The Corsair - Volume 123 - Issue 4 (Spring 2022) by Santa Monica College

April 6, 2022 | VOLUME 123 ISSUE 4 | SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Associated Students Under The Lens Read More on Page 3

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April 6, 2022

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Every year on a small college campus in Santa Monica, California the Associated Students of Santa Monica College hold an election for 13 positions. The Associated Students (A.S.) is the student-led government responsible for representing the student body of Santa Monica College (SMC.) A.S. funds student activities such as club fairs and culinary events, listens to student comments and concerns through public meetings, and manages a budget of nearly 1 million dollars. The A.S. has the potential to greatly impact students’ time at SMC, as they have power over clubs, provide resources for students, and are a liaison between students and organizations like grassroots political movements, and campus departments and services. Regardless, many students are not aware of the A.S, what they do, or who they are. In the 2021 election cycle, a mere 435 students decided which students would be representing them and fighting for their needs. Meanwhile, SMC enrolled 41,160 credit and noncredit students in the 2020-2021 academic school year. That means that in the 2021 A.S. election, one percent of the student population elected the board that would make decisions that would impact 100 percent of students. Students have the opportunity to have a say in their student government, and it is important that students’ right to elect student officials is not overlooked. The A.S. Directors should be by the people for the people. But if the majority of students are not voting, then we cannot guarantee that the A.S. is governing in the interest of our students. Getting involved with A.S. through their public meetings allows us to better understand the operations of our student government. It is important to reach out to your student leaders when you have an issue you would like to address. Even when students are not aware of the A.S, the A.S. is making decisions that have the potential to affect the entire student body. As a freshman at SMC this year, I was not well informed about the A.S. until I joined The Corsair. As Editor-in-Chief this semester, I was in charge of guiding The Corsair’s A.S. team in the coverage of the A.S. and the A.S. election. From interviewing current members and candidates, writing articles, and hosting a Candidate's Forum, our A.S. team has grown more and more knowledgeable about the mechanisms of A.S. But our newfound knowledge would have not been possible without researching A.S. and speaking to its members. The A.S. members you elect will not only be making important decisions but also representing students. It is important we elect representatives who care for students, are aware of our needs and wants, and will fight for equality. Though it is easy for many to feel apathetic towards elections, exercising the right to vote is one of the most important things you can do as a student.

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FRONT PAGE Illustration by Gavin Quinton

Katheryne Menendez Editor-in-Chief

NEWS

April 6, 2022

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Candidates’ Conduct Called Into Question Jackson Tammariello | News Editor Sarah Nachimson | Copy Editor

he two presidential candidates for Santa Monica College (SMC) Associated Students (A.S.), current Director of Student Advocacy Kamiko Greenwood and Inter-Club Council Vice Chair Olivia Taha, clashed at a A.S Board of Directors meeting on Monday, April 4. During the meeting, Greenwood asserted that an unnamed student at SMC had emailed her about an alleged online profile about Taha on the website Canary Mission, under the name Olivia Hazin. The anonymous site claims to document “individuals and organizations that promote hatred of the USA, Israel and Jews on North American college campuses.” This profile alleged that Taha made

several antisemitic remarks on past social media posts on Facebook and Twitter. Board members questioned Taha on the veracity of the alleged posts. “If these are not your quotes, then you can definitely have a case against them,” A.S. Director of Instructional Support Denise White-Odimo said. Board members also questioned the timing of the released information. “It seems to be quite convenient that it's been brought to the attention of the Board now, which I think is strange, it's too strange to be serendipitous or circumstantial,” A.S. Vice President Dominic Prendergast said. Despite efforts by the Board to affirm that the meeting was not the appropriate channel to issue such allegations due to conflict of interest, the heated discussion continued for several

minutes. Greenwood claimed during the meeting that she brought forth this alleged information to honor the unnamed student’s wishes. “This has nothing to do with my candidacy, that's irrelevant in the sense of what has come forth,” Greenwood said. “As of now, statistically, your next president will be elected by Friday, but it may not remain your next president, if there are any official complaints filed,” A.S. President Joshua Elizondo said to The Corsair. He explained that the Election Committee cannot take action against either candidate to determine if there was any violation unless a formal complaint is filed. As of April 5, no student has filed a formal complaint against Taha or Greenwood. In the event of a complaint, the Elec-

tions Committee would deliberate on the proper course of action, such as investigation into the legitimacy of the alleged posts and possible conflict of interest on the part of Greenwood. Taha denied the allegations made against her. “These things that are being said about me are not true in any way, shape, or form,” she said. Taha also expressed discomfort because the allegations of antisemitism against her at the meeting took her by suprise. “It was embarrassing. I was humiliated. I was crying,” she said. Taha said she would neither confirm or deny that she posted the antisemitic posts alleged by the Canary Mission profile because of what she said is a pending legal matter. Greenwood did not respond to The Corsair’s request for comment.

The Faces of Student Leadership Jackson Tammariello | News Editor

n March 28, The Corsair sat down with Joshua Elizondo, the President of Santa Monica College (SMC) Associated Students (A.S.), and Dominic Prendergast, the Vice President of A.S., in the Student Services Center to discuss the responsibilities of their positions and the challenges A.S. has faced in a virtual environment. Despite a student population of nearly 30,000 at SMC, the school’s past A.S. elections have received abysmal voter turnout. In 2018, 1,734 students voted – around 5 percent of the total number of enrolled students. The number rose up to 2,327 students in 2019, but when the pandemic swept the nation in 2020 and pushed everyone online, participation fell drastically, with 490 students voting. In 2021, only 435 students voted.“It is unacceptable that I was elected by 300 and some students when there's a population of 30,000 here,” A.S. President Elizondo said. Elizondo, who previously served as SMC Student Trustee in 2020, shared his opinion on the reason for the lack of student participation. “I don't think that that is just because of the virtual world,” he said. “It shows that the student engagement on campus and the directors asking for voting, and asking for people to be in-person and talking about voting was what was the driving force.” He argued that students should not be the only voice advocating for themselves. Instead, he thinks the admin-

"A.S. President Joshua Elizondo (Left) and A.S. Vice President Dominic Prendergast (Right) gathered for an on-camera interview in the SMC student services center in Santa Monica, Calif. on Monday, March 28"

istration needs to step up with their encouragement of student participation.“And I felt like that was – while it is great that students advocate for themselves, it shouldn't be on the students to have students be the participation at the college, the college needs to also step up.” A.S. Vice President Prendergast also voiced his concern over the lack of student engagement. "Associated Students is a beautiful part of our student

community, but I feel in some ways, is disconnected from the student body, because students aren't aware of everything that we do and who we are, and our purpose, and our mission,” he said. “I think that's evident in the amount of students that vote in elections," As their terms come to an end, both student leaders cautioned their successors not to enter their positions overconfident or overly ambitious for change over their short term.

“I would recommend to my successors not to rock the boat too hard,” Elizondo said. He also offered advice to those who approach more contentious topics in their campaigns. “There are several candidates at the moment that have spoken about many issues that are very controversial,” he said. “I do think that while you're in your position, it's one year, you don't have a long time to transform the college into change.” While Prendergast suggested that ‘rocking the boat’ isn’t always a bad thing, he urged against making changes and decisions that would be in promotion of one’s leadership and self-serving, instead of being altruistic. He urged candidates to consider all students, not just themselves, when making decisions with the incoming Board.“Be able to work collaboratively, and to take on Board feedback, and welcome advice and suggestions that you don't want to hear as equally as the ones that you do want to hear,” he said. There are currently eight positions on the ballot during this election, which includes the position of A.S. President. A.S. Vice President, along with four others, will become vacant after the election ends, as there are no candidates running for those roles. The election runs from Monday, April 4 at 12 a.m., to Thursday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m. The results will be announced on Friday, April 8 at 9 a.m.

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(Right) An event attendee passes by the mirror that is set up in front of the Solit Vintage booth at the Black Market Flea in Los Angeles, on Sunday, March 27. (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)

national Women's y in Los Angeles

(Right) Artist Jessica Donatella creates a portrait live at the Black Market Flea in Los Angeles, on Sunday, March 27. (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)

Artist Jessica Donate Flea in Los Angeles, o The Corsair)

ella creates a portrait live at the Black Market on Sunday, March 27. (Anna Sophia Moltke |

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(Left) Event-goers watch as Kid Bosco AKA Josiah Davis signs the back of the artwork he finished painting live at the Black Market Flea in Los Angeles, on Sunday, March 27, 2022 (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)

Cultural Celebration at The Black Market Flea Sydney Adams-Smith | Staff Writer The Black Market Flea is a monthly in Los Angeles which describes itself as a space for Black businesses and creatives. On Sunday, March 27, vendors from The Black Flea Market lined The Beehive, an outdoor event venue in South Los Angeles, from 10 a.m to 7 p.m.. The creator and host, Mayah Hatcher, aims to provide an opportunity for people to support Black businesses while enjoying authentic Black culture. Customers can find a vast variety of products from vendors at the events. Booths offer everything from their own fashion line to tarot readings. A stage beside a grassy field showcased some live music performances in the afternoon. Other creatives performed live painting sessions. Josiah Davis, who makes visual art as Kid Bosko and currently is an art resident at Pixar Studios, provided The Black Market Flea attendees the chance to see his creative process with an in-person drawing session. At the event, he created pastel portraits with stylized character design and a red-brown color palette. Another visual artist, Jessica Donatella Jackson, also gave onlookers a glimpse into her creative process as she painted realistic portraits with vibrant color palettes. Some of her artwork produced at The Black Market Flea was in the style of Renaissance Art. She felt inspired to craft because, as a Black woman, she saw a lack of representation in the subjects of pieces from that period.

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A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

April 6, 2022

Activists Walk-Out as Disney Meanders port against the bill. Washington posted a Tweet expressing her support for the walkout, saying, “I don’t condone the actions or inactions of Disney at this moment. I wholeheartedly support the LGBTQIA+ employees, and stand with them in this walk out today. Please know that you matter. Your rights matter. Your voices matter. I encourage you all to help their voices ring louder today.” In addition, Gad tweeted “To all of my friends in the LGBTQ community & those under the wide and diverse Disney banner, I love you. I stand with you and I have your back. Everyone should feel heard, safe & protected.” Union, whose stepdaughter is transgender, mentioned at the premiere for her remake of Cheaper by the Dozen, “We need to own that if Illustration by Aaron Schuchman you truly are taking stands against hate and oppression, you should not fund hate and oppression. Period.” Aaron Schuchman | Design Editor Santa Monica College (SMC) stuhe Walt Disney Company’s dents also spoke out against the response to Florida’s Pa- legislation. Holden Douglas, who is rental Rights in Education a Santa Monica College (SMC) SophBill, which critics named the omore and Media Studies major felt “Don’t Say Gay” law, recieved strong that, “Certain discrimination hapreactions from on-screen Disney pens in America because there’s a stars. The bill, known as HB 1557, was higher authority who wants to show signed into law by Florida Governor what they can do.” Holden praised the Ron Desantis on March 28, 2022 and leading figures of the walkout, saying “Certain figures such as actors and goes into effect on July 1, 2022. It’s goal is to restrict classroom celebrities walking off set in response instruction on sexual orientation to an anti-LGBTQ+ act such as this and gender-identity. Desantis said one shows how powerful their voices can be. This goes in a Miami Herald Article that the goal of “This type of an- to show that these celebrities are able to HB 1557 is “to provide protection for parents ti-LGBTQ+ discrim- take a stand and make and enforce parents’ ination is terrifying their case stronger.” Regarding the rights over the educain many ways since “Don’t Say Gay” bill, tion of their children to prevent a trend of it is an attempt to Dr. Yamissette West“sexualizing children,” move backwards." erband, an SMC Gender Studies Professor that he claimed is runand faculty advisor ning rampant in other states.” In protest of Disney’s inaction, hundreds of for SMC's Gender Sexuality Alliance Disney employees were reported to Club said “This type of anti-LGBTQ+ have staged a walkout from Disney’s discrimination is terrifying in many headquarters in Burbank, Calif., on ways since it is an attempt to move backwards." Dr. Westerband went on March 22, according to CSNBC. Raven Symone, star of the Disney to say, "Histories have been silenced channel hit “Raven’s Home” spoke and since our society has made progout via social media in response to the ress, this type of act makes it now feel Florida law. A March 22 clip from Ra- like we’re being policed.” Like Holdven’s Instagram showcased the for- en, Westerband applauded the work mer “That’s So Raven” star encour- of activists, saying “Social media as aging viewers to “support, support, well as walkouts to fight this legislasupport” the movement to block the tion show that society has the power legislation. Besides Symone, other to fight back, and political voices are Disney Stars including Kerry Wash- strong enough to resist this.” ington from Cars 3, Frozen’s Josh Gad, and Cheaper by the Dozen’s Gabrielle Union took to other platforms such as Twitter to express their sup-

April 6, 2022

C U LT U R E

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Jessica Gabrielle (left) shares a laugh with a customer, next to Ashley Rian (right). They are co-owners of Nova Sage. Vegan Exchange in North Hollywood, Calif on Sunday, March 20, 2022 (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)

L.A. Vegan Exchange Serves Up Vibes

Sydney Adams-Smith | Staff Writer

booth and food truck, customers are greeted by vendors with warm personstreet market crafted by veg- alities ready to assist them. “Everyone ans with the goal of creating is so nice, there’s just something for a close knit community wel- everyone.” Customer Jeannette Elliot said. When speaking about the vendors coming to all. Jessica Cruz and fellow vendors Elliot said, “They’re clearly well educatstart their day with positive affirma- ed about what they’re doing and pastions and an energetic dance rally to sionate.” Cruz’s inspiration for the Vegan Exget them excited and prepared for a successful day on Chandler Blvd, home change wasn’t only to create a loving environment, but also to destigmatize of the Vegan Exchange. The organizer of the Vegan Ex- veganism. “For me, any vegan event change, Jessica Cruz, started the event that I’ve ever done is all about bringing with the need for more convenient veg- vegan food to people who otherwise wouldn’t try it." Cruz an friendly food op"You know, you tions. She explained "Vibes! You walk in said. can beat people over how Los Angeles had so many vegan spots, here and you feel it the head with animal yet they rarely got any immediately. You see cruelty, but I don’t think that people typically recognition. The Vegan Ex- it in people’s energy." change that way, I think it’s very intrinsic.” change is a weekly vegOne thing that many customers, an market based in North Hollywood. Different vendors sell food, clothing, vendors, and the organizer could all skincare, and more that are all vegan agree on, was that the vibe of the Vegan and cruelty-free. The venue is free to Exchange experience is a very unique enter, with the goal of creating a veg- and positive one. Jessica Gabrielle, vendor of Nova an-based positive space for all attendees. “I want every single person to walk Sage, describes the Vegan Exchange in here and feel like they see themselves eperience as, “Really amazing vibes, represented in the vendors, in the peo- very supportive vibrations." Gabrielle goes on to say, "It’s differple, it’s a good vibe, it’s a good energy,” ent from other markets because evCruz said. Creating a welcoming environment erybody here is being so mindful. It’s is just as important to the vendors as it a different level of care when you have is to the organizer. Upon arrival at every people who care for themselves that

Alexis Sark holds a box of vegan lemon-pepper chicken wings from the food truck Drippin Wangs. Vegan Exchange in North Hollywood, Calif on Sunday, March 20, 2022 (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)

much, they’re also caring for you that way.” When asked if she could describe Vegan Exchange with one word, organizer Cruz also used vibes. “Vibes! You walk in here and you feel it immediately. You see it in people’s energy. You never see an unhappy person at Vegan Exchange ever.” She said. COVID-19 caused the market to take an 18 month pause, but the vibes

still remained. Cruz expressed that she and her team strictly keep up with the mandates and follow the Los Angeles County guidelines to ensure the safety of everybody involved in the weekly market. Jessica Cruz wanted Vegan Exchange to feel like a home to all, whilst building a safe community and destigmatizing veganism one food truck at a time.

People standing in line to order at Dinas Dumplings at the Vegan Exchange in North Hollywood, Calif on Sunday, March 20, 2022 (Anna Sophia Moltke | The Corsair)

SPORTS

April 6, 2022

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SMC Women’s Tennis to the Top Jorge Devotto Ordoñez | Staff Writer

anta Monica College (SMC) student and Women's tennis player Nicole West just finished her undefeated regular season. She went undefeated in all of her singles and doubles matches, making her the top player in the Western State Conference (WSC) of the California Community College Athletic Association. On Tuesday, March 22, she defeated Anna Kynclova of Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) in her last game of the season (6-3, 6-3) to secure her spot for the State Championships. Freshmen women's tennis player Kai Nikchevich also finished undefeated in all of her singles matches this season, making her the second rankeWd player in the WSC. Both West and Nikchevich went 11-0 in their respective singles matches. Nikchevich and West share an amazing season not just with their individual success but also as a doubles team, as they went 11-0, earning them the top rank in the WSC. They both have a shot to win this year's Western State Championships tournament individually as singles and as a team. “I didn’t meet Kai until our first match this year…we’ve never even practiced together, just played.” said West. West’s coming to the sport is thanks to her grandfather from Russia who used to play over there. He encouraged Nicole to the sport since the young age of five. His imprint is with her. West has a job as a tennis coach and assistant coach during the week for players of different ages. “You cannot put the work you need to put in if you don’t like what you are doing...keep the love for the game." said West. Those are her words of advice to her players. She is still undecided on her major, although she’s taken most of econom-

Infographic by Gavin Quinton

Santa Monica College Corsairs women's tennis player Nicole West, during her singles match against Anna Kynclova, of the Los Angeles Mission College Eagles. West won the match 6-3, 6-3. The Corsairs won the box score 6-3. Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Ocean View Park, Santa Monica, Calif. (Nicholas McCall | The Corsair)

ic and business classes on the school program so far. “I chose SMC because has a good tennis program and also the transfer rate.” said West. “I actually have never taken a class on campus.” said West. She is a fulltime student that has never stepped foot on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing a shift towards remote learning. “This is first time playing on the tournament…and I am very excited representing SMC”, West said. The Western State Championships

tournament began on of Friday, April 1. Over the weekend, West advanced to the singles Conference Final and will face Kynclova of LAMC yet again for the WSC singles championship on Friday, April 8 at 11 a.m. at Ventura College. West and Nikchevich also won their doubles quarterfinals match have a chance to advance to the Western State Championship Finals. They have a doubles semifinals match scheduled at 1 p.m. that same day. “There is a lot of pressure because of my seating (position) on the tour-

nament”. said West. She prepares for her games by sleeping early the night before and starting the day with a big, healthy breakfast. After graduating from SMC, West is aiming for a school with a Division I tennis program. She mentioned that UCLA is in her heart, but she believes it is also an academically challenging and difficult school to be accepted to. West hopes her momentum, and these championships could tip the balance towards her higher education dreams.

The Corsair - Volume 123 - Issue 4 (Spring 2022)

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