UT
N VERS TY MES
October 31, 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
Issue 213.11
New initiatives to combat food and housing insecurity Gerardo Amezquita Editor-in-Chief
Following suit with other CSU campuses, Dean of Students Jennifer Miller announced last Friday new grant-funded initiatives to improve student food and housing insecurity on campus. In partnership with the School of Kinesiology and Nutritional Science and the University-Student Union, the office announced student internship opportunities to get involved in the process. Applicants must meet certain criteria including: be able to attend a mandatory training session on November 16, commit 5-10 voluntary hours contingent upon need and campus scheduling, must be presently enrolled on campus, and a myriad of other interpersonal and technical skills. According to the Division of Student Life’s website, application reviews begin on November 2, however the email sent out highlighted in red that the review process will begin two days after, on November 4. The initiatives aim to provide a food pantry, support for the Cal Fresh application process, and education into student food and housing security. Requests for immediate comment on the initiative were turned down due to Miller’s packed schedule. In recent weeks, CSU Long Beach celebrated the grand opening of their food pantry, which (Continued On Page 5)
Photo by Emilio Flores
CSU proposes tuition increase Marcela Valdivia Staff Reporter The California State University Board of Trustees recently proposed a 5% increase in tuition for the 2017-2018 academic year at all twenty-three California State University (CSU) campuses. Undergraduate students would have to pay an additional $270 as part of the support budget plan. This proposal would take effect in fall 2017 if approved. The proposal justified the possible tuition increase due to the fluctuation of tax revenues that support public higher education institutions in California. With the decrease in public investment, the CSU found the need to make significant cuts and increase fees to balance budgets. Paying for tuition has constantly been a problem for students, whether it be taking out loans or not having their financial aid on time. Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is currently analyzing the situation with a plan of action
to prevent the possible increase of tuition for 2017-2018. Kayla Stamps, A.S.I. President, will not take any actions that harm students. “We strongly believe that our Cal State LA community and different actors can work together through a powerful coalition that seeks to protect the students’ right to an accessible and affordable education,” Stamps said.
President Kayla Stamps explains that the state will face a gap of $168 million dollars. However, if tuition increases the CSU system will approximate create $77.2 million dollars in revenue. The proposal highlights Graduation Initiative 2025, enrollment growth, academic facilities and campus infrastructure, employee compensation, and mandatory costs.
In regards to the possible tuition increase, Stamps believes it is unfair for students to assume the financial burden. The CSU needs to increase tuition in order to create more revenue for the system due to a lack of state funding. However, this is harming the nation’s largest four-year public university system, as the Board of Trustees refuse to consider other possible solutions.
“We are the people’s university and they need to uphold the promise of a tuition-free post-secondary education made in CA’s Master Plan of Education passed in 1960,” Stamps said. “Students under the following programs: Cal Grants, Institutional Grants, Waivers, and maximum Pell Grants, will not be affected as much because these programs are designed to match tuition costs.”
“Our state government, both the legislature and the governor, need to realize that funding the CSU system is not an expenditure but rather an investment into California’s future,” Stamps said.
For the students potentially affected, Stamps wants students to know that ASI is doing everything possible in their hands to avoid this proposal going into action. In the near feature, students will be able to voice their
Event Spotlight on success: Patty Rodriguez and the hustle
Proper Etiquitte Pronouns, They Matter
Opinion 'Nasty Woman,' a badge Giving Back of honor An EPIC Toy's Story
Page 2
Page 3
Page 7
Page 3
opinions, concerns, or questions in student forums. “We are rebuilding our Lobby Corps and strengthening our advocacy efforts to ensure that we fight this issue all the way through June 15, 2017 when the California budget will be finalized,” Stamps said. Students are unhappy with the proposal and reacted on social media posting pictures utilizing the hashtag #DearBOT to express their messages of discontent. The Board of Trustees will meet on November 15 and 16 to discuss the possible tuition increase for all twenty-three campuses. The CSU, renowned for its quality teaching and preparation of job-ready graduates, educates an estimated 474,600 students. According to CSU’s website, for every $1 California invests in the CSU, the CSU returns $5.43. For more information, visit tuition.calstatestudents.org to read the CSU Tuition Proposal from the California State University Office of the Chancellor.
Trick or Treat Ditch Halloween for a Dia de los Muertos Celebration Page 4
2
University Times
October 31, 2016
NEWS
Spotlight on success: Patty Rodriguez and the hustle Cal State LA introduces multi-talented Latina businesswoman Janice Peregrina Staff Reporter Do you ever hear the words “follow your dreams” and get disheartened rather than encouraged? As college students, too often we feel as though all our efforts in class, working, and scraping through internships will never really pay off. Then, you hear a story like Patty Rodriguez’s, and you remember why you keep going. Cal State LA’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosted the second of its series of speakers who have achieved success with Patty Rodriguez, a Los Angeles native. Her inspiring story of starting from the bottom to achieving success resonated with the student body. She is the co-producer at On-Air with Ryan Seacrest for iHeart Radio, co-founder and co-author of children’s book line Lil’ Libros, the brainchild behind the MAC Makeup Selena line, and the creator of her own jewelry line MALA by Patty Rodriguez. To top it off, she is also a mother of two children. Juggling all of these tasks is a titanic feat, but Rodriguez is animated and encouraging to the Cal State audience as she answered questions asked by Barney Santos, head of the Center. He asked her about the early years of her life and how she got to be where she is now.
When she was a high school student, she lied to her mother about school was cancelled, took the family car, and drove to Burbank to tour a radio studio. Though many of the people she talked to discounted her for her age, she ran into the producer of the morning show simply by chance who she gave her phone number to call. He told her that when she was old enough to work there, he would give her a call. “We take those moments for granted,” Rodriguez commented about what drove her to take the chance, “And every day when we wake up, appreciate that you are still here, you’re still contributing.” After high school, Rodriguez got denied to the only college she wanted to attend, which happened to be Cal State LA. “It was the only school I applied too, and I was so confident that I would be accepted here, because why not? So that didn’t work out.” She applied to Cerritos College as a safety, got in, and applied to classes that she enjoyed like radio. And one week before she started her classes, she got a call from that same producer she met when she was sixteen who was “looking for someone to answer the phones” for the studio. Of course, she accepted the offer, and began her internship for KIIS FM, simply doing mundane tasks like “picking up the dry cleaning” and “getting coffee.” Because her mother was a single parent, Rodriguez needed to find a way to pay for the school she was attending. “I knew in my heart that I had a plan. I didn’t know the plan, but I knew in my heart I had a plan...So what I did, was got two full-time jobs,” Rodriguez said. Going to class full-time, interning, and working two jobs went on for three years, but Rodriguez needed to do it.
“I had to prove to [my mother] that she made the right decision.” The station finally hired her after three years of interning, and she had to make the choice to quit both of her jobs. This financially precarious situation lasted just one week, because the radio had hired Ryan Seacrest. Rodriguez heard somebody say that they wanted someone who spoke Spanish, and her boss asked her if she would fill in as a host while they found someone permanent, she jumped at the chance, they never found anyone else, and she took the job. “I have been working for Ryan Seacrest for a long time, since 2005,” said Rodriguez The early days of Patty Rodriguez’s story reflect many student’s current situation, and hearing how all her hard work paid off in the end, especially as a Latino woman, “child of immigrants,” was heartening. Rodriguez’s innovation and determination did not stop at Cerritos College and with Ryan Seacrest. Her jewelry line, MALA, grew in popularity because of the people she met and the chances she took. An original Lynwood resident, she created a necklace with a charm reading “818,” the area code of the Valley. She gave the necklace to a co-worker, who ran into Miley Cyrus. Cyrus liked the necklace and asked where it came from. Rodriguez’s co-worker gave it to her, and Cyrus wore the 818 necklace on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine three weeks later. “That little side hustle taught me how to make a business from the ground up,” said Rodriguez. Now, her jewelry has expanded to a website with other LA-centric theming in the pieces. In 2014, Rodriguez began working on her children’s book Lil’ Libros, which
stemmed from wanting to leave “a legacy for [her son]”. She had shelved an idea about a “loteria book for babies” a few years earlier. Finding no one had created such a story, she teamed up with her best friend Ariana Stein to create that and many more stories into bilingual counting books for children. With no website or publishing experience between either of them, Google and Go Daddy were their friends. Cal State LA, the school that denied her college application, was holding a book fair one day, and Rodriguez and her friend decided to attend and share their idea even though they “came with nothing but the flyers to show the pictures of the books.” With just a flyer, they sold 350 books with pre orders that day. Word got around, and “three months later [they] got a call from Target.” Her books can now be purchased at one of the largest retail store chains in the world. With all she does, Rodriguez hopes to change the way Latinxs are seen in America. A true Mexican-American, she upholds the culture of her ancestors in the country she loves. With her books in particular, she is “trying to convince white America that these books are not just for us,” but for children of all cultural backgrounds. She also hopes to break the stereotype that Latinx people do not engage or read with their children. These goals are not without their obstacles, but Rodriguez carries on. “Whatever you have in your mind, the only person that’s gonna be in your way is you.” You can learn more about the inspiring Patty Rodriguez at her website patty-rodriguez.com.
3 NEWS
October 31, 2016
University Times
Ain’t no mountain high enough for these two 52 Hikes in 52 Weeks Joseph Delgado Photo Editor What if one hike a week could change your life forever? Keen Thoughtz, a show on Golden Eagle Radio hosted by Daisy Villalobos and Jessica Mehdikhani revolving around the environment, exposes listeners to the 52 Hike challenge that inspires people to explore the great outdoors and change people’s lives in a positive way. The 52 Hike Challenge is an activity to help introduce people to the nature of hiking and as a challenge that anyone can do around the world. The challenge starts whenever the person is ready and oper-
ates by taking one hike every week for 52 weeks, or equivalent to one year, whether the hikes are consecutive or not. Throughout the hikes, people will start to reflect on the progress that they have made towards their healthier lifestyle and goals that they have set for themselves. In 2014, Karla Amador and Philip Stinis created of The 52 Hike Challenge when Amador was going through tough times as she was handling difficult situations like divorce. Amador then met Stinis, who was 80 pounds’ overweight and found it imperative to change his life, who became her soulmate and started off their life journey. After seeing Stinis’ success with his weight loss journey it inspired Amador to join him in his outdoor hiking adventures. His influence extended to being
featured as a motivational story in Men’s Health Magazine where Stinis shared how he reached his body goal by rising up mountains. Spending time outdoors, Amador started to notice that her journey was helping her cope with her emotional distress and started to feel mentally relieved. Amador wanted to have adventure once again and shared her New Year’s resolutions with Stinis, which was to hike at least once per week. After setting the New Year’s resolution, they both completed the challenge in 8 and half months by hiking some of the earth’s most beautiful mountains and natural landmarks, such as the tallest volcano in El Salvador and Mount Whitney. Amador and Stinis decided to open up
the challenge to anyone who wishes to participate in the 52 Hike Challenge by sharing their experiences on Instagram, which is the way they allow users to share their progress in the challenge with the hashtag #52HikeChallenge. Many people have shared their stories, photos, and adventurous trails on Instagram since the challenge was shared for others around the world to partake in. Amador and Stinis plan occasional hike sessions so people in Southern California who wish to meet and go on and venture with the organizers of the challenge. If anyone wishes to join the challenge it is never too late start. Keen Thoughtz airs on Golden Eagle Radio Tuesdays through Fridays at 9 AM.
An EPIC Toy’s Story How EPIC has been bringing kids fun since ‘71 Carlos Gomez Production Manager Everyone enjoys the holidays, one way or another. Whether it be through gifts or through family time, many students look forward to this time of year. However, it is not always this way for everyone, especially for less fortunate families. There are children who have dreams of owning a toy, and parents who hope to be able to provide a special meal for their family. That is why every year, students, faculty, and staff come together as one to bring happiness to the children of families in a show of good citizenship through the EPIC Toy and Food Drive, which kicked
off this past Monday, October 24.
clothing.”
The Educational Participation in the Community (EPIC) Toy and Food drive started 45 years ago by students who wanted to give back to the community in order to help families in need. Since its creation, the Toy and Food drive has been steadily able to serve more and more families, which creates a greater need for campus contributions.
While donations are the main way to help with this drive, there are more opportunities for students to get involved. “Students can participate by volunteering in many ways,” explained Anh Hong, Community Service Learning Coordinator for EPIC Center for Engagement, Service and the Public Good. “We have students who help us with card making, wrapping and construction of boxes that we distribute all over campus.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Rubi Bravo, second year History major. “It’s a way to give back to the put a smile on kid’s faces.” Sandra Diaz, the Special Projects Coordinator for EPIC, talked about what was acceptable to donate. “Toys that are in good condition and non-perishable foods…are acceptable to donate. Anything is welcome, however we try not to donate
Students, clubs, departments, and organizations are encouraged to participate in the Adopt a Family campaign, in which the organization contributes to provide a box of toys and food for a family (or more). In addition, when the drive reaches its end, the organization will be able to meet with the family they adopted.
However, Jessi Perez, Psychology major, feels that this event needs work. “I think food and toy drives are good…but the thing is not a lot of people donate… [they] are busy trying to get from one class to another from school to work.” Departments, student and clubs and organizations all over campus can contact the EPIC office if they would like a donation box placed in or by their department for students to drop off their donations. Donations will be collected on December 9th, so make sure they’re inside these boxes of joy. If you are interested in volunteering for this noble cause, visit the Center for Engagement, Service and the Public Good in the lower level of the Career Center.
Pronouns, They Matter Gender-neutral pronouns shouldn’t be a big deal
Sylvia Valdez Staff Reporter The world is progressing step by step, however, the English grammar has not yet caught onto our latest developments, especially when it comes to gender-neutral pronouns. A pronoun acts as a noun substitute or noun phrase. They take on general reference to direct or indirect objects, without it, people would have to continually repeat the same noun over and over again. Examples of pronouns are like he, she, they, and so on. “For years, writers and academics have argued that gender identity is not a male/ female binary, but a continuum along which any individual may fall, depending on a variety of factors, including anatomy,
chromosomes, hormones and feelings. But the dichotomy is so deeply embedded in our culture that even the most radical activists had been focused mainly on expanding the definitions of the two pre-existing categories,” as stated in Julie Scelfo’s article titled, “A University Recognizes a Third Gender: Neutral” from The New York Times. University students, being the perceptively most progressive group of all, have began to accept and to embrace the new gender pronouns, though the new pronouns are not yet comprehensively studied in class. Scelfo also mentioned in her article, “Today, a growing number of students are embracing the idea that when it comes to classifying gender, there should be more than two options — something now afforded by the dating website OkCupid and by Facebook, which last year added a tab for ‘custom’ alongside ‘male’ and ‘female,’ with some 50 options, including ‘agender,’ ‘androgyne,’ ‘pangender’ and
‘trans person,’ as well as an option for controlling who can see the customized version.” Within our own Cal State LA campus, Talia Bettcher, Department Chair of Philosophy, explained the significance of pronouns. Professor Bettcher clarified the significance of grammatically classifying individuals with the proper pronoun via an email interview, “I think that pronouns tend to be very important to trans and genderqueer people. Actually, pronouns are probably pretty important to everybody; they grammatically capture an aspect of who and what we are. It's just that the identities of trans and genderqueer people tend to be invalidated. Calling a trans woman ‘really a man’ invalidates not only how she sees herself, but [that person's] entire life. The same can be said in regards to pronoun use.” Bettcher goes on, “If a person does not situate themselves within categories ‘man’ nor ‘she’, then calling them a ‘woman’ or referring to them as ‘she’ can be pro-
foundly invalidating.” Similar to social constructs, languages are culturally learned, and it certainly will take time to populate new concepts. Although it could be very unclear to those who do not identify as a member of the transgender or genderqueer community, what would you say to them, to better understand certain terms and pronouns? Bettcher firmly responded, “Make the effort. Do your homework. The fact that it seems complicated to you is no excuse to be lazy.” What if you make a mistake? Because the gender inclusive language is fairly new, it’s okay. Just be sure to apologize and use the prefered pronoun they want to be addressed by. If you don’t know the best policy is to ask them. It matters to use the correct pronoun because by misgendering them can make them feel disrespected and invalidated.
4
University Times
October 31, 2016
HALLOWEEN
Ditch Halloween for a Dia de los Muertos celebration Those lost are not forgotten Kyle Frizol Intern After the long, seemingly endless days of summer have subtracted into a more mild and tolerable state, the chilly fall days of October and November are in sight. Whether celebrating Halloween, Oktoberfest, the Dia de Los Muertos, or even All Hallows Eve, the heart of the fall stays true. For many of Hispanic ancestry, the holiday of Dia de Los Muertos serves as their benchmark tradition. Dia de Los Muertos, which means Day of the Dead in English, is a holiday dedicated to inviting those dead back home to visit their families. Through these celebrations, families are allowed opportunities to keep their lost kin in their hearts and celebrate, rather than mourn. Tracing back two thousand years to Aztec celebrations, the original form of the holiday consisted of death celebrations and rituals sacrificing in the name of their kin. Today however, the holiday is performed much differently. For example, Day of the Dead is
celebrated today in three consecutive days, consisting of All Hallows Eve, and stretching to the following days of actual celebrations that is responsible for the majority of common knowledge associated with the holiday.
Though the holiday is celebrated throughout the majority of Hispanic and Latin culture, the traditions that are practiced are actually quite varied and unique, especially when it comes to geography. For example, the town of Patzcuaro in Michoacán celebrates the deaths of children very differently to adults, providing more treats and ceremonies for children than their adult counterparts. Even here at Cal State LA, for example, the holiday is celebrated much differently than in Mexico, Spain, and elsewhere. Through thousands of years of celebrations, the religious and social background, which is supplemented through geographic differences in cultures, has promoted hundreds of unique celebrations. However, each unique celebrations still holds a central theme; remembering deceased family and carrying on the tradition to their children to create their own traditions in the future. The common symbolism associated with Day of the Dead is quite representational in its
Photo courtesy of ingatlannet.hu
heavy use of skulls, large marigold flowers, and sweet breads, called pan de muerto. The skulls are crafted for a wide plethora of uses, ranging from decoration, hand painted with elaborate almost arabesque calligraphy, to calacas, which are skull masks. From here, traditions such as the La Calavera Catrina have arisen, displaying upper-class females in skull headdress. Even the pan de muerto is crafted to compliment the holiday, formed in various
shapes and painted to look like bones and flowers. Furthermore, a key event in the celebration lies in altar decoration. During the All Hallows Eve pre-celebrations, families decorate their kin’s graves with many forms of decor, called papel picado. Paper skulls, flowers, and even personal messages are adhered to the altars and attempt to invite the dead back to their life for the holiday celebration.
Photo courtesy of ingatlannet.hu
(Continued From Page 1) was motivated from their ASI Vice President’s emotional plea to student senators and Dean of Students Jeff Klaus to make this happen. Long Beach’s ASI Vice President Miriam Hernandez even shared her food insecurity
struggles, along with other student testimonies. Other CSUs to cook up similar food pantry initiatives were East Bay, Northridge, Monterey Bay, Chico, Bakersfield, San Jose, and Fresno State.
CSU Long beach and San Diego State are the only universities to offer housing insecurity resources. In February 2015, the CSU released a year-long study that
nearly 1 in 4 CSU students go hungry, while 12 percent of students struggle with housing displacement, including homelessness. Figures could be far worse because of students’ hesitance to report food and housing insecurity due to the stigma.
Ceremonial culinary art exists beyond pan de muerto and travels into many varied niches. For example, in the Ecuador Day of the Dead, families craft a plethora of dishes to offer their long lost relatives. These range from colada morada, a spicy purple fruit porridge, and guagua de pan, a bread shaped in a roll and served in unique ways. With all of these wild celebrations existing in a variation of cultural and communal traditions, one of the most essential lies in the home itself. When the spirits have returned from their graves, they travel home, where families have plates of offerings on their ofrenda, which is a handcrafted altar created specifically for the occasion. From here, families travel with their lost relatives in spirit, and participate in parades, street fairs, and other unique community organized events. As we quickly approach the week of much cultural and sociological importance, it's easy to forget that each of us celebrates the season in our own way. Regardless, the core of all celebration lies in loved ones and friends close to us all. For many of Hispanic, Latin, and other backgrounds, The Day of the Dead serves as just that; a common understanding and motivation to remember those that they love. Whether, white or brown, American or Mexican, these common understandings are shared worldwide, under one paradigm.
For more information or to apply to one of the internship positions, contact the Dean of Students office at deanofstudents@calstatela.edu or (323) 343-3103.
5 FEATURES
October 31, 2016
Former Outstanding Professor Jose Gonzalez recognized for influential theater project
Anthony Karambelas Staff Reporter
How does one unite a community? Actually, let’s rephrase that: how does one unite the 57th most populous city in the United States? Simple: through theater, song, and dance.
University Times
Power of the Spanglish Word more than 1,200 residents over the course of two years. In 2014, the finalized theatrical work was viewed in the Santa Ana Civic Center Plaza. Dialogue/Dialogos was written by none other than the exceptional playwright and Cal State LA professor, Jose Cruz Gonzalez. In August, he was awarded the 2016 President’s Distinguished Professor award, which recognizes previous Outstanding Professors for their teaching and professional accomplishments.
The city of Santa Ana, with a high Latino demographic, houses so many unique stories that beg to be told. What better way to tell these fascinating stories than through performance? In 2012, South Coast Repertory initiated a bilingual theater project called Dialogue/Dialogos, an attempt to mine the narrative treasures within the Santa Ana Latino community.
On Tuesday of last week, Gonzalez shared his experiences working on the Dialogue/Dialogos project.
Partnering with Latino Health Access (LHA), a Santa Ana based nonprofit, and funded by The James Irvine Foundation, the Dialogue/Dialogos team interviewed and workshopped with
Gonzalez also shared how Santa Ana was a great candidate for storytelling because of the hardships its people had undergone. The Los Angeles Times ranked Santa Ana number one
“My initial research taught me a great deal about the city of Santa Ana. Santa Ana has the largest Mexican-American community of over 300,000 in the U.S. with over 78% Latino, and it is the youngest city,” said Gonzalez.
in the nation for urban hardship and called it the nation’s toughest place to live. Gonzalez went on to explain how he applies the lessons he learned from working on Dialogue/Dialogos to the classroom. “One of the things I try to teach my students is document your process. Because we’re so busy in the world of creating that we don’t stop to think about how we might be able to use this as a teaching tool. So I’m constantly boring my students with these presentations because I’m documenting to show them the process, and I think that’s a really helpful tool.” Since the conclusion of the project in 2014, Gonzalez has kept himself busy, working on a dance theater project on human trafficking, funded by Michigan State University, which will premiere in February 2017 in Michigan. It is the first time Gonzalez has ever written for dance. He’s also currently working on an original play called Curious, which will premiere next year in Minneapolis. At the same time,
Photo by Cal State LA
he is contributing to a new play called American Mariachi, commissioned by the Deborah Center Theater, about mariachi music from the perspective of women in the 1970’s, when women were prohibited from playing.
Having passionate teachers like Gonzalez who inspire a love for learning amongst students is one of the wonderful qualities of Cal State LA.
Mark Tufenkjian is honored with excellence in teaching Hard work and a strong dedication to his student’s education made him stand out Ani Nalbandian Staff Reporter Professor Mark Tufenkjian has spent 17 years inspiring students on the Cal State LA campus to study and excel in Geotechnical Engineering, which he received an Outstanding Professor Award for in 2016. His experience in the field has earned him research grants with the Department of Defense and the Navy, which he is able to work with students on. After asking Professor Tufenkjian to amend his definition of geotechnical engineering to a fifth grade level, he explained, “You know how buildings need support for foundations? So geotechnical engineers have to analyze and look at the properties of soil and rock to support an infrastructure.” Tufenkjian was inspired by family members to become an engineer, first exploring civil and then migrating to geotechnical. He explained his original goal was to work on roller coasters, which didn’t pan out and he eventually worked as an intern at a geotechnical firm for a couple
summers during his undergraduate program, and one thing led to another. Not only is Dr. Tufenkjian the head of his department, but he also continues to teach and work with students. “A lot of my research projects involve students, and hiring students on my research grants.” Tufenkjian has received approximately three million dollars in grants from the federal government, his most recent being over one million dollars in STEM research grants from the Department of Defense and Office of Naval Research. Professor Tufenkjian has worked with the Navy and the Department of Defense over the past 10 years on seafloor engineering and he has been able to hire students for hands on research, as a result of those relationships. The grants he has received have purchased new equipment for the soils lab, and students have been able to analyze research using the new hardware. Tufenkjian seemed hesitant to give himself any praise, and it became clear from our brief conversation that he is a very humble man. When asked why he thought he received the Outstanding Professor award this year, he answered that it was an accumulation of 17 years of work. However his students on
RateMyProfessor.com say otherwise, giving him a 4.7/5.0 and posting reviews like, “He is very passionate about his work and I am grateful to have a professor like this.” Also active in his community, Tufenkjian along with his wife religiously volunteers with the Parade of Roses in Pasadena and has done so since 1999. Tufenkjian also participates with the Boy Scouts of America with his son, who one day hopes to become an Eagle Scout. Photo by Cal State LA
6
University Times
October 31, 2016
CAMPAÑA ELECTORAL Hillary Clinton visita Univisión
RECEÑIA HISTORICA Un día como hoy en la historia
La candidata del partido demócrata visitó los estudios de “El gordo y la flaca” Por Marcela Valdivia El pasado 25 de octubre, Hillary Clinton visitó los estudios del programa de la televisión hispana, “el gordo y la flaca” en Miami, Florida. La candidata del partido demócrata se convirtió en la primera aspirante presidencial en visitar un programa en vivo de Univisión. Los conductores Lili Estefan y Raúl de Molina recibieron a Hillary Clinton con gran emoción en sus estudios. Ella habló sobre la importancia de la comunidad latina y reiteró lo fundamental que será su voto el 8 de noviembre. En un paréntesis, ella menciona que cuando era adolescente trabajó cuidando niños de trabajadores inmigrantes y ahora quiere hacer una diferencia en la vida de esas personas, en caso de ganar las elecciones presidenciales.
Photo Credito www.commons.wikimedia.org
El inicio a un debate teológico y a la división de la cristiandad Por Lissette Flores Un día como hoy 31 de octubre de 1517, Martín Lutero, monje agustiniano, clavó en la puerta de la iglesia católica de Wittenberg, Alemania, sus 95 tesis que cuestionaban y desacreditaban la doctrina papal. Las 95 tesis combatían la venta de indulgencias (documento que prometía la salvación eterna de las almas) y cuestionaban el poder de la iglesia de perpetuar estos y otros abusos en contra de los más necesitados. Martín Lutero creía que la salvación de las almas se daba por medio de la fe que tenían las personas en Jesucristo y no por la falsa y prolifera técnica que promovía la iglesia católica romana para enriquecerse. “Hay que instruir a los cristiano que aquel que socorre al pobre o ayuda al indigente,
Respuestas honestas y transparentes
Las ideas de Martín Lutero se promovieron por toda Europa tras ser impresas en gran cantidad, ocasionando que el papa lo excomulgara de la iglesia. Como esto comenzaría un debate teológico entre el movimiento que condenaba las indulgencias y proponía el inmediato retorno a la pureza doctrinal del cristianismo.
El tema más sonado de los últimos meses en el país y fuera de éste, es la contienda electoral es pos de la presidencia de la nación entre los candidatos presidenciales Hillary Clinton y Donald Trump. Acaban de cerrar las inscripciones para votar y solo resta esperar a que llegue la tan anunciada fecha del 8 de noviembre para saber quién saldrá vencedor.
Posteriormente, Lutero se volvería el protagonista de la reforma protestante y el precursor del nacimiento de varias tradiciones dentro del cristianismo, tales como el luteranismo y el presbiterianismo.
UT
laonda.newspaper@gmail.com
laonda.calstatela
quiero asegurarme que cada niño tenga una buena educación sin importar dónde viva y quiero estar segura de que podrán ir a la universidad y seguir su sueño.” Sobre el mismo tema latino, la candidata también habló sobre el soldado Damián López, quien murió en Iraq y recibió la ciudadanía póstuma. Clinton ha utilizado la historia de este joven soldado en su campaña, la toma como reflejo de muchas familias latinas que emigran a EE.UU buscando un mejor futuro para sus hijos, y de Damián López resalta que su decisión de unirse al ejército de los Estados Unidos fue porque amaba a su país. “El
representa para mí lo que ofrece este país y personas como él creen en nuestros valores y en nuestro futuro,” expresó Clinton. Por último, La candidata demócrata habló sobre su encuentro con Vicente Fernández en el último debate presidencial en Las Vegas. Como parte de la celebración por su cumpleaños, recibió una botella de tequila del cantante mexicano y una serenata de Prince Royce con mariachi. Para finalizar la entrevista, Hillary Clinton enfatizó la importancia de que los latinos vayan a las urnas a ejercer su derecho al voto.
¿Qué opinan los niños de los candidatos presidenciales?
realiza una obra mayor que si comprase indulgencias. Porque la caridad crece por la obra de caridad y el hombre llega a ser mejor; en cambio, no lo es por las indulgencias, sino a lo más, liberado de la pena.” Tesis 43 y 44, Lutero.
Contáctanos en nuestras nuevas cuentas de redes sociales :
La Onda Cal State LA
“Espero poder ser una buena presidenta para todos en los Estados Unidos, pero quiero prestar atención particular a la comunidad latina para que puedan tener finalmente una reforma integral de inmigración para pasar a la ciudadanía,” expresó Hillary Clinton. “Quiero más empleos para más personas,
Photo Credito Twitter @ElGordoyLaFlaca
Por Claudia Landeros
Es un panorama aparentemente claro en cuestión de opiniones. Los votantes a estas alturas, seguramente ya habrán tomado una decisión porque ha sido una campaña por demás intensa, popular y polémica. Esta disputa por la presidencia no ha tenido límites. Los candidatos se han deshonrado tanto entre ellos que han perdido credibilidad y simpatía. Tanta injuria y difamación han lastimado mucho la campaña presidencial y ha provocado que personas de todas las edades se interesen por el tema y se hagan un juicio propio. Al respecto, alumnos de sexto
grado de primaria pertenecientes al distrito escolar de Alhambra participaron animosamente en una encuesta para dar su opinión acerca de Clinton y Trump. No sorprendió ver que la mayoría tienen mucha antipatía por Donald Trump, pero tampoco favorecen del todo a Clinton. Lo realmente sorprendente es la terminología y los temas que abordan los niños en sus respuestas. Adjetivos como: racista, terrorista, loco y mentiroso fueron conceptos repetidos en contra de Trump. Hillary no salió bien librada. Algunos niños creen que ella elevará los impuestos, que no es una persona honorable y que armará terroristas con bombas para provocar una guerra. Sería interesante indagar hasta qué punto los niños entienden estos temas o ver si es mera repetición de lo que escuchan al respecto. Un tema que resalta en la encuesta es la desaprobación a la sugerencia del candidato republicano de construir un muro en la frontera con México y la deportación de las familias. Darlyng Valladares, una de las niña participantes se expresa al respecto “Trump no debe ganar,
si lo hace muchos de mis amigos se tendrían que ir.” Todas fueron opiniones muy sentidas, pero sin duda alguna, la más profunda y que engloba en palabras de un niño la esencia de esta nación es lo expresado por Daniel J. “Trump quiere dividir a nuestro país porque es racista, pero nuestro país es llamado Los Estados Unidos no Los Estados Divididos.” Las niñas, particularmente, destacan la significancia que tiene que por primera vez en la historia de esta nación una mujer pueda ser presidenta. Aunque también muestran cierta preocupación por la salud de Clinton, lo mismo que por su edad. En términos generales, la encuesta arrojó opiniones paralelas a lo que el resto de la ciudadanía expresa. Fueron ideas tan personales como variadas y no faltó quién a pie de página escribiera “¿Dónde está Bernie Sanders?” Lo sorprendente de esta encuesta es la familiaridad y el interés que tienen los niños con la campaña electoral y sus candidatos. Indudablemente, hay mucha inconformidad e incertidumbre en ellos por el destino del país.
7 OPINION University Times
October 31, 2016
UN I V E R S I T Y T IMES
Editor-in-Chief Gerardo Amezquita Managing Editor Marrian Zhou
Production Manager Carlos Gomez
Staff Reporters Ani Nalbandian Anthony Karambelas Janice Peregrina Marcela Valdivia Mimi Li
Web Editors Carlos Gomez Linda Anguiano
Interns Kyle Frizol Sylvia Valdez Emmanuel Maresca Jonah Vales
Copy Editors Ricky Rodas Gerardo Amezquita Erron Franklin
Contributors Daniel Vidal Alina Ogle Malerie Wilkins
Business/ Advertising Manager Jim Munson
Photographers Emilio Flores Joseph Delgado
Social Media Advertising Assistant Correspondent Matthew Gonzalez Alicia Moss Faculty Adviser Suzanne Regan
Photo Editor Joseph Delgado
Distributors Alex Ortega Xavier Jones
Journalism 3910 TA Robert Ellsworth
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: Claudia Landeros Editores: Lissette Flores Eduardo Ramos Jessica Magaña Consejero de la Facultad: Alejandro Solomianski
‘Nasty Woman,’ a badge of honor Trump’s latest viral comment becomes a call of solidarity Alina Ogle Contributor No her first name ain’t baby. It’s Hillary. Nasty Woman, if you’re nasty. That’s right. Nasty Woman is officially a “thing”, thanks to Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, and his usage of the phrase during the third and final presidential debate. Little did he know that by interrupting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton with his snide remark “Such a nasty woman”, he would piss off all the wrong women. These are the women whose votes he desperately needs to win the White House come Nov. 8, and women who are now wearing the term as a badge of honor. It’s 2016, and we know the Internet always wins “bigly”, especially with legendary catchphrases that become instant trending topics from national debates. So, it was no surprise that within an hour of Trump’s verbiage, around a quarter of a million tweets mentioned “nasty woman”, many of which were ridiculing Trump for the insult. The following day, Janet Jackson’s 1986 hit “Nasty” received a 250 percent bump in streams on the music app Spotify. Within a couple of days, the trendy women’s wear line, Nasty Gal, was quick to make t-shirts and totes with the phrase. Soon to follow, pop culture icon, Katty Perry, and comedian Samantha Bee were seen proudly sporting their own “Nasty Woman” gear. “As soon as I saw ‘Nasty Gals’ Instagram posts, that they were selling ‘Nasty Woman’ t-shirts, I had to order one,” said junior Emi Sandavol. She added, “How dare he think it’s ok to talk to a woman like that. I’ll tell you what, he won’t be getting this ‘Nasty Woman’s’ vote.” What started out as an impulsive Trumpism quip has now become a battle cry for women across the country that are tired of being
Pregnant?
Free counseling & services. We come to you. Holy Family Services, Adoption & Foster Care CALL 1-800-464-2367
belittled by men like Donald, and who are tired of his antics.
woman,” said senior Evelyn Martinez.
At a rally for Clinton in the key battle ground state of New Hampshire, the one woman who gets under Donald Trumps skin better than anyone, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, flipped and reversed the script. “Get this, Donald: Nasty women are tough, nasty women are smart and nasty women vote. And on Nov. 8, we nasty women are going to march our nasty feet to cast our nasty votes to get you out of our lives forever,” stated Warren.
There was no way for Trump to know in that instant, what seemed inconsequential, would become another festering hole in the sinking ship that is his campaign in regards to women. In the day’s following the debate, according to an ABC News Poll, Clinton had a 55 percent to 35 percent lead over Trump among women.
“I thought what Elizabeth Warren said was perfect. I love how women are joining forces with other women and hopefully keeping Trump from winning. I don’t want to live in a world where he has any type of power,” said senior Melissa Nuguyen. She added,” I never thought I’d hear a presidential candidate say even half the stuff Trump says to women. It’s embarrassing for the country.” What Mr. Trump doesn’t get, and probably will never get, is that outside the walls of the Trump Tower, women don’t need his approval. Throughout his entire campaign, he has stoked the flames of misogyny through insults to various women, but within a single moment, where his impulses could not resist, he called the first woman presidential candidate a derogatory term to her face. Women around the globe were not having it, so they took ownership of the phrase. “If being a nasty woman is being smart, prepared, and strong? Then yea, I’m a nasty woman and will vote for a nasty
When asked if she is planning to vote and how she felt about Trump’s comments, sophomore Grace Sanchez said, “I wasn’t planning on voting because I wanted Bernie (Sanders), but I can’t let a guy like that (Trump) be the leader of the country. He insults everyone, not just women, when he talks like that.” Women have come a long way since gaining the right to vote with the 19th Amendment in 1920. To have a man who embodies a reversal in social and economic equality for women come within an arm’s reach of the most powerful position on earth, strikes fear in women not only in this country, but also around the world. We are not just voting for the leader of our country, we are voting for the leader of the free world and that leader should respect all genders, see them as equal and value them. Women hold the key to the Oval office with their votes, and in the words of First Lady Michelle Obama at a rally for Clinton in North Carolina, “When they go low, we go high…and we know that every vote matters. Every single vote.”
8
University Times
October 31, 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
From oddball Gaga monster to country ballad singer Tracing Lady Gaga’s new sound with Joanne album review Danial Vidal Contributor In 2009, the world witnessed a star being born as Lady Gaga turned many heads with her outrageous outfits and hypnotic pop music. After marking her spot in pop culture with many hit singles and albums, Lady Gaga released her fifth studio album Joanne, which shows a completely different side to the pop star that we were introduced to seven years ago. Lady Gaga, mostly known for her avant-garde fashion and catchy electronic dance pop music has just released her newest album, which shows a sincerer and personal side to the pop star. Her first four studio albums were filled with club bangers with a crazy vision to come along with the music. For her newest release, Lady Gaga traded in her meat dress for a pair of denim daisy dukes and a pink cowboy hat. Although Gaga was known for her funky costumes during
the beginning of her career, she seems to be dressing more relatable and, might I even say, normal. This can be because she wants the public to focus on the music, versus the attention going to the character. The album Joanne was named after Lady Gaga’s aunt, who died at the age of 19, along with the fact that Joanne is also Lady Gaga’s middle name. Fans’ first taste of the album was in September when the singer released the lead single Perfect Illusion. After Gaga’s three year break from pop music, fans were underwhelmed by this lead single, because it was very different to her previous work, and let the song fall down the billboard charts. Lady Gaga released the highly anticipated album Joanne on October 21, which skyrocketed to the top of the iTunes charts. “Little Monsters,” the nickname Lady Gaga gave her fans, were shocked to hear that her new album was filled with folk-inspired songs with a lot of country vibes. After performing on SNL the weekend of the album’s release,
the song “A-YO” climbed to the top of the iTunes charts. The general public seemed to like Lady Gaga’s new musical direction. “A-YO” is like no other Lady Gaga song, as it includes very little to no auto-tune and can pass as a country song with rock influences. “Dancin’ In Circles” is a fan favorite off the album as it is the closest the singer gets to mainstream pop music. The song is the most danceable song off the album, but still includes country inspirations. Over a rattling beat, Gaga seductively whispers about touching herself and feeling good when she’s alone. After being released as a promotional single, Million Reasons is the song off the album that the general public seemed to like the most. The ballad is lyrically the most relatable to her audience as she sings about needing a good reason to stay with her lover. Fans of her music also get to hear her sing her pipes off with very limited production and auto-tune, which shows the world her great and memorable voice. Whether Lady Gaga continues her music career with simplicity or goes back to her outrageous
Photo courtesy of digitalspyuk.cdnds.net
ways, she is here to stay. In such a short period of time, Gaga has proved that she is not one to be put in a box. It seems as if Lady Gaga has way more to
prove to music fans, which she will be able to do in 2017 as she headlines the 51st Super Bowl Halftime show.
Kanye West got 99 problems, but Jay Z ain’t one Breaking down the Jay Z and Kanye West feud Malerie Wilkins Contributor Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, business, and investor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists in America and his net worth is $520 million. “I’m not a businessman,” Jay-Z once rapped. “I’m a business, man.” Kanye Oman West is an American hip hop recording artist, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. “I ain’t sayin she a gold digger,” Kanye once rapped. “She ain’t messin with
no broke…” He is blatantly living the life he dissed when he was “the old Kanye” in his songs from the early 2000s.
If you haven’t already heard, Kanye West is not very happy with Jay Z right now. And of course the reason has to do with his wife, Kim. During Kanye’s concert in Seattle last Wednesday night, he lashed out at his Watch the Throne collaborator, telling the crowd (and Jay Z), “Don't call me after the robbery and say, 'How you feelin'?'" West shouted from his floating stage, referring to Kim Kardashian's Paris incident. "You wanna know how I'm feelin'? Come by the house. Bring the kids by the house, like we brothers. Our kids ain't never even played together." Also during his rant that night,
The University Club Monday - Thursday Friday 11am - 4pm 11am - 2pm
King Coffee
Salazar Cafe
Monday - Friday 6:30am - 8:30pm
Monday - Friday 6:30am - 8pm
Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5pm
Kanye offered an update on that Drake joint album that was first discussed in February 2015. In short, Tidal and Apple Music aren’t playing nice. Jay Z wants to protect Tidal’s interests while Kanye just wants to get good music out to the fans without limitations.
“Y’all ain’t get what y’all was suppose to get with me and Drake because of some Tidal/Apple bullsh*t, I think about how hard I go for music, for art, for y’all, the fans. How hard we go, ” said Kanye. According to Kanye, the politics plus Drake’s beef with Meek Mill also played a major part in The Throne being left off Views‘ “Pop Style.” As it turns out, Jay didn’t want to be associated with the song “out of respect for Meek Mill.” But when Kanye tried his best to squash all beefs in order to get “Pop Style” out with The
Throne, the conversation shifted. Ian Johnson, a student at Cal State LA majoring in Marketing attended the Saint Pablo tour at the forum on Tuesday night he excitingly said, “The show was mind blowing, and I feel for Ye ‘cause they've been working together since the beginning of a new era in hip hop.”
Jay-Z and Kanye’s fan base already knew that their friendship died out when Jay-Z and his family didn't attend Kanye’s wedding in 2014. Again, drama involving Kim that Jay-Z did not want to be affiliated with. It has nothing to do with Kanye West as a person, but it's the choice in partner rather than any substantial beef between the two artists. The relationship between JayZ’s wife Beyoncé and Kanye’s wife Kim has always been awkward and artificial. Kanye re-
vealed before adding that North and Blue Ivy have yet to go on a play date. “I can’t take this sh*t, bro! Our kids have never even played together.” To be fair, I don't think Jay-Z is wrong for distancing himself from Kanye and his unnecessary toxic family drama. At the end of the day he is just doing what is best for him and his family. Given the fact that Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s net worth is over one billion dollars, dealing with a reality TV famous family is the last thing they want to have to deal with. The fact that Kanye can't understand that as an artist is disrespectful to Jay-Z and Beyoncé because it shows what kind of cynical people West and his family are. Jay-Z has yet to publicly respond to Kanye West’s criticism of him.
Photo courtesy of stylemagazine.com