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Collegian Los Angeles
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Volume 175 Number 2
neWs BrieFs
The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
CoMPileD By Collegian STaFF
HELICOPTER CIRCLES CAMPUS LAPD helicopters circled the Martin Luther King Library for a short period of time around 12:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28. Police were in pursuit of a mentally ill female on the run in the area. To inquire about LAPD helicopter activity around the city contact (213) 485-2600.
The Da Vinci Gallery will display selected works by artists from the Tierra del Sol Foundation. The exhibition compiled by various artists can be seen from Oct. 5 to Oct. 29. An interactive discussion with Rebecca Hamm, the Director of Tierra del Sol Foundation, will be hosted Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Da Vinci Gallery. A reception will be hosted from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. after the exhibition.
CLUBS TAKE OVER QUAD PhoTo illUSTraTion By CUrTiS SaBir/Collegian
BLaCK art sParKs DisCUssion By ClinTon CaMeron
UCLA REPRESENTATIVES VISIT CAMPUS TO ASSIST STUDENTS Prospective UCLA students are encouraged to reserve a spot at the University Transfer Center for a workshop on Monday, Oct. 19, from noon to 1 p.m. that will take place in Franklin Hall Room 117.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER CONDUCTS STUDENT WORKSHOPS Thursday, April 2 from 1-2 p.m. in Room 109G in the Administration Building, students will be advised on how to write proper and appealing cover letters for prospective employers. Students are required to bring a hard copy of both their resume and cover letter. No sign-up required. For more information call the Career and Job Development Center at (323) 953-4000 X2210.
More than 50 people entered Da Vinci Gallery on the first day of the autumnal (fall) equinox to see artist Isabelle Lutterodt’s conversation on her latest book and Los Angeles City College exhibit “Erasure/agitation.” Students filed into the gallery and stood behind many individuals in seats. Others listened from outside through the open sliding door. “[e]rasure/agitation’s” reference to marginalization, rebellion and race titles both Lutterodt’s book and art exhibit. Art department instructors Mark Steven Greenfield and Elizabeth Lopez joined Lutterodt to help host the discussion. In her book and exhibit, Lutterodt explored rural areas relevant to Frederick Douglass as well as abolitionist John Brown. She brought a camera, tripod and film to take black
and white photos and capture the visual intent of her work. In her photographs, she addressed the marginalization of her subjects. She called this marginalization “erasure.” She merged these issues together with the contemporary issues through the Black Lives Matters movement. “If Black lives matter, then do something, “ she said. “If Black lives matter, then say something.” Lutterodt said. Her work ties Black Lives Matters to “erasure/agitation” by echoing the sentiment of the past presented through the visual presentation of her photographs and quotes from Douglass and Brown. Later, she revisits the issue of the Black Lives Matter movement during the discussion. This is where she expanded on the identifying qualities that encompass agitation and brought more clarity to the concept.
Homeless Seek Shelter on Campus
“I think there is a need to drill down deeply in a singular way before we look at ‘All Lives Matter,’” Lutterodt said. “I think there is a need to have a focus on Black lives matter, Latino lives matter, (and) Tans lives matter because it allows for there to be a focus on something that hasn’t had that singular focus.” Her discussion began with a personal story of growing up outside of Maryland. Despite spending much of her childhood in the Baltimore area, she found very little information about Douglass: a hometown hero from more than 100 years ago. This occurred despite his name appearing in every public high school history book in America. “Somehow it dawned on me that [Baltimore] is where Frederick Douglass grew up,” Lutterodt said. “So, I really wanted to understand where was there a memory of him in the
landscape.” Douglass was born a slave in the 19th century. After he escaped slavery in his early 20s, he went on to be one of the most prominent black leaders in America. In 1888, Douglass became the first African American to be nominated for the president of the United States. One of the ways Lutterodt addressed “agitation,” in her work was through quotes of Douglass and Brown embedded in the photographs. A blown up photograph of the area where Douglass was born in a cabin in 1800 hung on the wall just to the right of Da Vinci Hall’s entrance. Within the photograph a Douglass’ quote made a strong call for agitation. SEE BLACK ART PAGE 6
Vox Pop: Students React to ‘Straight Outta Compton’
IDEAS AT UCR TO OFFER HELP FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS UC Riverside representatives will be on campus Wednesday, Oct. 14 conducting an admissions workshop. Potential UCR students are invited to attend the workshop from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Admissions Building Room 203. In addition, individual appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration is required for individual counseling sessions.
PhoTo By DaVe MarTin/Collegian
Collegian reporter Vanessa Hernandez talks to students about the movie “Straight Outta Compton.” The film chronicles the creation of N.W.A., the hip-hop group that changed the nation with artists like Ice Cube, Eazy E and Dr. Dre. To view the video visit the official Collegian Wired YouTube channel.
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INDEX Opinion Arts & Entertainment Sports News Campus Life Reporter’s Notebook
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Chemistry Building Burglary Remains Unsolved By eMManUella DUrogene
‘A TRAIN OF THOUGHT’ TO ARRIVE AT DA VINCI GALLERY
Club Rush will take place in the Quad on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15, from noon until 2 p.m. Students are welcome to converse with members of various clubs. They will have an opportunity to meet new people and possibly join a club at LACC.
ELEPHANT’S GRAVEYARD
PhoTo By Jorge PonCe/Collegian
A homeless woman finds shelter in the women’s restroom on the first floor of the Chemistry Building on Sept. 17, 2015. There have been numerous accounts where campus police have escorted vagrants from the college campus for sleeping and using the facilities to shower. According to the Los Angeles Times, there has been an increase of 12 percent in the homeless population in the last two years. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City Council have promised to commit at least $100 million next year for housing projects and rent subsidies aimed at the homeless.
TO HEAR WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT “STRAIGHT OUT OF COMPTON” or visit https://youtu.be/RVx5lK4YiFg
There are no new clues in the burglary of the Collegian computer laboratory, where 22 IMACS were stolen on April 14, 2015 according to the L.A. County Sheriffs. Police Detective Robert S. Ruiz continues to investigate by interviewing people on and off campus including students, professors, maintenance employees and homeless individuals. Police do not know how many persons entered the Chemistry Building and second floor laboratory, but they say someone entered the classroom and walked out with the new computers. The computers were valued at $47,000. Ruiz says there were no signs of forced entry. “We looked into websites, several websites, where we might find the stuff for sale,” Ruiz told the Collegian. “We have not found anything, so there. At this point there’s no leads.” There are no security cameras in the Chemistry Building, but Ruiz says he has taken fingerprints, interviewed homeless individuals adjacent to the campus, and he checked for security cameras in the neighborhood and at the Catholic Charities. Anyone with any information on the burglary can contact Detective Ruiz at (323) 669-7555 or (323 8212254. Police say they will provide anonymity to anyone who comes forward.
ChiCano’s Dream For Union, LiBertY HE IS ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL SOCIAL ACTIVISTS OF THE LAST 100 YEARS. HE SAW AN INJUSTICE IN AN AFFLUENT STATE WHERE MANY LIVED WELL AND OTHERS SUFFERED. By ToMaS roDrigUeZ In Hispanic culture, Cesar Chavez is the symbol of hope and hard work. Students on campus walk by the Cesar Chavez Administration Building every day, probably without giving much thought to the leader. Not only did he devote his life to improve working conditions and treatment for farm workers, but he was a civil rights activist, according to the Cesar Chavez Foundation. During Hispanic Heritage Month 10 states celebrate the works of Chavez and his influence over Latinos nationwide. He established the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, but his peaceful protest methods still provide a model for peaceful demonstrations today. Chavez was born on March 31, 1927 in Yuma, Arizona, a first generation Mexican-American. His family sold their farm in Arizona because of the impact of the Great Depression. They eventually moved to California and found jobs as migrant workers. After completing his eighth grade education, Chavez began working full time in the fields to help support his family. He soon faced the adversity of working in the field. The field paid low wages and working conditions were poor. Chavez joined the Navy during WWII. After he returned home he met Fred Ross, a community organizer who was part of the Community Service Organization (CSO). Ross was well-known by the Latino community for his work against racial and economic discrimination. SEE CHAVEZ PAGE 6
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opinion & editorial
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 30, 2015
COMPILED BY Hector Lopez PHOTOS BY Tomas Rodriguez
What are your thoughts on the PHYSICIAN Assisted Suicide bill, AB-15, YET TO BE APpROVED BY GOV. JERRY BROWN?
Amy Baldwin- Sweetman Psychology Professor
Sofya Daronyna Biology Major
Mario Giron Psychology Major
“I think it’s a good bill. I would support it because it’s the person’s choice on how much they want to suffer and it should be up to them if they choose to live or die.”
“I do not think it is right. I feel it’s not right. It’s really hard to explain it. From a religious perspective, I think God decides when you get to die and not yourself.”
“No one has the right to take a life away. I think that only God decides if you are alive or if you die. It shouldn’t be a question about if the law passes or not, it’s between you and God alone.”
Jacqueline Cole Graphic Design Major “I think that this law is a phenomenal idea. Many people are forced to extend their lives ... the quality of life that these sick people are forced into isn’t great.”
Letter to the Editor:
Editorial
Turning Tragedy Into Greatness By Nicolas Forbes
illustration by Jose Tobar/Collegian
T
LAPD Takes Wrong Turn with Electric Cars
wo carmakers granted the Los Angeles Police Department permission to lease two all-electric cars to their fleet within the next year. The idea is for departments like police, fire, water, and general services to rely on all-electric cars and build on a “green fleet.” It sounds like a good idea for several reasons, but it is not the right decision for the LAPD. The LAPD will test a Tesla Model S P85D and a BMW i3. LAPD unveiled the brand new souped-up vehicles on Sept. 11. Both models got the police car treatment: the iconic black and whites, the police decals, and the blue and red light bar on top.
According to city officials, the use of these all-electric cars will save 41 percent on operating costs per vehicle annually. The specs on both cars are a better option to what is currently available to police officers, but this is a classic scenario of “too good to be true.” The cars that are going to be tested are considered luxury vehicles and for them to be utilized as police cars is baffling. The asking price for the Tesla is $105,000, and the BMW is the cheaper of the two coming in at $42,400. There are cheaper electric alternatives. That is really expensive for electric cars that are only going to be tested. If the purpose of the test is
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to monitor electric vehicles for government use, why then doesn’t the LAPD elect to use cheaper electric cars for this test trial? There are other vehicles that are considerably cheaper than what they are testing, so it seems like a shame to just test these luxurious cars for a short period of time, and then downgrade to something less appealing. It would be the equivalent of test-driving a Ferrari when you really only have money to purchase a Toyota. One of the most disturbing things about this test run is the potential misuse of money. Just because LAPD is test-driving these cars, it does not necessarily mean that they will ac-
tually buy the cars, but the fact that they are test-driving these specific luxurious cars is troubling because there is a potential that they could be purchased down the road. If there is money allocated from the budget to buy cars, there should be money to better train officers. LAPD has a long history of using excessive force with civilians and that has to change. It is better use to spend money to educate police officers on how to deal with different situations, how to better relate to people better, and improve their training them rather than supplying unnecessary cars that are not a necessity. California is a trendsetter, and the LAPD are pursuing the wrong trend.
Write a Letter to the Editor email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com CALL: 323.953.4000 ext. 2831 Letters may be edited for brevity.
An article in the Los Angeles City College Collegian that ran on Nov. 5, 2014 “Protestors Demand Justice For Victims of Transgender Violence,” recounted the recent tragedy near LACC. Three unknown men shot Aniya Parker, a transgender woman, in the back of the head. The incident occurred a few blocks from the campus. Parker’s murder is one of three incidents involving hate crimes toward transgenders this year. Following the recent tragedy, Kerri Cecil, an aspiring transgender and film student at LACC, had voiced her outrage toward police and the news media for portraying the incident as a robbery that led to a murder instead of labeling it a hate crime. Cecil took the opportunity to organize a movement of students to protest their concerns at City Hall in Downtown Los Angeles last October. A front-page photo that ran with the article showed a group of protesters at City Hall holding signs that read, “Trans Lives Matter” and
“We Are Here.” The article demonstrates that even the most devastating incidents, such as this one, can bring awareness to students and encourage them to exercise their right to free speech and voice their opinions. The tragedy of Parker’s murder in the Collegian article has brought about awareness to students and professors who need to be more understanding and accepting to others of different backgrounds, ethnicities and beliefs. This particular incident can serve as a perfect opportunity to have the community college establish support groups for students. LACC can provide a new model that takes a tragedy and changes it into a positive that can educate students in elementary, middle and high school. We should develop college courses that include content about transgenders in psychology, health and other courses for students. In order to gain awareness and understanding about people who are transgender, LACC should introduce information on transgender issues in the classroom.
‘Brat’ Returns to Rain on Your Personal Parade By Mike Skiff El Niño, a periodic weather phenomenon that could bring much needed rain to drought-stricken Southern California, is predicted to pay us a visit in the coming months. The brat is back, and I am not talking about your hyperactive nephew. In the past, El Niño has led to major flooding, mudslides and even death. It can also mess with campus life in many ways. Southern California enjoys pleasant weather much of the year. It makes transportation by car, bus, bicycle, skateboard and by foot an option on most days. However, rainstorms can quickly make getting around much more difficult. This can affect life on campus by causing delays in getting to class. You wake up in the morning and see it is a gray and rainy day and you have to get to class. Those who have cars face poor driving conditions like slick roads, limited visibility and traffic delays. Drivers become impatient because they are running late, causing traffic and accidents along the way. If you rely on a bike or a skate-
board to get about normally, you are probably forced to forego your regular ride. Biking in the rain is a big risk. No one enjoys getting soaked to the bone. Repeated rainstorms can lead to destruction and reduce visibility of the roads with hidden potholes. You’re contending with distracted drivers running late to their destinations. A mash-up with a car can ruin your day, if not change your life with injury. You decide to take public transportation, but so does everyone else. The buses are packed and you may have to wait for the next one. They too, are running late from the combination of increased passengers and driving conditions. So you make it to class late, like many other students, delaying the start of class. On the way you may have passed someone who has slipped while walking, injuring themselves. Planning for these storms can make a big difference to you and others. Storms delay people; it is a fact of life. This semester, prepare for the changes that rain can bring. Factor into your commute the additional time it will probably take you to reach campus: what may have been normally a 20-minute trip, may now take 40 minutes. Rainy days can be stressful enough without the downfalls pun intended - of running late. You know the brat is coming. Prepare.
opinion & editorial We Won’t Go Down Without a Fight! BY STEPHAnIE CHAvEz Being told that your family is full of rapists and criminals is wrong. Donald Trump has decided to lash out at immigrants during his presidential campaign. Trump’s words spread like wildfire throughout media headlines. Those same words sparked a need of change in the Hispanic community. However, the Latino community has to thank Trump for waking up their need to vote. Over the past years, Latinos have not registered to vote due to their legal status, or be-
ing uneducated about voting. Only 48 percent of Hispanics voted in the 2012 Presidential Elections, according to the Brookings Institution. Now that Trump has threatened to build an enormous wall along the border and deport children and families of undocumented immigrants back to their “home land”, Latinos from around the country are rallying to get ready to vote out Trump. I can only imagine the frustration immigrants might feel if Trump ever became President of the United States. Many immigrants have begun to protest against Trump’s campaign. Latino residents are becoming U.S. citizens to obtain the ability to vote in the 2016 elections. Even fellow citizens who come from descendants of immigrant families are going to rally against Trump. Trump decided not only to put a
halt on the immigration reform, but he targeted Mexicans. Many vendors have made piñatas in honor of Trump for the wrong reasons. The piñata gets hit around with the stick until it is broken and sweets fall out. Mexicans aren’t the only immigrants in the nation; they can be anyone from around the world. If Trump decides to make a wall against the Mexican border, what does he suggest we do for our ports? How about the Canadian border? Sadly, Trump has led the polls in the early stages of the presidential race, but once Latinos start voting, I’m pretty sure Trump isn’t going to be their top pick. Even if he is not the choice of the Republicans, he has already sparked a fire within the Latino community to go out and vote.
Discovering My Cultural Identity BY IGMAR HERnAnDEz As a child of Latino immigrant parents who embrace Salvadoran culture, tradition and food in the U.S., I have always felt distanced from it all. Growing up around a Latino neig hb orhood would make you think that I would end up with cultural pride, something that other kids may have at an early age. As for myself I have always felt like I did not belong. I could not embrace
or enjoy the very people of my own ethnicity. In high school, kids my age would speak Spanish at school, but I did not follow that stage cue. I could not connect with my ethnic group. I did not know why I would act so different. Every time I thought I did not belong, it would send me into some sort of dread. If I said I did not want to be Latino, would it come off as being negative toward my own ethnic group and the struggles we experience? Every time I hear or read about the accomplishments of many wellknown Hispanic historical figures, I did not care. I am unsure if it is because I am detached from my culture or is it that I do not care about our history. If I simply said, “I do not want to
be Hispanic,” would it be wrong? Would I be judged because I am not acting like I should be according to what society has labeled me? Would it come off as saying “I am trying to be white?” Having your entire life focused on your ethnic culture and its social norms has made people proud of who they are and where they are from. Writers, artists and public figures proudly proclaim their ethnic background. As for myself, I would rather be recognized as a citizen, an American. I find that being labeled Hispanic requires you to be labeled with the rest of society, and it is something we have to live with. I believe just being human is something to be proud of, regardless of what background you are from.
Transgender Violence Continues Unchecked BY MARIAnET TIRADO Even though the approval for gay marriage has risen, it is time that the people in power shine a light on the plight that transgender individuals face in the U.S. On June 26, 2015, President Barrack Obama publicly praised the Supreme Court’s decision to vote in favor of gay marriage throughout the nation. Millions around the country, both gay and straight, celebrated what many considered “a victory for America.” The same has happened throughout the world in various countries and cities. Officials and civilians have shown their support for the LGBT community. Although it seems that our nation and the rest of the world is progressing, the numbers
of transgender murders has increased in the last few years. According to Advocate.com, a website specializing in LGBT news, this year alone there have been a total of 18 murders of transgender women in this country. These numbers have encouraged many activist groups to mobilize and demand justice for these victims. There have been a number of protests emphasizing the importance of respect when handling these incidents. Activist groups claim authorities and the media have done a poor job of exposing this issue, and often provide misleading information to the public. In October of 2014, Aniya Parker was murdered after a confrontation with three men near Los
Angeles City College. Parker’s murder, like countless other murders of transgender women, was labeled as a “robbery gone wrong”. During a press conference, Parker’s sister expressed her dissatisfaction with that conclusion on what was clearly a hate crime. After researching and reading articles on murders like Parker’s, “a robbery gone wrong” continues to be the cause of the deadly outcomes. In some cases, authorities and the media have avoided mentioning the transitioning state of the victim and deny that these victims were targeted. In order to bring awareness to this trans phobia epidemic, authorities and the media have to acknowledge that these individuals were victims of a hate crime.
Financial Aid Requirements Leave Students Running on Fumes BY DERAIL HAMPTOn “Who?!” I asked. My face increasingly got scrunched up, as my eyes grew wide. “Who is making too much money?!” I asked again. The financial aid representative, tired and weary from such a long day dealing with students simply said, “You.” I had been awarded financial aid, but I could not receive any of it, because of something called an “Expected Family Contribution” and it said I made too much money in 2014. As a single man without kids who only worked nine months and was laid off last September, I was shocked.
Do you need to make like $200 per year to get financial aid in California? I do not know about the actual numbers, but what I do know is that no one would ask for aid unless they really needed it. The way financial aid is set up must change. You fill out an incredibly long application, answer several difficult questions, upload files, many times only to encounter 404 errors. By the time you are finished with your FAFSA application, you are most likely starting to fill out your children’s application. OK, that is a stretch, but the process continues with you waiting for your school to approve it. Now apparently, your boy is Daddy Warbucks here at LACC, and doesn’t need any assistance, but I do! I was even told that I didn’t qualify for Extended Opportunity Program & Services, or EOP&S. Luckily for me, I guess, is the fact that because I am a United States
Navy veteran, I get my GI Bill benefits, but that is not until the end of the month, and that may not even happen, because you know how slow the government can be with aid, see “Katrina, Hurricane.” The system is flawed and broken. If one dares to apply for financial aid, then they most likely need it. Yes, I have stated this several times, but it is warranted. I say to the officials in charge: Find an efficient way to determine financial need and distribute the aid expeditiously. We have infinite dollars for wars and prisons, but never enough for education. And we wonder why China is whooping our backsides. Financial aid is for financial hardships, no question about it. Let’s grant it to those who need it and leave the “who’s?” to owls … those smart owls with the graduation caps and monocles. I bet you they got financial aid and look how distinguished they look.
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Time to See Women in a Different Light BY TYLER ROSE RAY My thoughts on sexism. It still exists. Think about it. A man can walk around without his shirt, but if a woman does it, it is seen as indecent. A man can have multiple sex partners, but if a woman does, then she “doesn’t have any self-respect.” Why is that? It is because women are viewed as sexual objects in society, rather than human beings with a thought process. A woman should have the right to do as she pleases with her body, just as a man has the right to do as he pleases. A woman can be nude and people have no problem with it, but if she is breast-feeding in public it is gross and frowned upon. The simple fact is that women can only be seen for their sexual nature, rather than as nurturers. We view women as breeders. They should sit up straight, cross their legs and have to comply with society because if they don’t, then they’re sluts.
Why isn’t it the same for a man? We see men as big, masculine figures, while women are the weak, frail damsels in distress. I believe that’s unfair and quite ignorant to shame a woman for living her life. A man has more privilege, and more people are on his side for the simple fact that he is a man, while a woman has to struggle to even find a few people to agree with her. Some people might think I’m throwing the “angry woman” stereotype out there, but guess who came up with that stereotype? Men did. Men try to control the actions of women who want to speak freely and be themselves. This stereotype was made to condition women that they have to act a certain way to get respect. I firmly believe women should have respect regardless of the decisions they make. We are people, not animals to be trained and bred. We have brains and voices. We have a right to live our life the way we see fit, without someone trying to dictate what we should and should not do because of what we are. We have every right to do as we please. I am fighting for women and people like me who need a voice. I can only hope in the future we are deemed more important than what we’re perceived to be now.
All Surface, No Soul BY EDWARD vASquEz It’s ironic, to me at least, how a super model is not someone whom I would want to model my life after. I’m not saying I’m bitter, but I’m probably just bitter. I despise models and everything they and their company stand for. Not just male models, but also female models – especially female models. Why especially female models? Because more often than not, I’ll have no chance with a pretty girl unless I look like her respective counterpart: a hunky guy. This is all because our looks are more valued than our personality when it comes to finding our significant other. And that mentality I believe has misled my generation and has given these “models” a false sense of superiority. For example, if I see a very attractive girl in a store. If I admire the girl long enough for her to notice me, I will walk up to her and try to talk, and there is a good chance I will most likely be considered a “creep” (even though I’m actually a sweet, intellectual and insanely rad human being). However, if Justin Bieber, or a Justin Bieber knock off does the exact same thing, I would bet all the money in the world, except mine, that the girl would speed right past the whole “is he or is he not a ‘creep” contemplation and head straight on thinking that Justin Bieber or the Justin Bieber knock off could possibly be her future husband. Now, I understand that people have preferences and I’m OK with that. However, that doesn’t merit labeling a guy as “creepy” just because he’s try-
ing to talk to someone who doesn’t find him attractive. Which leads me to my point about models having a false sense of superiority. Just because someone fits a certain criteria that many people hold high, does not make them better than someone else, especially if it’s something as miniscule as the way they look. For anyone who prides him or herself on how they look, let me break it down. If a person is pretty or handsome and have a great body, people will want to put them on a magazine or an advertisement. Why? Because people will be jealous of how these models look and envy their newly acquired glamorous lifestyle. People are jealous of them, and they are going to want to be like them. So they will buy whatever the company is selling and follow the same footsteps as the person on the magazine so that they can earn the same rewards and get other people to envy them. Why? Because they want to be on top of the social ladder. Why do they want to be on top? Because the people on top are the ones who are going to survive and not get left behind. As these people sit on their high horses at the very top of the social ladder, let it be known that although they are successful, beautiful, have power and are envied, all they have done is stirred up a meaningless competition fueled by arrogance and ignorance. Most importantly, at any time, in any place, they may lose their beauty along with everything that depends on it. Whether it is through a tragic car accident or by simply aging, once it’s gone, it’s gone. And they would have wasted their life idolizing worthless things over the things that truly mattered, such as kindness, compassion, generosity, encouragement and humility. “He who has ears, let him hear.”
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Editor-in-Chief Tomas Rodriguez Jason Piskopus Front Page/News Jake Camarena Opinion/Editorial Hector Lopez Arts & Entertainment Byron Umana Bermudez Campus Life Mae Bradley Sports Tayler Corbin Reporters Sheila Thorne Carlos Martinez Sorina Szakacs Emmanuella Durogene Clinton Cameron Photo Editor Curtis Sabir Photographers Jorge Ponce Andre Medina Illustrators Jose Tobar Graphic Designers Richard Martinez Jimmy Martinez Beatrice Alcala Digital Content Kenneth Jara Multimedia Producers Dave Martine Frank Vidrio Advertising Staff Clinton Cameron Adviser Rhonda Guess
Deadline Schedule nEXT ISSuE: October 14, 2015 Editorial deadline: October 11, 2015 for all submissions including letters to the editor and publicity releases send materials to the Collegian offices located in Room 207 of the Chemistry Building, or email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com. To advertise in the Collegian, email all insertion orders and questions to: pr.collegian@gmail.com.
The college newspaper is published as a learning experience, offered under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by virtue of the first Amendment to the united States Constitution. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles City College, or any officer or employee thereof. Collegian © 2015. no material may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Collegian.
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arts & entertainment
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Film Review
Felicia Says ‘Bye N.W.A.’ BY CLInTOn CAMEROn
PHOTO BY AnDRE MEDInA/COLLEGIAn
“Elephant’s Graveyard” cast members huddle in close to listen to student director Emily Barnett deliver her notes following a rehearsal. The play opens on Oct. 2 and will run through Oct. 10 in Stage Room 218.
‘eLePhAnT’s grAVeyArD’: An Investment Worth Making
Summer’s most controversial blockbuster, “Straight ‘Outta Compton” directed by F. Gary Gray, focused on the relationship between three founding members of the pioneering West Coast Hip Hop group N.W.A. (Niggaz With Attitude). However, the film does little to develop the stories of its female characters. Pe r h ap s the worst offense may have been the film’s clumsy depiction of Dr. Dre’s mother. Lisa Renee Pitts, who is portrayed by Verna Griffin, is shown to be a concerned mother who either pressures Dre to move or kicks him out. It remained unclear. One minute he is being asked to get a job and the next minute he is seen putting his belongings in a vehicle and saying goodbye to his younger brother. She is not even depicted any further in the
movie. When Dre gets a call that his brother has been killed, his mother’s absence in the film leaves a conspicuous void in the plot. This becomes more disturbing than the news itself. What does this say about how the director’s view on women? Why does the movie not show a mother’s reaction to her own child’s death? Controversy had a way of finding the movie prior to its release date. Mainstream media obsessed over Marion Hugh’s aka Suge Knight’s alleged killing of actor Terry Carter during Knight’s visit on the set. Knight’s case far overshadows the movie’s “casting call,” that went out over social media. It used 65 words to describe the “hottest of the hottest” types they were looking to cast in the film. For the “fine girls” or “Beyoncé prototype” a 55word description was used, asking for “light to medium skin tone girls with a weave.” Girls described as poor or not in good shape with medium to dark skin tones were worth 49 words. Sande Alessi Casting apologized for the stereotypes presented in the casting call and removed it from their so-
VoX PoP: The Voice of The PeoPLe SCan Qr COde
BY BYROn uMAnA BERMuDEz
to hear What eVeryone Is sayIng about “straIght out oF CoMPton”
“You don’t sleep. You think. You wish you could charge admission tomorrow, but … this isn’t your show. It’s theirs.” – Ringmaster, “Elephant’s Graveyard”
O
n a scorching Tuesday, as many on campus and throughout the city sought cold water to quench their thirst, a group of Theatre Academy students toiled away in the midst of preparations for their fall performance of “Elephant’s Graveyard” by George Brant. The cast, led by student director Emily Barnett, is set to deliver a mind-blowing performance. Brant’s play is based on real life events that unfolded on the outskirts of Erwin, Tennessee in 1916. Brant paints a picture of a small town that comes to life with the arrival of the circus and its main attraction—the giant elephant, “Mary.” Following a chilling death on opening day, the townspeople find themselves at a standstill and wanting blood, Mary’s blood. This is Barnett’s second time directing “Elephant’s Graveyard,” and her passion of the piece is evident in her detailed instructions to the cast and crew. From lighting to the portrayal of characters and even location, Barnett provides both constant feedback with an encouraging and calm attitude. “Last time we did this run it was in [Room 218] and bringing it back I was given the option of choosing either the black box downstairs or the main stage,” Barnett said. “I decided to stay with this theatre, because it’s a very small and intimate space … things are happening all around [the audience] and they have no choice but to enter this world and stay in this world.” In this world where the audience never sees Mary, it is the cast that brings her to life with movements and sound in one outstanding performance. Characters come from the very corners of the room onto the center stage. This ensemble cast is made up of average Joe “Townspeople” and beloved carnival cast. Jesse Myers’ grasp on dialect, movement and timing is played to perfection for his portrayal of the “Ringmaster.” He leads the carnival cast played by Elle Willgues, Sam Horllieno, Tyler Smith and Dustin Myklebust. Myklebust as the “Clown” delivers great one-liners that provide comic relief. The audience will find warmth with Alisa Baggio portrayal of a young child expressing excitement and disbelief at the events unfolding around her. The “Marshal,” played by Noah Katz, is the perfect antagonist as he leads the group of Townspeople who seek revenge. Maddie Moen, Christelle Baguidy, Eric Sherman and Unique Jenkins give powerhouse performances as they watch justice being served. It is Jose Arvizou narrative as
cial media profiles. In one scene, an entourage knocks on the hotel door looking for a woman named Felicia at N.W.A.’s party. The entourage was spared no details as to what she was doing and was told she was not available. As they continue to knock, N.W.A. grab guns from under the hotel mattress and chase the men down the hotel hallway. Then, N.W.A. returns to the hotel room and push Felicia into the hallway half dressed. “Bye Felicia,” the men mock her. In Allison P. Davis’ interview for The Cut, an online entertainment magazine, director F. Gary Gray commented on that scene. Not only did he claim the scenario never happened in real life, he said it “just happened to be a fun moment that we capitalized on during the process of shooting.” From swimming pool dancers to the mythical “Felicia,” women with little to no lines were simply objectified to the fullest. It is a shame. I liked the movie a lot, but it desperately lacked female character development. It left women unnecessarily marginalized and objectified.
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PHOTO BY RICHARD MARTInEz/COLLEGIAn
Center stage: Theatre Academy students Maddie Moen, Noah Katz and Christelle Baguidy strike a pose during a rehearsal for “Elephant’s Graveyard” last week. The play chronicles the real life events following the arrival or a circus troupe to the small town of Erwin, Tennessee in 1916.
“
it has been an incredible eXperience watching this play come to life. i believe this production pays tribute to a time in history in a haunting but beautiful way. i’m honored to be a part of it.” -Joey vreeland, production manager
the “Engineer” that will have the audience drinking in every word. From the very the first word till the last, the audience will find themselves enthralled in the story as if reading a book. “You know those little books you used to read,” said costume design-
er Yvette Santos, ”they had that gold binding and when you would open those books [the characters] would look like a cartoon and old fashion, that’s how I want them to look.” With the combination of costuming, stage movement, props and design the world of “Elephant’s Graveyard” pushes the imagination and transports the mind back to the world of 1916. With the collaborative efforts of Santos and Irene Chavez, the world of is painted with fabric and muddy coloring given the characters an everyday, rustic feel. “It has been an incredible experience watching this play come to life,” said production manager Joey Vreeland. “I believe this production pays tribute to a time in history in a haunting but beautiful way. I’m honored to be a part of it.” This play will be an eye-opening experience that has people holding on to each and every word. Coming in, one might expected to see a makeshift elephant gracing the stage but through the power of imagination, the elephant comes to life and parades into the minds of each and every person in the room. The show will preview on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7:15 p.m. followed by an opening debut on Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. The show will run from Oct. 2-10. To find more information on dates, times and tickets call (323) 853-4000, ext 2990 or visit the Theatre Academy website at theatreacademy. lacitycollege.edu
Issues of our award-winning newspaper and magazine are instantly available to our readers on issuu. com/collegianwired. We are committed to producing content that takes our readers into the middle of the story. Whether it is a protest on campus or an art exhibit at the Da Vinci Gallery, we’ll take you there. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on campus news and student life. Follow the #CollegianWired tag on Instagram to keep up with our latest posts. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive reports and updates on developing stories. Follow us on Tumblr to access exclusive multimedia presentations and extended photo essays. facebook.com/CollegianWired @CollegianWired @CollegianWired CollegianWired.tumblr.com youtube.com/CollegianWired soundcloud.com/CollegianWired
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sports
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 30, 2015
5
Cubs Come Out of Hibernation; Intramural Sports Return
S
By Taylor Corbin and Cheyenne Finch
tudents walk around their universities, sporting team shirts, lanyards, and beanies. One student halts to take a selfie with the running back who scored the team’s game-winning touchdown from Friday night. These are students who are proud to be involved with their school, and now so can Los Angeles City College. LACC is excited to announce the return of sports to campus life after six-years-plus of absence from its historic culture. Sports will be returning in the form of intramurals, which are organized sports teams that offer opportunities for the men and women of campus to compete against each other. Various sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and ultimate frisbee have been discussed for an upcoming return. Sports’ absence raised many questions as to who could bring it back, when it could come back, or if the program would ever be brought back. Thanks to the persistence of LACC’s passionate prospective student athletes, those questions have been answered. “There are lots of people involved, I know lots of students are working with the kinesiology department and they brought it to our attention,” said Associate Dean of Student Life at LACC, Alen Andriassian. “Our ASG had talked about bringing sports back last year as well.” Although LACC will not have teams competing within the district, this is the first step toward a true college sports program returning. According to Andriassian, in order to bring back a full sports program, there needs to be proof of a successful intramural program with growing demand. Students around campus have already heard word, and the excitement is just beginning to build. “That’s lovely!” said LACC com-
munications major Octavio Quintanilla. “I’m an active volleyball player at this school, and I’m also thinking about joining basketball.” LACC now anxiously waits the date that intramural sports will begin, but athletes may have some time to hit the weights to prepare in the meantime.
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Just because there is a demand for it doesn’t mean that we will be able to supply it, but there is a demand and a desire for sports to be back on campus and we’re moving things around to make it a reality.” -Alen Andrissian, Associate Dean - Student Life
“We don’t want to rush this and have it be something that wasn’t thought out, or planned well enough that the end result is us having to pull the plug or start all over again,” Andriassian said. “We’re looking at maybe a kick off next semester for all those reasons I stated, and so far the popular demand has been on volleyball and soccer.” Football is not on the priority list for intramural sports’ return to campus. However, the school is listening, and if football is in high demand things could change. “We will not have football this semester, now does that mean we wouldn’t like to see it? Absolutely
Photo by Curtis Sabir/Collegian
In the stands: East Los Angeles College students cheer on as the Huskies play against the Victor Valley College Rams on Oct. 4, 2014. L.A. City College students can look forward to the same once intramural sports return. not,” Andriassian said, “were just currently lacking the demand.” Some students, such as Cinthya Vega Meneses, a health major, are already planning ahead for which sports they would like a shot at. “I’d like to try something new,” Meneses said. “Maybe soccer or volleyball.” All sporting events will be played
here at LACC in the interim, but Andriassian hinted that LACC might be facing other schools in the future. Funding for these activities have been the biggest issue in making this a reality. “We currently are not requesting any funds from the district for intramurals, and the only sources for funds we have now are through the
Foundation, and ASG but we still have to work those out,” Andriassian said. “Were already in the hole as far as budgeting goes, and just because there is a demand for it doesn’t mean that we will be able to supply it,” Andriassian said, “but there is a demand and a desire for sports to be back on campus and we’re moving
Who Runs L.A.? UCLA, USC Football Teams in Great Shape By Kevin King Both universities are located in Los Angeles. The rivalry between the two is among the more unusual in NCAA Division I sports because the campuses are only 12 miles apart, and both are located within the same city. Furthermore, the close proximity of alumni and students interacting with one another on a daily basis make this one of the most intense college rivalries in the United States. Southern California has one of the most loaded talent pools in the nation. Quarterbacks and all-purpose players are plentiful at the So Cal high schools and community colleges. Yesteryear, the Trojans used to have the market on the star football players. USC used to run L.A., but now, it appears that UCLA has caught a second wind. Since USC put an embarrassing 50-0 beating on the Bruins in 2011, UCLA has won three in a row.This season, both return lots of starters, including the vast majority of their offensive linemen and many defensive backs. The elusive shine and the spotlight often eluded UCLA, but right now, both are prominent at once. If you were at Las Vegas, it’s time for your bet, LACC students, are you putting your money on the blue or red? “Freshman QB Josh “the Chosen” Rosen [UCLA], had a fantastic training camp, they all had a great training camp, they are committed, I feel they have men that work harder [than USC] and they are stronger,” said Hector Alvarez, a business major. “I feel that UCLA will win everything because they have a better team and school.” UCLA was 2-0 thanks in large part to freshman quarterback Josh Ros-
en. He threw 574 yards, four touchdowns, and two games had a passer rating of 142.1 while looking impressive for all 120 minutes of action. But in tinsel town, every Batman needs a Robin, and Paul Perkins secured the third victory. Quiet as it’s kept, UCLA running back Perkins rushed for 1575 yards in the 2014-15 season. Indeed, he was the star of the UCLA and BYU game. The Heisman Trophy candidate slashed left and right as the Bruins earned a come-from-behind victory over the Cougars in a tight 2423 game in the Rose Bowl. Perkins rushed for 219 yards and one touchdown on 26 carries. In the first three games Perkins has amassed over 511 yards in total offense. Both UCLA Bruins and USC Trojans started out the season 2-0 and both were in the top 10 simultaneously for the first time in a while. “We’re going to be in a lot tighter games than tonight [the Trojans had just peeled Idaho by a score of 59 to 9], USC head coach Steve Sarkisian told the Associated Press. “I don’t anticipate every game being this way [easy], obviously.” Despite opening season blowouts of Arkansas State and Idaho by a combined score of 114 to 15, many naysayers had doubt. “Those Trojans haven’t played anybody,” said Jeff Byers a chemistry major. “Wait until we get into the meat and potatoes of the schedule. Talk to me after Stanford, Arizona State, Notre Dame, Arizona, Oregon, or UCLA. Can they beat the big boys?” OK, a little “Q” and “A.” Being a chemistry major, you could say the Trojans did not have the right formula last Saturday as Pac 12 nemesis Stanford beat the Trojans 41 to 31, at the Coliseum.
Photo courtesy of Paul Goldberg, Senior Associate Sports Information Director.
USC wide receiver Marqise Lee eyes the end zone as UCLA defensive back Andrew Abbott follows in pursuit on Nov. 26, 2011. This year’s matchup promises a closer result than the 50 – 0, pounding USC unleashed on UCLA. As far as the national rankings go, the loss dropped the Trojans from number 6 in the Associated Press Poll to number 19. “It doesn’t need to define us [The loss to Stanford],” Sarkisian told the Associated Press. “We still have a long way to go. Do we need to play better? Yes. I don’t doubt that at all, but I believe we will.” The Trojans are still 2 and 1, and they have an abundance of weapons to make a deep run. Speaking of run. How about “them” Trojan running backs? USC’s top three backs, Tre Madden, Justin Davis and Ronald
Jones II, are all averaging at least 7.4 yards per carry, and as a team the Trojans are running at a 6.4 clip. Flip mode, with the USC offense you can churn it out or go for the bomb. Here’s their most explosive option. This guy is a blast, he is always turnt up! USC wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has accumulated 22 receptions for 434 yards—that’s video-like, 19.7 yards per catch. He has four touchdowns and one of the touchdowns he took to the house from 61 yards out. Keep in mind Smith-Schuster has put up these big
numbers in only three games. The USC Trojans won’t give up the fight. USC nation is truly blessed to have the ultimate “Field General” and 2015-16 Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Cody Kessler. His stats are unbelievable. Chime in your inner kid--it’s like another video game. Kessler has completed 70 of his 89 passes for 922 yards. That’s an unbelievable 78.7 percent with 10 touchdowns, and get this, not one interception. Then there’s “Action” Jackson. Adoree’ Jackson is an All-American cornerback and also a beast on of-
things around to make it a reality.” With action finally being made for the return of sports, the students can finally take pride representing LACC’s campus. If there is a sports team you’d like to see included, such as football, baseball, tennis or track, now is the time to make requests while the ears are taking them. fense and special teams. In the mold of NFL great Deion Sanders, he averages 15 yards per reception and 30 yards per kickoff return. But any avid football fan knows the best offense is a good defense, and with the high-powered offenses in the Pac-12, having a player with the versatility of Cravens is huge for USC. The hybrid linebacker/safety Su’a Cravens has recorded over 150 stops and seven interceptions in his twoplus years with the Trojans. Cravens is a mainstay on the 2015 USC defense. He was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection last season. “We already forgot what happened,” linebacker Cravens told the Associated Press. “We’re playing a South opponent this week and that’s all that matters.” The No. 19 Trojans (2-1, 0-1 Pac12) trip to Arizona State (2-1, 0-0) promises to be a challenging one. ASU has beaten USC in three of the last four meetings, including last year’s Hail Mary finish that saw the Sun Devils escape the Coliseum with a 38 to 34 win. Like actor Clint Eastwood would say “Do you feel lucky [LACC]?” Blue or Red? “The only reason I think USC will have a better season is because I know some of the players, they will never give up, they have a lot of heart, they have the potential to be a great team this year,” said Paul Guzman an International business major. “I know Malik Dorton [freshman defensive tackle], we both went to Fremont High School, and I know he’s very good and a hard working player. I can’t go against my bro.” One more for USC. “I feel that USC will have a better football team this season because they train hard,” said Tristen Gillett a nursing major. Despite the losses they’ve had, they are coming back twice as hard to destroy everyone even UCLA. Make sure you have your popcorn. Both USC and UCLA are going to make a deep playoff run. Look for it to come down to that game for the Victory Bell-Nov. 28, UCLA vs. USC at the storied Coliseum.
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NeWs
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 30, 2015 CHICANO’S DREAM FROM PAGE 1
Chavez’ Legacy Lives On Living in poverty for most of his life, Chavez landed his first secure job with the CSO. For the first time in his life, he was not in a struggle with poverty.
“
CESAR CAME TO UNDERSTAND ... THAT THE WORK OF HIS MOVEMENT HAD TRANSCENDED FARM LABOR AND HAD SPARKED A REVOLUTION IN LATINO EMPOWERMENT ACROSS THE NATION.” -Marc Grossman, personal aide to Cesar Chavez
Although his family did not suffer financially, Chavez’ dream to start a union in support of farm workers burned within him. He worked with migrant workers throughout his life, and he was not about to give up the chance to give them higher wages and better treatment. People told Chavez it was an impossible feat to accomplish, efforts to unify and organize farm workers were often met with violence, according to the Cesar Chavez Foundation. However, he left the financial security of his job and continued with his dream.
The National Farm Workers Association, later known as the United Farm Workers of California (UFW), was founded on Chavez’ 35th birthday. With his life savings of $1,200, he and his family became the first 10 members of the UFW. Once again, Chavez experienced poverty and many defeats. Through sacrifice and commitment to his union, however, he achieved victories over four decades of work that were worth more than just money. Chavez accomplished his dream; he assembled the first farm workers union in U.S. history. Some of his accomplishments include: the first collective bargaining agreements between farm workers and growers, union contracts guaranteeing toilets in the field, potable drinking water, rest breaks, anti-discrimination employment opportunities, the banning of sexual harassment of women in the field, the use of protective clothes against pesticides and health and retirement benefits. Despite all of his achievements, Chavez’ love for his union members was his greatest feat. His motto, Si se puede (Yes, it can be done), often heard during one of his protests can be heard even now. Chavez gave his people the confidence to overcome adversity. He did not attend college, but he read books and learned life lessons. Like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., Chavez never resorted to violence. He often fasted to prove his points for nonviolent protest methods. He accomplished so much for his community, that Senator Robert F. Kennedy labeled him as “one of the heroic figures of our time.” Chavez’ legacy continues. He was the first person in 100 years to successfully organize farm workers according to the Cesar Chavez Foundation. Chavez passed away in his sleep
CoMPileD ByJaSon PiSKoPUS
GIVA CORPORATE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP RESPSHOP.COM SCHOLARSHIP AND WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY Deadline: Jan. 31, 2016 Available to: High school seniors AMBASSADOR AWARD Deadline: Dec. 1, 2015 Available to: College freshman through graduate students Award: $1,000 To be eligible, applicants must submit a 600-1,000-word essay answering the following questions: “How will you use your talents and education to make the world a better place for future generations? What are your career and personal goals and why?” For more information, visit: www. givainc.com/scholarships/student-scholarship-worldwide-community-ambassador-award.cfm.
ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE SCHOLARSHIP
PhoToS CoUrTeSy oF JoCelyn SherMan
Throughout his life, Cesar Chavez led marches and protests for social change and better working conditions for farm workers. The Virgin of Guadalupe was often a symbol of hope and change alongside with Chavez. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., Chavez never resorted to violent protest methods. Right: Cesar Chavez speaks to United Farm Workers convention in 1992. The United Farm Workers was the first labor union for farm workers in the nation. on April 23, 1993, but his ideas live in many people today. Marc Grossman, a personal aide, speechwriter and spokesman to Chavez, knew Chavez personally for the last 24 years of his life. “Although he was reluctant at first to see himself as a Latino leader,”
Grossman said. “Cesar came to understand by the 1970s and ‘80s that the work of his movement had transcended farm labor and had sparked a revolution in Latino empowerment across the nation, inspiring millions of Latinos and people from all walks of life.”
BLACK ART FROM PAGE 1
artist DisCUssion ProVes Point
CoMPileD By Byron UMana BerMUDeZ
CAMPUS CRIME REPORT 08/31/2015 7:30 a.m. – 09/02/2015 7:30 p.m. – A case of petty theft in the Bookstore. Report taken, pending investigation. 09/10/2015 4:30 p.m. – A case of petty theft in Jefferson Hall. Report taken, pending investigation. 09/17/2015 1:30 p.m. – A case of grand theft occurred in Franklin Hall. Report taken, pending investigation.
LAPD CRIME REPORT 09/24/2015 9:20 a.m. – A burglary occurred at 1100 N. Berendo St. 09/26/2015 3 p.m. – Vehicle was broken into outside of 4200 Melrose Ave. 09/27/2015 5:40 p.m. – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred near 300 N Virgil Ave. 09/28/2018 2 a.m. – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred near the corner Beverly and Vermont. 09/28/2015 1:30 p.m. – A case of petty theft occurred at 800 N. Vermont Ave. 09/28/2015 7 p.m. – Motor vehicle was stolen at the intersection of Ardmore and Romaine. 09/28/2015 11:15 p.m. – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred near the corner of Willowbrook and Vermont.
“Those who profess to favor freedom and depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters,” Douglass said within the quote. “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” In addition to recognizing this quote, she referenced a much more simple one borrowed from a university student who had direct access to the icon while he was on his deathbed. “Realizing that [Douglass] was about to die,” Lutterodt said. “A Howard University student interviewed him and said ‘How do we continue the cause? How do we keep the cause going?’ and his words were ‘agitation … agitation … agitation.’” Brown’s agitation is most recognized in history for his rebellion at Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia. In 1859 Brown and a group of 21 men were defeated by a troop of U.S. Marines led by General Robert E. Lee during an attempt to organize slaves and overthrow southern slaveholders. Two months after the raid, Brown and 4 of his men were executed for treason. Lutterodt points out how Brown’s rebellion at Harpers Ferry is as equally important to the theme of erasure and agitation in her work. Her book and the exhibit feature a picture of the property where Brown’s Rebellion was planned. “The word agitation in a way is a tip of the hat to [Brown’s] agitation.” Lutterodt said. Prior to the discussion, Lutterodt focused on the piece in the center of the room. This part of the exhibit allowed a way for the audience to participate and focus on gallery’s work. Some attention was paid to the participatory part of Lutterodt’s installation before the discussion starts. Post-it notes of written comments by the dozens stuck to the wall behind the panelists. Their purpose was to fill in the blanks
sChoLarshiP DeaDLines
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2015 Award: $2,000 Applicants must be13 years of age or older at the time of application; be legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia; be currently enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education. Applicants should submit short written response (250 words or less) for the question: “Imagine that your high school/college has been overrun with zombies…[u]se your brain to flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you would hide and the top five things you would bring with you to stay alive.” For more information, visit: www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/ zombie-apocalypse-scholarship.
CREATE-A-GREETING CARD SCHOLARSHIP Deadline: Feb. 26, 2016 Available to: High school freshman through graduate students Award: $10,000 The Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship Contest is open to currently enrolled high school and college students in the United States. To enter, applicants must design a holiday, get well, or birthday greeting card and submit it to be judged. Photo, art, or graphics submitted must be original work. Applicants must be at least 14 years of age to be eligible for this award. For more information, visit: www. gallerycollection.com/greeting-cards-scholarship.htm.
CHIN: SHUI KUEN AND ALLEN CHIN SCHOLARSHIP
PhoTo By CUrTiS SaBir/Collegian
Isabelle Lutterodt’s exhibit “erasure/agitation,” revolves around the Black Lives Matter Movement in the Nation. She took photographs of rural areas relating to abolitionists Frederick Douglass John Brown and how their agitation for social equality still exists today. to a sentence painted in the background. “if _____ , then _____ ,” the piece says. Lutterodt acknowledged the anonymous participants who left messages on small yellow pieces of paper as integral to the discussion and promised to keep the written messages for future reference. She opened up the floor for discussion. For the remaining 50 minutes the panel facilitated a discussion with the audience. Panelist Greenfield engaged the students early leading the discussion concerning a postblack America. “I think at this point everybody is so focused on race much more so even than during the civil rights movement,” Greenfield said. “Because I think at this point we are weeding out those evils in society that existed under the surface, everybody’s acting out in ways that are very revealing.“ Panelist Lopez reacts to a discussion about racial profiling. She addresses Greenfield’s experience of not feeling safe in this country despite 64 years of being a citizen. “People may not always realize the privileges they have because of their past,” Lopez said. “So, we have to be aware.” For 24-year-old business major Jared Howard, the idea of identifying with the privilege of white
males is illusive. That may be because although his father identifies as white, his mother identifies as Black. When Greenfield asked how he self identifies, he responds with “omnipresent.” “Sometimes I feel like, ‘Wow!’ I don’t get the credit for having the intelligence of both parents because of my skin color,” Jared said. “I have to tell somebody I’m half white.” Howard’s comment led to the broader question of identity politics overall. As the discussion broadened, issues that involved language, sexual orientation and citizenship became part of the dialogue. Greenfield stole the next round of applause with his comment. “I can guarantee you that if we all woke up tomorrow morning blonde and blue eyed, by 12 noon we’d find one way or another to discriminate,” Greenfield said. While the act of racial discrimination by a shooter in a Black South Carolina church left nine dead last June, it also left room for discussion concerning forgiveness. Lutterodt admits to being unsure about how to respond or if she should forgive the shooter at all. In the end she concluded that this is what art is for. “I’m trying to work it out too,” said Lutterodt during the discussion. “I figure it out through my work.”
Award: $1,000 Available to: incoming freshmen or current, full-time undergraduate students at a four-year college or university in 2015-16. Requirements: Students or parents currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Community advocacy and social justice work on behalf of Asian American, immigrant, gay and lesbian and/or other progressive causes. Minimum GPA: 3.0. No citizenship status requirement. For more information, visit: www. asianpacificfund.org/what-we-do/ scholarships/apply-for-scholarship.
through graduate students Award: $1,500 The Respshop.com scholarship is available to undergraduate, graduate students and high school students who plan to attend college within seven months. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and submit a 500-700 word essay about snoring, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, or CPAP therapy. You may steer your essay in any direction you like, but you should relate sleep disorders or CPAP therapy to your personal life or to your community. For more information, visit: www.respshop.com/respshop_scholarship.php
JW SURETY BONDS SCHOLARSHIP Deadline: Sep. 30, 2015 Available to: College students Award: $1,000 The JW Surety Bonds scholarship is open to current college students. Applicants must submit an informational article between 500-1,000 words on one of the sponsor approved topics in order to qualify for this award. Videos between one-five minutes and slideshows between 10-30 slides are also acceptable. For more information, visit: www. jwsuretybonds.com/scholarship/
CKSF SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION Deadline: Varies Available to: High school freshman through graduate students Award: $2,500 The CKSF scholarships are available to high school, undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. Applicants must register to participate in scholarship quizzes that test their knowledge of topics ranging from general “common knowledge” to specific academic subjects, books, websites, and even movies. Scores are based on a combination of time and accuracy. Students with the highest scores at the end of each competition win. For more information, visit: www.cksf. org/index.cfm?Page=Scholarships
ALL ABOUT EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP Deadline: April 30, 2016 Award: $3,000 Applicants must be 13 years of age or older at the time of application; be legal residents of the 50United States or the District of Columbia; be currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2022) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education. To apply, submit a short written response (250 words or less) for the question: “How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?” For more information, visit: www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/ all-about-education-scholarship
STUDENT CAREGIVER SCHOLARSHIP
Opening Oct. 1, 2015, the Cash Store Continuing Education Scholarship Program is offering scholarships to high school graduates at least 25 years of age with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Up to five awards of $1,000 will be granted each year. Awards are one time only. Only the first 200 submitted applications will be accepted. For more information, visit: www. cashstore.com/scholarship.
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2015 Available to: High school senior through graduate students Award: $1,500 The Student Caregiver Scholarship is available to students attending an accredited college or university. Applicants must have been caring for an older relative while attending school. Students who are matriculating in fall 2015 who have been involved in care-giving during high school and intend to continue to do so while attending college are eligible to apply for this award. To apply, submit a 1,500word essay or 2-minute video detailing being a caregiver. For more information, visit: www. caring.com/scholarship
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY COMPETITION
MAHOGANY & BLUES BABE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2015 Available to: High school seniors through graduate students Award: $1,000 The College Scholarship Essay Competition is available to prospective or current students attending an accredited college or university. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay on the following topic: “What steps could lawmakers take to strengthen current laws that are aimed at reducing distracted driving and what additional legal measures could be passed to make our roads safer?” For more information, visit: www. victimslawyer.com/scholarship.
Open Now Deadline: Oct. 30, 2015 Hallmark’s Mahogany brand and the Blues Babe Foundation, brainchild of Grammy Award-winning singer/ songwriter Jill Scott, are providing two $10,000 scholarships to current undergraduate students pursuing a career in the writing arts. Scholarships are offered for full-time study at an accredited four-year college or university. Award recipients also will be invited to attend a three-day, all-expenses-paid workshop at Hallmark’s headquarters in Kansas City in 2016. For more information visit: www. scholarsapply.org/mahogany
THE CASH STORE CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Campus Life
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 30, 2015
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Sheriff’s Office Raises Money, Awareness for Fallen Officers By Tomas Rodriguez
Photos by Tomas Rodriguez/Collegian
College students received transfer information for the many university representatives present at the transfer fair on Sept. 22 2015. College booths were lined up outside the Cesar Chavez Administration Building ready to answer any questions regarding transferring to their university.
Forty Nationwide Universities Visit Campus for Transfer Fair By Sorina Szakacs Scores of students showed up for the Transfer Fair on Sept. 22, in the Quad where over 40 universities answered questions about transfer options, majors and GPA requirements. The transfer fair is a one-day event organized that helps college students gather information from universities nationwide. The admissions staff from every college visits the campus to help students decide which school and program fits their transfer aspirations. The fair gives students the opportunity to talk directly with the college admissions staff. Students have the ability to ask any questions about entrance processes or inquire about their preferred universities. California State University Northridge (CSUN) and the University of California in Berkeley (UC Berkeley) had the busiest admissions advisers. “We are the first University of California, and for the last 20 years we were quoted the number one public school in the country,” said Ana Rafferty, a UC Berkeley admissions adviser. “Sixty-five percent of our stu-
dents are on some kind of financial aid. We have a very high success rate for transfer students, 92 percent of them coming from California community colleges.” Students began to arrive around 10 a.m., and the colleges in the Quad were ready for them. University catalogs, fliers, brochures and business cards filled dozens of tables. The fair offered diverse areas of study for students, from undergraduate research programs at UC Riverside, to majors in psychology and education at National University, and filmmaking and producing at New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus. The goal of organizers is to help students narrow down the list to a couple of universities, according to their future plans and expectations. “The New York Film Academy, L.A. Campus is a hands on practical stuff kind of school,” said Angie Scates, the academy’s admission representative. ”If you want to be a filmmaker, producer, actor, this is definitely the place to study.” Starting Oct. 1, students may apply for transfer to the university of their choice for next year’s fall classes.
Top: Dillan Garcia, “Meditation,” 2014, india ink.
Artist Embraces College Atmosphere By Tomas Rodriguez Art major Dillan Garcia is honored to call LACC home. Not only has the art department taught him new concepts and methods, but the college has helped him evolve as student and human being. When he arrived at LACC, Garcia got involved in the campus communi-
ty and continues to participate. Garcia thanks the college for giving him lessons in life. “[LACC] has had a big impact on me, I learned to empower myself through my own discipline, which is just living life,” Garcia said. “People can sell you dreams but, how much can you actually do for yourself?” Throughout out his life Garcia has
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College Sheriffs worked together in impromptu taco stand in the quad on Sept. 23, 2015 to raise money for officers killed in the line of duty as part of a unified movement countrywide. They sold beef, pork, and chicken tacos, chips and drinks to the campus community in an effort to raise awareness. Sergeant Mike Wolfe accepts that the recent controversial events have put law enforcement officials under a bad image, but not all police officers act or think the same. “I have been doing this for about 28 years and you don’t have to be a genius to see what’s happening in the news and current events,” Wolfe said. “As we have seen in the last few years we have incidents where guys make poor decisions and do the wrong things and that draws the wrong kind of attention. Police officers are trying to do the right thing.” Despite the tragic deaths of Freddie Gray in Maryland and Walter Scott in South Carolina, law enforcement has taken a heavy toll as well. This past August, in Texas, Deputy Darren H. Goforth was shot and murdered after pumping his car with gas. Goforth was gunned down and shown no remorse after the suspect emptied his round and shot the deputy, “execution-style.” However, these mournful crimes have something in common besides heart-rending death. The nation has united together to pay tribute and
give awareness to those who lost their lives. Wolfe wants to promote awareness and solidarity. “Our goal is not only to raise awareness but to be involved in this event that involves thousands of officers,” Wolfe said. “We get together to raise awareness for our cause.” Ezequiel Garcia, an engineering major at LACC, believes that the campus sheriffs have a right to do raise money and awareness for their cause, just like many people have the right protest unlawful deaths. “If we have the opportunity to protest and rally against police brutality, then these sheriffs have all the right to raise money for their cause as well,” Garcia said. “That’s the beauty of America.” Throughout the nine campuses in the Los Angeles Community College District, Sheriffs throughout these campuses hosts these fundraising events to raise money. At LACC, however, Wolfe acknowledges that President Reneé Martinez has offered support. “Renee is the best. She is one of the best presidents around,” Wolfe said. “She’s very approachable and very positive. I think you guys are very lucky to have her.” According to Wolfe, the job of law enforcement can attract headlines; the good and the bad. “Law enforcement is a big pendulum where we have public opinions that tend to like you and tend not to like you depending on the events that happen.”
Join Our Social Network By Kenneth Jara
Representatives from more than 40 universities nationwide arrived at City College on Sept. 22, 2015, in an effort to court students and answers questions about transfer requirements. A bustling crowd of students arrived at the Quad that morning for a chance to speak with representative from California State University Northridge, the University of California in Berkeley and the New York Film Academy among others.
expanded his skills in art. Using spray paint to create graffiti murals, paint brushes to paint canvases, tools to create sculptures and even using a camera to take photos. “A lot of it had to do with rediscovering myself and knowing who I was as an individual and how I contributed to this world,” Garcia said. “Art allowed me to rediscover what I could not understand.” Garcia continues to grow artistically. He currently has an artist whose work he admires. Paul Cézanne, a Post-Impressionist artist who influenced the arts of cubism and fauvism. Cézanne ability to bend perspective influences Garcia to try new styles in his art. He uses all of his knowledge from the classroom to create new styles. Garcia wants his art to have meaning, to pay the bills is vital but to have a purpose in people lives is even more fundamental. If it exists it must have a significance. “Art can bring an empowering force into someone’s life. It’s all connected,” Garcia said. “Just like the Navajo rocks. They just exist and people take trips to
see them and be amused. That’s what I want from my art. To just exist for whatever purpose there is.” Art is a medium of communication. Garcia concedes that art is just another form of communication just like speaking with someone. It can even have a spiritual connection. Garcia’s experience with professors at LACC has also helped him during his journey as an artist. “There’s definitely been teachers that have helped me along the way,” Garcia said. “David Sedghi from Psychology, Alexandra Wiesenfeld and Elizabeth Lopez in Art have contributed to my progression. LACC has helped me a lot.” LACC not only influenced Garcia to improve artistically but it allowed him to see what art can really do to people and how it can change a life. “I need art to communicate to people, things that people don’t understand themselves,” Garcia said. “Communication needs to be established between the art and the viewer and my inspiration and influence comes from what I see around me.”
Write a Letter to the Editor email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com CALL: 323.953.4000 ext. 2831 Letters may be edited for brevity.
For years, every student at Los Angeles City College had access to everything happening around the campus solely through the school newspaper called, “The Collegian.” The Collegian, as we know it today, traces its roots all the way back to when Los Angeles City College first opened its doors in 1929. As times change, so have the way that The Collegian brings the news. Besides the school newspaper, The Collegian team has also introduced the school’s first ever campus news program on called “The Collegian Wired”, where students are kept up to date via YouTube broadcast. A couple of years back, The Collegian created its first ever social media accounts. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts at “Collegian Wired” have evolved us from just delivering news with a school newspaper to giving students the real-time opportunity to see what is going on around campus. Students can now see what is going
on at LACC through their phones or on their desktops. For a few semesters social media pages were up and running for The Collegian, but in November of 2014, everything stopped. Students left and right were wondering what happened to the pages, and why they were no longer getting daily updates. The Collegian is proud to announce it’s reinstatement. This Fall semester 2015, and with the help of yours truly, the social media websites are finally up and running again. With the help of collegian editor in chief Jason Piskopus, Tomas Rodriguez, and Richard Martinez, the social media accounts will now be actively bringing students up to date news of events happening around the campus. Starting this semester, every collegian reporter is now required to have their own social media accounts. Every Collegian reporter will post their hobbies, what they are doing at the moment, and a general report of their student life. Follow us as we grow out social media.
Boost Efficiency, Brainpower Many students are not sure how to study, but the following tips from the University of Pittsburgh are here to help. compiled by jason piskopus Use as Many Senses Possible •Rewriting notes involves touch and sight. Repetition allows a second chance to clear up any messy spots or errors in lecture notes. • Reread notes out loud. This involves hearing and vision plus speaking to involve even more senses in the study process. • Scent is the strongest memory trigger. Using scented markers when studying helps to recall information better. If you don’t want to use markers try scented lotion. Smudge a little on the back of your non dominant hand while studying and during an exam. • Make sure to use a different scent for each subject. For example, cherry for math, blueberry for history, etc. Careful not to over do it - classmates might be offended by overpowering smells. Location, Location, Location • When studying at home set up a study area that is well lit but not too bright. Make sure to sit comfortably but not so comfortable that sleep takes over. • Sitting in the same seat while
in class helps to recall information during an exam. Students who consistently sit in the same place tend to recall information quicker. The classroom and features in it can also help with remembering facts and figures. • If possible, study in the classroom while it is unoccupied. The brain associates the room and it’s details with the subject of your course. • Having trouble sitting still? Find a spot to pace back and forth while reviewing notes. This will keep the body busy while allowing the mind to focus. Food For Thought • Snack lightly while studying but not too much as a full stomach can make you sleepy. • Eat a snack, not a full meal, 1520 minutes before taking an exam. Taking a test when hungry reduces focus but being too full can do the same thing. An apple, a protein bar or some nuts will get you ready to kick that exam’s butt. • Make sure you are hydrated, preferably with water as our bodies are 70-90 percent water. A dehydrated student will have trouble concentrating.
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Reporter’s Notebook
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Photo by Taylor Corbin/collegian
Adriano de Souza makes it rain during finals day Sept. 18, 2015 at the Hurley Lowers Pro in Lower Trestles, California as the ‘Brazilian Storm,’ Brazilian fans, watch on. The ‘Brazilian Storm’ was in full effect as the beach was filled with Brazilian flags and spectator chants in support of their countrymen.
‘White Lightning’ Clears Brazilian Storm as Fanning Claims Lower’s Crown Which surfer is a three-time world champion, an Australian charger, and beats up great white sharks in the middle of surf contests? His name is Mick Fanning, better known as “White Lightning.” By Taylor Corbin Orange rays of sunshine crept over the red contest tents, while morning offshore winds sent rainbows of spray into the air as Mick Fanning slashed his way to victory at the Hurley Lowers Pro in San Clemente on Sept. 18, 2015, narrowly defeating Adriano de Souza by a score of 17.44 - 16.44. Lower Trestles was on fire most of the event, as Hurricane Linda graced the cobblestoned state park with well overhead peaks for four straight days of competition. There were plenty of upsets within the first three rounds, as the drama mounted. In the second round contest, favorites John John Florence and local Brett Simpson were eliminated. Arguably, the top upset within the first three rounds was Julian Wilson’s heat. Miguel Pupo defeated Wilson by a blowout score of 12.84 - 4.80. This result places Wilson a full contest behind Mick Fanning for the world title, and he will need serious results going forward to remain relevant in the title chase. There were plenty of amazing moments throughout the opening rounds. No moment was greater than Freddy Patacchia’s first-round victory, which would end up being his last heat ever in Championship Tour competition. Although he won his heat, he decided to retire on a high note. Patacchia nabbed the contest’s only perfect 10, sending the Hawaiian off into the sunset after a stellar 11 years on tour. “I knew the day would come when I would have to walk away from professional surfing,” Patacchia said. “It’s tough to walk away from everyone that has become my family, but I’ve lived my dream, and I want to thank everyone who’s played a part in helping me do what I love.” Retirement is the hot topic on tour this year, as more surfing legends will hang up the competition jersey for good. CJ Hobgood, another competitor and former world champion, is currently on his farewell tour, as he will
retire after the final contest of the year at Pipeline in Hawaii. He lost out in the second round to Joel Parkinson by a score of 18.7413.73. Hobgood provided his take on the contest and his performance. “Well the waves are obviously pumping and it’s super fun Lowers, and then Parko went berserk on me, he went crazy man and that’s what he usually does to anyone,” Hobgood said. Hobgood relishes every moment he can while still being on tour, and he says he’s thankful for the career he has had. He has grown up and experienced success among some of the biggest names to ever put on a jersey. “Just to be able to grow up in a generation with legends like Kelly [Slater], Mick [Fanning], Joel[Parkinson], and have great relationships with those guys, I am extremely blessed,” Hobgood said. “Now we have the new young guns like Julian[Wilson], John John[Florence], and Filipe[Toledo], it’s just been really fun to watch them grow and continue to rip.” Hobgood provided his goals for the remaining three contests of the year and what he would like to accomplish. “I just want to enjoy the ride,” Hobgood said. “Enjoy the remaining time on tour and continue to cheer on all my friends and have fun.” Round 4 provided a Brazilian super heat featuring Filipe Toledo, Italo Ferreira, and Miguel Pupo. Toledo ended up coming out on top, while all competitors had combined heat totals of at least 16 out of 20 possible points. Round 4 is a non-elimination round, and with that in mind the Brazilians didn’t hold back from putting on a show. Italo Ferreira continues to build a strong resume for his rookie of the year campaign losing in the 5th round, claiming 9th place. With round 4 wrapping up, there is no room for error. Round 5 signifies it’s time for the competitors to go big or go home. Round 5 showcased one of the contest’s biggest match-ups. Eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater took the water against three-time
world champion Mick Fanning for a heat that lived up to every bit of hype as it had on paper. Fanning would end up winning by a close score of 16.10 - 14.90. Slater ended up throwing a 360 air and couldn’t complete the move, but somehow stood back up after falling on his belly. He ended up only getting a 4.17, which sent social media into an outrage demanding it should be in the excellent range. “In my mind I was laughing that I was still on my board,” Slater said. “I’m the competitor and I’m not too worried about the call, it was the right thing to do, I landed on my belly.” Slater is all but eliminated from world title contention, which is something the surf world is not used to encountering approaching the last leg of the tour. “I’m really going to have to think hard about whether or not to go to Europe now,” Slater said. “This result puts me out of the title race for this year so it would be good to have some time off.” Round 5, was in the books, and the contest was placed on hold. Competitors anxiously free-surfed around the contest waiting for a shot at the crown. With the first five rounds of action wrapped up, the stage was set for the final day of competition. Commissioner Kieren Perrow waited five days to start the final day as a fun swell approached on the horizon. Quarterfinal action kicked off Friday morning with crisp offshore winds, which perfectly groomed the shoulder high peaks at Lowers. Filipe Toledo demonstrated his win at the Oakley Lowers Pro in April was legit, as he made easy work of former world champion Joel Parkinson by a score of 16.66 - 8.90. Fanning easily defeated fellow Aussie Ace Buchan by a score of 15.13- 7.50. Fanning continued to show that a strong rail game, powerful and explosive turns that throw gallons of water into the sky could be more than enough to dominate heats instead of taking to the air. Heat 4, between current world champion Gabriel Medina, and
USA’s Nat Young, provided another controversial judging call. While both surfers paddled for a peak, the two bumped rails, and as Young pulled out Medina stood up on the one-footer and fell throwing his arms out. There is no priority on the first wave of each heat, and the surfers generally use a gentlemen’s rule. However, the contact yielded interference for Nat Young and his second-best score would be cut in half. If this had not happened, Young would have won the heat. This is the second time in recent months for a no-priority interference call on Young. Semifinal action kicked off promising history before it began. For the first time, a Brazilian was going to end up in the final at the Hurley Lowers Pro, as Adriano de Souza faced fellow countryman, Filipe Toledo. De Souza ended up narrowly claiming victory 15.46 - 15.27 in a thrilling heat that featured a full variety of progressive surfing, airs and power. Fanning defeated Brazilian Gabriel Medina 18.17- 17.54 in a very close heat to deny another form of premature history, as there would be no guaranteed Brazilian champion. Medina caught a wave toward the end of the heat throwing two airs, but it wouldn’t be enough to secure the win. A huge battle was about to take place in the water. Fanning could be seen standing alone in the competitor’s tent with white headphones on, as he jumped around hyping up to his playlist. He was a man who looked possessed, ready to unleash his will for victory. Fanning carried his momentum and precise carves in the pocket to a finals victory that went down to the wire over de Souza by a score of 17.44-16.44. Fanning’s victory catapulted him to first place in the world title chase and was a gratifying comeback from the adversity surrounding him earlier this season. An estimated 14-foot plus great white shark attacked Fanning during his final in the Jbay Open in July.
Photo by Taylor Corbin/Collegian
Lowers Pro Champion Mick Fanning hoists the trophy on Sept. 18, 2015 during a celebratory Pacifico shower in Lower Trestles, California. Fanning also claimed the top spot on the rankings for the World Title. Luckily, he survived and was unharmed by the shark. It was the first shark attack in competition history, and left the surf world wondering if Fanning would ever return. If so, would he ever be the same? He put those questions to rest quickly. “This has been a crazy year for me,” Fanning said. “This wave and event are all about performance. To walk away with this trophy is really special.” Fanning and de Souza gave each other much respect, and the surf culture although intense sometimes, is always a brotherhood first. “I remember when the shark attack occurred and Adriano was al-
ready at the airport getting ready to leave,” Fanning said. “He heard what happened and immediately canceled his flight to come give me a hug and drink some beers with all of us. A friend for life and I love him like a brother.” “I’m so grateful to make the final here at Lowers,” de Souza said. “To get the opportunity to surf against such a legend in the final was unreal and I’m so happy for him.” With the tour making three final stops in France, Portugal, and then the granddaddy of them all, Pipeline in Hawaii, the title is Fanning’s to lose. With all the adversity that occurred around Fanning this year, he looks to turn this year’s fairy tale ending into a historic reality.