The Corsair Fall 2023 - Issue 6 by Santa Monica College

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 | VOLUME 126 ISSUE 6 | SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

LIVING IN COMMUNITY

EVERY COPY OF THE CORSAIR IS FREE, EACH COPY AFTER IS 25¢ | SANTA MONICA COLLEGE, STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1929

FACULTY ADVISORS Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins | Journalism Adviser Gerard Burkhart | Photo Adviser Samantha Nuñez | Social Media Adviser

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

FRONT PAGE Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater rehearses for this weekend's upcoming shows at the Broad Stage on November 1st, 2023 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Elizabeth Bacher | The Corsair)

PAGE 2 SMC students dancing in the last hour of the Histroically Black Colleges and Universities Caravan event held in Santa Monica College on Oct. 26 (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Month Day, 2023

November 15, 2023

L E T T E R F R O M T H E E D I TO R

he past few weeks have been difficult. Reporting on a campus as divided and tense as the one we are experiencing right now takes a toll on you. It is especially difficult when the conversations being had dive so deeply in lack of humanity and empathy. Add midterms and balancing a personal life and career to that, and it all can feel quite overwhelming. It is in the hardest of times, however, that not only we find our true strength but that we grow the most. Through this challenging period, I’ve learned the importance of creating a life with the strong presence of a community and a support system. I remember the day when this became clear to me. In the middle of class, while discussing the social impact of one of the stories we were covering, the pressure that had been building up for a while finally burst out of me. I couldn’t hold back my tears and had to leave the room. After 20 minutes trying to get myself together, I went back in, still unable to talk without tearing up. That was when a fellow staff member at The Corsair, Desiree Fabian, came up to me and hugged me. She didn’t even have to ask. She

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Living in Community just knew. And I broke down immediately. Desiree stayed with me, walking around the campus, until I felt strong enough again. That act of kindness meant more to me than she could ever know. Looking back, I now see I managed to push through this emotionally charged and trying period through the strength of the personal connections around me. I was only able to lead the coverage of the Theatre Arts department controversy, extensively discussed in our last edition, with the support of The Corsair adviser Ashanti Blaze-Hopkins and the absolutely incredible editors and writers, Cebelihle Hlatshwayo, Renee Barlett-Webber, and Samayia Kirby. Beyond the newspaper, relying on the love of my long-time friends, Catarina Veloso and Thainara Mattos, and new ones I’ve made in Los Angeles, Jessie Mangaña and Camila Lopez, was integral to my mental health. It is not lost on me that all of these amazing people are women. From growing up with seven aunts to having cousins who were like sisters to me and making connections such as the aforementioned ones, women

have been the most impactful people in my life. Much beyond the limiting roles often imposed on them, women are catalysts of change and true agents of healing, especially in communities of color. Coincidentally, on the same day I broke down in the newsroom, I also learned a deeply valuable lesson about community and staying connected to one’s roots. I had a ticket to a concert happening that day of one for my childhood’s favorite groups, Mexican pop band and Latin American icon RBD. All day, I had struggled with the idea of going to a show and being around 20,000 people at a moment when I was feeling so emotionally drained. But I did go and by the end of it, I was feeling more energized than I had felt in a long time. Being in such a space, so openly celebrating Latine culture and arts made me feel like myself again. It’s incredibly easy in our modern and increasingly apathetic lives to lose touch with what makes us who we are. For immigrants like myself, being away from the sounds, smells, and colors of the places we come from, makes it an almost impossible task to not feel disconnected

from our heritage. Putting this issue together, therefore, felt like a celebration of this deeper understanding I’ve recently gained. From the inspiring stories in our feature section to the beautiful photos of the HBCU and Club Row events at SMC, this is an edition showcasing the power of keeping those who make you stronger close to you. With the stories shared here, I hope others are inspired to foster and nurture a support system and to build and engage with their communities. We are our strongest when we are together.

Victor Chambers Editor-in-Chief

FEATURES SECTION Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins at Center of Media and Design, Santa monica, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2023.

Nicole West at Santa Monica High, Santa Monica, Calif. on Sept 23, 2023.

Oscar Lopez, Los Angeles artist and Santa Monica College alumni, at his home in Los Angeles, Calif. on Nov. 3, 2023. Behind him is a painting depicting his father is propped up on an easel.

From Passion to Presidency

A Talk with Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins By Cebelihle Hlatshwayo Arts & Entertainment Editor

"If journalism goes away and journalists go away, our democracy is not far behind, and that's what's at stake." —Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins

(Above) Blazie-Hopkins at age 17, senior year in high school in 1998. (Photo Courtesy of Ashanti Blaze-Hopkins) (Previous page) Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins at the Center of Media and Design (CMD) on Nov. 9, 2023 in the CMD in Santa Monica, Calif.

An insight into Ashanti Blaize-Hopkin's unpredictable path to becoming the president of the SPJ and the new associate dean of the CMD. Cebelihle Hlatshwayo | Arts & Entertainment Editor

shanti Blaize-Hopkins isn’t content with just occupying a seat at the table, and she's set on building one that echoes a legacy of positive change. In October of this year, she took the helm as the first Black woman ever elected to President of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Now, the Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer, educator, author, higher education equity consultant, public relations expert, and faculty adviser for The Corsair has recently added another title to her impressive career as the new associate interim dean of the Center for Media and Design (CMD) campus at Santa Monica College (SMC). Her accomplishments paint a picture of a focused, driven woman who

has always known her purpose and dedicated her life to achieving it. However, her journey to success was marked by unexpected detours. Blaize-Hopkins began her journey of self-discovery at the tender age of 17 on the steps of Columbia University in New York City. She wanted to be a lawyer to do her part in making a meaningful difference in people’s lives by becoming a Supreme Court Attorney. But, after an introductory political science course and a heart-to-heart with an alumn from her high school, Norfolk Academy in Virginia, she was set on a road of uncertainty that led her to change her major a total of 6 times. After settling on sociology as a major in her junior year, without having a clear picture of what she could do

with it, she gave herself a weekend to research and decide on a career path. She gravitated toward journalism and applied for various internships. Soon after, she secured an interview with the Women’s Media Group, a nonprofit organization in New York City dedicated to placing qualified female interns in media-related positions. Blaize-Hopkins was assigned to work at ABC News that summer in New York. “I had an amazing experience, and I was like, this is what I want to do. This is where I want to be,” she said. In her senior year, she enrolled in a public speaking course. Towards the end of it, her professor mentioned an oratory competition at Columbia, suggesting she participated. Though initially disinterested, the incentive of

a cash prize caught her attention. Entering the contest, she secured a victory, earning the George Curtis Prize in public speaking and a $2,000 reward. “So then I thought, ‘maybe I can marry this newfound love of public speaking and sociology and understand more about why people do what they do and how external factors impact their lives.’ Then it hit me. That’s journalism,” she said. Upon completing her master of arts in journalism at the University of Miami, Blaize-Hopkins embarked on a nearly 2,000-mile journey to El Paso, Texas, where she landed her first on-air role as a morning reporter for the local Fox TV station. “I interviewed over the phone, and I accepted the job without ever visiting in person,” she said.

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"I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams." —Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins As Blaize-Hopkins reflected on the past ten years of her career, she marveled at the unexpected opportunities that have emerged. She said her journey has taught her how being open to more than she originally dreamed about has paved the way for her success. Although different from what her 17-year-old self had imagined, her career has stayed true to her initial goal of positively impacting her community. Her professional experiences range from earning an Emmy for News Reporting at CBS Las Vegas by covering the gripping story of a teenage girl and her father trapped in war-torn Beirut to finding her passion as an educator in Dallas, TX, after mentoring a student intern at Richland College. These di-

verse experiences paved the way for an impressive career in education, starting at Loyola Marymount University as an assistant director of Student Media and progressing through roles at several prestigious colleges, to ultimately becoming the faculty adviser for Santa Monica College campus newspaper, The Corsair. These career-defining moments also significantly changed her personal life. They led her to venture into the business world, co-founding "Get Media PR," a company based in Dallas, TX, and Los Angeles, CA, specializing in public relations and video production. Perhaps most significantly, these experiences also introduced her to a fellow journalist who eventually became her

husband, marking the start of a new chapter that ushered her into motherhood. Blaize-Hopkins admitted that, despite her many accomplishments, imposter syndrome has been a constant companion in her career. She finds inspiration from Michelle Obama, the former First Lady, and her concept of "creating a kitchen table," presented in Obama's new memoir "The Light We Carry." “My kitchen table is very solid. My husband is my best friend, and I bounce everything off him. When I’m having those feelings of not being enough or not feeling like I can live up to expectations, I check in with someone at my kitchen table because I know they will tell me the truth and give me a pep talk when needed, and remind me that the negative voice in my head isn’t real. They help me silence those doubts that linger each day, questioning whether I’m on the right path or capable. It’s a constant battle against self-doubt,” said Blaze-Hopkins. She stressed the importance of taking a moment to recognize that trial and error is the foundation of gained wisdom. She hopes to implement these lessons in her two new roles. When discussing her goals as the SPJ president, Blaize-Hopkins intends to continue the work she started as vice president. Blaize-Hopkins aims to make SPJ more influential by advocating for policies like California Senate Bill 98. This bill, supported by SPJ and many media organizations, helped ensure the safety and sustainability of journalism, as seen in the documentary "Flashpoint: Protests, Policing, and the Press," where she is featured. She also wants to increase diversity within SPJ by creating opportunities for people of different races and ethnicities, reflecting the diverse voices in the communities served. “As we're seeing more newsrooms lay off journalists and close their doors, and the rise of misinformation and manipulation of accurate information, the moment calls for organizations like SPJ to lead and advocate for our industry's sustainability, and for the journalists that go out there and make that first draft of history. If journalism and journalists go away, our democracy is not far behind, and that's what's at stake. This role means so much more than just being the president of a nonprofit because this organization has the opportunity to help save our industry,” she said.

Blaize-Hopkins believes that these organizations should encourage lawmakers to recognize the need for better media literacy in the early years of education so to cultivate a new generation of well-informed and discerning audiences. As she steps into her new position as associate dean, she is shifting her focus from an outstanding six-year tenure at SMC, where she not only led The Corsair newspaper to unprecedented success but also inspired budding journalists. Leveraging her extensive teaching background and skills honed in her journey, she aims to bring a compassionate approach to embrace the challenges and opportunities in her new role. ‘I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams,’ said Blaize-Hopkins. “Being a tenured professor, president of SPJ, associate dean of the CMD, and achieving so much, I recognize that these achievements should have been out of my reach. It makes me feel like everything my ancestors endured was not in vain, so I always have them in my mind. If I’m going to do these things, I have to be impactful; otherwise, I’d be dishonoring their legacy.” As we wrap up the interview, sharing a laugh about how unimpressive her accomplishments are to her two children, she sits almost unassumingly in the face of her accomplishments, which seem nearly too vast and impactful to fit in this tiny space with her. Surrounding her are pictures of the people she mentioned were part of her kitchen table, and it becomes clear that every element of her success is present in the room. Her unwavering support system, deep respect for her ancestors' legacy, and commitment to serving others form the bedrock of building her new seat at the table.

Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, President of the Society of Professional Journalists and tenured journalism professor at Santa Monica College (SMC) is the newly appointed Associate Dean (interim) for the Center of Media and Design (CMD) at SMC. She stands in the lobby of the auditorium at the CMD in Santa Monica, Calif on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Akemi Rico)

The Inspiring Journey of Patricia Galarza Ramos Photo Courtesy of Patricia Ramos

Patricia Ramos reflects on her journey and the importance of embracing one's cultural identity.

Callie Yiu | Staff Writer

midst the diversity of cultures in the bustling city of Los Angeles, Patricia Galarza Ramos, the dean of Academic Affairs at Santa Monica College (SMC), shares a story that intertwines her personal growth with a deep connection to her Mexican heritage. Throughout a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, she found the importance of connecting with her roots. Growing up as a child of Mexican immigrants in Los Angeles, Ramos said she did not always feel a strong connection to her heritage. She found it difficult to stay aligned with the cultural legacies passed down by her parents. "When you're the child of immigrants living in a city like Los Angeles, you feel very American,” she said. “Having this whole other culture isn't as valued." In her early years, Ramos said she sometimes found herself yearning for a different identity, contemplating shedding the label of being Mexican American. She even changed her name to appear more approachable. Patricia Galarza Ramos became Tricia Ramos. According to Ramos, in contrast to her experiences of feeling disconnected from her heritage growing up, today there are more opportunities for the celebration of Latine heritage, with events like Hispanic Heritage Month. Social media has also provided a platform for cultural appreciation by connecting individuals through their

cultures globally. Ramos said that this was not the case during her formative years and that she only truly delved into her heritage when she entered her college years. The turning point in Ramos’ journey of accepting her cultural heritage occurred during her time at Venice High School, when a history class referenced a prominent Latine scholar and activist, Ernesto Galarza. Upon discovering this reference in a textbook, Ramos excitedly informed her mother, who told Ramos that he was her great uncle. "I remember reading it and being, 'Wow, look! My name is in a history book! There's a person with my name!’," she said. Ernesto Galarza's legacy left an indelible mark on Ramos. Ramos carries the scholar’s significant contributions to labor organizing and advocacy for Mexican American workers with great pride. "He was a tremendously important man, nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in Literature. His work as a researcher, scholar, and labor activist, whose work allowed for Cesar Chavez and labor organizing to exist, is well known,” said Ramos. “Living up to that name and that amazing legacy that he left, I would say, has been probably one of the more impactful experiences." Raised as part of Generation X, Ramos said this was a time when being bilingual was not seen as the asset it is today. She predominantly spoke English and only limited Spanish. How-

ever, it was her career as a flight attendant that changed her perspective. Her extensive travels across Mexico, Latin America, and the world allowed her to discover the beauty of her language and heritage. “I realized how much I really did love my culture, my people, and the values that they represent," Ramos said. Surrounding herself with those who shared the same heritage during that time remarkably improved her Spanish speaking skills. Through her process of self-discovery, Ramos learned that connecting with her heritage started with recognizing her own value and selfworth. "When we deny ourselves pride in who we are and where we come from, you're missing a big piece, you're cutting off a limb," she said. To better connect with and advocate for her culture, Ramos became heavily involved in communities related to her heritage, such as the Latina Youth Conference, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), and the National Hispana Leadership Institute. Ramos fully delved into these communities and pushed herself to her full potential. “I never saw myself as a role model or a leader, but I’ve always been a fighter. I think that putting that passion and that action in service of others has been my life’s work.” Through these programs and communities, she developed a deeper cultural awareness and formed meaningful relationships with individuals who are still a part of her life.

Throughout her career, Ramos found herself continually pushed towards leadership roles. From an initial director position at SMC, she seized every opportunity that came her way and pushed herself to greater heights. Her resilience led her to become the Dean of Academic Affairs and, subsequently, the Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at SMC. As the dean of Academic Affairs at SMC, Ramos said she recognizes the role educational institutions play in fostering appreciation for one’s own cultures. She believes that, as an educational institution like SMC, incorporating educational programming around different cultures is essential, as is a commitment owed to the community they serve. Ramos encouraged those of all backgrounds to get involved, take advantage of any leadership opportunity, and learn how to advocate for what you believe in. "I identify as a Latina first, before a daughter, before a wife, or friend, or any other labeled identity that we put on ourselves," Ramos said. From navigating the complexities of her cultural identity to advocating for her heritage in countless leadership positions, Ramos’ inspiring journey serves as a reminder of the impacts connecting with one’s culture can have on personal growth. Ramos not only found her own roots but has worked to encourage others to embrace their own.

A Diverse Point of View A Look into Representation in News Illustrations by Victor Chambers.

Photos Courtesy of Rebecca Aguilar.

Rebecca Aguilar shares about her advocacy for diversity and imparts advice to aspiring journalists. Amber Guerrero | Multimedia Editor

ebecca Aguilar credits her parents with shaping not only her professional journey, but also molding the contours of her life. “They came to this country with nothing in the late 1950s and eventually became a voice for communities that needed to be heard,” she said. Her mother would later become a migrant rights activist, and her father a union leader for workers. As for herself, Aguilar started working as a journalist in 1981. Throughout her 42-year-long career, she won seven Emmy awards and became the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) first Latina president. Above all, she continues to advocate for change in the industry. “Both [of my parents] were also civil rights leaders, always fighting for good change. That's what I strive to do as a journalist, create good change,” Aguilar said. With over four decades of experience in writing and delivering news, the Texas-based journalist says her main motivations are the pursuit of truth, and the voices of previously silenced communities. “I am motivated by the public because they need us to find and tell them the truth, and also to challenge the powerful and uncover the corrupt,” she said. “I am also motivated by communities that have been ignored. I don't believe in the saying ‘voice for the voiceless’. There are many communities like the unhoused,

LGBTQ+, and communities of color that always had a voice, but were ignored by the media. I give them the attention they need.” Because of this passion, Aguilar has made an effort to continue her fight for diversity in media. “It has been a challenge, a struggle, a battle my whole career,” she said. However, the need to stand for it is ever-apparent. Aguilar believes that when it comes to diversity, newsrooms should be reflective of the world. “Journalism is better told by people who believe in including all voices. In order to do a good story today, whether it's about a person, place, or thing, you need to have a diverse background,” said Aguilar, when asked about the importance of inclusion in a community based industry. As a Mexican woman, she has been committed to diversifying the industry, both through her own work and through spotlighting other reporters. Before becoming SPJ’s first Latina and woman of color president, she was in their Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Today, she continues these efforts. “Latinas should be in every newsroom and journalism classroom. I believe as a Latina, I am a reminder that we belong, and our voice should be heard and respected not only as women but as journalists. We have stories to tell, especially about our community. No more ignoring Latinas and our people,” she said.

In recent years, she has started a few social media efforts: Latinas in Journalism, a job and mentor forum on Facebook, and #CallingAllJournalists, a hashtag that journalists can utilize to help each other in any situation. These efforts, more than a simple business exchange, are a means to strengthen community bonds and inspire journalists to survive and thrive. She emphasized the importance of highlighting all good journalism, regardless of the background of the person behind it. “When I shine a light, it’s because I want other journalists to be inspired.” Aguilar explained that when a person is faced with a challenge, they can feel the loss of hope regardless of their background. The #CallingAllJournalists initiative is intended to be open to all identities. She wanted a way for journalists to find the motivation to persevere and more opportunities within the field, especially when faced with challenges such as job loss. Community is of great importance to her, especially as a journalist who seeks to uplift others that wish to achieve the same. To all aspiring journalists, Latine and otherwise, she left a bit of wisdom. “First, enter this field with an open heart and open mind,” she said. Aguilar advised to keep openness to other points of view, as it can help journalists grow out of any bias or judgements they begin their work with.

Independence and perseverance are paramount traits for a journalist, according to Aguilar. “Live your life. What’s important in this job is to invest time in it — be patient,” Aguilar said. She likened learning skills in journalism to how anyone else would learn skills for their career. “Ask any mechanic; overnight, they don’t know how to fix a motor, but in due time they do. Same thing with journalists.” Aguilar added that an aspiring journalist should always be curious, show commitment, and have compassion. “Wherever you go, meet people. That’s how you find stories. Have the courage to confront people with power. Have the courage within your newsroom and classroom to speak up,” she said. She also shared the importance of empathy, especially when exploring stories outside of one’s community. Lastly, Aguilar suggested finding a mentor. “A mentor is someone who will tell you what you need to know, not what you want to hear,” she said. Coming back to the sense of community she values, Aguilar emphasized the value in seeking help from others in the industry. Progress for advocacies such as representation and inclusion have a long way to go, but Aguilar wishes to remind everyone that Latine and other diverse voices are here to stay.

Illustrations by Victor Chambers

(Above) Oscar Lopez, LA artist and SMC alum, at his home in Los Angeles, Calif., standing in front of a painting depicting a friend. (Right) Lopez leafs through his sketchbook, next to his colorful paint palette and brushes at his home in Los Angeles. (Below) Lopez, holding the paint palette that he uses at his home in Los Angeles.

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Oscar Lopez: The Construction of Art SMC Alum, Oscar Lopez, finds inspiration in loved ones and his Oaxacan culture. Oscar Lopez, Los Angeles artist and Santa Monica College alumni, at his home in Los Angeles, Calif. on, Nov. 3, 2023. He stands in front of a painting depicting his father.

All photos by Akemi Rico

Taylor Smith | Arts & Entertainment Editor

y day, Oscar Lopez spends his time working for his dad’s construction company, Wolf Pack Professional Builders. By night, Lopez pulls out his sketchbook where late evenings turn to early mornings. “When I start sketching on paper, and then transfer onto the canvas, I want to keep painting. I stay up until ten, eleven, twelve just going,” Lopez said. “Even knowing that I have to wake up early the next day.” Growing up, Lopez drew like any other kid, but it wasn't until high school where he was introduced to street art that the artist felt drawn to painting. “My friends, we were a really tight group… We would go out and do crazy stuff like that,” Lopez said. “That was kind of my introduction to it. How to use color, what kind of colors go with what in order to stand out.” It was those same friends that encouraged the painter to pursue the hobby further, leading him to seek out art classes once he began college. Lopez attended Santa Monica College (SMC) in 2012, and joked about loving school so much that it was difficult to leave it behind, naming Nathan Ota and Mark Trajillo as two of his most inspirational teachers at SMC. It was on the Santa Monica campus

that Lopez began to focus on figure drawing and experimenting with different mediums, starting with charcoal and pencil, then transitioning into oil painting. While he fell in love with the latter, Lopez found oil paint to be impractical while creating in a small apartment. “I really didn’t want the toxic fumes from it,” explained Lopez. “Then Nathan Ota came in, and his class was about acrylic paintings, and how you could still get a smooth transition like oil paintings, but using a watercolor based paint.” Lopez was not only influenced inside the classroom, but by the murals on campus as well. “Andrew Hem, he did the mural at SMC right next to the art building in the back,” said the SMC alum. “He was a student there and his work inspires me too.” Lopez’s art is heavily influenced by his own Oaxacan culture. Oaxaca, Mexico, celebrates color in its lively festivals and brightly painted walls throughout the city. Even the food is not only rich in flavor, but eye-catching as well, being known for their seven different types of vibrant moles. Because of this, the illustrator enjoys playing with saturations, finding himself drawn to warm color tones while also experimenting with neons.

“In the Oaxacan community, they’re not afraid to show color in the dresses, clothes, and festivals they have over there,” said Lopez. “I try to use those colors and involve it with my work.” Among his favorite subjects to paint are Lopez’s friends and family. When painting them, Lopez uses oranges and browns to enhance their skin color centering his creations around it as the focal point, rather than hide it. “Our skin color is a big part of us, and it’s a good part of my community, and that’s kind of what I like to show,” Lopez said. Lopez later transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where the artist received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration in 2018. When it came time for graduation, Lopez saw a clear path to what was next, and being a famous artist was not on the top of his list. Lopez joined his father’s company saying, “He always wanted his kids to join. That was his dream. So, once I graduated, I ended up going there full time.” To stay motivated while balancing a full time job, Lopez and his girlfriend love visiting local art galleries, including the Superchief Gallery LA where they showcase psychedelic-inspired abstracts and graphic illustrations. “Just from seeing people’s art and what

they’re doing just kind of gets those creative juices flowing,” he stated. “My girlfriend’s really into art as well. She follows a lot of shows, and she kind of pushed me back into painting more.” Lopez is not the only creative person in his tight knit family. His four siblings are heavily involved in the arts as well. “My brother, he’s in graphic design too, and my little brother, Andres, he has his own sketchbook now. My sister does a lot of arts and crafts and is into music. The whole family is creative,” shared Lopez. While working in construction may seem like a far jump from painting, the artist says his day job feeds his imagination in a similar way to painting. Lopez explained that “it’s another form of creating.” Through working for his father, he is able to build and construct, while also solving problems in innovative ways. However, he said the best part of working for Wolf Pack is being with his family everyday. Art will always be a love and form of expression for Lopez, but he no longer seeks to make it a career. “That was the goal in the beginning, but now I have a full time job that's nice,” Lopez said. “And I get to see my family still. It’s actually a plus for me. We are very tight.”

In Awe of Nicole West

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Photos by Akemi Rico Illustration by Victor Chambers

(Left) Nicole West posing for a portrait.

(Opposite) Santa Monica College Corsair Women's Tennis State Champion for 20222023 Nicole West practices some some serves at Santa Monica High, Santa Monica, Calif., on Sept. 23, 2023.

Blake Harris | Digital Editor

fter each player made a decisive victory during the first two sets, tied one to one, the crowd anticipated a close third. Nicole West had come a long way and had everything on the line. The Ojai Tennis Tournament is one of North America’s largest amateur tennis tournaments, hosted each year in Ventura County by the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) to crown the singles and doubles champions. After coming up short last year, losing only the final match in the CCCAA Singles State Championship, West stormed all the way back this year with a dominating, perfect 22-0 season. With her teammates, who traveled all the way to Ojai to support her, and coach Richard Goldenson, who worked tirelessly for this very moment, watching on the sidelines, the outcome of the 2023 CCCAA Singles State Championship fell entirely upon West’s shoulders. “In tennis, you live and die by your own hand,” said West. It was in that moment, feeling heavy resistance from her opponent, Hana Moss, that West dug in and closed out the championship match with a 6-1 third set. “The first thing I felt was just the pure relief from the pressure of being the top seed,” West said. “I didn’t get super excited until a bit later.” With the championship under her belt and the season a success, West accepted her state tennis title, came home with her friends and family, and immediately continued physical therapy for the serious shoulder injury she had been playing with the whole time. West explained that she still doesn't "fully know what's going on” but that it may stem from a pre-existing elbow injury. West compensated

for the pain with extra exertion from exudes has always been there accordher shoulder, leading to a severe strain ing to her mother, Katerina. “It’s funny, on her muscles and body. because I am not athletic, and her fa“In the beginning of Summer, my ther is not really athletic, her brother right shoulder was half as strong as is average… From birth she was very my left one and I don’t use my left athletic,” she said. one.” She described the experience When West was only three years of playing with her usual one-handed old, a family friend found her walking swing on her right arm as “not ideal.” and dribbling a basketball. Along with With the season going as well as it tennis, West played many sports, inwas, quitting was not an option. “It was cluding as the quarterback of a foottough on a couple accounts,” she said. ball team in elementary school. “She “My serve has always been a weapon in has that Type-A personality. Natumy game, and now, it almost became rally competitive,” said Katerina. Aca liability. That shook a little bit of my cording to her, it was her grandfather, confidence.” With her potential future who lived with the family, who initially at risk, West talked about how training sparked West’s lifelong pursuit of tenbecame a balancing act to preserve nis. her strength and the condition of her When Katerina reflects on West’s arm while maintaining her game feel. journey with tennis, she goes back to “I had to spend a a memolot of time in rery of one of covery, which is West’s very something I’m first games still learning to in elemen–Nicole West do. I hate it more tary school, than anything else,” West said. where right after the coach had inShe described her motivation as formed her that West’s opponent “working hard on the court, working that day was not very good, “Nicole hard in the gym, getting stronger, and goes on court and loses right away, getting better.” For West, it’s the grat- because she lacked confidence.” It’s ification of getting up everyday and been watching West overcome that improving her craft that keeps her go- hurdle that keeps Katerina in awe of ing every day. her daughter. “If she ever said at any That effort has paid off. Since her time, ‘No, I don't want to play tennis,’ I first semester at SMC, Nicole West would have said, okay. But always, she won the doubles Western State Con- said, ‘No, mom, I want to.’” ference of 2022 with her partner Mia Now that West attends California Ogebee, was selected as a Intercolle- State University, Northridge, the two giate Tennis Association (ITA) Schol- live very close by and see each othar athlete, which requires at least er often. CSU not only advances her a 3.5 GPA, and earned the CCCAA educational pursuits, but also allows All-American for both 2022 and her to stay in Southern California and 2023, an honor given to student ath- play Division 1 tennis like she’s always letes who finish in the top ten of the dreamed. ITA singles rankings. When she’s not playing tennis, The drive and motivation that West West enjoys playing guitar and rock

“In tennis, you live and die by your own hand.”

climbing, both of which she described as hobbies that help her sense of focus. “I really enjoy the aspect of, ‘Okay, I have to have my full concentration on this…’ That’s something I got out of rock climbing, because I had to have my full attention so I don’t fall.” Now that she has the guitar, she has a creative pursuit which has that same level of attentiveness, but without the added strain on her body. “I get to do that without also worrying, 'Oh, don't like hurt yourself for tennis',” she said. In between all this, West teaches tennis near the CSUN campus. “I can’t think of a better job I could have right now, especially going through school and stuff,” she said. “It’s very rewarding. I especially like teaching the little kids. There’s a lot of kids who turn to tennis because team sports aren’t working out for them… Shy kids who don’t prosper in team environments start picking up tennis when they wouldn’t otherwise be playing a sport, so it’s really cool.” West’s favorite students, however, are teens and pre-teens, students who have room to grow. “They still have the pliability that kids have, in learning and stuff, but also the awareness to actually progress at a higher level,” she said. West continues to practice and play tennis every day. Altough she’s currently taking business classes and really enjoying them, she’s uncertain about what to do next. “You know, with my whole life being focused on tennis and also having to figure out what I’m gonna do… It’s a weird kind of dichotomy.” For now though, West is focused on playing the sport she loves with the people and teammates who support and love her, and that’s all she really needs.

GONE AWOL Living in an RV Dwelling in Los Angeles

Rebecca Dannenbaum searching for a phone charger on her bed in the RV that she lives on Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2023. The dog in this image, Pixel, was later stolen. (Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Rebecca Dannenbaum, a Venice Beach native known by her friends as Prophet, standing in front of the RV she lives in with her dog, Google, on Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2023. (Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Rebecca Dannenbaum, a 54 year old Venice, California native, has lived in the same RV parked in the same spot on Venice Blvd. for seven years.

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Adopted in Minnesota by a Jewish, upper middle class family, Dannenbaum was brought to Venice, “the best place in the world,” at 3 years old. A dog groomer by trade, she lives with her two dogs Google and Oso, and is fostering a third, Snapchat. She has spent all but 14 years of her life AWOL, “Always West of Lincoln.” Lincoln Blvd., which runs North-South, is the main road that divides Venice. Growing up she had a difficult relationship with her family. She was brought home by her dad without her mother knowing, and her mother felt forced to raise her. Due to that, Dannenbaum says that there is still some resentment, but that her mother did the best she could. In her school years, she would spend time with the other “Boardwalk Brats,” the kids who were outcasts, and they would skateboard and listen to punk rock on the Venice Boardwalk. She says that she has “always been an addict,” and she was addicted to Benadryl when she was nine. “My dad used to have to take me to go fill up the gas in the car, just because as a baby the only thing that soothed me from crying was the smell of gasoline,” Dannenbaum says. “But I don't do it in the same level that I used to do it.”

She has become frustrated with housing programs but feels forced to use them. After bouncing in and out of several housing assistance programs, she went into bridge housing, but left a few weeks ago because they wouldn’t let her keep her dogs there. Temporary shelters like bridge housing are designed to give people a safe place to sleep while they wait for permanent housing. “The system was designed to fail. It's like everybody knows that except for the people it's failing for. And that's unfair,” she says. “The one thing that people fail to realize is that the people out here on the streets… want to fit into society, society just won’t ask them to come in.” Living in vehicles creates obvious difficulties, such as not having access to showers or bathrooms and finding a safe spot to park. She says that people will leave junk and trash outside of her RV and she will have to dispose of it. It can also be dangerous. On Oct. 14, a 47-year-old veteran, known as Tank to his neighbors, was killed in the RV right next to Dannenbaum’s. She has had a dog, Pixel, stolen from her, and another one was hit by a car. Dannenbaum is one of the 19,402 unhoused people who live in vehicles

Photos by Caylo Seals

in Los Angeles County according to the 2022 point-in-time count by the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA). People living in vehicles account for 28% of the total homeless population, and that number has grown by 23% since 2018. In response to this increase, LA county and city officials have boosted efforts to provide housing to those living in vehicles. Pathway Home, a program run by the LA County Homeless Initiative, uses powers granted by an emergency declaration by the Board of Supervisors in January 2023 to expand its efforts to resolve homeless encampments. In August, the program removed 30 “unsafe, inoperable, and otherwise unlivable RVs” in East Gardena. This was the first time the program included those living in RVs. Safe Parking LA is a nonprofit which, according to their website, “provides safe overnight parking to facilitate stability and housing in Los Angeles County for individuals living in their vehicles, and advocates for fair and equitable treatment and resources for the unhoused.” Some churches and other organizations also provide similar services. City, county, and nonprofit programs have their flaws.

“Right now, most of the safe parking that exists in LA, it's just overnight, and it is for passenger vehicles like, a truck or a car. These people are looking for something where they can really stay there, 24/7, and can take an RV,” says Sam Lutzker, a PhD candidate in sociology at University of California, Los Angeles whose research focuses on people who live in vehicles. Lutzker says that some of the issues with programs in LA in general, is that someone can be stuck in them for a long time. Additionally, they often have strict rules that can create stressful environments, and moving into a shelter uproots people from the community they had while living on the street. There are also challenges in running these programs. In a statement, the LA County Homeless Initiative says that it takes time to prepare people to come off the street and to dispose of their vehicle. The resident may not be the owner, so the county must locate and inform the owner of the RV before action can be taken. Moreover, there is an additional burden in storing vehicles before they are disposed of. The Homeless Initiative also says, “Many RV residents do not identify as experiencing homelessness and feel

they are being asked to give up a roof over their head, even if the RV is inoperable and not fit for human habitation.” Lutzker disagrees with this idea, and sees this as the county shifting the blame. Vehicles have some benefits that temporary housing may not, for example, more privacy and mobility, and these programs may not have the staffing to effectively run them. “If they are offering that to somebody in an RV who already sees it as their own form of housing, why the hell would you take a downgrade to shelter, with the off chance that you're going to get a win in the housing lottery down the line,” says Lutzker. “Some people say that they have, not a housing problem, but a parking problem. You live in an RV, and you can’t find a place to park.” Lutzker and Dannenbaum both suggested creating a 24-hour parking lot or campground that can fit both cars and RVs. This would remove the need to constantly move your vehicle, and could provide additional services like a shower and bathroom. Beyond that, Dannenbaum says that storage lockers, jobs programs, and health services could be provided to those living on the lots to further assist those living in vehicles.

Rebecca Dannenbaum has lived in her RV home in this same spot on Venice Blvd. for about seven years in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 9, 2023.

(Opposite) A 47-year-old veteran, known as Tank by his neighbors, was killed in his vehicle home on Oct. 14 near the RV that Rebecca Dannenbaum lives in. She and others created a memorial to honor him on Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 24, 2023.

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Rebecca Dannenbaum’s friend sitting front of the RV Dannenbaum lives in on Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2023. Her RV has become a sort of hub for many of her friends. (Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

A sign which reads, “WARNING, CRAZY LADY & VICIOUS DOGS AHEAD,” stapled on a pole. Dannenbaum says it was put up soon after a neighbor’s dog attacked a pedestrian’s dog, and that she found it amusing so she moved it closer to her RV.

“They would be utilizing a space that usually goes empty 90% of the time. And this way it's still a parking space,” she says, referring to an empty parking lot near where she lives. Towards the end of 2022, LA City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents the northeast San Fernando Valley, announced that her pilot program that aims to reduce the number of RV encampments in LA has been successful. “It focuses on engaging individuals, particularly those in recreational vehicles, to create comprehensive housing plans and transition them into housing while ensuring their vehicles are removed from city streets upon program completion,” according to a statement from Councilmember Rodriguez. As of Oct. 20, the pilot program has placed 85 individuals into temporary housing, nine have been permanently housed, 65 vehicles have been removed from city streets, and twelve individuals have returned to living on the street or to an unknown location since its launch. With 88% of participants still in the program, the high retention rate is due to “the service provider's commitment to working with individuals throughout the entire process, from the initial contact to achieving permanent housing” the statement says. The LA City Council passed a motion to expand the program, still in its infancy, to the rest of the city. The strategy is currently being reviewed to ensure “it aligns with city regulations and is scaled according to recognized best practices.” However, Dannenbaum distrusts city officials and programs, and views them as corrupt and intended to fail. She is frustrated that the needs of people living on the street are assumed, not asked about.

“You’re not going to take me from a safe home to put me in a temporary home,” she says. “Why can't I just stay here until you get me permanent housing? I've been here for seven years.” When asked about the distrust those living in vehicles may have towards the city and county, and how the pilot program is different, a spokesperson for Councilmember Rodriguez says that “establishing meaningful relationships holds substantial significance when working with individuals.” Beyond the need for better housing programs, there appears to be an absence of readily available data on those living in RVs, and other vehicles in general. Use of public programs, the unique challenges of living in an RV or a car, the condition of their vehicle and general demographic data is just some of the additional information that, if collected, could be used to better guide housing efforts. LAHSA’s yearly count only publishes data on the number of RVs, cars, and vans there are in the city and county of Los Angeles, and estimates the population living inside. The RAND Corporation also does a count, but does not have specific data for those living in vehicles and only focuses on three neighborhoods. Data collected by researchers is narrow and focuses on a small subsection of the population, so it is not representative of the county as a whole. Isela Gracian, Senior Deputy of Homelessness and Housing for LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, says that demographic data the county would have collected on those living in RVs is limited to the Pathway Home program. “What is actually something realistic that this person would seek out in terms of services? Not something that we think they should seek out, or would be better,” says Lutzker. “You need all the

“Why can't I just stay here until you get me permanent housing? I've been here for seven years.” – Rebecca Dannenbaum

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(Left) Rebecca Dannenbaum holds her dog, Google, upside down near the RV she lives in while Google sniffs Dannenbaum’s new puppy, Snapchat on Nov. 5, 2023.

(Bottom Left) Rebecca Dannenbaum’s bed, and above it is the access to the roof of her RV on Sept. 24, 2023.

(Bottom Right) Rebecca Dannenbaum walks back to her RV after playing with her dogs on Nov. 5, 2023.

Rebecca Dannenbaum sorting her laundry in before a friend of hers, Rob Sanders , takes it to a nearby laundromat on Nov. 5, 2023. Sanders is relatively new to being unhoused, so Dannenbaum is letting him live with her while he learns to survive. (Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Rebecca Dannenbaum, a Venice Beach native known by her friends as Prophet, and her friend sharing a cigarette in the RV that she lives in on Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2023. Dannenbaum has lived in this same spot for about seven years where it has become a sort of hub for many of her friends.

Rebecca Dannenbaum adju she was almost four. She ha

Rebecca Dannenbaum dragging a pile of trash away from the RV she lives in on Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 23, 2023. She says that she piles trash up to make it easier for sanitation teams to take, but they never do. So, she moves it in front of a nearby fire hydrant because they are required to take it. She also says that most of this trash comes from people leaving junk near her RV.

Rebecca Dannenbaum clean

usts her whig while searching for a phone charger on her bed. Dannenbaum was adopted by a Jewish family at three weeks old, and moved to Venice when as struggled with addiction since early childhood, having been addicted to Benadryl at nine years old.

demographic data too because it helps you pattern… that allows us to more closely connect the services offered with what people desire and their need.” Lisa Redmond, a member of the Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC), founder of the Venice Catholic Worker, and a housing and homelessness field specialist at the RAND Corporation says that what she hears from her constituents is that the main impact of RVs is largely “visual blight.” “People say we just don’t want homeless people living next to us, but the thing is they already are,” says Redmond. “I think that they would be a lot more agreeable if they are provided with services, and bathrooms, and showers, and regular food.” While the VNC itself has little power to act, they have recently restarted their committee on homelessness. Redmond also says that the VNC can “loosen up” and begin to facilitate local organizations to have more safe parking, provide more bathrooms, and start to demand more from the city. “I bet if I set a trashcan on fire and roll it in the middle of the street, they’d come and put the fire out, but they can’t give me water for my dogs,” Dannenbaum says, referring to the fire station just down the street from where she lives. “The problem is that people in this neighborhood no longer go out their front door, see somebody in trouble, and reach out to them.” To Dannenbaum, the whole housing system in Los Angeles does not work. If she has to leave her RV, she wants an apartment or communal housing in the Venice area. “If they said, do you want an apartment or do you want to stay where you are at, I’d stay here.” Dannenbaum says. “When I think of an apartment I think of, ‘Oh, my god, neighbors and stress, and just the bills and the headache, and the walking on eggshells.’ Then what happens if I lose it? It‘s stressful.” She says that it reminds her of the 14 years she spent away from Venice, when she was married, and that she does not “need four walls and a kitchen to make me feel whole or safe.” However, Rob Sanders wants a permanent home. He came to California when he was 19 to pursue his artistic dreams, and relatively new to being unhoused. Dannenbaum is providing him a place to stay while he learns to survive. “I am not saying that everyone wants to be in housing. Just to be able to go in, close the door, and lock your shit up. That’s a big deal for some people,” Sanders says. “This is the United States of America, we are the wealthiest nation on earth. People should not be homeless.”

Caylo Seals | Photo Editor Photos by Caylo Seals

ning the street around her RV. She wants to avoid having her vehicle towed, so she is cleaning with the hopes that sanitation won’t force her to move.

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Rebecca Dannenbaum takes a break from cleaning the RV she lives in on Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles, Calif., on Nov. 5, 2023. (Caylo Seals | The Corair)

Colleges Have Becom Discourse on t

Students at the University of California, Los Angeles protest in the “Walkout to Fight Genocide and Free Palestine” hosted by National Students for Justice in Palestine on Oct. 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, Calif. This California campus was one of hundreds calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the UC divestment in weapons manufacturers. (Renee Bartlett-Webber | The Corsair)

me a Battleground for the Gaza War AS THOUSANDS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS ACROSS THE U.S. DEMAND A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA, MANY SMC PRO-PALESTINE STUDENTS FEAR THREATS TO THEIR ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL LIVES.

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Renee Bartlett-Webber| News Editor

ensions between Israeli and Palestinian supporters have come to a head on college and university campuses across the U.S., including at Santa Monica College (SMC), as the Gaza war has intensified over the past month. Several students at SMC have said that they are afraid of speaking out in support of Palestine due to fear of being doxxed, harassed, and categorized as antisemitic. President of the SMC Muslim Student Association Yousef Khafaja is Palestinian. His family was from “the lands of ‘48” which was formerly recognized as Palestine before the state of Israel was created in 1948. “The student body in support of Palestine is rather scared of taking action just because of the accusations that have been made of us by the administration,” he said. Khafaja was referring to an Instagram post published by @SMC_edu on Oct. 20 that said the administration had been “made aware of many concerns of antisemitism within our community at the Inter-Club Council (ICC) meeting.” At this meeting, which took place the day prior, there was a 12-3 vote against the installment of the Students Supporting Israel (SSI) Club. The administration announced that based on legal counsel, “SSI will be given recognized status and full club support.” The administration’s quick response was partially prompted by @SSI_movement’s Instagram post stating, “the ICC meeting turned into a Jew-hating fest full of #Antisemitism, lies, racism and discrimination by students who support #Hamas actions against Israel.” The President of the Middle Eastern Club, who requested not to be identified by name, read a statement at SMC’s Associated Students meeting on Oct. 23, saying that the accusations of antisemitism at the ICC meeting were

baseless. She continued, “False accusations can fuel anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic hate, leading to tragic incidents like the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy,” referring to the murder of Wadea Al Fayoume in Chicago on Oct. 16. In an interview, the Middle Eastern Club President said, “SMC and SSI’s changing the narrative of us speaking up for our members or justice as being antisemitic, which has been a pattern for a long time.” She said because SMC posted this to a large following, people who were not involved in the conversation wouldn’t know that it wasn’t true. She is hoping to hold the SMC social media team and SSI accountable for false allegations and slander. “Criticism of the state of Israel and anti-Zionism is not antisemitism. Antisemitism is the hatred of Jews, which nobody at the meeting expressed,” Khafaja said. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines antisemitism as “hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group” and anti-Zionism as “opposition to the establishment or support of the state of Israel.” A Palestinian SMC student, who asked The Corsair to remain anonymous in fear of risking their ability to return home, said, “I’ve always hidden my identity. When I came here, all of my parents and family told me never to say that I’m from Palestine. Only to say I’m from Jerusalem.” They said that the campus does not feel very safe or supportive of Palestinian people and they have heard comments such as Palestinians “are all terrorists” and “Palestinian children deserve to die.” All three students interviewed voiced concerns that the SMC administration has ignored their requests for

support against harassment and islamophobia on campus, despite various students reaching out for help. When asked for comment, dean of Student Life Thomas Bui said, “Harassment of any form on campus is not welcome and students have resources and support they can access to help them navigate these experiences and situations,” highlighting the SMC Complaint Process webpage as one of these tools available to students. According to the Associated Press live updates, more than 10,500 people, including 4,000 children, have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7. Euro Med Human Rights Monitor reported Israel has dropped the equivalent of two atomic bombs (25,000 tons) on the Gaza strip that’s half the size of New York City. Israel declared war in response to Oct. 7’s attack by the militant Palestinian group HAMAS when 1,400 Israelis were killed and 240 taken hostage. On the day of the Hamas attack, 30 Harvard University students wrote an open letter holding Israel responsible “for all unfolding violence” and stating that “today’s events did not happen in a vacuum.” The New York Times reported that since then, these students have been investigated and their names posted online and on a truck as a digital billboard, calling them “Harvard’s Leading Antisemites.” Three days after the attack, New York University Law student president Ryna Workman sent a newsletter to their campus expressing “unwavering and absolute solidarity with Palestinians in their resistance against oppression.” Workman uses they/them pronouns. As a result, a prestigious law firm rescinded their offer of employment and they were removed as president of the bar association, as reported by Democracy Now.

November 15, 2023 They said, “Folks are now afraid to speak up, in fear that they might become the next me.” Canary Mission, an organization that monitors campuses and documents students and professors who “are promoting hatred of the USA, Israel and Jews,” has added these students to their website, publishing their personal information and photos. A student who identifies himself as Marjahnee is the leader of the SMC chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a national organization that supports student leaders to “push forward the demands for Palestinian liberation,” as stated on their website. In an interview, he said that Canary Mission has doxxed SMC members of the SJP before, something he does not want to risk happening again. Marjahnee said at the ICC meeting that SJP would not be applying as a club at SMC this year “due to the safety concerns of our members.” “We are not antisemitic, we are against the political state of Israel, we are against apartheid and genocide,” he added. On Oct. 25, National SJP hosted a campus walkout in support of Palestine joined by tens of thousands of students across the country. One of the participating schools was the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where upwards of 200 students protested. One of them, UCLA student Mohammed, who declined to give The Corsair a last name for his safety, said, “Identity becomes such a volatile topic because your entire livelihood is put on display in a lot of instances in which you’re doxxed, in which your safety is put at jeopardy.” He said that many Palestinian students have been harassed and threatened because of their identity. During the walkout, protesters covered their faces with headscarves and surgical masks and spoke to the crowd without providing their names, demanding UCLA to divest in funding weapons manufacturers serving Israel. “The UC takes our money to fund ethnic cleansing, elimination, and displacement of Palestinians,” one unidentified speaker said. Two counter-protesters were also present, one of them held an Israeli flag and another told people on the outskirts of the crowd not to listen to protesters because they were “antisemitic.” A Snopes fact-check reported that UCLA students were falsely accused of chanting “We want Jewish genocide” on social media platform X. As a response to the events that transpired at SMC, the institution's president Dr. Kathryn Jeffery announced on Oct. 28 that campus-wide forums “to facilitate a path forward” are currently being planned to take place in the next few weeks. The Corsair reached out to SSI representatives for comment but did not receive a response before the deadline for publication of this article.

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Photos by Renee Bartlett-Webber

(Opposite) Students chant and clap in the Walkout to Fight Genocide and Free Palestine hosted by National Students for Justice in Palestine on Oct. 25 at University of California, Los Angeles. This California campus was one of hundreds calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the UC divestment in weapons manufacturers.

(Above) An unidentified student wearing a keffiyeh, a Palestinian head covering, leads chant saying, “not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crime” in the Walkout to Fight Genocide and Free Palestine hosted by National Students for Justice in Palestine on Oct. 25 at University of California, Los Angeles.

(Left) Protesters hold signs demanding the University of California, Los Angeles to divest from weapons manufacturers and for Israel to “decolonize Palestine” at the Walkout to Fight Genocide and Free Palestine hosted by National Students for Justice in Palestine on Oct. 25, 2023.

Aarron Delatorre dressed as Miguel from the movie "Coco"w during Club Row on Oct. 31, 2023 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Kevin Mendoza | The Corsair)

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Discover the Clubs of SMC with Club Row

Luis Anderson (Left) posing as if he's biting Valire Herra's (Right) neck during Club Row. (Kevin Mendoza | The Corsair)

Arron Claaton dressed as a vampire for the Halloween themed Club Row. (Kevin Mendoza | The Corsair)

The Pathfinders Creative Agency Marketing Club member Joseph Munoz cosplays as "Denji" from the anime "Chainsaw Man." (Aminna Khun-Khun | Corsair Contributor)

Stephanie Zeck (F-R), Sean Blocklin (B-R), Ed Magnus (T-L) and Steffaney Price (T-R) posing for a photoshoot during Club Row. (Kevin Mendoza | The Corsair)

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November 15, 2023

Santa Monica College's Adelante Club in full costume at the Club Row event on Halloween Tuesday, Oct. 31st, 2023 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Elizabeth Bacher | The Corsair)

Lucas Weiss, Marcela Iraheta & Maria Lebedev | Staff Writers

very a semester, Santa Monica College (SMC) hosts Club Row, an event focused on helping students discover many extracurricular activities that the school offers. On Tuesday, Oct. 31, most of SMC’s clubs lined up in the SMC quad and set up their reserved tables for viewing, many of them with little Halloween treats for potential new members. This year, there were many returning clubs, as well as a few new ones, such as the Business in Sports Club, the Oaxacan Club, and the E-Sports Club. SMC provides a number of opportunities for its students to get involved in activities outside of their classes. The clubs teach skills that the members can use to advance their academic careers, as well as their occupations. The International Students Club decorated their table with a large cardboard frame. When asked about the focus of the club, vice president Turat Zheksheev said that it was to bring people together “from all over the world and expose them to different cultures.”

He added, “There’s a lot of international students at SMC and I think the club plays a very big role for the college and the students because of that.” The Rotaract Club focuses on business and sets its members up to learn from professionals about topics such as networking. President Doris Huang said, “Our focus is to prepare our members for the world of business. We invite various businessmen to be our guest speakers and share their experiences in the numerous fields they work in. We also teach soft skills like communication, networking, and public speaking.” MedDent Society provides SMC students who later want to attend medical or dental school with all the necessary information they would need after they receive their Associate degree. “We help our members figure out which industry would be a better fit for them, and teach them everything they’d need to know about job applications. Sometime in the near future we hope to provide CPR classes,” said president Rojin Shahabi. The Pre-Health Professional Asso-

ciation is another club for students who are interested in a career in medicine. “This club is for anyone who is interested in the healthcare industry. We try to provide our members with any information or experiences that would be useful for them in the medical field,” said president Wendy Solis. The newly created Oaxacan Club recently hosted the Guelaguetza event for the first time at SMC.The festivity celebrated the Oaxacan culture’s tradition of selfless gift-giving. “Our club is to unite young Oaxacans, let them know that there is an Oaxacan community at SMC, and help them reconnect to their roots. We have workshops, cultural projects, field trips, and Oaxacan speakers who pursued higher education,” explained Stefani Hernandez. This is also the first semester for E-Sports as an active club. E-Sports members engage in activities such as Valorant, Rocket League, and League of Legends. Their Valorant and League of Legends teams are currently looking to compete in their first tournament.

The teams have played against the University of California Santa Barbara, San Francisco State University, and San Jose State University. “Everybody is welcome. We do have beginning and professional teams,” said club member Joshua Gomez. The club meets every Wednesday at the Center for Media and Design at 1:00 p.m. The Anthropology Club at SMC had gone through a brief hiatus during the pandemic. The current President Maria Manna was interested in Anthropology and went on a search for a club at SMC. She found out the club was discontinued and reached out to the previous advisor and was told to find six people to restart the club. The Anthropology Club officially relaunched at SMC in the fall of 2023. They have SMC alumni who are Anthropology majors as guest speakers. They meet at Dresher Hall on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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The MedDent Society Club presents a display showing damage to the lungs caused by smoking and vaping.(Kevin Mendoza | The Corsair)

SMC student and Inter-Club Counsel delegate Mia Klem proudly represents the Crotchet Club dressed in her vintage clown costume (Desiree Fabian | The Corsair)

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League of Women Voters Club's Esmeralda Hernandez (L) and Valerie Morishige (R) smile to the photographer.(Kevin Mendoza | The Corsair)

SMC Cheerleaders walk off the lawn after performing during Club Row. (Elizabeth Bacher | The Corsair)

Juarez, Joshua Felipe, Daphne Marcial, and Stefani Hernandez (left to right) are dressed in colorful clothes and a huipil, a traditional garment from Mexico, stand happy to showcase the newly established Oaxacan Club (Desiree Fabian | The Corsair)

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Romana Marquez looks at the photographer with her colorful clown costume. (Kevin Mendoza | The Corsair)

SMC Anthropology Club members Bryn Bailey, Maria Manaa, and Eric Johannsen (L to R) pose during SMC Club Row event (Desiree Fabian | The Corsair)

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NEWS

HBCU Caravan Makes Historic Stop at SMC

November 15, 2023

Tyffany Dowd (SMC Dean Counselor), Sherri Bradford (SMC Program Leader), Dr. Karen McCor a portrait at the Historically Black College and Universities Caravan event on Oct. 26 at Santa Mo

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo | Arts & Entertainment Editor

Superintendent, President Kathryn E. Jeffery. Ph.D makes an appearance at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caravan event.

he annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Caravan took place at Santa Monica College (SMC) on Thursday, Oct. 26, marking the California Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee to Historically Black Colleges & Universities (CCCHBCU) debut on the main campus. Twenty of the thirty-seven HBCUs that partnered with CCCHBCU, including institutions like Clark Atlanta University, Virginia State University, and Lincoln University, attended the event. In 2020, SMC was selected to host the event, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. SMC’s transfer center has gone through a thorough screening process for this initiative, introducing a proposal system with expectations and local support requirements to ensure that hosting the caravan is a meaningful endeavor. Dr. Karen McCord, one of the founding members of the statewide Umoja program and third-generation legacy of the HBCU system, shed light on the importance of this approach by addressing a critical concern. “The inclination of some schools to invite college representatives merely to fulfill a diversity quota, as if to say, we did that this week. If you’re checking that box, you

will be doing the work and putting the effort into informing your staff and getting the students out.” Led by faculty leader Janet Robinson, SMC’s Black Collegians Umoja Community, the Pan African Alliance and SMC’s transfer center organized this college fair as the pinnacle of a series of complementary events and workshops, aimed at encouraging and educating both faculty and students at SMC about HBCUs. “Everyone should consider an HBCU, especially our students of color. As educators, we are responsible for ensuring all our students know their options. They need to know that the world is their oyster. Now more than ever, after the overturning of affirmative action. We’re here to help them understand what they’re looking for and how to access those options,” said Robinson. Despite HBCUs being founded and developed during an era of legal segregation, with their primary mission being the education of Black Americans, these institutions have historically been inclusive for all. According to the American Council on Education (ACE), almost three-quarters of all undergraduate students enrolled at HBCUs were Black (73 percent). Over one in 10 were White, and 5 percent were Hispanic or Latino. The remaining 9 percent were

NEWS

November 15, 2023

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The Historically Black College and Universities Caravan visited the main campus of Santa Monica College

Photos by Danilo Perez

rd (Solano Community College Professor), and Janet Robinson (SMC Counselor)(L-R) posing for onica, Calif.

from other backgrounds, including 2 percent international students. When asked why HBCUs might not get the same prestige as public institutions like the UC, CSU, and private schools across the country, McCord said “it’s ignorance.” She highlighted how prominent figures, including Thurgood Marshall, Kamala Harris, and John Lewis, are HBCU alumni and emphasized the significance of these institutions in producing successful individuals. She underscored a lack of awareness, counselors discouraging students from considering HBCUs, and students sometimes failing to research and explore all their educational opportunities thoroughly as additional reasons why these institutions might not always be considered. “I didn’t know Dillard had such a good film program. I’m looking to transfer to pursue film production. I recently just got out of the military, so I’m just really trying to figure out what I want to do as far as college, and just having options specifically cater to our needs as Black students feels good. I’m very appreciative, for sure,” said Jarret Tillis, a Film Production major. Efforts are underway to align associate degrees for transfer (ADTs) with bachelor’s degree programs at HBCUs, enabling their inclusion on the ‘I Can Go to College’ website’s transfer search tool. The California

Assembly Bill 1400 passage offers up to $5,000 to California Community College students transferring to partner HBCUs, making them more financially feasible. Dr. Arynn Auzout Settle encouraged students to embrace the unknown when making the journey to a new place for education. “I’m from LA, and I understand the hesitation, but don’t get caught up in how far away from home you might be or comparing California to the East Coast. Lead with an open mind, and it will lead you to experience a new cultural environment that is so rich and unique, just like I did. Take advantage of all that.” The significance of this occasion was not lost on any of the 500 attendees. With the sunshine out in full force, refreshing shaved ice from the Black-owned Fluffy’s Sno-balls, and the DJ playing timeless music from past and present by renowned Black artists, it was an unapologetic celebration of Black culture. Unity and pride were in the air as faculty members and students from diverse backgrounds danced the staple electric slide, a fitting close to a beautiful day.

Row of Colleges/Universities at the Histroically Black Colleges and Universities Caravan event held in Santa Monica College.

Dr. Arynn Auzout Settle (L) and Dr. Karen McCord (R), organizers of the Historically Black College and Universities Caravan posing for a portrait.

Santa Monica College (SMC) students dancing in the last hour of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caravan event held at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif., on Oct. 26, 2023. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

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

November 15, 2023

Masters of Dance with Holly Johnston

Holly Johnston during her dance master class at Santa Monica College's Core Performance Center on Oct. 26, 2023, in Santa Monica, Calif.

Maria Lebedev | Staff Writer

n Thursday, Oct. 26, Santa Monica College (SMC) Dance Department held its Masters of Dance workshop. Masters of Dance is a series of three master classes the department holds every semester. "Every semester we bring in three artists who often pertain to something that we don’t have in our curriculum or something that we feel our students really need and would benefit from,” said chair of the dance department Mark Tomasic. The special guest hosting the event was Holly Johnston. Johnston is a “The Joyce A.W.A.R.D.S.! Show” finalist, the creator of a social movement and body liberation practice titled Responsive Body, a podcast host, and a professor of several academic institutions in California. During her workshop, Johntson shared several techniques on how to love and feel more in tune with one’s body. “This workshop is an opportunity for SMC students who are interested in performing arts, particularly dance and choreography, to engage with somebody who is working in that field,” said

Johnston. She believes that everyone should be aware of how to be amicable with one’s body as well as with each other. “I think it’s time for a revolution. And that revolution begins with our bodies; it grows as we connect.” The workshop was a series of exercises that focused on moving freely, in a way that feels most natural. The purpose of the practice was to listen to one’s body, and accept it as it is. First, Johnston had everyone lie down on the floor and just move around in one spot to the beat of a banging drum. Next, the drill evolved into the students breaking down into four separate groups and moving across the dance floor, letting their bodies move openly. The last portion involved every participant mimicking their teammates’ movements, trying to feel at one with each other. In between the exercises, Johnston gathered the students in a big group and gave a speech on the importance of dance therapy and loving and accepting one’s physique. Business major Michelle Michlewicz believes that “music and therapeutic dance is going to be the future of medicine.”

Dance major Sophia Aponte agrees. “It was very validating to just be able to connect with my own body and to receive so much love and energy from Holly and everyone else in the room. The people here are so welcoming, and it was great to receive such support at

this hectic time in my life,” said Aponte. The next Masters of Dance class will be held on Feb. 27 2024, at the Core Performance Center, Room 304, at 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA.

Students begin to dance during during Holly Johnston's master class.

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Photos by Nicholas McCall

(Above) Holly Johnston warms up with students during her dance master class at Santa Monica College's Core Performance Center.

(Left) Students dance during Holly Johnston's master class at Santa Monica College's Core Performance Center.

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C U LT U R E

November 15, 2023

Photos by Akemi Rico

Santa Monica College (SMC) student Magdalena Renderos smoothing sugar into a mold to make sugar skulls in the Art Department patio at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif. on Oct. 26, 2023.

Crafting Calaveras Marcela Iraheta | Staff Writer Samayia Kirby | Culture Editor

anta Monica College’s (SMC) Adelante club hosted on Oct. 26 their annual sugar skull crafting experience ahead of Dia De Los Muertos, a traditional Latin American holiday that acknowledges and celebrates the symbolic relationship between life and death. The skull crafting experience, put on by the Adelante club, was planned as a two-part event. Next week, the club will meet again to decorate and display the work produced on Thursday at SMC’s main campus quad. Refreshments such as pizza and soda were provided, courtesy of the Art Department, for the Adelante club

members gathered at the Art Complex to enjoy while they made their sugar skulls. The skulls, otherwise known as Calaveras, are made from a delicate mixture of granulated sugar, meringue powder, and water. The club program leader Maria Martinez instructed students to make the skulls by pressing the mixture into skull-shaped molds. Students wasted no time making dozens of skulls, big, medium, and small. The Adelante club is a program extended by the Latino Center that is aimed at providing academic support and counseling to students. The activities offered, such as this one, are designed with the intent to encourage

students to make connections by developing their social skills and sharpening their academic skills. “We basically create a space where they can interact with each other, make new friends, and make connections. We also provide academic help…We’re just like a social club, but also trying to help our students achieve academic success,” said Adelante club president Jesus Caldera. While the students crafted their skulls, club president Jesus Caldera was busy at work building and decorating their club altar, set to be displayed at the SMC main campus quad where the community will also be able to see all of

the beautifully decorated sugar skulls. The purpose of the altar is to honor loved ones who have passed on. In addition, people from the community can bring items such as photographs to decorate the altar and commemorate their loved ones. The club members shared they were thrilled to be sharing such a culturally significant experience with the SMC community for yet another year. Student Adan Santiago said, “I feel at home because before, I would always do this type of event at home with family. Being able to celebrate here at school also feels home-like, very warm.”

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(Left) Jesus Caldera (L), president of the Adelante Club, and Nahomy Rivas (R), treasurer, are setting up the altar that the sugar skulls will be displayed on.

(Bottom left) Santa Monica College student, Juarez (L) prepares a sugar skull by packing sugar into a mold. Arturo Alvarado (R), psychology major, stands by, ready with a paper plate to unmold the sugar skull.

(Bottom right) Santa Monica College student, Lesley Valtierra, ICC rep for the Adelante Club, smoothing sugar into a mold for making sugar skulls.

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C U LT U R E

November 15, 2023

Feasting on culture at the Taste of Soul festival, art thrives on this vibrant street corner where many pieces of art were on display.

Strolling Down Crenshaw Blvd for a Taste of Soul

Rafikiz Foodz: A traditional Kenyan cuisine food stand was serving up vegan and non vegan selections of sambusas, and plates full of rice, chicken, curry cabbage and plantains.

R&B/Old School Funk band, Brothers Igniting a GrooveW ignited the crowd’s mood with some sweet sounds at the Bakewell Media Sounds of Soul stage.

November 15, 2023

C U LT U R E

Celebrating the life and legacy of Nipsey Hussle through art, this vivid pictorial is a tribute to the late Los Angeles icon.

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Photos by Mikey Duro

Mikey Duro | Lead Copy Editor

undreds of thousands of people gathered for the largest street fair on the West Coast on Saturday, Oct. 21, for the 18th annual Taste of Soul Family Festival, on historic Crenshaw Boulevard. This was a day of celebration, worship and fun for all people. Billed as a “Party with a Purpose,” Taste of Soul was founded by Danny J. Bakewell Sr., and has been an economic engine for the community that brings many local businesses a chance to engage with the local community. Over 100 food stands and vendors lined the street and three different stages with music performances filled the atmosphere all along Crenshaw Boulevard for almost three-fourths of a mile, between Barack Obama Boulevard and Stocker Avenue. A walk through the street fair starting from Obama Boulevard starts off at the 102.3-FM KJLH stage, the urban contemporary and No. 1 Black owned and operated radio station in Los Angeles. At 11 a.m. Canton Jones, a Christian hip-hop artist, started getting the crowd going. There was tent after tent of food vendors and information booths for all sorts of city services, religious and political causes, and cooling centers for people to grab some shade on a

hot day. Most of all, thousands of people are streaming about and enjoying themselves. About halfway through at Martin Luther King Boulevard was the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel stage, where people were gathered, listening to the sounds of worship. After a prayer with Pastor John-Paul C. Foster, a performance by The Faithful Central Parise Team had the crowd captivated. Kelly Kunta has been showing up to the Taste of Soul every year since it was founded and loves how it brings people together from all walks of life. “I love it. It’s got food out here. They got different nationalities. People from every part of the world come out here,” Kunta said. “Taste of Soul is an opportunity for people to express their business, express themselves and not only to express their music too.” At the far end of this bustling street fair, down by Stocker Avenue was the Bakewell Media Sounds of Soul Stage, where R&B/Old School Funk band Brothers Igniting a Groove (B.I.G.) performed in front of a large crowd. With over 350,000 expected guests, Taste of Soul delivered a memorable experience to all who made the journey down Crenshaw Boulevard that day.

Kelly Kunta has been attending the Taste of Soul festival every year. “Taste of Soul is an opportunity for people to express their business, express themselves, and not only to express their music too,” said Kunta.

Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater rehearses for this weekend's upcoming shows at the Broad Stage on November 1st, 2023 in Santa Monica, Calif. (Elizabeth Bacher | The Corsair)

DRAMATIC DANCE SEQUENCES DAZZLE AT SYNAPSE Synapse at BroadStage beckons viewers into a mesmerizing dreamscape of masterful dance choreography.

P H OTO S TO R Y

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Photo by Akemi Rico

Dancer and choreographer Hunter Ha during rehearsal.

November 15, 2023

Photo by Akemi Rico

Dancer Daveth Cheth rehearses a piece choreographed by Seda Aybay.

Akemi Rico | Social Media Editor

he interplay of music, colors, light and shadows on stage during the Santa Monica College (SMC) Contemporary Dance performance Synapse created an eloquent backdrop for the dancers. The costumes added to the story but didn’t distract. What stood out was the movement, the expressions, spins, gestures and sudden leaps or drops to the floor. The Synapse Contemporary Dance theatre began more than 50 years ago with SMC’s first dance faculty member, Linda Gold, according to Mark Tomasic, Dance Department Chair. “First and foremost, it’s a class. Through this class, we are educating our students on how to become professional dancers. It’s really giving them as close to a professional dance experience as possible.” Oscar Urquilla and Nicolas Albuja,

also known by their stage names B-Boy Tequila and B-Boy Nico, respectively, are SMC alumni and guest performers. “It’s extremely impressive to see student choreographers put together a whole piece, with lights, music,” said Urquilla, “and on top of that, seeing a lot of students doing four to six pieces. Learning all that choreography is not easy.” Jade Lelievre is a student choreographer for the show who is also dancing in six pieces. A dance major from France, she is performing in her third Synapse production. “It’s a lot of hard work, it’s very stressful, but it’s very exciting,” Lelievre said. On stage, each choreography tells a different story. Lasting about ten minutes each, the dances create a world of mystery, drama, intrigue and beauty, culminating at the end with an enthu-

siastic hip-hop dance party. There are storytelling elements and themes that run through each piece, creating a narrative without an obvious plot. What is obvious, though, is the effort and dedication invested by the performers in bringing this show to life. Daveth Cheth, SMC dance major from Cambodia, who has been dancing with Synapse for three semesters, said, “I really feel the professors care about the work that they do, they care about the quality of the work, and they care about the well being of the dancers. I really feel supported and taken care of in the dance department here at SMC.” When asked to describe Synapse in her own words, Angela Jordan, SMC alumni and guest choreographer, said, “Synapse is a combination of artistic visions brought to life through student dancers. It’s the artistic vision of facul-

ty, guest artists, and student choreographers.” She paused, then continued. “It’s different subject matter, storytelling, and ideas brought to fruition by physical moving art. It is an alignment of the heart, the mind, the soul, and lived experiences, as well as the imagination and peoples’ perspectives and viewpoints of that particular subject matter. The performers avail themselves to be the storytellers so it can impact [the audience].” The production will show for two nights, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, and Sunday, Nov. 5, in The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, located at 1310 11th St. (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica, CA 90405.

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Photo by Elizabeth Bacher

Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater dancers Sydney Frazier (left) and Michael Hamilton (right) rehearse the choreography of Rachael Servello for this weekend's upcoming shows at BroadStage on Nov. 1, 2023 in Santa Monica, Calif. Synapse features student, alumni and guest performers, with new works by student, guest and faculty choreographers, and combines a variety of styles.

(Left) Dancer Jade Lelievre rehearses a piece choreographed by Roberta Wolin-Tupas. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

(Right) Dancers Michael Hamilton (L to R), Erille Weiss, Simon Lathrop, Marley Gazaryants, and Kate Chandler rehearse a piece choreographed by student choreophraher Simon Lathrop. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

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P H OTO S TO R Y

Photo by Elizabeth Bacher

Dancer Hunter Ha rehearses his own choreography.

November 1, 2023

Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater dancers Jade Lelievre and Simon Lathrop rehearse the choreography o alumni and guest performers, with new works by student, guest and faculty choreographers. The ensemble com

(Left) Dancers Monica Moe Mulvany and Mary Gazaryants rhearses the choreography of Jae Lee. (Elizabeth Bacher | The Corsair)

(Right) Dancers Michael Hamilton (L to R), Daveth Cheth, Abdiel Montes Vergara and Nick Albuja surround Simon Lathrop (center) as they rehearse a piece choreographed by Seda Aybay. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair) (Far Right) Dancer Kate Chandler rehearses the choreography of Angela Jordan. (Elizabeth Bacher | The Corsair)

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Photo by Akemi Rico

Dancer and choreographer Hunter Ha during rehearsal.

Photo by Elizabeth Bacher

of Sophie Monat for this weekend's upcoming shows at BroadStage on Nov. 1, 2023 in Santa Monica, Calif. Synapse features student, mbines a variety of styles including modern, contemporary ballet, jazz and hip hop.

Photo by Akemi Rico

Annie Lee rehearses a piece choreographed by Oxana Safranova.

Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater dancer Laura Arbelaez rehearses the choreography of Rachael Servello for this weekend's upcoming shows at BroadStage on Nov. 1, 2023 in Santa Monica, Calif. Synapse features student, alumni and guest performers, with new works by student, guest and faculty choreographers. The ensemble combines a variety of styles including modern, contemporary ballet, jazz and hip hop. (Elizabeth Bacher | The Corsair)

SPORTS

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November 15, 2023

Photos by Danilo Perez

Defender Mika Brenner kicks the ball away from Antelope Valley College Marauders midfielder Taitlyn Kingsbury onNov. 3. The Corsairs won 2-1.

Three Conference Champs Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Women's Volleyball Tops in Western State Conference Amber Guerrero | Multimedia Editor

he Corsairs have finished the bustling conference season with a treasure trove of triumphs. After a season full of thrills, close calls, and exhilarating victories, three SMC teams have been declared Western State Conference champions: women’s volleyball, women’s soccer, and men’s soccer. The women’s volleyball team had their final conference game on Tuesday, Nov. 9, winning 3-0 against the Antelope Valley College Marauders. Head Coach Christian Cammayo said the team’s dedication was a deciding factor that led to their consistent wins. “[The team] have been playing really hard all season. We’ve been putting it together,

they’ve been giving a lot of nice performances the last six weeks, and it’s been the culmination of a lot of hard work,” he said. Boasting a record of 11 wins and one loss for the season, the team is committed to carrying their excellence to state level — their next game is against the Ventura College Pirates on Nov. 14 at Corsair Gym. Meanwhile, both women’s and men’s soccer teams have been keeping up the action over at Corsair Field. Resilient and motivated, the women’s soccer team holds a seven-game win streak, cementing their title as conference champions after winning 1-0 against the College of the Canyons

Cougars on Nov. 10. They have a conference record of 11-1-2 and an overall record of 12-3-6 (wins-losses-ties) throughout the season. Although the team had a bit of a shaky start to the season after most of their pre-conference matches ended in losses or ties, it made their eventual victory all the more impressive. The exceptional strategies employed by the team contributed to their success, but not as much as their determination and unity. Their first playoff game’s time and venue is yet to be announced. A set of contagiously enthusiastic players is behind the undefeated men’s soccer team, with a conference record of 9-0-1. Their last game on Nov.

9 was a home game against Moorpark College, and was a striking display of the entire team’s performance. They won 7-0, and all 21 players spent time on field. When asked what the team’s next plan is, Head Coach Tim Pierce said the team was already preparing to play for state level. “[The plan is] to get ready. We’ll practice all week next week, and then we’ll have the game. So we’ll wait for the seating meeting and see who our opponent is, then get ready for round one of playoffs,” he said. Round one for men’s soccer will be on Nov. 18. The venue and opposing team are to be announced.

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Center midfielder Lia Agapitos passes the ball before Citrus College Owl midfielder Emily Cherry on Friday, Nov. 9 at Citrus College Stadium in Azusa, Calif.

Forward Roz Tauvaa and Citrus College Owl midfielder Megan Sewell battle for the ball on Friday, Nov. 9 at Citrus College Stadium in Azusa, Calif. The Corsairs won 2-1.

Forward Tia Lucas celebrates with the women's soccer team after scoring an outside-the-box goal to take the lead against the Antelope Valley College Marauders on Friday, Nov. 3 at Corsair Field in Santa Monica, Calif. The Corsairs won 2-1.

SPORTS

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November 15, 2023

Photo by Danniel Sumarkho

Defender Jose Arias and Oxnard College Condors Forward Emmanuel Yarjah, on Nov. 3. The Corsairs won 4-1.

Photo by Nicholas McCall

Jason Moreno and Allan Hancock College Bulldogs' Oscar Monroy on Nov. 7. The Corsairs won 7-0. Moreno leads the conference in assists with 24.

Photo by Nicholas McCall

Jason Moreno, Darren Lewis, and Roey Kivity gather after Moreno's goal during the match against the Moorpark College Raiders on Nov. 9.

Photo by Nicholas McCall

Forward Philip Hephzibah during the match against the Moorpark College Raiders on Nov. 9. He has 20 goals for the season.

Roey Kivity and Moorpark College Raiders' Nico Ortiz on Nov. 9. Kivity has 17 season goals.

Photo by Nicholas McCall

SPORTS

November 15, 2023

Photo by Nicholas McCall

Zarha Stanton and Maiella Riva block the ball from Bakersfield College Renegades' Alexandria Johnson on Nov. 1. The Corsairs won 3-2.

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Photo by Danniel Sumarkho

Outside hitter Maiella Riva during the match against the College of the Desert Firebirds on Nov. 3. The Corsairs won 3-0.

Photo by Nicholas McCall

Mylah Niksa hits the ball past Bakersfield College Renegades Brianna Bowyer and Alexandria Johnson on Nov. 1.

Photo by Nicholas McCall

Libero Sophia Odle bumps the ball during the match against the Bakersfield College Renegades on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Photo by Bunker King

Opposite hitter Zarha Stanton during the match against the Antelope Valley College Marauders on Nov. 9. The Corsairs won 3-0.

Photo by Nicholas McCall

Bridget Robarts, Jaylynn Fierro, Mia Paulson, and head coach Christian Cammayo during the match against the Bakersfield College Renegades on Nov. 1.