAC Black Student Union club, which returned earlier this semester after being inactive for more than a decade, is looking to recruit new members. “We are looking for students who are willing to fill those leadership positions in the club,” LaQuita M. Jones, assistant professor of Sociology said. “We are seeking individuals who have a passion for not just black culture, but inclusivity.” In order for a club to be chartered at ELAC, there needs to be a minimum of five to seven students; five to serve on the executive board and two to serve as delegates. If the seven-student minimum is

met, Jones will be the adviser and advocate for the BSU club. “When there’s a collaborative effort, when you start to see the fruits of your labor manifested in activities or higher membership... I think that the work you have to put into the club, you feel rewarded for it,” Jones said. Golden Sheard, president of the ELAC Students for Political Awareness club, would like to head the BSU club but can’t because she already heads ESPA. Sheard has been working all semester on making the BSU a reality on campus in order to help provide representation of black students on campus. Sheard said that the number of students who transferred to a UC from ELAC last year was about the

same number of African-American students at ELAC in any given year. “Why is it that we can put that much emphasis behind 400 students in this light, and in another light say ‘well, it’s just 400,’” Sheard said. “Having African-descent is just one facet of who we are, and while we want to have an inclusive space, we don’t want that to be all that we are,” Sheard said. “We should be able to be president of a political science club, vice president of a photography club and still be able to have a BSU.” Interest in an ELAC BSU began at the end of Black History Month earlier this year when guest speaker Melina Abdullah, chair of Pan-African studies at California State University, Los Angeles and GOLDEN SHEARD & LAQUITA M. JONES co-founder of the Black Lives CN/VINCENT AUSTIN

BY STEVEN ADAMO

Matter’s Los Angeles chapter, asked the student audience if a BSU existed at ELAC. A BSU on campus hasn’t been active in over a decade. The first mention of a BSU at ELAC is from the March 27, 1968 issue of ELAC Campus News. In the article, the BSU held a mock funeral for the word “Negro.” At the time, ELAC BSU members wished to be called “black students” or “Afro-American” students instead of “Negroes.” Brandon Aguilar, an ELAC student who is interested in becoming a member of the BSU, was one of the students who volunteered to get the club going. “I feel like at school, people just hang among their own group. I (want) to see a multicultural center and I think this club could help,” Aguilar said.

News Briefs Reading and Writing Center open for finals

The Reading and Writing Center extended their closing hours to midnight until May 31 for students to get ready for finals, except Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

Free vision screening The Student Health Center will sponser free vision screening for ELAC students tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second floor of F5. Glasses will be given to those in need.

Weekend Study Jam

Roots of STEM will present the 12-hour “Weekend Study Jam” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the MESA Center in E7210. It will include snacks, tutors, textbooks and computer access.

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OPINION

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

Video game companies shouldn’t censor artform or sexual content has no place in gaming because it’s for kids, but Staff Writer this isn’t true at all. According to a 2018 industry Video game companies shouldn’t facts research report done by censor games when they are only t h e E ntertainment Software over a quarter of gamers. Association, the The making of average gamer is a video game is just another art form like If parents are 34-years old and 72 percent of all gamers any other kind of doing their job are over the age of 18. entertainment. This means that properly, they Some companies, trying to brush off like Sony, have decided can set age video games as being to censor certain restrictions which solely for kids would be aspects of games that statistically incorrect. seem unnecessary. will not allow This information Sony is a huge their children to shows that for the most company, and like any part, gamers are old other big company, buy video games enough to see much of they want to make the at all. the mature content. games on their platform Another reason why the most accessible and censorship isn’t right marketable as possible. is because there is already a rating This is in contrast to Sony from a system for video games. decade ago. Sony was once known Big retail stores like Best Buy, for being one of the few companies Target and Walmart make sure that who didn’t mind explicit content. mature-rated games are only sold to Some people may use the minors with adult supervision. argument that extreme gore, lewd As for digital video games, it is

BY ADAM ROBLES

usually one of the first details listed before the purchase of the game. Digital purchases are easy to manage though. If parents are doing their job properly, they can set age restrictions which will not allow their children to buy video games at all. Also if they make sure to remove their credit card information from their child’s gaming device after each purchase, that’ll keep any unauthorized purchases from happening. The rating system was set in place to keep people from complaining about mature titles falling into younger players hands after games like Mortal Kombat, that had violence and gore, were released and became a mainstream success. This means that companies really have no right to change the art direction or creative style of a video game. Sony has made small comments to explain its decision to censor. They have said that it’s to help make sure that kids develop correctly and to not offend certain people.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Andrew Ayala MANAGING EDITOR Steven Adamo ONLINE EDITORS Kevin Camargo Adam Robles Alex Handy FRONT EDITOR Melody Ortiz

But players should have the right to avoid the content if they choose to, not have companies choose for them. If Sony continues to censor

their gaming experiences to the extent that they have been, it may discourage developers from making their games exclusive to their system.

Disney/Hulu merger makes little sense BY GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO Staff Writer Hulu has become the latest company to join the ever growing Disney family. Last Tuesday, Comcast sold its shares of Hulu to Disney making Disney the majority stakeholder of Hulu. The question is why? Aside from the fact that it is just another place of revenue for Disney, there really

is no point in having Hulu. Disney can do two things with Hulu that would make sense. One is to integrate Hulu with Disney’s own streaming service, Disney plus, coming out later this year. People who are subscribed to Hulu will just be grandfathered in to Disney plus and have access to it. Another possibility is that Disney shuts down Hulu so another streaming service won’t compete

with their own. They have the right to do that since they own the majority of Hulu. It wouldn’t be the best decision but they would be able to do that. These are the options that make sense. Another option is just to keep Hulu running. But then why own Hulu in the first place if they aren’t going to do anything with it? The fans also don’t really gain anything from this deal. Disney

might have done this, simply because they could. If Comcast wanted to sell, then buy it. But Disney buying Hulu reveals a larger problem. Disney is monopolizing multiple areas of entertainment, and no one is really saying anything. Having a monopoly is illegal but somehow they are getting away with it. Perhaps they have people lobbying so that the deals they make go as planned.

But what is apparent is that with all the companies that Disney now owns, they have control over a lot of entertainment. People will either work for Disney or one of it’s subsidiaries under its umbrella or directly go against Disney because most of their competition will be the remaining companies that aren’t owned by Disney. In the end, this buy from Disney doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense.

Spoilers prove silence is golden BY JOSE CABRERA Staff Writer Spoilers are the enemy of movie nerds that miss out on a movie. The term spoiler applies to people who love to torture people by revealing parts of a good movie or television program. This type of individual should show sympathy toward others and let people watch movies in peace. Yet that is not the case in today’s society. Great movies are supposed to build great anticipation for their audiences. We can’t have that anticipation with people spoiling a great movie. We must ask ourselves why do people love spoiling movies? To those people that love to ensure pain and spoil things just to hurt others, I say to hell with them. It sucks to hear spoilers when a person is not at ease, because they are anticipating when a certain event is going to take place. All that excitement has been sucked out because that certain part of the movie has been spoiled by a jerky individual. I have witnessed many spoilers and they take the fun out of the experience and that does not make the movie enjoyable to watch.

Social media will also spoil a good movie as well. An evil individual that loves to spoil can go on social media and continue their torturing methods. These people will go on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and many other websites to post their takes on the movies. Most demonic people will go to the extreme and torture people by explaining certain parts of a great movie.

A prime example would be Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame.” It was a highly anticipated movie that everybody was looking forward to seeing. People that love to spoil parts of a movie with this much hype do so maliciously. By doing that evil maneuver, it sucks out a little bit of energy out of the movie. Did I just say that it sucks out a little bit of energy? It really takes out a massive amount of excitement out the movie.

No one wants to hear from another person that fan favorite characters dies in a certain movie everybody is talking about or that another fan favorite character’s physique changes in that same movie. Oh, wait, I just spoiled a certain movie that maybe a reader has not seen yet. Oops, sorry if I did that but that proves my case about spoilers. People want to watch a movie not hear it from a heartless individual that seeks joy from our tears.

Spoilers cause moviegoers anger and frustration because they ruin the experience, and people who enjoy spoiling things are always ready to spoil just about anything. Through the powers of social media, spoilers can spread like a wildfire. These evil individuals will go to the extreme and post anything that is related to the movie. When I went to go watch “Endgame,” I was looking forward to a great movie but like always the spoilers came out on the internet. In the movie, people were expecting an end credit scene and that expectation filled audiences with joy. Unfortunately for me, I saw on the internet that there was no ending credit scene. I even had a colleague at work be a spoiler and tell me what a main characters end in the movie was. A spoiler can cause anger and devastation among superfans. I know that it had me arguing with my friends about the end credits scene. As mentioned earlier, spoilers will suck the energy out of the movie. So to all the spoilers out in the world, stop it please. You are hurting the movie-going experience and the audience would be grateful if you let us watch a movie in peace.

Spoilers don’t determine viewer experience BY JUAN CALVILLO Staff Writer People are far too concerned with protecting themselves from spoilers when they should be more focused on experiencing their choices in entertainment. Some individuals go to extreme lengths to not have their favorite shows or movies spoiled by an errant picture or social media posting. Even large studios have gotten into the business of protecting their audiences from spoilers. A s “ Av e n g e r s : E n d g a m e ” released, the directors of the movie made a plea they had previously made with “Avengers: Infinity War.” Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors www.ELACCampusNews.com

of the enormous superhero hits, started an internet hashtag coming up to the release of “Infinity War,” #ThanosDemandsYourSilence. The Russo brothers decided to continue the trend with “Endgame” by asking audiences #DontSpoilTheEndgame. The premise of their plea was to ask audiences not to talk about the movie openly until most people had the chance to actually watch the big budget movies. In and of itself the plea was for the good of all audiences that would watch the highly anticipated movies. The problem with asking people not to spoil huge flicks like these is that it’s not simply the director asking, it’s a large studio telling audiences not to talk openly about

the film. This is as about as extreme as it gets. A multibillion dollar company telling audiences not to spoil their film, effectively silencing their freedom of speech. Now their statements are in no way an attack on freedom of speech. But what it does show is how easily the masses, nurtured on superhero movies, will give up the right to talk about a film they may have watched and loved simply when asked. I have a brother who is an extremely devoted Marvel movie fan. When the final film in the opus that Marvel Studios has created was set to release, he said that if anyone were to spoil the film for him he would leave the room and cease speaking to the transgressor. He was

so determined not be spoiled that he ended up watching the movie during his work week. Almost immediately after the movie opened. This is an extreme reaction to not wanting to be spoiled on a movie. And unfortunately he seemed happy to watch the film, but his excitement was tempered by the fact that he had to watch the movie as soon as he could to avoid spoilers. When it comes to entertainment, individuals should have fun and be happy with what they chose to watch or participate in. The simple fact that far too many people won’t speak or limit their friends, families, or even strangers choice to freely talk about an entertainment experience is ridiculous. An experiment done by

Jonathan D. Leavitt and Nicholas Christenfeld, part of the Department of Psychology at the University of San Diego in 2011, showed that a higher percentage of people enjoyed taking in entertainment despite being spoiled before hand. Their article on the Association for Psychological Science proved that this should come to no surprise. There are multiple people who read story synopses at the end of books or on the back of blu rays to see whether or not the story seems interesting. These people watch or read entertainment and lose themselves in the story. Truly accepting that it is the story that is important. The old adage says, “It’s the journey, not the destination.”

OPINION EDITORS Juan Calvillo Giselle Arroyo NEWS EDITORS Melisa Valenzuela Maria Marroquin Monroy FEATURE EDITORS Luis Castilla Miguel Barragan ARTS EDITORS Cher Antido Julie Santiago SPORTS EDITORS Sonny Tapia CARTOONIST Ivana Amaral COPY EDITORS Gustavo Buenrostro Stephanie Guevara Diego Linares Ivan Cazares STAFF WRITERS Noe Ortega, Steven Cardona, Vincent Austin, Erick Villarreal, Vicky Nguyen, Kelly Vasquez, Johanna Calderon, Samantha Iniguez, Alejandro Ambriz, Mariana Montoya ADVERTISING Stefanie Arocha DISTRIBUTION Steven Adamo Gustavo Buenrostro 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 property of Campus News and cannot be returned. Letters should be limited to 300 words or less. Campus News reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors or libelous content. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Writers 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, offered 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.

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News

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

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Veterans share services at Armed Forces Day BY CHER ANTIDO Staff Writer

The city of Monterey Park celebrated Armed Forces Day at Barnes Memorial Park on Saturday. Along with East Los Angeles College Veterans Resource Center, the community commemorated those who served the United States Armed Forces. ELAC’s Veterans counselor Jessica Peak opened the event with the pledge allegiance to the flag. The park was filled with families and their children, as well as veterans of the Armed Forces and those currently serving. Among those who spoke at the podium were ELAC alumn Michael Garcia and singer Elliott McKenzie. McKenzie is a former U.S. Marine and combat Veteran who turned to a R&B singer and songwriter. He uses his music as a form of therapy for his post traumatic disorder. He calls it his “live therapy session.” McKenzie sang the national anthem at the event.

The event consisted of various activities for kids. They had carnival games, an obstacle course, face painting and a display of military equipment to try on. The ELAC Veterans Resource Center displayed various military equipment that came from the American Military Museum in South El Monte.

The VRC is located in D7A. It’s a place where veterans can get information, tutoring and counseling appointments. Among them were entrenching tools, helmets used during World War II, load bearing vests and body armors. VRC staff Vanessa Alverson helped children try on the vests and armors so they could pose for a photo.

She explained to them the purpose of each equipment as well. The VRC is located in D7A. It’s a place where veterans can get information, tutoring and counseling appointments. It’s also a place where they can hang out. “There’s a VSO (Veteran Service Officers) who comes and helps with VA (Veterans Affairs) claims,” Alverson said. “It’s like a one-stop shop for all veterans to come, but anybody can come in.” The Monterey Park Fire Department also set up booths at the park. There were firetrucks lined up on the streets to serve as a photo spot for people. Families lined up and children rode inside the trucks for photos. There were also recruiting and information booths for those interested in enlisting. U.S. Army Recruiter Joerolf Valdez provided information for people and explain the benefits of joining. He said some benefits were paid college tuition and traveling to different countries.

CN/DIEGO LINARES

MILITARY ATTIRE—Vanessa Alverson (left), ELAC Veterans Resource Center staff, helps 8-year old Giancarlo Ramirez, accompanied by mother Gabriela Cabral and younger sibling, try on military gear at Barnes Memorial Park on Saturday. “You get to choose one place to be stationed in,” Valdez said. He sets up a recruiting booth at the ELAC quad once a week. Even families that didn’t have a

veteran brought their children to play and have fun. They were able to showcase their push-up abilities to one of the U.S. Army officers, as well as their

aiming at the obstacle course. U.S. Air Force officers also gave information about their training and what it’s like to be in the military.

Association representing faculty voted no confidence in state chancellor BY CHER ANTIDO Staff Writer The Faculty Association of California Community Colleges told faculty of their discontent with the chancellor of California Community Colleges, Eloy Ortiz Oakley. They spoke at the Academic Senate meeting which was held at East Los Angeles College on May 14. The association announced their vote of no confidence in his administration for their lack of consultation with the faculty before proceeding with policies. The vote of no confidence is the result of the chancellor’s lack of transparency and accountability. Regional board member and political science professor Natalina Monteiro introduced the association

to the academic senate members. She supports the FACCC on their movement and said she hopes faculty can help. “They (FACCC) represent only us,” Monteiro said. FACCC is a statewide professional membership association that represents the California Community College faculty. They meet with legislators and organize policy forums to make sure the messages of Community College’s faculty are heard. The association has been around for 66 years. FACCC executive director Evan Hawkins said the chancellor hasn’t consulted with faculty on big issues and moved forward with a number of policies without giving the faculty a say in it. “This is only the second time in our history that we’ve done something like this,” Hawkins said.

The first time of which was in paid almost $400,000 a year. the 1990s with Chancellor David It’s a high salary for a college Mertes who eventually resigned. that won’t run until October, has This has been an ongoing problem no students and no academic senate since last year. yet. The college will also have Hawkins said funds allocated the situation to programs that hasn’t gotten are already done The vote of no better. in the existing F A C C C ommunity confidence is the result ccolleges announced such as t h a t o n e o f of the chancellor’s lack medical coding, the biggest cybersecurity and of transparency and problems IT fundamentals. with Oakley’s Hawkins said accountability. office is the that these funds upcoming 115th could be used to community improve the local college, a colleges instead. fully online college proposed by FACCC also said there’s a Governor Jerry Brown last year. problem with the new funding, the Hawkins said that the CEO of the Student Centered Funding Formula, college, Heather Hiles, is getting which was also something that

had no prior consultation with the faculty. It gives more funding to colleges that have more low-income students and those that have better track records for graduating and transferring. Hawkins said that this might cause colleges to focus on students nearing graduation more than students who need help. The association doesn’t want any student to be left behind. A number of community colleges such as Glendale Community College have voted no confidence on the State Chancellor, but the movement of the FACCC, a statewide association, shows how big a problem this is. “There’s a lot of discontent with faculty in general about how the Community College State Chancellor office has been

operating,” Hawkins said. The FACCC’s goal is to send a message and to be heard. They want to get the word out on the problem’s significance and move a chance in how the administration is ran. This is not just a problem that concerns the faculty, but the students as well. Hawkins said students can help by adding their voice of support. By gathering as much people as possible, it would allow them to stir a change in the chancellor’s office. “If students shared their stories about faculty who have impacted their lives and contributed to their educational success, it would help us push back against the Chancellor’s Office argument that faculty are defending the status quo and don’t truly care about improving student success,” Hawkins said.

Smithsonian Museum offers Elans internship BY MARIANA MONTOYA Staff Writer

CN/JOSE CABRERA

EXPRESS YOURSELF—Two students express their opinions on a wall by E3 with chalk for the Our Voices Matter event on Tuesday.

Our Voices Matter event brings discrimination to light BY JOSE CABRERA Staff Writer Discrimination, sexism and racism are issues that are plaguing the United States. With unity, people are standing up to fight the plague that goes around the U.S. East Los Angeles College Associated Student Union hosted the Our Voices Matter event on Tuesday. Members were located in front of the E3 building encouraging students to take part in the event. Members provided students with chalk to write their thoughts on the wall. ASU also provided markers for students who wanted to create signs that expressed the students’ voices. Members also provided students with microphones for those who wanted to express their voices loud and proud.

Some of these signs had a lot of creativity and others had anger built up into them. Around the big pots, signs were placed in all the three pots that are in front of the E3 building.

“I wanted to step away from ASU and say that we have to talk about the issue that affects the community.” JUAN CASILLAS

ASU Vice President of Finance

Signs read “Nobody speaks with an accent” and others included explicit language. No voices were silenced and more

students arrived at the event to see what the fuss was all about. The wall was filled with opinions on the issues of discrimination, sexism and racism. Signs filled the grass area with comments that were created by the students. Statements and opinions were made on how the current issues needed to be overcome by uniting together and overcome hate. For some students, it was a shock. “It’s a surprise to see ASU host these types of events. It’s good to see that they are against the current issues that plague society,” ELAC student, Christopher Jimenez said. The top question that rang in some students, was why ASU? “I wanted to step away from ASU and say that we have to talk about the issue that affects the community,” ASU Vice President of Finance Juan Casillas said Casillas and his colleagues were able to get things moving on the discussion train.

The Smithsonian Undergraduate internship program is being offered to four East Los Angeles College students who are interested in Museum studies. The deadline to apply is Friday. Applications will be reviewed throughout the summer, and after the interview process, students will be notified about their acceptance. The internship will take place during the winter session and it is split into two parts. The people who review the applications are internship manager for Vincent Price Art Museum Joseph Valencia; Pilar Tompkins Rivas museum manager; along with two more judges that vary between professors and deans. During the internship program students will have a chosen occupation that caters to their personal career goals and interests. Some of the occupations that may be available to students include archivists, conservators, curators, exhibit designer, graphic designer and historians. Students will have a mentor who will guide them through the whole process and will enrich their experience by providing all sorts of different training that fits the need of the occupation they were placed in. This is also a way for students to be able to network with different people in the area of interest. “This program is basically created to mentor the next generation of museum leaders and part of what makes it special is that there are very few partnerships with the Smithsonian in general for students getting their Associates degree or Bachelor’s degree,” Valencia said. The first part of the internship takes place in Los Angeles. “Here in LA we have an intensive program about a week and four days that we spend with the students to prepare them. We do a lot of behind the scenes tours of other institutions and talk about how museums are structured, give a little background experience on museum studies and how institutions have developed in terms of area of focus,” Tompkins Rivas said The second part of the internship is held in Washington D.C.

“In Washington D.C. each person will live in an apartment and each person is basically given a fulltime job. You are working forty hours a week with a mentor that is embedded in their department,” said Tompkins Rivas. During their stay at Washington D.C, students also get the chance to explore different areas and their museums. The internship itself is a partnership between the Smithsonian Museum and ELAC VPAM. “Most of the students that work with the Smithsonian are either in high school or in graduate programs getting their Masters or PHD,” Tompkins Rivas said. “That makes our program here at ELAC really special and one of a kind. Part of why they were interested is because the students demographics is composed by students of color and lots of first generation students, but also because we have a museum with seven galleries as opposed to only one.” The main focus of this internship is to open this opportunity to all students regardless of their grade point average, major, school year or former experience in the field. The main requirement is to be a student at ELAC. “The program is based on a couple of things in terms of the selection process. We would like to hear from students and what their

interests are in doing this internship specifically, what it is to learn about museums and museums studies and how does that align with someone’s career goals, ”said Tompkins Rivas. Students from different majors are encouraged to apply as museums have different occupations that can fit different areas of study. “We try to be responsive to what the students want to learn about,” Tompkins Rivas said. If the student is selected for the program, they present that to the Smithsonian and then they do their best to match the intern to a mentor in the area the student wants to explore, and what the Smithsonian has. According to Valencia the goal is to be able to give this opportunity for any student to enter and to acquire experiences that may help them with their careers or help students choose a career path. “We do not have a specific set minimum requirement of previous work experience or GPAs, but we are looking to further opportunities for students and definitely see how this can be advantageous for aligning with the students career goals,” said Tompkins Rivas. The application process is all on the Vincent Price Art Museum website. The internship comes as an initiative to eventually be able to bring a museum certificate program at ELAC.

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Arts John Wick fights in the realm of probability 4

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

BY GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO Staff Writer Wi t h h i g h - q u a l i t y a c t i o n , beautiful cinematography and fantastic performances, “John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum” is a great addition to the “John Wick” films. “Parabellum” picks up right where “John Wick Chapter 2” left off with Wick on the run. A bounty is put on Wick for $14 million, and he only has one hour to prepare. The first fight scene in the film has perhaps one of the most brutal kills in the entire film with the audience giving an audible “ahh” when Wick kills an assassin with a book. That scene prepares audiences for how vicious the rest of the fights are. The scene in Casablanca sticks out for a multitude of reasons. There are multiple one-shot takes in the scene with the camera moving back and forth to see what Wick is doing and then moving to show what Sofia, played Halle Berry, is doing.

COURTESY OF THUNDER ROAD PICTURES

GUNFU—John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, fights two assassins who are after the bounty placed on him at the Continental Hotel in “John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum.”

It even follows what Sofia’s dogs do. The dogs play a huge role in bringing down enemies so Sofia can come up to them and shoot them.

The entire scene is around 10 minutes, but the pacing doesn’t make it feel that long. There are hardly any cuts during

the fights, which is a breath of fresh air with many other big-budget action movies having multiple cuts from multiple cameras and close ups

in a single fight. The director, Chad Stahelski, understands this, and most of the fight scenes in the film are filmed in a wide shot, showing everything that is happening, not only with the characters but also the setting. Another thing that sets this movie apart from other action films is that the fights and kills aren’t ridiculous. Films like “Fast and Furious” or “Mission Impossible” have fights and kills that don’t seem believable. While “Parabellum” is not grounded in reality, many of the kills that happen don’t seem out of the realm of probability. The cinematography is also beautiful in the film. Using shadows and lights to show certain moods of characters or to invoke the mood the audience should feel. The performances are also really good, with the most noteworthy being Keanu Reeves as the stoic John Wick and Laurence Fishburne as the charismatic Bowery King. One aspect the film does fall short

in is the plot, which is very thin. The story is Wick trying to survive the onslaught of assassins trying to kill him for a bounty he has on his head. There is a subplot involving the manager of the Continental Hotel and the group that put out the bounty on Wick. It sets up the third act of the film, but it’s not really anything to grasp on to. The only emotional hold the film has is Wick, but only if someone has seen the previous films. Otherwise, the only reason to root for Wick in the film is because he is an underdog. However, the film doesn’t try to hide the fact that the plot is thin. It’s perhaps the reason why the choreography, cinematography and performances are at a higher quality to make up for that fact. Those who wants to watch “John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum” should expect a high-octane action film with great visuals but a thin story. The film is rated R.

DJ Khaled releases ‘another one’ BY ANDREW AYALA Staff Writer D J K h a l e d ’s r e i g n o v e r mainstream hip-hop continues with the release of his eleventh studio album titled “Father of Asahd.” His previous album titled “Grateful” included his son, who was only oneyear old, as an executive producer and now has this new album named after him. From beginning to end the album feels like a culmination of success among artists from different backgrounds and genres. It definitely gives off a feel-good vibe and seems to have the ability to turn a listener’s day around. Although DJ Khaled never raps, his ad libs express his positivity throughout the albums entirety. He is credited as a producer for all of the songs and has created albums by purely producing and mastering before. Mastering a song is when someone makes sure it is in its best form with no mistakes or sound issues. As mentioned, the album features a hybrid of new generation artists such as Lil Baby, 21 Savage, SZA, Cardi B and Gunna as well as seasoned veterans such as Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Nas and the late and great Nipsey Hussle. This clash of artists creates a well-put together album where like-minded individuals come together and collaborate on songs that express various emotions and messages. Right off the bat, listeners are hit with a track titled “Holy Mountain” which has a beautiful Jamaican influence. Artists such as Buju Banton, Sizzla and Mavado create an unforgettable combination with powerful lyrics. Other songs such as “Wish Wish,” “Celebrate,” “Jealous,” “No Brainer” and “Weather the Storm” have the potential to be mainstream hits which will probably be played over the radio countlessly. There is nothing wrong with mainstream music, but at times it feels very generic and can get boring after a few listens. Other tracks such as “Higher” bring artists like Nipsey Hussle and John Legend together to create a

masterpiece that anyone can enjoy. The fact that they are artists from completely different genres makes this a great track because listeners can hear the pureness and truth behind the lyrics they sing. The song almost has an invisible heavenly aura which resembles a modern day fusion of gospel and rap. “Won’t Take My Soul” is another powerful song due to hip-hop legend Nas rapping facts while CeeLo Green’s angelic voice gives the positive vibes that everyone needs once in a while. This is another strong song which creates empowerment and explains some of the trials and tribulations that these artists have been through. These are the parts of the album that really stand out because they are more than a song that will do great on the charts, but a beautiful collaboration between musical geniuses. Having such experienced artists work together is definitely shown to be a great combination like peanut butter and jelly. Another song that really stands out is “Big Boy Talk,” which features two of hip-hop’s hardest hustlers, Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. This is an anthem for the streets and prove that high-tier hood artists are more than just money-makers, but also can spread knowledge and guide the youth toward better paths. The track makes sure to expose

those artists who claim to be in the streets selling drugs and doing half the things they rap about. Image is very important nowadays, so this track feels like an ode to keeping it real and committing to oneself. DJ Khaled manages to create an album that is one of the most powerful and uplifting by not only creating great beats, but also getting these artists to collaborate with one another. Although DJ Khaled never raps, he still manages to get artists from all parts of the music spectrum to create a masterpiece. Usually albums focus on one part of an artist’s life but this album seems to be a manifestation of everything these people have been through and what the future holds in store. The album is 15 songs long and has a runtime of 54 minutes. This isn’t something that you necessarily need to have a hard copy of, but it is definitely something worth giving a few listens to. It includes songs which people from all ages and backgrounds can identify with. From the beats, to the artists and the messages they are singing and rapping, this definitely makes for one of DJ Khaled’s strongest and most mature albums. “Father of Asahd” was released on Friday and is available for stream on multiple platforms.

COURTESY OF EPIC RECORDS

WE THE BEST—21 Savage and DJ Khaled rap about being the greatest rapper from the South in the music video of “Wish Wish,” also featuring Cardi B.

COURTESY OF MARV FILMS

LARGER THAN LIFE—Elton John, played by Taron Egerton, plays an electrifying performance

on piano during a sold-out show in 1975 at Dodger Stadium in “Rocketman.”

Elton John’s life blasts onto the big screen BY ANDREW AYALA Staff Writer Singer and songwriter Elton Hercules John’s illustrious career and past has never been brought to light on the big screen until this year with the release of the epic musical masterpiece, “Rocketman.” The film shows most parts of the artist’s past and highlights both the good and bad. “Rocketman” is a timeline of Elton John’s life, from being a child in England to becoming the iconic rock legend in America. Elton John, played by Taron Egerton, is shown to be this largerthan-life individual who doesn’t let anything stop him from standing out and being himself. Born as Reginald Kenneth Dwight, John discovers his love and passion for music and fashion at a young age with strong encouragement from his grandmother Ivy White, played by Gemma Jones. Eventually, John finds himself and begins working with songwriter Bernie Taupin, played by Jamie Bell, to create the ultimate duo. Taupin would write the songs while John would perform them. Once they came to America, John was an instant success and his career only skyrocketed from there. Everything changed once John meets his soon-to-be manager John Reid, played by Richard Madden. The audience soon finds out that there is more to John’s life than he made public and although he performed with passion and magnitude, he was fueled by a harsh past and upbringing. The film goes on to show the trials and tribulations that John

faced in his life such as drug, sex and shopping addictions. From his depression to his dark and traumatic past, the film showed how he turned the darkness into light. When people think of Elton John, they think of a rock god who pushed the boundaries and distinguished himself as an artist. This movie does a wonderful job at showing that even rock stars are human and have problems. The film does this by getting intimate with certain love interests or other problems John faced at home. Egerton did a great job at portraying the legend and manage to stay in character throughout the entire film. Viewers can see the pain and anger in multiple scenes through the actors facial expressions and dialogue. The acting from all characters felt natural and was never forced, which allowed for smooth dialogue and character interaction. There are points throughout the film which turn into musicals and may remind the viewers of films like “Grease” and “Hairspray.” The film conveys pathos and touches upon subjects that most may have experienced, such as loneliness, family separation and love. Based off of the audiences reactions there seems to be a perfect balance of comedy, excitement and sadness. The cinematography and special effects go hand-in-hand. There are scenes where the camera angles convey emotion and can explain or make the audience feel like they are actually there. The visual effects and transitions between scenes are smooth. There are rarely any huge pauses

or black screens which proves that the cinematography is genius and there is plenty of content for viewers to grasp. Some biopics can be very corny or cheesy but “Rocketman” manages to keep audiences at the edge of their seats and makes sure they are anticipating what is going to go on next. The costumes and wardrobe are just as flamboyant as John’s in real life. They are brightly colored, filled with rhinestones and include feathers and other materials that most wouldn’t wear or can’t afford. “Rocketman” isn’t a typical biopic because it shows how Elton John finally came to peace with himself. The film can be seen as a culmination and blossoming of the artist that listeners know and love today. The beauty of it is that one doesn’t need to know who he is to enjoy the film. Director Dexter Fletcher and writer Lee Hall did a great job at putting this masterpiece together. They truly did give the life and legacy of John the light it deserves and audiences can definitely learn and take several lessons from the film. Having Egerton play John was the cherry on top due to his grand performance of such an influential rockstar. This is definitely a mustsee on the big screen if you are a fan of John’s music or persona. “Rocketman” has a runtime of two hours and one minute and is rated R for language throughout, some drug use and sexual content. The film will be available to view in theaters on May 31. For full version, visit elaccampusnews.com.

Tyler, the Creator expands his sound with ‘IGOR’ BY MIGUEL BARRAGAN Staff Writer Tyler, the Creator’s new album “IGOR” is his most pop album while also being his most experimental. All songs were produced, written and arranged by Tyler himself. The sounds on the album are eclectic. Tyler wears his musical influences, such as N.E.R.D., on his sleeve. The album does a good job at merging hip hop, indie, pop and rock. Tyler, the Creator’s new album is www.ELACCampusNews.com

expanding on sounds he has been experimenting with since Cherry Bomb in 2015. Cherry Bomb was the first album that had Tyler singing in a highpitched voice on songs like “KEEP DA O’S.” Tyler says he uses this effect because he’s not confident or skilled enough to sing in his normal voice because it is too deep and raspy for the sound he’s going for. Many other acts in recent years have done similar effects like BROCKHAMPTON. For those that don’t like this

effect, the album will be hard to get through. “EARFQUAKE,” a love song, is a prime example of how Tyler’s high-pitched vocal effect works. The song is one of the catchiest on the album. Playboi Carti is featured on the song and his baby-like voice fits perfectly with the instrumental. The instrumentation on the album is beautiful. Songs are filled with amazing chord progression. The album narratively continues from where Flower Boy left off. His last album was him falling in love

and this is the heartbreak afterward. On this album, Tyler opens up about a lover who left him for another person. “New Magic Wand” is Tyler’s loudest instrumental. The bass and hard hitting drums carry Tyler’s soft spoken melodic delivery on his first two verses and his harsh screams on his third verse. Tyler threatens to kill his male lover’s ex for keeping him away from Tyler, reminiscent of Tyler’s teenage years rapping about being a serial killer. “A Boy is a Gun” is a standout

track and the dreamiest song on the album. It samples the soul classic “Bound” by Ponderosa Twins Plus One. On the track, Tyler compares his lover to a gun. He raps, “You’re a gun ‘cause I like you on my side at all times. You keep me safe.” On the track “WHATS GOOD,” Tyler oozes confidence breaking away from the vulnerable songwriting in the rest of the songs. He raps, “hard to believe in God when there’s no mirrors around.” He also raps about his close call

with death. He raps, “That car crash couldn’t take me. Green-haired angels all around me.” Green-haired angels is a reference to Child of Golf, a design he released for his clothing brand Golf Wang. On “I DON’T LOVE YOU ANYMORE,” he shows he will get over the failed relationship. He raps, “I won’t walk around with my head down like I got beat up. Um, you do you, I’ll do me, I’ll just chuck the peace up.” As a whole, the album takes the listener through various sounds and moods with efficiency.

Opinion

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

5

Students can find fun at theme parks this summer Edge starts welcoming its first guests May 31. Staff Writer This new addition to Disneyland is expected to be the The spring semester is coming most immersive yet. The planet Batuu has been on to a close with summer just around the edge of the galaxy hidden for the corner. It’s time to unwind after all of the years, but has many exciting things to offer such as attractions, food and hard work we’ve put into school. shopping. What better There will be way to do two attractions that than to discover new They can fly to Batuu i n G a l a x y ’ s Edge, Millenium and immersive and feel the force F a l c o n : adventures Smugglers Run at Southern at Galaxy’s Edge or and Rise of the California theme escape from the giant Resistance. parks. There are Indominus Rex at the R Su mn u g gwl ie lr sl some big things o p e n i n g t h i s new Jurassic World ride. open with the attraction and summer that Rise of the have been long Resistance will anticipated. The exciting and groundbreaking open on a later date. Smugglers Run will have guests new attraction at the Disneyland Resort, “Stars Wars:” Galaxy’s pilot the Millennium Falcon through

the galaxy helping the space pirate Hondo. For food, there will be a cantina featuring old star tours pilot Rex and food items such as blue milk and alcoholic beverages. This marks the first time in history that Disneyland will be

selling alcoholic beverages to guests since alcohol is only sold at Disney California Adventure. New shopping experiences include Saavi’s workshop where guests will be able to build their own lightsaber and the Droid depot where guests can build their own

droid with a personality. The droids are also Bluetooth enabled. From May 31 to June 22, the land will be accessible by reservations only. Once June 23 hits, it will be open, no reservation required. Another exciting offering this

summer will be the new “Jurassic World” ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. The iconic “Jurassic Park” ride closed last September and was in dire need of an update. With the success of the new “Jurassic World” franchise, it only seemed fitting to center the new attraction around it while also updating the technology on the ride. The attraction will be a water boat experience like it’s predecessor, but will feature new animatronics along with the new technology in screens making it more immersive than before. The ride does not have an opening date yet, but keep your eyes peeled. Students have plenty of options this summer to check out. They can fly to Batuu and feel the force at Galaxy’s Edge or escape from the giant Indominus Rex at the new “Jurassic World” ride. Either way, students will have fun and get the much deserved break they need.

is an integral part of the central nervous system. It influences intelligence testing, learning abilities, sensory perception, speech, muscular control, emotions and memory. Not only can spanking/physical punishment affect all of those things, it can also increase aggression in children and contributes to higher levels of acting out at school. Elizabeth Gershoff, associate professor of human development and family sciences at the University of Texas, has been studying child corporal punishment and its effects for 15 years and is the leading researcher on spanking in the United States. According to her, spanking is just a euphemism for hitting children. She said studies show that striking them does not model or teach the behavior that the parents are looking for. Instead, it damages trust between a parent and child. Sweden was the first country to completely ban all forms of child

corporal punishment both in public and in private in the 1970s. Swedes say that if parents are hitting, it means they’ve lost control and might need to learn about other options. These options include giving “time-outs” and taking toys and privileges away. The initiative is called the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children. Since then, 30 other countries have banned spanking. No North American countries are part of the initiative and researchers believe that the United States is nowhere near implementing such a ban. Some researchers believe that a ban would be ineffective. Robert Larzelere, professor of Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University, believes that it is OK to spank children but with some conditions. He said that the physical punishment should not be rooted in a parent’s anger or frustration,

it should not be used too severely, and should be used in a manner that reduces the need to use it in the future. Parents must ensure that their children know the spanking is motivated by love and concern for their well-being. He recommends that parents take classes to learn about different methods to discipline their children and also mentioned a “non-abusive

spank” for children ages two through six. “If we’re going to go down this route and impose rules or recommend parents not spank, we need to help them find alternatives that work as well,” said Larzelere. Even though Gershoff agrees that small slaps on the wrist and inconsistent spanking would probably not produce any long-term effects, she asks, “Why do it at all?”

There are zero studies that have found any positive effects of any type of spanking, no matter how light. People in America should let go of the excuse “I got spanked and I turned out fine” The idea is for our children to become better than just “fine.” Children are our future, and if we are traumatizing them now then we are putting our future in jeopardy.

BY KELLY VASQUEZ

CN/IVANA AMARAL

Children don’t learn much from being spanked BY MELISA VALENZUELA Staff Writer Disciplining children by spanking them remains a controversial topic and most people in the United States believe that no one should get involved with how parents choose to discipline their children. Americans have used corporal punishment to keep their children in line for decades and assume that this is the only effective way of teaching them how to behave. Studies have suggested, however, that spanking a child results in many unfavorable consequences such as lifelong trauma and depression. According to analysis conducted at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa, evidence suggests corporal punishment causes cognitive impairment and longterm developmental difficulties by reducing the amount of the brain’s gray matter. Gray matter is the connective tissue between the brain cells and

Students should focus on mental health BY MARIANA MONTOYA Staff Writer Long hours of studying for finals along with homework, tests, work, family problems and social pressures can really drive a person crazy. Societal pressures and the constant harassment of obtaining more than what is within reach are probably the biggest issues that we are currently facing. Even though reaching for more than we have is not a negative thing, putting pressure on obtaining these things at the cost of peoples mental wellness is very much negative. This has greater potential than we can imagine because it can lead individuals to really dark places. Dark places tend to teach harsh lessons and even incur losses i.e. suicides, suicide attempts or even murders. Our minds are so complex, and they carry so much throughout the day that if we do not continually attempt to make sure or check ourselves, we can end up with so much more burdens than we can actually hold. Mental health is probably one of the most controversial and one of the most important things to address. Mental health matters. In other

words it is ok to not be ok, as long as we take care of what is within our reach. Many times we look at people and we really do not realize the issues they have going on in their daily lives. Some might be in a great place with school and enjoying life, but occasionally they are suddenly faced with seeing their friends posting pictures of marriage, finishing school or even having kids. The pressure begins to rise because they might not have these things. Expectations may begin to increase along with the realization that perhaps they are not doing enough. Other times it could be things such as a bad grade, bad day or even bills that add to all these problems. “It is hard living in society that expects so much from us, we are young and we all really want to survive,” said East Los Angeles student Beatriz Lopez. Everyone’s process and life experiences are different. Individuals might also see pop culture celebrities making fortunes or making dreams happen. This can also affect the life of individuals. Some people may not know how to handle this. Leading them to pretend as if nothing is wrong rather than seeking help.

This all begins as stress, once stress is at its peak it begins to affect an individual’s emotional well being. Unfortunately, if we do not take care of our emotional well being we can start experiencing emotional stresses that affects our physical health which can lead to health problems. The decline of our physical health can bring out different diseases that can deviate us from living in peace. May is Mental Health awareness month. A high percentage of people experience mental health issues, whether it be depression, anxiety, panic attack, postpartum depression, among many other issues that affect day to day life, but do not speak of it. They live in silence and choose not to speak of it due to lack of trust. Sometimes it is pride, other times it is simply delay for us to take some time off and take care of our mental health, but it is important. During this month we should be aware that mental health should be a priority, not only to help prevent further health problems, but to help others who are also struggling. “Mental health is so important to take charge of because we live with our thoughts daily. This is not something we can easily avoid”said East Los Angeles student Michael Ortiz.

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

www.ELACCampusNews.com

Sports Basketball player heads to D-1 university 6

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

BY VINCENT AUSTIN Staff Writer Sophomore forward Babacar Thiombane received a full ride basketball scholarship to the University of Idaho where he will play NCAA Division I basketball. The Thiombane family came from Senegal, West Africa, but Babacar is originally from Los Angeles. Growing up in Los Angeles the first sport he played was soccer. In the seventh grade Thiombane started to play basketball at Le Conte Middle School and at the local parks near his home and school. Thiombane played basketball to do great things for his family. “Most importantly my mother, she’s the main reason I play,” Thiombane said. He averaged nine points, seven rebounds and .9 steals a game.

In high school Thiombane played at a community college added at Fairfax Senior High School, which pressure for him. is a school known for its basketball “Definitely pressure, a lot of program. people watching Thiombane to see my next managed to to “I’ll bring good talent, move…had play varsity stay focused,” basketball for Thiombane said. continue to be a har three years, Once he was starting in his worker and I’m going to back home, East sophomore year. be a positive player to L o s A n g e l e s W i t h College head be around,” Thiombane basketball coach being a 6-footJohn Mosley 9-inch forward recruited him. earned a Thiombane BABACAR THIOMBANE scholarship out knew that ELAC Forward of Fairfax High working harder School to West and being Point University patient with in New York City. being a student athlete and all the Thiombane got the scholarship responsibilities that comes along to West Point, but decided to come with it will pay off eventually. back home to Los Angeles because ELAC assistant coach Kenneth West Point wanted all its students Hunter said he impacted the team to go into the army after attending in the recent season. their institution. “It has been a pleasure to coach Coming back and start over (Thiombane). He’s the first guy in

last guy out. He has a real basketball I.Q and he is super versatile, which is where his value is,” Hunter said. “I knew I had to work harder and be patient playing at a junior college,” Thiombane said. Thiombane plans on majoring in business marketing at the University of Idaho. Getting a degree is the first thing he came for on an educational level. On the basketball court Thiombane dreamed to play and get paid for it in the NBA. His idol is Lebron James because of how he carries himself on and off the court. “He sponsored my high school, I appreciate that,” Thiombane said. With Thiombane knowing that he will play on a higher level next season, he has an idea on what he will try to bring to Idaho’s basketball program. “I’ll bring good talent,continue to be a hard worker and I’m going to be a positive player to be around,” Thiombane said.

CN/DIEGO LINARES

FINISH STRONG—Babacar Thiombane rises to the rim in a

loss to Santa Monica College 63-60 in the South Gym on March 2 during the second round of the SoCal Regional Playoffs.

Chilean defender heads south BY MIGUEL BARRAGAN Staff Writer

CN/STEPHANIE GUEVARA

FOCUS—Agustin Barros, former Husky defender, controls the ball with this chest at Weingart Stadium in Fall 2016.

Agustin Barros’ time at East Los Angeles College opened many opportunities in soccer and education. Barros, 21, is an international student from Santiago, Chile. He was captain of the soccer team his second year at ELAC. He said in his third year, he was an assistant volunteer coach, because he already played two years. Barros said that he doesn’t think it’s a coincidence that he was captain his second year. “I’m kind of a leader,” said Barros. He said being captain for a team with a variety of cultures and opinions helped him become a better leader. “I think in two years I grew up more than all my life in

College athletes need honor roll, not payroll BY SONNY TAPIA Staff Writer Collegiate athletes should continue being unpaid in order to sustain that undeniable goal of making it professionally in sports. In recent years the discussion of whether or not college athletes should be paid has been brought up during March Madness, Bowl Championship Series and College World Series performances. Athletes like Michael Jordan, Doug Flutie, Jackie Robinson and Earvin “Magic” Johnson have all played at a high level during their college years with the idea in mind that they would one day deserve compensation. Jordan won the National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball Championship in his freshman year at the University of North Carolina in 1982 and

averaged 13.5 points per game. Without the thought of being one step away from the National Basketball Association, would Jordan have performed at such a high intensity? The one player that has sparked the argument in the NCAA once again is 6-feet-7-inch 285 pound forward from Duke University, Zion Williamson. He ended the 2018-2019 season averaging 22.6 points per game, 8.9 rebounds per game and hit 68% of his shots from the field. This type of performance was something that the NCAA has not seen before on a basketball court. Williamson has the projected first pick going to the New Orleans Pelicans. When he was in high school he constantly kept in his mind that he wanted to play in the NBA. That was his goal to accomplish at the end of his freshman year at Duke.

CN/STEVEN ADAMO

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That mental determination is what brought him to the position he is currently in. The determination to get into the NBA drives young athletes to be better. Getting paid would shift their focus to a paycheck coming in every other week, when they should be focused on making the big leagues and keeping their grades in check. An athlete cannot enter the league without a backup plan in place. There needs to be a safety net for them to fall back on if it does not work out as planned. Yet many fail to do so. According to Sports Illustrated, 78% of National Football League players are in financial crisis within the first two years of retirement. Sixty percent of NBA players are also in financial crisis within five years of retirement. The athletes need to have a sports background just as much as they need an educational one. When a student is preoccupied with whether or not their compensation is in their bank account or in the mail, they forget about homework and grades. College is where the knowledge in the classroom is built. It would be foolish to assume they could make it in the league before and after retirement without knowing how to deal with business matters. Once players have made it professionally, they can solely focus on their job. College is for learning and not financial gain. When athletes make the championship series in college, that is where they will get noticed by the scouts from different organizations all over the world. That is their moment to shine with their athletic ability and to prove they are the best in the nation at what they do. No one can buy the feeling they get when they are on the biggest stage in their collegiate career, knowing they have a chance to prove themselves to thousands in attendance and millions watching around the world.

Chile,” Barros said. He said that moving to the U.S., without family, taught him how to live. Barros said living in the U.S. is different than Chile. He said people in Chile are much more social and act like family. “I feel like people here are colder in a sense,” Barros said. “Getting away from your comfort zone was super hard. Not a lot of people can do it.” In Santiago, Chile, he was part of One Sports, a company that helps athletes find colleges in the United States to attend. They helped him find and apply to ELAC. When he first moved to California, he lived with two other Chilean soccer players until they transferred out. Now he’s living with another Chilean student, a Salvadorian student and a Brazilian student. Barros is a business administration

CN/STEPHANIE GUEVARA

BOOT IT—Agustin Barros shoots a penalty kick to tie the score 4-4 against Chaffey College on Oct. 6 2017 at Weingart Sta-

major. He is planning on transferring in the fall to the University of Saint Katherine. Barros said that the university will help pay for his education, while he plays for their soccer team. He said he does not know exactly what he wants to do with his business administration bachelor’s

degree once he receives it. However, Barros said he’s always wanted to open up a small business. Barros also said he’s interested in becoming a coach for a soccer team one day. He said that to achieve this he has to take it step by step, which means first accomplishing his goal of getting good grades.

Arts

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

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Convincing performances become highlight of ‘The Crucible’ BY GUSTAVO BUENROSTRO Staff Writer The Theater Arts Department delivers a great interpretation of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” with fantastic performances by East Los Angeles College students. The story is about a small town believing that some residents are being influenced by the devil and performing witchcraft. However, all of these accusations of people conspiring with the devil are made by a group of girls who say they were possessed by the devil but saw the light of God. The story is full of hypocrisy and lies that is committed by most of the characters in the play. In terms of story, nothing much is really changed for the play. However, for the play, there is a minimal set with a few chairs, benches and wooden beams. The actors set up the scene telling the audience where they are and if any time has passed from the last scene. It’s enough to let the audience know what’s going on. The background changes color to tell when a scene has

changed to a different location. The actors’ performances are the highlight of the play. The actors did an amazing job at conveying emotions, whether it was fear or anger. The main characters that carry the story forward are Abigail Williams, played by Miriam Menendez, and John Proctor, played by Jimmy Solis. Both Menendez and Solis are great in their roles. The anger Solis had in certain scenes could be felt, and the concern he showed for his wife, played by Gabriela Mendoza, was very convincing. Menendez perhaps has a harder role because she had to play a character that puts up an act. She plays the sweet, innocent girl in one scene and then plays a lying, manipulative one in the next. All the actors do a great job. It is very easy to become immersed in the play. There are moments during the May 18 performance where mistakers were made. Whether it’s slip up of words or something f a l l s o f f o f t h e c h a i r, t h e actors do a good job at playing it off that it can be seen as intentional. The pamphlet audiences receive

when they enter the Black Box Theater says a lot of the decisions made on stage are done by the actors. The small choices they make is what makes every performance of the play different. The play, however, is not a contemporary interpretation of “The Crucible” like Kelley Hogan said it would be in “‘The Crucible’ to be timeless at ELAC theater.” It is still set in the time period the book takes place in with no change in dialogue or wardrobe. Some people may have expected it to be a more modern interpretation. If that’s the case, they may be somewhat disappointed. “The Crucible” is another great play put on by the ELAC Theater Arts Department, and a lot of that has to do with the actors, the crew and the director of the play, Hogan. The play will run on Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. The admission fee is $10 if the ticket is bought beforehand. It’s $12 if bought at the door. If one has never been to a play before, “The Crucible” is definitely a good one to start off with.

CN/VICKY NGUYEN

A PRICE TO PAY—John Proctor, played by Jimmy Solis, can end the trials by admitting his affair with his former lover, the accuser Abigail Williams, played by Miriam Menendez, but it would mean sullying his own reputation in the process.

ELAC to hold its first Fringe Festival Students can perform anything from comedy routines to drag shows Staff Writer to poetry reading. Any of these acts would be considered for a spot during the festival. Martie Mendoza and Rachel “It’s really like a free-for-all Peralta from the East Los Angeles talent show for theater,” Peralta College club, Performance East, said. will host the East Fringe Festival Opening up the event to all on June 7. disciplines and students should also Peralta said the festival will be allow people who don’t venture into the first of its kind on campus, but the arts side of ELAC a chance to festivals of this type are conducted do so and see what the students do all over the world. there. These types of festivals usually East Fringe Festival is about focus on various facets of the art the arts, but also has a dual world, ranging from spoken word purpose. Mendoza said that it is a and dance to theater and music. two-pronged event— one side is Performance East is the Theater to allow students the chance to Art Department’s club and it fully perform, while the other is for the supports Mendoza and Peralta in festival to be a fundraising event. their efforts of putting together They will accept donations at the ELAC’s first Fringe Festival. event, with the money going to help The idea for the event came after Performance East eventually send the club saw a Fringe Festival at this its best performers to the KCACTF. year’s Kennedy Center’s American This prestigious event is for College Theater Festival. students to compete for a chance During a club meeting, the idea at winning scholarships and was brought up to put on a version recognition for their achievements of a Fringe Festival on campus. in sections ranging from lighting “Ms. Peralta and to set design in Ms. Mendoza, both theater. being in attendance, “It can be a volunteered “We want Fringe pricey event themselves in and most of our Fest to be an heading the students have never opportunity for planning of the had the opportunity event. We were students to express to attend an arts familiar with their festival, so it themselves, inspire i s P e r f o r m a n c e work ethic and passion for the arts, and become E a s t ’s d u t y t o so we graciously fundraise and inspired.” accepted them to spread awareness take the lead,” of our goals and said club President the amazing things Christopher that the Theater Christopher Magallanes Performance East Club Magallanes. Department does,” President Mendoza said Magallanes said. one reason to put Applicants for on this event is that the event need since there are so to include a one to five minute few spots in plays, students often synopsis of their performance. find themselves not really getting Their information and the a chance to participate in school synopsis should be emailed to events. eastfringefest@gmail.com. The festival was put together For more information or questions to give these students a chance to on the event, students can check showcase their skills. The festival the group’s Instagram account @ would also give newer students eastfringefest. who had not participated during the Mendoza said applications will be semester a chance to show what they taken until June 7 at 10 a.m. or until were capable of doing. all the spots are filled.Magallanes The event is free to participate in and Performance East hope for the and the duo encouraged all ELAC best out of the event. students to apply for a spot in the “We want Fringe Fest to be an show. Mendoza said that ELAC opportunity for students to express students could use the event as themselves, inspire and become an outlet for some of their hidden inspired,” Magallanes said. talents. “The event starts at 7:30 p.m. She said that some disciplines on and should be done by 9:30 p.m. campus are not about being artistic However, we do not know how long and don’t allow for much creativity. the show will be until we have the The festival can be an outlet for show mapped out,” Mendoza said. some students to show off their The event will take place in the artistic sides. P2 building.

BY JUAN CALVILLO

CN/STEPHANIE GUEVARA

THE OPENING OF THE NIGHT—Music Department chair and voice professor Anthony Lupica directs St. Bede Choir and ELAC Chamber Chorale as they sing Mozart’s “The Requiem K 626” on Saturday at St. Bede Venerable Church.

Rendition of Mozart’s requiem invokes nostalgia BY STEPHANIE GUEVARA Staff Writer The Chamber Chorale of East Los Angeles College partnered with the the Choir of St. Bede to deliver a graceful performance of W.A. Mozart’s “The Requiem K 626” on Saturday. “The Requiem” is Mozart’s final composition in Latin, which he offered to the Catholic church before his death. Only the first two movements were complete until Austrian composer Franz Xaver Süssmayr

finished it to commemorate the anniversary of his dead wife. “The Requiem” in D minor is a requiem mass that Mozart started in Vienna. ELAC and St. Bede set the tone of the night as they sang the first movement in a soothing way. The evening began with “Introitus,” a piece that starts off instrumentally. The Chamber Orchestra provided an intense melody, which the piece required, followed by a powerful vocal entrance. At times, the piece is soothing and nostalgic, which will leave the

audiences in awe. Their voices resonated throughout St. Bede Venerable Church. Among the St. Bedes Choir were the voices of ELAC alumni alto Bianca Garcia, tenor Franke Lopez and bass Sam Aguirre. They were among the four who performed solos throughout the night. As part of the first movement, ELAC graduates performed solos and then came together in harmony. The soloists showcased their best vocal talent of the night as they sang “Offertorium.” It had a loud choir entrance

followed by the four soloists. They finished the piece in unison. Aguirre started off the solo part in a low-register voice, followed by Galicia, Lopez and Thelen in a high-register voice. Music Department chair Dr. Anthony Lupica was the director of the night. To conclude the night, the choir gave a melancholic feel to “Communio.” Lupica explained to the audience that Süssmayr decided to finish the Requiem with “Communio” to commemorate his dead wife.

Dancers pull heartstrings and inspire BY MARIA MARROQUIN MONROY Staff Writer East los Angeles College recital hall hosted The Let’s Dance Company’s 14th Repertoire Dance Concert, composed of 12 performances of different styles. A great mixture of colors and lighting created an enjoyable ambience for audiences. A few of the performances stood out like “Livin’ on a prayer,” taking people back to the ’80s, “Salsa,” awakening the Latin flavor, the opening performance “Amazon” transported the crowd into an electric nature vibe and “Be, Be Your Love” incited emotional vibes to the crowd. “I loved it because it felt like they pulled the strings of your heart with that performance. You can tell they worked hard and it was definitely worth it. It was fantastic. I loved every bit of it,” Lewis Powell, ELAC student, said. Kimberly Rabins, Artistic Director of LDC choreographed 8 out of the 12 pieces performed and while she loves all of them

for different reasons, she said “‘Be, be your love’ speaks to numerous people because it is about relationships and love, that always gets people feeling things that they are familiar with.” The performances had an assigned costume that worked perfectly with the theme of each dance. The costumes were flashy, but not so much that they took the attention away from the dancers. Crystal Ramos has been with the company for three years and she said they have to learn about 4 to 5 dances a month. They practice about six hours a day during school hours and continue at home. “We have to listen to our music at home and we have to close our eyes for a minute or two and go through the routine in our head. If you don’t see yourself performing it, then you can’t do it,” Ramos said. She is a criminal justice major at ELAC, but she plans to transfer and pursue a dancing major elsewhere. Dianne Casillas and Eduardo Benavidez, parents of Isabella Benavidez, said they enjoy seeing

their daughter perform. Benavidez who has been a part of the company for three years said she has been dancing since she was in high school and while she is still undecided on what major to follow, dancing is her passion and she plans to continue with it. “She’s hinted in the past she wants to stop, but she keeps coming back and the way she performs comes natural to her,” her father said. Former ELAC nursing student Alma Castro attended the event with her sister and her aspiring dancer 5 year old daughter. “I enjoyed seeing her (the d a u g h t e r ’s ) r e a c t i o n t o t h e performances. She was very inspired and really wants to grow up and dance like them,” Castro said. People in attendance were asked by event organizers to not use their cellphones during the performances, so they can fully experience the present. “I thought it was interesting because we are so used to recording everything. The fact that during the performances, they kept stopping

people from using their cellphones kind of made them focus (on) the dancers so that was great,” said attendee of the event Jose Campos. Rabins said they usually choose between 20 to 30 people, but they’ve had larger companies in the past. To join LDC, students have to audition in front of a panel of judges. “I think it is important for interested candidates to be prepared for the audition,” she said. “They should make sure they have their application filled out, a resume and a headshot. We always look for students/dancers who are organized and have good time management skills. It is essential to being a part of a dance company.” The LDC will host auditions tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the S2 building in room 106. “We look for candidates who really have a passion for dance. We want candidates to have the time commitment to be in company like this,” Rabins said. For more information to join the LDC, students can visit www. ldcweb.com.

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Features Vibrant dolls bring muralist’s experiences to life 8

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE CAMPUS NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019

East L.A. artist expresses herself through her spraypainted street art BY LUIS CASTILLA Staff Writer

It’s hard not to notice the murals of curvy girls with long, exaggerated eyelashes when driving around East Los Angeles. The person behind these dolls, as she calls them, is Los Angeles-based Latina artist Sand One. “L.A. is my playground. The streets are my gallery,” One said. Most people just catch a glimpse of her dolls as they drive by, but to One, they represent periods in her life and obstacles she overcame to get to where she is. “Every doll represents an emotion or an issue that I’ve dealt with personally through me becoming an adult,” One said. One grew up in East L.A. and briefly attended East Los Angeles College. She began drawing her dolls when she was about nine years old. When a teacher praised one of her drawings, it sparked in her an unquenchable desire for the acknowledgment and recognition of others. “I could never get over that feeling of someone telling me how dope my stuff was, how beautiful my drawings were. I became like an addict,” One said. One wasn’t satisfied with just praise, though. She wanted people to see more than just a pretty drawing. She wanted people to see her perseverance and determination when they looked at her dolls. “These dolls are not just a little cartoon. I’ve taken these dolls very, very far. These dolls have been on TV. These dolls are on books. These dolls have travelled the world. These dolls are known by many women,” One said. One first started selling her art in downtown Los Angeles at the age of 16. She began painting murals in 2009. Often , she wouldn’t get paid. She said travelling and seeing all that existed outside East L.A. inspired her to want more out of her art.

CN/JULIE SANTIAGO

CN/JULIE SANTIAGO

COLLECTORS UNITE—Collectors of Sand One’s art gather at her gallery in South Gate

SPITTING FIRE—Sand One explains how each of her dolls

“I want to drive that guy’s car. I want to look like that girl. I want to eat in that place,” One said. “Do I belong there? Are they gonna know I’m a paisa from East L.A.?” One’s dolls are heavily inspired by her mother, Maria Flores. Flores is a native of Mexico City. After immigrating to the United States, she raised her three children as a single mother. She left her abusive husband and worked at a lunch truck where she made $5 an hour. Watching her mother work hard for such little pay motivated One to improve her mother’s standard of living. “How do I get my mom out of the struggle? How do I pull her out of that $5, mediocre job and put her in my world full of dollars?” One said. “She’s in my world now. She’s no longer working that job that I hated with that stupid boss that I hated. She’s no longer silent,” One said.

has long nails and wears big hoop earrings because when One was a child, her mother used to dress the same way and the two would spend time at a nail salon on Whittier Boulevard. “They (the dolls) aren’t her drawings, they are her daughters,” Flores said. Many of One’s murals can be found adorning the sides of small businesses. “I like to paint for the Mexicans, for the Latinos, for the women and the minorities, so when I look for a business, I find it,” Sand said. “I usually look for businesses that are broken that need help. It’s my way of giving back to the community.” One said business owners become her doll’s godparents because they have to take care of it. She paints their businesses free of charge, although she does ask for water

during a Mother’s Day event.

Love was East Los Angeles something One had Women’s Center and come to hate. In clothes to women’s “Every doll 2014, she realized shelters. represents an that love was holding Working at a lunch her back from truck taught One the emotion or unlocking her true value of negotiating. an issue that potential. If she noticed that a She left her family didn’t have I’ve dealt with boyfriend of six enough money to personally years and began pay for their meal, focusing on her art. she would accept through me “I did not have the whatever money becoming an right to be a lover they had. Now when I was broke that she has her adult.” with no money. My own merchandise, SAND ONE mom did not hop the she still allows Artist border for me to be a customers to pay lover chasing men,” what they can, and One said. they never forget to Many of One’s fans identify with bring the rest later. her and her dolls. One said she One gives every doll a name, a encourages women to leave their backstory and even a horoscope. dead-end or abusive relationships. “Chola Nails” represents her mother One has donated art to the and One’s childhood. The doll

represents a struggle she overcame.

when it gets too hot out. Although she paints for the small business owner, One has also worked with big companies like Coca Cola, Levi’s and the National Basketball Association. “I could have been there, stuck, stagnant, not moving and shy, just hiding behind my art like a lot of artists do, but the taco lady in me was like ‘a vender,’” One said. Today, One has her own gallery in South Gate, a wide variety of merchandise and a private factory where she creates her art. Although she has become more well-known in recent years, One chooses to remain close to home because she wants to be around families. “I want to be accessible to all my followers,” One said. Her mother said she is proud of how far One has come. “She is what she is because she is strong,” Flores said.

BY IVAN CAZARES Staff Writer Luis Angel Cano captures part of the aesthetic and pop culture influences of East Los Angeles using plastic toys and polymer clay. Perhaps the hand-crafted figure that best represents his style is a figure of the “Muppets” character Gonzo who wears clothes styled after Hunter S. Thompson in the film adaptation of the book “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Thompson, an infamous American journalist recognized for fathering Gonzo journalism was close friends with Oscar Zeta Acosta, a Chicano attorney and activist, so Cano

created a figure of Acosta using a Fozzie Bear toy based on his depiction in the film as well. The duo have become some of Cano’s best sellers. C a n o , a 3 4 - y e a r- o l d E a s t L.A. native, said “geek culture” is prominent among Latinos even though there is a lack of representation in comics and other forms of pop-culture. That’s why many of his figures are “East L.A. inspired.” One his first series of figures were made using Homies, a popular capsule toy line inspired by the Chicano lifestyle and aesthetic. He left the bodies mostly intact but sculpted the heads of “Star Wars” characters on them.

CN/IVAN CAZARES

HECHO EN EAST LOS—Jose Luis Cano, an East LA artist, creates hand-crafted figures influenced by pop-culture and East LA culture. His Bull-Terrier, Poe is a central figure in much of his art www.ELACCampusNews.com

A self-proclaimed social media which isn’t easy, but I think the introvert, Cano avoided using for a hardest is making something long time. Despite his trepidations, small and removable like Gonzo’s his friends convinced him to use glasses.” them to promote his work, and The clay Cano uses is usually he’s seen success because of it. baked when used for sculpting, but He’s a returning guest at this year’s he boils it instead to avoid setting Designer Con and Latino Comic fires by throwing plastic figures Con, and will have a booth at in the oven.Cano makes molds the third annual East LA Comic of the custom figures for limited Book, Art and Pop-Culture Expo productions and hand paints the (C.A.P.E.) final products. “Most of our artists are from East “I like blending unrelated things L.A. and other local communities. because it reminds of East L.A., Everyone is independent in a which is just a mixture of cultures,” way,” said Peter Mellini, owner Cano said. “I was always good at of Nostalgic Books and Comics sculpting even when I was a kid and founder of playing with East LA C.A.P.E. Play-Doh, and “The whole point I wanted to see of the show is things that just “I like blending to showcase the weren’t out unrelated things independent there. So, if artists. It’s really because it reminds me you can’t find cool, because I’ve it, make it. I’ve gotten to meet of East L.A. which is just a l s o a l w a y s amazing artist I a mixture of cultures.” been obsessed probably would with bootleg have never heard Mexican toys, of otherwise. I so now I make JOSE LUIS CANO Artist would have been my own.” happy if 100 C a n o people showed up attended East to the first show, but the support we Los Angeles College to improve got was crazy, and now here we are his sculpting skills and said he on our third show.” developed sculpting techniques he C a n o w o r k s u s i n g m o s t l y wouldn’t have learned otherwise. handmade and repurposed tools “I consider returning to school out of a small studio in the east pretty often, but I suppose I’ve side surrounded by other projects, become accustomed to a certain including paintings, car and lifestyle and working with my motorcycle restorations. hands. I had to leave school because A Whittier Boulevard street I had to help my family financially, sign Cano acquired when a drunk but I do think about going back.” driver ran into it near his home Silvia Cano, Luis Angel’s mom, prominently displayed overhead said they discovered his affinity for in the studio, his vast vinyl record sculpting and art at young age when collection can almost be heard even a school teacher pointed it out. when the vintage jukebox in his “He’s always been good at living room isn’t spinning. Poe, a working with his hands and is very Bull Terrier, enthusiastically wags creative. He’d create animals out of his tail as Cano works. Play-Doh as a kid and liked to draw He mostly uses a technique used a lot,” Silvia said. in the toy industry called kitbashing, “I’m a fan of art myself, even which is used by designers to pitch though I’m not particularly good at products to companies. Cano mixes it, so of course it was easy for me and matches toy parts for the base to support him. I’m really proud of his creations, then sculpts around of him, and I’m happy others are the figure using clay. recognizing his talent,” she said. “For Zeta I used a Fozzie Bear, Cano will be at East L.A. because that’s the Muppet that C.A.P.E. June 1 at El Gallo Plaza worked best for his look,” he said. and at Designer con at the Anaheim “The shirt is from a Happy Meal toy, Convention Center Nov. 23-25 for and I sculpted the rest from scratch. Designer Con. He can be followed I like to make the figures articulated on Instagram @hecho_en_east_los.

CN/DIEGO LINARES

Sculptor geeks out East Los style

CONDINA—Marco Lopez, a founding member of Condina Records, returns to ELAC to visit the Philosophy Department.

Elac alum jumpstarts record label BY DIEGO LINARES Staff Writer Marco Lopez is a philosophy major and was a founding member of a record label/cassette tape cooperative while attending community college. Lopez grew up in Boyle Heights and dropped out of Lincoln High School before his planned graduation in 2010. He attended East Los Angeles College a few years later. “I love ELAC,” Lopez said. “If it wasn’t for ELAC, I wouldn’t be in school right now.” Lopez has since transferred and now attends University of California, Berkeley. In an interview with media outlet We Are Mitú, Lopez said Condina Records spawned from cundina, a term used in Mexico to represent community-based funding. It is popular with working-class people who put funds into a pot, and dates are scheduled where group members can use that sum of money. Condina Records currently has more than 10 members who have released 20 projects on the online platform Bandcamp. Some members of the label met through an online forum called 404 Freaks, while others met each other through word of mouth and local shows. The SP 404 is a sound sampling workstation created by Roland Manufacturing, a Japanese company specializing in electronic musical instruments. Avocado Blood is the only band in the cooperative with members and brothers Anthony and Christopher Velazquez, who also attended ELAC. Anthony said that although there is a range of music-from electronic, house, trance, hip-hop and the

music Avocado Blood producesthere is a cohesive effort put forth when releasing music. “I guess the kaleidoscope of style, is our style. It’s what Condina is,” Anthony said. Lopez said that the Roland SP 404 was one of the common threads that allowed people to meet each other.“It was a way to make music without a computer interface, or computer,” Lopez said. “(Anthony) had a sampler too, and so when we were starting the collective we were trying to be diverse.” The brothers have been playing together since 2017, upon the return of older sibling Anthony, who had returned from a trip to Mexico with songs. Anthony said that he appreciates being part of a record label and the team-building experiences. “It’s allowed us to participate as a collective,” Anthony said. “Even if someone’s not there – like one member is busy with work or life – there are a lot of other members to pick up the slack.” Lopez stays an active member by DJing in L.A. and the Bay Area, as well as organizing events. He said that although he hasn’t created music lately, he’s still able to be part of the collective. “It’s interesting. People step up and step back,” Lopez said. The cooperative has worked with record labels like Rotu and GRN+GLD, as well as DJs like Angela “Spiñorita” Ramirez, who has a segment on NTS Radio called Casual Play. Condina Records has a residency at a gallery with members of the collective Chewing Foil. The next show will be on Saturday at 9 p.m. with guests Love Cast, Memory Den and Yungatita, a member of group Katzú Oso.