Issuu

LACC WEATHER FORECAST MONDAY

90/72

TUESDAY

82/69

WEDNESDAY

79/68

THURSDAY

82/69

FRIDAY

86/68

Collegian Los Angeles

Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Volume 175 Number 1

NEWS BRIEFS

‘#Blacklivesmatter’ Exhibit Comes to Campus

fits,” said LACCD Trustee Mike Eng who chaired the Board committees overseeing the District’s application process. “This is just the beginning of a real ride for the students.” The California Career Pathway Trust Grant will be available to 6,298 applicants. Seventy-two percent of the applications will be designated for students who face economic academic challenges. The remaining 28 percent are reserved for students who major in one of the five fields.

A review set for March 2016 has the staff, faculty and administration inundated with processes and paperwork to ensure the campus clears the accreditation hurdle. Accredited institutions of higher education guarantee graduates certified degrees. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) certify all California educational institutions that offer students an accredited degree. A WASC accreditation legitimizes the credits a student obtains upon the completion of an appropriate course. In order to offer students a WASC accredited degree, an institution must uphold the principles in the associations mission statement– thus, being re-accredited as an acceptable institution at least every 10 years. LACC must be re-accredited. Dr. Dan Walden, vice president of Academic Affairs says students will suffer tremendously if the accredited stamp of approval is removed. Walden is also the accreditation liaison officer, and he is confident that LACC should not fear the loss of accreditation. “To lose accreditation would mean that you were ignoring the commission and were not following through to fix what needs to be fixed … that you have substantially deviated from the standards,” Walden said. Accreditation also plays an important role in determining whether a school gets any federal assistance. In California, if an institution is not WASC accredited it will not receive, nor be able to offer federal financial aid to qualified students. Although the seal of accreditation is from WASC, the agency responsible for reaffirming LACC’s accreditation is the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. “Many dedicated faculty, staff and administrators are working on [LACC’s] formal report to the ACCJC,” said to Dr. Dan Wanner, the LACC Accreditation Co-Chair. “[Faculty, staff and administrators] are reviewing how well [LACC’s]

SEE ENROLLMENT GRANT PAGE 5

SEE WASC PAGE 5

Elephant’s Graveyard to Kickstart Theatre Academy Fall Opening Elephant’s Graveyard, by George Brant, will launch the fall season for LACC’s Theatre Academy. The play highlights revenge, spectacle, lynching and legends, when a circus enters a small struggling Midwest town. Show dates are Oct. 2, 3, 8, 9 and Oct. 10 at the Camino Theatre. Check the Theatre Academy Box Office for show times.

UC Representatives Visit Campus to Assist Students Students who apply for UC Transfer Admission Guarantee can attend the UC TAG Workshop today from 4-5 p.m. Students will learn the requirements and application process. The TAG deadline is Sept. 30. Students may also attend workshops on Sept. 24 from noon to 1 p.m., and Sept. 30 from 1-2 p.m. Workshops are in Room 203 of the Administration Building.

CSUN Welcomes Future Transfer Students CSUN admissions representatives will be at L.A. City College on Wednesday Sept. 22, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit the Transfer Center in the Administration Building, Room 109.

40 Universities Coming to Transfer Fair

LACC’s Transfer Day is Tuesday Sept. 22, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Quad. Forty universities from across the nation will attend the first transfer fair of the semester. Students can contact the Transfer Center for more information on the participating universities.

Astronomy Club Invites Students to Lunar Eclipse The LACC Astronomy Club welcomes students to observe a total lunar eclipse on Sunday, Sept. 27. Viewing will be on the third floor observation deck of the Sci-tech Building from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

INDEX Opinion Features News Scholarships

2 3,4 5 6

ACCREDITATION REVIEW LOOMS BY AMBAR QUINTILLA

Artist Isabelle Lutterodt’s Erasure/Agitation #Blacklivesmatter art exhibition will be on display inside the Da Vinci Gallery at Da Vinci Hall until Sept. 30. Anyone interested in signed art pieces and interacting with the artist can attend a discussion Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the Da Vinci Gallery.

Students who want to take a class on a Pass/No Pass basis must file by Friday, Oct. 2. The last day to drop a class with a “W,” which means you withdrew from the class and are ineligible for a letter grade is Sunday, Nov. 22.

SEE PAGE 4

The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929

COMPILED BY SORINA SZAKACS

Deadlines Arrive Soon for Class, Schedule Changes

MEET N’ SWAP: SOAK UP DEALS, LOCAL COLOR

COURTESY OF THE LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

Multimillion Dollar Grant Promises Internships for District Students

BY SORINA SZAKACS

ore than 6,000 students have 15 million reasons to be happy, thanks to funds available from the California Career Pathway Trust Grant. The California Department of Education awarded a $15 million grant to the Los Angeles Community College District that offers 4,000 internships in five career areas. The LACCD received $15 million in the form of a one-time competitive grant for a program aimed at

merging traditional academics and technical training. The program will connect employers with schools and train students for jobs in high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, information technology and healthcare. District officials and business partners gathered for the grant award ceremony on Thursday, June 4, in front of the Metro Headquarters Building at L.A.’s Union Station. Among the 115 people there were Phil Washington, CEO of Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Frank Spaeth, CEO of NIC Technology Partners and Tracy Rafter, CEO

of BizFed. The program will help over 6,000 students by offering 4,000 internships, which will be available over the next four years. With more than 100 partners, this program is one of the largest collaborative models in the history of California, and focuses on high-demand industry sectors that are projected to grow and offer job opportunities into the future. “This grant is a win-win-win for the students, the employers and our colleges because we know that when we work together to create career pathways, the economy grows, and the whole community bene-

Shirley without Laverne Shares Memoirs BY MAE BRADLEY Actress Cindy Williams spoke about her struggle and zeal while presenting her first memoir, “Shirley, I Jest: A Storied Life,” at the Camino Theatre on Sept. 12. Williams told the crowd of her life’s journey finding solace through the arts. After 45 years of hard work, her career in Hollywood still continues. She says she lived a life focused on making people laugh, having fun and staying positive. Although famous for her role as Shirley in the sitcom “Laverne & Shirley” and the film “American Graffiti,” Williams says she struggled with academics due to dyslexia. She says her ability to read, write, spell and speak properly was often misunderstood during her era. “You had to be enthusiastic,” Williams said. “Have a lot of hope, and be like Pollyanna every day of your life to say, ‘maybe tomorrow something wonderful will happen.’ I found a great beauty in that.” Many of the audience members had comments about the event, including Jonathan Elias, the head of Los Angeles City College’s programming board, and Leslie Ferreira, the Theater Department chair. Ferreira says that Williams’ visit to LACC strengthens the legacy and tradition that has been established in the program since 1929.

STUDY ABROAD CAPTIVATES STUDENT, ENCOURAGES HER TO STAY IN SCHOOL BY TOMAS RODRIGUEZ

PHOTO BY TOMAS RODRIGUEZ/COLLEGIAN

“The way she looks at life is inspiring, day to day as something new,” Elias said. First semester LACC student, James Datu says Williams inspired him. He believes the Theater Department lead to some of her success. “Seeing alumni that are successful … fills me with pride for being in this program,” Datu said. Al Rossi, a retired theatre faculty member, and Alumni Director for the LACC Foundation, Leigh Stenberg coordinated with Williams’ publisher for the speaking engage-

ment and book signing. Although admission was free for students, the general public paid $15. All ticket and book sale proceeds will help send LACC theatre academy students to the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors for Performing Arts Awards in Hawaii. “I love when alumni come back… and want to give to their alma mater,” Stenberg said. Williams revealed that there is another book in the works titled, “The Rest of the Jest.” In this book, she says she continues her life story where “Shirley, I Jest” leaves off.

Brenda Guzman sat and ate crepes with her classmates while enjoying the scene. In Paris, at that moment, she realized her potential as a Hispanic woman, a single mother and a community college student. Study abroad programs allow students to travel overseas. They spend one month in Spain and have a three-day conclusion in France. In Spain, the students stay in the dorms at Colegio Mayor Mara, the local university that is minutes away from the city center. Attendees also have the opportunity to tour many historic landmarks and museums. Guzman made it out of Los Angeles. She traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to Madrid and Barcelona, Spain. Then she spent three-days in France. She started to envision traveling with her daughter. Together, they could sit under the stars of the Eiffel Tower. “My dorm was comfortable,” Guzman said. “I posted pictures of my daughter so it would remind me of home.” Guzman says she thanks the Foreign Language and Humanities Department at Los Angeles City College for being able to see Spain, and take a course in Spanish while experiencing the culture in Spain.

She says in the mornings when she woke up and looked out her window from the fourth floor, she saw many students just like herself. They were from all over the nation and possessed the desire to travel. While abroad, Brenda had class for three hours most days. In her free time she would take public transportation to the Plaza De Sol, a tourist attraction in the center of Madrid. During her trip, historic architecture surrounded her. She says it reminds her of Hollywood but without the calamity celebrities and noise. She took the opportunity to see the Palacio Real de Madrid – the Royal Palace of Madrid. “I entered the place in awe,” Guzman said. “First, I noticed the enormous paintings high above, [on the ceiling] of the palace. I felt like I was in a fairy tale.” Brenda went to Paris for the last few days of her trip. She arrived in her hotel, unloaded her stuff in a hurry and went straight to the Eiffel Tower. During the day, the tower captivated her, but at night it sparkled and created the illusion of a million stars in the dark starless sky. SEE FOREIGN LANGUAGE PAGE 5

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Collegian Media Arts Department, Chemistry 207 Los Angeles City College 855 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029

Editors-in-Chief Tomas Rodriguez Jason Piskopus

COMPILED BY Hector Lopez PHOTOS BY Tomas Rodriguez

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE AT LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE?

JEREMY WILLIAMS Biology Major

MICHAEL DIAZ Biology Major

SANDRA VASQUEZ Child Development Major

“I hope to leave LACC with a degree in science; which I am very close to getting. I also hope to learn about the cultures and people mostly because I am from a different state. You don’t find the diversity found at LACC in mid west Texas.”

“Most of the kids in my neighborhood don’t have the chance to attend college, so I’m here hoping that I can achieve the best. I want to be able to look back and reflect on what LACC had to offer me. Once I get a degree, I hope to transfer to a university.”

“This is my first semester at LACC and I hope to transfer to CSUN to further my education. I am glad that they help out AB540 students like myself. This semester, I am taking five classes and even though I get lost a few times, I’m having a great time.”

Why Doesn’t My Generation Vote?

Editorial

BY ROSA MALTEZ

ILLUSTRATION BY JOSE TOBAR/COLLEGIAN

Rate for Yourself

ebsites that let students rate college professors can taint the college experience by leading students to the easiest professors on campus. After graduating or transferring, one will find differences everywhere. Bosses, coworkers and clients will have their own way of getting a job done and various expectations concerning how a job is carried out. Higher education expands our knowledge of the world and at the same time provides us with variety in our person-to-person interactions. Different classmates and professors add real-life lessons that cannot be found in a book or by the click of a mouse. As students, we need academic variety to prepare us for the unexpected in the real world. Anyone who wants to transfer to a four-year school needs to realize the standards and workloads are much

higher. These “difficult” professors are actually helping prepare students the most for university life. Sites such as RateMyProfessor.com, RateMyTeachers.com and MyEdu. com stifle the student experience by providing a bad approach to higher education. Many of the reviews found on these sites are vague and lack clarity and relevant details about the professors being reviewed. A student’s personal vendetta or bias - possibly due to not receiving the grade that they wanted - causes them to post negative comments. Some reviewers simply dislike the professor’s personality which may not be an accurate indicator of the professor’s teaching ability. A quick search on RateMyProfessor. com, one of the leading professor-rating sites brings up plenty of examples. Reviews such as “flat out lousy”, “boring” and “hard to understand” are just insults that do not provide good

reasons to avoid a professor. Student reviews make claims about professors that they are “difficult” or “very hard.” School is meant to challenge students to work hard and excel in situations that are not always easy. It is not just the classes, but the professors themselves that provide this challenge. Learning to work with a difficult professor creates a more versatile student. Enduring the requirements laid out by such professors helps to create potential employees with workers who have the ability to function in a myriad of situations. Professors are also supposed to be able to defend themselves against the claims made on these sites, but they cannot defend themselves against an anonymous posting. The “rate your professor” sites provide cyber bullies a way to taint reputations. Give each of your college professors a chance. Step up and prepare to challenge yourself by practicing different ways of doing things.

CAFFEINATED LIFE LEADS TO SLEEPLESS NIGHTS BY MAE BRADLEY On a campus, where driven students tend to overload on units in order to transfer as quickly as possible, a healthy night’s sleep has become the exception. Instead, students are turning to a regiment of coffee and energy drinks in order to juggle multiple classes, one or two parttime jobs and an often chaotic social life. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) sleep promotes problem solving capabilities, attentiveness, deci-

sion-making and creativity. The NIH also mentions that lack of sleep can incite difficulty in the same areas instead and disturb emotional and behavioral regulation. Energy drinks can further impair the ability to sleep and affect the diminished rest a college student receives. These drinks also act as a catalyst to anxiety and encourage dehydration which causes a slew of other issues. This trade of emotional and mental regulation for more waking hours takes it’s toll. A student’s day begins with coffee and class, then a can of something fizzy and loaded with a cocktail of energy supplements for lunch. As they walk into their closing shift, they take a concentrated energy shot. After they leave their job, the homework due tomorrow needs to be hammered out.

Five hours of sleep later the pattern is repeated. This determined faction of students gets a ghost of an education, filled with grinding and going through the motions. A yelp.com search reveals there are 26 coffee and tea vendors in a one mile radius of LACC. The density of Starbucks locations in Los Angeles reaches as high as 15 stores in a 7-block radius. There is also an obscene number of gas stations, convenience stores, grocery markets and pharmacies selling canned energy near campus. However, for many students energy drinks are a necessity when dealing with the pressures to stay awake, productive, and moving, for hours throughout the day. As we begin this semester, let’s put down the coffee mug and pick up an extra hour of sleep.

Living in the 21st century, you can find many trendy topics in the media. Some of these topics include the newest electronic gadgets, best restaurants to visit in the city, and of course, the latest gossip or scandals on all of our favorite (or maybe not so favorite) celebrities. Recently, I read an article about the small Central American country of Guatemala. The article discussed a recent victory Guatemalans had when the citizens fought to overthrow their allegedly corrupt president. It was a great victory for the small country. Politics have never been “my thing.” I’ve tried to stay away from voting polls because I’ve failed to educate myself on propositions and measures, and basically, “why vote if you don’t know?” This article has really caught my attention. It shows me that we should not allow others to make decisions for us. As much as the article proved to be a great win for Guatemala, it saddens me to think that my generation is becoming less and less concerned with voting. I now have to ask: Why doesn’t my generation vote? After doing some re-

search, I have found that the best argument on this topic is that my generation does not feel connected to the need to participate. There are not many topics in politics that focus directly on the younger generation. We fail to inform ourselves on political topics because it is not something of interest to us. We are stressed with our busy, young lives, whether it is our college life, the beginning of our new careers or a combination of both. As the younger generation, I feel we must learn to inform ourselves on such topics, whether it directly affects us or not. Our voice matters, and by informing ourselves we can make a difference in our lives and the lives of the next generations. Without obsessing on something or someone that is already getting a lot of media attention, we cannot let a candidate like Donald Trump run our country. The United States of America is home and we should start treating it that way. We have every right to stand up for what is constitutionally right. Guatemalan citizens stood together, chanting for months to overthrow their new, corrupt and thieving president. Well, congratulations to them! They have succeeded and President Otto Perez Molina has resigned despite his immunity, which is now irrelevant. It is time for us to educate ourselves and get to the polls this upcoming election! Our voice matters and our voice will make every difference.

Front Page/News Jake Camarena Opinion/Editorial Hector Lopez Arts & Entertainment Byron Umana Bermudez Features Melissa Breccia Clinton Cameron Sports Tayler Corbin Reporters Mae Bradley Sheila Thorne Carlos Martinez Sorina Szakacs Photo Editor Curtis Sabir Photographers Jorge Ponce Illustrators Jose Tobar Graphic Designers Richard Martinez Monica L. Monroe Jimmy Martinez Gegham Khekoyan Digital Content Kenneth Jara Multimedia Producers Dave Martin Frank Vidrio Advertising Staff Clinton Cameron Adviser Rhonda Guess

WASTED TIME, WASTED EDUCATION BY SHEILA THORNE We live in a microwave society - everyone wants what they what “NOW!” Whether it is fame, money or even the perfect relationship we don’t want to wait. To obtain these great desires one must be focused, determined and consistent. However, in order to accomplish these things, many sacrifices must be made and work needs to be done. Although we are well aware that most great things do not come over night; it takes time. Our time is robbed during daily errands. Such as waiting in line at the grocery store, post office and even the Department of Motor Vehicles. The greatest time thief however, is waiting in line at the financial aid office on campus. Frustrated students are in an outrage at the time they have to wait

to be seen by a financial aid associate. Students also have to wait to get results. Students are also late to class because of this. This creates a dilemma: be late for class or delay your financial aid. The estimated time to wait is 45 minutes to an hour and a half. How can this be possible when we live in a society of high tech computer software and instant processing services? Instant downloading, credit cards purchases, and even UBER car services are all available at an instant. Students need the same instant services available in the financial aid department. Students require financial aid to pay for books, food, transportation and housing. A delay in financial aid causes students to go without these important necessities. LACC’s financial aid department needs to upgrade their system and give students better service. This would give students more time in regard to their college life. The college should highly consider investing in a much-needed system that would improve the quality and services for students.

HAVE AN OPINION? A STORY IDEA? WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR CONTACT: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com 323.953.4000 ext. 2831 Letters may be edited for brevity.

Deadline Schedule NEXT ISSUE: September 30, 2015 Editorial deadline: September 25, 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.

FEATURES

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 16, 2015

‘DON’T CALL ME MR.’ NELSON: Darkroom Light Retires

Record-breaking heat and final grades characterize the transition from the end of the summer session into the fall semester. As seasons change, so does the student body. Occasionally, members of the staff change as well. Keith Nelson has witnessed more than 40 years of change at Los Angeles City College. For him, this summer will be his last as adjunct photography instructor and instructional assistant for the media arts and photography department.

BY CLINTON CAMERON

hotography students know Nelson as the go-to person for cameras, lenses and other photography equipment. In front of a small office the size of two closets down in the basement of the Chemistry Building, a line forms to reserve darkroom time or check equipment in and out. Everything in the space is well organized. Checkout slips hang by clips to Nelson’s right. He wears a deadpan expression as he receives word from a student that a piece of equipment has been lost. After he ask for details about the missing item, Nelson tells the student he is required to pay for it. His easygoing attitude offsets any hint of intimidation. He’s done this before. “He didn’t make exceptions to the rules,” said Amy Oliver, longtime friend and former photography instructor at City College. “He was really fair and treated everyone equally. You knew what to expect.” Oliver first met Nelson at City College in 2002 as a photography student. By 2004, they worked together in the photography department. Even then, Oliver said she found it a challenge to figure out the fellow photography instructor and assistant. “When I first met him I was taking a color photography class,” Oliver said. “At first, I didn’t think he liked me because he had such a dry sense of humor.” Today, she describes Nelson as someone endowed with patience, understanding, authenticity and dedication. For Oliver, his dedication stands out the most; whether he keeps a machine operable while no one else seems to be able to fix it, or when he goes the extra mile for students. Oliver said every student with department ID cards, has him to thank.

“

A LOT OF YEARS WORKING FOR THE SAME PEOPLE, IT’S LIKE WE’RE ALL FAMILY ... WE GET ALONG GOOD AND IT WAS GREAT.” KEITH NELSON, PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

the program formally, I would not have my job today.” Nelson’s accounts of his beginnings in photography take him back to high school. He attended South Gate High School, 16 miles southeast of Los Angeles City College. His interest in photography developed after having to take a class on the subject as a requirement for graduation. “I took photography because of art,” Nelson said. “They told me ‘you need [an] art class to graduate,’ and I said ‘I can’t draw,’ and [they] said ‘well, take photo.’ So, I said ‘OK.’” After high school, he earned his associate degree in photography at East Los Angeles College. After working at the college for over a year, Nelson took a test to work at Valley College. “Out of 44 people, I came in [at] number two,” Nelson said. “But, the number one guy got the job there.” Meanwhile, his name sat on a list for more than year before he was contacted to work at LACC. A full-time position during the school months did not guarantee full-time employment for the summer. He found outside work to make up for the lost months. “When I first started working here, it was a ten month position,” Nelson said. “So, I worked a lot with a studio during the summers.” Located on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, the studio allowed for Nelson to polish his skills in photography. From Beverly Hills to the Malibu Hills he traveled and earned extra money shooting weddings. Sometimes, he was called to work for celebrities.

IF KEITH NELSON HADN’T CONVINCED ME TO BECOME A DAY STUDENT AND GO THROUGH THE PROGRAM FORMALLY, I WOULD NOT HAVE MY JOB TODAY. I HAVE A TREMENDOUS RESPECT FOR KEITH. I THINK HE IS ONE OF THE MOST NOBLE PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET.” DANIEL MARLOS, MEDIA ARTS CHAIR

“He made sure everybody’s picture looked as good as possible on those tiny little cards,” Oliver said. “He would fine tune each card one by one to make sure it was exactly right. I’d see him working there for hours on those ID cards. If he didn’t get one right, he’d do it until it was right.” Another LACC staff member who started off as one of Nelson’s students became department chair. When he first set foot on City College’s campus, Media Arts Chair Daniel Marlos enrolled in Nelson’s color photography class. According to Marlos, the path leading to his position as chair would not have been possible without Nelson. It was Adrian Wagner who ran the color photography program during the day, and once Nelson convinced him to take Wagner’s class, Marlos said he became fully immersed in the program and continued his education at LACC. “Because I earned my certificates here at Los Angeles City College, I eventually became the nighttime instructional assistant when there was an opening,” Marlos said. “Then, I went to grad school and when I earned my degree, I eventually started teaching here … if Keith Nelson hadn’t convinced me to become a day student and go through

“I got to see how the other half lived,” Nelson said. “We did Karen Carpenter’s wedding and Donny Most from “Happy Days.”” Negatives from the shoots belonged to the photographers and the customers would order prints from the studio. Nelson never had direct contact with the clients. There was enough work during the summer to supplement his income, but as hours working at City College increased, work for the studio became less of a necessity and less frequent. Nelson continues to work as an independent wedding photographer and he continues to shoot with film. “The last wedding I shot, I went back to the lab I normally go to and they said ‘we don’t process film anymore,’” he said. “A lot of the local labs I use to go to aren’t around any more.” Even though Nelson prefers to shoot in film, he admits that the quality of cameras gets better and better each year. However, he said he sees the short lifespan of newer cameras as an issue. “That’s the problem,” he said. “Every time you turn around, what you had two years ago is kind of like obsolete. You end up spending a lot more money … Digital is slowly taking over everything. A

lot of people still like doing darkroom stuff because it’s different. A lot of people work on computers all day and when they want to do something fun, they don’t want to do it on computers again. So, the interest is still there. The question is how long it will still be there. I don’t know.” Despite their age, for City College students Jee Hyun Lee and Karin Gonzalez digital photography is not a priority. Nelson has been their goto person for equipment and advice for the last four years. As Nelson retires, so do they. Because of the “three-peat rule,” Lee and Gonzales have reached the repeat limit for photography classes taken at the Los Angeles Community College District. Lee said she has decided to convert her basement into a darkroom and continue to practice her skills with Gonzalez who is already working professionally. “See, the thing about the photography department is that it gives you the skills and experience necessary to go and open up your own darkroom,” Lee said. “A really good one too.” Nelson affectionately refers to Lee as his “problem child.” When the phone rings and disrupts his explanation for how to use a piece of equipment, he jokingly asks if someone can take message and say that he is not there. In addition to checking equipment in and out of the department, Nelson also manages the donated photography equipment they receive. Lee and Gonzalez arrived to pick out things they may need for the darkroom. The ladies huddle around a side room in the office asking questions like excited children. They look as if they are at a photographers’ rummage sale. “What do you recommend that we do when we dry our negatives?” they asked. “Do you have old paper?” From the crowded side space, Nelson pulls out antiquated photography equipment to help Lee with her new darkroom. Much of what was donated is in excess of what the department needs and is given away. “I usually ask when [someone] donates something that if it’s something we can’t use, ‘do you mind if we pass it on to students who may need it?’” Nelson said. “Everyone’s very enthusiastic about making sure whatever that they no longer need, somebody else can use.” As things pile up, the two friends prepare to leave with their new old equipment. Meanwhile, a thick book of paperwork related to Nelson’s retirement awaits him in the checkout booth. There are forms and red tape to deal with now. As the photography and media arts department prepare to merge with fine arts, a new location is also on the horizon. This is something Nelson said he will not have to worry about. His last day is yet to be determined. “I’m pushing for the end of October,” he said. Once he retires, he can still return to City College and teach photography but that requires cutting through red tape, bureaucracy and time. For now, he said finishing personal projects and traveling are on his to-do-list. He reminisces. “A lot of years working for the same people, it’s like we’re all family,” he said. “So, we get along good and it was great.”

PHOTO BY CURTIS SABIR/COLLEGIAN

Collegian Wired Follow the thread

Get all our stories the minute we print. Wherever you are.

Issues of our award-winning newspaper and magazine are instantly available to our readers on issuu. com/collegianwired.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on

facebook.com/CollegianWired @CollegianWired @CollegianWired CollegianWired.tumblr.com youtube.com/CollegianWired soundcloud.com/CollegianWired

BROADCAST

MULTIMEDIA

RADIO

SOCIAL

4 FEATURES Shoppers Hunt Deals, Discover Fun at Swap Meet Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 16, 2015

LACC Swap Meet organizers say that the weekend marketplace has been a positive force in the community for almost two decades. It provides fun, fair prices and opportunities for growth.

BY MELISSA BRECCIA

lothing from various brands, produce from throughout the state, and an assortment of remote controls for any television set are only a few of the offerings at the LACC Swap Meet. On Saturdays and Sundays, the swap meet hosts 200 vendors and sees anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 shoppers, all searching for bargains. However, the deals at the swap meet are not exclusive to customers. One vendor, Anett Acevedo says that she truly enjoys being a part of the swap meet and handling each aspect of her business. “It’s your own business, and you don’t have to depend on anybody but yourself,” Acevedo said. “I have really good customers. All of it is about customer service, it’s a good atmosphere. I’m here every weekend.” Rick Landis, the head of business development for the LACC Swap Meet says that both buyers and sellers maintain equally great experiences while benefiting LACC in the process. “You can get exposure to your product right away and run your own business,” Landis said. “It’s vibrant, it brings a lot of people together and the great part is … the [LACC] Foundation is our landlord and all of the money that we pay for rent goes to the Foundation. [The funds go] into money for scholarships.” The swap meet also offers free spaces to LACC clubs and organizations. The spaces can be used to promote a group’s cause and to gain exposure to communities outside of campus. “Just let us know in advance and we’ll schedule a spot,” Landis said. “We have another swap meet like this at Cypress College and they use it all of the time.” The LACC Swap Meet has been open since the late ‘90s and attempts to provide a positive experience within the community. Luis Viramontes, the manager of the swap meet says that they paint over graffiti and take care of landscaping and any other issues that arise within the area surrounding the swap meet.

“

IT’S YOUR OWN BUSINESS, AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO DEPEND ON ANYBODY BUT YOURSELF. I HAVE REALLY GOOD CUSTOMERS. ALL OF IT IS ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE, IT’S A GOOD ATMOSPHERE. I’M HERE EVERY WEEKEND.” ANETT ACEVEDO, SWAP MEET VENDOR

Through managing different swap meets over the course of eight years, Viramontes has seen a variety of products for sale. “There’s new and used items,” Viramontes said. “A lot of the vendors purchase stuff from antique stores going out of business or [storage units]. They’ll buy in bulk and sometimes they come here and don’t know what they have, and if you know what you’re looking for you’ll find a great deal.” Vendors display video games from “Mario Kart” to “Zelda” and offer candies that are the colors of the sunset. Foreign currency with historical faces that might be unfamiliar is sold alongside carefully stacked dinnerware. It makes the swap meet a place to find all that customers desire. Viramontes says that the swap meet is not only a place to buy and sell, but to have fun. “People come here to meet and walk around,” Viramontes said. “It’s very family-oriented, we have people just enjoying the food. We have two lunch trucks.” Most of the vendors have been participating in the LACC Swap Meet and other swap meets alike for several years now. Leila Reda says that her father started selling at swap meets in the ‘80s to pay for college, and now she also partakes in them every weekend. “It’s a good means for people,” Reda said. “We sell whatever people ask for—it’ll change every year. Right now it’s back to school so we sell cargo shorts, cargo pants, button-ups, anything that moms ask for. We have different [brand] options.” Aside from providing opportunities for business growth, the LACC Swap Meet also serves as a strong motivator for several of its vendors. Lose Lara says that the swap meet is a great way to become educated in sales and to find inspiration. “It’s something productive to do and it’s fun,” Lara said. “You can get creative. Vendors are always welcome from all kinds of walks [of life] and diversities. It’s not just about money, it’s about goals and achieving dreams.” The swap meet offers free admission to LACC students who bring a valid student identification card. It is open Saturdays and Sundays on 4133 Marathon St. from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Clubs and organizations looking to take advantage of free spaces can contact Luis Viramontes at luis-v@nd-inc.com.

PHOTOS BY CURTIS SABIR/COLLEGIAN

Clockwise from top

NEWS

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 16, 2015

GRANTS FROM PAGE 1

Grants Provide Extra Opportunities to Students COMPILED BY MAE BRADLEY 07/02/2015 2:30 p.m.07/06/2015 1 p.m. - A burglary took place at the Hollywood Worksource. Report taken, pending investigation. 07/05/2015 12:30-3:30 p.m. - Vandalism occurred in Parking Lot 2. Report taken, pending investigation. 07/06/2015 2:10 p.m. - There was a case of petty theft that occurred in Jefferson Hall. Report taken, pending investigation.

“We are working with 100 employers who offer internships and summer jobs,” Eng said. “The five areas this grant is for have the most jobs available, and our intention is to train our students to qualify for them.” Companies like Metro, Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Medical Center, Xerox, Farmers Insurance and White Medical Center will sponsor the interns. Professor Munir Samplewala from the Computer Science Information Technology Department (CSIT) says the grant offers an amazing opportunity for his students. “The theoretical training can be done in one year, which will help our students enormously,” Samplewala said. “Depending on the generic template of skills employers will ask for, our students interested in the grant can sign up for certain classes

like web design, web administration, database and even cyber security.” The CSIT Department faculty are willing to accommodate the needs of Los Angeles Community College students, should any of the employers require classes that are not in the Course Catalog. Mayra Zamora is in her first year at LACC and says that she is definitely interested in an internship. “I haven’t decided on my major yet,” Zamora said. “I would love to work in [the] women’s health care area, and an internship could help me decide on choosing my major in order to qualify.” LACCD Board of Trustees President, Scott Svonkin says the grant will help transform the lives of thousands of students. According to Svonkin, the grant will allow LACCD to take students wherever they “dream” to go.

“CALIFORNIA CAREER PATHWAY TRUST” 4,000 INTERNSHIP JOBS IN:

Manufacturing, Information technology design, Trade and logistics Healthcare Business and Finance 6,298 Students will benefit from the grant 4 - Number of school districts 4 - Number of years this program will be in operation 5 - Number of career areas covered by the grant 4,000 Paid internships will be offered through 2019 ACCREDITATION FROM PAGE 1

STUDY ABROAD FROM PAGE 1

07/20/2015 12:30-8:40 a.m. - A burglary occurred at the Hollywood Worksource. Report taken, pending investigation.

BY THE NUMBERS

07/21/2015 4:30-4:35 p.m. - Petty theft in the SciTech Building resulted in a report taken, pending investigation. 07/23/2015 6-8:45 p.m. - A vehicle was stolen in Lot 1. Report taken, pending investigation. 07/29/2015 3:30 p.m. - Someone lost their property in Franklin Hall. Report taken, pending investigation. 07/30/2015 7-7:31 p.m. - There was a case of petty theft in the Administration building. Report taken, pending investigation. 08/07/2015 3:30 p.m.08/10/2015 6 a.m. Vandalism occurred at the construction site at one or multiple points over the span of three days. Report taken, pending investigation. 08/26/15 10:52 a.m.-5:30 p.m. - There was a burglary in Lot 1. Report taken, pending investigation. 08/31/2015 12:20 p.m. - Expired registration on a vehicle parked on Monroe St/Alexandria Ave resulted in removal. Report taken, vehicle stored. 09/01/2015 5:15 p.m.09/02/2015 10 a.m. - Vandalism occurred at the Hollywood Worksource. 09/01/2015 6-8 p.m. - An incident of petty theft occurred in the main quad of campus. Report taken, pending investigation.

SCAN QR CODE TO VISIT OUR MULTIMEDIA BLOG, COLLEGIAN WIRED ON TUMBLR

Or visit: CollegianWired.tumblr.com

PHOTO BY JORGE PONCE/COLLEGIAN

Foreign Language, Humanities Department Overlooked by City College Students Europe not only ignited Guzman’s passion for traveling, but it reinforced her desire to stay in college. Brenda says she will remain in school so she can provide a better future for her daughter. “People believe I can’t get a higher education only because I’m a single mother. I want to break that stigma,” she said. “I want to be an example to my daughter. I want to let people know that everything is possible. You just have to let go of your comfort zone and you will grow.” Guzman struggled and triumphed in raising a child. She embraces her situation and uses it as inspiration; she knows she is not alone. LACC student Ana Zarate has to postpone college to work two jobs in order to take care of her daughter. Guzman and Zarate share similar situations. Both are single parents with a desire to provide a great future for their children. “It’s very difficult, for the fact that I don’t receive help from my daugh-

ter’s father, but it keeps me from depending on someone, Guzman said. “I stay positive at all times. I don’t want to give people the satisfaction of me failing as a mother. You have to learn from the up hills and down hills in life.” The pioneers of the overseas program were Spanish professors Yelgy Parada and Jose Morin. Morin believes this once in a lifetime opportunity should be taken advantage of. “I would recommend [the trip] to everyone. If you have the opportunity, take it, because later on it might be more difficult,” Morin said. “Some of the students are going overseas for the first time, so it is very unique to see different cultures. It is very encouraging to see the students make the financial sacrifice.” Parada’s inspiration for traveling was her grandmother. Now, she shares the same love for adventures with her own daughters. Parada was delighted to learn that she was an influence to Guzman.

“The philosophy of this program is to be able to change students’ lives,” Parada said. “I always say to myself, ‘I am not going to do this again,’ but when I hear great things about the program and how it impacts lives, it fuels me to continue [with the program].” Although Parada does not get paid for taking the students on this trip, she is grateful for all the people who have helped put the project together. The cost for the trip is around $5,000 per student. With the support of the LACC administration and a former dean of the college, the Study Abroad Program began in 2013. The student government, the LACC Foundation and the president of the college have also contributed to the project. During her trip, Guzman says a vision took place in her mind. She says she needs to work harder than the rest of her classmates and have a greater commitment to her education in order to succeed.

CHILD ACTOR, FORMER COLLEGIAN STAFF MEMBER DICKIE MOORE PASSES AWAY AT 89

College Administration Prepares for WASC Visit resources, programs, and services support students.” Prior to the ACCJC’s four-day visit to the campus next March, LACC must provide the agency with a selfstudy report at least two months in advance. According to Wanner, the self-report is in progress now. Wanner says he and the LACC accreditation Co-Chair, Daniel Ruiz are hopeful about maintaining WASC accreditation. If the self-evaluation finds the college is not fully meeting a standard, Wanner says the administration will take steps to improve processes. “There is no reason to fear loss of accreditation,” Wanner said. If a college were to lose its WASC accreditation it would have failed four processes. The fourth and final sanction is a non-accredited status. The first step in a disciplinary action is a warning. Interim Student Trustee at East Los Angeles College, Gerson Liahut-Sanchez says that it is the duty and responsibility of students to get involved in the accreditation process. He says that students should

make sure that Associated Student Government is a real representation of the student voice. ASG should be at the accreditation meeting, as well as a part of the report writing. Wanner and Ruiz say students and ASG are important. They have the opportunity to bring forward ideas to governance committees. Student leadership works with college leadership to develop policies and plans that should improve services at the college. Ruiz says student participation on surveys and evaluations are needed to enhance the quality of education. He says the student voice is imperative for the college to remain in a constant stage of improvement. Sanchez says accreditation allows all students to earn degrees and certificates. “It makes every class and unit that we acquire mean something,” Sanchez said. For additional information on accreditation and planning documents, visit: http://effectiveness. lacitycollege.edu/cc/accreditation/ default.aspx.

Campus Democracy Today

Moore is best remembered for his 1932 portrayal in the title role of Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens. He also appeared in the “Our Gang” series from 1932 to 1933. BY NICK BECK FORMER COLLEGIAN EDITOR Former child star and LACC Collegian writer Dickie Moore has died after a long illness. He would have been 90 on September 12. Moore, who made his movie debut at 18 months playing John Barrymore as a baby in the 1927 silent “The Beloved Rogue,” also was the first actor to give an on-screen kiss to Shirley Temple (in the 1942 film “Miss Annie Rooney”). He left acting in his 20s, eventually became publicity director for Actor’s Equity, and in 1964 created his own PR firm, Dick Moore Associates, in New York. He also authored a highly-successful book, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (But Don’t Have Sex or Take

the Car),” in which he interviewed 31 former child actors, more than half of whom went on to adult lives plagued by alcoholism, breakdowns and failed first marriages. Moore was married briefly to Pat Dempsey, a fellow Collegian scribe and Matrix Table member at LACC, and - after a failed second marriage to actress-singer Jane Powell in 1988. They lived happily in New York and Connecticut. One of Moore’s keenest recollections was of being directed by C. B. DeMille in the 1931 remake of “The Squaw Man.” “He was a complete and total egotist who didn’t give a damn about anyone but himself,” said Moore. “He hit me. I was a five-year-old kid and he hit me.”

FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, THE FREE MEDIA REPOSITORY

PHOTO BY TOMAS RODRIGUEZ/COLLEGIAN

News

Los Angeles Collegian Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, September 16, 2015

ACP AWARDS NATIONAL FINALISTS Finalists for the 2015 Associated Collegiate Press National Awards have been announced. The work of six LACC students: Richard Martinez, Curtis Sabir, Carlos Martinez, Gegham Khekoyan, Diana Gharabaghi and Dave Martin, has been selected as finalists for the L.A. City College Collegian in the category of "2015 Feature Multimedia Story of the Year." It is an inspiring online multi-platform presentation of broadcast TV, still photography, radio audio and an online print story that covers the 100-year "March for Justice," on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide observance in April of this year. L.A. City College is in elite company with the eight other finalists who come from the Calgary Journal at Mount Royal University in Canada, the GW Hatchett, at George Washington University, the Indiana Daily Student, at Indiana University at Bloomington, the Daily Pennsylvanian, at the University of Pennsylvania, the Shorthorn, at the University of Texas at Arlington, the Talisman, at Western Kentucky University, Fifteen Minutes, from Harvard University, the Maneater, at University of Missouri, and Emerald Media, at the University of Oregon. LACC is the only community college on the list of finalists in this category, and this is the staff's first national multimedia reporting award. LACC student Helen Bezikyan is a finalist for "Diversity Story of the Year," with her front-page Reporter's Notebook story in the Collegian, May 6, 2015, "Many Share One Family's Story." It outlines the contents of letters from her grandparents that document the events that preceded the Armenian Genocide and the suffering that followed. Bezikyan has transferred to CSUN. To see the competition and the full awards list go to http:// studentpressblogs.org/acp.

Deadlines: Oct. 19, 2015 for $100,000 December contest and Jan. 11, 2016 for $5,000 contest. If you’re a student between the ages of 18-24, you can submit your “One Of A Kind” story to enter for the chance to compete to win up to $100,000 in tuition. You’ll be eligible to submit a video once you reach 50 votes. Dr Pepper will select finalists for a chance to compete to win up to $100,000 in tuition at a college football championship game. In addition, if you reach the top 5 of the $5,000 Leaderboard when voting ends, you could win $5,000 in tuition. You can enter now at: www.drpeppertuition.com.

DeVry College Completer Scholarship Available to college freshmen, sophomores and seniors. Deadline: Oct. 26, 2015 Award Amount: $18,000 Whether you are currently enrolled in school or have been out for a while, DeVry will work with you to apply qualifying credits – up to 80 credit hours toward your degree program. By maximizing these transfer credits, you can complete your degree sooner, saving you time and money. DeVry also offers the College Completer Scholarship; a merit-based award designed specifically for those looking to finish a bachelor’s or associate degree. You could receive up to $18,000 to help you earn your degree. For more information, visit: www.devry. edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html.

Look Twice, Save A Life Scholarship

FEATURE Multimedia Story of the Year

DIVERSITY Story of the Year

Danielle Semrau, Hannah Kost The Calgary Journal, Mount Royal Univ., Calgary, Alberta The Vanishing Point

Madison Farkas, Cameron Perrier Jamaican food stall gives Necole Hines freedom to dream The Calgary Journal Mount Royal University Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Megan Jula, Glory Sheeley, Mary Shown Indiana Daily Student, Indiana Univ., Bloomington, Ind. When students die Staff The Daily Pennsylvanian, Univ. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. Introducing the Penn Ten Dalton Sessumes The Shorthorn, Univ. of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas Homeless, not hopeless Carlos Martinez, Dave Martin, Curtis Sabir, Richard Martinez Collegian Wired, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, Calif. 100 years later: The fight for justice continues Staff Talisman, Western Kentucky Univ., Bowling Green, Ky. Sustaining seasons Andrew M. Duehren, Madeline R. Lear, Emma K. Talkoff Fifteen Minutes, Harvard Univ., Cambridge, Mass. Boots on the Ground: ROTC at Harvard Alana Saad, Carlie Procell, Zach Baker, Ben Kothe The Maneater, Univ. of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. Accessibility in Greek Town Staff Emerald Media, Univ. of Oregon, Eugene, Ore. Into battle: The bruises and bonds of brotherhood

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway

is pleased to announce finalists for the

Staff The GW Hatchet, George Washington Univ., Washington, D.C. Faces of D.C.

Wednesday May 20, 2015

COMPILED BY JASON PISKOPUS

ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS They are:

SCHOLARSHIPS5

They are:

Kevin Truong Street Level The Daily Bruin University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles Helen Bezikyan Many Share One Family’s Story Collegian Wired Los Angeles City College Los Angeles Parker Asmann Child, not alien, migration DePaulia DePaul University Chicago Staff Angola Warden Says Black Panther Party Advocates Violence and Racism but Is It True? The Medill Justice Project Northwestern Univ., Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communication Evanston, Illinois Gabriel Galvan Squandered Panorama University of Texas Pan American Edinburg, Texas Lorain Ambrocio Outreach, resources for transgender people progressing in El Paso, on campus The Prospector University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas Grant V. Ziegler Noriega Bill Helps Students News-Register North Lake College Irving, Texas Vycktoryja Selves Experience of a lifetime: Sierra Leone Wingspan Laramie County Comm. College Cheyenne, Wyoming

This award is available to full-time college students. Deadline: Dec. 1, 2015 Award: $1,000 InsuranceProviders.com is proud to introduce a new scholarship promoting motorcycle safety among students. The “Look Twice, Save A Life” scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to any student who is currently attending or planning to attend college or some form of higher education. One applicant will be chosen who best brings awareness to motorcycle safety. The scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis for the spring semester. For more information, visit: www.insuranceproviders.com/look-twice-save-a-life-scholarship.

Custom Jewelry Scholarship This award is available to college freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Deadline: Dec. 15, 2015 Award: $1,000 The Custom Jewelry Scholarship is available to students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at any accredited college, university or trade school. You must submit a minimum 1,000-word essay on the following topic: “Why buy custom jewelry?” For more information, visit: www.custommade.com/scholarships/consumer-advantages-of-buying-custom-jewelry-scholarship.

Eraser Clinic Laser Tattoo Removal Scholarship This award is available to undergraduate students. Deadline: Nov. 30, 2015 Award: $1,000 The “Eraser Clinic Laser Tattoo Removal” scholarship is a $1,000 merit-based scholarship awarded twice each year for students pursuing higher education with an emphasis in one of the following fields: nursing, medicine, natural sciences, applied sciences, engineering, or a related field. Eraser Clinic Laser Tattoo Removal is a leading provider of laser tattoo removal services and seeks to make educational opportunities available to those committed to study of subjects that have advanced the field of laser tattoo removal, whether through research and development or clinical practice. For information, visit: www.eraserclinic.com/scholarship.

Zumper Apartments Scholarship This award is available to undergraduate students. Deadline: Nov. 15, 2015 We know from our time at college that school is expensive, so we want to help you out with a $1,000 scholarship. We’re looking for outstanding students who have helped their classmates or community in a tremendous way. Maybe you started a club that raised $10,000 for charity, or championed recycling and sustainable practices across campus. Whatever it is, we’d love to hear about it! For more information, visit: www.zumper.com/scholarship.

Buick Achievers Scholarship Program

Opens: January 2016 Award: Receive up to $100,000 over four years. The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors or college undergraduates who plan to major in a specified course of study that focuses on engineering, technology, or select design and business-related programs of study. Scholarships will be awarded based on participation and leadership in community and school activities, interest in the automotive industry, academic achievement and financial need. Special consideration will be given to those who are a first-generation college student, female, minority, military veteran or a dependent of military personnel. For more information, visit: http:www. buickachievers.com.

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Deadline: Sept.. 30, 2015 Award Amount: $1,500 Sponsored by Digital Responsibility, the “Don’t Text and Drive” scholarship is available to high school, undergraduate and graduate students. You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and complete a short statement on why you pledge not to text and drive in order to qualify for this award. For more information, visit: www.digitalresponsibility.org/dont-text-and-drive-scholarship.

Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Deadline: Oct. 23, 2015 Award Amount: $20,000 Provided by the Ayn Rand Institute, the “Atlas Shrugged” essay contest is open to high school seniors, college undergraduates and graduate students. You must submit an essay of between 800 and 1,600 words on a topic related to Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged.” The three topic choices are listed on the sponsor’s website and essays will be judged on style and content. For more information, visit: www.aynrand.org/students/essay-contests#atlasshrugged-1.