Vol. 73 Issue 1
www.elpaisanomedia.com
Wednesday Sept. 23, 2026
What the New Rio Hondo President Wants You to Know
Written by: Aaliyah Lopez
D
r. Don Moya-Miller believes that true leadership begins with learning how to belong. Before he was named the newest president of Rio Hondo College, he was a young boy navigating a childhood of constant moves from his home state of Montana and the loss of his father. After losing his father at a young age, his family moved from rural Montana, to Utah, and later California. Each move forced him to face unfamiliar faces, new schools, and entirely different environments. Instead of letting these constant changes isolate him, he discovered a profound passion for the world around him. He became fascinated by different cultures, people, and new languages, interests that remain prominent in his life today. Yet his curiosity alone wasn’t what carried him through. A true turning point was when he felt accepted by teachers who welcomed him with open arms. Rather than treating him as a new name added to the class roster, they accepted him and nurtured his childlike wonder by allowing them to remain curious and engaged in the cultures and languages taught. Don shares, “building community as I went along and having teachers who were supportive and understanding that I was new to the school and the environment, or simply them wanting to share their own culture with me, is what made my childhood unique” and fondly recalls, “learning about a Japanese culture, and then we also learned about the California missions, and the following year I had a Chicana teacher that taught Spanish to kids during recess a few times a week.” The foundational kindness shaped his worldview. From these experiences, Dr. MoyaMiller developed a sense of belonging that did not happen by accident. It stems from the compassionate support of his teachers from different backgrounds provided when he needed it most. From that moment on, MoyaMiller embraced joining new communities and connecting deeply with people from backgrounds different from his own. Yet his path to success was far from direct. Long before he earned his Ph.D., Moyamiller found himself an unsure
science, and Pride, while also emphasizing the importance of voting. When he is not working, he values time spent with family and the chosen family he’s made along the way. Reflecting on his journey as a young adult, Moya-Miller, shares, “There is not one specific or correct way to do school...or to have a pathway to education, to a job, to the next part of your life. Some folks’ pathway is straight through, but others round about...We’ve got folks on campus that are former youth, formerly incarcerated, folks that have faced addiction in their life and so many serious things but somehow, they are here with us.” The kindness of his childhood and the profound perspective he gained in South America shaped his worldview. From these experiences, Moya-Miller developed an empathy he has carried into his presidency and a commitment to building a campus culture where every student feels and a commitment to building a campus culture where every student feels welcome, heard, and empowered to belong at Rio Hondo. It is this down-to-earth approach that guides his commitment to supporting students. For those who currently feel stuck or weighed down by expectations, Moya-Miller offers this message: “I want to
“Building community as I went along and having teachers who were supportive and understanding that I was new to the school and the environment, or simply them wanting to share their own culture with me, is what made - Moya-Miller my childhood unique” Photo by: Aaliyah Lopez Dr. Don Moya Miller has a passion for art from around the world, making sure to feature his own students’ work on his office walls.
college student uncertain about his future. Unable to see a clear path forward, he dropped out of college. The pivotal decision eventually led to his journey to South America guided as a mission from the Mormon church. So, for the next two years, after one away from college, he spent time learning from the locals and growing as an individual who understood how deeply the community shapes
people’s lives. It was during this experience that MoyaMiller witnessed the profound impact of connection, what he called “commonality the human family has.” Beyond his job titles, MoyaMiller views himself as no different from anyone else. He intentionally goes by “Don” on campus, so students and staff feel comfortable approaching him. He values a supportive environment and wants the staff to be there
for students as well which is why he notes here, “about a year ago, I worked with the staff and faculty to and other leaders to launch our caring campus campaign because its focused on the concept of belonging, and care, and we are here for you and support you, and we will do everything we can help each student be successful here.” His commitment to inclusion extends beyond campus. Whenever the opportunity arises, he participates in marches for women’s rights,
take all the students that are not on the (right) pathway and bring them to my office and tell them that you can make it because I did.” He continues to emphasize, “Somehow, they’ve made it to this point, and my comment to all of them is Rio belongs to you. We are here for each of you every day, we support you, your background. Bring all of you, bring your heart, bring your soul and we are going to do everything we can to take care of you and help you find your pathway in your next phase of your life.”
NEWS
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Rio Hondo Marks Mexican Independence Day with Cultural Celebration Written by: Sylvia Martinez
O
n September 16th, Rio Hondo hosted an event Celebrating the Independence of Mexico and Central America. The event organized by the Dreamers’ Resource Center and Associated students brought together the students of Rio Hondo through some Central American delicacies from Jackie’s Pupusas, Tamales El
Primo and a Platano dessert. Attendees also participated in some arts and crafts while enjoying live music by the band Coras. While waiting in line for pupusas, Israel Torres, an 18 year old student with family roots in Michoacan, Mexico shares how deeply important his heritage is to him. He describes his background as an essential part of his culture, embracing the significance of
Photo by: Sylvia Martinez Students wait in line for tamales from Tamale El Primo on September 16th as part of the Celebration of Mexican and Central American Independence.
the culture and carrying out family traditions. For him, a classic connection to his roots consist of tacos and a cold Mexican coke. However, with the current administration, he notes that he can be a little less expressive and proud of who he is. He occasionally feels as though he needs to hide some aspects of his identity. Ultimately, he believes that within the campus community, everyone should feel welcome to celebrate Mexican Independence. Jenessa Stele, the lead singer of Coras, shared that the band first formed five years ago after meeting at Pasadena Community College. Jenessa began singing at a young age and hasn’t stopped since then. The group specializes in a wide range of music stylesincluding cumbia, salsa, merengue, boleros, and Jazzwhich members previously studied at Pasadena Community College. Driven by a true passion and dedication for what they do, they are proud to be part of a beautiful community. Luz Aguilar, the 30 year old owner of Tamales el Primo, has been working on her business up and running for nine years now. This is the second time she participated in the Mexican and Central American Celebration at Rio Hondo. To Luz, being Mexican has a lot to do with cultural traditions. For her tamales are what holds a classic connection to her roots. She feels as though we
iPhone Duo: Apple Unveils the Long Awaited Foldable iPhone
The new foldable iPhone Duo on display during Apple’s event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 9, 2026. REUTERS/ Carlos Barria
Written by: Bryan Mares
A
pple has unveiled its newest and most anticipated product yet, the foldable iPhone, called the iPhone Duo. At Apple’s latest event, the company introduced several highly anticipated products, including the iPhone 18, Apple Watch Series 12, and AirPods 5 but the product that got the
most attention was the brandnew iPhone Duo. After years of rumors and speculation, Apple users finally got what many had been begging for, a foldable iPhone. Apple customers have been asking for a foldable iPhone since Samsung introduced its first Galaxy Fold in 2019. Since then, Samsung and other smartphone companies have
continued making foldable devices, while Apple has stayed with its traditional smartphone design. Because of this, many Apple fans believed this year’s event could finally be the moment when Apple announced a foldable smartphone. Their predictions turned out to be true. For years, Apple has followed the same formula of releasing a new iPhone every year with small improvements to features such as the camera, battery, processor, and display. While these updates have made newer iPhones more advanced, the overall design has remained relatively similar. The iPhone Duo represents a major change from that formula and gives Apple customers something visually and functionally different. Not everyone is convinced that the new phone will be successful, however. Some Apple users believe the company’s decision to release a foldable iPhone is motivated by sales and profits. “I think
Photo by: Sylvia Martinez Coras, lead singer, Jenessa Stele, performing for students during the celebration of Mexican and Central American Indepence in the afternoon of September 16th.
need to celebrate Mexican Independence loudly and proudly. “Having other people outside our own who celebrate makes me feel proud of who I am,” says Aguilar. It’s all about community. In conclusion, Rio Hondo successfully united the campus community through traditional foods, and with the arts and crafts while listening
to the artistic group of Cora. Personal narratives like Israel Torres’s reflection on cultural traditions despite political pressures, brings out the profound significance of these types of events. It helps bring the community together and makes every student feel they are welcomed members of a diverse collegiate community.
they realized people aren’t spending all that money on their newer phones, so they decided to change it up, but to be honest, I don’t think it’s going to work,” said Harry Clinton. Clinton’s opinion reflects the concerns of some customers who believe Apple may be introducing the foldable phone because it needs a major new product to encourage people to upgrade. Apple hasn’t had something new and innovative in years and this is why Clinton and other Apple users like him think Apple is only doing this to draw in more users and make more profit. While people don’t like the idea of a foldable iPhone other users love the new design and are excited to buy it, including
YouTubers like IShowSpeed. Speed was at the event reviewing the new phone and showing it off to his viewers. YouTubers like Speed will likely influence their fans making them want to get the new iPhone fold becase they see their favorite content creator with it and talking positivly about it, it makes them want it and that is the reason Apple invites big names like Speed to the event to draw in more customers. Regardless of the reasons for it’s long awaited release after years of waiting, Apple users can finally rest easy knowing they finally have a foldable iPhone, making this event one of the company’s biggest product announcements in years.
YouTube creator IShowSpeed holds the new foldable iPhone Duo, next to New Apple CEO John Ternus, during Apple’s event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 9, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
NEWS
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9/11 Exhibition at Rio Hondo for the 26 Anniversary Written by: Jacqueline Flores
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io Hondo put on a remembrance display for September 11th this year. The display contained photographs taken that day, last messages sent by those on the airplanes, and student notes that explained why it is important to remember September 11th. It also contained a display to honor firefighters who worked on that day and who lost their lives too. September 11th is a day many would describe as a day the world stopped moving. The fear and confusion that
Pictures of the tragedy and the aftermath is shown.
people all over America felt that day is something that can’t be described. As it was the first big instance of terrorism in America and it killed thousands of people. Along, as the trauma that was felt afterwards from people who managed to escape or those who lost loved ones. As well with the children who never got to see their parents after that day and wouldn’t know about their deaths until days later. And the firefighters who lost their lives trying to get people out of the buildings. Even afterwards people suffered from lung problems
El Paisano Staff
Edwin Ramos Editor-in-Chief
Aaliyah Lopez Reporter
Emil Medina Reporter The Rio Hondo Library shows the flyer remembering 9/11.
who due to all the debris they breathed in that death and ended up dying because of it. Alongside, those who died in the war with Afghanistan and those still suffer from PTSD from the war. So, the importance of remembering 9/11 is that we remember those lives lost and honor them by keeping their memory alive. We also remember those who have yet been identified and hold hope that one day their family members will get closure. But it’s also important to understand how much our society has changed since then and how much our views have changed. After the attacks the US created TSA as a way to up security which made it harder for further attacks from happening. Such
Photo by: Jacqueline Flores
as using metal detectors, baggage screening, and banning certain objects from being allowed onboard. Along with airplanes having more safety regulations such as more security, which makes it harder getting into the cockpit. Along with new technology that uses satellites to track airplanes, that actively sends signals from an aircraft to a broadcast. Furthermore, students all around the United States still learn and remember 9/11. They learn through in-person accounts from teachers, family members, and videos. Everyone has a different experience and felt different emotions when they witnessed the broadcast of the event.
Raymond Lopez Reporter Jacqueline Flores Reporter Sylvia Martinez Reporter Bryan Mares Reporter
Aaron Martinez Instructor Wendy Carrera Advisor
Photo by: Jacqueline Flores
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SPORTS
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Rio Hondo Road Runners Mens Soccer Faces Defeat by Chaffey Panthers. Written by: Emil Medina
T
he Rio Hondo Men’s soccer team played against Chaffey College in a home match at the Rio Hondo soccer field on Tuesday, September 15. In the ninety minute game, Rio Hondo left with a loss of 2-0 to Chaffey. At 6pm Rio Hondo Forward, #9 Fabricio Ocampo, Kicked off the game. Soon after Goal Keeper #1 Ivan Reyes, whose family was in attendance, worked to block Chaffey’s attempts at scoring. Ivan Reyes’ father Caesar Reyes has been attending games since the start of the season in support of his son. He described the Rio Hondo Men’s Soccer team as playing with intensity born from hard work and dedication. In the first period, Chaffey
attempted six shots, being blocked and only making one. At 41:47 Chaffey player Damian Garcia would score. Rio Hondo attempted two, but did not score. During the first period the referees carded three players with 2 yellows for a player from each team, and one red card for a Rio Hondo defense player. Chaffey was fouled once, while Rio Hondo twice followed the cards. Following an eventful first period, the second period calmed down the game with no cards or fouls. A Chaffey team score, assisted by Damian Garcia, would occur shortly into the second half at 48:38. The game finished with a score of 2-0 for Chaffey which is the second loss for Rio Hondo Men’s Soccer this
season. However, with one win and two ties previous, the team has only two losses out of five. Outlook on the rest of the season remains highly anticipated and hopeful by fans who expect future wins as the team continues to play as a team who can depend on each other. “Trust in each other”, as Ceasar Reyes
Photo by: Emil Medina Rio Hondo Men’s Soccer team huddled up to prepare with echother for their game against Chaffey Community College on Tuesday, September 15th.
stated, is the most important aspect of the game for the Rio Hondo Men’s Soccer Team to continue their season with success and dedication. Following the September
15th game versus Chaffey, Rio Hondo Men’s Soccer will play an away game at Irvine Valley, versus Irvine Valley, at 4pm on September 18th.
NFL Returns: Week 1 Offers History & Concern Written by: Raymon Lopez
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ootball is finally back! The wait is finally over, after months of no football NFL fans finally get to watch their favorite teams face off as their journey to the Super Bowl begins. Week 1 of the NFL opened with tons of exciting, historic, closefinishing games, giving everyone just a little taste of what to expect from their teams this season. The season opened with a Super Bowl LX rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. The former champions beat the Patriots in a nailbiting 13-10 game. Drake Maye nearly led a game winning drive in the 4th quarter but threw an interception into the endzone, losing the game in dramatic fashion. History was made this week as the NFL had their first ever game played in Melbourne, Australia take place for Thursday’s Night matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. A heavily anticipated challenge for both teams, ended in a blow-out win for the San Francisco
Sep 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A NFL shield logo on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
49ers as they dominated the Super Bowl favorites 27-7. The 49er’s defensive scheme put teams on notice giving up 7 points to last year’s number 1 ranked offense and limiting MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford’s playmaking ability. Only allowing him to throw for 155 yards, completing 15 of his 25 passes and 1 interception. A noticeable performance comes from the Chicago Bears in a 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers, making it the highestscoring week 1 game in NFL history. Chicago’s quarterback, Caleb Williams, is making
an early run in the MVP race totaling for 4 touchdowns with a 72% pass completion rate. Head coach, Ben Johnson, stated that he wants the Bears to have “the highest-scoring offense ever”. After the performance they put up, they seem to be heading in that direction. As electrifying as this week was, it also came with some unfortunate moments. Multiple teams around the league suffered significant losses due to injuries. New England Patriot, AJ Brown, suffered a right high-ankle sprain in the third quarter of their
season opener that will sideline him for 4 to 6 weeks. Super Bowl MVP Sam Darnold went down in the opening drive of the game with a right glute injury. Although it’s reported he has no plans for being placed on injury reserved, his return remains unknown. Rams star edge rusher Myles Garrett’ss heads towards the IR as he suffered a knee injury that has been lingering since the start of training camp. This will sideline him for a minimum of 4 games which is a huge blow to the Rams defense. San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun
Stribling had surgery on his ankle following a non-contact injury he suffered in Melbourne’s game. What was once an awaited weapon in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, will now have to miss about 10 weeks of his rookie season. From disappointing performances to strong and exciting finishes, week 1 reminds us of just how unpredictable the NFL really is. With 17 weeks of football still ahead, lots of questions are left unanswered as this week was just a glimpse of what to expect from our favorite teams.