L.A. Dodgers Are Back!!! C Wednesday, May 12,ollegian 2021 Volume 186 Number 4 The Voice of Los Angeles City College Since 1929 Page 8 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 While the mid-morning sun warmed the air on May 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:// 1, hundreds gathered at the youtu.be/sHFYoahgt8A 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, CHANCELLOR COMMUNITY immigrant-rights advocates and community activists. In Los Angeles, the gathering traditionally happens in MacArthur Park. This year, CCC Chancellor organizers chose to start the march in Chinatown as a statement Says Get Vaccine, against a trend of anti-Asian hate- crimes that have happened in the Enroll Early U.S. People from all backgrounds BY JUAN MENDOZA and nationalities participated. The protesters were peaceful, yet California Community Colleges animated. They chanted “Si se Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley says puede,” “Yes we can.” he hopes everyone in the system gets James Lee is a student their vaccine soon. The chancel- organizer from the Korean Youth lor took questions from student re- Community Center in Korea porters and advisers across the state Town. He says hate toward during a teleconference on May 6. Asian communities simply is not He encouraged students and others acceptable. in the community college system to “It is very important that we get vaccinated. stand out to speak for ourselves,” “I’m very lucky I got my vaccina- Lee said. “There is no reason to tion. So, I feel very good about the tolerate hate crimes to anyone. direction we’re going, and I’m hoping We need to communicate more to that everyone in the system gets their prevent misunderstandings that vaccinations soon,” the chancellor evolve into hate.” said. Mary Cruz came to the march He says access to vaccines has im- in support of Isaias Cervantes, proved and is easier. PHOTO BY GERARDO DE LOS SANTOS the 26-year-old unarmed, autistic The chancellor wants everyone 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 man who was shot in the back by 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to take this step in protecting them- an L.A. County Sheriff’s deputy in selves and their communities, “so we Cudahy on March 31. Cervantes can put this pandemic behind us,” he survived the shooting, but he said. Enthused Vendors Welcome Swap Meet’s Return is paralyzed and confined to a The CCC Chancellor’s Office is wheelchair. currently working on vaccination Vendors may now breathe easier after a long year of unanswered questions. Immigration reform is an issue guidance to assist in the process, but that Cruz says she hopes gets the the decisions to require vaccinations There is no longer a need to fight for a small space on the sidewalk. attention of Congress this year. for student populations and faculty She was born in this U.S, but are up to the 116 colleges, their dis- BY GERARDO DE LOS SANTOS tice,” is what appeared on their Instagram page says vendors went so far as to save space early Cruz’s sister is a DACA (Deferred tricts and boards of trustees. back then. Friday mornings and create a first-come-first- Action for Childhood Arrivals) After nearly a year of being closed, the LACC That further notice was finally given a date served feeding frenzy. individual. weekend swap meet officially reopened April when the swap meet organizers posted again Rafael used two words to describe his expe- “My [entire] family is SEE “CCC” PAGE 6 24 and brought back some communal culture nearly a year later and announced its reopen- rience with the swap meet at that time: “Los immigrant, and we are waiting to the intersection of Vermont Avenue and ing. This was great news for the community, corrieron.” for many years,” Cruz said. “I Marathon Street. and the vendors who relied on the swap meet So, when the LACC Swap Meet finally wel- was fortunate to [be] born in this INDEX The neighborhood weekend swap meet shut to host their small businesses. comed back the community on a cool, cloudy country. But I live with fear that down at the end of June 2020. The organizers Rafael had been with the swap meet for more Saturday morning, it gave a ray of sunshine to one day they can come to my Opinion & Editorial 2-3 were compelled by the coronavirus pandemic than 12 years when it closed last year. That clo- vendors like Rafael who was eager to return. house and snatch my parents. And to close up shop temporarily. sure forced his business to the streets to stay That was not a shared decision between all then what am I going to do? I’m Reporters Notebook 4 This action subsequently caused a rift, not alive. A corresponding increase in street vend- vendors, however. scared!” Features 5 only within the community, but also the vend- ing around the East Hollywood community The Collegian caught up with Teresa Her- Black Lives Matter, Los Angeles ing community within the swap meet as well. occurred at the same time. That meant a tug- nandez who once rented a space from the swap (BLM/LA) co-founder Melina News 6 “Due to the heightened awareness surround- of-war over street space. meet before its closure during the pandemic. Abdullah boldly called for unity ing the coronavirus, Los Angeles City College The high premium on street space made Prior to the swap meet reopening, Hernandez and justice when she addressed the Scholarships 7 Swap Meet will remain closed until further no- it very difficult for Rafael to set up shop. He claimed she would not return. crowd of protesters. Sports 8 Campus Life 9 SEE “SWAP MEET” PAGE 6 SEE “MARCHERS” PAGE 6 2 Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021 OPINION & EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL Collegian Los Angeles City College Push Back Against Shameless Campaign of Lies to Recall Gov. Newsom Visual & Media Arts Department 855 N. Vermont Ave. BY EDWARD LOCKE sonable and necessary measures to facilitate In fact, over 30% of small and medi- certainly has damaged his personal image Los Angeles, CA 90029 public participation in American democracy. um-sized business across the entire nation and reputation. It did little to harm the inter- 323.953.4000 ext. 2832 Recently, the dark forces of greed, igno- It is absolutely wrong for the Far Right ex- have shut down; a lot of them have gone ests of the public. [email protected] rance and disrespect for human life from the tremists to try to restrict public participation bankrupt permanently. California is not However, the Stay-at-Home Order he pro- far right in the Golden State have stepped up in American democracy by making the pro- alone in this disaster. moted is still a good policy for public safety Editor-in-Chief their silly campaign for the recall of Gavin cess inconvenient to the voters. Critics also claim Gov. Newsom commit- despite his personal failure to comply with its ANGELA JOHNSON Newsom, the governor The recent passage of a bill limiting voting ted “infringement of our 2nd Amendment stipulations. of California. rights by the Republican-controlled legisla- rights” through “countless new guns and We should forgive the governor’s personal Graphics Layout Editor These ideological zeal- ture in Georgia in March is a case in point. ammo laws.” mistake, based on his genuine and honest re- BEATRICE ALCALA, ots presented all sorts of That bill limits ballot access and makes it in- The Second Amendment to the U.S. Con- pentance as well as on all of the good things EDWARD LOCKE so-called “reasons” for convenient for African Americans to vote. stitution states, “A well-regulated Militia, be- he has done to save lives, to relieve the suf- Copy Editor their recall campaign. Corporate giants such as Coca-Cola, UPS, ing necessary to the security of a free State, fering of the poor and to promote economic ANGELA JOHNSON Their “reasons” are faulty Bank of America, CISCO and Home Depot the right of the people to keep and bear Arms recovery under the tragic circumstances of arguments, big lies and have rejected such actions via official corpo- shall not be infringed.” Let us read this 2nd the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing Editor rumors. They are de- rate statements. Amendment carefully. Should the Recall Gavin campaigners’ JAMES DUFFY V signed to undermine the Another reason provided by the far right to It talks about “a well-regulated Militia” choice for governor come to power, the cor- good work of California lawmakers and Gov. recall the governor is the “loss of small busi- (not unregulated private citizens as individu- rect “Stay-at-Home Order” will not be im- Opinions & Editorial Editor Newsom to save lives during the COVID-19 nesses and jobs” because of “ongoing shut- als). In today’s terms, that means the Nation- plemented. Instead, some “softer” and luke- ANGELA JOHNSON pandemic and streamline the state’s econom- downs.” There are also charges that the gov- al Guard, “being necessary to the security of warm semi-measures would certainly cause ic recovery. ernor was too slow to reopen industries after a free State,” which means the democratically more extensive spread of COVID-19 and Broadcast, Social Media Producers Those are the same policymakers, pundits the state crushed the curve in Spring 2020. elected government, not the security of any consequentially more serious damage in Cal- BEATRICE ALCALA, JAMES DUFFY V, and politicians who institute un-human- In fact, as believed by many knowledgeable private person. ifornia. DIEGO CHAVEZ CADENA, MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ itarian and impractical policies driven by people, proven by undeniable facts and sta- The people whose job it is to protect the We should absolutely reject the outlandish anti-social and anti-government ideological tistics, and even recognized by the governor citizens of this country are the same people argument of the Recall Gavin zealots, and tell Photo Editor extremism and demagoguery, vis-à-vis the himself, “Newsom wasn’t strict enough with referred to by “the right of the people, to keep the far right that political intolerance and ex- BEATRICE ALCALA COVID-19 pandemic and its negative im- shutdown measures, which lacked enforce- and bear arms shall not be infringed.” tremism have no place in American democ- pacts on the economy. ment or consequences for rulebreakers.” Here “to keep and bear arms” does not racy. Photographers The big lies should be rejected by voters According to an article titled “After a Dif- necessarily imply the right of members of the To sum up, all of the arguments of the LOUIS WHITE, DELIA ROJAS, WILLIAM with rational thinking and common sense. ficult Time Period Restaurants Restart Din- “well-regulated militia” to own weapons as Recall Gavin campaign zealots are pure B. TORRES, BEATRICE ALCALA The 2021 California gubernatorial recall ing-in But Are Not Able to Find Employees,” private property. nonsense. Currently, the Biden-Harris Ad- special election is expected to happen in No- published March 27 in the Taiwan Times, a It merely indicates that they have the right ministration is implementing an extensive Illustrators vember. Chinese-language newspaper in Los Angeles, to control the weapons which legally still be- economic recovery plan; California will defi- EDWARD LOCKE On the ballot, voters will be asked two sep- restaurant owners suffer from difficulty- re long to the “well-regulated militia;” and its nitely benefit from this program. Designer arate questions: 1) Do you want to recall Gov. cruiting employees, with very few applicants members only have the right of usage, NOT We need political stability and unity in or- BEATRICE ALCALA Newsom, yes or no? 2) If Newsom is recalled, showing up. for private purposes but for the defense of der to effectively pursue economic recovery who would you choose to replace him? This story clearly indicated that what law and order. in California. We could hardly afford to allow Reporters There is no reason to recall Gov. Newsom. caused “loss of small businesses and jobs” Critics also say that the governor violat- these zealots to disrupt the recovery process MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ, EDWARD “Reason” Number One: Gov. Newsom im- is not the governor’s failure to reopen the ed the “Stay-at-Home Order” he issued by with their selfish and narrow-minded parti- LOCKE, GERARDO DE LOS SANTOS, posed “mandatory mail-in voting.” economy or “ongoing shutdowns,” but the attending a birthday party at the Miche- san attempt to seize the political leadership WHITNEY GIBSON, CHARLIE DARE, In the face of COVID-19 and all of the psychological distress or fear of getting the lin-starred restaurant, French Laundry last in our beloved Golden State. WILLIAM B. TORRES, JONATHAN health-related worries caused by the pan- COVID-19 virus. That fear caused people to November in Yountville. Therefore, all patriotic and decent Cali- GUZMAN, HANNAH COBURN, demic, the governor and the California leg- prefer to stay home, to shop online instead Finally, the Recall Gavin zealots came up fornia voters, Democrat and Republican, or RONNISHA GUNN, ELVIRA ROMAN, islature allowed voting by mail as a means of purchasing in physical stores, which are all with a “reason” that seems to make sense. independent alike, White, Black, Latino or PATRICIA CASTRO, JONATHAN MONTES, of convenience. They did not “impose” it as beyond Gov. Newsom’s control. However, we need to point out that the gov- Asian, should unite in supporting Gov. New- JAMES DUFFY V, DELIA ROJAS, JUAN MENDOZA, POUPYGAELLE NGUESTOP, “mandatory.” In fact, mail-in voting or even Therefore, the Recall Gavin zealots’ argu- ernor has made an open apology for his mis- som and help him defeat the divisive and dis- ANGELA JOHNSON, KELIYAH WILLIAMS, voting through government websites are rea- ment is baseless. take, a mistake of private dimension, which ruptive Recall Gavin lunatics. MELISSA CRUMBY
Online Editor-in-Chief DIEGO CHAVEZ CADENA
Faculty Adviser Chauvin Verdict Aftermath Reflections on COVID-19: Mankind RHONDA GUESS For all submissions including letters to the editor and publicity releases, send Brings Sorrow, Ray of Hope Hit by Third Pandemic materials to Collegian offices located in Chemistry Building, Room 207, or email: BY POUPYGAELLE NGUESTOP it was all taken away by a white supremacist BY PATRICIA CASTRO We are experiencing the third pandemic [email protected]. police officer. in human history, for which there is no med- To advertise in the Collegian, direct People have marched for social justice in It was tragic. The choking scene caused When the Covid-19 pandemic began, many icine. Thanks to the efforts of scientists and all insertion orders and questions to: the United States for many decades. many to rally for justice, and to fight for an of us thought we might not be touched by it. pharmaceutical companies, vaccines offer [email protected]. We have seen the heroic Dr. Martin Luther end to violence against the Black community We saw it as something far away — some- hope for an end to the carnage. King, an African American who is recognized by police. The Black Lives Matter movement thing that happened from afar. However, we Scientific advancement has allowed new Issues of our award-winning as the most visible spokesperson and leader and many other organizations joined com- now realize that nothing could be further vaccines to be developed at a dizzying pace. newspaper and magazine are instantly in American civil rights munities in this fight. Like George Floyd, from the truth. Absolutely everyone has fall- Some scientists warn of the possibility of a available to our readers on issuu.com/ collegianwired. in 1960 with his cele- Breonna Taylor and Daunte Wright also died en victim to the virus in ways that are obvious fourth surge that is being accelerated by a brated speech ‘’I Have a at the hands of police officers. It makes you and unseen. deadly new variant. But they are also hopeful Dream.’’ In 1963, it had wonder how many more lives will be needed We’ve heard from family members, neigh- because the vaccines used in the United States a huge impact in the to end this thing. bors, colleagues and friends, and COVID has like Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, fight to end segregation For Chris Cuomo on CNN, the hate and vi- touched them or someone they know. No appear capable of resisting the variants. It ap- and racism in America. olence might stop only when White kids are place on this planet has been immune or com- pears the end of the third pandemic may be But with the murder of being killed. pletely safe from the virus. near. George Floyd last year, it This situation reminds us of the disman- It is the third time in human history a pan- Only through strict hygiene practices — is clear the nightmare of tled apartheid system in South Africa where demic has swept over mankind. First, the hand washing, wearing masks and face shields social injustice in U.S. society is still alive. So, conflict between Black and White is still an is- Black Death arrived in 1346 and continued — and luck, did some escape the contagion is American society equal? sue. The prospects and opportunities of Black until 1353. It killed between 80 and 200 mil- and avoid the virus altogether. George Floyd was murdered on May 25, people are reduced. They do not benefit or lion people in Europe, Asia and North Africa. From all this, we take away a valuable les- 2020 by a White police officer who kneeled have access to the same wealth and stability in It caused the deaths of 30 to 60% of the Euro- son. Humankind has survived two pandem- on his neck for nine minutes and 25 seconds. America, which is very sad in 2021. pean population according to Britannica.com ics, and it is only a matter of time before we It was recorded by a17-year-old who was It is clear to me that since the George Floyd The so-called Spanish Influenza killed be- overcome the third. The advantage this time passing by. The video shocked and challenged situation, the protests and many activities tween 20 and 50 million people worldwide, was scientific advancement and research. the consciousness of the world. It placed the have changed minds and improved some be- according to archives.gov. It was one of the It is only a matter of time before the fourth cruelty of police brutality in the U.S. on full haviors in workplaces, in the street, in educa- most devastating pandemics in human histo- pandemic arrives. And for sure, it will not be display. Millions of people viewed it, and not tion and even in politics with the election of ry. the last one. just in the United States. It was seen by mil- Vice President Kamala Harris. lions of people throughout the world. Floyd None of this will bring back George Floyd, was a dad and a brother. He appeared as a but at least Derek Chauvin will pay for what Life in the ‘Divided’ States of America lovely tall man who was liked by his friends he did. It is a ray of hope for social justice in BY ELVIRA ROMAN and his community. But in just a few minutes, America. ered last month. Among all U.S. adults, 77% approve, and 67% do not see it as justice. George Floyd was one of millions of black The tragic death of George Floyd allowed a people who face injustice in America today. conversation to begin. People are now talking Floyd was a 46-year-old Black man who died about police brutality and white privilege, and because Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for they are getting involved. But is it enough? nine minutes. No, absolutely not. The video footage Laws must be changed, and people with TALK BACK TO THE EDITORS recorded allowed the power need to make changes. The criminal world to see the heart- justice system should be reformed. Public We are interested in what you have to say. breaking murder hap- servants who break the law must face con- pen in broad daylight. sequences for their abuse of power against White supremacy, minorities. It was definitely justice when Der- Email us at racism, and abuse of ek Chauvin was found guilty of second, and [email protected] power have all been third-degree murder and manslaughter in the deeply rooted in the his- case of George Floyd. But it should not be cel- tory of the United States. Many minorities are ebrated. victims of police brutality. The rate at which It took concrete evidence which was the @collegianwired Next Issue: May 26, 2021 African American people are being killed by clear video, and worldwide media attention, Editorial Deadline: May 20, 2021 facebook.com/collegianwired police is more than twice that of white people. to get a conviction of Chauvin. But when Most Americans approve of the guilty hundreds, or thousands of other minorities verdict Chauvin received for killing George are killed or injured by police, will justice be Check us online Floyd. But few would call it justice, according served? The verdict is not a celebration. It is to a Morning Consult (morningconsult.com) only one step forward out of many more to collegian.lacc.life survey conducted after the verdict was deliv- come. OPINION & EDITORIAL Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021 3 INK STYLE
A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT This is what community looks like Reporter’s Notebook: Student Journalist Arrested Covering Police Eviction of Unhoused Community.
BY KELIYAH WILLIAMS
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 “Tother. 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 Echo Park’s Unhoused Community What the Chauvin Verdict Says About Us calling for white people to the front to hold the line. I was taking a video when this started, Deserves Our Compassion BY CHARLIE DARE bors and their community members. caught absolutely off-guard. I stood frozen for The verdict delivered a long-awaited a moment, almost immediately I was grabbed by two women who BY DELIA ROJAS not deserve to be discriminated Shortly before Derek Chauvin was sense of justice to Floyd’s family, and told me to stay with them and hold the line. I did just that. against. Instead, we as a commu- convicted of second-degree uninten- also to the families of the countless Moments later an organizer began telling us to slowly back up, as I attended the morning of po- nity should give them a hand and tional murder, third-degree murder, Black and brown victims of police they looked like they were planning to kettle us a block up. We were lice action in March when offi- help them. and second-degree manslaughter, a violence over the last decade, who set up! Suddenly, the police in front of us were backing us up then cials ordered the LAPD to remove Some of the unhoused prefer teenage girl in Columbus, Ohio was may now see a path forward. about another 10 or so cops appeared from the alleyway kettling us the unhoused not to accept government help. shot to death The verdict would not have been in and placing us all under arrest. of Echo Park. Often, the housing they receive is by a police of- possible if each member of the jury The first 10 minutes were quite scary and confusing but as I witnessed temporary. After a certain period ficer. had not witnessed the massive Black time went on the strength of my community around me calmed people of dif- of time, they are expected to go This jarring Lives Matter protests that rippled my fears. The kettle was a tight squeeze. No room to dig in your ferent back- back out to look for other housing. juxtaposition throughout the country in the sum- pocket without hitting someone. You got to know and befriend grounds who Echo Park became gentrified should give mer of 2020. Without it, members your neighbors quickly. Cops arrested us one by one for two or so came togeth- throughout the years, and wealthy pause to those of the jury would never have been hours. We killed time by singing Queen songs and spreading helpful er to support people are the ones who want to who think that exposed to the argument that the information such as the Jail Support number and what details we do one another. make the park “a better and safer the verdict has prosecution couldn’t make; that ju- and don’t have to share with cops. Many peo- place.” settled the ries often fail to indict police officers After two hours, we were corralled into another corner. As I ple who came to support the Members of the unhoused com- matter of police violence against because their lives are viewed as less offered food to my peers another comrade noticed cops were asking homeless were there because they munity are not being treated as minorities. What the verdict does disposable than those of Black men for members of the press and said, “I should go over.” I immediately had experienced homelessness in humans or equals. They are being signify, however, is a cardinal shift in and women. walked over thinking I might finally be able to go home. I caught the the past. They knew what many of looked down upon and pushed journalism. Without teen bystand- The objective going forward end of another journalist being denied for not having a press pass. the people were feeling and expe- aside simply because of their so- er Darnella Frazer’s video evidence, should be to create a system of jus- I decided to try my luck anyway. I identified myself as an LACC riencing. cioeconomic level. the Minneapolis Police Department tice that makes cases like Chauvin’s student journalist for the Collegian and proceeded to show him Being in that crowd made me I hope these citizens get the help would have been able to present obsolete. This can only happen proof of the same. Before I could do so I was denied. They told me feel overwhelmed with compas- they deserve and find permanent their misleading version of events through the collective action of proof of enrollment in the newspaper course wasn’t a press pass. sion because these people are hu- homes. unchallenged. concerned citizens, who steadfastly I returned to my spot in line, devastated. Was I not a journalist? mans just like everyone else. These individuals became part Citizens are filling in the blank champion their First Amendment Before I even had time to pity myself, I saw an officer point at me, Many Echo Park residents sup- of a community before police spots where journalists cannot reach. rights and put pressure on those in and then arrest me. ported their unhoused neighbors. evicted them in March. They Everyone can now take part in stand- positions of power to act in the inter- A single cop walked up to me using his best impression of The encampment was different: It fought for their rights, and they ing up for the rights of their neigh- ests of the people. intimidation. Protesters clapped and shouted “We love you,” was organized and clean. They do deserve to be helped and heard. 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 Vaccine Hesitancy among students is a significant problem Dive into Deepfake technology. Charlie Dare walks you through the stuff and our misdemeanor charge, we were finally free to leave. according to California Community College Commissioner Eloy Ortiz rapid advances in AI technology and why reforms are needed to After two hours, I was cut free of the zip ties that squeezed Oakley. If you are among the undecided, Collegian Wired Blogger protect your image. my shoulder blades together behind my back. Once done with Miguel Jimenez says give him three minutes, and he will change processing, I was sent back to my seat and told to put my hands in your mind. my pocket for the remainder of my time. I waited 20 more minutes. https://youtu.be/Z_2Om59uBHE https://youtu.be/28shbAhvxl8 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. 4 Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021 REPORTERS NOTEBOOK
ARMENIAN REMEMBRANCE DAY
TH ARMENIAN106 ANNIVERSARY Biden Becomes First U.S. President to Recognize PHOTO BY BEATRICE ALCALA Armenian Genocide Candidate Biden speaks to students and staff of Los Angeles Trade Tech in fall 2019. One of his goals was to offer free BY JUAN MENDOZA college tuition. 1 ollegian alumna Mary Paronyan transferred to California State University at Northridge where she majors in broadcast journalism. 3 She did not let the pandemic 2 prevent her from covering the 106th Cobservance 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 PHOTOS BY MARY PARONYAN President Biden took. But there’s so much work 4 that needs to be done.” 1. Mary Paronyan, Collegian alumna and transfer student at California State Northridge, did not LACC Professor Grigor Ketenchian says he let the pandemic stop her from attending the had mixed feelings about it all. 106th observance of the Armenian Genocide in “I was happy that he recognized the Armenian Hollywood, CA, April 24, 2021. genocide,” Ketenchian said. “The question now is that . . . we still have the same issues that 2. Protesters carry a banner of President Woodrow Wilson who is highly respected in the we dealt [with] in 1915 and are not resolved.” Armenian community because he interceded and Ketenchian said. warned the Young Turk regime that it would be This year, the marchers started at Hollywood held liable for crimes against humanity. Boulevard and Western as always, near the Ralph’s Plaza. The route normally continues 3. U. S. Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA 28th District) marches with the Armenian community outside the area in a trek to the Turkish on April 24 in Hollywood, CA. in remembrance Consulate on Wilshire Boulevard, but the of 1.5 million Armenians who were killed during marchers walked in a circle and returned to the World War I. staging area. The day seemed different without the local 4. Local leaders and politicians from the Armenian community speak at the Armenian clash of ideas and truths that always happens Genocide Remembrance event on April 24, 2021 when the Armenian marchers arrive at the in Hollywood. consulate to call attention to the genocide of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians more than one 5. Hundreds of Armenian Americans take over the century ago. streets of Hollywood on April 24, the 106th anni- versary of the mass killing of Armenian people, “The genocide is a terrible mark in history - which President Joe Biden called “A genocide.” much like so many others. Our world history is intertwined with atrocities such as the 6. Armenian Apostolic Church leader marches to Armenian genocide,” said LACC President Mary commemorate the Armenian Genocide Remem- Gallagher. “The deliberate annihilation of a brance which marked the 106th anniversary on April. 24, 2021. people is ghastly and civilized societies should never allow this to happen.” At the march, large white banners called 5 6 for the release of Armenian POWs and served as a reminder of the civilians being held by Azerbaijan since the war with Nagorno- Karabagh 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.” FEATURES Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021 5
PORTRAITS
The Five East L.A. Families pandemic is an opportunity to have a different Cope with Pandemic Life perspective on life and to realize that COVID-19 changed life in entirely unexpected the things we are doing are important and vital to our survival. Our perspective ways. Families from different backgrounds has definitely changed, our priorities are have adopted a new way of living where different, and I value life more than they take safety precautions every day. before. The pandemic made me realize how fragile life can BY JUAN MENDOZA members, the Galindos opted to are other days where she’s laughing exercise in the house a few times a and having a great time with her 20 will be a year for week and installed a new garden in teachers and her friends.” be.” the history books. the backyard. Garcia says the pandemic has —Jazmine Garcia A rare year where The family uses its time wisely. given her a different view of life and a series of events Noemi’s son and daughter are made her realize what is important 20happened that were beyond learning to speak Spanish and and vital to survival. imagination, yet changed life in Mandarin. “Our perspective has definitely dramatic and unexpected ways. Noemi says she respects and changed,” she said. “Our priorities In the intimacy of their homes, appreciates the people who work on are different, and I value life more they share their experiences under the front lines, especially the health than before. The pandemic made COVID–19. This is a tiny sample of professionals, doctors, nurses, farm me realize how fragile life can be.” the millions of families whose lives and grocery workers, bus drivers, cookies, cakes and corn bread. She was born and raised in East as hugging and saying, ‘I’m here for are changed forever. Their story is service providers and others who Once a week, they have movie Los Angeles. you, what can I do for you?’” about their job, what they cook, work in the public sector. Cheated out of College, Life night and get together on the patio. The pandemic has taken its toll Regalado says the hardest what they miss, their hobbies, what “For us to be wearing a mask for Experience “This year for us is for on those within Regalado’s social thing about the pandemic was to they learned, and the big changes a little while we think it is hard,” appreciation of the things that we circle. In a moment of reflection, recognize the importance of mental they made to survive as a family. she said. “Imagine for doctors Natalie Andrade is young, take for granted,” Bibiana said. she recalls those who succumbed health. Especially coming from a On a chilly winter evening, wearing their mask all day and beautiful and intelligent. She “Our freedom and health are very to the virus. Mexican American home where Eloisa Galindo was celebrating her night. We have to be sensitive to is a 2020 graduate of James A. important.” “It was sad to see people pass the “Macho Culture” is prevalent birthday at younger sister Noemi’s others and not selfish. We have to Garfield High School and currently away,” she said. “The gardener, our and mental health is not talked home. The family displayed think of those people who take care a freshman at Sacramento State Pandemic Ushers in Drive-thru mailman, their lives were taken by about. It was a struggle. traditional home-cooked Mexican of us and help us to survive this University. Funerals, Birthday Celebrations COVID-19.” “We now know that nothing is dishes on the table. pandemic.” Garfield High is famous for Social-distance restrictions set in stone,” she said. “Like, we The appetizing aroma of The Galindos have been able to being in the movie “Stand and Julie Regalado wears a relaxed, limited the number of people could plan all we want, but we have delicious food rose from the table. avoid unnecessary spending during Deliver,” about math teacher calm expression as she sits on her allowed to gather in one place to to live for the moment, to be happy Cheese enchiladas, caldo de res and this time. Noemi says they need Jaime Escalante. He inspired his small yet comfortable patio waiting stifle the spread of the disease. and healthy.” mole poblano with rice were the to save money to pay the rent and students to ace the state’s advanced to tell her story. She and Jazmin Because of that, it was not possible Because of COVID-19, being main menu items for the special utilities at the end of each month. placement calculus exam. Garcia are close friends who often for Regalado to attend the funerals confined to close quarters with her birthday celebration. The little “The owner of the house is very Natalie says the transition from help each other on community of friends who died. family turned into a silver lining Conchita is a traditional Mexican nice,” Noemi said. “She is flexible in-person school to attending class events. “It was sad not to pay respect to for Regalado. pan dulce, and papaya was on the with us, and we are grateful for virtually has been a challenge. She Regalado is in her mid-30s. these families,” she said. “Because “To know each other as a family,” menu, too. t h at .” is not receiving the complete full Her parents came to the U.S. everything became like a drive- she said, “it’s something that I Members of the Galindo family college-life experience. from Mexico many years ago, and thru, birthday drive-thru, funeral thank God, I got to know them are first-generation immigrants “I’m used to having a teacher Regalado is the second generation. drive-thru. [That] is not the same again.” who came from the state of Puebla, Life Completely Changed by present and having peers and Mexico and settled in East Los COVID-19 being able to associate with other Angeles. people,” she said. “Now, it’s just like The entire family, close relatives Jazmine Garcia is a close friend here is the work and you do it on and friends sat around the table. of the Galindo family and she your own. I’m not really learning They talked and shared their attended the birthday celebration. anything. I’m just reading and experiences of the day. The children Garcia is a community leader trying to get the grade. To me, this ran around and played in the living and activist in East Los Angeles. is not getting the full education.” room. She fights for the rights of the Natalie says she regrets not A sense of joy filled the house, underprivileged. being able to finish her senior and everyone was ready to cut the Being confined indoors for such year at Garfield. She didn’t get to cake. It was a special homemade a long time completely changed walk across the stage to accept her cake prepared by Eloisa’s niece. She Garcia’s life. diploma or give her graduation learned how to bake during the “There was a lot of mixed speech. But she remains hopeful. pandemic. emotions,” she said. “Our lifestyles “So those were some tough Eloisa says the beginning of the were busy doing a lot of activities things and that hurts,” she said. COVID-19 pandemic was the most with the community, and we had to “Because you wait for all these difficult time she ever experienced. stop when the pandemic hit.” years to get it and be on the stage “One time, I was in line to pay Garcia had to explain to her and give my speech. It was difficult, for my groceries,” Eloisa said, “and eight-year-old daughter the reasons but we got through. It’s a learning people were advising others to take for social distancing and why process.” more provisions [than] what they she had to go to school on the need because stores were going to computer at home. Penelope is First-Generation Immigrants be closed for three months. People bright and full of energy. from Mexico Cope were in panic. The shelves of the “She slowly understood after stores were empty.” talking to her many times,” Garcia Bibiana Dominguez who is Noemi is Eloisa’s younger sister, said, “that our lives were a little bit Natalie’s mother is the daughter of a middle-aged woman who is the different.” first-generation immigrants from PHOTO BY JUAN MENDOZA host of the evening. She says the Staying home and away from Mexico. She is a stay-at-home mom pandemic has made life difficult people is challenging for Garcia. who helps her husband do the 1. Bibiana Dominguez stud- for her family. They do not qualify Instead of visiting the library bookkeeping for their small family- ies with Genesis, one of her to receive any COVID-19 financial or park, Garcia and Penelope owned business. younger daughters. Bibiana help from the government because ride their bikes around the Dominguez says the most helps her while she attends a Zoom class. of their legal status in this country. neighborhood. difficult thing that happened “I do not have the privilege to get Garcia says she experiences during the pandemic was she found 2. Judith Dominguez sick, because we do not have the anxiety when she is around people out her daughter tested positive for attends a Zoom class. She means to pay for it,” Noemi said. at the grocery store. She rushes COVID-19 in November last year. says she enjoys online “We have to act with responsibility. through the store picking up food “When my Naty tested positive, I learning and learned more during the pandemic, but As a family we made a lot of supplies and leaves quickly. did not know what to do,” she said. she misses her school changes.” “We’ve tried to adapt as best as For three weeks, the family was friends. It may seem odd, but Noemi we can, and it feels like it’s gone in suspense while Natalie was in says opportunities to discover new on for too long,” Garcia said. “We the hospital. On Dec. 22, 2020, she things happened because of the tried to have fun and socialize with was released to go home. pandemic. teleconferences and phone calls to Bibiana shares more time with “Within our family and our keep those relationships alive.” her daughters, Natalie, Judith and community, and regardless of the As a mother, Garcia says she Genesis. She watches them while pandemic we have accomplished understands her child’s frustration. they attend school on Zoom. good things as a family,” she said. “Some days Penelope got After class is dismissed, they To alleviate stress and keep frustrated with being on the tablet cook tamales, pozole and carne positivity flowing among family for too long,” she said. “And there asada for the family. And they bake 6 Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021 NEWS
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. “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 Newsom Lays Blueprint for a Safer Economy Plan for Reopening California the state so that the pandemic can get behind us.” —Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley “I paid the city. Why should I thrive because he does not have im- meet area, security personnel will what you will find,” Lopez said. go back and pay rent?” Hernandez migration status, so he can provide check temperatures of everyone en- “You can literally look around and “We are asking all colleges to plan up the year,” Oakley said. “It has said. “This is my space, and if I do for his 9-year-old son. tering the parking lot. Anyone with find games next to used tools and for a re-opening in the fall,” Oakley been a year of challenges, so this not return, I will lose it.” Now with the swap meet reopen- a temperature above 100.4 F will makeup kits.” said. “To help have a reopening we commencement season is a partic- Rafael understands the value of ing, that alleviates some of the ten- not be permitted to enter. It is the treasure hunt for Lopez want students, faculty and staff to ularly important one considering securing a spot. He says there is sion between vendors fighting for Vendors will also have their tem- that makes him remember when get vaccinated. This is incredibly im- where we have been. more security, bathrooms and a space. With the swap meet back, peratures checked before they are he would come with his family and portant to a re-opening this fall.” If you are coming back, it is im- parking lot for more customers, and there is at least a structure as to how allowed to settle in and set up. They search for hidden gems. Gems just Unlike the CSU’s, and UC’s and portant to enroll now, for the up- most importantly space for the ven- spaces will be distributed. are also asked to stay home if they like the new NBA 2K 2012 edition some private universities, the Cal- coming summer session or the fall.” dors to display their merchandise. The swap meet organizers im- do not feel well. for Xbox that he bought and hopes ifornia Community Colleges will The chancellor also spoke about Along with his wife, Rafael sets plemented new guidelines for both Osbaldo Lopez lives in the com- to make a profit with it. not uniformly require students to be Cal Grant reform and support for up two store fronts. One store on shoppers and vendors that can be munity and has been coming to the Francisco Ramos is an LACC vaccinated. The community colleges pending legislation AB 1456. He the inside of the swap meet and found on the website. The guide- swap meet since he was 10 years old. alumnus with an associate degree themselves decide how they will be says it would help students pay for the other store on the outside. The lines are aligned with Gov. Gavin “I think the first thing I bought in natural science and mathematics. run. the true cost of college. It would put couple uses items they purchased Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer was Pokemon Silver for the Game- He says the swap meet is congruent “I fully expect districts will do extra money in the pockets of com- at storage auctions to supply their Economy plan for reopening Cali- boy here,” he said. “It made me sad with the community. whatever they can to ensure the munity college students and take business. They rely on the swap fornia. when the swap meet closed. It felt “The LACC swap meet is a well- safety of everyone returning to our into account the true cost of col- meet to maintain their livelihood. Swap meet organizers informed like a piece of the community left known location that has been campuses,” Oakley said. “And every- lege beyond tuition. The chancellor “No tengo papeles,” Rafael said. the vendors that six-feet social us,” the 27-year-old said. serving the community for de- one should make a plan now to get urged students to visit Icanaffordcol- “Tengo que trabajar, tengo un hijo.” distancing is required, as well as Lopez picked up the hobby of cades,” Ramos said. “Being largely vaccinated if they haven’t already.” legenow.com for more information. (“I don’t have papers. I have to non-surgical facial mask to be worn buying and reselling old games on- a low-income Latin community, the The chancellor told students he Oakley also encouraged students work, I have a son.”) at all times, and a maximum of 10 line. Now he sells videogames at the swap meet is a place that offers the realizes the past year has been diffi- to submit FAFSA before June 30 to Rafael moved here from Mexi- people allowed to assemble. Before swap meet. community a place to buy goods at cult. make sure they get the most money co. He depends on his business to being allowed to enter the swap “For me it was never knowing prices far below retail value.” “All of our students are wrapping possible.
FROM “MARCHERS” PAGE 1 POLICE WIRE
COMPILED BY JAMES DUFFY V
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 any- thing 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 PHOTO BY JUAN MENDOZA Incident #210209210 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 Los Angeles Police Department reported an attempted robbery at 1 triumphs of the labor movement and workers everywhere. p.m. May 8 at Vermont and Melrose Avenues. “Brown folks and Black folks are posed to how immigrant children sion of Mexican art that originated “I was inspired . . . to do some- Description: Attempted robbery tied together by blood,” Abdullah are being treated. in the southeast region of Mexico, thing traditional that represents said. “White supremacy and capital- “I can’t abide concentration camps specifically Puebla, Oaxaca and Ve- the Mexican culture,” Galindo said. Incident # 210209273 ism continue to exploit Black folks for little kids,” May said. “Especially racruz. Mojiganga usually comes “And the mothers, and women Los Angeles Police Department reported an assault with a deadly and Brown folks, so they need us to for the Latino community who has out to dance and mingle during car- in general, who are experiencing weapon at 5:30 p.m. May 9 at the 4400 Block Santa Monica Boulevard. be divided from each other so that done a lot for this country. I can’t si- nival or religious festivities. racism and discrimination in L.A Description: Assault with a deadly weapon (likely to produce great we don’t work together.” lently stand by and say this is not a Eastside Padres is a group of par- schools and at the workplace.” A BLM activist who requested an- problem.” ents, teachers and educators who Galindo says the mojiganga rep- bodily injury) onymity told the Collegian they at- People also gathered in Boyle are based in Boyle Heights and East resents the hard-working immigrant Incident # 210209246 tended the May Day march to fight Heights to recognize May Day, Los Angeles. They are concerned women who clean houses, work at Los Angeles Police Department reported a motor vehicle theft at 5 for power for the people and justice which is also known as Internation- about the saturation of their neigh- the sweatshops, sell products on the p.m. May 10 at the 4600 Block Santa Monica Boulevard. and freedom for everyone. al Workers’ Day. The spectacle of borhood with privately run charter street, make low wages, work long “Especially the ones who are los- indigenous dance and art was the schools. hours and endure poor workplace Description: Robbery (taking property of another by means of ing their lives to LAPD and LASD in center of attention. Eloisa Galindo who is an activist conditions. force or fear) our own city,” they said. “We have to A giant mojiganga activist and artist, carried the mojiganga “A lot of women like the puppet do Incident # 210209269 denounce police brutality. Stop kill- marched down the middle of the throughout the march. She says her not have a social security number,” ing Black and Brown folks.” street representing Eastside-Padres daughters encouraged and help her Galindo said. “And they deserve to May is a member of the LGBTQ Contra la Privatizacion. Mojiganga create something to speak for who have one, to have a better job and to community, and she says she is op- is a giant puppet that is an expres- they are as people. collect the benefits they earned.” SCHOLARSHIPS Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021 7
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 Web- PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH site 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. Food Pantries Offer Free 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 Groceries Near Campus. essay and other requirements on its website. For more information, visit The Great Vision Church https://www.abcfundraising.com/college-scholarship. 4465 W. Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029 Food is available for those in need on the third and fourth AiryHair Cosmetology Major Scholarship PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES DUFFY V Saturdays of the month — 0.3 miles from LACC. The California Community College Transfer Counselors offer $1,500 for Phone: 213-675-8291 American or Canadian students who chose or will choose cosmetology as Hours: Saturday 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. their major. The application deadline is July 15. First Place wins $1,000. Second Place wins $400. Third Place wins $100. Laws 101 Scholarship For more information, visit https://www.airyhair.com/scholarship/. Students who attend or plan to attend law school in the United States may Rosewood United Methodist Church apply for a $2,500 scholarship. The application requires a biography and 4101 Rosewood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004 Altec Design Scholarship essay. The deadline to apply is May 31. For more information, visit https:// Food is available for anyone in need on the first and third Altec Design offers $750 to students who win an essay contest.The deadline laws101.com/law-school-scholarships-grants/. Saturdays of the month — 0.6 miles from LACC. to apply is July 15. Applicants must complete essay answering the following Phone: (323) 423-5961 question: How do you foresee the internet changing your chosen career in PG&E Better Together STEM Scholarships Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. the next 20 years? PG&E Corporation Foundation offers $2,500 or $10,000 to students For more information, visit https://www.altecdesign.com/#web-scholar- pursuing STEM-related studies transferring to universities in Cali- Hollywood Lutheran Church ship. fornia. Students must be California residents and PG&E customers to 1733 N. New Hampshire Ave. Hollywood, CA 90027 American Psychological Association apply. Food is available every Wednesday — one mile from LACC. The deadline to apply is June 1. For more information, visit https:// Phone: (323) 667-1212 The American Psychological Association lists dozens of federal and www.pge.com/en_US/residential/in-your-community/education-pro- Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local research funding opportunities, grants and awards for psychology grams/grants-and-scholarships/scholarship-opportunities/scholar- Metropolitan Community Church of L.A. students.For more information, visit https://www.apa.org/science/about/ ship-opportunities.page. 4607 Prospect Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 psa/2020/04/funding. Food is availabl every Saturday — one mile from LACC. Capital Auto Auction STEM and more Scholarship Medical Billing Service’s Health and Tech Phone: (323) 669-3436 Capital Auto Auction offers up to $1,000 for science, technology, engi- Scholarship Hours: 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. neering, math students, as well as students in related fields. Medical Billing Service Review offers a $1,000 scholarship to an essay The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Aug. 15. contest winner. Applications are due June 30. The scholarship award Hollywood Food Coalition For more information, visit https://www.capitalautoauction.com/about-us/ goes to the applicant who wins a 500-word essay contest on the topic 5939 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 scholarship. of health and technology. Phone: (323) 462-2032 The Earnest Scholarship For more information, visit https://medicalbillingservicereview.com/ Hours: Everyday 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — three miles away. health-and-technology-scholarship/. Blessed Sacrament This scholarship is available at https://www.earnest.com. The Earnest 6657 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 company is giving away $250,000 in scholarships. No essays are required; Food is distributed on Saturday three miles from LACC. neither are entry fees. SkinCare Ox Women’s Scholarship Phone: (323)-874-5577 Enter for a chance to win one of 50 Earnest Scholarships and an applicant SkinCare Ox offers a $1,000 scholarship to a college woman who wins Hours: 9:00 a.m. to noon. could get $5,000 for books, tuition, and more. their essay contest. The application requires a 500-word essay answer- Applicants must be enrolled, or soon be enrolled, as a full-time student at ing their prompt. Applications are due June 30. First Southern Baptist Church of Hollywood an accredited U.S. college or university in fall 2021. There are no minimum For more information, visit https://www.skincareox.com/scholar- 1528 N. Wilton Place, Hollywood CA 90028 GPA, residency, or major requirements. The submission deadline: June 30. ship/#scholarship-application. Phone: 323.466.9631 Heart of Healthcare Nursing Scholarship Hours: Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. BestNursingDegree.com offers $1,000 Honors in Nursing Scholarship. The Jewish Family Service of L.A. deadline to apply is Sept. 1. Location: 8846 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90035 The scholarship lists GPA and other requirements on its website. For more Phone number: 818-988-7682 information, visit https://www.bestnursingdegree.com/nursing/scholar- TALK BACK TO THE EDITORS Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ship/. We are interested in what you have to say. — seven miles from LACC. L.A. Tutors 123 Monthly Scholarship North Hollywood Interfaith Pantry L.A. Tutors 123 offers $500 to students each month. Students must main- 4390 Colfax Ave., Studio City, CA 91604 tain a 3.0 GPA, submit an essay and may reapply until they win. Other qual- Email us at Phone: (818) 760-3575 ifications apply. All submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. on the [email protected] Hours: Mondays and Fridays 7:30 - 11:00 a.m. — eight 20th of each month. For more information, visit https://www.latutors123. miles from LACC. com/scholarships/innovation-in-education. @collegianwired facebook.com/collegianwired Catholic Charities Community Services Center LawnStarter Lawntrepreneur Scholarship 4322 San Fernando Road Glendale, CA 91204 Lawnstarter offers a $1,000 scholarship open to all majors. The money Check us online Phone: (213) 318-3707 is awarded to students who intend to start a business or have worked in collegian.lacc.life Mon-Fri: 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:15to 3:30 p.m. thelawn care field. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Aug. 20. For more information, visit https://www.lawnstarter.com/scholarship. 8 Los Angeles Collegian - Wednesday, May 12, 2021 SPORTS
2021 BASEBALL SEASON OPENS “Go Dodgers” —Serena Ortiz Fans Slide Back into Dodger Stadium Finally, Fans Are Back at Dodger Stadium to Cheer for Their Defending Champions.
BY JONATHAN GUZMAN Go Dodgers!” said Serena Ortiz, a big Dodgers fan from Long Beach. ans can finally buy a ticket to go watch the As a big Dodgers fan, this reporter was ready to watch L.A. Dodgers play at Dodger Stadium in the first pitch thrown out at home in mid-April, when person after more than a year without fans in the Dodgers played the Colorado Rockies. the team’s L.A. home because of COVID-19. “I feel super excited,” said Samuel Rosales from Boyle Safety protocols are the only snag. When Heights. “Feels like I haven’t been here in forever. This the coronavirus hit the United States last is my first time seeing all the new renovations to the March, it forced every sport to stop. Play stadium, they all look amazing. I can’t wait to go eat ended abruptly and stadiums closed. my first Dodger Dog in over a year and cheer on the Major League Baseball (MLB) opened spring training champs. Hoping for a big win tonight!” Fseason last March, but then COVID-19 interrupted the Dodger Stadium underwent $100 million in momentum. It forced baseball to cancel the rest of spring renovations completed last year. This is the first season training and the start of the season. This meant MLB that fans can enjoy the improvements. fans around the world could not watch their favorite “Since I bought today’s game tickets a couple weeks teams or go to the stadium to watch them play. This ago,” said Peter Campos from Pomona. “I was waiting lasted about four and a half months until finally baseball for this day to come because this is my first game since came back in July. But fans were not allowed in the 2019 because of COVID. The Dodgers had an amazing stadium. Baseball players had to play in empty stadiums year last year … and I watched that with my family at with cardboard cutouts of fans. Dodgers fans all last home. I’m just really happy to be back here to see the season were cheering on the Boys in Blue from their champs play.” homes. The Dodgers were the best team in baseball last Many fans say they missed being at Dodger Stadium. season and made the playoffs and won the World Series Ortiz sat at a safe social distance from the 15,000 other for the first time since 1988. fans who clapped and cheered for the Dodgers against During the playoffs and the World Series, the state of the Rockies. Texas allowed fans back to Globe Life Field to watch the “It’s like the happiest place on earth for me,” said Rangers, but with only around 11,000 fans and safety Ortiz who is a diehard fan. I know for some people it’s protocols in place. Disneyland, but for me it’s Dodger Stadium. I’m a season In Los Angeles, that did not happen because of the ticketholder, so I come to many games every year. We large numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths. can finally celebrate the championship and see them So, Dodger Stadium was closed during the World play. We are going to win today and be champs again Series and Dodgers fans had to watch their team win the this year.” World Series from home. A lot of fans went home with a sense of fulfillment The 2021 MLB season is in full swing, and with after the Dodgers beat the Rockies. PHOTOS BY JONATHAN GUZMAN approval from state officials, baseball fans can now go “I really missed this place, the fans, and the Dodgers,” Baseball fans return to Dodger Stadium with plenty of elbow room while social distancing protocols are in place on April 15. The World Champion to stadiums to watch their team play live with reduced said Derek Garcia after the game. “We won, so it was a Dodgers beat the Rockies 7 to 5. capacity and safety protocols. great game. Can’t wait to be back.”
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VAMA SERIES
Rage Against the Normies: How Outsider Freaks Won the Internet. BY JAMES DUFFY V outsiders gained traction. Soon, internet outcasts spread their gospel of n the aftermath of Donald Trump’s pain and contempt for elites and institutions to a presidency, failed coup and lingering at receptive nation. the fringe of power, diagnosing Trump’s American Defamation League added Pepe to ascendency is a national pastime. its hate symbol registry in 2016. Furie could not Internet odd balls from Reddit and 4Chan have imagined his loveable critter used for hate. message claim the mantle of kingmaker. To The director of “Feels Good Man” saw the meme’s their minds, they won the White House for evolution signified the state of American society. their ordained candidate with memes. “The news media was baffled. Why was The memers’ sacred vessel is a personified Trump tweeting an internet meme that had been frog named “Pepe.” Matt Furie, the appropriated by, among others, white supremacists animator, named him that because it sounded and school shooters?” Jones said in a statement. Ilike ‘pee pee.’ In the comic’s most famous scene, “To me, however, it made perfect sense.” Pepe urinates with his pants down. Chided by his To Jones, the frog phenomenon, with its roommate later, Pepe explains, “Feels good, man.” expressions of self-loathing, indifference, hatred Arthur Jones’ Sundance Award-winning and callous triumph is an expression of the documentary, “Feels Good Man,” starring Matt “current moment.” Furie, takes its name from Pepe’s infamous VAMA professor Eugene Ahn invited Jones after micturition. discussing his film with him in person. In “Feels Good Man,” Furie explains his “I think this film has a valuable message, not just character, who became an international icon for film or art students, but journalism, politics and for the alt right, was born out of dorm room many others,” Ahn said. Arthur Jones directs the vulgarity. A joke about urinating with one’s Jones joined LACC via Zoom for a lecture on the film “Feels Good Man,” pants down morphed across the internet as a craft and ideas behind his film on May 13. an official selection of symbol of basement dwellers’ ennui. Celebrities, In “Feels Good Man,” Furie fights to reclaim his the U.S. Documentary Instagrammers, and other “normies” proliferated creation from the winking purveyors of hate. Competition at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. the frog meme. Internet memers and 4Channers Viewers decide whether he is successful. Photo Courtesy of Sun- struck back. They decorated the frogman with The film is available to stream for all LACCD dance Institute | photo swastikas and other symbols of hate. Enter the students, faculty or staff through May 20 on college by Jim Newberry. Donald. While the frog was associated with website at https://lacitycollege.edu/Calendar/ Trump’s campaign on the web, his message to 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 2 PHOTO BY DELIA ROJAS
COMING SOON: 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. RUBEN SALAZAR