Issuu

Collegian cUB clUB fEstivitiEs

LACC WEATHER FORECAST WEDNESDAY

75/60

THURSDAY

79/61

FRIDAY

73/60

SATURDAY

74/60

SUNDAY

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Wednesday, October 26, 2016 Volume 177 Number 3

NEWS BRIEFS comPiled By yoselin FloRes

sEE PagE 5

Los Angeles

The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929

Photo Focus: Washington, D.C.

theater academy Presents ‘top girls’ LACC Theater Academy presents “Top Girls,” a play written by Caryl Churchill and directed by Louie Piday. The show opens on Friday, Oct. 28 in the Caminito Theater with the first show at 8 p.m. Additional showtimes are: Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., Nov. 4 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 5 with shows at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students, seniors and veterans. General admission is $14. Tickets may be purchased online at theatreacademy.lacitycollege.edu.

There have been reports of drug paraphernalia discovered in the stairwell of the Sci-Tech Building at L.A. City College.

Explore Koreatown through words, Pictures

At least two faculty members reported seeing a small sheet of aluminum foil that can be used to smoke heroin.

Guest speakers Katherine Youngmee Kim and Ralph Ahn have been invited to City College to speak on the history of historic Koreatown. LACC’s book program will host the event that takes place on Oct. 26 at 12:30 p.m. The event is free and all are welcome.

By ReBecca KlinesmiTh

transfer opportunity, uc berkeley representative Visits campus University of California Berkeley representatives will be in the Transfer Center located in the Admissions Building Room 109 on Monday, Oct. 31, from 9 to 11 a.m. Come meet one-on-one with representatives regarding academic majors and transfer opportunities. Walk-ins welcome. No appointment needed.

Photo by shannon godly/CollEgian

Nie, a blind visitor, reads an etched quotation by touch at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C. on October 21, 2016. The full quotation, stated by Dr. King in 1963, reads: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Students huddled in a cramped room at the Hyatt Sheraton hotel on a rainy afternoon where they viewed photos they shot for the Washington, D.C. Shoot Out. The theme of the contest was Washington D.C. and its people. Students were given two days to fulfill the assignment.

Los Angeles City College student Shannon Godly beat out a team of national competitors and was selected class favorite. In addition to the group contest, professional and Pulitzer prize-winning photographers will judge the photos. Winners of that selection will be determined in two weeks.

learn healthy cooking Monthly cooking classes are now available to LACC staff and students. The classes will teach participants how to prepare healthy and delicious home-cooked meals while encouraging growth within the campus community. The premiere class on Thursday, Oct. 27 features baked goods pumpkin recipes. The class is from noon to 1:15 p.m. A $10 admission fee is required. To register, call (323) 9534000 ext. 2651.

The Life Skills Center assists students with the knowledge needed for a successful career, fulfilling relationship and a happier life through their Emotional Intelligence workshop. The workshop introduces students to interpersonal skills that will help them function and respond appropriately to socially stressful situations. The workshop will take place in the Student Union at the Cub Meeting Room on Oct. 27 from 12:15-1:15 p.m.

skills center teaches winning formula Students looking to improve their study skills can attend study habit workshops hosted by the Life Skills Center. The workshop teaches students how to improve their study habits and manage their time. The workshops take place in the Student Union Cub meeting room on Oct. 26 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

INDEX Opinion & Editorial Campus Life Election 2016 News Sports

disabled stUdents’ ConCerns aboUt ada violations varY Between February and May of this year, four Los Angeles City College students with disabilities filed lawsuits in California’s Superior Court against the Los Angeles City College District (LACCD). They accused the district of dozens of violations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Other students with disabilities have complaints about lack of accessibility but not all of them are suing the district. Sometimes their complaints have not exactly aligned with those who are suing, so they opt not to participate.

sharpen your Emotional intelligence

2-3 4-5 6 7 8

Evidence of Drug Use on Campus May Be Isolated

By clinTon cameRon

ortia Mason’s lawsuit filed on June 16, mentions “LACC staff responsible for LACC website and library material” in her complaint. Mason claims that she and other visually impaired students have limited access to the computer software Job Access with Speech Program (JAWS.) The program has been essential for converting text into a readable format for the visually impaired and blind. “[The Martin Luther King Jr. Library] installed a test version of screen reader program (JAWS) on one of the computers that does not install the entire program or function with the library research program,” Mason’s lawsuit states. Child development major Marcellina Estrada has not joined the lawsuit. For her, access to textbooks and classroom materials has not been a problem. Materials remain readily available in the library and the Office of Special Services (OSS). “Actually for me, [Martin Luther King Jr. Library is] actually pretty good when I use it,” Estrada said. “The lady at the front desk helped me to find what I needed and they have computers that have JAWS on it for us ... So, that’s not a problem for me.”

Officers in the Sheriff ’s department responded to a phone call that came in at 1:18 p.m. on Sept. 26 about foil in a stairwell in the Sci Tech Building. According to the campus police wire someone went to investigate and found no evidence of a crime. Sheriff ’s called campus facilities to come clean it up, but sources say the aluminum foil was still there several hours later. Learning Skills Chair, Maryanne Desvignes says the sidewalk near City College is littered with syringes and human feces. The learning skills department is located on the north end of campus near the intersections of Heliotrope and Willowbrook. “They invited these Sheriffs to our last department chair meeting and the Sheriff explained to us that there are only three of them to cover this whole campus, and that’s what is creating the problem,” Desvignes said. “We don’t have sufficient staffing to monitor this kind of stuff because not only did we find needles and paraphernalia…. I was literally stepping on needles.” SEE DRUG USE PAGE 7

Mailing It In: Citizens have option to vote bY Mail By RichaRd Tzul

Photo by Joshua JaMEs/CollEgian

Doors are clearly marked with symbols and words on the campus at California State University Fullerton. CSUF is ranked number 12 on a top-50 list of schools nationwide that praise institutions with high safety standards for students with disabilities. See related story, Top 50 Disabled Friendly Schools on page 7. Estrada is satisfied with the technology available. She praised the OSS for their help converting her math book to Microsoft Word. “They changed the symbols because JAWS doesn’t read the sym-

bols,” Estrada said. “So, instead of having a times sign, they actually wrote out the word ‘time.’” A visit to the Martin Luther King Library by the Collegian found five

computers on the second floor with the full version of the program JAWS installed. SEE LAWSUIT PAGE 7

Americans will have a chance to make their voices heard by going to the polls on Nov. 8, 2016. Some voters say there are obstacles to voting at a polling location. There is a solution: voting by mail. Many vote by mail for convenience, but others do it out of necessity. Maria Gonzales is a first year psychology major. Her aunt will be voting by mail since she broke her ankle just a few days ago. “She wants to rest at home and can’t move around too much or too quickly,” Gonzales said. “Despite her condition she still wants her voice to be heard.” Some say they are skeptical about the efficacy of voting by mail. The Los Feliz Post Office is one location that will be circulating mail-in ballots. An employee there paused from his work to speak with the Collegian. He did not give his name. “In my time here, we haven’t had any issues with voters’ mail SEE VOTING PAGE 7

opinion & eDitoRiaL

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Trump’s Circus of Nightmares

EDITORIAL

By Jason PisKoPus

illustration by JosE MoralEs/CollEgian

eXpress YoUrselF: vote

s the 2016 election draws near, the registration deadline is also at hand. Registering to vote is easy, but many people have trouble making it to the polls on Election Day. This is a bad habit too many Americans are guilty of. Voting is a right that United States citizens have, and one not every nation grants to their citizens. It is crucial that we, who love this great nation, exercise our right and make our voices heard. The United Kingdom recently decided to leave the European Union in a decision referred to as “Brexit.” Brexit happened primarily because of the lack of voter turnout for those opposed to leaving. Most of those who failed to vote were under the age of 25. That means their parents, aunts and uncles decided the future of the U.K., a future which the under 25 group will inherit. Many people in the U.K. expressed regret after the decision was made, and the same mistakes could happen here. Voting is important because it is the ultimate form of public opinion. Whether or not a voter’s chosen candidate or proposition wins, an opinion has been documented.

This data is then studied by professors and political analysts. These professionals in turn publish reports and theses, which help to sway the political climate one way or the other. For example, President Barack Obama delayed taking a stance on gay marriage. He studied the political and social environment before announcing his position. This is the norm in the world of politics. Popular opinion carries a lot of weight, but no petition or Nielsen survey even comes close to the vote. Scotland and Northern Ireland voted against exiting the E.U. After the vote, the people of Scotland expressed the possibility of seceding from the U.K., in order to remain in the E.U. This vote not only affected all of the U.K., but it may fracture its national identity as well. If Scotland does secede from the U.K., it spells out complex and tedious severance negotiations, added to the political headache caused by Brexit. The U.K. is also one of the United States’ closest allies. So the ramifications of Brexit will have an impact on the U.S. as well. Likewise, the decisions made in the U.S. will affect the U.K., and the rest of the world. Election day is not just about the president. New propositions and measures are on the

ballot, all of which will have a quick and direct impact on California’s taxpayers. State taxes that come out of paychecks and sales taxes that are charged on purchases are used to fund the various programs and initiatives. Voting “Yes” or “No” on a ballot serves two purposes: it determines how revenue from taxes will be spent, and tells California’s mayors and representatives how Californians feel about issues. This year’s ballot includes measures that affect the death penalty in California. The ballot also includes measures and propositions that will determine whether or not to decriminalize marijuana, and if the state’s Medicare fund will receive additional revenue - a decision that affects millions of Californians. Voting is a duty that every citizen should exercise. To complain about the way a government runs or how tax funds are spent is common. Most people have a political opinion about the major issues that face our nation or state. But when voters do not turn out for the election, it actually takes away from the value of their opinions. To vote adds to one’s credibility as a responsible citizen. It tells people that not only do you have an opinion, but you also care enough about that opinion to make sure it is heard.

Enthusiasm Wanes for First-Time Voter By anGel Johnson I honestly do not want to vote this year, but because I am a first-time voter I must. I do not want someone else’s vote to speak for me. Having Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump as president will only satisfy the delegates and super delegates that pushed Bernie Sanders out of the race. What about the rest of America? Why do we suffer because of the power they have? Vo t i n g for the first time this year will be interesting, but disappointing for me. I feel as if my available choices for president can either make America bad with Clinton or much worse with Trump. Both Clinton and Trump will cause so many problems in the next

four years, and the best thing for the people of America to do is to elect the candidate that will help more than hurt for the next four years. I have never thought that voting for a president was so hard until now. Looking at the percentages in this election, just a few votes can determine whether Clinton or Trump

will become our president. Between Clinton’s email scandal and Trump’s leaked audio, I really do not want to choose either of them. I am almost positive that most of the promises that Clinton and Trump are making us will never happen once either of them wins. Watching Donald Trump and Hil-

lary Clinton during a debate, is like witnessing politically inclined cats and dogs fight over keeping or changing existing laws. As a first time voter, it is hard for me to be excited about voting. This year, we have two of the worst candidates I can remember running for office. On Nov. 8, I will not be proud of who will become our president. It is hard enough to worry about voting “Yes” or “No” on propositions, but now I have to worry about choosing a president that any real American never wanted in the first place. In the primaries I voted for Bernie Sanders, who to me was the best choice on the ballot. I never really realized how important it is to vote until now. When I vote in November, I will vote for Clinton because she is the lesser of two evils, not because she is the candidate that I believe should be in office. A vote for Clinton is my way of trying to ensure life as an American won’t be as bad in the next four years as it would be if Trump is elected.

I am a serious advocate for expressing one’s opinion through voting. Voting tells the government and the clowns that run it how I want them to perform. It is the response to the ultimate job interview. But the biggest fear I have in this election cycle is that Donald “the Clown” Trump will become the ringleader of the United States’ political circus. As his numbers fall, it seems less likely that he won’t win, but I fear history repeating itself. In 2000 I voted for Al Gore. I didn’t particularly care for him, he came off as dry and boring, but the thought of George W. Bush becoming president was a nightmare. It was a nightmare that became reality. Why did it happen? One of the biggest reasons this happened is because so many people voted for Ralph Nader or another independent nominee. Those votes were not for Bush, but they were taken away from Gore, who had the best chance of winning had Nader not been on the scene. I am not saying that it’s a bad thing to vote independent, but Gore could have won the presidency. Had Gore been elected, we most likely wouldn’t have gone through the recession that ruined so many lives. People lost their homes caus-

ing homelessness to skyrocket, and jobs were cut left and right leading to more homelessness and suffering. Families suffered. Children suffered. This is not an exaggeration. And we still haven’t completely come out of it. Bush’s presidency lead to the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. And it could happen again, if we let history repeat. I know that a lot of people don’t like Hillary Clinton, and many have expressed the idea of voting for a third party. Some even say they will write Bernie Sanders in and vote for him, even though he has openly said not to do this. Sanders knows that the greatest threat to America is Trump, and that Clinton needs to win to ensure that we don’t end up in a 1984 reality. So if you are considering an independent party when you cast your vote, remember the past so we are not forced to repeat it. The U.S. doesn’t need four years of a president who thinks women are things. We don’t need a president who mocks the handicapped. We don’t need a president who avoids answering questions during a political debate, but instead attacks his opponent and her husband. We don’t need to turn the White House into Ringling Brothers. If Trump becomes president, I am moving to Latin America or Europe, Canada is too cold. I will live out the next four years away from the train wreck America will become under Trump’s “leadership.” I hope this does not happen, just like I hope you do not throw your vote away.

America, the Single By lynn James I think America should be single for a term to find itself and dwell on its past commitments. If you think about it, we as a nation, have had some ups and downs when it comes to presidents. Just when it seems like we are getting comfortable and content with one pretty good president, his term is up. When people ask my opinion on the election, they believe I am joking when I say America should be single. On the contrary, I am far from joking. As I reflect on the last 20 years of presidency, I feel even more passionate about America being single. In the early ‘90s we had a relationship with a president who didn’t know how to keep his personal life under wraps or behind closed doors. Next we had a relationship with

a president that many believed stole the presidency. Some believe he tampered with the ballots to obtain the position. His opponent had the election in the bag according to certain sources. Then out of the blue he still won. Odd. Every time this family is in office there is a terrorist attack. And the devastation our nation endured on 9/11 will never be forgotten. We got into our latest relationship because of our willingness to accept change and the belief that we could change. It was like no other before. It was pure history in the making. This one cared so much he made health care available for all citizens. That in itself was enough for me. Not to mention he eradicated one of the worst terrorist ever from our planet. I often think we were too excited, as a nation, to have the one before him out that we forgot to appreciate the great one we were getting. Not that I don’t think a woman president wouldn’t be a great change for our nation, I just think my life as a woman will drastically be different. I believe it will be a positive thing.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Scan the QR code TO VISIT OUR MULTIMEDIA BLOG FEATURING COVERAGE OF OUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND or visit: collegianwired.tumblr.com

opinion & eDitoRiaL

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 26, 2016

COMPILED BY Ande Richards PHOTOS BY Ande Richards

ProPosition 67 asKs californians to VotE on thE statutE that Prohibits grocEry storEs from ProViDing singlE usE bags to thEir customErs. arE you for or against this anD why?

yEsEnia Villatoro sociology major

luis fErnanDEZ art major

Justin smith Photography major

alEXis washington film major

“Ban them entirely. It harms our animals in the sea. My mom gets EBT and they give us re-usable bags to shop with.”

“It would lessen our contribution to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch ... getting rid of plastic bags is good for the environment.”

“I feel like everybody should have a bag for the grocery store. It will cut down on plastic in the environment ... It’s better for the world.”

“Bring back the bags. I go grocery shopping a lot and I need the bags. They cost 10 cents. They should be free.”

Ink Style: A visUAl rEprEsEntAtion of tHE world As wE Know it

illustration by laura diaZ/CollEgian

illustration by ashlEy MCbrooM/CollEgian

Have an OpiniOn? a StOry idea? Write a Letter to the Editor

CONTACT THE COLLEGIAN losangeles.collegian@gmail.com

Letters may be edited for brevity. illustration by laura diaZ/CollEgian

Los Angeles City College Visual & Media Arts Department

Collegian

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ande Richards

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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Edward Locke Claire Bush

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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.

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to advertise in the Collegian, direct all insertion orders and questions to: pr.collegian@gmail.com. nEXt issuE: november 23, 2016 EDitorial DEaDlinE: november 20, 2016

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Campus Life Clubs, ASG Stand United

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 26, 2016

There are a wide range of clubs that focus on culture, sports, community service and academics, and the Associated Student Government manages and assists these diverse clubs on campus. By Richard Tzul

S Photo by Eve Moreno/Collegian

Executive Vice President of ASG Diego Mendez poses in front of a Club Rush poster on camps. Mendez, who formerly served as the ASG Vice President of Finance, has varied new responsibilities as the EVP.

Mendez Moves Up

The November election is closing in, but the positions of our own Associated Student Government are filled.

Every issue of the Collegian will feature a spotlight on an ASG senator or officer because we want you to be familiar with the people who represent you. In this issue we profile the Executive Vice President Diego Mendez. By Richard Tzul COLLEGIAN: What exactly do you do in your position? MENDEZ: As Executive Vice President I have a number of duties. My first and foremost duty is the make sure everything here at the office is run correctly.

I oversee the VP of Finance and the VP of Clubs as well as the other nine senators that we have. It’s my job to ensure that we all communicate with each other. I have to make sure that our finances are in order. I have to make sure everything going on with the clubs is in order, and I have to pro-

vide assistance to everyone at the ASG office. Basically I do everything. My head is in everywhere. I know about everything that everybody does here, and I relay it to our President. COLLEGIAN: Why did you take up this position? MENDEZ: I took up this position because last semester I was the VP of Finance, so I was already on the board. Plus some other people were interested in taking the board positions, but they were new and inexperienced. Therefore, I took the initiative to run for my position because I already knew a lot about how the office runs.

I wanted to stay here at ASG because the first semester I was here I got a lot from it. Before that I wasn’t really involved [with anything] on campus, but now it’s different. I’m surrounded by people who propel me into transferring and improving my career. This is an office setting so it’s helping me prepare for an office job in the future too. COLLEGIAN: What is your ultimate goal as Executive VP? MENDEZ: My ultimate goal is to make sure that every plan and event is executed well, because we want everyone to know that we are doing our best. We’re doing everything we can to help the students.

everal club representatives assembled on Oct. 12 to request funding, announce plans and bring up concerns to the Associated Student Government at the first Club Council meeting of the semester. Vice President of Clubs Theresa Morgan-Cruz presided over the meeting and said she was satisfied with the conference. “It was very successful,” Morgan-Cruz said. “We had over 90 percent of the clubs show up, which is fantastic. It’s challenging to find a time where all the clubs can attend. I feel like we got a lot of business taken care of.” Club Council meetings are also a place where clubs and the student government can make decisions together regarding student life on campus. Club Rush was one of the main topics of discussion. Club Rush is an event in which campus clubs host a table for their organization to recruit new members. Clubs benefit by increasing their numbers and gaining a higher profile on campus. Students benefit by becoming involved in extracurricular activities. At the Club Council meeting, representatives pitched ideas for the event. “We’re going to be having a photo booth at Club Rush, [with the Eiffel Tower in the background]” said Erika Stecker, a representative for the French Club. Clubs also asked for permission to sell food at Club Rush. ASG informed them that they could sell

food that day, so long as it is not homemade. Several clubs requested and received funding. The D-Munch Club, a club that focuses on diet and nutrition, received $100 for ingredients for their bake sale. “I think that ASG does a great job,” said Alyshia Marcelletti, the school’s dietetics program assistant. “I think they’re excited to introduce us to a lot of resources, and so far they’ve guided us in situations we’re not familiar with. Anytime we’ve requested funding they’ve tried to find it for us which is incredible.” Executive Vice President of ASG Diego Mendez said he was pleased with the overall mood and outcome of the meeting. “It was a good turnout, it was my first Club Council and I think it went great,” he said. “Now that we have a full list of chartered clubs I expect there to be more positive student life here on campus.” ASG encourages clubs to ask for funding, but reminds clubs to follow the school’s guidelines and policies. ASG also encourages students to be active and lively. “Be involved on campus,” Morgan-Cruz said. “My first year here I arrived a minute before class and left as soon as possible. The second year I started attending clubs and I’ve felt it made my life as a student far more positive. I made so many new friends. I got to see the behind-the-scenes stuff with clubs and now that I’m in government, I think it’s the best thing I ever did. I really encourage students to use their voice and be active on campus.”

Star Sightings

Photo courtesy of NASA.com

Alpha Centauri is a binary star system located within the constellation Centaurus. It is located about four light years away from Earth, and is about 1.3 times the size of earth.

Travel to Centauri Cub Clubs: The Spectrum Alliance By LaVielle Hibbert Welcome back to Cub Clubs. In this issue we meet the Spectrum Alliance. The Alliance, also called the Los Angeles City C o l l e g e’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Ally (LGBTQIA) club, meets Mondays from 2 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Kinesiology Building, Room 130. Last spring, the Spectrum Alliance organized a Transgender 101 panel. Panelists spoke about the daily challenges they face and what transgender education looks like. The Spectrum Alliance also organized a vigil for the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting

that took place in Orlando Florida on June 12, 2016. Club presidents Amy Alvarado and Eve Moreno, with the help of their Vice President Kerri Cecil, are working on events that focus on trans and queer students, and the issues they face. One of their goals is to make queer students feel welcome at LACC. If you would like to know more about the Spectrum Alliance just drop by on the days they meet. Do you want readers to learn more about your club? Contact l.hibbert.collegian@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events November 16-23: The Transgender Week of Remembrance, which features a sex education workshop, an art show dedicated to queer and trans students, a vigil in honor of the transgender day of remembrance and a slam poetry reading.

Photo by Ande Richards/Collegian

Spectrum Alliance Club member Alexis Galan presides over the Alliance booth at Club Rush on Oct. 19, 2016. The club signed up 28 new members during Club Rush. “I think we did pretty well, especially because of the circumstance we were in. We need people to sign up, so we can spread awareness about our club, and the people in the LGBTQI+ community,” Galan said.

By Rebecca Klinesmith As long as I can remember I’ve been into Astronomy. I remember looking into the night sky, and wondering if we would ever find another planet like ours in our lifetime. So when I read about Alpha Centauri I was excited. Alpha Centauri is a binary star system located within the constellation Centaurus. It is located about four light years away from Earth, and is about 1.3 times the size of earth. It orbits its star every 11.2 days, Scottish astronomer Robert T. A. Innes first discovered Alpha Centauri in 1915 by blinking photographic plates taken at different times during a dedicated proper motion survey. There are two main stars which are Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B. A small, faint red

dwarf star called Proxima Centauri is also present, and may be gravitationally bound to the other two stars. Alpha Centauri A and B orbit a common center of gravity every 80 years, and are in the habitable zone which means it may be able to keep water on its surface. According to Space.com, a group of scientists, engineers and investors announced ‘Breakthrough Starshot’, which is a $100 million dollar research initiative to send tiny robotic probes within a generation to our nearest star system beyond the sun. Small laser-propelled probes will be transported to the nearest star system, which would be accelerated to 20 percent of the speed of light in about two minutes. This means that the probes would pass Pluto’s orbit in three days, and reach our nearest star in as little as 20 years. Maybe by doing this we will be able to take a much closer look at Alpha Centauri, and see if it really is like Earth. But even then, it may take another hundred years or so before it will even be possible for humans to travel there.

Campus Life

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 26, 2016

CitY ClUbs reCrUit For FUn

Joining a club gives students the opportunity to make new friends. It also provides a platform for fun, personal growth and educational opportunities. By laVielle hiBBeRT

miling faces ruled this semester’s Club Rush Oct. 17 through 19, and to punctuate the event bubbles sporadically filled the tented area where the activities were staged. It was like a mini campus party. The D-Munch Club had fresh banana bread that was moist and rich in flavor available for those that came by their booth.. ASG went all out with pizza, soda, chips and buckets of candy. Other clubs featured plates of cookies, brownies and some treated visitors to more ethnic fare like tangy tamarind balls from El Salvador. Treats were an enticement for new members and a way for clubs to fundraise. City has over 50 clubs and 22 of those clubs participated in this semester’s three-day event. Salvador Pinedo who is a cinema major was walking around trying to figure out what other clubs he could join. “I think it is a pretty interesting event. I signed up with three clubs today. It seems like a fun way to get to know people and join the college community,” Pinedo said. Many clubs had activities for students. For example, the Psychology club had a virtual reality game, the Filipino club had a dart throw balloon pop game, the Cheer Club had spin the wheel, there was a hula-hoop competition, musical chairs and a human wheelbarrow race. Assistant Dean of Student Life Allen Andriassian also joined in on Club Rush activities. “There was a lot of excitement. There was even a limbo contest in which I participated in which was on Wednesday that last day of the event. So I got out there and participated and had some fun,” said Andriassian. Sociology major Shontal Johnson was out in the hot sun scouting for a club to join. “It is a bit competitive for the clubs that are out here today, but it is also encouraging for students to try different things. When we are optimistic about life we can grow and develop. These clubs help educate students in different

areas of life. I would recommend this for all students to take part in,” Johnson said. Spectrum Alliance club’s table featured a rainbow banner with the words “Born this Way” from the Lady Gaga song. “I came really early in the morning, I was dedicated,” said Club co-president Amy Alvarado.

“i tHinK it is A prEttY intErEsting EvEnt. i signEd Up witH tHrEE clUBs todAY. it sEEms liKE A fUn wAY to gEt to Know pEoplE And Join tHE collEgE commUnitY.” -sAlvAdor pinEdo, cinEmA mAJor This club is really important to me, the community is important, and trans and gender nonconforming identities are not talked about. That’s what this club wants to address on our campus. I want people to know that we offer open arms to everyone, even when they don’t accept themselves.” Students can actively involve themselves in the full spectrum of what is offered by Los Angeles City College. “Clubs and organizations are huge in a student’s development,” Allen Andriassian said. “They develop leadership skills, they learn how to work with people, they learn how to fundraise, they learn how to work with budgets, they learn how to work with an advisor which are all extremely important components of someone who will eventually transition, complete their education and their career. Plus it makes college fun.”

Photos by andE riChards, EvE MorEno and anWar torrEs/CollEgian

Top to bottom: Dr. Danielle Muller shows up in support of students at Club Rush on Oct. 19, 2016. A Phi Theta Kappa member represents the society by sporting Greek letters on a red t-shirt. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage achievement of two-year college students. Third-year student Amy Alvarado is the co-president of Los Angeles City College’s Spectrum Alliance. The Spectrum Alliance is the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Ally (LGBTQIA) focused club at LACC. Students play game of musical chairs during Club Rush on Oct. 19, 2016. Games were a big part of Club Rush.

eMploYers seeK WorKers at Job Fair

City College Overlooks Hispanic Heritage Month By yoselin FloRes

Photo by Curtis sabir/CollEgian

The fourth Annual Fall Classic Hiring Spree took place in the Quad on Oct. 21, 2016. The event was free and open to the public. Employers from various industries were there make presentations and hire. Development workshops were available throughout the duration of the event.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 annually. At this time many celebrate the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Hispanic heritage week was established and sponsored by Representative Edward R. Roybal and first declared by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. The commemorative week was later expanded to cover a 30-day period under President Ronald Reagan and enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988. National Hispanic Heritage Month is regarded in Canada, Latin America and the United States. However, this year at Los Angeles City College the celebration went unnoticed. Instead of acknowledging this important celebration the school let it quietly slip by. “We should celebrate our heritage especially during this time of a controversial election. With a candidate insulting Mexicans it is important to show that we aren’t afraid of who are or where we come from,” said psychology major Abigail Gabriel.

The Administration Building is named for the great Mexican-American civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, and LACC recently received a $6 million 5-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics(STEM) and articulation program. College President René Martinez is also the first Latina president in the Los Angeles Community College District. “We have so little representation so I think it is crucial that we acknowledge the success and influence of Latinos,” said chemistry major Valentina Ruiz, “The president of our school is Latina so it just makes sense to celebrate a month that celebrates us.” In July 2013 René Martinez became LACC’s 16th permanent president and the first Hispanic female president at City college. President Martinez has been serving the Los Angeles Community College District for over 36 years. Her commitment to the community earned her the Mexican American Alumni Award in 1992 and the Executive Latino Leadership award for her ‘actions to in-

spire others to dream more, learn more and do more.’ “She is the first Latina president at our college and historically that is significant. We have a lot of female Latina students and she gives them a sense of representation and leadership. They see their face in her. Historically women, especially women of color, have been under represented and she is an example of someone rising from the ranks. From student, to coordinator, to professor, to chairperson, to co-director, to dean, to vice president and now president. I think that speaks highly of her,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs, Daniel Walden. City College is home to many alumnus that are successful, prominent Hispanics. Including jazz musician Eric Dolphy, wrestler and bodybuilder Jose “Pepper” Gomez, director José Quintero actress Diana Canova, former Harlem Globetrotter Rico Harris, Actress Rachel Mitrani, activist and choreographer Rosie Perez, Grammy award winning musician Jose “Pepe” Carlos, Ruben Hernandez founder of Unification of Disabled Latin Americans and broadcast journalist Tony Valdez.

Election 2016

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Proposition 67, Ban on Single-use Plastic Bags By Yoselin Flores As of June 2013, Los Angeles is one of 151 counties to ban single-use plastic bags under SB 270. Los Angeles also placed a 10 cents fee on reusable plastic bags and paper bags. Proposition 67, also known as “The California Plastic Bag Ban Veto Referendum,” will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot. A vote yes would make California the first state to ban stores from providing single-use plastic carryout bags. A general fee of 10 cents or more will be charged for every additional carryout bag provided to customers. A vote no would allow stores to continue to provide single-use

plastic carryout bags free of charge unless restricted by local laws. Taking into account the impact that plastic bags have on the environment, Proposition 67 could help reduce litter and prevent it from ending up in waterways. Data collected by the Ocean Conservancy indicated that plastic grocery bags are the sixth most prominent trash found on coastlines. “Plastic bags harm wildlife every day. Sea turtles, sea otters, seals, fish and birds are tangled by plastic bags; some mistake bags for food, fill their stomachs with plastics and die of starvation,” said Julie Packard, executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. “Yes on 67 is a common-sense solution to

reduce plastic in our ocean, lakes and streams, and protect wildlife.” For the past 2 years many Los Angeles residents have grown accustomed to carrying around tote bags. Passing measure 67 will allow California to continue its success in phasing out plastic bags. However, under Proposition 67 consumers would have to pay a bag tax for every paper and thick plastic grocery bag they are given at checkout. Resulting in an annual tax increase. Additionally, big chain stores will keep the revenue collected from the bag tax. These stores will gain $300 million annually and none of it will go toward helping the environment.

Election Day: Polls Are Open 7 A.m. - 8 P.m. If You Are In Line By 8 P.m., You Are Allowed To Vote. Bring Accepted Form Of I.d.

LACCD Proposes $3.3 Billion Bond For Campus Construction By Naomi Johnson Measure CC is a $3.3 billion bond on the Nov. 8 ballot that will benefit all nine Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) colleges. This bond proposes the funds be used solely for the improvement of construction and learning facilities on the LACCD campuses. As the largest community college district in the nation, the LACCD provides education for nearly 250,000 students per year. Measure

CC will require independent audits to ensure funds are used properly. A “Yes” vote on Measure CC can mean improved, upgraded facilities for students of many backgrounds seeking higher education. Existing construction sites disrupting the pathways and access of disabled students can be remedied. Approximately one-third of the buildings that contain science labs and job training equipment are outdated and deteriorating, because they were built more than

40 years ago. Measure CC will fix all of these issues and more. A “No” vote can mean you are part of the community of voters that are currently paying taxes on previous bonds that should have fixed many of the issues LACCD students suffer through daily. In the past 15 years, close to $6 billion in bond funds have been approved for the LACCD. Measure CC requires 55 percent of the vote to pass.

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Contact the Collegian Email: losangeles.collegian@gmail.com Letters may be edited for brevity.

News

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 26, 2016 Disabled Students From Page 1

Drugs From Page 1

Drug Paraphernalia on Campus Causes Concern

Photo by Claudio Pommier/Collegian

University of Southern California’s construction project creates many potential hazards for people with disabilities.

Lawsuit Against LACCD Pushes Forward Library staff informed the Collegian that four more computers were available to visually impaired and blind students taking classes in room 123 on the first floor. An additional three computers with full versions of the program were available on the second floor. Other programs available for the visually impaired and blind were available on the computers. They included Zoomtext for low vision students and Kurzweil that works with a scanner to reproduce text. Angel Macias, an instructional assistant for the library helps students using the computers on the second floor. “OSS students have priority,”

Macias said. “And everyone complies with that.” Library Chairperson Barbara Vasquez was unaware of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library’s name being mentioned in a lawsuit. According to Vasquez, there should be no test versions of any of the programs installed on the library computers. “I was not aware that we ever did anything in the test mode,” Vasquez said. “I will verify with my computer techs and our IT department and if it turns out to be true, I will make sure that it gets changed.” The limited ability to navigate around campus during construction is a consistent complaint among

those who are suing and those who are not. With construction projects running beyond deadline, the issue has become exasperated. “It’s not OK around there at all,” Marcellina said. “All that construction that’s going on, it’s too hard for visually impaired students.” According to the Department of Justice, an additional complaint process can be brought to the attention of the department as well as the Department of Education under title II of the ADA. This can occur even if a lawsuit is pending or in litigation. “The department considers every complaint filed in determining whether and where to open an

investigation,” said Department of Justice Deputy Press Secretary David Jacobs. “Where and the extent to which ADA issues raised in a complaint are already being litigated in a private lawsuit may inform that determination.” There are no recent records of City College students filing a complaint with the Department of Justice and the Department of Education concerning ADA violations. No set date has been determined for any of the lawsuits brought forward by the Barbosa Group. Whether students file lawsuits or not, construction continues to provide roadblocks for students with disabilities.

Los Angeles City College is an open campus which makes it easy for homeless people to walk about. The college has had several incidents involving transients harassing faculty and students including a man earlier this month who exposed himself in the MLK Library. Assistant Professor of Biology Sean Phommasaysy saw the paraphernalia on Sept. 26 when he arrived on campus one morning. “I came into work, saw that and I took a step back. I thought ‘ wow, no one noticed that? ” Phommasaysy said. Phommasaysy says the issue is with the local transients and not with students. “I’m saddened by it. Am I surprised? Yes and no, but the school is surrounded by neighborhoods that are not the best, “ he said. “However, it’s still something you don’t expect to see at school. What I’m hoping is that there’s more security, maybe building a fence to keep non-students out, because I really don’t think this is a student issue.” The Sheriff’s department located on campus currently has one deputy and two to three “security officers” on any given shift. According to one source located at the office, it’s a budget issue, and it’s up to the school administration to request more money for more security. By contrast, the Los Angeles Valley College website, their sheriff’s office on campus is composed of two deputies, 13 security officers, and nine cadets that are staffed seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Geology Department Chair Michael Farrell says security is good on campus, and says the paraphernalia found last month was an isolated incident in his building. “I understand with the literally thousands of people on campus everyday there’s gonna be some people that are doing awful things,” Farrell said. “And what I don’t want are the students who are here, who are figuring out if this is the campus for them to think that this characterizes the campus.”

Photo courtesy of anonymous source

Since the beginning of the fall semester, foil wrappers and other drug paraphernalia have been spotted near the Science & Technology Building. Crime statistics from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Community College Bureau for the area around L.A. City College from 20112013 shows there were 10 drug-related arrests on campus and zero off campus for that period. There is no reporting on the site after 2013. Lavielle Hibbert contributed to this story.

Drug Abuse Worldwide 26.4 million – 36 million people abuse drugs 2.1 million suffer from substance abuse disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers 467,000 addicted to heroin Source: drugabuse.org

Local Colleges rated Top Disabled-Friendly Schools By Joshua James and Victoria Perez CSU Fullerton and the University of Southern California are on a top-50 list of colleges and universities in the United States that offer the best environments for students with disabilities. CollegeChoice.net created a ranking of campuses that exceed the minimum requirements for students with learning or physical disabilities. Many college campuses evaluate their facilities, programs and curriculum to comply with the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Indicators of accommodations include wheel chair ramps and elevators in all multi-floor buildings. Eighty-six percent of universities enroll and educate students with disabilities according to CollegeChoice.net, but less than a quarter of those polled say they offer those students assistance “to a major extent.” College campuses that made the top-50 list have made greater access for the disabled a priority. The physical, social, and academic needs of students with dis-

U.S. Colleges with Best Environments for Disabled Students College

Score

Rank

University of Michigan

100

USC

97.5

Northeastern University

94.09

Xavier University

93.68

University of Texas

93.44

College of Charleston

92.30

University of Connecticut

92.16

Cal. State University - Fullerton

88/60

abilities are a priority at the successful programs. The majority of the campuses that made the list offer special needs focused centers with professional staff that are open every weekday, like the Disability Support Services Office at Cal State Fullerton (CSUF). Thirty-eight thousand students attend CSUF, which is number 12 on the top 50 list. “One reason our school made the list is due to every building having wheel accessible doors,” said Darlene Serrano, an administrative assistant in the Disability Support Services Office at Cal

State Fullerton. Some colleges learned the hard way. In 2007, a group called Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America sued the University of Michigan for failing to provide disabled access to a football stadium. Years later, the University of Michigan is number one for providing the best accommodations for students with disabilities. A small group of students say they are fed up with conditions and lack of access at L.A. City College. Four students have filed a lawsuit against the L.A. Community College District and LACC for

failure to comply with the American with Disabilities Act. A new student who enrolled at LACC this semester says there are obstacles on campus and he needs assistance. “I was walking in the middle of the Quad and ran into glass and hurt my knee,” said a visually impaired student who identified himself as Albert. “There need to be more faculty, help and more support because there are a lot of us.” Ida Bengstberg, Ashia Hobbs, Angel Johnson, Michelle Khaiphanhliem and Diana Martinez contributed to this story.

Mailing it in From Page 1

California Residents may Vote by Mail being delayed or lost,” he said. “At least none that I’m aware of.” According to him the November elections don’t actually have much of an impact on the Post Office. He said there was no special department that handles voters’ mail. “It might get a little busier, but it’s nothing significant,” the employee said. “It comes in and out with everything else, we treat it like regular mail.”

City student Raymond Vinluan has not decided on a major, but did make a decision about how to vote. He chose the vote by mail option for the primaries and plans on using it again for the general election in November. “I’m so busy with work and school,” Vinluan said. “It’s convenient for me to mail it in, as opposed to waking up early and driving to my polling place.”

Amy Alvarado is a nursing major in her third year at LACC. She plans on voting but certainly not by mail. “I feel like there’s a risk of it getting lost,” she said. “It would be better to turn in my ballot in person.” Los Angeles County Clerk Dean Logan was not available to comment on voting by mail for the general election. The Last day to apply for a vote-

by-mail ballot by mail is November 1, 2016. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the county elections office no later than three days after Election Day. If you are unsure whether the vote-by-mail ballot will arrive in time if mailed, bring it to any polling place in the county between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

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spoRts

Los Angeles Collegian — Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Photo by CollEgian staff

Basketball Club members shake hands before a game in September 2016. The club founders plan to gather signatures and ﬁle a petition with the administration to request an oﬃcial basketball team.

Basketball Club Aims to Score By miGuel coRRales

Photo by raChaEl KoPP/CollEgian

Aykanush Gevanyan teaches a body sculpting class on the main court of the Kinesiology Building in September 2016. She says she is determined to bring athletics back to City, and works with other kinesiology department faculty and staff on a ﬁnancial plan that will determine which sports will be included in the new athletics program.

proFessor sets sights high By Kyle BlaylocK

inesiology department chair Aykanush Gevanyan is working to open students’ access to the multi-million dollar, state-ofthe-art Kinesiology facilities and track and field. “Our track and field is located on top of Lot 4 next to the Student Union, and has a great view of downtown, the observatory and the Hollywood sign,” Gevanyan said. “Soccer is offered Tuesday mornings and evenings on the field, as well as Fitness Walking classes and Track and Field classes. These classes are listed under Kinesiology. The field is also leased to local soccer clubs.” The athletics comeback is still a big question mark. The logistics of starting a sports program is filled with various expenses such as insurance, transportation, coaching salaries and additional equipment. Currently the department is conducting research that would decide what sports are the highest priority based on student body interest. “We have brand new tennis courts and we offer two levels of tennis instruction. If you haven’t seen them yet, they are a bit hidden behind the Student Union,” Gevanyan said. According to Gevanyan, Kinesiology North is home to a new swimming pool where the department offers classes for the absolute non-swimmer, the lap swimmer, or students who just want to pick up some new swimming skills. “We will soon be offering a class of water polo and we consider adding it to the list of sports we want to bring back, along with basketball, soccer, volleyball and some others,” Gevanyan said. She also says she hopes ASG is able to host the free student swim this semester, since it proved to be a big hit last semester. “By bringing athletics back, we will surely increase the number of students attending LACC. It is a fact that sports bring 20 percent

Back in 2009, Los Angeles City College disbanded its sports program, but after more than seven years athletics might make a comeback thanks in part to recent interest in a new basketball club founded by Antonio Perez. “We want people to socialize and motivate each other, if it’s about basketball or even about school work,” said Cory Cuaresma the current president of the club. “It will be beneficial for people who are inspired to play basketball as an amateur or as a student athlete.” With almost 50 students regularly attending the club, LACC might have a basketball team ready to compete as soon as sports make an official return. “It’s great to make something special from the ground up,” Cuaresma said. “We want to invite more people and give them opportunities to play, no matter their skill levels.” The club gives the same opportunity to male and female stu-

dents by placing them on the same teams and that helps eliminate any gender barriers. “I have been playing basketball since the fifth grade,” said City student Felicia Guerrero. “It is a good workout and relieves a lot of stress. They have played me tough even though I am a woman.” Club member Marlon Penages says his teamwork skills improved significantly since he joined the basketball club. “Yeah, it definitely helps with developing my teamwork skills,” Penages said. “Besides that, this as well as any other sport teaches us life lessons like working hard and pushing oneself [to] develop more.” Club founders say they want to get more people interested in inter-school leagues and games with other clubs. They are planning to get signatures to petition for an official basketball team. “We would also be happy to have students come support their favorites and create an atmosphere similar to official games,” Cuaresma said.

illustration by ClairE bush/CollEgian

“wE will soon BE offEring ... wAtEr polo And wE considEr Adding it to tHE list of sports wE wAnt to Bring BAcK, Along witH BAsKEtBAll, soccEr, vollEYBAll And somE otHErs.” -AYKAnUsH gEvAnYAn, KinEsiologY dEpArtmEnt cHAir more students to a school and the dropping number of new students at LACC is partially caused by the lack of athletics, so we are determined to fight and change that,” Gevanyan said. Students in her class were enthusiastic participants. “She really works us out,” said Judy Bermudez a psychology major. “I feel a lot healthier since I started. The running squats kicked my ass [and] the EDM music helps.”

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A student spikes the ball over the net during a volleyball class at the beginning of the fall 2016 semester. Volleyball is on the list of sports that are positioned to brought back when sports return.

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