The Corsair - Issue 1 (Fall 2021) by Santa Monica College

September, 14 2021 | Volume 122 Issue 1 | Santa Monica College

CONTENT

Sports| pg. 3 News | pg. 4-7 Arts & Entertainment | pg. 8

FACULTY ADVISORS Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins | Journalism Adviser Gerard Burkhart | Photo Adviser Sharyn Obsatz | Social Media Adviser

CONTACT Editor in Chief | corsair.editorinchief@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram | @corsairnews Twitter | @the_corsair Facebook | thecorsairnews YouTube | thecorsaironline

WEBSITE www.thecorsaironline.com

FRONT COVER A Beverly Hills Fire Honor Guard stands at the 9/11 Memorial Garden, at the 20th year Commemoration of 9/11, at the Beverly Hills Fire Department in Beverly Hills, California, Saturday, September 11,2021. The annual ceremony honors those who lost their lives on September 11,2001. (Grace Wexler | The Corsair)

Illustration by Sarah Nachimson

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

n the night of Wednesday, September 13, 2021, two Corsair staff members were accosted at a Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom rally in Long Beach, CA. Verbally assaulted, and chased down the road, the two journalists made their way out as quickly as possible.

“You’re going to die from your vaccine! You are going to hell!” Said the crowd, which continued to follow both of The Corsair staff members to their car. The verbal assault didn’t end there either. One member of the staff was repeatedly referred to as a derogatory slur because of the messenger bag he carried on his hip. The Staff was taunted, after an attempt to protect a fellow journalist who was on his own. There are many lessons that can be taken from their incident. One of the most important things we say here at The Corsair is to “Always know your exit strategy” wherever you go.Whether it be a protest, a rally, even a normal press job. You should know your exit strategy. It’s a strategy that I have begun to apply to everything in my life - “Know your exit.” Know when to stop in time for self care, or a mental break. I think over 2020, (the year of the pandemic, and a nail biting election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump) we learned the value of our exit from normal society.

What was supposed to be a first edition issue about returning to campus, and the excitement that it brings, has become one about the California Gubernatorial Recall and the hatred it has incited thus far. Especially towards some of our own here at the Corsair. In my eyes, The Corsair is a family. As such we must protect our own. The “proud boys” and their ignorance can spew hatred all they like, but they will never break the spirit of our team. In the past few weeks, as we’ve begun our journey together at The Corsair, I have iterated a million times that, as a team, we are here to build one another up, and make sure that everyone is doing their absolute best. The staff members that I have on my team this semester are as witty and talented as they are diverse, and it brings a breath of fresh air to the depressing news that has plagued California these last few weeks. I am proud to be leading them as Editor in Chief and see myself not only as their leader but on the same team as them. I hope to lead this semester’s Corsair staff into their very best selves that they can be, and hope that they know their exit, whatever that may look like.

Editor-In-Chief

It is a true wonder that here in 2021, we are still begging the harassers, climate deniers, racists, anti-vaxxers, and those who oppose LGBTQIA+ issues, to open their minds, even just a little. The extreme aggression towards the media, and minor communities, continues with what seems like no end. Said aggression, has brought forth an insurrection at our nation’s capital, a police officer that made international news for the murder of an innocent Black man, and has allowed the ignorant underbelly of America to show in a way that is more menacing than ever before.

Ashley Cox

September 14, 2021

SPORTS

SMC Basketball to Host In-Person Attendance Flynn Traynor |Staff Writer

oshua Thomas, Head Coach of Men's Basketball gave the Corsair insight into the team's 2021-2022 season. Students are able to sit court-side this season.With in-person classes and activities slowly becoming available to students, Santa Monica College’s (SMC) basketball team, the Corsairs, returns to the court. Coach Thomas has led the team for the past 5 seasons.

Under Thomas’s lead, the Corsairs advanced to the 2018-2019 CCCAA State Tournament. This was the first time since 1988 that the Corsairs qualified. Thomas received the CCCMBCA State Championships Coaches Award for his efforts in the 2019 season. Thomas took it upon himself to keep the team united through numerous phone and zoom calls to his players. He attempted hosting practices online due to the pandemic’s in-person restrictions on practice. When asked about how this year's upcoming season differs from previous ones, Coach Thomas said “There are protocols in place that we are required to follow.” These protocols are put in place in order to protect our players and the community at large. Coach Thomas said that the biggest change for the team is “being more aware of Covid.” The Santa Monica College Athletics Director Reggie Ellis clarified the requirements for students wanting to attend upcoming basketball games, saying “Students will be able to attend the games with proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event.” According to SMC's athletic page, “Fans must wear face coverings, social distance from those not in their immediate family group, and refrain from going on the playing surfaces before or after contests.” when in attendance. Looking forward to this season, Thomas said “our biggest rival is West LA college, our neighbor school only about five miles away.” The Corsairs will face off against West LA College twice this season. Their first matchup will be at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the Corsair gym. The men’s basketball team will kick off their season against Cypress College at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, in the Corsair gym.

SMC Men’s Basketball Head Coach Joshua Thomas discusses a call with a referee in the final regular-season home game on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the Corsair Pavilion Gymnasium. The Corsairs won the game against West Los Angeles College 91-81 in front of a crowd of 255 people from both schools. (Glenn Zucman | The Corsair)

NEWS

September 14, 2021

Partisan Pro-Recall Demonstrations as Biden Campaigns for Newsom Rally Gavin Quinton | News Editor

n Monday, Sept. 13, President Biden paid a visit to Long Beach City College the evening prior to the recall election of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. He encouraged voters to reject the Republican recall and advocated for his “Build Back Better” initiative. Attendance at the rally was invite-only. Critics of Newsom and Biden were left to protest on the streets outside of the campus. Hundreds came clad with “Blue Lives Matter” flags, “Make America Great Again” caps, and sported signs reading “Trump Won'' and “The Pandemic is Communism.” Long-time Long Beach resident Bernard Gizzy, who attended the gathering, said “Biden’s bringing the country down. They’re shutting down all the businesses, and making us get the vaccine.” Onlookers, Autumn Mallette and Nova Tryk, said they were targeted by the crowd for wearing their face coverings. After the Biden motorcade began its journey from the college to the airport, two staff members of The Corsair and another journalist were tailed, verbally assaulted and physically attacked during a two block trek back to their vehicles. Many in the crowd targeted the journalists by their facemasks, saying “take off your mask.” Ten to Fifteen protesters hurled empty cans, trash and street cones at the journalists, shouting slurs and threats captured in an audio recording, “You’re filth. You are going to die from your vaccine, mark my words. Your kids will suffer. Burn in hell.” These attacks resulted in no serious injuries. In the safety of the school building, Gov. Newsom acknowledged the wildfires which are currently ravaging much of the state, discussed the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and urged Californians to vote no in tomorrow’s recall election. To conclude, he said that “Trumpism is still on the ballot.” “The eyes of the Nation are on California,” Biden addressed voters, doubling down on Newsom’s closing sentiments. Biden criticized leading Republican candidate Larry Elder, saying “He’s the clone of Donald Trump. Can you imagine him being Governor of this state? You can’t let that happen.” Larry Elder, Newsom’s biggest challenger, is a conservative talk show personality. He is well-known for his vow to lift the current California public health mandates. Elder has already begun contesting the election results as fraud, declaring they point to a Newsom victory. He went as far as to launch a website “Stop CA Fraud” wherein he perpetuates the unfounded claim. He cites “statistical analysis,” though no analysis is yet possible given the votes are still uncounted. Protester Don Kay tended to an approximately 8 foot tall, 12 foot wide “Proud Boys” banner and warned of election meddling. He said “They found out earlier today that there might be fraud in this election too ... we have to fight this. It is the fall of our republic.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at his recall election rally on Saturday, September 5, 2021 at Culver City High School in Culver City, California. (Maxim Elramsisy | The Corsair)

California Governor Gavin Newsom's recall election rally on Saturday, September 5, 2021 at Culver City High School in Culver City, California. (Maxim Elramsisy | The Corsair)

There is currently no evidence to support the claim that widespread voter fraud has taken place in this recall election. This political strategy, which has become increasingly popular in Republican circles, started with Donald Trump’s infamous “Big Lie” allegations surrounding the 2020 presidential election results which ultimately

lead to the Jan. 6 insurrection on the US Capitol.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's recall election rally on Saturday, September 5, 2021 at Culver City High School in Culver City, California. (Maxim Elramsisy | The Corsair)

NEWS

September 14, 2021

Opportunity Burglaries at SMC Marlene Herrera| Staff Writer

ith some in-person classes resuming at Santa Monica College (SMC) during the Fall Semester of 2021, Chief of SMC Campus Police Johnnie Adams dives into the systems in place which help protect not only students and faculty members but also the campus and the surrounding community. Santa Monica College remained closed nearly a year due to COVID-19. Chief Adams explained burglaries took place “because no one was around” and labeled this type of crime “Opportunity Burglaries.” He said, “typically in a year we have around 400 [to] 500 reports. This year we are now on number 67. So you can see from COVID, there’s not a lot of activity.” During the lockdown, one out of the three emergency trailers, owned by SMC, was stolen off Parking Lot 5 on Pearl St. during the middle of the night. This emergency trailer was equipped with a generator, emergency food and medical supplies as preparation for a possible earthquake. The thief used a UHAUL truck with stolen license plates to drive away with the trailer. It was re-

covered but the supplies had long been taken and the case remains an open investigation. Chief Adams labeled this burglary as “the biggest one we’ve had.” Steel bar boots have since been placed on the remaining two emergency trailers. Chief Adams said that the campus experiences mostly “minor thefts.” For example, the Bookstore was targeted during the lockdown, power cords around campus were stolen, and a staff member left a car window down at the parking structure at the Bundy campus allowing a passerby to break in. “ This was a crime of opportunity." The first order of system placed by the SMC Police Department is the direct phone line: (310) 434 - 4300. Chief Adams says that “If you dial 911, it’s not coming through the college, it’s going to the local cell tower which then goes to Santa Monica P.D.” It creates a delay in help arriving to assist you. Directly contacting the campus police will ensure quicker aid. To find the phone number, download the SMC GO Application, click on the Menu tab, scroll down to the Tools section and click “Campus Emergency.” The LiveSafe Safety Application is being developed and will be integrated with the SMC GO App, allowing stu-

Chief of police at Santa Monica College Adams in his office elaborating on the Livesafe Safety App for students on campus. On the wall behind hangs a plaque which he was given for his service in the FBI below that on the Counter is his challenge coin collection. (Neil O’Loughlin | The Corsair)

dents to upload pictures, texts, videos and audio recordings. SMC operates under 1300 video surveillance cameras, recording 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Campus police dispatchers have access to 30 live feed cameras at all times. Chief Adams said, "the cameras are a huge deterrent in a lot of crimes.” “I think we are very fortunate. We have a good community who are diligent.” Chief Adams said he “anticipates that there will be a lot more activity as we have more students come on campus... We have many systems in place so that if we get alerted to it we respond right away.” To learn more about SMC safety visit here.

Chief of police at Santa Monica College (SMC) Jonnie Adams showing off the school's comprehensive camera system on all SMC campuses from his office computer . (Neil O’Loughlin | The Corsair)

NEWS

September 14, 2021

9/11 memorial service at Beverly Hills Fire department Shawnee Lightfoot Hernandez | Managing Editor

aturday marked the 20th anniversary of one of this nation's most traumatic events: the terrorist attacks 9/11. Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) hosted their annual commemoration ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial Garden located on 445 N. Rexford Drive.

On 8:41 a.m Eastern Standard Time (EST) Sept. 11, 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration alerted American Airlines operations center that Flight 11 was officially hijacked. At 8:46 a.m. EST, Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Shortly after, United Airlines Flight 175 struck the World Trade Center’s South Tower at 9:03 a.m. EST. Two more flights were hijacked that day. American Airlines Flight 77 later crashed into the Pentagon while United Flight 93 missed the target for DC, and, instead, crashed near a field outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A total of 2,977 people were killed. The Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD), police department, city council, citizens, and Mayor Robert Wunderlinch came together in support of the memorial event. The memorial center is focused around a 130-foot, 1,900-pound bent steel beam salvaged from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Surrounding the 18-foot tall artifact are replicas of both towers, the pentagon, and the grassy field near Shanksville. Stainless steel plaques embedded around the site also contained the names of all 2,977 people who lost their lives to this act of hatred. This includes 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 emergency medical technicians. The Beverly Hills official 9/11 Memorial Garden website said that the garden “Serves to honor all those who were lost, those devoted to keeping America safe, and honoring equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Tim Scranton, former Fire Chief of the BHFD says how the memorial represents the fact that “American strength [has] in fact prevailed” after such a detrimental event in our history. Scranton also described the struggle and process it took in order to make the idea for the memorial a reality. After several months of contacting the right people, fighting court orders, and getting approvals from city managers and board authorities, the steel beam was chosen as the focal artifact. The entirety of the project was volunteer-based, and raised $600,000 through private donors to assist with the monument’s construction. Architects, landscape artists, construction workers, and caring citizens came together as a community to plan and create this remembrance memorial. The BHFD ceremony gave thanks to

A Beverly Hills Fire Honor Guard stands at the 9/11 Memorial Garden, at the 20th year Commemoration of 9/11, at the Beverly Hills Fire Department in Beverly Hills, California, Saturday, September 11,2021. The annual ceremony honors those who lost their lives on September 11,2001. (Grace Wexler / The Corsair)

those on the founding committee and those who volunteered. A special thanks was given to the Beverly Hills Rotary President Mitch Dawson, the first to partner and financially support the cause. Because of Dawson, the funds were secured for the beam’s transportation from New York to Los Angeles. The ceremony closed with the Ringing of the Bell, and the Lowering of the Flag to half-mast. This symbolized the first responders whose heroism cost them their lives. This event takes place annually on September 11, in the center of Beverly Hills, between City Hall and Fire Department 1, and all are encouraged to attend. For more information or to make a donation please visit www.beverlyhills911memorial.org. The Beverly Hills Color Guard follows a bagpiper to the 9/11 Memorial Garden at the Bevery Hills Fire Department, Beverly Hills California, Saturday, September 11,2021, for a 20th Year Commemoration of 9/11 Memorial, The annual ceremony honors those who lost their lives on September 11,2001. (Grace Wexler | The Corsair)

September 14, 2021

NEWS

Santa Monica College Requires Vaccines For All On-Campus Students Sarah Nachimson | Arts & Entertainment Editor

& Roxana Blacksea| Staff Writer

s Santa Monica College students return to their fall semester, the school requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for on-campus classes. As of Sept. 14, 15 percent of courses are held in-person while professors teach the remaining 85 percent remotely. The SMC Board of Trustees unanimously voted in support of the public health decision at a meeting on Aug. 3. The school also requires students conduct a daily COVID-19 screening on the SMC Go app before stepping into their classes.

Students may opt out of the vaccine requirement with a medical or religious exemption, but all unvaccinated students must receive a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19. Those students need to submit the negative test, administered within 72 hours of in-person instruction, online through a portal or show a printed copy of results to their professor. The school requires that all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, wear face masks indoors. Students, such as Maya Abdallah, a freshman theatre major, take classes on the newly-reopened college grounds and abide by the mandate. Abdallah appreciates measures taken by the school to ensure students’ safety. She believes that many students were nervous to return because of how quickly COVID-19 spread, “but I think [the school] is doing a really good job,” she said. Abdallah does not agree with students who refuse to receive immunizations. She said that she believes her anti-vaxx peers are “stripping [students] all of a college experience” they all could enjoy. In an interview with the Corsair on Sept. 2, Susan Fila, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Santa Monica College, described a variety of supportive “wraparound” services to further address SMC students’ broad life issues affected by the pandemic. Programs include a 24/7 emotional support hotline for students. The school also runs an on-campus food pantry event called Bodega from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m every Wednesday on the first

floor of the Cayton Complex. Case managers can also help students navigate housing insecurity and other financial challenges. Fila elaborated on these services. “For students, we offer mental health support services through our center for Wellness and Wellbeing,” she said. She added that the services, such as one-on-one therapy, are confidential and those interested can access them remotely. Fila explained that the student services are all appointment-based, so anyone can access them without the issue of capacity limits. Abdallah added that, as a theatre major, one disadvantage is performing all her acting assignments with mandatory masks indoors. “Hopefully, they’ll let us take our masks off soon,” she said. “Our library is open so students can access services there. Our food pantry is open… we’re doing everything we can to try and support student’s needs,” Fila said. She hopes that any student who feels they’re struggling this semester will reach out. They can use the ample resources that Santa Monica College has to offer as on-ground services return with a vaccine mandate.

Protestors opposing vaccination mandates at Long Beach City College on Monday September 13, 2021. President Biden was giving a speech on the campus endorsing Governor Gavin Newsom. (Maxim Elramsisy | The Corsair)

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

September 14, 2021

Birds in the Moon: A Mobile Opera Naomi Ruiz | Staff Writer

omposer Mark Grey and playwright/librettist Júlia Canosa i Serra created the unique and engaging chamber opera "Birds in the Moon." The West Coast premiere was presented live to audiences on Sept. 1-4 in Santa Monica Public Parking lot #27 located on the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue. The Broad Stage describes this production on their website as a story following a female protagonist and migrant, Bird Mother (Maria Elena Altany), who makes a deal with the Ringmaster (Austin Spranger) to perform for his circus in order to “protect her daughter from evil forces that threaten to put an end to their journey” toward a better life. Throughout the opera, the audience experienced original compositions performed by the Friction Quartet ensemble, in addition to soundscapes and visual projections that convey Bird Mother's conflict with the Ringmaster as well as her hope for a better future. The performance takes place on a shipping container transformed into a mobile stage with high-end audio and visual technology capabilities. The set portrays the traveling show wagon, or traveling caravan, the Ringmaster and Bird Mother use to travel throughout the United States (U.S.). Dr. Brian Stone, a Santa Monica native, accomplished conductor, and 2017-2019 Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra Director, felt that the traveling caravan was one of his favorite aspects of "Birds in the Moon." Stone said, "I hope traveling caravan shows [mobile stages] will get people to remember how nice it is to react and receive the show with people next to you, instead of [watching on] a computer monitor." Caravans often carry Central American migrants traveling through Mexico to the U.S. seeking asylum. This significantly historical aspect of a caravan is symbolic in "Birds in the Moon." Bird Mother’s struggle is not unlike the thousands of migrants who travel long distances under extreme circumstances to escape persecution, poverty and violence in their home countries. Stone felt the audience absorbed and deeply connected to what they were hearing and seeing, rather than merely being passive observers. “I was really happy to see this thoughtful and genuinely intriguing project come to Santa Monica,” he says. In reference to the effects of the COVID-19 shutdowns on the arts and performance communities over the past year, Stone recounts the experience as

very frustrating, especially for live performances and performers. However, he does believe that outdoor performances like "Birds in the Moon" retain and revive a community aspect that performances lose when streamed online. Stone said, “The experience of watching remote performances from home does not compare to the “accurate immediacy of live performance.” Based on his lifelong passion for and involvement in the arts, Stone sees the Santa Monica performing arts scene continuing its tradition of being vibrant and progressive for many years to come. Stone summed up his "Birds in the Moon" experience. He said, “It’s an ideal presentation for Santa Monica’s cultural life. It’s thought provoking and extremely well executed… It happened on a beautiful evening in Santa Monica at sunset.” Visit the official website for "Birds in the Moon."

Juanita Hernandez' promotional work for the Birds in the Moon street play stands within the walkway of the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Calif. on September 14, 2021. Hernandez was commissioned by the Birds in the Moon team and was one of three students awarded for her work by The Broad Stage. (Marc Federici | The Corsair)

Moeka Ito's and Esme' Ison's (L-R) promotional work for the Birds in the Moon street play stand within the walkway of the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Calif. on September 14, 2021. Ito and Esme were commissioned by the Birds in the Moon team and are among two of three students awarded for their work by The Broad Stage. (Marc Federici | The Corsair)