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June 6, 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
Gun scare halts Board meeting
Issue 212.11
Marrian Zhou
Managing Editor When Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President Ejmin Hakobian walked into the meeting room on Thursday, June 2, he saw an unfamiliar gentleman sitting in the audience, though the Board meetings were always open to the public; everyone would be welcome to come. However, what caught Hakobian’s attention was not this man’s bald head or black shirt and long jeans, it was a shinylooking object attached on his waist. He looked again--it was a gun.
Photo Courtesy Athletics Department
Khallifah Rosser is on a hot streak
Only a day after the UCLA shooting, naturally students were very sensitive to firearms. Hakobian speed walked to the rest of the board members, shared his concern and asked Community Representative at Large Kent Lin to double-check the situation in case he was mistaken. Lin walked over and took a careful look, then soon rushed out of the room without a word as well as hit the door on his way out. Everyone was left shocked and scared. “I saw the gun itself, and I immediately turn tailed out of the door,” Lin said. “Honestly, I felt really uncomfortable regardless of the intention of this guy since there was no clarification or identification to begin with.” There were eight members present at the time, ready to discuss the issue on Executive Director Intef W. Weser signing the tenure-operating contract without notifying the Board. Members present were President Hakobian, Vice President for Finance Antonio Canzona, College of Arts and Letters Gregory Bates, Community Representative at Large Kent Lin, Manager of Administration and Services Dena Florez, Director of Programs and Leadership Marcus Rodriguez, and Dean of Students Dr. Jennifer Miller. There was also three
Janette Marquez Contributor
| Photo Courtesy breitbart.com
other individuals in the audience. While the rest of the room was freaking out about the gun Dean of Students Dr. Jennifer Miller realized the students’ reactions and told the Board that the mysterious gentleman with a gun was invited by her, a Detective from the University Police Department.
INSIDE:
LA ONDA: UCLA ESTÁ DE LUTO
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None of the Board members were notified in advance that Detective Raul Lopez would be present and he would not be wearing his uniform or having his badge visible. “That was very shocking to me. First of all, why would you invite someone with a gun to ensure student
69th
Staff Reporter
During the latter half of President Covino’s State of the University Address on May 17, he responded to a question regarding funding for the Anna Bing Arnold Children’s Center by stating, “[I am] hoping to work with new ASI leadership on getting more funding to [the] center.” Over the past year and a half, ASI has been pressured to allocate over ten percent of their budget to the Anna Bing Arnold Children’s Center. The Center is owned by University Auxiliary Services (UAS), however the UAS contributes no monetary support to the Center. Additionally, the Center already receives $80,000 from student fees in Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) funding and also provides nearly half their
resources and services to the children of faculty, staff and administrators.
The Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Vice President for Finance, Antonio Canzona, reached out to University Times following Covino’s comments and volunteered a press release titled “A.S.I. passes a vote of ‘No Confidence’ on President Covino.” According to Canzona, this press release was passed by the ASI Executive Committee on March 29, but failed to reach a Board of Directors vote due to successful backroom negotiations between ASI and the Administration. The document lists a number of incidents that occurred between the Administration and ASI over the past year. Among their numerous accusations, the most
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COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE
DETAILS ON THE SHOOTING AT UCLA
PG 5
PG 2
Questionable tactics of Administration revealed by VP for Finance Ani Nalbandian
safety without notifying anyone, what kind of statement do you want to make?” Hakobian said. “And [Dr. Miller] replied because I didn’t invite her to the meeting so she didn’t notify the Board on bringing in a Detective with a gun. But everyone was invited
shocking was the withholding of $246,416 of ASI’s budget based on an unused referendum from the 90’s with little to no written or formal communication with ASI before the actions were taken. In July 2015, ASI submitted a draft budget to the Administration for approval, however it was returned with a footnote requesting a revised budget with an increase in funding to the Anna Bing Arnold Children’s Center. Vice President of Finance Canzona responded to this request with an email to Associate Vice President Mae Santos stating, “If it isn’t too much trouble I would also like a written justification as to the reasoning behind the amount and footnote, along with establishing its credibility by providing the names and titles of those who recommended/
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After being named the West Region Track Athelete of the year, Cal State LA’s Track and Field Hurdle runner Khallifah Rosser won the NCAA Division II 400-meter intermediate hurdles championship. “I am fortunate enough to keep the same coach for the past four years," Rosser said. "I think that chemistry and relationship between my hurdles coach has build over the years. I feel the more comfortable you are with the coach the better you can perform.” Rosser by nature is a perfectionist and looks at his mistakes as real opportunities to improve.
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George Takei amongst honorary doctorate degree recipients for 69th Commencement Nico Triunfante Copy Editor
George Takei, amongst four noteworthy individuals, will receive honorary doctorate degrees at the University’s 69th Commencement. Takei is well known for his role as Mr. Sulu in the award-winning Star Trek, and was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986. Takei will be receiving an honor- | Photo courtesy Business Insider Indonesia ary degree of Doctor of Humane Letcano civil rights movement, Ofelia ters, and will be the keynote speaker Esparza for the Charter College of for the College of Natural and Social Education ceremony; and SmithsoSciences (NSS) undergraduate cerenian muralist Kent Twitchell for the mony on Friday, June 10 at 5:30 P.M. College of Arts and Letters. Other individuals who will be receiving the honorary degree, and will be keynote speakers in their respective colleges include: entrepreneur serving under President Barack Obama’s administration, Maria Conteras-Sweet for College of Business and Economics; pioneer of the Chi-
Graduating students must check in by the bleachers at the north side of the stadium 60-90 minutes prior to the ceremony to receive pre-printed name cards. Additionally, guests for all graduating students will be parking in lots A, B, or C.
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University Times
June 6, 2016
NEWS
Shooting at UCLA leaves two dead “So we checked in (on) his cat in Minnesota at his residence. Actually we did a search warrant at his residence,” Chief Beck told KTLA. “That’s where investigators found the kill list. Police are currently searching for a gray 2003 Nissan Sentra Sakar drove from Minnesota to California. The list consisted of three names and so far, authorities have only identified Professor William Klug. A woman’s name also appeared on the list.
Alejandro Ortega Contributor
Murder-suicide victims of Mainak Sakar. A campus shooting that left two people dead at UCLA led to a massive response from the LAPD, which was later determined to be a murder-suicide. The incident happened on Wednesday, June 1, when police received a call around 10 A.M. Officials quickly responded and placed the entire campus of 40,000 students on lockdown, as SWAT officers and squad cars surrounded the Westwood campus. Ana Torres, a junior Psychology major at Cal State LA, was thinking about her own safety.
| Photo courtesy Businessinsider.com
“I was really scared sitting in class,” Torres said. “This sort of thing can happen anywhere. I hope our response team reacts well if it ever happened here.” The shooter was later identified as Mainak Sakar. Police say that Sakar entered the fourth floor offices of his former professor
Cal State LA alumna awarded for doctoral dissertation on Latina leadership Mimi Li
Contributor
CortezCovarrubias’ dissertation promotes social justice approach to education via Spanish dual language programs. Elva Cortez-Covarrubias, a recent doctoral graduate at Cal State LA, was recognized for her dissertation, “Latinas Leading for Social Justice: Resistance and Recognition through Dual Language Programs,” last month by the American Education Research Association, Hispanic Research Issues Special Interest Group. She was presented with the Outstanding Dissertation Award at the association’s conference in Washington, D.C. The dissertation highlights the narratives of four Latina principals working in K-12 schools. Through testimonios, they share their past experiences as English learner students and their present situations in which they utilize their leadership roles to influence English learners and their community through implementing dual language programs. Though her dissertation points out the achievement gap that Latino students face, she did not aim to provide solutions to the gap.
Elva Cortez-Covarrubias | Photo Courtesy Cal State LA
Doing so, she says, would frame her research in a deficit model, which would ignore the complex socio-economic issues that Latinos face in education. Rather, she focuses on the successes of the implementation of Spanish dual language programs and the assets that Latina leaders bring due to their similar backgrounds. She became interested in the topic after taking a course on social justice and education by Dr. Ambika Raj. As a school administrator of seven years, the topic was dear to her, so she wanted to write on the integration of social justice advocacy in educational leadership. “After reading leadership literature on social justice, I identified a gap, that Latina principals never entered into the analysis of social justice leadership,” says Cortez-Covarrubias. “As a former principal, I decided to pursue the topic of Latinas leaders, specifically women that implemented and supported dual language programs.” In one testimonio, Principal
According to LAPD Police Chief Charlie Beck, the note told investigators to check on his cat in Minnesota.
Police in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota found her body on Thursday with a gunshot wound; she had apparently been killed before the UCLA shooting. Police declined to release further details about why she was targeted. “Who would do such a thing? I don’t understand what would ever drive a person to do some-
Natalia recalls growing up in a predominantly white community in East Los Angeles in the 1970s. Not only did she feel segregated by being labeled as an English learner, but she faced overt acts of racism as well.
music, history, and the connection to who you are. I think it is hard for parents or some families in my school to feel like this really matters and to not be too scared to invest in the Spanish first rather than just the English because they worry.”
“Parents were lined up outside with picket signs letting us know that we were not welcomed in their community,” she said. “I do not remember what their signs said because I couldn’t read. But I do remember them saying, ‘Go back to where you live. You’re not wanted here. We don’t need your kind.’ I remember those words and I was scared.”
Both principals Marisela and Natalia feel that they have a duty to give back to their communities due to shared experiences along with the leadership position they now hold. Cortez-Covarrubias feels the same way.
William Klug and shot him dead with multiple rounds and then proceeded to commit suicide. Officers rushed to the scene and found a note.
Due to her personal experiences, she decided to advocate for dual language programs when she became a school principal. She noticed that her district had a German dual language program due to the efforts of the German community in her neighborhood, yet the district had a large number of Latino students as well. She then organized Latino parents by holding meetings with them and advocating alongside them at school board meetings for a Spanish dual language program. The program took four years to implement. “The program is in its second year, and I am firm believer that students should learn how to speak, read, and write more than one language,” she says. “I want children to grow up feeling that it’s okay to speak two languages. There is nothing wrong with it.” Principal Marisela, in another testimonio, shares similar beliefs regarding dual language programs. “Dual language is about honoring the language that students bring or that a community can use to build a sense of belonging and strength rather than seeing it as a deficit,” she says. “When I think about what Spanish represents, I think of the
“I have shared my work with Latina leaders and the overwhelming response is my response: all of these women are me,” Cortez-Covarrubias stated. “My experiences may have been a little different here or there, but if I could put them altogether, their leadership, passion, and
thing like this. School is suppose to be a safe place,” says Angela Vasquez, 21, junior. Chief Beck also stated that, “a dispute over intellectual property was tied to the shooting. Sakar felt that the professor had released information ‘that harmed him.'” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block described the mechanical and aerospace engineering Professor Klug as “a respected, dedicated and caring faculty member” in a statement Thursday. Friends remembered Klug as an easygoing little league coach, and California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom called him “an empathetic, brilliant teacher.” Classes have resumed for most of UCLA on Thursday as it prepares for the summer break. commitment to the students they serve is in all of us.” As a member of several dissertation committees in the Ed.D. program of the Charter College of Education, CortezCovarrubias will continue to promote Latina leadership through academic work and research.
3 NEWS
University Times
June 6, 2016
UN IIMVEESR S I T Y
Editor-in-Chief Gerardo Amezquita
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Journalism 391 TA Robert Ellsworth
Managing Editor Marrian Zhou
Distributors Jasmine Salgado Fred Zuniga
Production Manager Taylor Preza
Staff Reporters Ani Nalbandian Hannah Jacobsen
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Contributors Marina Andalon Anthony Karambelas Joseph Delgado Janette Marquez Janice Peregrina Alejandro Ortega Mimi Li David Ochoa Marcela Valdivia Brisa Dominguez Mary Yanes
Web Editor Pablo De La Hoya Copy Editors Nico Triunfante Ricky Rodas Yzzy Gonzalez Business/ Advertising Manager Jim Munson
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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
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ brings in a full bloom Ricky Rodas Copy Editor
Corpse Flower in Full Bloom wows students. After years of waiting patiently, the Amorphophallus Titanum on loan at the Cal State LA greenhouse finally bloomed Tuesday evening, June 31. Commonly referred to as the Corpse Flower, these rare and extremely large plant oddities can take 10-20 years to fully bloom. As it only stays bloom for two days, spectators had a very narrow window in which to get a whiff of the rotten meat odor it produces when it is fully open. Lauren Wilson, Nutrition major, went to visit the flower on the second day of its bloom, and the smell had already begun to fade. “It smelled like a rotten flower… not really overwhelming,” Wilson said. She expressed excitement in getting the opportunity to see with her own eyes such a sight, and credits her microbiology professor as the source for finding out about natural wonder. “I had never heard of a corpse flower… she [her professor] said it was a really big flower so we wanted to see it,” Wilson said. “It only blooms every seven years or
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to the meeting, Dr. Miller was a Board member and clearly knew about the meeting.” Hakobian also said that the reason the students were stunned was because situations like this never happened before, and he later apologized to the Detective for putting him on the spot. But the questions remained in people’s mind. “Although an explanation was given, regarding who he was and the reason, it still left somewhat of a bitter taste. I mean, what reasons do you need to bring in law enforcement for a student government meeting? There was not a single act of violence going on other than verbal exchanges. It was really unnecessary,” Lin added. “If there was concern of any sort, I think it should have been brought up first in front of everyone.” Vice President for Finance Antonio Canzona also expressed his concerns.
| Photo by Gerardo Amezquita
something crazy [like that], and it blooms for like 24 hours; how often are you going to see that? I would definitely come again if it was blooming.”
For more information on the flower and the greenhouse, those interested can contact John Harris, the greenhouse lab technician, at harris18@cslanet.calstatela.edu.
“[The Detective] wasn’t wearing his uniform and I didn’t see a badge either,” said Canzona. “I didn’t know why [Dr. Miller] would bring in a Detective, I didn’t know what to think. We were not notified beforehand, I was just stunned. There was a lot of tension at that point and I was just concerned why [he was here].”
The Cal State LA CARE Team is a campus resource operating under the Dean of Students Office, “for students, faculty and staff who have concerns about disruptive, problematic, or concerning student behavior. The team responds to non-emergency concerns and uses a proactive approach to discuss potential problems, intervene early, and develop appropriate courses of action for referred students. The goal is to support students who may be in distress or whose behavior is of concern to others before they rise to crisis levels.”
The center of this false alarm, Dean of Students Dr. Jennifer Miller, refused to comment. However, Chief Rick Wall, Director for Public Safety, responded through Jocelyn Stewart, Director for Communications and Public Affairs. Their email stated, “On Thursday, during a regular discussion with members of the CARE (Community, Assessment, Response and Evaluation) team, concerns were shared regarding tensions and a general uneasiness that some ASI board members have felt during recent meetings. Detective Lopez, a CARE team member and a campus Public Safety officer, attended that day’s ASI meeting to provide support. The Department of Public Safety serves our University by providing for the safety, health and well-being of the campus and community.”
Although the reason of Detective Lopez’s presence was clear, the Board members who felt uneasy weren’t specified and the doubts still remained. What level of anxiety had the A.S.I. board meetings achieved that a Detective with gun was required to be present? If so, why none of the Board members was notified in advance? Why did Dr. Miller alone invited the Detective instead of the result of a board decision? How many students were referred or suspected? Stay tuned for further updates.
Correction Box: Through the fault of human error, we published an incorrect draft by Ani Nalbandian called “ASI and Administration agree on budget despite longstanding disagreements” on the week of May 31—June 3. Major changes: --Administration forced ASI to write a $255,000 check to the Anna Bing Children’s Center, not $125,000. --Antonio Canzona’s formal title is Vice President of Finance, not Treasurer. For other minor changes be sure to check out the full article on our website.
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University Times
June 6, 2016
NEWS
Cal State LA Model UN program ‘brings home the bacon’ Anthony Karambelas Contributor
Pedro Vasquez, another delegate, emphasized how NMUN made him appreciate Los Angeles more than he had before. “Like every time you ask me [where I live]. I’m from Los Angeles. And it was like, wow, for the first time it’s awesome to be from Los Angeles. Everyone’s from Los Angeles here. You can’t really talk about how great Los Angeles is. Over there, it’s amazing to be from Los Angeles. You’re that guy from SoCal.”
MUN is FUN. Cal State LA students have shown the world what they’re made of. If there’s one thing Golden Eagles should feel proud of, as finals week rushes upon us - and grades simply won’t cut it - it’s this. In late March, Cal State LA’s Model United Nations (MUN) program, under the direction of Dr. Emily Acevedo, attended the annual National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York. During this four daylong program, universities from all across the world represented various countries to address global issues and work towards practical solutions. Dr. Acevedo has directed the program since fall 2008, when she was first hired as a professor at Cal State LA. Prior to her role as director of the MUN program, Dr. Acevedo had never been involved with MUN. Throughout middle school, high school and college, she had never attended an MUN conference. Although she had run MUN simulations as an instructor before teaching at Cal State LA, she had never done anything on the scale of NMUN. Nevertheless, when she took the program classes into her own hands, she went down to business. In fact, the first thing student delegate Jorge Herrera commented about Dr. Acevedo’s teaching style was her high standards. “Our teacher was really hardcore. At times I felt like I was going to quit. But, we just stuck to it. At times I thought am I even qualified to be here?” Dr. Acevedo explained, however,
| Photo by Emily Acevedo
that the high workload in her MUN courses was to demonstrate to students that NMUN is serious business. “Because we are representing the University and because we are receiving University funds (and sometimes we’re receiving funds as much as $30,000), I think it would be a complete disservice and disingenuous if that money is wasted. If our students aren’t fully prepared and truly representing Cal State LA.” One of the more interesting facets of the MUN program at Cal State LA is its diversity. By this, meaning the program has had Engineering, English, Math, Philosophy, and History majors, in addition to Political Science. “I’d just thought it would be interesting. I just thought why not venture into the world of politics? And plus, I thought the concept was really interesting,” said Biochemistry major Kryls Domaloan. “First of all, the UN was pretty interesting to me. So I thought, let’s find out more about it. And then, I heard that you get to travel to New York for the conference. I was like, that might be something I want to do. I wanted to experience more of the world before I settle down for med school. I think it was a really eye-opening experience and
real confidence booster.” Herrera’s case is slightly different. He works for the Southern California Gas Company, and is pursuing a B.A. in Political Science for the pure joy of it. “I know that it’s kind of weird: gas company and political science. Like how does that intermesh? Well, general life is about politics, you know?” Dr. Acevedo was very pleasantly surprised to see so many different majors join the program. She pointed out that it really doesn’t matter if you don’t know about Global Politics beforehand. “My thing is there’s a compassion just for learning and for being challenged.” As for the NMUN conference itself, the students considered it a hit. Delegate David Garcia found meeting new people to be the most exciting part: “I had the opportunity to meet so many other students from other countries such as Italy, France, the UK, Germany.” Herrera shared the same sentiments, “I met some people from Germany. We hung out. They still communicate with me [through] Snapchat, stuff like that.” Domalaon agreed, “[the] best part was just meeting everyone.”
With so many attending colleges from so many countries, what are the odds that Cal State LA could get recognized? Big, actually. If there’s one thing Cal State LA is especially skilled at, it’s winning. Representing the Republic of Colombia, the MUN team brought home an honorable mention as a delegation. In addition, three individual delegates were recognized: Pedro Vasquez for Outstanding Position Paper, and Kryls Domalaon and Josseline Gonzalez Garcia for Outstanding Delegates in Committee. Small and few as these awards may seem, this is a beyond extraordinary accomplishment. According to Dr. Emily Acevedo, since she started in 2008, the NMUN program has toughened their evaluation process. In an effort to reduce the emphasis on awards, NMUN has only allowed a select few committees to grant position paper awards. As the years have gone by, the number of NMUN awards has decreased significantly. In other words, Cal State LA killed it. But this is not the first or only year that Cal State LA has been recognized at NMUN. “The first year we came in, we took home all of the awards,” said Dr. Acevedo. A repeated streak of outstanding awards has built the MUN program’s reputation. Nevertheless, Dr. Acevedo admitted that she struggles to keep the awards
out of her student delegates’ minds. “It’s hard not to make it about the awards because there are awards. I don’t know quite how to do that balance yet. Because if I just wipe away the board and say ‘look we’ve never had any awards before and let’s just see,’ it doesn’t work that way.” Domaloan never even saw it this way in the first place, preferring instead the experience of the conference as a whole. In fact, she encourages all incoming delegates to do the same: “Don’t focus too much on the awards. Just focus on the experience. Because really, the best thing about it is the meeting the meeting people, the writing speeches, the using the knowledge that you’ve gained to create a document that will in theory benefit others.” Understanding the impact that MUN can have for college students, Dr. Acevedo seeks to continue the program. She wants to give her students an eye opening and empowering experience, and believes that MUN has and will make their voices matter. But MUN has a more personal significance for her. “I didn’t travel in college. I stayed in California in college. And so I didn’t really have that [extensive] knowledge,” she noted. By encouraging global awareness through MUN, Dr. Acevedo hopes that her students can leave her class more knowledge and active world citizens. “New York is a wonderful experience and if we continue doing that then that’s greater, but if we can do international that would be fantastic. That would really put Cal State LA on the map.” Make sure to sign up for her next classes: POLS 4201 in Fall 2017 and POLS 4202 held during the January 2018 Intersession.
ASI journeys from the Capital of Entertainment to Cuba Marcela Valdivia Contributor
once a month to learn about Cuba and review travel information.
ASI offers a summer service project in Cuba for May 2017.
A tentative schedule of the itinerary plans includes: On day one, students will fly to Miami and stay overnight in a hotel. On day two, students fly from Miami to Havana. On day three, students arrives in Havana. On day four, they will be in Mayabeque Province. On day five, there will be a visit to Cienfuegos and the Bay of Pigs museum. On day six, students will visit the El Cubano Park and travel to Trinidad. On day seven, there will be a visit to Santa Clara and an art school. On day eight, students will travel to Remedios and on day nine, they will travel home to LAX.
On Wednesday, June 1, the Golden Eagle Ballroom held an information session about the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Alternative Summer Break Service Learning Project, which will take place in Cuba in May of the following year. Ashley Joseph, Programs Coordinator of A.S.I., explained in extensive detail on the departure dates, tentative schedules, payment plans, monthly meetings, and the application process for students to walk out knowing everything about the trip. The departure date for Cuba is scheduled on May 25, 2017; however, the date is subject to change at least three days before or after the date indicated, if tickets are cheaper. The travel stay includes nine days and eight nights. The price is compromised to an enrollment fee of $95 that assures the spot of students selected. The to-
| Photo courtesy of Newsweek
tal price for Cal State LA students is $4,005, which includes airfare, food, insurance, transportation, attractions, and hotels. However, students who are selected to go on this trip will receive a $500 A.S.I. Sponsorship and the cost will reduce to $3,410.
rience in service projects and college abroad programs across the country. Moreover, EF Tours understands very much of the financial issues students undergo and is willing to work with students who need to plan their payments later.
All payments go through a credible company called EF Tours directly, which has over 40 years of expe-
“EF Tours wants more than 600,000 students to travel abroad within the next few years and were
happy to have Cal State LA be a part of that, especially our A.S.I. group,” Joseph said. “If you are interested, this is a great opportunity for international experience, it is great for your résumé, great to incorporate in classrooms, and it is really cool to meet new people.” The students selected to go on this trip must attend mandatory meetings
When students return from Cuba, there is a planned summer poster project where they will showcase pictures and videos for other students to see. Moreover, this is an excellent opportunity for students to bring something back to Cal State LA. Space is limited to up to 35 students. For more information or to pick up an application, visit the ASI office room 203 on the second floor of the University-Student Union.
5 NEWS
University Times
June 6, 2016
Emotional Memorial Day ceremony on campus not to say no. Honoring the fallen is something so very dear to me that I had thought that I would be sharing my own grief. But I knew that it was my duty to not let this fall on someone else’s heavy heart.” But Aranda did more than just honor the fallen. He went above and beyond, pointing out how Americans often misconstrue the true purpose of Memorial Day.
Anthony Karambelas Contributor
A day to remember. It’s the question that demands an excusatory answer: how did you spend your Memorial Day weekend? For us, college students, Memorial Day means another 24 hours to study (or procrastinate) for finals. The hard truth is, very few Americans understand or even appreciate Memorial Day for what it is. Last Tuesday, May 31 the day after Memorial Day, veterans, faculty, and students gathered at the University-Student Union Plaza to memorialize the soldiers who died in service to our country. Maria Garcia, Communicative Disorders student, began the ceremony by discussing the significances given to certain flowers on Memorial Day. “Cypress and willow are used for crafting wreath frames, and are also associated with mourning,” she said. “Wreaths are commonly laid at the tombs of soldiers and at memorial send-offs during the Memorial Day and veteran state ceremonies. Wreaths may also be laid in memory of service members lost at sea due to navy action. In a memorial service at sea, the wreath is lowered to the water and set adrift.” Garcia also introduced U.S. Marines Sergeant Alberto Aranda, the
| Photo courtesy of Cal State LA Facebook
keynote speaker of the ceremony. As she explained, Aranda is a Cal State LA Graduate student, who served two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded the Purple Heart. After completing enlistment, he worked towards completing his educational goals including an A.S. in Fire Science and B.S. in Rehabilitation Services. “Mr. Aranda plans to further his education beyond an M.S degree by pursuing a J.D. from UC Berkeley. His hopes are to obtain a position as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, where he can have a direct impact in making a positive change for veterans with the department of veteran affairs,” said Garcia. To begin his eloquent tribute, Aranda admitted that he was reluctant at first to serve as the keynote speaker. “[When I was first offered to speak today] it took all my willpower
“As I drove down to Los Angeles, I couldn’t help but notice all the Memorial Day sales events, advertisements being recorded on the radio. So many sales going on right now from department stores and dealerships, but not once was there an ad announced declaring the true meaning behind Memorial Day,” he said. Even with advanced technology, Aranda pointed out how there is a lack of awareness on Memorial Day. Many mix it with Veteran’s Day, when in actuality, they are near opposites. “Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. We are honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, dating from the American Revolution to the current conflicts in the Middle East. These individuals were ordinary people who did extraordinary things. They raised their right hand and swore to defend the United States knowing there was a high probability they wouldn’t make it home.”
Veteran’s day is for the living. Memorial Day is for the deceased.
Aranda also noted, however, that even when people understand the significance of Memorial Day, they can show a considerable lack of sensitivity. “When someone tells a veteran or a family member of a fallen service member, ‘I know how you feel,’ we often resent that person even though they meant well and when they said it, it was genuine. However, in our minds, what to say to him or her is that you cannot possibly fathom on how or what we feel.” While veterans often look unaffected on the outside, Aranda confessed that they feel incredible inner pain and sadness. “For many of us veterans, we walk with a poker face, not revealing any emotion. But we walk with a hole in our hearts on a daily basis. Days like these are typical for many of us veterans to accept the harsh reality and cope with the fact that our brothers and sisters are no longer with us.” Due to the vast number of fallen soldiers since the birth of our nation (approximately 1,196,793), Aranda explained there are several things the American people can and should do to show their appreciation for American protectors. “It is our duty, our responsibility, to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today that were built on blood, sweat,
and tears of our service members,” Aranda said. He also recognized the need to aid American veterans. Being one himself, Aranda stressed the importance of caring for our returning American soldiers. “We need to help our veterans with all the necessary services to ensure they are successful, transition well, and live a healthy life.” At the conclusion of Aranda’s speech, President William Covino spoke on Cal State LA’s commitment to assisting veterans. “Our Veteran’s Resource Center plays a key role in supporting our student veterans. We’re deeply honored to serve those who have served us.” Covino also explained how Cal State LA promotes the constitutional freedoms that our American soldiers have fought for. “We strengthen our democracy by producing graduates who have seen these freedoms, who have worked, who have participated in the exchange of ideas and intellectual discourse made possible by the freedom of speech, and who understand the utter necessity of these freedoms.” Being part of a public university, it vital for us to understand our freedoms as Americans citizens, and attribute these rights and liberties to our brave American soldiers. As we head into the summer, let us not forget that Memorial Day is every day.
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Vegan Dish takes home the gold in annual food industry contest
NEWS
Rosser Continued from cover “I set the bar high for myself, I’m the toughest critic. I try to perfect my own craft and I really think that mentally that is what helped me become National Champion,” Rosser said. Rosser at age 20 and a junior has made his way to Cal State LA’s history book, setting a record in the 400-meter with a record time of 49.04, tying Hall of Fame Samuel Turner’s 1978 record.
| Photo by Marina Andalon
Marina Andalon Contributor
Food and Science Program wins with Vegan Dolma. Cal State LA’s Food Science and Technology program won first place in the 29th Annual Southern California Food Industry and Conference held in Anaheim. The team won for the second year in a row and received a $1,000 cash prize. There were nine college teams that participated and Cal State LA rose to the occasion with their winning dish, Vegan Dolma. The students involved are all part of the Food Science and Technology program that is under the Health and Human Services College. Students that participated were Hayak Harutyunyan, who
is the team captain. Beside him is Ruby Mendoza, Yesenia Gonzalez, and Arturo Jordan, all under the advisement of Professor Sunil Mangalassary, It involved other universities all over Southern California, aiming at their Food Science and Technology programs. Some universities included Cal Poly Pomona, and Cal State Long Beach. This competition helps students get ready for life after college, getting their career started with experimenting and creating new and safe foods for the public. Professor Mangalassary explains why the team decided to create a vegan dish. “The competition was sponsored by a company who was very interested in a vegan dish. The main ingredient was brown rice, so the students decided to go with a gluten free, allergen free and
vegan dish to combine with brown rice.” The Vegan Dolma, which brought home the gold, is made with grilled red pepper stuffed with brown basmati rice, red quinoa and healthy and carefully selected veggies. Last year the Cal State LA team created a vegan protein bar. This year the team consisted of four students. This is the only competition we have competed in, and with the new school year approaching Professor Mangalassary is looking further to competing, even on a national level with the Food Science and Technology students. The food science club is brainstorming a food product for the campus, whether it be in the food court or the café, it is surely headed in a positive direction.
Get a D, earn an A David Ochoa Contributor
Challenging your professor for a better grade. A common excuse for a bad grade many students use is that the professor is out to get them. Most of the time that’s just what it is, an excuse for their poor performance in class. But on the rare occasions of when it’s true, where can students go to prove it? Not all grades have to be final. Whether it is a professor who is biased against a student or something more innocent such as a simple grading error, students should be able to challenge any grade they are given, should they choose to do so. So how can they do it? Before getting anyone else in-
volved, the first thing a student should do if they aren’t happy with their grade, is go to their professor, express their problem and then give the professor a chance to defend their decision. If the student isn’t happy with the professor’s explanation, they can then go to the chairman of their department and explain the situation. Up to this point, it is an informal or unofficial appeal. If a student decides to pursue their appeal even further, it becomes official.
The document also calls for basic information such as the student’s name, the course name, the name of the college, the professor, the quarter the class was taken in, and finally the option of having a student sit in on the case. Students can get a copy of this document by visiting the Vice President of Academic Affairs’ office, which is on the seventh floor of the administration building.
To make an appeal official, the student must file a grievance to the University’s academics appeal board. This comes in a form of a document, which requires the student to cite the reason(s) why they are appealing their grade.
The student must also attach any relevant paperwork to the grievance before they turn it in. This comes in the form of the syllabus of the class, classwork, tests and quizzes, emails with the professor and/or chairman of the department, etc. Anything that can strengthen the student’s case should be attached.
There are four grounds for an appeal, which are as follows: a clerical error, prejudiced evaluation, inconsistent standards, or academic dishonesty.
Once turned in, all the paperwork is reviewed by the appeals board that consists of 13 faculty and students who decide whether or not to hold a hearing. If they
“The 400 meter is a unique race, you can run but you have to be able to know your strive path; to get over the hurdles without chopping,” Rosser said. However, tying Turner’s time record, Rosser thinks, “That hasn’t really set in yet, I thought about it, I was so close to beating it. To tie it, shows how much effort Turner took to run that time, because I ran a good race, cleanest race I ran all year. His performance and hard work earned him a number five ranking in the U.S. and ranked number 12 in the world, and has qualified for U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon on July 7. “I am excited to participate in the Olympic Trials, I remember watching it four years ago. Those guys are beast, now I’m in the mix of all that, it’s a surreal moment,” Rosser said. “I expect big things, I expect to make the final round,” said Rosser. vote to hold a hearing, the student will be allowed to attend a meeting and make their case. This isn’t a tool to raise up grades whenever a student feels like it. For the most part, grades are earned. This means that students shouldn’t be challenging any bad grade they receive. The burden of proof falls strictly on the student, and it’s not an easy thing to prove. Although difficult, it’s not impossible to win a case. Anthony Cox is the Chairman of the Academics Appeal Board, as well as a professor at Cal State LA. He has overseen a decent number of these cases, and he shared exactly what makes a successful case. “A successful appeal generally will have all of the necessary documentation. The student will also write a narrative explaining their position. If the claims in the narrative are backed by the documentation, then that is grounds for a successful appeal.” All of the attached paperwork is extremely important, because without it, there is no case. However, even relevant documentation isn’t always enough. Since the
Last year he participated in the USA Championships, which also took place in Oregon; he ranked ninth place, which they only took top eight finalists. This year he wants to turn things around and make his goal on making the final round on the Olympic trials. “This year my main goal is to make the Olympic team, but I for sure want to make the final round and break the time of 48 in the 400 meter hurdles.” Despite being a NCAA Title Runner, Rosser manages to balance school and track. He’s majoring in Liberal Arts, pursing a teaching career to help kids pursue their dreams. “It’s actually pretty easy to balance school and track, a lot of people make it difficult, but it’s pretty easy. I don’t think everything all at once, when school starts I’m a student, once 2:30 P.M. comes around it is track mode.” When he graduates he wants future runners to remember him for his hard work. “I want them to remember me by someone who had a dream and who is willing to do anything to get it,” Rosser said. “On top of that I’m always having fun, always laughing, smiling, try to keep that in tact with my work craft, because if you don’t have fun with what you’re doing then why are you doing it?”
faculty and students on the board don’t teach the class, they cannot change a grade because a student feels their interpretation in an answer is correct. The most important document in every case is the course’s syllabus. If the student can show and prove that the instructor is being inconsistent with their grading and going against their syllabus, then they should win that case. Even in the event that a grade change is ordered, the board decides the grade by going off the syllabus of the class. Filing an appeal should be done by students with legitimate cases only, because according to Cox it’s not easy for students to win. “Most of the cases are won by the professors primarily because students have not documented their grievances completely enough.” In appeals like these, the cards are stacked against the students from the beginning. However, it’s still great to know that students have avenues they can take when they feel they have been wronged, and fight to make things right.
Finance Copa America soccer tournament comes to the U.S.A. Continued from cover support this.”
Brisa Dominguez Contributor
Hawk-Eye technology to debut in Copa America. “This is the biggest sporting event of the year and I’m not planning to miss it,” said Manuel Hernández, a junior TVF major about the highly anticipated soccer tournament, Copa America. Formally known as the South American Football Championship which has finally arrived in the United States, this is the first time Copa America is being hosted outside of South America. “I am really excited that Copa America is being held in the United States because it is an opportunity to see the Mexico National team play so close to home,” said Juan Hernández, senior in Kinesiology. Like Hernandez, many fans of the sport are quite enthusiastic. He already bought tickets to see Mexico take on Jamaica. The tournament has reached its 100th year which makes it the oldest international continental football competition. But even being the oldest soccer competition many fans such as Manuel Hernandez feel like “this is a true Copa America, because not only are countries from South America[are playing], but also from North America.” The current tournament format involves 16 teams, 10 from the CONMEBOL confederation and six from CONCACAF. The 16 teams are split into four groups of four. Group A: USA, Colombia, Costa Rica, Paraguay Group B: Brazil, Ecuador, Haití, Perú Group C: México, Uruguay, Jamaica, Venezuela and Group D: Argentina, Chile, Panamá, Bolivia. Each team will play against the
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teams in their group and the top two teams of each group move on to quarterfinals. Once the top two teams of each groups have been determined, the first place and second place teams will play against each other (Group A vs. Group B and Group C vs. Group D) and the winners will then move on to semifinals. Then the teams that come out victorious will move on to the final. All 32 matches will be played within the month of June across 10 U.S. cities beginning with U.S.A. vs. Colombia at Santa Clara, California on June 3. Not only is this Copa Americas first time in the United States, but Hawk-Eye technology is also making its debut. This technology also known as goal-line technology, will be used to determine whether the soccer ball crossed the goal line or not.
Previously Hawk-Eye technology has been used widely in tennis, cricket, the 2014 World Cup Final, the 2015 Women’s World Cup, as well as in the English Premier League. Hawk-Eye uses 14 high-speed cameras, seven for each goal, to trace the ball’s location as it crosses the goal line. If the ball successfully crosses the line, then the referees are alerted by a watch that vibrates and displays the word “goal.” However, the referees will still need to be assisted by additional referees. Soccer fan Edward Saldana, a junior TVF major says the technology is needed because, “one bad call can ruin a team’s fate in the tournament.” He goes on to mention how a referee made a bad call and it cost his favorite team, America, their chance to make it to the final. This is why he is happy the tournament will have this technology. Watch Hawk-Eye technology work by tuning in to one of the 32 matches that will be broadcasted by Fox Sports and Univision. To see the game schedules visit the official tournament website http://www. ca2016.com/matches.
In an interview with Canzona, the University Times learned that this email request was where the tension between ASI and the Administration began. The press release explained that after this request for an explanation by ASI, President Covino instructed Business Financial Services (BFS) to freeze the ASI budget on July 13 of last year. On July 13, Thomas Leung, University Controller sent an email to ASI with the following: “Due to the lack of the approved budget, Business Financial Services is instructed to stop process payments on behalf of ASI as of today. We’ll continue to process any essential expenses, such as employee payroll, federal and state taxes; and expenditure/services incurred prior to July 13th.” ASI accuses Covino of freezing their funding in order to pressure the budget increase for the Children’s Center without discussion or negotiation. However according to Executive Order 369, “The budget preparation process shall include an opportunity for persons or groups presenting budget requests to be heard by the student
budget officer, the committee preparing the budget, or the student legislative body.” According to this order, Covino was in violation of freezing the student budget. In addition, the Associated Students is an incorporated organization that has the rights of any other corporation. Freezing the student budget as an emotional knee-jerk reaction to an email and in order to induce compliance can be considered not only petty, but to some can be considered illegal and authoritarian. After notifying the administration about the EO-369, the University Controller sent an email to Canzona stating, "Thank you for bring to our attention of the EO369, we’ll utilize the prior year’s approved budget for FY 2015/16 spending until the new budget become available.” On July 28 of 2015, ASI President Ejmin Hakobian received a letter from President Covino that read: “…Title 5 section 42402 authorizes that… ‘Should the president determine that any program or appropriation planned by an auxiliary organization is not consistent with policy of the Board of Trustees and the campus, the program or appropriation shall not be implemented’… ‘Pursuant to my authority under Title 5, I am writing to inform you that $246,416 will not be allocated to ASI for the
However Covino’s lawyer misinterpreted the title section. Although the President would have authority to prevent mismanagement of auxiliary organization’s funds, he cannot reallocate funds at his discretion. The title was meant to prevent students or staff from spending money on inappropriate purchases like alcohol or personal vacations. The press release continued to explain that Covino threatened to hold ASI responsible for $1.6 million in back pay going back about 15 years based on the unused referendum. When the Associated Student President and lawyer questioned the legality of such actions, Covino responded, “I have nothing further to add to my letter of July 28, and will not engage in debate about its merits and authority. I look forward to receipt of your proposed budget.” Cal State LA spokesman Robert Lopez responded to the “No Confidence” press release stating, “The document you provided is filled with inaccuracies. President Covino had a positive and productive meeting with new ASI President Kayla Stamps and looks forward to working with her and the rest of the board on initiatives that will benefit all Cal State LA students.”
Congratulations graduating seniors of the University Times!
Hannah Jacobsen, Staff Reporter
Nico Triunfante, Copy Editor | Photo Courtesy Copa America
2015-16 year.’”
Pablo De La Hoya, Web Editor/Photographer
Taylor Preza, Production Manager
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INFORMATIVA LOCAL
La comunidad estudiantil condena el ataque a la universidad de UCLA
NOTAS BREVES Protesta contra Donald Trump en San José Por Graciela López El pasado jueves, 2 de junio, un grupo de personas protestó contra el candidato presidencial Donald Trump en su visita a San José, California. La protesta resultó en un encuentro violento entre los seguidores del candidato y sus opositores. Hubo golpes pero no hubo arrestos. Los participantes de la protesta tomaron los sombreros de los seguidores de Trump y los quemaron. También golpearon los coches de las personas que iban saliendo del evento y acosaron a aquellos que salieron a pie.
Opositores de Trump quemando los sombreros que dio en su campaña. Fotografía | Crédito: usatoday.com
La policía de San José acudió a la protesta pero hasta el momento no ha dado ningún comentario. Sin embargo, el alcalde de la ciudad mencionó que Trump debería hacerse responsable por las campañas tan problemáticas que hace a donde sea que va.
¿Habrá nuevo hotel en el centro de Los Ángeles? El Consejo de Los Ángeles aprobó prestar $198 millones a Related Cos., una compañía hotelera que está buscando construir dos edificios enfrente del Walt Disney Hall.
La ayuda financiera se dio sin pensarlo dos veces. El dinero que se pondrá a la disposición de Related Cos. usualmente sería destinado para los gastos de la policía, los bomberos y otros servicios. Con este proyecto se crearán
Panorama del sitio en donde se construirá el hotel de Related Cos. Fotografía | Crédito: latimes.com
casi 2,000 trabajos de tiempo completo y 3,500 empleos temporales para la construcción de los rascacielos. El plan se empezará a llevar a cabo para finales del 2017.
Los gatos en la antigua civilización egipcia Dioses que se veneraban Por Yerania Estrada
Los egipcios colocaban estatuas de estos animales en frente de su casa para proteger a la familia de malos espíritus. La adoración a los gatos se ve en Bast, una Diosa con cuerpo humano y cara de este felino. Bast simbolizaba la fecundidad y belleza. Es por eso que fue una de las diosas más importante de las creencias del Antiguo Egipto.
Por Claudia Landeros El pasado miércoles primero de junio, un estudiante de UCLA, de nombre Mainak Sarkar de 38 años, disparó y mató al profesor de ingeniería William Klug. Según reportes de la policía de Los Ángeles, el asesino tenía en su lista a una tercera víctima que no pudo encontrar en el plantel. Sarkar, acabó suicidándose después de matar a su profesor. Este lamentable suceso, llena a la comunidad estudiantil de tristeza. Nadie espera jamás que un ataque sangriento como este, empañe la paz y la alegría de una institución educativa. Y justo ahora que todos están celebrando que termina el año
escolar y muchos estudiantes se están graduando. Estos ataques van directos al corazón de toda la comunidad estudiantil, profesores y alumnos. Llámese UCLA o cualquier otra universidad, el ataque es para todos en general. El dolor es compartido y el luto por la muerte del profesor Klug, también. Lamentablemente, no son hechos aislados. Ataques cobardes como este han ocurrido en el pasado y han cobrado la vida de muchos estudiantes y maestros. Asesinos irrumpen en las escuelas y generan en segundos un terror colectivo. Destrozan en un instante la tranquilidad de la comunidad entera. Estudiantes y profesores comparte una misma pena, se identifican mutuamente. Hay entre ellos, una conmoción muy grande por los hechos. El dolor se mezcla con sentimientos de
Retrato de William Klug. Fotografía | Crédito: heavy.com edu
rebeldía y repudio frente a este tipo de cosas. Son momentos de quiebre emocional para todos. Este ataque es más que un simple agravio, es un saqueo total de la seguridad física y emocional de todos en los planteles educativos. Son episodios de terror que lamentablemente, dejan una preocupación frecuente porque surjan nuevos ataques.
MÚSICA
El segundo disco de Nea Agostini Su primer sencillo se titula “No me interesa” Por Jessica Magaña
HISTORIA
Hoy en día, los gatos se consideran animales domésticos ya que pueden ser la mascota perfecta en los hogares de muchas personas. Se cree que su domesticación tuvo lugar en Egipto en los años 950 a.c. Para la antigua civilización egipcia, los gatos representaban armonía y felicidad. Los gatos eran vistos como protectores.
Nada puede justificar un acto brutal que arrebata la vida a un ser humano
Figura del gato antiguo egipcio Fotografía | Crédito: prensa.social. com
En esos tiempos si se mataba o maltrataba un gato se podía condenar a muerte a la persona ya que estos animales se consideraban sagrados. También las antiguas civilizaciones egipcias momificaban a los gatos para que siempre los siguieran protegiendo. Aunque en nuestros tiempos ya no existe la civilización egipcia que veneraba a los gatos, en algunos países del norte de África respetan a los gatos mas no los veneran. En la actualidad no sólo son excelentes mascotas sino animales muy independientes y muy cariñosos con las personas.
Este pasado miércoles, 1 de junio, La Onda entrevistó al cantautor chileno Nea Agostini. Él es un artista de rock en español con un estilo de pop rock alternativo con matices del blues. Él lanza su segundo disco titulado “Te Disuelve” que salió a la venta el pasado 3 de junio. Agostini nos explicó que aunque él nació en Chile, también se considera parte italiano ya que toda su familia es italiana. También nos reveló que en sus nuevas canciones que escribió junto con su hermano Alejandro Agostini, se inspiraron en cosas de la vida que les han pasado a personas conocidas y a ellos mismos. Agostini mencionó que su sencillo “No me interesa” se trata de una persona que deja todo atrás por seguir su sueño en la vida. En este caso, un joven abandona a su pareja por ir detrás de ese sueño sin importar nada
Foto de Nea Agostini Fotografía | Crédito: twitter.com
más que sus planes para alcanzar sus metas personales. Este joven artista comenzó a tocar la guitarra desde los nueve años y empezó a cantar en inglés porque fue la música que le fascinó desde muy pequeño. Sin embargo, ahora ha decidido cantar en castellano ya que se siente más cómodo por ser su primera lengua al igual que el italiano. Nea Agostini manda un mensaje para todos aquellos que quieren
dedicarse a la música y les dice, “Comiencen por hacer las cosas y aprendan de las experiencias que les sucedan y sobretodo crean en sí mismos”. Él va a tener giras en distintas ciudades de los Estados Unidos, México, y Sudamérica a lo largo del 2016. Para más información acerca de las fechas y lugares en los que se presentará, pueden seguirlo en sus cuentas de redes sociales de Twitter, Facebook y Snapchat.
Contáctanos en nuestras nuevas cuentas de redes sociales :
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June 6, 2016
University Times
Seniors look back at becoming Greek, was it worth it? great amount of friends by her senior year.
Mary Yanes Contributor
“It has changed my social life for the better, because in high school, I was very shy and quiet. Now since being in a sorority, I have gained confidence in myself and I am now more outgoing. I can now say that I am now apart of another organization, Sigma Nu Fraternity. Not only do I have my sisters, I have my brothers as well.”
Becoming Greek. When Anthony Navarro, senior business major, first joined Phi Sigma Kappa, he was thrown into another world involved with many campus activities. “Being Greek provides you with an unlimited amount of resources to network and by applying your social skills it can take you to many places.” Networking can come in handy when it comes to jobs and internships in your college career as a Greek. Who knows, a future employer might be Greek. “Being Greek has opened doors for me. As a matter of fact, the job that I have now is because of one of my pledge brothers who recommended me, “ Navarro said. Dues are to be paid for every Greek organization at Cal State LA, and now with the semester conversion coming in fall, Cal State LA Greeks will see an increase in amount. For Alpha Sigma Tau member, Christina Rivas, senior Communications major, paying dues is not fun at all.
| Photo Courtesy Cal State LA USU
“Personally, I don’t like to pay for dues, because as a struggling student it can be a drag. However I understand why we need to pay dues. I believe it is necessary in order to have a better experience. For example for retreat, pictures, and shirts.” However, can dues be worth all the social aspects of Greek Life? “The downsides of being Greek are all the distractions that come with that ‘lifestyle.’ The parties, the social activities and the friendships you make sometimes draws you back from managing your time wisely when the fun is right in front of you,” senior Melyssa Herrera, Biology major, said.
Greek life can either hinder your time management or it can help you develop time management skills. ”I would say these distractions caused a substantial decrease in grades,” Herrera said. When Cory Mitchell first joined his fraternity, he realized another downside of Greek life. “You realize that you have gained a reputation with not only your fraternity, but with the whole Greek system. So if you’re trying to find yourself, and change for the better as a person, that reputation might stop you from doing that.” For TVF major, Brianna Adams, it has changed her life 100 percent. After joining a sorority, she gained a
Rocio Godinez, senior Business major, agreed. “I broke out of my shell when joining Alpha Phi Omega Co-Ed Fraternity. They were considerate with my situation, coming from Compton, I had to take the bus, but they offered to give me a ride instead when I first meet them at an event. They showed me what family is all about within the Greek system,” Godinez said. And as a foreign exchange student, Maika Baba needed family. “I am a foreign exchange student from Japan, had no friends at Cal State LA, and I meet Alpha Phi Omega Co-Ed Fraternity, and they were nice to me. My English was bad, but they welcomed me with open arms,” Baba, sophomore Business Major, said. When having a position in the
Greek life, it can also be stressful when it comes to upholding the chapter’s deadlines as much as your academic commitments. For Britney Lynch, junior Liberal Studies Major, who is president of her sorority, managed to uphold her academic duties as well as the chapters. “It was stressful at first when upholding a position as president, but after a while, I got used to all the responsibilities. It helped me balance school, work, and everything the chapter needs. It comes with the reward of making the sorority better, but also leading an entire group of strong women. To me, that’s pretty amazing.” For the hopefuls who want to join the Greek community, perhaps the most important thing is to consider your options carefully. “Do your research about all the organizations at Cal State LA and get to know the people of that organization. You want to see all your options before finding your fit,” says Claudia Reyes, senior TVF Major. For more information about Cal State LA Greek Life visit: http://www.calstatelausu.org/ studentorglist
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Soothe and Groove: Meet local band “City Rabbits” Janice Peregrina Contributor
Laniah Lee and Sergio Soto band together to create growing musical act.
A mix of acoustic guitar, soulful and melodic vocals, and DIY spirit make up City Rabbits, a Los Angeles-based band on the rise. Cal State LA junior vocalist Laniah Lee, and musical partner guitarist Sergio Soto, have worked on the project for about a year now. As the time has passed, City Rabbits have steadily grown from humble jam sessions, to performances at open mic nights, and finally to studio recordings. Lee and Soto coined the term “acoustic groove” to describe the musical style of City Rabbits. Lee cited the indie pop artist BØRNS as one of her musical influences. The two reminisced about their history over a phone interview, just after their live performance for Golden Eagle Radio’s Spanish music show on Thursday night, June 2. The two had an easygoing nature, frequently finishing each other’s
sentences. “We met in January 2015. Pretty much, me and some other friend were jamming outside the Student Union in the plaza,” Soto said. Lee then continued the serendipitous story, “And then I rode by on my bicycle. I actually passed them first, and then I heard that they were playing and I was like came back around and ‘hey! You guys play music, I like to sing, let’s make a band! At first it was kinda like a joke, we were just jamming outside, and we all had class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and we all had a dead period that time, so during that dead period is when we would get together and play.’ Then it was just me and Laniah playing.” They admitted music influenced them since they were children. Lee first knew she wanted to sing after hearing the song Memory from the musical Cats. After being introduced to Cats by her mom, Lee furthered her viewing of other musicals like Phantom of the Opera, Rent, and The Sound of Music. Soto was also inspired by his mother, who remembered the times where he would come home after school to hear her playing records of Elvis Presley and Beatles, “mimicking playing piano and guitar.” Eventually, watching his mom pretending to play caused
that gets put on a crowd that happens when you perform, when they stop and watch and check into your frequency with you.”
| Photo courtesy of Instagram
Soto to actually pick up piano and guitar. Music has continued to be a part of their everyday life. Practice for them comes almost every day. Their newly won keyboard, which they received for winning first place at the university talent show held May 24, will definitely add to the musical advances City Rabbits continue to make. “Every moment of my life is a rhythm,” Lee said. “Once you culture your musical mind, everything has a beat, everything has a rhythm.
Even in just the standard sounds you hear, like a car alarm or something beeping. Music is literally a part of every moment of my life, but in directed practice, I spend at least one hour directed to my trade every single day.” City Rabbits hope to carry on that torch of inspiration through their songs to other aspiring musicians and dreamers. Laniah Lee, calling herself a “glitter fairy,” explained what sharing her music really means to her. “I like to spread my magic. I like to experience my magic with other people. I also like that spell
The band’s future is bright, with plans to get their name trademarked and to record a 5-6 EP after the school quarter ends. They have a few options for studios, as the director for the radio show they completed that night offered up his friend’s. Lee and Soto also have a friend they recorded with last summer, and the studio available on-site at Cal State LA. The band is keeping their options open, but plan on hitting up as many open-mic nights and shows they can over the summer. City Rabbits have also added a new member, a “trombone/harmonica/guitarist,” according to Soto. Currently, the band only uses Instagram as their social media profile, but plan to create more outlets as they get more situated. The band does not have any official shows planned at the moment other than their recent performance at an East LA music festival on Saturday, June 4. Their recent radio show will air next week on Golden Eagle Radio. Follow @city_rabbits_music on Instagram for updates on performances and more.
DIY graduation cap ideas Ani Nalbandian
If you’re reading this, you found your inevitable graduation cap design. This DIY cap screams, I’m hip and I’m broke. It’s also the perfect cap for transplanted Toronto natives who want to pay an homage to their ‘6 God’, Drake.
Tutorial guide on how to decorate your graduation cap.
Supplies Needed: White cardstock paper, small blue circle stickers, “If You're Reading This I'm in Serious Debt” decal (found on Etsy.com), and a hot glue gun
A long time in the making, thousands of students will be graduating from Cal State LA this June. The class of 2016 will be in contention with previous classes for best graduation cap designs, and I’m here to help. Trying to think of a creative graduation cap design can be difficult.
Grab your ““If You're Reading This I'm in Serious Debt” decal and place it wherever you’d like on the white surface
First, you should think about what YOU would like as a cap design. Do not choose something just for the sake of another person, because depending on your future plans, this may be your last opportunity to design a graduation cap. Use an appropriate design, don’t offend for shock and awe, and avoid profanity and offensive language.
Cover the entire surface of the cap with the black cardstock paper and attach with hot glue gun
Staff Reporter
Most importantly, have fun! You’ve accomplished a lot with this impending degree and you should celebrate surrounded with friends in stylish graduation cap. Speaking of which, these are my favorite cap designs:
Directions: Use the glue gun to attach the white cardstock paper to the entire surface of your cap. Place the blue circles at the border edge of your cap.
For all of the Harry Potter fans graduating this June, making your cap a homage of your favorite children’s series may be the way to go. Personally, “Mischief managed” seems to be the most appropriate way to describe my undergraduate experience. Supplies Needed: Cardstock paper (black sparkle), “Mischief Managed” decal (found on Etsy.com) or cardstock paper with adhesive back, pearl stickers or loose pearls, scissors, and hot glue gun Directions:
Attach pearls to corners of cap with adhesive back or with a hot glue gun. Paste the “Mischief Managed” decal or cut lightning letters from cardstock paper with adhesive back, and then place on cap. Utterly adorable, this cap features the balloon house from the movie “Up”. If you plan to travel after graduation, this is also a great option. Supplies Needed: Cardstock paper (light blue), felt paper (multiple colors) or pre-cut felt circles (multiple colors), paper border trim (light blue), big letters with adhesive backs, house sticker, white paint pen, scissors, and hot glue gun Directions: Attach the light blue cardstock paper to the entire surface of the cap with hot glue gun. Attach paper trimming to borders of cap with hot glue gun. Paste sticker of house at bottom corner of cap. Place felt circle cutouts in shape of picture with glue gun and draw three lines from balloons to house with paint pen. Place sticker letters of phrase “Adventure is out there”.
June 6, 2016
11 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT University Times
Fashion and Textile Students take the runway Joseph Delgado
Colin Ryan and Brian Gonzalez formed Leisureism, which was a collection inspired by the lifestyle of luxury world travel that connects the comfortability of loungewear with an aesthetic retro feel. Ryan started as a graphic designer until he was exposed to a sewing class at a community college where the inception of his creativity with the sewing needle was born.
Contributor
College of Arts & Letters holds fashion show at Downtown Campus. “Between The Lines” was the title for the Cal State LA student Fashion Show held by the College of Arts & Letters on the evening of Wednesday, June 1st. The Runway show was held at Cal State LA’s new campus located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, close to the fashion district. Each attendee had a front row seat to the fashion show as the runway between the seats made a zigzag shape around the room. Stands were placed at each point of the zigzag shaped runway where the models posed for a couple seconds so the audience could admire the crafts and effort that each of the 15 designers put into their pieces.
| Photo by Joseph Delgado
From exotic swimwear by Arete to luxurious looks by Poshmind, they were all present Between The Lines. The Fashion show was brought by the Fashion and Textiles program at Cal State LA for fashion students to showcase their creative and artistic takes on their style of clothing. “My style depends on where I’m going or what I’m doing,” said designer Colin Ryan of Leisureism. “Sometimes I like stuff that’s functional and sometimes I like stuff that would push social boundaries.”
Other designs proved to be “Tougher Than Stone,” which was the name of Danielle Houck and Ann Yu’s label for their fashionably appealing clothing that was shown on the runway. “What inspired me was the idea of being tougher than stone, showing and being who you are,” said Houck. “I was raised thinking that I was incredibly weird and not cool, so I’ve just gotten to the point where I’ve embraced it now and I feel like my clothes let their models embrace who they are and be confident in their own skin.” Tougher Than Stone’s designs are simple, minimalistic with
boxy shapes but show the imaginative style of embracing one’s self. After graduating from Cal State LA, Houck will be interning with Eileen Fisher, famed designer who started her brand in 1984, this summer in New York. Other designers from Cal State LA’s Fashion and Textiles Art 492 class included brands: Beyond The Boundary, Felicia De Souza, Sawayaka, Innovative Consciousness, SVART, Chroma Sen, THRY, Lost & Found, Gilded Cage, and MERCURii that closed the show with an in-
novative dance performance from the models while displaying the imaginative creations of Alexander Lucero and Daria Ingram. After the show, attendees enjoyed refreshments and spoke with the designers about their styles. "Between The Lines" was a great way to appreciate the works of Fashion and Textile senior students with the projects that they have been working on by having them showcase their clothing lines in front of audiences on the runway.
| Photo by Joseph Delgado
12
University Times
June 6, 2016
EVENT CALENDAR
MONDAY 6
th
THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS
TUESDAY 7th
The Luckman Project 12 p.m. - 5 .p.m Luckman Gallery
The Luckman Project 12 p.m. - 5 .p.m Luckman Gallery
The Luckman Project 12 p.m. - 5 .p.m Luckman Gallery
CCC Finals Week, Study Hours, and Study Assistance 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. U-SU Cross Cultural Centers
CCC Finals Week, Study Hours, and Study Assistance 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. U-SU Cross Cultural Centers
Senior Projects – Graphic Design/ Visual Communication & Studio Arts 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fine Arts Gallery
Senior Projects – Graphic Design/ Visual Communication & Studio Arts 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fine Arts Gallery
THURSDAY 9th Commencement 2016 (all day)
WEDNESDAY 8th CCC Finals Week, Study Hours, and Study Assistance 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. U-SU Cross Cultural Centers Senior Projects – Graphic Design/Visual Communication & Studio Arts 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fine Arts Gallery
FRIDAY 10th Commencement 2016 (all day)
The Luckman Project 12 p.m. - 5 .p.m Luckman Gallery CCC Finals Week, Study Hours, and Study Assistance 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. U-SU Cross Cultural Centers Senior Projects – Graphic Design/Visual Communication & Studio Arts 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fine Arts Gallery
The Luckman Project 12 p.m. - 5 .p.m Luckman Gallery CCC Finals Week, Study Hours, and Study Assistance 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. U-SU Cross Cultural Centers Senior Projects – Graphic Design/ Visual Communication & Studio Arts 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fine Arts Gallery
OPINION
Brace yourselves, fall is coming Parking problems will resume next fall if nothing is done.
In that time, there was one situation that was very concerning with the shuttles. I spent a total of 30 minutes waiting for the shuttle while others called work to inform them about being late. That was another one of the big reasons students didn't see the off-site lot as usable since they had to wait at least 30 minutes to get to their car.
Pablo De La Hoya Web Editor
Over the past three quarters, parking has been a topic on the top of a lot of student’s minds. From increased pricing to solutions that didn’t help the majority of the student body, it still remains a heated topic. In the summer of 2015, the announcement was released regarding an increase in parking prices for students from $90 to $100. Totaling $300 for the regular school year, which when compared to other campuses isn’t that high. However, most recently a price increase is upon Cal State LA students and this time, it’s much higher. With the change to semester, students must understand that the increase is partially due to the fact that you will be parking for 16 weeks and not 10. Starting in the fall, permits will now cost 165 dollars per semester. With only two semesters that price increase seems justified, but that now leads to a 330-dollar price for the regular school year.
| Photo by Joseph Delgado
Surprisingly enough, this new price is still very similar if not lower than most Cal State campus’. For Cal State Long Beach their annual price is $342, but pay $123 per semester. The difference being that they add the $25 price for the winter session and on the Cal State LA Parking and Transportation website that information isn’t available yet. Realistically speaking, it would mean that Cal State LA could be paying more than Cal State Long Beach come next year. With some of the basic numbers out there for the future and the present, let’s look at what sparked the controversy in the fall. It was a nightmare! Students spent more time looking for parking than ever before prompting ASI president Ejmin Hakobian to start a petition. The petition included requests to decrease prices, increase parking
on campus and making the process easier to get a permit. One of the three issues was addressed and the process to buy a permit and receive in the mail was now smoother. The biggest problems remained unanswered, leaving students struggling to find parking. The answer came later in the quarter via an off-campus lot with a shuttle system to transport students to campus and back. However, the problems didn’t end there, as that off-site lot wasn’t a viable solution for students. The shuttles originally ran till 5:00 P.M. later pushed to 7:00 P.M., which still left students with classes late at night unable to use it. Personally, I used the lot during the winter quarter but quickly gave it up once parking became easier throughout the quarter.
As the school year progressed, attempts were made to make the new lot more appealing, even offering discounted prices on permits and giving away free permits. Students still hesitate on using the lot especially as parking got easier. This quarter, students shifted their attention towards buildings around campus and the need for renovation. Students are keen on pointing out the problems around campus, but the answers won’t come from posting a poll online. Petitions have been started but lack the need for change, with no implications for the administration. So with the impending issue of parking coming again in the fall, and the continuing problem with infrastructure across campus students should expect frustration next year. The question then becomes how much more of that frustration can students take?