LACC WEATHER FORECAST WEDNESDAY
75/55
THURSDAY
71/54
FRIDAY
70/56
SATURDAY
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Collegian
GaLLery shows oFF ‘here anD now” see pAge 5
Los Angeles
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Volume 176 Number 1
neWs Briefs
The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929
CAmpuS liBrAry eXtenDS hourS Library hours will be extended during spring semester. The hours will be Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Low scores prompt administrators to implement self-evaluation approach in preparation for upcoming assessment. Construction and campus beautification are at the core of their strategy.
SCholArShipS AppliCAtionS Due in April Students can apply for scholarships through LACC Foundation. Minimum requirements vary for each scholarship. The deadline for application is April 2016. For more information, visits their office located on the third floor of the Student Union Building, or goes online at www. laccfoundation.org. Students may also call (323) 953-4011.
oSS offerS help for StuDentS with DiSABilitieS The Office of Special Services (OSS) is designed to help students with disabilities to achieve their educational goals, assistance with tests and note taking, interpretative services, tutoring and much more. For more information, visit them at the Student Village, Room 100, in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library. Students may call (323) 953-4000 ext. 2270, or visit the OSS website at www.lacitycollege.edu/services/ oss/index.html
CAlworKS ComeS to lACC Students receiving public assistance through the Department of Social Services (DPSS) can access extra help through the CalWorks program. The program offers assistance with obtaining certificates, degrees and job preparation while helping students to comply with DPSS requirements. For more details visit: www.lacitycollege.edu or call (323) 953-4000 ext. 2599.
‘the SeAgull’ DeButS thiS month The Theatre Academy will debut Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull.” The play is directed by Tina Kronis and Theatre Movement Bazaar. Performances begin March 11 at 8 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to enjoy “The Seagull” until March 19. For more information, call (323) 953-4000, ext. 2990. To purchase tickets online, visit www.TheatreAcademy. lacitycollege.edu.
heAlth & wellneSS Center proViDeS immuniZAtionS Students can take advantage of health services through the Student Health & Wellness Center. The center is located in the Life Science Building, Room 101. The staff provides immunizations, physicals and counseling. Students can call (323) 953-4000, ext. 2485 for more information.
trio offerS Support, SerViCeS ViA SoCiAl meDiA Students who need guidance can ask Trio/SSS for assistance through Facebook at www. facebook.com/LACC.TRIO.SSS. Trio/SSS is an equal opportunity program that helps students achieve their goals. Assistance is being ofered to first-generation and disabled students.
College Primes as Evaluation Looms
BY CLINTON CAMERON
PHOTO BY TOMAS RODRIguEz/COLLEgIAN
George Greer, member of the burgeoning homeless community that dots Vermont Avenue sits next to his makeshift home on Feb. 16, 2016. The ‘tent city’ relocated last spring from Monroe Avenue, adjacent to the LACC student Union, to just steps from the Braille Institute campus. Homelessness remains an urgent issue in Los Angeles, which is ranked among the world’s top ten economic powerhouses.
Homeless Find Haven Near Campus Gates There has been an increase of people living on the street, but some have found refuge in encampments throughout the city. Makeshift homes and tents dot the Los Angeles landscape. At City, the encampment on Vermont Avenue raises concerns about safety and the lack of resources for L.A.’s homeless.
L
BY TOMAS RODRIguEz
ook around the area that surrounds L.A. City College. Homeless people have moved into tents of bright yellow and green, makeshift shelters that look like a pile of trash surrounded by duffel bags and bicycle parts across from the Braille Institute. There are piles of clothes that belong in drawers. Labels and wrappers from fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, Yoshinoya, and Jack-in-the-Box are visible around the one-block tent settlement. Many other homeless roam the campus and nearby neighborhood. Their tents alongside Parking Lot 1, on Vermont Avenue, take up almost the entire sidewalk. They can remain there unless the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department moves them like they did last fall when the homeless set up tents behind the Student Union Building on New Hampshire Avenue. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) – a network of city and county agencies set out to count the homeless in a census across Los Angeles – there was a 12 percent increase of people living on the streets from 2013 to 2015. “The situation is getting worse day by
day,” said Beatriz Garcia, a data entry clerk for Catholic Charities St. Mary’s Center located north of campus. “Throughout the years the city has said they will help clean up downtown and skid row. The services are just not being provided for the homeless to get off the streets. We are being told that there will be homes built for the homeless and programs for them to get off the street. But nothing is happening.” Catholic Charities St. Mary’s Center is located across the street from LACC’s Chemistry Building entrance, on Willow Brook Avenue. The center provides assistance for the homeless in health, groceries and provides resources for community services in Los Angeles. “It’s been good and bad for homeless people,” Garcia said. “We’ve had fights and arguments but we also have had good people cooperating with us. But sometimes our homeless in the neighborhood have been killed, hurt or deal with drug and alcohol abuse. Many of them end up dead.” Garcia says that many homeless people come to the charity and ask for help. A lot of them changed their lives for the better, but others have continued to live on the streets until they die. The issue of homelessness on campus is not new. More than 20 tents popped up behind the Braille Institute on New Hampshire Avenue – just south of LACC – last year. Deputy James McKain from the L.A. County Sheriff ’s Department says he saw a
Homelessness by the Numbers Records show the number of homeless people in L.A. County has spiked in the last two years after a period of stasis following a sharp decline in 2009. 44,359
2015 2013
39,463
2011
39,135
2009
38,602 52,956
2007
Source: Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
rise in property crimes when the homeless encampments were on New Hampshire. Once they left, McKain says the rate dropped. “Dealing with the homeless encampments was a very long, tedious and very civil rights [related issue],” McKain said. “It was a very tough process. It took us over nine months to move the population that was on New Hampshire. Three or four officers, six to eight guys from facilities, and four to six hours every single day for nine months, Monday through Friday. We provided many resources to them and gave them many opportunities for homeless shelters.” McKain says the Sheriff ’s Department currently has no intention of moving the homeless camped out in front of Parking Lot 1. He also says that unless the homeless commit crime or interfere with the campus order, the sheriff ’s department is not obliged to do anything. SEE HOMELESS PAGE 6
foster youth At high risK for homelessness BY ANDE RICHARDS @ANDECOLLEgIAN
Homelessness is at critical mass in California, and particularly at risk are children about to age out of the foster care system. When foster youth turn 18, they are “emancipated.” This means they are legally adults and no longer a part of the foster care system. To transition them, the state provides temporary housing for a few months. After that period they are left to fig-
ure out food, clothing, shelter, a job, and higher education for themselves. These children were in foster care in the first place because of abuse or neglect, so it follows that once they age out of the system they have no familial network they can depend on for support. For some youth leaving foster care, homelessness can begin the day they emancipate from the foster care system. Exact estimates vary, but research suggests that approximately 20 percent of the approximately 20,000 youth leaving foster care each year will become homeless.
• • • •
There are an estimated 12,000-15,000 homeless youth living in Los Angeles County. Thirty-eight percent of California’s foster care population is in Los Angeles County. Fifty percent of youth who have aged out of foster care end up homeless or incarcerated. There are only 468 beds set aside for unaccompanied youth in Los Angeles County.
Sources: Covenant House California, Alliance for Children’s Rights, Local Emergency Strategy for Los Angeles County
College President Reneé Martinez and Faculty Accreditation Co-Chair Dr. Daniel Wanner addressed faculty, staff and administrators about Los Angeles City College’s infrastructure and accreditation during a forum at the Student Union on Feb. 24. “We wanted to talk about the current health of the college and where we stand currently in terms of things like construction and enrollment,” Wanner said. “We also wanted to look at the results of our accreditation self-evaluation and look at all the plans that we have as a result of that self-evaluation. We are going to use those plans to improve the college.” The State of the College forum addressed the college’s self-evaluation. The evaluation was sent to the Association of California Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) to assist the reaffirmation of accreditation. SEE ACCREDITATION PAGE 6
Black History Speech Writers Take Cash Home BY EMMANuELLA DuROgENE Four winners take home cash rewards and certificates for writing about their views of black history on Feb. 3. Winners wrote about a black history topic, event and person that influenced America. “The topic that I did was a persuasive speech on the problems, causes and solutions of #Oscarsowhite,” said firstplace winner, Eva Reyes. “I wanted to be original, and I wanted to talk about something that people didn’t really talk about. I wanted to be edgy and different and so I picked #Oscarssowhite. Reyes won $200 for her speech and says that her win also comes with “bragging rights.” SEE CONTEST PAGE 6
Obituaries Pg 4
Campus mourns the passinG oF two beLoveD staFF members whose Lives touCheD Coworkers at LaCC. INDEX Opinion & Editorial Black History Month Arts & Entertainment News Scholarships Sports
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Opinion & editorial
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, March 2, 2016
COMPILED BY Ande Richards PHOTOS BY Ande Richards
Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia, SERVED in this country’s highest court from 1986 until his death ON FEB. 13, 2016. Should President Obama nominate a new justice for approval, or should that nomination wait until after the election?
Matilde Lummis Nursing Major
Steffan Salas Music Major
Sitra Hassen Biology Major
Dominic Matteucci Anthropology Major
I believe that they should wait until after the election, because a nomination via President Obama would be a moot point without the Senate’s approval ... it would take a candidate that could satisfy both parties to be approved, but more so Republican since they hold the majority.
First off, I want to say that I don’t think there is one side that’s better than the other ... Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who seems to have a different approach to politics. The only way I see it having a positive impact is if Bernie wins and makes the nomination.
It’s very important to have someone on the Democratic team, because I think for the majority of the population we can’t afford to have a Republican Supreme Court Justice ... I think President Obama should choose someone and get it out of the way.
I prefer a Democrat appointing a more democratic judge, and could see that being perceived as necessary should President Obama feel threatened that a Republican may win the election.
Editorial
My Mother was a Mail-Order Bride By Melissa Breccia
Illustration by Luis Fernandez/Collegian
Administrators Must Stand up for Freedom of the Press A student is … ... The most important person on campus. Without students there would be no need for the institution. ... Not a cold enrollment statistic but a flesh and blood human being with feelings and emotions like our own… ... Not someone to be tolerated so we can do our thing. They are our thing … ... Not depend on us. Rather, we depend on them … ... Not an interruption of our work, but the purpose of it. We are not doing them a favor by serving them. They are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so. -Anonymous
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By Sorina Szakacs @SorinaCollegian
ensorship, threats and disrespect to students who study journalism at L.A. City College dominated discussions last week in the Collegian newsroom. Two Collegian reporters trying to write an obituary about Los Angeles City College’s late Doctor Philip Carlson, were denied access to information because everyone working in the Health and Wellness Center “was instructed not to talk to the Collegian reporters,” unless they have clearance from Randy Anderson, dean of Special Services (OSS). Reporters were told that if they try to push the story, the dean will call his lawyer. Collegian reporter Clinton Cameron talked to Anderson on Wednesday, Feb. 24, regarding this problem. Anderson instructed the Collegian to email him in advance to contacting his employees. Such “protocol” is ridiculous! If Collegian reporters are allowed to interview staff of the Health and Wellness Center only with approval from Anderson, it is Dr. Dan Walden’s, Vice President of the Academic Affairs, responsibility to fix the problem. During the recent “State of the College” address, two other reporters attempted to take photos but were turned away because according to professor Jen Vaughn, who served as assistant coordinator of the event, Collegian needs permission to walk in during a public event that
the public was invited to, inside a public college. An administrator and a professor limited access to campus events by Collegian staff twice in one week. It is unacceptable that in a country that describes itself as “the land of the free”, community college employees deny First Amendment rights to journalism students. Free speech is the foundation of American democracy. “We the people”, states The Bill of Rights! We the journalism students of the Collegian, LACC’s multiple award winning newspaper, will not engage in any act of self-censorship that could easily set a precedent. OSS is not the only department to make it harder for the Collegian reporters to present a complete image of the truth. The two incidents from last week and the problems with the music department last year, indicate that certain departments want to infantilize the Collegian staff and make our advisor, Rhonda Guess, our mother. This is disrespectful to the newspaper staff and to the advisor alike. Journalism students should not be asked to book appointments, email questions in advance or ask permission to conduct interviews with any department, no matter the subject. Journalists are the watchdogs of society and journalism students should have the ability to practice in order to be prepared for future employment. We are here to serve the LACC Community College and not be limited by anyone, in our reporting. As a journalist, and editor-in-chief of the Collegian, I request Dr. Walden take action and help uphold the First Amendment spirit. We, the Collegian, have the right, guaranteed by the United States Constitution to ask questions and demand answers. Freedom of the press cannot be treated as a joke, especially in a public institution.
My parents were married after meeting only once. Before online dating existed, there was the possibility of finding a partner through pen pal services. My mother had her picture in a magazine where American men could write to Asian women in pursuit of serious relationships, also known as “mail-order brides.” They were both in their 30s and wanted to start a family. People are quick to associate romance and true love with my parents’ story when they begin hearing it, but it has always sounded bizarre to me. My mother likes the saying, “Do as I say, not as I do” in this situation. A few decades ago, you could not search the Internet for more information about your love interest. Everything was said by letter or over the phone that was all of the information you had. From the first meeting, expectations were high. Someone just traveled thousands of miles and spent a lot of money to meet you. How could you not feel obligated to entertain them? Many people who enjoy the story of my parents feel that the current world of online dating is strange and maybe even desperate. While I cannot say that I have ever had a pen pal or pursued online dating, I feel that the two are extremely similar. Except, a lot of bad online dating stories end up on “Catfish” while too many mail-order brides
end up on “Dateline.” One of those is a far worse fate. My father arrived in the Philippines in the late ‘80s with a large orange suitcase, tube socks and glasses that were years behind the times. My mother says that she laughed when she first saw him. “I said to myself, ‘Oh, that’s him? Huh?’ Oh well.” They both had other pen pals, but my mom chose my dad because he seemed the most serious about marriage. This was based on the fact that he sent her heavy packages that always ended up being several letters. “There were too many letters,” she told me. “I didn’t read them all. I wrote maybe two pages back, he was crazy.” Despite their opposite personalities and lack of a way to form a real connection, they had a wedding in 1991 just in time for the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th Century to take place in the Philippines. My dad’s flight home was delayed for several days, and after that it took one year before my mom’s documents allowed her to follow him. When she did leave, she brought savings that she could use to flee the state for a friend’s house in case my dad was abusive or a killer. This is not the most romantic thought that you could have about your new husband, but it is also a disturbingly realistic one. My mom came to America alone. Even her new family members were strangers. But eventually I was born and although we were new to one another, we were not strangers at all. While there are dangers with any dating platform, I will never understand why pen pals are cute and online sites are sad. But personally, I got lucky through the greatest matchmaking app of all: Lyft.
Have an Opinion? A Story Idea? Write a Letter to the Editor Contact the Collegian Opinions Editor Email: arichards.collegian@gmail.com Phone: 323.953.4000 ext. 2831 Letters may be edited for brevity.
Opinion & editorial
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Plan Ahead, Avoid a Water Crisis By Tomas Rodriguez Flint, Mich. is embroiled in a water crisis. It’s a sign of what is to come in the future if the nation forgets about a crucial element that is quickly diminishing on the planet. It is a problem that has haunted the United States and will continue to unless we act now. Water vital for consumption is something the entire Earth depends on. When it comes to droughts, many states and cities throughout the na-
tion have had their share of problems. Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona are all currently dealing with major drought problems along with California, which is facing a severe drought and extremely warm seasons. Yet water shortage is just one part of the problem. In 2014, city officials in Flint began a series of moves that eventually led to elevated levels of lead in the water. In an effort to save money they switched the water supply from Detroit to the Flint River. The water levels from the Flint River have a high amount of chlorine. It corroded the old lead pipes in the city and contaminated water that flowed through the pipes. The effect was felt quickly, and residents of Flint, especially children, began to exhibit health issues.
As a result, Michigan’s Governor, Rick Snyder, is now dealing with the negative backlash of the cost saving move. The city now faces an irreversible water crisis that requires a new pipe system. Current mayor of Flint, Karen Weaver, said she needs $55 million to remove the poisonous pipe system. Yet the solution to the problem may be more expensive. We have to take care of our water now before it is too late. The country is filled with old lead pipes that also run the risk of lead exposure. If we enlist engineers and scientists to work on the issue we can revolutionize the way we use and take care of our water, then future generations of Americans won’t have to deal with the problems we face now.
Ignore the Stigma, Breastfeed your Child By Beatrice Anoh I was shopping at Walmart in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles when I heard a baby crying his eyes out. The mother, a young African-American woman in her early 30s did not have a bottle ready. Later, I found out that she left it in the car, and did not want to get it. So she chose to ignore the handsome, hazel-eyed, baby and continue to shop. Unfortunately for her, and everybody around, the baby boy had no intention of calming down without being fed. As a woman and mother, I naturally approached her to find out what was going on, and she candidly briefed me. I suggested she sit on one of the display chairs to breastfeed her baby. She obviously did not think about that idea.
She seemed surprised, and then she felt ashamed, because apparently breastfeeding is not a common practice among women in America. Plus, she was in a public place, and there were men around. Yet, she had a blanket. Here are two women, from two different backgrounds, in the same geographical location facing the same situation with two different reactions. I know breastfeeding produces healthier babies, with stronger bones, and helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome but the question is: “Did she know that?” Probably so! Perhaps her culture did not allow her to use her natural resource to feed her baby. Or, perhaps her critical thinking on this matter was dimmed because of her upbringing, education, stereotypes, society and the media. In western countries, you do not breastfeed, you bottle-feed, just like in western countries you do not eat with your hands, you use utensils, so that you are not perceived as a primitive or uncivilized. But knowing what I know about certain baby products, and companies like Nestle, I, as an African wom-
an would and have never thought twice before breastfeeding my babies, no matter the place or time. So be it, if I am categorized as primitive, or uncivilized woman, but certainly a proud one. What I am using is free, natural and extremely beneficial for my babies. It has been proven that for the sake of profit, big companies introduce non-nutritive elements in baby powder. In the 1970s, Nestle, a giant in the food industry, introduced Cameroon to a formula for babies that included vegetable fat from palm oil and oils of other varieties. Nestlé’s product killed thousands and thousands of African babies during this period. I was able to convince my new friend to disregard the media, the stigma, people’s opinions and “do what she had to do.” We sat on one of Walmart’s sofas; we used the baby blanket to cover the baby and the mother’s breast. Immediately, calm was restored and no more crying baby. We even discovered that we were both LACC students. Everyone around was happy.
Metro Fails, TAP Cards Frustrate Students By Jimmy Martinez I think the Los Angeles Metro definitely needs to upgrade to a faster system. A system that can quickly and effectively let people pay fares and receive assistance. Four months ago I took the subway down to Union Station in between classes to fill out a student bus pass application. It wasn’t my first time applying for a pass, I was very familiar with the process. Student passes expire every several months, so instead of applying once and getting it out of the way it has become more of a semi-annual event. I wouldn’t mind if that renewal process was not so tedious.
Before I could get my Student TAP card there were two things I needed to have prior to filling out the application. I had to get a copy of my registration receipt along with a recent passport photo. Registration receipts aren’t hard to acquire, anyone can request a copy at the Administration Building for one dollar. Getting a passport photo was what inconvenienced me the most, but luckily I had one saved from the last time I got my picture taken at D&J’s One Hour Photo & Color across the street from LACC. With those two things in hand I proceeded to fill out the Student TAP card application and was told I would have to wait five to six weeks to receive my bus pass. Nope, I ended up waiting more than three months. And, by the time I received my card in the mail I was finished with both fall semester and winter session courses. I used to ask people why they don’t
apply for a student bus pass, but after the poor service I received from Los Angeles Metro I can see why. Let’s be real, if you’re a full-time student sometimes you might not have the one or two hours it takes to get photos taken or turn in an application. Being frugal is important to many students too, especially if they rely heavily on financial aid. I ended up spending $80 a month on public transportation, close to double the cost of paying for a monthly student pass. The days where this really bothered me the most were times where I wasn’t able to visit a TAP card kiosk to reload fare on my card. LA Metro does have a way to load fare online, but the problem is the fare sometimes takes 48 hours or more for it to become available on your card. A large metropolitan city like Los Angeles deserves a better transportation system, and I think LA Metro is capable of delivering that.
Why We Need a ‘Mommy and Me’ TV Hiatus By Naomi L. Johnson I am seriously considering going on a hiatus from reality television and scripted series that do not promote a positive image of women. As the mother of an 11-year old girl that is blossoming into a young woman I have changed my views on every aspect of life, i n clu d i ng the television shows I watch. My duty as a mother includes filtering the content my daughter consumes by way of television, but the shows available nowadays make it a decision between bad and worse.
Between reality TV, sexually charged scripted shows, and children making out on the “kid friendly” stations, I may as well not allow her to watch television at all. I watched the show “Scandal”, and will admit that from an entertainment standpoint I enjoy it and will probably catch a few episodes in the future. “Scandal” has a strong female lead portrayed by Kerry Washington, but the storyline centers on her having an affair with the president of the United States. Once I began to closely analyze the storyline, I realized that I do not agree with the way women look up to Washington’s character, Olivia Pope. I find it morally conflicting to praise a woman having an affair with a married man. Many women do not have an issue with this because she is a fictional character, but it bothers me because this content is accessi-
ble to my child at a highly impressionable age. When “Scandal” is on there are no children in the room where it is being watched in my home, which speaks volumes of the content. Reality television is far worse than “Scandal,” it’s comprised of women constantly physically fighting, getting plastic surgery and sleeping around all while in a drunken manic state. Having a daughter at the coming-of-age stage in her life has made me realize that a television hiatus is fundamental to her finding interest in things outside of what television has to offer. Parents want the best for our kids and fear the time when they become responsible for their own decisions, but we have to trust that the morals we have instilled in them are enough.
Drop Stitch
We’re Only Human By Ande Richards
A
@andecollegian
s a woman, my colleague hit a sour note with me because of the way he was treating another woman in his life. Compartmentalize. That’s what someone advised me to do when I was having this issue. It took me a while to understand and embrace the advice to compartmentalize, because I felt that in some way if I did that I was signing off on his bad behavior. However, I managed to do it. I put the specific issue into a compartment in my mind and focused on the other aspects of that person whose professional expertise and friendship I enjoy. People make mistakes and I’ve had more than my share - seriously, who am I to judge? That situation made me think about Bill Cosby and my conflicted feelings about him. He’s not a friend, or a colleague in the real sense of being in my life, but I admire his intelligence, his style of humor and the legacy he created for himself. I don’t idolize celebrities, but I liked his brand – an educator, entertainer, and father figure. I saw Bill Cosby perform his act live at Radio City Music Hall. He sat on a small stool, on a naked stage, in the packed-to-capacity 6,000-seat auditorium and with his singular presence, Cosby masterfully told stories that elicited teary-eyed belly laughs from myself, and everyone in the audience. He never stood, never uttered a profane word, he just sat on that stool, cigar-in-hand, telling stories. Then there was the legendary “Cosby Show”. This show touched everyone who watched it during its run from 1984-1992. It brought to life a black family that had not been seen before, re-
plete with meaningful looks at their heritage and culture. More than that, the show was universally embraced, especially Bill Cosby’s archetypal character, Cliff Huxtable, a warm, wise, sweater-wearing, hoagie-eating, jazz-loving, art-collecting, track and field enthusiast, obstetrician, loving husband and super dad. The show was so beloved around the world that it held the number one ratings spot in South Africa. This is significant to note, because at the time South Africa still practiced separatist Apartheid policy. There are so many ways to dissect this issue, because we are dealing with a man who has enjoyed a long and fruitful career, and whose influence touched many professionally and personally. As women came forward with details of abuse at Cosby’s hand, his legacy began to crumble. TV Land pulled reruns of the show from its lineup, NBC halted a development deal, and lucrative engagements in Las Vegas, Washington State and Arizona were scratched from the schedule, and he resigned from the board of Temple University. As I write this, his wife is being deposed to testify regarding charges in a defamation case against him. And the fall continues to spiral downward for the once star, educator, and role model. But here I am talking about my relationship to this man and through reflection, I’ve come to terms with my feelings. I am going to take the same tact I took with my non-celebrity friend. I’m going to compartmentalize and put the genius in one box, the man, and his troubles in another. Bill Cosby is complex, troubled, and yes, a sexual predator who should be held accountable. I’m sad for his victims and sad for the millions of his fans who are left with an uneasy relationship to the fallen star. Mostly, I’m sad for him that he allowed his dis-ease with himself to irrevocably affect his work and darken his humanity. Ultimately, Bill Cosby, like my friend, like myself, is only human, born to make mistakes.
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Collegian Media Arts Department Chemistry 207 Los Angeles City College 855 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029
Editors-in-Chief Sorina Szakacs Tomas Rodriguez Opinion/Editorial Ande Richards Arts & Entertainment Byron Umana Bermudez Sports Hector Lopez Cheyenne Finch Mike Frenes Layout Editor Richard Martinez Graphic Designers Jimmy Martinez Beatrice Alcala Illustrators Luis Fernandez Photographers Curtis Sabir Andre Medina Reporters Byron Umana Bermudez Clinton Cameron Beatrice Anoh Naomi L. Johnson Emmanuella Durogene Rebecca Klinesmith Multimedia Producers Richard Martinez Dave Martin Frank Vidrio Advertising Staff Clinton Cameron Mike Frenes Adviser Rhonda Guess
Drop stitch is a knitting term. It happens when a stitch falls from the needle and creates a run in the fabric – it’s a mistake. However, sometimes stitches are dropped on purpose to create a new design. Ande Richards is an L.A.-based artist who does not know how to knit, but knows a lot about mistakes and reinvention.
Pacquiao Takes Misguided Swing at Gay Community By William Torres Homophobia continues to be an important issue in our society and receives a brighter spotlight when celebrities and athletes are involved. Eight-time boxing champion Manny Pacquiao shared the following, oft-quoted bible verse on his Instagram feed: “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” I am astonished that the bible says this, and I am more surprised that people still think this way. Pacquiao made a horrible comment against homosexuals, calling them “worse than animals.” I cringed and felt a huge blow in my stomach when I read about this on CNN. Pacquiao was someone I looked up to. Here was a guy who came from a third world country – the Philippines – and worked really hard to become a champion in the boxing world. He also became a role model for people like myself striving to come out of poverty. It’s a shame to realize a role model can be so close-minded. I know Pacquiao is a born-again Christian, but being a Christian does not give Pac-
quiao the right to belittle anyone’s sexuality. Fortunately, there are notable companies in the United States that do not support Pacquiao’s biased thinking. Nike does not tolerate discrimination and found Pacquiao’s comment “abhorrent,” and then made the decision to terminate all endorsements with the athlete. Celebrities like Magic Johnson have applauded Nike’s decision to end ties with the boxer. Johnson condemned Pacquiao’s comments and has tweeted, “I won’t be watching another one of Manny Pacquiao’s fights.” I’m in a world where there are people like Pacquiao, but I am glad there are more people like Magic Johnson, and major companies like Nike who do not hold anti-gay views. We live in the 21st century and people should not be discriminated against because of their race, sexuality, or religion. Manny Pacquiao’s comments should not be tolerated in any part of the world, especially here in the United States where we pride ourselves for being the land of equality and opportunity. While Pacquiao apologized through social media for his comments, he still maintains his stand against gay marriage. I respect his opinion because it’s his belief, not mine. My belief is that gay, straight, white, black – everyone is a son of God and we are all created in his image, and therefore perfect they way we are. One thing I know for sure, Pacquiao has lost another fan in me.
Deadline Schedule NEXT ISSUE: March 16, 2016 Editorial deadline: March 11, 2016 For all submissions including letters to the editor and publicity releases, send materials to Collegian offices located in Chemistry Building, Room 207, or email: losangeles.collegian@ gmail.com. To advertise in the Collegian, direct 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 ©2016. No material may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Collegian.
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BlacK hiStOrY MOnth
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Guest Column
‘I am Afro-Latina’ BY EVA REYES
PHOTO BY CuRTIS SABIR/COLLEgIAN
NAACP Image Award winners Ryan Coogler and Aaron Convington talk about their careers and the process behind creating their screenplay for “Creed” early last month at the 24th annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival. “Creed” took home awards in every NAACP category it was nominated in except for one.
AfriCAn AmeriCAns suCCeed in film despite ineQuAlity
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BY MATTHEW ALI
f r ican-Amer icans and Hollywood have been on rocky footing in recent weeks due in part to the lack of minority nominees in this year’s Academy Awards. L.A. City College has been a starting point for many Hollywood figures and it only makes sense that this diversity issue would have ramifications that affect students and future filmmakers here on campus. Academy award-wining actor Morgan Freeman, folk and blues singer Odetta Holmes and “Straight Outta Compton” director F.Gary Gray are just a few of the African American figures who have walked the halls of LACC. On Jan. 15, Chris Rock, this year’s Academy Awards host, tweeted “The #Oscars. The White BET Awards.” This single tweet along with the announcement of this year’s nominees was the beginning of a vocal protest at the noticeable lack of ethnic diversity in the list of nominees.
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i was tauGht that we LaiD Down, we were stompeD Down anD pusheD Down anD honest abe with his top hat showeD up anD saiD ‘enouGh is enouGh’ anD they FreeD us anD that was that.” -nate parker, FiLmmaker
There has also been criticism among non-African American actors, ranging from Daniel Radcliffe to Danny DeVito. The Academy has addressed these concerns with plans of changing some things about the process, but some are concerned about how this will play out. Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith are two of the people at the forefront of the boycott. The former was among the first to respond to the choices that the Academy made on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. “Begging for acknowledgment, or
The first time I ever heard the term Afro-Latino was at a community center where I attended a youth empowerment program. I remember hearing it and thinking, “That’s me. Finally, something that describes who I am.” While I didn’t know it at the time, I came to learn that the term “Afro-Latino” referred to a Latin American person with Black African ancestry. My family is from Central America and while most of us just said Latino-I knew there was more to my identity than just that. My family is like an assorted box of chocolate. There are milky white pieces and caramels with the perfect touch of sweetness; but most of all the box if filled with dark chocolate. Ribbons of dark skin and kinky curly hair that embraced me and me feel at home. Terms like, “Negro” and “Africano” were endearing and used in jest. Though in my home we all loved our curls and complexion, I knew the outside world was unlike this. In our home we embraced our blackness but even when I was younger I felt the outside world was different. People would often ask if I was mixed because of my brown skin and curly hair. I usually just said “No, I’m not mixed” and tried to move on. At the time, I did not understand why people would even ask. I later came to know it was because I looked different and I did not fit into the picture of Latino or Black that they were used to seeing. Explaining to people that my mom is from Honduras and my dad is from Guatemala did not make a difference-What did they care about my story? Most only cared about what they saw in front of them, my outside appearance, and they made sure that I knew it. It did not matter what color or creed the person came from, many reactions to me were the same-negative. I learned quickly that I would not be accepted like I was I home. As I grew older, I received racism from what felt like everyone and everywhere and have been called derogatory terms in English and Spanish. In some ways leaving me feeling like, I had to choose who I wanted to be if I wanted to fit in. Navigating the school yard was hard when I was younger. Living in South Los Angeles does have its own challenges; and I often found myself in identity crises when there was racial tension at school. There were a cou-
PHOTO BY TOMAS RODRIguEz/COLLEgIAN
Eva Reyes, a communication studies major, won first place for the inaugural annual Black History Month speech contest at LACC on Feb. 3, 2016. She won a scholarship award for $200. ple “race wars” in my high school and I remember being specifically asked, “Which side are you on? Black or Mexican?” I just stood there-I didn’t know what to do. First of all, I wasn’t Mexican-it’s the stereotype that assumes all Latino people in LA are Mexican— still I knew what he meant. When the mess hits the fan, whose side will you be on? At the time, it was perhaps the most fully loaded question I had ever heard. If I picked just one I felt I was betraying the other. If I picked one, then I would have to know that I only picked one. I would choose to deny my story, all my people, and a piece of who I was. Choosing one meant I chose hate. How could I pick one? Although they didn’t know it, they were asking me to tear myself apart. How could I pick one? I didn’t. The question left me so confused, I stood there in silence until he walked away-frustrated because I never answered. Embracing my Blackness and my Central American culture is a crucial part of who I am as an Afro-Latina. The crises I have been able to work through with my own identity have left me feeling solidified. Though when I was younger I brushed off questions about race, today I always say “Afro-Latino” when asked about my own. Doing so can spark a conver-
sation and bring awareness to a subculture that is often rejected or even forgotten about. Knowing that both black and brown are my one culture, I feel my life enriched and I’m proud to say, “I am Afro-Latina”
SCAN QR CODE to liSten to eVA reyeS’ AwArD-winning SpeeCh Or visit https://youtu.be/8Q3_VyjDavI
Opinion
‘Fight the Power’ with Education BY ANDE RICHARDS PHOTO BY CuRTIS SABIR/COLLEgIAN
Nate Parker talks the audience at the 24th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival through the process behind creating the film “Birth of a Nation,” which he premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 5, 2016. Fox Searchlight Pictures purchased the worldwide rights to the film in a record-breaking $17.5 million deal. even asking diminishes dignity and diminishes power,” Smith said in a video. “We are a dignified people and we are powerful and let’s not forget it.” Entertainers like actor Nate Parker epitomize the power Smith talked about. He wrote, produced, directed and starred in the film “The Birth of a Nation.” The film follows Nat Turner; a slave boy who learns to read, becomes a pastor and eventually leads a slave revolt. Parker said he found inspiration in Nat’s story to overthrow slavery. “I was taught that we laid down, we were stomped down and pushed down,” Parker told the audience gathered at the annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival last month. “And Honest Abe with his top hat showed up and said ‘enough is enough’ and they freed us and that was that.” Parker premiered “The Birth of a Nation” at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 25, and broke records after Fox Searchlight Pictures purchased the worldwide rights to the film in a $17.5 million deal – the largest in the festival’s history. Following in the narrative of African Americans leaving their mark in the entertainment landscape, Ryan Coogler and Aaron Convington received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture for “Creed”
on Feb 5. That night, the “Rocky” sequel and reboot took home wins in every category it was nominated for except one. The notion that a lack of diversity in media is still an issue in Hollywood is appalling to many in the spotlight, but some seem to be of the mindset that the problem is a bit higher up than the Academy itself. There are many opinions floating through the ether in Hollywood right now and even some people outside of the spotlight have colorful things to say, not just actors, directors or producers. “It’s in the executive office of the Hollywood studios and TV and cable networks. This is where the gate keepers decide what gets made,” Spike Lee wrote in an Instagram post. Given LACC’s rich history with Hollywood, it is no small wonder that its alumni have weighed in on the subject. “I personally would try to encourage and do try to encourage writers,” Morgan told USA Today early last month. “We need writers. If you’ve got stories to tell, that helps. That’s your biggest input. It’s unrealistic to me to say to a white studio, owned by white people, run by white people, ‘Well, why don’t you tell my story?’” Richard Martinez contributed to this story.
African American studies should be an integral part of our education starting in grade school. After all, the study of Africans in America is simply American history. Unfortunately, like many things in our society, the teaching of our collective history, specially its tragic beginning, is segregated into its own subdivision. It’s never too late to learn about each other, and it’s vital to our well being that we understand the socio-cultural dynamics that inform our co-existence. Los Angeles City College has offered African American studies for decades as part of its curriculum, in various departments, and under different department heads. Each semester, however, the college offers these classes less and less. Sections in African American studies cover African history, U.S. politics, African American literature and African American music. Many students in the African American studies program here at LACC can attest to how our lessons have deeply affected and enhanced our views of law, order and politics. We understand why African American history in its full scope is import-
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Like many thinGs in our soCiety, the teaChinG oF our CoLLeCtive history, speCiaLLy its traGiC beGinninG, is seGreGateD to its own subDivision.”
ant, including the history of our early days in Africa, which provides us with insight into our rich culture and a positive sense of self-esteem. It also illustrates our achievements in literature, science, sports and as leaders of the free world. One of our esteemed professors in African American studies here at LACC is Professor Emeritus, Henry Ealy. He often states, “As California goes, so goes the country, so goes the world.” As a man who matches action with words, and invests in the wisdom of history and the voices of his students, professor Ealy created the Moon, Collins, Ealy Scholarship for students who have successfully completed courses that fulfill the scholarship requirement. We implore our dean of academics and the college president to sit with instructors, former and present students of this department and listen to why they should re-instate classes that have been dropped, add new classes that match the evolving needs of our country and offer advanced level courses in the program. The outcome will be a student body armed to fight the power, with education.
SCAN QR CODE to heAr whAt StuDentS, fACulty AnD StAff SAy ABout enhAnCing the AfriCAn AmeriCAn StuDieS CurriCulum Or visit https://youtu.be/HGRmcqBHWx0
artS & entertainMent
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, March 2, 2016
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Musicians Bring Community Closer with Symphony of Equality, Unity
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BY BYRON uMANA BERMuDEz
os Angeles has always represented the pinnacle of stardom, and many have come from miles away to achieve their biggest dreams. There is one group of musicians that have made the city of angels the home of their dreams. In a world dominated with dreams of fame and fortune, a group of artistic minds have come together to create a sound of equality and unity. The group originally formed in 1978 and called themselves the Great American Yankee Freedom Band. They now call themselves the Gay Freedom Band, and their current members meet every Tuesday night in the basement of the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles to fine tune their craft. This group of musicians is open to anyone who has an appreciation for music and composition. “It is truly something special. It’s a magical feeling. Just like the term says making beautiful music together,” said member-at-large Roger Ward. “It’s something about sitting down and making music with your friends and family that makes a very spiritual feeling.” Empowered by their common interest in music, many of the group members are like notes in a powerful composition, in that they have stood the test of time. They are devoted to their passion and they come together to develop their talent. “It all about inclusivity,” said Artistic Director Justin Raines. “We want people to come … it is a part of growing as a musician. We did start from one point where the music level was very basic, but now we are doing tougher literature. It is a chance for people to brush up, and a lot of the people who had been playing a lot of years get a workout. They like coming back and they like the fact that I challenge them more each time. Each concert gets harder and harder.” The group is tirelessly rehearsing for their upcoming performance this month, which will include memorable pieces with a modern twist. One such piece is the “Pas Redouble.” The “Pas Redouble” will transport the audience to an arena filled with onlookers cheering the matador against the raging bull. They will fight the urge to jump from their seat and run to the stage to be a part of the theatrical symphony. With each melody, note and sound the band grows closer to their goal bringing together a diverse commu-
PHOTO BY ANDE RICHARDS/COLLEgIAN
Three-dimensional design instructor Tetsuji Aono submitted a series of ceramic sculptures to the “Here and Now” faculty art show at the Da Vinci Gallery. The show runs through March 17. A follow up exhibit is in the works.
spotlight shines on fACulty Art in ‘here And noW’ PHOTOS BY TOMAS RODRIguEz/COLLEgIAN
Above: Members from the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles rehearse in the First Congregational Church Of Los Angeles in preparation for their first show of the year. The show, “Classics Like You’ve Never Heard,” will premier at the church on March 6, 2016. Left: Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles members play a variety of instruments during a rehearsal for their upcoming show in March. Among them, band members have a mastery over a wide array of instruments.
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musiC is one oF those eLementaL ForCes that make up who we are as human beinGs. it speaks to peopLe on DiFFerent LeveLs anD we pLay a variety oF styLes so we Can ConneCt with peopLe.” -Jim smith, banD member
nity through the art of music. “There is no time in recorded history that music has not been central to social groups,” said band member Jim Smith. “In pre-recorded history we know that it is also true from drawings on caves and oral history. Music is one of the elemental forces that make up who we are as human beings. It speaks to people on different levels and we play a variety of styles so we can connect with people.”
SCAN QR CODE to wAtCh the gAy freeDom BAnD plAy Or visit www.youtube.com/GayFreedomBand/videos
The Gay Freedom Band is ready to astound audiences and leave them wanting more. The curtain will rise for the group’s first concert of the season at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on Sunday, March 6, 2016. For more information call them at (626) 310-3860 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sflgfb/. To watch the group’s past performances visit www.youtube.com/user/GayFreedomBand/videos.
Artists Evoke Terrorism, Revolution, Sexism ‘Full Tilt’ at Kamikaze Show BY STACY ELLEN On first week of the spring semester, the Da Vinci Gallery welcomed students back to school with “Full Tilt,” the first student art exhibit of the year. The exhibit was only on display for a week, from Feb. 10-17. While prior exhibits mostly focused around a specific theme or showcased the work of professional artists, this exhibit focused on getting student’s art completed, installed and viewed in the one-week period. By definition “Full Tilt” describes a maximum energy or force. In this instance, it describes the inspiration behind the art shown in this exhibit. “This student exhibition is being done kamikaze style,” said Da Vinci Gallery Director, Stacey Wexler. “This sense of urgency inspired the title ‘Full Tilt’ for the exhibition.” Many of the pieces on display carry political and social commentary. One of the student artists featured in the exhibit is Bianca Argueta. Her untitled work is part of a series she has put together. She says that all the various symbols in her art connect the paintings together. “The octopus is a symbol of revolution,” Argueta said. “In the painting a girl is coming out of the banana
PHOTO BY TOMAS RODRIguEz/COLLEgIAN
Marine veteran Daniel McKenzie says the war against radical Islam inspired his piece “A Time of War.” McKenzie says that Americans should stand united rather than divided on the war on terror. leaves. She is white. To me, that represented that you have this person that you would think would follow all these clichés of being probably a racist or view of how people of certain classes behave.” Bianca says her inspiration for drawing came at an early age while watching cartoons and listening to music. Politics also play a big role in her art and for that of fellow City
College student Daniel McKenzie. Nowhere is that more evident than in his piece, “A Time of War.” “The war on radical Islam has always been a controversial topic,” McKenzie said. “My art wants to give a balanced perspective on it. There is currently a lot of misinformation by the media.” He painted on nine tiles of an image of a person with two different
personalities. One on side the person is dressed like a terrorist, while on the other half the person looks normal. It represents the two different sides of a story. However not all of the art in the exhibit is limited to one canvas. As is the case in Jacqueline Cole’s three-canvas piece titled “The World We Live In.” Cole’s art revolves around the societal burden placed on women. “It’s political, cultural, religious and personal,” Cole said. “I feel that women are put into two categories. We can be a wife, a whore or maybe you can fall in between. There’s no real in between. It’s up to us to decide what we want the middle to look like.” Students were met with the task to work like a kamikaze. They relieved their current emotions onto their work and dedicated their time to putting together “Full Tilt.” These works of art allowed students to glean a new manner in which to approach people and situations. “Each one of these pieces all focus on different ways of thinking,” said Omar Reynosa, an engineering major at LACC. “Whether it is on war, family, or school these student artists have a profound way of thinking and expressing what they believe in.”
A large student turnout arrived at Da Vinci Hall to view an exhibit of faculty members’ paintings, drawings and installation art pieces, as well as mobile art last Wednesday. BY BEATRICE ANOH Silver-white, multicolored and bright, an “electric guitar” hangs from the wall of the Da Vinci Museum. It is the first piece visitors see on arrival at the “Here and Now” exhibit. It is just one of the captivating pieces of art on display during the threeweek long exhibit of faculty work. The current show features faculty members whose names are included in “A” through “L” in the alphabet. About 50 students crowded into the gallery. They snacked on cheese, crackers and veggies, and drank cranberry juice as they appeared to be drawn into and absorbed by pieces in the exhibit. Faculty submitted art for the exhibit to Stacy Wexler, the faculty coordinator of the exhibit. Much of the art featured was created within the last two years. “I’m really excited about the 2016 faculty art show. It is very wonderful to see some of my co-worker’s [art] on display and this represents the actual public display, merging the two departments,” said Daniel Marlos, the vice chair of visual and media arts. “And there are so many instructors, that the show had to be divided. So you are looking at half of the show. There will be another part in a couple of weeks.” Art from 15 different faculty members was on display for the opening, and half of the artists were there. “I also think it was really great that she actually requested that the work be recent work … and many of the pieces have dates of 2015 on them,” Marlos said. “It’s really nice to see that the people I work with, the other faculty members that are teaching in art and photography continue to make work on a regular basis, and make work of a high enough quality to put on display.” Marlos says he is proud of the students’ presentation of the exhibit. L.A. City College art student Jacque-
line Cole was present to welcome and assist visitors and answer questions about the artwork on display. “I am very proud of the exhibition … ” Cole said. “This is a faculty show, but we also have open shows and international shows.” A concern for the environment in the Southern California region inspired the exhibit of one photography instructor. Anita Bunn teaches “Exploring Digital Photography” and produced two lithographic prints. “These are part of my most recent body of work, which is dealing with [plants native to] Southern California,” Bunn said. “And these images are from my original digital capture and they are printed as lithographs. They are unique.”
SCAN QR CODE get A firSthAnD looK At the “here AnD now” Art Show Or visit https://youtu.be/7SpPokIUoiA
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neWS
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, March 2, 2016 HOMELESS FROM PAGE 1
ENCAMPMENT SPARKS DISCUSSION OVER HOMELESS’ PLIGHT “Although we have an encampment sprung up on Vermont right now, our crimes have not increased,” McKain said of the homeless. “When they started setting up, I had a very candid conversation with the ones who were living out there. [I told them to] stay out on that side of the fence and we won’t mess with you, but if you start committing crimes then it’s different. We are very proactive about that stuff.” The Sheriff ’s Department urges students to contact their department if they see suspicious activity. While peace and gates separate the homeless and LACC, some individuals from the encampments remain optimistic about their current situation. George Greer’s makeshift shelter is located on the outer edge of the block. It is one of the 14 ever increasing encampments. “This area has been pretty positive,” Greer said, sitting on his torn chair with old tools, a golf cart bag with golf clubs and a shopping cart nearby. “There are a lot of people that don’t like it and they complain about the sidewalk being blocked but then we [have] people that bring food. I’ve only been here for three days.” Greer fled to California from Texas to evade police. A group called People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), helped him get off the streets, but he relapsed and became homeless again. “I lost my place back in March,” Greer said. “I was arrested. I lost my place in PATH. It has helped me a lot, I stayed with them for a while over in Hollywood for four months and they helped me get housing right away. They said it would take two years but they helped me right away.”
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out here, we Look out For eaCh other. we are not vioLent. we Just want a pLaCe to stay anD sLeep anD i Don’t pLan on stayinG For LonG.” -rimeko GoLDberG, homeLess man
After his relapse, Greer says things went downhill. He says he hopes to work something out soon to move to Venice or Marina Del Rey.
PHOTO BY TOMAS RODRIguEz/COLLEgIAN
LAPD CHASE ARMED SUSPECT BY DAVE MARTIN The whirring of helicopter blades suddenly broke the calm, as an LAPD helicopter circled the campus, last Thursday at 1p.m. According to LAPD officers on Melrose Avenue, the police were in pursuit for a knife-wielding individual. The suspect was last apprehended on Clinton Street, according to police.
PHOTOS BY TOMAS RODRIguEz/COLLEgIAN
Above: An L.A. City College student walks past the tents that line the sidewalk alongside Student Parking Lot 1 on Vermont Avenue. The tents and makeshift shelters take up almost the entire block, which runs from Marathon and Monroe streets.
COLLEGE FROM PAGE 1
ADMINISTRATORS DISCUSS COLLEGE ‘HEALTH’ AT ACCREDITATION FORUM
Right: Rimecko Goldberg took shelter in a tent with another individual for about six months in the one-block tent city on Vermont Avenue. Goldberg has since left the encampment after city officials asked the homeless to leave in an effort to clean up the area. While the homeless on Vermont Avenue don’t plan on leaving anytime soon, some local residents of the area want the city to take action. Victor Romero lives on Monroe Street and every day he walks through the encampment to pick up his children from school. “It’s filthy,” Romero said in Spanish. “[The homeless] bring a bad image to the neighborhood, Braille Institute and LACC. Not only do I have to deal with gang related crimes in the area but now I have to worry about the homeless possibly robbing me.” Rimecko Goldberg is another homeless person who has a tent set up on the block. He has been living there for about four months. “A lot of friends told me about this place,” Goldberg said. “When I came here, I fell in love. Out here, we look out for each other. We are not violent. We just want a place to stay and sleep and I don’t plan on staying for long.” Leslie Hermano, a LACC student who lives on Marathon Street said things get worse every day. “I remember when it was just two
tents,” Hermano said. “As time passed more homeless started setting up camp. It never looked ‘ghetto’ until now.” She has to walk a block through the tents and homeless to get to LACC, which is just a down the street from the encampment. As she heads out from her apartment building and heads towards Vermont Avenue, she sees the tent city rising on her right. “We pay $1,700 a month,” Hermano said. “When we leave our home it
looks like Skid Row. It minimizes the worth of living here.” College leaders and city officials are also getting together to reach the city’s office to get a prompt response. “The president and the administration of the college are working with the city council’s office to set up a meeting with LAPD to get some response from the city,” McKain said. “Get them down here and start working on a problem that is truly theirs.”
Obituaries DEDICATED LOCAL EDUCATOR LIVED PASSIONATE FULL LIFE “I don’t think in life a lot of people experience the treasure that I did, for 33 years to have a friend who was so faithful and loyal to me as I was faithful and loyal to her.” – Joyce Allen, Life Skill Instructor BY EMMANuELLA DuROgENE Carmen Basa “Menchie” Ilano passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, with family by her side. Ilano was 74. She is outlived by her sons Ronnie and Ronae Ilano and best friend Joyce Allen. Ilano was born on Dec. 3, 1942 in the Philippines to father Ernesto, an entrepreneur and mother Natividad Basa, a pharmacist. In her adolescence she moved from
Philippines to Los Angeles together with her parents. Ilano was a dedicated educator. She wore several hats in the school systems including LACC, where she taught English. She worked in the fields of record keeping and bookkeeping. She enjoyed the art of teaching so much that she dedicated 27 years of her life to the learning skills department. She loved to shop, read her bible and loved to travel. “She was a very beautiful person … very charismatic, she has a lot of cha-
Students who frequently visited the Health Center on campus will remember Dr. Philip Carlson as a very caring and kind doctor who went out of his way to help others and who would devote his time to the less fortunate. Dr. Philip Martin Carlson was born on May 17, 1957 in Monro-
via, California. Carlson attended the University of Southern California School of Medicine, and worked part-time as staff physician at LACC . He was a Doctor of Masters of Divinity and a physician. As senior pastor at Bethany Church of Sierra Madre for 14 years, he visited and worked with orphanages and relief projects in Tijuana and Ensena-
in the district office,” Martinez said. “We’re trying to see if we can get additional funds that are specifically for [maintenance]. It’s a concern for all colleges, not just ours. That’s why we’re having ‘Clean up Week.”’ There will be eight positions to be filled in the spring that include jobs for English and child development instructors and counselors. Eleven positions will also be filled in the upcoming fall semester. A new Los Angeles County Sheriff will also be hired. While enrollment continues to drop at LACC, the college has the largest percentage of new student enrollment within the Los Angeles Community College District. The Extended Opportunity Program and Services at LACC is ranked number one in the district and has the largest allocation in the state. LACC also has the largest financial aid allocation within the district. The college is also ranked first within the district for the number of student veterans, 500 students. LACC is ranked second in the district for international student enrollment. The LACCD consists of Mission, Pierce, Valley, Southwest, West, East, Trade Tech and Harbor College. A staff member from the event denied Collegian photographers Hector Lopez and Tomas Rodriguez access to take photographs but Collegian reporters were able to cover the event and ask questions to Wanner and Martinez at the conclusion of the address. Collegian staff challenged the staff member’s decision in an email to President Martinez claiming that their actions are in violation of the Collegian’s first Amendment Rights to freedom of the press.
SPEECH FROM PAGE 1
CONTEST MARKS ACHIEVEMENTS, HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS PHOTO COuRTESY Of JOYCE ALLEN
Best friends: Carmen Basa Ilano poses for a picture with Joyce Allen. risma, very sophisticated and had a lot of compassion for students,” Allen said. “She was a true educator.”
The funeral was held on Feb.10, 2016 at the St. Dominique’s Church on 511 S. Central Ave. in Glendale, CA.
CAMPUS HEALTH CENTER PHYSICIAN, PASTOR REMEMBERED BY REBECCA kLINESMITH
ACCJC will evaluate LACC on campus from March 7-10. They will determine the college’s accreditation status and publish a scorecard that tracks their progress. LACC’s current accrediting association is part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. All nine schools within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) will receive annual evaluations. “There were no specific programs discussed,” Wanner said. “We’re talking really about the college as a whole, not specific programs.” The forum also presented current and former student success stories at LACC. In the past, the college has scored near the bottom of the scorecard rating low in subjects such as math and English. During the forum, academics did not receive the same amount of attention as many of the construction projects. Projects discussed at the address were: the completion of Clausen Hall and the upcoming renovations to Da Vinci Hall that are set to go up for bid. Future construction projects also include demolition of the old Men’s Gym and the removal of a dying tree near Holmes Hall. “We’re on schedule for Holmes [Hall],” Martinez said. “We’re going to be able to use it for summer classes.” The semester’s tennis classes have practiced on the brand new tennis courts. The college theatre will soon receive new drapes and plans for improvements to the heating and cooling systems. “We’re working on increasing [maintenance] with [the] Maintenance and Operations Departments
da, Mexico for over 35 years. Carlson published “You Were Made For Love: Embracing The Life You Were Meant To Live” and “Love Written In Stone: Finding God’s Grace in the Boundaries He Sets.” He died at his home in Sierra Madre on Dec. 28, 2015. He is survived by his wife Carole and their four children.
Philip Carlson will be remembered by his friends and family as a very caring and loving person. “He was a huge teddy bear of a man, very loving, very concerned about people,” said Suzanne Gillingham. Carlson’s’ funeral was held at Lake Avenue Church on 393 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena on Jan. 17, 2016.
She says that she felt that her topic covered the disparities of minorities. Communications Department Chair Mei-Ling Hsieh organized the event. She presented cash awards and certificates to each winner that evening. She says as department chair that she is always trying to find opportunities to increase awareness for public communication. “[We] also to give students the opportunity to practice their communications skills and bring awareness to different topics and issues,” Hsieh said. ESL student, Alison Riley came in second. T.V. production student Jennie Henry came in third, and film student, Rayla Johnson took fourth-place. All winners received award certificates. Black Lives Matter and Oscar So White are two of the many types of movements that expose racism, police brutality and the entertainment industry.
“When I wrote [my speech] I just wanted to write something completely personal,” Johnson said. “I didn’t want to give a speech or do a biography about somebody. Johnson says that she hates public speaking. She says that her speech allowed her to get over a fear. Henry says it was important to mention African American inventor Frederick McKinley Jones who invented the refrigerator system. Alumna Florence Avignon donated the awards. She spent two years at LACC where she won two national championships with Forensics Speech Team in 1984 and 1985. She was also recognized as California Teacher of the Year in 2012. “I felt that not only does [the speech] have to do with African Americans but it has to do with all people of color, and how our stories are not told,” Reyes said. “How we’re forgotten.”
Scholarships SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS COMPILED BY REBECCA KLINESMITH
Carmen Luz De León and Carmen Luz Girau Music Scholarship Deadline: Varies Eligibility: Must have completed a minimum of 12 degree-applicable units and no more than 75 degree applicable units at LACC, * Must complete a self-profile essay indicating background, interests, goals, and need for a scholarship, * Unofficial transcripts and a copy of current registration as proof of enrollment is required Available to: Full time Music majors
Darrold Stogsdill Scholarship Fund One Deadline: Varies Eligibility: Must be a Theatre Arts Major - 2nd year student This scholarship is to be awarded to a second year Theatre Arts Academy student at LACC. The student needs to write an essay on the reasons why he/she is applying for this scholarship. The award is to be based on achievement and/or need. The funds are to be used by each recipient for tuition and/ or books.
Darrold Stogsdill Scholarship Fund Two Deadline: Varies Eligibility: Must be a Theatre Arts Major - 2nd year student This scholarship is to be awarded to a second year Theatre Arts Academy student at LACC. The student needs to write an essay on the reasons why he/she is applying for this scholarship. The award is to be based on achievement and/or need. The funds are to be used by each recipient for tuition and/ or books.
proof of acceptance Essay is required (approximately 500 words) describing the candidate’s background, interests, goals and need for an award Two letters of recommendation from LACC Faculty Other Requirements: Strong preference given to applicants who have not only excelled academically but have shared their expertise with others and have given back to the college through some type of service learning. This could include participation in student government, tutoring or some other activity that enhances the classroom experience. An unofficial transcript and a copy of current registration must be attached to this application. In addition, candidates must complete all entries and submit a color passport-size photo.
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce/LACC Foundation Book Award Purpose: To provide financial assistance toward tuition, fees and/or books Criteria for applying: Must have completed a minimum of 12 semester units at LACC Must have at least 2.5 GPA Must be a full-time student at LACC (minimum 12 units) Must be a California resident Requirement: Candidates must complete a self-profile essay indicating their background, interests, goals, and need for a scholarship. An unofficial transcript and a copy of the student’s current registration must be attached to the application and all entries must be completed. Applicants must submit either the expected Family contribution form from the FAFSA and the award letter from LACC’s Financial Aid Office. In addition, candidates must submit a color passport-sized photo and a signed statement, “My photograph may be used for reproduction”.
Eleanor Hillger Nursing Scholarship Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Deadline: Varies Eligibility: Applicant must be a Cali- Undergraduate Transfer fornia resident, must be a nursing major, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be a full Scholarship time nursing student at LACC (minimum 9 units per semester), 33 minimum semester units, 60 maximum semester units, needs to write an essay and demonstrate financial need, and/ or economically disadvantaged. To assist a graduating student in the Nursing Dept. who has economic need and achieved academic success. The scholarship will be used to pay for the student’s NCLEX exam and will be awarded at the spring pinning ceremony.
Excel Scholarship for President’s Scholars Purpose: The purpose of the scholarship is to recognize an outstanding President’s Scholar who has maintained his/her eligibility requirements during his/her studies at LACC and who will transfer to a four-year college or university in the fall. Criteria for Applying: Have a cumulative 3.5 GPA Must be a transfer student to a fouryear university or college and present
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at 4-year colleges or universities. The Foundation provides up to $40,000 per year, making it the largest private scholarship for community college transfer students in the country. As part of their scholarship, recipients may: Receive up to $40,000 per year to attend an accredited 4-year college or university. Use the award for tuition, living expenses, books, and other required fees. Pursue any area of study. Have access to the greater JKCF Scholar community The Foundation will select up to 85 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship recipients from a nationwide applicant pool each year for this highly selective scholarship. As minimum criteria, students must: Be a current student at an accredited U.S. community college or 2-year institution with sophomore status or a recent graduate (within the last 5
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, March 2, 2016
years) Have a cumulative college GPA of 3.5 or above Plan to transfer to a 4-year college or university to begin studies in the following fall Demonstrate unmet financial need Students who have previously enrolled at and attended a 4-year institution are not eligible for this award.
four-year college or university. An unofficial transcript must be attached to this application and all entries must be completed. Candidates must provide letters of recommendation from two (2) faculty members and proof of school or community involvement. In addition, candidates must submit a color passport-sized photo and signed statement, “My photograph may be used for reproduction”.
Amount: $500. Winner performs on the Honor’s Program Deadline: Varies Eligibility: Must be enrolled in performance classes at the time of application, Must have completed at least one semester as a music major at LACC Available to: Full time students Candidates must complete a self-profile essay indicating their background, interests, goals, and need for a scholarship. An unofficial transcript and a copy of the student’s current registration must be attached to the application and all entries must be completed. Candidates must provide letters of recommendation from two (2) faculty members in the music department. In addition, candidates must submit a color passport-sized photo and a signed statement, “My photograph may be used for reproduction”.
Deadline: March 18th 2016. Eligibility: Students meeting minimum qualifications are invited to apply for any of the scholarships listed above. Qualifications are listed on the applications. A separate application must be submitted for each scholarship. Memorial Scholarships Award Amounts: Bill Doyle - $1000, Jean Trapnell- $1000, Hy Weintraub $1000 (2) For more details, contact Reyna Gonzales at 323-851-1521 or visit www.aft1521.org AFT Local 1521 www.aft1521.org Los Angeles College Faculty Local 1521 ... EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Adjunct Benefits (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Jerry and Carol Goldsmith Music Scholarship
LACC Foundation Allied Health Sciences Scholarship Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: California resident, full time student at LACC, see website for more details Purpose: To assist students in the Nursing Department, Radiology Technology Department, and Dental Technology Department complete their educations.
LACC Foundation Latino(a)/Hispanic Heritage Honors Scholarship Purpose: This scholarship was created by the LACC Foundation to provide support for students of Latino(a) or Hispanic heritage or those students who support Latino/a or Hispanic students. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in the school and/or community. Criteria for Applying: Must be a current full-time student at LACC (12 units minimum) A copy of current registration as proof of enrollment is required Must have completed a minimum of 24 degree-applicable units and no more than 75 degree-applicable units at LACC Must have a GPA of 3.0 or above Must be CA Resident Demonstrated leadership and involvement in the school and/or community Requirements: Candidates must complete a self-profile essay indicating background, interests, goals, and need for a scholarship; strong preference for students who demonstrate a commitment to transferring to a
ademic performance is one of the considerations for this scholarship. Financial need is also a priority. Priority shall be given based upon academic achievement and promise. The scholarship award should be used to cover tuition, lab fees, books, uniforms, tools and other equipment required by nursing department.
Moon Collins Ealy L.A. College Faculty Guild, Scholarship AFT/1521 2016 Student Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: Full-time student at Scholarships LACC (minimum 12 units) must be
Lucille Swartz Scholarship Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: Minimum of 24 and maximum of 75 degree-applicable semester units completed, full-time student at LACC, must be CA resident To assist full-time students in the Honors Program and/or students committed to a career in teaching.
a Social Science major, completion of not more than 90 units. To assist students in the Social Science Department complete their educations.
Osher Scholars Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: Students must have completed 24 or more degree-applicable semester units (or the equivalent) at the time of the initial scholarship disbursement, student must have received a CCC Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver. Bernard Osher created this award to be distributed through the California Community Colleges Foundation to students with the greatest financial need. Priority is given to students with the greatest need, as determined by the individual community colleges. As long as an applicant is making satisfactory progress toward a degree, the applicant’s academic performance will not be considered by the selection committee. The award should be used to cover lab fees, books, uniforms, tools, and other equipment required by a student’s course of study.
Ralph Bunche Program Mennes Theatre Academy Honors Scholarship Deadline: Varies. Scholarship Eligibility: Must be a member of Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: Candidates must demonstrate financial need: candidates must submit either the Expected Family Contribution Form from the FAFSA or the award letter from LACC’s Financial Aid Office, candidates must include their LACC Student ID and Social Security numbers to complete the application, candidates must be approved student members of the LACC Theatre Academy. The purpose of this fellowship is to provide support to LACC Theatre Academy students who can demonstrate financial need. The award will be granted based on need and talent in any one or more of the theater disciplines and will be awarded for the spring semester.
Morgan-Strauss Nursing Scholarship Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: Applicant must be a Nursing Major, have a minimum 3.5 GPA, be a half-time or full-time student at LACC (minimum 6 units per semester), transfer student and submit a 100 word description of candidate’s interest and goals in nursing. This scholarship is intended for nursing students. The student’s ac-
the Ralph Bunche Scholars Program (RBSP), full time student at LACC, demonstrated leadership and involvement in the school and/or community, must have completed a minimum of 24 degree-applicable units and no more than 75 degree-applicable units at LACC The Ralph Bunche Program Honors Scholarship supports students who participate in the program and are dedicated to pursuing a rigorous academic program and excelling in their fields of study.
Marvin Hoffman CSIT Scholarship Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: Must be a CSIT major, at least four (4) units of CSIT completed, currently enrolled in at least four (4) CSIT units. This scholarship was created for students who demonstrate excellence in computer science and information technology.
Tommy Rhines Award Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: Must be a first generation college student, must be a Administra-
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tive Justice, Law, or Police Science major, must be a transfer student, must have completed no more than 60 units at LACC. Tommy Rhines died during the summer of 1995 after a brief illness. He was a classified employee at LACC and was one of the original bookstore guards. The purpose of this award is to help a disadvantaged first generation college student whose major is Administration of Justice, Law, or Police Science. To attract and encourage students who otherwise do not qualify for regular scholarship funds. To offset the cost of attending LACC and/or transfer to a CS/SSU school.
Sonia Ghani and Monica Hyon Math Award Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: Completion of 30 units at LACC, at least half of which are in math courses, must have at least 3.5 GPA in both all math units completed at LACC and for the comprehensive GPA. The award will be given based on achievements in math and science. There is a strong preference for female candidates; the next most important preference for candidates is strong backgrounds in math and
Tony Valdez Scholarship for Veterans Deadline: Varies. Eligibility: Must have completed a minimum of 24 degree-applicable units and no more than 80 degree-applicable units at LACC, applicant must be a California resident. One letter of recommendation required from a professor This scholarship will be awarded a LACC veteran, with a preference for those majoring in Journalism or Photojournalism. To apply for these scholarships visit: http://www.laccfoundation.org/students/apply-for-scholarships/
DiversityAbroad.com Study Abroad Blogging Scholarship Deadline: Varies Available to: College Freshmen through College Seniors Award Amount: 5 Awards of $500 The DiversityAbroad.com Study Abroad Blogging Scholarship is available to minority undergraduate students who have been accepted to participate in a study abroad, intern abroad, language immersion abroad, or volunteer abroad program offered through a DiversityAbroad.com partner organization.
Victor Grifols Roura Scholarship Deadline: Varies. Available to: Graduate Students, Year 1 through Year 5 Award amount: Varies The Victor Grifols Roura Scholarship is available to Latino medical students. You must be enrolled in an accredited medical program that is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and have clinical interests in hematology to be eligible for this award.
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Sports
Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Veteran Fights to Reach Finish Line
A
By Mike Frenes
long with more than 25,000 other participants from across the nation and around the world, the stocky 5-foot-6 veteran took his spot on the starting line. This Marine veteran is what most would consider a “Cinderella story.” Erwin Gregario, a kinesiology major at Los Angeles City College, ran and completed the final of an agonizing, yet fulfilling 26.2 mile run in the annual Los Angeles Marathon on Feb. 14, 2016. He made it in just one minute past his fifth hour. “Four minutes past my last time in 2013.” Gregario said. “I was in so much pain like you wouldn’t believe.” Gregario was born in the Philippines. The 30-year-old immigrated to the United States at seven years of age with his parents and baby brother in tow. Life was not easy for the family from the get go. Gregario grew up in a strict upbringing. As a troubled youth he recalls being a rebellious pothead who would often get in trouble at school. These decisions would ultimately haunt him later in life. While attending Millikan High School in Long Beach, he played junior varsity football before joining the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. This became a stepping-stone to his enlistment into the Marine Corps. He served from 2005 to 2009. Gregario’s aptitude and cadet training landed him a job in Hawaii as an arms specialist and rifle range instruc-
tor where he made a name of himself. It was there where he also discovered his passion for long distance running. Gregario has participated in many marathons ever since.
“
You have to finish the race. Run, walk or crawl. You have to make it to the finish line and it would be foolish to quit when you’ve gotten so far.” -Erwin Gregario, Marine Veteran
Despite his service in the Marines, like many veterans, he was not exactly immune to the adjustments of civilian life. Gregario suffered financial setbacks, relationship problems and even dealt with depression. He faced legal issues for a weapons charge and eventually hit rock bottom with a foiled suicide attempt. “I was so bad I became a fugitive,” Gregario said with this look of astonishment in his eyes. “I was on the run for two weeks and I can’t even tell you
what that felt like.” An uncle reached out and eventually helped him. Gregario surrendered and served six months in jail. This became the next steppingstone of recovery for the comeback kid. After his incarceration, he was sent to a rehab facility for veterans at the Hollywood Veteran’s Center, a program at Volunteers of America located in Hollywood. Gregario’s mandatory court order lasted a year. However, his stay at the veteran’s center was effective in helping him adjust to normal life. He chose to stay an additional year and now serves as a member of the staff. As he slowly evolves back into the warrior he once was, or “devil dog” as Marines call each other, Gregario has already won the race of the veteran struggle. The marathon for Gregario meant much more for him. The marathons that he races are a metaphor for life, that goes well beyond running and winning a race. Life is full of uncertainties and selfdoubt. The pain and agony the run takes on your body is life itself in a dogeat-dog world. The finish line is the ultimate success of achieving in whatever your calling is. “You have to finish the race,” said Gregario. “Run, walk or crawl, you have to make it to the finish line and it would be foolish to quit when you’ve gotten so far!” Hence, we do not give up in the race we call life. With his two fingers rubbing against the light stripe on his tanned forehead, apparently from the headband he wore in the race, he holds his marathon medal with a slight grin.
Photo courtesy of Erwin Gregario
Erwin Gregario participates in his first Los Angeles Marathon on Feb. 14, 2016. Gregario is a veteran and is currently in his first semester at LACC.
Los Angeles Marathon
2016 Photo by Tomas Rodriguez/collegian
Participants, including a man wearing tactical gear and another man wearing a police uniform cross the starting line at Dodger Stadium.
Photo courtesy of Steve Chavarria
Runners leave the starting line that overlooks downtown Los Angeles. The 26.2 marathon begins at Dodger Stadium in downtown, ventures through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills and finishes by the Santa Monica Pier.
Photos by Tomas Rodriguez
Nataliya Lehonkova of Ukraine, middle with the number 33, won the woman’s race with a time of 2:30:40. Lehonkova led almost the entire race. Next to the 33-year-old is Serkalem Abrha of Ethiopia. Abrha finished second. (Left) Weldon Kirui of Kenya, middle, won the Los Angeles Marathon with a time of 2:13:07. The 27-year-old pulled away late to win after finishing second in 2012 and fourth in 2013. Defending L.A. Marathon champion Daniel Limo, left, finished third with a time of 2:13:52. Kirui and Lehonkova each won $100,000 for finishing first in their respective categories. The race started earlier and allowed the elite runners to run in cool temperatures while reaching the finish line with foggy skies.