UT
NIVERSITY IMES
May 16, 2016
www.csulauniversitytimes.com
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
Kayla stamps the ballot as new ASI President
Issue 212.08
Ricky Rodas Contributor
Kayla Stamps was recently announced the new ASI president for 2016-17, beating out fellow presidential candidates Jose Trinidad Castaneda and Samuel Garza in the ASI general election.
Photo Courtesy | @Cal State LA Twitter
Stars feel the Bern
Stamps takes a landslide victory with 860 of the 1,624 votes for president, followed by Garza who received 420 votes, and Castaneda the remaining 336 votes.
Anthony Karambelas Contributor If you were wondering why these Bernie Sanders chants rang through the air last Tuesday, or why there were so many Eyewitness news trucks buzzing around campus, here’s the answer you’ve been waiting for.
Stamps was also 1 of 11 candidates running for president of the University-Student Union (U-SU) board of directors, and was also announced the winner with an overwhelming 614 of the 1,457 votes. However, since an individual is unable to simultaneously hold the positions of ASI president and U-SU Board president, runner up Jose Trinidad Castaneda was announced the winner of the position. In Stamps’ Candidate Platform address, she outlined her plans for the future of Cal State LA, including her goal of improving the financial aid process. “As I began to meet various people on campus, I was able to receive insight to some of the glaring concerns. Financial aid was one of
| Photo by Matthew Gonzalez
them. I conducted research and did a comparison analysis with a model school (CSUF),” Stamps said. “This gave me further insight to some solutions. I told myself that one of my fulfillments as president is to work towards expediting and reforming some of the financial
INSIDE:
aid processes.” Voting for the candidates ran from May 9 through May 11 via the online G.E.T. system. Various voting booths were also set up throughout the Main Walkway during this period to extend the
LA ONDA: LA NUEVA EDAD MÍNIMA PARA FUMAR LEGALMENTE EN CALIFORNIA ES 21 AÑOS
EAGLE CON BRINGS PANELIST FROM HIT TV SHOWS
PG 8
PG 6
Athletic Director Mike Garrett fires basketball head coaches Chelsey Michaelis Contributor
Cal State LA Athletic Director Mike Garrett recently fired both the men’s and women’s basketball head coaches: Carter Shaw and Dieter Horton. According to Garrett, the decision came down to the poor performance record of both teams. While barely making the playoffs, the teams quickly got eliminated in the first round. “I’m trying to produce a championship program,” Garrett said. “Being below .500 isn’t doing that.” A women’s basketball player, who wished to remain anonymous, was sad to see her old coach leave the program, but is
Carter Shaw | Photo Courtesy Athletic Department
Horton Dieterweb | Photo Courtesy Athletic Department
looking forward to a new beginning.
Before Cal State LA, Shaw had success with NCAA Division I programs over a 17-year span. He coached two-seasons as head coach for the Women’s Golden Eagles Basketball, both resulting in California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Tournament (CCAA), but unable to
“It caught us off guard, he only had a few years. He didn’t have time to incorporate what he wanted, but we are excited to see who they bring in next.”
opportunity to as many students possible. The results of the other executive and candidates’ positions will be announced on Monday, May 16 on the ASI and U-SU websites, respectively.
TWELVE WOMEN HONORED AT CEREMONY
PG 7 surpass the first round. His accolades included a stretch of five consecutive road wins in January 2015, and a first home win against UC San Diego since 2005. Horton previously had experience with community college programs and NCAA Division I program before coming to Cal State LA in the 2014-2015 season. He coached two-seasons as the head coach for the Men’s Golden Eagles, resulting in a CCAA Championship Tournament second round loss this past season. He also coached two current NBA players, Dewayne Dedmon and Nikola Vucevic, both playing for Orlando Magic. But in two years both teams went for a combined 42-66. Many games lacked the attendance the University hoped for, says Garrett, who’s in his first year as Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Cal State LA.
Four of Bernie’s biggest celebrity supporters came to rally Golden Eagle support for his campaign: Rosario Dawson, Josh Hutcherson, Heather Matazzaro, and Frances Fisher. There were many photo ops and autographs opportunities made throughout the day. But above all, these four actors showed up in support of the one presidential candidate they believe best represents the American people. Earlier on that day, the four Continues on page 3
Garrett says he wants to make Cal State LA Athletics a Division I program, which will happen once the program becomes a winning team and possible title contender. “You don’t do that by being a poor Division II program and nobody showing up to the games.” says Garrett. “If you have a great program you won’t miss the action. People don’t show because we don’t win. Students have expressed their concern about the lack of information communicated by the Athletics Department. “The reasons I don’t go to the games because I’m not informed,” says Alejandro Loza, 22, a senior Psychology major. The University is actively looking for two new coaches. No information has been disclosed on potential new candidates for the position.
2
University Times
May 16, 2016
NEWS
‘School of Rock’ superstar guest speaks at Theater Arts lecture Joseph Delgado Contributor
Tony Cavalero reflects on his experiences coming up as an actor.
The Cal State LA Television, Film, & Media and Theater Arts departments are home to successful producers and actors. Theater Arts professor Stephen Rothman, professor teaches an acting for film class. He occasionally invites former students to speak to his class of their experiences and advice when entering the entertainment industry. On Wednesday, May 11 Rothman introduced Tony Cavalero, his former student who current-
ly stars in the television adaptation of the film School of Rock on Nickelodeon. Cavalero plays Dewey Finn, a rock ‘n’ roll substitute teacher.
Prior to his attendance at Cal State LA, Cavalero began in the Virginia Military Institute, where he received his BA in History. Later, he got accepted to the Groundlings, a prestigious theatre and acting school where he learned improv. He explained that social media is a good start for aspiring actors and people trying to get their foot-in-the-door of the entertainment industry because of YouTube, Instagram, and Vine; apps used to expose their talent virally. “Do your own thing,” says Cavalero. “Write a show, per-
form, get it going yourself.”
Cavalero started working for commercials that went viral on YouTube where his talent was exposed and admired through positive comments on the video. His success with those viral videos motivated him to create his own YouTube channel and gained many followers for his collaborative works while working at the Groundlings. “It was so intense,” says Cavalero. “But I loved it. I thrived at it. I just loved creating material, thinking of crazy ideas.” Working on The Sunday Company at the Groundlings is where the members create a new sketch and perform an improv show every week. It was three months in at the Groundlings during a
| Photo by Joseph Delgado
sketch where a major casting director for a show noticed him. “I just want to let you know that the casting director for Saturday Night Live was at the show on Sunday,” said the theater manager at The Groundlings to Cavalero. “And she asked for your information after the show.” He later auditioned for Saturday Night Live and was asked to audition for 22 pilot episodes of varying shows. Cavelero appeared in various popular tele-
vision shows, such as Hart of Dixie, 2 Broke Girls, The DUFF, and New Girl to name a few. But it took him a while to star in the leading role. Cavalero’s final words were to encourage students to do what they want, but also improve where they need improvement; keeping an open mind to critics and constructive criticism. “Compare and despair,” said Cavalero. “Don’t compare your career track to anybody else’s because it doesn’t make any sense.”
Public Safety cracks down on handicap placard misusers “Those who know the rules and use the placard are normally very thankful about us checking.”
For the past two weeks Parking and Transportation have been patrolling lot 8 more heavily. They currently have 20 student assistants with seven full-timers spread out into different lots. Not only is the misuse a crime, but it makes parking more difficult for those that use the handicap placards appropriately and need a space
| Photo by Pablo De La Hoya
Pablo De La Hoya Staff Reporter
One ride along with Sergeant Demetria Lacey. In a ride along with the University Times, Parking Field Sergeant Demetria Lacey confirmed a new parking concern: the issue of misused handicap placards. The problem was brought to the University’s attention via emails.
is a difficult process for both Parking and Transportation, and the individual whose placard was misused. Once caught misusing the placard, the individual’s placard is confiscated and then destroyed. The individual then has to acquire a new placard from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and face a California state standard fine of $368.
“We can see anywhere from five to ten different offenders a day,” Sergeant Lacey said.
Parking lot 8 is a designated handicap parking lot with a few spots serving the neighboring Anna Bing Children’s Center, serving only 44 spaces. Other lots have several handicap spaces and follow the state law of having 1020 percent of the total spaces as handicap spots.
Misuse of the handicap placard
When checking placards in
the lots, parking enforcers call to dispatch to get verification using the identification number. Normally, dispatch responds by checking the date of birth for verification. “We will get a date of birth with 1913, and it instantly raises suspicion,” Sergeant Lacey said. “We have to ask everyone, because many times the disabilities aren’t seen.” During the ride along there was an incident in lot A, where the student claimed not to know the rules behind using the handicap placard. Checking for placards helps free spaces for those who need them, as opposed to being used by someone that doesn’t.
to park. Sergeant Lacey hopes that the problem will become less of an issue and the handicap parking placards are no longer misused.
3 NEWS
University Times
May 16, 2016
UN IIMVEESR S I T Y
Editor-in-Chief Gerardo Amezquita
T
Managing Editor Marrian Zhou
Journalism 391 TA Robert Ellsworth
John Lion New Plays Festival roars with triumph
Distributors Jasmine Salgado Jesus Alvarez
Production Manager Taylor Preza
Staff Reporters Ani Nalbandian Hannah Jacobsen
Production Assistant Celeen Arce
Contributors Chelsey Michaelis Julian Garcia Mimi Li Marina Andalon Anthony Karambelas Vanessa Osio David Ochoa Joseph Delgado Marcela Valdivia
Web Editor Pablo De La Hoya Copy Editors Nico Triunfante Ricky Rodas Business/ Advertising Manager Jim Munson
Photographers Matthew Gonzalez Joseph Delgado Jose Trinidad Castenada Pablo De La Hoya
Advertising Assistant Yessenia Rivas Faculty Advisor Suzanne Regan Journalism 391 Professor Josef Sawyer
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. Copyright 2016 University Times. All Rights Reserved. Cal State University, Los Angeles 5151 State University Dr. - KH C3098 LA, Ca, 90032 Office 323.343.4215 Advertising 323.343.4270
www.csulauniversitytimes.com calstatela.ut@gmail.com Calstatelaut
facebook.com/CsulaUT Calstatelaut
Para La Onda: Jefa de Redacción:
Graciela López
Editores: Martha J. Orellana Jessica Magaña Gerente de publicidad: Martha J. Orellana Consejero de la Facultad:
Pablo Baler
| Photo by Pablo De La Hoya
Marrian Zhou
Managing Editor
John Lion New Plays Festival Premiere Success.
Audience seated, chattering stopped, lights out. The scene gradually appeared at the center of the stage. A longing and haunting voice chanted, hinting the beginning of this year’s John Lion New Plays Festival.
Three plays were showcased at the festival. The Circle of Death by Gwendolyn Gabrielle, Under the Moon by Murri Royal Brown, Ye Ju Choi, Hemy He, Kent Nabor, Gwendolyn Gabrielle, and Gregory Pickus, and Lifeline by Robert Ellsworth. The Circle of Death was written by Gwendolyn Gabrielle, directed by Chris Anthony, and performed by Nina Walker, David Gomez, Stephanie Gutierrez, Jason Foster, Cassandra Britton, Danielle Lee, and Ash-
ley Nnebe. It took place throughout space and time, at a hospital room and a graveyard, in between life and death. “I’ve always loved the science fiction and fantasy genres,” said playwright Gabrielle. “But they don’t really occur often in theatre, so I wanted to try bringing them to the stage.” Gabrielle also expressed that she really likes cemeteries.
Continues on page 11
Bernie
Continued from cover
celebrities also visited East Los Angeles College and Rio Hondo College. As individuals, these celebrities have participated in demonstrations across California and the greater United States. Rosario Dawson has spoken at Sanders’ rallies from San Diego to the Bronx, while Josh Hutcherson has taken on the Midwest, representing Sanders at his Iowa City rally. Still energized after a long day of Bernie support throughout L.A., Dawson, Hutcherson, Matazzaro and Fisher encouraged Cal State LA students to register to vote to cast their votes for Sanders in the upcoming democratic nomination. Amid countless selfies, they answered and elicited questions about the nominee. They also openly discussed their views on the other presidential candidates with attendees, creating a friendly environment for thoughtful political discourse. Dawson was especially expressive and willing to share what she loved so much about Bernie Sanders. Namely, she expressed a fondness for his transparency and integrity. “He’s saying the things that he really wants to get done and will get done. He’s unequivocal about it,” said Dawson. The actress spent a generous amount of oneon-one time with students, and
as she made her signature heartshaped hand sign, she said “the reason why I joined this campaign was because of all of you guys.” Dawson went on to express how she loves that young people are representing Sanders through their social media. On the topic of Sanders’ representation in the press and other forms of mass media, however, Dawson wasn’t so appreciative. In fact, she stated that she’s lost a lot of respect for some of her favorite news sources. “I can’t believe you just asked him three times in a row if he was going to quit when half the country hasn’t even voted yet,” Dawson said. “What kind of journalism is that? You have [Sanders] on your show for a few minutes; I’ve met the man and I still have a gazillion questions I’d love to ask him and that’s what you’re asking is why he should even bother?” Dawson also offered advice to Cal State LA students on how
| Photo by Anthony Karambelas
to get involved in the election, whether or not they meet the age requirement. Flipping out her phone, Dawson instructed to do your research on political candidates, and families should be talking about no fracking, stopping regime change, infrastructure, education, universal health care, etc. Fellow actor Josh Hutcherson had similar words of wisdom to share. “I think as an American it’s such an incredible privilege we have to be able to take part in our democracy, so do a little research. Go to a few websites. See where you land [as a voter]. Also look at voting records. You can look up so many videos on YouTube, seeing Bernie for 40 years saying the same things,” said Hutcherson. With the presidential election just around the corner, it is about time for us, as the American public, to become more knowledgeable about politics and political figures.
4
University Times
May 16, 2016
NEWS
Expert panel discuss global refugee crisis Hannah Jacobsen Staff Reporter
Experts discuss the global response to displaced and vulnerable populations. As the community of Los Angeles has been deeply impacted by protests against deportations of undocumented persons and questions of how to handle Syrian refugees, the idea of the refugee has become a hot button, controversial topic. Cal State LA’s community packed into the Los Angeles room of the University-Student Union (U-SU) last Monday night to hear a panel of experts discuss the components and history of the current refugee crisis in the event “Adrift and Across: Global Refugee Crises and US Responses.” Cal State LA’s own Dr. Choi Chatterjee, a professor in the history department, moderated this American Communities Program event. The panel’s participants included Dr. Emily Acevedo, Dr. Neils Frenzon, Martin Zagg, and Angelica Salas. Dr. Chatterjee began the night by hitting the audience with the facts, introducing the sheer scale of the global refugee population, including asylum seekers and displaced persons. “This year, according to the UN, we have fifty million refugees worldwide, the largest number that we’ve had since 1946,” Dr. Chatterjee said. “Half of them are children; fifty-three percent of all refugees in 2016 are from Syria,
Afghanistan, and Somalia.” While the U.S. often advertises itself as one of the foremost participants in handling these problems, Dr. Chatterjee also divulged the surprising fact that most of this refugee population—eighty-six percent—settle in countries considered to be ‘third world’ or ‘developing.’ Dr. Acevedo, a professor in Cal State LA’s political science department, used the historical and political context surrounding the refugee crisis in Central America to shed insight into why the United States plays a relatively small role in solving this problem. “If we think about large scale migration to the United States from Central America and when it began, we can think of hundreds of thousands of El Salvadorans, Nicaraguans, and Guatemalans who fled civil war, repression, and economic devastation in 1980,” Dr. Acevedo said. “That same year, Congress had passed the U.S. Refugee Act, a law that put U.S. law in accordance with the United Nations declaration of human rights, giving the idea of refugee a legal rather than ideological definition.” Under this new legal definition, a refugee was described as a person facing individual persecution on five grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. However, even when this legal definition was established, the conversation surrounding refugees and their admittance into the U.S. was extremely polarized. “On one side was liberal mem-
bers of congress, activists, and refugees themselves, who argued that the international human rights and principles were central,” Dr. Acevedo said. “The other side of the debate included President Reagan, specific administrations and agencies, and conservative members of congress. Their argument centered around national security and the fight against communism.” Just as the refugee crisis in Central America went unassisted by the United States due to the arguments of national security and communism, today’s political debates surround the major concerns of national security and terrorism. Dr. Frenzon, a Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Immigration Clinic at USC, explained that the ambiguity of refugee vs. non-refugee is helped along by an outdated international definition that immigration lawyers and activists struggle with daily. “We can, for legal purposes, agree on what constitutes persecution by race, religion, and nationality. But the refugee convention is asked today to deal with problems that were not on the minds of drafters of the refugee convention: women or men fleeing domestic violence, girls fleeing forced marriage, young people fleeing the MS-13,” Dr. Frenzon said. “These are claims that people are trying to make in an immigration court under this definition of refugee that was drafted in 1951 and 1967.” Dr. Zogg, the Executive Director of The International Rescue Committee in Los Angeles (IRC), argued that though the refugee sit-
Information about the citizenship process comes to the Los Angeles area Marcela Valdivia Staff Reporter
The USCIS aims to assist immigrants understand the naturalization process. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will hold information sessions about the citizenship process in Los Angeles to help undocumented individuals learn more about the naturalization process. The information sessions are
free of charge and will cover four main topics: naturalization eligibility requirements, the naturalization process, the naturalization test, and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. Copious information about application forms, fees, eligibility, and background security checks will be addressed in detail. Participants will be able to review sample questions that could potentially be asked during the citizenship test. Also, there will be an overview of U.S. history and civic principles. A majority of these informational sessions take place at libraries because they play an immense role in promoting awareness
about the naturalization process. Libraries offer a safe place for immigrants to feel comfortable and find countless educational information. USCIS will host two information sessions in Spanish this month. The first session will take place May 17 at the Inglewood library located on 101 West Manchester Boulevard Inglewood, CA 90301 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The second session will be on May 23 at Junipero Serra library located at 4607 South Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90037 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
| Photo by Jose Trinidad Castaneda III
uation may seem desperately overwhelming, there were aspects of U.S. refugee protocol to be proud of, specifically in Los Angeles. Dr. Zogg runs one of only nine refugee resettlement agencies that exist nationally. Eight of these resettlement agencies are based in Southern California, a community that has traditionally been the most welcoming to refugees. “Let me give you a little good news. We’re at about 60 million displaced people in the world today, of that 60 million, about 15 to 16 million are refugees and most of those refugees will go back to their country of origin. Of those who don’t, most will seek permanent residence in their original country of refuge. And a few will resettle in a different country. Of those resettlers, we take fifty percent,” Dr. Zogg said. “They come to us through the U.S. refugee admissions program after going through an arduous, frankly miserable process that results in 70,000 refugees coming here every year.” While there have been loud disputes over these refugee resettlements programs by states such as Texas, Kansas, and New Jersey, refugees have been welcomed into Los Angeles for forty years. These include waves of refugees from Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Bosnia, and Iran. “This community is the perfect place to resettle refugees,” Dr. Zogg told the crowd. “However, I really only come to colleges to recruit volunteers. There are eight resettlement agencies in this community. We all operate on tiny budgets and we rely on volunteers. So, when I talk about how welcoming this community is, it’s really because people like you want to devote time to making that happen.” As Dr. Zogg ended his portion of the panel with a call for volunteers to enhance the positive aspects of the U.S. refugee program, Angelica Salas, the Executive
Chair of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), called for systemic change and greater compassion by relaying her personal experience with Central American refugees and immigrants. “I came here undocumented to be reunited with my undocumented parents, and I also married a Salvadoran man who’s a refugee from the civil war,” Salas said. “My sister-in-law came to the states in the late ‘80s, fleeing with her newborn son. Her brother had been killed, her husband had been killed by the armed forces, and just as she was coming another brother was killed. She came here undocumented; she was caught at the border and separated from her son.” Instead of compassion from the U.S. government, Salas’ sister-inlaw was forced to make it to the U.S. again on her own, where she lived in the basement of a Los Angeles community-based organization. “There was an organization that finally helped her get her son back from the immigration authorities, but she did not get asylum,” Salas said. “She never got asylum. What she got was temporary protective status, and only because the American Baptist Church sued our government, saying that everything they were doing was contrary to the protection of life.” Salas told the audience that taking fifty percent of the few refugees who relocated from their original host country was not nearly enough when there are fifty to sixty million displaced, often due to the consequences of U.S. foreign relations. “Yes, be proud of what we’re doing in Los Angeles and in California. But I want you not to be satisfied,” Salas said. “I want you to be agitated by what’s happening in this country and in this world.”
5 NEWS
University Times
May 16, 2016
University will offer new Men’s Studies course
LA students and professors, however there are some notable scholars who disagree. Robert Heasley, a sociology professor and President of the American Men’s Studies Association, has said the development of these courses is “inventing something that I think already exists.”
Ani Nalbandian Contributor
Spring 2017 will see a new addition to the Gender and Sexuality Studies department. Men have been documented thoroughly since their beginning, however, women are a rare occurrence in history given their status in society for centuries. The obvious need for representation manifested as the Women’s Studies discipline. Although broader courses like Gender Studies have appeared as well, Women’s Studies has given a necessary rise to Men’s Studies. Men’s Studies courses have begun popping up on college campuses all over the country, and Cal State LA will now be offering one of its own. Put together by the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies department, a class titled “Critical Masculinities” will be starting in spring 2017. In an interview with University Times, Dr. Dionne Espinoza, Coordinator of the Women’s and Gender Studies Programs, said, “WGSS at Cal State LA is at the
Heasley is referring to the point of view that Men’s Studies have existed for as long as education has, being that men have dominated the landscape of every discipline. The argument being discipline’s development is an unnecessary solution to an inexistent problem. | Photo Courtesey Leonardo Da Vinci
forefront of thinking about these issues.” The new course, WGSS3100, reviews the social and cultural production of masculinity, relation to bodies and sexual/gender identities, and intersection with other categories of difference including race, class, ability, sexuality, and sexed bodies. Professor Kory Schaff who teaches courses primarily in gender studies said, “I think a Men’s Studies course is a great idea.
There are many issues to discuss concerning the future and well-being of men, and too often this is a topic that is overlooked in traditional gender studies courses.” Cal State LA currently offers programs in Women’s and Gender Studies including an undergraduate minor and a graduate/ post-Baccalaureate Certificate. As a requirement of graduation, students can also choose ‘Gender in the Diversity of Human Experience’ as their upper division
theme. There are no Masculinities and Men’s Studies program currently, however one may be offered in the future if there is enough demand. Dr. Dionne Espinoza also mentioned that the Department of Pan African Studies would have an undergraduate general education course on Black Manhood and Masculinity (PAS 3070) at some point in the future. Men’s Studies courses seem to be a welcomed idea by Cal State
The Univerisity Times had the chance to speak with Dr. Gloria Romero, a professor of the Biology of Sex and Gender at Cal State LA. When asked how she felt about the addition of a Men’s Studies course, she excitedly stated “Overall: great idea! I’d support it!” If you would like to get more information on the course or about the Women’s and Gender Studies programs offered at Cal State LA, please contact Dr. Espinoza at despino@calstatela.edu.
6
University Times
May 16, 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Comics and costumes return to Eagle Con Joseph Delgado Contributor
Terra Talon accentuates 2016 Eagle Con. Cal State LA’s very own Comic Con returned bigger and better to the 3rd floor of the University-Student Union, adding an extra day to the convention. Eagle Con 2016 had its usual art gallery featuring popular contemporary films and television shows, including concept art from Marvel’s Agent Carter and American Horror Story. Additionally, officials from the each show’s creative teams held panels at the convention to discuss their work on each show and giving advice to those who wish to enter the entertainment industry. Kicking off Thursday, May 12, vendors and independent comic book artists were present at the convention hall showing off their work to attendees, showcasing their diversified comic books—compared to the conventional comic books published by Marvel and DC Comics— with real world-like characters and LGBT leading characters. “Jason is the main character and he’s travelling through the zombie apocalypse trying to find his boyfriend to rescue him,” says Prism Comics writer PK Eiselt, a comic book writer of Robots and Zombies. The vendor offered many other comic books and graphic novels that are LGBTQ friendly and supports writers in the community to get their work known. Eagle Con’s theme this year of “Pushing Boundaries” featured unconventional areas such as LGBT views. The convention added a female mascot to represent Eagle Con that goes by the name of Terra Talon, who serves as a counterpart male mascot Sky-Wing. Sky-Wing is a Cal State LA student who will be graduating very soon and will need someone to take his place once he graduates, but Terra Talon has recently transferred to Cal State LA as an Engineering major and is also into serving justice as a caped crusader. Once she caught Sky-wing’s attention, Sky-Wing is looking on passing on the torch to Terra by taking his place to care for Cal State LA and Los Angeles. While she has no official name other than her superhero alias, there may be a possibility of a box where students can suggest names for our next heroine. Though her design may resemble Sky-Wing’s, her artist left an Easter egg on her hair with a small logo of a triton, which is a great call back to El Diablo, Cal State LA’s previous mascot before changing it to the Golden Eagle. Terra also wields a shield that she created which illustrates the new Cal State LA logo inscribed on it. While her character has a great back-story, one of the Eagle Con members said that there may have been talks about featuring a comic book based on Terra Talon and possibly featuring Sky-Wing, but it has not been confirmed. Terra Talon was created by Aayushi Hingle and Abraham Nesheiwat and will definitely be seen at Eagle Con for years to come. The Art Directors Guild and the Costume Designers Guild sponsored Eagle Con by providing artwork from many projects that they have worked on, including the creative minds behind the artwork for panel discussions. One of these guests is the costume designer for Lady Gaga on American Horror Story: Hotel who was featured in a panel where attendees have the opportunity to ask questions. The same
treatment was done for Marvel’s hit TV show Agent Carter where one of the writers, special effects coordinator, and actor Reggie Austin, who portrays Jason Wilkes on the show were present. Despite the announcement of the show being cancelled by ABC, the cast and crew appeared on the second day of Eagle Con with a screening of season two, episode seven “Monsters,” following the Q&A session. Fans in the audiences had questions for the panel and the crew delivered with descriptive answers about the production of the show. One of the popular questions was if there was any possibility that the show would return. Actor Reggie Austin answered with many situations of shows that were cancelled and revived from popular demand by fans. Examples of shows that were revived are Family Guy on Fox Network and The Mindy Project, which is now an exclusive show on Hulu. One fan from the audience added that there is currently a petition to bring the show back that has gathered 11,000 signatures in less than 24 hours since the show was announced that it was cancelled. Austin adds that Netflix has been very successful with many Marvel original shows exclusive to the visual subscription service. His answer had left the audience with hope that Marvel’s Agent Carter could be returning with the help of its dedicated fans. As any convention, cosplayers complete the experience. David Olsen, who is the chair of Communication Studies at Cal State LA, came dressed to Eagle Con in an original costume that he put together with gifts from students. “My T-shirt was a gift from a student,” says Olsen. “Which became a theme of mine: unicorns. Once I wore this shirt, people kept giving me [unicorn themed] gifts.” This theme then followed with students gifting items with unicorns, including unicorn ears with horns, unicorn finger puppets, unicorn t-shirts, and a unicorn pillow pet. Students also dressed as their favorite characters for a masquerade, where members of the Costume Designers Guild judged the entries. A Cosplay Lip Sync Battle was open for costumed students. Prizes were given to the participants in both of these fun events. Eagle Con presented its first Octavia E. Butler Memorial Award, named after the life and work of renowned science fiction writer and MacArthur Fellowship inheritor. The representative of Eagle Con presented this prestigious award to their guest of honor and award-winning author Tananarive Due. Natalie Chaidez, who is the producer and writer for Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles as well as many other television shows on the Syfy channel, was also given an award from the board of Eagle Con. Chaidez closed Eagle Con with remarks that reflected on her successful journey in the entertainment industry on popular science fiction themed television shows. Eagle Con’s Success ignited a fire three years ago for Cal State LA students who love science fiction and comic books. With many wellknown guests that attended this year, Eagle Con is only getting better after each year and will continue to inspire students at Cal State LA to push their boundaries. Plans are going in about the next Eagle Con that is in the talks of being held during spring semester next year with many surprises for those in attendance.
| Photo by Joseph Delgado
| Photo Courtesy Cal State LA
7 NEWS
University Times
May 16, 2016
Twelve distinguished women honored at annual awards ceremony
guished Woman,” said Cal State LA President William Covino during his closing remarks of the ceremony. “Each of these women make Cal State LA a safe place, with their warmth and caring for every student they help, and they make the school challenging by pushing each of those students to exceed the academic standards that we hold ourselves too.”
Julian Garcia Contributor
The distinguished women behind the scenes. On Wednesday May 11, Cal State LA held its 18th Annual Distinguished Women Awards. Starting in 1998, the Distinguished Women Awards have given awards to over 150 women. They honor women from across the faculty, staff and administration on campus for their achievements within their fields, their significant contributions to the Cal State LA campus, their commitment to the students, and community outreach. This year twelve women received a Distinguished Women Award. Whether the recipients help students with their financial aid like Yajaira Garcia and Tamie Nguyen or being the heart and soul of an entire department like Susan Bergstrom from the College of Business and Economics everyone woman who received an award exemplified what it means
| Photo by Joseph Delgado
to be a Distinguished Woman. The Golden Eagle Ballroom was packed with past Distinguished Women Award winners, family and friends of the recipients and fellow colleges from campus. The awards were presented by some of last year’s winners, Rebecca Palmer from Housing Services and Betania Santos from Pan-African Studies and Latin American Studies.
Each presenter gave a short biography and a few reasons why they were nominated. Nominees like Yara Jimenez who is in charge of the Upward Bound program was nominated by some of the students she helped. The Upward Bound program helps first generation college students find their way through college life to graduation and helps those students to graduate school. All the nominees are deserving
in their own way but one particular recipient stood out amongst the rest: Shelia Price a professor from the Philosophy department. Professor Price has been teaching several different classes throughout the Philosophy department since 1964, that’s 53 years of service to the students of Cal State LA. She received a standing ovation upon receiving her award. “Every woman today defines what it means to be a Distin-
All of the recipients of the 18th Annual Distinguished Women Awards are: Susan Bergstrom from the College of Business and Economics, Gabriela Fried Amilivia from Sociology, Yajaira Garcia and Tamie Nguygen from Financial Aid, Frances Hidalgo from the College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, Yara Jimenez from Upward Bound, Rebecca Joseph from the Division of Curriculum and Development, Betty Kennedy from Housing Services, Daphne DerFen Liu from Mathematics, Elena Retzer from Modern Languages and Literatures, Romelia Salinas from the University Library and Sheila Price from Philosophy.
8
University Times
May 16, 2016
POLÍTICA
No más cigarros antes de los 21 años en California
INTERNACIONAL
El estado se propone disminuir el uso del tabaco Por Brenda Rodriguez
a 21 años. El senador del estado, Ed Hernández, comentó que “esta nueva ley significa un paso en adelante para romper la cadena de adicción de los adolescentes”. Los defensores de la nueva ley dan a conocer que pudiera prevenir por lo menos 34,000 muertes en California al año. La firma de Jerry Brown ha hecho a este estado el segundo en la nación, después de Hawái, de
aumentar la edad para poder consumir tabaco. Brown pasó la ley con el fin de reducir el número de jóvenes que fuman. En referencia a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, un 80% de personas prueban un cigarro antes de los 18 años y un 90% antes de los 21 años. Las cuentas fueron aprobadas durante una sesión especial y entrarán en vigor cuanto antes.
Dilma Rousseff será despedida Ya tiene un reemplazo ¿Qué pasa Bernie, where’s El pasado miércoles, 4 de mayo, el gobernador Jerry Brown firmó una nueva ley que aumenta la edad de fumar cigarrillos legalmente en California de 18
the Bern?
Por Erla Peláez
Puede ser que la presidenta de Brasil, Dilma Rousseff, sea destituida de la presidencia. Rousseff es acusada de aprovecharse del presupuesto del país. Dicen que ella ha malversado fondos. Todo esto empezó en el 2011 cuando se hizo una investigación en la compañía petrolera Petrobras. Hubo un soborno multimillonario del que formó parte Rousseff, políticos y negociantes. La acusación de Rousseff es un poco indirecta, pero se sospecha de ella porque en ese entonces era la presidenta de Petrobras. El país ha estado en una recesión económica desde que Rousseff asumió la presidencia y la mayoría de brasileños la culpan por la crisis y el alto porcentaje de desempleo. El senado votará este miércoles en el caso de Rousseff. Si ella es destituida, el que ocupará su lugar será el vicepresidente Michel Teme y tomará la posición inmediatamente. Cuando
No se ha sabido mucho del candidato últimamente Por Beatriz Cortez
Retrato de Dilma Rousseff. Fotografía | Crédito:www.cristovam.org.brc
Rousseff deje la presidencia, ella tendrá veinte días para presentar su caso ante el comité, mientras es investigada por seis meses. Esta batalla política puede ser larga y dificultosa. Además, Brasil no se quedará en las mejores manos con Teme porque los miembros del Partido del Movimiento Democrático Brasileño (PMDB) también son corruptos. Puede ser que Teme y su partido debiliten la investigación de Rousseff y empeoren la situación.
MODA
Tendencias en moda Un calzado más cómodo
Por Saraí González Algo que no puede faltar en nuestro armario es un buen par de zapatos especialmente ahora que estamos en la primavera. Los tiempos han cambiado y hoy en día usar los llamados sneakers con una vestimenta un poco elegante es la nueva tendencia en la moda. Los sneakers ya no son un calzado que se tiene que usar específicamente con ropaje para ir al gimnasio o para practicar deportes. También se pueden usar con distintos estilos de ropa comenzando con atuendos deportivos hasta vestidos casuales. La tendencia para esta primavera es elegir los sneakers color negro y si desean un toque de elegancia, la mejor opción serían los de
Zapatos blancos marca Converse. Crédito: shieldsdesignllc.comFotografía | Crédito:shieldsdesignllc.com
color blanco. Lo recomendable es combinar este calzado con unos pantalones y una blusa casual. Otro look sería combinar estos zapatos con un vestido corto o una falda circular. El vestuario se puede variar dependiendo el estilo que se prefiera. Los sneakers blancos y negros tienen la ventaja de poder combinarse con muchas prendas del armario ya que se acoplan con cualquier tono. Una sugerencia para obtener un look completo, casual y fresco sería usar una blusa de color claro con un pantalón de mezclilla azul y por supuesto con calzado blanco.
Contáctanos en nuestras nuevas cuentas de redes sociales :
UT
laonda.newspaper@gmail.com La Onda Cal State LA
laonda.calstatela
Hay malas noticias para todo los seguidores de Bernie Sanders. Bernie parece haber sido olvidado por los medios de comunicación y los que comentan algo, resaltan los aspectos negativos y se proponen desanimar a sus seguidores. La revista Hoy de Doyle McManus señala que Bernie necesita un milagro para ganar la nominación presidencial demócrata contra Hillary Clinton. Parece que el candidato no tiene el número de delegados que se requieren para alcanzar a su contrincante. El mes pasado se estimó que Hillary consiguió más de 230 delegados que Bernie. Mc Manus comentó que “esto no es una conspiración, son sólo matemáticas”. Sanders no parece tener mucha popularidad en las redes sociales
Imagen de Bernie Sanders. Fotografía | Crédito: alexvansmusic.bandcamp.com
como los otros candidatos, lo que causa que la gente no esté enterada de lo que está pasando con su campaña. Bernie acaba de arrasar en Sacramento, logrando llenar todo un estadio y sobrepasando su capacidad. Sin embargo, esto se ve muy
poco en las noticias. Los medios se enfocan más en el circo político de otros candidatos. Es esencial que los seguidores de Bernie busquen más información por su propia cuenta ya que sus actividades no son presentadas al público regularmente.
Expresidente de México arremete contra Donald Trump Continúa la guerra de palabras Por Sarely Pérez El expresidente de México, Vicente Fox, se ha visto envuelto en una controversia con el aspirante a la presidencia de los Estados Unidos, Donald Trump. A través de las redes sociales y entrevistas, Fox ha expresado su descontento por los fuertes comentarios que Trump ha hecho sobre los inmigrantes mexicanos. El candidato presidencial los acusó de ser violadores, criminales y narcotraficantes y considera que es necesario que se mande a construir un muro financiado por México para que ya no entren a este país ilegalmente. La polémica comenzó con una
entrevista que Fox concedió al canal Fusión con el periodista Jorge Ramos. El expresidente dio su opinión acerca del muro que Trump pretende construir. Fox aseguró que ni él ni México pagarían por éste.
“No voy a pagar por ese… muro. Él debería pagar por ese muro, él tiene dinero”, comentó Fox usando un lenguaje ofensivo. También agregó que “la democracia no puede beneficiar a la gente loca que no sabe lo que está pasando actualmente en el mundo”. La reacción por parte del republicano no se hizo esperar y en su cuenta de Twitter exigió que el expresidente mexicano se disculpara por haber utilizado ese lenguaje. “¡Debe disculparse! ¡Si yo hubiera dicho eso, se armaría un escándalo!”, publicó Trump.
Después de haber dicho que el republicano es un fanfarrón, presumido, ignorante, falso profeta, perdedor, narcisista y loco, Fox finalmente se disculpó en una entrevista para un canal televisivo de Los Ángeles diciendo: “Sí, soy lo suficientemente humilde como un líder debe serlo, un líder compasivo. Si te he ofendido, lo siento”. Trump rechazó la disculpa y le advirtió que prepara su dinero porque lo iba a obligar a pagar el famoso muro. El capítulo controversial tomó un nuevo giro cuando el productor de Kick Ass Politics le pidió a Fox que le mandara un saludo al republicano, pero éste respondió con una señal obscena. Trump no ha contestado hasta ahora.
May 16, 2016
South LA schools afflicted with discolored tap water switch to bottled water Mimi Li
Contributor
Department of Water and Power to flush water system, but says it is safe. Five elementary schools in South L.A. have switched to water bottles over rising safety concerns of discolored tap water. The following schools are affected: Grape Street, Compton Avenue, Florence Griffith Joyner, 96th Street, and Lovelia Flournoy. LAUSD officials brought issue up to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power after receiving complaints from school principals and plant managers. LADWP is now testing the waters at these schools. Residents complained for months of wa-
9 NEWS
University Times
ter that was not suitable for drinking, bathing, and cooking. The water crisis remains an issue in Watts and neighboring city Green Meadows. The LADWP believes the cause to be from sediment buildup from water well pumping. Test results concluded that there were no bacteria.
Now we intend to elevate the testing to daily,” says Gastelum. According the Adams, the discolored water had resulted from a prior incident in January, when a chlorine pump failure occurred, causing residents to receive unchlorinated water in their homes for six hours. This may have caused disinfected water to go into the system, with sediments contributing to the water color. However, DWP spokesperson Amanda Parson said that the discolored water is not related to this incident.
“It shouldn’t be happening but it is happening, so we know that there is some amount of sediment in the water that’s in the pipelines that needs to be removed,” said Marty Adams, LADWP Director of Water Operations. Yet, he reassured residents: “The water is actually safe from a biological standpoint -- there is nothing unsafe about drinking it.”
Residents brought up the issue at a Los Angeles City Council meeting on Tuesday.
Albert Gastelum, LADWP’s director of water quality, agrees. “The water is safe to drink. We’ve been testing; we test weekly.
Watkins says that residents have complained of water issues for years. He
“All of us know better than to drink water that comes out this color, even though we’re told by DWP that tap water is safe,” says Tim Watkins, an activist with the Watts Labor Community Action Committee.
brought samples of the discolored tap water contained in water bottles to the meeting. Watkins believes that frequent health problems of WLCAC members in late January and February were related to the water concerns. “They had to know this had been going on for a long time. Everyone’s been complaining about this,” said resident Kim Catchings. “It just hurts me so bad that our kids are drinking bad water.” L.A. Councilman Joe Buscaino sympathizes with residents. “We learned a lot from the failed leadership in Flint, Michigan,” Buscaino said, referring to the city’s lead contamination in its water supply. “We are no Flint, Michigan.” When interviewed by LAist, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson said that the water discoloration could be from the new disinfectant that the DWP is using. Starting Wednesday, the DWP will conduct a month-long flushing operation to improve the water quality in South L.A.
Ringling Bros. say goodbye to elephants Marina Andalon Contributor
The famous circus follows the lead of Sea World, retiring show animals.
Now that Sea World has made the drastic change of no longer housing killer whales in the future, the Ringling Brothers Circus has joined in on the “Blackfish Effect.” The greatest show on earth, otherwise known as the Ringling Brothers Circus, has let go of their biggest performers. The elephants gave their concluding performances May 1 in Providence, Rhode Island. They brought an end to a 145-year tradition that was a major icon for “Greatest Show on Earth.” These animals have spent the last two and half years traveling thousands of miles on a 64 car train, performing 900 times in more than 80 cities for the world.
The circus has been under intense pressure for many years from animal rights groups to stop the elephant shows. Now, the Barnum and Bailey Circus followed in their footsteps and no longer use elephants in their shows. Sophomore Chantal Garcia, sociology major said, “I am happy the elephants get to be free, but it is sad that we won’t be able to see them anymore. Yet for the animals’ sake I think it is better. It is a lot more humane rather them being stuck in the circus.” The "Blackfish Effect" is a name that stems from the famous documentary Blackfish that was produced by CNN Film back in 2013. Since then Mexico has banned circuses, cities in Spain have banned bullfighting and multiple cities in the United States have banned the use of the bullhook, a tool to train and handle elephants. Ricardo Ruiz, a freshman majoring in Business and Administration is a fan of the documentary.
“I have seen Blackfish and it defiantly sent a message out to the public about animal cruelty. I am glad both Sea World and Ringling Brothers are doing something about ethical treatment to animals.” The company that owns the circus, Feld Entertainment, had originally planned to retire the elephants in 2018, but moved up the timeline in the face of constant criticism from animal rights groups and an ever-growing web of local laws aimed at restricting their animal shows. For about 200 years, fans of the Ringling Bros. Circus have adored these elephants while many animal activist were enraged with this action. Now the last eleven world famous performing Asian female elephants have retired to their permanent home at the Ringling Bros. and Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida. The company says it will breed them to preserve the species. Due to the fact they are an endangered species, they can be neither imported nor exported. Some of them will be donated or loaned to zoos but not sold. Stephen Payne, the Vice President at Feld Entertainment, said, “It was a bittersweet decision and an emotional moment to see the last elephants walk off the floor at the last show.” He now has high hopes for the show. “It will open new doors and allow us to be innovative. In fact the new show we are working on involves an ice floor. We will continue our bond with the
| Photo Courtesy USAtoday.com
other animals we have, as we have no plans for transitioning them.”
There are still some people who are not thrilled about the release of the elephants. Alma Cerdano, a senior history major, said, “I am probably the only one that is really bummed out about the elephants no longer being at the circus. I have a six-year-old boy who loves going every year and that’s what we always look forward to seeing. I don’t know what to tell him but I guess if that’s what everyone wants there is nothing I can do about it but look for another place where he can see extraordinary animals, before everyone sends them away.” The sanctuary is tucked behind cattle ranches and orange groves. With the recent arrivals, the Center for Elephant Conservation now holds 39 elephants; the largest population of Asian elephants in the Western Hemisphere. The center has individual pens for every male, group pens for females, areas to bath the elephants and space to walk them each day. The elephants will have an area for exercise, hills to climb and land to roam. Many are asking, “What’s next?” It seems that people are rethinking how we should be treating animals. Keeping them in captivity in cages and glass containers is not attractive to many viewers. Zoo’s and aquariums face an uncertain future, especially with the "Blackfish Effect" becoming prominent.
10
University Times
May 16, 2016
NEWS
Western Psychological Association honors Professor Riggio Ani Nalbandian
are now teaching the subject.
Exceptional professor since 1996 is recognized for outstanding teaching and service.
The Psychology Department at Cal State LA sent out a Facebook post highlighting Riggio’s accomplishment, writing, “This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to making WPA an excellent organization serving students and faculty. Way to go, Dr. Riggio!”
Staff Reporter
An inspirational professor is a rare phenomenon, only appearing once in a lifetime to change your outlook on an entire subject. Dr. Heidi Riggio of the Psychology Department, to many students, is considered that phenomenon.
On the phone, Dr. Riggio explained, “I knew I had been nominated and called on my former students as well as colleagues to write me recommendation letters for the award. As an example, for a recommendation I was able to rely on a bright former Psychology Graduate student of mine that I had mentored, and who now works as an assistant professor at Texas Tech University.”
Riggio will be awarded with the Outstanding Teacher Award at the Western Psychological Association (WPA) Convention in Long Beach on April 30. She is being awarded for her years of mentorship and advisement of thousands of Cal State LA students. Through her years of work at Cal State LA, Riggio has developed new courses and published teaching materials, contributing to the study of Psychology. She has also worked closely with students, being the Psychology Department’s primary academic adviser for three years. In an interview with Cal State LA, Riggio states “I am very honored to receive this
award from Western Psychological Assn. (WPA), a regional association that has continually provided many opportunities for Cal State LA students to disseminate research, and to hear and meet with great scholars in psychology.”
Heidi Riggio (center) | Photo Courtesy sql.calstatela.edu
Dr. Heidi Riggio’s work with WPA shows her dedication to the field of Psychology. She has given over 45 lectures at WPA student events and has collaborated with students on 13 peer-reviewed publications. In addition, many of her students have gone on to complete Ph.D. programs and
On RateMyProfessors.com, Riggio has received outstanding reviews by students, with some of the common phrases associated with her being: “Respected by Students,” “Amazing Lectures” and “Inspirational.” As a final caveat, Dr. Riggio wanted to thank her students and the University, “I’m grateful that I have my job at Cal State LA and I love it very much, and I love the students for being so eager and hardworking for all of these years.”
11 NEWS
University Times
May 16, 2016
SAE geared up for worldwide off-road competition Vanessa Osio
Baja SAE has been having a fundraiser on Cal State LA’s main walkway for a couple of weeks and have raised over $1,000 in that time period. The SAE organization sent all teams a standard engine that all participants have to use. The team can buy shocks, rims, tires, bolts and nuts; everything else is made on campus in the engineering building.
Contributor
University’s Baja looks for a ‘W’ in Gorman Valley. Cal State LA’s Baja Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) is gearing up for their next offroad competition in Gorman Valley from May 19-22 against worldwide colleges.
A week before competition everyone is focusing on building and making sure the car is fully functional.
Henry Cruz has seen the club in action. “I know the club has been working hard I walk by the shop and see them working all times of the day. I hope they get something out of it,” says Cruz, 23, sophomore Kinesiology major. All the team members will be at the competition, both displaying and driving their vehicles throughout the weekend. During the weekday, all of the competing cars will be static. Thursday there will be a sales
Luckman Continues on page 3 Under the Moon was a devised play – a collaboratively-created form of theatre where the text is generated from an ensemble working through research, imagery, improvisation, and writing on their own. The scene, masks, props, and puppetry were all handmade by the cast themselves – Murri Royal Brown, Ye Ju Choi, Hemy He, Kent Nabor, Gwendolyn Gabrielle, and
| Photo by Matthew Gonzalez
presentation, and Friday there will be a technical inspection. Once the weekend hits, the cars hit the off-road. There will be an acceleration and hill climb test, and Sunday, the finale there will be four-hour endurance test.
Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) budget is given to the club by the University, but that is not enough to cover the expenses of a new car. “Creating a new car from scratch this year has been financially difficult,” said Luis Fernandez, 24, junior Mechanical
Engineering major.
Alberto Valdez. Their creative use of black light, projector, and onstage sound effects took the audience into another realm, following the characters throughout their surreal journey.
mesmerizing, and sensational. It is a fantastic example of the power of theatre to at once project imagery of the fantastical while moving both the hearts and minds of its audience.”
The storyline of this play was especially intriguing. It perfectly blended fear and anxiety with humor, creating an emotional rollercoaster surrounding the topic of suicide.
Lifeline was written by Robert Ellsworth, directed by Randee Tabitz, and performed by Marissa Pitts, Josue Fraticelli, Domingo Ramirez, Edward Rosales, and Brianna Sandoval. It took place at the office of a health center in West Hollywood, where two trainees volunteered for a suicide hotline.
“I actually had three very close people in my life who took their own lives, so all three of them were my inspiration,” Playwright Ellsworth explained in regards to the origin of his play. “And I volunteered at a suicide hotline in West Hollywood after the second person took his life. When I was there, I was surprised that [the program]
The setup of the Intimate Theatre at Luckman allowed the audience to be very close to the stage, making the experience even more intense on top of the cast’s excellent performance. “Under the Moon was easily my favorite,” said Gregory Langner, graduate student and Communication major. “It was captivating,
Fernandez, who is also Treasure and Public relations officer of Baja SAE said, “you can recycle parts but it becomes a hassle when the parts just break.”
The competition has not taken place in California for more than 10 years, which has Manuel Martinez, 22, junior Electrical Engineering major excited. “We are helping two teams, one from China and one from India, by receiving their cars for transportation. We have to win this year because it is in California— our home turf.”
wasn’t well-rounded and it freaked me out that they basically let anyone help these people whose life were at stake.” Ellsworth continued on when asked if Lifeline was solely about suicide, “it is what the play is based on, but [the story] is about how people living in Los Angeles are just trying to connect. Life is worth living and it is a struggle. When you feel the lowest and wonder what your purpose in life is, you should never give up and choose suicide. Because you will damage the people you love the most.” Josue Fraticelli played the male lead in this play and truly made his character come alive. “As an actor, I was able to use a certain charm and wit that comes with playing Carlos,” Fraticelli said. “I had to fight with certain inner demons in order to bring Carlos to life on stage. At the end of the day, we all want something or someone to connect to.” The playwrights, the directors, the cast, and the production team all showcased great talent and they have done a phenomenal job at the premiere of this year’s John Lion New Plays Festival. The John Lion New Plays Festival is a tradition running for a nearly two decades and has produced over 60 student plays. The festival inherits its name from the former producing director of the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival in recognition of Lion’s achievements in theatre and education. If you haven’t seen any of the plays yet, make sure you don’t miss it this week. General admission is $15, and $10 for students and seniors. The festival premiered on Friday, May 13, and it will continue its showcase at the Intimate Theatre in the Luckman on May 14, May 1821 at 7:30 P.M., and May 15 at 2:30 P.M.
12
University Times
May 16, 2016
EVENT CALENDAR
MONDAY 16th
THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS
TUESDAY 17
th
Group Therapy at CAPS: Mindfulness & Relaxation 2 p.m.-3 p.m. U-SU Reflection Room
HHS Smile Week (all day) Introduction to Note-Taking Presentation 2 p.m.-3 p.m. JFK Memorial Library
Women’s, Gender, and Sexualities Reception 3 p.m.-4 p.m. U-SU Alhambra Room
Sex for Money & Trans Women of Color 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. U-SU Theatre
Wellness Workshop: Eat Healthy Be Active 3:15 p.m.-4 p.m. Student Health Center
THURSDAY 19th HHS Smile Week (all day)
EcoEagles Film Series 7 p.m.-9 p.m. U-SU Theatre
WEDNESDAY 18th Asians Wear Clothes on the Internet: Race, Gender, and the Work of Personal Style Blogging 3:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m. U-SU Theatre How to Apply to Graduate School 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Career Development Center Sounds of Sunset Music & Arts Fest 4 p.m.-6 p.m. U-SU Plaza Get Ready to Vote: The California Primary Election 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. U-SU Los Angeles Room
FRIDAY 20th
Introduction to Time Management Presentation 5 p.m.-6 p.m. JFK Memorial Library
2016 Anthony J. Andreoli – Geraldine P. Woods Lecture 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Golden Eagle Ballroom
The John Lion New Plays Festival 7:30 p.m. Luckman Theatre
The John Lion New Plays Festival 12:45 p.m. Luckman Theatre
Having the Wrong Opinion Is the conservative ideology under attack? David Ochoa Contributor
College is a place where ideals and views should be challenged, not suppressed. In most cases, both the faculty and the students of Cal State LA have done a good job of allowing students to express their views, but there are some instances that have fallen short of perfection. With the Democratic and Republican primaries coming down the home stretch, all eyes are on California to give the nation a clear idea of which presidential candidate will come from each party. This has evoked a political mood in many people here in the Golden state, a mood that lies dormant until election season rolls around. Last quarter Ben Shapiro, a conservative political commentator, was invited to speak at Cal State LA by the Young Americans for Freedom club (YAF). When the time came for Shapiro to speak, a group of protesters arrived to protest his speech. Unfortunately, things got out of hand and Shapiro’s speech was shut down because of the fear that violence would break out. Cal State LA has had plenty of successful protests and student demonstrations. Whether it is outrage over the increase of tuition or a Black Lives Matter protest, they mostly go off without a hitch. What was different about this one? Despite a seemingly common dislike for politics, everyone has their opinion. An opinion cannot be right nor wrong, lest it be a fact.
However, depending where someone is, there may be an accepted “right” opinion that the majority follows. In red states, that opinion might fall on the right side of the political spectrum. In blue states, like California, that opinion likely falls on the left. Sometimes when an individual or a group goes against their area’s “right” opinion, they experience opposition. This is normal and not inherently a bad thing, as debate and discourse is good. However, there are forms of opposition that are less than good. There are students on campus that are afraid of speaking their minds for fear of retaliation. They sit and listen as their views and leaders are mocked on a daily basis by students and even professors. If the majority holds a certain view, is it acceptable to shun and mock the minority that might not? A student, who requested to be anonymous, volunteered to share her story. She is a senior at Cal State LA and a Liberal Arts major. She is a self-described conservative who has never been afraid to speak her mind, but she feels like she’s been targeted for it. “If I speak out, because I’m a conservative, they say I’m a racist, a homophobe, a bigot,” she told the University Times. She recalled an incident in which her class was discussing a topic related to identity politics. When she disagreed with some of her classmates, she says six students verbally attacked her. And according to her, the professor did nothing. “I felt like [the professor] was happy. [She was] satisfied because I had spoken up previously in class.” While rare, this is not an isolated incident.
OPINION
Other students have experienced jeers coming from both teachers and students about their views and beliefs. Some have even had their professors straight out tell them not to vote for Donald Trump or any other Republican. Disagreement in class is one thing, but to be threatened is a whole different level. This anonymous student was an attendee at the Shapiro event and was eager to hear what he had to say. When it was cut short she was disappointed, but that was the least of her worries. “After the Ben Shapiro event, they told me: ‘shoot this [slur],’ ‘I want to beat her,’ ‘I’m going to follow you to your car.’ All these horrible things. I cried a lot after that.” These are some of these things that conservative students are afraid of. They’re afraid of being harmed because they disagree politically with someone. According to her, it wasn’t paid, left-wing thugs that were saying these things to her, it was students here at Cal State LA. “I saw the girl on campus who was attacking me, and I ran. I left campus and skipped class. It was scary seeing her. She was one of the ones saying she wanted to beat me, shut this [slur] up, and shoot this [slur]. All these horrible things.” She isn’t shy about her conservative views, but after her life was threatened on campus, she asked to remain anonymous. She is so afraid for her safety that she didn’t want to take any chance of being identified by her attacker. It’s a scary thought to think there are people here on campus that would say and even do things like this just because other students would like to speak their minds, or even just attend a speech.
After the incident, Cal State LA president William Covino said in a statement: “I have decided that it will be best for our campus community if we reschedule Ben Shapiro’s appearance for a later date, so that we can arrange for him to appear as part of a group of speakers with differing viewpoints on diversity. Such an event will better represent our university’s dedication to the free exchange of ideas and the value of considering multiple viewpoints.” Debate is a good thing, but Shapiro wasn’t brought to the campus for a debate. He was brought in by YAF to give a speech to the club and anyone else who wanted to hear him speak. Under these conditions, Shapiro initially declined to return. Since then, Covino has said that they will allow Shapiro back on campus to give his speech, albeit with the event being much more inclusive. “I strongly disagree with Mr. Shapiro’s views. But if Mr. Shapiro does appear, the University will allow him to speak. We will make every effort to ensure a climate of safety and security.” However, this isn’t enough for some students. “Not one administrator, not one president, came out and said, as much as you disagree, too bad. You don’t kick, you don’t hit, too bad,” the student said. “What if I have a problem with that? What if I feel offended? It doesn’t matter. Only their opinion matters.” Some of the student body feels threatened, and they feel as though the administration must protect them, no matter what their viewpoints are. Cal State LA prides itself on being diverse and open-minded, but is that only for those who hold the “right” opinion?