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April 11, 2016
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C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O S A N G E L E S
Strike averted, pending tentative agreement
Issue 212.03
Photo Courtesy | Sir Clicks A Lot
The skater girls next door Marrian Zhou
Managing Editor If you have seen the film “Whip It,” then you ought to know the L.A. Derby Dolls (LADD). The film was directed by Drew Barrymore and written by Shauna Cross, who was a former Derby Doll, code named “Maggie Mayhem.” The fire, the passion, and the dedication have been inherited by Derby Girls for generations since the sport was first created in 1935.
Gerardo Amezquita Editor-In-Chief
California State University (CSU) and the California Faculty Association (CFA) have reached a tentative agreement after a yearlong battle for an increase in faculty salaries, cancelling the scheduled CSU-wide strikes for April 13-15 and 18-19. Following a 48-hour blackout period between both parties,
renewed efforts to reach an agreement resumed Wednesday, April 6 after CSU Chancellor Timothy White personally got involved in the negotiation
INSIDE:
process.
CFA Strike averted | PhotoCourtesy @matanewscast
“The nature of negotiations changed when the Chancellor got personally involved,” said CFA
LA ONDA: DUDAMEL DIRIGIRÁ LA ÓPERA "LA BOHEME"
BRINGING AWARENESS TO HOMELESSNESS
PG 8
PG 4
President Jen Eagan.
All faculty on active pay or Continues on page 4
ANIMAL LOVERS MAKE CLUB FOR FUTURE VETS
PG 10
L.A. Derby Dolls don’t have much presence in the mainstream presentation of Los Angeles; they are a community of their own. Founded in 2003, LADD is one of California’s largest all-female derby leagues with more than 150 adult skaters and 130 junior skaters. They used to be located at “The Doll Factory” in Filipinotown, but when the wave of gentrification hit the neighborhood, LADD had to move because their old building was turned into a new condo. LADD successfully crowd funded $100,000
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Hammerhead attacker still at large $1.5 million refunded to L.A.
community through tax returns
Nico Triunfante
Hannah Jacobsen
Copy Editor
Staff Reporter
East Los Angeles suspect, who attacked two people within the last month with a hammer-like weapon, remains on the Los Angeles Police Department’s wanted list. The first incident occurred in the 1400 block of South Bonnie Beach Place, where the suspect struck an elderly woman. The second incident, which matched the criteria of the first, saw a woman struck in the head several times and found on the ground unconsciously, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Both victims were taken into local hospitals. The hammer head-striker is described to be a Hispanic man
As the dreaded tax day looms closer on our calendars, the Accounting department has once again drawn together with students and calculators to offer free income-tax preparation services to individuals making $50,000 or less. After working every Saturday since January 26, the team will be in operation once more this Saturday, on April 16. Suspect at large| Photo Courtesy Los Angeles Sherrif Department
between the ages of 40 and 50, standing 6-feet tall, weighing between 200 and 240 pounds with a goatee. He wore sunglasses, a hat, a blue windbreaker, brown cargo shorts and white shoes. According to photo by the
Sheriff’s Department, the attacker fled in a 1990s dark colored Toyota Tacoma. Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to contact the authorities at 323-264-4151 or 323981-5052.
The Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a collaboration between the Cal State LA Accounting Department and the International Revenue Service (IRS), to give Cal State LA students the chance to earn college credits and make themselves marketable to future employers. “We ask for students to sign up at the beginning of the school
year. In fall quarter, they have to go through training on individual taxes and pass an IRS qualifying exam at the end of the quarter,” said Dr. Kathy Hansen, the Chair of the Accounting Department. “Starting at the end of January through April, these students do tax returns for people who have income below a certain level.” In addition to the practical experience of working on taxes with a group of real people from the community—through a program that receives funding from the IRS and has the lowest rejection rate in Southern California—students and clients are able to interact and network with members of the financial community. “At least one Saturday during the year we partner with the State Board of Equalization, which is Continues on page 5
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University Times
April 11, 2016
NEWS
The tragedy of love not want one of their celebrated English professor outed as a romance novelist. Frederick Smith, director of the Cross Cultural Centers and a gay romance novelist on the side, expanded on the disconnect and bias surrounding the world of popular romance fiction.
| Photo Courtesy Cinema St. Louis
Janice Peregrina Contributor
The culture behind a modern romance novel. The University-Student Union’s long-running series Independent Visions held a special screening of the award-winning 2015 documentary film “Love
Between The Covers” on Thursday, April 7 at the U-SU Theatre. Being the first Independent Visions screening of the quarter, only one individual attended the event forcing the screening to be cancelled
The documentary interviews popular authors of the romance genre, such as Beverly Jenkins and Eloisa James, and highlights the obstacles they experienced in order to be taken seriously.
“Love Between The Covers” is an exposé on the booming business that is popular romance novels, how they are typically considered as “fluff” according to society, and the enormous fan base the novels have gathered.
In one example, Eloisa James recollects her start as a romance novelist while she was teaching at a university. She was threatened with loss of tenure if she accepted a three book deal with her publisher; the university did
La Finesse goes for the Green Experience Marina Andalon Contributor
The event was split up into two parts: the Green Experience and La Finesse de la Nuit. Students who attended the first part of the event were mainly attracted by the maze. Going through the maze you learn about composting, recycling and safe green cleaning products, resulting in prizes once you have finished going through. Azalea Ruiz, freshmen majoring in Sociology, was unaware of the Green Experience until she made her way through the maze. “I saw the tent, and had no idea what was going on and had to try it out,” Ruiz said. “After the maze, I really did feel like I learned a little more about the
Exploring a connection between Smith’s insights and the lack of an audience for “Love Between The Covers” on Thursday night seems obvious, but Smith also said that the first Independent Visions screening of the quarter typically experiences a smaller audience. Letters College. City Rabbits, the duo of singer Laniah Lee and guitarist Sergio Soto performed the finale of the night. The two closed out the show last year and returned because of the popular reception. Ashley Foskey, Representative of Arts and Letters, was pleased with the event and feels it was a success.
Double event on campus promotes Arts and Letters The College of Arts and Letters collaborated with Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) to host “The Green Experience and La Finesse de la Nuit” on Tuesday, April 5. The intention of the event was to bring students together to celebrate and learn more about our environment while showcasing student talent.
“Out of all the kinds of books that are written, romance novels are the most sold, the most read, and basically keep publishing afloat,” Smith said. “While it supports all these writers and the whole industry, people also shame it or don’t give it much credibility because it’s written by women and for women. There is a kind of ‘anti-womanist’ kind of feeling that comes with romance novels.”
environment especially about the crucial climate change.” ASI was able to get a voice of expertise to educate Cal State LA students by having Craig Trandy, an employee of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, who mainly works in the Efficiency and Solution Group, speaks to students about environmental consciousness. “Students can be more conscience of water usage, taking shorter showers, turn off the lights when you’re not in the house,” Trandy said. “A big thing is not blasting the AC all the time, it’s all about being more aware. By those simple and little steps you are making a difference.” At 5:00 P.M., La Finesse de la Nuit began, where people crowded the photo booth, caricature and Henna tattoo artists, and featured twelve performing acts, including bagpiping and poetry, from the Cal State LA Arts and Letters
| Photo Courtesy ASI Facebook page
College.
Poet Dominic ‘Nerd’ McDonald showcased original pieces concerning civil rights, hip-hop, and friendzoning. “Being able to express myself and connect with other people is always a good feeling,” McDonald said. “It was great performing on the stage tonight, I always like interacting with the audience and feeding off their energy.” Aside from performances, a fashion show emerged between acts that promoted the idea of recycling clothing, featuring student models that wore hand-medown and thrown away outfits. While the fashion show emerged between acts promoting the act of recycling clothes, Cal State LA students walked the runway to show off clothes that were thrown away and made into cute, trendy outfits. The girls modeling were all students of the Arts and
“I am happy so many students were able to stop by and support these students who put a lot of work into their acts,” Foskey said.
Smith views the Independent Visions series as a successful addition to what campus has to offer students. “The mission of Independent Visions is to expose people to documentaries, filmmakers, and subjects they probably wouldn’t generally watch or get access to in mainstream movie theaters,” Smith said. “Independent Visions fits in with our cross-cultural mission, which is centered around educating people around the ‘isms,’ like racism and sexism.” Independent Visions often provides opportunities for TVF students and people who want to pursue a career in the film industry with ways to interact with real filmmakers. One of the two upcoming screenings, “Cakes Da Killa: No Homo,” will feature a Q&A session with Ja’Tovia Gary, director of the film, and Lynnée Denise followed with the iconic 1990 film “Paris is Burning,” on April 14.
The theme of the event was selected because April 22 is Earth Day.
University Times
April 11, 2016
UN IIMVEESR S I T Y Editor-in-Chief Gerardo Amezquita
T
Journalism 391 Professor Josef Sawyer
Managing Editor Marrian Zhou
Journalism 391 TA Robert Ellsworth
Production Manager Taylor Preza
Distributors Jasmine Salgado
Web Editor Pablo De La Hoya
Staff Reporters Ani Nalbandian Hannah Jacobsen
Copy Editors Nico Triunfante Ricky Rodas
Contributors Carlos Gomez Fred Zuniga Janice Peregrina Johanna Esparza Joseph Delgado Marcela Valdivia Marina Andalon
Business/ Advertising Manager Jim Munson Advertising Assistant Aurelie Zephie Yessenia Rivas
Photographers Hannah Jacobsen Janice Peregrina Joseph Delgado Pablo De La Hoya
Faculty Advisor Suzanne Regan
News Assistant Dona Vernet
All opinions and letters in the University Times represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the UT or the university. Letters to the editor should include an address, telephone number and identification. Letters may be edited for grammar and length. University Times display and classified advertising should not be construed as the endorsement or investigation of commercial enterprises of ventures. University Times reserves the right to reject any advertising. University Times is published every Monday.
Deconstructing a black name Hannah Jacobsen Staff Reporter
Pan-African Resource Center displays exhibit pertaining to negative connotations toward “black sounding” names. The negative connotation against black names has become a growing subject of awareness. Recent studies have revealed that people with “black sounding” names are often discriminated against for job interviews, emails, and even—according to a Harvard study—when they are trying to rent with Airbnb. Students who wandered into the Cross Cultural Center last week found a response to these often-negative connotations through the exhibit “Deconstructing Black Names.” The exhibit—initiated by Cross Cultural Center (CCC) staff members and Cal State LA students Shanique Davis and Thea Griffith—displays the multitude of black names, their origins, and their meanings. “To me, it’s a really powerful but simple event,” said Davis, a Mechanical Engineering major. “They are our names, from the African American community, and a lot of the time it is assumed that they don’t mean anything because they’re not in the books or on those little license plates they sell at Walmart.”
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Davis found inspiration for this project through her own personal experience with reactions to her name.
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“My name’s Shanique and, with that, a lot of people ask where it comes from, or say that my name is a weird name. They say that black
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Para La Onda: Jefa de Redacción:
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Editores: Martha J. Orellana Jessica Magaña Gerente de publicidad: Martha J. Orellana Consejero de la Facultad:
Pablo Baler
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Skater
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through Indiegogo and officially settled down in East Los Angeles, a five-minute drive from Cal State LA. Skaters at LADD come from all over the country, with very distinctive ethnicities and backgrounds. They have a few adult teams competing actively like Fight Crew, Sirens, Tough Cookies, Varsity Brawlers, and their all-star team the L.A. Ri Ettes. They also have training programs including Junior Derby Dolls, Derby Por Vida, Fresh Meat, March Radness Derby Camp, and wRECK League. Everyone can get involved at the LADD and learn to skate the Derby way. If you’ve never been to a Derby game, it kind of resembles football. There are two teams competing against each other, five players on each team, and everyone starts in the box area on the banked oval track. Four players of the team are blockers while one is the jammer. The blockers are guided by the “pivot,” which is the leader of the four and usually with a striped helmet. The blockers have to help their jammer pass through while blocking the jammer from the other team. The jammer has to pass through blockers from the opposing team and in the second round, every person she passes counts as a point. The jammer has 60 seconds to score
Preview Day | Photo by Pablo De La Hoya
names in general are weird or ghetto. With this exhibit we want to say that our names mean something, they come from somewhere,” Davis said. “We want to dig deeper to see where these names really come from, and what their origins and meanings are.” The blocks of names that Shanique had piled next to her during our interview displayed the history and depth of meaning behind names in the Black community. While the multitude of these names have Arabic origins, there are also names which show an intersection with Spanish, Irish, Slavic, and even Greek culture. For example, Jerome originates from a Greek name associated with “sacred” and was historically used in honor of Saint Jerome, who was responsible for the Latin translation of the Bible in the fifth century. However, the meanings behind these names are often not validated in U.S. society, and rather mocked and associated with negative connotations. “As a child, I hated my name for a long time because of what people perceived of me. They automatically accept that ‘Shanique’ equals ghetto or bad,” Davis said. “I’ve met quite a few Shaniques in my life and they’ve all been somewhere in the STEM field. I know a Shanique with a Ph.D., I know another Shanique who pretty much aced the GRE, and I’m an engineering major.” Frederick Smith, the director of the Cross Cultural Center, described this and usually wears a helmet with stars on it. The team that scores the highest points wins. The game consists of two halves, and each half has two 12-minute periods. It is highly intense with much action. Poliana, a.k.a. Napoleona Dynamite, has been skating for five years and is in her fourth season with the Varsity Brawlers. “I [first] came with a friend to watch a Derby game and I was captured the very moment,” Poliana said. “I tried out at their community class Derby Por Vida and I was hooked. I got my own gears right after that and I haven’t stopped [skating] since.” Poliana also coaches the junior teams, and when asked what was the most important thing is in this sport, she said teamwork with no hesitation. “There are five million things going on at once when you’re doing Roller Derby. You need to communicate with your team and to work together to accomplish your strategies.” Poliana is very excited about the ongoing season. Katherine, a.k.a. Kitty Cat Go Boom, also emphasized teamwork as the most important component of a winning team. Originally from Burbank, she has been skating since 2010 and been with the L.A. Derby Dolls since 2014. “The importance is to get in the zone of being one,” Katherine said.
exhibit as a continuation of the growing discussion about black identities. “We’ve been having conversations on campus about black identities and the ways in which people understand and know various aspects of black identities and cultures,” Smith said. “In terms of overall appreciation and awareness of these black identities, this display connects to the work that organizations such as the Black Student Union have been doing at this campus.” Smith hopes that similar exhibits and events will draw more students in to learn about the center and the resources and community that it offers. “The Pan-African Student Resource Center has a sense of community, and I also think the connection to faculty and staff who are supportive of black students is really important. There are vibrant, loud, wonderful conversations that happen in the center, and it offers a sense of family as well as a home away from home,” Smith said. In addition to the Pan-African Student Resource Center, the CCC offers the Asian Pacific Islander Student Resource Center, the Chicana/o Latina/o Student Resource Center, and the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center. More information about services and involvement can be found by visiting their office on the second floor of the University Student Union. “[We need to] figure out how to work as a team. Jammers have to read their blockers and their blockers have to read the jammers.” Katherine was attracted to this Roller Derby for being a female dominant sport. She thought it was very empowering for women. Now residing in East Los Angeles, LADD has already started to attract the local crowds. They are a completely volunteer-run organization. Heather, PR manager of the LADD, expressed that they are a community with family and friends. “We are all volunteers who dedicate their free time to the Derby Dolls. All our families come here, and we almost live here,” Heather said. “L.A. Derby Dolls is a little hidden world that you didn’t know about.” The games have been very popular due to their exciting nature as an intense female contact sport. “We love the energy [the skaters] bring to every game,” said Noel and Robert, fans and friends of the LADD. “It’s really empowering to see women going out there to play such a compact sport. It really is a divey and fun place to spend your Saturday night.” If you are interested in checking out the newly in town skater girls next door, you can find their game schedules on http://derbydolls.com/ seasonschedule/. L.A. Derby Girls also offer discounts on student tickets.
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University Times
April 11, 2016
NEWS
Sleeping in a box for Box City Marrian Zhou
Managing Editor
Will you give up your bed for one night?
If you exit the I-710 to Valley Boulevard in the morning or mid-day, you would usually see a shambling figure standing by the end of the freeway. Sometimes it’s a man wearing a camouflage jacket, holding a cardboard saying “Anything Helps,” and gazing aimlessly at the busy students and workers in their cars. Maybe one of them would be willing enough to donate him something. Sometimes it’s an older woman. The wrinkles on her face are clearly outlined based on her dark complexion, marking the years of vicissitudes. The spring drizzling rain in SoCal makes her loose hair float in the wind, despite her attempt to tuck her head in the hood. You could see her belongings tightly wrapped in a trash bag, sitting on the dirt right next to her. She tries to curl her hands into the thin layer of sleeves as much as possible, but she has to hold out a pinched paper cup with one hand so the drivers could throw in a dollar or two. Many people ignore the existence of the homeless, or worse, treating them like pests of the city. Some show empathy toward the homeless, and try to help as much
Strike
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on leave will receive a General Salary Increase (GSI) for 10.5 percent increase over a three-year period, along with 2.65 percent Service Salary Increase (SSI). Under the new agreement, faculty’s “Fight for Five”—a call for an across the board 5 percent salary increase—will be met at the end of the CSU budget year. There will be a 2 percent GSI increase on July 1, 2016 and a 3.5 percent on July 1, 2017. The 2.65 percent SSI will go into effect for the 2017-18 fiscal year to eligible faculty. CFA membership must first vote to ratify the tentative agreement before it goes for approval to the CSU Board in May 24-25. “This agreement will not make faculty rich, or solve all of their financial problems,” said CFA President Jen Eagan. In a joint press conference with Chancellor White and CFA President Jen Eagan, the funds to implement the salaries will not affect student tuition, and rather be made possible from scheduled installments of increased pay over the three years. The five-day strike planned for all 23 CSU campuses will be postponed as the approval and ratification process goes under way. President Eagen called it “the largest strike that didn’t actually happen.”
as they can.
Santos Juarez, Vice President of the Association of Student Social Worker (ASSW) on campus, interns at the Homeless Health Care Los Angeles (HHCLA) in Downtown Skid Row, working in the Center for Harm Reduction specifically. “The people I have met and worked with have taught me that homelessness can affect anyone,” Juarez said. “[I’ve heard] a story about a man thrown out of his own house due to a cancer diagnosis, a young girl who believed she had finally found a home through the foster care system but only to wake up on her 18th birthday and find her new home was on the streets of L.A., a hardworking man who was worked to the bone by his employer due to his physical strength and is now turned away because of a physical disability he acquired.” According to statistics provided by Los Angeles Almanac, the total number of homeless in the Los Angeles County was 44,359 by 2015, in which 31,018 were unsheltered. Ranking by the causes of homelessness, 32 percent of the population had mental illness, 31 percent were chronically homeless, 24 percent were caused by substance abuse, and 21 percent experienced domestic violence. “As community members we must do our part to ensure there is safe, adequate,
As a result, “[all] courses and campus operations will continue without interruption,” said Chancellor White in an emailed response. The strikes were estimated to affect more than 470,000 students and expect the participation of 26,000 tenured-tracked faculty from the nation’s largest higher education system. A one-year extension of the current faculty contract has been added with an expiration date of June 30, 2018. Bargaining for the next contract will begin July 1, 2018. Molly Tawlcott, CFA Chapter President at Cal State LA and member on the CFA Bargaining Team stated, "This contract does not solve all of our problems, but it certainly places our university system on a more just path for faculty, students, and California's future." Other provisions included in the agreement are: -All faculty hired on or after July 1, 2017 will receive health benefits upon retirement with 10 years of service credit, including a basic dental plan for eligible faculty -A 1.5 percent increase for promotion of tenure-line faculty, effective July 1, 2016 -Creation of CFA and CSU composed working group to study lecturer range elevation.
| Photo Courtesy Aol.com
and affordable housing for everyone,” Juarez said. And with this belief, students of the ASSW have decided to host a unique fundraiser on campus for Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, called Box City. Originally from Cal State Fullerton, Box City focuses attention on “the many homeless people in our community, and raises money to help support HHCLA and harm reduction agency that assists homeless individuals in the Los Angeles community,” reports their Eventbrite webpage. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, at the Student Union Plaza. Registration will start on 4:15 P.M. and the event ends at 2:00 P.M. the next day. All students at Cal State LA are welcome to participate by raising a minimum donation of $22 to sleep overnight in a
cardboard box “home” as a resident of Box City. You can donate the money directly, collect pledges, or organize a fundraising event. “If you plan to attend with a group, you may pool your energy and creativity and put on an event such as a car wash, bake sale, or anything your imagination and resources will allow. The team/individual that raises the most money will be honored as the Mayor of Box City,” as stated by ASSW. “The purpose of this event is also for students to develop empathy for the homeless,” said Doris Harrington, outreach officer of ASSW. “All funding will go to Homeless Health Care Los Angeles.” There will also be performances from dancers and speakers during the event. For more details and registration, you can visit www.asswboxcity.eventbrite.com.
5 NEWS
University Times
April 11, 2016
Tax
ASI Farmer's Market
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the taxing authority for the state of California. The chairman from this area comes in and talks about what they do and try to recruit our students to apply,” Dr. Hansen said. “They also bring in non-profit organizations that may be of interest to the clients that we have coming in, which are able to help clients with needs ranging from healthcare to banking.” Through this Saturday program, Cal State LA students and faculty have been able to return about 1.5 million dollars to the community through properly completed tax returns, according to Dr. David Hossain, the former VITA site coordinator and a professor in the Accounting Department. “We are also financially empowering our client through hosting a financial literacy program, run by Dr. Ramon Castillo, which informs them on what to do after they get their refund,” Dr. Hossain said. “The campus branch of Wells Fargo has joined us as well, and they come on Saturdays and assist in literating clients in how to build asset.” Dr. Hossain stated that the most integral and difficult aspect of
Joseph Delgado Contributor
Dr. Kathryn Hansen sitting at her desk | Photo by Hannah Jacobsen
students’ time in VITA was the interpersonal skills required to navigate the personal questions within a tax return. “The biggest problem is extracting personal information; for example, when a student has to ask a female if they are married, that can spark a cultural issue,” Dr. Hossain said. “We train our students from the perspective that this is sensitive information, and you have to be careful how you ask and extract information.” Carlos De Luna and Ernest Wisco, Accounting majors in the VITA program at Cal State, both felt that the hands-on experience and training provided them with an important skill on their résumé while allowing them to give back to the community. “I’m participating in it for the
This is what the farmer's market means to students and vendors.
first time, and it was exciting to get the knowledge and training base to prepare a proper tax return,” De Luna said. “I was a little nervous in the beginning because I wanted to make sure that I really understood all the rules and was able to apply any deduction that I could, to make sure that my clients get the most for their return.” Low to medium-income students and community members looking to complete their taxes before the deadline can also partake in the Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA) services on the third floor of Salazar Hall, where they can prepare their tax returns online with a limited amount of guidance.
Brenda’s Tacos and Tamales Mexican Food (Tamales, tacos, Aguas Frescas)
“It’s a good experience and it’s a fun time, there’s music and we get to sell food.” -Leslie
“I like that we don’t have to buy from the food court and there’s a different variety of things that you could buy here. Fresh snacks and good food!” -Biology Major, Yesenia
VITA will be offered once more this Saturday, from 8:30 to 12:30 P.M., in Salazar Hall Room 343.
Old Town Baking Company Various Breads
“I like the combination of all students, the staff, the teachers. It makes it a good group of customers.” -Sue
Waffleland
Asian/Chinese Waffles and food “For my own business, I like to expose my business and people know our bread and waffleland and I can introduce my hometown food, Canton rice noodle and Hong Kong Waffle. So that’s my favorite. And for the Waffles, it’s my own style and created by myself so there’s nothing (like it that) you can try outside of school or any store. Only right here at Waffleland.” -CK
Katie’s Naturally Sweet (made with Stevia)
Sweets (bread and Jelly/Jams) “It’s fun talking to all these young students here and educating them about Stevia. They’re [CSULA Students] very open minded and one thing about this campus is that 50 percent of them seem to know about Stevia, and the other 50 percent I have to educate them but it’s a lot better than what I do at the regular farmer’s market because unless they’re affected by diabetes – those are the only people who know about stevia.” -Ruben
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April 11, 2016
How the $15 minimum wage will affect student employment Ani Nalbandian Staff Reporter
Student employment hours will be reduced by a third if funding is not increased. On March 31, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 3, a statewide minimum wage increase, which will take effect in January 2017. Governor Jerry Brown visited Los Angeles on April 4 to sign the bill into law. The Director of the Career Development Center, Christopher Lenz, was able to shed some light on what may change as a result of the minimum wage increase and how it could affect student employment on campus. Over the course of six years, the minimum wage will increase six times. Beginning in 2017, it will increase by fifty cents to ten dollars and fifty cents an hour. It will increase a further fifty cents in 2018 to bring the minimum to 11 dollars an hour. Every year thereafter will increase by one dollar till 2022, finally coming
In Los Angeles, Jerry Brown signs fifteen dollar minimum wage into law | Photos Courtesy Reuters
to a total of 15 dollars. Director Lenz stated, “Future funding levels will therefore be a factor in the number of hours students work, and/or the number of student assistant positions available.” Lenz explained that currently Cal State LA receives a maximum award of four thousand dollars per student for Federal Work Study (FWS). Meaning that at ten dollars an hour, a student could potentially work 400 hours. When the minimum wage is increased to ten dollars and fifty cents an hour the amount of hours a student could work would drop to 380 hours.
Subsequently if the Federal Work Study award is not increased, student hours will be reduced significantly and will eventually drop to 266 hours per student per year in 2022 when the minimum reaches 15 dollars an hour. Meaning that if funding for the
Portfolium aims to connect students to jobs Pablo De La Hoya Web Editor
A new CSU initiative sets out to help students connect with alumni. The Cal State system released a new effort to help students connect with potential employers through a new web-based program named Portfolium. Portfolium is a lot like LinkedIn but it is free for students to submit résumés to potential employers. Portfolium also allows students to set up a portfolio through their system using many different programs such as YouTube and PowerPoint. This new system was made available to Cal State LA students beginning on March 21 via a campus wide email with an access code to activate accounts. This isn’t the only program Cal State LA offers to students free of charge, but this is exciting for soon to be graduates. “I’m excited for it, but it feels a lot like LinkedIn,” said senior TVFM major, Yzzy Gonzalez. “It’s new and is a great opportunity for students to connect them to internships and jobs.” The Portfolium system does work a lot like LinkedIn and offers similar ways to get your résumé out, but it is free and promises to always be free. Portfolium aims to showcase your
work more than your résumé and is a productive new idea for many students who constantly put out projects. This now allows students to have somewhere to put their work as opposed to letting it drift to the abyss. The Alumni Association helped the process of bringing this program to Cal State LA and is very excited for the results it will bring to students. An associate explains that they are waiting to receive more data before releasing further details. They are excited for the efforts made through Portfolium to connect current students with recent graduates. The idea of connecting current students with recent graduates is exciting for those in the job market. This opens many doors for students with their peers that have found success if they can offer it for current students. One of the exciting features is the simplicity of getting your work out there along with your résumé. Portfolium gives new and effective ways to show your work using examples in fashion, geology and geography. Students can upload photographs and graphs to detail their work and create an immersive presentation for prospective employers. Portfolium is a great new tool for students that allow employers to see work produced as opposed to just a sheet of paper with prior experience and current GPA. Taking advantage of this new program is fairly easy as well. Just look for the email sent out by the campus to activate your account and get started!
Federal Work Study program is not increased, student employment hours can drop by a little over a third in six years. Director Lenz clarified that most current assistant positions on campus pay between 10.50 and 15 dollars an hour. “The minimum wage increases will eventually overlap those wages, which could result in a reexamination of wage structures,” Lenz explained. “Changes to the overall student employee wage range; changes in hours offered to students; and/or changes in the total number of positions.” However Director Lenz also explained that regarding the last minimum wage increase, it did not require much controversy and everything transitioned seamlessly.
NEWS
Editorial Cartoon by Carlos Gomez
7 NEWS
University Times
April 11, 2016
A taste in Japanese culinary history
Carlos Gomez
show up.”
A tasty reminder of Japanese etiquette.
Originating in the second century, sushi became a way to preserve meat. As popularity grew, largely from Buddhism culture, it began to replace meat with fish.
Contributor
The Asian Pacific Islander Resource Center hosted the “Food for Thought,” an event surrounding Japanese dining etiquette on Tuesday, April 5. To break the ice, students talked about their experiences with Japanese food. “I liked that a lot of people were interested in this culture,” Manadeschka Estocado, a first year Animation major said. “I thought only anime people would
To follow on with tradition, Los Angeles became the first city in the United States to embrace sushi with the opening of the Kawafuku restaurant in Little Tokyo by Noritoshi Kanai in the late 1960’s. The food became a sensation, and soon alterations were made to appeal more to Western consumers. At a traditional Japanese restaurant, most tables are low so guests
are seated on cushions instead of chairs. Because of this, it is a custom to remove any shoes or slippers in order to prevent stepping on any person’s food. Once seated, people take an oshiboro (wet towel) to clean their hands.
Chopsticks should be broken on the lap and always kept together on one end of the plate. Always use the backside of the chopsticks to pick up food if you are getting it from a shared plate. When eating with family, wait until everyone has been served in order to begin eating. If your food is best eaten immediately or hot, the phrase Osaka ni itadakimasu (please allow me to start before you) will come in handy.
There are four kinds of sushi: Maki, Nigiri, Sashimi, and Chirashi. When eating any sushi, eat the entire thing in one bite as a sign of respect to the chef and to capture all of the flavors. Soy sauce should be served separate, not on the sushi itself. The soy sauce should also only touch the meat portion of the sushi. Slurping your noodles when eating is not frowned upon, burping or blowing your nose, however, are. Alcoholic beverages also play a major part in Japanese dining. Drinks should never be served for oneself, but rather have someone else refill your cup.
Recon Mission: Search for the new Veterans Resource Center Director
Once the presentation was over, guests were given a plate of sushi along with their choice of green or sugar cane tea. All in all, the event truly helped educate students on etiquette and put it into practice a few moments later.
“Food for Thought” is a series of events planned throughout April and May revolving Asian styles of food and music, including Indian food and the vegan lifestyle. The next “Food for Thought” event will feature Indian food and is slated for April 19 in the University-Student Union Alhambra room at 3:15 P.M.
Los Angeles City Fire Station 38 in Wilmington. Since the VRC’s opening in 2014, Urias managed to set up the center by appointing full-time staff members, work-study positions, as well as organized and coordinated the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) with leadership positions within the club. Interim Director Steve Tejeda—selected by Jen Miller, Dean of Students—picked up from where Urias left off. Tejeda has been running the VRC as if he has been working there since the inception of the center, looking forward to eligible candidates to fill the director position. “I feel like I would be able to run this program, however, I am not a veteran and I feel like the student vets need a veteran as a director that knows and can relate to the vets much better than a nonvet could,” Tejeda said. “Even my son, who’s in the Air Force, told me that he thought I would be a great director for the VRC, but I still feel like it should be a vet who takes over the position.”
| Photos Courtesy Pasadenanow.com
Fred Zuniga Contributor
VRC cuts down on applicants for the new director. The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) has been on the search for a replacement director to keep the program running at the highest level of professionalism, knowledge, and dedication for student veterans. An ongoing process since former director, Marco Urias, decided to switch careers to join the
The VRC staff, Dean of Students, and Human Resource department has been trying to find the best candidate for the job. They have invited student veterans to come in and meet the candidates to ask questions and get a feel for the applicants. According to Tejeda, a Master’s Degree is recommended in order for the applicants to be qualified for the director’s position; however, being a veteran is not required. Currently the position stands unfilled, but the number of candidates has been consolidated down, leaving the veterans and the VRC wondering who will be their next “Platoon Commander.”
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University Times
April 11, 2016
MÚSICA
La Boheme: dirigida por Gustavo Dudamel Llega en mayo a Los Ángeles Por Erla Pelaez
COLUMNA DE OPINIÓN
¡El hazme reír de Estados Unidos! La cómica campaña presidencial de Trump
Por Martha J. Orellana Muchas personas asocian las palabras “Trump” e “inmigrantes” con la campaña presidencial del republicano más polémico del momento. Hay reacciones de burla y de preocupación a nivel internacional por las acciones del cómico aspirante a la presidencia del país más poderoso del mundo. Su actitud negativa hacia los inmigrantes latinos ha despertado el repudio de muchos. Los espectadores relacionan sus acciones con la burla y el sarcasmo por su rebeldía a reconocer el aporte económico de los latinos a este país.
Los medios de comunicación presentan a Trump de distintas formas y muchos lo consideran el simpático más antipático en la actualidad. En Los Ángeles, han puesto un billboard donde se anuncian las emisoras de radio 105.5 y 94.3 FM. En éste, hacen burla de la expresión del candidato “los mexicanos vienen a quitarle el trabajo a los estadounidenses” al cambiarla a “quitándole el jale a un americano desde 1972”. En Canadá, el mexicano Diego Saúl Reyna también protestó en contra del candidato. Diego colocó la bandera mexicana en lo alto de un edificio del magnate. Su propósito es mostrar al mundo que los latinos contribuyen a la prosperidad de los negocios del mismo Trump y también a la economía de Estados Unidos.
El pasado lunes, 3 de abril, la ópera de Los Ángeles cerró la función de Madame Butterly, escrita por Giacomo Puccini. Empezaron a prepararse para la nueva ópera, “La Boheme”, también de Puccini. La noche de estreno de “La Boheme” es el 14 de mayo. La mayoría de las presentaciones serán dirigidas por Speranza Scappucci, italiana que es exitosa en el mundo de la música donde prevalecen los hombres. El venezolano Gustavo Dudamel estará
INVITACIÓN La Onda hace una cordial invitación a todos los estudiantes
de español que deseen publicar artículos, noticias, anuncios o
cualquier otro escrito sobre temas relevantes para la comunidad estudiantil.
Nuestro objetivo es mantener informados a los alumnos de esta universidad y nuestra misión es conservar el legado de nuestra página periodística en español con la participación de ustedes. Nota: tener trabajos publicados no sólo les ayudará a reforzar su español, sino también a construir un currículo más fuerte.
Además, si están trabajando en su licenciatura, pueden agregar sus publicaciones al portafolio para que sea más convincente. Contáctanos en nuestras nuevas cuentas de redes sociales :
UT
laonda.newspaper@gmail.com La Onda Cal State LA
laonda.calstatela
Dudamel es el director de la Filarmónica de Los Ángeles y de la Sinfonía Simón Bolívar de Venezuela. La Filarmónica está establecida en el Walt Disney Hall y también presenta sus conciertos en el Hollywood Bowl durante el verano. Dudamel es uno de los conductores latinos
más famosos del momento, su éxito en el mundo musical es más que fantástico. El venezolano ha ganado un sinfín de competencias en Milán, Viena y Alemania. Él inspira a músicos de todo el mundo, pero la mayor inspiración se ha reflejado más en la comunidad latina que está involucrada en la música.
León Larregui lanza su nuevo disco
Escena del video “Locos” de León Larregui. Fotografía | Crédito: wopvideos.com
Empezará el tour “Voluma” en su país natal Por Graciela López
Parodia de las frases de Trump. Fotografía | Crédito: Martha J. Orellana
dirigiendo el 10 y 12 de junio.
Gustavo Dudamel, director de ópera. Fotografía | Crédito: lapatilla.com
León Larregui, músico, compositor y líder de la banda de rock mexicana Zoé, lanzó su segundo disco solista “Voluma”. En lo que va del año, el disco se ha posicionado en los primeros lugares de iTunes.
El primer sencillo se llama “Locos” y debutó como número uno en el mismo sitio web musical. El video del hit también tuvo éxito al conseguir más de seis millones de visitas en Youtube. El mismo Larregui fue el director de su propio video. El nuevo material tuvo que ser lanzado al mercado antes de lo previsto a causa de una fuga de información por Internet. Su casa disquera, Universal Music, sacó
“Voluma” a todas las plataformas y tiendas de música digital. El tour comenzará el 16 de abril en Monterrey, México en el festival Pa’l Norte. Después pasará por las ciudades principales de la nación mexicana en mayo. En junio y julio, Larregui llegará a los Estados Unidos, especialmente a Texas, California, Nueva York y Illinois. El 17 de junio es la única fecha programada para Los Ángeles.
INFORMATIVA LOCAL Boba, la nueva tendencia en bebidas La demanda de este producto aumenta cada vez más Por Jessica Magaña
población china.
Al principio este ingrediente sólo se le ponía a diferentes tipos de tés, pero después se empezó a experimentar con otros sabores.
Las compañías de bebidas más populares son Jamba Juice, Juice It Up! y Starbucks. Sus productos son los más vendidos, no sólo en el condado de Los Ángeles, sino en todo el país. Sin embargo, otras bebidas que se están vendiendo como pan caliente son las que contienen la famosa boba.
Manuel Sifuentes, experto de BobaStore.com, informa a la comunidad acerca de esta tendencia, así como del crecimiento del negocio. Sifuentes dice que se venden desde mezclas en polvo hasta jarabes saborizantes. De esta manera, los consumidores pueden preparar sus propias bebidas con boba desde sus hogares.
Se conoce como “boba” a las bolitas de tapioca que se agregan a bebidas de diversos sabores variando desde té hasta sabor de frutas. Dicha bebida fue creada en Taiwán en los años ochenta extendiéndose a otras zonas asiáticas y a Canadá hasta llegar a partes de los Estados Unidos en en donde se concentraba la
Hay diversas tiendas pequeñas que venden el famoso producto. Tpumps, por ejemplo, es una tienda en Pasadena que se especializa en tés con boba. Las filas llegan a tener hasta cincuenta clientes en espera para obtener sus productos. “Nosotros personalizamos cada bebida. Los clientes pueden
Famosas bebidas boba. | Crédito: studyabroadcorner.com
escoger de nuestra variedad de sabores y estamos encantados en crear cualquier combinación que ellos prefieran”, mencionó Alex Su, dueño del negocio.
Debido a la popularidad de la bebida taiwanesa, se está considerando abrir más locales en el este de Los Ángeles, Claremont, Rancho Cucamonga y Rowland Heights. Las nuevas tiendas ofrecerían la exitosa calidad que caracteriza a la cadena de tés. Su dueño está consciente de la gran demanda de boba y no duda en extender el negocio lo más pronto posible.
April 11, 2016
University Times
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Happy Birthday Golden Eagle Radio Nico Triunfante Copy Editor
Sophia Biggs explains nostalgia of radio station’s growth over the past year. Golden Eagle Radio (GER) celebrated its one-year anniversary of its launch on April 7. The hallmark event was originally to be celebrated in the University-Student Union (U-SU) Plaza. However, rainy weather conditions caused the group to move to the Los Angeles room in the U-SU. The room was set up in a meeting-like setting, with the variant being the DJ table atop a platform, a photo taking area filled with Golden Eagle Radiothemed props, and a five layer chocolate chip cake from Porto’s that read “Happy 1st Anniversary Golden Eagle Radio.” Attendees included a vast majority of Golden Eagle Radio members, including general members, the social media team, executives, and a handful of random students who stumbled
upon the room. Additionally, long-time Golden Eagle Radio supporters such as Robert Lopez, Executive Director for Communications and Public Affairs, Jim Munson of the University Times, the Cal State LA Athletics Department, and previous GER President Sophia Biggs played a part in flavoring up the event. Current GER President, Angeline Bernabe, started off with a speech congratulating the progress the station has done since its launch. The station has nearly doubled in members, events across campus, and shows. Afterwards, Bernabe introduced Robert Lopez and Sophia Biggs, who each individually praised the radio station for excelling expectations.
Biggs, paid homage to Professor Cox and, who she recognized as, dedicated members of the station, felt touched that the radio station is currently put in a position that could possibly see future anniversaries. “I’m so impressed by all of the students that have kept it going and that it’s still growing,” Biggs said. “With the foundation that Golden Eagle Radio is helping to put down, we’re
looking at probably seeing the 5 Anniversary, 10th Anniversary or 50th Anniversary. The possibilities are limitless.”
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With the amount of raw talent coming to the station in the past year, Biggs explained that GER was an opportunity for her to practice for real-world jobs. As an alumna of Cal State LA, she still allows herself to delve into the possibilities that transcend her
DJ Estradation, Sophia Biggs, Nico Triunfante| Photo by Golden Eagle Radio
time as GER President.
“I would like to see alumni talent get retained,” Biggs said. “I would like to see people who have worked hard blossom here, maybe come back and do a couple of shows to keep it growing.” Golden Eagle Radio streams 24/7 at goldeneagleradio.org. For inquiries, general meetings
are held on the 3rd floor of U-SU every Monday at 3:30 P.M. As Biggs mentioned, the opportunities the organization offers seem infinite. “You never know who’s listening, there’s always somebody listening. Even when you’re in your room praying by yourself, there’s always someone listening.”
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University Times
April 11, 2016
Raise your paws for the University’s animal lovers club
According to their website, over 170 animals at the Gentle Barn have been rescued from severe abuse. PAW members have also presented at the Montebello Pet Fair and appeared on TV at Race For The Rescues, another nonprofit that helps prevent animal overpopulation without euthanasia. “We are a club based on helping our community, especially our animal community. There are a lot of animals in need who are in shelters, and clinics, and this provides volunteer opportunities for our students to get out there and help,” Sorosjinda said.
Janice Peregrina
about how they can get involved in their field.
Pre-Veterinary and Animal Welfare club growing in numbers.
The club has only been running since fall 2015. PAW’s membership has steadily been growing, with a member base now numbering in the fifties through tabling, Facebook, Instagram, and their own websites.
Last Thursday, April 7 marked the first club meeting of the quarter for Cal State LA Pre-Veterinary and Animal Welfare (PAW), a club for students interested in animals, as well as pre-veterinary students who want to learn more
Club members have participated in a myriad of events throughout the quarters, centered on providing relief to needy animals. PAW has even sponsored military dogs and their handlers with care packages.
Contributor
| Photo by Janice Peregrina
Samantha Sorosjinda, club president and a Pre-Vet Biology major, stressed the importance of care packages since military dogs are not provided with any toys and treats to alleviate them when their jobs get hard. In addition, PAW has donated blankets and over 300 dollars in aid to the Gentle Barn in the city of Santa Clarita, a non-profit animal pasture that provides an opportunity for disadvantaged youth to experience what it’s like to interact with rescue animals.
Cal State LA does not have an official veterinary program, which is a barrier for students hoping to pursue the field as a career. “What we found was that we didn’t have a lot of information for pre-vet students,” Sorosjinda said. “It was pertinent for us to provide that kind of information and give them opportunities to visit veterinary schools, as well as to give them an overview about what [pre-requirements] they need.” Events are more geared toward a career in helping animals like going to a suture lab, where students received experience stitching pigs’ legs, and a tour of a pet
hospital in Montebello hosted by a practiced veterinarian. PAW members also attend general animal enthusiast events. A visit to Alice Kennedy Frost Dog Park and a morning dog hike in Elysian are some of the fun events lined up for this quarter. “It’s amazing to see how many people are interested in animals and just needed an avenue,” Sorosjinda said. “I like the environment we’ve created, an open space for people who are crazy about animals.” The club provides inactive memberships, meaning students can become a member of the club without ever going to a single meeting, as long as they pay their club dues. “As a group, we’re stronger in numbers and can do a lot more, hit a lot more targets, make a bigger effect on our community if we’re able to provide the inactive membership,” said PAW vice president Stacy Iniguez. PAW will hold their next meeting at 3:00 PM on April 21 in the Montebello room, located on the third floor of the University-Student Union. For more information, visit http://csulapaw.weebly.com/ or contact csulapaw@gmail.com.
11 NEWS
University Times
April 11, 2016
Black woman writers break barriers and bridge gaps Marcela Valdivia Contributor
Cup of Culture introduced with the presence of gifted writers. Cup of Culture held its first of three events organized by Cross Cultural Center Coordinator Thea Winkler, for the spring quarter with guests Sheree L. Greer, Fiona Zedde, and Rebekah Weatherspoon on Monday, April 4. The three shared an in-depth look on their books and experiences as black female writers. Sheree L. Greer writes, teaches, and lives in Tampa, Florida. Her most recent work, “Return
to Arms,” was inspired by anger, confusion, rage, and frustration toward the Trayvon Martin incident, and dealt a lot with civil rights and social justice movements.
“The main character is a black lesbian activist who is involved in a relationship with another activist in their community, but there are all these different intersections to our identity such as gender, age, sexual orientation, politics, and class that you sometimes have to make some decisions of what matters most in that particular moment,” Greer said. As a Black writer, Greer places high emphasis on women in her novel. She gives women the role of being people capable of creating a movement and taking initiative, regardless of people’s
Cup of Culture | Photo by Pablo De La Hoya
opinions toward them. Fiona Zedde is a Jamaica-born woman who currently writes a se-
ries of novels about lesbian love. Her work “To Italy with Love” is a story that revolves around sex and sensuality. Her lifestyle is re-
flected in her work, as the story tells of an intersex character with a Jamaican background who travels to a wedding, where she meets a woman that presents many challenges to her life. “I love traveling and I feel everyone should do it if they can manage it in order to engage in other cultures and learn about yourself in foreign spaces that are separate from your incubation space,” Zedde said. “I am a big advocate of traveling and solo traveling in particular to really experience the world around you.” Rebekah Weatherspoon writes contemporary romance and recently wrote "Soul to Keep," a book a from the Vampire Sorority Sisters series. In these series, she creates a world of demonic vampires. At the beginning, she thought she had come up with a ridiculous idea, but she felt everything was worth it, afterwards. “A character named Jill is doing a school project and a vampire named Miyoko is forced to help her, so over the course of their project they are fighting demonic forces, but also fall in love with each other and realize being the outcast of their own groups they are perfect for each other,” Weatherspoon said. Weatherspoon emphasizes writing about queer and black characters in her books, focusing on minorities the media does not often mention. All of these talented authors agree that the best part about writing books is the opportunity to step into a fictional world where they can invent anything that comes to mind. This is their chance to let their imagination flow where they can create characters and places that will be unique to the readers. The second Cup of Culture will take place on April 25 in the University-Student Union Theatre with a stage reading of “92 Grove Street” by the Robey Theatre company.
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University Times
April 11, 2016
EVENT CALENDAR
MONDAY 11th
THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS
TUESDAY 12
th
WEDNESDAY 13th
Etiquette Dinner Sign Ups Available 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. U-SU Center for Student Involvement
Grad Fair 2016 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. University Gym
WPE Workshop 9:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. University Writing Center
The Forbidden Book Exhibit 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. U-SU Cross Cultural Centers
12th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Conference on Genders & Sexualities 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. U-SU 3rd Floor
Group Therapy at CAPS: Grief and Loss 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Student Health Center
Grad Fair 2016 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. University Gym
THURSDAY 14th Make the Career Fair Work for You 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Career Development Center HIV Awareness Day 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. U-SU Plaza PCMC Concert – Nicholas Isherwood 7:30 p.m. Music Hall
Golden Eagle Fest 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. U-SU Plaza CSGS Conference Keynote Address: A Talk by Dr. Deborah R. Vargas 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. U-SU Los Angeles Room
WPE Workshop 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. JFK Library, Palmer Wing, 1039A Holy City Adrift: Thomas McGrath’s Los Angeles 8am-5pm JFK Library
FRIDAY 15th But I Never Owned Slaves: Digging Deep into the Emotionalities of Whiteness and its Impact on the Hopes of Racial Justice – A Talk by Dr. Cheryl E. Matias 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. U-SU Los Angeles Room WPE Workshop 1p.m. - 5 p.m. University Writing Center