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Collegian Los Angeles

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Volume 186 Number 4

L.A. Dodgers Are Back!!! Page 8

The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929

EAST HOLLYWOOD

MAY DAY

Biden Recognizes Armenian Genocide

Marchers Call for Unity, Immigration and Police Reform People in Los Angeles took to the streets in Chinatown and Boyle Heights in a show of solidarity with marginalized communities on May Day. They say they have been exploited, discriminated against and attacked by law enforcement. BY JUAN MENDOZA

PHOTO BY MARY PARONYAN, LACC ALUMNA

Armenian Americans march in the streets of Hollywood on April 24 to commemorate the106th anniversary of the mass killing of Armenian people, which President Biden calls “a genocide.” Armenians at the march say they see it as a starting point of holding people accountable. See Page 4 Reporters Notebook. See video report at: https:// youtu.be/sHFYoahgt8A

CHANCELLOR

COMMUNITY

CCC Chancellor Says Get Vaccine, Enroll Early BY JUAN MENDOZA California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley says he hopes everyone in the system gets their vaccine soon. The chancellor took questions from student reporters and advisers across the state during a teleconference on May 6. He encouraged students and others in the community college system to get vaccinated. “I’m very lucky I got my vaccination. So, I feel very good about the direction we’re going, and I’m hoping that everyone in the system gets their vaccinations soon,” the chancellor said. He says access to vaccines has improved and is easier. The chancellor wants everyone to take this step in protecting themselves and their communities, “so we can put this pandemic behind us,” he said. The CCC Chancellor’s Office is currently working on vaccination guidance to assist in the process, but the decisions to require vaccinations for student populations and faculty are up to the 116 colleges, their districts and boards of trustees. SEE “CCC” PAGE 6

INDEX Opinion & Editorial Reporters Notebook

2-3 4

Features 5 News 6 Scholarships 7

PHOTO BY GERARDO DE LOS SANTOS The LACC Swap Meet returns to East Hollywood on April 24. It is located at the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Monroe Street every Saturday and Sunday during its regular business hours, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Enthused Vendors Welcome Swap Meet’s Return Vendors may now breathe easier after a long year of unanswered questions. There is no longer a need to fight for a small space on the sidewalk. BY GERARDO DE LOS SANTOS After nearly a year of being closed, the LACC weekend swap meet officially reopened April 24 and brought back some communal culture to the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Marathon Street. The neighborhood weekend swap meet shut down at the end of June 2020. The organizers were compelled by the coronavirus pandemic to close up shop temporarily. This action subsequently caused a rift, not only within the community, but also the vending community within the swap meet as well. “Due to the heightened awareness surrounding the coronavirus, Los Angeles City College Swap Meet will remain closed until further no-

tice,” is what appeared on their Instagram page back then. That further notice was finally given a date when the swap meet organizers posted again nearly a year later and announced its reopening. This was great news for the community, and the vendors who relied on the swap meet to host their small businesses. Rafael had been with the swap meet for more than 12 years when it closed last year. That closure forced his business to the streets to stay alive. A corresponding increase in street vending around the East Hollywood community occurred at the same time. That meant a tugof-war over street space. The high premium on street space made it very difficult for Rafael to set up shop. He

says vendors went so far as to save space early Friday mornings and create a first-come-firstserved feeding frenzy. Rafael used two words to describe his experience with the swap meet at that time: “Los corrieron.” So, when the LACC Swap Meet finally welcomed back the community on a cool, cloudy Saturday morning, it gave a ray of sunshine to vendors like Rafael who was eager to return. That was not a shared decision between all vendors, however. The Collegian caught up with Teresa Hernandez who once rented a space from the swap meet before its closure during the pandemic. Prior to the swap meet reopening, Hernandez claimed she would not return.

While the mid-morning sun warmed the air on May 1, hundreds gathered at the State Historic Park located in Chinatown, Downtown L.A. Energy was high on May Day 2021 during the annual demonstration of strength and solidarity among workers’ unions, immigrant-rights advocates and community activists. In Los Angeles, the gathering traditionally happens in MacArthur Park. This year, organizers chose to start the march in Chinatown as a statement against a trend of anti-Asian hatecrimes that have happened in the U.S. People from all backgrounds and nationalities participated. The protesters were peaceful, yet animated. They chanted “Si se puede,” “Yes we can.” James Lee is a student organizer from the Korean Youth Community Center in Korea Town. He says hate toward Asian communities simply is not acceptable. “It is very important that we stand out to speak for ourselves,” Lee said. “There is no reason to tolerate hate crimes to anyone. We need to communicate more to prevent misunderstandings that evolve into hate.” Mary Cruz came to the march in support of Isaias Cervantes, the 26-year-old unarmed, autistic man who was shot in the back by an L.A. County Sheriff ’s deputy in Cudahy on March 31. Cervantes survived the shooting, but he is paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Immigration reform is an issue that Cruz says she hopes gets the attention of Congress this year. She was born in this U.S, but Cruz’s sister is a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) individual. “My [entire] family is immigrant, and we are waiting for many years,” Cruz said. “I was fortunate to [be] born in this country. But I live with fear that one day they can come to my house and snatch my parents. And then what am I going to do? I’m scared!” Black Lives Matter, Los Angeles (BLM/LA) co-founder Melina Abdullah boldly called for unity and justice when she addressed the crowd of protesters.

Sports 8 SEE “SWAP MEET” PAGE 6

SEE “MARCHERS” PAGE 6

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021

EDITORIAL

Push Back Against Shameless Campaign of Lies to Recall Gov. Newsom BY EDWARD LOCKE Recently, the dark forces of greed, ignorance and disrespect for human life from the far right in the Golden State have stepped up their silly campaign for the recall of Gavin Newsom, the governor of California. These ideological zealots presented all sorts of so-called “reasons” for their recall campaign. Their “reasons” are faulty arguments, big lies and rumors. They are designed to undermine the good work of California lawmakers and Gov. Newsom to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and streamline the state’s economic recovery. Those are the same policymakers, pundits and politicians who institute un-humanitarian and impractical policies driven by anti-social and anti-government ideological extremism and demagoguery, vis-à-vis the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impacts on the economy. The big lies should be rejected by voters with rational thinking and common sense. The 2021 California gubernatorial recall special election is expected to happen in November. On the ballot, voters will be asked two separate questions: 1) Do you want to recall Gov. Newsom, yes or no? 2) If Newsom is recalled, who would you choose to replace him? There is no reason to recall Gov. Newsom. “Reason” Number One: Gov. Newsom imposed “mandatory mail-in voting.” In the face of COVID-19 and all of the health-related worries caused by the pandemic, the governor and the California legislature allowed voting by mail as a means of convenience. They did not “impose” it as “mandatory.” In fact, mail-in voting or even voting through government websites are rea-

sonable and necessary measures to facilitate public participation in American democracy. It is absolutely wrong for the Far Right extremists to try to restrict public participation in American democracy by making the process inconvenient to the voters. The recent passage of a bill limiting voting rights by the Republican-controlled legislature in Georgia in March is a case in point. That bill limits ballot access and makes it inconvenient for African Americans to vote. Corporate giants such as Coca-Cola, UPS, Bank of America, CISCO and Home Depot have rejected such actions via official corporate statements. Another reason provided by the far right to recall the governor is the “loss of small businesses and jobs” because of “ongoing shutdowns.” There are also charges that the governor was too slow to reopen industries after the state crushed the curve in Spring 2020. In fact, as believed by many knowledgeable people, proven by undeniable facts and statistics, and even recognized by the governor himself, “Newsom wasn’t strict enough with shutdown measures, which lacked enforcement or consequences for rulebreakers.” According to an article titled “After a Difficult Time Period Restaurants Restart Dining-in But Are Not Able to Find Employees,” published March 27 in the Taiwan Times, a Chinese-language newspaper in Los Angeles, restaurant owners suffer from difficulty recruiting employees, with very few applicants showing up. This story clearly indicated that what caused “loss of small businesses and jobs” is not the governor’s failure to reopen the economy or “ongoing shutdowns,” but the psychological distress or fear of getting the COVID-19 virus. That fear caused people to prefer to stay home, to shop online instead of purchasing in physical stores, which are all beyond Gov. Newsom’s control. Therefore, the Recall Gavin zealots’ argument is baseless.

In fact, over 30% of small and medium-sized business across the entire nation have shut down; a lot of them have gone bankrupt permanently. California is not alone in this disaster. Critics also claim Gov. Newsom committed “infringement of our 2nd Amendment rights” through “countless new guns and ammo laws.” The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” Let us read this 2nd Amendment carefully. It talks about “a well-regulated Militia” (not unregulated private citizens as individuals). In today’s terms, that means the National Guard, “being necessary to the security of a free State,” which means the democratically elected government, not the security of any private person. The people whose job it is to protect the citizens of this country are the same people referred to by “the right of the people, to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Here “to keep and bear arms” does not necessarily imply the right of members of the “well-regulated militia” to own weapons as private property. It merely indicates that they have the right to control the weapons which legally still belong to the “well-regulated militia;” and its members only have the right of usage, NOT for private purposes but for the defense of law and order. Critics also say that the governor violated the “Stay-at-Home Order” he issued by attending a birthday party at the Michelin-starred restaurant, French Laundry last November in Yountville. Finally, the Recall Gavin zealots came up with a “reason” that seems to make sense. However, we need to point out that the governor has made an open apology for his mistake, a mistake of private dimension, which

certainly has damaged his personal image and reputation. It did little to harm the interests of the public. However, the Stay-at-Home Order he promoted is still a good policy for public safety despite his personal failure to comply with its stipulations. We should forgive the governor’s personal mistake, based on his genuine and honest repentance as well as on all of the good things he has done to save lives, to relieve the suffering of the poor and to promote economic recovery under the tragic circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Should the Recall Gavin campaigners’ choice for governor come to power, the correct “Stay-at-Home Order” will not be implemented. Instead, some “softer” and lukewarm semi-measures would certainly cause more extensive spread of COVID-19 and consequentially more serious damage in California. We should absolutely reject the outlandish argument of the Recall Gavin zealots, and tell the far right that political intolerance and extremism have no place in American democracy. To sum up, all of the arguments of the Recall Gavin campaign zealots are pure nonsense. Currently, the Biden-Harris Administration is implementing an extensive economic recovery plan; California will definitely benefit from this program. We need political stability and unity in order to effectively pursue economic recovery in California. We could hardly afford to allow these zealots to disrupt the recovery process with their selfish and narrow-minded partisan attempt to seize the political leadership in our beloved Golden State. Therefore, all patriotic and decent California voters, Democrat and Republican, or independent alike, White, Black, Latino or Asian, should unite in supporting Gov. Newsom and help him defeat the divisive and disruptive Recall Gavin lunatics.

Collegian Los Angeles City College Visual & Media Arts Department 855 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90029 323.953.4000 ext. 2832 losangeles.collegian@gmail.com Editor-in-Chief ANGELA JOHNSON Graphics Layout Editor BEATRICE ALCALA, EDWARD LOCKE Copy Editor ANGELA JOHNSON Managing Editor JAMES DUFFY V Opinions & Editorial Editor ANGELA JOHNSON Broadcast, Social Media Producers BEATRICE ALCALA, JAMES DUFFY V, DIEGO CHAVEZ CADENA, MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ Photo Editor BEATRICE ALCALA Photographers LOUIS WHITE, DELIA ROJAS, WILLIAM B. TORRES, BEATRICE ALCALA Illustrators EDWARD LOCKE Designer BEATRICE ALCALA Reporters MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ, EDWARD LOCKE, GERARDO DE LOS SANTOS, WHITNEY GIBSON, CHARLIE DARE, WILLIAM B. TORRES, JONATHAN GUZMAN, HANNAH COBURN, RONNISHA GUNN, ELVIRA ROMAN, PATRICIA CASTRO, JONATHAN MONTES, JAMES DUFFY V, DELIA ROJAS, JUAN MENDOZA, POUPYGAELLE NGUESTOP, ANGELA JOHNSON, KELIYAH WILLIAMS, MELISSA CRUMBY Online Editor-in-Chief DIEGO CHAVEZ CADENA

Chauvin Verdict Aftermath Brings Sorrow, Ray of Hope BY POUPYGAELLE NGUESTOP People have marched for social justice in the United States for many decades. We have seen the heroic Dr. Martin Luther King, an African American who is recognized as the most visible spokesperson and leader in American civil rights in 1960 with his celebrated speech ‘’I Have a Dream.’’ In 1963, it had a huge impact in the fight to end segregation and racism in America. But with the murder of George Floyd last year, it is clear the nightmare of social injustice in U.S. society is still alive. So, is American society equal? George Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020 by a White police officer who kneeled on his neck for nine minutes and 25 seconds. It was recorded by a17-year-old who was passing by. The video shocked and challenged the consciousness of the world. It placed the cruelty of police brutality in the U.S. on full display. Millions of people viewed it, and not just in the United States. It was seen by millions of people throughout the world. Floyd was a dad and a brother. He appeared as a lovely tall man who was liked by his friends and his community. But in just a few minutes,

it was all taken away by a white supremacist police officer. It was tragic. The choking scene caused many to rally for justice, and to fight for an end to violence against the Black community by police. The Black Lives Matter movement and many other organizations joined communities in this fight. Like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Daunte Wright also died at the hands of police officers. It makes you wonder how many more lives will be needed to end this thing. For Chris Cuomo on CNN, the hate and violence might stop only when White kids are being killed. This situation reminds us of the dismantled apartheid system in South Africa where conflict between Black and White is still an issue. The prospects and opportunities of Black people are reduced. They do not benefit or have access to the same wealth and stability in America, which is very sad in 2021. It is clear to me that since the George Floyd situation, the protests and many activities have changed minds and improved some behaviors in workplaces, in the street, in education and even in politics with the election of Vice President Kamala Harris. None of this will bring back George Floyd, but at least Derek Chauvin will pay for what he did. It is a ray of hope for social justice in America.

TALK BACK TO THE EDITORS We are interested in what you have to say. Email us at losangeles.collegian@gmail.com @collegianwired facebook.com/collegianwired Check us online collegian.lacc.life

Reflections on COVID-19: Mankind Hit by Third Pandemic BY PATRICIA CASTRO When the Covid-19 pandemic began, many of us thought we might not be touched by it. We saw it as something far away — something that happened from afar. However, we now realize that nothing could be further from the truth. Absolutely everyone has fallen victim to the virus in ways that are obvious and unseen. We’ve heard from family members, neighbors, colleagues and friends, and COVID has touched them or someone they know. No place on this planet has been immune or completely safe from the virus. It is the third time in human history a pandemic has swept over mankind. First, the Black Death arrived in 1346 and continued until 1353. It killed between 80 and 200 million people in Europe, Asia and North Africa. It caused the deaths of 30 to 60% of the European population according to Britannica.com The so-called Spanish Influenza killed between 20 and 50 million people worldwide, according to archives.gov. It was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history.

We are experiencing the third pandemic in human history, for which there is no medicine. Thanks to the efforts of scientists and pharmaceutical companies, vaccines offer hope for an end to the carnage. Scientific advancement has allowed new vaccines to be developed at a dizzying pace. Some scientists warn of the possibility of a fourth surge that is being accelerated by a deadly new variant. But they are also hopeful because the vaccines used in the United States like Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, appear capable of resisting the variants. It appears the end of the third pandemic may be near. Only through strict hygiene practices — hand washing, wearing masks and face shields — and luck, did some escape the contagion and avoid the virus altogether. From all this, we take away a valuable lesson. Humankind has survived two pandemics, and it is only a matter of time before we overcome the third. The advantage this time was scientific advancement and research. It is only a matter of time before the fourth pandemic arrives. And for sure, it will not be the last one.

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

Life in the ‘Divided’ States of America BY ELVIRA ROMAN George Floyd was one of millions of black people who face injustice in America today. Floyd was a 46-year-old Black man who died because Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes. The video footage recorded allowed the world to see the heartbreaking murder happen in broad daylight. White supremacy, racism, and abuse of power have all been deeply rooted in the history of the United States. Many minorities are victims of police brutality. The rate at which African American people are being killed by police is more than twice that of white people. Most Americans approve of the guilty verdict Chauvin received for killing George Floyd. But few would call it justice, according to a Morning Consult (morningconsult.com) survey conducted after the verdict was deliv-

ered last month. Among all U.S. adults, 77% approve, and 67% do not see it as justice. The tragic death of George Floyd allowed a conversation to begin. People are now talking about police brutality and white privilege, and they are getting involved. But is it enough? No, absolutely not. Laws must be changed, and people with power need to make changes. The criminal justice system should be reformed. Public servants who break the law must face consequences for their abuse of power against minorities. It was definitely justice when Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second, and third-degree murder and manslaughter in the case of George Floyd. But it should not be celebrated. It took concrete evidence which was the clear video, and worldwide media attention, to get a conviction of Chauvin. But when hundreds, or thousands of other minorities are killed or injured by police, will justice be served? The verdict is not a celebration. It is only one step forward out of many more to come.

Next Issue: May 26, 2021 Editorial Deadline: May 20, 2021

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021

INK STYLE

A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT

This is what community looks like Reporters Notebook: Student Journalist Arrested Covering Police Eviction of Unhoused Community.

“T

BY KELIYAH WILLIAMS

Echo Park’s Unhoused Community Deserves Our Compassion BY DELIA ROJAS I attended the morning of police action in March when officials ordered the LAPD to remove the unhoused of Echo Park. I witnessed people of different backgrounds who came together to support one another. Many people who came to support the homeless were there because they had experienced homelessness in the past. They knew what many of the people were feeling and experiencing. Being in that crowd made me feel overwhelmed with compassion because these people are humans just like everyone else. Many Echo Park residents supported their unhoused neighbors. The encampment was different: It was organized and clean. They do

not deserve to be discriminated against. Instead, we as a community should give them a hand and help them. Some of the unhoused prefer not to accept government help. Often, the housing they receive is temporary. After a certain period of time, they are expected to go back out to look for other housing. Echo Park became gentrified throughout the years, and wealthy people are the ones who want to make the park “a better and safer place.” Members of the unhoused community are not being treated as humans or equals. They are being looked down upon and pushed aside simply because of their socioeconomic level. I hope these citizens get the help they deserve and find permanent homes. These individuals became part of a community before police evicted them in March. They fought for their rights, and they deserve to be helped and heard.

Vaccine Hesitancy among students is a significant problem according to California Community College Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley. If you are among the undecided, Collegian Wired Blogger Miguel Jimenez says give him three minutes, and he will change your mind.

https://youtu.be/Z_2Om59uBHE

What the Chauvin Verdict Says About Us BY CHARLIE DARE Shortly before Derek Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, a teenage girl in Columbus, Ohio was shot to death by a police officer. This jarring juxtaposition should give pause to those who think that the verdict has settled the matter of police violence against minorities. What the verdict does signify, however, is a cardinal shift in journalism. Without teen bystander Darnella Frazer’s video evidence, the Minneapolis Police Department would have been able to present their misleading version of events unchallenged. Citizens are filling in the blank spots where journalists cannot reach. Everyone can now take part in standing up for the rights of their neigh-

bors and their community members. The verdict delivered a long-awaited sense of justice to Floyd’s family, and also to the families of the countless Black and brown victims of police violence over the last decade, who may now see a path forward. The verdict would not have been possible if each member of the jury had not witnessed the massive Black Lives Matter protests that rippled throughout the country in the summer of 2020. Without it, members of the jury would never have been exposed to the argument that the prosecution couldn’t make; that juries often fail to indict police officers because their lives are viewed as less disposable than those of Black men and women. The objective going forward should be to create a system of justice that makes cases like Chauvin’s obsolete. This can only happen through the collective action of concerned citizens, who steadfastly champion their First Amendment rights and put pressure on those in positions of power to act in the interests of the people.

Dive into Deepfake technology. Charlie Dare walks you through the rapid advances in AI technology and why reforms are needed to protect your image.

https://youtu.be/28shbAhvxl8

his is what community looks like.” “Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe!” These words echoed through my mind all evening as protesters chanted, marched, and peacefully protested against police on March 25. All evening the community continually showed up for each other. I watched strangers give each other water and a fresh mask. I overheard talk of what it meant to be a comrade and what being there for the unhoused members of our community meant to them. Others yelled explicit things at the cops and poured their hearts out to them hoping to strike a sympathetic chord in just one of them. All while the police stood there unfazed and some even humored. After sunset, the cops decided it was go time. They finally pushed into the crowd. Many protesters ran to push back. Organizers calling for white people to the front to hold the line. I was taking a video when this started, caught absolutely off-guard. I stood frozen for a moment, almost immediately I was grabbed by two women who told me to stay with them and hold the line. I did just that. Moments later an organizer began telling us to slowly back up, as they looked like they were planning to kettle us a block up. We were set up! Suddenly, the police in front of us were backing us up then about another 10 or so cops appeared from the alleyway kettling us in and placing us all under arrest. The first 10 minutes were quite scary and confusing but as time went on the strength of my community around me calmed my fears. The kettle was a tight squeeze. No room to dig in your pocket without hitting someone. You got to know and befriend your neighbors quickly. Cops arrested us one by one for two or so hours. We killed time by singing Queen songs and spreading helpful information such as the Jail Support number and what details we do and don’t have to share with cops. After two hours, we were corralled into another corner. As I offered food to my peers another comrade noticed cops were asking for members of the press and said, “I should go over.” I immediately walked over thinking I might finally be able to go home. I caught the end of another journalist being denied for not having a press pass. I decided to try my luck anyway. I identified myself as an LACC student journalist for the Collegian and proceeded to show him proof of the same. Before I could do so I was denied. They told me proof of enrollment in the newspaper course wasn’t a press pass. I returned to my spot in line, devastated. Was I not a journalist? Before I even had time to pity myself, I saw an officer point at me, and then arrest me. A single cop walked up to me using his best impression of intimidation. Protesters clapped and shouted “We love you,” as I walked across the street. The male cop took down all my information as my arms were placed behind my back and cuffed together with zip ties. I let him know I had my ID on me to make the process faster. The female cop patted me down and emptied out my purse before disappearing. The male cop made casual conversation with me, which I entertained. He asked me, “So you go to LACC?” Which let me know he heard me loud and clear when I stated that I was a journalist. Later he told me, “That’s the risk you run,” when you come to these things. He told me how he immigrated from Ukraine and that as Americans we have it good and we should be grateful for what we have because we look like, “A rich kid who got a Mercedes but wanted a Porsche.” After he finished processing me he was relieved of his duty. He told the next officer that I had been well behaved. For the next hour, I stood in line handcuffed next to other protesters. We all had an assigned cop. I stood quietly just observing a cop without a mask on, cops referring to protesters as bodies and even a cop who was upset that all we were charged with was a misdemeanor. All unmoved by their community’s plea. Finally, I got my picture taken and was boarded onto a bus headed for a police station in South L.A. As I boarded the bus I was immediately greeted with clapping, cheering and greetings. My community welcomed me instantly. The warmth that disappeared when cops harshly stood over me and froze me out for an hour was instantly melted when I was reunited with my comrades. The bus ride was uncomfortable because we were all still handcuffed and couldn’t sit on the seats properly. We kept the ride lighthearted and told jokes. We also shared useful instruction on what to do after you are released from police custody. Many instructed others to reach out to Jail Support. Once at the station we stayed on the bus for another 20-25 minutes. Finally, we were let off by rows. My row was the second. The police station had socially distanced chairs waiting for us. We all took a seat waiting to be reunited with our stuff. Once we got our stuff and our misdemeanor charge, we were finally free to leave. After two hours, I was cut free of the zip ties that squeezed my shoulder blades together behind my back. Once done with processing, I was sent back to my seat and told to put my hands in my pocket for the remainder of my time. I waited 20 more minutes. A quarter after midnight I was finally released. I immediately let my family and roommates know that I was okay. I was greeted by friends I made earlier. I was given resources by comrades who had not been at the protest but came to lend a hand to detained protesters. I even received a ride home from a kind woman who made it her mission to help all those detained get home safely. I went to Echo Park alone hoping to get a story, I did just that, but I definitely did not get it alone.

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021

ARMENIAN REMEMBRANCE DAY

106TH

ARMENIAN ANNIVERSARY Biden Becomes First U.S. President to Recognize Armenian Genocide

PHOTO BY BEATRICE ALCALA

BY JUAN MENDOZA

ollegian alumna Mary Paronyan transferred to California State University at Northridge where she majors in broadcast journalism. She did not let the pandemic prevent her from covering the 106th observance of the Armenian Genocide. The solemn occasion took on even more significance when Congressman Adam Schiff announced that President Joe Biden would break with U.S. history. “The Armenian community can finally take a deep breath since President Biden became the first president to recognize the genocide,” Paronyan said. President Biden made history by recognizing all of those killed in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide. No other president before him has done so. On April 24, 1915, the Turkish Ottoman Empire in Istanbul arrested 235 to 270 Armenian intellectuals. An estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed during World War I. “We remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring,” President Biden said. The largest remembrance in the United Sates unfolds in Los Angeles every year on April 24. “One-hundred-and-six years later, finally the president decided to recognize the Armenian genocide,” Paronyan said. “All of our hard work finally paid off. Armenians were fighting for this moment of recognition, and it is a big step that President Biden took. But there’s so much work that needs to be done.” LACC Professor Grigor Ketenchian says he had mixed feelings about it all. “I was happy that he recognized the Armenian genocide,” Ketenchian said. “The question now is that . . . we still have the same issues that we dealt [with] in 1915 and are not resolved.” Ketenchian said. This year, the marchers started at Hollywood Boulevard and Western as always, near the Ralph’s Plaza. The route normally continues outside the area in a trek to the Turkish Consulate on Wilshire Boulevard, but the marchers walked in a circle and returned to the staging area. The day seemed different without the local clash of ideas and truths that always happens when the Armenian marchers arrive at the consulate to call attention to the genocide of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians more than one century ago. “The genocide is a terrible mark in history much like so many others.  Our world history is intertwined with atrocities such as the Armenian genocide,” said LACC President Mary Gallagher. “The deliberate annihilation of a people is ghastly and civilized societies should never allow this to happen.” At the march, large white banners called for the release of Armenian POWs and served as a reminder of the civilians being held by Azerbaijan since the war with NagornoKarabagh in 2020. A professor who teaches in the Modern Languages and Civilizations Department says he doesn’t feel like anything will be different about the way Armenians are being treated. “It left me feeling a little unsettled that nothing really changes the life for Armenians today. The Turkish are still doing the same things,” he said. Acting Vice President of Student Services Alen R. Andriassian says this is a starting point for most Armenians in general. “They see it as a point where we’re holding people accountable,” Andriassian said. “It was perceived that the U.S. will not stand up to an ally. I was pleasantly surprised, because different presidents, at least in my lifetime, promise to acknowledge the genocide and they had fallen short.”

Candidate Biden speaks to students and staff of Los Angeles Trade Tech in fall 2019. One of his goals was to offer free college tuition.

PHOTOS BY MARY PARONYAN 1. Mary Paronyan, Collegian alumna and transfer student at California State Northridge, did not let the pandemic stop her from attending the 106th observance of the Armenian Genocide in Hollywood, CA, April 24, 2021. 2. Protesters carry a banner of President Woodrow Wilson who is highly respected in the Armenian community because he interceded and warned the Young Turk regime that it would be held liable for crimes against humanity. 3. U. S. Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA 28th District) marches with the Armenian community on April 24 in Hollywood, CA. in remembrance of 1.5 million Armenians who were killed during World War I. 4. Local leaders and politicians from the Armenian community speak at the Armenian Genocide Remembrance event on April 24, 2021 in Hollywood. 5. Hundreds of Armenian Americans take over the streets of Hollywood on April 24, the 106th anniversary of the mass killing of Armenian people, which President Joe Biden called “A genocide.” 6. Armenian Apostolic Church leader marches to commemorate the Armenian Genocide Remembrance which marked the 106th anniversary on April. 24, 2021.

FEATURES

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021

PORTRAITS

Five East L.A. Families Cope with Pandemic Life COVID-19 changed life in entirely unexpected ways. Families from different backgrounds have adopted a new way of living where they take safety precautions every day. BY JUAN MENDOZA

20 will be a year for the history books. A rare year where a series of events happened that were beyond imagination, yet changed life in dramatic and unexpected ways. In the intimacy of their homes, they share their experiences under COVID–19. This is a tiny sample of the millions of families whose lives are changed forever. Their story is about their job, what they cook, what they miss, their hobbies, what they learned, and the big changes they made to survive as a family. On a chilly winter evening, Eloisa Galindo was celebrating her birthday at younger sister Noemi’s home. The family displayed traditional home-cooked Mexican dishes on the table. The appetizing aroma of delicious food rose from the table. Cheese enchiladas, caldo de res and mole poblano with rice were the main menu items for the special birthday celebration. The little Conchita is a traditional Mexican pan dulce, and papaya was on the menu, too. Members of the Galindo family are first-generation immigrants who came from the state of Puebla, Mexico and settled in East Los Angeles. The entire family, close relatives and friends sat around the table. They talked and shared their experiences of the day. The children ran around and played in the living room. A sense of joy filled the house, and everyone was ready to cut the cake. It was a special homemade cake prepared by Eloisa’s niece. She learned how to bake during the pandemic. Eloisa says the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was the most difficult time she ever experienced. “One time, I was in line to pay for my groceries,” Eloisa said, “and people were advising others to take more provisions [than] what they need because stores were going to be closed for three months. People were in panic. The shelves of the stores were empty.” Noemi is Eloisa’s younger sister, a middle-aged woman who is the host of the evening. She says the pandemic has made life difficult for her family. They do not qualify to receive any COVID-19 financial help from the government because of their legal status in this country. “I do not have the privilege to get sick, because we do not have the means to pay for it,” Noemi said. “We have to act with responsibility. As a family we made a lot of changes.” It may seem odd, but Noemi says opportunities to discover new things happened because of the pandemic. “Within our family and our community, and regardless of the pandemic we have accomplished good things as a family,” she said. To alleviate stress and keep positivity flowing among family

members, the Galindos opted to exercise in the house a few times a week and installed a new garden in the backyard. The family uses its time wisely. Noemi’s son and daughter are learning to speak Spanish and Mandarin. Noemi says she respects and appreciates the people who work on the front lines, especially the health professionals, doctors, nurses, farm and grocery workers, bus drivers, service providers and others who work in the public sector. “For us to be wearing a mask for a little while we think it is hard,” she said. “Imagine for doctors wearing their mask all day and night. We have to be sensitive to others and not selfish. We have to think of those people who take care of us and help us to survive this pandemic.” The Galindos have been able to avoid unnecessary spending during this time. Noemi says they need to save money to pay the rent and utilities at the end of each month. “The owner of the house is very nice,” Noemi said. “She is flexible with us, and we are grateful for that.” Life Completely Changed by COVID-19 Jazmine Garcia is a close friend of the Galindo family and she attended the birthday celebration. Garcia is a community leader and activist in East Los Angeles. She fights for the rights of the underprivileged. Being confined indoors for such a long time completely changed Garcia’s life. “There was a lot of mixed emotions,” she said. “Our lifestyles were busy doing a lot of activities with the community, and we had to stop when the pandemic hit.” Garcia had to explain to her eight-year-old daughter the reasons for social distancing and why she had to go to school on the computer at home. Penelope is bright and full of energy. “She slowly understood after talking to her many times,” Garcia said, “that our lives were a little bit different.” Staying home and away from people is challenging for Garcia. Instead of visiting the library or park, Garcia and Penelope ride their bikes around the neighborhood. Garcia says she experiences anxiety when she is around people at the grocery store. She rushes through the store picking up food supplies and leaves quickly. “We’ve tried to adapt as best as we can, and it feels like it’s gone on for too long,” Garcia said. “We tried to have fun and socialize with teleconferences and phone calls to keep those relationships alive.” As a mother, Garcia says she understands her child’s frustration. “Some days Penelope got frustrated with being on the tablet for too long,” she said. “And there

are other days where she’s laughing and having a great time with her teachers and her friends.” Garcia says the pandemic has given her a different view of life and made her realize what is important and vital to survival. “Our perspective has definitely changed,” she said. “Our priorities are different, and I value life more than before. The pandemic made me realize how fragile life can be.” Cheated out of College, Life Experience Natalie Andrade is young, beautiful and intelligent. She is a 2020 graduate of James A. Garfield High School and currently a freshman at Sacramento State University. Garfield High is famous for being in the movie “Stand and Deliver,” about math teacher Jaime Escalante. He inspired his students to ace the state’s advanced placement calculus exam. Natalie says the transition from in-person school to attending class virtually has been a challenge. She is not receiving the complete full college-life experience. “I’m used to having a teacher present and having peers and being able to associate with other people,” she said. “Now, it’s just like here is the work and you do it on your own. I’m not really learning anything. I’m just reading and trying to get the grade. To me, this is not getting the full education.” Natalie says she regrets not being able to finish her senior year at Garfield. She didn’t get to walk across the stage to accept her diploma or give her graduation speech. But she remains hopeful. “So those were some tough things and that hurts,” she said. “Because you wait for all these years to get it and be on the stage and give my speech. It was difficult, but we got through. It’s a learning process.”

The pandemic is an opportunity to have a different perspective on life and to realize that the things we are doing are important and vital to our survival. Our perspective has definitely changed, our priorities are different, and I value life more than before. The pandemic made me realize how fragile life can be.” —Jazmine Garcia

cookies, cakes and corn bread. Once a week, they have movie night and get together on the patio. “This year for us is for appreciation of the things that we take for granted,” Bibiana said. “Our freedom and health are very important.” Pandemic Ushers in Drive-thru Funerals, Birthday Celebrations Julie Regalado wears a relaxed, calm expression as she sits on her small yet comfortable patio waiting to tell her story. She and Jazmin Garcia are close friends who often help each other on community events. Regalado is in her mid-30s. Her parents came to the U.S. from Mexico many years ago, and Regalado is the second generation.

She was born and raised in East Los Angeles. The pandemic has taken its toll on those within Regalado’s social circle. In a moment of reflection, she recalls those who succumbed to the virus. “It was sad to see people pass away,” she said. “The gardener, our mailman, their lives were taken by COVID-19.” Social-distance restrictions limited the number of people allowed to gather in one place to stifle the spread of the disease. Because of that, it was not possible for Regalado to attend the funerals of friends who died. “It was sad not to pay respect to these families,” she said. “Because everything became like a drivethru, birthday drive-thru, funeral drive-thru. [That] is not the same

as hugging and saying, ‘I’m here for you, what can I do for you?’” Regalado says the hardest thing about the pandemic was to recognize the importance of mental health. Especially coming from a Mexican American home where the “Macho Culture” is prevalent and mental health is not talked about. It was a struggle. “We now know that nothing is set in stone,” she said. “Like, we could plan all we want, but we have to live for the moment, to be happy and healthy.” Because of COVID-19, being confined to close quarters with her family turned into a silver lining for Regalado. “To know each other as a family,” she said, “it’s something that I thank God, I got to know them again.”

First-Generation Immigrants from Mexico Cope Bibiana Dominguez who is Natalie’s mother is the daughter of first-generation immigrants from Mexico. She is a stay-at-home mom who helps her husband do the bookkeeping for their small familyowned business. Dominguez says the most difficult thing that happened during the pandemic was she found out her daughter tested positive for COVID-19 in November last year. “When my Naty tested positive, I did not know what to do,” she said. For three weeks, the family was in suspense while Natalie was in the hospital. On Dec. 22, 2020, she was released to go home. Bibiana shares more time with her daughters, Natalie, Judith and Genesis. She watches them while they attend school on Zoom. After class is dismissed, they cook tamales, pozole and carne asada for the family. And they bake

PHOTO BY JUAN MENDOZA 1. Bibiana Dominguez studies with Genesis, one of her younger daughters. Bibiana helps her while she attends a Zoom class. 2. Judith Dominguez attends a Zoom class. She says she enjoys online learning and learned more during the pandemic, but she misses her school friends.

NEWS

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021

FROM “SWAP MEET” PAGE 1

FROM “CCC” PAGE 1

I’m very lucky, I got my vaccination, so I feel very good about the direction we’re going, and I’m hoping that everyone in the system gets their vaccinations soon. —Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley

PHOTO BY BEATRICE ALCALA Sellers display merchandise to attract shoppers with bargains on April 24, 2021, on Vermont Avenue outside the swap meet, across the street from LACC. These first steps represent a return to normalcy to many of the vendors.

Newsom Lays Blueprint for a Safer Economy Plan for Reopening California “I paid the city. Why should I go back and pay rent?” Hernandez said. “This is my space, and if I do not return, I will lose it.” Rafael understands the value of securing a spot. He says there is more security, bathrooms and a parking lot for more customers, and most importantly space for the vendors to display their merchandise. Along with his wife, Rafael sets up two store fronts. One store on the inside of the swap meet and the other store on the outside. The couple uses items they purchased at storage auctions to supply their business. They rely on the swap meet to maintain their livelihood. “No tengo papeles,” Rafael said. “Tengo que trabajar, tengo un hijo.” (“I don’t have papers. I have to work, I have a son.”) Rafael moved here from Mexico. He depends on his business to

thrive because he does not have immigration status, so he can provide for his 9-year-old son. Now with the swap meet reopening, that alleviates some of the tension between vendors fighting for space. With the swap meet back, there is at least a structure as to how spaces will be distributed. The swap meet organizers implemented new guidelines for both shoppers and vendors that can be found on the website. The guidelines are aligned with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy plan for reopening California. Swap meet organizers informed the vendors that six-feet social distancing is required, as well as non-surgical facial mask to be worn at all times, and a maximum of 10 people allowed to assemble. Before being allowed to enter the swap

meet area, security personnel will check temperatures of everyone entering the parking lot. Anyone with a temperature above 100.4 F will not be permitted to enter. Vendors will also have their temperatures checked before they are allowed to settle in and set up. They are also asked to stay home if they do not feel well. Osbaldo Lopez lives in the community and has been coming to the swap meet since he was 10 years old. “I think the first thing I bought was Pokemon Silver for the Gameboy here,” he said. “It made me sad when the swap meet closed. It felt like a piece of the community left us,” the 27-year-old said. Lopez picked up the hobby of buying and reselling old games online. Now he sells videogames at the swap meet. “For me it was never knowing

what you will find,” Lopez said. “You can literally look around and find games next to used tools and makeup kits.” It is the treasure hunt for Lopez that makes him remember when he would come with his family and search for hidden gems. Gems just like the new NBA 2K 2012 edition for Xbox that he bought and hopes to make a profit with it. Francisco Ramos is an LACC alumnus with an associate degree in natural science and mathematics. He says the swap meet is congruent with the community. “The LACC swap meet is a wellknown location that has been serving the community for decades,” Ramos said. “Being largely a low-income Latin community, the swap meet is a place that offers the community a place to buy goods at prices far below retail value.”

“We recognize that there is a significant amount of vaccine hesitancy amongst our student population. And that’s going to be a problem if we can’t overcome it to achieve enough immunity in the state so that the pandemic can get behind us.” —Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley

“We are asking all colleges to plan for a re-opening in the fall,” Oakley said. “To help have a reopening we want students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated. This is incredibly important to a re-opening this fall.” Unlike the CSU’s, and UC’s and some private universities, the California Community Colleges will not uniformly require students to be vaccinated. The community colleges themselves decide how they will be run.  “I fully expect districts will do whatever they can to ensure the safety of everyone returning to our campuses,” Oakley said. “And everyone should make a plan now to get vaccinated if they haven’t already.” The chancellor told students he realizes the past year has been difficult. “All of our students are wrapping

up the year,” Oakley said. “It has been a year of challenges, so this commencement season is a particularly important one considering where we have been. If you are coming back, it is important to enroll now, for the upcoming summer session or the fall.” The chancellor also spoke about Cal Grant reform and support for pending legislation AB 1456. He says it would help students pay for the true cost of college. It would put extra money in the pockets of community college students and take into account the true cost of college beyond tuition. The chancellor urged students to visit Icanaffordcollegenow.com for more information. Oakley also encouraged students to submit FAFSA before June 30 to make sure they get the most money possible.

POLICE WIRE

FROM “MARCHERS” PAGE 1

COMPILED BY JAMES DUFFY V

PHOTO BY JUAN MENDOZA Marchers gather in Historic Park on May 1, located on the north side of Chinatown to celebrate May Day 2021. May Day is also known as International Workers Day and commemorates the struggles and triumphs of the labor movement and workers everywhere.

“Brown folks and Black folks are tied together by blood,” Abdullah said. “White supremacy and capitalism continue to exploit Black folks and Brown folks, so they need us to be divided from each other so that we don’t work together.” A BLM activist who requested anonymity told the Collegian they attended the May Day march to fight for power for the people and justice and freedom for everyone. “Especially the ones who are losing their lives to LAPD and LASD in our own city,” they said. “We have to denounce police brutality. Stop killing Black and Brown folks.” May is a member of the LGBTQ community, and she says she is op-

posed to how immigrant children are being treated. “I can’t abide concentration camps for little kids,” May said. “Especially for the Latino community who has done a lot for this country. I can’t silently stand by and say this is not a problem.” People also gathered in Boyle Heights to recognize May Day, which is also known as International Workers’ Day. The spectacle of indigenous dance and art was the center of attention. A giant mojiganga activist marched down the middle of the street representing Eastside-Padres Contra la Privatizacion. Mojiganga is a giant puppet that is an expres-

sion of Mexican art that originated in the southeast region of Mexico, specifically Puebla, Oaxaca and Veracruz. Mojiganga usually comes out to dance and mingle during carnival or religious festivities. Eastside Padres is a group of parents, teachers and educators who are based in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles. They are concerned about the saturation of their neighborhood with privately run charter schools. Eloisa Galindo who is an activist and artist, carried the mojiganga throughout the march. She says her daughters encouraged and help her create something to speak for who they are as people.

“I was inspired . . . to do something traditional that represents the Mexican culture,” Galindo said. “And the mothers, and women in general, who are experiencing racism and discrimination in L.A schools and at the workplace.” Galindo says the mojiganga represents the hard-working immigrant women who clean houses, work at the sweatshops, sell products on the street, make low wages, work long hours and endure poor workplace conditions. “A lot of women like the puppet do not have a social security number,” Galindo said. “And they deserve to have one, to have a better job and to collect the benefits they earned.”

L.A. City College Sheriff ’s Team Leader Deputy Adolfo Pastrano reported his office did not detect any crime recently on campus. “There hasn’t been anything serious -- break-ins, burglaries or anything like that -- over the last two months,” Pastrano said. Los Angeles Police Department reported a burglary at 10:45 a.m. May 4 at the 900 Block of North Kenmore Avenue. Description: Burglary entry of structure with the intent to commit theft or a felony. Incident # 210208995. Los Angeles Police Department reported a motor vehicle theft at 11:15 p.m. May 7 at the 600 Block of North Vermont Avenue. Description: Vehicle stolen Incident #210209210 Los Angeles Police Department reported an attempted robbery at 1 p.m. May 8 at Vermont and Melrose Avenues. Description: Attempted robbery Incident # 210209273 Los Angeles Police Department reported an assault with a deadly weapon at 5:30 p.m. May 9 at the 4400 Block Santa Monica Boulevard. Description: Assault with a deadly weapon (likely to produce great bodily injury) Incident # 210209246 Los Angeles Police Department reported a motor vehicle theft at 5 p.m. May 10 at the 4600 Block Santa Monica Boulevard. Description: Robbery (taking property of another by means of force or fear) Incident # 210209269

SCHOLARSHIPS

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021

FREE RESOURCES

CCC Chancellor Drops Funds List for Scholars LACC’s Foundation concluded most scholarship apps in May. Summer and fall deadlines remain open. BY JAMES DUFFY V The California Community Colleges (CCC) Transfer Counselors Website lists links to organizations that offer a vast array of scholarships for LGBTQ students, STEM and nursing majors, among others. For more information visit CCCtransfer.org/scholarships/. New scholarship deadlines end in June for funds in the fall semester.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

Food Pantries Offer Free Groceries Near Campus.

ABC Funding Volunteer Scholarship

ABC Funding offers a $1,500 to $2,500 scholarship to students who have done volunteer work. The deadline to apply is June 30. The program lists essay and other requirements on its website. For more information, visit https://www.abcfundraising.com/college-scholarship.

The Great Vision Church

AiryHair Cosmetology Major Scholarship

The California Community College Transfer Counselors offer $1,500 for American or Canadian students who chose or will choose cosmetology as their major. The application deadline is July 15. First Place wins $1,000. Second Place wins $400. Third Place wins $100. For more information, visit https://www.airyhair.com/scholarship/.

Altec Design Scholarship

Altec Design offers $750 to students who win an essay contest.The deadline to apply is July 15. Applicants must complete essay answering the following question: How do you foresee the internet changing your chosen career in the next 20 years? For more information, visit https://www.altecdesign.com/#web-scholarship.

American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association lists dozens of federal and local research funding opportunities, grants and awards for psychology students.For more information, visit https://www.apa.org/science/about/ psa/2020/04/funding. Capital Auto Auction STEM and more Scholarship Capital Auto Auction offers up to $1,000 for science, technology, engineering, math students, as well as students in related fields. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Aug. 15. For more information, visit https://www.capitalautoauction.com/about-us/ scholarship.

The Earnest Scholarship

This scholarship is available at https://www.earnest.com. The Earnest company is giving away $250,000 in scholarships. No essays are required; neither are entry fees. Enter for a chance to win one of 50 Earnest Scholarships and an applicant could get $5,000 for books, tuition, and more. Applicants must be enrolled, or soon be enrolled, as a full-time student at an accredited U.S. college or university in fall 2021. There are no minimum GPA, residency, or major requirements. The submission deadline: June 30.

Heart of Healthcare Nursing Scholarship

BestNursingDegree.com offers $1,000 Honors in Nursing Scholarship. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. The scholarship lists GPA and other requirements on its website. For more information, visit https://www.bestnursingdegree.com/nursing/scholarship/.

L.A. Tutors 123 Monthly Scholarship

L.A. Tutors 123 offers $500 to students each month. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, submit an essay and may reapply until they win. Other qualifications apply. All submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. on the 20th of each month. For more information, visit https://www.latutors123. com/scholarships/innovation-in-education.

LawnStarter Lawntrepreneur Scholarship

Lawnstarter offers a $1,000 scholarship open to all majors. The money is awarded to students who intend to start a business or have worked in thelawn care field. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Aug. 20. For more information, visit https://www.lawnstarter.com/scholarship.

COMING SOON:

RUBEN SALAZAR

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES DUFFY V

Laws 101 Scholarship

Students who attend or plan to attend law school in the United States may apply for a $2,500 scholarship. The application requires a biography and essay. The deadline to apply is May 31. For more information, visit https:// laws101.com/law-school-scholarships-grants/.

PG&E Better Together STEM Scholarships

PG&E Corporation Foundation offers $2,500 or $10,000 to students pursuing STEM-related studies transferring to universities in California. Students must be California residents and PG&E customers to apply. The deadline to apply is June 1. For more information, visit https:// www.pge.com/en_US/residential/in-your-community/education-programs/grants-and-scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/scholarship-opportunities.page.

Medical Billing Service’s Health and Tech Scholarship

Medical Billing Service Review offers a $1,000 scholarship to an essay contest winner. Applications are due June 30. The scholarship award goes to the applicant who wins a 500-word essay contest on the topic of health and technology. For more information, visit https://medicalbillingservicereview.com/ health-and-technology-scholarship/.

SkinCare Ox Women’s Scholarship

SkinCare Ox offers a $1,000 scholarship to a college woman who wins their essay contest. The application requires a 500-word essay answering their prompt. Applications are due June 30. For more information, visit https://www.skincareox.com/scholarship/#scholarship-application.

TALK BACK TO THE EDITORS We are interested in what you have to say. Email us at losangeles.collegian@gmail.com @collegianwired facebook.com/collegianwired Check us online collegian.lacc.life

4465 W. Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029 Food is available for those in need on the third and fourth Saturdays of the month — 0.3 miles from LACC. Phone: 213-675-8291 Hours: Saturday 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Rosewood United Methodist Church

4101 Rosewood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004 Food is available for anyone in need on the first and third Saturdays of the month — 0.6 miles from LACC. Phone: (323) 423-5961 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Hollywood Lutheran Church

1733 N. New Hampshire Ave. Hollywood, CA 90027 Food is available every Wednesday — one mile from LACC. Phone: (323) 667-1212 Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Metropolitan Community Church of L.A. 4607 Prospect Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 Food is availabl every Saturday — one mile from LACC. Phone: (323) 669-3436 Hours: 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Hollywood Food Coalition 5939 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Phone: (323) 462-2032 Hours: Everyday 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — three miles away. Blessed Sacrament 6657 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 Food is distributed on Saturday three miles from LACC. Phone: (323)-874-5577 Hours: 9:00 a.m. to noon. First Southern Baptist Church of Hollywood 1528 N. Wilton Place, Hollywood CA 90028 Phone: 323.466.9631 Hours: Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Jewish Family Service of L.A. Location: 8846 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90035 Phone number: 818-988-7682 Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — seven miles from LACC. North Hollywood Interfaith Pantry 4390 Colfax Ave., Studio City, CA 91604 Phone: (818) 760-3575 Hours: Mondays and Fridays 7:30 - 11:00 a.m. — eight miles from LACC. Catholic Charities Community Services Center 4322 San Fernando Road Glendale, CA 91204 Phone: (213) 318-3707 Mon-Fri: 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:15to 3:30 p.m.

In the final VAMA Artists Lecture Series of the semester, filmmaker Phillip Rodriguez presents “Ruben Salazar: Man in the Middle,” in partnership with California Humanities and its Democracy and the Informed Citizen Project. Ruben Salazar was a journalist at the L.A. Times and an advocate. He was killed during the National Chicano Moratorium March to end the Vietnam War in August 1970. He was struck by a tear-gas cannister fired by a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy. No charges were filed. The filmmaker will participate in a Q&A session following the screening of the film.

SPORTS

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021

2021 BASEBALL SEASON OPENS

Fans Slide Back into Dodger Stadium

“Go Dodgers” —Serena Ortiz

Finally, Fans Are Back at Dodger Stadium to Cheer for Their Defending Champions.

BY JONATHAN GUZMAN

ans can finally buy a ticket to go watch the L.A. Dodgers play at Dodger Stadium in person after more than a year without fans in the team’s L.A. home because of COVID-19. Safety protocols are the only snag. When the coronavirus hit the United States last March, it forced every sport to stop. Play ended abruptly and stadiums closed. Major League Baseball (MLB) opened spring training season last March, but then COVID-19 interrupted the momentum. It forced baseball to cancel the rest of spring training and the start of the season. This meant MLB fans around the world could not watch their favorite teams or go to the stadium to watch them play. This lasted about four and a half months until finally baseball came back in July. But fans were not allowed in the stadium. Baseball players had to play in empty stadiums with cardboard cutouts of fans. Dodgers fans all last season were cheering on the Boys in Blue from their homes. The Dodgers were the best team in baseball last season and made the playoffs and won the World Series for the first time since 1988. During the playoffs and the World Series, the state of Texas allowed fans back to Globe Life Field to watch the Rangers, but with only around 11,000 fans and safety protocols in place. In Los Angeles, that did not happen because of the large numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths. So, Dodger Stadium was closed during the World Series and Dodgers fans had to watch their team win the World Series from home. The 2021 MLB season is in full swing, and with approval from state officials, baseball fans can now go to stadiums to watch their team play live with reduced capacity and safety protocols.

Go Dodgers!” said Serena Ortiz, a big Dodgers fan from Long Beach. As a big Dodgers fan, this reporter was ready to watch the first pitch thrown out at home in mid-April, when the Dodgers played the Colorado Rockies. “I feel super excited,” said Samuel Rosales from Boyle Heights. “Feels like I haven’t been here in forever. This is my first time seeing all the new renovations to the stadium, they all look amazing. I can’t wait to go eat my first Dodger Dog in over a year and cheer on the champs. Hoping for a big win tonight!” Dodger Stadium underwent $100 million in renovations completed last year. This is the first season that fans can enjoy the improvements. “Since I bought today’s game tickets a couple weeks ago,” said Peter Campos from Pomona. “I was waiting for this day to come because this is my first game since 2019 because of COVID. The Dodgers had an amazing year last year … and I watched that with my family at home. I’m just really happy to be back here to see the champs play.” Many fans say they missed being at Dodger Stadium. Ortiz sat at a safe social distance from the 15,000 other fans who clapped and cheered for the Dodgers against the Rockies. “It’s like the happiest place on earth for me,” said Ortiz who is a diehard fan. I know for some people it’s Disneyland, but for me it’s Dodger Stadium. I’m a season ticketholder, so I come to many games every year. We can finally celebrate the championship and see them play. We are going to win today and be champs again this year.” A lot of fans went home with a sense of fulfillment after the Dodgers beat the Rockies. “I really missed this place, the fans, and the Dodgers,” said Derek Garcia after the game. “We won, so it was a great game. Can’t wait to be back.”

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN GUZMAN Baseball fans return to Dodger Stadium with plenty of elbow room while social distancing protocols are in place on April 15. The World Champion Dodgers beat the Rockies 7 to 5.

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CAMPUS LIFE

Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021

VAMA SERIES

Rage Against the Normies: How Outsider Freaks Won the Internet.

BY JAMES DUFFY V

n the aftermath of Donald Trump’s presidency, failed coup and lingering at the fringe of power, diagnosing Trump’s ascendency is a national pastime. Internet odd balls from Reddit and 4Chan message claim the mantle of kingmaker. To their minds, they won the White House for their ordained candidate with memes. The memers’ sacred vessel is a personified frog named “Pepe.” Matt Furie, the animator, named him that because it sounded like ‘pee pee.’ In the comic’s most famous scene, Pepe urinates with his pants down. Chided by his roommate later, Pepe explains, “Feels good, man.” Arthur Jones’ Sundance Award-winning documentary, “Feels Good Man,” starring Matt Furie, takes its name from Pepe’s infamous micturition. In “Feels Good Man,” Furie explains his character, who became an international icon for the alt right, was born out of dorm room vulgarity. A joke about urinating with one’s pants down morphed across the internet as a symbol of basement dwellers’ ennui. Celebrities, Instagrammers, and other “normies” proliferated the frog meme. Internet memers and 4Channers struck back. They decorated the frogman with swastikas and other symbols of hate. Enter the Donald. While the frog was associated with Trump’s campaign on the web, his message to

Arthur Jones directs the film “Feels Good Man,” an official selection of the U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Photo Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Jim Newberry.

outsiders gained traction. Soon, internet outcasts spread their gospel of pain and contempt for elites and institutions to a receptive nation. American Defamation League added Pepe to its hate symbol registry in 2016. Furie could not have imagined his loveable critter used for hate. The director of “Feels Good Man” saw the meme’s evolution signified the state of American society. “The news media was baffled. Why was Trump tweeting an internet meme that had been appropriated by, among others, white supremacists and school shooters?” Jones said in a statement. “To me, however, it made perfect sense.” To Jones, the frog phenomenon, with its expressions of self-loathing, indifference, hatred and callous triumph is an expression of the “current moment.” VAMA professor Eugene Ahn invited Jones after discussing his film with him in person. “I think this film has a valuable message, not just for film or art students, but journalism, politics and many others,” Ahn said. Jones joined LACC via Zoom for a lecture on the craft and ideas behind his film on May 13. In “Feels Good Man,” Furie fights to reclaim his creation from the winking purveyors of hate. Viewers decide whether he is successful. The film is available to stream for all LACCD students, faculty or staff through May 20 on college website at https://lacitycollege.edu/Calendar/ Events/All/2021/2631.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

1 PHOTO BY LOUIS WHITE 1. College and community residents launch the new LACC Community Garden at a ribbon-cutting event on April 22. The garden is located between the Chemistry and Communications Buildings. Funding from Children’s Hospital helped make the project a reality. 2. President Mary Gallagher at Los Angeles City College Garden for the inauguration ceremony on April 22. President Gallagher pulls a head of butter lettuce from the garden that LACC students helped to plant.

WELCOME To the City Garden

COMING SOON:

RUBEN SALAZAR

2 PHOTO BY DELIA ROJAS